Wings of Heart

Haridas POV

Back from a few days' leave to complete the remaining exams for my Engineering Degree, I found myself back in my usual rhythm at the Air Force base, focusing on the detailed inspection of wireless equipment on each aircraft assigned to me. The day started as expected, with each aircraft requiring my undivided attention to ensure everything was in order. After meticulously checking each system, I proceeded to update each aircraft's logbook, making careful notes of any observations. I added my signature to each entry, feeling a small sense of accomplishment at each completed log.

Just as I was finishing, I received a notice instructing me to report to Flight Sergeant Kapoor, our ground crew chief. A cold rush of apprehension ran through me. Flight Sergeant Kapoor was known for his unyielding standards, his intense work ethic, and his precision. His reputation as a strict disciplinarian preceded him, and I had heard stories from others about how meticulously he could critique the smallest of mistakes. Immediately, I wondered if something in my checks had fallen short, if I'd missed a crucial detail, or if he had discovered a flaw in my work.

As I made my way toward his office in the hangar, I wore a look of quiet anxiety, my mind racing over every recent task, trying to recall if anything could have possibly gone wrong. My friend Pilla caught sight of me and, sensing my unease, approached with a curious look.

"Why do you look so serious? Where are you headed?" he asked a hint of mischief in his tone.

"I've been called to the chief's office," I replied, trying to sound casual, though my worry seeped into my voice.

He raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly. "What for? Something wrong with your daily inspection?"

"Not that I know of," I muttered, though doubt gnawed at me.

He clapped a hand on my shoulder and said, "Good luck, then. Maybe it's nothing. Just go and find out. It's better than worrying about it."

I gave him a weak smile, appreciating his attempt to lighten my mood, and continued on my way. Still, his words didn't erase my concerns. I couldn't shake the feeling that I might be called in to answer for an error or, perhaps, to take on an additional task as a way of proving myself under Kapoor's discerning eye.

Finally, I reached the door of his office and took a steadying breath. As I glanced in, I saw Sergeant Kapoor engrossed in a discussion with another officer, their expressions serious. I took the opportunity to compose myself, waiting just outside, gathering my thoughts. After a few minutes, that person finished his business and left, nodding as he passed me on his way out. Seeing my chance, I stepped up to the door, cleared my throat, and knocked lightly.

"May I come in Chief?"

"Yes, come in," came Kapoor's deep voice, giving me the signal to enter.

I straightened up, trying to hide any hesitation. As I entered, I greeted him with a polite, "Good morning, Chief."

He looked up from his desk and gave a slight nod, his expression unreadable. "Morning. Have a seat," he replied, gesturing to the chair across from him.

I took my seat directly in front of him, my posture respectful yet attentive. Sitting face-to-face, I could better appreciate the commanding presence of this man in his early forties. His face was framed by a robust, neatly groomed mustache, and his fair complexion seemed to reflect the discipline and vigor of his military life. His gaze was serious and penetrating, though there was a certain pride in his bearing, an unspoken testament to his years of service and expertise.

Without looking up, he pressed a spring-loaded call bell on his desk, summoning the office orderly. In a few moments, the chaprassy entered, and Sergeant Kapoor gave him a quick instruction to bring two cups of tea. The chaprassy nodded and left, closing the door softly behind him.

Now alone in the room, Kapoor finally looked directly at me, his gaze sharp but not unkind. "So," he began, his voice steady, "how was your exam?"

I met his eyes, a slight smile breaking through my tension. "It went well, Chief," I replied, keeping my tone respectful.

He gave a thoughtful nod, as though considering my response more deeply than I'd expected. "That's good to hear," he said. "It's a wise choice, you know, continuing with your studies for a better future. I'm proud of you for that."

I felt a surge of relief at his words. His tone was unexpectedly encouraging, and his compliment took me by surprise. I nodded, feeling a mix of gratitude and renewed determination.

Kapoor leaned back, folding his arms. "I've received positive reports about your work here," he continued. "People say you're diligent and ambitious-someone who wants to make something more of himself, perhaps even aiming for a position as an officer in the technical branch of Indian Air Force."

Hearing his words felt like an acknowledgment of all the late nights, the effort I'd poured into both my duties and my studies. I hadn't expected such validation from someone like Kapoor, especially given his no-nonsense reputation.

The door opened again as the chaprassy returned, carrying two cups of tea on a small tray. He set them down on the desk, nodded, and left the room as quickly as he'd entered. Kapoor picked up his cup, taking a sip before gesturing for me to do the same.