Chapter 6 – Martial Arts Books
In the underground academys small dorm room blue light was there . the same cold air . but now all this was starting to feel a bit familiar to her . She got up from the bed and went toward the mirror saw herself in uniform . On the badge was written . Bodyguard 47 . Till yesterday seeing this felt strange but today a bit less . She was still Saloni but now she was also Bodyguard 47 and maybe this was her new identity .
She said to herself . I can survive . I survived in the orphanage survived in the streets . here also I will .
The morning routine was the same . She went to the breakfast hall saw Priya from far who was laughing with her friends . Then she attended classes stood along the wall like some shadow . Students were practicing their elements and she was just watching . But today something was different .
After lunch break when Saloni was going toward her dorm Priya stopped her .
Saloni wait .
Saloni stopped and turned back . Priya was coming toward her and in her hands something was there . three books .
Priya came near her and said . Saloni I thought I should bring these for you .
Saloni looked at the books . They were looking old but in good condition . Priya said . Without element surviving here is difficult I know but if you are physically strong then maybe you can manage . These books I found in the library . old training manuals for bodyguards .
Saloni slowly took the books in her hands like some precious thing . She wanted to speak wanted to say thank you but her throat filled up so she just nodded her head .
Priya smiling said . First book is Foundation of Physical Strength . this is about basic body strengthening how to build muscles how to increase stamina . Second is Speed of Reflexes . this is about reflexes quick movements dodging techniques . And third is Art of the Fist . this is most important . in this proper fighting technique is taught . how to punch how to defend .
Saloni looked at the books . Their covers were old but inside pages were good . diagrams and instructions were there . Priya slowly said . Just one thing keep in mind . practice these secretly . If someone saw that you are doing extra training then problems can happen . Here some people become jealous .
Saloni again nodded her head . Priya put her hand on her shoulder and said . Take care of yourself Saloni . I know you are strong . Then she left and Saloni stood there holding the books in her hands . In her mind some strange feeling was there . of gratitude . Maybe here everything was not bad . Maybe Priya still cared .
In the evening when Priya went to the library Saloni got some hours free . She went to her dorm locked the door and kept the books on the bed .
First she opened all three and looked .
The first book Foundation of Physical Strength was thick . Detailed diagrams were there about different exercises . it told about push ups squats planks running . everything .
The second book Speed of Reflexes was thin but every page was practical . hand eye coordination balance quick response drills .
The third book Art of the Fist was most interesting . In this fighting stances punch techniques defensive moves . all were there with detailed explanations and diagrams .
Saloni thought . From where should I start .
She opened the first book and read the first chapter . Basic Body Strengthening .
It was written that physical strength is not just of muscles it is of consistency and discipline . Every day little progress must be made .
The first exercise was push ups .
Saloni kept the book to the side and took position on the floor . She had never done proper push ups in the orphanage . it was never needed . She kept her hands on the floor under her shoulders legs straight and tried to go down .
The first push up was difficult . her hands started shaking . The second was more difficult . On the third her arms started to give up . She reached six and then fell on the floor .
She took a deep breath . In the book it was written . in the beginning do less but do properly .
She again stood up and tried the next exercise . squats . This was a bit easier . she did fifteen then planks . held for thirty seconds . Muscles were burning sweat was coming but she did not give up .
She thought . In orphanage I did even more hard work . on streets selling chips I stood for hours . this is nothing .
After taking a bit of rest she opened the second book . Speed of Reflexes .
The first exercise was simple . listening drill . Close eyes and react to sounds .
Saloni closed her eyes . From outside the corridor footsteps were coming . Someone was walking . Far from the training ground someones shouting sound came . In her room the clocks tick tick was there . She tried to sharpen all her senses .
Then the second exercise was hand movement drill . stand in front of mirror and practice quick movements .
Saloni stood in front of the mirror . She moved her hands fast . left right up down . In the beginning it felt awkward but slowly rhythm came .
In the book one more exercise was written . take one small object and throw it above yourself then catch .
Saloni took out one small pouch from her bag and threw it up . First time she missed . Second time caught . Third time tried to catch without seeing . a bit difficult but possible . She kept practicing .
She felt that her movements were becoming a bit smooth a bit controlled .
Now the last books turn came . Art of the Fist . This was the most important .
Saloni opened the first chapter . The Proper Fist .
It was written that punching is not just moving the hand forward . this is a complete science .
First learn to make a proper fist . curl fingers tight keep thumb outside never keep it inside otherwise fracture can happen .
Saloni made her fist . it was feeling wrong . She tried again . this time better .
Next was stance . keep feet shoulder width apart distribute weight evenly bend knees a bit hands up in guard position .
Saloni took stance . In the beginning it felt unnatural but in the book it was written . practice until it feels natural .
She held stance . after some time her legs started to burn but she did not stop .
Then came the basic punch . keep your dominant hand right or left back . When you punch power starts from legs rotates through hips through shoulder then the fist hits the target .
Saloni tried punching in the air . First punch was weak . Second was a bit better . In the third she used her whole body and this punch felt a bit powerful .
She practiced repeatedly . punch punch punch . Sweat was dripping muscles were burning but every punch was feeling better than the previous .
An hour must have passed . Saloni was exhausted . Her whole body was hurting muscles were asleep she was drenched in sweat . But on her face some strange satisfaction was there .
She saw herself in the mirror . she was looking different . A bit tired but a bit strong . In her eyes one new shine was there . of determination .
She thought . I can do this .
It was just the first day but this was the beginning .
At night when Saloni was passing through the corridor Kavya met her . that senior bodyguard who had come to explain the morning rules .
Kavya looked at her carefully and said . You are looking different . What did you do .
Saloni became nervous . Nothing .
Kavya gave one suspicious look then smiled a bit . You are doing training no .
Saloni remained silent .
Kavya said . Good thing . But do it secretly . Here everyone is competitive . if someone finds out that you are improving theyll become jealous . And some student who is stronger than Priya can trouble her .
Saloni nodded her head .
Kavya paused a bit and said . Shall I give one tip .
Saloni listened carefully .
When you punch remember . power does not come just from the hand . It comes from the whole body . Start from legs rotate hips then shoulder then fist . this is one chain reaction . Understood .
In Salonis mind this thing settled deeply .
Kavya said . And yes if you ever need help then tell me . I also passed through your place .
Saying this Kavya left .
Saloni stood there . a bit shocked a bit grateful . For the first time someone genuinely helped without expecting anything .
At night lying on the bed Salonis whole body was hurting . In muscles was stretch in hands was heaviness . But this pain was good . it was telling her that she did something .
Three books were kept beside her . She touched them like she was touching some promise .
She said to herself . In orphanage I survived in streets selling chips I survived . here also I will . Without element no problem . I have my body I have my hard work . just this is enough .
Then she slept .
Next morning when she woke up and looked outside from the window in the training ground some advanced students were still practicing . throwing ice bending water creating earth .
Before Saloni used to feel intimidated . But not now . Now she was thinking . You have elements . I have hard work . Lets see who wins .
Saloni closed her fist . She felt it was a bit tighter than before a bit stronger . And slowly she said . So soon difference started to show .
From this for the first time she felt that maybe she belonged here . that this academy was not against her . Maybe she was not just one bodyguard . Maybe she could become something else . something strong something powerful something unstoppable .
And that night in that small room of the underground academy one girl started her journey . without element without any support just on the strength of her hard work and with Priyas help .
And this was just the beginning . What would happen ahead she herself did not know .