The grand gates of the Topaz Headquarters stood tall under the morning sun, their crystal crest glimmering with golden light. The training grounds echoed faintly in the distance, but inside the reception hall, only one person was present Senior Arjun, calmly waiting beside the marble desk, clipboard in hand.
Soon, footsteps echoed.
Jiya entered with her parents and a servant carrying a few neatly packed bags.
Jiya's Mother: Jia, remember, no matter what happens, always maintain your dignity.
Jiya's Father: I know you'll make us proud, my daughter.
Jiya smiled softly.
Jiya: I will, Father. I promise.
Arjun nodded at the family.
Arjun: Only one person can help carry the luggage to the dormitory. The rest may wait here for a short while.
The servant carried Jia's belongings to Room Number 9, neatly arranging them near one of the beds.
Jiya: Thank you. That's all, you can go.
The servant bowed lightly and exited the hall, her parents waving as they left through the tall glass doors. Jiya stood quietly, looking around the wide hall.
Just as the doors closed behind her parents, another figure entered.
Vedant arrived, his older brother Rishi walking beside him, carrying two large boxes.
Rishi: You packed like you're going on a ten-year mission.
Vedant: It's better to be prepared than sorry, right, Brother?
Rishi: (smirking faintly) You better be prepared to follow rules too.
Arjun greeted them.
Arjun: Welcome, Vedant. You can keep your things in Room Nine.
Rishi: I'll stay a while. I'm from Topaz myself. Took a day off from the mission to help him settle.
Arjun: That's fine. Your help will be appreciated.
They nodded and went toward the corridor.
A few minutes later, Karan arrived with his father, his steps light, whistling a tune as he entered.
Karan: Good morning! Oh, hey, already some people here.
Karan's Father: Don't make any fuss, Karan. Do your work quietly.
Karan: Of course, Dad. I'll be the best student.
His father rolled his eyes but smiled slightly, patting his shoulder before leaving. Karan carried his things to Room Number 9.
Then came Aarav with his younger sister Sanvi, a cheerful 13 years old with curious blue eyes.
Sanvi: Aarav, you really get to live here? It's so huge!
Aarav: It's not a vacation home, Sanvi. It's a warrior dorm.
Sanvi: Still, it's pretty! I'll help you arrange your clothes.
Arjun saw her enthusiasm and chuckled.
Aarav nodded, and the two went to Room Number 9. Sanvi hummed as she folded things neatly.
Meanwhile, Ruhi arrived with Diya, her younger sister, both holding boxes that were clearly heavier than they could manage.
Ruhi: Careful, Diya! Don't drop it—
Diya stumbled a little.
Diya: I'm fine, I'm fine! It's just - whoa!
Before she could fall, Aarav quickly reached out and caught her by the arm, steadying her.
"Careful," he said quietly, his tone calm but firm.
Aarav: When you can't handle something heavier than you, maybe you shouldn't carry it.
Ruhi: (slightly flustered) I was helping my sister!
Aarav gave a faint nod and stepped back, avoiding eye contact. "You should watch your step,"
Diya blinked in surprise, a little flustered. "Oh… thanks," she murmured, brushing her hair back.
Diya watched him for a moment, then looked away.
Diya turned her face away, murmuring something under her breath . The two sisters went off to unpack as Aarav went back to arrange his own things.
Just as they were leaving the hall, Anya arrived with her mother.
Anya's Mother: My sunshine, stay bright even when the world gets dark.
Anya: I will, Mom. Don't cry now.
Anya's Mother: (wiping tears) I'm not crying!
They both laughed. Arjun gestured toward Room Number 9, and Anya went in with her mother to set her belongings before her mother waved goodbye.
Moments later, the door opened again.
Kian entered, silent and composed, followed by his shy little sister Isha, who was 11 years old, she was clutching a small box.
Isha: Brother, where should I keep this?
Kian: Over there. I'll handle the rest.
Isha: You're going to be a king one day, right? So will you forget me.
Kian looked at her, a rare soft smile flickering at her innocence.
Kian: Never.
He took the small bag from her and walked to Room Number 8.
And finally came Ekaksh, his mother behind him.
Ekaksh's Mother: I hope you don't get kicked out of the squad too soon.
Ekaksh: Ma! That was one time and it wasn't my fault!
Ekaksh's Mother: You put frogs in the principal's office!
Ekaksh: They were supposed to be a surprise.
Arjun, hearing this, suppressed a smile.
Arjun: Welcome, Ekaksh. Room Number 8.
Ekaksh's Mother: (sighing) Please make sure he doesn't blow up the room.
Ekaksh: I'll try not to!
They both laughed as she helped him carry his luggage inside, muttering under her breath about his habits before leaving.
The hall grew quieter again, filled only with the sound of trunks rolling down the corridor, footsteps echoing, and faint laughter from the dorms.
Arjun marked the list on his clipboard.
Arjun: All eight safely arrived. The new Topaz Squads are ready.
He smiled faintly, watching the dorm lights flicker alive one by one.
Inside Room Number 9, the team looked around at the four beds neatly arranged side by side. Each bed was adjacent to the next, .
"I'll take the corner," Jiya declared with her usual confident tone, settling on the 1st without waiting for anyone's opinion.
Anya smiled brightly, bouncing slightly on her feet. "Okay, I'll take the next one," she said, happily choosing the 2nd Bed .
Karan, ever friendly and easygoing, glanced at the remaining beds. "I guess I'll take the 3rd Bed ," he said with a grin.
Vedant, wanting a little privacy, pointed to the last bed. "Then I'll take the left corner," he said. Everyone nodded in agreement.
And just like that, the final arrangement for Room Number 9 was set: Jiya , Anya , Karan , and Vedant .
In Room Number 8, diya declares "Bed choosing time."
Kian and Arav spoke at the same time, almost in unison, "I want the corner bed."
Sanvi crossed her arms, giving them a sharp look. "Don't you boys have any manners? She is the only girl here. Shouldn't she get to choose her bed first?"
Arav nodded respectfully.
Ruhi waved her hand gently. "It's alright, I'm fine anywhere," she said softly.
Arav smiled and said, "No, no. You choose first."
Ruhi shook her head and laughed lightly. "It's fine. You both can have the corners. I'll take this bed," she said, choosing the bed beside Kian.
Finally, the bed arrangement was set: Kian in the first bed at the corner, Ruhi in the second bed, Ekaksh in the third bed, and Arav in the fourth.
The room buzzed with movement as everyone set up their beds, spread mattresses, and neatly arranged their clothes in drawers and cupboards.
Isha shyly approached her older brother. "Kian, Can I help you?" she asked softly.
Kian shook his head, his expression calm and composed. "No, Isha. It's alright. I can do it myself. I like to know where everything is. If you do it, I won't know where things are ."
Isha nodded quietly and moved aside, giving him space.
She glanced at Ekaksh struggling with his bed, the mattress uneven and sheets crumpled, clothes scattered messily on the side. Hesitantly, she asked, "Um… can I help you? Your bed sheets aren't tidy… can I help?"
Ekaksh's face lit up with a bright, mischievous grin. "Oh! That would be great, thank you!"
Isha carefully straightened his bed, tucked the sheets, arranged the pillows, and folded his clothes neatly. Ekaksh watched, occasionally helping in his chaotic way, but mostly enjoying the process.
Meanwhile, Ekaksh bounded over to Ruhi. "Hey Ruhi, want me to help you?"
Ruhi shook her head politely, a small smile on her face. "No, thank you. My sister Diya is already helping me. But… it's kind of nice of you to ask."
Across the room, Sanvi helped Arav, placing his folded clothes in the drawers with precise care.
Once Ekaksh returned to his own bed, he paused, eyes wide with amazement. "Wow… oh my god, this is so pretty and nice! I couldn't have imagined doing it like this. Thank you so much."
Isha, smiled. "You're welcome."
Ekaksh's grin widened. "Wait… what's your name again?"
"Isha," she replied softly.
"Thank you so much, Isha," he said again.
From across the room, Kian watched quietly, arms crossed, his expression thoughtful. "Hmm," he murmured to himself, he felt envious or rather protective at that moment. But then grinned a little seeing his sister's helping nature.
Diya, Sanvi, and Isha began gathering their things, ready to leave after helping everyone settle in.
Diya turned to Ruhi , giving her one one last parting hug. Diya leaves with Anya's mom.
Isha was about to step out when Kian's voice stopped her. "Wait… how will you leave, Isha?"
Ekaksh grinned, leaning casually against the bed. "No issue, bro. She can go with my mother. She's right outside, she hasn't left yet. Our house is nearby anyway."
Isha looked at Kian and Ekaksh, a little relieved. "Thank you so much," she said softly.
Kian nodded, his calm expression softening. "Be careful, Isha."
With that, Isha walked out with Ekaksh's mother, who smiled warmly at her.
Sanvi, however, shook her head with a small smile. "I'm fine, I can go by myself." Independent as ever, she picked up her bag and left without a fuss, her confidence radiating.
Kian watched quietly as the last of them left, his eyes thoughtful, before turning back to the room.