Rigorous training and discipline were what the cadet training was known for. Cadets were trained by sharp tradition with an array of rules giving prominence to discipline. It was the first evening when training was over.
Cadets stood in line in front of their commanding officer Major Lakshmi.
"Cadets, the time is for the day, where you will face the test of discipline. There's no hesitation as you all know, and heard of" said Major Lakshmi in a stern voice, as She inspected the cadets.
"Cadet Madhavi! Step forward!" She commanded.
Madhavi, trembling in fear, stepped forward.
"Cadet Madhavi, your performance during drills today was not up to the expected levels. You need a reminder of discipline." Said Major Lakshmi.
Major Lakshmi stepped closer.
"Remove your shirt, Cadet." Major Lakshmi ordered.
Madhavi felt her heart racing a bit. With trembling hands, she slowly unbuttoned her shirt and removed it off her shoulders. She was wearing a white cotton bra inside.
"Cadet, you have earned your punishment. Bend over the bench." Commanded Major Lakshmi.
Madhavi complied and positioned over the wooden bench exposing her back to Major Lakshmi, who stood behind Madhavi, holding the cane.
"Discipline is necessary, and this will not be gentle." Said Major Lakshmi.
The first strike landed with a sharp crack across Madhavi's bareback which made her breathless as the pain went through and stung.
It followed by another strike as she bit her lips and tears fell from her eyes. A couple of more strokes followed before Major Lakshmi signalled the end of it.
Madhavi stood slowly. Her body was still trembling in pajn where the imprints of the cane are visible in her well toned dusky skin.
He pulled her shirt back and went back to the line.
"Neelam, you're next. Step forward and remove your shirt." Commanded Major Lakshmi.
Neelam too followed the drill, exposing her bareback to Major Lakshmi as she bent over the bench. Strokes followed in quick succession as Neelam trembled in pain and tears falling from her eyes.
It was over quickly as she too put on her shirt back and went back to the line.
It was not the only time Madhavi and Neelam went through the punishment. The drill was almsot repeated a week later but there was a twost to it.
As Major Lakshmi was inspecting the cadets she found Madhavi and Neelam who both needed another reminder of discipline for their lax in the drills.
"Madhavi and Neelam, step forward." She commanded, looking at two of the cadets.
They both did, taking a couple of steps forward.
"Strip," Major Lakshmi ordered.
Hesitantly they began. Madhavi unbuttoned her shirt and removed it over her shoulders, followed by her shorts and stood in her white cotton bra and panties.
Neelam too followed, as she too stood in her bra and panties.
"Today, I will not be the one who administer the punishment but you will punish one another now. Understand this as a lesson in responsibility which you both must endure." Explained Major Lakshmi, the proceedings.
