This is'nt a drill

“Save your work, shut down your PCs switch off the fans and lights and follow the instructions carefully”. The fire safety instructor blared in a monotonous voice. It was our customary safety mock drill and as a valuable employee to the organisation every one had to participate. Off went the alarms and the instructors took the centre stage and paraded us through the entire office. Suddenly I heard a loud scream, “Hey did you hear that scream, something ain’t right”. I said to Rohan. “Yeah let’s check it up,” said Rohan. We came out of the procession. “I think it came from the fifth floor”. I said. We scurried through the stairs and opened the door. “It's empty, there is no one here,” Rohan said. We heard the scream again. “Sixth floor its Keerthi's department,” I said. We scampered to the sixth floor and broke open the door.

The sixth floor was filled with smoke and fire was engulfing the entire space. "Rohan, I will take the fire extinguisher you go turn on the sprinklers," I said. I knew it was a race against time. I started extinguishing the fire clearing the main lobby, the screams coming from the conference hall got louder as the fire leaped wildly. I kept dosing off the fire but it was not enough we needed the sprinklers to be turned on. The automation had failed and someone had to manually open it.

Meanwhile, Rohan hurried to the sprinkler system which was beside the refuge area, he had to find the right valve and turn it on, after a few attempts he hit the right combination. Sprinklers squirted the water all over the place and the fire was dosed off. I heaved a sigh of relief. People came out of the room. They were thanking me to save their lives, but I told them it was not possible without Rohan. My eyes were searching for Keerthy and finally, she came out looking unnerved but felt at ease after seeing me. “Hey, are you fine?” I asked as I embraced her. “I feel good,” she said placing her head over my shoulder.