CHAPTER 10

  Zayn Arora

  I picked up my bag and was ready to leave the area, but I realized that this time I shouldn’t just escape. I should actually explain to him how everything began. I started watching the game without giving it much thought. Moments later, I sensed that the entire crowd faded away, and he alone remained in my view on the court. His hair was bouncing as he dribbled the ball skilfully with his brown hands. For an instant, I imagined his hand holding me. I placed my hands over my heart and struggled to catch my breath. After each shot, I could see his gaze meet mine. I gazed at him like I’d never looked at anyone before; I felt soulless, floating, and experiencing everything for the first time.

  Suddenly, someone grabbed my shoulder. It was Jenya,

  “Hey, come on, I need to talk to you.”

  I grabbed my bag and left the place. While walking, I just turned back to see him and I could see he was giving his best. We were standing outside the basketball court,

  “This ought to be a K-Drama.” What’s going on? Jenya asked in a startling manner.

  “Even I have no idea what’s going on with me.” I answered in a tone of helplessness.

  “Don’t tell me you have already fallen for him.”

  “Not just yet.” I met her gaze.

  “You see, I must leave. I had to turn in a project.” Isha and Praba have been instructed to join you shortly. Don’t worry, you may tell him that I am Dev’s friend and I gave his phone number to you.”

  I nodded my head. I heard the crowd cheering for Hansraj, and they had been selected for the semi-finals. Jenya left, and I waited at the gate for him to come. After a few minutes his team members passed by. The entire gang was looking at me and one among them told me, “The captain is just behind”. And they turned back, laughing. Upon turning back, I saw him coming, covered in sweat. The sunlight cast a chocolate-like glaze over his skin. With a smile, he said,

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  ‘’So, treat from my side”.

  I nodded, and we started to walk together for the first time. Our Each step was together. His long legs moving faster but trying to slow down with me. I looked at him and asked,

  ‘’So, how did you figure out it’s me”.

  His gaze held me captive, his eyes piercing through me like a sharp blade, and my breath caught in my throat. His eyes sparkled with mischievous delight, and my smile couldn’t help but widen, “Food first, then I’ll tell you all about it.”

  He started to walk. When we reached the cafe. He ordered some juice and asked me to order if I want anything.

  I replied “no, not now.”

  “All right, Avanthika, listen to me. I didn’t realize you were studying here when I came to LSR for the fest. I heard you conversing with the girl in the stall when I first met you there. Your voice was familiar to me. I initially believed it to be merely my assumption. But, just to be sure, I contacted you on your phone using my friend’s phone, and you answered in front of me while I saw everything.

  For a moment, I couldn’t believe what he was saying. First, I thought he is cooking up some stories but then I started to connect the dots and remembered the phone call I got in Tarang fest.

  I smiled at him. "Wow, unbelievable. I am impressed”.

  “Thank you, now you tell me. Why you had a crush on me without seeing this handsome man and also from where you got my number?’

  “Well, I got the number from Jenya. Perhaps you know her. She is a buddy of Dev. I was challenged to a game of truth or dare during the birthday celebration of one of our friends that evening. Confession to stranger was the dare. Anyway, I apologize.” I said.

  He nodded his head in a smile and said, “Oh, don’t be sorry. I initially took it lightly, but after that, I found unable to focus on anything. Your voice kept repeating in my mind, and it was the first time a girl confessed with confidence.”

  I was at a loss for words. I turned to face him and said,

  ‘’Ok then, I have to leave. I got class now”.

  “Oh, what about the treat?”

  “Maybe tomorrow, if you pass the semi-finals”.

  “Wow, as your wish. But Avanthika, how should I address you”. He asked.

  “Lift the trophy, captain. Then, as you wished, I will tell my name by myself. I said with a smile.

  “Okay then, bye Duolingo”.