Mohit and Karan stood near the benches, cracking jokes about the match's intensity, their laughter cutting through the buzzing post-match air.
"Bro, did you see that last dive? I thought someone was going to pull a hamstring for national pride," Mohit chuckled.
Karan grinned. "I was ready to call the ambulance. For the referee!"
Lalit walked by and smirked. "Looks like you've got a new partner for comedy, Karan. What happened to the last one? Quit because of your ugly face?"
The three burst into louder laughter, the tension of the match finally dissolving.
Meanwhile, Rachna walked toward Arjun's team, her eyes scanning for someone specific. In the background, Sidharth Sir shook hands with Prashant and his team, congratulating them warmly for their victory.
In the crowd, Yogita and her friend stood silently, watching the scene unfold. Karan, catching a glimpse of them, drifted into a moment of self-reflection. Today wasn't just about winning… I proved something to myself, he thought.
Back near the coach's area, Sidharth Sir and Prashant Sir exchanged light-hearted banter.
"I swear, I thought you were going to storm the ground at one point," Prashant joked.
Sidharth laughed. "And miss that dramatic last point? Not a chance. I haven't shouted that much since my wedding!"
Rachna finally reached Arjun's group. She sat down beside them, offering a bright smile.
"You guys were incredible out there. Really, the best performance I've seen."
Arjun nodded, brushing a strand of hair back. "Thanks. It means a lot coming from you."
From the stage, Minakshi Ma'am stood observing both teams — pride, admiration, and something unspoken flickering in her gaze. Her hands clasped behind her back, she remained silent, letting the moment speak for itself.
The crowd inside the auditorium hushed as Minakshi Ma'am stepped forward to the mic, her sari shimmering under the soft lights. A slight smile played on her lips as she looked over the sea of expectant faces.
"With great pride," she began, her voice calm yet commanding, "I now announce the official Kabaddi team that will represent Gyandeep High School for the upcoming Zonal Prestige Tournament."
A beat. Silence. Then she began:
"Captain: Vikrant.
Players: Raghav, Ganesh, Mohit, Lalit, Karan… and Arjun."
A soft ripple of cheers surged through the students. Arjun looked around, stunned for a second, then caught the proud glance from Rachna in the crowd. Karan and Mohit exchanged grins and a fist bump. Lalit raised an eyebrow at Arjun but said nothing, his lips twitching.
Minakshi Ma'am continued:
"Substitutes: Pranav, Vishnu, and Satya."
"Coach: Prashant Sir.
Assistant Coach: Sidharth Sir."
Thunderous applause burst through the hall.
"The practice match schedule will be posted on the school board by evening," she said. "Congratulations to all players. This year, Gyandeep will rise."
She stepped back as the spotlight dimmed slightly. Sidharth Sir and Prashant Sir shared a knowing look in the front row.
For Arjun, standing with his new teammates, it was the moment everything shifted. From being a name on the list… to being the name everyone would now watch.
Vikrant walked steadily across the court, cutting through the scattered clusters of players and coaches. His eyes were locked ahead — on Arjun, who stood near the benches, deep in conversation with Rachna.
In the crowd, Yogita noticed. Her gaze fixed on Vikrant, then flicked to Arjun and Rachna.
"What now?" she thought, the unease settling like a chill in her chest.
Near Arjun, Lalit spotted Vikrant's approach. His relaxed expression sharpened. Without a word, he stood up straighter, posture alert. Karan caught on a second later, following suit.
Arjun looked at the two of them, puzzled. "What happened?" he asked, his voice low.
Neither replied. They just stared past him.
Then Vikrant arrived.
He offered a calm smile — not forced, but unreadable — and extended his hand.
"Congratulations," he said, locking eyes with Arjun. "First guy from our school to make it to ZP straight from open tryouts. That's something."
Arjun blinked, slightly caught off guard, then shook his hand. "Thanks," he said quietly, still trying to read the tone.
Vikrant turned to Karan, Mohit, Lalit, and Pranav in turn.
"Well played, all of you," he said, nodding. "Earned it."
With that, he walked away without waiting for a reply.
Silence lingered a moment.
Arjun watched him go, his thoughts a quiet storm.
"Vikrant… What are you really thinking? Is this respect… or just the calm before something bigger?"
-----
Footsteps echoed through the corridor as Rudra walked toward his college building, his bag slung over one shoulder, expression unreadable.
A voice called out from behind.
"So… what's your take on Sidharth Sir's selection this year?"
Rudra didn't turn. "That name… Arjun," the voice continued, stepping closer. "How did he know? That this guy could be a threat to us in the ZP matches?"
Rudra glanced sideways. "Bhavesh," he said, recognizing the speaker. "It's not about who Arjun is. It's about who saw him."
He paused, eyes narrowing. "Sidharth Sir. That man doesn't just train players. He sees ten moves ahead. I trained under him in 11th, remember? Before the… incident."
Bhavesh chuckled darkly. "Ah, yes. The Kabaddi school competition. Someone still limps because of you."
Another guy from the group sneered, "Damn, Rudra, you're evil. You really broke that guy's leg?"
Rudra smirked. "It's just the game. These things happen."
Rudra smirked. "It's just the game. These things happen."
Bhavesh laughed, shaking his head. "And that's exactly why they kicked you out."
Rudra leaned casually against the wall, the late afternoon sun cutting sharp shadows across the corridor. "That guy…" he said, his voice almost lazy, "He was arrogant. Kept saying I was playing wrong. Kept lecturing me like he was some saint."
He looked up, eyes gleaming with something twisted.
"So I showed him how to catch fish."
Bhavesh raised an eyebrow. "And?"
Rudra chuckled. "His leg broke. Big deal. I barely touched him."
The silence that followed was uneasy.
"You're something else, man," Bhavesh said with a low whistle. "That's why they don't trust you anymore."
Rudra just smiled.
From behind, a voice cut through. "Instead of talking about the past, let's focus on improving our game."
They turned. Mayank, the captain, walked toward them—hands in his pockets, gaze sharp.
"There are better players out there than this 'Arjun'," he said. "Let the Sidharths and Prashants play their genius games. We'll stick to what we do best — destroying them on the mat."
He stopped in front of the group.
"Focus on improving your game. Forget the noise."
As he turned to leave, he added over his shoulder, "This time, the stakes are higher. And we don't play fair."
Rudra watched him go, then glanced at Bhavesh. "This year's gonna be fun."
A silence settled — the kind that speaks before the storm.