On the other side, Koushik, Rishi and Bikram were flocked by their fans asking them to have lunch with them. It became so crowded that even moving a hand became difficult.
With much difficulty Bikram raised his hands and shouted "Alright everyone, kindly lend me a ear."
The fans, startled by his sudden rise in voice looked at him curiously.
"Please go back to your seats. We simply wanted to check the canteen and don't plan on having luch. We've already had it. Gathering and making so much noise might be inconvenient to others. We don't want the Tricks to be called troublemakers. We appreciate your love us but I request that since we're in school, please treat us like regular classmates."
"Aww. Our idols care so much about the fans' reputation. Antariksha, we love you." Someone shouted from the crowd.
"Guys, I know I have irresistible charms but now's not the time to admire it. You'll get that chance during my live stream this evening so bye bye for now. " Koushik winked at the Tricks circling him.
All of them squealed, "Aaa, my heart will burst! He's so beautiful."
"Oh my God, I so want to run my hands through his hair and hug him and..."
"Hay, you creep, stop that." A girl from the council smacked the daydreaming boy.
"Don't worry guys they won't create anymore trouble. I apologise for not getting them under control." She came forward and said.
She then glared at the others signalling them to back off and not disturb the boys anymore.
"Rishi, you looked so handsome in the selfie you posted in the morning." A Trick made a quick heart sign at Rishi before backing away.
"Haha. Thanks." Rishi smiled and returned the sign.
"Bikram, I have ordered your favourite dish for you please come with me to my table." Someone made a last attempt, resisting the efforts of the student council members to move them.
"Thank you but I'm really sorry, it would be unfair to others. I love all of you equally, so no special treatment." Bikram waved at him.
The boy pouted and nodded.
"Phew. Let's go to the ground. I saw some students playing basketball a few days ago." Bikram said stuffing his hands in his pockets.
"Mmmm... I think I saw Ankita inside." Koushik stopped strained his eyes to spot the familiar face.
However the place he saw her earlier was empty.
"Whatever, I'll ask her later." He shrugged and left.
"Hey, Bikram! Koushik. Rishi. Come join us." a girl shouted while dribbling the ball.
"Are you short on players?" Rishi asked as they came closer to the players.
"Nope. We're just playing among ourselves. Why don't you guys join us?" a boy sneakily scooped the ball from her and began spinning it.
" Are all of your teammates okay with us joining? We don't want to intrude." Rishi said.
"Tsk. Just play if you want. Do you want us to beg you to join us just because you're somewhat famous? You're just some cheap celebrities. I don't understand why people are hovering around you all day." The boy leaning against the pole sneered.
Rishi frowned at this unwanted jeering.
Koushik stepped forward with a smile, "Because we're descent unlike you. We aren't close enough to just barge in the middle of your game. That's why Rishi wanted to confirm if all of you were okay with us joining the team. And you should've heard that from this close provided you're not fully or partially deaf. Or maybe you're jealous that you're neither as handsome nor popular as us?"
The boy fumed in anger. "You!"
His teammates bit their lips to stifle their laughter. He was a notorious player but equally skilled so he was important for competitions. There was also no substitute for him thus they just tolerated his nasty attitude.
"Huh! What are you acting all high and mighty for? Beat me if you can." The boy stomped towards Koushik.
"Alright," Koushik nodded.
"The match will be between the both of us." the boy narrowed his eyes.
Koushik shrugged, "No problem."
Bikram stood between them and said "Let's discuss the prize. Don't think we'll let you get away after humiliating us like that."
"Only if you win. Anyways what do you want?" The boy looked at him smugly.
"If Koushik wins, you'll run ten laps screaming that you're an arrogant and ignorant kid who doesn't know how to show basic respect to others and have insulted the members of Antariksha so you sincerely apologize to all three of them."
The boy was ready to oppose but Bikram beat him to it.
"After all if someone who doesn't know us hears you, they would have a bad impression of us. And as public figures, we have to protect our image. So, we can sue you for intentional defamation. Hence, I think settling things ourselves is better than at court right?"
He maintained a polite smile throughout his speech as if he were just talking about the weather.
"We've stated our condition. Now, it's your turn." Rishi hugged Bikram's shoulder smiling sweetly at the boy.
It appeared he wanted fairness for both sides, but if people could peek into his mind, they would see him laughing like a maniac and cheering Bikram with a loudspeaker for that smooth verbal attack.
"If you lose, you'll have to kneel and call me your Boss. You'll also have to bow and address me as Boss whenever we meet." that boy said haughtily.
A Trick who witnessed everything, ran back to inform fellow fans. They were furious to hear what happened and rushed to the ground to show their support. The sudden tremendous rush of Tricks intrigued other students, hence they too went to the ground to watch the drama. Some math fanatics also started calculating the probability of winning between the two competitors.
"Alright, alright. Let's begin the match." the girl from earlier pulled Koushik and the boy apart.
The boy with her addressed the crowd,
"You people. Please move to the side. We will be starting the match, so please give some space to the players."
Everyone hurriedly dispersed from the court to grab the best spot on the bleachers. Bikram and Rishi accompanied Koushik to the locker room went to change into his P.T. uniform in case that boy tried anything funny.