Ankita and her friends were walking back to class when a sudden uproar from the playground startled them. They looked down to see Antariksha and a some students engaged in a heated argument. Their fans were behind them shouting something.
Ankita frowned and made way towards the ground.
"Hey. Where are you going?" Rishav said following behind Ankita.
"To the ground and see what fuss is about," Ankita replied, quickly descending the stairs.
"Did they get into a fight?" Rai asked.
"Who knows? Do you think it's the anti-fans bothering them? I've seen celebrities get harassed by anti-fans on social media. But to think this might happen so openly in public? We need to hurry. They might need help." Ankita quickened her pace.
"Oh yeah? Given how big of a fighter you are, you not creating more problems for them would be a blessing, let alone help. And how are you sure it's something to do with anti-fans?" Rishav rolled his eyes.
Ankita stopped abruptly and turned towards him with her hands on her hips. She glared at him and huffed angrily.
"That's why I said we need to know what happened first and it's just a guess. Don't go if you don't want to. I'll help my friend alone."
Rai jabbed him with her elbow and hissed "Why can't you just keep your mouth shut when you don't have anything good to say?"
Rishav held his ears and said "Sorry sorry sorry. I was just joking."
Rai smacked his shoulder and dragged him behind Ankita.
Tricks who knew the boy was a proficient player grew worried for Koushik but still cheered for him wholeheartedly.
Koushik blew them a kiss before heading to the court.
Rishi and Bikram gave him a goodluck hug.
The game began. Koushik vs Agnik. And within five minutes in Koushik faced a heavy competition against Agnik who shot several three-pointers back to back leaving him in his free throws.
Agnik's offence and defence were equally good. Every time Koushik managed to throw a three-pointer he blocked it just before the the hoop, deliberately flaunting his skill. He also skillfully avoided most of Koushik's defence, as if pointing out the difference between them and saying whatever Koushik scored was purely out of luck or because of his pity.
One no-sports-knowledge-just-obsessed-with-looks fan said "Omygosh Koushik looks sooooo handsome. Look at that slender waist, those long legs, those veins.. mph!"
A Trick who was actually watching the match tied his mouth with a handkerchief.
Others were sitting at the edge of the bleachers, praying, biting their nails, tapping their feet, crossing their fingers, toes, hands or anything they found.
Every time the scoreboard showed an increase in Agnik's score, a collective Damn it echoed from the Tricks' side. Apparently finding it entertaining, he purposefully smirked at them each time.
On the other hand, Agnik's fans gloated seeing his score skyrocket.
First round ended with 10-21.
Agnik gave Koushik a smug smile before haughtily strolling towards the resting zone. Their scores after the second round will determine the winner.
Koushik came out of the court and slumped on a bench all sweaty and out of breath. Clenching his hair he let out a frustrated groan.
Bikram patted his shoulder and held him a water bottle, "Here have a sip. Don't down it right away."
A relieved sigh escaped his lips as the cold bottle touched his neck. Koushik nodded and took a big gulp.
Rishi sat beside him and said wiping his sweat "You played well, don't get pressurized. That punk doesn't seem to be an all-talk-no-action type as I first thought."
"Don't get discouraged and just play as you do. We know your ability. And I bet you didn't go all out on him. Were you testing the water?" Bikram sat on the other side.
Koushik shook his head with a chuckle "As expected of our leader, you're such a good observer. But honestly, he's good, really good. And I almost had to go all out. If I'm right there's not much difference."
Rishi asked worriedly "Then..."
"Don't worry I said much not any." Koushik hugged Rishi's shoulder and reassured him.
"As long as there's a gap, even if it's 0.0000000001 percent, I'll definitely seize it."
Koushik was busy discussing about Bikram's observation when he heard a familiar voice shouting his name. He turned around and saw Ankita jumping like a frog in the crowd, craning her neck and waving her arms, to get his attention. Her little figure almost lost in the crowd.
He asked Bikram if Ankita could be allowed in. The latter became septic as fans might not take it lightly if one was allowed but seeing Koushik's puppy eyes he gave in. It was his first time making friends so he let him be. Bikram told a council member who was keeping fans away from the resting zone that Ankita was running an errand for them and needed to come inside.
When the council member came to fetch Ankita, Rishav and Rai also followed. He tried to make them leave but Ankita insisted they come with her.
Getting to the zone, he hurriedly pointed at Rishav and Rai saying, "I did not bring them, the girl you called did."
Bikram waved his hand "It's alright. I know them."
"You played well against a State level player like Agnik," Risha said.
He was not on friendly terms with him but it would be rude to not say anything when they let him in for Ankita's sake.
"Thank you." Koushik smiled politely.
Ankita asked with a concerned look "How are you?"
Koushik glanced back puzzled.
"I heard about what Agnik said about you. No one would like it if someone belittles their passion. Don't believe any of it. You're an amazing person. Both as a celebrity and a human being." Ankita looked him with conviction.
Koushik was surprised by her words. He smiled.
"Don't worry, I'm good. At first, I was offended but then I realised it's not worth fretting over the words of a non-recyclable toxic trash."
"But it's definitely worth it to dump the trash back in the trash bin." He winked at her.
"But to throw the trash in the trash bin you have to pick it up first. And that would dirty your hands. And what if it's infectious? You'll need proper gloves and masks and..." Ankita kept listing safety measures with a worried look.
"Pffft. Hahahahaha..." Koushik clutched his stomach.
The four other people watched their discussion about trash and infection speechlessly.
"...Aha.. ahaha.... hahaha. Don't worry my dear deskmate, I've got this." He wiped a tear.
But Ankita's brows did not relax. Koushik clicked his tongue and dragged Ankita to sit in his place.
"Just wait and watch." He smiled mysteriously and walked away.
"Why did Agnik say such bad things to Koushik? He's so wonderful." Ankita kept muttering.
"Don't be upset, Anu. They chose this profession so they have to accept the it's glamour as well as downside. It's not their fault that people are brainless and speak without thinking. That boy, whatever his name was, did not see their struggle as trainees or the hard work put behind every flawless performance. But now that they're popular, he's raising fingers at their worth. Some people just love to put others down to make themselves feel better. They have to shut him up. We can't do much other than showing our support for their hard work." Rai said hugging Ankita.