After that day of watching the girl practice, Arbaz found himself returning to the school more frequently. At first, it was merely interesting to watch her games. But gradually, he began to pay closer attention to her every move: the seriousness on her face while practicing, the way she frowned when she made a mistake, her bright smile when talking to friends, and her attentive expression when listening to someone. When she saw food, her eyes lit up with joy, all those reactions that stirred something in Arbaz's heart, though he didn't quite understand why.
On the final day of the game, Arbaz came with his friends to watch. Even though the girl wasn't exactly what they initially thought, they still cheered for her. She lost the sprint match again, but not as badly as before. Expecting the result, Kifayat wasn't too disheartened. She had joined the match at her friends' insistence, just to make up the numbers. She tried her best and had fun, which was what mattered to her.
Arbaz somewhat expected her to lose. He thought, "the girl tried so hard, still lost. She might be unhappy." Worried, he decided to treat her to something special. From his observations of this girl so far, he knew she seemed to enjoy snacks. But they weren't familiar with each other, so why would she accept food from him? After contemplating for a while, he came up with a wonderful idea. He would buy snacks and drinks for all the students who participated in the game.
His friends were surprised by his sudden generosity, but not too surprised. Arbaz was always unpredictable and often treated them whenever they wanted. They called some of their junior classmates with whom they had a good relationship, bought the snacks, and distributed them among all the participating students.
A boy approached Kifayat and her group, offering them the snacks. She refused at first, but the boy insisted. "Don't refuse it. One of our senior brothers is treating all the juniors who participated in the game. Take it."
"Wow! Free food. I am welcome then." They took the snacks from the boy. After distributing the snacks among them, the boy gave Kifayat some extra foods.
Being puzzled, Kifayat asked,"Then why do I have more than them?"
"Because that senior brother said those who came last should be given more snacks as a sign of comfort."
Kifayat was amused hearing this and thanked the boy with a beautiful smile. The boy blushed. Watching this scene from afar, Arbaz felt a pang of jealousy. "Why is she smiling so brightly? If she knew that I gave the snacks, would she smile at me like that too?" He was taken aback by his sudden thought.
After the busy and exciting day ended, all the games were finished, and everyone went back home. That night, Arbaz couldn't sleep. His mind was filled with images of the girl smiling, her angry expression while threatening the boys who bullied her brother, her silly face when she fell during practice, and her serious demeanor. He thought to himself, "What's happening to me? Am I falling for her or something?"
Days passed by in a flash. Arbaz became busy preparing for his admission exams. Occasionally, when he had some free time, thoughts of the girl would cross his mind. One afternoon, his best friend, Samir, came over.
"Let's hang out. We haven't done that in days," Samir insisted.
With Samir's persistence, Arbaz agreed. They went to their usual spot where they often gathered and chatted. During their conversation, Siraj noticed Arbaz's absent-mindedness.
"What's wrong? Why are you in a daze?" he asked.
Rafid chimed in, "Yeah, nowadays you seem a little different, seems to became a little silly.
Arbaz threw a piece of paper towards Rafid, "You are the silly one."
Rafid quickly dodged and said, " Losing in your own thoughts and smiling by yourself, isn't all these are sign of becoming stupid."
Arbaz denied it, saying, "It's nothing."
But Samir grinned. "I know what's up with Arbaz. He developed an illness."
"Even you!"
Samir laughed, "Let's go, I'll take you to a place to cure it."
Curious, Arbaz and the others followed Samir who led them to their old school. Surprised, Arbaz asked, "Why did you bring us here?"
"Look at you watch. What time is it?
"it's 4:30." Although confused by the sudden question, Arbaz replied.
"Yeah, what happens at this time?" Samir asked.
Realization dawned on Arbaz. "It's when school ends."
"Exactly," Samir said. "If you're lucky, you can see the person you've been thinking about all day. If not, we can ask someone about her."
Arbaz stared at his friend, wide-eyed. "How do you know?"
Samir laughed. "Is there anyone who knows you better than me? You've been going to school frequently to watch her games, cheering for her, secretly buying snacks. Do you even know how you look when you watch her?"
Rafid seem to understand and whistled. "So our boy is love sick."
Arbaz laughed, realizing he was caught. He was grateful for his friends deep consideration. As the school bell rang, students started pouring out. Arbaz and his friends stood by a stationary shop near the school gate. With so many students, it was difficult to spot one person. Arbaz felt disappointed. "Maybe I won't see her today."
Samir nudged him. "No bro, looks like you're in luck. Isn't that the girl? She seems to be coming this way."
The girl stopped by the stationary shop to buy some pens. Another boy, courteous and seemingly interested in her, accompanied her. He tried to talk to her, finding topics to chat about. She nodded or smiled politely, showing no real interest. After buying her stuff, she quickly left to join her friends. The boy wanted to follow her but was stopped by Arbaz and his friends.
The boy named, Ashish recognized them immediately as they were famous during their time in school. He greeted them politely.
"Hey, how's it going?" Samir asked, wrapping an arm around the boy's shoulder.
"Good," Ashish replied, answering their questions about school one by one.
Samir finally got to the point. "Hey, who was that girl? Your girlfriend?"
The boy blushed and hurriedly denied it. "No, she's my classmate."
Samir teased, "Why are you blushing then? You like her?"
The boy's face turned red. "Hmm," he muttered almost inaudibly.
Samir, feeling a bit guilty for prying into his junior's love life but determined to help Arbaz, continued chatting. This boy is still young , he can find another love in future. But with Arbaz's personality it is already a wonder he can like a girl. What if he is heartbroken , and never want to fall in love again.
They learned the girl's name, grade, and how she was quite famous. She had taken the first place in class and was both pretty and polite, attracting many admirers.
"Why are you asking about her?" the boy suddenly asked, realization dawning on Ashish. "You're not interested in her too, are you?"
Arbaz and his friends exchanged glances. "As you guessed," Arbaz replied.
The boy looked aggrieved. "I treat you as brothers and you want to steal my wife."
Samir gave the boy a gentle slap on shoulder. "Who are you calling wife? She's going to be your sister-in-law in the future."
"But I liked her first," Ashish protested.
"Does she like you?" Samir countered.
"But she doesn't like you either. Not to mention like, she may not even know you guys."
Arbaz, and his friend group....
They were speechless. What can they say? The truth is always bitter.
" Ehm! That's not the main point. Besides, we didn't say you can't chase her. If you make her like you, there's nothing we can do. And didn't you say she has a lot of suitors? One more doesn't change much."
Ashish couldn't deny that. A tacit understanding grew between them. Then, Arbaz treated the boy to some delicious food before he left. After the boy departed, Arbaz and his friends looked at each other and laughed.
Arbaz's heart was lighter. Maybe he had a chance after all.