King of the game

Asha wasn't what you would call athletic. She liked the idea of being fit and healthy, but the reality of gym memberships and personal trainers made her break out in a cold sweat.

So, when her friend Maya dragged her to the weekly badminton game in the park, Asha went kicking and screaming-mostly on the inside.

The park was buzzing with activity. Kids chased pigeons and the constant thwack of shuttlecocks hitting rackets filled the air.

Asha stood awkwardly on the sidelines, her racket feeling like a weapon she didn't know how to use.

And then she saw him. Musa. A tall, lanky guy with a mischievous glint in his eyes effortlessly returned serves with a casual grace that made Asha's attempts look even more pathetic.

There Was something about the way he moved and the way he laughed with his friends.

Asha might not have been good at badminton, but she was pretty good at getting into trouble. And as fate would have it, trouble was about to find her.

A stray shuttlecock flew from Asha's racket, soaring in slow motion before landing with a satisfying thwack on Musa's head.

"Oh my gosh," I am so sorry!" Asha stammered, rushing over to Musa, who was now rubbing his head with a wince. "I'm terrible at the game, I swear. I'm so clumsy."

Musa chuckled a surprisingly warm sound. "No worries, it happens all the time. Though, " he added, picking up the shuttlecock and handing it back to her, "you might want to aim a little higher next time. My head isn't exactly a regulation target".

Asha blushed, taking the shuttlecock. "I'm Asha, by the way. And you're….?"

"Musa, "he replied, grinning. "Nice to meet you, Asha. So terrible at badminton, huh? Need some pointers?"

Asha raised an eyebrow. "Are you offering to coach me?

"Maybe," Musa said with a playful shrug. "But I Warn you, I'm a tough coach. I demand dedication, perseverance … and maybe the occasional post-game smoothie."

Asha laughed, feeling a little less mortified "A smoothie, huh? That's a pretty sweet idea. Ok, Coach Musa, I'm ready for my first lesson."

And so began Asha in the journey of badminton, guided by the surprisingly charming and patient Musa. He showed her the proper grip, the footwork, the delicate art of the drop shot.

He even taught her how to trash-talk her opponents, haha…But more importantly, he showed her that even the most awkward of us can find our rhythm, both on the court and off it.

Weeks turned into months, the park became their sanctuary. Every Saturday rain and shine, Asha and Musa would meet at the badminton court.

Asha's skills had improved dramatically, thanks to Musa's patient coaching. She Could now hold her own rally, and she was no longer a danger to innocent bystanders.

Their Banter had evolved from playful teasing to something deeper. They talked about everything and nothing, their dreams, their fears, and the best places to get coffee in town.

Asha found herself looking forward to Saturdays not just for badminton, but for Musa's companionship, the shared laughter, and the way Musa's eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled.

One particularly sunny Saturday, after a particularly intense game, they sat on the nearby bench, catching their breath. Asha was surprised to find her heart pounding not just from the exercise, but from Something else entirely.

She glanced at Musa, his face flushed from the game, his hair slightly tousled by the wind. He looked…different. More than just a friend, more than just a coach.

"You know,"Asha said, breaking the comfortable silence, "I never thought I'd actually enjoy badminton. Thanks for ...well, for everything.."

Musa looked at her, his eyes searching hers. "You're a natural, Asha. You just need a little…guidance." He reached out and gently brushed a stray strand of hair from her face. The simple gesture sent a shiver down her spine.

"Musa," she began, her voice barely a whisper, "l..."

Just then, a group of kids ran past, their shouts and laughter breaking the spell. Musa pulled his hand back, and the moment was lost.

Asha felt a pang of disappointment, but also a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this was the beginning of something more.

The interruption left a lingering tension in the air. Asha and Musa finished their smoothie in comfortable silence.

The easy banter they usually shared felt a little forced, a little hesitant. Asha couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed.

"Maya you done"? Asha asks her friend Maya, who she always comes with to play badminton.

"Yes, sure, I'm done. Can we go? She replied."

Asha and Maya walked back from the park, the fading sunlight casting long shadows. Maya was buzzing from her badminton victory, but Asha's mind was a whirlwind of emotions. She'd been avoiding Maya's teasing glances all afternoon, her heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and fear.

Finally reaching home, Maya elbowed her in the ribs. "Spill it Asha. What's got you all distracted out there? You were playing like a zombie." "What's in your mind girl?"

Asha hesitates, then blurts out, "It's Musa.

Maya's eyebrows shot up in surprise. Musa?

The badminton hotshot? What about him?

Asha looked down at her feet, a brush creeping up her cheeks.

"I don't know." She mumbled. "I just…I feel weird around him."

Maya squealed With Delight. "Weird like 'I-want-to-hide-under-the-covers- because-i-like-him-so-much' weird?"

Asha nodded, her cheeks burning hotter. "Something like that."

Maya wrapped an arm around Asha's shoulders, "Girl, you're totally crushing on him. And let me tell you something, he's totally into it too."

Asha's heart fluttered in her chest. "How Can you be so sure about that?"

"Maya grinned." Trust me, I'm a pro at reading people. The way he looks at you, the way he teases you..it's all classic signs of attraction.

Asha felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Maybe, just maybe there was hope for her and Musa afterwards.