"Rayan! kick the ball straight into the goal!" My coach screams while I focus on the movement of the players feet.
According to my analysis, the probability of a goal is precisely low if I straightly kick it, but I'm completely confident that if I dribble the ball and tackle these 4 players ahead of me then it's a goal for sure.
Putting my faith in my estimations, I let my feet do talking. I glance at the players ahead, calculating their positions and movements. With a swift, confident shift, I tackle past the first defender, my left foot deftly maneuvering the ball around him.
The second player charges, but I'm ready. I feint right, then quickly pivot left, my body fluid and precise. The defender stumbles, and I'm through, my heart pounding with the thrill of the game.
"Rayan! What are you doing?! Just shoot the ball" my coach yells from the sidelines, but when I'm on the ground, it's me, the ball and the goal. I gesture my team to create space and let me go ahead, they trust me and my instincts.
The third defender is more aggressive, lunging towards me. I pull back, executing a flawless step-over, and then dart forward. The ball stays glued to my feet, every touch calculated and controlled.
One more to go. The fourth player is their best defender, but I'm the captain for a reason. I accelerate, my eyes fixed on the goal. He moves to block me, but I fake a shot, causing him to commit. In that split second, I shift the ball to my other foot and slide past him.
The goal is in sight. The goalkeeper braces himself, but I know exactly where to place the ball. With a powerful strike, I send it soaring past him, the net rippling as the ball hits its mark.
I shake my head with a pleasant smile, acknowledging that this is the thing I live for. My teammates rushes towards me with a palpable joy in the symphony, I clap my hands with them while striding on the ground.
As I catch my breath, the captain of the rival's team approaches me "Congratulations Rayan for your continuous win" he offers me a handshake and I accept it "I appreciate it. It was a tough competition"
He smiles, a hint of admiration in his eyes "tough? You literally tackled my best players all alone"
I shrug "I just do what I love"
"See you in the final weeks mate" with that he escorts himself to his coach likewise, I head towards mine.
The good thing is that the coach isn't egoistic to take all this negatively. He has faith in me.
"Why can't you listen to me once champ?" The coach laughs while hitting my back "but you know what I love it when the players know what they are doing in the field. Nothing's stopping you from becoming one of the world's best players."
That will be a dream coming true, nothing thrills me more than football. When my feet play with the ball considering it as a part of my skeleton, I feel like myself. "Ok coach I'd freshen up"
"Sure Champ but make sure to thank those girls who were chanting for your hotness" he offers me wink and leaves from there.
Before I can assume my position, I'm crowded with a bunch of ladies appreciating my messy hair, the effortless tackling and how hot I looked while celebrating with my team.
I would've enjoyed this recognition if I was Ayan but I'm Rayan who's an annoyingly socially anxious person.
I keep my gaze down not daring to stare at any one of them to make them feel uncomfortable or give them a wrong idea.
Suddenly, a green eyed, erratic girl captures my attention who is pacing on the ground. Maha Aamir the synonym for chaos, she's the most craziest girl I've ever encountered. She doesn't stop talking nor introducing wild ideas, I won't ever admit it but last night I enjoyed the event.
Excusing myself from these girls, I head in the direction of Maha.
"What happened now?" I ask out of the blue to which she flinches and places a hand on her heart, this girl is really dramatic, I didn't even yell and she's startled.
Leaving me totally astonished, she captures my face in her tiny hands and presses my cheeks. With her wide-eyes, she initiates walking in circulation around me.
"Did you forget to take your mental medicines today?"
I think she's totally crazy, before I can say anything, she stops abruptly "pinch me!" She demands proving my point that she is another name for Chaos.
I raise an eyebrow but gently pinch her arm. She yelps "OW! I didn't mean literally!"
"Then what did you mean?" I don't even know why I am talking with this crazy girl.
"Rayan Khan initiated a conversation with this crazily awesome girl! I had to check if I wasn't dreaming" this girl is all over her place
"Okay so?"
She hesitates, looking uncharacteristically shy, "I need a favor"
Just after these words escape her mouth I immediately realize that I'm in a deep problem. The last time I heard her idea, I ended up playing a childish basketball game and I don't know how this will end.
"A favor" I echo. "Yes," she says, taking a deep breath. "I'm a fashion design student, and I have to come up with a fashion idea for a line. If I succeed in this project, who knows? I might get an offer to be a fashion designer. You know how last year brought opportunities."
"And?" I prompt, already sensing where this is going."I want you to be my model. Actually, help me as I want to design perfect dresses for you."
I watch her with a stoic expression, her words barely registering as anything more than noise. "No way. I'm not doing any modeling for you." The idea is absurd, and I can't fathom how she comes up with such nonsense.
"Crazy woman, I'm leaving," I say flatly, turning to walk away. But then she dramatically cries and sits down on the ground, surprising me. "You'll have to go over my dead body."
"Maha, get up," I command, but she continues her dramatic display, weeping as if her life depends on it. "No! I'll sit here until you agree."
I sigh, my patience wearing thin. "I said get up, Maha. I'm not doing it."
She looks up at me with pleading eyes, her dramatic act not wavering. "Promise me," she insists, extending her pinky finger.
I remain unmoved, my gaze hard. "No, Maha. I'm not making any promises."
Her eyes widen in disbelief, but I don't relent. "Please, Rhino. I'd do anything for you in return," she says, trying to bargain.
"Anything?" I repeat, my tone unchanging.
"Anything."
I shake my head. "Not happening, Drama Queen," I say, brushing past her.
This girl is entirely crazy.
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"SADAQA MANSION"
MANSION AESTHETICS
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I enter the "SADAQA MANSION" drained and exhausted from the tiring match of football. I hear the familiar chatters of my cousins and best friends who reside with me.
This ridiculous title of mansion was collectively chosen by our fathers as the token of their friendships (sadaqa is an Arabic words which means friendship).
My, Ahad, Ayan and Zaid's father were really close best friends so much that uncle Ahmad (Ayan's father) got his dearly sisters married to his 3 best friends. They all embarked their businesses together and build this mansion to live together.
Honestly I'm really glad for this intricate bonding because my cousins are what makes this luxurious house sufferable.
As I step through the grand doors of Sadaqa Mansion, the weight of the day's classes and football practice bears down on me. All I want is a moment of peace, but the atmosphere that greets me is far from welcoming.
"Rayan, you're late again," my mother's voice rings out, sharp and disappointed. "I don't know how you expect to succeed with such irresponsibility."
I sigh, trying to brush off the criticism. The dining area, filled with the familiar chatter of my cousins, provides a brief respite. Ahad is immersed in his laptop, Ayan is entertaining Zaid with his usual antics, and Zaid nods in acknowledgment of my presence.
"Don't you guys have anything else to do?" I quip, masking my inner turmoil with sarcasm.
Ayan grins. "Zoro wanted to visit his favorite uncle," he says, referring to Zaid's dog.
Zaid adds, "besides, we have many things to do but we chose to be here"
My mother enters the room, her presence commanding attention. I brace myself for her usual tirade, but today, she has something different in mind.
"Rayan, you're always so careless. You won't survive in this society," she starts, her words like a knife to my heart. "I don't know why you had to choose a game when you could've gone for more serious options like business or law. Gosh! Why did I have to get a son like you? You're only a shame to our family, Rayan! I wish you weren't born."
The familiar ache in my chest resurfaces, the pain of never living up to her expectations. And then she delivers another blow.
"Khala I think that's enough" Ahad stands up for me "you're underestimating him, one day you'll regret it"
Ahad in true senses is our guardian and our older brother. He always shields us from the cruelties.
"Keep spoiling him! Anyways, your father's business partner is facing some challenges, and they believe a union between our families could provide stability and strength to both our businesses," she says, her tone more serious than before.
I frown. "What do you mean?"
"There's a proposal for you to build a relationship with his daughter" she explains. "They're hoping that a potential marriage could solidify this alliance."
I feel my chest tighten. "Mom, I'm not joining dad's business, and I'm definitely not marrying someone just for business reasons."
Her eyes soften slightly, a rare sight. "Rayan, it's not just about the business. This alliance could secure a future where you can pursue your dreams without constant scrutiny and pressure. But if you're not ready for such a commitment, perhaps you could start by dating her. It would show our families are serious without rushing into marriage."
I realize what she's implying. A fake relationship could buy me time and space, a temporary shield from these relentless expectations. It isn't ideal, but it's a solution.
But I can't accept it. "No, Mom," I say, meeting her gaze firmly. "I'm not going to date her. I have a girlfriend, and I will only marry her."
It's a bold move, a lie meant to protect myself from these demands. This is the first step in reclaiming my autonomy, even if it means fabricating a relationship to shield myself from their plans.
Ayan's mouthful of water splatters onto Zaid's face in disbelief "sorry it was spicy" he utters while coughing "I mean the dish not the news"
He has to make everything awkward for himself, mom storms out of the room and now I have to deal with real problems.
Approaching into my room, Ahad is the first person to speak "explain"
Ayan bursts out laughing before I can actually explain the scenario "I mean it was believable if I was the one to lie but Rayan Khan and a girlfriend? There is no chance"
"Well I lied to protect myself from that business deal"
Zaid smirks "well I can't wait to meet this mystery ghost girl"
Ahad nudges Zaid and explains "I'm sure aunt will not let it slide, she'll have someone look up to you"
"Exactly ab kaha se bhabhi pe peda karein?" Ayan screams as if he's the one who has to arrange her. "This is more interesting than learning statistics" Zaid exclaims.
(Exactly now from where we will produce a sister in law?)
We all burst into laughter after which they all embrace me into a tight hug, I will never admit it in front of them but they are my safe place, I love them with every fiber of my being.
"We have faith in you Rayan" Ahad says clapping on my back, Zaid follows him and says, "I can't wait for the day we'll watch him get awards"
If there was an award of hyping someone more than the limit, I'm giving it to them. "Yeah just make sure your imaginary girlfriend supports your career" Ayan adds his lame jokes in the conversation, I can't help but chuckle at him.
"Alright guys! I'll have to leave for my practice" they all understand me that I may not be expressive but my love for them is beyond words, they are the only family I have.
Aurelian provides a special opportunity to the athletic students, to enter the premises in night time for practice. Whenever I'm exhausted from hearing mom repeating those same words, it turns out to be my escapism.
"We're joining you" they all chant in unison, but I'm not sure if they're willingly joining "what? Can't leave the future footballer go alone" Ayan wraps his jacket around himself and leaves, probably taking the window seat.
I'm very lucky to have them in my life.
"Stop crying Maha" Hoorain consoles me while passing me the last tissue of the box. I've been crying from the moment I entered my hostel room, and the girls cluster around, anxious about me.
"That cunning woman stole my project idea" I was on cloud nine since the idea of designing a sports collection struck my mind even though it will take more effort to convince him. I immediately constructed a prompt for my ideas and kept it in my bag, little did I know that jealous Iqra sneaked into my bag, grabbed that file and sealed it into her locker.
I wished to confront her but before I could've taken any action, she left. This project has a significant contribution in my career, we all students are assigned to come up with a collection independently, that idea should reflect your emphasis on deep thoughts. Almost half of the class will opt for designing stylish clothes for women, hiding different messages. But according to my research, no one has ever introduced sports-comfy designs and that's what I aim to do.
"I'm doomed" I cry out "my project is gone, that girl will win" I point to the sky assuming that girl is right over there, I swear I can kill her right now.
"I'm sure she must've had good intentions" Hoorain and her optimistic, sympathetic side can never be veiled "what good she can possibly do after stealing my ideas" I sob throwing the tissue on the floor.
"Maha we can do something just stop crying, you're all red" Inaya affirms while collecting the scattered tissues from the ground. "You sure she didn't read your project" Ayra interrogates with a mystifying look in her eyes.
I lift myself from my bed and collapse against the wall, crying with greater intensity, "girls my entire future is ruined! I'll go back into my village, have an arranged marriage, have five kids well no that would be too much but I'll forever have to hide my passion for fashion designing" with side eyeing I gaze if their expressions are evolving to something more helpful.
Hoorain looks like she has no idea of what is going in this room, Inaya wondering of new ideas for my project and Ayra wears a smirk indicating that something marvellous has entered her legendary brain, "guys I have an idea" without any sec I jump on the bed and we all crawl towards her "no one is going to shout on me but this is the only idea that will work"
"I bet this is going to cost us our Lives" Inaya states after giving a pleading look to Ayra which is deliberately ignored by her "ok so..... we'll be sneaking into Aurelian tonight and grab those files from Iqra's locker"
Brilliant! Idea! The silence envelopes our surroundings before Inaya bursts into laughter "we" she gestures to all of us "sneaking out tonight?" She laughs harder, "nice joke Ayra"
Gazing at the serious expressions of Ayra, she realizes that we all- at least me and ayra- are serious about this plan "are you guys serious! We can get caught or even worse imagine getting expelled from Aurelian" she screams informing the possibilities like we didn't know.
Inaya is that friend of every group who is an afraid cat always aware of the consequences and scared of them, but she ends up with us in every adventure, while Hoorain is the baby of our group, she follows us everywhere we go. She'll never admit but she finds thrill in these things.
I am marveling over Ayra's wonderful ideas "c'mon Inaya, what's life without adventures? You'll get chocolates if you agree" While pouting I plead with her "this is going to be a disaster" She chants symbolizing that she agreed. We all turn our heads towards Hoorain simultaneously, she giggles "of course I'm joining guys"
"Alright! Operation locker is in motion" Ayra offers her hand, and we all lay our hands on it one after the other "remember, if one of us is in trouble then we all become each other's shields. To die for each other" we throw our hands in the sky and strongly hug each other.
I can never thank God enough for blessing me with them as my soul sisters who are willing to take on such big risks for me. When they said 'friends are the family you choose' I realized that my family is more beautiful than any other.
I won at life!
All of us put on our sleek- all black gear because we're actually going on an adventure. Ayra packs up a bag with the things that we'll possibly require at certain stages, I'm hundred percent sure that Ayra dreamed for this day long ago.
"Guys seriously an all black suit! We could've just gone in our normal dresses" Hoorain whines folding the sleeves of her long robe.
"Better be prepared Hoor, haven't you seen those thriller movies" Ayra says, fixing her hat (yes we included a hat as well!)
We all chuckle looking at Inaya who is pacing around the room, praying hard to God "I've searched the location of a river, if we get caught let's jump together"
"Calm down Naya, you only live once" I pull her cheeks and rush out of the room, exhilaration filling my lungs.
Bracing ourselves up we step out of the room with Inaya leading us, at first we all get a pang of shock to see her this confident but spoiling our shock she hastily turns back ready to bolt, however Ayra catches her from back singlehandedly "yah you are our best friend! If we are dying, you are dying with us! You ain't got any choice" I exclaim.
Inaya groans but doesn't resist, these are the moments worth recalling university life for. We creep down the hallway, the sound of our footsteps magnified by the late night scenes. Honestly I'm really thrilled right now.
"Hoor for the love of god please stop dragging your feet" Ayra whisper-yells "you're louder than my grandma's snores!"
Hoorain huffs "oh next time we're on a mission I'll make sure to tell my feet to be quieter than your rip respectable grandma's snores"
We reach the main door of the hostel and as Ayra gestures of silence, I'm sorry but I'm halfway through my dance steps when she glares me to stop.
"Someone walks louder than grandma's snores and someone is dancing while we are literally sneaking in our university! Saare milke mujhe paagal bana Rahe hai"
(Everyone is conspiring to make me mental)
Inaya groans again while Ayra is proceeding our plan.
"We need to unlock this door without waking up the warden" she says, analyzing the lock with her academic brain.
"Wait I got this" Hoorain whispers, grabbing a hair pin from her hair, she stars working on the lock while my heart is pounding louder against my chest, judging by the rhythmic speed, it'll land directly on Inaya's face if it bursts.
Shut up Maha! This isn't a comedy show!
"Please God, don't get us caught I will eat one less chocolate and also donate my favorite shoes" Inaya prays looking at the ceiling.
"There shoe goes with her emotional blackmailing" Hoor shrugs
"Don't worry Naya if we get caught, I'll tell them that it's all Ayra's plan" I offer a wink before getting a swat from Ayra.
The lock clicks open, and we all let out a collective sigh of relief. We push the door open and sneak out, making sure it closes softly behind us.
"Damn Hoor! Here I thought you were just an innocent girl" I kiss her hands dramatically "there's a reason I'm writing a thriller genre" truly her writing skills are lifesaving for us.
We walk in the shadows, making our way to the campus. The adrenaline is pumping and we all are suppressing our giggles.
"It looks like we are in a graveyard, minus the witch or any ghost" Hoorain says in a low voice.
"Well we might run into our warden who looks like one" I joke, earning a stifled laugh from the group.
As we approach the road leading to the university, we see headlights of the car approaching fast. Panic sets us. Most of all guilt that they all will be catched because of me.
"Who would've thought that our lives would end us being squashed under the car just because of a file?" Inaya cries out, her eyes wide out.
We all embrace each other, huddling into a ridiculous, panicked ball. We burst into nervous laughter, still clinging to each other.
We brace ourselves, the car's headlights grow brighter as it speeds toward us. Suddenly, it comes to a screeching halt right in front of us. The four of us freeze, our hearts pounding in unison."Oh my God, we're gonna die!" Inaya wails, clutching onto Hoorain."Shh! Act natural!" I hiss, though I have no idea what 'natural' is supposed to look like when you're caught sneaking out in all-black suits.
"Ha naturally bolenge Kay Raat ko is wakt road par dance Karne aye thay"
Inaya's intensity to cry escalated
(Yes, we'll naturally inform them that we came here to dance on the road at this time)
Good bye life
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