Chapter 56: The Calm Before The Roar

Later,

At the Racer's stand:

(The group settled into their seats, buzzing with excitement as they scanned the track.

From where they sat, they had a clear view of the preparation area, where racers were making their final adjustments.

Kiara stood beside her bike, exuding confidence in her sleek racing gear, though the slight fidgeting of her gloves betrayed her nerves.

Manav stood next to her, pointing toward the track as he gave last-minute instructions.)

Manav: (calmly) Kiara, turns 3 aur 6 pe speed control zaroori hai. Wahaan slip hone ka chance zyada hota hai. Rest of the track tumhaare liye familiar hai. Just stay focused.

Kiara: (nods) Got it, sir. First lap tak safe position leke chalungi, phir acceleration handle karungi.

(Manav gave her a reassuring nod, squeezing her shoulder lightly.)

Manav: That's the spirit. Tumhe sab pata hai, just trust yourself.

(Kiara exhaled slowly, then tugged at the front of her racing top, trying to fan herself.

Her long ponytail swung as she pulled it over her shoulder, her fingers absentmindedly combing through it.

Then, out of the corner of her eye, she spotted her family approaching.

A wide grin instantly broke across her face as she jogged toward them..)

Kiara: (excitedly) Hi!!!!

Kiaan: (rubbing her shoulders) oye Toofani.... Nervous toh nahi hai na?

Kiara: (smiling nervously) Thoda sa.... Bas sab theek ho jaaye.

(Paarth, standing beside Kiaan, placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.)

Paarth: Tension mat lo. Sab theek ho jaayega. You've trained hard!!! Bas track pe jaao, apna best do, and have fun.

(Kiara nodded, taking a deep breath. But her eyes truly lit up when they landed on Abhir.)

Kiara: (grinning) Aur yeh raha mere support system ka ek aur important part... Abhir!

Abhir: (mock salute) Reporting for cheer squad duty!

(The group chuckled.

Kiara, then turned to Purab, who had been quietly observing the scene, his usual composed expression in place.)

Kiara: (playfully) Purab sir, have you met Abhir?

Purab: (nodding) Haan, Nunu ne introduce karaya tha. She told me he's your best friend.

(Kiara shot a fond look at Abhir, eyes twinkling with mischief.)

Kiara: Yeh mera wala Pogo hai!

(Purab, caight off guard, burst into laughter at the unexpected nickname.

Abhir rolled his eyes but smiled, clearly used to Kiara's teasing.

Kiara smirked as Abhir playfully elbowed her. The shared laughter helped ease some of the nervous energy hanging in the air.)

..

..

Just then,

(Naina stepped forward, her voice taking on a firm but gentle tone.)

Naina: Alright, enough masti... Kiara, ab focus karo.

(She handed Kiara a bottle of juice.)

Kiara: (raising an eyebrow) Orange juice?

Naina: Beta, mujhe pata hai tumhari nerves kaise kaam karte hain. Yeh pee lo, blood sugar level high rahega. Main bhi har race ke pehle ek poori bottle khatam karti thi.

Kiara: theek hai, mumma!!!

(She took the bottle from Naina's hands, unscrewed the cap and he tipped it up to take a sip.

She took a big gulp, the cold liquid sliding down her throat, sending a refreshing chill through her system.

She shivered slightly, then wiped the sweat off her forehead with the back of her hand.

After a few moments, she felt her shoulders relax. She returned the bottle to Naina with a small smile.)

Naina: Motorcycle ke final checkups ho gaye?

Kiara: (nodding) Haan, mumma! Sab perfect hai.

Naina: Good!

There was a beat of silence before Vikram clapped his hands together.

Vikram: Alright, champ. Time to bring home that trophy!

(Kiara chuckled but straightened her back, determination settling in her eyes.

She was ready.)

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.

.

Just then,

(Kiara's eyes caught a familiar figure entering the arena-Prabhas.

Her tense shoulders instantly relaxed, and a bright smile spread across her face. She waved enthusiastically.

Prabhas, dressed in his usual athletic gear, exuded quiet confidence as he walked toward her.

His steady gaze met hers, and his smile was calm but reassuring.

Prabhas: (smiles) Kiara, ready ho?

Kiara: (grins) Bilkul, sir.

(He placed a steadying hand on her shoulder, sensing the flicker of excitement and apprehension in her eyes.)

Prabhas: (gently) Bas ek baat yaad rakhna- race jitna dimaag se hota hai, utna hi dil se bhi. Focus mat khona, aur apne instincts pe bharosa karna.

(Kiara took a deep breath, letting his words settle within her.)

Kiara: (earnestly) Thank you, sir. Aap log hamesha mujhe believe karte ho, usse mujhe aur strength milti hai.

(Prabhas smiled, his eyes filled with pride.)

Prabhas: Aur tumne baar-baar prove kiya hai ki tum uss vishwas ke layak ho.

.

..

..

(Before she could respond, the loudspeaker crackled to life, echoing across the stadium.)

Announcement: All racers, please proceed to the starting grid. The race will begin shortly.

Then,

(Kiara turned to her people one last time, seeking a final bit of assurance.

The energy around her was electric-cheers, claps, and excited murmurs filling the air as the countdown to the big race began.)

Prabhas: (claps Kiara's back) Go show them what you're made of.

Purab: (claps his hands loudly, grinning) Toofani!!!! Yeh race sirf jeetna nahi, dhamaka bhi karna hai!

(Kiara turned and flashed a confident smile, her helmet tucked under her arm.

She raised a thumbs-up toward them, her heart pounding-not with nerves, but with pure adrenaline.)

Naina: (cups her hands around her mouth) All the best, beta! Remember, we're all with you!!!

Kiaan: (grins and yells) Go, Kiru! Show them what you're made of!!!!

(Kiara laughed lightly, shaking her head at her twin's antics, but feeling his unwavering support like an invisible force pushing her forward.)

Paarth: (giving a subtle wave) All the best, Kiara!!!! Full on speed mein rehna hai, bas!!!!

(Kiara smiled at him warmly and gave him a mock salute.)

Abhir: (jumping excitedly) Oye Kiru!!!! Tu toh Delhi ke bhare huay market mein mujhse race karti thi!!!! Yeh toh kuch bhi nahi!!!!

(Kiara chuckled and gave him an 'air high-five,' her spirit lighter despite the weight of expectations on her shoulders.

And then, a firm clap resounded through the air.

Vikram, standing next to Naina, clapped his hands firmly, his voice steady and proud.)

Vikram: (his eyes filled with determination) All the best, bacche!!!! This track is yours... You just have to go claim it!!!!

(Kiara took a deep breath, holding back the swell of emotions as she looked around.

For a fleeting moment, she wished she could freeze time-capture this moment of pure, unfiltered love and support from her family.

Then, just as she was about to turn, she did something unexpected that left everyone stunned.

She took off her gloves and helmet, stepped forward, and bowed down.)

Kiara: (with respect) Race ke pehle, mere dono coaches ko pranaam.

(A hush fell over the group as she bent down and touched the feet of both Prabhas and Manav.

Prabhas took a step back, momentarily taken aback before his expression softened into one of deep pride.

Manav, equally moved, looked at her with newfound admiration, his voice thick with emotion.)

Manav: (humbled) Kiara, tumhara dedication aur yeh sanskaar hi tumhe sabse alag banate hain. My blessings will always be with you, bacche!!!!

(Prabhas placed a firm yet gentle hand on Kiara's head, his gaze unwavering.)

Prabhas: (smiling, his voice steady) Tumhe kisi aur se seekhne ki zaroorat nahi, Kiara. Tum khud ek example ho. Ab jao, aur track pe, dil se race karo!!!!

(Kiara straightened up, her eyes shining with gratitude. She slipped on her helmet, gave them a quick nod, and turned toward the starting grid.

The crowd roared in anticipation. The engine sounds filled the air, vibrating through her veins.

As she took her position, her family and mentors stood watching-hearts swelling with pride, eyes fixed on their girl, their racer, their champion.

This was her moment.

And she was ready.)

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A while later,

(Purab glanced occasionally at the racers preparing at the starting grid. The excitement in the air was palpable.

Just then, his phone buzzed with a video call. He smiled as he saw Aryan's name flashing on the screen and quickly answered it.)

Purab: (grins) Aryan! Kya haal hai?

(The screen showed the backside camera view of the race track, panning across the vibrant arena.)

Aryan: (excitedly, voice-over) Purab, dekha tumne? Kya vibe hai yahaan ki! Kitna mast atmosphere hai.

Purab: (confused) Yeh toh theek hai, par tu hai kidhar?

(Naina, sitting beside Purab, leaned closer, curious about the conversation.)

Naina: Aryan, tu yahaan hai kya?? Are you here at the race track?

(Aryan chuckled and switched to the front camera, revealing his grinning face.)

Aryan: Arrey haan, main yahaan hoon. Upar dekho... private viewing section mein baitha hoon.

(Purab and Naina instinctively looked up. Squinting, they could faintly see Aryan waving at them from the balcony of the private viewing section.)

Purab: (on the call, amused) Oye, tu upar kya kar raha hai?

Aryan: (laughs) Mujhe guest of honour banaake bulaya gaya hai. Neeche aana mushkil hai abhi, aur mujhe pata hai ki tum log apni team ko chod kar upar nahi aaoge.

(Naina shook her head, half-amused and half-annoyed.)

Naina: Aryan, yaar!!!! Bataana toh chahiye tha naa!!!!

Aryan: (teases) Arrey surprise dena tha. Waise tum tension mat lo. Race ke baad milenge. Waise, time hai tumhaare paas? ya tum log bhi seedha waapas bhaag jaaoge?

Purab: Bhai, time hai. Par tu Mumbai bhaagne ke mood mein toh nahi hai na?

Aryan: (grins) Arrey nahi, kal jaa raha hoon. Aaj raat time hai, toh party karenge!

Naina: (smiles) Theek hai, Aryan. Pehle yeh race khatam ho jaane de. Phir decide karenge.

(Aryan gave them a thumbs-up through the screen before ending the call.

Purab and Naina exchanged amused glances before shifting their focus back to the track as the racers lined up, ready for the big moment.)

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Author's Note 🚦🏁

Andddd we're off to the races! 🏎️💨

What a moment for Kiara! The build-up, the excitement, the nerves-phew! This chapter had it all! From her family's unwavering support to that heartfelt moment with her mentors, Kiara is all set to burn some rubber on the track! 🔥✨

But tell me-who's your favorite supporter in this scene? 🤔 Is it her ever-cheering twin Kiaan? The wise and steady Prabhas? The teasing yet loyal Abhir? Or maybe Aryan dropping in with a surprise appearance? 👀 Let me know in the comments! 💬

Alsoooo, what do you think is going to happen next? Will Kiara dominate the race? Or will there be an unexpected twist? 😏 Buckle up, because it's going to be one hell of a ride! 🚀🏆

If you loved this chapter (or even if you just liked it a tiny bit 😜), don't forget to vote, comment, and follow to stay updated! Your support means everything! ❤️

See you at the finish line! 🏁