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Chapter 17 - Salman

Alan had missed the official College Basketball tryouts, but he had been given a chance to prove his skills, thanks to Vineet's persuasive efforts. Recognizing his talent, they granted Alan a coveted spot on the basketball team.

Within the team, Alan discovered a new circle of friends who shared his passion for the sport. They were cool and fun, fostering an environment that celebrated camaraderie and support without succumbing to harmful behaviors.

Amongst Alan's new friends on the team was the legendary Salman, who seemed to have a gravitational pull on the hostel girls. Every practice and game, a group of girls would gather under the tree near the basketball court, their cheers reaching ear-splitting levels whenever Salman made a shot. It was as if he had his very own fan club.

Alan had always assumed that Fiza's presence at the basketball court was solely to support him, but now realized that that may not be the case.

He felt an irrational anger directed towards Salman.

That evening, he fouled Salman repeatedly; his emotions blurring his judgment and overshadowing his ability to maintain control. Sandeep, the captain finally intervened and demanded that Alan sit out until he regained his composure and displayed better self-control.

Fiza felt a deep sense of embarrassment, unsure of how to address Alan's behavior. Despite her unease, she reluctantly settled down on the cemented ground next to him, gathering the courage to confront the situation. "What was that, Alan?" she asked, confused and exasperated.

"Just the game," Alan muttered.

Fiza pressed on, "You won't sabotage me, will you?"

As Alan's gaze met hers, he felt a pang of betrayal, momentarily questioning whether this was the only reason she hung out with him; to get to Salman.

But her playful smile put his apprehensions to rest. He impulsively placed his hand on her thigh, "Idiot!"

Fiza took a sharp breath, immediately removing his hand from her thigh. "Don't do that!" she exclaimed with a tinge of frustration in her voice. "You know I'm... I'm sensitive." She bit her lip.

Alan's mind raced, replaying the intimate moments they had shared, the soft gasp that escaped her lips when he had nestled his face against her neck, and the deep breaths she had taken when he had held her close.

He remembered her confessing, "No one's touched me before." Confusion swirled within him as he tried to reconcile her affection towards him and her present request to be introduced to Salman.

Salman jogged towards them, a friendly smile on his face. He extended his hand towards Alan and cheerfully asked, "You good, brah?"

"Yeah! All good," Alan responded with a lighthearted tone. Turning to Salman, he excitedly exclaimed, "Have you met Fiza?" He was determined to fulfill his promise of introducing them.

Salman greeted Fiza with exaggerated enthusiasm, dramatically taking her hand in his.

Alan watched in amusement as Fiza's cheeks turned the brightest shade of red.

"We were all eagerly waiting for this moment, for this oaf to finally introduce you to us!" Salman exclaimed, playfully slapping Alan on the back.

"You were?" Fiza asked, her smile widening.

Alan felt a little embarrassed by proxy, at the way Fiza was so obviously crushing on Salman.

"Oh, absolutely!" Salman replied, his laughter booming. "We've been dying to see who would be foolish enough to go out with this guy!" He guffawed, clearly poking fun at Alan.