You Belong With Me

44

Harbhajan gulped audibly, feeling the weight of Rahul's gaze bearing down on him. With a deep breath, he began recounting their misadventure with vivid detail, painting a picture of their escapade through the bustling streets of the city. He described the exhilarating rush of adrenaline as they snuck past the watchful eyes of the hotel staff, the thrill of exploration igniting their youthful spirits.

Kaif interjected with animated gestures, his words punctuated by bursts of laughter as he recalled the comical mishaps they encountered along the way. Each member of the group took turns embellishing the narrative, weaving together a tapestry of vivid memories that transported them back to that fateful afternoon.

Kaif took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice steady as he recounted the evening's events. "And then we had this argument with some local boys," he began, his eyes darting nervously between his friends.

Rahul's curiosity was piqued, his eyebrows raising slightly. "And?" he prompted, sensing that there was more to the story.

Kaif hesitated, and Yuvraj, unable to keep it in any longer, leaned in and whispered, "And we might have beaten them up."

Rahul's eyes widened in shock. "What?" he shouted, his voice echoing through the room. The intensity of his reaction made everyone flinch.

Harbhajan, who had been pacing anxiously, whirled around, his face flushed with frustration. "Don't say 'we'!" he snapped. "Speak for yourself. Yuvraj lost his temper and punched the guy right in the face."

The room fell silent for a moment as everyone absorbed this revelation. Then Viru, who had been quietly watching the unfolding drama, added, "And someone clicked his picture."

The color drained from Yuvraj's face as he realized the gravity of the situation. "Dada will kill me," he murmured, his voice trembling with fear. He could already imagine the fallout, the disappointment in their leader's eyes.

Ashish stepped forward, his expression pleading. "Please, only you can save us," he begged Rahul, his desperation palpable. They all looked to Rahul, the one they always turned to in times of crisis.

Rahul ran a hand through his hair, frustration boiling over. "God, what have you done?" he exclaimed, exasperation evident in his tone. "Why don't you guys ever listen to us?"

He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. The situation was dire, but they needed a plan. Rahul knew he had to take control, to find a way to fix this mess before it spiraled out of control. His mind raced with possibilities as he looked at his boys, their faces full of worry and regret. They had gotten themselves into trouble again, but this time, the stakes were higher than ever.

Before Rahul could say anything more, the door of the dressing room swung open with a dramatic thud. Sourav entered, his expression thunderous. His eyes, usually so full of warmth and leadership, now blazed with fury. He stomped towards them, his footsteps echoing ominously in the enclosed space. All the youngsters instinctively took a step back, their fear of their captain's rage evident in their wide eyes and tense postures.

Sourav's gaze swept over them, landing on Yuvraj, who seemed to shrink under the intensity of the captain's stare. The room was deathly silent, the boys holding their breath, waiting for the inevitable storm. Sourav's face was a mask of controlled anger, but his eyes spoke volumes. They knew they were in deep trouble, and there was no escaping the consequences.