Man in Dreams

From Streets to the Court

Maya and Hobi wandered through the streets, laughing and chatting. The smell of masala-filled the air, making Hobi's mouth water.

"I missed these masalawala snacks so much," Hobi said, his eyes lighting up as he spotted a vendor.

Maya grinned. "Don't worry, I'll buy you as much as you want. And tomorrow, I'll make you guys some idlies. I'm sure the boys never tasted anything like them."

Hobi's face lit up with excitement. "Idlies? Yes, please! It's been ages since I had them."

They bought all the ingredients they needed and a variety of snacks. Just as they were about to head back, they suddenly bumped into a group of bullies. The group eyed them suspiciously and started to tease Hobi, not recognizing who he was.

Maya tried to stay calm and pleaded with the gang to let them go. "Please, we don't want any trouble. Just let us pass."

The gang, however, had no intention of backing down. One of them grabbed the bag of snacks from Hobi's hand, laughing mockingly.

"What's this? Fancy snacks for fancy people?" the leader sneered, opening the bag and tossing some of the snacks on the ground.

"Hey, those are ours!" Maya protested, stepping forward. She tried to take the bag back, but another bully pushed her away roughly.

"Back off, lady," he growled. "Unless you want to get hurt."

Hobi stepped in front of Maya protectively. "Leave her alone. We don't want any trouble."

"Well, too bad," the leader smirked. "Because we do."

The gang closed in, their intentions clear. As the leader of the gang grabbed the chain around Maya's neck—the couple chain that Yoongi had gifted her—both Maya and Hobi lost their control.

"That's enough!" Maya shouted. With synchronized precision, both she and Hobi kicked the leader and other member, sending them sprawling.

Meanwhile, back at the apartment, the rest of the boys were starting to worry about Maya and Hobi. Their phones weren't connecting, and it was getting late.

"We need to go find them," Yoongi said, his concern evident.

As they ran, Maya suddenly stopped, breathing heavily. "Why should we run?" she asked, looking at Hobi.

"You're right," Hobi replied, realizing the absurdity of their situation. They both started to laugh, catching their breath.

The group of bullies caught up to them again. Maya took a deep breath and asked Hobi to stay back. Hobi understood her intention and nodded, stepping aside.

"Let's not fight and get hurt. Let's do something interesting," Maya suggested. She noticed some of the gang members holding a basketball. "How about a match?"

Hobi and the bullies were shocked by her proposal. "What are you doing?" Hobi whispered. "I thought you were going to fight."

Maya chuckled. "What, you want me to end up in prison?"

Hobi couldn't help but laugh, quickly composing himself with a serious look. The leader of the gang agreed to the match but added a condition.

"What do I get if we win?" he asked.

"You get the money you want," Maya said boldly.

The leader sneered. "No, we get you."

Maya's face turned red with anger. Before she could respond, Yoongi appeared, standing protectively in front of her. "Really? Let's see about that."