Destructive Love (#1)

CHAPTER 37

|ANURAG|

My heart raced and my palms began sweating as the clock ticked by, the match was about to start in another 25 minutes. I sat at the far end of the arena, closed my eyes for a moment, and took a few deep, calming breaths. Raj had already tried to pass some comments which almost had me ramming his head into the wall.

Yash and Vikram asked me to calm down and began talking about strategies and techniques to distract me but nothing seemed to work. Aarav sensed my turmoil and asked them to give me my space. I somehow felt this was the ultimate joke that God was playing on me. The one thing that I had worked for almost all my life was at stake and to achieve it I had to fight against the person who I hated the most after my asshole of a birth father.

"That's okay! We can do this professionally. No matter what he says it doesn't mean anything. I'm not going to let it affect me." I muttered, clenching and unclenching my hands repeatedly. My palms felt slightly raw from all the nails digging into it.

"Anurag." My eyes snapped open and I found Amit Sir seated beside me. He had a stoic face as he stared at the floor.

"I do know that your equation with Raj Patel is a bit messed up because I chose you instead of him but there seems to be more than just that." He said and gave me a quick look.

I hissed softly, my jaw clenching as Raj's words about me echoed in my ears. "But remember about what we spoke. There are other emotions other than anger that can be the driving force to achieve your goal." I nodded slowly and wrapped the band around my hand.

"Don't react, let him spout bullshit words may be his power show your power in the ring. Rest of it you know. I have faith in you Anurag." Amit Sir whispered the last part and patted my shoulder. He gave me a small smile and stood up walking towards the other side of the arena.

A minute later Aarav walked towards me and sat down beside me. He bumped his shoulders with mine and smiled at me. "You have got this big bro." I gave him a gentle smile and nodded. He was always a constant in my life. Without him, I wouldn't have the strength to do anything.

I put my arm around his shoulder and hugged him from the side. Aarav chuckled and patted my arm. "Well, looks like my future sister-in-law has managed to bring out the sappy side of yours." I groaned and punched his arm. He yelped and rubbed his arm but that did not rub the stupid teasing smile from his face.

"Stop calling her that!" I muttered but for some reason, it warmed my heart. I shook my head, I can't think about this right now. I'll mull over this later.

"Ohh that reminds me. She asked me to give you something." I frowned and tilted my head. He pulled out my favorite protein bar from his pocket but it had a note attached to it. He passed it to me and wiggled his brows.

"I swear I didn't read it! Red made sure I would not. That woman can pinch like it's nobody's business. " Aarav muttered and pouted rubbing his arm. I chuckled and shook my head.

"Alright, I'll leave you to it." He patted my back and walked back towards the other side of the arena where everyone was seated.

I pulled the note that was wrapped around the bottom of the protein bar. I couldn't help but smile as I began reading it.

"Hello, my grumpy giraffe,
I always wondered why you liked this particular protein bar so much. Then my brain told me to just taste it and find out. I was like huh yes that should make sense. I tasted them a few days back and wow they taste amazing. Anyway, I'm blabbering here and distracting from the main point. All the best Anurag! Don't be nervous and remember that whatever happens your loved ones are always on your side. They will not be disappointed or unhappy with you. All that matters to them is your happiness. Rest assured I do not doubt that you are going to give a power-packed performance.