Author's POV :
But amidst the celebration, Samay's eyes caught a glimpse of an unfamiliar face in the stands. A young woman with dark hair and piercing blue eyes watched him, her expression a curious blend of admiration and something else - something he couldn't quite put his finger on. Her beauty was undeniable, but it was the intensity of her gaze that held him captive. For a moment, the rest of the world faded away, and it was just the two of them, locked in an invisible embrace of curiosity.
The feeling was fleeting, but it left a cold knot in Samay's stomach, one that no amount of victory adrenaline could untangle. He tried to shake it off, to focus on the here and now, but the discomfort lingered like a shadow at the edge of his consciousness. He broke away from Saanvi, mumbling something about needing a moment to catch his breath. She nodded, understanding, and he headed for the locker room, his steps heavier than they had been moments before.
The crowd's cheers grew distant as he pushed through the swinging doors, the cool air a stark contrast to the heat of the gym. The hallway was empty, a stark corridor of echoes and the faint smell of sweat and antiseptic. Samay leaned against the wall, taking deep breaths to calm his racing heart. He scanned the area, searching for the source of his unease, but all he found was his own reflection in the polished floor tiles.
In the locker room, his teammates were in high spirits, sharing jokes and slaps on the back. The clank of metal lockers and the squeak of sneakers against the tiles filled the air, a cacophony of victory. Yet, amidst the revelry, Samay couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. It was like a chill running down his spine, a premonition that whispered in his ear, warning him of a storm on the horizon.
He had almost made it to his locker when she appeared, as if conjured by his thoughts. The mysterious girl from the stands, her dark hair cascading down her shoulders like a waterfall in the moonlight. She approached him with a confidence that was both mesmerizing and unsettling. "Samay Sinha," she said, her voice a sultry purr. "The hero of the hour."
"I'm just a player," he replied, his heart racing. "What can I do for you?"
Amisha's smile was enigmatic. "Oh, I think you can do quite a lot," she said, her eyes shimmering with mischief. "But for now, let's just say I've been watching you. And I like what I see."
Her words hung in the air, as tantalizing as the scent of rain on a hot summer's day. Samay's heart hammered in his chest, and for a moment, he was lost in the depths of her gaze. Then reality crashed down around him like a collapsing wave. "Look, I'm flattered, but I've got a girlfriend," he managed to say, though the words felt awkward on his lips.
Amisha's smile only grew more knowing. "Ah, the fiery Saanvi," she said, as if she knew more than she was letting on. "But let's be real, Samay. You're the golden boy here, and I'm just a new face. You can have anyone you want."
Samay's eyes narrowed, his grip on his towel tightening. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" he snapped. The locker room had gone quiet, the only sound the distant echo of the celebration outside.
Amisha stepped closer, her smile unwavering. "It's simple, really," she said, her voice a velvet whisper. "I know what you're capable of. And I know that deep down, you crave more than just the easy win."
Samay's eyes narrowed. "What are you playing at?"
Amisha stepped closer, the scent of her perfume wrapping around him like a serpent. "Oh, I'm not playing games," she purred. "I'm offering you a choice, Samay. A chance to break free from the mold everyone's put you in."
Samay's fury grew with every word she spoke. "You don't know anything about me or Saanvi," he growled, taking a step forward. The locker room was eerily quiet, his teammates' eyes bouncing between them like spectators at a tennis match.
