My Lover of God

part 15

AUTHOR POV
ARIFS BIKE RACING WITH HIS FRIENDS IN HIS HOME TOWN

Arif and his fellow racers gathered at the old industrial area on the outskirts of the city. It was their usual spot-deserted, wide, and perfect for the midnight races that had become a ritual for the group.

Arif, the leader of the pack, was there as usual, dressed in his racing gear, his helmet tucked under his arm. His bike, a sleek, powerful machine, gleamed under the streetlights, a testament to his love for speed.His best friend Abdul, who had rejoined the group after years of separation, was adjusting his gloves beside him.

The rest of the group-Junaid, Faisal, and Imran-were also prepping their bikes, the anticipation in the air almost palpable.

Junaid, a tall and wiry guy with a mischievous grin, looked over at Arif. "So, boss, what's the plan tonight? We going full throttle or just a warm-up?"

Arif smirked, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Full throttle, Junaid. No holding back. I want to see what you guys are made of."Faisal, who was always the cautious one, frowned slightly. "You sure, Arif? The cops have been patrolling more lately.

Last thing we need is to get caught."Abdul, who was still adjusting his gloves, chuckled. "Come on, Faisal. Where's the fun if there's no risk? Besides, Arif knows these streets like the back of his hand. We'll be fine."Imran, a quiet but fiercely competitive racer, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Faisal. We've got this. Just follow Arif's lead."

Arif glanced at Abdul, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "Just like old times, huh? You remember how we used to race down the school streets on our bicycles? Back when we didn't have bikes but still thought we were kings of the road."

Abdul smiled, a bit of the old camaraderie returning. "Yeah, those were the days. But we've come a long way since then. Now, it's not just about winning-it's about proving who's the best."

Arif's smile faded slightly, memories of their past clouding his mind. He remembered how Abdul had ditched him back in the 5th standard, choosing a different path that had led to their years-long separation.

But tonight wasn't about the past; it was about the race."Alright," Arif said, snapping back to the present. "Let's keep it clean but fast. First one to the end of the industrial strip and back wins."The group nodded, the tension building as they mounted their bikes. The roar of engines filled the air as they revved up, the vibrations pulsing through the ground.

Abdul pulled up beside Arif, his expression serious. "You ready for this, Arif? I won't be holding back."Arif glanced at him, his expression unreadable behind his helmet. "Neither will I. Let's see if you've still got it."With a shared nod, the two of them lined up with the others at the starting line, the adrenaline pumping through their veins.

Junaid, ever the joker, looked at Faisal and grinned. "Try not to crash into anything this time, Faisal. We don't want a repeat of last month."Faisal rolled his eyes but couldn't help the small smile that crept onto his face. "Just worry about keeping up, Junaid."Imran, focused as always, said nothing, his eyes locked on the road ahead.

He was in it to win, as always.Arif raised his hand, signaling the start. The group tensed, waiting for the signal. The seconds stretched out, and then-"Go!"The bikes shot forward, engines roaring as they tore down the industrial strip.

The night air whipped past them, the world blurring as they raced toward the finish line. It was a test of skill, speed, and nerve, and none of them were willing to back down.Arif led the pack, his bike slicing through the air with precision.

Abdul was right behind him, pushing hard, trying to close the gap. The others followed, each racer locked in their own battle to outmaneuver the rest.As they approached the halfway point, Arif glanced back, seeing Abdul gaining on him.