His Addictive ARCHNEMESIS ~ Ishman

Ch: 3 ~ Devil's Notorious Ploy

Later that evening, the college gym was empty, except for Shubman. The victory had been celebrated quietly, with Yuvraj offering a few sarcastic congratulations before dismissing everyone for the day.

No one had questioned the outcome. Ishan had clearly fainted from exhaustion, and Shubman had been the last one standing. The decision was simple: Shubman is the new team's captain.

But now, alone in the gym, Shubman replayed the events over and over in his head. The flare of anger in Ishan's eyes when Shubman had taunted him. The way his body crumpled to the floor like a marionette with its strings cut.

He couldn't shake the image.

"You think you've won, huh?"

A voice echoed through the gym. Shubman spun around to see himself staring at him, mocking him, blaming him, he was now, one among those who enjoyed and thrived on others weakness, was he that blinded and stoop so low just for a mere "title."

He closed his ears, shut his eyes squinting to drown down those voices that started to haunt him, he was reason of someone's suffering, again. He was destined to harm, the curse was indeed true, his darkness would destroy everyone near him.

Ishan stood in the balcony, still looking pale, but awake. His arms were crossed over his chest, and his usual cocky grin was missing.

"Ishan?" Mayank asked in surprise as he entered their room, "Shouldn't you be resting?"

Ishan walked in, the swagger in his walk subdued but still present. "Nurse gave me the green light. Not that I needed her permission."

Tu Sach mein thik hai naa? (You are OK right?) Mayank asked seeing the lost look in his bestie's eyes, it was like looking back at the same vulnerable eyes of that faithful day, that changed everything.

It has been a year, but he knew better than anyone else, his best friend was lost, one who was here was just a man with a mask who he never knew, masking his insecurities behind all the bravado. He can just wish, that one day he can get to see his bestie back, his Ish back.

Ishan shifted draping his arm across Mayank's shoulder, "Chill yaar, Sleep, we need to welcome the 'Captain' tomorrow in style-"

Mayank choked on water he was sipping a moment ago, "Ishan yaar koi panga mat kariyo, waise bhi naye coach ki kopdi (brain) ekdum ulti (twisted) hai, iss saal selection bhi hai yaar.

"CHILLAX Mayu jaan, coach ki kopdi mein aatank to machega, par seekar (prey) ham nahi Captain Saheb banege" Ishan said with a grin and walked out humming..

Mayu smiled, it was quite a time now, looks like his Ish was surfacing somewhere, he prayed, hoping against hope to make everything right.

The next morning, Shubman stood in front of the team, his heart heavy with the weight of guilt. The gym competition was over, but the real challenge had only just begun.

Yuvraj was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed as he observed the newly crowned captain. "Alright, Shubman. You've got the title. Let's see what you do with it."

Shubman swallowed hard, glancing at his teammates. Some looked at him with respect, others with uncertainty. Ishan was in the back, arms crossed, his face unreadable.

Shubman took a deep breath. This was it-the moment where he needed to prove himself as the deserving captain and himself worthy enough for National selection that would be held after the Inter college Championship.

Shubman had accepted the captaincy, but the role felt heavier than he had anticipated. Each day was a new challenge, and though he had proven himself physically, mentally, he was constantly tested.