ENTANGLED AND HEARTS (Her Price For Dreams)

Chapter 2: More than a Crush(RAYAN)

Rayan's POV

Samar enters the court spinning the ball on to his finger and with that move the croud goes crazy.

The crowd erupted into frenzy as Samar scores again and again, dominating the court with unstoppable force.

"Unbelievable!" Aditya exclaime beside me. "Samar's still the basketball champion!Most of our group came only for watching him again on the court."

I response with a smile.

And then Aditya's gaze drifted to the cheering section. "Look at that scene, man! Samar still has the same charm he had in school.Girls are still crazy for him it feels like they can die for this man."

He nods toward a stunning girl in the front row, her eyes shining with admiration as she screamed Samar's name.

"Is he still single?" Aditya ask, his eyes fixed on Samar.

"I don't know," I reply, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Isn't he your brother?" Aditya laughs at my response.

Step brother,I think to myself.

"He just returned from the USA last week."I say

Samar slams another dunk, the crowd erupting in unison. "Basketball Beast!" they chant. The nickname echoes through the court, a reminder of his legendary status at Delhi Elite School (DES). People call him "Beast" not just for his unstoppable skills, but for his cold personality- he rarely smiles.

As a standout player and 2016 alumnus, Samar use to lead the school's basketball team to victory year after year I was the part of schools basketball team. Even though we dont talk to each other but when he was leading the team he never let our personal life in between.Thats how good he was when it comes to leadership.

I walk to my car, carrying food for Maryam - burgers and more. As I approach, I find her peacefully asleep in the backseat.

I slip into the driver's seat, expecting my presence to wake her, but she doesn't stir. Her deep slumber is captivating.

I rest my head against the seat, my gaze drifting to the rearview mirror. Maryam's face fills the reflection, her hijab elegantly framing her round features. The soft fabric accentuates her serene beauty.

I reach for a burger as I am really hungry, and Maryam jolts awake. "You scared me!" she exclaims, her eyes wide.
She drops the book and I pick it up noticing highlighted passages.

" You must have really high standards in boys." I say giving her pride and prejudice.

She doesnt say a word and not even smile.

I smile and hand her a burger.

"You didn't have to bring me food,I am not hungry." Maryam says.

"I thought you might get hungry being kidnape in this car."I tease

She smiles, taking small, delicate bites. Her mannerisms are adorable.

I offer her a beverage, and she accepts.

Just then, an ex-classmate walks by and asks, "Who's she?"

"My friend," I reply.After a normal greeting he left.

Maryam's gaze lingers on me, her expression inquiring.

"What?" I ask, still smiling.

"Why did you lie?" Maryam asks, her voice serious. "We're not friends."

"I know we're not, but we will." I tease.

Maryam's response is swift: "I don't befriend boys."

"Quite religious," I reply.