Just A Friend?

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Prabhas led Sweety to the basketball court with a mischievous grin plastered across his face. As they reached the center of the court, Sweety stood in disbelief, hands on her hips, staring at him as if he'd lost his mind.

"Are you serious, Pabsu?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "You brought me here to play basketball? You do remember it's been years since I last played, right?"

Prabhas chuckled, grabbing the basketball from the rack and tossing it from hand to hand. "Come on, Sweety! It's just for fun. Give it a try. What's the worst that could happen?"

She hesitated, her memories of playing long ago flashing through her mind. "I don't know... It's been so long. I'm really out of practice."

He moved closer, his voice taking on a playful edge. "What's the matter? Scared you'll lose?"

Her competitive spirit flared up at his provocation. She narrowed her eyes at him, her lips curving into a smirk. "Oh, is that a challenge?"

Prabhas grinned wider, tossing the ball at her. "Only if you're up for it."

With a roll of her eyes, Sweety caught the ball, shaking her head but unable to suppress her own grin. "Alright, fine. But don't come crying when I wipe the floor with you!"

_______^-^_______

After what felt like thirty minutes of intense play, the sound of their sneakers squeaking on the hardwood floor and the basketball bouncing began to fade. Exhausted, Sweety finally dropped down onto the court, panting and wiping the sweat from her forehead. Despite her fatigue, there was a smug smile on her face, a glow of triumph in her eyes.

Prabhas, equally winded, collapsed beside her, his breathing heavy as he called out in surrender, "Alright, truce... I admit defeat."

He gasps for air and turns to face Sweety, who hasn't said anything in quite some time. He expects her to make fun of him for losing. He found Sweety already looking him, her breath still coming in short bursts. But her smile was sweet and knowing. "Pabsu," she started. "next time you try to let someone win, at least be subtle about it, okay?"

Prabhas's eyes widened, and a sheepish smile spread across his face, like a child caught red-handed. "You noticed?"

"Of course I did," she replied with a soft chuckle. "You're too good at this game. I've never beaten you before, and I know you didn't suddenly forget how to play."

He shrugged, his smile turning genuine. "Maybe I just wanted to see that smile on your face."

Sweety shook her head, still smiling as she looked at him. "Well, it worked. But you better be ready for a real match next time."

They both laughed, the tension of the game melting away into a comfortable camaraderie. After a moment, Prabhas got to his feet, extending a hand to help her up. "Come on, let's clean up. I'm pretty sure we both need a shower after this."

They headed to the facility nearby to freshen up, each of them still basking in the glow of their playful competition, the warmth of their friendship rekindled in the most unexpected of places.

_______^-^_______

Prabhas parked his bike at their next destination, and the moment Sweety hopped off, her eyes sparkled with recognition. The cool night air wrapped around them as she took in the sight of the Marina Beach, one of her favorite places in Chennai.

"Marina Beach!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with childlike excitement. Memories flooded her—good ones, sweet ones, even amidst the difficult times. This place held a special corner in her heart, a corner that nothing could taint.