Chapter 12:- Bonds of Brotherhood

As Arvin stood by Kabir's side, he couldn't help but marvel at the remarkable transformation taking place in his friend's physique. Gone were the days when Kabir possessed a slender frame, for now, a newfound strength and definition were gradually sculpting his body. Muscles, once hidden beneath his skin, had started to emerge, accentuating his athletic prowess.

Arvin's eyes widened with surprise as he observed the changes. "Kabir, look at you! You've really bulked up," he exclaimed, unable to contain his amazement. He gently touched Kabir's arm, feeling the firmness of the muscles beneath his fingertips. "All those hours of training and hard work are paying off, my friend."

Kabir glanced down at his own body, a mixture of satisfaction and astonishment crossing his face. He flexed his biceps, relishing in the newfound strength that coursed through his veins. "I never thought I'd see the day when I'd actually have muscles," Kabir confessed, a hint of pride lacing his words. "It's incredible how the human body can transform with dedication and perseverance."

Despite their awe at Kabir's physical metamorphosis, Arvin soon realized that it was time to move on from the ecstatic throng of fans. Sensing Kabir's reluctance to leave, Arvin gently placed his hand on Kabir's shoulder. "Come on, buddy, we've got to go," he urged, his voice tinged with a mix of fondness and practicality. "You've been here for quite a while now, and you need to rest."

Reluctantly, Kabir tore his gaze away from the adoring fans, understanding the necessity of Arvin's words. He nodded, a slight weariness settling upon him. Together, they began to make their way through the crowd, Arvin subtly guiding Kabir as they navigated towards a quieter space.

As they walked, the echoes of cheering fans and words of admiration continued to reach their ears. "Kabir, you're unstoppable!" a fan called out, voicing the sentiments shared by many. "Keep shining, Kabir!" another fan exclaimed, their voices filled with encouragement.

While the praises and accolades were undoubtedly uplifting, Arvin knew that Kabir needed some respite. He could see the fatigue creeping into Kabir's eyes, evidence of the physical and emotional exertion he had endured throughout the match and the subsequent interactions with fans.

Finally finding a more secluded area, Arvin gently urged Kabir to take a seat. "Rest for a moment, my friend," Arvin advised, concern etched on his face. "You've given your all today, and now it's time to recharge."

Kabir sank down, his body welcoming the temporary reprieve. He took deep breaths, allowing the adrenaline to subside and the weariness to settle. Grateful for Arvin's understanding and support, Kabir glanced at his friend and smiled. "Thank you, Arvin," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I couldn't have done it without you."

Arvin returned the smile, a silent acknowledgment of their unbreakable bond. Together, they sat, basking in the afterglow of an incredible performance and the overwhelming support of their fans. As the cheers of the crowd slowly faded into the distance, a profound sense of accomplishment washed over them both.

As the remnants of the crowd dissipated, Kabir looked around, his eyes searching for his teammates. "Hey, Arvin, where did everyone go?" he asked, a tinge of curiosity in his voice.

Arvin chuckled, realizing Kabir's unawareness of their teammates' departure. "Dude, they all left more than 40 minutes ago. You're the last one standing," he replied, his tone laced with amusement. "I came back specifically to find you and take you with me."

Kabir's gratitude shone through his words as he expressed his appreciation. "Thanks, brother," he replied, a sense of camaraderie evident in his voice. Kabir knew he could always count on Arvin, both on and off the field.

Arvin's generous nature extended beyond their shared passion for football. He proposed a treat, suggesting they grab dinner together at a local restaurant. "By the way, do you want to grab dinner? My treat," Arvin offered, his voice warm and inviting.

Kabir's face lit up with a smile, eager to spend more time with his friend. "Alright," he agreed, his voice filled with anticipation. The thought of enjoying a meal together, sharing stories and laughter, brought a sense of comfort after an eventful day.

After returning to the dormitory, Kabir indulged in a refreshing shower, cleansing himself of the sweat and exertion of the match. He then changed into fresh clothes, ready to venture out into the world beyond the stadium walls. Both Kabir and Arvin donned black caps, a simple disguise to maintain a low profile and prevent themselves from being easily recognized.

In contrast to Kabir's modest background, Arvin hailed from a fairly affluent family. Financial considerations were never a concern for him when it came to enjoying a meal together. Similarly, Kabir, with his grounded values, had never been enticed by alcohol's allure, understanding the potential harm it posed to his body.

As they embarked on their culinary adventure, Kabir and Arvin navigated the bustling streets, their caps serving as shields against curious gazes. The aroma of local delicacies filled the air, titillating their senses and heightening their anticipation for a satisfying meal.

Their shared journey was not solely about satiating their physical hunger but also about nourishing their friendship. Conversations flowed effortlessly between them, alternating between light-hearted banter and heartfelt discussions. Laughter punctuated the air, bonding them further as they delved into stories of their football exploits, dreams, and aspirations.

For Kabir, these moments were a much-needed respite from the demands and expectations of the football world. Surrounded by the simple pleasures of good food and great company, he found solace in the ordinary moments that reminded him of the unbreakable bond he shared with Arvin.

As the evening wore on, their plates emptied, and their stomachs content, Kabir and Arvin strolled back to their dormitory, savoring the lingering flavors and memories of their shared meal. With every step, their friendship grew stronger, fortified by the experiences they had shared on and off the field.

In the quiet of the night, as they bid each other goodnight, Kabir felt a profound sense of gratitude for Arvin's unwavering support and friendship. They knew that no matter where their football journey took them, their bond would remain unshakable, their memories cherished forever.

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The following night, Kabir's agent, Khalid, arranged a meeting at a cozy café. As they sat down, Khalid wasted no time in sharing the news. "I'll be frank with you, Kabir. Liverpool has made a significant offer. They have confirmed Mane's departure and see you as his replacement," he began, his voice carrying a mix of excitement and anticipation.

Kabir's eyebrows raised in intrigue as he processed the information. "So, they want me to be a part of their team?" he inquired, seeking clarification.

Khalid nodded, his expression confirming Kabir's assumption. "Yes, exactly. Klopp envisions you as the future of Liverpool. He plans to build the team around your talent and potential," he revealed, a sense of admiration evident in his tone. "The club is willing to offer you a staggering salary of 13 million euros, and I'm confident we can negotiate it up to 15 million. So, what are your thoughts?"

Kabir took a moment to let the magnitude of the offer sink in, his mind buzzing with possibilities. He contemplated Khalid's words before responding with a hint of conviction. "Honestly, I can't think of a single reason to turn down this opportunity. What about you, Khalid? What's your perspective?"

Khalid leaned back in his chair, contemplating his response. "Personally, I believe that with the number of goals you're consistently scoring, bigger offers will undoubtedly come your way by the end of the season," he admitted, a note of caution in his voice. "However, considering your young age of just 17, joining Liverpool seems like the perfect choice. Klopp's vision of rebuilding the team with young players positions you as a core element of their future success."

Kabir nodded, absorbing Khalid's insight. His mind began to settle on a decision. "Okay, then. I've made up my mind. I'll play for Liverpool next season," he declared, his voice filled with determination.

Khalid offered a reassuring smile, appreciating Kabir's resolve. "I suggest we wait a few more weeks before providing an answer. This way, I can negotiate an even better salary for you," he advised, his business acumen coming into play.

Agreeing with Khalid's suggestion, Kabir nodded in agreement. "Alright," he affirmed, acknowledging the wisdom in Khalid's words. At the moment, financial considerations weren't at the forefront of his mind. Kabir led a relatively frugal lifestyle, rarely indulging in materialistic desires. His focus remained on football, and whenever he ventured outside, it was often accompanied by his trusted companion, Arvin. Together, they would explore local eateries, savoring moments of simple enjoyment. Kabir's modest spending habits mirrored his grounded nature, as he cherished experiences rather than material possessions.

Khalid's smile widened as he revealed an interesting piece of information he had forgotten to mention during their previous meeting. "Oh, there's something else I should have told you earlier," he began, his voice brimming with intrigue.

Kabir's curiosity was piqued, and he leaned forward, eager to hear what Khalid had to say. "What is it?" he inquired, his eyes fixed on his agent.

With a hint of excitement, Khalid continued, "Your current club has been approaching me with several offers. They're even willing to offer a salary of 5 million euros to keep you on their team. They don't want you to leave as a free agent when your contract expires at the end of the season."

Kabir's response was immediate and unwavering. "I'm not interested," he stated firmly, his desire to move on from his current club evident in his words.

Khalid's smile grew wider, understanding Kabir's sentiments. "If you were to sign a contract now, the club could potentially make a significant profit by selling you to a bigger team once the next season begins," he explained, emphasizing the financial benefits that could come with such a move.

Kabir nodded, comprehending the logic behind Khalid's words. It was a common practice for clubs to capitalize on the transfer market, especially when they couldn't retain a talented player. "I see," he responded, acknowledging the potential for his current club to leverage his transfer for substantial financial gain.

Khalid then proceeded to share an intriguing insight about the club's response to Kabir's decision. "Usually, when a player refuses to sign a new contract, the club may exert pressure by reducing their playing time or employing other tactics. However, it seems that Coach Gareth holds a deep fondness for you. He is using his influence within the club to protect you," Khalid revealed, admiration evident in his voice.

Kabir took note of Khalid's words, etching them into his memory. He realized the significance of Coach Gareth's unwavering support and kindness. In the future, he vowed to never forget the coach's crucial role in his journey. Coach Gareth's genuine care and advocacy for Kabir had created a bond that went beyond the confines of the game, earning his eternal gratitude.

In the final stretch of the season, Nottingham continued their remarkable run of dominance, obliterating every club they faced. Even formidable opponents like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool fell victim to Nottingham's relentless onslaught. In each of the remaining six matches, Kabir showcased his extraordinary skills by scoring hat tricks, leaving spectators and football enthusiasts in awe.

As news of Kabir's exceptional performances spread like wildfire, offers started pouring in from renowned clubs across Europe. Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and numerous others expressed their keen interest in securing Kabir's services. Astonishingly, both Manchester City and PSG were prepared to offer an astonishing salary of 40 million euros to entice the young prodigy.

However, despite the lucrative offers on the table, Kabir remained resolute in his decision to join Liverpool. Determined to maximize Kabir's potential, his astute agent employed a shrewd tactic. By leveraging the interest from other clubs, Kabir's agent exerted pressure on Liverpool, urging them to further elevate Kabir's salary offer.

The negotiations became a high-stakes affair as Liverpool, aware of the intense competition for Kabir's signature, recognized the need to secure his services. With clubs vying for his signature and the weight of Kabir's incredible performances hanging in the balance, his agent skillfully maneuvered, using the interest from rival clubs as leverage to demand an even more substantial salary for Kabir.

Amidst the back-and-forth negotiations and mounting anticipation, Kabir patiently awaited the outcome. His unwavering resolve to play for Liverpool remained steadfast, knowing that joining the Reds would allow him to work under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp and become an integral part of the team's future success.

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