Sadden Explosion, can we save Fahim? (26)

National Dakka E Stadium - The Next Day-

The entire stadium pulsated with energy, a sea of eager faces fixated on the colossal screen as the final showdown unfolded between the Nextera Team and the Destroyer Team.

In the virtual battleground, tension reached its peak when a Destroyer Team player managed to knock down Faria. Quick to react, Rafi rushed to provide cover and initiated the revival process. Simultaneously, Tamim and Fahim charged forward into the fray.

Seizing the opportunity, five opponents from the Destroyer Team orchestrated a coordinated assault, trapping Tamim and Fahim on all sides. The virtual battlefield became a chaotic arena of bullets, spells, and strategic maneuvers.

Faria, showing her resilience, skillfully healed herself in the midst of the chaos. Rafi, adjusting his position, fell victim to a precise shot from the enemy sniper, leaving him knocked and confirmed.

The crowd's collective gasp echoed through the stadium as the fate of the match hung in the balance.

In a breathtaking turn of events, Faria, displaying unparalleled precision, emerged from her concealed position, unleashing a flurry of shots with mathematical precision. Her sniper rifle sang a deadly symphony as two adversaries fell before her calculated onslaught. Sensing the momentum shift, Tamim and Fahim capitalized on the opportunity, swiftly eliminating the remaining enemies.

The commentator's exuberant voice resonated through the stadium, "And with that remarkable display of skill, the national cup goes to Nextera esports!"

The crowd erupted in joy, cheers echoing in unison as the Nextera supporters celebrated the hard-fought victory. Confetti filled the air, and the stadium buzzed with an electric atmosphere.

"Please, let's welcome the triumphant players of Nextera e-sports and Destroyer to the stage!" announced the commentator, as the players.

Riya, who had faced early elimination, expressed her gratitude by tightly hugging Faria. "Thank you very much. If you weren't there, this would be impossible, and I would blame myself because I got eliminated earlier in the match," Riya conveyed with sincerity.

Faria, maintaining her composure, reassured her, "It's fine; nobody would blame you. Please don't tightly hug me,  I can't breathe."

Rajib, acting as the voice of reason, reminded the team of their next destination. "We are asked to go on the main stage; let's go!".

**National Dakka E-sports Stadium - Post-Victory Protocol**

As the team made their way towards the stage, all eyes turned to Tamim and Fahim. Fahim's hand, displaying visible nervousness, snaked anxiously, while Tamim attempted to calm his friend down, a shared understanding passing between them.

Approaching the stage, the team engaged in sportsmanship, exchanging handshakes with members of the opposing team. Tamim, maintaining a reserved approach, greeted all players but selectively shook hands only with male participants, refraining from handshakes with female players. 

The Sports Minister took center stage, holding the gleaming trophy, ready to officially present it to the victorious team. 

"We request the leader of the team to take this Trophy," announces the presenter.

Tamim hesitates, realizing the eminent presence of the Sports Minister. "Oh no, I can't handle this gracefully. If I unintentionally disrespect him, it could be a problem," Tamim thinks.

Feeling the weight of the crowd's eyes, Tamim gently nudges Fahim. "I don't think I should go; I want you to go and get the Trophy," he quietly suggests.

"Dude, you are the captain," Fahim protests.

"That doesn't matter; everyone is looking at us. Please," Tamim insists.

Respecting Tamim's concern, Fahim steps forward to receive the Trophy. He greets the Sports Minister with utmost respect before returning to the team, Trophy in hand. The camera flashes and the resounding cheers of the crowd complete the celebratory moment.

Rest Room-

"Congratulations on winning the national championship! This means we'll be able to participate in the world cup. We'll take a break for a few days and then start gearing up for the world cup," Samia announces.

"Yeah, I need a break. I'm thinking of taking a vacation," Riya shares.

"Same here. I'll be going to my village with my parents," says Rafi.

"By the way, Riya, your mom is waiting for you outside," Samia informs.

"Hmm, okay then. Bye, everyone," says Riya.

"I also have to go; my parents are here too," says Rafi.

"So, Faria? Your parents didn't come?" Samia inquires.

"Oh, my dad is busy with his work," Faria replies.

"Your mom?" Samia continues.

"She died at my birth," Faria reveals.

"I am so sorry; you never mentioned it before," Samia expresses her sympathy.

"It's okay, I don't mind," Faria replies, gracefully accepting the condolences.

"So sad to know," Fahim adds, sharing the sentiment.

Tamim silently starts walking away from the place.

"Wait, all three of you. The S Sports reporter wants to conduct an interview with the best players of the tournament, and you're all invited," Samia informs them.

"Huh? I won't be attending any interview; I'm sorry," asserts Tamim.

"Why? Do you have any prior commitments?" inquires Samia.

"You know I struggle with conversations, often leading to awkward situations," Tamim explains.

"It's not like that. You communicate just fine, Tamim. It's just that you tend to overthink and lean towards introversion," reassures Fahim.

Faria is then directly asked by Samia, "Do you have any reservations about participating in the interview, Faria?"

"No, I don't have any," replies Faria.

"Ok, so it's settled. The three of you will attend the interview tomorrow at 6:00 pm," concludes Samia.

The next evening at 7:00, Tamim, Fahim, and Faria exit the S-Sports building.

Tamim and Fahim head east, while Faria walks west.

Fahim calls out to Faria, "Faria, do you have any plans?"

"No, I don't," responds Faria.

"How about having dinner at my place? If you don't mind," Fahim suggests.

Tamim, observing this, thinks, "Fahim is simple, but his words might have unintended consequences."

Faria hesitates but eventually agrees, saying, "Okay, I don't mind."

"Wait, I've booked a ride service; it'll pick us up," Fahim informs them.

"Alright," Faria acknowledges.

"If I were in her shoes, I might not have agreed. Perhaps she's different from what I assumed," ponders Tamim.

"Alright then, I am leaving," says Tamim.

"Where do you think you're going?" questions Fahim.

"You both are having dinner, so what will I do staying?" replies Tamim.

"Faria, did I mention that only me and you will be having dinner?" asks Fahim.

"No, not at all," says Faria.

"So why are you thinking like that?" questions Fahim to Tamim.

"Sorry, but still, I have work," says Tamim and starts walking. Fahim pulls him back, saying, "You won't be going anywhere."

---

At Fahim's house:

"Please have a seat," says Fahim to Faria.

Tamim directly opens the fridge and grabs a cup of ice cream.

Fahim, seeing this, says, "It's winter and snowing outside, and you are eating ice cream?"

"I don't care," says Tamim while eating.

Fahim comes with tea and gives it to Faria, saying, "There you go, hope you don't have a problem with tea."

"No, I am fine with everything," says Faria.

"Hey, do you want tea?" asks Fahim to Tamim.

Suddenly, a sound comes from a room beside.

"It must be the soul which stays in my lab," says Fahim and enters the room.

Fahim heads into the room and sees the crystal he was doing experiments with floating in the air.

Faria, while drinking tea, suddenly has a vision where she sees Fahim's burned-skinned body lying on the floor.

She looks down and sees the floor in her vision is the same as this.

Tamim was eating ice cream when suddenly an explosion happened from the room where Fahim was.

Tamim rushes towards the room and sees the whole place is on fire, observing Fahim's completely burned body.

Faria reaches the place and witnesses this.

Tamim holds Fahim and sees he is not responding; his chest is glowing with yellow energy.

Faria creates a portal and grabs a knife,  stabbing her hand with it. As her blood starts flowing, she holds Fahim's body and begins healing, attempting to regenerate, but the process isn't working properly.

"I need your help; alone, my healing isn't working properly. Use your healing ability too," says Faria to Tamim.

"I can heal myself, not others," replies Tamim.

Faria hands the sword to Tamim and says, "Cut your hand. While it starts healing, pass the healing energy to Fahim's body."

"If I try to cut my hand, this knife will break," mentions Tamim, wishing for his hand to be cuttable. He stabs his hand, and it starts bleeding. Seeing this, Tamim begins healing Fahim.

The healing starts working, Fahim's body returns to normal, and within seconds, he regains his usual form. Faria touches Fahim's nerves and notices they have stopped working.

To be continued...