On the day of the race, the sun blazed overhead. The track shimmered, and the air crackled with anticipation.
The first match was sprint for boys group. Asif was nervous because it is his first time running in a track. Seeing his nervous look, everyone in class went up to him one by one to Cheer him up. Kifayat told him to enjoy the match, don't care about the results. "Anyway what could be worse than my results? Asif laughed hearing Kifayat's comfort. Saba also advised him, "Just think a wild dog is chasing you."
Cyra's told him, "Don't worry our expectations from you is not much higher than Kifayat."
Kifayat,"…....."
All the classmates, though puzzled by his decision, encouraged Asif.
Lia's advise was much more normal."Best of luck with the match. You will be just fine."
"You never know," she said a little mischievously. "Maybe you'll surprise us all!"
Listening to these series of comfort, Asif was no longer as nervous as before. The referee blew the whistle, Asif stood on his track.
His heart raced at the thought of standing on the starting line, surrounded by eager faces. But something stirred within him—a desire to prove himself, to break free from the invisible chains of introversion.
Asif stood there, clad in his simple sneakers, his heart pounding. His classmates patted his back, their cheers a mix of encouragement and curiosity.
"On your mark, get, set, go," The match started.
The whistle blew, and the runners sprinted forward. Asif's legs carried him effortlessly, as if they had been waiting for this moment all along. His classmates watched, jaws dropping, as he surged ahead. The boy who had barely spoken a word was now a blur of motion, leaving everyone in awe.
Asif run very fast. His strides were graceful, his determination unwavering. He overtook one runner after another, his breaths synchronized with the rhythm of his feet. Something in his heart was always urging him forward. The finish line loomed, and the crowd erupted into cheers.
As Asif crossed the line, he felt a surge of triumph. His classmates stared, wide-eyed. The boy they had underestimated had just shattered their expectations. He stood there, chest heaving, sweat-soaked but radiant.
Kifayat, Saba looked at each other. "Is this really Asif!!! Was he possessed by Usail bolt!?"
"Maybe, he was." I didn't expect Lia's world would come true."
Everyone excitedly went to Asif to congratulate him. Saba asked Asif, "Who are you!?"
"Yes?"
Saba shaked Asif shoulder, "Why did you not tell us before that you are so good at running?"
"Saba, don't bother him. Let him take a rest first."
Asif laughed and said while scratching his hair. " I also didn't know. Maybe bcz I was often chased by dogs and bullies before. I run very fast."
The four of them became silent.Then said, " Next time you are bullied by someone, remember to tell us."
"Actually it's not as bad as before. Maybe you don't remember but Kifayat helped me before. "
But that time he was to coward to even say thank you to her. But he is grateful that they approached him and became his friends.
Arbaz along with his friends were standing not quite far from the race track. As soon as he entered the school playground, his eyes fell on Kifayat. She wears a ponytail, which moves as she walks, a white baseball cap on her head. She looked very lovely. Arbaz saw her surrounded by students while they are talking and laughing. It's quiet annoying.
"Does she need to smile like that to everyone?" Arbaz muttered. Samir who was sitting just with him listened to his sulking.
"Sniff, sniff, did you smell something sour, Sayed?"
Arbaz gave them a warning with eyes."Who is that stupid-head?
"You don't remember? It is the boy who helped you deliver the love letter." Arbaz felt a relief. So he doesn't like her.
"But I didn't expect he is quite good at running. Arbaz do you think you would win if you complete with him?"
"Why not?"
"I mean look he is young and you are old now. Maybe you...."
"Why don't I give you a taste of my fist? To let you see how old I am."
"Hehehe, I was just joking. Why are you so serious?" Although Arbaz knew Samir was just joking with him but Arbaz still felt a little doubt.
"Is four years older a little too old?"
"Yeah, Maybe. Three years age gap means one generation gap."
"Stop fooling him, Samir" Rishob gave Samir a slap from behind.
"And Did your IQ drop after falling in love?"
...
Girls first match will start. Everyone gathered around the match to cheer. "Brother do you think your girlfriend is going to win the last position again?"
"No, she will win the first prize."
'Tsk, you say this every time. Let's bet."
Arbaz slapped on Samir's hand, "My girl, do you still dare to bet on her?"
"Brother it's a game."
"Still no,"
"Forget it then, let's just enjoy and pray for your girl's good game."