Ritik's POV:

"You have a break of 10 minutes, we will continue after that." The coach said and started moving out of the ground with his mobile placed on his ear. As far as I came to know about him, I was damn sure that he went to attend the call of his wife. I don't understand what is so urgent that she keeps calling him after every hour and even he goes out and attends it. I mean, ok, he can talk whenever he wants but at least look at our practice properly. We have a match next week and I hardly think he is concerned about it. Personally I was not at all happy when I came to know about the coach replacement, I wanted Riyaaz sir to stay here for some more time because he is so dedicated to his work that he never attend calls unless and until they are very important. After Dad, if there is someone who has always motivated me, then it's definitely Riyaaz sir however he was on leave because of some casualty in his house and that's the reason why we have this new coach.

"Football is very tough, captain." Jai, a guy from other department said as he came and sat next to me. I glanced at him and saw how vulnerable his state was. Looking at him, I remembered my childhood when Dad used to teach me and I used to get so exhausted. Dad was always fond of football and was even a champion during his college days, now that I was in the same college, I wish to continue with his legacy. When I came to know that he was the captain and has achieved so many trophies, I was determined to do the same. Not that I got everything so easily, I had to work so hard for it but I'm glad that I finally got what I wished for! Hard work and patience is the key to success after all.

"Nothing is easy brother moreover there's no fun if the things are not tough." I replied. He looked at me and then shook his head as a sign that he doesn't agree with what I said.

"No captain, I don't think it's my cup of tea, I'm leaving."

Yeah I know I'm captain but I have a name, why is he calling me captain again and again?

"Wait, firstly I have a name and you know what it is! Secondly, don't even think of leaving. Trust me things are never easy but if you try, you get them. Will power and determination is all you need." I said something which dad always reminds me whenever I think of giving upon something.

"But I don't think I will ever get a chance to be in your team." He replied. Well, I highly agreed with this statement of his, Riyaaz sir is very strict when it comes to selection in the team, If Jai wish to join us, he would have to work very hard.

"Don't worry. If not this time you still have another chance but please don't quit." I suggested and saw a little smile formed on his face. Did I said something sweet or funny?

"What?" I asked as he kept smiling continuously.

"I heard from people that you are full of attitude and ego, even I thought the same but turns out, I was wrong." He replied making me smile now. Who doesn't like compliments? I know some people talk a lot about me, mostly negative things but honestly speaking I never cared about them until Mom started having hell lot of doubts on me. I don't understand how she comes to know about everything but lately, she thinks, now I'm out of her hand and so she looks at me with doubtful eyes. Everything happened because of the stupid rumours going around. Mom and Dad taught me to be a nice person and I intend to do it always but still I mess it everytime.

"Anyway, I will go now." Jai said as he got up to leave, I nodded and took my bag.

"And I know, your name is Ritik Deshmukh." He said with a smile and left. Ritik Aarav Deshmukh, Yes that's my name and love it so much however still everyone has a nickname made for me. I took my mobile from my bag and saw three missed calls from Mom. Oh no. In others case, people get scared when they have missed calls from their dad but my case is different, I'm scared of missed calls from Mom. Every time I see her, first it's always a question and answer session between us and then other talks. I agree, I don't spend enough time with them but as much as I can, I try to do that however mom still thinks that I'm in the bad company and that dad has spoiled me a lot. I don't know how am I going to make her understand that I'm still her good boy?

"Hey Ri, at what time the practice is going to end?" Viraj, my best buddy asked. We were not friends since childhood but meet in the college, We share a lot of common interests and so it's always so good to have a bestfriend like him. He is someone whom I can count on anyday and anytime.

"I have no idea dude, ask that henpecked coach of yours." I replied and heard everyone laugh around us. Bad move! I don't want to be called in principal's office again! This principal thing doesn't scare me because they are relatives of Abhi uncle and Sanjana aunty and they handle everything but because mom gets very angry, I have to be a good boy always.

"Come on boys, let's get back to the practice." The coach announced. I looked back at my mobile and saw those three missed calls from mom. I didn't called her back.

"Get back to your positions everyone." Coach announced again. No time to call her now, I'm surely going to be dead when I go home! I kept my phone back and continued with the practice. The match which we have next week with other college is quite important for me. No doubt I want to win it and also being the captain, I have a lot of responsibility.

"Aren't you tired man?" Viraj asked in between.

"Nah, not yet. You?" I asked and came to know that even he is not tired but he wants to leave because his girlfriend is waiting for him.

"Then I wish the practice continues, let her wait." I said and went to other side only after winking at him. He has one of those perfect relationship which we see in movies. Viraj and his girlfriend Sakshi are so in love with eachother that if I was interested in this relationship thing, I would have surely been jealous of him. They both are one of the example I can give when talking about a perfect couple!

"Ok boys, that's it for the day. We will meet tomorrow." Coach said after few minutes. I looked at Viraj and found him the most happiest person here.

"What is it in meeting your girlfriend that you are so excited about it?" I asked just to tease him.

"It's because I didn't met her since morning and also she came with you today, not me! I miss her man but you won't understand that." He mocked.

"I don't even want too."

"No, you can't Ri! If you continue with your flings, you will never." He said this time with a very teasing smile on his face. Flings? He knows I'm not like that but because of a rumour everyone thinks that I'm a flirt. I hate the person whoever is responsible for it!

"I swear, the day I find the person behind those rumours, I'm not going to leave him." I stated angrily. It's because of him that mom thinks, I'm turned into a bad boy.

"I hope you find him or her, soon but for now, let's go. Sakshi is waiting for us." He said and took me with him.

"See your bestfriend." He said asking me to look in the direction in which he was looking. I looked there and saw Sameer talking with his friends. Sameer is son of Abhi uncle and Sanjana aunty. Sometimes, when I see mom, dad and their friends, I really don't believe that we are their kids. I mean, our parents are bestfriends and on the other hand, we are just known strangers. In that case, yes, we were friends. In fact Sameer was my bestfriend. My whole childhood was with him but now everything is changed.

I remember the time when Me, Nia, Sameer and Kiara we all were so friendly. When I was kid, I always used to stay away from Nia and Kiara. Kiara never really used to talk with me at that time but Nia, she used to force me to play with her and I used to run from there but when we grew up a little, we started playing together. It was always us four and sometimes Aashika, my little sister. Maybe it be playing or studying, we did everything together but then again the tables turned and we grew up into teenagers and after that there was never four of us. Only two, Me and Nia.

I looked at Sameer again and remembered all those amazing time we had with eachother but as we don't talk with eachother now, it doesn't have any affect on me to see him with anyone. If he doesn't care about our friendship, why should I?

"You don't want to meet Sakshi with a broken arm, do you?" I asked and saw him laugh.

"Of course not." He replied.

We went to the changing room and got ready to go home. As we were moving towards the parking, I saw Nia coming towards us. Nia is daughter of Ruan uncle and Kriya aunty and because our parents are very close to eachother....our friendship turned into the same thing. I always considered Nia as a good friend of mine and also she has proved it everytime. No matter, how far I push her or how much angry I get on her, she always comes back to me.

"Man, now you will take a hell lot of time to move from here." Viraj said annoyingly.

"Of course not, why would I?"

"Because you are always so smitten by her talks and forget everyone else around you." He replied. Definitely not the truth!

"Hi Ri, how was the practice?" She asked in her usual cheerful voice.

"Hey, it was good. Why didn't you go home yet?" I asked as it was really late. Her lectures might have ended two to three hours ago and yet she was here on the campus.

"I was waiting for you." She replied. Oh, her answer was definitely unexpected.

"This is for you." She said passing me a small box perfectly wrapped in a golden paper.

"Nia, I already told you not to give me any gifts." I said. She keeps giving me one or the other thing and in order to return it, even I have to give her something. I don't mind giving anything but when it comes to receiving, I mind it a lot as I'm not used too with all this.

"Come on, it's just a small gift. I hope you will like it." She said as she took my hand and placed the box in it.

"Thanks." I replied. The box seemed to be very light weight making me wonder what was inside it.

"Bye, drive safely." She said with a smiled and went to her friends.

"Bye." I replied.

"See, I told you that you forget everything around." Viraj taunted.

"Shut up. I noticed you tapping your foot again and again." I replied proudly.

We didn't waste any more time there and walked straight towards the parking lot. As we went near, we saw Sakshi waiting for Viraj. She waved at us and once we went more near, she came and hugged him.

"What took you so long?" She asked.

"He met Nia on the way and the rest is history." Viraj replied.

"Oh come on, stop teasing my bestfriend. When he says he doesn't feel anything towards her, why do you keep teasing him?" She asked.

"Because he is lying." Viraj replied.

"Shut up. That's not the truth. Moreover, he likes Kiara and he himself know about it." She replied. Not again!

"Stop it guys." I said as I very well know that if I don't stop them, they will continue with this topic for the whole day. After that, We talked for few minutes and then I decided to leave from there, so that I don't third wheel much.

"Bye guys, see you tomorrow." I said and went towards my car. I unlocked it and suddenly remembered to call mom. Oops, I didn't call her yet! I took my phone and dialled her number but this time she didn't receive it. Fine, moreover I'm going home now!

I was about to sit inside when my eyes shifted towards the scooty next to me and the girl standing there. The practice took a lot of time today and normally by this time very less students are there in the college, mostly the nerds who keep sitting in library and others are those who come to campus just for enjoyment. I looked carefully and found that the girl is no other than, Kiara. I then looked at the scooty and saw that it's tire was punctured. Why didn't she went with her brother? Sameer was here in the college, she could have gone with him but no, this girl has a big ego issue, she thinks she can do everything.

I was going to leave her on her own state but because we are family friends and she is daughter of my favourite uncle, I decided to help her. I went ahead and stood infront of her.

"Should I help?" I asked.

"No need. I guess I will manage." She replied. I hate when girls show unnecessary attitude.

"Fine." I replied and turned to leave.

"Hey Richie rich, wait." She called making me stop. I also hate when she calls me that! I have a very nice name, some people have made it short and then there is this girl, who always calls me 'Richie Rich'.

Now what does she wants?

"What now? Did you realise that in this place, a known stranger is better than a complete stranger?" I asked showing her the same attitude that she deserves!

"Firstly I wasn't showing any attitude and secondly, no, a complete stranger is far better because if he hurts, it will only be physically not mentally. Whereas in the case of known stranger, it's the other thing." She replied. It took me few seconds to understand what she meant. What is wrong with her?

Sometimes I really don't believe that she is the same person who grew up with me. From school till high school, she was completely different. She was known as a 'queen bee' and the most popular girl, however she never had any kind of attitude but Now, when she doesn't have that fame, she got a lot of attitude. I don't know what happened but she is completely opposite of what she was. She prefers to live simple and in her own company with hardly 2-3 friends.

"Anyway, do you have a puncture repair kit?" She asked.

"No." I replied.

"Fine. Thanks." She said and looked at her tyre again.

"Get in the car, I will drop you." I offered however as expected she declined it immediately saying that she will go by taxi.

"I know you can go by taxi but because we are going on the same way, I think I can drop you. So please, stop being stubborn and get inside the car." I stated and saw her turn to other side. Why is this girl so hell bent on showing me her attitude?

"What is your problem? Do you think I'm...." I was not able to complete my sentence because she turned to look at me with a very annoyed expression on her face.

"I'm locking my scooty. Should I do that? Please." She asked. Oh! My mistake, I thought she ignored what I said.

"Whatever." I said and got settled inside my car. Soon she came and stood outside.

"Get in."

"Only if you accept my pay. I don't like to trouble someone." She said. If she was not Abhi uncle's daughter, I swear I would have never offered any help to her!

"Ok." I replied and saw her getting in.

"Let's go." She said happily. Finally, someone smiled!

We both were silent. She was looking out of the window whereas I was busy driving. I was able to see the notification from my phone and I really wished to look at them but because I was very well aware that Kiara would freak out, I had to stop myself from doing that.

"Do you use mascara?" She asked and looked at me as if she was examining my eyes.

"No, I don't need it. I got perfect eye lashes unlike you girls who have to use fake one."

"I don't use them. Even I have perfect lashes." She mocked.

"Mine are still better than you." I mocked her back.

"Are we going to fight now?" She asked. No, I'm not in mood to do that.

"I'm sorry." I apologized.

"Even I'm sorry." She said.

"That belongs to Sakshi. She was applying it today morning." I said referring to the mascara in her hand. She glanced at me a little strangely and I immediately understood what she was thinking.

"No, I'm not cheating on my friend. Neither she is cheating on her boyfriend. I met her on the way and so we came together, nothing else." I answered her unasked question.

"I didn't ask you anything. Moreover, I'm not one of those people who thinks that every girl and boy together are in a relationship." She replied.

"I know you didn't but your eyes did!" I said. She didn't say anything after that, neither did I.

"I'm sorry if you thought I was doubting on you." She said after few seconds.

"It's ok. I'm not angry." I replied with a smile.

"So, it's Aashna Aunty's birthday next week, What is the plan for that?" She asked. Yes, it is her birthday and I haven't planned anything yet. I should talk with Aashika about that very soon.

"Nothing as of now but I will plan something very soon. Right now, I'm focused on my match." I replied.

"Oh yes, The match. All the best for that. I hope you win." She said making me look at her. I don't know what it was but the moment she said that, my eyes immediately turned towards her.

"I mean, our college. I hope our college wins." She said correcting herself.

"Yeah. Thanks." I said and stopped the car as we were already outside her home.

"Thanks for the ride. How much should I pay?" She asked taking her purse out. I'm so done with her!

I came out of the car, went to her side and opened the door for her.

"I could have done that myself." She said getting out.

"Indeed." I replied and moved from there only to go and sit back inside. I wished to go from there immediately because if I would have stood there for one more minute, I was surely going to lose my temper. Who pays money for a ride and that too, to the person whom you once called your friend?

"Bye." I said to her and drove from there. I heard her saying 'Richie rich stop' but not that I was going to listen. I really thought that she has changed but no, she is still the same girl with lot of ego and attitude!

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