I was really excited to accompany my volleyball team to the Inter College Sports tournament. Last two weeks were completely hell - good kind of hell - as I learned a lot under Usha Mam's mentorship and Payal's leadership. Both of them were awesome and supportive of the new members.

Since it was the last competition for Payal, who was a third year student, she wanted us to give our best but have fun too without any stress. When I informed about my selection to my parents, they praised me and encouraged me to keep playing and enjoy myself.

So, that's what I did. I would go to gym in the morning, then college, practice most of the day, visit gym again to complete my shift and then go to Zoya's house to check up on her family. And as expected, I always saw Katherine there, but unlike last time, I didn't suspect her of anything wrong. I had realised that I could actually trust her and when she offered that she would look after Faiyaz's family in my absence, I couldn't express my gratitude in words.

At least there was someone I could share my burden with and not worry about what would happen behind me. Karthik was also doing well with his dance sessions and kept giving me updates; Shreyas was working along with him on his music track.

That was okay, but what bothered me was the fact that I always saw Rashi with Shreyas. I knew she was his classmate, but something didn't fit well. Whenever we were in the same place, I noticed her staring at me, and I felt as if she wanted to say something but was in a kind of a dilemma.

Divya congratulated me for making it in the volleyball team, and Tanya also exchanged a few words, but Rashi didn't say anything - I wasn't expecting her to but.... I didn't know why I was feeling really weird and sad vibes from her whenever she looked at me.

I knew my mind would go in an overdrive and currently, I didn't have time for it. My hands were already full and if all of that wasn't enough, I had to deal with Ayush too on a daily basis. He was usually absent on most of the days, but as he was in the soccer team, he was coming to college regularly and annoying the shit out of me.

I wanted to strangle him when I learned that Ved never got the chocolates I had placed for him on his desk; he wasn't even able to give me much time as his best friend was adamant on making my brain explode with all his murderous glares and taunts.

"Stress is not good." Ved poked me in the middle of my forehead.

I swatted his hand away and turned my head to look at something else. In the morning, I was trying to get him alone to ask him for some advice, but he was busy showering his attention on Ayush only - as if he wasn't doing it since our childhood days.

"Look. I bought your favorite Milkybar and Melody chocolates," Ved said and showed me his bag.

"Give it to your boyfriend," I taunted.

Ved pursed his lips and glanced around him. I narrowed my eyes when he kept checking here and there as if Ayush would catch him cheating on him with me. Ved sighed and shifted closer to me.

"I have talked to Ayush, okay? He doesn't mind if I talk to you," Ved informed.

I raised my eyebrows in surprise. "Who are you kidding, boy?"

"Believe me, Sandy Pandy. I know I was the one who always told you to stay away, but I can't ignore Ayush also." Ved pouted.

"What is the actual problem, Princess? Come on, you can tell me - if you can't reveal everything, then at least give me a hint."

Ved twisted his lips and thought for a moment. I didn't disturb him, but the way his expressions were changing at lightning speed, I deemed it best to quell my curiousity. It was crystal clear that he was uncomfortable and forcing himself to answer me.

"Don't make such a face, idiot." I flicked his forehead. "I understand if it is something private between you two. I am used to getting ignored so it is nothing new if you want to do the same too."

"It is not like that, Sandhya..." Ved slumped down his shoulders. "I don't have the right to-"

"Chill. I get it." I gave him a small smile.

I was feeling really bad, but I didn't want to pressurise him unnecessarily. Ayush was his best friend, I wasn't; it was absolutely natural for him to think of him before anyone else - especially me. Sometimes, I felt Ved was stuck between me and Ayush like tug of war.

"Guys, are you planning on spending the whole day here? We have to leave," Nikhil said and motioned towards all the sports teams getting in their respective buses to leave for the tournament.

"Let's go." I nodded and told Ved to cheer up.

He gave me an awkward grin and went with Nikhil. I headed towards my transport and glanced at the soccer team's vehicle. Just like school days, Ayush was sitting on the window seat while his team mates talked with him.

He noticed me looking at him and snapped his head in my direction. We were in a staring duel which lasted for what seemed like an eternity before I was smacked on head by my Coach who told me to stop checking out guys - she was so friendly!

I followed her inside the bus and took my seat. Four hours later, we reached our destination, and the ride was awesome. Once we went inside the host college, we were shown our accomodations and given a small tour of the sports academy.

As the evening approached, we went for dinner and returned to our temporary dorms to rest as much as we could since tomorrow was the qualification round. Just like our team, other teams like basketball, soccer and tennis were also anticipating the upcoming days. I crossed my fingers and prayed for everyone to perform well - more for me as I needed it the most.

∆~×~∆

"Are you nervous?" Parth asked me while we were standing in the queue to get our breakfast.

"Of course I am," I replied and glanced at other colleges' team scattered in the cafeteria.

"Relax, Sandhya. You don't have to play against them; you just have to be there and observe. So, eat a lot and have the best time."

"Okay."

We took our breakfasts, and I was moving towards my teammates, but Natural Heater grabbed my arm and pulled me to sit beside him. I was actually happy, but I told him that I should sit with my team when I noticed Ayush looking at me like a robot.

"It is okay," Ved whispered and shot a glance at his friend.

Ayush moved his gaze from me to Ved and gave a short nod after a few seconds. I shouldn't have bothered, but I was surprised because Ayush didn't insult me at all. I decided to let the matter go and focused on what others were saying instead of worrying about what kind of murder plans were going inside my ex-best friend's mind.

After completing our morning meals, we prepared for the qualification match and just like Parth had said, I was worrying over nothing. My team had no problem reaching the quarter-finals and securing a spot in the top four.

As instructed by Usha Mam, I was observing everything diligently and taking down notes. Other than that, I had to supply water and other necessities to the players during the match. Honestly, it was fucking tiring, but I was enjoying every moment of it. Apart from one of the team players getting lightly injured, everything went well.

Once we reached our changing room, Usha Mam held a small meeting on our overall performance and appreciated our hard work. I was on cloud nine when she complimented me even though my contribution was really small.

"Okay, girls. Let us all get refreshed and relax. We got a big day ahead of ourselves," Coach concluded and exited the room after patting my shoulder.

One hour later, I was in the soccer ground, enjoying the match between my college's team and one of the other teams. I was cheering on top of my voice which attracted a lot of attention, but I didn't care. But I did care when I did the same when Ved's team was playing, receiving teasing looks from his team members and Coach.

I knew I had turned into a tomato, but I didn't budge from my spot. When the match was over, I waved at Natural Heater, who was having a hard time focusing on what the judges were saying and me doing Power Rangers moves to show my support.

(Power Rangers👆)

"You don't leave a chance to embarrass me, do you?" Ved pinched my cheek after he was done with his evaluation process.

I nodded, and he shook his head at me. "Did you enjoy?" he asked.

"Totally." I grinned.

I left after annoying the hell out of him because he needed to rest after that wonderful show of sportsmanship, and I also had to go through the performance details of my team.

I reached my room and used the time before dinner to go through my notes and practice some moves with my roommates. I hoped that next time I would get to play for real and maybe win a match and celebrate in full fervor with everyone.

Knock! Knock!

One of the girls opened the door and our Coach entered with our captain and vice-captain in tow. We stopped our game as soon as we saw the worried expressions on their faces. I asked Payal if something was serious, but she glanced at Coach instead.

"Sandhya, I am sorry, but you are no longer on the team as an extra," Coach announced.

I thought my heart stopped functioning. I blinked multiple times and asked her once again if she was joking. All three of them shook their heads and gave me a pitiful look.

Were they kicking me out of the team?

"Am I no longer a part of the team?" I asked in a low voice. "I promise I would work more hard."

"That's not the issue, kid. You are no longer qualified for your current position," Usha Mam said.

I opened my mouth to argue but realised that I would be wasting their time by doing so. It wasn't like I had done anything exceptional - I was just an extra. It saddened me to know that my journey was so short, and I was leaving so abruptly. But I was kind of used to things happening out of the blue and thought it better to be just thankful for what I had received so far.

"I won't doubt your decision. Thank you for having me." I smiled and moved to get my luggage bag.

I had moved only two steps when my vision got covered by something purple. I moved my head away and adjusted my focus. Suddenly, I heard giggling behind me, and Coach smacked me on the back.

"Wipe your tears first, kid. And... wear your team's jersey. From this moment onwards, you are on the team officially," Coach announced.

My vice-captain handed me my jersey with my name written on it in bold letters with number 5 on it. She handed me other stuff and snapped her fingers in front of me; I couldn't take my eyes off from the cloth in my hands.

"Is this some sort of prank?" I questioned.

"Of course not!" Payal replied and began chuckling like a serial killer.

"Now wear it and show us how it looks," Vice-captain said and ushered me in the bathroom.

I was in a daze but I managed to get myself dressed and show others how I looked. Coach gave me a huge smile and before I chewed her head for more information, she herself spillt the beans. She told me that I was selected in the wild card only, but on Mayank's request, they played along and decided to suprise me.

Mayank Sharma, you just wait when I return.

I clicked some selfies and others left after telling me to prepare myself for tomorrow. I was going to replace one of the players on the team if the situation demanded. I reminded myself to not get overly ambitious and just admire the gift I received.

My roommates congratulated and wished me all the best. We fell asleep while discussing various tactics and me day-dreaming about tomorrow's match.

We will smash it!