“Huh?” she asks, her face tilting in confusion. I chuckle at her confused expression, finding it utterly adorable.
“You know, that notebook you always have with you when you watch crime docs. The one where you jot down all your theories and ‘profile’ the criminals. You told me about it?”
“Oh!” Realization dawns over her face, lips turning into a ‘o’. “You are right. I do not have it.” She frowns. “We will be having a rom-com marathon instead, Mr. Captain,” she says, snuggling into me.
“Bollywood?” I grin and place a kiss on her shoulder.
Anya flips her hair. “Of course! Nothing beats Bollywood rom-coms. They are the best.”
I chuckle, pulling Anya closer to me. “Can’t argue withthat, Firecracker. Bollywood it is.”
We settle on the bed and wrap up in a cozy blanket. She searches for a movie, biting her lip in concentration as the light from the screen illuminates her face. How the fuck is she so beautiful? It’s a mystery to me.
“Found one!” she exclaims. “I am going to re-watchDear Zindagi.” She rests her head on my shoulder. “It’s not romance. I would say—” She knits her eyebrows.“---it’s more of a slice-of-life, drama-comedy kind of movie.” Her eyes widen. “But it has Shahrukh Khan! Can’t go wrong with him, right?”
“I know.” I smile. “This is the only movie I haven’t watched from your recommendations.”
Anya beams, her eyes sparkling. “Good. Let’s watch it together then!” I brush a strand of her hair away from her face. “We can watchZindagi Na Milegi Dobaraafter this.” I twist my face in confusion. “Again a Bollywood masterpiece. The title basically means YOLO.” She shrugs. “It has Hrithik Roshan. Dude is so handsome. One of my childhood crushes.” She sighs. I laugh at her animated expression.
“Okay.” I kiss her cheek. “Let’s begin!” I announce. She shakes her head, smiling as she starts the movie.
∞∞∞
40
ANYA
The energy in the gymnasium is electric. Ten thousand screaming students and parents. I wonder how he manages to stay focused amidst all this chaos. I would be having an anxiety attack if so many people were watching me. But I have finally started to understand the enthusiasm people have for a sport after I started watching his previous matches and learned a bit about basketball. I’m perched on the edge of my seat in the front row. I am halfway up to my seat as Daniel aims for a three-pointer, jumping up when he effortlessly nails it.
I sit back again, restless with excited energy. “For someone who doesn’t like sports—” Siya grins.“---you are enjoying yourself.”
She’s right, but now I have a reason not to dislike it. It means the world to him. This game—it’s a passion that fuels him, shapes him, and defines a big part of who he is. And I have seen how driven he is. He doesn’t just play for the wins; he plays for the love of the game, for the sheer joy it brings him.
And I want to be there for him, supporting him in every way I can. Watching him out there on the court,I feel a surge of pride. This isn’t just a game. It’s his arena, his stage, and I’m so lucky to be a part of it. I love hearing him talk about wanting to go pro, the way his eyes light up with excitement. I want to be there every step of the way, cheering him on through the victories and the setbacks.
“I think I love it now.” I grin widely.
“Oh my God.” Soph groans playfully. “Stop smiling like that. You are so in love,” she whines.
“It’s disgustingly cute,” Siya mutters.
I can’t help but beam at them. “I do love him.” I admit it out loud for the first time.
Columbia University is trailing by ten points with two minutes left on the clock. Daniel signals Ethan to move into position on the offensive play. Louis passes the ball to Ethan, but an opposing player intercepts his movement, forcing him to lose control. The team loses possession. Oh no. That’s not a good sign.
He passes the ball to the captain of the opposing team, but Daniel jumps high and taps the ball. The ball lands with Theo this time, our center. The crowd grows even wilder and I can’t help but grin foolishly.That’s my boyfriend, I want to shout, but I restrain myself.
Theo passes the ball to Louis. He looks for an open man. Daniel runs towards the hoop. The roar of the crowd swells,drowning out everything else as Daniel’s feet leave the ground.
I hold the Ganesha pendant on my necklace.
Please help him.
“He will be fine.” Siya squeezes my hand.
“I know.” I smile reassuringly. I believe in him completely, but sometimes we all need prayers, right?
He slams the ball through the hoop with a force that sends vibrations through the floor. “YES!” I scream, jumping out of my seat, my heart racing. Daniel lands gracefully, his expression a mixture of fierce determination and joy, and I can’t help but cheer his name. Soph leans in, grinning. “Okay, I officially take back everything I said! You’re like a superfan now!”
