The college basketeers

G-one stretching at the side of the court. Akash stumbles towards him huffing and sits on the ground and looks at the others passing the ball to each other, dribbling across the court.

Akash: They really said that to Ana?

G-one: (still stretching) You don't believe it?

Akash: Those guys open their mouths just to shit. I am starting to believe that their butt holes are just for show.

G-one: It must serve some very important purpose then.

Akash: Yo, I guess they use it to carry bamboos within. When did they say they were coming?

G-one: Around this time, (stops stretching).

Player 2: (passes to Piyush) Hey, come on, let's have a warm up before the big match.

Piyush: Where did it Ana go?

Player 2: Wasn't she running with us?

Player 3: I didn't see her.

Player 4: She hasn't come yet. Where were you two?

Manas: Ok, she will be here. She must be stuck in some unexpected trouble. Let's raise our adrenaline before the match begins.

Player 2: That's what I was saying.

Ana was stopped by one of her class teacher when she was leaving for the grounds. He found out that she wasn't taking her one of the classes.

Teacher: What is this Ana? Atleast not you.

Ana: Sir, I have a reason for this.

Teacher: What is that great reason for you to skip your classes daily? I heard from the Economics Mam that she isn't seeing you in her class for the past few days. She said that when she asked one of your friends about it she said that you were going for basketball practice. Can't you do it in your assigned time? Do you need to skip your class? I don't want you to drop down in your academics too. Do you understand? The past three years have really damaged our teacher and student body respectively. There is no respect for teachers among the students nowadays and most of them just come to loaf about. We got only few sincere and studious students and many of the teachers count you among them. Where were you going right now?

Ana: To the grounds.

Teacher: I am not saying don't play. Every year has been assigned their respective periods for the sports activities, isn't it?

Ana: Yes sir. They have been.

Teacher: You remember why your father sent you here away from him, don't you? Stand on his wishes, please. Don't go astray from your path, son. You are a promising student.

Ana: I understand sir. Sorry for making you worry.

Teacher: You are like my daughter, ofcourse I will worry. Go, take your class now.

Ana: Sir, just for today. Can I go to the grounds? From tomorrow I will go during my assigned period and take all my classes. I promise.

Teacher: Ok, girl, just for today. You will be re-establishing your time table from tomorrow. Go, then.

Ana: Thankyou sir (turns and runs but gets intercepted by her juniors from the club).

Girl: What happened big sis? Why was the teacher acting all serious with you today?

There was noise around the campus about the basketball match. Students were whispering about the stakes and the people involved. Karan, smoking in an empty class with his boys, got a sniff of the noise. A boy relays the news to him.

Karan: You serious! Let's go see the queen, motherfucker (steps out of the class).

Simar: (was staring at the basketball court from her grounds)

Lavangi: (kicks the ball towards Lily)

Lily: Moon, it's yours. Pass it to Mia.

Moon: Got it.

Lavangi: (goes to Simar) Hey, what are you gawking at?

Simar: You heard of the rumour right?

Lavangi: About the challenge match. I am not sure if it is true or not. The boys didn't say anything, did they?

Simar: Everything seems normal over there.

Lavangi: I don't see Ana. Looks like she is not gonna come today.

Lily: What are you two talking about standing there, huh? Are you worried about the match?

Simar: Match, you heard of it too.

Lily: Ofcourse, Akash told me about it.

Lavangi: Akash told you.

Lily: Ya, he said Piyush and G-one setup a friendly match with the technical department. Apparently he wasn't present yesterday when everything took place but I think he mentioned something about Ana being insulted because of which the boys decided to fight.

Lavangi: So much, and they didn't say a single word to us.

Simar: What did they say to her?

Lily: They laughed at her for playing with the boys. They mocked her for trying to be a boy, she isn't suppose to be on the ground.

Lavangi: What did they say? They said girls aren't cut out for sports. This means we are just killing flies here.

Simar: This is a slap on everyone of us.

Lavangi: Those jerks! If those three didn't win this for us, I will break their necks.

Lily: Yeah, whoever lost in the match, has to abandon the game entirely.

Simar: That's a lie. It can't be. They won't be that stupid.

Lily: (raises her hands gesturing who knows).

At the basketball court.

Manas: So here are the first five names to go in. G-one, Piyush, Shivam (player 1), Ashutosh (player 2) and Me. Ayush (player 3), Harsh (player 4) and Akash will stay at the side and will rotate with time. Any objection?

Shivam: Fine by me.

Harsh: Well, I got no problem.

Akash: I am still a beginner, it is better if I don't take part at all.

Manas: We are a team, got it. So nobody is getting out of it. If you are afraid then you can pull out.

Akash: No way, afraid of this! This is our game.

G-one: (shows thumbs up to Akash, winking).

Akash: (smiles, thumbs up).

Shivam: G-one and I will take the attack.

Manas: Good, I and Ashutosh will cover the mid.

Ashutosh: Sounds perfect.

Piyush: Defence is all mine.

Vinay arrives with his team, walking in like a king.

Vinay: Yo, guys. Are you all ready, to bite your nails?

Manas: Let's just get this over with quick. Bring out your five.

Five unfamiliar faces step forward.

Vinay: My team, the big five.

Ashutosh: Hey, Shivam, have you seen them before?

Shivam: I don't recognise anyone, maybe new students.

Akash, Harsh and Ayush stood on the other side of the court.

Harsh: They are tall.

Ayush: Technical department really has those player looking students.

Akash: It's a big world, bro.

Manas: Remember the stakes, don't you?

Vinay: (looks at Piyush and G-one) I do, do they?

Piyush: (shouts from behind) Man's word, it is a man's word.

Manas: Well, you are all familiar with the rules, so let's go.

Vinay: Wait, I see some of your players standing on the side. They are gonna play too, aren't they?

Manas: Ya, we planned on rotating, that's how it is supposed to be done, isn't it?

Vinay: Well, you see, I have only five players on my side. So,

Manas: What are you talking about? You got nine guys standing there with you.

Vinay: We four are just here to watch, they are the ones who will be playing.

Manas: It's your choice.

Vinay: So I was thinking of removing that rule.

Manas: What?

Vinay: The one that permanently sends a player to bench.

Manas: That! (looks at G-one and Piyush)

G-one: (shakes his head in yes).

Manas: You got it. Anything else?

Vinay: That will be enough.

Manas: Let's begin (goes back to the court).

Vinay and his team smile at each other after hearing the dismissal of the ejection rule.

The players gather on the court. Manas and one of the player from the other team stand face to face for the jump ball. Akash tosses the ball and runs out of the court. The rival player taps the ball towards his team. Manas, failing to tap the ball, quickly takes his place on the court with others.

Ashutosh: Nice try, Manas (pats on his shoulder).

As the opposite team closes in to basket, Piyush steps in to cover the dribbler. But the quick passing between the rivals fakes Piyush and they score a basket despite Ashutosh trying to snatch the ball. Vinay and his boys jump in excitement to see them score the first basket.

G-one: It's ok, focus everyone.

Piyush inbounds the ball, passing to Ashutosh, Ashutosh pushes forwards, as the other player approach him, he passes the ball to Manas, but unfortunately the other player sweeps the ball away. Piyush tries to break the advance, but the passing coordination between them fakes him again and they score. Again, Manas possesses the ball and runs forward. Seeing G-one being shielded, he passes the ball towards Shivam, who scores the first basket. This time Akash and others jump in joy. The possession goes to the opposite team. With the first basket of G-one's team, the big five begin to pull out their skills. Fakes and crossovers, leaves G-one's team baffled. They sped toward the basket and Piyush fails again. As the game continues, Ashutosh and Manas try to fool them with crossovers and feints as well, but they break their tricks and quickly raise their scores up. With every attempts failing, the morale of G-one's team goes down with their score. Piyush jerks his hand in annoyance. Seeing his team falling behind, Ashutosh tries to carry the entire burden on himself and forces in when one of the rival cunningly trips him. Ashutosh falls on his face. Everyone rushes to pick him up.

Player who tripped him: Woah! You ok dude (steps back).

G-one: (helps him stand) Oh shit!

Ashutosh: I am fine. I am fine. Let's continue.

Manas: You sure man, let's rotate.

Ashutosh: No, it's ok.

Shivam: What's ok, Harsh, change with him.

Harsh: Coming in.

Vinay and the big five stand at the side laughing at them.

Vinay: Hurry up, the first quarter is about to clock out.

Akash: Those bastards, they deliberately did that.

G-one: We got no cameras to prove it here. So, let's leave it be. What's the score?

Ayush: It's 2 to 18.

Shivam: Shit! We are way behind.

G-one: In our attempts to display skills, we are loosing. They have mastered their skills while we are still training.

Manas: What do you mean?

G-one: We don't need to use flashy moves like them. Our normal moves are enough and they go with the rules as well. So, don't be ashamed to apply them.

Shivam: He is right. Those moves are lines on our palms.

G-one: Let loose then.

The match begins again. The big five step into the court with proud and mocking smiles on their faces. Piyush starts the game with the first pass to Manas. With simple moves, he dribbles forward, thinking he could easily intercept him, a rival approach him smiling. Every player of the big five laugh at the normal dribbling. The player swings his hand to snatch the ball away, but Manas swings the ball around and passes the ball to G-one who dashes behind the snatcher and grabs the ball and scores the basket from where he stood. Everyone stood there with their jaw hanging to what just happened. The ball gets inbound, they begin their quick advance towards the basket. G-one and his team follow them. As the dribbler passes the ball, the catcher uses a crossover and G-one slides the ball from his hand and passes to Manas. The catcher was left confused. Before he could make out where the ball was, the ball went from Manas to Harsh then to Shivam followed by a lay up as no one was there to block him.

Lackey 1: Holy shit!

Lackey 2: What the fuck are you all doing man? Come on.

Vinay: Hey, take it easy, it's just the start of the game.

Lackey 3: (whispers) Hey, Vinay, aren't they supposed to be equivalent to national players? Sucks letting a part time team smacking their butts.

The big five get serious. With the next inbound, they speed up their crossovers and quickly enter the attack area. G-one's team follow them behind. One of the players jumps for a layup, but Piyush takes the height and swats the ball away from his hands but unfortunately it goes to another rival player and he scores with a jump shot. G-one shows Piyush thumbs up for a good one.

Lackey 2: Yah! That's how you do it.

Lackey 3: Show em, who is the boss?

G-one and his team look at the cheerleaders and smile.

Ayush: Look at those idiots, they think they have won, cheering like that.

Akash: Haha, only if they knew, that our team formation has already got them surrounded.

Ashutosh: How so? Piyush is an attacker, isn't he? And he is standing back all the time.

Akash: Then you have never truly known them bro. That's how they play man, he runs attack only in practice match, but actually he is the one who holds G-one's or should I say, the entire team's back.

Ayush: Wait, I forgot, Piyush is a, oh my god. Then you meant when you said surrounded is.

Akash: (smiles and points at G-one then at Piyush then swings around his finger up in the air and then pulls it in his fist).

G-one walks up to Manas and whispers in his ear and then hops away. Piyush passes to Manas and Manas goes forward. He passes to Harsh and gives him a sign with his eyes. Piyush, as usual, slowly enters attack court with them, a player tries to snatch the ball from Harsh, but he dribbles the ball behind through his legs and passes to Piyush, who throws a rocket in for a swish three point. Now the big five began to revise thier strategy with every basket G-one's team performed. The boost in the score, boosted G-one's team's confidence which slowly improved their skills and matched them up with their rivals.

In the corridor...

Girl: What are you saying? Are we shutting down the club?

Ana: No, I am planning to mix them up.

Girl: But, what about the boys? They have been training with us too.

Ana: They can keep training by themselves. We will play basketball to strengthen our muscles.

Girl: Are you sure it will help us?

Ana: Just step on the court and you will find out. I gotta go right now, so meet you tomorrow. Tell the others to get their gears by tomorrow.

Girl: Ok, as you say. Take care big sis.

Ana leaves her behind only to be intercepted by Karan and his flunkies.

Karan: Woah! Woah! Woah! Easy babe, where are you running off to?

Flunkey 1: Must be going to the basketball court. Her friends need cheering or they might be licking the floor clean after the match.

Laughter...

Ana: Let's not do this.

Karan: So let's do what benefits us both, don't you think? How about you let me have a taste of (sniffs Ana), you know what.

Ana: There is only one place you can handle me, that's in your dream.

Karan: You all listening to her.

The flunkies laugh behind Karan.

Karan: You think you are tough. Remember, that boy toy of yours is just a junior. Every junior in this college licks my boot, do you understand? He will shake you off soon enough, after that, you can come to me, I will take care of you, from bottom to top. Hahaha.

Ana: (tackles him and walks away).

Karan: We will be waiting, untouchable queen, to touch you everywhere.

They laugh as Ana walks away in anger. The furious game on the court, soon attracted the attention of the students everywhere. The students peeped out of their windows during their running classes. The other sports boys begin to cheer them from the sidelines. G-one's team climbed the ladder of score with one basket after another. The big five wiped the sweat of their foreheads.

Ayush: What's the score?

Akash: (counting on his fingers)

Ayush: Score, damn it?

Akash:Let me count termite.

Ashutosh: Holy crap, the game is going so fast, I can't keep count as well.

Akash: Wait, it's 36 to 28.

Ayush: Who is 36 again?

Akash: Ofcourse, we are, shit licker. We are.

Ashutosh: Good god!

Ayush: Move it, I will count too now, bastard.

Akash: Why am I bastard now?

Ayush: I said you are then you are. I just can't handle the excitement anymore. Oh yeah! Motherfuc..(gets slapped).

Akash: Not mother one.

Ayush: Sorry, (yells) Yeah, hit it, hit.

Lackey 2: Vinay, we will loose if this goes on.

Vinay: I can see that.

Ana walks around the court and goes to Akash and the others.

Ashutosh: Ana! Where were you?

Ana: I got held up by a teacher.

Akash: You are seeing this. Our team is killing it.

Ana: Our team!

Another basket by G-one. Ana sees G-one dunking in the ball into the basket with a big smile on his face. Akash and others jump hooting. Akash gestures Ana to hold her palm out. Ana stretches her palm out unsuspecting. Akash gives her a low five and begins jumping again. Ana was confused on how to react to it. G-one looks at her smiling and winks. Ana was lost. Lavangi and other stop their practice by the ruckus happening around the basketball court.

Lavangi: Look at that.

Simar: Seems intense, just like the day they first stepped on the court.

Moon: Looks like they are high on their adrenaline again. We should continue too.

The second quarter comes down. The big five retreat to Vinay. G-one and his team come to Akash and others.

Ayush: Holy shit guys, that was amazing. Your crossovers were insane. You gave them a good response, oh yeah.

G-one: Oh yeah baby, I told you we are no loosers.

Shivam: Hell yeah we are not.

Ashutosh: Piyush, you nailed every shot. What magic did you sprayed upon yourself?

Piyush: (blushes) It's nothing, just pratice.

Akash: (clings on Piyush) My brother is fire, fire. He is a damn freakin sun, baby.

Ana was watching from afar. G-one goes to her.

G-one: Is something wrong Ana?

Ana: Why do you think that?

G-one: It's just, you seem worried about something.

Ana: Nothing, I was just worried about the game.

G-one: Don't worry, we got you. We are fighting for truth, ofcourse we will win.

Ana: Truth? What truth?

G-one: (smiles) You.

Piyush: G-one (waves)!

G-one: Gotta finish that. Keep watching (goes back to the court).

Ayush: Smoke their asses. Go get em my boys.

Akash: Bamboo, bamboo, shove it in.

Ashutosh: What are you doing? Ana is listening, shitface.

Akash: Oh! (waves at Ana).

Ana: (smiles and looks forward).

Vinay pats on their back and sends them for the court.

With Piyush passing in, the game continues again. Rajneesh and Uddesh, were sitting focused on their ongoing class. Someone whispers in Uddesh's ear.

Uddesh: Really?

Rajneesh: (looking at the board) What's wrong?

Uddesh: Vinay is having a basketball match with science boys.

Rajneesh: Is that so? Vinay played basketball, I didn't know.

Uddesh: He don't. He is doing this on spite.

Rajneesh: Who pissed him off this time? That guy is such a pain. He just needs a reason to cause trouble, son of a pig.

Uddesh: I heard they were some science boys, first years I think.

Rajneesh: He always had beef with the science section. Nothing new in this. Leave it be.

Uddesh: You are right. We must not loose our study because of them.

Rajneesh: This is more important. This is what we came here to do in the first place.

On the basketball court, the ball was swinging from one half court to another. G-one's team was defending their basket brilliantly, however they weren't able to score themselves as well. Frustrated by their failure to advance since G-one's team were already in lead, the big five decided to apply deception. In the stretch to score, G-one scores a basket with a jump shot, since the rivals wouldn't allow him to advance further in. With the inbound, the rivals sped towards the basket. On his attempt to intercept him, Manas tried to pursue him, but he was intentionally tripped, however he balanced himself, but the rival appealed for a personal foul. Manas gestures to his team that it wasn't his fault, G-one replies that he knows. The game continues. The player dribbles forward, they reach the basket, as he attempts for the basket, Piyush jumps with him to stop him, but the player twists himself making Piyush contact his hand which result in another personal foul, giving the opposite team a free throw as the basket was scored. The big five began to rise. They, on purpose threw ball with high velocity at G-one's team players to injure them. Showing them they were passing their teammates and dodging it at the right moment, they targeted the person behind. But, G-one's team weren't some kids jumping on the court, the caught the ball most of the times. With their rough gameplay, the big five subtracted the difference between the scores. Akash and others began to get anxious. With their pretend fouls and intended harming attempts, they lightly injured some players of G-one's team. But since their was nothing to proof they are cheating, they couldn't say anything and continued. Shivam runs forward with ball but gets tripped by a player.

Player: I am sorry, my mistake.

G-one: (rushes to pick him up) Shivam!

Shivam: I am fine, I am fine. Get the ball, quick.

G-one inbounds the ball.

Ayush: Those bastards, they are intentionally hitting our players.

Ashutosh: That's what weaklings do when they can't win.

Akash: It doesn't matter, tackling these tricks is just like ripping paper for us.

Ayush: Damn right, assholes.

Karan and his lackeys enjoy the match standing at the third floor stair balcony. The other students who were watching, were disappointed on how the match was turning out. They stop their works and begin focusing at the court. Lavangi and others stay their games to analyse the situation.

Lily: Oh my, they are not loosing, are they?

Simar: The shouting sounds very depressing over there.

Lavangi: I don't like this.

Coach: Why did you girls stop?

Lavangi: Sorry Mam, we are taking a breather, if you don't mind.

Coach: Fine, get back to practice, soon.

Lavangi: Yes mam.

Piyush passes towards Harsh, but a player extends his hand in between pretending to catch it. Seeing that Harsh rushes, the player pushes the ball on Harsh's face, hitting him badly. Harsh falls on his knees holding his nose trying to stay concious. Piyush grabs the player's collar in anger. The rival team members jump towards Piyush. G-one and other try to stop Piyush and others.

Piyush: (grabbing the collar) This is how you play, crazy scumbag. You call yourself veterans.

Player: Get your hands off of me, that was clearly an accident.

Piyush: I saw what it was.

Shivam and G-one pull Piyush back. Manas helps Harsh. The player goes to his team, shaking his shirt gazing fiercely at Piyush and Piyus returns the favour.

Shivam: Take it easy dude.

Piyush: You saw what he did. He knowingly pushed the ball on his face damn it.

G-one: Don't worry, we will give that punch back. So, be cool, panda. Ayush, switch with Harsh.

Ayush: Ok.

Akash: (supports Harsh out) Don't worry, it doesn't look like you broke your nose bro.

Harsh: Miracle, it didn't break.

Ana: (anxiously watched them come out)

The game resumes again. After few baskets, Shivam runs for a layup as he found an opening. But the rivals were quick on their feet, they reached him in no time. Shivam, airborne, about to perform a layup, passes the ball to G-one standing in clear, and he scores a jump shot. The two rivals who came to stop Shivam, one of them jumped with him to swat the ball away but before that Shivam passed. Another one came in like a raging Bull and took Shivam out spearing him in the mid section falling on the concrete hurting himself and Shivam at the same time. The crowd watching made a painful sigh. The teams dashed to help their respective players. The rival player staggers showing signs he twisted his ankle. Shivam got hurt on his back.

Shivam: (stretches) Damn it, fuck. My back. He is a fucking bull, bloody bastard.

Manas: You didn't break it, did you?

Shivam: I think I sprained it. Ouch, ouch.

Piyush: Those douchebags!

G-one: No choice, gotta bring Akash.

Shivam: Sorry guys.

G-one: Don't worry, you did great.

Ashutosh: What's the score Akash? Just to be sure.

Akash: It's 40 to 42.

Ashutosh: We are still in lead, right?

Akash: Just by one basket.

Ana pulls on her skirt in agony.

Lavangi: What kind of game are they playing? Wrestling?

Simar: I hope he didn't get hurt bad.

Mia: Hey, how long will you all stay like this?

Lavangi: Just a minute.

Moon: Come on, is that game that interesting?

Lily: It is getting atleast.

Moon: Really?

Nikita: (yells) Hey yo!

Mia: (waves her hand to her saying just a moment).

Manas: Akash, it's time for you to roll. Slide in.

Akash: Me, you sure?

Ashutosh: Go, scoundrel. Don't waste time and brain.

Akash: (walks in) Fine, let's see if I don't mess it up. I just need to control my power (deep exhale).

G-one: (pats Shivam) Go and get comfortable partner.

Shivam: Win it for us, G-one, don't ruin my mood later (walks out).

G-one: I will, the game is in the bag.

Shivam: (passes by Ana) Sorry about this Ana, I tried but those bastards are cheating.

Ana: Forget about that, you are alright?

Shivam: (smiles) Just a minor sprain, it will heal soon enough (walks to Ashutosh).

The rival who twisted his leg, staggers out to Ana's side. Vinay sends one of his lackeys after discussing something with big five.

Manas: What's this? I thought you said you had only five players.

Vinay: Well, he can't run anymore for the time being , so we had no other choice.

Manas: (looks at his team) Ok, fine.

Akash: (whispers to Piyush) Why the hell did that broken bone move to our side?

Piyush: The other side must stink with so many pigs there.

Both giggle.

The big five make the Lackey stand at defense. The game continues. G-one dashes with the ball towards the basket. He passes to Akash, Akash dribbles forward. A rival slips ahead Akash, another one shadowed G-one. Manas overtakes Akash reaching the basket. Ayush switches with G-one, G-one steps back but the rival player keeps him covered. Piyush steps in as well. While passing to Piyush, Akash mistakes the rival player to be Piyush and passes him. As soon as he realises, he rushes to intercept him, but the player stretches his leg and Akash trips over it. The player passes the ball to the player shadowing G-one but he fumbles and the ball comes under G-one's feet making him fall on his face. The rival laughingly picks the ball and continues towards the basket merrily with his team and scored. With that the third quarter is finished. The big five gather at the corner laughing about what just happened. Piyush had his head hung down.

Simar: God! They both fell down.

Lily: That must have hurt, definitely.

Lavangi: Ofcourse, it would. It is concrete over there.

Manas: You two alright?

Ayush: G-one, dude, you good?

G-one and Akash slowly stand up. There was a little crack where G-one's face hit on the concrete. He touches the court and then touches his forehead as a gesture of respect towards the court. Manas and Ayush step forward to assist them but get pushed back by the endanger reactions on faces of the three standing before them. Ana stepped forward but pulls her step back after sensing the intense looks on their faces. G-one walks towards Akash and Piyush with his fist up so do Piyush and Akash with the endanger reaction on their faces. The three of them strike a TOT. Others were confused by what they were doing.

Mia: There it is. Now the game is over.

Lily: How can you say that?

Lavangi: (smiles) Hah! Said it right, Mia.

Simar: (smiles) Now I wish someone would stop those three. Well, it is not like anyone could anyway.

Lily: What is this that I am not aware of?

Moon: You don't know that. The tag of trust.

Lily: The tag of trust?

Moon: Yes, the thing they did with their fists, like this (imitates).

Lavangi: So you know.

Moon: Are you touched in the head, I got my brother in that menacing trio.

Lavangi: Oh yeah! I forgot. Hahaha.

The big five step back into the court. G-one's team never left. G-one tosses his glasses towards Shivam. This time the ball was in the possession of the rivals. The game began. Manas and Ayush were left behind. G-one and Akash took the vanguard. The rivals dribbled forward with big smiles on their faces. Akash and G-one vanish and the ball slips through the rivals hands. Before he could turn to see where the ball was, G-one was hanging by the basket so was everyone's mouth.

Ashutosh:(jumps stand) Was that, a dunk?

Shivam: Are you asking or telling? Ofcourse it was Sonny.

Ashutosh: He was fast, like, damn fast.

Harsh: Woohoo! Yeah!

The noise soared through the crowd. The smiles on big five's faces faded.

Player 1: What were you doing? Didn't you see him pass through your defence line?

Player 2: I tried to stop him but he ducked and swung around crazy. Before I could understand anything he was in air.

Player 1: It's ok. Hold your ground. We are not very far.

The inbound, a rival player runs with the ball. Manas and Ayush slowly moved back. Piyush stood at the centre waiting for them to come in. The rival saw Piyush standing before him. He passes to his teammate behind him without looking back. He turned when the crowd whooped only to find G-one being chased by his teammates. G-one passes to Akash and again a dunk. Manas and Ayush go to centre leaving Piyush at defense again. The rival players again rushed in. This time tried to fool Piyush with cross passing tactic. Piyush stood there observing them. He slowly steps out of paint, the rival goes for a jump shot, Piyush jumps, Akash activates his power and the ball falls in Piyush's hands. He passes to Manas, the rival team retreats to their court leaving Piyush behind. They surround the key. Manas pass to G-one, G-one throws the ball at centre, where Piyush catches it again. Everyone was surprised to see him trying a three pointer. G-one jumps and dunks the ball in while flying. G-one's team score climbed like crazy as they let Piyush be the shooter most of the times. Vinay started sweating with every basket they made. On their attempts to trip charging G-one and Akash, the big fives gave their all, but G-one and Akash's super reflexes countered them brilliantly. They tried to ram into them, but G-one and Akash stood on their spot dribbling like a mountain right before the collision. Everyone knows what happens when you ram into a mountain. Before long, the big five started staggering along the court injured. Manas and Ayush hopped over the court with the three maniacs having huge smiles stretched on their faces.

Shivam: Oh yeah! Give em hell my boys, yeah.

Ashutosh: (counting on his fingers) 40 to 81, they just crossed the double of the other team's score.

Harsh: Motherfu... Oh sorry, not mother one. Fuck em, bitches.

Vinay: (disappointed) Tch!

Lackey 1: What a disgrace! And they were so confident when they said they would wipe the floor with them.

Lackey 2: Even after applying that brilliant strategy we came up with. I don't feel like looking at the game anymore.

Lackey 1: Big five, my dick, those sucker deserve low five to their junks. Die suckers.

Vinay: (looks at them angrily)

Lackey 1: (scared) I..I..I am sorry.

Vinay: They are getting their asses kicked over there for us. So try to be more appreciative.

Lackey 2: Sorry, we were out of line.

The one player out of the big five, who went to sides, stood up biting his nails.

Player: Damn, nobody told us they were veteran players. That guy, he said that they were just some novice players who had just started. What in the hell is this then? They are moving like they have played this game for years. We are fucked. (Suddenly sees Ana standing at the edge of the court) Oh my god! She is gorgeous. Is she here to observe the match? Well, if nothing, atleast I should catch this fish (moves towards Ana).

Manas: Hey guys, we are already in lead with 84 points, and the time is almost out. So let's stay cool, it doesn't matter if they scored few points, our win is assured.

G-one: Captain, with due respect, I, we will play our strong till the end. You say a few, I say none, cause that what they would have done.

Akash: Ya bro, wonderfully said. The cool down will only be practiced after the game is over.

Piyush: In the name of Lord Mahakaal!

Ayush: Yeah!

Manas: Fine then!

Player: (stands Before Ana covering her view) Hey beautiful, I see you are standing alone here. Are you enjoying the match?

Ana: (avoids, says nothing).

Player: Oh come on, I was in the game just a moment ago which you are being entertained by. So, give me some attention too. Well, I just wanted to say that you are ravishing. Would you like to go have a drink with me? I promise you will have a good time. So how about it?

G-one notices and stands at his place staring at them. Akash passes the ball to G-one but a rival takes it away as G-one stood there staring at Ana.

Akash: Hey yo man, what's the deal? (runs after the rival player).

Lackey 2: Vinay, what's that moron doing talking to Ana? Tell me he knows her.

Vinay: (sees the boy standing before Ana) How would I know, dick?

Lackey 1: I would say call him back or this might get ugly. You know who she is, right?

Lackey 2: If I remember right, this mess began because of her too.

Vinay: Let's go before it gets out of hand.

Vinay and his lackeys start walking toward Ana going around the court. Ana ignores all the blabbering and tries to move aside to see the ongoing game but the player intercepts her everytime and forcefully catches her right wrist.

Player: Do you think I am stupid moving mouth like a retard. Atleast say something, yes or no.

Piyush pats on Akash's shoulder, whispers something in his ears and points towards G-one then towards Ana.

Ana: (a variety of moves went through her head to smash the person standing before her down, but they vanished as soon as she saw the glaring blue eyes over the shoulder of the player, shining in rage, a similar scene flickered before her eyes where G-one was standing the same as he was right now, her eyes grow bigger, thinks) Those eyes!

Lavangi: Why did G-one stand over there like that?

Lily: (saw the glow in his eyes from afar because of her magic, nervous) Oh no, something bad is about to happen?

Moon: My my, something is riling him up pretty bad.

Mia: What? But he was already angry from the start, wasn't he?

Player: You bitch! (twisting her wrist) You... (gets punched down by Akash).

Akash: Termite, how dare you grab my friends wrist, broken bone?

Ana: (surprised)

Player: (retaliates) Bastard!

The remaining big five left the court to help their fellow player. Vinay ran to stop them. Piyush and others jumped into the fight as well. G-one stood their taking deep breathes to calm himself down.

Because of their numbers, Piyush and others overwhelmed them. The big fives were thrown out.

Player: This won't end here. Remember it.

Akash: Yeah yeah, get lost before we break anymore of your bone.

The big five walk away.

Shivam: Sons of bitches! They deserved it.

Vinay: (touches his forehead)

Lackey 2: This went overboard. Now what?

Piyush: Hey, senior. Well, the match didn't finish, but everyone here knows who the victor is. So, it is better you agree on that too and follow your man's word.

Vinay: I will stand on my words. But, you all made a big mistake today. Don't forget.

Manas: We are done here. You can leave the court.

Vinay and his lackeys walk away.

G-one was standing there with his eyes closed. Ana was staring at him. G-one blows out some air and walks to Ana and gently grabs her wrist to see if she is hurt.

G-one: He didn't grab very tightly, did he?

Manas and others bounced at the scene.

Ana: (blushes) I..I am stronger than you think (frees her hand and hurries away).

Manas and others were shocked.

G-one: (sighs).

Harsh: She was red. You all saw that, right?

Shivam: Holy shit, she was so cute right then and there.

Ayush: My god! Does she and G-one..

G-one: (notices them gawking) What happened my bros?

Ashutosh: Hey G-one, is there something between you and Ana?

G-one: Me and Ana, I don't think so.

Harsh: Well, it totally looked like it. Isn't that right Piyush?

Piyush: Why are you discussing some useless topic? Did you all forget what we just did?

Shivam: Oh fucking shit! Hell yeah! We just won and moped the floor with veteran players.

They jumped in celebration linking arms. Karan and his flunkies were still watching from the balcony.

Karan: Well, our basketball team is formidable.

Flunkey 1: How so?

Karan: The other team, they were state champions, their next game was nationals, you can say they were almost national players.

Flunkey 2: Everything is good and all. But that guy, looks like a wimp, he just stood there, while his team jumped into the battle.

Karan: Well, he is a good player anyway. But basketball playing won't help him in real fight, would it now?

Flunkey 1: His underwear will slip out, I guarantee.

Laughs..

Karan: Let's show him, how we adults play our games.