But tonight he wants to believe

Raman saw Rishi parking his bike beside the old banyan tree. Raman looked back at his watch and understood Rishi is 45 minutes late.

Raman worked as a part-timer in the newly opened café. But as Rishi is late, he can't go there today and his one-day salary will be cut.

Rishi signed him to sit on the corner table of this old rustic tea shop. Raman sits there quietly, and after lighting up his cigar, Rishi joins him.

"Why are you so late? I can't go to work." Raman whines.

"Calm down bro, you are not going to be rich by that job overnight. Your manager already likes you, tomorrow just kiss her and settle it down" Rishi suggests.

"Anyway, why are you late?" Raman asked again.

"I was using my eyes to the fullest" Rishi winked.

"what do you mean by it?" Raman didn't understand.

"Do you know about the study aid coaching centre? Their class is over and the road is filled with beautiful girls. I was admiring them. But you know no one gives me a damn!" Rishi pouts.

Raman laughs. He recounted how messed up is Rishi's love life. Once upon a time, Rishi was genuinely serious about a girl. So he went straight to her house. That girl's mom opened the door. So he knelt on the ground in front of her mother with a necklace and said in a very innocent way " Auntie, this is for your daughter. She always goes out with an empty neck. It doesn't look good, after all, l belong to a prestigious family.

The girl's mother was shocked. "What's the relation between my daughter's empty neck with your family?"

"There is a relation. She is the would-be daughter-in-law of my family." Rishi answered excitedly. Well, he must save a country in his previous life that her neighbourhood left him alive.

Raman clears his throat.

"You discussed with your father ?" he asked firmly.

Rishi took a deep breath. "Dad said they hired another one. Please don't be disheartened. You know nepotism is everywhere!" He tried to console Raman.

Raman shook his head and hummed in response. Rishi can't bear the pain in Raman's eyes. Only he knows how much Raman means to him.

"Let's go to my uncle's place" Rishi hurried.

"Why?" Raman looked at him with his tired eyes.

"His dark circles are getting darker.." Rishi mumbled. "Because he wants to see you". Rishi answered. With that, he holds Raman's wrist and pulled him to his bike.

"Hop on". He started his bike. Raman let out a sigh.

Soon they reached Rishi's uncle's house.

"Hello, uncle!" Rishi greeted!

"Wow so came. I must say you are very serious about this" His uncle was kinda stunned.

"Yes, he is the boy I was talking about, Raman." Rishi introduced excitedly. Raman bowed in response.

"Well, okay but first please be seated. Come" Mr Banerjee, Rishi's uncle welcomed Raman with a smile.

Raman is tall, young, and handsome with an athletic body. But his gaze is calm and vacant. It's strange to him. Due to his profession, Mr Banerjee always encountered very excited people. All the players are usually filled with confidence and inspiration. He never met someone like Raman. He observed him from top to bottom. Rishi always mentioned him. His features are an indication that he belongs to a good family.

"If you coached the boys well and if they win this match this job will be yours, and with time I will try to recommend your name to the academy." Mr Banerjee makes it clear without asking anything.

"Pardon?" Raman looked at him with curious eyes.

"I didn't tell him anything" Rishi intervened.

"Raman, my uncle is a managing director of the academy and already you know that our family contributes a lot to the Shillong High School." He added. In response, Raman only nods. He still didn't figure out what was happening, why Mr Banerjee helping him.

"My uncle knows you since you won the cup 5 years ago, After we passed out, it was very hard to win the cup against our opponent Dawki school. But since two years Messi is doing a great job, but soccer is a team game and the boys need a good coach. So when I mention you my uncle wanted to see you." Rishi spoke in a single breath. He looks into Raman's eyes. His eyes felt alive and watery. He bowed to Mr Banerjee.

"Thank you for your trust, sir. I will give my best" Raman promised with hope. He felt like he gets a boat to survive in the large stormy ocean. After Mr Banerjee excuse himself for a call he pulled Rishi into a tight hug.

"Give me a treat bro" Rishi controlled his tears.

At the night, Raman was alone in the terrace watching over the starry sky. His life is already messed up. Abandoned by his family, he started living alone from very young age. His love life? Can anyone love him? He feels disgusted about himself. That night still haunts him. He again looked at the moon over the sky. He never believes in God,

but tonight he wants to believe.