26- Dear Protector

                                    

                                          
*REET*
I splashed water on my face-once, twice, and a third time-hoping to wash away the heat lingering from what had just happened. 
What's going on with you, Reet? How did you let him get to you like this? Why did it make you feel so weak?
 I looked at my reflection, trying to make sense of it all. With a heavy breath, I finally steadied myself and left the washroom. 
Back on the field, the crowd had thinned out. I spotted Atharv and Ariv standing nearby, and I walked over to them. 
"Sorry it took me so long," I said, feeling a bit self-conscious. 
"It's totally fine, Reet," Atharv replied with a warm smile, holding the trophy in his hand. Ariv, standing next to him, was idly tossing a basketball, looking completely unbothered, as if nothing had happened between us just moments ago. 
"Anyway, Atharv, I didn't get a chance to properly congratulate you. Huge congrats on this win!" I added with an awkward smile. 
"Thanks, Reet. And as for being late, that's hardly your fault," he said, his eyes drifting toward Ariv with a hint of distaste. Ariv, unfazed, continued spinning the ball on his finger, seemingly indifferent to both of us. 
"Hey, we finally won!" Abeer, one of the teammates, patted Atharv on the shoulder before glancing over at Ariv. "And Ariv," he added with a smirk, "how does it feel to steal the captain's spot?" 
We were standing at half-court when Ariv, who had been casually spinning the basketball, made a flawless shot from the three-point line, sinking the ball through the hoop with ease. I gasped, captivated by his skill-he moved with the confidence of a pro. Turning to Abeer, his face stern and unamused, Ariv replied, "You don't steal what's already yours, Abeer." 
Abeer's smirk faded, caught off guard by Ariv's comeback. But Ariv wasn't done, a faint smirk now curving his lips. "But I understand it's natural," he continued, "to be jealous of what you can't have." 
Rolling his eyes in frustration, Abeer turned to me, seemingly looking for a change of subject. "Hey there, young lady, you're Reet, right?" he asked with a small smile. 
I gave him a small smile. "Yeah, that's me." 
"Oh, I've seen you around school quite a bit," Abeer said, his gaze warm. "You're really beautiful." 
A blush crept up my cheeks, and I started to stammer a soft, "Um, thank you," but Ariv's sharp voice cut through my words. 
"Seriously, Abeer? Is ogling girls the only thing you know how to do?" 
Atharv and I exchanged glances, both of us puzzled by Ariv's sudden hostility. His tone was edged with a bitterness I hadn't expected. 
Abeer rolled his eyes, giving me an apologetic shrug. "Ignore him, Reet," he said smoothly. "Don't let him ruin our conversation." 
I forced a small smile, but Ariv wasn't backing down. 
"Ignore me!?" Ariv's voice dropped, his gaze locked on Abeer, cold and unyielding. "Just remember, you're talking to Ariv Singhania, the team captain." His words were calm, but there was an unmistakable warning in them. 
Abeer's smirk faltered, his expression tightening as he tried to keep his composure. Atharv sighed, looking at Ariv with a silent Are you really doing this Face
Shaking his head, Abeer turned his attention back to me, brushing off Ariv's comment. "Anyway, Reet, I think I've seen you around the Sector area a few times." 
"Oh yeah," Atharv cut in, eager to steer the conversation back on track. "She has her coaching there." 
"Yeah, I go to Narmada Coaching," I said.