Half Girlfriend

I wanted to continue talking to her. I wanted to know her full name
and her native place. That is how we introduce ourselves in Dumraon.
However, I didn’t know how to ask her in English, the language one
needed to impress girls. Plus, I had a selection trial in a few minutes.
The coach blew his whistle.
‘I have my trials now, will you watch?’ I said.
‘Okay,’ she said.
I ran—rather, hopped—in excitement towards the changing room.
Soon, I was back on court and Piyush started the game.
I played well. I don’t want to brag but I played better than any
player on the college team.
‘Basket,’ I shouted as I scored my fifth shot. As the crowd dapped,
I looked around. She was sitting on one of the benches, sipping water
from a bottle. She clapped too.
I had a good game, but her presence made me play even better.
The score inched forward; I pushed myself harder and scored a
few more baskets. When I took a tough shot, the seniors patted my
back. Piyush blew the final whistle. Final score: 25-28. We had done it.
The newbies had managed to defeat die St. Stephen’s team.
My body was drenched in sweat. I felt drained and exhausted.
Players patted my back as I struggled to catch my breath. Piyush came
running up to me in the middle of the court.
‘You scored 17 out of 28. Well done, Bihari,’ he said. He ruffled my
sweaty hair. I walked out of the court deliberately towards Riya.
‘Wow, you really are good,’ she said.
‘Thanks,’ I said, still panting after the game.
‘Anyway, I have to go,’ she said and extended her hand. ‘Nice
meeting you. Bye.’
‘Bye,’ I said, my heart sinking. My head had known it would end
like this. My heart didn’t want it to end.
‘Unless we are both lucky,’ she added and grinned. ‘And the higher
powers here admit us.’
‘Who knows,’ I said.