Ali kept his notebook back in the bag. It was 9 pm. Only Ali was awake. Zainab was gone on a late night scanning assignment.
He took his pillow and blanket, about to go to sleep when his phone suddenly buzzed.
Unknown Number: Meet me near Bendoorwell.
Unknown Number: ASAP.
Ali started typing.
Eidolon6_dream: And why should I?
Within seconds, a response was sent.
Unknown Number: I have things to tell you. They have planned something for you.
Eidolon6_dream: And who is they?
Unknown Number: Those who play cricket outside the pitch. The ones who destroy goldmines, just to keep a grasp on their power.
Eidolon6_dream: I'm on my way.
Ali changed his clothes. He got ready to sneak out of the house, knowing that his dad would be asleep in the living room after his daily football session. Ali tip toed to the sofa, and slowly prised the keys from his dad's hands.
The door clicked slowly, and Ali closed it behind him.
The alleyway dripped of water. Not many people were outside at this time. Only two shops were still open. Ali saw someone standing near a lamp post, wearing a hoodie. This was the person who sent him the message.
Ali walked towards them, "Are you the one who contacted me?"
"Yes." Said a feminine voice.
Her. Even when I try to avoid her, she appears again.
"Isn't it not safe for you to come here this late?" Said Ali, immediately worrying about her safety.
"No, I have my ways of protecting myself, so don't worry about me." Said the girl.
She pointed to a can of pepper spray in her bag.
"What's your name?" Asked Ali.
"It's Aditi." She said.
"I can't speak to you." Warned Ali. "If your brother finds out, both you and me will suffer huge consequences."
"He thinks I went to some girl's party." Said Aditi. "The only reason I'm here is because I know something you don't."
" What do you mean?" Asked Ali, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"I saw Sahwit and the groundskeeper of Rosenberg discussing something." Began Aditi.
"My friend was one of the players on the Rosenberg pitch. He walked near them and overheard something about altering the boundary lines."
Ali was not surprised, knowing how Sahwit was. He most likely wanted to make it so that Ashwandeep lost to Rosenberg while Siddarth shined.
"You really shouldn't snoop too much." Said Ali, "it isn't safe."
"Didn't I tell you earlier? Don't worry about me." Chided Aditi.
Ali still was worried. He knew how the underbelly of the nation's cricketing system was. In fact, back when Ali and Akib used to play on the district team, Akib was the light on the surface, who would make sure things were going well on the pitch, while Ali with the help of his dad's influence (at that time Salim was the medical head of a Greek football team.) would make sure things went well off the pitch.
It was this stubbornness of hers he liked.
Ali stiffened a bit, and began to speak.
"Alright. But if any issues arise, call this number." Said Ali. He gave her Karan's number.
"Not you?" She was annoyed.
"I can't be involved. Sahwit would use any involvement of me to remove my name from the selection list." Said Ali. "He has some influence. If any issues arise, he can tell you what to do. I trust him a lot."
"Fine." Said Aditi. "But I will keep on seeing what happens in the further matches."
"After this district qualifiers and it's tournament is over, stay away from me." Said Ali.
"Why?" Questioned Aditi.
Why does this guy want to push me away so much?
"It's for your own good." Ali started lecturing her. "You know how your brother is."
Not just your brother, my parents too.
Ali remembered how he had fought with his parents the day they found out about them being close.
Supportive as Zainab was, she didn't support him in this.
"Her family won't accept you! The two of you are from two completely different worlds!" Were the words Salim told him.
Those words still cut deep.
"You can't decide what I want." Aditi returned, "Even if it is for my own good."
"Alright. Since I can't stop you, let's talk about something else." Ali then continued, "If they want to alter the boundary line, I'll make it so that they regret doing this completely."
"They will most likely make the boundary smaller at the front of the pitch when Rosenberg bat, and during the interval, they will alter the boundary to be more attuned to Siddarth, so that he can bat well while the rest of the team flounders." Stated Ali.
"How will you make them regret it? It's an ironclad plan." Countered Aditi. "If you complain, they will simply say that you guys are scared of facing Rosenberg. A team known to be eliminated early in the district tournament."
"I have my methods." Said Ali, not wanting to reveal his plan.
"Don't do anything risky. I don't want you destroying your career because of me." Said Aditi, clearly worried.
"I won't. Don't worry about me." Said Ali.
"Be cautious." Aditi walked away. "Don't push it too far."
"I'm always careful. Don't worry about it." Said Ali.
Ali then walked back home. He put the key into the lock and opened the door, then put the key back in its place, and went to his room.
"System, analyze Rosenberg School and PU College."
[Mangalore Interschool Tournament Qualifiers Match 1 | Ashwandeep National School and PU College VS Rosenberg Catholic School and PU College]
Key Players:
Marcus Erampally (C/WK)
Very reactive wicketkeeper, known to hit spin balls into long off. Bats at #3.
Win Chance:
Ashwandeep: 57%
Rosenberg: 43%
Note: Boundary lines have been altered. Original chance of Ashwandeep winning was 73%.
[Best course of action: Make sure no spin bowling faces Marcus, avoid edges and make sure Marcus can't hit the ball forward.]
Alright. So all we need to do is lock Marcus down. Erase him, and the rest fall like dominoes.
Changing the boundary lines won't change the result, Sahwit. I'll make you remember that.
TO BE CONTINUED
Ps: if you like what you are reading so far, why not add the book into your collection?