HE IS MY SPRING

Sports Day Gone Wrong

Riddhima's pov:

"Ready to win?" Rush tapped on my shoulder. I was lost in my thoughts, my gaze inadvertently drawn towards Rishabh Sir and Pratyusha Ma'am, who seemed unusually close. Rush's voice brought me back to the present, and I turned to face him, trying to mask my frown.

He studied my expression for a moment, then shrugged and tried to catch my attention again. "Riddhi?" He nudged me gently, his concern evident.

"Hmm? I'm sorry, did you say something?" I asked, my mind still lingering on the scene I had just witnessed.

"Where are you lost? Is something or someone troubling you?" Rush glanced back at Sir and Pratyusha Ma'am, a knowing look in his eyes that made my cheeks flush crimson.

"Uh, no, nothing's wrong," I stammered, trying to brush off his concern. "Are you and your team ready for the event?" I asked hurriedly, wanting to divert the conversation away from my thoughts.

The school ground buzzed with vibrant energy, decorated in festive colors and banners proclaiming the Annual Sports Meet. Students clad in their team jerseys exuded enthusiasm and determination, while teachers mingled, setting aside their roles for a day of friendly competition.

Rishabh Sir, my Physics teacher, stood confidently on one side of the football field, leading his team with an air of calm authority. His presence drew attention effortlessly, his focus shifting between the game strategy and casual conversations with his colleagues.

Dressed in my basketball team's uniform—a snug t-shirt and shorts—I felt a mix of excitement for the game ahead and an unsettling twinge of distraction. As captain of the juniors' team, I was confident in my abilities, known across the school for my prowess on the court. Yet, today, my thoughts strayed to Rishabh Sir more than usual.

Why did his camaraderie with Miss Pratyusha bother me? Was it jealousy or a mere sense of possessiveness over a teacher I admired? I couldn't pinpoint the exact reason, but the sight stirred a cocktail of emotions within me—curiosity, frustration, and a hint of longing.

But as I prepared to lead my team into the game, a small part of me wondered if Rishabh Sir would notice my performance, not just as a player but as someone who wanted to impress him beyond the court.

As I observed from a distance, a hint of discomfort flickered across Rishabh Sir's face as Pratyusha Ma'am leaned in, invading his personal space. She seemed engrossed in discussing their team's strategy for the upcoming game, even though it hadn't begun yet. My frustration mounted, unsure why I felt so bothered by their interaction.

"You're going to be playing kho-kho with Natasha, aren't you?" I asked abruptly, catching him off guard. His cheeks flushed slightly as he tried to evade the topic. "Uh, I tried to avoid it, but..."

"Don't give me that look, Rush. It's obvious you're thrilled about teaming up with her," I teased, poking him lightly in the stomach. He scrunched his nose in response.

Just then, Natasha joined our conversation, announcing her nervousness about their upcoming game. I glanced at Rush, raising an eyebrow teasingly.

Rush, ever the nonchalant one, replied confidently, "No need to be nervous, we're definitely going to win." Natasha, caught slightly off guard, quickly covered her slip with a nervous smile. It was clear she had a soft spot for Rush, despite his obliviousness.

Natasha was known for her confidence and academic prowess, but when it came to Aarush, she seemed to be waiting patiently for him to reciprocate her feelings. Meanwhile, Aarush remained blissfully unaware of the effect he had on her.

"I'm thirsty, I'll be right back," I announced suddenly, sensing the need to escape the awkward tension building between them. I left

them to sort out their dynamics, amused by the whole situation.

The school corridor was unusually quiet as I filled my cup with water. "Hey, looking good!" I heard Aditya's compliment from behind me, his tone suggestive. I rolled my eyes at his cheesy remarks. "Seriously? Looking good in a sports uniform?" I scoffed.

Aditya persisted, flashing his toothy smile. "Yeah, you make any uniform look good. It's one of the reasons I've been trying so hard." His wink only annoyed me further. "One of the reasons I stopped talking to you was because of these cheesy lines," I retorted, turning to leave.

Before I could move, Aditya grabbed my wrist firmly, his grip tightening. "What's wrong with you? I've tried everything. Any girl would've agreed to date me by now," he insisted, his tone turning aggressive. I winced at his hold, feeling trapped.

"Yup, 'any girl'—but not me. I've already made it clear I'm not interested," I shot back, trying to free myself. Frustration surged through me as he pinned me against the nearby wall, his smirk infuriating.

The corridor remained eerily silent, heightening the tension. With adrenaline pumping, I kicked Aditya in a strategic spot, causing him to double over in pain. I swiftly twisted his arm, exerting pressure. "I told you, I want nothing to do with you. This is for boys who can't take a hint," I seethed, my voice laced with anger and disdain.

Just then, Rishabh Sir's calm voice broke through the tense atmosphere. "Is something wrong, Miss Sabharwal?" His presence startled me, and I turned to see him standing composed, observing the scene with folded arms and a steady gaze fixed on Aditya, now on the floor in pain.

"Oh, there was definitely something wrong before you came in, Sir. But it's been taken care of now," I replied, releasing Aditya's arm and straightening my uniform.

Rishabh Sir helped Aditya up and spoke to him in a low voice. His expression remained serious, and I couldn't help but notice how his demeanor shifted from calm to slightly stern.

As Aditya left, I found myself flustered under Sir's gaze. "Something on my face, Miss Sabharwal?" His calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the turmoil inside me.

"No, sir," I stammered, caught off guard by his presence.

"What did you tell him?" I asked, trying to divert the focus.

"Nothing you need to know," he replied cryptically. "Now, I have some advice for you, personally." His proximity didn't unsettle me; instead, it offered an unexpected comfort.

My smile returned momentarily, until his words hit me. "I don't think picking up on people in the corridor suits your reputation as a Sabharwal heiress," he said gently. My smile faded, replaced by hurt and defensiveness.

"I didn't know how else to handle a teenage boy who wouldn't listen to my words," I retorted, feeling misunderstood.

He turned to leave, but paused at my words. His smile wavered for a moment, a mix of warmth and disappointment. "You could've approached a teacher or the principal for help. Your bodyguards haven't escaped my notice either," he remarked coolly.

His words stung, and I replied with a tight smile, masking my conflicted emotions. Watching him walk away, I debated whether to apologize, but my pride held me back.

As he disappeared down the corridor, I couldn't shake off the mix of admiration and frustration I felt toward Rishabh Sir. His presence had a profound effect on me, stirring both admiration and uncertainty about my own actions.

**************

Third Person pov:

The basketball court buzzed with energy as Riddhima's team, clad in their vibrant red uniforms, battled it out against the yellow team in a fiercely competitive match. The crowd cheered, and the commentator's voice added to the excitement, describing every thrilling moment as the game unfolded.

Riddhima, with her exceptional skills and strategic gameplay, led her team with determination. They scored points with finesse, weaving past their opponents' defense and maintaining a solid lead throughout the match. Each successful move from Team Red drew thunderous applause and enthusiastic shouts from their supporters.

Natasha nudged Aarush, who was deeply engrossed in devouring his third packet of wafers with impressive gusto. Startled by her interruption, he looked up, his mouth still half-full. "What do you think?" Natasha asked, trying to draw his attention to the intense basketball game unfolding before them.

Aarush blinked, his gaze shifting from the game to Natasha, a crumb of wafer clinging to his cheek. "About what?" he replied nonchalantly.

Natasha's patience waned as she clarified, "About the game, obviously!" She shot him a pointed glare, hoping to shake him out of his snack-induced trance.

Aarush shrugged casually, his eyes briefly flickering towards the court where Riddhima's team was dominating. "There's nothing to think. The team with Riddhima is obviously going to win," he declared confidently, oblivious to Natasha's growing irritation.

Amidst the cheers, a sudden commotion caught everyone off guard. Riddhima, in a split-second reaction, grabbed a girl from the yellow team by her collar and pushed her forcefully to the ground. The spectators gasped in shock, and even the players momentarily froze in disbelief.

Riddhima's eyes blazed with fury as she confronted the girl, her voice cutting through the tense silence. "How dare you cheat?" she accused, her slap resonating loudly in the open court. The girl stammered in protest, unable to complete her defense as Riddhima pulled her closer, her grip firm and unyielding. "If you lack sportsmanship, you have no place in this game," Riddhima declared fiercely, her words echoing across the court.

The coach rushed in, trying to diffuse the escalating tension. "What's happening?" he demanded, clearly alarmed by the altercation. Riddhima's teammates and the opposing players watched nervously as the coach addressed the issue. "This girl interfered with one of my players during a crucial moment," Riddhima explained. The coach turned to the accused girl and reprimanded her in a stern voice, "That's not acceptable, Sanya."

"You all would surely believe the girl filling the academy's bank instead of a girl here on scholarship," Sanya retorted, her words dripping with bitterness and frustration. Her eyes darted between Riddhima and the officials, her stance defensive.

Riddhima's response was immediate and unwavering, cutting through the murmurs and whispers with a clarity that demanded attention. "Money or no money, no one can deny that you cheated," she declared firmly, her voice carrying across the court with a steely resolve. Her gaze remained fixed on Sanya, unwavering and penetrating.

After reviewing the footage, the officials confirmed Sanya's foul play, and she was promptly disqualified from the game. With the issue resolved, the match resumed, but the atmosphere remained charged with the intensity of the earlier confrontation.

As the game concluded with Team Red emerging victorious, the crowd erupted into a thunderous applause. Riddhima and her teammates, visibly relieved yet proud, ascended the stage to receive the winner's trophy. Cameras flashed as they posed for photos, capturing the jubilant moment of their triumph.

Riddhima, still riding the adrenaline of victory, scanned the crowd with a triumphant smile. Her gaze landed on Rishabh Sir, expecting to see approval or admiration. Instead, she was met with a scowl on his face, his expression a mixture of disappointment and concern. Confusion swept over her as she tried to understand his unexpected reaction.

Ignoring the post-game celebrations around her, Riddhima's mind raced with questions. Why was Sir scowling? Had she disappointed him somehow, despite her victory?

***************

"The game is becoming more exciting than ever. Did you ever know teachers could play like professional sports players?" Natasha nudged Aarush as they watched the football match between the professors unfold on the field.

"I'm sure you are cheering for Mithali Ma'am just like the rest of us," Aarush teased Riddhima with a mischievous smile, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Ye--yeah, but RK Sir isn't playing that bad," Riddhima stammered, feeling caught off guard by Aarush's observation. Her physics teacher had indeed been occupying her thoughts more than usual lately, a fact she found both frustrating and intriguing.

"No way! He made another goal!" Natasha's exclamation interrupted their banter, drawing everyone's attention to the field. Aarush grimaced at the scoreboard, while Riddhima couldn't help but grin in spite of herself.

"Yeah, go for it RK Sir!" Riddhima shouted enthusiastically, her voice carrying across the field. She quickly glanced around at her classmates, who responded with raised eyebrows, clearly amused by her unexpected outburst.

"I didn't know you could change sides so fast," Aarush pouted, pretending to be hurt by Riddhima's shift in allegiance.

"What's wrong with you? I know even Ma'am wouldn't mind me cheering for her opponent's team. She has more sportsmanship than you, Rush!" Riddhima retorted, sticking out her tongue at him in jest.

As the match progressed, the tension mounted, and soon the winning team was announced amid cheers and playful jeers from the students. Rishabh's team emerged victorious, celebrating their triumph with laughter and high-fives.

Mithali Ma'am, their beloved botany teacher, joined in the celebration with a good-natured smile, her presence adding to the camaraderie among the students and teachers alike. Known for her warmth and understanding, she bridged the gap between faculty and students effortlessly, earning their respect and admiration.

Riddhima jogged towards Rishabh on the field, her heart pounding with a mixture of nervousness and admiration. He stood there, wiping the sweat off his brow, his muscular arms flexing as he did so. His focused demeanor didn't waver even as Riddhima approached."

You played well, Sir!" Riddhima tried to initiate a conversation, her voice a mix of admiration and eagerness.

"Hmm. Thanks." His response was curt, and he didn't bother to meet her gaze. Riddhima's eyes were drawn to his arms, mesmerized by the veins that pulsed beneath his skin.

"Uhh---that's it? I thought you would have something more to say," she prompted him, trying to break through his apparent indifference. "About?" He finally looked at her, a faint frown creasing his brow.

"About---well, there was a basketball game too, not long ago if you remember." She smiled nervously, clutching her locket close to her chest, a reminder of her parents' love on her last birthday.

"I do remember that you won that game and also the little stunt you pulled over there." He motioned towards the basketball ground, his tone serious and disapproving. Riddhima's smile faltered, replaced by a look of disappointment.

If it had been anyone else, looking disappointed in her, even a teacher, Riddhima might have brushed it off and walked away. But something about Rishabh made her pause, reconsider her actions, something she hadn't learned to do before.

"You shouldn't have done that. The girl's parents were in the audience too. Nobody wants to see their child getting into a fight. Tell me, how would your parents feel to see you getting thrashed by another person?" He stepped closer, his gaze penetrating as he looked directly into her eyes.

Riddhima grew uncomfortable at the mention of her parents. Tears welled up, her emotions raw and conflicted. "You--you shouldn't have said that, Sir. That was rude." She shifted her gaze away from his intense stare to the line of students waiting for their food packets, trying to compose herself.

"What you did back there was ruder than this. I can't think of you as anything more than a young, spoiled girl. That's it." His words were like a blow, hitting her harder than she expected. With a growl, he turned away, leaving Riddhima standing there, tears streaming down her cheeks. She quickly wiped them away, not wanting anyone to see her cry.

As he walked away, his words echoed in her mind.

I can't think of you as anything more than a young, spoiled girl. That's it.

The anger and determination flared up inside her. She straightened her posture, her eyes flashing with resolve.

"About the young, spoiled girl comment, Sir? We'll see," she whispered fiercely to herself.