[[ Main]]
Arjun Sen – Naturally talented athlete. Fast runner, football instinct genius. Humble. Doesn't show off.
Sijita Roy – Brilliant student, class topper. Organized, disciplined, strong personality.
[[Side Characters]]
Rohan Das – Funny, loud, loves gossip.
Maya Dutta – Sijita's best friend, calm and supportive.
Kabir Khan – Previous sports captain, proud and competitive.
Tina Paul – Dramatic, loves attention.
Neel Chakraborty – Tech geek, quiet observer.
Mrs. Sen – Class teacher, wise and kind.
Coach Banerjee – Strict sports teacher who notices talent instantly.
START THE FRIST CHAPTER
Whistle
The school field was massive.
On his first day at Greenwood High, Arjun didn't look nervous. He looked… ready.
Morning assembly ended. Students rushed to their classes. Inside Class 9-A, Sijita sat in the front row like always. Perfect tie. Perfect notes. Perfect image.
Mrs. Sen entered.
"Class, we have a new student. Arjun Sen."
Arjun walked in confidently but without arrogance. Some girls whispered. Kabir crossed his arms.
"Another new guy," he muttered.
Sijita only glanced once — then looked back at her book.
[ The First Impression]
In math class, Sijita answered every question flawlessly.
When the teacher asked a difficult problem, Arjun solved it too — quickly.
The class turned.
Kabir whispered, "So he studies AND plays hero?"
Sijita felt something strange. For the first time, someone matched her pace.
Not competing loudly.
Just naturally.
The Real Test
After lunch, Coach Banerjee entered the classroom.
"I need volunteers for 400-meter trials. Inter-school sports are next month."
Kabir stood immediately. "I'm captain, sir."
Coach nodded.
"Anyone else?"
Silence.
Then Arjun slowly raised his hand.
Kabir smirked. "Let's see."
[ The Race]
The entire class gathered near the field.
Kabir stretched dramatically. Tina recorded on her phone. Rohan shouted commentary like a news reporter.
"On your marks… set…"
Whistle.
Kabir started strong.
But Arjun?
He didn't rush.
He ran like he was born for it. Smooth strides. Perfect breathing. Effortless control.
At the final stretch, he accelerated.
And crossed first.
By almost two full seconds.
The field went silent.
Coach Banerjee's eyes widened.
"Where did you train?"
Arjun simply replied, "Nowhere special, sir. I just love running."
Kabir looked shocked.
Sijita watched carefully.
This boy didn't brag. Didn't celebrate wildly. Didn't mock Kabir.
He just offered his hand.
"Good race."
Kabir hesitated… then shook it.
[ The Conversation]
After school, Sijita stayed back to finish notes. She saw Arjun sitting alone on the field, tying his shoelaces.
"You could become sports captain," she said.
He shrugged. "Maybe. But I don't want to fight for position."
"You don't care about being first?" she asked, surprised.
He smiled. "I care about doing my best. Being first is just a result."
That sentence hit her.
Because she always cared about being first.
Always.
"What if someone takes your place?" she asked quietly.
He looked at her seriously.
"Then I train harder. Not hate harder."
For the first time in years, Sijita questioned her own mindset.