Seeing the gathering of people from all over the world, everyone felt invigorated the next morning. Different attires, different languages... yet, there was a sense of being fellow travelers on the same path! But here, Kabir was missing Chhote Sahib even more. He was always around, often appearing at unexpected times, but still, Kabir felt deep down that he wanted a moment alone with Chhote Sahib. Every part of his body seemed to urge him that it was essential to touch him once.
Kabir couldn't focus on anything. Rohan and the other boys were bustling around, extending hands of friendship to new people, gathering new information, and exchanging addresses to broaden their connections. But Kabir was lost in his thoughts. He desperately wished for something to happen that would allow him to meet Chhote Sahib alone. But where? How? Why?
In that international competition, there was no agenda for bringing hearts together. Yet they say, where there’s a will, there’s a way! Kabir's icy mountain of desire eventually melted.
After the inauguration ceremony that night, the players returned to their rooms after enjoying a lavish dinner. Kabir, feeling somewhat disheartened, began to change clothes. But he noticed that Rohan wasn't changing; instead, he opened his shoelaces, tied them neatly again, and stood in front of the mirror, brushing his hair. Kabir watched him in surprise, feeling that Rohan seemed to want to say something but was either confused or weighing how to start the conversation.
Kabir's astonishment continued. He had already undressed and was now preparing for bed in just a small brief. He took a drink from the jug on the nearby table and was about to slip on his sandals to go to the washroom when suddenly Rohan turned towards him, leaned in close to his ear, and whispered, "What’s up, boss? Planning to waste time sleeping?"
Kabir was taken aback. He stammered, "So what mountain are we climbing at midnight?"
Rohan laughed. Then he said, "Boss, no matter what you say, I’m not wasting this night!"
Kabir sensed that Rohan must have made some connection with someone nearby and was up to some risky business. Mischievous! Throughout the day, they had met so many people—the boys, girls, old folks, and youths... who had captivated Rohan?
Kabir said nothing.
Rohan waited for a moment for Kabir to return from the washroom and sat on the chair next to the bed, fiddling with his handkerchief.
As soon as Kabir stepped out, he said sharply, "Where are you going? Don't get into any trouble!"
Rohan suddenly became serious and approached Kabir, wrapping his arms around him, saying, "Dude, I met a reporter."
"Where? How? How did you talk to her?" Kabir asked.
"At the function. Trust me, after dinner, we were looking for a dustbin to throw our ice cream cups, and then she grabbed my hand."
Kabir chuckled and said softly, "Just held your hand?"
Rohan, feeling impatient, replied, "Don't joke around. I'm serious. I talked to her for a little while. She was saying something interesting. I don't know which country she’s from, but she was also speaking broken English like me. I think she might be from a country near India. She could understand a little Hindi too."
Kabir, feeling a bit bored, said, "Come on, tell me more. Did she invite you to come with a wedding procession?"
Rohan got annoyed and replied, "You just don't understand, do you? You’re always in your own world. Go to sleep..."
Seeing Rohan getting upset, Kabir changed his approach and hugged him tightly, saying, "Don’t be angry, tell me what she said?"
