"Izaan…"
Ajit called from inside the car, and Prakhar's eyes widened. Instinctively, his gaze shifted to Shrey, who was staring at him with equally wide eyes.
"Ee… Izaan..." Shrey stammered while looking at Ajit.
"You once told me he reminds you of your 'Champ', remember?" Ajit asked.
Shrey nodded.
"Yes, because he is your Champ."
"What…?" Shrey practically jumped, and Prakhar's fists clenched tightly.
"Now come on, call your Champ inside. We've got places to go."
"Yes..." Shrey handed Diamond to Pranay and started to get out of the car, but Prakhar stopped him. Shrey kept staring at him with big questioning eyes.
"Stay inside... I'll sit," Prakhar said, opening the door. He glanced behind — Kunwar's car was still visible.
Shaking his head, he climbed into the seat next to Ajit.
"Ohh… ohh… my god… you— no, YOU are Champ! I can't believe it… I'm so happy!"Shrey was babbling excitedly.
Prakhar was about to say something, but Ajit cut in —"Think before you speak… imagine how shattered his heart would be."
Prakhar looked at Shrey in the mirror — Shrey was still gazing at him like he was seeing a miracle.Despite himself, Prakhar couldn't say no. A soft smile curled on Ajit's lips.
"How long it's been since we last met… Why didn't you tell me you were Champ? I looked for you everywhere…" Shrey's words tumbled over one another.
"Let him breathe, kid…" Ajit interrupted the non-stop chatter.
"Umm… sorry…" Shrey quieted.
Prakhar's sharp eyes flicked to the rearview mirror—Kunwar's car was still there.
"Can I drive?" Prakhar asked.
Ajit hit the brakes. "Why?"
"Because I want to…" Prakhar said flatly, still watching the mirror.
Ajit and Pranay followed his gaze—and spotted Kunwar's car.
Meanwhile, our dear Shrey was busy daydreaming at his "Majnu" (lover).
"Sure…" Ajit said, beginning to step out. But Prakhar stopped him.
"I'll get out… you just shift to the side." Prakhar opened the door.
Ajit looked at the mirror again and did exactly as told.
Prakhar took the wheel, and Kunwar clenched his fists in his own car.
The engine roared to life. Prakhar accelerated hard. The car sped past 200 km/h, his grip firm on the steering wheel, jaw set.
The other three sat in stunned silence. The car wasn't driving—it was flying.
Kunwar's car couldn't keep up. He was left behind.
As soon as Prakhar stopped, Pranay shouted, "Once more!"
Prakhar glared at him, but Pranay boldly said, "Where'd you learn to drive like that? Teach me sometime?"
"No," Prakhar replied coldly. Pranay's face fell.
Diamond leapt towards Prakhar.
"Oye Hira-Chandi! You act like we're selling your master every time he leaves!" Shrey scolded him.
Diamond glared and smacked Shrey's nose with his tail.
Everyone laughed. Even Prakhar couldn't stop a smile.
"Ouch… wild dog…"Shrey grabbed Diamond's ears.
Diamond scratched him lightly—not enough to hurt.
Shrey caught both front paws and started laughing like a devil.
"That's enough…" Prakhar pulled Diamond away and stepped out of the car.
"You guys go wherever you were headed. I'm going home."
"Wait a minute…" Ajit grabbed his collar and dragged him back in. Prakhar glared.
"You can't do this, Champ… you have to come with us…" Shrey added, his voice soft.
"I'm not your Champ…" Prakhar said in a low voice.
Shrey looked at him—and noticed the half-moon scar under his right eye.
"You're lying… that scar… I remember, it was from my backpack…"
He moved to touch Prakhar's face, but Pranay coughed, "Big bro's in the car, control yourself…"
Prakhar pulled away and said sternly, "It's just a misunderstanding."
"One person might be mistaken. But all three of us know—you are Izaan," Ajit said, and the others nodded.
"Come on, Champ… we're going to a movie and then dinner…" Shrey made an adorably innocent face, and Prakhar melted. He returned to the driver's seat.
"Where are we going?" Prakhar asked.
"You've dragged us so far out of the city—what movie now?" Ajit whined.
"Which movie do you want to watch?" Prakhar asked while pulling out his phone.
"Adventure!" Pranay shouted first.
Prakhar texted someone and turned the car around.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Kunwar was kicking his car in frustration.
"I know you did that on purpose… you didn't want me to see anyone's face, didn't want me to recognize them… You knew your driving is better than mine, and you used it. That's not fair, my love… You will regret this…"Kunwar's eyes were burning.
Prakhar stopped the car in front of a bakery. Pranay's smile faded.
"Are we here to eat pastries?"
"Wow, pastries!" Shrey was already drooling.
Prakhar parked and motioned for them to come inside.
Inside the bakery, the owner spotted him.
"Senapati (General)…"
Prakhar gave him a look, and the owner laughed, pointing upstairs.
Prakhar quickly climbed the stairs; the rest followed.
As soon as they reached the top, their jaws dropped—a small home theatre!
Prakhar took the back seat. Pranay found a comfy spot with Ajit. Shrey looked between his brother and Prakhar… then slowly moved toward Prakhar.
"Hey Champ…" he whispered.
Prakhar opened his eyes and met Shrey's glittering gaze.
"I'm not that…" Prakhar smiled and patted his head.
"No, you are Champ. Remember the taste of your lunchboxes? Every time I eat something nice, I think of your cooking…"
"Shrey…" Prakhar tried to say something, but Shrey spoke again, "Why are you dressed like this? Were you performing somewhere?"
Prakhar laughed. "Are you serious?"
"You can't laugh at me…" Shrey pouted.
"I know, boy… And no, I wasn't performing anywhere."
"So… are you some kind of prince?"
Prakhar's fists tightened. Shrey noticed.
"No…" he answered firmly.
"Then what are you? Tell me."
"I'll tell you when the time is right…" Prakhar dodged.
"Everyone treats me like a kid…" Shrey sulked.
Prakhar looked at him and finally said,"I'm the main bodyguard of the King of Udaipur."
Shrey's eyes went wide in shock.