The prince of the field

14th April. Shubho Noboborsho.

The girls’ mess at Cumilla Victoria College was buzzing. Arpita, Brishti, Rupa, and Ahona—four friends—decided they’d wear sarees and go watch the football match today. It was Pohela Boishakh, and the field had a festive vibe.

“Hey Opi, hold my anchol for a sec!” Rupa was struggling to manage her red-bordered white saree.

Orpita stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her yellow Jamdani. Red bindi on her forehead, silk bangles on her wrist, beli flowers in her bun. Until yesterday, her life was just classes and Faisal’s threats. Today, everything suddenly felt colorful.

Ahona came back after a phone call, jumping with excitement. “Guys! My cousin Sajjat bhaiya got the tickets! He said to wait by the gate. After the match, he’ll even take us to Dhormoshagor Par.”

“Sajjad bhaiya? Who’s that?” Brishti asked.

“Arrey, my maternal cousin. He lives in Cumilla. He planned everything for us,” Ahona said.

Cumilla Stadium was packed. Pohela Boishakh banners everywhere, the sound of dhak drums, kids running around with kites.

Sajjat bhaiya was standing by the gate. Four tickets in hand. “Shubho Noboborsho! Here, take these. Hurry up, the match is about to start.”

They climbed up to the gallery and sat down. The two teams were entering the field. Victoria College vs the other college.

Suddenly the commentator announced on the mic, “And playing as the striker for Victoria College is everyone’s favorite, BUET student, Aditya Roy Chowdhury ”

Arpita looked toward the field. A boy in the number 10 jersey was walking in. Nearly 6 feet tall. Dusky skin, glowing in the sun. Trimmed beard, hair down to his neck fluttering in the wind. Every muscle in his body moved as he ran. But there was no arrogance on his face. Just an oddly calm aura.

Sajjad said from beside them, “That’s Aditya. Studies at BUET, but whenever he’s home for vacation, he plays for our college. He’s basically all of Cumilla’s crush.”

Orpita couldn’t look away. Just yesterday, the boy who grabbed her collar and called her ‘personal bird’ was fire. And this boy? This boy was like the green grass of the field. Gentle, but powerful.

The first goal came from Aditya. The moment the ball hit the net, the entire gallery erupted. But Aditya didn’t jump around. He just looked up at the sky, placed a hand on his chest, then gave a slight nod toward the gallery.

For one second, Arpita felt like Aditya was looking right at her. Her heart skipped a beat.

*[Scene 3: Chatting at the mess & making plans]*

Match ended. Victoria College won 2-0. Both goals by Aditya.

Back at the mess, everyone was tired but happy. Ahona brought chilled lassi.

Sajjad said, “So, how was the match? Aditya killed it, didn’t he?”

“Bhaiya, does Aditya live in Cumilla?” Rupa asked.

“Nah, he lives in Dhaka. Third year at BUET. Came home for the Noboborsho holidays. You’ll meet him again tomorrow at Dhormoshagor Par. Talked to him after the match. He said he’ll hang out at the fair with you guys,” Sajjat said with a grin.

Orpita was listening silently. In her ears, she could still hear the roar from the field, the calm way Aditya acted after scoring. The fire that’s always in Faisal’s eyes—this boy didn’t have that. In his eyes, there was a deep, still lake.

Ahona said, “So, tomorrow at 10 AM, Kandirpar. Final?”

Everyone agreed.

Unnoticed by the others, Orpita looked out the window. New leaves on the krishnachura tree. The scent of beli flowers in the wind.

Until yesterday, there was only one person in her world—Faisal. Who comes like a storm, breaking everything in his path.

Today was 14th April. Shubho Noboborsho.

Today, for the first time, she saw a different kind of boy. Who doesn’t jump after scoring, but bows his head. Who doesn’t threaten, but smiles with his eyes lowered.

If Faisal is a Kalboishakhi storm, then is Aditya the first rain of Noboborsho?

*[To be continued...]*

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