One moment

Chapter 49

The wake-up call was the best thing that had happened to me. I was stronger, faster and a lot more relaxed. Let's see how far I've come.

I arrived at the venue and stayed at a hotel on my own. My team was probably swimming or eating their heads off, I missed them terribly. After learning the art of meditation and how to gain flexibility from yoga from a few of the senseis, it was with a meditation session I ended my night with.

The sun rose, and I was driven to the venue, where I walked in on my own…with no one behind or beside me. I competed, and roughly after 15 matches, I bumped into Oriana.

"Finally, a worthy opponent," she said, walking past me.

I nervously drank my water, trying not to overthink.

"Here," he said taking a seat beside me, "relax your arm for a while, don't put too much tension on it."

With my heart racing at his sight, I had to leave as soon as my name was announced for the final match. Oriana came up with the same smiley face as she geared up. I stood there with sweat dripping from my forehead onto the ground. She came over and instantly switched to a machine. After my break ended, the match began, and this time I actually stood a chance. Zakira came over after her match was over…Omar had defeated his opponent making him the world champion, and Owais gained his glory in kata. She didn't say much but observed like the first time.

As that flashback hit me I was kicked down but got up instantly this time, She was trying to k.o me. After realising her strategy, I smiled at her tired face, and I kicked her down. After winning the match, I helped her up before giving her the respect she deserved. She smiled, crowning me with her belt.

"Looks like you've kept your promise," she said

"I never disappoint. Take it from me next year if you can," I said, leaning into the crowded ring before running towards my team, where I embraced Omar.

She came over shaking Zakira's hand as well as mine, and I accepted her handshake for Omar.

"Wait for me."

"Looks like you have a new admirer?" Zakaria said, "I knew you could do it. She's held the title for four years straight, I think it's time we treat your wound."

After freshening up, everyone tried to get me out of the crowd. Life was going to change after today.

"I heard you dropped out of your course," Omar said

"Yes…" I replied, a little upset at the question, "I mean…it was worth it in the end."

"I'm not mad at you," he said, "I hope you aren't at me…"

"I just yearned for improvement, that's all."

"Don't leave me again," he said grabbing my hand, "missing you hurt so much."

I took out a magazine, placing it onto his lap, "So you're a known model now…"

"I'll tell you all about it."

After hours of listening to his voice soothe my bleeding soul. I rested my head on his lap as we caught up for the first time in months.

We went for the celebration meal and boy I could not help myself, real food after months of torture!

"Don't overdo it, you still have training when we get back, "Zakira said

"Sensei, I shall ask for your pardon. I am starving."

"Help yourself then," she said

"Elizah make sure you check out Omar's new abs line…you can littely trace over it!" Owais said grabbing his shirt

I spat my drink out, messing him. "I am so sorry," I said trying not to laugh.

"Zakira over here must be upset about you having that sad body."

"That's enough, you two, we here to eat, not to spit and mock each other," Omar said

After eating till I felt amazing, I asked for a piggyback ride from Omar. The last night was spent over his shoulder, looking towards the starry sky as I goofed around with my lifelong friends. There's this saying that people come into your life for a reason…either to stay and grant you the happiness you deserve or to teach you a lesson you'll carry for the rest of your life. I've met both, and I have no regrets.

"I got you something," I said, taking out the gift bag,"the plan was to only see you when we got home, but someone had other plans."

"You didn't have to."

"Or is it, I can just take it back then," I said, grabbing the bag.

"I'm just kidding. I want it."

I handed it to him, "perfume?"

"Remember how we were shopping and you said that this was your favourite one, but you chose mine instead? I got one customer made..with both scents."

"Wow, it smells amazing…Thank you, Elizah."

"you're welcome, I also got you this, "I said, pulling his hand towards me, "a bracelet for whenever we are apart."

"Wow, you really went all out. My present to you is me!" he said, grabbing and placing me in his arms.

Home is where he was.

"I hope Zakira doesn't do something this crazy again. I almost died…" he said, packing up, "but I enjoyed last night."

"I hope so too, yes, the best night award goes to last night and the delicious cheesy burgers."

We joined the crew after buying muffins. Swarmed by a crowd of people, I tried hiding my face it was very difficult for everyone. After getting back to safety, Zakira upgraded the security system we had. It was getting hectic to go out into public places... We all knew it was only temporary since we were athletes. The storm was going to cool down after people got their interviews, and some other athlete did something even more crazier.

"Looks like you on every fitness page and newspaper."

"They named us power couple of the year…"

"They exaggerated we aren't that good."

"To me we are, "he said

"Can we leave the snuggling for later," Owais said, "many of us like it when you guys fought compared to all of this.."

"You should be the last one to talk, "Zakira said, walking in, "well-done guys, you've helped me achieve my dreams…and, in the process, your own. Now you don't have to work part-time or try to pursue degrees…you guys are wanted everywhere."

"Wow, that's a little…"

"Over the top," she said, completing my sentence, "it's not, you guys worked harder than anyone I've ever trained. Keep it up, and your right, Owais needs to go on a diet."

She said, leaving. As I stuck my tongue out and Owais.

'Zamin'

"Will you stop torturing me if I do as you please…"

"Yes," she responded, dropping her nail file, "i`ll pretend I don't know you…"

"Fine…"

She wanted me. To reveal their identities

I however...