"So, here's the plan," Layla announces, patting Vishal's shoulders as he does a push-up on the ground. She is in a loose grey t-shirt and black pants. "Up, up, up. We have to put a senior in place."
"What are you talking about?" Vishal stands up and follows her where she lays out a sheet. "What the hell is this?"
"Our plan to put Omesh in his place," Layla says, a proud smile on her face.
"You made a scheduled plan and colour-coded it?" Amusement paints Vishal's face.
"That's how I work, Vishal. Don't look at me as if you've never done that in your life."
Vishal crosses his arms against his chest. "Why do you care so much?"
"He insulted both of us. No one is allowed to. We are just showing him we aren't ones to be messed with. Harmless," Layla counters.
"Is there any of your mean tricks involved?"
"Nope. We are beating him fair and square. We are not going to give him what he wants. Which is the trophy. That's the goal."
Vishal sighs and gives in. "Fine, I'm in. How does this work?"
"You are playing the bigger role so it's quite a bit of risk I am taking here," Layla begins. Vishal glares at her. "But let's assume what Omesh said was right. Maybe I am the one pushing you to the top. And maybe I can do it this time as well, consciously."
"So, what? You're going to coach me?"
"Oh wow, you are actually smart," Layla says, dragging him towards the plan.
"You're kidding me, right?"
"...or not."
"Layla, you know that you are biologically bossy. I can't put up with your nagging and I certainly will not give you consent to the torture."
"I'm not that bad, you know," Layla whispers.
Vishal scoffs. "Have you ever sat next to yourself all day? It's hell."
"But you still do it. Why?" Layla's face changes when she asks this. Like she is actually hurt by his words.
"Because... because... I-uh..." Vishal runs a hand through his hair. "I want to keep an eye on you. Make sure you don't cause trouble."
Layla slips the mask back on and shrugs. "Lame but I'll take it. I think this is the first time I'm seeing you fumble for words."
"Shut up and take your plan elsewhere. I'll beat him myself," Vishal says.
"That's the beauty of it. You can't. He is actually capable of beating you, you know. I did some research. Pulled out his records. The only problem with him is that he's lazy. But not anymore. We made sure to provoke him enough that he will be practicing vigorously to win," Layla explains. "I know your strengths and weaknesses and his and with this, I have the perfect plan to take him down."
Vishal blinks at her. "You did all this in a day?"
"Please don't look at me like I'm the eighth wonder. I am offended my capability surprises you. I thought you already knew."
"I knew but the fact that you are doing it for me..."
Layla bursts into laughter. "I am not doing this for you, dumbass. Don't flatter yourself. The championship will be awarded in separate categories for both of us. So I am not competing with you. Plus, I want to get back at Omesh. I have nothing to lose by helping you win. I am still selfish, don't worry."
Vishal hooks his thumb into his pockets and nods with a sigh. "Good to know. Now walk me through this plan."
Layla beams and nods before launching into her strategy. "Each person is allowed to participate in eight events in total. I know that you usually go for all the track events, long and high jump and pole vault. That makes eight. Omesh participates in the same events. So, you need an advantage over him. Which you will get when you bail out on one event in which he is extremely good and take another."
"Which is?"
"Pole-vault. There are chances of you losing. Which I don't like. Losing is not allowed. That's why you are going to drop it and take the triple jump."
"Layla, I am good at pole vault. Why should I give it up for a sport I barely know?"
She slaps his shoulders. "Listen to me. Omesh has been competing in the supersenior category and winning gold. You were winning in the senior category. Now that you have been clubbed together with him in the category which he's been ruling for three years, who do you think will have the advantage? You or him?"
"Him," Vishal grudgingly admits. He hates it when she is right, which is almost all the time.
"Now that your dumb brain has understood, let me tell you why you should do the triple jump. I know you aren't a pro at it but I am. I can train you, okay? And besides, I snooped into the name lists. There are very few participants for triple jump in the Boys category, especially the super seniors. It's okay if you get the bronze. You will still have an advantage over him."
"So, we are really doing this?" Vishal asks and tugs at the roots of his hair. She nods. "Oh my god, I can't believe I am doing this," he mutters to himself, spinning in his place.
"I am going to show Omesh how stupid he is to take us for granted. And for being such a pervert."
Vishal laughs and shakes his head. "I don't know how I've been surviving all these years being permanently stuck on your bad side."
Layla folds her paper and stuffs it into her bag. "Maybe you've gotten used to it. Or maybe I've been sloppy when it comes to you."
"Sloppy?" He scoffs. "You never do anything half-assed, Layla. Let's get that straight. Don't wrongly assume for a second that you are human. A robot. That's what you are."
Layla opens her mouth to argue but he cuts her off. "And to think I've been competing against the robot and snagging equal wins is a pretty big accomplishment for me."
"Look at you, writing your own compliments." She rolls her eyes. "You must be in desperate need of an ego boost."
"Shut the fuck up, Layla."
"You first, Vishal."
"No, you. Don't you always like to be first?"
"Ha, ha. Funny."
"I know it is for you. You tend to laugh at all the bad jokes."
Layla steps forward. Their feet touch. "Don't take it too far, smartass."
"Then, shut up first," Vishal taunts, smirking.
Layla glares at him.
It looks a little cute and funny when I see it from afar. She reaches just above his shoulders, arms crossed against her chest in frustration. Vishal towers over her, legs apart in a casual stance as if he knows exactly what he's doing. The glaring continues for a few more minutes before Layla shoves Vishal aside and stomps her way to the changing room.
I shake my head with a smile. This new arrangement between them should be interesting.
YOU ARE READING
2.1 | Vishal and Layla
Short StoryVishal and Layla - two notoriously competitive all-rounders, never shy to play dirty when it comes to winning. It's all grades and glares between them until one day, it's more.