Obsessed With The Rugby Player.

Chapter one.

Beginning

She woke up feeling reluctant about going to school. Her mind drifted to memories of freshman year, which sucked for a number of reasons.

She had prayed to Lord Ganesha Chaturthi for her request for the beginning of the school year. Which was to be invited to a party with alcohol and hard drug and have the opportunity to turn it down. "No, cocaine for me, thanks. I'm good"

And lastly, most importantly. She would really like a boyfriend but not some nerd from one of AP classes. Like a guy from a sport team.

Her parents had kept the tradition despite moving to America and having stayed for over a decade.

She was the opposite of Mr and Mrs. Leo and Anaya Kapoor. They were completely vegetarian while Lydia eats meat.

Mrs. Anaya Kapoor walked into her daughter's room.

"I don't have much time Lydia, you should be set for school by now". She said,

"I am almost ready mom". Lydia voiced out.

"I have just fifteen minutes to spare". Her mom murmured before storming out of the room.

She took a quick shower and dressed up. She wore a short pastel-blue skater dress with white sneakers and a small black backpack. Her hair was done in a pony tail with ribbons, giving her a simple but fresh look for the first day of sophomore year.

She could hear her parents arguing in their room, though the voices were faint.

"You can't keep rejecting offers; take what you get until a better one comes." Mrs. Anaya exclaimed

"Those jobs are below my qualification". He replied.

"It's been six months already, are you even thinking of how I pay the bills". She remarked.

"Everything will be fine once I get this job, I am hopeful this time". He replied.

"That's what you say every freaking time". She said her footsteps echoed as she opened the door and stepped out.

Lydia wasn't surprised by the usual nagging this morning. It was becoming normal since her dad lost his job at the bank.

With his multiple failed interviews, Mr. Leo Kapoor has not given up yet on his job search. This morning, he was in a hurry for another job interview.

He has also been forced to park his car for repairs because he couldn't afford to fix it yet, so Lydia was stuck with her mom.

He stepped out, arranging his CV properly when she met him.

"Good morning Dad". She greeted him.

"Good morning Angel, your mom is already pissed off. You should be out already". He said.

"I am almost done". Lydia said as she picked up her books and stuck them in her bag.

She hurried down the door. But turned her back to whisper. "Good luck Dad".

Mr. Leo Kapoor smiled deeply, pleased. "Thank you Angel".

Lydia paused when she saw her mom's car waiting in the driveway.

"This is the last time I will have to stress the need for you waking up early. The next time you will have to find your way to school alone". She said sharply as her daughter got in. With a sigh, she started the engine and drove away.

When the car stopped, Lydia stepped out.

"Don't forget to text me when school's over," her mom said, Lydia nodded quietly before shutting the door.

A sense of relief washed over her. Her academics weren't so terrible, but with sophomore year, Lydia wanted to be known for more than being the "nerd girl".

It could be anything she doesn't mind as long as it made her sophomore year at Sherman Oaks Centre for Enriched Studies memorable.

The school was a two-story building with cream-colored walls and large windows. A neat courtyard sat in front, and the main gate opened onto the street.

As she walked through the hallway, someone tapped her on the shoulder. She turned to see Eleanor. "Welcome back, Lydia! I can't believe this is our last first day of sophomore year. I feel like crying!" Eleanor said and winked playfully.

Lydia, with her arms wide spread, hugged Eleanor tightly. "This reminds me of a problem I want to talk to you about. we are not cool". She voiced out concern evident in her voice.

"Who says we are not cool?". Eleanor remarked, looking at Lydia with concern.

"It's high time we have a better high school life experience, don't you think?". Lydia continued.

"I think we are totally cool, I love having you as my best friend".

"And I don't want to be with anyone else other than you".She added.

"Everyone will surely accept us once we are cool. All we need is a plan". She said with enthusiasm about the new idea popping up in her head.

"If you insist then, what do you think we need to do to change things". Eleanor asked.

Lydia smiled widely. Eleanor was beginning to buy the idea.

"The first thing is to rebrand ourselves by becoming a glamorous woman of colour, where we can allow ourselves to experience a sexy high school life, by changing our personalities, thereby opening ourselves to a world filled with possibilities". She remarked, taking notes of what she said.

"Let's move to step two: getting a boyfriend". She said firmly.

"Are you out of your mind". Eleanor's eyes widened in total shock.

"No, I'm pretty serious Eleanor, this would be our stepping stone into becoming one of the most cool kids on campus". She said,

A loud bell rang,signalling the start of the school day.

"I really don't understand you anymore".Eleanor muttered as they walked to class, ready to start the day's lecture.

After the morninv assembly, Mr. Liam, the science teacher, entered the classroom. "Welcome back! I hope you had a great freshman year and are ready for new challenges this year."

"I will be pairing you up so there would be a science project that would be submitted by the end of next week". He announced.

"Here are your groups for the science project. Please connect with your teammates and start planning. Let me know if you have questions!" . Mr. Liam spoke before storming out.

Lydia moved closer to Eleanor. "I can't believe my eyes, I will be working on a science project with Michael".

"Good for you girl". Eleanor remarked.

Michael has been Lydia's crush since freshman year. The star rugby player. Her heart skipped a bit.

His chiselled jaw, high cheekbones, and expressive eyes that drew her in.

His straight nose, full lips, and thick hair completed a striking, symmetrical face that radiated charm. Only that he never looked at Lydia.

"He is so perfect, isn't he?".

"Yes, he is for you, Lydia. I just hope he notices you this time".

"Thank you, Lord Ganesha, for easing my step on this journey".

This was her chance to make a good impression on him.

"I think I should talk to him first". She said, walking towards his direction.

Michael was with his group of friends. The star rugby players of Sherman Oaks high school.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to intrude, I am Lydia Kapoor". She said, extending her hand for a handshake.

"Oh my God, the freak you mean". Jude remarked.

Jude has been Michael 's best friend since freshman year. Lydia ignored his nasty remark, hoping Michael acknowledged her.

"What do you want?". Michael replied.

Her stomach fluttered with joy hearing his masculine voice.

"Well, we were assigned to the same group by Mr. Liam, the Science teacher and I guess I wanted to be acquitted with my group member". She murmured.

"We are busy". He said.

Lydia laughed hysterically. "I see, later then".

She walked away feeling creepy and shy. Her finger trembled as she fidgeted with her bag strap.

Chapter Two.

Obsessed

"Did I say anything wrong". She asked Eleanor

"No, you didn't, I know how you feel, and I love you, but that guy has literally never acknowledged your existence".

"You are the only one obsessed".

"So? Haven't you ever felt like a complete reject before?".

"Yes, when I like someone and they seem to be so blind to see".

"Like in third grade".She said, laughing loudly.

"What is his name again?".

"I don't know, come on, we got homework". She said, dragging Lydia.

"You are changing the topic".

Eleanor and I have been best friends ever since, and nobody could come between us.

We have always been each other's ride or die.

We have always been super into romance because we didn't have any of our own.

The school day was over, and students were spilling out of the classrooms. As they walked down to the gate, Eleanor left her while she pulled out her phone and started texting her mom.

Lydia was stunned to see the person in front of her. Michael.

"Do you need a drive home?". He asked.

She stammered. "Yes.." No, I am sorry, my mom is coming over, thank you".

"Okay, see you! You should come watch me at the next practice," he called as he rode away.

"I will", she screamed.

She smiled deeply, pleased that he had asked her to come watch him. Finally, he was beginning to notice her presence.

She waited for her mom, who had already replied to her text: "I will be there in a short while."

A few minutes later, Mrs Anaya Kapoor arrived in her car. She motioned for Lydia to get in, and Lydia obeyed, carefully adjusting her seatbelt before settling in.

The atmosphere was eerily quiet. Lydia blushed hard as she recalled the earlier incident between Michael and her.

Was he interested in her as much as she was in him? Her heart raced at the thought of seeing him on the rugby field, moving with that familiar power and confidence."

"How was school". her mom asked, breaking the silence.

Lydia realized she'd been lost in thought, barely hearing her mom speak while she wandered in her own imaginary world.

"Fine". She whispered, snapping back to reality.

"Good to know". her mom said, bringing the car to a halt at their home.

Lydia stepped down.

"I will be heading back to work, be a good girl". She announced, steering the wheel back onto the street as she drove toward the hospital.

Lydia entered the house. She saw her dad and her face brightened seeing Mr. Leo Kapoor at home.

"Welcome Angel". He answered.

"Thanks dad, " she said, slumping down on the couch.

"How was school?". He asked.

"Awesome!!, I have a good feeling it is going to be the best". She responded.

"Enough about me what's up with your job interview". She asked.

"You are looking at the new financial account officer of Sterling silver bank Limited".He voiced out.

Lydia's eyes widened in shock before a burst of joy brightened up her face. She jumped into her father's arms, wrapping him in a tight embrace, her laughter echoing as relief as happiness flooded through her.

"Congratulations dad".

"Thank you Angel".

"I can't wait for you to start taking me back to school". She exclaimed.

He fixed his gaze at her.

"You shouldn't be an ungrateful child, your mom has been doing a great job".

"Sorry dad, just that I have missed the moment with you being the one to take me to school".

"That wouldn't be a problem once I repair my car, I will be happy to take my angel with me".

She stood up from the couch finding her way to her room.

"I need to shower and change my dress".

"Okay dear".

Mr Leo sighed deeply. His mind drifted back to his former place of employment. He couldn't believe the management would accuse him of engaging in fraudulent activity he knows nothing about.

After the shower, she picked up her phone and called her friend. Eleanor answered after the first ring.

"You wouldn't believe that my plans are working already". She reported.

A shiver ran down her spin.

"Really?". Eleanor responded over the phone call.

"Yes, I have been specially invited to the school field by Michael".

"Please can I come with you". She pleaded.

After thinking for a few seconds, she agreed.

"Sure". She added.

"I am still in awe". She murmured.

The sound of Mrs Anaya Kapoor car pulling into the driveway made Lydia look up, realizing her mother was finally back.

"Bye, I need to go," she said, ending the call.

Mrs. Anaya Kapoor pushed the door open quietly. The faint scent of antiseptic still clung to her clothes as she stepped inside.

Lydia came downstairs to greet her and found her parents deep in discussion.

She didn't want to interrupt, so she headed back to her room, but a few words from their conversation made her stop and listen.

Chapter Three.

He is a jerk

Mr.Leo Kapoor smiled deeply pleased seeing his wife.

"Welcome darling!"

"Thank you". She replied.

"How was it?".

"I was given the job". He said enthusiastically.

"Finally, you have decided to work and relieve me of the burden of your daughter".

"She is also your daughter Anaya".

"No, she hates when I correct and thinks you are the only one that has her best interest at heart".

"You need to stop saying that".

"I understand she is a teenager, but that doesn't give her the right to act like a kid"

"You are doing your best and I know she would recognise the fact that you have always wanted the best".

"You need to rest after a long day".He exclaimed.

Lydia walked quietly away and pretended like she didn't eavesdrop on her parents' conversation.

She went upstairs and checked her wardrobe to pick an outfit for tomorrow's big day. She needed to make a very good impression.

After that she laid in bed and cried herself to sleep.

The next day at school. Lydia wore her school's blue-and-white jersey with denim shorts, while Eleanor tied her hair in a messy bun and wrapped a scarf in the team's colors around her neck.

"I can't wait to see him". She replied.

Eleanor followed her as they entered the school field. Michael was already set for the sport.

The whistle blew, and the players charged forward.

Lydia's eyes followed Michael, the school's star player, as he dodged a tackle and sprinted toward the try line.

The crowd on the pitch erupted when he slammed the ball down.

Her face beamed with deep admiration and attraction.

"He is so hot". She said, holding Eleanor.

"We are destined to be together, I am sure he will ask me out next or should I".

Eleanor's eyes widened in shock. "No, rule number three; never ask a guy out".

"Maybe I should try".

"You don't want him to see you as clingy".

"Fine, I will wait a little".

The match had lasted a full sixty minutes, but Lydia barely noticed how time passed.

She left Eleanor behind, her steps slow but certain as she made her way toward him.She glanced back at Eleanor, who gave her an encouraging nod.

"Michael!!". She called, trying to catch his attention.

A few other rugby players heard her calling after their captain and laughed at her. She ignored as she skipped down the bleachers, two at a time.

But she didn't miss the flashes of them taking pictures of their phones of the scene she was creating.

Michael was the last player to leave the field, and his head turned in her direction when he heard her shouting.

His hair was covered in sweat when he heard her as it clung to his forehead. He stared at her, his ocean blue eyes unreadable.

But he blinked slowly as if he had just remembered she was there all along.

She wasn't sure what she'd say, but she knew she couldn't leave without talking to him.

"Thank you for letting me come". She blurted.

"You played so exquisitely well, I was intrigued I must say". She felt heat creep onto her cheeks, suddenly feeling a little embarrassed.

"Thank you". He said with a small smile.

It was a dangerous smile, one that could make you want to desperately impress him.

She opened her mouth to say more but another flash of camera from the corner of her eyes had her stopping.

She clamped her mouth shut and turned away, feeling too nervous to utter another word.

She collected her things and walked in the direction of the cafeteria.

It was finally lunch time and she was starving. Besides, food could always cheer up a bad mood.

"Look who it is". A familiar voice sneered.

It was Eleanor.

She plastered the brightest smile I have ever seen on her face. "Did you confess your love to Michael?". She asked, holding a tray with fluffy brown rice, and a carton of milk.

She sighed deeply. "No, I didn't Eleanor". Lydia replied as she set her lunch on the table. A grilled chicken breast, and a small cup of fresh fruit.

"I will let him know during the science project". Lydia exclaimed.

"You need to give him a little hint, and let him work with it".

"No, Michael would never ask me out like that. I am not as pretty as the girls he usually hangs around with".

"Stop it, you are pretty Lydia and I want you to never second guess yourself", Eleanor voiced out.

Lydia and Eleanor slid their tray into the return slot and grabbed their backpack.

The cafeteria buzzed with chatter as students drifted toward the hallways.

Lydia leaned against the locker, she pulled out her phone, scrolling through messages.The group chat was buzzing.

The screen in front of her face reveals a photo of her at the rugby field, desperately calling out to Michael.

Her heart sank as she realised how bad this looked on her part.

It became evident to her that one of the rugby players was behind this cruel act.

They had captured that vulnerable moment and shared it throughout the school via various group chats, ensuring everyone in school would be able to see it. Her heart skipped a bit.

Sherman Oaks high school was a hub of gossip and rumors where whispers spread quickly.

Every week there seemed to be a different story that students focused on.

As she read one of the text messages displayed on the phone, a wave of humiliation washed over her.

Each word burned in her and felt like a knife piercing deeper into her already wounded spirit.

Jude: "Girl, you seriously need to stop following him around"

Maya: "Yeah, Lydia, you're literally turning into his number one stalker."

Jude:"She isn't worthy of being in the same league as him"

Lydia rolled her eyes, typing quickly. "I'm not stalking him, okay?."

"Stop replying to them, they are a waste of your precious time". Eleanor came from behind with her soothing words.

"Just because he is so cool doesn't make me a trash, he asked me to come see him play, I wasn't expecting that he wanted to have me as a laughing stock". She said, holding back tears.

"Michael is a jerk, always so full of himself".She said her arms wrapped around Lydia.

They both stood still for a while barely noticing the bell ringing, signaling it was time to head to their next class.

"Let's go, or Mr. Liam will be mad if we're late."