Chapter 28

The heavy thud of the dhol drum echoed off the iron roof poles of the spectator tents, vibrating straight through the damp dirt of the center circle. Dust rose in pale gold plumes under the morning sun, drifting over hundreds of shouting villagers who packed the wooden bleachers six rows deep. High above the noise, the official whistle shrieked through the loudspeaker horn, cutting through the roaring chants of home team and Moga supporters alike.

A sharp slap echoed across the playing circle as bare palms met bare thighs. White kachera pulled tight over dense, corded quads, bare feet stepped into the damp earth, knees bending low in a wide, balanced stance along the center line. Broad shoulders glistened under a thin sheen of sweat, dark hair bound tight in a neat joora over his crown. A relaxed, dimpled grin cut across his face, completely unbothered by the tense atmosphere, though hazel eyes burned with absolute focus.

Across the white chalk boundary, Jaggi Sandhu stomped his feet into the dirt, kicking up small clods of earth. Dressed in a dark red vest and shorts, the Moga captain glared straight ahead, his chest heaving as his team formed their four-man stopper chain along the rear arch.

Ustaad Ji stood near the scorer’s table, his arm raising high into the sunlit air.

“First raid, from Moga side! Go, Sukha!” (Pehli raid, Moga walon! Chal, Sukha!)

Sukha, a lean and fast Moga raider, bounced over the center chalk line, his left hand extending wide while his rhythmic chant filled the air.

“Kabaddi, Kabaddi, Kabaddi, Kabaddi...”

The home team defensive chain swayed in unison. Jassi Gill held the left corner, his calloused hands hovering near his knees, while Tari Brar covered the center gap. Positioned at the right stopper post, the young captain stood anchored like a brick pillar.

Sukha feinted left toward Jassi, his bare feet flicking dirt toward the crowd. Pivoting fast, the raider made a sudden dash toward the right, his arm shooting out to attempt a quick hand-touch against broad shoulders.

A lightning-fast arm strike knocked Sukha’s hand out of the air. Before the raider could reset his balance, a heavy palm clamped tight around his left thigh. Stepping into the raider’s momentum, the Haveli Sardaar lifted Sukha’s entire weight off the ground in one fluid motion, driving him flat back into the damp dirt.

The crowd erupted into a deafening roar as the earth shook under the impact.

Dust settled over Sukha’s chest as he lay pinned completely under a thick, muscular arm, the air knocked clear out of his lungs. Looking down into Sukha’s dazed eyes, cheek dimples showed deep as a low, teasing chuckle broke from his throat before releasing the grip.

“Well done, tiger! Apply a little more force in the fields.” (Shabaash, shera! Thoda hor zor laa khetan ch.)

Ustaad Ji’s whistle blew sharp.

“Point, home team!” (Point, home team!)

Shouts of joy burst from the front row where Surinder Mama Ji stood waving his white parna in the air, while Jassi Gill jumped onto his captain’s back, slapping broad shoulders in celebration. Up in the reserved section, Harleen clapped her hands together, a bright, thrilled laugh breaking from her lips as her eyes stayed locked onto her cousin’s dominant frame. Meher sat beside her, her mustard-yellow suit catching the sun, her chin lifted high with pride as she exchanged a knowing glance with Baljeet Mami Ji.

Moga’s dugout turned tense. Jaggi Sandhu slammed his water bottle onto the wooden bench, his face turning red as he stepped straight to the center chalk line without waiting for his coach’s call.

“I will go! Right now I make the account equal!” (Main jaawaanga! Hunay hisaab baraabar karda aa!)

Bare feet stomped across the boundary line as Jaggi entered home team territory, his voice harsh and loud over the dhol beats.

“Kabaddi, Kabaddi, Kabaddi, Kabaddi...”

Jaggi bypassed Jassi and Tari completely, his bloodshot eyes locked strictly onto the right stopper post. Charging straight forward, the Moga captain swung his thick arms wide, intent on delivering a heavy chest-push to break his opponent’s balance.

Unshaken stability met the charge. Lowering his center of gravity at the final two strides, the young Sardaar absorbed the full impact of Jaggi’s assault straight against his chest. The blunt acoustic thud of two heavy bodies colliding echoed clearly across the front bleachers.

Jaggi’s momentum halted instantly, as if running headfirst into a solid concrete wall.