Chapter 24: The Calm Before the Keraniganj Storm
The rickshaw ride to Mahima's place was unusually quiet. The rhythmic clink-clink of the rickshaw bell was the only thing grounding Rimon as the blue HUD hovered at the edge of his vision, flickering with the 14.0% Sync Rate.
"You're thinking too much," Mahima said, breaking the silence. She wasn't looking at him; she was watching the Dhaka sunset paint the city in shades of bruised orange. "You're wondering why everyone suddenly cares about a league they used to ignore."
"It's illogical," Rimon muttered, his half-blind eyes catching the hazy glow of the streetlamps. "Our football has been in the dark for decades. Now, because of a viral video and some 'Barefoot King' nonsense, they're acting like I'm a national treasure. It feels... manufactured."
"It's not manufactured, Rimon. It's hope," she countered softly. She turned to him, her expression serious. "People in this country are tired of looking at the past. They've been waiting for a reason to watch their own stadiums again. You gave them that. Even if you hate the spotlight, you can't deny the spark you lit."
The rickshaw pulled up in front of her apartment in Dhanmondi. Rimon hopped down, helping her with her bag.
"Go home," she said, her hand lingering on his arm for a second. "Face the suits. Deal with the sweets. And for heaven's sake, don't let Nuhab eat the whole box, or he'll be bouncing off the walls until Friday. Message me as soon as they leave."
"I will," Rimon promised. He watched her walk inside before turning back toward the chaos waiting for him across the Buriganga.
The journey to Keraniganj felt like a countdown. By the time he reached his street, the news had clearly traveled. Neighbors and guys with Rimon grow up playing were standing at their gates, whispering as he passed. He reached his front door and took a deep breath.
Inside, the scene was exactly as Nodi had described.
Three men in sleek, charcoal suits were perched awkwardly on the edge of the sofa. They looked terrified. In the center of the room, Rimon's mother, Shabana, stood like a sentinel, her hand resting firmly on the handle of a long-bristled broom.
"Ma, I'm home," Rimon announced.
"Finally!" Shabana snapped, though her eyes softened when she saw him. "These people have been sitting here for an hour, Rimon. They keep talking about 'image rights' and 'market value.' I told them you have a midterm to study for, but they just keep offering Nuhab more laddoos."
Nuhab and little Naba were sitting on the floor, their faces smeared with syrup from the premium sweets, looking like they had just won the lottery. Nodi was in the corner, looking exhausted, while Samantha-bhabi was peeking through the kitchen curtain, her eyes wide with curiosity.
"Shoaib Bashar Rimon," one of the men stood up, smoothing his suit. "We represent Kabir's group. We have the preliminary papers for the Dubai placement. We just need a signature to lock in the visa process."
"I told you," Shabana growled, lifting the broom an inch higher. "He hasn't even had his tea yet. Sit down, Rimon. Your Nanu Solema is awake in the other room; go see her first. These 'Suit-mamas' can wait."
Rimon looked at the agents. They were elite, professional, and completely powerless against a Bangladeshi mother with a broom.
[Sync Rate: 14.1%]
[Objective: Navigate the Family Ambush.]
[Condition: High Emotional Turbulence.]
Rimon ignored the papers on the table. He walked past the agents, patted Nuhab on the head, and headed toward the back room to see his grandmother. He needed a moment of silence before he decided which world he was going to live in.
Author Note:
Mahima is honestly the MVP of this arc! 🏆 She's the only one who can keep Rimon's head on straight while the rest of the country is losing their minds. And the drop-off was so sweet—she knows exactly what he's heading into.
But can we talk about Ma Shabana?! 🧹💥 Standing guard with a broom against international sports agents is a legendary move. Kabir's guys probably thought they were going to have a professional negotiation, but they didn't account for the "Motherhood Wall."
Poor Nuhab and Naba are just here for the free sweets! 🍬😂 I hope someone checked the sugar levels in that room before Rimon arrived. Now that the agents are physically in his house, the "Safe Path" is looking harder and harder to maintain. Next chapter: The confrontation! Will the broom stay down, or is someone getting swept out of Keraniganj? Stay tuned! ⚽🔥