Zaid Khan : A billion Dreams

The streets were almost empty now, the city settling into its quiet midnight rhythm.

Zaid walked beside Zoha, their steps slow and unhurried.

For once, there was no rush. No pressure.

Just the two of them, beneath the dim glow of streetlights.

Zoha kicked a small pebble ahead of her, watching it bounce along the pavement.

"You know," she said suddenly, "I think tonight was the best night of my life."

Zaid blinked, caught off guard. "Really?"

She nodded, her gaze soft. "Yeah. No fancy parties. No expensive restaurants. Just… this."

Zaid didn't know what to say to that.

Because for him?

This night was different, too.

He had spent his whole life chasing something—a dream, a future, a way out.

But tonight, for the first time, he wasn't chasing anything.

He was just here.

With her.

Zoha stopped walking as they reached her house—a grand, towering building that looked completely out of place compared to the life Zaid knew.

She turned to face him, her expression unreadable.

"I meant what I said," she murmured. "You should let yourself have more nights like this."

Zaid exhaled. "I don't know if I can afford to."

She smiled. "Then I'll just have to remind you."

He didn't respond.

Because what could he even say to that?

Zoha lingered for a moment longer before stepping back toward her gate.

"Goodnight, Zaid," she said softly.

And then—she was gone.

Zaid stood there for a long time, staring at the closed gate.

Something inside him had shifted tonight.

And he wasn't sure if he could ever go back to who he was before.

But maybe…

Maybe he didn't want to.

The early morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth as Zaid jogged down the narrow lane near his house.

The world was still waking up. The sky was a muted shade of blue, the last traces of dawn blending into the golden hues of sunrise. Street vendors were setting up their stalls, the distant sound of milkmen clanking metal cans echoed through the alleyways, and the occasional bark of a stray dog broke the silence.

Zaid's breaths came out in short puffs as he increased his pace, his worn-out sneakers slapping against the uneven pavement. His body still ached from the intense training sessions of the past few days, but he welcomed the pain—it was a reminder that he was getting closer to his goal.

Every step he took was another step away from the life he wanted to leave behind.

As he neared the small neighborhood park where he usually practiced, he saw a few older men already engaged in their morning walks, discussing politics and cricket in equal measure. A couple of kids were kicking around a makeshift football, their laughter ringing through the otherwise quiet space.

Zaid slowed his pace, stretching his arms as he scanned the open ground.

He had to train harder.

His recent matches had been good, but not good enough.

There were players out there, stronger, faster, and more experienced. If he wanted to break into the professional level, he needed to outwork every single one of them.

His hands clenched into fists.

He couldn't afford to fail.

Not after everything he had been through.

Not after everything he had lost.

With a deep breath, he pulled out his cricket ball and tossed it up, catching it effortlessly.

It was time to push himself beyond his limits.

Zaid took his stance in the open field, gripping the worn-out cricket ball in his palm. He had spent countless hours here, perfecting his delivery, but today felt different.

As he focused, a familiar sensation washed over him—the System activating.

A translucent blue screen flickered in front of his eyes.

[ Cricket System Activated]

Player: Zaid Khan

Skill Level: Intermediate

Stamina: 64/100

Batting: 58

Bowling: 71

Fielding: 60

Mental Resilience: 55

Zaid exhaled. His stats had improved, but the numbers still weren't good enough.

He needed to break through the limits.

The System beeped again.

[New Mission: Sharpen Your Reflexes]

Task: Hit the target 10 times in a row.

Reward: +2 Bowling Accuracy, +1 Mental Resilience

Penalty: none

A holographic target suddenly appeared at the far end of the park. It was barely visible to the others around him, but to Zaid, it was as clear as day.

10 shots. No room for error.

His heartbeat quickened. This was what he had been waiting for—a real challenge.

Zaid took a deep breath, adjusted his grip, and focused on the target.

The ball left his fingers, spinning with perfect precision.

Thud!

A direct hit.

The System chimed.

[ 1/10 Successful Hits]

Zaid smirked.

Game on.