章 37: Chapter 37:- Returning to Home Country
The echo of the fans' triumphant cheers had faded into a peaceful silence, blanketing the empty stadium like a quiet lullaby. In the aftermath of the revelry, the custodial staff had diligently returned the stadium to its pristine state, erasing any trace of the pandemonium that had unfolded hours earlier. Now, in this hallowed space that had borne witness to their monumental victory, only two figures remained – Kabir and Yukina.
Kabir slid down next to Yukina on the cold stadium seats, his eyes surveying the expanse of the pitch where he had etched his name in history with his 4 goals. His gaze was tinged with a sense of pride and accomplishment, but also a deep gratitude for the system that had catapulted him to this level. Without it, Kabir thought, he wouldn't have been able to scale such great heights. His dreams had grown alongside his successes. Once, his aspiration was simply to play professional football. Now, he yearned for more - he aimed to ascend the throne as the unrivaled king of football.
Yukina observed Kabir's distant gaze, a curious glint lighting up her eyes. "What's on your mind?" she asked, her voice breaking the comforting silence that had enveloped them.
Kabir snapped back from his reverie, a subtle smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Just daydreaming about the upcoming tour to Japan. I can't wait to experience it," he shared, his voice brimming with excitement.
"Really?" Yukina echoed, her eyes sparkling with quiet joy. Part of her had always wanted to introduce Kabir to her parents, and now that seemed like a possibility.
Unaware of her thoughts, Kabir nodded affirmatively. Yukina, her curiosity still not fully satiated, gently pressed him with another question. "So, how does it feel now? Being a champion and all?" Her words held a playful tease, her lips curving into a warm smile. To an observant eye, the faint blush on her cheeks was evident, adding an extra touch of charm to her beaming face.
A sense of fulfillment washed over Kabir as he pondered his response. "I'm elated, honestly," he finally replied, the corners of his mouth lifting into a satisfied smile. "I feel a sense of pride, and, well... satisfaction."
His mind wandered to football legends like Messi and Ronaldo. These titans of the game had been subject to criticism for years for not securing major trophies with their teams. Kabir knew that if he hadn't won today, he would have been destined to face similar reproach in the future. In football, the opinions of fans and critics often shaped a player's reputation. It was a game of opinions, really. Every time a player stepped onto the pitch, thousands of eyes were watching, each with their own unique perspective and judgement.
His reflective silence was interrupted by Yukina's next query, "Kabir, are you really thinking about joining Liverpool?" She had been under the impression that he'd lean towards Real Madrid, considering his well-known fanhood. Just like his idol, CR7, she assumed Kabir would follow in his footsteps and join the Spanish giants.
Kabir, however, had other plans. He nodded, confirming her query. "Joining Madrid is on the cards, but not yet. Right now, I want to stay in the Premier League and I have ambitions to win the title with Liverpool. If luck favors us, even the UEFA Champions League is within reach," he expressed confidently. His ambitions were set high; not only did he aim to win the Premier League and UCL, he also aimed to do so as the top goal scorer and assist provider. This, he believed, would greatly enhance his chances of clinching the coveted Ballon d'Or, a distinction he yearned for.
Yukina's laugh echoed softly in the quiet stadium. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, looking forward to what Kabir would accomplish in the Premier League. "You certainly have high ambitions, Kabir," she said, her voice rich with admiration.
Kabir flashed her a mischievous grin, his eyes twinkling playfully. "Don't you find ambitious men attractive?" he teased, nudging her gently.
Yukina's response was earnest. "Absolutely. Ambitious men are more appealing to me than any handsome playboy. They're focused, committed to their careers, not gallivanting around with countless women," she replied, eliciting a nod of agreement from Kabir.
But then, her tone took on a slightly more serious note. "What about adjustments, Kabir? Switching leagues, teams, even countries... It's not always easy. It can take players years to adapt to a new environment," she pointed out, her eyes filled with concern. She knew the tales of players like Ronaldo who adjusted quickly and performed well in any club, but not all stories were the same.
Kabir's confidence didn't waver. He reassured her, his voice steady. "I'm confident that I'll be able to adjust," he said. Adaptability had never been an issue for Kabir. He recalled his swift acclimation when he joined Bangladesh's squad, swiftly scoring goals in his debut match at the AFC Asian Cup. That experience alone made him confident that he could adjust to any environment and succeed.
Yukina's voice held a touch of melancholy as she broached the topic of their impending separation. She knew that the AFC Asian Cup had come to an end, and she would have to return to Japan tomorrow. Yet, a glimmer of excitement danced in her eyes, knowing that Kabir would soon be visiting her, bridging the distance between them.
Kabir's expression softened, understanding her mixed emotions. "I'm not entirely sure yet. Tomorrow, the entire team will be heading back home, and the upcoming week will undoubtedly be filled with various commitments and celebrations," he explained. The true festivities would commence once they arrived in Bangladesh, where the real homecoming awaited them.
"Perhaps sometime next week, I'll be able to make my way to Japan. I'll keep you informed," he assured her with a warm smile, grateful for the technology that allowed them to stay connected even when physically apart.
Curiosity twinkled in Yukina's eyes as she inquired about the duration of Kabir's stay in Japan. She was aware that come August, Kabir would need to return to Europe as the Premier League season was set to kick off.
Kabir met her gaze, his smile growing broader. "Well, that depends on a certain someone," he replied playfully, his words causing a rosy blush to grace Yukina's cheeks. She shyly lowered her head, a soft smile gracing her lips as the air between them crackled with sweet anticipation.
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Scene change______
The anticipation was palpable as the Bangladeshi football team touched down in their homeland, greeted by a sea of cheering fans and eager journalists. The airport was abuzz with excitement and energy, with fans jostling to catch a glimpse of their beloved players.
"Look, there he is!" someone exclaimed, their voice tinged with admiration. The handsome figure of Kabir, the captain of the victorious Bangladeshi football squad, stood at the forefront, cradling the gleaming AFC Asian Cup in his hands. Clad in their football jerseys and sleek black pants, the entire team radiated pride and joy. The gold winner medals adorned their necks, a testament to their remarkable achievement.
Smiles adorned the faces of the players as they soaked in the adulation of the crowd. The older players, who had been contemplating retirement in the coming years, found renewed vigor and excitement in the wake of their Asian Gold triumph. Playing alongside Kabir had ignited a fire within them, instilling newfound confidence and belief. Some even entertained the thought of extending their careers to play in the upcoming World Cup, spurred on by the unwavering faith that as long as they had Kabir by their side, anything was possible.
Amidst the hubbub, the voices of the Bangladeshi football fans rose, expressing their overflowing emotions and joy. Their conversations were filled with heartfelt sentiments, exuding an informal warmth and simplicity.
"Oh, he's our hero! We did it! We won the Asian Cup!" exclaimed one passionate fan, a wide grin stretching across their face.
"I can't believe it! Our team, our country, standing tall on the world stage," another fan chimed in, their voice tinged with awe.
Tears of joy welled up in the eyes of a devoted supporter as they exclaimed, "Kabir, you've made us proud! You've given us a reason to believe in our dreams!"
The air hummed with a sense of unity and elation as the fans, shoulder to shoulder, shared stories of how the Bangladeshi team's triumph had touched their hearts. Each conversation echoed a common refrain: the indomitable spirit of Kabir and his teammates had ignited hope and ignited dreams that were previously thought to be out of reach.
As Kabir and his teammates made their way through the jubilant crowd, fans extended their hands, seeking a high-five or an autograph, their faces glowing with unbridled happiness. In the midst of this celebratory chaos, the bond between the players and their devoted supporters grew stronger, a shared celebration of a historic achievement that would forever be etched in the annals of Bangladeshi football.
Amidst the overwhelming celebration, a sense of anticipation filled the air as the Prime Minister herself made her way through the crowd, surrounded by her security detail. The onlookers grew hushed, their eyes fixed on the esteemed figure approaching the victorious Bangladeshi football team.
The Prime Minister, her warm smile illuminating her face, extended her hand to greet Kabir, the captain of the triumphant squad. Kabir, in awe of the moment, shook her hand, his heart brimming with pride and gratitude.
"Congratulations, Kabir! You've made our nation proud!" the Prime Minister exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "You have shown exceptional skill, determination, and leadership throughout this tournament. Bangladesh owes this remarkable victory to players like you."
Kabir, humbled by her words, replied with a modest smile. "Thank you, Madam Prime Minister. It was a team effort, and I am grateful for the support of my teammates and the entire nation."
The Prime Minister's eyes gleamed with pride as she turned her attention to the rest of the team. She congratulated each player, expressing her heartfelt appreciation for their incredible performance and the joy they had brought to the nation.
"You have shown us the power of unity and resilience," she commended. "Your hard work, dedication, and unwavering spirit have exemplified the true essence of Bangladeshi sportsmanship. We are indebted to you for this historic achievement."
The players, overwhelmed by the Prime Minister's presence and her kind words, expressed their gratitude and shared their own personal stories of triumph and determination.
As the conversation continued, the Prime Minister unveiled a surprise, gesturing towards a row of gleaming vehicles parked nearby. "To honor your exceptional achievement and the pride you have brought to our nation, each one of you will receive a special gift," she announced.
Eyes widened with astonishment and excitement as the players beheld the brand-new Porsche Cayenne cars, a symbol of recognition for their extraordinary feat. The players exchanged looks of disbelief and joy, their gratitude for this unexpected gesture evident in their smiles and expressions.
"Thank you, Madam Prime Minister," Kabir said, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. "This means the world to us. We will continue to strive for excellence and bring further glory to our nation."
With a gentle nod, the Prime Minister offered her blessings to Kabir and the entire team. "May your journey be filled with continued success, both on and off the field. Your victory has ignited a spark of hope and inspiration in the hearts of every Bangladeshi. We are forever grateful for your dedication and talent."
As the Prime Minister bid farewell as she had to catch a plane, the players stood in awe, the weight of their accomplishment settling upon them. With hearts brimming with gratitude and determination, they knew that their journey had only just begun, and they were ready to conquer new heights in the world of football.
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