Evergreen International School was famous for its inter-society basketball tournament, thanks to two of the city's finest players—Rhea Singh and Sunaina Shetty. They had led their school to numerous victories, earning a reputation as champions.

But their rivalry wasn’t just limited to the basketball court—it extended to academics, too. They were constantly competing for the top spot in their respective classes, refusing to let the other take the lead. Be it a normal class test, the midterms, or even co-curricular activities, this was a rivalry the whole school was aware of.

Things took a sharper turn when Sunaina won the Sports Club Presidential Elections. Rhea had given it her best, but Sunaina was seen as the favorite. Popular among the teachers and students alike, Sunaina’s victory left Rhea feeling overshadowed. She had worked just as hard, if not harder. Yet, once again, Sunaina had come out on top.

Now, with the Intercity Basketball Championship announced, the top 10 schools were set to face off. The stakes had never been higher. When Evergreen International School revealed its lineup, no one was surprised—Rhea and Sunaina were both in the team.

But even here, their personal rivalry took center stage.

During warm-ups, shooting drills, and even simple running exercises, they were more focused on outshining each other than improving as a team. Instead of cooperation, it was a constant battle of egos. The coaches were frustrated, issuing multiple warnings, but nothing changed.

The tournament began with a practice game against Angel’s Convent, and it was a disaster.

Rhea and Sunaina ignored team strategy, taking unnecessary shots, refusing to pass, and even getting aggressive—pushing and snatching the ball from each other instead of focusing on the real competition.

The result? A humiliating 33-71 loss.

The team’s morale plummeted, but instead of learning from their mistakes, Rhea and Sunaina blamed each other for the defeat.

Their first group-stage match against The Heritage Public School wasn’t any different.

Their captain, Shreya Sharma, a close friend of Sunaina, knew exactly how to use their rivalry against them. She played strategically, leading Sunaina into a foul and subtly shifting the blame onto Rhea. The two immediately got into an on-field argument. The referee had to step in with a stern warning, but the damage was done.

Evergreen International lost again—39-50.

Watching from the stands, their parents and coaches knew something had to change. If Rhea and Sunaina didn’t put their differences aside, they wouldn’t just lose the tournament—they’d jeopardize their own futures as players.

Before the next match, the coaches took a bold step—they arranged a friendly practice game, but this time, Rhea and Sunaina were forced to play on the same team.

At first, nothing changed. They still competed against each other, refusing to trust the other’s skill. But as the game progressed, something shifted.

Rhea’s speed opened up spaces, while Sunaina’s accuracy ensured the ball found the basket. For the first time, they realized that when they played together, they were unstoppable.

Later, in the parking lot, they finally spoke—not as rivals, but as two players who had been fighting the same battle all along.

They both admitted it: It wasn’t just about the competition between them—it was an internal battle to prove themselves stronger, more capable, and independent.

They realized that teaming up didn’t take away their individual brilliance—instead, it enhanced it. Great players weren’t just those who shone alone but those who lifted their team higher.

With a new mindset, Evergreen International went into their next match against Rajeshwari Vidyalaya with renewed determination.

This time, Rhea and Sunaina worked together—passing, defending, setting up plays. The result? A dominant 66-27 victory.

With every game, their bond grew stronger, and soon, they led their team all the way to the finals.

The final against Royal International was nothing short of a thriller.

Evergreen International struggled in the first half, falling behind on points. But in the second half, Rhea and Sunaina took charge, playing with complete trust in each other.

And then came the defining moment—with just seconds left on the clock, Rhea made a perfect pass to Sunaina, who, with a flawless shot, sealed the victory.

Evergreen International were champions.

When the awards were announced, Rhea was named Player of the Tournament.

But instead of taking the credit alone, she did something unexpected.

She stepped forward, took the mic, and smiled.

"This award belongs to both of us. I couldn’t have done it without her."

Sunaina looked up in surprise.

The same Rhea who had fought tooth and nail for every point on the court.
The same Rhea who had been a fierce competitor.
And now, here she was, sharing her victory.

A rush of emotions filled Sunaina’s mind. For the first time, she saw Rhea not as a rival—but as a teammate, as someone who had been on the same journey all along.

Her vision blurred for a second, her throat tightened. And then, without hesitation, she walked up to Rhea.

Rhea extended her hand for a handshake.

Instead, Sunaina pulled her into a hug.

The crowd erupted into cheers. The team, the coaches, and their families celebrated around them.

Because in the end, it wasn’t just about winning a tournament.

It was about learning the true meaning of teamwork, respect, and what it really meant to be champions.