07-09-2024, 12:38 AM
CHAPTER – 17
The morning sun filtered through the windows of their 2BHK apartment in Mumbai as Danish laced up his running shoes. Today was the first official day of his marathon training, and although he was excited, he knew it would take more than just enthusiasm to cross the finish line in a few weeks.
Kavya sat on the couch, sipping her coffee as she watched him stretch. “So, what’s the plan for today? Running or weights?” she asked with a playful grin.
Danish glanced at her, smiling. “Both, actually. I’m going for a short run first, just to ease into the marathon training, and then we can hit the gym for our
usual weight session. I’m not giving that up either.”
Kavya raised an eyebrow. “Ambitious. I like it. Just don’t burn yourself out.”
He chuckled as he stood up, ready to head out. “Don’t worry, I’ve got this. And I’ve got you to keep me in check.”
Kavya waved him off, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Good luck, marathon man. I’ll be here when you’re done.”
Danish set off for his first training run, a light 5K around their neighborhood. His body was familiar with the rhythm of running, but it had been a while since he’d run seriously. Still, the excitement of preparing for the marathon was enough to keep him focused. Each step brought him closer to his goal, and even though it was just the beginning, he felt the thrill of pushing himself again.
As he ran, his mind wandered to Kavya. She had been so supportive of his decision to run the marathon, even though she didn’t want to join in. It made him appreciate their friendship even more. They had grown close over the past few weeks, and now, even with his new focus on running, he knew she’d be there to cheer him on—both in and out of the gym.
Later that day, after his run, Danish met up with Kavya at the gym. She was already there, warming up with some light stretches. “How was the run?” she asked as he walked in, still catching his breath.
“Not bad,” Danish replied, wiping the sweat from his forehead. “I’m a bit out of practice, but it feels good to get back into it. Ready for some weights?”
Kavya grinned. “Always. Let’s do this.”
As they moved through their weight training routine, Danish couldn’t help but notice how much stronger Kavya had gotten. She handled the weights with ease, her form solid and her determination evident in every movement.
“You’ve really been killing it lately,” Danish remarked as she finished a set of deadlifts. “You’re getting stronger every week.”
Kavya smiled, her cheeks flushed from exertion. “Thanks! It’s been a lot of fun, especially with you pushing me. But enough about me—how are you feeling with all this extra training? Running and weightlifting must be tough to balance.”
Danish shrugged, though he appreciated her concern. “It’s definitely a challenge, but I want to keep up with the weights, too. I don’t want to lose the progress we’ve made. I’m thinking of alternating my focus—some days more on running, other days more on weights.”
Kavya nodded, understanding. “Makes sense. I’ll do what I can to help. Maybe we can work on some mobility exercises, too. That’ll help with your running.”
Danish gave her a grateful smile. “You’re always thinking ahead. I appreciate that.”
They continued their session, working through bench presses, rows, and squats. Even though Danish was focusing more on his running now, he was determined not to let go of the strength training they had built together. Kavya was right there with him, offering support, encouragement, and the occasional playful jab to keep things light.
As the days passed, Danish’s marathon training became more intense. He followed a structured plan, gradually increasing his running distance while still fitting in their gym sessions. Kavya had become his unofficial coach, cheering him on during his runs and helping him stretch and recover after particularly tough days.
One morning, after an especially grueling 10K run, Danish returned to the apartment, his legs burning from the effort. Kavya was waiting with a bottle of water and a towel, ready to offer her support.
“How was it?” she asked, handing him the water.
Danish groaned, collapsing onto the couch. “Brutal. My legs feel like jelly.”
Kavya laughed but sat beside him, offering a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. “You’re doing great, though. You’re already up to 10K, and the marathon is still a few weeks away. You’re going to crush this.”
Danish looked at her, grateful for the encouragement. “I don’t know what I’d do without you keeping me sane through all this.”
Kavya shrugged modestly. “I’m just doing what any good friend would. And besides, I promised to be there for you—whether I’m running or cheering.”
Their gym sessions remained a constant part of their routine, and even though Danish’s focus had shifted toward marathon training, he refused to give up on the strength they had built together. He found a balance between the two, dedicating certain days to running and others to weightlifting.
Kavya, for her part, continued to push him in the gym. She would spot him during heavy lifts, making sure he didn’t compromise his form as fatigue from the runs set in. “Don’t let your running legs mess up our gains,” she’d joke, keeping the mood light but focused.
One day, during a particularly tough leg day, Kavya was mid-squat when Danish stood by to spot her. As she completed her set, her legs trembling with effort, she racked the bar and let out a breathless laugh.
“Okay, now I get why your legs feel like jelly after those runs,” she said, shaking out her legs. “That was brutal.”
Danish grinned. “You’ve been killing it, though. Honestly, I think you’re pushing me just as much as the running is.”
Kavya smiled, feeling proud of their progress. “We make a good team. But don’t forget—you’ve got a marathon to train for. I’ll keep the weights in check, and you keep those legs ready to run.”
In the following weeks, the marathon loomed closer, and Danish’s runs grew longer. Kavya, true to her word, stayed by his side—whether it was offering tips on recovery, pushing him in the gym, or simply being there to listen when the training got tough.
Their bond had deepened, not just through their workouts but through the way they supported each other’s individual goals. Danish’s excitement for the marathon was contagious, and even though Kavya wasn’t running, she felt just as invested in his success.
One evening, after a particularly long day of both running and weightlifting, Danish sat down with Kavya in their apartment, exhaustion written on his face. “I don’t know how much longer I can keep this pace,” he admitted, rubbing his sore legs.
Kavya looked at him, her voice gentle but firm. “You’ve already come so far, Danish. Don’t forget why you’re doing this—you wanted to challenge yourself, and that’s exactly what you’re doing. And no matter what happens on race day, I’m going to be there, cheering you on.”
Danish smiled, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over him. “Thanks, Kavya. That means more than you know.”
She nodded. “We’ve both been pushing our limits in different ways. And hey, even if you don’t win the marathon, you’re already winning in the gym.”
Danish laughed, the exhaustion lifting slightly as he leaned back against the couch. “Well, I’ve got the best training partner I could ask for.”
Kavya grinned. “Same time tomorrow?”
Danish nodded. “You know it.”
The morning sun filtered through the windows of their 2BHK apartment in Mumbai as Danish laced up his running shoes. Today was the first official day of his marathon training, and although he was excited, he knew it would take more than just enthusiasm to cross the finish line in a few weeks.
Kavya sat on the couch, sipping her coffee as she watched him stretch. “So, what’s the plan for today? Running or weights?” she asked with a playful grin.
Danish glanced at her, smiling. “Both, actually. I’m going for a short run first, just to ease into the marathon training, and then we can hit the gym for our
usual weight session. I’m not giving that up either.”
Kavya raised an eyebrow. “Ambitious. I like it. Just don’t burn yourself out.”
He chuckled as he stood up, ready to head out. “Don’t worry, I’ve got this. And I’ve got you to keep me in check.”
Kavya waved him off, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Good luck, marathon man. I’ll be here when you’re done.”
Danish set off for his first training run, a light 5K around their neighborhood. His body was familiar with the rhythm of running, but it had been a while since he’d run seriously. Still, the excitement of preparing for the marathon was enough to keep him focused. Each step brought him closer to his goal, and even though it was just the beginning, he felt the thrill of pushing himself again.
As he ran, his mind wandered to Kavya. She had been so supportive of his decision to run the marathon, even though she didn’t want to join in. It made him appreciate their friendship even more. They had grown close over the past few weeks, and now, even with his new focus on running, he knew she’d be there to cheer him on—both in and out of the gym.
Later that day, after his run, Danish met up with Kavya at the gym. She was already there, warming up with some light stretches. “How was the run?” she asked as he walked in, still catching his breath.
“Not bad,” Danish replied, wiping the sweat from his forehead. “I’m a bit out of practice, but it feels good to get back into it. Ready for some weights?”
Kavya grinned. “Always. Let’s do this.”
As they moved through their weight training routine, Danish couldn’t help but notice how much stronger Kavya had gotten. She handled the weights with ease, her form solid and her determination evident in every movement.
“You’ve really been killing it lately,” Danish remarked as she finished a set of deadlifts. “You’re getting stronger every week.”
Kavya smiled, her cheeks flushed from exertion. “Thanks! It’s been a lot of fun, especially with you pushing me. But enough about me—how are you feeling with all this extra training? Running and weightlifting must be tough to balance.”
Danish shrugged, though he appreciated her concern. “It’s definitely a challenge, but I want to keep up with the weights, too. I don’t want to lose the progress we’ve made. I’m thinking of alternating my focus—some days more on running, other days more on weights.”
Kavya nodded, understanding. “Makes sense. I’ll do what I can to help. Maybe we can work on some mobility exercises, too. That’ll help with your running.”
Danish gave her a grateful smile. “You’re always thinking ahead. I appreciate that.”
They continued their session, working through bench presses, rows, and squats. Even though Danish was focusing more on his running now, he was determined not to let go of the strength training they had built together. Kavya was right there with him, offering support, encouragement, and the occasional playful jab to keep things light.
As the days passed, Danish’s marathon training became more intense. He followed a structured plan, gradually increasing his running distance while still fitting in their gym sessions. Kavya had become his unofficial coach, cheering him on during his runs and helping him stretch and recover after particularly tough days.
One morning, after an especially grueling 10K run, Danish returned to the apartment, his legs burning from the effort. Kavya was waiting with a bottle of water and a towel, ready to offer her support.
“How was it?” she asked, handing him the water.
Danish groaned, collapsing onto the couch. “Brutal. My legs feel like jelly.”
Kavya laughed but sat beside him, offering a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. “You’re doing great, though. You’re already up to 10K, and the marathon is still a few weeks away. You’re going to crush this.”
Danish looked at her, grateful for the encouragement. “I don’t know what I’d do without you keeping me sane through all this.”
Kavya shrugged modestly. “I’m just doing what any good friend would. And besides, I promised to be there for you—whether I’m running or cheering.”
Their gym sessions remained a constant part of their routine, and even though Danish’s focus had shifted toward marathon training, he refused to give up on the strength they had built together. He found a balance between the two, dedicating certain days to running and others to weightlifting.
Kavya, for her part, continued to push him in the gym. She would spot him during heavy lifts, making sure he didn’t compromise his form as fatigue from the runs set in. “Don’t let your running legs mess up our gains,” she’d joke, keeping the mood light but focused.
One day, during a particularly tough leg day, Kavya was mid-squat when Danish stood by to spot her. As she completed her set, her legs trembling with effort, she racked the bar and let out a breathless laugh.
“Okay, now I get why your legs feel like jelly after those runs,” she said, shaking out her legs. “That was brutal.”
Danish grinned. “You’ve been killing it, though. Honestly, I think you’re pushing me just as much as the running is.”
Kavya smiled, feeling proud of their progress. “We make a good team. But don’t forget—you’ve got a marathon to train for. I’ll keep the weights in check, and you keep those legs ready to run.”
In the following weeks, the marathon loomed closer, and Danish’s runs grew longer. Kavya, true to her word, stayed by his side—whether it was offering tips on recovery, pushing him in the gym, or simply being there to listen when the training got tough.
Their bond had deepened, not just through their workouts but through the way they supported each other’s individual goals. Danish’s excitement for the marathon was contagious, and even though Kavya wasn’t running, she felt just as invested in his success.
One evening, after a particularly long day of both running and weightlifting, Danish sat down with Kavya in their apartment, exhaustion written on his face. “I don’t know how much longer I can keep this pace,” he admitted, rubbing his sore legs.
Kavya looked at him, her voice gentle but firm. “You’ve already come so far, Danish. Don’t forget why you’re doing this—you wanted to challenge yourself, and that’s exactly what you’re doing. And no matter what happens on race day, I’m going to be there, cheering you on.”
Danish smiled, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over him. “Thanks, Kavya. That means more than you know.”
She nodded. “We’ve both been pushing our limits in different ways. And hey, even if you don’t win the marathon, you’re already winning in the gym.”
Danish laughed, the exhaustion lifting slightly as he leaned back against the couch. “Well, I’ve got the best training partner I could ask for.”
Kavya grinned. “Same time tomorrow?”
Danish nodded. “You know it.”
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