Bully Lord

Part-79

The revelation hung heavy in the air.  So, Ryan, the schoolyard bully, was a skilled athlete, training alongside champions.  It painted a whole new picture of the boy James thought he knew.  

Ryan's gaze flicked between James and Mili, a hint of amusement playing on his lips.  He sauntered closer, his initial question seemingly forgotten.  "Well, well," he drawled, a hint of his former arrogance peeking through.  "Look who decided to grace us with his presence.  The mighty champion, slayer of unruly kids."

James bristled, his hand instinctively clenching into a fist.  But before he could retort, Ryan's demeanor shifted again, the amusement replaced by a surprising sincerity.  "So," he continued, his voice devoid of its usual snark, "are you finally interested in joining the judo club?  We could always use some fresh blood, even if it's a little… inexperienced."

James stared at Ryan, dumbfounded by the sudden change in tone.  This wasn't the same bully he'd faced before.  This Ryan was almost… friendly.  A strange sense of unease settled in his stomach.  What was going on here?

"Actually," James began, his voice surprisingly steady, "I wouldn't mind learning a thing or two about judo.  Maybe you could show me the ropes sometime?"

A genuine smile broke across Ryan's face, the first one James had ever seen directed at him.  "Sure thing, champ," he replied, a hint of his old playful jab returning, but this time, it lacked malice.  "Just don't expect to go easy on you.  Even beginners need a good challenge, right?"

James couldn't help but grin.

A deep voice boomed from across the training area, halting their conversation in its tracks.  "Mili, you're here."  James turned to see a figure approaching them, a man radiating a quiet authority that commanded respect.  He was well-built, easily six feet tall, with a kind face etched with the lines of experience.  His dark hair was flecked with gray, and his eyes held a familiar warmth that sent a jolt through James.

Mili's smile widened as she turned towards the man.  "Yes, I'm here with James," she replied, her voice brimming with excitement.  "You know, the brother of Lilan Lily Khan.  And James, this is my father, Kashem Chowdhury."

James extended his hand, offering a polite greeting.  "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Chowdhury."

Mili, ever the helpful one, chimed in with additional information.  "My father is the Judo coach here, James.  And not just any coach, he's the Managing Director of Chowdhury Martial Arts Center."

Surprise flickered across James' face.  So, this wasn't just any training facility for Mili; it was a full-fledged martial arts center, run by Mili's own father.  The pieces were starting to fall into place, painting a clearer picture of Mili's life and her connection to this place.

Kashem's smile deepened as he grasped James' hand in a firm handshake.  "Ah, it's that kid," he chuckled, a hint of recognition lighting up his eyes.  "I haven't seen you in many years, James.  How is your father doing now?"

James felt a tug in his chest, a mix of confusion and a strange sense of familiarity.  He didn't remember ever meeting this man, and yet, there was something about his presence, about the way he spoke, that resonated deep within him. 

"He's… he's doing well," James stammered, struggling to find his voice.  His mind raced, searching for any scraps of memory that might connect him to this man, to this place.  All he could see were hazy fragments, fleeting images that refused to coalesce into a coherent picture.