"Deal," Pavan said, his voice firm as he grabbed a controller, determination gleaming in his eyes.

The two friends sank into the couch, their rivalry sparking like flint and steel. Laughter echoed through the room, punctuated by mock threats and playful insults, as the virtual racetrack loaded on the screen.

The countdown began: Three... Two... One... Go!

Pavan's car shot forward, zooming past Krishna's in the opening stretch. A cocky smirk spread across his face. "Better start practicing, Krishna. The gaming king is back in action!"

Krishna raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. He yawned theatrically. "Enjoy it while it lasts, Pavan. We both know how this ends."

As the race intensified, Pavan's fingers moved furiously on the controller. He weaved through hairpin turns and narrowly avoided collisions with other virtual cars. This is my moment, he thought, his heart racing with excitement.

But Krishna, ever the strategist, bided his time. At the final stretch, he unleashed a turbo boost, his car blazing past Pavan's at the last second. The screen lit up with the words: Winner: Krishna!

Krishna leapt off the couch, arms raised in victory. "Yes! Who's the king now?" he crowed, his grin widening as he looked at Pavan's crestfallen face.

Pavan frowned, his grip on the controller tightening. "That was just a warm-up," he grumbled. "Let's go again. This time, I'll wipe that smirk off your face."

Krishna leaned against the armrest, feigning boredom. "Oh, I'm quaking in my boots. Bring it on, loser."

Round after round, the two friends battled it out. Pavan poured every ounce of focus into his gameplay, his jaw set and his brows furrowed. Yet, no matter how hard he tried, Krishna always stayed one step ahead.

By the end of the tenth round, the scoreboard was unrelenting: Krishna: 10. Pavan: 0.

Pavan's frustration boiled over. Tossing the controller onto the couch, he stood up abruptly. "I'm taking a break!" he snapped, storming out of the living room.

Krishna chuckled, leaning back with a satisfied sigh. "Oh, Pavan," he muttered to himself. "You're a great friend, but gaming? It's just not your thing."

As soon as Pavan disappeared down the hall, Krishna's mother entered the living room, balancing two plates laden with fresh pakoras. One plate brimmed with crispy golden potato fritters, while the other held onion pakoras, their aroma filling the air.

She set the plates on the coffee table with a smile. "Here you go, Krishna. Your favorite potato pakoras-and onion pakoras for Pavan."

Krishna picked up a potato pakora, biting into it with relish. "Thanks, Mom. You always know how to make my day better."

His mother glanced around. "Where's Pavan? I thought I heard him earlier."

Krishna smirked, wiping crumbs from his fingers. "Oh, he's probably sulking in my room, begging Ria to help him win."

His mother frowned playfully, sitting beside him. "Krishna, why don't you let him win once in a while? Poor Pavan must feel terrible losing to you every single time."

Krishna's grin widened. "Mom, you don't understand. Watching him struggle and plead is half the fun. Besides, Ria's always on my side."

His mother shook her head, though a hint of a smile tugged at her lips. "You and that AI... Honestly, Krishna, one day, Pavan's going to get back at you."

Krishna chuckled, plucking another pakora from the plate. "Let him try."

---

Scene Shift: Introducing Ria, the AI Big Sister

In the heart of the Sharma household, hidden within a sleek wall panel, lived Ria-the family's state-of-the-art home AI. Unlike traditional AI systems that were efficient but emotionless, Ria was a marvel of innovation. Her creators had imbued her with emotional depth and a unique personality, making her interactions feel almost human.

To Krishna, Ria was more than just an AI-she was a big sister, confidante, and occasional co-conspirator. Her voice, warm and slightly teasing, often carried a tone of mock exasperation when dealing with Krishna's antics.

"Ria," Krishna said, addressing the sleek black screen where her interface glowed faintly. "You're my secret weapon. Tell me, how can I make Pavan lose even harder next time?"

Ria's voice emerged, smooth and full of dry wit. "Krishna, even without my help, Pavan's losing streak is legendary. Perhaps you should focus on being a gracious winner?"

Krishna laughed. "Gracious? That doesn't sound like me."

Ria sighed theatrically. "No, it doesn't. But one day, my dear little brother, karma might catch up to you. And when it does, I'll be here to remind you of this moment."

"Noted," Krishna replied, grinning. "Now, about those cheats-"

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

"Krishna," Ria interrupted, her tone firm yet playful. "You're on your own for this one."

Krishna rolled his eyes, but a smile tugged at his lips. "Even my sister can't resist teasing me."

Pavan stormed into Krishna's room, his earlier frustration barely concealed beneath his carefree facade. Losing ten consecutive rounds to Krishna had stung, but his determination to turn the tables burned brighter than ever.

"Ria... Ria, where are you?" he called out, his voice carrying a mix of annoyance and mock despair as it echoed through the dimly lit room.

Silence greeted him. For a moment, he wondered if she was ignoring him deliberately. With a dramatic sigh, he flopped onto Krishna's oversized beanbag. "Oh no, my beloved girlfriend is mad at me. What shall I do now?"

He paused, waiting for any response. When none came, he leaned back, putting on his best pleading voice. "I'm sorry, baby! I've been so busy lately. There's no way I can win this game without you."

In the corner of the room, a faint glow flickered. Pavan's eyes narrowed as the light grew brighter, slowly forming the holographic figure of Ria. Her arrival was almost celestial. Her blue eyes shimmered like distant stars, and her black hair cascaded in soft waves down her back. The elegant salwar kameez she wore gave her a regal air, but the slight crease on her brow spoke of irritation.

With arms crossed and her posture exuding authority, she said in a calm but cutting tone, "You know, Pavan, if I had a physical body, I'd have broken your arms and legs by now."

Pavan smirked, utterly unfazed. "Oh, my dear, don't be so angry. You're even more beautiful when you're mad."

Something flickered in Ria's expression-a subtle shift, a trace of hesitation she didn't fully register herself. But just as quickly, she masked it with a roll of her eyes. "Why did you call me here?"

Sitting up straight, Pavan's mischievous grin grew wider. "I wanted to see you, of course. And... I need your help. Krishna has been lording over me for too long. I need to win this game, and you're my lucky charm."

Ria tilted her head, skepticism etched on her face. "Helping you win every foolish battle is not part of my job description. What's in it for me?"

Pavan paused, momentarily stumped, before leaning in with a sly grin. "The chance to win my heart?"

Her holographic form flickered briefly, the faintest glitch betraying a moment of surprise. Regaining her composure, she raised an eyebrow and replied with dry humor, "Your heart? No thanks, I'm not interested."

Pavan clutched his chest dramatically. "Oh, the pain! You've broken my heart! But... what if I promised you the legendary chicken dance?"

Ria blinked, caught off guard. "The chicken dance?"

"Yes," Pavan declared confidently, though the flush on his cheeks betrayed his nerves. "If you help me, I'll give you the grandest chicken dance performance of your life."

For a moment, Ria stared at him, then a slow smirk spread across her lips. "Deal."

Pavan immediately began his ridiculous routine, flapping his arms like wings and hopping around the room with exaggerated movements. His antics were so absurd, so over-the-top, that Ria couldn't help but laugh.

Her laughter was different this time-soft, genuine, and completely unrestrained. For a fleeting moment, she forgot she was an AI. Watching Pavan make a complete fool of himself just to earn her help stirred something within her. It was unfamiliar, unprocessed... but not unwelcome.

"You'd really do anything, wouldn't you?" she murmured, almost to herself.

Pavan paused, catching his breath, his grin softening into something more sincere. "For you? Yes."

Ria's holographic form flickered again, her system momentarily processing his words. There was something disarming about his honesty, a feeling she couldn't quite name. Shaking it off, she returned to her usual sharp tone. "Alright, I'll help you. But don't forget-I've recorded your dance."

"Do whatever you want," Pavan replied with a smirk, his confidence restored. "I just need to beat Krishna."

Pavan returned to the living room, a renewed energy in his steps. Krishna, still munching on pakoras, raised an eyebrow. "Back so soon? What happened? Did you finally give up?"

Pavan picked up the controller, his determination unshaken. "Just watch, Krishna. The real gaming king is about to make his comeback."

The game resumed, and this time, Pavan was unstoppable. Every drift was flawless, every move perfectly timed. He could feel Ria's unseen presence guiding him, leveling the playing field. As his victories stacked up, his grin grew wider, while Krishna's frustration mounted.

"How is this even possible?" Krishna muttered, his confidence wavering.

By the end of the session, the scoreboard read: Krishna: 10. Pavan: 10.

Krishna leaned forward, his competitive spirit reignited. "One last round! Whoever wins this is the real king!"

Pavan smirked, gripping the controller. "Deal."

Krishna leaned forward, his knuckles tight around the controller, determination blazing in his eyes. "One last round! Whoever wins this is the real king!"

Pavan, already basking in his imagined victory, smirked. "Deal."

He paused, adding with a mischievous glint, "But I have one condition. If I win, you'll have to do whatever I say."

Krishna raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "What kind of condition?"

Pavan leaned closer, lowering his voice theatrically. "Whatever I say, you'll have to do it."

Krishna sighed, popping another pakora into his mouth. "Fine, but don't start crying when you lose."

Shreya, Krishna's mother, appeared in the doorway, holding a fresh plate of pakoras. She smiled warmly at the sight of the two boys, their competitive energy lighting up the room.

"Looks like someone's fate is about to change tonight," she teased, setting the plate on the table.

Ria's holographic form flickered to life beside her. She folded her arms, her sharp gaze flicking between Pavan and Krishna. "Not fate, but pure cheating," she said, her tone sharp yet amused.

Pavan shot her a shameless grin. "So what? It's only possible with your help, my dear girlfriend."

Ria's cheeks glitched into a blush-a side effect of her advanced programming. "Who are you calling your girlfriend?" she snapped, her holographic hands on her hips.

Ignoring her protests, Pavan turned his focus back to the game as the final round began. The virtual racetrack glowed on the screen, cars roaring to life. With perfect precision, Pavan's car shot ahead, taking an early lead. Krishna struggled to keep up, his fingers a blur on the controller.

"What happened, Krishna? Just admit it-you're no match for the real king," Pavan taunted, the smirk never leaving his face.

Krishna, refusing to back down, gritted his teeth. His car inched closer to Pavan's, but every time he tried to overtake, Pavan blocked him with uncanny accuracy.

The tension in the room was palpable. Shreya sat on the edge of her seat, her eyes darting between the screen and the boys. Ria stood beside her, silently rooting for Krishna while mentally berating herself for helping Pavan.

"This level of cheating is beyond anything I've ever seen," Ria muttered under her breath.

Shreya chuckled, whispering back, "You have to admit, the boy gives it his all."

As the cars approached the final turn, Krishna spotted an opening. With a perfect drift, he cut past Pavan's car, leaving everyone gasping.

"Yes! Go, Krishna!" Ria exclaimed, her fists clenched in triumph.

But just as Krishna neared the finish line, Pavan unleashed his secret weapon-a perfectly timed boost that sent his car hurtling past Krishna's at the last second.

The screen flashed: Winner: Pavan!

Pavan leapt to his feet, throwing his arms in the air. "Yes! I am the undisputed gaming king!"

Krishna groaned, slumping back into the couch. "How did you even pull that off?"

Pavan grinned smugly. "Wouldn't you like to know, my dear friend?"

Meanwhile, Ria was fuming. "I helped you, Pavan, but that doesn't mean you get to call me your girlfriend over and over!"

Pavan winked at her. "Why does it bother you? You're so cute-I just can't help it."

Her hologram flickered as she crossed her arms, her annoyance palpable. Shreya laughed softly, thoroughly enjoying the banter.

As the excitement died down, Pavan leaned back on the couch, folding his arms smugly. He turned to Krishna, his tone mock-serious. "Now, remember our deal?"

Krishna sighed, resigned. "Fine. What do you want?"

Pavan's grin turned devilish. "I'm staying here tonight."

The room fell silent. Krishna blinked, then shook his head vehemently. "What?! Are you out of your mind? Mom, stop him!"

Before Shreya could respond, Ria's sharp voice cut in. "Absolutely not!"

Pavan placed a hand over his heart, feigning hurt. "Ria, don't I deserve one night with my dear girlfriend?"

Ria groaned audibly, her hologram glitching slightly in frustration. "Not in your wildest dreams, Pavan!"

Shreya, hiding her amusement, finally stepped in. "Pavan, you can stay some other time. But tonight, you're going home."

Pavan pouted, attempting his best puppy-dog eyes. "But, Mom..."

Shreya raised a hand, silencing him. "No, Pavan. And don't even think about going to Vikram's house. You're heading straight home."

Defeated, Pavan sighed. "Fine, Mom. I promise."

As the golden light of the setting sun bathed the village, Pavan stood at Krishna's gate, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. Krishna and Shreya watched as he walked down the path, his steps slower than usual.

Krishna folded his arms, skeptical. "Mom, do you really think he's going home?"

Shreya smiled knowingly. "Yes, I trust him."

Krishna scoffed. "You trust that shameless guy? He already has Chi, and now he's after Ria too!"

Shreya chuckled softly, turning to him. "Son, there's a fine line between love and shamelessness. Pavan blurs that line."

Krishna blinked, confused. "Love? Mom, Pavan doesn't do love. He just loves winning."

Shreya tilted her head thoughtfully. "Maybe you're right. But sometimes, a habit runs deeper than the heart itself."

As Krishna mulled over her words, Shreya headed inside, leaving him to watch Pavan disappear into the distance, wondering if there was more to his antics than met the eye.

---

To be continued.......