The months that followed passed in a blur of preparation, testing, and recovery. The World GP Championship loomed large, but before the grand spectacle could commence, Sukhman Singh knew he had to prove himself — not just to others, but to the machine, to the track, and to himself.
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was a regional warm-up event, but it was also his comeback race. Set on a high-speed street circuit under the bright Riyadh lights, the event was packed with media, team scouts, and fans from around the world.
For the first time in over a year, Sukhman stood in the driver's paddock in a professional Grand Prix environment. His nerves were under control. His vision clear. His body ready. Vaayu GP had placed their trust in him, and now he had to show what he was made of.
The race began with explosive energy. The Vaayu GP cars looked stunning on the track, their electric blue sheen slicing through the Saudi night. Tanvi, the young second driver, was placed in 12th on the grid. Sukhman started 6th.
The opening laps were tense. Sukhman kept his composure, weaving and timing overtakes with his seasoned instinct. By the 20th lap, he had climbed to 4th, chasing the legendary Callum Graves, who had unexpectedly joined the race.
Callum, typically absent from these smaller Grand Prix races, had joined this one specifically. The rumor was: he wanted to see if Sukhman still had the spark.
The checkered flag waved. Callum took 1st, Ayanda 2nd, Finn Carter 3rd, and Sukhman finished 4th — just a second behind Finn.
Tanvi, in her first professional GP, came in 9th, a respectable result.
In the pit lane after the race, as engines cooled and champagne bottles popped, Callum approached Sukhman.
"Not bad," Callum said, casually removing his gloves. "You've still got fire in those eyes."
Sukhman looked up, breathing hard but smiling. "Thanks. You still drive like a robot."
Callum smirked. "Had to see for myself. I heard a lot of stories, but I don't trust narratives. I just trust the track."
"And?" Sukhman raised a brow.
"You're not just back," Callum said, offering a brief handshake. "You're looking dangerous just like last season."
The two racers locked eyes — rivals, but with earned respect. Around them, the pit lane buzzed with conversation.
Amelia Foster passed by and gave Sukhman a friendly nod. "Good to see you back in form."
Ayanda clapped him on the back. "That shoulder still got some juice, eh?"
"Plenty," Sukhman replied with a grin.
Finn Carter raised his bottle of water in salute. "Almost had me out there, man."
Diego Montoya, lounging against the Vaayu GP garage, added with a chuckle, "Welcome back to hell, mate."
It was a moment — fleeting yet affirming.
---
A week later, back at the Vaayu GP headquarters in Mumbai, Sukhman led Harinder through the glass doors of the main admin block.
Harinder looked around, eyes wide. "Yeh jagah toh kisi sci-fi film ka set lagti hai." ("This place looks like a sci-fi movie set.")
Sukhman laughed. "You haven't seen the engineering bay yet."
They reached Raghav Satyanarayan's office. Inside, Raghav sat behind a desk cluttered with performance sheets, team analysis documents, and sponsorship renewals.
Raghav looked up, raising a brow as Sukhman and Harinder entered.
"Sir," Sukhman began. "This is Harinder. My best friend. Recently won a gold medal in state-level wrestling. And... he wants to travel with me on tour."
Raghav gave Harinder a curious look. "As part of the support team?"
Harinder stepped forward. "I want to be around as backup. Sort of a shadow. Not officially on paper. Just… protection. Presence. You know, in disguise."
Raghav looked skeptical. "Protection? From what exactly?"
Sukhman hesitated, then added, "After everything with Yudhvir, I don't want to take chances. I trust Harinder more than anyone. He's not just muscle — he's like a brother to me."
Harinder added quickly, "I can help with fitness too. I've got training certifications. I won't get in the way. Promise."
Raghav leaned back in his chair. He studied both men in silence, tapping his pen on the armrest.
After a moment, he said, "Fine. But he stays off the official team sheet. He'll need clearance from security and legal. And one step out of line, he's off the grid."
Harinder grinned. "Deal, boss."
Raghav finally smiled. "You better be as strong as he says, wrestler."
Sukhman clapped Harinder on the back. "Told you he would definitely agree upon it."
Harinder grinned. "Bhai, World GP ke liye ready ho jaa. Ab tere pehredaar ka bhi circuit debut hoga." ("Bro, get ready for the World GP. Your bodyguard is making his circuit debut too.")
As they walked out of the office, Sukhman felt something he hadn't felt in a long time — balance. Between his career, his body, and the people he trusted.
The road ahead was far from easy, but this time, he wasn't walking it alone.