Night of 25TH

CHAP 25: Bow Down Challenge

Past:

Shubman

The next day at the stadium was progressing as usual, with the team going through their drills and practice sessions. As the sun beat down, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation for the upcoming match. However, a playful challenge was about to unfold, one that would take everyone by surprise.

I couldn't resist the temptation to challenge Anya, remembering her fiery spirit and competitive nature. She was busy with her logistics work, but I could tell that the cricket pitch was calling out to her.

I approached her with a cheeky grin. "Anya," I called out, "how about trying your hand at bowling? I'll be the batsman, and you can try to get me out."

Anya looked up from her work, her eyes widening in surprise. "Me? Bowl? Shubman, I've never bowled before. Are you sure?"

Ishan, always the instigator, couldn't resist teasing her. "Anya, don't tell me you're afraid of a little friendly challenge?"

Anya's determination kicked in. She put down her paperwork, a confident glint in her eyes. "Afraid? Not a chance. Shubman, I accept your challenge!"

The team gathered around the makeshift net, curious to see how Anya would fare in this unexpected contest. Anya took her position at the bowling crease, gripping the ball with newfound confidence.

Her run-up was confident, and she found a rhythm as she approached the crease. The first ball she bowled had a decent pace and swing. I swung my bat and connected with the ball, sending it flying towards the boundary.

Anya didn't let that discourage her. She retrieved the ball, a determined glint in her eyes. With each delivery, her confidence grew, and she started to get a feel for the ball's movement.

Ishan, with a grin on his face, cheered her on. "Anya, you've got the fire in you! Keep it up!"

Anya adjusted her run-up and, with all the determination she could muster, unleashed a deadly yorker that left everyone stunned.

The ball swung in the air and pitched perfectly, sneaking past my bat and crashing into the stumps. The bails flew, and I was declared out.

The stadium erupted into cheers and laughter. Anya, who had never bowled before, had managed to stump me with a remarkable delivery. She couldn't contain her excitement and let out an aggressive celebration, just like Mohammed Siraj does after taking a wicket. She pumped her fists in the air, sprinted around the stadium, and embraced teammates in a jubilant huddle.

Ishan, who had been teasing her earlier, stood there with a look of disbelief on his face. "Anya, that was incredible! Where did that come from?"

Anya, still riding the high of her unexpected success, grinned. "I guess I found my inner Siraj!"

Siraj, who had been watching the friendly contest with interest, couldn't help but join in on the celebration. He hugged Anya tightly and ruffled her hair. "Anya, that yorker was amazing! I'm impressed."

Anya, beaming with pride, looked at Siraj and said, "Siri, did you see that?" Her excitement was infectious, and everyone around them joined in the joyous celebration of Anya.

Siraj, laughing heartily, nodded in agreement. "Yes, Chotu, it was amazing!"

Anya playfully protested, her lips forming a pout. "I'm not Chotu! I just bowled out a 6'1" man!"

Siraj couldn't help but chuckle, conceding her point. As the playful banter continued, I couldn't hold back any longer. My competitive nature got the best of me, and I stomped my foot, accusing, "She cheated!"

Anya turned to me, disbelief shining in her eyes. "Cheated? Shubman, you're just sore because I got you out fair and square!"

Anya's defiant spirit was on full display as she retorted, "Fair and square, Shubman!"

My competitive streak wouldn't let her triumph go unchallenged. I stood my ground, determination etched on my face. "Anya, that was just a fluke. If you can get me out again in the next ball, I'll bow down to you and post it on Instagram with a caption saying I lost to an inexperienced bowler."

Anya's eyes sparkled with confidence, and she replied in Punjabi, "Shubman, main tainu social media te kaddke dikha dungi (Shubman, I'll embarrass you on social media). Get ready for another dismissal."

I met her gaze with a determined grin and replied in Punjabi, "Hun main vi tayar aan (Now I'm ready too). Let's see what you've got."

The tension in the stadium was palpable as Anya prepared for her run-up. She charged in with determination and bowled a well-pitched delivery. The ball struck me on the front pad, and I was left floundering, unable to judge the line correctly.

The team members who were acting as umpires quickly raised their fingers, signalling that I was out. Anya didn't waste a moment. With a triumphant grin, she leapt onto me, proving her point with an exuberant celebration.

I couldn't help but laugh as she clung to me, her victory dance leaving no room for doubt. She had indeed dismissed me once again, and this time, it was for everyone to see.

Anya's triumphant celebration continued as she poked my dimple playfully and teased, "Shubman, ab toh kamar tek (Now bow down)."

I chuckled and playfully protested, "Alright, alright, you win!"

She then turned to Ishan, who was holding a camera nearby, and said, "Ishan, click a picture of this. Shubman is about to bow down to my incredible bowling skills!"

Ishan, with a mischievous grin, obliged and was ready to capture the moment where I would bow down to Anya in good sport.

Anya, with a mischievous glint in her eye, suggested a caption for the Instagram post, "How about this, Shubman? 'The Prince of Indian Batsmen Loses to an Inexperienced Bowler!'"

I hesitated for a moment, realizing the consequences of that caption. Just as I was about to agree, a loud "NO!" escaped my lips.

Virat Paaji, who happened to be passing by and overheard our conversation, couldn't contain his laughter. He shouted, "Yes, Anya, that's a perfect caption!"

Anya and Virat burst into laughter, leaving me in horror at the fate that awaited me on social media.