Night of 25TH

CHAP 58: Final Innings

Present:

Shubman

As I sat in my room, the weight of the T20 World Cup final looming over me, I found solace in the photo tucked safely in my wallet. The creases and worn edges were testaments to the countless times I had taken it out, seeking comfort in the memories it held. Today, however, was different. It was the culmination of my cricketing journey, the last match of my career, and the stakes were higher than ever as the captain of Team India.

My mind raced with thoughts of the game, the expectations of my family who had stood by me through thick and thin, and the millions of fans who had invested their hopes in our success. Yet, amidst all this, there was a void—a missing piece that the cheers of the crowd couldn't fill. She was the only absence in the sea of everything I had.

I delicately ran my fingers over the photo, tracing the contours of her toothy smile and the cherry dimple that made my heart skip a beat. The image captured a moment frozen in time, a snapshot from our cricket tour in Dharamshala, surrounded by the majestic mountains that witnessed the camaraderie of the team.

Pressing my lips to the photo, I picked up my kit and stepped out of my room, fueled by determination to conquer the game one last time. Australia, the formidable opponent, loomed before us, much like it did twelve years ago in 2024 and now in 2036. In the lobby, my entire family stood alongside Sanket and Rahil, both now happily married. Sanket found love on a flight, and Rahil's heart was captured in a stadium. Both had been blessed with baby girls. As I glanced around, it seemed everyone had their own Wattpad-worthy love stories, while I found solace in living with the cherished memories of her. People often say, "Voh nahi toh koi aur sahi," but for me, voh nahi toh koi aur nahi.

A warm and proud hug from my dad, who kissed my forehead, his eyes gleaming with pride. He was the catalyst for my journey, the man who sacrificed everything for me to stand here. Following that, my mom gently kissed my cheeks, a woman who had selflessly given every fragment of her heart to ensure I never felt a shortage of love. My sister, overcome with emotion, hugged me tightly. She, the unwavering presence in my life, stood beside me through joy and sorrow, the embodiment of the happy chapters in my childhood.

With Rahil and Sanket patting my back, or better yet, delivering hearty hits, these are the guys who made my youth days wild and unforgettable. Emerging from the embrace, I was greeted by two cheeky smiles. Behind their backs, they held a banner, a message I was supposed to catch sight of during the match. Bending down to their level, the duo leapt into a hug, their little voices whispering in my ear, "Chaah jaa jatte," instilling a surge of warmth and determination. I couldn't help but bury my face in their little shoulders, planting a tender kiss there. In that simple yet profound moment, I found all the encouragement I needed for the upcoming T20 World Cup final.

As I trod onto the hallowed grounds of the MCG in Australia, ready to take my position for the second inning, the deafening roar of the crowd enveloped me. The cheers were so thunderous that they threatened to drown out all other sounds. I couldn't help but glance towards the VIP stands, where my family, with beaming smiles, were enthusiastically cheering me on. Among them, the twins proudly held up a massive banner, the very same one I had missed out on seeing during my time at the crease.

"JEET KE ANA MAMU WARNA GHARMEIN GHUSNE NAHI DENGE"

Reading the banners I could see twins proudly waved, I couldn't help but chuckle at their sense of humour. It was a unique blend, a quirky charm that reminded me of Chucky. Though they weren't related to her, the twins undeniably shared her witty spirit. Speaking of Chucky, my gaze naturally shifted towards the dressing room. My fingers traced the thread she had tied in Banaras, now worn out but still snug around my wrist. It held memories, imbued with its enchantment.