Night of 25TH

CHAP 59: Tale in Pind

Present:

Shubman

Approaching my family gathered near the boundary, I embraced each one of them, expressing my heartfelt gratitude for their steadfast support. Tears welled up in the eyes of every family member, even my so-called foolish friends, who, in their peculiar way, never failed to lighten my burdens. I vividly remember the time when I battled dengue during the World Cup, and instead of offering solace, those two jokers relentlessly teased me. Surprisingly, their humour turned out to be a beacon of joy, providing laughter during the toughest moments.

Finally, turning my attention to the little duo, those bundles of joy with tear-stained faces, I gently picked them up and inquired, "Mamu ke saath victory leap karoge?"

As their eyes sparkled with excitement, the twins wasted no time and eagerly nodded in agreement. The cheers from the fans reached a crescendo, creating an electric atmosphere. The twins, in response, waved back with infectious enthusiasm, basking in the adoration from the crowd. It was evident that they were thoroughly enjoying the attention, their faces radiating pure joy.

Amidst the cheers, I couldn't help but chuckle as I observed that a significant portion of the crowd seemed to be more thrilled to catch a glimpse of the twins than to see me. Their adorable antics and genuine innocence had captivated the hearts of onlookers, turning them into the unexpected stars of the moment.

As the final game of my career unfolded, it became a culmination of not just a match but a lifetime etched with memories, forged through the bonds of friendship fostered by this game. Among the treasures gained, Chucky, Ishan, and Abhishek emerged as the most precious gems.

In the dressing room after the game, Ishan's emotional farewell manifested in tears, and he clung to me, occasionally using my jersey to wipe his nose. It was a familiar, endearing quirk of his that seemed unchangeable. Abhishek, deeply moved by the significance of the match, held onto me with equal intensity, refusing to release me from the embrace. However, on a more pleasant note, he refrained from using my jersey as a tissue.

As the team wrapped up, my eyes were drawn to the enchanting green field of the MCG. The once-roaring crowd was now dispersing, leaving behind a calm atmosphere. Watching the young fans joyfully exiting the stadium brought a sense of fulfilment, knowing that I had contributed to brightening their night. In the departing crowd, a particular sight caught my attention — a proud expression and eyes brimming with happiness.

I understood that what I saw might be a figment of my imagination, a mere illusion. Yet, the warmth it brought was undeniable. My number one fangirl, a constant source of support, was noticeably absent. The absence weighed heavily on me, but amidst the departing crowd, I envisioned her proud face, her eyes gleaming with joy.

I acknowledged the unlikelihood of her actual presence, but I couldn't escape the comforting notion that she was with me in spirit. She had become my guardian angel, watching over me from the heavens above, providing a sense of comfort and protection beyond the tangible world.

Dabbing away the tears that had gathered in my eyes, I slung my bag over my shoulders, preparing to return to Pind and continue sharing the story with the twins. This time, however, I had to be cautious with my choice of words. In the grip of emotion last time, I nearly revealed some intimate moments, and I wanted to avoid that this time. As the plane ascended into the sky, the twins clamoured onto me, eager to share the seat and sleep.

"Ahaan, Ahaana, get down from Mamu. Let him sleep peacefully; he's tired from the match," Shahneel chided, tugging at their arms.

"No, Mumma, we want to sleep with him," both of them pleaded, holding onto me tightly.