𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒊𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔

𝟮. 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲-𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Chapter Two: Game-Changing Connections

As they reached the VIP seats, Anushka anxiously awaited their arrival. As soon as she saw them, relief washed over her. "Thank God both of you are okay," she said, kissing their foreheads.

"Oh, chill, Mummy. I have Nini with me; no one can touch me," Vamika reassured, settling herself comfortably on Nehmat's lap.

"Oh, look at Nini's little follower," Anushka teased, sitting down and gently bopping Vamika's nose.

"No one says anything to my Nini," Vamika declared, hugging Nehmat tightly and resting her head on Nehmat's chest.

"Alright, alright, no one messes with your Nini, sweetheart," Anushka conceded, ruffling Vamika's hair affectionately.

As they entered the vibrant pre-match atmosphere at Wankhede Stadium, Nehmat and Vamika were enveloped in the electric energy of the surroundings. The air was filled with anticipation, cheers, and the unmistakable scent of stadium snacks.

Nehmat, holding Vamika's hand, couldn't hide her excitement. The buzzing crowd, the stadium lights, and the distant cheers from fans created an atmosphere that resonated with the thrill of the upcoming match. Vamika, wide-eyed and beaming, clutched her mini flag adorned with India's tri-colours.

"Look, Nini! It's so big!" Vamika exclaimed, her eyes darting around the stadium in awe.

Nehmat grinned, soaking in the infectious enthusiasm of her little companion. "Yes, Vamii, it's huge, and today, we're here to cheer loudly for Daddy!"

Vamika couldn't contain her excitement, bouncing on Nemhat's lap and waving her flag. Nehmat, equally thrilled, joined in the festive spirit, cheering along with the crowd. The duo became a mini-fan zone within the larger sea of supporters, their enthusiasm spreading to those around them.

The stadium speakers echoed with announcements, and the anticipation reached a crescendo as the teams took the field. Vamika's eyes sparkled with delight as she clapped and cheered, her gaze fixed on the players. Nehmat, sharing in the excitement, held Vamika close, the two of them immersed in the magical atmosphere of the stadium.

As the ODI match against Australia reached an innings break, Nehmat turned to Anushka, a hopeful expression on her face. "Hope Paaji scores 100 with 450 to win," she said, her optimism shining through her words.

"Hopefully," she said, crossing her fingers and blowing air, a gesture of nervous anticipation as today's century for Virat Kohli meant his 50th record-breaking century. Vamika, looking at her dad, cheered loudly, waving the tiny flag. Virat noticed her and blew a kiss on his little angel.

Nehmat's eyes furrowed as she observed a new jersey walking onto the field, one she hadn't seen in the team before. The number on the jersey read "77 Gill". Turning towards Anushka, she asked, "Why isn't Shikhi Paaji opening? And who is this new guy?"

"He is Shubman Gill, a debutant. Your Paaji was talking about him a few days ago, mentioning how promising he is and that he could be his successor, the prince of cricket in the upcoming years," Anushka explained, her fingers crossed as she kept her eyes glued to the field, eager to witness her husband's performance.

Nehmat's gaze lingered on the debutant. She had been away from social media since completing her master's in sports management and had been busy with her graduation. As a result, she hadn't been able to keep up with the latest cricket news. However, she had heard about a Gill who was making waves and might soon make it to the Indian team. It seemed that he was the one, but her eyes narrowed as she recalled Anushka's words about him being a successor to her Paaji and the upcoming prince of cricket. She couldn't help but wonder if  Shubman Gill would live up to the expectations.

The wickets fell one after another, and unfortunately, today wasn't the day her Paaji could complete his 50th century. However, amidst this disappointment, the young debutant was on fire against the mighty Australian team. With determination in his eyes, he stood tall, smashing boundaries with powerful sixes and fours, not letting the bowlers catch their breath.

As the bowler took their run-ups again, the crowd held their breath in anticipation. The ball was sent flying out of the stadium, marking a milestone moment – it was a century for the debutant Shubman Gill. A roar erupted from the crowd, and even little Vamika, standing on Nehmat's lap, joined in the cheering for the young cricketer. Though she may not have fully understood the significance, she couldn't help but match the excitement of the crowd.

The debutant took off his helmet, punching the air in celebration and bowing down to the crowd opposite them, resembling a Disney prince. Then, he turned towards their side. That's when Nehmat's heart was captured by the 6'1 Punjabi munda, the towering figure acknowledging the cheers from their section of the stands.

The match had concluded, and India emerged victorious. However, Nehmat's mind remained fixated on Shubman Gill, so much so that she didn't realize she was standing in the dressing room surrounded by other players and family members. Even with her family present, her gaze remained fixed on the debutant who was packing belongings. Fingers clicked in front of her, abruptly pulling her out of her reverie.

"Yeah, what happened?" she panicked, trying to refocus.

"Nothing happened, but I wanted to talk to you," Rahul Dravid said, looking serious.

"What is it, Sir?" she asked, fiddling with her fingers and looking at him with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

Since you have completed graduation, and I see potential, will you join us as our logistics manager since the current one is getting upgraded to ICC?" he said with a smile.

Nehmat's eyes widened in shock, a surge of excitement coursing through her. However, before she could ask her doubt, the coach continued, anticipating her thoughts, "No, I am not giving in to anybody's saying. This is completely based on your talent," he clarified, aware that Nehmat might have reservations about being appointed due to Virat Kohli's influence.

She scanned the room, noting that all eyes were on her with anticipation. Turning towards her family, she found wide smiles on their faces. Her gaze then quickly shifted to Shubman, who was looking at her with a neutral expression. Although his face lacked a smile, his gaze was enough to make her blush. If being close to this handsome man and her brother meant joining the team, she was ready for the challenge.

Meeting the coach's eyes, she nodded, and the room erupted in cheers as their favourite, Kohli, officially joined the team. However, when she looked back at the debutant, he turned around without even smiling at her. This made her frown, but she held a determination to make friends with him, resolving to break through the initial stoic exterior he presented.