The Hero of My Heart

Epilouge

Eight years had woven their magic into the lives of Shubman Gill and his family, bringing them to a moment of triumph and unity that would be etched in their memories forever. On the verdant expanse of Wankhede Stadium, under a sky streaked with the colors of victory, stood Shubman alongside his teammate Ishan Kishan. The air was electric with anticipation; India needed just 4 runs to clinch the World Cup against Australia, and Shubman was a mere 6 runs shy of a personal milestone—a century that would be celebrated across the nation.

With the weight of a billion hopes resting on his shoulders, Shubman faced down the bowler. Time seemed to slow as he swung his bat, connecting with a resounding crack that sent the ball soaring over the boundary for a magnificent six. The stadium erupted into a cacophony of cheers and applause as Shubman achieved his century and, more importantly, secured India's victory.

As he raised his bat and bowed to the crowd—an iconic gesture that had become his trademark—his eyes scanned the sea of faces for the two most important girls in his life: Avneet and Akshara. Their pride-filled eyes met his, and in that moment, the cheers of the crowd faded into the background, replaced by the unspoken bond of love and shared joy.

The accolades followed swiftly; Shubman was named both the Player of the Match and the Player of the Tournament. Amidst the flash of cameras and the clamor of the press, an interviewer posed the question that was on everyone's lips: "So, Mr. Gill, how do you feel?"

Shubman's response was heartfelt, "I feel over the moon. I owe so much to my wife, Avneet Kaur Gill, and my precious daughter, Akshara Shubman Gill. They are my strength, my inspiration."

Reunited with his family, Shubman lifted Akshara into his arms, her laughter ringing out as she exclaimed, "Perfect six, Papa!" Avneet, with a mock pout, leaned against Shubman's shoulder. "Seems like father and daughter have forgotten about me," she teased.

Akshara, with the assertiveness of a child who knows her place in her father's heart, playfully pushed Avneet's head away. "My Papa. Only mine," she declared. Shubman's smile widened, a silent acknowledgment of the special bond he shared with his daughter, while Avneet feigned shock, only to remind Akshara, "Young lady, you wouldn't be here if it weren't for me—I carried you for nine months."

Ignoring the banter, Shubman's voice, weary yet content, broke through, "Let's head home, I'm exhausted." Avneet nodded, her hand finding his as they made their way to the car, a silent symbol of their enduring partnership.

Back at home, after the adrenaline of the match had worn off, Shubman succumbed to his fatigue, his body demanding the rest it had earned. As he lay there, eyes closed, lost to the world, Akshara bounded in, her energy undiminished. "Papa, let's play something," she urged, climbing onto the bed.

Avneet, ever the voice of reason, intervened. "Akshu, Papa's tired from the match, and look at the time—it's already 10:30. You need to get some sleep; school awaits in the morning."

Akshara's pout was fleeting as she scampered off to her room, leaving her parents to the quiet of the night. Shubman, in his slumber, reached out for Avneet, pulling her close in a subconscious search for comfort.

Dawn crept in with the subtlety of a new beginning. Avneet, embracing the routine of motherhood, went to rouse Akshara, whose screams of protest jolted Shubman from his rest. "Please, keep your voice down," he groaned, the exhaustion still clinging to him.

With Akshara off to school, the house regained its tranquility. Avneet returned to Shubman, enveloping him in an embrace that spoke volumes. "You are the best," he murmured, his voice muffled against her hair.

Avneet's reply was a kiss, soft and full of the love that had grown and deepened over the years. "You are the hero of my heart," she whispered, her words a testament to the journey they had traveled together, and the life they had built—a life punctuated by the laughter of their daughter, the glory of a cricketing legend, and the quiet moments that were theirs alone. The Gills had everything they could ever wish for, and as they lay there, the world outside continued on, unaware of the perfect contentment that filled the room.