Destined

Dubai Diaries

2017 Dubai

The afternoon sun suffocated from all corners, bearing down on the boys running and stretching through the large field. The India squad was busy training for the upcoming U-19 World Cup.

"Shubman, get up you lazy donkey!"

Abhishek proceeded to kick his friend's back, causing Shubman to turn with a glare.

"Aare yaar, I just finished my laps. Can't you ever mind your own business?"

"You are my business, roomie. You know I can't let you have peace and quiet."

Shubman rolled his eyes jokingly. He had known Abhishek Sharma since he was 10, and the kid had only grown in mischief and pranks with time. He was a dear friend to him and a close companion in the cricket world.

Abhishek sat down next to him.

"Acha sun, ready for the match captain Gill?"

"Yes dude, but Sri Lanka have many good bowlers. We should focus on net sessions especially now."

"True, but-"

Abhishek turned to look at the rest of the team doing different workouts.

"Prithvi refuses net sessions since his form is off. Actually Shubh, he hasn't touched his bat in days."

Prithvi Shaw was the captain of the team, with Shubman as vice captain. The two didn't get along as there was clear personality differences.

"Some leader he is. He should be out there setting the example for everyone," Shubman scoffed.

The two continued to discuss cricket matters when there was some commotion as a new group entered the field, with Rahul Dravid leading them out.

"Boys, gather up. We're going to have you play against India B team to get ready for Sri Lanka. Please take few minutes to prepare then get set for the match."

The squad speedily got in place. Shubman spotted some old friends in the India B team.

"Hey Shiv, what's up? Angad how's life? Arjun-"

Shubman pulled Arjun Tendulkar in for a quick hug. He knew him from U-16 days at the state level.

"Long time no see man. How's training?"

"Good bro. Our new coach Vasish Sir has helped a lot. We're all looking forward to playing with you star boys today."

"Haha chup kar, we're no stars," Shubman replied with a laugh.

"Don't be so humble Mr. Youth Prodigy. But you'll be happy, your favourite star will be watching," Arjun said cheekily.

"Kya? Favourite star?"

"Hah, dad is coming here today. He's quite intrigued by the new talents."

Shubman felt his heart rate rise immediately. His idol watching him bat was a huge dream of his.

"Aur... Sara too," Arjun added.

Shubman raised his eyebrows.

"Acha? What great news. We can finally see this elusive sister of yours in person."

Sara was Arjun's elder sister, two years elder than them. She studied college in London and Shubman had never seen her in person. She did look cute in her Instagram pics, which he had looked up, but there had never been a chance to meet.

"My mother, father, and sister are all enjoying Dubai holidaying while I'm sweating in the sun. But that's the cricket life, no?"

"That's the life," Shubman agreed.

Soon the match began and India B bowlers were giving the A team batters a tough fight. The ICC officials were observing keenly, taking notes on stand out players. These levels of cricket were highly competitive, with only the best of the best making it to the top. Shubman felt blessed that he had crossed every level relatively easily, his skills unmatched by those around him.

Sachin was seated, focused on the match. All the players felt his imposing presence, a pressure to perform their best despite it only being a friendly practice session.

Shubman felt urgent, subconsciously batting as if to prove his worth. His shots were uncharacteristically aggressive and rash, his stance jittery. He had modeled his game after the man watching. He surely wouldn't be standing here without his inspiration. He had to make an impression. These thoughts ran through his head, opposite to his usual dedication to a calm, thoughtful mindset at the crease.

The anxiety caught up to him, and he got out cheaply, much earlier than he should have. He closed his eyes in disappointment, stopping himself from making a scene.

As he walked back stiffly to the dugout, Abhishek greeted him with a pat. 

"Kya baat hai Shubman, that was so unlike you."

"Yaarr I don't know, my mind was all over the place. Zero focus."

He slid down in the seat, watching as Prithvi celebrated his century with Sachin sir clapped approvingly.

Prithvi was lucky, he thought. he had met Sachin sir several times growing up and gotten his support and well wishes. Meanwhile, Shubman had blown his one chance to strike a good first impression.

There was a small break, then the sides switched to Team A fielding. Shubman regained his composure, keyed in on making important stops and blocks. As the wickets fell, he was immersed in the play, forgetting all pressures. He was his true self, completely one with the game.

He leapt for the ball, tumbling down as he clutched it in his hands. He heard his teammates cheer around him, signaling the end of the match in victory. They gathered around him, shaking him in joy. Sachin sir would have noticed that incredible catch, he hoped.

As he got up, Shubman looked to his right and by pure chance, he spotted her at last. Sara Tendulkar. She was so fair, shining like the moon. There was a smile to her, cheeks rosy and hair blowing lightly in the breeze. Dressed in pale pink, her aura was angelic.

He turned away, a foreign feeling in his chest. He had seen many, many women before. Beautiful, stunning ones that he had been immediately taken by.

But this was different. In that one glance, he sensed her innate grace and poise. She was a class of her own, a girl from the stars. And he was all but too drawn to her light.

This was the start of something he couldn't have guessed in his wildest dreams.

Hi guys, recently got into cricket and wanted to write a cute story in the ict world. I picked these characters as it is such a cute trope/wattpad-coded!

This story is made up and has no connection to real people or events.