Awakening Hearts

Chapter 12

As the first light of dawn crept through the curtains, Shubman stirred from his slumber. With a yawn and a stretch, he greeted the new day, feeling the remnants of sleep fade away as he freshened up, invigorated by the cool splash of water on his face. His muscles ached pleasantly from the previous day's workout, a reminder of his dedication to maintaining peak physical fitness. After a brief session of morning exercises that left him feeling energized and focused, he returned to his room, trading his workout gear for the comfort of soft, casual clothes.

The day ahead loomed large with responsibilities, and Shubman could feel the weight of expectations resting on his shoulders. He settled onto the bed, the soft mattress a stark contrast to the hard work that awaited him, and flipped open his laptop. Today, he was to be a part of a virtual meeting conference, an event hosted by none other than Anurag Thakur, a name synonymous with authority and leadership.

As the digital clock on his laptop marked the start of the meeting, Shubman logged in, his screen filling with faces from various walks of life, each representing their own unique disciplines. The air was thick with anticipation, and the virtual room buzzed with the muted sounds of microphones being adjusted and last-minute preparations. Among the attendees were renowned athletes, each a champion in their own right, ready to share their insights and experiences.

The conversation flowed, a river of inquiries and anecdotes, until it reached a bend with Saina's question, "Shubman, are you dating someone?" The query hung in the air, a delicate pause in the rhythm of the discussion.

"I was dating someone, but now I am not," Shubman replied, his voice a mix of reflection and resolve. Unbeknownst to the others, Kiara was a silent witness to this exchange, her presence unnoticed yet deeply felt. A smile played on her lips, a secret dance of amusement and affection, as she decided to add a twist to the tale unfolding before her. She rose, her movements a silent ballet, and Shubman's smile widened at her awakening, a silent greeting that needed no words. Yet, Kiara, ever the enigma, chose not to return his gaze, instead gliding past him towards the washroom, leaving a trail of curiosity in her wake.

Saina's voice broke through the momentary silence, her words laced with playful teasing, "Ohh, so there are many girls waiting out there." Shubman's response was a simple smile, a silent acknowledgment of the jest, as the conversation meandered back to the paths of hard work and dedication.

"My father wanted me to become a cricketer," Shubman began, his voice tinged with nostalgia, "and he is a big fan of Sachin Tendulkar. He gave me a bat at the age of 3, and I played fairly well. When I was 8, my dad promised my friends some money if they could dismiss me while playing. But no one could, and I would get all the money."

Laughter echoed through the virtual space as Anurag inquired, "What did you do with that money?" The simplicity of Shubman's answer, "I gave it to mumma," brought forth a wave of chuckles and shared smiles, a moment of light-hearted camaraderie amidst the seriousness of their professions.

Shubman continued his tale, weaving the story of his journey from a small village to the bustling city of Mohali, of coaching sessions and domestic matches, of dreams taking flight at the U-19 World Cup, and of the bittersweet moments with KKR. His narrative was a tapestry of triumphs and trials, each thread a testament to his resilience and passion.

Neeraj Chopra's voice cut through, a note of empathy in his question, "What were your feelings when you were released by KKR?" Shubman's reply was honest, a raw admission of sadness and disappointment, yet it also held a spark of hope, ignited by the call from Gujarat Titans' owner. His story took a turn towards victory, recounting the team's triumph in the previous year and their commendable performance as runners-up this season.

Mary Kom's inquiry about the World Cup brought a moment of uncertainty, Shubman's "I have no idea" hanging in the air like a cloud on the horizon. Yet, the discussion moved on, a river flowing past rocks and bends, until it reached its natural conclusion, and the call ended.