You Belong With Me

50

"Okay, Sourav. Now you have to tell me, what happened? What could have been so bad that you let go of the love you had for Rahul? What was the reason?" Vanshika's voice was gentle, coaxing the words out of him.

Sourav sighed, his gaze dropping to the ground before meeting Vanshika's eyes. "It was during the Ind vs Pak series, the time when the team was to be selected," he began, his voice heavy with emotion.

Flashback

Sourav was in his hotel room, surrounded by cricket gear and team strategies spread across the bed. The upcoming Ind vs Pak test series was looming large, and he couldn't shake off the excitement. However, his mind was caught in a whirlwind of decisions. He was keen to give the new talent, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, a chance in the playing XI. But who should he drop to accommodate the young prodigy?

As Sourav mulled over his options, the shrill ring of the hotel phone pierced through the room. He glanced at the caller ID before picking up.

"Hello?" Sourav answered, his voice tinged with anticipation.

"Come to my room, Sourav. I need to have a private word with you," the voice on the other end said in a serious tone.

Sourav recognized the voice immediately. It was Mukesh Banerjee, one of the members of the selectors committee. His heart skipped a beat. What could Mukesh want to discuss with him now, just before such a crucial series?

With a mixture of curiosity and apprehension, Sourav made his way to Mukesh's room. As he approached, he noticed the door was slightly ajar. He took a deep breath and pushed it open.

Inside, Mukesh Banerjee sat comfortably in a plush armchair, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. His legs were crossed, and his hands folded across his chest, giving him an air of authority. Sourav's eyes narrowed as he read the expression on Mukesh's face. He knew this wasn't going to be an ordinary conversation.

"Lock the door, darling," he said, his voice smooth as silk but with an underlying tone that sent shivers down Sourav's spine.

With a bitter twist to his lips, Sourav turned the lock, his movements reflecting the disgust he felt towards the man standing before him. He couldn't hide the resentment that bubbled inside him, knowing all too well the depth of hatred and jealousy this man harbored. If it weren't for the other selectors, Sourav knew he would have been ousted from the team long ago.

"Please, sit," the man said, his gesture towards the chair both polite and commanding.

Sourav hesitated, his eyes narrowing as he watched the man while sitting. Every movement, every word, felt like a subtle reminder of his precarious position. He knew he had to tread carefully; any misstep could spell the end of his career. Taking a deep breath, he reluctantly lowered himself into the chair, his jaw clenched with the effort of keeping his emotions in check.

"Now would you tell me what's the matter?" Sourav's voice was edged with frustration, his eyebrows knitted together in confusion.

Mukesh smirked. "Yes, sure," he finally replied, his voice sounding like a warning. "I want you to step down from your captaincy in today's meeting."

"Why?" Sourav's voice, normally steady and assured, wavered with a mix of disbelief and anger. He struggled to keep his emotions in check, to maintain the façade of composure that was expected of him as the team's leader. But inside, turmoil raged like a stormy sea.