Destined

Party of Sorts

February 2018,  New Zealand

The boys whooped in jubilation as Abhishek danced around with the trophy on his head. They were in a private suite at the pub, away from the eyes of their coaches, trainers, and managers. They were free to celebrate their big World Cup win however they pleased.

The drinks flowed, music blasted, and mood was completely carefree after so much pressure and preparation.

It was a dream tournament for Shubman. He had picked up the Player of the Series Award and KKR, impressed by his performances, had bought him in the IPL auction. Above all, he would never forget his father's beaming, proud face as he ascended to such heights. He had worked toward these moments for years, and felt justified that it was going as he desired for so long.

"Bhai..."

Nagarkoti came and hugged him from the back.

"Sahee dekho," he whispered in his ear.

Shubman turned to see a few good looking foreign girls standing near the bartender.

"Hum khel shuro kare," Nagarkoti said wiggling his eyebrows.

Shubman laughed.

"Following your lead, sir."

He had been avoiding girls for the last few weeks, they were a distraction. Except for Sara. Sara was different, rather than a distraction, she grounded him. What other girl would understand the overriding force that cricket was? He found himself sharing every result, every win with her. He vented to her when things went wrong . When she sent a selfie of her watching the final, his heart swelled.

They texted on and off, she was busy as well in her last semester. Sometimes they did speak on the phone or do a video call; those were his favourite. He loved how her face always glowed like the first time he'd seen her.

Shubman was careful to keep the budding friendship private, wary of it becoming the team gossip. Besides, he knew not everyone would react well.

He observed his teammates goofing off around him. He was not a big drinker or partier. It had been drilled into his head that such habits led to a quick downfall. But if there was a night to let loose it was tonight, and he let himself indulge in a few shots.

Nagarkoti and Shubman made their way across the room.

"Hi ladies, I'm Nag and this is Shub."

One of the girls, a blonde, smiled.

"Hi boys, I'm Alissa. Where are you two from?"

"India. We're athletes."

"Wow Indiaa, isn't it too crowded and hot there? What sport do you play?"

"We play cricket."

"Cricket? Like the insect?" one of the other girls asked in an American accent.

All the girls started giggling.

"No, no, it's a big sport across the world like baseball," said Shubman.

"If you say soo," one replied, sending a mocking look to the others.

Deciding to avoid more embarrassment, the two excused themselves away.

"What the hell was that dude, we totally struck out," Nagarkoti said in defeat.

"Sab over scene yaar," Shubman replied shaking his head.

"Anyways I'm going to get some fresh air, Nagar. Anyone seen my mobile? I think it fell out my pocket."

"Is it this one?" His teammate Ankul pointed to a mobile left on the back sofa.

"Haan, de."

Ankul grabbed it, but before handing it over he swiped right to the camera, presumably to spam stupid selfies.