Destined

Meri Bhai

September 2018
Bangalore, India

The last few weeks had flown by for Shubman. Training, workouts, plane rides, meetings. He was on the verge of his senior India debut, an inch away from his biggest dream.

This year's birthday had been unceremonious, celebrated with teammates and coaches. But the highlight was easily Sara's surprise cake delivery. She had taken great effort in finding his hotel address, room number, and even specialized the cake with a personal touch. He had been on cloud 9 that day.

Yeah Ishan is actually chill as you said.

He's too funny na?

Yess he's hilarious, can't believe his pranks

Shubman texted with Sara as he leisurely strolled to the team changing room.

As he walked in, all eyes snapped in his direction.

"Oye, hero aagaya!" someone yelled.

"Hi pg19!" Nagarkoti greeted cheekily.

Shubman lowered his phone surprised, like a thief caught red handed.

"Why late, got caught up with someone?" Shiv Mani said bumping him with his elbow.

"Sir is always on the phone these days, sara time line busy."

The room broke out in laughs.

"I don't what y'all are talking about," Shubman attempted, his voice muted with shyness.

"What, you think we can't see your Insta comments saale," Nagar chuckled shoving him.

"Remember that day he was yelling at us, Sachin sir ki beti buildup? Ab samjhe na?"

"Haan haan," someone sniggered.

Shubman rubbed his neck, cheeks pink.

I, well... we talk. We're friends."

"Friends? Haha sab janta hai what that means."

"Haan dosto dosto woh bata dega then he'll coming carrying the shaadi invitation."

"Aaree," Shubman protested as the group collapsed into laughter again.

"You've got guts Shubi, of all the girls to go after," Nagar nodded.

Someone turned on Ishq Wala Love on the loudspeaker as Shubman covered his face.

All the boys surrounded him, and he made eye contact with Abhishek who gave him a sympathetic smile as the rest shook his shoulders and whooped with glee.

After a grueling workout in the blazing sun, a cold shower was heavenly.

As Arjun washed off, he could faintly hear the conversations of the boys by the nearby lockers.

"Shubman hit the jackpot na," one said.

"Bhaii if I had his jawline I could pick up Sara Tendulkar too."

"Yeah right, she'd laugh in your face."

As the voices grew distant, he was left perplexed.

Shubman and Sara? As in his sister? Was there some joke going on or what?

Arjun quickly got dressed and headed to the practice area, confusion in is body as he searched for answers.

He was damn sure he wasn't letting his sister be the target of nonsense team jokes.

He spotted a circle of boys outside the pitch.

"Gill kahaan?" he asked to no one in particular.

The gossip had spread like wildfire in the team camp, and all knew his purpose of questioning. Prithvi stepped out of the group.