UNLIKELY PARTNERS( Smriti & Perry)

Undercurrents

The buzz of anticipation was electric as the Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction day arrived. Fans, players, and teams alike were all abuzz, eager to see how the new season would unfold. Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry had both been eagerly following the auction, their thoughts swirling with the possibility of their paths crossing once again in a new, exciting way.

Smriti, having just finished her morning training session, took a moment to check her phone. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw the latest updates from the auction. The Royal Challengers Bangalore had secured both her and Ellyse Perry. The news was met with a mix of surprise and excitement. Smriti could hardly contain her joy; she had secretly wished for this exact scenario, where she could share the field with Ellyse, experiencing their synergy as teammates rather than adversaries.

Her heart fluttered with anticipation as she imagined the potential of their combined prowess. Ellyse’s energetic and vibrant approach to the game would complement Smriti’s calm and methodical style beautifully. This was a dream come true, one she hadn’t dared to voice out loud but had hoped for in the quiet moments between matches.

Later that evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s social media team made a thrilling announcement: Smriti Mandhana had been named captain of the team. The post exploded across Twitter, generating a wave of congratulatory messages, excited reactions, and speculation. But amidst the flurry of notifications and the celebration of her new role, Smriti’s thoughts were solely focused on one person—Ellyse Perry.

The idea of leading a team that included Ellyse, someone she had come to admire deeply, was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Smriti wanted nothing more than Ellyse to feel excited and valued, to see their potential together. The roar of social media seemed to fade into the background as she contemplated how best to convey her feelings to her new teammate.

After much deliberation, Smriti took a deep breath and decided to reach out directly. She pulled out her phone and navigated to Instagram, her fingers hesitating over the screen. With a mix of excitement and nervousness, she sent Ellyse a simple message: "Hey Ellyse, just wanted to say I’m thrilled to be playing alongside you with the Royal Challengers. Looking forward to an amazing season together!"

She hit send and waited, her heart racing as she stared at the screen. It wasn’t long before a reply appeared, Ellyse’s words coming through with warmth and enthusiasm: "Hey Smriti! I’m excited too. Can’t wait to hit the field with you and see what we can achieve together. It’s going to be great!"

Smriti’s smile widened as she read Ellyse’s message. The mutual excitement and eagerness to begin this new chapter was palpable, and it filled her with a sense of joy and anticipation. Their conversation, though brief, was a tangible sign that their connection was more than just a fleeting moment—it was the beginning of something truly special.

Meanwhile, Ellyse was boarding a flight to India, her heart a mix of excitement and nervous energy. As she settled into her seat, her best friends Alyssa Healy, Georgia Wareham, and Sophie Molineux joined her, their presence a comforting anchor amidst the whirlwind of emotions. The trio chatted animatedly about the upcoming season, but Ellyse’s mind was elsewhere. She found herself daydreaming about the upcoming matches, her thoughts drifting to the recent exchanges with Smriti.

Alyssa, ever observant, noticed the dreamy expression on Ellyse’s face and raised an eyebrow. "You’ve got that look again, Ellyse. What’s on your mind?"

Ellyse’s cheeks flushed a soft pink as she glanced out the window, her thoughts lingering on that electrifying moment of eye contact with Smriti during the last match. The way Smriti’s gaze had met hers had set something within her alight, a feeling she wasn’t entirely ready to define but knew was significant.

"Just thinking about the season," Ellyse replied with a smile, her voice carrying a hint of something unspoken.

Georgia and Sophie exchanged knowing glances, but they didn’t press further. Instead, they shared in Ellyse’s enthusiasm, discussing their expectations and the potential of their new team.

As the plane ascended into the sky, Ellyse’s thoughts remained focused on Smriti. The connection they had established, however fleeting, had left a deep impression. She was eager to explore the chemistry between them, both on and off the field. The unknown feelings she harbored were a thrilling mystery, one that promised to unravel with each passing game.

The journey to India felt like the beginning of a new chapter, filled with both professional opportunities and personal revelations. As the plane soared through the clouds, Ellyse couldn’t shake the feeling that something extraordinary awaited her. Little did she know, the upcoming season would test their bond in ways they could never have anticipated. The stage was set for a story that would blend cricket and emotion in ways neither had ever imagined.