It had been weeks since their café meeting, and the lives of Utkarsha and Ruturaj had shifted into their usual fast-paced, high-stakes rhythm. The cricket season was in full swing, and both of them were deep into their respective series.For Ruturaj, the series against Sri Lanka had been one of the most intense of his career. Each match came with immense pressure, especially since he was carrying the weight of his team's expectations after a few key injuries in the squad. His focus was sharp, and his phone remained switched off for the most part-only used for team communication or a brief call home to his family in Pune.
But something felt different this time. There were moments, in the middle of the game or during practice, when his mind would wander briefly. He'd think about that afternoon at the café with Utkarsha-her fierce passion for the game, her unwavering determination, and the easy camaraderie they had shared.
He didn't reach out to her, though. He knew both of them were in the middle of a crucial phase in their careers.
Communication during this time could be a distraction, and neither of them needed that. But despite the silence, the memory of their conversation lingered, filling the quiet moments when the world around him was a blur of bat, ball, and adrenaline.
As the final match of the series came to an end, Ruturaj found himself standing on the field, basking in the victory. His performance had been stellar, and the critics were singing his praises once again. Yet, amidst the celebration, there was an itch, a small voice in his head that kept asking: What's Utkarsha up to?
The answer would come soon enough-London was just around the corner.
_______________________________Utkarsha's series had been equally demanding. Playing for Maharashtra in the domestic circuit, she had been under constant scrutiny, particularly for her bowling. She had always been a fast bowler with an edge, but this time, the pressure to perform was higher than ever. The coaches expected her to lead the bowling attack, and she was determined not to let them down.
There were days when the exhaustion was overwhelming, when her body screamed for rest after hours of grueling practice and matches. But Utkarsha pushed through, drawing strength from the same determination that had gotten her this far in her career. Still, in the quiet moments after the matches, she would occasionally think about that café meeting with Ruturaj-the ease of their conversation, his thoughtful words, and the strange connection that had blossomed between them.
Like him, she didn't reach out. They both knew what the other was going through-a period of focus and discipline where distractions could mean the difference between winning and losing. Yet, in the back of her mind, she couldn't help but wonder: What's he been up to?
The answer wasn't far off.
As the series ended, both Utkarsha and Ruturaj received the same call from the Maharashtra Cricket Association: an invitation to join a special camp in London for top-performing players. The camp was designed to fine-tune their skills, offer exposure to international-level facilities, and give them a much-needed break from the pressures of competitive cricket.
The idea of spending time in London, away from the pressures of the field, was exciting. And there was another thought in both their minds: they would be seeing each other again, after weeks of silence.
Utkarsha packed her bags with a mix of excitement and nervousness. While the camp was an opportunity to grow as a cricketer, she couldn't deny the flutter in her chest at the thought of reuniting with Ruturaj. Would things still feel the same between them after all this time? Would the easy camaraderie they shared still be there, or had the distance and time changed things?
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💖Bound by Runs and Dreams💖
أدب الهواةRuturaj Gaikwad is at the peak of his career, a rising cricket star with unmatched talent. With the weight of expectations from fans, teammates, and family, he's constantly navigating the pressure of performing on the world stage. On the other side...