THE DESTINED CONFLUENCE

WEDDING BELLS

The next morning, Hassan woke up even before Haider, filled with excitement to return to his world of cricket.

As Haider stepped out of his room, he was greeted by Hassan, who was already dressed in his tracksuit. "Assalamualaikum bhaijaan, good morning!" Hassan exclaimed.

"Morning! Tum badi subah jag gaye," Haider replied, surprised.

"Of course! I didn't want to run extra laps for being late," Hassan said with a grin.

Haider chuckled. "Batao, naashte mein kya khaoge?"

"Something light so I don't puke while working out," Hassan answered.

The two brothers sat together, sharing breakfast and chatting about various things. For the first time in a long while, Hassan felt at home; he missed his brother more than anything.

Noticing Hassan lost in thought, Haider asked, "Kya hua?"

With teary eyes, Hassan replied, "I love you, bhaijaan."

"You'll hate me after some time," Haider joked.

"I missed hating you," Hassan shot back, a smile breaking through his emotion.

"I'll go change. Jao, tab tak car nikaal do parking se," Haider said, tossing the car keys to him.

Hassan caught them just in time. "Seriously? Main chala sakta hoon?"

Haider smiled and nodded, encouraging him.

"I love you!" Hassan said, hugging him tightly before dashing outside.

---

They arrived at the academy, where the other boys were already present. As Haider approached, the team stood at attention.

"Morning, boys!" he greeted cheerfully.

"Morning, sir!" they replied in unison, their voices booming.

Haider introduced Hassan to the team, informing them of his return.

"Welcome, Hassan bhai! Ab aap gaye hai na apni captain ki post sambhaliye? This is a lot for me to hold," said Wasim, the current captain.

Once Hassan left, Wasim, who had been vice captain, was now the team captain, with Shaheer stepping in as vice captain.

"Wasim, you aren't getting off the hook this easily. Hassan team nahi join kar raha. Since he hasn't worked out in the last three years, he'll be training with you guys again, but I don't consider him for the team just yet."

He instructed Hassan to run laps around the field, and Hassan obeyed without hesitation.

"Captain, step forward and tell me the batting lineup for the next tournament," Haider commanded.

Wasim stepped up confidently and recited the entire batting order in one breath. "Alright, captain. Vice, step forward and tell me the bowling lineup."

Wasim had discussed this with Shaheer earlier, but he was too distracted to remember anything.

"Aa umm, sir..." Shaheer stuttered, struggling to recall.

Feeling the pressure, he began calling out random players' names.

Haider quickly assessed the reactions around him. Wasim's face was a mixture of shock and disbelief at the unplanned lineup.

"Is it the same order that you guys discussed?" Haider pressed.

Wasim looked at Shaheer, uncertain.

"Answer me, Captain," Haider said firmly.

"No, sir," Wasim admitted, realizing the gravity of the situation.