PITCHING HEARTS: LOVE IN THE OUTFIELD

Chapter 4 (1/2): Final Showdown: Under-19 Tournament

TEN MONTHS LATER...
Venue: WANKHEDE STADIUM

Ten months had passed in the blink of an eye. Rehan initially struggled to adapt to the new environment. Even though many of his Teammates were cooperative and welcoming, one of the rival stood out during the Tournament. Shashank, his rival who he met during one of his old Tournament, seemed to have taken their competition personally, always looking for opportunities to bully or taunt him. Rehan tried to brush it off, but the constant harassment weighed heavily on his mental health. At just 16, the youngest on the team, he felt the pressure of being surrounded by older players, most of whom were 18.

Currently, the players were filing into the hotel lobby, their excitement palpable. It was Finals of the Under-19 Tournament already, the match was set to take place in the iconic Wankhede Stadium, against England the next day. Rehan glanced around, taking in the vibrant energy as teammates shared jokes and strategized for the big game ahead. The air was thick with a mix of anticipation and nervous energy, a feeling he had come to know well over the past ten months.

As they approached the reception desk, took their room keys, their coach, Mr. Verma, called everyone to gather in the conference room after keeping their luggage into their assigned rooms. Nodding, they all rushed towards their rooms, kept their backpacks and rushed towards the conference room as asked by their Coach, after locking their rooms. Rehan felt a flutter of nerves as he took a seat among his teammates, the pressure of the finals settling in.

"Listen up, everyone!" Mr. Verma's voice echoed in the room, gaining their attention. "This is it- the finals. We've trained hard for this moment and so far you guys have done an amazing job. Remember, we play as a unit. I can understand your nervousness as well as the pressure you guys are feeling. But always remember to focus on your strengths, trust each other and we can bring this trophy home."

They all nodded as they listened to the Coach attentively, feeling the weight of Coach's words. Rehan glanced at his teammates, their eyes reflecting a mix of determination and anxiety. He couldn't shake the feeling that this match was more than just a game; it was a chance to prove himself.

Since it was already evening, they decided to have their dinner and soon dispersed to their assigned rooms with their roommates, as there was a big match the very next day, and they all needed enough sleep in order to have much needed energy for the game ahead.

Rehan tossed and turned, struggling to find a comfortable position. With a frustrated sigh, he sat up, running a hand through his hair. His eyes scanned the room until they landed on his phone by the night lamp. Picking it up, he squinted at the time. 1:00 AM.

Quietly slipping out of bed, he rummaged through his backpack, pulling out what he was looking for. He then padded softly to the balcony, sliding the door open as the cool night breeze greeted him. Closing his eyes, a faint smile tugged at his lips.

When he opened them, he gazed down at a photo- a family picture from his baby sister's first birthday, two months ago. He and his brothers were smiling widely into the camera, faces covered in cake icing. His sister sat giggling in their eldest brother's arms, surrounded by them all. It still felt like a day or two when she was born, when in reality it's been a year and two months already since his sister's birth. A gentle smile crept onto Rehan's face as he lightly traced the edge of the photo with his thumb.

"Tomorrow's my big game. I don't know if you guys will there... But I promise, we are going to win this. I will make you proud", he whispered, his voice a mix of determination and doubt.

He nearly jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw his roommate, Aryan, standing there with a concerned look.

"Did I wake you up, Aryan bhai?" Rehan asked, looking apologetic.

"No, idiot," Aryan replied, shaking his head. "But tum yahan kya kar rahe ho? Something on your mind?" (But why are you out here?)

Rehan hesistated, trying to brush it off. "No bhai, it's nothing-"

"Don't even try to lie to me," Aryan cut him off sternly, though his concern was evident. "Mujhe sab samajh aa jata h jab tumhe kuch pareshan kar raha hota h. Is it nerves? The game?" (I can always tell when something's bothering you.)

Rehan sighed, knowing there's no point in hiding it. Aryan knows him too well than he expected. "Yeah... I'm just worried. Agar main finals ke liye ready nahi hua to? Agar maine kuch galti ki to? Agar maine-" (What if I'm not ready for the finals? What if I mess up? What if-)

"Okay, okay, stop right there," Aryan interrupted again, his voice firm but understanding. "Listen carefully because I am not repeating this. You can't let all those 'what ifs' take over. Doubting yourself? You're already letting your team down if you do. You've trained for this. You deserve to be here, Rehan, and don't let that guy's taunts get to you. You don't have to carry all the pressure alone- we're in this together. Believe in yourself, and we'll handle the rest as a Team. Got it?"

Rehan nodded slowly, Aryan's words sinking in. Aryan smiled and ruffled his hair affectionately. His gaze shifted to the photo in Rehan's hand.

"That's your family, right?" Aryan asked, glancing at the picture.

Rehan smiled "Yeah, my older brothers and baby sister."

"She's adorable" Aryan said with a grin.

"She is" Rehan agreed, his heart warming at the thought of his family. But Rehan saw Aryan was hesitating in asking something. He realised it might be about his Parents, "My Parents were no longer involved with us and hence my eldest brother took their position in our lives." he said, Aryan noticed the slight sadness in his eyes but didn't push the matter further and just nodded instead and changed the topic. Rehan was thankful for his understanding and the change of the topic.

They chatted for a while longer before Aryan ruffled Rehan's hair again. "Come on, kiddo, it's almost 2:00. We've got a big day tomorrow."

With that, they both headed back to bed, Rehan falling asleep with a content smile on his face.

______________________________________

The tension in the air was palpable as the final over of the first innings reached its climax. The crowd held its breath, eyes glued to the pitch. Rehan stood at the crease, bat in hand, his heart racing. India had already scored 220 runs on 4 Wickets. The pressure of the last ball of the first innings gnawing at him, as he took a deep breath closing his eyes 'Always try to stay calm under pressure. While batting, calmly try to analyse the move of the bowler and then take the decision' remembering his Coach and brother's words he narrowed his eyes, trying to calculate the Bowler's move.

Because the bowler for the last over got injured, new bowler was substituted at his place. As the bowler delivered the last ball, Rehan quickly recognized the incoming Yorker. He shifted his weight back, preparing to counter the fast approach. With a firm grip on his bat, he angled it downwards, eyes locked on the ball.  Just as it pitched, he pivoted on his back foot, executing a perfect square drive. The ball soaring high into the air. For a moment, it seemed suspended against the backdrop of the blue sky.

But as the crowd gasped in unison, he noticed the fielder sprinting towards it, arms outstretched. Time seemed to freeze, and Rehan's heart raced. Would it be caught? Would it clear the boundary?

"Come on!" he whispered under his breath, willing the ball to keep rising as the fielder lunged to make the catch....

SO HEY Y'ALL! What do you guys think? Will the ball clear the boundary or would it be caught? Anyway, enjoy until the next part of this Chapter. Also, I am so sorry for not updating sooner. I had lost that flow and didn't know what to write either, until I got this idea while I was brainstorming. Hope it's up to your expectations, and if not I am so sorry. Anyway, 2nd Part will probably be out till midnight maybe.

HAPPY READING!