Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter 10 - Call to Action

Day 1 of the Chennai Test dawned with relentless heat, casting an oppressive haze over the Chepauk stadium. Despite the scorching sun, the players were pumped up, ready to take on Bangladesh, with India opting to bat first. Rohit Sharma led the team, and as they prepared to walk out onto the field, Meera swiftly organized the security detail.

"Five outside the ground perimeter, fifteen dispersed within the stands, backup on standby, three alongside Arjun and me at the ground perimeter," she instructed, her voice steady and commanding. "Everyone should have their earpieces on. Stay alert for any instructions."

As the team entered the dressing room, a sense of calm enveloped the players. They were busy making phone calls to their families, fuelling their confidence.

 Meera took a moment to offer her support. "All the best, boys," she said, her eyes sparkling with encouragement. 

"Thank you, Meera!" they chorused, their voices cheerful. Rahul, always the affectionate brother, leaned in and gave her a quick forehead kiss. "Be safe, okay?"

With the players ready, Meera joined Arjun as they discussed their security protocols before the match began. The first session passed without incident, the team showing promise. However, as the day progressed, urgency replaced the initial calm.

By the final session, India had lost significant wickets, and the pressure mounted. At the crease were Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, fighting to stabilize the innings. Ashwin, showcasing his skill, ended the day with a commendable score of 94, while Jadeja contributed with a solid 34. The dressing room was filled with banter, laughter, and camaraderie, particularly as Coach Gambhir joined in, teasing Virat and Shubhman about their past performances.

Day 2: Battling Through the Heat

The second day began with India resuming their innings. Ashwin pushed for his century and later got, dismissed for 117. Jadeja, however, continued to hold his ground, finishing the innings with 86 runs as India posted a total of 376.

As Meera and Arjun moved through the stadium, the heat was stifling. "I didn't sign up for a sauna session," Arjun joked, wiping the sweat from his brow. Meera chuckled, "At least the players have the fans to cool them down. We've got nothing but our determination."

After Bangladesh began their innings, the tension in the air thickened. They faced an impressive bowling attack with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj leading the charge. By the end of Day  Bangladesh had lost a couple of wickets, a significant drop from where they had started.

Day 3: Rising Tensions

On Day 3, the intensity ramped up as Bangladesh resumed their innings. Siraj and Bumrah, Akashdeep, Jadeja, Ashwin continued to wreak havoc, claiming wickets at regular intervals. Bangladesh folded for just 149.

Meera, approached Virat, who had been unusually quiet. "Hey, you good?" he asked, noticing the flicker of worry in Virat's eyes. "It's just... I haven't played test lately," Virat confessed, running a hand through his hair. "I feel the weight of expectations, and I don't want to let the team down." 

"You know even I have something to share, I haven't used my revolver since the last few months I don't know if I can use it now." "Oh shut up, Meera you carry it like you were born for it." said Virat. "Exactly bhaiya, you were born for it. " Virat gave a grateful smile, before they heard Rohit shout, "oye, vi tu phir overthink kar raha hai na." Virat just gulped and soon within a blink the entire team was mock punching him. A certain Rahuliya doing it the best. Meera laughed as Virat shouted, "kis janam ka badle le rahe ho kameeno!"

As the day concluded, India declared their second innings at 287, setting Bangladesh a daunting target of 515 runs. The atmosphere in the dressing room shifted as they prepared for the final day.

 Day 4: The Final Push

The final day saw Bangladesh struggling against the Indian bowlers. Meera and Arjun, still managing the security perimeter, were aware of the rising tension. "We need to stay focused. Any distractions could be dangerous," Meera reminded him.

With Bangladesh batting under immense pressure, wickets tumbled. Meanwhile, Arjun observed Ashwin's performance from the sidelines who had picked up 4 wickets by now.

"Either Ashwin has got ice in his veins, or he's too fired up with the heat to play the way he is," he commented, half-jokingly. 

Meera nodded, impressed by Ashwin's composure who has just got another wicket, with Rahul catching the ball. The two were busy celebrating as she too cheered out loud. 

The team rallied together, with Ashwin taking 6 wickets and Jadeja securing 3 and one for Bumrah. 

Bangladesh was bowled out for just 234 runs, handing India a significant victory. The dressing room erupted in cheers, the atmosphere electric with celebration.

As the team celebrated, Rohit led them in a loud cheer. "To hard work, teamwork, and a victory well earned!"

Amidst the laughter and joy, Meera and Arjun exchanged proud glances.

Day 5: Reflections and Anticipation

With the victory fresh in their minds, the team took a moment to reflect. They had to leave for Kanpur soon but for now it could wait they had two days in hand. Meera was lying on the bed as Arjun talked on the phone. "Yes, dad, you too take care." 

"The Colonel?" asked Meera. "Yes," replied Arjun. 

 Meera went silent for a while thinking how she hasn't talked to him since the mission. Arjun as if reading her thoughts said, "He is waiting for you, Meera, he believes in you."

Meera nodded. Ira walked into the room with a serious expression on her face, "Ma'am we have an intel from Arya ma'am and it's not very positive." 

Arjun looked at her and said "Speak Ira, quick."

She showed Arya's coded texts which signalled impending danger and they should leave Chennai immediately. Confusion clouded the room, as Meera, stood up. 

"Brief the team, about their duties Arjun. I will handle the coaches and players." Arjun nodded as the three hurried out of the room. Thankfully, the guys were still in the team room, having fun when she entered. She did not want to interrupt them, but had no other option. She talked to Gambhir first who agreed and told her to carry on with the plan. Soon enough, the entire team was boarding a chartered plane to Kanpur with no media headlines.

"We'll have to be on high alert in Kanpur," she warned Arjun, her voice low but serious.

"Whatever comes our way, we'll face it together," Arjun assured her, his tone filled with determination. 

The team had settled in the flight and a certain Meera was busy sleeping on Rohit's shoulders while everybody engaged in their own banters. Rishabh walked in and suddenly told to Meera, "Mai apka laptop leke ja raha hoon." 

"Not the laptop! There are confidential things there. Just take my iPad from Arjun," Meera replied, her heart racing at the thought of sensitive information being misplaced.

As Rishabh searched for movies on the iPad, he stumbled upon a video. The screen illuminated with a joyful moment captured in time: Meera and Ayan dancing together in a vibrant celebration. Their laughter echoed through the video, Ayan spinning her around, their smiles genuine and carefree.

"Look at these two! They're totally in love," Virat remarked, grinning as he gathered around with Rahul and Shubhman. "Meera must be missing him a lot," Rahul added, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. The laughter faded slightly as they realized the depth of her feelings for Ayan.

Little did they know, the storm brewing wasn't just in the weather forecast. Shadows lurked, waiting for the right moment to strike, testing their strength in ways they had yet to imagine.