PITCHING HEARTS: LOVE IN THE OUTFIELD

Chapter 6 (1/2): Crossroads at the Fair

Ahana's P.O.V.

"Kitni der lagegi Di? Jaldi karo na,"  Vamika's familiar whining rang through the phone. (How much longer will you take, Di? Hurry up!)

I just shook my head, amused. "Haan, I am ready. Tumlog kahan ho?"    I asked, knowing full well they wouldn't be here anytime soon. (Yeah, I'm ready, but where are you all?)

"Nirav ke bacche, jaldi drive kar!"  A loud smack followed her words, making me shake my head again with a smile. (Nirav, you idiot, drive faster!)

They were at it again- bickering like always.

"Okay, jab tumlog aa jao, toh call kar lena. I'll be waiting."  (Okay, just call me when you get here.) I ended the call after hearing a quick "okay Di"  from Vamika.

Those are my best friends- Vamika, Shrey and the rest of the gang: Mansi Di, Nirav, Reyansh and Shaurya. Bickering about anything and everything is Vamika and Nirav's love language. The whole group knows they like each other, but for now, they are both focused on their careers, just like the rest of us.

Mansi Di is the oldest of us all. Her father and my Dad were best friends and teammates when they were still playing for the Senior National Cricket Team.

We first became friends when I was almost 6, and she was 8, along with my little sister who was only 1 year old at the time.

It was during an ODI series against New Zealand. We sat beside each other, between our moms, cheering for our dads. That was the first time we spoke, and we quickly became friends. As we grew older, she became like an elder sister to me- handling my whining, putting up with my mischief, and always offering advice when I needed it. 

Then came Shrey. We met when I was 9, and he was 10, and from the start, I loved teasing him- mostly because he absolutely hated being called 'bhaiya' or 'bhai'. After Mansi Di, Shrey is the only one who can deal with all my quirks without a single complaint. We met through Mansi Di, since they were cousins, and it felt like we instantly clicked. Within weeks, we were like two peas in a pod, inseparable and always looking out for each other.

The rest of the guys- Nirav,Reyansh and Shaurya- came into the picture later, thanks to Shrey. I will never forget how we connected so easily, like we were meant to be a group. They were always protective, watching over us girls, and my Dad gave them the nod of approval almost immediately.

Then came the baby of our group- Vamika. We met her on a day I'll never forget. Shrey and I were wandering around the park, trying to lift my spirits after I had been scolded for the first time by my dance teacher. I felt pretty down, lost in my own world, when we saw a girl being bullied by some guys of the same age group. Without even thinking, we rushed to her aid. I still remember the relief in her eyes as we stood up for them.

Afterwards, we found out she lived just a few streets away from us. I brought her home one day, and my parents instantly liked her. She was sweet, shy and in need of friends as she was new in the city. It didn't take long before I introduced her to the rest of the group, and they clicked as well. From that day on, Vamika became like my own little sister- part of our tight-knit family.

I was smiling at the memory when my mom's voice brought me back to the present, calling me from downstairs. I quickly grabbed my phone and a small handbag, ready to head out.

"Mansi Di and sab aa gaye, mom. Humlog ja rahe, aur zyada late nahi karenge." I said as soon as I reached downstairs. (Mansi Di and others are here, Mom. We're heading out now, promise we won't be too late!)

"Oh Didi, you all set?" Sam asked as soon as she came out of the dance room, all sweaty probably due to the practice.

"Haan Sam, ho gayi practice?" I asked, while she nodded, drinking some water. (Yeah Sam, done with practice?)