Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter - 63

The early morning air at the stadium was thick with a quiet determination. Day 1 favoured India in the first half with Jadeja's five wicket haul but by the day end it had left India shaken, at 86/4, with the commentary mercilessly questioning the decisions of the team. Rohit, the captain, was trying his best to keep the morale up, though the pressure weighed on everyone. They all knew that when play resumed, Shubman and Rishabh would be in charge of turning things around, but for now, Rohit recognized the importance of loosening up before the day began.

As the players gathered for an informal warm up practice, Rohit suddenly tossed a ball toward Meera, an amused gleam in his eye. "Meera! How about a little sibling war? You bowl to Rahul and Virat."

Meera’s eyes widened. "Seriously, bhaiya?"

Rohit grinned, shrugging playfully. "Arrey, come on! What’s a little practice without some fun? Besides," he added, glancing around, “we could use a little gully cricket spirit today.”

Siraj chuckled, quickly backing him up. "Arey aao, Meera! Maza aayega."

Ashwin, overhearing, burst into laughter. "I’m in—let’s make this interesting. Come on Meera, Jadeja, and I will show you how it’s done!”

Meera gave in with a mock sigh, taking her place with a determined look as Rahul and Virat prepared to bat. As she took her stance, Ayan, Arya, and Arjun watched from the sidelines, chuckling at the scene but still acutely aware of their surroundings, eyes sweeping over the stands and exits.

Meera took her place with a playful grin, and Rahul and Virat got ready. She started with a focused stance, but as soon as she bowled, Rahul met the ball with an easy swing, sending it high over the makeshift boundary. A delighted laugh escaped him, and Virat, standing by, clapped his hands with a teasing cheer. "Come on, Meera! Is that all you’ve got?”

"Watch it, bhaiya," Meera warned with a smirk, adjusting her grip. But as she bowled again, Virat met her delivery with an equally confident six, his grin widening as he exchanged a triumphant look with Rahul.

“Bhaiya, seriously!” Meera exclaimed, glancing back at Rohit, who only grinned wider.

"Arey, tu dal na!" Rohit encouraged, while laughing.

Laughing, they fell into a rhythm, the players and Meera caught up in an impromptu game that brought easy smiles and laughter. They ran for singles, talked over playful memories, and teased each other like they had during the early days.

Rahul sent another shot high, and as he passed Meera, he chuckled. “Remember those late-night street matches in Bangalore? You used to always bowl wides.”

“Oh, really?” Meera replied with a smirk. "At least I never hit a neighbor’s window. You’re the one who owes them an apology!”

Virat, laughing as he sprinted for another run, shot back, "Let’s see that delivery, Meera! Or is Rahuliya still going easy on you?”

A genuine warmth filled the morning, their worries forgotten as they let themselves be caught in the camaraderie.

Soon, Jadeja had to put an end to the impromptu gully cricket, clapping his hands and calling out, “Alright, time’s up! Back to real practice, you lot!”

Meera groaned playfully, bowing down dramatically to him. “Yes, Sir Jadeja!” she teased.

Jadeja laughed, waving her off with a fond grin. “Bhag, shaitaan! Go on, don’t let me catch you slacking off again.”

As the team settled back into their intense practice drills under Rohit and the coaches’ guidance, Meera made her way back to Arya, Ayan, and Arjun at the sidelines. She joined Arya, and the two fell into a discussion, focused on the security arrangements for the day.