The Rhythms Of Her Dreams✨️

5. Beyond the Game✨️

The stadium was alive with the hum of excited fans still chanting, their cheers echoing in the warm Mumbai night. Shubman Gill stood at the center of the pitch, his team surrounding him, basking in the victorious afterglow of Gujarat Titans' stunning win over Mumbai Indians. He could feel the rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins as his teammates, some still catching their breath, slapped his back and laughed.

"Great job, Shubman! That last shot was a game-changer!" said Hardik Pandya, grinning ear to ear as he clapped him on the shoulder.

Shubman beamed, wiping his brow with the back of his hand. "Thanks, Hardik. But I couldn't have done it without the support of the whole team. We really pulled through today."

The team gathered around, lifting him up on their shoulders in celebration, as the crowd roared in approval. The victory was sweet, but the real reward was the camaraderie they shared. A family built on passion, dedication, and cricket.

As the players made their way to the dugout, Shubman's phone buzzed. It was his father, a simple message: "Proud of you, son. Enjoy your moment, you've earned it."

Shubman smiled, his heart swelling with gratitude. He quickly replied with a simple but heartfelt message: "Thanks, Dad. Can't wait to celebrate with you."

Just then, his coach, Ashish Nehra, approached him with a smile. "You were outstanding today, Shubman. Keep this up, and you'll be in the Indian team soon enough. You're in great form."

Shubman nodded, but the pressure of the upcoming Indian cricket team selection loomed over him. The squad for the next series was just around the corner, and he knew this was his chance to solidify his place. Every match, every performance mattered.

"I'll give it my all, coach. Just need to stay focused."

As they walked off the field together, Shubman glanced toward the VIP box where his family sat, his eyes meeting his father's proud gaze. His father had always been his biggest supporter, believing in him even when things were tough. Now, Shubman could feel the weight of that belief on his shoulders, but it was a weight he was ready to carry.

The team headed toward the dressing room, and the chatter shifted to the upcoming series. Players debated the strategies, the players likely to be selected, and who might be facing the cut. Shubman couldn't help but wonder if his name would be on that list.

He silently took a seat in the locker room, the victory still fresh but his thoughts already turning toward the future. The series was coming, and with it, the opportunity to prove to everyone-especially himself-that he truly belonged at the highest level of Indian cricket.

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The excitement of the match still buzzed in the air, but now, back in his hotel room, Shubman sat on the edge of his bed, scrolling through his phone to unwind. The messages were pouring in-congratulations from teammates, well-wishers, and fans-but one notification caught his eye: Kaira had posted a story.

He hadn't heard much from her since their brief meeting earlier that day, and the sight of her name made his heart beat a little faster. Curious, he tapped on the notification.

Her story appeared, showing Wankhede Stadium filled with energy, the final moments of the match still fresh in the background. The caption read: "What a match! Incredible win for Gujarat Titans. So proud of you, Shubman! @ShubmanGill"

Shubman couldn't help but smile. It was simple, but there was something personal about it, something genuine. He had only met her briefly, but the way she expressed her pride and excitement for his win made him feel... well, seen.

He quickly tapped the heart icon, liking the story. Then, an idea struck him. With a grin, he decided to re-share her story. He tapped the share button and sent it straight to his own profile, adding his own caption: "Thanks, Kaira! Means a lot to me. Glad you enjoyed the match!"

As he shared the post, he felt a bit of a thrill. It wasn't just about the match or the win-it was about connecting with someone who seemed to appreciate the game, his performance, and maybe even him.

He leaned back in his chair, glancing at the phone again. It felt strange to be so excited over something so simple. But something about Kaira's story made him want to let others see her words, to share a bit of the appreciation she had for him.

After re-sharing Kaira's story on his profile, Shubman found himself holding his phone, his thumb hovering over the screen. The thought of messaging her crossed his mind. It felt like an easy step after the re-share, but he was unsure if it would come off too forward.

He had just met her earlier that day, and though their interaction was brief, there was something about her energy that had stayed with him. She had posted her story so genuinely, and now, he felt a slight pull to acknowledge it directly.

He could feel the silence of the room around him, the phone in his hand almost buzzing with the anticipation of what to say.

Should I keep it casual?

His thumb moved quickly across the keyboard.

"Hey Kaira, thanks for the shout-out! Means a lot to me. Glad you enjoyed the match 😊"

He reread it. It wasn't too much, just enough to keep things light and friendly. The moment the message was sent, he leaned back, feeling a small wave of nervousness wash over him.

What if she thinks it's weird? What if it's too much?

But then again, he thought, she had already shared something about him. Maybe this was just a simple way to keep the conversation going.

His phone buzzed. A notification popped up, and his heart skipped a beat. It was from Kaira.

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- Miss. Fable.

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