Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter - 104

Day 5 of the third Test match between India and Australia at the Gabba was a spectacle, albeit one interrupted by nature's whims. The Indian bowlers, led by a fiery pace attack  created history by reducing Australia to a shocking five-wicket collapse within the first 15 overs. It was the kind of performance that etched itself in the annals of cricketing glory and then the persistent rain clouds had the final say, bringing the match to a draw.

The series was now tied 1-1, and India walked away with renewed confidence. Still, amidst the euphoria of the match, a bittersweet moment had overshadowed the team's spirit. Ravichandran Ashwin, a colossus in the world of cricket and one of India's greatest spinners, had announced his retirement from international cricket.

The news spread like wildfire. Social media platforms overflowed with tributes from fans, teammates, and cricketing legends worldwide. The mood in the team room was somber despite the cacophony of chatter, FIFA matches, and card games. Ashwin had not only been a teammate but a mentor, an inspiration, and a tactical genius whose absence would leave a void difficult to fill.

As the team grappled with the news, Meera quietly slipped out of the room. She wasn't one to dwell in emotional gatherings for long, especially when there was work to be done. While the players dealt with their own feelings, she knew she had responsibilities to fulfill. Arjun and Maithili were immersed in their logistical preparations—running security checks and reviewing background details for the upcoming match. Meanwhile, Meera retreated to her workspace, preparing detailed reports, schedules, and itineraries for the next leg of the tour.

Her desk, cluttered yet organized in its own way, was illuminated by the soft glow of her laptop. The rhythmic clicking of keys filled the otherwise silent room, punctuated by the occasional buzz of her phone as messages and notifications poured in about Ashwin's announcement. She had seen the tweet earlier in the day, a simple yet poignant message from the cricketer:

"It's been an incredible journey, and I leave with a heart full of gratitude. Thank you for the memories, the love, and the support. Until next time—Ravi Ashwin."

Meera paused her typing for a moment, leaning back in her chair as she reflected on the man who had been the backbone of India's spin department for over a decade. She had known Ashwin not just as a player but as a person—calm, methodical, and incredibly insightful. In her role, she had seen him mentor younger players, offer strategic advice to the team management, and even lighten the mood with his dry sense of humor during tense moments.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. It was Arjun, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Skipped the team room for this, huh?" he said, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.

Meera turned in her chair and laughed lightly. "Can't help it, right, bhai? All that soldier training has made it a huge no for us to show emotions."

Arjun smiled too, leaning against the doorframe. "Yeah, can't help it," he admitted. "Even I'm feeling... very emotional about his retirement. Cricket always felt personal. But ever since we've been living and working with these people—seeing them up close—it feels even more personal, Meeru."

He took a deep breath, shaking his head slightly as if trying to clear his thoughts, and walked toward her desk. "Anyway, here, madam security head," he said teasingly, handing her a stack of papers. "Let's go through these once."

Meera rolled her eyes and mock-glared at him. "No security head, Arjun. We are a team."

"Yeah, yeah," Arjun replied with a small grin. "Whatever you say, boss."

Before the banter could continue, Maithili walked in briskly, her presence bringing the room back to order. "Ma'am, sir—let's do a perimeter check once?" she suggested, holding out her tablet with a map of the stadium area already pulled up.