Shadows Of The Stumps

For You I Would

While Rahul was still answering questions with the broadcaster, Shubman and Siraj leaned back against the railing, listening with grins that refused to leave their faces. There was pride, admiration, and that unspoken brotherhood that made every word Rahul said hit differently.

“Bhai,” Shubman whispered, nudging Siraj’s arm, “humko kuch karna chahiye na uske liye? He’s done so much for us. Missed meeting his family just to stay here with us… man could’ve gone home.”

Siraj, still beaming after his fifer, tilted his head. “Tu idea de.”

Jadeja, who had wandered closer with his pads still in his hand, raised a brow. “Kya khurafat chal rahi hai yahan?”

The moment Shubman and Siraj explained, Jadeja let out that familiar laugh. “Arey simple hai. Bas bhej do usko date pe apni biwi aur beti ke saath. Man is a father now, must be missing his daughter badly. Dekho, mujhe yaad aata hai jab main Nidhanya se door hota hoon… It eats you up inside.” His voice softened for a second, and the others understood.

Just then Yash wandered over, energy as restless as always. “Sup guys?”

The three looked at him with conspiratorial grins. Within minutes, the quiet little chat turned into ruckus. Siraj declared they should blindfold Rahul and just dump him in Athiya’s lap. Shubman countered saying, “Arey pagal! Athiya will faint if we do that.” Yash pitched in, “Or we can all act like Rahul is being punished for not visiting his family and literally escort him to his wife.”

By now, Jadeja had his hands on his hips, shaking his head as though he was surrounded by children. “Sab nautanki karte ho. Just make it simple, plan a dinner. Rahul ko mat batao. Surprise the man. Thoda romance bhi bacha rehna chahiye zindagi mein.”

Shubman snickered, “Apko bada pata h Jaddu bhai romance kitna bachna chahiye kitna nahi?”

Siraj almost choked on laughter, “Ohhh… tu pitwayega hume.”

“Pagal ho gaye ho tum sab,” Jadeja muttered, but even he couldn’t suppress his grin as the boys burst into loud laughter, attracting glances from a few more teammates. Soon, Rishabh ambled in, asking what the noise was about. Akash followed, and before long, almost the entire dressing room was in on the scheme.

“Just imagine his face when we tell him—‘Bhaiya, tonight no team dinner for you, go spend time with your girls,’” Shubman said, already picturing Rahul’s sheepish smile.

___________

Rahul had just stepped out of the shower, hair still damp, when a knock came at his door. Opening it, he found Shubman standing there, unusually fidgety.

“Bhai,” Shubman started, already softening his voice like he always did when asking for something, “chalo na, ice cream khane.”

Rahul blinked, towel still in hand. “Abhi? Shub, I was literally going to—”

“Please,” Shubman dragged the word, eyes wide, almost theatrical in his desperation. “Bas chhoti si walk. Ek ice cream. Promise, then I’ll let you go meet bhabhi and Eva.”

Rahul groaned, dragging a palm down his face. “Shub, tu kabhi bada hoga?”

“Nope,” came the cheerful reply, followed by that unmistakable puppy-eyed look. The one Rahul had never been able to say no to since the boy’s debut.

So, reluctantly, Rahul gave in. “Fine. But ekdam jaldi. Virat’s going to kill me for this.”

The two slipped out, the cool night air brushing against them as they strolled down the lane. The city was humming softly—horns distant, laughter from street vendors, a cricket-obsessed kid still shadow-batting in the corner of the park. Rahul shoved his hands into his pockets, yawning, already half-thinking of Athiya’s smile.