Clean Bowled

Chapter 50

*Aslesha*

The next morning at 9am I switch on the TV and wait in anticipation for the match to begin. Pehli match ho ke bhi final wali feeling aa rahi hai. 10 baje shuru hone wali hai but I can't miss any of it.

Who would've thought ke Viraj ki pehli match Mai hospital bed me dekhungi.

My surgery will be done in the evening. I am super scared. But that's the last thing on my mind right now. I just want to see Viraj play.

It's 6 pm right now in New Zealand and the match is going to be India versus South Africa.

All the players come to the field for the national anthem and the camera focuses on all the the players one by one.

That's when I see him. He is smiling at the little boy standing in front of him for the anthem and my heart skips a beat. Just within two seconds the camera moves to the next player.

He looked so good in the Indian jersey. I couldn't see his expression properly because he was looking down at the boy.

I stand up for the national anthem as well. Papa ne bachpan se aadat lagayi hai. Mai kahi bhi rahu, national anthem play hone pe khade ho jaati hu.

When the anthem is over both the captains are called for the toss. Now I see him properly.

I feel like pausing the TV and just keep on looking at his face. I miss him so much.

I see Sachdev written on the back of his jersey. His mom would be so proud. I wonder how she is.

South Africa wins the toss and they decide to bowl first. The commentator asks both of them a few questions and Viraj answers all of them confidently without being intimidated.

He's gonna come in at number 3.

The match starts well from our side but I can't help but pray ke koi out ho jaaye. Mujhe Viraj ko dekhna hai. Raha nahi ja raha ab.

Jis reason ke liye itna bada bhukamp machaya vo toh dekh lu.

Finally after half an hour one of the batsman gets run out and in comes Viraj.

He does some stretches and talks with the other batsman for a few seconds.

Ab khelo bhi!!!

Viraj is on strike and all the hair on my body stands in attention. The first ball misses his face my a few inches.

Ye kaise fek raha hai idiot bowler!

The next is a yorker so the ball doesn't go far and no runs are made.

The next ball slightly misses his bat and there's an appeal for a wicket.

I put my hand on my mouth. Out? The umpire shakes his head. Haasshh..

"Kya kar rahe ho Viraj? Focus! Mere liye please. Itna sab ab waste mat jaane do. Just hit it once and you're ready to go. Come on. I love you" I murmur under my breath and the next ball goes for a four.

I squeal excitedly as papa enters the room.

"Papa dekho dekho Viraj khel raha hai. Abhi usne four maara. Kitna achha khel raha hai" I say smiling widely.

"Ha ha ab puri match dekh lenge. Tum aaram se baith jaao pehle" he says and sits on the couch.

Kitne dino baad aaj mai smile ki.

Viraj plays really well. He make 78 in 62 balls and I feel like smothering him with kisses. I'm so proud of him.

Throughout the match, I watch his every move. Captain Viraj. Captaincy suits him. Kitne achhe se sab ko direct kar raha hai.