MIDNIGHT MIST ✔

The arrival

As asked by Mrs.Joseph girls deported the bus and all went to collect room keys from reception of the hotel so, that they could retire to their respective rooms.Aarvi and Aditi stood patiently for their turn.

Meanwhile the head coach kamlesh Reddy came in the lobby.He called  Nikita Balyaan, Aditi and Aarvi near him.

Nikita looked visibly upset due to her poor performance today  inspite of being the Vice Captain of the team but she was trying to keep her spirits up.

Coach knew that Nikita was upset. He said to Nikita "I know that you are feeling low due your to underperformance in this series and specially today also  you didn't play well .But it's ok. Look every cricketer faces such phases in his career. These phases  in cricket make a player mentally strong and help him in improving his game and tactics. But Nikita you need to take  some time off  for yourself. Go home, spend some time with your  family, take a bit rest and work on your basics".

Then Head coach asked Aditi to bring all the team members,staff members to the conference room of the hotel.Everybody gathered in the conference room. Nikita was still assessing in her mind what Coach said to her .

Meanwhile Head coach Kamlesh Reddy started speaking "I have asked all of you to assemble here to make an important announcement.
Nikita needs some rest .So,from now onwards Aarvi is going to take charge of Vice Captain of the team."

Aarvi was stunned. Aditi stood still like a statue and Nikita was trying to control her tears and emotions.
The other team members were looking Nikita pitifully whose eyes were filled with  red hot tears.Nobody in team knew whether to feel  Sorry for Nikita or to be happy for Aarvi .There was a  complete silence for 5 minutes.

Then Mrs.Joseph tried to break the ice and she  said "Congratulations! Aarvi now you are going to be the Vice Captain of the under 19 Women's cricket team".Soon everyone started congratulating Aarvi. Aarvi was replying  all of them  with gratitude.

At last Nikita came towards Aarvi and she hugged her and Nikita whispered in  Aarvi's ear  " Well played! Congratulations you stole my place.But remember nothing is forever. Celebrate it now as this will fade sooner".Then Nikita moved apart and she said loudly
"Congratulations! Aaru I know you will do extremely well as the vice captain ".Nikita was faking happiness in such a way that nobody had a clue what she said to Aarvi in Aarvi's ear.

Aarvi was shocked and hurt but shr tried to be normal as she did not  want to  spoil everyone's jolly mood today and Aarvi  thought that  Nikita's words were just out of anger and agony  as she had to leave for home suddenly but Nikita will understand the circumstances after a while.

Nikita left for her home in Pune.Everybody bid her goodbye  .Everyone then  took their keys and  went to their respective rooms.

Aarvi was thinking what all Nikita said. Nikita's   words were resonating in her mind.Somehow Aarvi felt it was just matter of time and everything will be fine between her and Nikita. In order to distract her thoughts Aarvi started reading "Sunny days ".Aarvi loves reading biographies and novels.

Next day Aarvi and team had early morning flight for Delhi which  is their next match venue for their first t20 match against Sri lanka.

Aarvi thinks about the next series against Sri lanka .She thinks she needs to maintain her consistency in order to perform well as a Vice Captain too. She decides to sleep at earliest.Since she had an early flight next morning.

Next day Aarvi and team goes  to the airport to catch their flight for Delhi. All are excited for their next series and especially because they are  going to Delhi the heart of India. Aarvi is nervous and excited for her new role but she is determined to play best of her ability.

Aarvi at the airport before leaving for Delhi

Under 19 Indian woman cricket team landed in Delhi.The bus lead the team to ITC Maurya, Delhi where  the team will be staying for next two days.

ITC Maurya,Delhi

All girls were alloted rooms. They were given rooms in pair.Two girls were given one room to share. Except Aditi Malhotra who was given a  separate room Since,she is the Captain  of the team.

Aarvi was seeking Manager Mrs. Joseph to ask for her room partner when Mrs.Joseph informed Aarvi that she will be given a separate separate room to stay, being the Vice Captain. Aarvi stood astonished as this was not a norm.

Mrs.Joseph explained her that it is
a  joined decision of management that both Captain and Vice Captain will be alloted different rooms from now onwards .

AARVI'S ROOM

Aarvi could not disobey the management's decision and she agreed  for a  separate room for herself  and she went to her room.