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Chapter 12

The end

Indian short stories

Tere Har Lafz Mein Sukoon Hai Teri Hasi Mein Sukoon Hai Tujhe Dekh Lun To Hai Sukoon Tujhe Chhu Lun To Hai Sukoon Teri Tasweer Mein Hai Sukoon Tere Naam Mein Hai Sukoon Meri Jaan

Tu Hai Toh Sukoon Hai Mere Paas Hai Toh Sukoon Hai Mere Sath Hai Toh Sukoon Hai

Tu Hai Toh Sukoon Hai Tu Hai Toh Sukoon Hai

After two years

Abhimanyu sat alone in the dressing room, his thoughts running wild. Today was the day he'd dreamt about since he was a little boy, the day he would lead the Indian cricket team in the World Cup final. The stakes couldn't be higher, and the pressure weighed heavily on his shoulders. He rubbed his hands over his face, trying to calm himself.

His hand paused on his cheek, where his wife, had kissed him before he left with the team. Her words from two months ago echoed in his mind.

Two months earlier, they were sitting on at home. The cool evening breeze swept over them as Avanthika rested her head on his shoulder. He traced patterns on her hand, but his mind was elsewhere.

"What are you thinking about?" she asked softly, breaking his silence.

He sighed, looking at the horizon. "The World Cup," he admitted. "India hasn't won it in 20 years, and now I'm the captain. There's so much pressure, not just from the team but from the fans too. Everyone's waiting for us to lift that trophy, and I can't let them down. I have to win this time."

Avanthika sat up and turned to face him. She took his hands in hers. "Abhimanyu, you're the greatest captain cricket has ever seen. I believe in you, and I know you'll win the World Cup. You didn't get here by chance, you've worked harder than anyone else. Look at your journey, the sacrifices you've made, the moments you've fought through. You're not just leading a team, you're leading a nation's dream. And I know you'll make that dream come true."

She kissed his hand gently, her eyes never leaving his. "When you step onto that field, think about everything you've been through. Think about your teammates who look up to you. Think about the fans who believe in you. But most importantly, believe in yourself, because I do. And I know, deep down, you're going to lift that trophy."

Her words lingered with him, giving him a sense of peace. Sitting in the dressing room now, with the final just moments away, Abhimanyu closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"This time," he whispered to himself, "we're lifting that trophy."

Abhimanyu stepped out of the dressing room, his heart pounding but steady. The deafening roar of the fans in the stadium washed over him like a wave, filling him with confidence. The energy was electric, and he could feel the entire nation behind him. This is it, he thought. This is the moment we've all been waiting for.

He walked confidently to the center of the field for the toss. Winning it, he decided to bat first, trusting his team's strength to set a challenging target. As the Indian team lined up on the field, the national anthem began to play. Abhimanyu stood tall, singing with pride, his chest swelling with determination.

Soon, it was time for India to bat. Abhimanyu walked onto the field with Rahul as his opening partner. The crowd erupted in cheers, chanting his name, and he took a deep breath, soaking it all in. Before taking his position, his eyes instinctively searched the stands. There she was Avanthika, watching him intently, her smile full of faith and encouragement. She was his anchor, his good luck charm. He gave her a subtle nod, feeling her silent support boost his confidence.

Taking his guard, Abhimanyu prepared to face the first ball. The bowler ran in, and the ball came hurtling toward him. Before he could react, it struck his helmet with a loud thud. The entire stadium went silent. Gasps echoed through the stands, and Avanthika's hand flew to her mouth in shock.

The medical team rushed to the field, examining him carefully. Abhimanyu reassured them with a faint smile. "I'm fine," he said, adjusting his helmet. His determination was unwavering. He got back into position, ready to face the next delivery.

The bowler charged in again, this time delivering a ball slightly fuller. Abhimanyu's eyes lit up as he swung his bat with precision. The sound of the ball connecting with the bat was pure music, and the next moment, it soared high and far, over the boundary for a magnificent six.

The stadium erupted in cheers, the fans chanting his name louder than ever. In the stands, Avanthika clapped, her smile wider than ever. This is just the beginning, he thought.

Abhimanyu smiled to himself as the crowd roared. The six had set the tone for the game, and he was determined to build on it. He looked over at Rahul, who gave him a thumbs up, ready to support him at the other end.

The next few overs were steady, with both Abhimanyu and Rahul focusing on building a strong partnership. They rotated the strike, hitting boundaries when the opportunity came.

As the game progressed, the bowlers tried everything pace, spin, and aggressive fielding. But Abhimanyu was in the zone. He played each ball with precision, finding gaps and punishing loose deliveries.

Abhimanyu knew the responsibility was now heavier on his shoulders. As captain, he needed to lead by example, and he wasn't going to let the team or the fans down.

With every run, his confidence grew. The chants of "Abhimanyu! Abhimanyu!" echoed in the stadium, and he felt like nothing could stop him.

By the time he reached his fifty, the crowd went wild, and Abhimanyu raised his bat to acknowledge them. He glanced at Avanthika, who was clapping with tears of joy in her eyes. This wasn't just his moment, it was theirs.

He took a deep breath, refocused, and got ready to face the next ball. The journey was far from over, but Abhimanyu was ready for whatever came next. This was his dream, and he wasn't going to let it slip away.

With just 5 overs left in the innings, India is at 170/2. Abhimanyu, batting on a solid 80, took his stance, ready to guide his team to a strong finish. The bowler ran in and delivered a tricky yorker. Abhimanyu tried to dig it out, but the ball slipped past his bat and crashed into the stumps.

For a moment, the stadium fell completely silent. The captain, the man everyone was counting on, was out.

Abhimanyu stood there for a second, taking it in. He removed his helmet, looked around at the crowd, and was greeted with a standing ovation. The entire stadium erupted, chanting his name, recognizing the effort he had put into his knock. He gave a small smile, raised his bat and made his way back to the pavilion.

Sitting down, Abhimanyu watched the rest of the innings unfold. Wickets fell in quick succession as the team scrambled to push the score higher. By the end of 20 overs, India managed to put up a total of 210/6. It was a decent score, but Abhimanyu knew it wouldn't be an easy defense.

As the opposition prepared to bat, Abhimanyu gathered his team in a huddle on the field. His voice was calm but commanding as he addressed them.

"This is it, boys," he began. "We've worked for this moment for years. There's no room for doubt now. This total might not be the biggest, but it's enough if we believe in ourselves. Play every ball like it's the last, give it everything you've got. This is not just a game it's the hope of a billion people. Let's make them proud."

His teammates nodded, the fire in their eyes reigniting with his words. They broke from the huddle and took their positions on the field.

Abhimanyu stood at mid-off, clapping his hands, rallying his bowlers and fielders. The match wasn't over, not by a long shot. This was their chance to make history, and he wasn't going to let it slip away.

■

Last over

The tension in the stadium was palpable as the last over began. The opposition needed 20 runs to win, with 8 wickets in hand. The first ball came, and the batter launched it into the stands for a six. The crowd fell silent.

Now, only 14 runs were needed. The bowler, visibly nervous, adjusted his grip on the ball, his hands trembling. Abhimanyu noticed it and walked up to him.

"Hey, don't lose hope," Abhimanyu said, placing a firm hand on the bowler's shoulder. "We've fought too hard to give up now. Just focus on your line and length. Trust yourself. I trust you."

The bowler nodded, taking a deep breath before running in again. The next ball was bowled, and the batter struck it hard. It raced past the infield for four.

In the stands, Avanthika sat frozen, biting her nails. She couldn't bear to watch but couldn't look away either. The pressure was unbearable.

The bowler ran in again, delivering the next ball. The batter managed only a single.

The following ball resulted in two runs, with the batter failing to find the boundary. The tension escalated as the equation came down to one ball and three runs needed.

The bowler took his position, sweat dripping down his face, while the entire crowd was on its feet

The bowler ran in for the final ball of the World Cup. The batter swung with all his might, sending the ball soaring high into the air. Everyone held their breath, thinking it was a sure six.

But then, like a flash of lightning, Abhimanyu ran toward the boundary. He ran faster than anyone had ever seen, his eyes locked on the ball. With a perfectly timed leap, he grabbed the ball just before it could cross the rope.

For a second, the stadium was silent, processing what had just happened. Then it erupted into deafening cheers.

"India has done it! India has won the World Cup!" the commentators screamed.

Abhimanyu stood at the boundary, holding the ball high as his teammates rushed to him, lifting him on their shoulders. The crowd was in a frenzy, chanting his name.

In the stands, Avanthika wiped away tears of joy, her heart swelling with pride.

Abhimanyu looked around the stadium, taking in the moment. This was the dream he had worked for all his life. And now, it was real. India had won the World Cup.

The crowd roared louder than ever, chanting, "Abhimanyu! Abhimanyu!" as he raised his hands. One of his teammates handed him the Indian flag. Abhimanyu took it with pride, waving it high above his head.

He looked around the stadium, the cheers of the fans resonating in his ears, and his eyes searched for one face in the crowd. He found Avanthika standing, clapping with tears of joy streaming down her face. She mouthed, "I told you, you'd do it."

Abhimanyu smiled, holding the flag tighter. This wasn't just his victory it was for his team, his family, his fans, and every Indian who had waited twenty long years for this moment.

The trophy presentation awaited, but for now, Abhimanyu soaked in the celebration.

■

The stadium was buzzing with excitement as the announcer's voice echoed, "And now, we call upon the captain of Team India, Abhimanyu, to receive the World Cup trophy!"

The crowd erupted, chanting his name, "Abhimanyu! Abhimanyu!" His teammates joined in, clapping and cheering as he walked toward the stage. Each step felt surreal, a culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice.

When Abhimanyu reached the podium, he held it in his hands, feeling its weight not just the physical weight, but the significance it carried for him, his team, and the entire nation.

Abhimanyu kissed the trophy, closing his eyes for a moment. The crowd roared louder, and his teammates clapped and whistled from the sidelines. Turning to face his team, he lifted the trophy high above his head.

With a beaming smile, he walked back to his teammates, holding the trophy out for them. "This is ours," he said, his voice filled with emotion.

The team surrounded him, all touching the trophy, their hands. Cameras flashed as they posed together, grins on their faces and the trophy at the center of their celebration.

The photo captured the moment that would be etched in history forever: a team that fought against all odds and won the World Cup.

As the stadium emptied and the crowd dispersed, only the team and their families remained on the field. Abhimanyu spotted Avanthika standing near the edge of the ground, her eyes glistening with pride. Without hesitation, he ran toward her and wrapped her in a tight hug.

She smiled warmly, kissed his forehead, and said, "Congratulations. You made us all proud."

Abhimanyu held her hands and looked into her eyes. "You've always believed in me, and today, we did it." He then handed her the trophy and said, "This is the most important thing to me, but I want you to have it. It's as much yours as it is mine."

Avanthika laughed softly, tears threatening to spill. They both held the trophy together, and one of Abhimanyu's teammates, snapped a photo of them.

A few moments later, Abhimanyu passed the trophy to his teammates so they could take pictures with their families.

Abhimanyu and Avanthika then walked hand in hand to the other side of the ground.

"So, I gave you a precious gift today, the World Cup," Abhimanyu said, smirking. "What will you give me in return?"

Avanthika tilted her head and smiled. "What do you want?" she asked playfully.

"Anything," he replied with a grin.

She stopped walking, turned to face him, and hugged him tightly. Then, she took his hand and placed it gently on her belly.

Abhimanyu's eyes widened as realization dawned on him. "Really?" he asked.

Avanthika nodded, her smile radiant. "Yes, you're going to be a father."

Without a second thought, Abhimanyu lifted her into his arms, twirling her around as pure happiness lit up his face. "This is the best day of my life!" he shouted.

Avanthika laughed, her heart full, knowing they had not just won a trophy but were about to start a new and beautiful chapter of their lives.

■

A few months later, Avanthika was in the ninth month of her pregnancy. Abhimanyu had been treating her like a glass doll, ensuring she was cared for every moment. Even though she was no longer part of a royal family, Abhimanyu would always tell her, "You're my queen, and you always will be."

One peaceful evening, Avanthika sat on the couch, gently caressing her belly and speaking softly to their baby. "You're almost here. Your dad and I can't wait to meet you," she said with a loving smile.

Abhimanyu entered the room, holding a bowl of ice cream. "Look what I've got," he said with a grin, walking over to her.

She glanced at the ice cream and smiled. "I thought I wanted some, but now I don't feel like eating it," she said with a teasing tone.

Abhimanyu raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? I guess I'll just have to eat it myself, then."

He dipped his finger into the ice cream, scooped a small amount, and playfully applied it on her nose. Avanthika gasped in surprise. "Abhi!" she said, laughing.

Without missing a beat, Abhimanyu leaned in and licked the cream off her nose, grinning mischievously. "See? It's sweet just like you."

Avanthika shook her head, laughing even harder. "You're impossible!"

"And you love me for it," he said, settling beside her and placing a hand on her belly.

The baby kicked. "I can't wait to hold our little one," Abhimanyu whispered.

Avanthika rested her head on his shoulder. "We're going to be the happiest family, Abhi."

"We already are," he replied, kissing her forehead.

Abhimanyu chuckled as he headed to the kitchen, calling over his shoulder, "Alright, which flavor do you want me to put on you this time?"

"Anything," Avanthika replied playfully, leaning back on the couch.

He opened the freezer and grabbed a tub of chocolate ice cream. "How about chocolate? Will that work?" he asked loudly from the kitchen.

When he didn't hear a reply, his playful grin faded. "Avanthika?" he called out, stepping back into the living room.

His heart dropped when he saw her on the floor, clutching her belly with a look of both pain and urgency. "Abhi," she gasped, her voice trembling. "It's time. The baby's coming."

Panic and excitement surged through him as he rushed to her side. "Avanthika, are you okay? Can you move? Should I call the doctor?" he asked.

She managed a small smile. "Abhi, stop panicking and help me up. We need to get to the hospital."

He nodded quickly, his hands shaking as he supported her carefully. "Okay, okay, don't worry. I've got you," he said.

As they made their way to the car, Abhimanyu kept murmuring. "Just hold on, Avanthika. Everything's going to be fine. I'll drive us there in no time."

"Just breathe, Avanthika. We're almost there," he reassured her, his voice soft yet filled with anxiety. He glanced at her, noticing the sweat on her forehead, and felt a surge of protectiveness.

Avanthika squeezed his hand, her grip tightening with each wave of pain that coursed through her. "I know, Abhi. I know. I'm fine. Just... drive faster."

He pushed the accelerator down, weaving through traffic with only one thought in his mind: getting her to the hospital as fast as possible. The minutes felt like hours, and he could hear his own heartbeat pounding in his ears, louder than anything else.

Finally, they reached the hospital, and Abhimanyu rushed to the emergency entrance. He opened the car door, lifting Avanthika into his arms, his protective instincts kicking in.

"Hold on, my queen," he whispered. "We're almost there. Our baby is almost here."

The nurses rushed toward them, ready for the delivery. As they entered the hospital, the world seemed to blur around him, his sole focus on Avanthika, who was now breathing deeply.

They hurried her into the delivery room and the he doctor told Abhimanyu to wait outside

After what seemed like an eternity, the cries of their baby filled the room, and Abhimanyu's heart soared with pure joy.

As Abhimanyu and Avanthika looked down at their newborn baby, a nurse stepped forward. "Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Abhimanyu."

The nurse moved quickly, bringing over a second baby, wrapped in a soft blanket, and placed it gently in Avanthika's other arm. "Twins," she said, her smile widening. "You have two beautiful babies."

Abhimanyu's eyes widened in shock and joy as he looked at the second baby, his heart overwhelmed with emotion. He knelt beside Avanthika, his hands trembling slightly as he took a moment to look at both of their children, their tiny faces so perfect.

"Twins," Abhimanyu repeated, his voice a mix of disbelief and awe. He placed a gentle kiss on Avanthika's forehead. "We have twins, Avanthika. Two miracles."

Avanthika smiled weakly, her eyes glistening with tears. She gazed lovingly at both of them, feeling an overwhelming sense of love and joy.

Abhimanyu kissed her forehead again, then looked down at the babies in her arms. "Our family is even more complete than I ever dreamed it would be." He stroked the tiny hand of the first baby gently, and then the second. "I promise you both, I'll be the best father I can be. You two will always know love and care, no matter what."

The room was filled with a deep sense of peace as the newborns let out tiny cries, settling into their mother's embrace.

"I'm so proud of you, Avanthika," he said softly. "You've made my dreams come true." He gently touched the heads of both twins. "Thank you, thank you for bringing them into our lives."

Abhimanyu smiled, his eyes brimming with tears. "I love you, Avanthika. And I love them. This is our forever."

"What do you want to name them? He asked.

"How about anaya and Aryan? She said glancing at her babies.

"It sounds good" Abhimanyu said looking at three of them.

And just like that, their family was complete two beautiful children and a bond that would only grow stronger with time.

The end

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