5

"Dil ke rishton mein sauda nahi hota, wahan toh sirf wafadari hoti hai."

The grand hall of the palace was filled with silence. Avanthika's parents sat on a luxurious sofa, deep in conversation over tea. "I think it's time we talk about Avanthika's marriage," her dad said firmly, setting his teacup down.

Her mother glanced up at him, a slight frown on her face. "Do you think she'll agree?"

"She has to," he replied, leaning forward. "She may be a princess, but she's also our daughter. Marriage is an important part of her life, and it's our responsibility. She is receiving many marriage proposals."

She turned to a servant standing nearby. "Go and tell Princess Avanthika that we'd like to speak with her," she instructed.

The servant bowed respectfully. She quickly left the hall and made her way to Avanthika's chambers.

Reaching avanthika's room, the servant knocked on the door.

"Come in," Avanthika called out, her voice calm but slightly distracted.

The servant stepped inside and found Avanthika lounging on a soft couch, her eyes glued to the television screen. She was dressed casually. The sound of cricket commentary echoed in the room.

"Your Highness," the servant began, bowing slightly, "your parents have asked for you in the hall. They'd like to speak with you."

Avanthika didn't look away from the screen. "Tell them I'm busy right now," she said.

The servant hesitated. "But, Your Highness, they seemed to"

"I said I'm busy," Avanthika interrupted, gesturing toward the TV. "I'll come later."

The servant nodded, realizing there was no point in arguing, and left the room quietly. She walked back to the hall where the king and queen were waiting and bowed again.

"Well? Where is she?" Her mother asked.

The servant said cautiously, "the princess said she is busy right now."

"Busy?" Her father asked, his eyebrows furrowing. "What exactly is she doing?"

The servant hesitated for a moment before replying, "She is... watching a cricket match."

"A cricket match?" Her mother repeated in disbelief, exchanging a glance with her husband.

Her father slammed his hand on the armrest. "She's watching cricket when we want to discuss something as important as her marriage?"

Her mother couldn't help but laugh softly. "You're acting surprised? You do realize she's your daughter, right?"

"So, what do we do? Just wait for her?" he asked, frustrated.

Meanwhile, back in her room, Avanthika clapped her hands in excitement as Abhimanyu hit a six.

The room was filled with the sound of the cricket commentator's voice. Avanthika sat on her couch, eyes glued to the television, completely engrossed in the match.

"Come on" she whispered to herself, biting her lip.

The ball came, and Abhimanyu smashed it out of the park. The crowd on the screen erupted in cheers, and so did Avanthika. She jumped off the couch, clapping her hands together. "YES!"

The next ball came, and Abhimanyu didn't disappoint. Another massive six. The ball soared into the stands, and Avanthika's excitement reached a new level.

But the fun didn't stop there. When another ball came, Abhimanyu hit yet another six, leaving both the stadium and Avanthika in excitement. She couldn't sit still anymore. Overcome with joy, she climbed onto her bed, raising her arms in excitement.

She started dancing, twirling and hopping around on her bed. For a moment, she wasn't a princess she became Abhimanyu Raichand's girlfriend.

With a mischievous grin, she leaned toward the TV, puckered her lips, and blew a flying kiss toward the screen. "That's for you! You deserve it!"

As she continued to dance and cheer, her hair swayed with her movements, and her face lit up with pure happiness.

For Avanthika, nothing could match the thrill of watching Abhimanyu dominate the game.

The commentator's voice rang out with excitement, drawing everyone's attention.

"Abhimanyu Raichand is just one shot away from scoring a century!"

Avanthika, already on the edge of her bed, froze. Her heart pounded in anticipation. She clasped her hands tightly together, crossing her fingers as she stared at the TV.

The stadium fell into a tense silence as the bowler prepared to deliver the ball. The pressure was high, even in Avanthika's room. Her breathing quickened, and she leaned forward, her eyes locked on Abhimanyu.

The ball came flying down the pitch, and Abhimanyu's bat met it with perfect timing. The crack of the bat hitting the ball echoed loudly, and the crowd erupted into deafening cheers as the ball soared over the boundary for a magnificent six.

"Yes! He did it!" Avanthika screamed, jumping up from her bed in pure excitement.

On the screen, Abhimanyu stood at the crease, his face breaking into smile.

"An extraordinary century by Abhimanyu Raichand! He's carried his team to victory in style!"

Avanthika couldn't contain her joy. She clapped her hands and let out a cheer, her laughter filling the room.

The camera focused on him as he removed his helmet, his sweat-soaked hair falling onto his forehead. His expression was calm but victorious. Opposing team players approached him, shaking his hand and patting him on the back in a show of respect.

As the match ended, Abhimanyu began walking toward the dressing room, all cameras following him. The crowd chanted his name in unison, their voices loud and unwavering. He paused for a moment, lifting his bat high in acknowledgment. The cheers grew even louder, the crowd going wild for their hero.

Avanthika stood in front of the TV, her hands clasped together, watching as he turned toward the fans one last time before heading inside. The commentator's voice cut through the noise.

"What a performance by Abhimanyu Raichand! A century to remember and a well-deserved victory."

As Abhimanyu disappeared into the dressing room, Avanthika let out a deep breath and fell back onto her bed, her face glowing with happiness.

The excitement of the match had left her buzzing with energy, her admiration for Abhimanyu stronger than ever. The world outside her royal responsibilities, her waiting parents was forgotten for the moment. All she could think about was the man who had just stolen the show and captured her heart.

The presenter stepped forward, microphone in hand, his voice booming across the stadium.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we've all been waiting for. Today, our Player of the Match is none other than the Indian team captain, Abhimanyu Raichand! With a brilliant knock that steered his team to victory, he has once again proven why he's one of the best in the game. Abhimanyu, please come forward to collect your Man of the Match award."

The stadium erupted in applause and cheers as Abhimanyu walked toward the podium. His jersey clung to him, damp from the hard-fought match, and his face shone with a mixture of pride and exhaustion.

He accepted the trophy with a warm smile, raising it slightly for the cameras. The crowd's cheers grew louder as his name echoed across the stadium.

After a moment, the presenter moved closer, holding the microphone toward Abhimanyu.

"First of all, congratulations on the win, Abhimanyu! That was an absolutely incredible performance. Can you share a few words with us? How did you and the team manage to pull off such a commanding victory? What were the strategies behind this amazing effort?"

Abhimanyu adjusted the microphone, his deep voice cutting through the noise as he spoke.

"Thank you," he began, his tone modest but confident. "First, I'd like to thank the crowd for their unwavering support. Your energy and cheers really kept us motivated throughout the game." He paused briefly as the crowd erupted in another wave of cheers, chanting his name.

"This victory," he continued, "isn't just mine it belongs to the entire team. Cricket is a team sport, and tonight, every single player delivered. Our bowlers gave us the breakthroughs we needed at crucial moments, and our fielders were exceptional, saving every possible run. Everyone's contribution made the difference."

The presenter nodded, clearly impressed. "And what about your personal performance? That century was a masterpiece!"

Abhimanyu smiled. "Thank you. Personally, my focus was on staying at the crease as long as possible. We knew the opposition was tough, so our strategy was simple stay composed, play one ball at a time, and not let the pressure get to us. My role was to anchor the innings, and I'm glad I could deliver for the team."

"And you certainly did that!" the presenter said enthusiastically. "What was the atmosphere like in the dressing room before the match? Were you all confident from the start?"

Abhimanyu chuckled lightly. "There's always a mix of nerves and excitement before a big game. But we trusted our preparation and believed in each other. That belief kept us going, even when the match got tight."

The crowd erupted in cheers again as the presenter concluded, "Well, Abhimanyu, congratulations once again! A well-deserved victory and a performance to remember. Ladies and gentlemen, your Player of the Match, Abhimanyu Raichand!"

Abhimanyu raised the trophy once more, looking around at the roaring fans. With a small nod of gratitude, he stepped back, leaving the podium. His team was waiting to celebrate with him, but the crowd continued chanting his name, celebrating the man who had led his team to glory.

■

After the match, the entire team gathered in the dressing room. Abhimanyu stood in the center, smiling as he praised everyone's efforts.

"You all played really well today," he said, his voice filled with pride. "It wasn't just one player, it was a team effort. Keep this up, and we'll have an amazing season ahead."

The team cheered, their spirits high from the victory. One by one, the players head home, leaving Abhimanyu to pack his cricket bag. He was carefully tucking away his gear when the door creaked open. His coach stepped inside, a proud smile on his face.

"That was a great match, captain," the coach said warmly.

Abhimanyu looked up and smiled, then walked over to give his coach a hug. "Thank you."

As they pulled away, Abhimanyu noticed a thoughtful expression on his coach's face. "What's on your mind? he asked curiously.

The coach hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "Yes, actually. I wanted to talk to you about something important." He placed a hand on Abhimanyu's shoulder. "There are some people on the panel who are not fully on board with the idea of you being captain. They think you might not have enough experience yet, and they're waiting for a single mistake to criticize you."

Abhimanyu frowned, his excitement dimming slightly. "So, what should I do?"

"Abhi, I'm not saying this as your coach," the coach said firmly. "I'm saying this as someone who sees you as family. You have to keep performing well, in every single match. I know it's a lot of pressure, but you can't afford to have an off day not right now. There are people who'd use even one bad performance as a reason to bring you down as a captain."

Abhimanyu took a deep breath, nodding slowly. "I understand. I'll give it my all, as always."

"I know you will," the coach said with a reassuring smile. "Just stay focused and believe in yourself. You've earned this, Abhi. Don't let anyone make you doubt that."

"Thank you for telling me, sir. I'll prove them wrong. I promise." Abhimanyu nodded.

The coach gave his shoulder a supportive squeeze. "I know you will. Now, go home and rest. You deserve it after today's match."

As the coach left, Abhimanyu stood alone in the dressing room, his mind racing. The pressure was high, but he knew he had the skills, the mindset, and the drive to prove his doubters wrong. With a determined smile, he zipped up his cricket bag and headed out, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

■

Abhimanyu arrived at his new home after the match, their energy still high from the victory.

He came to his room and closed the door behind him, he dropped his bag and sat down on the bed. He ran a hand through his hair, feeling the weight of the situation settle on his shoulders. One wrong move, one mistake, and it could cost him his career.

He leaned back on the bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to find a way to calm himself. But just as the tension seemed unbearable, a knock echoed from the door. Abhimanyu let out a frustrated sigh and reluctantly got up to answer it.

When he opened the door, he was taken aback to see Avanthika standing. Without a word, he pulled her inside, closing the door behind them. His arms wrapped around her in a tight, almost desperate hug.

Avanthika was initially caught off guard by the sudden embrace, but as she felt the intensity of his stress, she returned the hug, holding him just as tightly.

"Thank you, you came at the right time," Abhimanyu muttered, his voice thick with emotion.

She smiled softly, gently stroking his back to comfort him.

After a long moment, they slowly pulled apart. Avanthika studied him carefully, concern in her eyes. "Is it about the captaincy?" she asked.

Abhimanyu nodded, he moved to sit on the bed, and Avanthika sat beside him.

Avanthika gently placed her hand on his head, caressing his hair. "Don't worry about this," she said softly. "You'll play well in every match. You have the whole country behind you. You'll be the Indian captain, and that's final."

He chuckled lightly, despite the storm in his chest. "How did you come here?" he asked.

Avanthika's smile widened mischievously. "I sneaked."

His eyes widened in playful disbelief. "Why did you take such a risk?"

"I can take any risk for you," she replied.

Abhimanyu's heart softened, and he looked. "You always know how to make me feel better, don't you?"

She smiled, leaning her head against his shoulder. "I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

■

After an hour

Abhimanyu sat on the bed, scrolling through his phone as he read various articles about his captaincy. His mind was filled with a mix of emotions. He couldn't help but feel the weight of the words on the screen, each article highlighting both his potential and the expectations that came with it.

As he read, he didn't notice Avanthika quietly walking toward him. Without warning, she gently took the phone from his hands and set it aside on the nightstand. Before he could say anything, she surprised him by sitting down on his lap. Abhimanyu's breath caught, and he fought to control the blush creeping up his face.

"What are you doing?" he asked, his voice slightly strained but playful.

Avanthika smiled at him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Remember when I said I'd give you kisses for every run you scored?"

Abhimanyu chuckled, recalling the promise she made. "Yeah, I remember. That's one of the reasons I scored a century," he teased.

She leaned in closer, her lips just inches from his. "Well, now it's my turn," she said softly, before she moved further, Abhimanyu pressed his lips against her.

The kiss was short but sweet, and as they pulled away, Avanthika smirked playfully. "I am the one who is kissing you today, not you. I'm going to score a century now," she said with a wink.

Before Abhimanyu could respond, she started kissing him first on the lips, then on his cheek, and on his forehead. Each kiss was filled with affection and tenderness, and with every soft touch, Abhimanyu could feel the tension from the day slipping away.

He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer, unable to stop the smile from forming on his face as he melted into her warmth. "I think you're already winning," he murmured between kisses.

Avanthika continued her playful assault of kisses, her laughter light and carefree.

■

Avanthika's kisses were becoming more intense as she continued, her breath becoming shallow with every kiss she planted on him. She pulled back for just a moment, her lips brushing his as she spoke softly, her voice almost breathless. "Go on, baby... you still have many kisses to give," he teased with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

His words only fueled the fire between them. Abhimanyu could hardly hold back a smile as he tightened his grip around her waist, pulling her even closer to him. Her warmth pressed against him, making it hard to focus on anything else but the feeling of her lips against his.

Time had passed, and Avanthika was starting to feel the weight of the playful challenge she had set for herself. Her lips were tingling from the countless kisses she had given him, and she was breathless, her energy starting to fade. With a sigh, she rested her head against Abhimanyu's chest, her body relaxing against his.

Abhimanyu noticed her slowing down and smiled softly, his heart warming at the sight of her worn-out yet happy expression. He could feel her exhaustion, but he also saw the joy in her eyes, a joy that had made every kiss worth it.

While they were talking, her words had become softer, slower, and soon, her body had completely relaxed against him, her head resting on the pillow. He could feel the tension melting away from her, and with one final, gentle breath, she had drifted into a peaceful sleep.

Abhimanyu leaned in, his heart swelling with affection as he brushed a stray lock of hair away from her face. His gaze softened as he kissed her forehead tenderly.

"Good night, baby," he whispered, his voice low and full of warmth.

He lingered for a moment, just taking in the moment, her presence beside him, the soft rhythm of her sleep, the gentle sound of her breathing. Everything felt right.

With a quiet smile, Abhimanyu settled beside her, pulling the blankets up to keep her warm. His hand rested lightly on hers, and as he closed his eyes, he felt the weight of the world lighten, knowing she was there beside him.

The night stretched on peacefully, and for the first time in a while, Abhimanyu allowed himself to truly relax, knowing that everything would be okay as long as he had her by his side.

To be continued

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