9. Night talks

Ananya

The entire afternoon passed in a lazy blur as the team relaxed in their rooms, each of us grateful for the few peaceful hours we had. Keeping a watchful eye on our surroundings wasn't much trouble. Later, Shika entered my room, letting me know that most of the players had gathered in the lobby for dinner. When she asked if I wanted to join them, I decided to head down.

The atmosphere in the lobby was lively, filled with the soft hum of conversations and occasional bursts of laughter. The players seemed to be in high spirits as they enjoyed their meal, the scent of spices and warm dishes swirling in the air. I found a spot with my group, where we could keep an eye on things while blending into the scene, sharing quiet glances as we ate. Dinner wrapped up in unison, and we eventually retreated to our rooms for the night.

It was Bhavin's turn to monitor the control room, so I told him to keep me posted if anything seemed off, then wandered back to my room. The night stretched out before me, but no matter how many times I tossed and turned, sleep remained elusive. It was one of those nights where rest seemed like a faraway luxury, teasing me with its absence.

I slipped out onto the balcony, leaving the warmth of the room behind. The chill of the night wrapped around me like a familiar friend, and I welcomed it. I sank into the chair, propping my legs up on the table, savoring the sensation of the cool breeze brushing against my skin. The balcony was shared, divided by a glass door separating mine from Shaurya's. I knew it could only be opened when unlocked from both sides—something I discovered the previous night when I curiously tried and failed to open it.

The moon hung low in the sky, a delicate waxing crescent glowing softly as it peeked out from behind drifting clouds, as though playing a quiet game of hide and seek with the stars. They glittered far beyond, forming shapes that seemed like secret messages in the night.

Suddenly, a faint rustling reached my ears from Shaurya's side of the balcony. I turned my head to find him standing there, dressed casually in a tee shirt and shorts. His hands rested on the railing, and even in the soft light, there was a magnetic calmness about him. I quickly looked away, not wanting to intrude on his moment.

"Hey," his voice drifted over, low and warm. I glanced back at him, smiling softly.

"Hi," I replied, giving a small wave.

"Mind if I join you? That is, if I'm not interrupting your time with Mr. Moon?" he teased, and his playful tone made me giggle. I got up and went over to unlock the glass door, while he did the same on his side, letting the barrier between us disappear.

"Couldn't sleep?" I asked as we settled into the chairs again, this time side by side. He drew his seat closer to mine, his gaze lifting to the moon with a thoughtful smile curving his lips.

"Not really. You?" He turned his eyes to me, and I shook my head.

"Coffee?" I offered, getting up as soon as he nodded. A few minutes later, I returned with two steaming cups in hand. We slipped into a comfortable silence, the kind that didn't need to be filled. We sipped our coffee slowly, the heat from the cups mingling with the coolness of the night air, while the wind whispered through the leaves.

When I reached out to take his cup, he insisted on washing it himself. We made our way to the small kitchen in his suite, laughter echoing between us as we washed the cups together. It felt strange doing such an ordinary thing in the midst of a night like this, but also strangely intimate.

As we returned to the balcony, this time choosing to sit on his side, I took in the view of his suite. It was like a cozy little flat, complete with a bedroom, a small kitchen, and a living room—a perfect retreat in the midst of everything.

"So, when did you start playing cricket?" I asked, curious to know more about him beyond what the world already knew.

"Who wants to know?" He shot back, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "You, or the journalist inside you?"

"The journalist in me doesn't work overtime," I said with a smirk. He chuckled softly, nodding in amusement, his smile lighting up his face in a way that made him seem younger, almost boyish—such a contrast to the fierce determination he showed on the field.

"I started playing when I was about twelve, but I didn't join an academy until I was sixteen," he shared, his expression shifting as if he was looking back at a version of himself from long ago.

We kept talking, letting the conversation meander through memories, dreams, and little details that only seemed to surface in moments like these. The hours slipped by unnoticed until we finally realized it was nearly two in the morning. With a reluctant goodbye, I headed back to my room, the night wrapping around me like a blanket as sleep finally claimed me with a gentle embrace.

And for the first time in a while, I drifted off with a smile.

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Shaurya

There's some kind of magic in that girl. She makes me crave even the briefest glimpse of her—her presence, her voice, the way she smiles. It's like every little thing about her has wrapped itself around me.

At first, when I heard their team would be staying with us, I was more than annoyed. Journalists have always been a headache. But these people... they're different. They respect our privacy in a way I've never seen before. They ask for permission before taking any photos, steer clear of our personal matters, and don't carry mics or cameras into our space without consent. It's rare to see this kind of decency in their profession.

And then, there's her. She grabs my attention effortlessly whenever she's nearby, though I manage to focus when I'm on the field. But off it? I find myself waiting for her smile—the one she gives me when our eyes meet. It's almost like she breathes life into everything around me, making even the ordinary seem extraordinary.

That moment by the pool... only I know how hard it was to restrain myself from leaning in and kissing her right then and there. I've never felt such an intense desire before—wanting to kiss a girl this badly on just our third meeting. It was a desperation I didn't recognize in myself.

Now, those routine morning jogs make me feel like a teenager again, all excited and giddy. The way her cute little frown forms when I say something she doesn't like, the look in her eyes when she catches other girls glancing my way, and those adorable glares she gives—everything about her stirs something deep inside me.

Until recently, it was only cricket that had this effect on me. But now, she brings out that same fire. It makes me want to try every possible way, go to any lengths, just to see her smile again.

Last night, after talking with Maa, I wandered onto the balcony and there she was—sitting quietly, wrapped in the stillness of the night. I leaned against the railing, debating whether to break the peacefulness or not. I could feel her gaze lingering on me for a moment before she turned back to admiring the moon.

"Hey," I greeted, finally giving in to the urge. Her smile when she turned to me was worth everything. We ended up talking for three hours straight, sharing stories about our families, memories, and so much more. It felt like the world had disappeared, leaving just the two of us in that little bubble. Time flew by until she finally yawned, and we wished each other goodnight. I went to bed that night with a sense of contentment—a feeling like I had won something precious.

Next Morning

The first thing I saw at the jogging track was her, and I asked if we could jog together every morning. She agreed without hesitation. We ran side by side for an hour, and I couldn't help but notice how the breeze tousled her hair, sending loose strands brushing against my neck and arm. Her subtle fragrance filled the air around us, and every now and then, I'd catch her beautiful eyes peeking over at me.

Back in my room, I shook off the lingering daydream and headed for a shower. I threw on a comfortable tee and knee-length shorts, grabbed my sunglasses, and stepped out. Just as I was about to leave, I spotted Akshith and Siraj huddled together, whispering suspiciously. I crept up behind them and smacked their heads lightly.

"What the hell, Shaurya?" Akshith grumbled, rubbing his head. I just shrugged, hands in my pockets.

"What are you two plotting outside my room?" I raised an eyebrow, watching them exchange guilty glances.

"We're planning to get drunk today. You in?" Akshith finally admitted. I stared at them incredulously. "It's 7 a.m., guys!" I exclaimed. I knew we didn't have any matches today, and we were heading to Kolkata tomorrow, but drinking at this hour was a bit much.

"Not now, Bhaiya! We meant in the evening," Siraj clarified with those puppy-dog eyes. I rolled my eyes, knowing they'd be doing it regardless of my answer.

"Fine, but don't go overboard. We've got an early start tomorrow," I relented. They grinned mischievously and pulled me into a tight hug just as my eyes landed on Ananya.

She stood across the hall in front of her room, dressed in a royal blue frock that flowed just below her knees. Her hair fell in soft curls over her shoulders, and her makeup was subtle yet striking, with just a hint of eyeliner and a touch of lipstick. A delicate pendant adorned her neck, while small golden hoops glinted from her ears. The dress hugged her curves perfectly, accentuating her every move. And her legs... they looked as smooth as silk, utterly flawless.

Gorgeous.

That was the only word that came to mind as I watched her standing there. Her smile was gentle, the kind that crept up slowly and settled in her eyes, making them shimmer with a warmth that wrapped around me like a comforting embrace. She was a vision—an angel sent straight from heaven to walk the earth. I couldn't tear my gaze away, completely mesmerized by her beauty. It was like time had frozen, and in that fleeting moment, it was just the two of us, as if the rest of the world didn't matter.

I felt my heart skip a beat when she noticed my staring, her cheeks turning the faintest shade of pink as her eyes met mine. She tucked a loose curl behind her ear, a small, shy gesture that only added to her charm. I was drawn in, as though some invisible force was pulling me closer to her, urging me to say something—anything—to break the spell that had been cast between us.

But I couldn't find the right words, not when she looked like that. She was ethereal, almost unreal, and I was afraid that if I spoke, the magic would shatter and she would vanish like a dream at dawn. For a second, I just stood there, completely caught up in the sheer perfection of her presence, as if she were a beautiful illusion I never wanted to wake up from.

Then she tilted her head slightly, her lips curling into a playful smirk as she raised an eyebrow at me. "Are you going to keep staring, or are you going to say something?" she teased, her voice as light and sweet as the morning breeze.

I blinked, snapping out of my trance, and found myself chuckling softly. "I'm just wondering whom you plan on killing today, looking like that," I replied, a playful glint in my eye. "You're too dangerous to be left unguarded."

She laughed, a musical sound that seemed to echo in the hallway, filling the space between us with a kind of joy I hadn't realized I was missing. "Maybe I'm here to kill you with kindness," she shot back with a wink, making my heart flutter in a way I hadn't felt ever.

"Then I guess I'm ready to surrender," I said, my voice dipping a little lower. The intensity of the moment caught up to me again, and I took a step closer, feeling that familiar desperation return—the urge to just reach out and touch her, to brush my fingers along her cheek and feel her warmth seep into me.

But instead, I held back, choosing to simply enjoy the magic of our playful exchange, knowing that if I got too close, I might just forget myself completely.

The bubble surrounding us shattered as Akshith stepped between us, his presence snapping us back from our little world. A surge of irritation coursed through me at his interruption. His eyes darted between us as if trying to piece together what he had just walked into.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of suspicion as his gaze settled on Ananya. Her expression scrunched in annoyance, her lips pouting ever so slightly.

Cute.

"That seems to be your favorite line. Doesn't it?" Ananya shot back, a spark of defiance in her tone.

"Answer the question," Akshith grumbled, his brows drawing together in irritation.

"I'm here to talk with Shaurya. Now, if you please excuse me." She dismissed him with a wave, then turned her attention back to me. The smile returned to her lips, soft yet hopeful. "Can we have one-on-one interviews with the players on your practice days, if you don't mind?" she asked, her eyes shimmering with anticipation.

I couldn't resist that look. "I'll ask them once, but it's a yes for mine," I replied, surrendering to her request.

"Mine too!" Siraj chimed in, practically bouncing with excitement. Her smile brightened at his words before she shifted her gaze back to Akshith, who was eyeing her with suspicion.

"Say please," he said, folding his arms across his chest.

"Please, my foot. I'll drag you to the interview myself if you don't show up," she retorted, her eyes narrowing. Siraj's laughter filled the air, while Akshith just stared at her, as if she'd grown two heads. These two had been at each other's throats since the day they met, bickering like Tom and Jerry.

"The audacity," Akshith scoffed, taking a step closer as if to challenge her. They didn't seem interested in ending their little banter, so I stepped in, gently pulling Akshith back and positioning myself between them.

"Now, that's enough, my little warriors. Stop fighting over everything," I said with a playful firmness.

Akshith gave me a look that clearly said I had betrayed him, while Ananya's reaction was entirely different. Her cheeks flushed a delicate pink, and she dropped her gaze to the marble floor, nibbling on her lower lip.

What had made her blush so suddenly?

Oh. I called them my little warriors. I called her mine.

The realization sent warmth rushing to my ears. When she glanced up, her eyes met mine, and just like that, the world faded away. It was only us, wrapped in a moment that felt endless.

"Let's go, Akshith Bhai," Siraj's voice came from a distance, as though we were miles away. He tugged Akshith by the arm, leading him away. I'd have to thank Siraj for that later.

"I... I'll go arrange for today's interview." Her voice was almost a whisper, her cheeks still dusted with that lovely pink. Without waiting for my response, she turned and hurried away, leaving me standing there, captivated by the sight of her retreating figure, a smile tugging at my lips.

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Hello everyone! How are you all?

I know, I said I'd update it after the 16th but then, my viva didn't complete as planned and it stretched long. I gave it yesterday and due to the irritation of it being stretched for so long and fear of forgetting what I learned didn't let me write. I tried to write something but it turned out bad and I didn't want to write anything like that just to keep the story engaged.

All my books are very dear to me but this one, it is special at another level. I feel that connection with this book and want it to be as perfect as I can make this. I hope I can do that.

And please comment and vote guys! I feel demotivated when the story doesn't get the engagement I expect. Even the reads are very low when compared to other stories on Wattpad. I'm not saying I am better than other writers or anything, I know I'm just average in this. I just want to know how it works. Don't you like the storyline or want me to change something about the story? If yes, then please do let me know.

I am really hopeful about this particular story and don't want it to go down the hill. Hope you understand!

And to all the readers who vote and comment on every update, thank you so much! It really means a lot to me!