12. Lurking Threat and Badminton

2 weeks after Shaurya's interview

Author

"Did you get any clue?" Shika asked tensed.

Vikram's fingers flew over the laptop keyboard, the glow of the screen reflecting his intense focus. The room was silent except for the faint hum of the air conditioner and the soft click-clack of keys. Around him, the team sprawled across the bed and couches, their postures betraying a mix of exhaustion and anticipation. They were waiting—praying—for any lead from the phone seized earlier that morning from the mysterious attacker.

It had been a chaotic start to the day.

Ananya, ever-vigilant, had been on her routine jog with Shaurya. The early morning breeze carried the faint aroma of freshly brewed coffee from a nearby café, mingling with the earthy scent of dew-kissed grass. The rising sun bathed everything in a soft, golden hue, making the moment feel almost surreal. Ananya's senses were on high alert. Every detail—the rustling of leaves, the faint murmur of passing conversations—felt magnified.

"You're getting slow, Shaurya," Ananya teased, a playful smirk lighting up her face as she glanced sideways at him.

Shaurya raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a slow, deliberate grin. "Slow? I'm pacing myself. Didn't want to embarrass you by leaving you behind."

"Embarrass me?" Her laughter bubbled out, a sound so light it seemed to dissolve the crispness of the morning air. "You wish. Someone has to carry the team spirit while you're busy admiring the scenery."

His eyes flicked to her, lingering just a moment too long. "Trust me, the scenery is worth admiring."

Ananya's step faltered briefly, her pulse hitching at the quiet weight in his words. She tried to mask it with a roll of her eyes. "Spare me the poetry, Shaurya. Focus on keeping up."

Shaurya let out a low chuckle, his tone warm but laced with something she couldn't quite place. "Keep talking, Ananya. I love it when you're competitive."

Her gaze narrowed, the teasing glint returning. "Competitive? It's not my fault you can't keep up." She picked up her pace, challenging him.

For a few strides, he matched her, their breaths mingling in the cool air. Then, with a burst of speed, he pulled ahead, glancing over his shoulder with a grin. "Still think I can't keep up?"

"Oh, it's on," she shot back, quickening her pace again. For a brief, breathless moment, they were neck and neck, their movements perfectly synchronized, their shared laughter a melody against the backdrop of the waking city.

But then Shaurya slowed, letting her win. "There. Happy now?" he asked, his voice quieter, his gaze softer as he watched her.

Ananya smirked, though her heartbeat betrayed her composure. "Happy to prove my point. Don't let it bruise your ego too much."

His smile faltered just slightly, replaced by an intensity that made her chest tighten. "You've got a way of keeping me on my toes, Ananya. I'll give you that."

Her breath caught at the unspoken layers in his tone. "Someone has to," she replied lightly, but the words felt heavier between them.

For a moment, the silence stretched, charged with an unspoken pull neither of them could name but both could feel.

Then her gaze shifted, catching sight of a man standing at a distance. His posture was too stiff, his attempt to blend in too forced.

Her instincts sharpened. She forced herself to relax, not wanting to alert Shaurya just yet. "I need water," she said abruptly, brushing off the sudden tension in her voice.

Shaurya frowned, his brows knitting in concern. "Now? We're barely halfway through."

"I'll catch up," she assured him, keeping her tone airy as she gestured toward a nearby stall.

He hesitated, his gaze searching hers as though trying to read something she wasn't saying. "Alright," he said finally, though his reluctance was clear. "Don't take too long. The track isn't as fun without my competition."

She managed a small smile. "Try not to miss me too much," she quipped, but the moment his back was turned, her focus shifted, her expression hardening.

Her steps carried her toward the man, her senses on high alert. The teasing warmth of the moment faded, replaced by the cold precision she relied on when danger lurked nearby.

Once she was out of his line of sight, her demeanor shifted. Her every move was precise, like a predator stalking its prey. She closed the distance between herself and the man, careful not to draw any unwanted attention.

When she was just a step behind him, the man tensed, as though sensing her presence. He spun around, his fist slicing through the air toward her face.

But Ananya was faster. She dodged, her instincts honed from years of training kicking in. With a swift, calculated motion, she delivered a hard blow to his stomach. The attacker stumbled back, clutching his midsection, but before he could cry out, she clamped a hand over his mouth. Her grip was firm, unrelenting, as she maneuvered him out of sight.

Once he was unconscious, she quickly dialed Nithin. Minutes later, he and Bhavin appeared, expertly hauling the man into Bhavin's room without raising suspicion.

Inside the room, the air was thick with tension. The attacker was securely tied to a chair with belts, his head lolling forward as they splashed cold water on his face to wake him.

Rakshith wasted no time. His voice was ice-cold, his questions sharp and relentless. But the man remained silent, his jaw set in defiance. Hours passed, the interrogation escalating, yet he refused to break. The team's frustration grew palpable, but they masked it behind a professional calm.

After an exhaustive search, they retrieved a phone and a few odd items from his pockets: pens, coins, and a suspicious stash of sleeping pills.

Vikram immediately set to work. He powered up his laptop, his sharp gaze scanning the attacker's phone for anything—messages, call logs, hidden apps—that could provide a lead. The team watched in silence, their breaths collectively held as the minutes dragged on.

Finally, Vikram groaned, running a hand through his hair. "There's literally nothing here. He must have wiped it clean."

"Can you restore it?" Ananya's voice broke the silence, laced with hope.

The group looked at Vikram, their expressions mirroring her desperation.

"I'll try," he muttered, his fingers once again dancing over the keys. His jaw tightened, and the furrow in his brow deepened as he delved into the phone's encrypted files.

Meanwhile, Rakshith glanced at the clock, realizing he hadn't left the room all morning.

"What's the status of the team?" he asked, his tone clipped. "Anyone have matches lined up?"

Shika was the first to reply. "No matches for the next two days. A few of them are planning a trek."

"Shaurya and his friends are heading out to explore the city," Ananya added, her voice betraying a trace of worry.

"The coach and some others are off to play golf," Bhavin shrugged, leaning back against the wall.

Ananya frowned. "We should stop them." Her voice was soft but resolute.

"That's easier said than done," Nithin sighed. "If everyone scatters, it'll be impossible to secure them. Not with the kind of threats we're dealing with."

Ananya bit her lip, her mind racing. After a moment, she straightened. "I have a plan."

The team turned to her, their eyes expectant.

She explained her idea in detail, her tone steady yet urgent. When she finished, a hush fell over the room. Slowly, one by one, they nodded. It wasn't a perfect solution, but it was the best they had under the circumstances.

With time running out, they sprang into action, each person determined to play their part.

The group was gathered in the recreational lounge of the hotel after breakfast. Sunlight streamed in through the glass walls, reflecting off the shiny floor and highlighting the playful banter echoing through the spacious room. Akshith, ever the charmer, lounged on the edge of a pool table, spinning a cue stick between his fingers, while Ananya stood with her arms folded near the foosball table, her sharp gaze fixed on him.

Shaurya sat on a nearby couch, leaning back casually, his watchful eyes bouncing between the two as a small smile played on his lips. Yuvaan occupied the beanbag next to Shaurya, sipping on a smoothie, while Bhavin and Nithin flanked Akshith like his hype squad.

"So, let me get this straight," Ananya began, her tone dripping with mock incredulity. "You think you're better than me because you've got a national team jersey?"

Akshith smirked, clearly enjoying her irritation. "I'm not saying that outright, but if the shoe fits..."

"The shoe doesn't fit," Ananya interrupted, stepping forward. "It's oversized and filled with delusions. Just because you swing a bat around doesn't mean you're better at everything."

"Swing a bat around?" Akshith echoed, feigning offense. "That's rich coming from someone whose job is to sit behind screens or ask questions to people, my dear devil!"

Nithin snickered. "She's got a point, Akshith. Strategy's her thing, and it takes more brains than swinging a bat."

Akshith rolled his eyes, retorting, "Oh, come on! Cricket is a game of strategy too! You think just anyone can pull off a last-over chase or set up a perfect field placement?"

"I'm not denying that," Ananya countered, her voice steady but challenging. "But I'd like to see you apply that supposed strategy in something off the pitch."

"Like what?" Akshith raised a brow.

"A quiz, maybe?" Yuvaan piped up, his grin mischievous. "Test his general knowledge. I'd love to see him fumble over capitals and presidents."

Akshith waved the suggestion off. "Too boring. I need something that requires real skill."

"Like badminton," Shaurya interjected smoothly, finally breaking his silence. He leaned forward, his tone calm but teasing. "It's fast, it's strategic, and it's not cricket—so you two can settle this fairly. Unless, of course, Akshith is too scared to take on Ananya in a sport outside his comfort zone."

Ananya's lips twitched, trying to suppress a victorious grin as she turned to Akshith. "Well? Scared?"

"Scared?" Akshith scoffed his pride clearly at stake now. "Please. If anyone should be scared, it's you."

"Then prove it," Ananya said, her eyes gleaming. "Your team versus mine. Badminton. Unless you want to keep hiding behind that cricket bat of yours."

Bhavin nudged Akshith with a smirk. "Sounds like she's calling you out, man. Are you going to take that?"

Nithin chimed in, adding fuel to the fire. "C'mon, Akshith. You've been bragging all morning. Time to back it up."

Akshith straightened, his competitive streak kicking in. "Fine. Let's do it. But don't cry when we wipe the court with you."

Ananya chuckled, shaking her head. "You'd better bring your A-game, Akshith. I don't like playing with amateurs."

Yuvaan laughed outright, high-fiving Shaurya. "This is going to be legendary!"

Shaurya's eyes twinkled with quiet admiration as he watched Ananya hold her ground, her confidence lighting up the room. Leaning toward her, he murmured just loud enough for her to hear, "I am rooting for you, Ananya. I wish you win this,"

She glanced at him, her expression softening for a fraction of a second before she quipped, "Thank you, Shaurya. I will be waiting to see you there,"

**************************************************

The hotel's indoor badminton court had been hastily set up for the match, the polished wooden floors gleaming under the bright lights. Everyone except Vikram and Rakshith had gathered in the spacious area, their faces lit with excitement and anticipation. The sound of the shuttlecock whizzing through the air mixed with the occasional smack of the rackets.

Vikram and Rakshith were determined to get some information out of either the device they ceased or from the man tied in the room while the rest of the team remained on high alert in the badminton court, searching for any threats.

Akshith had pleaded and argued for what seemed like an eternity, trying to convince his teammates to cancel their outdoor plans. He even went as far as claiming it would be "an insult to his talent" if they didn't show up to support him. His charm and persistence wore down their resistance, and soon enough, his team was gathered and ready for battle.

Yuvaan smirked as he watched Akshith jump around, full of energy. "Can't believe we're actually doing this. But it's fun to see you squirm, Akshith."

"You know I never lose," Akshith replied, grinning, his ego larger than life. "And don't get too cocky, you'll be in for a surprise."

Ananya stood with Bhavin on the opposite side, checking her racket and eyeing Akshith with that quiet confidence that sent a thrill down Shaurya's spine. He leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a half-smile playing on his lips as he observed the tension building up.

As the teams prepared to face off, Akshith raised an eyebrow at Ananya. His voice was dripping with sarcasm. "You sure you're ready for this, Ananya? You should be on the mic, asking interview questions or something. Leave the sports to people who can actually play."

Ananya's lips quirked into a sly smile. "Don't worry, Akshith, I'm more than capable of handling a simple game. Maybe you should go easy on me; I wouldn't want you crying after losing."

"Crying?" Akshith scoffed, glancing at Yuvaan, "I'm worried for Bhavin here. He'll have to face two people, as you won't be helping him anyhow. I'm really sorry for him."

Bhavin raised an eyebrow and let out a low chuckle. "Oh, she's going to make you regret saying that."

Ananya could feel the competitive fire in the air, but she was already tuned into something else. She had been playing badminton since childhood, trained by none other than her father, a former world badminton champion. His stern lessons, mixed with moments of quiet joy between them, had shaped her skill. Little did Akshith know, she wasn't just some 'amateur'—she was a force to be reckoned with.

"Let's see if you can back up all that talk," Ananya said calmly, stepping up to the court with a poised confidence that had Shaurya raising an eyebrow.

The match began with a flurry of quick, fast-paced action. The shuttlecock zipped from one side to the other, with Akshith and Yuvaan taking the early lead. Bhavin's powerful smashes and Ananya's swift, strategic movements were still managing to keep up, but Akshith was relentless, his competitive streak shining through. He was clearly enjoying every moment of teasing Ananya.

"You sure you want to be here, Ananya?" Akshith called out, sending a particularly fast shuttle toward her. "You're looking a little out of your depth."

But the second the shuttlecock came her way, Ananya's reflexes kicked in. She didn't just return it—she slammed it back with an intensity that made everyone freeze for a split second.

Akshith's jaw nearly dropped. "What the—"

Ananya's eyes sparkled with the thrill of the game. "Keep up, Akshith." She smirked, sending the shuttle back over his head, where Yuvaan scrambled to reach it, failing to keep it in play.

Shaurya, watching from the sidelines, felt a sudden surge of admiration. He had always known Ananya was talented, but seeing her in action—her focus, her strength, and her effortless mastery of the game—left him speechless. His heart skipped a beat as she moved, graceful and powerful, her every shot landing with precision.

The match became more intense with every rally, and the spectators were absolutely captivated. Yuvaan could barely hide his disbelief at how easily Ananya moved across the court, her coordination flawless as she effortlessly placed each shot where Akshith couldn't reach. Bhavin, who had been playing mostly defensively, started to take more chances, trying to match Ananya's energy.

"This isn't just luck anymore," Yuvaan admitted, clearly in awe. "She's... incredible."

Shaurya stood there, his gaze fixed on Ananya as she returned yet another hard smash with cool confidence, leaving Akshith stunned at the speed of her movements. His heart seemed to tighten with an overwhelming admiration. Something was mesmerizing about the way she played, her concentration so sharp, her every move sending ripples of intensity across the court.

Akshith, now clearly rattled, tried to keep his cool. "Okay, okay. She's good. But we're not done yet."

Ananya shot him a playful grin. "Ready to surrender yet?"

"Not in your dreams," Akshith growled, but even he couldn't hide the trace of respect in his voice now.

As the match continued, Shaurya couldn't help but smile. He wasn't just mesmerized by Ananya's skills—he was proud. Proud that she had shown everyone who she truly was, proud that she didn't have to hide her talents behind anyone's expectations. And he was more than happy to be the one standing by her side, watching her shine.

As the rally continued, Ananya's presence on the court became undeniable. The match had shifted in her favor, and Akshith was growing more and more frustrated with every point he lost. His team was beginning to lose their cocky edge, their smiles turning into uncertain glances as Ananya skillfully placed her shots, pushing them to their limits.

Bhavin, still trying to hold his own beside Ananya, shot her a quick grin. "You're amazing. Didn't expect this kind of fire from you after the long break."

Ananya smirked, her focus never wavering. "Maybe all the practice over years,"

"Yeah, that's the Ananya I know!" Yuvaan laughed, his voice teasing but filled with admiration. "It's like watching a pro in action!"

Ananya's movements were fluid, her body perfectly in tune with the rhythm of the game. Her reflexes were lightning-fast, and her strategy was flawless. Akshith was struggling to keep up, his competitive nature pushing him to take bigger risks, but it wasn't enough.

"Come on, Akshith Bhai! Show us what you're really made of!" Siraj shouted, laughing as Akshith lunged for a shuttle that barely missed his reach.

But Akshith wasn't one to back down easily. He gritted his teeth and took a deep breath, then threw himself into the next rally with renewed determination. This time, he managed to outplay Bhavin, sending the shuttle flying toward Ananya.

Shaurya leaned in slightly, his eyes narrowing as he studied Ananya's body language. He could see the precise moment when Ananya's eyes flickered to the shuttle. She was ready, and for a second, the entire court seemed to hold its breath.

With a fluid movement, Ananya jumped and executed a near-perfect smash. The shuttle whizzed past Akshith, who barely had time to react before it landed, just out of reach.

The sound of it hitting the floor echoed through the court, and for a split second, everything was still.

Akshith stood frozen, his racket in mid-air, as the realization hit him—he had just been outplayed. His mouth parted in disbelief. "What the hell? How—?"

Ananya turned to him, a playful glint in her eyes, her lips curving into a grin. "That's what happens when you underestimate me."

Yuvaan burst into laughter beside her. "I told you she was going to kick your butt, Akshith. Looks like you've met your match!"

Shaurya watched from the sidelines, his admiration for Ananya only growing with each passing moment. He wasn't just amazed by her skill but by her poise—her ability to stay so calm under pressure, to carry herself with such grace. As she moved effortlessly around the court, her focus never wavering, he found himself more drawn to her than ever before.

When the match paused for a short break, Shaurya couldn't help himself. He made his way over to her side, his eyes never leaving her as she wiped the sweat from her brow with a towel.

"You're incredible, Ananya," he said, his voice soft yet sincere. "I don't think I've ever seen someone play like that."

Ananya met his gaze, her eyes filled with a mix of excitement and concentration. "Thanks, Shaurya. But we're not done yet. Don't make me arrogant with your praises," she teased, giving him a playful wink.

Shaurya grinned, leaning against the side of the court. "I wasn't praising you. Just... stating facts."

Yuvaan, standing next to him, nudged him with a grin. "You've been watching her like that the whole match. Should I be worried, bro?"

Shaurya shot him a side glance. "Focus on your own game, Yuvaan. We don't want you to end up like Akshith here, do we?"

Yuvaan laughed but turned back to the court with a renewed focus, sensing that the final rounds were about to get even more intense.

Meanwhile, Akshith was trying to shake off the shock of being so thoroughly outplayed. "Alright, alright, Ananya, I see you," he muttered, trying to regain his confidence. "But this isn't over yet."

Ananya's smile only widened, and she bent slightly to ready herself. "It's never over until it's over, Akshith. So, let's see what you've got left."

The game resumed, the tension rising with each powerful stroke. Bhavin, despite his impressive skills, found himself increasingly outmatched by Ananya's precision and agility. Yuvaan, though still full of his usual bravado, was beginning to see the undeniable truth: this match was Ananya's to win.

Shaurya couldn't tear his eyes away as Ananya executed another powerful shot, sending the shuttlecock hurtling over Akshith's head with a perfect arc. He was struck, once again, by the way her body moved—graceful, yet undeniably strong. It wasn't just her athleticism that mesmerized him. It was her spirit, her drive, her unyielding confidence.

Shaurya had always admired strength, but what he admired most in Ananya was her ability to shine in her own right, without any hesitation or second thoughts.

As the final point neared, Ananya looked over at Shaurya, catching his gaze. A small, secret smile tugged at her lips, and Shaurya felt a sudden flutter in his chest. At that moment, it wasn't just the badminton match that mattered—it was the connection, the unspoken understanding between them that felt even stronger than before.

As the game came to a close and the shuttle landed decisively, Akshith wiped the sweat from his brow, his lips twitching in frustration. His competitive spirit, usually unshakable, was clearly bruised. He looked at Ananya, still catching her breath, and raised an eyebrow with a playful smirk.

"So, tell me, Ananya," Akshith began, his voice dripping with mock suspicion, "were you hiding something? By any chance, were you a pro player? Did you just make me lose on purpose?"

Ananya's eyes sparkled with amusement as she wiped her forehead with a towel, playing along. "Oh, I'm just naturally gifted," she teased, a mischievous grin curving her lips. "Guess I just have it, you know?"

Akshith shook his head, still not entirely convinced. "Seriously, Ananya. I'm starting to think you've been hiding your true skills from us all this time. There's no way you're that good by accident."

Just as he spoke, Bhavin, who had been quietly observing the banter, couldn't resist chiming in. "Oh, you have no idea, Akshith." His voice was full of pride. "Ananya isn't just some random player—she's the daughter of one of the world's top badminton players back then."

Ananya's eyes flickered with a slight blush, but she didn't deny it. Akshith looked at her in disbelief. "Wait, what? You're the daughter of—?"

"Yup," Bhavin interrupted, grinning. "Her dad's a legend in the badminton world. She's got those genes. All that skill? It's in her blood."

Akshith's jaw dropped as he looked from Bhavin to Ananya, who simply shrugged with a sheepish smile. "Guess I've been playing with the wrong team all along."

"Yeah," Ananya chuckled, glancing at him playfully, "you might want to rethink your strategy next time."

"Unbelievable," Akshith muttered, shaking his head in awe. "I should've known there was more to you than just that microphone."

"I told you not to underestimate me," Ananya quipped with a wink.

As the group shared a laugh, Shaurya took a few steps closer to Ananya, his gaze softening as he looked at her. His usual teasing nature was gone, replaced with something more sincere. His eyes held admiration and something deeper—an undeniable fondness that he couldn't quite hide.

"You were incredible out there," he said, his voice quiet yet full of admiration. His words lingered between them, charged with an emotion that felt different from the usual camaraderie.

Ananya felt her heart flutter at the genuine warmth in his words. She looked up at him, smiling shyly. "Thanks, Shaurya," she said softly. "It felt good to play again."

Shaurya, unable to hide his grin, leaned in just a little closer. "You know," he began, his voice lower now, "I have to say, watching you play... I'm kind of glad I'm on your side."

Ananya's heart skipped a beat, her smile widening at his teasing yet endearing tone. "Oh, so now you're not worried about losing, huh?"

He chuckled, his gaze not leaving hers. "Not at all. I'd rather lose with you on my side than win with anyone else."

There was a brief, sweet silence between them, the kind that felt full of unspoken promises. Ananya's cheeks flushed slightly, but she didn't look away. Shaurya was close enough now that she could almost feel the warmth of his presence, his words hanging in the air, wrapped in something deeper.

"So, what happens now?" Ananya asked, her voice quiet but with a playful edge as if the playful banter had shifted into something more personal.

Shaurya grinned, his eyes sparkling with a mix of warmth and mischief. "Now?" He took a step back, winking at her. "Now we celebrate. But just so you know, Ananya, you owe me a match. Just us,"

She raised an eyebrow, a glint of challenge in her eyes. "You sure about that? I don't think you're ready for a match with me."

"You'd be surprised. I am waiting to have a match with you," Shaurya replied, his voice teasing but filled with that same earnestness that had been there all along.

As they shared a moment of quiet laughter, their bond seemed to strengthen, their connection becoming more tangible with every word and glance. The tension of the game had faded, replaced by a sweet, lingering energy that felt like the beginning of something more.

*************************************

Though the target has never been reached, here is the update for my loyal readers who vote and comment on every chapter.

Also, the next 6 chapters, i.e. from chapter 13 to chapter 18 are updated on stck.me. Here is the link for people who want to read them. https://nidhi181002.stck.me/story/498598/Cricketer-and-His-Wife

Guys, please vote and comment! I am writing more than 4000 words for every chapter how hard it is to press the star and leave a 2 word comment?

I am not blaming you or anything, I am just genuinely disheartened by the response.