15. Teaching Her Some Cricket

Ananya

It's been 56 hours since we handed over those attackers to the local police, and not a single one of them has opened their mouths. It's frustrating. Yesterday, Rakshith had requested permission from Kulkarni sir to handle the interrogation ourselves, but we were met with a firm refusal. "Focus on your duty. Let the police do their job," he said, and that was that.

The weight of the situation pressed down on us all, anger simmering beneath the surface, but we had no choice but to stay put and follow orders. We knew the stakes were high, but we were helpless, waiting for any breakthrough. The only solace came from the coach, who agreed to keep our identities concealed. He's still visibly shaken from the ordeal, but he's doing a good job of masking it. We all know he's terrified, but he hides it well—perhaps too well.

In the meantime, with no matches scheduled for the next four days, some of the players were eager to visit their families. They hadn't seen them in ages, and we understood that. But we also knew it was a risky move. With the tension still thick in the air, we couldn't afford to let them slip out of our watchful eyes.

We approached them gently, explaining that we needed them to stay back for a few more details to be covered. A simple request, nothing more. But their response was immediate. They were annoyed—frustrated even—and refused to cooperate at first. They couldn't understand why they couldn't just take a few days off to see their families. What harm would it do?

I could see the resentment building, their eyes narrowing as if we were imposing some unnecessary restriction on them. But we couldn't back down. The safety of everyone here—of the team—was more important than anything. We tried to keep it polite, explaining our reasoning, but they weren't having it.

Eventually, Kulkarni sir had to make a call to the BCCI president. After that, we had no choice but to insist further, and it wasn't until the coach stepped in, urging them to stay, that they agreed. But the mood shifted. There was an undeniable coldness in the air. We could see the change in their expressions. They weren't as warm, not as welcoming as before.

I couldn't blame them, though. I knew they felt restricted and perhaps even betrayed, but we were doing what we had to do to protect them. As much as it irked them, we were not about to let any threat slip through.

And yet, despite all the tension, we held our ground, knowing that it was only temporary. We won't be seeing them regularly after the threat dissipates.

"Damn bro, he's practically digging holes into your skull," Shika muttered, eyes darting behind me. I casually turned around, and sure enough, one of them was staring at me like he could burn a hole right through my head.

I shook my head and turned back to my breakfast, trying not to let the tension bother me.

"He's stabbing me with his eyes," I deadpanned, not missing a beat.

"Don't worry, Anu. I'll protect you," Bhavin chimed in, the ever-charismatic joker, suddenly appearing behind me. He wrapped his arms around my neck in what was supposed to be a protective gesture but felt more like a bear hug from a playful giant.

Vikram raised an eyebrow, casting a quick glance between Bhavin and me, but said nothing.

"Ouch! He's stabbing my ass now!" Bhavin exclaimed dramatically, as if struck by an invisible sword. With a swift movement, he pulled me backward, trapping me between the chair and his hands, practically choking me in the process.

Rakshith and Vikram both shot him a weird look, then playfully hit his arms, setting me free from his vice-like grip.

"Assholes!" Bhavin cursed under his breath, though the smile on his face gave away that he wasn't actually upset. He slumped back into his seat, pouting dramatically at Rakshith and Vikram.

I couldn't hold back my laughter anymore. I burst into laughter, and soon, Shika and Nithin joined in. The sound of our collective laughter filled the room, lightening the mood as the tension from earlier seemed to dissipate for the moment.

We continued our breakfast, teasing each other, the banter flowing effortlessly between us. It was moments like these that reminded me how much I treasured having them around—despite all the chaos that always seemed to follow us.

"Ananya, why aren't you ready yet?" Yuvaan's voice snapped my attention away from the breakfast table.

Yuvaan and Siraj had promised to teach me some cricket after the badminton match, but after the recent tension, I figured they might distance themselves just like their team members had.

"Well, I thought you wouldn't be interested in teaching me anymore after that," I said sheepishly, smoothing out my top, trying to hide my nervousness.

"Nonsense! We're friends, Anu," Yuvaan insisted, his grin widening. "Come on, go get ready. Shaurya is also getting ready."

The last part came with a playful wiggle of his eyebrows, and my cheeks instantly flushed. I quickly tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear, trying to act unfazed, but my heart was definitely racing a little faster.

"Oye madam, take your phone at least!" Bhavin called out just as I stood up, his voice teasing but warm.

I closed my eyes in embarrassment, praying I didn't turn as red as I felt.

"She would forget everything after hearing Shaurya's name," Shika piped up with a smirk, and that made my cheeks burn even more.

I shot her a glare but couldn't hold back the small laugh that escaped, my face still burning with all the teasing. Snatching my phone from Bhavin, I hurried toward the elevator, trying my best to ignore the teasing from all directions.

I was glad to get away from them before they could say anything else, but deep down, I couldn't deny the fluttering feeling in my stomach every time Shaurya's name came up.

I quickly slipped into a pair of jeans and a casual top, brushing through my hair with one hand. A little moisturizer and sunscreen later, I sprayed my favorite fragrance, the one that always made me feel confident yet calm. With one last glance at myself in the mirror, I locked the door behind me and stepped out.

As soon as I reached the lobby, I found Shaurya, Yuvaan, Siraj, and Akshith already waiting for me. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of Shaurya, who looked effortlessly handsome, his posture relaxed but his eyes alert.

I quickly called Shika and asked her to contact me if anything unusual happened, before bidding a quick farewell to the boys. As I joined the others in the lobby, my gaze met Shaurya's, and he smiled softly, a quiet, reassuring smile that made my heart flutter in ways I couldn't explain. I returned his smile, a little shy, but the warmth of his gaze sent a thousand butterflies fluttering inside me.

"If you're done talking with your eyes, let's go?" Akshith's teasing voice broke through the moment, and I instantly felt my cheeks warm. Shaurya cleared his throat, his smile tightening into a small, sheepish grin as he looked away. I, on the other hand, couldn't help but stare down at the carpet, suddenly finding the pattern on the floor more interesting than ever.

The air between Shaurya and me shifted, filled with an unspoken connection, and I tried to focus on anything other than the effect he had on me. I was sure the others noticed, and that's the reason for their teasing but none of us confessed it—yet.

"Why is he coming again?" I shot a disgusted look at Akshith, who rolled his eyes dramatically at me. We were settled into the car, with Shaurya behind the wheel and me beside him. The others were squeezed into the back seat, Akshith sitting in the middle.

"He wanted to tag along," Yuvaan shrugged, glancing at Akshith with a raised eyebrow.

"I wanted to make sure you don't cast any magic on my friends, you witch," Akshith declared, narrowing his eyes at me with exaggerated suspicion.

"You..." I grabbed a handful of his hair, tugging it just enough to make his knee slam into the middle console. I smirked, enjoying his dramatic reaction.

"Ouch! You—" He quickly slapped my bicep and leaned back in his seat, muttering, "Monkey."

"I heard that, cockroach!" I shot him a sharp glare, unable to hold back my grin.

"It was meant to be heard, monkey!" Akshith replied smugly, clearly enjoying our banter.

I was about to throw another retort his way when Siraj, who was getting visibly tired of the back-and-forth, intervened. "Can you both stop fighting like kids?" he asked exasperatedly, like he'd been dealing with this nonsense for years.

"She started it!" Akshith pointed an accusing finger at me.

"And you kept it going!" I pointed back at him, standing my ground.

Before we could continue, Shaurya reached over, gently taking my hand in his, turning me towards him. His touch was soothing, his fingers caressing my knuckles in a way that completely melted any frustration I had. "Leave it, Ananya," he said softly, and the warmth in his voice made me feel like a puddle of mush.

I nodded, fully intent on ignoring Akshith's antics, but not before sticking my tongue out at him.

"Shaurya, did you see that?" Akshith complained with an exaggerated pout.

"Akshith, you're not a kid, behave!" Shaurya and Yuvaan hissed simultaneously, making me burst out laughing.

"She isn't either. And you two are my best friends, idiots. Not hers!" Akshith deadpanned, folding his arms like a little brat.

Shaurya just shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips as he watched his friend's drama unfold. "I swear, you two," he muttered with fond exasperation.

I was about to tease him some more, but then Shaurya gave me a soft look, his voice dropping into a playful warning. "No more masti, Ananya."

I nodded like a good girl, playfully saluting him, and turned my attention to the passing buildings, the city blurring by as we continued the ride in comfortable silence.

Once inside the stadium, the boys scattered to collect their kits and get ready. I stood off to the side, quietly observing them, a little out of place but still eager to be part of it all. The sound of their laughter and light banter filled the air, and I couldn't help but smile at their camaraderie.

"Do you want to bat or bowl?" Shaurya quirked a brow at me, a playful glint in his eyes. I had bowled a few times with Vansh and his team—just for fun, never seriously—but I'd never actually picked up a bat before.

"I'll bowl," I replied with a shrug, trying to sound confident even though the nerves were swirling in my stomach. I couldn't back out now, could I?

Shaurya nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips, and reached into his bag, pulling out a box of cricket balls. "White ball it is," he muttered, checking each one before tossing one at me. I caught it effortlessly, the cool, smooth surface of the ball fitting perfectly into my palm. His appreciative nod sent a warm rush of pride through me.

I grinned back at him, feeling a little bolder now. "Not bad," I thought, feeling the adrenaline of the moment kick in.

"What did she decide?" Yuvaan called out, the boys a little ways off, already getting into position.

Shaurya gestured to me, pointing to his own bowling action and giving me a thumbs-up. Yuvaan smiled back, clearly glad with my choice.

But of course, Akshith had to be Akshith. He cocked a brow at me, his trademark smirk forming. I could practically hear him about to say something cocky.

"Here we go," I muttered to myself, bracing for whatever teasing was about to come.

Akshith raised an eyebrow, an amused smirk tugging at his lips. "So, Ananya," he started, leaning casually on his bat, "do you even know the formats of cricket? Or are you just here to look pretty?"

The other boys paused, waiting for my response. I could feel the heat creeping up my neck, but I wasn't going to back down. I'd had enough of his teasing. I shot him a pointed look, crossing my arms, my eyes narrowing slightly.

"Of course, I know the formats," I said coolly, stepping toward him. "Cricket has three main formats—Test cricket, One Day Internationals, and T20s. Tests are played over five days with two innings per team, ODIs are 50 overs per side, and T20s are 20 overs. I know that Akshith, even the kids do."

The boys were staring at me, surprised, but Akshith didn't back off just yet. His smirk only deepened. "Alright, alright, smarty-pants. What about the balls? Do you even know the difference between them?"

I couldn't help but smirk back. Oh, this was fun.

"Akshith," I said, walking over to the box of cricket balls that Shaurya had pulled out earlier, picking up each one in turn and holding them up for the group to see. "Here we have the red ball, the white ball, and the pink ball. Red balls are used in Test cricket because they offer more durability and are easier to see in daylight. The white ball is used in ODIs and T20s because it's more visible under artificial lights, but it wears out faster. And the pink ball?" I raised my eyebrows as I continued, "It's mainly used in Day-Night Tests, offering a balance between visibility and durability."

I paused, giving them a moment to absorb that. The boys stood silent, clearly impressed.

I wasn't done yet, though.

"For each format, the balls are chosen based on the pitch conditions, the weather, and the type of game being played. The red ball's seam stays prominent for longer, allowing spinners to get more grip. The white ball, though, is great for swing bowlers—particularly in the early overs, but it tends to get dirty quickly, which is why it's best suited for limited overs cricket." I glanced over at Akshith, who was now looking at me, speechless. "There, now you know. That's why the ball is chosen for the format."

The boys were absolutely stunned, exchanging looks with one another.

"Wow," Yuvaan murmured, eyes wide. "Didn't expect that level of detail, Ananya."

"I'm impressed," Siraj added, nodding with a grin.

"Well, I told you I know my stuff," I said, tossing my hair back with a little flair, my smile triumphant.

Akshith raised his hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay, Ms. Monkey. I know you must have read some PDFs before coming here. But let's see if you can handle the actual game," he said, still grinning but with a new respect in his eyes.

I turned back to the field, ready to start the bowling. "Sure, shall we get to the real fun?"

The boys scattered to take their positions, and Shaurya came up beside me, offering a mischievous smile. "You ready, Ms. Cricket Expert?" he teased, his voice low and inviting.

I grinned at him, feeling my heart race. "You bet I am," I said, eyeing him with a playful challenge.

I took my stance and rolled the ball toward him with a smooth, confident delivery. Shaurya's eyes sparkled as he readied his bat, timing it just right as he hit the ball back toward me with a playful flourish.

"Nice one," he said, winking at me, clearly enjoying the moment more than just a regular cricket match.

I leaned forward, pretending to think. "That was just a warm-up, Shaurya. Let's see if you can handle a real delivery." I winked back at him.

He chuckled, adjusting his stance. "I'll be ready for you, Ananya."

The ball left my hand again, faster this time, and Shaurya reacted with expert precision, sending the ball flying.

The moment felt electric, charged with something more than just the game. As we played, I could feel the playful teasing between us, the chemistry simmering beneath the surface with every glance and every challenge.

"You really know your stuff," Shaurya said again, his voice hushed as he watched me closely.

"Just trying to keep up," I replied, unable to hide the smile tugging at my lips.

"Okay, I've bowled. Now I want to try batting," I said, feeling a sudden rush of excitement to try something new.

Shaurya raised an eyebrow, clearly concerned. "Are you sure you want to bat? It's not as easy as it looks."

I grinned, trying to sound confident. "Of course, I can handle it."

Akshith, of course, had to add his two cents. "You only know the theory, Ananya. You sure you can handle it in practice?" His tone was mockingly sweet, like he was daring me to prove him wrong.

I huffed, annoyed, and shot a glare his way. "I know enough to hit a ball, thank you." I glanced at Shaurya, hoping he wouldn't let Akshith's teasing get under my skin.

Shaurya hesitated for a moment before standing up and grabbing a bat from the kit. "Alright, but let's get you ready properly. You need to wear pads."

I froze. "Pads? I don't even know how to tie them."

Shaurya's eyes softened with concern. "I'll help you, no worries."

I nervously held the pads, realizing this was a whole new ball game. "Uh... I've never done this before."

Akshith, ever the troublemaker, grinned. "Of course. All theory, no practice," he teased, leaning on his bat with a smug smile. "Let's see if you can even tie them."

I huffed, rolling my eyes. "I know the theory, Akshith. It's just... the practical stuff is tricky."

Shaurya chuckled softly, stepping closer. "Alright, let me help you out here." He kneeled in front of me, and the moment his hands touched the pads, I felt a rush of warmth flood my chest. His fingers brushed against mine as he tied the straps, his movements so careful, and my heart fluttered despite my best efforts to stay calm.

"You're doing this very slowly," Akshith teased from behind us. "Maybe you should just read the manual."

I shot him a playful glare, then turned back to Shaurya, who was still in the middle of securing the pads. "Is this how you tie everything, Shaurya?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light, but my heart was racing as he adjusted the last strap.

He glanced up, a small, teasing smile tugging at his lips. "Only when I'm dealing with something precious."

I swallowed hard, my breath catching. "You're all set," he said softly, standing up and looking me over. "Now, let's get you to bat."

I grabbed the bat with newfound determination, but as I stood there, I felt the weight of the stick, and my nerves crept up. When the ball came flying at me, I swung early, missing it completely.

Shaurya chuckled lightly. "Not bad for your first try, but try to focus on the ball this time."

I nodded, mentally preparing myself, but the nerves kept crawling in. I swung again—way too soon. The bat swished through the air, but I missed again.

Akshith burst out laughing from the sidelines. "See? Told you! All theory, no practical skills!"

I turned to him, my hands on my hips, annoyed. "Shut up, Akshith. I'm getting there."

Shaurya, noticing my frustration, stepped closer, his eyes softening with that signature calm. "Ananya, relax. It's all about timing," he said, his voice warm and steady.

He stepped behind me, positioning himself so that his body was almost pressed against mine. "Hold the bat like this," he said, placing his hands gently over mine. His breath was warm against my ear as he guided me through the motions, his body aligning with mine. My pulse quickened, but I focused on his instructions.

"Now, just wait until the ball comes closer and follow through smoothly," he instructed, his lips almost brushing my ear.

"Now, just follow through when the ball comes," he instructed, his voice a gentle whisper in my ear.

I nodded, trying to calm my breath, but the proximity was making my skin tingle. Shaurya shifted slightly, his hands guiding mine as I prepared to face the next ball.

I swung again, but this time I was a little more in sync. Still, the bat swung just after the ball passed.

"Close," he murmured, moving even closer. "Let's try again."

His hands gently guided mine again, this time pulling me closer into him, his body pressed lightly against my back. "Focus on the ball, not me," he teased with a smile, his breath sending shivers down my spine.

I shot him a playful glance over my shoulder, my lips curling into a teasing smile. "I'm trying. But it's kind of hard when you're this close," I said, my voice teasing yet breathless.

Shaurya chuckled, his chest vibrating against my back. "You'll get used to it," he whispered, leaning his head closer to mine. "Now focus."

As the ball came, I swung with more confidence this time, following through just as he had shown me. This time, I connected with the ball, sending it flying toward the boundary.

The boys cheered, and I couldn't help but laugh, turning to Shaurya with a grin. "I did it!"

He smiled down at me, his eyes soft and proud. "Told you. You just needed a little guidance." His voice was so warm, but there was a teasing glint in his eyes that sent a shiver down my spine.

Akshith, unable to resist, piped up, "Yeah, right. Let's see if she can do that again."

I grinned and nodded. "Sure, let's see if you can stop me, Akshith."

I turned to face Shaurya again, ready for another attempt. But this time, I decided to make things more interesting. I gave him a playful wink, swinging the bat just before he could say anything, missing it entirely.

"Oops," I said, feigning surprise. "Looks like I still need some help."

Shaurya's eyes narrowed in mock seriousness. "You're impossible, Ananya." He stepped in closer again, his chest brushing against my back, his hands gently guiding mine once more. "But I'll make sure you get this right."

I could feel his heart beating slightly faster through his shirt, and I knew that the tension between us was far from just about cricket.

"You ready?" he whispered, his breath so close I could feel it on my skin.

I nodded, trying to hold back the smile that was threatening to break out. This time, as the ball came flying, I swung in perfect sync with his guidance, connecting with the ball and sending it flying farther than before.

"Well done," Shaurya murmured, his voice thick with something more than praise.

I turned to face him, my smile soft but playful. "Thanks, I couldn't have done it without you," I said, leaning in just slightly, feeling the heat between us.

"You're doing really well," Shaurya said, his voice almost too soft, like he didn't want anyone else to hear it. His eyes were focused on me with such intensity that I almost forgot where I was.

"Thanks," I said, trying to keep my voice steady, even though the butterflies in my stomach were doing their own chaotic dance. "I think I've got the basics down now."

He nodded slowly, his lips twitching like he was holding back a smile. "You're a natural, Ananya."

I couldn't help but feel a little proud. But then I glanced around, remembering where we were, and a mischievous thought crossed my mind.

"You know," I said, turning to face him with a grin, "I think it's time I show off a little more. How about a challenge?"

"A challenge?" Shaurya raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. The boys heard me and immediately perked up.

"What kind of challenge?" Akshith asked, narrowing his eyes like he thought he knew where this was going.

"Simple," I said, batting my lashes dramatically. "If you can help me hit a six for the next ball, I will give you a treat. How does that sound?"

Shaurya chuckled, the sound low and rich. "I would love to have you treat me, Ananya. But you do know that a six isn't as easy as it sounds."

"Let's see about that." I took a deep breath and lined myself up. I could feel Shaurya standing just behind me, his presence like an electric charge in the air.

"Ready?" he asked, his voice suddenly serious, though his lips betrayed a small smile.

I nodded, eyes locked on the ball. The others fell silent, sensing the shift in the air. The field seemed to narrow as I focused entirely on the ball that Yuvaan had just bowled.

Shaurya's hand rested on my shoulder, just the slightest pressure, like he was there for me but also... watching me. And then he slid it down, holding my hands that were gripping the bat. The pressure of it made me want to prove him right, but also something more. It was like he was rooting for me, and that made everything sharper. I pulled the bat back, preparing to swing, knowing this was my moment.

"Here goes nothing," I muttered under my breath.

With a swift, precise movement, he swung the bat, our bodies following through with the momentum. The ball shot off the bat and flew high into the air, sailing toward the boundary. For a moment, time seemed to slow down, and then—wham—the ball cleared the fence. I had done it.

The boys erupted in cheers, but all I could focus on was Shaurya's expression. He was staring at me, eyes wide with disbelief... or maybe admiration. I wasn't sure.

"You—" He stopped himself, blinking a few times. "That was... incredible."

"See?" I smirked, walking over to him and swatting his arm lightly. "I told you, you could help me do it."

"Yeah, yeah," he laughed, running a hand through his hair. "You really outdid yourself, Ananya. Maybe I should start calling you 'The Pro' now."

"Oh please," I teased, "we both know who the pro is around here."

"You," he said, stepping a little closer, lowering his voice so only I could hear. "But not just because of that shot. You've got a lot of other skills I'd love to see." His words hung in the air, sending a shiver down my spine.

I raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. "I'm glad to know you're impressed, Shaurya."

"You've definitely got my attention," he replied, his eyes never leaving mine, that mischievous glint still dancing in them.

Akshith groaned from behind us, "Could you two not make it so obvious? Some of us are trying to play here. Or should we just let you two have your moment?"

Shaurya chuckled softly, but his eyes never left mine. "You're just jealous you can't hit it as far. But yeah, let's get back to some actual cricket. " He gave me one last look, that familiar glint in his eye, as though we were both still caught in the same shared secret.

"Next time, I want to see you hit a six too, Shaurya, but without me in your arms" I teased, walking back to my position.

Shaurya chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, you'll see that for sure. But I love this six more than all the others."

Heat rose to my cheeks hearing him. I glanced over my shoulder, catching him still watching me with that smile that made my heart skip a beat.

I stood at some distance, watching them play, but my eyes remained fixated on Shaurya following his every move. I smiled and leaned back slightly, allowing myself to enjoy the moment. Shaurya and I, surrounded by our friends, but still somehow lost in our own little bubble. It felt natural, comfortable, and something I wasn't sure I ever wanted to leave.

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