The day started with Shubman texting his teammates in their WhatsApp group, "Boys, come over. You gotta meet the little princess." The response was immediate.

Virat: About time, Gill. Been waiting to meet my future star batter.
Rohit: If she's anything like her dad, we better come prepared for some sass too.
Hardik: Can't wait! 

By afternoon, Shubman's teammates started trickling in. Virat and Anushka arrived first, carrying a large stuffed teddy bear. 

Rohit and Ritika followed with an assortment of baby clothes, Hardik and Natasa had a silver rattle, and KL Rahul and Athiya brought books for baby Amira's future library. 

Yashasvi and Rishabh—showed up with what looked like the entire stock of a baby store.

"Y'all know she's not old enough for half this shit, right?" Shubman said, laughing as they unloaded their gifts onto the living room floor.

"She'll grow into it," Rishabh quipped, plopping down on the couch. "Where's the star of the show?"

Thalia appeared in the doorway, holding Amira, who was swaddled in a light pink blanket. She wore a simple mustard kurta and white palazzo pants, her hair in a loose braid. 

Amira was wide-eyed, taking in the crowd of unfamiliar faces.

"Guys, meet Amira," Thalia said, her voice soft and full of pride.

The room erupted in coos and gasps.

"Bro," Yashasvi said, leaning closer. "She's legit the cutest baby I've ever seen."

"Bias confirmed," Shubman said, grinning.

Virat stepped forward, his face softening as he looked at the baby. "She's beautiful, man. You two did good." He turned to Thalia. 

"Congratulations, Thalia. She's perfect."

"Thank you," Thalia said, smiling warmly.

Hardik, holding Amira carefully in his large hands, grinned. "I'm calling it now. She's going to play for India Women's one day. Look at those fingers—perfect for gripping a bat."

"Can you let her grow up first?" KL teased, leaning over to tickle Amira's tiny feet.

Rishabh, true to form, said, "If she doesn't play cricket, she could model. Look at those eyes. She's gonna have boys lining up."

Shubman groaned dramatically. "She's not dating until she's thirty. Minimum."

The room erupted in laughter.

As the evening wound down, the boys and their partners gathered in the backyard with Shubman and Thalia. 

A small firepit was lit, and everyone was sipping on chai.

"You know," Rohit said, leaning back in his chair, "this is probably the calmest I've ever seen you, Gill."

Thalia smirked, resting her head on Shubman's shoulder. "It's because of her. Amira's the only one who can make him sit still."

Shubman kissed the top of her head. "I just like being home with my girls. Nothing beats this."

Hardik nudged him. "Man's whipped. Love to see it."

"Shut the fuck up," Shubman shot back, though his grin gave him away.

Virat, holding a sleeping Amira in his arms, said, "Honestly, this little one has no idea how lucky she is. Look at the team she's got around her. We'll all make sure she's spoiled rotten."

"And protected," Rishabh added. "Any boy tries anything, we're all showing up with bats."

Thalia laughed. "You guys are ridiculous."

"No," Shubman said, looking at her seriously. "They're right. No one messes with our Amira."

The group stayed late into the night, sharing stories, teasing Shubman mercilessly, and planning for the future. 

The bonds they shared as teammates and friends felt even stronger now, with a new little member unofficially added to the squad.

And as Shubman looked around at the people he considered family, he couldn't help but feel grateful. Life, he thought, was damn near perfect.

soup rants!

- hello everyone!
- I hope you guys are having a great day so far, and I also hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!
- 😭😭
- also comments on the chapter?
- I hope you guys liked this one!

- with lots of love, supraja 🫶