20th june, 2024.

12:47 pm. (est)

the match against afghanistan was intense, with both teams fighting fiercely for dominance. kasturie was in her best form, her every move calculated and precise. but in the heat of the game, accidents happen. while attempting a diving catch, she stretched her arm out for the ball, only to land awkwardly on her ankle. the pain was immediate and intense, a sharp, searing sensation shooting through her leg.

she let out a cry, clutching her ankle as she fell to the ground. the crowd gasped, and the team immediately noticed. rohit, hardik, and the team's physio ran towards her, their faces etched with concern.

"kasturie, tu theek hai?" rohit asked, his voice filled with worry.

"no, captain. bahot dard ho raha hai," kasturie winced, covering her face with her hands, tears welling up in her eyes.

"hil mat. let the physio check," hardik said firmly, kneeling beside her, gently placing a hand on her shoulder to comfort her.

the physio quickly assessed her injury, his expression serious. "it's a minor sprain, but it needs rest. she'll need to stay off it for a few days," he informed.

"bahot dard ho raha hai?" shubman asked, his worry evident as he held her hand tightly.

"abhi toh bola dard ho rha hai. but don't worry, i'll be fine," she assured, the pain was evident in her eyes.

"hum sab yahan hai, tu tension mat le," virat said, patting her shoulder.

they carefully helped her off the field, and the crowd applauded her efforts. back to the dugout, the team hovered around her, ensuring she was comfortable.

"tumhe next match ke liye rest lena padega," the physio said, wrapping her ankle. "but you should be good to play against australia."

"koi baat nahi, tum jaldi theek ho jao," rohit said, his tone gentle yet firm, giving her a reassuring hug.

ishan, who had recently rejoined the team, was by her side instantly. "main yahin hoon tere saath. kuch bhi chahiye ho toh bolna," he said, sitting in a chair next to her and giving her hand a comforting squeeze.

"thanks, ishan," kasturie smiled, grateful for his presence.

the team continued to check on her throughout the match, their concern and support evident. after the game, which they won, they all gathered around her.

"dekh, hum jeet gaye," rishabh said, smiling at her. "ab tu jaldi se theek ho ja, hum sab tere bina adhoore hain."

"i will. i'm not letting this sprain keep me down for long," kasturie replied determinedly.

for the next few days, ishan and shubman stayed by her side, helping her with everything she needed. whether it was fetching ice packs, keeping her company, or making her laugh, they ensured she never felt alone.

"yaad hai, jab tu pehli baar injured hui thi? kitna drama kiya tha tune," ishan teased, trying to lighten the mood.

"haan, aur tune kitna tang kiya tha mujhe," kasturie retorted, laughing. "thanks for being here, ishan. seriously."

"tu mera bhai hai, kastu. main hamesha tere saath hoon," ishan said, giving her a warm smile and a hug.

when the next match day arrived, kasturie found herself sitting in the dugout, her leg propped up and bandaged. ishan was right beside her, and shubman frequently came over to check on her, though he was still preparing for the game. despite their efforts to keep her spirits high, kasturie felt a deep sadness.

"i should be out there with them," she said softly, her voice cracking.

"i know, kasturie. but you'll be back soon," ishan reassured her, putting a comforting arm around her shoulders.

watching her team warm up without her was heartbreaking. the national anthem played, and tears welled up in her eyes. she felt a mix of pride and sorrow, and as the match began, those feelings only intensified.

"kya kar rahi ho?" shubman asked, noticing her tears as he approached during a break. "don't cry, please."

"i can't help it, shubi. i hate not being out there," she admitted, wiping her tears away.

ishan leaned in, his voice gentle but firm. "you're still part of this team, kasturie. and we all need you to get better. aaj nahi sahi, kal zaroor kheloge."

her friends' words comforted her, and she leaned on them, drawing strength from their support. the match was tough, but the team fought hard. kasturie cheered loudly, her voice mingling with the crowd's roars, and despite her sadness, she felt a surge of hope.

during a break, shubman joined them. "kya baatein chal rahi hain?" he asked, sitting next to her.

"bas, aise hi... thoda support mil raha hai yahan se," kasturie said, trying to sound cheerful.

"tumhari yeh sad face dekhke hum sab ko aur bhi zor lagana pad raha hai," shubman joked, giving her a playful nudge.

"main kya karoon, shubman?" kasturie sighed. "i just feel useless right now."

"useless? tu pagal hai kya?" ishan interjected. "tu hamari jaan hai, aur tu jaldi hi wapas aayegi. right, shubman?"

"bilkul," shubman agreed. "aur tab tak, hum yahan hain tere liye."

after the game, the team gathered around her again. "did you see us, kasturie? we played our hearts out for you," virat said, his eyes twinkling with pride.

"and we'll do it again, until you're back with us," rohit added, his hand on her shoulder. "tumhe pata hai na, hum sab kitne proud hain tum par," rohit said, giving her a warm smile.

"aur tu jaldi theek ho jaayegi. humare next match mein tu zaroor khelegi," virat added.

"thank you, everyone," kasturie said, her voice filled with emotion. "i'll be back soon, i promise."

that night, back at the hotel, ishan and shubman stayed with her, keeping her company and lifting her spirits. they all sat together, chatting and laughing.

"you know, you're stronger than you think," ishan said softly, his hand resting on hers. "and we're all here for you, every step of the way."

"thanks, ishan. it means a lot," she replied, feeling a sense of calm wash over her.

ishan spent most of his time by her side, making sure she had everything she needed. they played card games, watched movies, and even tried their hand at a few video games.

"tu toh video games mein bhi bekaar hai," ishan teased, laughing as he won another round.

"achha, ab dekh main kaise jeet ke dikhati hai." kasturie shot back, determined to win.

shubman would join them whenever he could, bringing snacks and keeping the mood light. one evening, they all gathered around to watch a movie, and kasturie found herself surrounded by her friends, their presence a comforting reminder of the bond they shared.

"tumhe pata hai, tu humare bina adhoori hai," ishan said, his tone serious yet affectionate, pulling her into a side hug.

"aur tumhare bina, hum sab bhi adhoore hain," shubman added, squeezing her hand gently.

"thank you, both of you," kasturie said, her heart full of gratitude. "i don't know what i'd do without you guys."

with her teammates' unwavering support, kasturie knew she would recover and return to the field stronger than ever. and until then, she cherished the bond that held them all together, knowing it was their strength and love that would see her through.

🕸️

24th june, 2024.

9:58 am. (est)

the anticipation was palpable as india prepared to face australia in their crucial super 8 match. kasturie, determined to make her comeback count, had spent the last few days pushing herself, focusing on her recovery and regaining her form. the team could feel her intensity and were ready to support her every step of the way.

the day of the match dawned bright and clear. as kasturie laced up her shoes, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. the ankle that had caused her so much pain was now a source of motivation. she was back, and she was ready to give it her all.

australia won the toss and decided to bowl first. kasturie, batting at number five, walked to the crease with confidence. the team was counting on her to stabilize the innings, and she did not disappoint. she played with finesse and aggression, punishing the australian bowlers with a series of boundaries and well-placed shots.

"yeh ladki kamaal hai," hardik commented, watching her from the dressing room.

"kitni focused hai, dekh," rohit added, admiration in his eyes.

her innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression. she navigated the bowlers with ease, finding gaps and rotating the strike efficiently. when it was time to accelerate, she unleashed a flurry of powerful shots, sending the ball to all corners of the ground. by the end of her innings, she had scored a magnificent 65 off 32 balls, anchoring india to a formidable total.

"wah, kya batting ki hai! especially after the injury." rishabh exclaimed as she walked back to the pavilion, greeted by the team's cheers and applause.

"thanks, everyone. ab bowlers ka time hai," she said, her eyes gleaming with determination.

when it was india's turn to bowl, kasturie was handed the ball early in the innings. she was in top form, her deliveries fast and precise. the australian batsmen struggled to keep up, their confidence waning with each ball. the first wicket came quickly, a perfectly timed delivery that uprooted the stumps.

"behenchod, let's go." virat yelled, pumping his fist in the air.

she continued to dominate, her second wicket coming shortly after. with a fierce determination, she bowled a stunning delivery that left the batsman no chance. the australian team, known for their resilience, was visibly shaken.

"yeh hui na baat!" hardik cheered from the field.

the australian batting lineup crumbled under the pressure. kasturie's presence on the field was a game-changer. her third wicket was particularly satisfying-a tricky delivery that deceived the batsman and sent the bails flying.

"lagta hai, yeh match apna hi hai," rohit commented with a grin.

the match, which had promised to be a nail-biter, was now heavily skewed in india's favor, thanks to kasturie's stellar performance with both bat and ball.

india's victory was inevitable, they sealed the victory, the team erupting in joyous celebration. kasturie was lifted onto the shoulders of her teammates, her triumphant return celebrated by all.

"isko kehte hai comeback!" virat shouted, his voice filled with pride.

"kastu, tune kamaal kar diya aaj," rohit said, beaming at her.

"thanks, everyone. couldn't have done it without you all," she replied, her heart swelling with gratitude.

the team gathered around, their bond stronger than ever. kasturie's comeback had not only ensured a decisive victory but also reinforced the spirit of unity and determination that defined them.

as they left the field, the crowd's cheers echoing in their ears, kasturie knew that this was just the beginning. with her team by her side, there was nothing she couldn't achieve.

back at the hotel, the team celebrated their win with a casual evening in the lounge. kasturie decided to steal one of shubman's hoodies to wear and came into the lounge, her head resting on hardik's lap.

"yeh meri hoodie hai?" shubman asked noticing the familiar hoodie.

"thi, ab meri hai." she said her focus in her phone.

"kya yaar, ek ek karke sab hi hoodies chura rhi hai tu." he said faking annoyance. secretly, he loved the way she looked in his hoodie.

"yaar kitna maza aaya aaj," kasturie sighed contentedly and kept her phone down, completely ignoring what shubman said.

"tu toh superstar ban gayi aaj," hardik teased, ruffling her hair. he enjoyed seeing her and shubman fight playfully.

"acha, aur kuch?" kasturie shot back, laughing.

ishan and shubman joined them, the latter giving her a high-five. "you were amazing out there, kasturie."

"thanks, shubi, ishi. it felt great to be back," she replied, smiling.

ritika, and sammy, were also there, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. sammy ran over to kasturie, climbing onto the couch beside her.

"aaj aapne bohot accha khela," sammy said, her eyes wide with admiration.

"thank you, sammy. tumhari wajah se hi toh jeete hain," kasturie replied, hugging her.

the team continued to chat and laugh, the joy of their victory filling the room. kasturie's comeback had not only boosted their confidence but also strengthened their bond. as they looked forward to their next challenge, they knew they could face anything-together.

and with the support of her teammates and friends, kasturie felt ready to take on whatever came next, knowing that they would always have her back.

🕸️

a/n : were officially qualified to the finals. I'm extremely happy as well as scared because remember what happened last time. i cried so much last night and kept telling myself ki please don't get attached firse, pichli baar kya maa chudi thi. so guys, be ready to face anything that happens tomorrow. support the team no matter what. win or lose don't care, they are giving their best and we all know that. also, do not hate on any of the players whether they play good or bad, you do not know what they are going thru. that's all i wanted to say, thank you for reading this fanfic and thank you for reading and tolerating my rants. love you.

peace out.
~k.