My eyes opened to the warm glow of sunrise peeking through my window. As I stretched, feeling refreshed after a restful night's sleep , my lips formed a soft smile as I think about my late night talk with Hardik which was filled with teasing each other and being hopeless romantic.

It's sharp 5:00  AM , time for my morning routine.

I slipped into my workout gear and headed to my home gym. The sweet scent of blooming flowers in my garden accompanied my as I stepped onto the treadmill.

As I ran, my  mind focused on the day ahead:

Team meeting at 10:00 AM to discuss strategies for the upcoming tournament.
Lunch with the Indian Cricket Team (ICT) at 1:00 PM.
Afternoon training session with my women's team.

Last night Hardik told me that everyone practically know that we have something special and that they wanted to meet me in person. Ofcourse we have meet before but that was all formal and this time it's different cause I am going as his date and companion.
Shubman have already approved our relation saying that we look like a power couple together and that we can defeat anyone on and off field. In between my conversation with him , his Jaan decided to show up wearing Shubman's shirt which I had gifted him and we had talked for hour .

My fitness tracker beeped, signaling the end of my 30-minute run. I transitioned to yoga, and then to lifting weights and all.

Post-workout, I showered and dressed in a  white tshirt and dark joggers . My long, dark hair was tied back in a sleek ponytail.

In the kitchen, I whipped up a protein-rich breakfast: scrambled eggs, whole-grain toast, and freshly squeezed orange juice.

As I ate, I scrolled through cricket news on my phone, staying updated on the latest developments.

I then arrived at the cricket stadium, my  confidence and authority palpable. For the team meeting, I decided to wear a crisp white shirt and dark gray trouser with my silver watch .

I entered the conference room noticing that everyone were early and Smriti grinning at me letting me know that I lose the bet of coming early.

"Good morning, everyone!" I said, taking my seat at the head of the table while my teammates give me a teasing grin 'which screamed we know everything '.

Our Coach Kumar, a seasoned expert, began the discussion as the atmosphere turned serious from light. "Today's agenda: strategies for the upcoming tournament. Soumya, your thoughts?"

I leaned forward, my eyes scanning the room. "We need to focus on our batting lineup and strengthen our middle order. Our bowlers have been consistent, but we require more depth."

Team discussions ensued, with players sharing insights and suggestions.

I actively listened, my mind processing the information.

"Let's analyze our opponents' strengths and weaknesses," I suggested. "We'll develop targeted game plans to exploit their vulnerabilities."

Coach Kumar nodded. "Excellent approach, Soumya. Let's assign tasks and review progress tomorrow."

The meeting concluded with clear objectives and renewed determination.

As teammates filed out, I look up from my phone to my friends crowding me as the coach had already left.

"I heard from someone that the Captain of Women's team is meeting the ICT guys for lunch with her all rounder. Oh my how good of a pair will they make , right?"
At Smirti's words everyone burst into laughing making me roll my eyes at her .

Shefali come forward taking my hand in her with a dramatic sigh .
"Oh my darling I thought you were mine and I was yours but date planned something different, so for your happiness I shall let you go my love ."

Well her words were comical making me laugh to but something in me stirred inside that I had forget long ago but keeping it aside , I stand up slowly while twirling shefali around who was still holding my hand and make her land in my arms

"Worry not love cause if destiny wants we might meet again ."

I hear clapping from everyone as Harman said ," here the couple of generation people, the true example of the trope 'age gape'."

I make her stand straight and looked at everyone with a smile and left the room .

On my way to the Kohli Resident , I stop by a luxurious florist and selects a stunning bouquet of sunflowers for Virat.

Next, I  visits an exclusive boutique and picks out a beautiful, handcrafted candle set for Anushka, knowing her love for home decor from a certain someone.

Gifts in hand, I felt ready to make a warm and respectful impression.
In the bouquet I decided to keep a personalized note : "Wishing you continued success on and off the field."
And for Anushka I decided to go with an elegant card:"Grateful for your warmth and hospitality."

I pulled up to the Kohli residence, running fashionably late as usual. I glanced at my  watch – 45 minutes behind schedule.

As I stepped out of the car, my phone buzzed with texts from Shubman and Hardik:

Shubman: "Where r u?? We're starving!"

Hardik: "Baby, u running late again?"

I smiled, feeling a flutter in my chest. Hardik's endearing messages always made me blush.

I took a deep breath, composed myself, and walked up to the door.

Virat opened it, smiling warmly. "Soumya, welcome! We were starting to think you'd stood us up."

I laughed. "Sorry, Virat. Traffic, as always."

Inside, the team was already seated:

Hardik, Shubman, Ishan, Rohit, Jasprit, Bumrah, and Rahul – all eyes turned to me .

"Hey, guys!" I said, distributing apologetic smiles.

Shubman, stood up to hug me . "Finally! We were about to start without you."

Ishan teased to as he looked at me with mischief in his eyes"Late again, Soumya! You're making it a habit. I mean from what Shub has told me ."

I turn to glare at Shubman but my eyes get locked into his which sparkled with affection making my heart skip a beat.

The rest of the team exchanged warm greetings, though I sensed a hint of formality and it's understandable as we hadn't had much one-on-one interaction beyond this gathering.

As my took my seat beside Hardik Anushka handed me the delicious food she had prepared making me again regret coming late. She smiled warmly at me.

I return the gesture feeling  grateful. "Thanks, Anushka. Sorry again for the delay."

I felt his gaze on me making me turn to him with raised eyebrow to stop him from making me a blushing mess. His eyes sparkled with warmth, and his smile hinted at a private joke.

"Baby, you look stunning," Hardik whispered, passing me a glass of juice.

I maintained my composer but replyed with a hint of playfulness
"Thanks, Hardik. You're not so bad yourself."

Our hands brushed as I took the glass, sending a shiver down my spine.

Shubman, seated beside my other side , teased, "You two lovebirds going to focus on lunch or each other?"

Hardik chuckled. "Can't help it, Shubman. She's too gorgeous."

I playfully rolled my eyes. "You're making me blush but I will not be defeated so easily."

Throughout lunch, Hardik kept his arm casually draped over my chair, his fingers grazing my shoulder. The gentle touch sent made me comfortable and lean back in comfort.

Thanks for reading!!!