Shubman's tranquil slumber was abruptly shattered by the insistent ring of his phone. He fumbled for it, squinting at the screen through half-closed eyes. "Hello?" he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep.

On the other end, Anvi's voice floated through the line, soft and familiar. "Sleeping?" she asked, concern lacing her words.

Shubman rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the grogginess. "What time is it?" he inquired, his mind still foggy.

Anvi's reply was gentle. "Maybe 4 am there," she said. "How are you?"

Shubman swung his legs over the edge of the bed, the cool floor jolting him awake. "Hmm," he murmured. "Tell me. How are you?"

Anvi's laughter tinkled over the phone. "I'm fine," she said. "And you? All settled in?"

Shubman's heart warmed at the thought of his newfound camaraderie with Hardik, treating him like a younger brother. "Yeah," he replied. "Hardik bhai has been amazing. It's so wholesome."

Anvi's affectionate tone made him smile. "You deserve it, baby," she said. "But I miss you terribly."

His throat tightened. "I miss you too," Shubman confessed. "I just want to complete the match and come back. I want to spend all my time with you." 

Anvi's promise was unwavering. "Of course," she said. "And I'll be cheering you on from home."

Shubman hesitated, then blurted out his request. "Baby, can you do me a favor?"

Anvi's curiosity piqued. "Just name it," she said.

He took a deep breath. "Check on ma, papa, and di," Shubman said. "I'll ask Abhi, but I know they won't tell me if anything happens."

Anvi's reassurance was immediate. "Of course, I will," she promised.

Shubman shifted the conversation. "So, how was college?" he asked.

Anvi's sigh was audible. "As usual, boring," she replied.

He chuckled. "Then why did you choose it?" he teased.

Anvi's voice turned serious. "Because I didn't want Physics, Chemistry, and Maths," she said.

Shubman's protective instincts kicked in. "Now study," he instructed. "I know you have an internal test tomorrow."

Anvi's mock exasperation was endearing. "Okay, fine," she conceded. "Practice well."

"Thanks," he said, warmth flooding his chest. He disconnected the call and glanced up, only to freeze. Hardik stood there, leaning on his elbows, a knowing smile on his face.

"Who was it?" Hardik asked, raising an eyebrow.

Shubman stammered. "N-no one."

Hardik's grin widened. "Don't lie," he said. "I heard everything."

Shubman's cheeks flushed. "She's my girlfriend," he admitted.

Hardik's curiosity was piqued. "What's her name?"

"Anvi Jadhav," Shubman replied.

Hardik's approval was swift. "Nice name, bro."

Shubman retreated to the bathroom, his heart still racing. He changed into his practice jersey and headed downstairs.

Virat Kohli, the cricketing legend, greeted him. "Wow! You're up early. Where's Harry?"

Shubman nodded toward the staircase. "He's coming down, bhai."

The cricket gear felt familiar in his hands. Shubman checked everything meticulously, nerves and excitement swirling within him.

The entire team assembled on the field, the sun casting long shadows. Shubman stepped up to the crease, bat in hand. Virat's voice cut through the air. "Nice shots, Shub."

Shubman's heart soared. "Thanks, bhai," he replied. To be praised by his idol was overwhelming.

Hardik, sweat-soaked and panting, called for a break. Rohit Sharma, the vice-captain, addressed the team. "Okay, guys, freshen up and take some rest."

Shubman showered, the cool water soothing his tired muscles. He slipped into sweatpants, the room stifling in the afternoon heat. Shirtless, he collapsed onto the bed.

The weight of exhaustion clung to Shubman like a heavy cloak, pulling him into a dreamless slumber. His body, battered by rigorous practice sessions and the relentless demands of professional cricket, surrendered willingly. He lay there, oblivious to the passage of time, as his mind slipped into oblivion.

When he finally stirred, the room was bathed in a soft morning glow. His phone, a faithful companion, beckoned with notifications. Hardik's cheeky grin greeted him—a candid snapshot of Shubman, tousled hair and peaceful repose.

@shubmangill sleeping after day 1 practice. @rohitsharma45 probably worn him out today.

Comments
anvi_jadhav: I have never seen him sleep like that.
                          ↪hardikpandya93: So you are Shubman's bestfriend?
                                                                 ↪anvi_jadhav: Yes, that's me.
dk00019: Poor soul, he is tired on the first day then what would happen later?
                   ↪hardikpandya93: He would faint because of @rohitsharma45🤣🤣
rohitsharma45: Pandya don't make me the villian because I learnt from @virat.kohli.
                               ↪virat.kohli: Where did I come from?
                                                         ↪anushkasharma: From Punjab.🤣🤣
yuzi_chahal23: Remember us when @mahi7781 was the captain.
                              ↪mahi7781: Is it so @yuzi_chahal23?🤨🤨
klrahul: Poor boy, he practised a lot today.
               ↪virat.kohli: I know, he has amazing calibre.
anvi_jadhav: @rohitsharma45 please spare my Bestfriend.
                          ↪virat.kohli: That will never happen. You bestfriend will loose 30kgs when he                                                                     comes home.
abhisheksharma_4: @rohitsharma45, his mom is worried.
                                        ↪rohitsharma45: Arre blame @virat.kohli
virat.kohli: Why me?😕😕
                      ↪rohitsharma45: Because I am following your footsteps.
krunalpandya_official: Harry's new roommate?
                                              ↪hardikpandya98: Yes bro
ishankishan23: Why is he sleeping as though it is the end of the world.
                              ↪hardikpandya98: Read the caption and comments, mere bhai.
ict.forever: Aww love this group

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Shubman donned a shirt and descended the stairs, the sun already warm on his skin. The cricket team lounged by the pool, their laughter echoing off the water. He settled next to Jadeja, the cool tiles soothing against his legs.

Rohit approached him. "Shub," he said, "am I pushing you too hard in practice?"

Shubman shook his head, grateful for the camaraderie. "No, bhai," he replied. "Jet lag caught up with me. Nothing more."

KL Rahul appeared, extending a hand. "Hi, I'm Rahul," he said.

Shubman's grip was firm. "I'm Shubman," he said. Rahul's eyes twinkled. "So you saw Harry's post?"

Shubman chuckled. "Yeah," he admitted. Hardik sidled over, draping an arm around Shubman's shoulder. "Oi, Rahul," he teased, "don't manipulate my roommate and best friend."

Rahul raised an eyebrow. "Best friend? Then what am I?"

Hardik's grin widened. "You're also my best friend," he declared. "And Shub is too."

Shubman laughed, his phone interrupting the banter. Keart's name flashed on the screen. "Haan, tell me, mumma," he answered.

Keart's voice was warm. "How are you, baccha?"

"I'm fine, mumma," Shubman replied. "How are you all?"

"We're good," Keart assured him. "How was practice?"

"It went well," Shubman said. "And how's papa and Di?"

"They're fine," Keart replied. They exchanged news and love, the distance momentarily bridged.

Hardik leaned in, mischief dancing in his eyes. "Call your girlfriend," he urged. Yuzi, Rahul, and DK joined the chorus. "Yeah, Shub, let's see her!"

Anvi's face appeared on the screen, her smile radiant. Lunch break at her college allowed her to pick up the call. She saw the entire cricket team, and Shubman's heart swelled with pride.

"I guess we were very obvious," Shubman said, grinning. "Everyone got to know."

Anvi's eyes sparkled. "Hi, Anvi," Hardik said. "How are you?"

Anvi's voice was respectful. "I am fine, sir."

Hardik playfully scolded her. "Don't call me sir," he said. "Call me Harry bhai."

Anvi nodded, her cheeks pink. She chatted with the team, her laughter blending with theirs. The call ended reluctantly as it was dinner time for her.

The team gathered for dinner, their camaraderie palpable. Shubman returned to his room, his body craving rest. He messaged Anvi, promising to call her soon. The jet lag tugged at his eyelids, and he changed into his pajamas, surrendering once more to the embrace of slumber.