So..... finally, it was the day I've been waiting for.

I woke up at around 7 since I was asked to report at the Wankhede by 9. Rahul had left early in the morning and when I woke up, Hardik was gone too. To my utter disbelief, he actually had the courtesy to lock the front door before leaving.

With limited time to get ready, I took a quick shower and had a cereal breakfast within 8 and the next thing was...booking an Uber.

^^^^

Wandering around cluelessly, I failed to spot the team anywhere in the dressing room area.

I called the manager on the given number but it wasn't received. Frustrated, I sat on one of the benches. It was 9:10 am.

The last message from Rahul was that their flight was delayed. Supposedly, Kavya was taking the same flight. Right now, none of them were available for call, which definitely meant they were in the air.

I messaged Bhavna now. And as they say, the day you don't find the someone, you don't find none. She, too, fight be at work and declined the call after few rings.

The only attendant in the area, who had no idea about the team's current location offered me tea.

'No, thanks.' I said, politely. He left.

There was a pin-drop silence. With the fine weather around, they didn’t need fans or ACs to be switched on this morning. Neither did I see bundles of paper anywhere that could flap around and make a sound. It was just too quiet, extremely quiet to be exact, much like they say about the moment before a storm arrives.

Just as I thought....

'Nothing is everything for Jassi.'
'That will be decided by the team management.'
'You are completely fu$ed up, bro.'
'Last, year I got two and a half for this..'
'Has Roshni moved to Australia now.'
'No more Chhole bhature for me.'

A cluster of words belonging to various topics coming from the voices of multiple men suddenly hit my ear drums like a unexpected storm.

And then, my eyes saw them. A group of 18-20 players making their way towards the dressing room. Some had bats, some balls and some stamps in their hands.

By the sweat running from their bodies and the condition of their limb muscles, it was evident that they just had a rigorous net practice session.

Out of my weird consciousness, I stood up as I saw them approaching.

I saw many throw a questioning look while some were whispering to others about my probable identity.

'Hey Eshaanvi!' Finally, Ishan spotted me.

Phew!

I smiled back at him with a wave of hand.

He walked towards me and two others followed.

'When did you come?' he asked, holding his innocent smile.

'Uh...well...been a while. I came when I was asked to.' I replied.

'Oh dear! Sorry Eshaanvi, we just got too hyped about the first day practice and took few minutes extra.' he explained. 'Anyway, this is Rahul Chahar and this is Jayant Yadav.' he introduced the two guys.

'Hello!' I did a soft wave of hand.

'And guys, Eshaanvi, KL's sister and our new physio.' He introduced.

Rahul and Jayant were so sweet to me. Soon, more players and associates arrived and all of them reflected courtesy and decency at the best.

'And you must be, Ms. Eshaanvi?' It was none other than Mahela Jayawardene that walked towards us.

^^^^

20 minutes passed and I finally had a 10 minutes talk with Mr. Skipper. Rohit Sharma was more chilled than I have imagined. He seemed like a guy who could actually make you feel at home even when you have crash landed in an unknown island.

'20% of the day, do what you like, 30% of the day, count your money and 50% of the day, enjoy with the team. Duh..' Rohit gave the best suggestion and I couldn't help but crack up.

'Anna was so right about you.' I said chuckling. 'You are so chilled and comforting!'

'Yeah and I wish your brother could be the same. The guy seems so serious all the time! Please, don't be like that. It scares me.' Rohit said, again making me scoff.

'Yeah, he always has been..' I was about to say but..

Thump

A hard slap hit my back. Ouch...

'Ssup Tweety?' Hardik made his presence felt.

What the...

I threw him a death glare, but contained myself in front of others by clenching my fists.

'Hey Eshaanvi! How're you doing?' Krunal bhaiya, too joined.

'I'm good, bhaiya! How are you? Had a good net session, didn't you?' I asked with a smile.

'Yeah, the boys were super excited.' Rohit answered on behalf.

'Yep, it's like a family reunion after an year. What else can you expect?' Krunal bhaiya replied, chuckling.

'Duh... now, you get ready for your duties as the homemaker of the family.' Hardik said, finding some amusement in his stupid statement.

'Excuse me!' I said, giving him a frowned look.

'Eshaanvi, ignore him..man.. You know how he is!' Krunal bhaiya said, before I could smash his brother's head.

'Right.' Rohit said. '..and Hardik, you must know that with your injury issues, you are the one who would need her the most.' he added.

That's right.

I gave Hardik a proud glare.

'Ugh! Don't worry about that, Rohit. We've got that planned.' Hardik said bumping my should with his. 'Isn't it tweety?'

Ouch! This guy!

'Tweety? Who's Tweety?' Rohit asked.

'No one. He just messes around.' I said faking a soft giggle.

'That's my nickname for her, skip. Do you like it?' Hardik asked, now wrapping his arm around my shoulder.

What the..

I nudged him away.

'And I don't like it.' I said holding a sharp face.

'Well...guess we'll do with Eshaanvi, then.' Rohit said. 'Welcome to the team. Just talk with the players and get to know their issues. You can officially start with us with the afternoon session.' Rohit said. 'Now...enjoy..' he left with a smile.

Krunal threw an offended look towards his brother. 'Hardik, it's her first day in here. Please, don't make her more uncomfortable than she already is.' he warned his brother, who raised his hands up in surrender.

'Eshaanvi, don't worry! I'll deal with him after I have a shower.' Krunal bhaiya. 'Take care, till then.' he said patting my arm lightly and picking up a towel while heading to the right.

The buzz in the room still existed.

'Ehm...' Somebody cleared his throat and I felt him grab my left arm as I was looking around unmindfully.

This guy lost all his manners today!

'How dare you?' I pushed his hand away. 'Why are you being so touchy lately? Who gave you the freaking right to touch me?' I asked, gritting my teeth, even though I made sure nobody else listened.

Hardik frowned, looking down at his hand, as if he was surprised. 'Woah! I don't know what you're thinking but I hold so wish to touch you, anyway.' he said, moving a little away.

'I just wanted to show you the other waiting room. You can make some tea or coffee there and mind your own business.' Hardik said, in a menacing tone.

I remembered his homemaker comment from the past and the tea-coffee comment simultaneously.

'Do you actually behave the same way with every other woman? How do they even tolerate you?' I said in annoyance.

Hardik scoffed, crossing his arms on his chest. 'Oh...trust me, I don't and my women love me for what I am.' he said cockily. I only thought you would want to...'

'Aren't you done annoying me at home that you are now after my job?' I pleaded angrily. 'Please...' I whispered folding my hands. Let me be. I'll help you in every way as a physio but please, don't bother me more.'

Hardik raised his eyebrows and I somehow felt a tiny bit of offense hitting his expressions.

'Fine. Then, don't come to me looking for the waiting room any time soon.' he said, getting the towel over his neck and leaving my side.

Phew!

^^^

5 minutes later

I froze, I tried to close my eyes. I tried to disappear from the world. My ears were burning as I tried to focus on the phone in my hand, ignoring at least 15 men taking off their shirts and pants and getting comfortable in their flimsy shorts all around my radius.

Relax, Esh...You are used to see bare people while treating them.

But, they aren't my patients. They are young cricketers, trying to relax in their best forms.

I gulped, looking up.

Oh dear... Some people even had their shorts folded way up the thighs as they sat on the benches talking to one another.

It's okay. It's my job.

But, I didn't have a nurse or any kind of medical attendant here. It's just me watching them undressing.

Well, it might be natural for the physios to experience the sight in athlete's dressing room but as for me...

Ugh! Why am I here, anyway? Don't they have any other room...?

Wait! Didn't Hardik speak about a waiting room somewhere?

I stared at the door. Two players and the bowling coach stood their shirtless almost blocking the door.

No. I can't go to them. What if I do something weird out of embarrassment? I don't want to ruin my reputation on the first day.

Why am like this, anyway? I wish Rahul was here. At least, he'd give me a hint to move away before such scenes, just like....

I gasped as I realized something.

Haaardiiik....

Okay, he went this way. I avoided the bathroom area by closing my eyes, somehow managing not to bump into someone. There were players throwing a smile towards me but I really didn't know how to respond.

And finally...

'Hardik...!' I called as I noticed him, talking to Jasprit and a manager.

And to my dismay .... he too was shirtless, but the other two weren't.

Hardik, who was busy talking, looked at me surprised. I ran to him for dear life.

He just raised his eyebrow and the other two seemed more confused than ever.

Awkward!

'Uh..I was wondering...where is the waiting room?' I asked, forcing a normal cheerful face.

Jasprit was the first to speak. 'Oh..it's the forth one from right.'

'And why do you need to know that?' Hardik asked, trying to be bossy.

This guy!

'... I heard you can make good tea there.' I said sarcastically, recalling his earlier statement.

To my surprise, I felt Hardik trying to hide a smile. 'I'll show you. Come with me.' he said getting the towel around his neck.

'I'll be back, boys.' he said to others as he lead the way.

I, too, smiled at them and followed Hardik.

Hardik, easily, made his way out of the 'guarded' door and I followed him.

I heard him humming a song, as he walked in spirited pace.

Finally, I saw him stopping near a door.

'There..' he said. 'Binu..' he gave someone a call and I saw the first guy that I saw in this place this morning, making his way towards us.

'Yes, Sir..' he said.

'Keys.. Madam is going to be here for a while.' Hardik said and for the first time, I sensed a little maturity in his voice.

'Oh..okay.' the guy smiled at me and took out a key from his pocket. He unlocked the door and my eyes spotted a room, just as spacious as the previous but with a different arrangement.

There were several couches in the room, alongside a big centre table. I also spotted a small-partitioned arrangement for making teas or coffees.

The room had a 52 inch LCD TV, just like the other. There was also a fridge at the right.

'Here...now, sit here, ear here, sleep here. Nobody's gonna disturb you.' Hardik said asking me to get in.

I got inside and Hardik followed. He switched on a couple of fans too.

'Thanks, Hardik. I really appreciate your support.' I decided to express.

Hardik was evidently surprised.

'Thanks? Seriously!' He chuckled. 'Tweety, anyone could say that a 21 years old virgin like you can barely stand the presence of multiple men around him, let alone in their most revealing conditions.' he said.

Ugh!

I threw him a look of dissatisfaction. 'You can't sleep well till you make a mockery out of someone, isn't it?'

Hardik frowned and shook his head. 'Wrong! It isn't just someone..it's just you.' he burst out laughing and I rolled my eyes.

'Very funny!' I said, getting to the nearby couch. 'Thank you for your assistance. Now, you may leave and have a shower.'

Hardik frowned and walked closer.

'Why are you being...?' he stopped as his eyes widened and a smirk formed on his face, that definitely suggested a bad news for me..

'I get it. So, you're feeling shy...vulnerable being so close to a shirtless guy!' he said smugly.

Well, he's partially right but that's not the only reason I want his annoying self to leave me alone.

'What are you talking about?' I asked, showing some annoyance.

Hardik retained his smug look and got the towel, off his neck suddenly closing all the gap between our bodies.

What the...

I frowned, backing a little immediately.

'Awkward, aren't we?' He said and before I knew, his hand reached behind my back, grabbing my waste and pulled me against his bare body.

'Ha...Hardik, what kind of a behavior is this?' I asked, suddenly realizing how our bodies brushed and now, he might actually feel my skin through the fabric of my T-shirt, just like I felt his chiseled abs against myself. I looked away in disgust.

Hardik scoffed. I felt his fingers against my cheek as he directed my face to the front.

'Damn, Tweety! You're as red as a tomato!' he chuckled. 'And it's just me.. Imagine how you'll feel if it was Shreyas instead.'

What?

This guy!

How can I forget? He knows it all..

'Hands off me, you idiot..' I finally burst, pushing him away.

Hardik started laughing hysterically, as he landed on the couch.

'You almost forgot about him, didn't you?' he continued his laughter. 'Oh..Tweety, I wish I could be present around when you would have your first time.....uhh..' he screamed in pain as I grabbed his throat, to choke him to death.

'.... first kiss, I meant.' he corrected.

'No. You have to die today.' I climbed on the couch, on him, desperately ready to be charged off a murder today.

'Ouch...I was just joking!' he said.

'Joking, huh? Shall I call Rahul and tell him what you did?' I continued my assault.

'Where did Rahul come from? okay, go ahead. Call him. May be he can help you with Shreyas if I die.' he said.

'Blackmail! Now, there's no way I can let you live, Pandya. Any last wish?' I laughed like a witch, choking him hard.

'Eshaanvi, stop....uhh...it hurts ...my back..' Hardik said and I immediately realized the pain on his face.

Oh no! I almost forgot.

I gasped getting down from the couch and Hardik laid on his side, resting his head on the arm of the couch.

'Oh God! I'm so sorry! I almost forgot about your back!' I said, regretting things immediately.

As much as I wanted to finish a chapter today, I couldn't betray my inner goodness and my noble profession.

His eyes closed and I sat on my knees on the floor, checking on him.

The team is gonna kill me now!

'Hardik!' I tapped his arm as softly as I could. 'Please, wake up.'

'Hardik, you're there?' I asked, feeling my heart pace, in fear.

And then, one of his eyes open and a smirk appeared on his face.

'Scared, aren't you?' he said sitting up as fast as a flash.

My eyes widened in disbelief.

'You were...? Ugh! You're such a...'

'Relax, Tweety! It was a narrow escape though and I forgive you. Just remember about my back the next time.' he said patting his back softly.

I rolled my eyes in disgust.

He stood up even faster, in front of me.

'And one more thing. You better understand your duties well from now on. You are a freaking physio.' he said. 'And, get used to seeing men in minimal clothing in here, especially me. We have a deal, remember.' he winked before leaving the room with a smug look.

God! What have I put myself into?!!!

^^^^^^^