The morning light crept through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room where Avneet lay in a peaceful slumber. The tranquility was abruptly shattered by the persistent jingle of her phone, which seemed to ring with a sense of urgency. With bleary eyes, she glanced at the caller ID, her heart skipping a beat as she recognized the name: Rahul Dravid. Gently extricating herself from Shubman's tender embrace, she whispered a soft "Hello?" into the receiver.

Rahul's voice, firm yet reassuring, greeted her, "Avneet, I have an important task for you. You're to spearhead the jersey design for the upcoming Test series in Australia. Moreover, you'll be accompanying us as the team manager. We depart today."

A flurry of emotions washed over Avneet—excitement, nervousness, pride. She steadied her voice, "Certainly, sir. Shall I meet you in your office within the half-hour?"

"Perfect, Avneet," came Rahul's prompt reply. With the call concluded, Avneet faced a new challenge: Shubman's embrace, which held her in a loving, yet formidable grip. Carefully, she replaced her presence with a pillow, ensuring his dreams remained undisturbed.

In the solitude of the bathroom, she slipped into a dress that mirrored her newfound responsibilities—bold stripes of navy blue, white, and yellow commanded attention, while the off-shoulder sleeves and cinched waist added a touch of elegance. Her mangalsutra lay against the fabric, a solitary testament to her love.

With a minimalist touch of makeup accentuating her features, she coiled her hair into an elegant bun, allowing strands to cascade freely. The white feather earrings danced lightly as she moved, complementing her attire. White shoes clicked softly on the floor, and with a final glance at her watch, she was ready to face the day.

Upon reaching Rahul Dravid's office, a simple knock heralded her entry. "Fill this form, Avneet," he instructed, his tone laced with the gravity of the role she was about to undertake.

Form completed, Rahul handed her a card, a key to the practice pitch. "Despite your personal ties, professionalism prevails," he reminded her.

Acknowledging with a nod, Avneet returned to her room, her thoughts now on Shubman. It was time to rouse him from sleep, to prepare for the journey ahead.

Shubman stirred, his movements sluggish, a stark contrast to the usual vigor he exuded. Together, they packed, their bags a collection of hopes and necessities.

Descending the stairs, they were greeted by Hardik's jest, "Freedom from this dreary abode at last!" Rahul's chide was swift, a reminder of the respect owed to their temporary sanctuary.

The bus journey to the airport was a quiet affair, punctuated by Avneet's clicks as she captured the team's camaraderie in digital memory, her social media abuzz with anticipation.

@ishankishan23 and @virat.kohli. On aiport joke.

Comments:
anushkasharma: What was the joke?
                             avneetkaur_13: Even I don't know. Ask @ishankishan23.
                                                               ishankishan23: It's a boys joke babhi.

As they awaited their flight, Avneet's smile was a silent prelude to the concern that soon clouded her features. Shubman's pallor was unmistakable, his head finding solace on her shoulder. "I just need some rest, baby," he murmured, his voice a shadow of its usual strength.

Her touch confirmed her fears—fever. Ishan, seated nearby, received her hushed concern with a nod. Shubman's cough, though muffled, did not escape Virat's notice. "What ails Shub?" he inquired, brotherly concern etched in his tone.

Avneet's response was tinged with worry, "He's feverish."

Virat's resolve was clear, "We'll seek medical attention upon arrival."

The hotel became their refuge, and under the insistence of Virat and Rohit, Shubman underwent a battery of tests. The doctor's words fell heavily upon the room, "Dengue. He's too weak to play for the next few matches."

Virat and Rohit's nods were solemn, a silent vow of support. Avneet, at Shubman's bedside, clasped his hand, her presence a pillar of strength. His voice, hoarse and frail, attempted reassurance, "I am fine. It's just—"

His cough cut through the silence, a stark reminder of his vulnerability. Rohit's rhetorical question hung in the air, a gentle chide. Virat's counsel was firm, "Rest now, for strength will return."

With the room emptied of all but the two of them, Avneet whispered, "Sleep, my love. I'll be here, watching over you." Shubman's nod was faint, the medicine's embrace pulling him back into slumber.

After a little while, Athiya walked in and sat down next to Avneet. She tried to comfort her, saying, "Don't worry, he's going to get better." Avneet looked at her and replied, "Yes, he'll get over the sickness, but what he really misses is playing cricket. He doesn't like being stuck in a room all day."

Athiya gave her a reassuring look. "But you're here with him, aren't you? I remember when Rahul couldn't play because of his injury, I was there for him. You can do the same. Shub loves you so much, and he'd really enjoy spending time just with you, away from everyone else."

Avneet laughed softly, remembering all the times their quiet moments were playfully interrupted by their friends Ishan, Rahul, Virat, and Rohit. Athiya added, "I was hoping he'd be awake. Let me know when he's up, okay?"

Avneet nodded in agreement. Soon after, Ishan let Keart, Lakwinder, and Shahneel know they should come over. They all agreed to visit. Then Ishan went to see Shubman, who was now awake and talking to Avneet.

Ishan asked Shubman, "We're heading out for practice. Do you need anything?" The word 'practice' made Shubman look sad. Avneet wasn't happy with Ishan for bringing it up, and Ishan quickly tried to make it better by joking, "Man, Rahul sir wants us to run 100 laps today. I kind of wish I was sick too."

Shubman managed a small laugh and teased Ishan, "Well, go on then, Mr. Kishan. Run those laps. I'll be watching from here." They both started joking around, and Avneet took a photo to share on Instagram.

get well soon, baby. I want to see you on the fields very soon.@shubmangill

Comments:
krunalpandya_official: What happened to him @avneetkaur_13?
                                    avneetkaur_13: He has dengue, bhai
                                    krunalpandya_official: get well soon champ
anushkasharma: Get well soon champ
ishankishan23: Get well soon meri yaar @shubmangill

After a bit more teasing, Ishan said he'd better start running those laps. Shubman's smile faded a bit, and Avneet came closer to ask, "You feeling down?"

He nodded, and she gave him a big hug. "I understand how you feel, and I feel the same. You'll be back playing cricket before you know it. Just focus on getting some rest for now."

Shubman agreed and let go of the hug. Avneet then said, "You know, I'm going to be designing the jerseys for your next series. I'll need to take your measurements tomorrow."

Shubman playfully pinched her nose and congratulated her. Avneet laughed, and then they both watched Ishan trying to finish his laps. Shubman pointed out, "Look at him struggling over there."

Avneet smiled, held Shubman's hand, and they spent some more time just talking together.