The whirlwind of the past three days had brought an unexpected closeness between Avneet and Anushka, their friendship blossoming amidst the fervor of the cricketing spectacle. But as the final match of the World Cup approached, a palpable tension hung in the air. India versus Australia—the very mention of it sent waves of anticipation and anxiety through the crowd.

Avneet, who had found a kindred spirit in Shubman, shared moments of laughter and secrets as only close friends do. Their bond had strengthened with each passing day. That morning, Shahneel, Shubman's sister, arrived, her eyes immediately finding Avneet.

Dressed in a chic sleeveless blue dress adorned with a neat row of buttons and complemented by two sizeable pockets, Avneet exuded a casual elegance. The dress, cinched at the waist, accentuated her silhouette, while her hair was styled in a charming fashion, and her makeup was tastefully understated.

"Avneet?" Shahneel's voice broke through the hum of the morning. Avneet turned, her face lighting up with recognition. "Yes?" she responded.

"I'm Shahneel, Shub's sister," Shahneel introduced herself, her tone warm and welcoming.

A smile spread across Avneet's face. "Hi Shahneel di," she greeted, returning the warmth. The two shared a heartfelt hug before Shahneel suggested, "Let's go?" Avneet nodded, her phone in hand, ready for the day ahead.

They arrived at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the grandeur of the venue matching the gravity of the occasion. Together, they took their seats in the VIP section, the atmosphere electric with anticipation. The match commenced, and Australia, having won the toss, opted to field first.

Rohit and Shubman opened the batting for India, but the start was far from ideal. Shubman was dismissed for a mere 4 runs, leaving Avneet, Shahneel, and Anushka in a state of disbelief. Virat followed, contributing 54 runs before his dismissal, and Rohit fell shortly after for 47 runs. Anushka's concern was evident as she voiced, "Why are they getting out so quickly?"

Avneet, ever the optimist, encouraged, "Have hope, Anushka di." Anushka could only nod in response. The wickets continued to fall—Rahul for 66 runs, Suryakumar Yadav for 23—and the Indian team concluded their innings with a modest total of 240 runs. Shahneel couldn't hide her disappointment, "Such a low target?"

Words failed Avneet as the teams took a break before the Australian innings began. When play resumed, the Australian batsmen seemed untroubled by the Indian bowlers. Shami and Siraj struggled to make a breakthrough, and by the 43rd over, Australia had clinched the match with 241 runs, taking the series.

Tears streamed down Avneet's cheeks, mirroring those of Shahneel and Anushka. Shahneel's voice trembled as she muttered, "Kākī dā iha pahilā World Cup Match hai atē uha cagā nahīṁ khēḍi'ā hai. Mainū umīda hai ki uha depression vica nahīṁ phasēgā." (Translation: It's kaakee's first World Cup match and he has not played well. I hope he does not slip into depression.)

Avneet placed a comforting hand on Shahneel's shoulder, her voice steady and reassuring, "Śhahneel dī, tusīṁ citā nā karō. Maiṁ jāṇadā hāṁ ki Shubman depression vica nahīṁ phasēgā." (Translation: Shahneel di, you don't worry. I know Shubman won't slip into depression.)

The two women stepped outside, waiting for Shubman and the rest of the team. Upon seeing him, Avneet couldn't resist enveloping him in a hug, her concern evident as she asked, "Kī tusī ṭhīka hō?" (Translation: Are you alright?)

Shubman, needing nothing more than the solace of her embrace, said nothing. The team boarded their bus in silence, the weight of defeat heavy on their shoulders. Avneet promised to meet Shubman later, to which he silently nodded before joining his teammates.

As the bus pulled away, Avneet stood there, her heart heavy with empathy. She had never imagined the Indian Cricket Team would face defeat, especially when they had shown such dominance throughout the tournament. The unexpected loss was a bitter pill to swallow, not just for the players, but for every fan who had believed in them.

The hotel's quiet corridors echoed with the soft footsteps of Avneet as she approached Shubman's room. With a gentle knock, the door swung open to reveal Shubman, now in more relaxed attire, his face etched with the day's fatigue. Without a word, they embraced—a silent exchange of comfort where words fell short. Shubman's voice was tinged with regret as he confided, "Jēkara maiṁ thōṛā hōra gōla kītā hudā tāṁ aja asīṁ jita sakadē sī, Neet."  (Translation: If I had scored a little more maybe we could have won today, Neet.)

Avneet, known affectionately as Neet to Shubman, and he as Shub to her, offered solace with a gentle caress on his back. "Āpaṇē āpa nū dōśa nā di'ō, Shub. Tusīṁ āpaṇī pūrī kōśiśa kītī," she reassured him, her words a balm to his troubled spirit. (Translation: Don't blame yourself, Shubh. You tried your best.)

In the quietude of the room, Avneet took a seat on the edge of the bed, becoming a pillar of support as Shubman laid his head in her lap, the events of the day slowly receding as he drifted into a much-needed slumber. It was during this moment of repose that Rahul Dravid entered, his presence commanding yet gentle. Noticing Shubman's restful state, he inquired softly, "Sleeping?"

With a nod from Avneet, Dravid handed her a small packet of painkillers, his concern evident. "He got hurt near his neck and he needs to take this. You can give it after he wakes up," he instructed, leaving as quietly as he had arrived.

Soon after, Ishan appeared at the doorway, his eyes reflecting a mix of concern and relief upon seeing Shubman at rest. "Tō jhōpalā āhē kā?" he asked, to which Avneet confirmed with another nod. (Translation: Is he sleeping?)

Ishan shared his intention to offer comfort, but acknowledged Avneet's presence had already provided it. The conversation shifted to practical matters as Ishan inquired about Avneet's travel plans.

"When are you guys leaving?" Avneet queried, her thoughts already on the journey ahead.

"Shub and Shahneel Di will leave for Mumbai tomorrow evening," Ishan replied, the details of departure already set.

"Then book mine also on the same flight," Avneet decided, wanting to stay close to her newfound friends a little longer.

Ishan agreed with a nod, and as he left, Shahneel entered. Her affection for her brother was palpable as she kissed Shubman's forehead, whispering words of love and concern. She turned to Avneet, about to share a sibling's insight into Shubman's sleeping habits, but Avneet's gentle assurance, "It's okay, di," put her at ease.

With a grateful nod, Shahneel retreated to her own room, leaving Avneet to watch over Shubman as the evening light faded into the comforting embrace of the night.