The day began with a crisp breeze sweeping across the practice ground. Tara adjusted the strap of her camera bag, her fingers brushing against the cool leather.

Photography had always been her escape, a way to preserve fleeting moments of beauty, and being surrounded by the Indian Cricket Team's electric energy made it irresistible.

She set her sketchpad aside, pulling out her DSLR. Through the lens, the world came alive in a different way. The players' determination, the arcs of the ball in the air, the camaraderie-they all became vivid stories waiting to be captured.

Hardik noticed her almost immediately. "What's this? Our designer moonlighting as a photographer?" he teased, jogging over.

Tara grinned, lowering her camera. "I'm multi-talented, Captain. Now, get back on the field. You're ruining my shot."

Hardik laughed, striking a dramatic pose. "Come on, Arora. I'm the star here. You're lucky to have me in your portfolio."

She snapped a quick photo, shaking her head. "Fine, but don't blame me if this ends up as a meme."

₊‧.°.⋆✮⋆.°.‧₊

As the practice session picked up, Tara moved to different spots around the field, blending into the background.

She captured Mohammed Siraj's fiery intensity during a bowling run-up, Ravindra Jadeja's graceful throws, and Ishan Kishan's cheeky grins.

Shubman, however, seemed to dominate her lens unintentionally. His focus as he adjusted his grip on the bat, the confident ease in his movements-it all made for captivating shots.

Tara found herself lowering the camera, unsure why she kept gravitating toward him.

"Taking notes for your designs or just admiring the view?" a voice called out.

Tara turned to see Ishan standing nearby, holding a bottle of water.

"Both, maybe," she replied, smirking. "Now get back to work before I show everyone your terrible form."

Ishan laughed. "Fair enough. Just make sure you don't make me look bad."

"Too late," she teased, earning a playful glare.

₊‧.°.⋆✮⋆.°.‧₊

After practice, the players gathered for a quick match. Tara stayed by the sidelines, her camera forgotten as she watched the team banter over field placements.

"Arora!" Hardik called suddenly. "You're up. Show us what you've got."

Tara blinked, startled. "What?"

"You're not sitting this one out," he said, grinning. "You've been watching us all day. Time to join in."

The other players cheered in agreement, and before Tara could protest, Yashasvi tossed her a bat.

She sighed, rolling her shoulders. "Alright, but don't blame me if I outshine you."

The team erupted in laughter, but Shubman's eyebrows raised in curiosity as he leaned against the boundary rope.

₊‧.°.⋆✮⋆.°.‧₊

As Tara stepped up to bat, Hardik bowled the first ball-a deliberately slow one meant to tease her. She smirked, stepping forward and driving it cleanly past mid-off.

The cheers were instantaneous.

"Wait a second," Ishan shouted. "She can actually play?"

"She's hustling us," Jadeja added, shaking his head.

Hardik's grin widened. "Okay, let's see what you've got with a real delivery."

The next ball was faster, aimed at her middle stump, but Tara adjusted her stance and pulled it effortlessly toward the boundary.

By now, the players were on their feet, clapping and laughing. Shubman watched with a faint smile, his arms crossed.

After a few more impressive shots, Tara handed the bat back, brushing a stray hair from her face. "Satisfied?"

"Not even close," Hardik said, still grinning. "We're getting you on the team."

"Not a chance," she replied, laughing as she walked off the field.

₊‧.°.⋆✮⋆.°.‧₊

Later that afternoon, Tara returned to her hotel room to review the photos she had taken. The images were vibrant and full of life, each one telling a story.

She lingered on a few shots of Shubman, his quiet focus a stark contrast to the boisterous energy of the others.

Her phone buzzed, interrupting her thoughts.

lovelies

kash
Tell me you're finally the
captain of the cricket team.

vrits
Or at least you knocked
someone out with a ball.

tara
No captaincy, but I might
be better at cricket
than some of the team.

Tara laughed, replying quickly.

₊‧.°.⋆✮⋆.°.‧₊

That evening, the team invited Tara to dinner, a casual gathering at a waterfront restaurant. She found herself seated between Ishan and Shubman, the former keeping the conversation light with his usual humor.

"So, Tara," Ishan began, leaning back in his chair, "how does a fashion designer end up being great at cricket and photography? Are you secretly training to replace us?"

"Please," Tara replied, rolling her eyes. "I'd last two seconds in an actual match. You'd all make me look bad."

"Doubt it," Shubman said quietly, his voice cutting through the chatter.

Tara turned to him, surprised.

"You're better than you give yourself credit for," he added, his expression serious.

For a moment, Tara didn't know how to respond. There was something about the way he said it-like he wasn't just talking about cricket.

"Thanks," she said finally, her voice softer than she intended.

₊‧.°.⋆✮⋆.°.‧₊

Back at the hotel, Tara sat on the balcony, her camera beside her. She scrolled through the day's photos, stopping at one of Shubman mid-shot, his determination palpable.

Her thoughts drifted to Matt. She hadn't heard from him since his brief message earlier, and the contrast between his distance and Shubman's quiet attentiveness was hard to ignore.

Her phone buzzed again.

Matt
Tomorrow for dinner. I promise.

Tara stared at the message, her chest tightening.

She didn't reply.

Instead, she picked up her camera, aiming it at the city lights below. Through the lens, everything felt simpler-just patterns of light and shadow, far removed from the tangled mess of her emotions.

taraarora has posted!

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taraarora Watching greatness unfold. Eyes on the prize 💪

Liked by shubmangill, klrahul, viratkohli and 80.9k others.

Comments

viratkohli Not bad, Tara! You've got skills
⤷taraarora *dramatic hair flip*

shubmangill Making us look cooler than we are.
⤷taraarora oh shut up y'all are literally models.

mohammadsirajofficial Next time, warn us before clicking!

hardikpandya Where's my cameo, Tara? Unfair!
⤷taraarora saved u from becoming a meme. you're welcome.

klrahul Future team photographer? Don't let the BCCI see this!

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