15 December, 2022

The cricket field was alive with the sounds of the bat hitting the ball, the thud of leather meeting willow, and the camaraderie of teammates cheering each other on. Virat and Ishan were deep into their practice session, facing deliveries from the bowlers in the nets, fully focused on honing their skills.

In the locker room, where the boys stored their gear, the familiar buzzing of a phone disrupted the ambient noise. Virat's phone was the culprit. However, he was too engrossed in his batting practice in the nets. The phone rang persistently, but Virat continued his shots, unaware of the missed calls.

Similarly, Ishan, a few nets away, had his phone vibrating in his bag. He too was deeply involved in the training, facing deliveries with concentration. The call went unanswered as the batting drills demanded his full attention.

As the practice continued, Shubman, who had just finished his batting session, entered the locker room, and his phone rang. When he saw Veera's name flashing on the screen, a warm smile spread across his face. He answered the call, "Hey Veeru, what's up?"

Veera's voice came through the phone, filled with excitement and joy, "Shubman! The stadium is finally ready, and the work is done. I'm coming back home!"

Shubman's eyes lit up, "That's amazing news! We've missed you around here. When are you coming back?"

Veera replied, "I've booked a flight for tomorrow morning. I can't wait to see everyone again."

Shubman instantly ran out to the field before sharing the news with enthusiasm, "Guess what, guys? Veera is coming back! The stadium is ready!"

Everyone erupted with cheers from the teammates who had gathered there. Virat and Ishan, finally aware of the missed calls on their phones, paused their practice to listen to Shubman's announcement.

Ishan grinned, "That's fantastic news! It's been too long."

Virat nodded in agreement, "Can't wait to have her back. Let's make sure we give her a warm welcome."

The news of Veera's impending return spread quickly, infusing the team with a renewed sense of energy and excitement. Throughout the remainder of their practice session, the players couldn't help but exchange smiles and chatter about Veera's homecoming.

As the day drew to a close, the team gathered in the locker room to wind down and prepare for their departure. Virat and Ishan, having finished their practice, checked their phones and noticed the missed calls from Veera. They exchanged knowing looks, realizing why their phones had been ringing earlier.

Ishan chuckled, "Looks like we were too focused on practice to notice our phones ringing."Virat nodded, "Yeah, I guess our dedication to the game paid off. But now that we know, we can't wait to welcome Veera back."

Shubman, who had been the one to answer Veera's call, grinned as he packed up his gear. "She sounded so excited on the phone. I'm sure she's counting down the minutes until she's back home."

The rest of the team nodded in agreement, echoing Shubman's sentiments. Veera's absence had been felt by everyone, and her return promised to bring back the warmth and camaraderie they had missed.

As they finished up in the locker room, the boys exchanged playful banter and shared plans for Veera's welcome-back celebration. Some suggested throwing a party, while others proposed a quiet gathering at Virat's house.

Virat smiled, "Whatever we do, let's make sure it's special. Veera deserves a grand welcome."

Ishan added, "Absolutely. She's been working hard in Ahmedabad, and now it's time for us to show her how much we appreciate her."

With their plans in place and excitement building, the team left the locker room, ready to head home and prepare for Veera's return. The anticipation hung in the air, a palpable energy that fueled their determination to make Veera's homecoming one to remember.

As they stepped out onto the cricket ground, the setting sun cast a warm glow over the field, mirroring the warmth and anticipation they felt in their hearts. 

The following morning, the anticipation for Veera's return hung heavy in the air as the team went about their daily routines. Virat, Ishan, and Shubman exchanged excited glances as they made their way to the cricket ground for another day of practice. They couldn't shake off the feeling of excitement knowing that Veera would soon be back with them.

As they arrived at the ground, the atmosphere buzzed with energy and enthusiasm. The teammates greeted each other with smiles and nods, all sharing in the anticipation of Veera's homecoming.

During their warm-up drills, Virat's phone buzzed with a message notification. He glanced at the screen to see a text from Veera, informing him that she had landed safely and was on her way home from the airport. A smile spread across his face as he shared the news with Ishan and Shubman.

"She's on her way, guys! Veera is finally back!" Virat exclaimed, his excitement contagious.

Ishan pumped his fist in the air, "That's awesome news! Can't wait to see her!"

Shubman grinned, "It's been too long. Let's make sure we give her a warm welcome."

As the practice session got underway, the team's excitement only grew. Every swing of the bat, every delivery bowled, was infused with an extra dose of enthusiasm, fueled by the knowledge that Veera would soon be among them once again.

As the morning turned into afternoon, the players took a break from their drills to catch their breath and hydrate. Virat's phone rang again, this time with a call from Veera. He answered eagerly, stepping aside to take the call.

"Hey Veeru, you're almost here?" Virat asked, excitement evident in his voice.

On the other end of the line, Veera's voice came through, filled with anticipation, "Yes, I'm just a few minutes away. I can't wait to see everyone!"

Virat grinned, "We're all waiting for you. Get here soon!"

After exchanging a few more words, Virat ended the call and rejoined Ishan and Shubman. "She's almost here, guys! Let's get ready to welcome her back."

With renewed energy and excitement, the team resumed their practice, counting down the minutes until Veera's arrival. The cricket ground echoed with laughter and camaraderie, a fitting backdrop for the long-awaited reunion that was about to unfold.

As the practice session continued, Virat, Ishan, and Shubman couldn't help but steal glances at the entrance of the cricket ground, eagerly awaiting Veera's arrival. The minutes ticked by slowly, each passing moment filled with anticipation.

Finally, the sound of approaching footsteps drew their attention, and the trio turned to see Veera walking towards them, a bright smile lighting up her face. She looked just as vibrant and energetic as they remembered, and her presence brought an instant wave of joy to the cricket ground.

"Veeru!" Virat called out, a wide grin spreading across his face as he rushed forward to greet her.Veera's eyes sparkled with happiness as she embraced her brother tightly, "Virat! I've missed you so much!"

Ishan and Shubman joined in the welcome, enveloping Veera in a group hug. "Welcome back, Veeru!" Ishan exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine warmth.

Shubman added with a grin, "We've been waiting for this moment!"

Veera laughed, feeling overwhelmed with emotion at the heartfelt welcome from her friends. "I've missed you all too," she said, her voice tinged with gratitude.

The team gathered around, exchanging hugs and greetings as they welcomed Veera back with open arms. The cricket ground buzzed with excitement and laughter, the atmosphere brimming with happiness and camaraderie.

As they settled into a comfortable rhythm, Veera shared stories of her time in Ahmedabad, recounting her experiences and adventures with infectious enthusiasm. The team listened intently, hanging onto her every word and reveling in the joy of being reunited once again.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the cricket ground, Ishan couldn't contain his excitement. He had been waiting for this moment for what felt like an eternity. With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, he approached Veera, his girlfriend of five months, as she chatted animatedly with Virat and Shubman.

"Hey, Veera, can I talk to you for a moment?" Ishan asked, his voice laced with anticipation.

Veera turned towards him, a curious smile playing on her lips. "Of course, Ishan. What's up?" she replied, her brown eyes shining with curiosity.

Ishan gestured towards the locker room, a playful grin spreading across his face. "It's a surprise. Come with me," he said, his voice tinged with excitement.

Veera's eyebrows shot up in surprise, but she followed Ishan obediently, her heart pounding with anticipation. As they stepped into the locker room, Ishan closed the door behind them with a soft click, locking it securely.

Veera turned to him, her eyes wide with surprise. "Ishan, what's going on?" she asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

Ishan took a step closer to her, his gaze intense as he reached out to cup her face gently in his hands. "Veera, we've been together for five months now, and every moment with you has been magical. Though you were away, the messages, the video calls were always the highlight of my days," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.

Veera's heart skipped a beat as she looked into Ishan's eyes, her breath catching in her throat. "Ishan, what are you saying?" she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ishan took a deep breath, his heart pounding with nerves and excitement. "Veera, I love you," he declared, his voice filled with conviction.

Veera's eyes widened in shock, her heart soaring with emotion. "Ishan, I love you too," she confessed, her voice trembling with emotion.

With a surge of courage, Ishan leaned in and captured Veera's lips in a tender, passionate kiss, sealing their love with a promise of forever. Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in each other, the world fading away until there was nothing left but the two of them and the overwhelming love that bound them together.

As they pulled away, breathless and exhilarated, Veera wrapped her arms around Ishan, pulling him close. "I love you so much Ishan," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion.

Ishan smiled, his heart overflowing with love and happiness. "I love you too, Veeru. And I promise to cherish you for the rest of my life," he vowed, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.

As they stood together in the dimly lit locker room, surrounded by the echoes of their love, Ishan and Veera knew that their journey was just beginning. With each passing moment, their bond grew stronger, their love deeper, and their hearts more intertwined than ever before. And as they stepped out into the world hand in hand, they knew that together, they could conquer anything that came their way.

i had to write this chapter cause i couldn't keep my babies away from each other