✧✧✧

"We reached." I announced noticing All three ladies, Adhya, Bhabhi, and Malavika are fast asleep, and they look so peaceful... especially Malavika.

And this stupid man next to me is also in his beauty sleep.

Malavika was the first one to wake up. She opened her one eye and peeked through it to have a glimpse of the surroundings.

She was the exact definition of sleeping beauty some moments ago.

And all the passengers of mine woke up gradually except the Sleeping demon near me.

As they all got out, I pricked him and he got up suddenly.
"Ouch! Alright, alright, I'm up!"

I hope nobody saw that.

"Malu go and keep this stuff in your room and come to the hall." Bhabhi told her.

"Shubman's room is closed to yours Malavika. So he'll help you." Ishan told her.

Not because of care. This rakshas surely want to tease me later regarding this specific event.

"Yaa sure." I couldn't deny.

It would have sounded rude.

I helped her with her luggage and we reached the 6th floor of our hotel.

"208" She answered as I asked her room number.

"Ooh we are gonna stay in pretty close rooms!!" I told her along with my room number. "206".

"If you need anything, just let me know. By the way, once you're settled, the whole team wants to introduce themselves to you." I spoke as I glanced her.

"Uhmm get ready. And come down." I told her before leaving.

"Oh okay. I'll be down soon." She answered in her sweet voice.

As I reached my room Ishan was there with a teasing smile.

"You seem pretty interested in our new journalist." He spoke.

I knew it. He again started his teasing session.

"Just being friendly, Ishan. Just being friendly." I laughed off trying to change the topic and barged into my room.

Bach gyaa.

✧✧✧

In the Hotel Lobby

We all are waiting for her to arrive. And finally she arrives in the lobby where we were waiting.

All the members introduced themselves.

"Thank you, everyone. Looking forward to working with all of you." She spoke with the most beautiful smile.

"Welcome to the family dinner, Malavika. Grab a seat!" Rohit Bhai invited her.

She finds an empty chair next to Adhya and sits down just opposite to me.

"So, Malavika, how are you finding everything so far?" Shreyas started a conversation.

"It's been great. Everyone's been so welcoming. And please, call me Malu. That's what my friends call me." She spoke to which all smiled.

"And a special thanks to Shubman and Ishan for coming to pick us." She said as she gave the most beautiful smile to me.

Oh she smiled at me.

"Malu it is then! We're glad to have you with us." Virat Bhai spoke.

As the food came. We all started having it. Malavika and Aadhya bonded quickly with all of them.
Especially with Virat Bhai.

Ishan spoke breaking my trance "By the way, Malu, any favorite cricketer?"

"Well, I admire all of you, but if I had to pick, I'd say Virat for his dedication and passion." She answered to which Virat Bhai exclaimed happily.

"Thanks, Malu. That means a lot. I must say I got another two sisters today!!" He exclaimed again.

Everyone enjoys the meal, laughing and bonding over shared stories. Malu feels more at ease, enjoying the camaraderie of the group.

"You know, Malu, it's nice to have another woman around. Sometimes, it feels like it's just us wives against the whole team!" Ritika bhabhi spoke and all the bhabhis chuckled.

Ishan nudged me and I went near as he had to say something.

"Who knows maybe she'll also be in the same team soon!!"

I knew it. He is at it again.

I stuffed a sweet kept near my plate into his mouth.

The dinner has ended, and everyone is heading back to their rooms. Malu and me walk together down the hallway, the buzz of the joy still in the air.

"Did you enjoy dinner, Malu?" I asked her.

"It was wonderful. Everyone is so nice. It felt like being part of a big family." She replied me.

"That's how we roll. We're a tight-knit group. It's good to see you fitting in so well." I said as she nodded slightly.

We walked in comfortable silence for a few moments, the soft lighting of the hallway creating a warm atmosphere.

"Malu. It's nice to have you around. Plus, it's good to have someone who can keep Ishan in check." I chuckled.

Malu laughed and asked me "He's quite the character, isn't he?"

"You have no idea. But he's got a good heart. We all do, in our own ways." I replied.

✧✧✧

The sun filters through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. I stretch and slowly wake up, enjoying the quiet of the early morning. I sit up in bed, taking in the view of the city.

This city is so alive, even this early. It's a beautiful start to what promises to be an exciting day.

I get out of bed and prepare for the day, thoughts of the previous evening's dinner and Shubman's kindness running through my mind. I smile at the memory of his easygoing nature and the way he made me feel welcome.

I head down to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. As I step out of the elevator, I spot Shubman, already seated with a cup of coffee and reading something on his phone.

"Morning, Malu! Early riser, huh?" He wished me with his deep dimpled smile.

Cute.

"Morning, Shubman." I smiled back.
"Mind if I join you?"

"Not at all. Have a seat."

I sit down, and we order breakfast. The restaurant is quiet, with just a few other guests scattered around.

"How are you feeling about today? Ready to dive into the action?" He started the conversation.

"Absolutely. I'm looking forward to it. Got any tips for the newbie journalist?" I asked him.

"Just be yourself. Ask the questions you want to ask, and don't be afraid to show your personality. The team appreciates authenticity." He answered grinning.

We chat casually, enjoying our breakfast. I feel at ease, the professional setting interspersed with light, personal moments.

"So, do you have any big plans for your first interview?" He asked curiously.
"Well, I'm thinking of starting with someone easygoing, like you, maybe? " I laughed.

"Oh, I see how it is. Using me as your warm-up act?" He asked teasing me with a smile.

"Exactly. You seem like a safe bet."

"I'm flattered. I'll make sure to give you a great interview." He said dramatically placing his hand on heart.

We share a laugh, and the conversation flows easily between professional topics and personal anecdotes.

We walk out of the restaurant together, ready to tackle the day, with a budding camaraderie forming between us.

✧✧✧

The team is gathered in the meeting room, discussing strategies and plans for the day. Once the meeting wraps up, I approach Shubman for the interview we talked about over breakfast.

"Hey, Shubman, ready for that interview?" I asked him a bit nervous.
Don't know why?!

"Absolutely, Malu. Let's find a quieter spot." He answered.

We find a cozy corner in the room. I set up my notepad and recorder, trying to maintain a professional demeanor despite the butterflies in my stomach.

"The new jersey is kept there. Quickly wear it." I instructed him.

He went and quickly took his practise jersey off.

No bitch no. Don't look there.

"Alright, let's get started. Shubman, you've had an impressive career so far. Can you tell me about one of the most memorable moments on the field?" I asked him.
"Sure. I think one of the most memorable moments was scoring my first century. The feeling of reaching that milestone, hearing the crowd cheer, and knowing I made my team proud-it's something I'll never forget."

As we continue the interview, Shubman's relaxed demeanor helps me feel more at ease. We laugh and share light-hearted moments between questions.

"Okay, a fun one-who's the biggest prankster on the team?"

"That's easy. It's Ishan. He's always up to something, keeping everyone on their toes." He laughed.

"I can imagine! Any pranks you've been a victim of?"

"Oh, plenty! Once, he put salt in my water bottle during practice. I took a big sip and nearly spat it out." He was rolling on the floor laughing.

We both laugh, the professional setting melting into a more casual, friendly vibe.

"Thanks so much, Shubman. This was really great."

"Anytime." He smiled at me.

For God sake don't show your dimples anymore. Or else I'll end up kissing it.

✧✧✧

Ishan strolls into the room just as Malavika and I are wrapping up our interview. He has a mischievous grin on his face, having clearly observed part of our conversation from a distance.

"Well, well, look who's become the star interviewer. How was it, Malu? Did Shubman behave himself?" He asked Malavika showing me a teasing smirk.

"He was great. Very professional and insightful." She answered.

I ain't a bastard like you!!

Ishan started spilling my secrets.

"Let's go the ground." I announced before he start spilling my secrets.

As we head out to the practice field, I can't help but notice Malavika's thoughtful expression. Ishan is ahead of us, still joking and laughing with a few other teammates. Malavika walks beside me, her notebook ready for jotting down observations.

Ishan's always the life of the party. Can't believe he told Malu about my singing. Maybe I should start making a list of all the embarrassing things he does like the time he tripped over his own feet during that run chase.

I set down and prepares for practice. Malavika finds a spot nearby to observe and take notes.

I hope Malu's enjoying all this. She's got that professional edge but seems genuinely interested. It's kind of cute. Wait, did I just think that? Focus, Shubman.

Ishan comes over, still grinning.

"Hey, Shubman, ready to face my legendary deliveries?" He asked with a sly grin.

Legendary? More like legendarily bad. But sure, let's humor him.

"Bring it on, Ishan. Let's see what you've got." I spoke out loud.

Ishan takes his position and starts bowling to me. The session is filled with laughter and light-hearted competition. Malavika takes notes, occasionally smiling at the playful banter between the players.

She's probably writing down every move we make. I hope she caught that flawless cover drive. Maybe I should give her something interesting to note down.

As they walk back to the hotel, Ishan catches up and throws an arm around my shoulder again starting his bickering.

✧✧✧

•∞•

♡Ek lamhe mein kitne
Yaadein ban jaati hei
Mein itna hasti hoon
Aankhein bhar aati hei♡

The second part finally.

Hope you liked it.

~AuthorAahi