The sun was setting over the iconic Marine Drive, casting a golden hue over the bustling streets of Mumbai. The air was filled with excitement as fans lined up along the road, waving flags, holding placards, and cheering for their heroes. 

Today was no ordinary day—it was the victory parade of Team India, the champions of the T20 World Cup 2024.

The Indian team had returned home victorious, and as part of the celebrations, the players were taking part in a rally, making their way through the heart of Mumbai, from the Gateway of India to Marine Drive, with the World Cup trophy gleaming brightly in the hands of their captain, Rohit Sharma.

Naima Prushka walked alongside her teammates, her heart swelling with pride. Wearing the official Indian jersey, paired with blue jeans, she could feel the warmth of the crowd's love as they chanted her name. 

It was a surreal moment, one she had dreamed of since she first picked up a cricket bat. The cheers intensified every time they caught sight of her, and Naima couldn't help but smile, soaking it all in.

Shubman wasn't with them—he was still leading the junior team in Zimbabwe—but Naima knew he would've been with her if he could. They'd been apart for a while now, but she felt his presence, his support, through every step she took.

The players were in high spirits, their faces glowing with happiness. They had conquered the world together, and now they were ready to share that victory with the millions of fans who had supported them.

The rally began, and the team slowly moved forward, waving at fans as they passed. The route was lined with thousands of people, all eagerly trying to get a glimpse of their cricketing heroes. 

From the first moment, Naima felt like a queen—everywhere she looked, there were fans shouting her name, clapping, and waving signs with her face on them. It was overwhelming but humbling at the same time.

Rohit Sharma, as captain, led the procession with the World Cup trophy held high. Beside him, Virat Kohli, his eyes twinkling with pride, chatted animatedly with Suryakumar Yadav. 

Naima was flanked by her closest teammates—Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rishabh Pant—who were all sharing jokes and basking in the glory of their victory.

"Naima!" Hardik shouted, giving her a playful nudge, "You've officially broken the internet with that World Cup performance. They've been going crazy over you!"

Naima laughed, shaking her head. "Stop it, Hardik. You're the one who stole the show with your over in the final!"

"I was just doing my job," he shrugged, grinning. "But you, captain, you nailed it."

The chatter was filled with teasing and camaraderie, and the energy was infectious. As they walked, they could hear the faint hum of music in the background. 

Fans had gathered in large numbers, singing patriotic songs, chanting, and waving flags. It was a true celebration, a carnival for cricket lovers.

Naima couldn't help but steal glances at her teammates, her heart full of warmth and gratitude. But her mind often wandered to the thought of Shubman, even as she tried to keep herself grounded in the moment. 

He was a big part of her victory, even if he wasn't physically there.

Despite the joyous atmosphere, there was a slight emptiness in Naima's heart. She glanced around, and though she could see everyone—Virat, Rohit, Rishabh, Suryakumar, and others—she realized that Shubman, Avesh, and Khaleel weren't there.

Avesh and Khaleel were both part of the squad but had been left behind in Harare for the junior series, while Shubman was leading the team there. 

Naima missed them—especially Shubman. His absence felt different today. She had wanted him by her side, to share in this special moment. 

But she knew he was cheering her on from afar, just as she had cheered him on when he was out on the field.

As they approached the famous Marine Drive, the scene became even more electric. Fans were packed along the edge of the road, creating a sea of blue and saffron. Naima raised her hand, waving, and received a deafening roar from the crowd. 

The energy was like nothing she had ever experienced before, and her heart swelled with gratitude. She had given everything for this moment, and it was paying off.

The Indian squad's iconic jerseys, worn by all of them, sparkled under the lights. Naima couldn't help but admire the vibrant colours and how effortlessly they made the players look like gods in the eyes of their fans. 

But it wasn't just about the jersey—it was about the work, the dedication, and the victories that had led them to this moment.

Virat was joking around, pulling faces at the fans, and Suryakumar was mimicking his actions, making the crowd go wild with laughter. They were a chaotic bunch, always up to something.

"You guys are going to give me a heart attack one day," Naima said, chuckling as she watched the duo.

"You should join us," Suryakumar teased. "We need more troublemakers around here."

Naima rolled her eyes but couldn't stop smiling. "I'm already enough of a troublemaker for this team."

The team continued to walk, bantering, teasing, and generally making a ruckus as they proceeded down Marine Drive. 

The love and adoration from the fans were contagious, and even the players who weren't so fond of the limelight couldn't help but smile and wave.

As the evening wore on, the rally came to an end, and Team India made their way to the designated stage for speeches and celebrations. 

But before they stepped off the float, Naima took one last look at the crowd. It had been a long journey—full of highs and lows, challenges and triumphs. But today, with her teammates by her side, she felt like she had achieved something bigger than just a cricketing victory. 

She had found her place in history, and with Shubman's love and support, she was ready for whatever came next.

The sound of the crowd faded slightly as she whispered to herself, "We did it, Shubman. We really did it."

SOUP RANTS

Welcome to the thirty-third chapter of "The Man"!
THIS MOMENT
what are your thoughts about the next chapter?
anyway, hope y'all enjoyed this chapter!
make sure to comment on what you liked!
until then, yours truly
soup 🫶