CHAPTER 45.1 - GET.SET.PLAY

3 years ago

mysticaltales11111

@mysticltales111

Helloooo everyoneeeee..

I hope you are all having a wonderful start to your weeks!

So yes - here I am with the first Update of the Week. And its about medium- long length - around 8.5k words.

Also, yes this is the First Draft. Please definitely ignore editing/common repition of words errors etc - since I have not proofread.

And I shall now let you Dive In - without further Delay.

...........................................

Copyright Disclaimer :

The Moral Right of the Author has been asserted. All Rights Reserved. This Story is published subject to the condition that it shall not be reproduced or transmitted/distributed in whole or in part, in any manner, whether in electronic or in hard copy, without the written consent of the author, and any infringement of this is a violation of Copyright Law.

..................................

** If you are reading this work/story on any other platform other than Wattpad/India Forums, especially TRUYEN4U.net then you are very likely to be at a risk of a Malware Attack for these sites are Mirror sites - who are reflecting our work through a malware lens. If you wish to read this Story in its Orignal, Safe, form, please go to Wattpad/ India Forums.**

Please bring it to my Notice by Messaging me on Wattpad, where in my username is - mysticaltales11111 - if you read this Story on any other platform, apart from Wattpad/ India Forums.

...................

CHAPTER 45.1 - GET.SET.PLAY

32 DAYS LATER

2ND AUGUST, 2020 (Saturday)

AT THE NCA - REHAB WING - BANGALORE

9:00 AM

KHUSHI'S POV

Edgy* Infinity.

Oh - My Edgy Godammit Nervous Nerves.

Guys.

Trust me when I say this to you all at the moment thike? - That I totally feel all nervous and edgy in my being like I truly haven't ever felt before in the longest of the time - Thike?

Like at the moment I totally feel like I am at the Mt. Everest off my very own Nervous Edgy-ness.

But wait.

Before you all think otherwise - I shall assure you all that all this Nervous*Edginess is kind of like acting up my neurons up in a very good way even though it's collectively shut Dear Insides into that quite mode of just perceiving it all around me.

Hmmmm.

Ok.

So before I get to telling you all what all this goody- goody -nervous- edginess is all about it's only fair that I make an attempt at settling these flutters in the pit of my stomach. Flutters that are kind of similar to the Yo-Yo ...My Skipper Blue makes me feel. So yup - it's only fair that I see a killer happy video clipping off him to settle down the flutters so that I can actually get into giving you all a context of it all.

And - Oh Yes as much as I Love all the video clippings of Arnav up online, I think I have to say that this latest one of him has surely made it to my favourites for sure.

Which latest one - you all must wonder?

It's the one of him in like a Super Happy Skipper Mode - from the post-match presentation + victory celebrations from the finals of the ICC Champions Trophy at the Lords, London - where in Our Men in Blue won the tournament in a thrilling 6 run victory in the nail-biting finale with England - from just a week ago!!!!

Like - Yippeeeeeeee to that - yet again.

Now you can all imagine why I mentioned that it's my latest favouritest clipping off him. I mean the joy on his face as the Winning Skipper of the ICC Champions Trophy is priceless indeed, just like the joy on the rest of the team's faces is too!!! He also looks like Uber hot - amidst the crazy victory celebrations by the Champions Board - toooo!!!

Ok.

Wait.

Let's get to seeing this Video off him and the team celebrations Completely.

As I continue to see the complete post-match presentation and the victory celebrations video of Arnav and the team - I feel euphoria engulf me completely just like the first time it did seeing the moment live up on TV and just like I expected - the happy exhilarating expressions and gaming emotions from the face of the love of my life - end up easing a lot of edgy jitters on its own accord.

Ahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

I am loving it.

Maybe - I should just continue to re-watch the last minutes of the epic finale too? For another ten minutes or so? Or wait wait wait - yes - another happy exhilarating video I do want to see for a bit at the moment is off our women's team celebrating their ODI and T20 series win against West Indies Women Too.

Hmm.

Yup.

I shall just get to that as well for now and then Hop back to Arnav's clipping. Thank god for the fact that all of these moments get updated on the BCCI online TV channel so that we can just go back to it as and when in a flick of a second.

Happiness - continues to penetrate me as I see the exhilarating video of my team and the uber grinning faces of Jess, Harpreet di, Sheena Di, Vedika, Harleen, Mira Di, Jharna Di and all. And a couple of minutes later, once I am done seeing their video bytes - I go back to that video- byte of Arnav - my love celebrating victory along with the rest of the unit.

These little video bytes were surely the exact dose off exhilaration that I needed - for yes - my edgy*nervousness - seems to have now eased into that state that I am now going to be able to give you all a context about it all fairly - for Real.

Ok.

Guys.

Any Guesses in there?

I mean - can any of you take a Guess as to why am I feeling this way at the moment?

Alrighty - I shall get to it without further delay! I am all a bundle of nerves this way because just in case if you all paid the attention to the date up there - you'd know that now that we are in the morning of 2nd August - I am just like some minutes away from that moment in time where in my physio team is going to walk with me to the ground at the NCA and after some warm up schedule out there - I am going to be allowed to pick up my bat and head to the nets to play for a little while today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yup.

Now I am sure - you all understand the context of my Nervous Edginess.

Like - Imagine ya guys - after these long gruelling 55 days of rehabilitation and physio - that moment in time is Finally Here. For Time continued to move on and help me work on my stamina and re-building my body's muscle strengths.

Oh boy it was Hard for sure - that journey into reconditioning my body for Play but I did not give up on it or myself no matter how hard it got - even when there where days I'd just lie down in bed all exhausted from the gruelling physical work - wondering how far this very day was when I'd pass the fitness test and be given the green signal to pick up my bat to begin my play! When it got too hard - I just kept my focus on the context of self-belief + the love and never ending support from Arnav + our family's and friends + the power of gratitude - all of which combined truly just helped me continue giving it my all for Real.

And finally, yesterday morning - was when I actually cleared my fitness test quite comfortably which led to the doctors + physios on my case deciding that I was good to go - in terms of giving - my bat a shot of play in the nets at the ground adjoining the NCA - two days earlier than my decided schedule. As in earlier they had decided that they'd wait till the 4th of August to let me try playing - but given the way my body had co-operated and healed well in time - they saw no qualms in letting me have a shot at Play - two days in advanceeeeee!!!

Like I am sure I do not have to tell you all what an over-excited nut I was yesterday when I heard this ya - I mean I was a bundle of joy + happy tears + experiencing so many more overwhelmed emotions all at once indeed that I spent the most of the later evening + night talking to our families, my close friends and the majority of it all with Arnav - ofcourse! Like I couldn't even sleep too well in excitement thike ? Like guys - I was waiting in sheer anticipation for the sun to rise in the morning! And now that the morning is finally here - I was obviously back to feeling like this edgy bundle of nerves for a bit.

But I am not going to be too hard on myself for it for I know it's only natural to feel this way.

Guys - I do not have my own playing cricketing kit here so I am going to be practicing with one of the kits from the game room at the NCA. But just the feeling off putting on my leg guards and dawning a cricketing kit and wearing my helmet and touching a bat has got me all vulnerable and emotional too! No wonder Dear Insides have decided to stay in a collective silent dazed mode just taking the moment in for I am supposed to head out in ten minutes to catch up with Yasmine for a little breakfast before we get onto some warmup- physio and then Play.

I am right on that thought when my phone buzzes with Arnav's video call.

Oops.

I am surely going to be reprimanded for not waking him up earlier! Guys - Its totally my fault that he slept only at 3am last night anyway! So even though he had asked me to wake him up the minute I had finished showering and freshening up - I just didn't. He's only returned like four days ago from an uber hectic cricketing schedule ya and he needs the relaxation+ rest time at home before he gets set on the 8th of August to recollect with the unit for the hardcore preps + practice for the Asia Cup - which is scheduled to begin soon.

I smile to myself as I swipe up and take his call and just as I expected I see his frowning face fill in my screen as he says in his adorable scolding tone still all tucked into bed - " Sparkle?? what the hell ya...you don't do this to me dammit..please...I asked you to wake me up the minute you were done with the shower and stuff right? so that I could talk to you for a good 30 to 40 minutes before you head out the room and the fact that you didn't wake me up obviously has pissed me off...I mean thank god that my eyes just opened up on their own while I was twisting in bed and I decided to just have a peek-a-bo at the time..."

I smile at him lovingly as I lean back against the headrest of my bed - " hey you...Skipper Blue..goodmorning meri jaan..."

Arnav narrows his as at me as he scowls - " nope..no...Sparkle...do not pull that smile on me right now...it would have been a good morning if you'd woken me prior..which you didn't.."

I chuckle as I touch the screen lovingly. He has this habit of sleeping without his Tee's in the Summer. I admit giving him a playful wink - " oh you look so freaking hot when you just wake up love...I mean..it's been ages since you woke up in the mornings next to me na...oohhh my my...Arnav...I am getting all flushed...with the sight of you barechested and still tucked lazily in bed..though..I mean...I am sure you can spot the flush up dear cheeks already...see...see...,"and I pause to act up and flash my cheeks to him dramatically - " see...I am in Heinz ketchup mode already..."

That from me finally makes Arnav chuckle a little through his frown as he says - " godammit you Sparkle..."

I shoot him another loving smile - " oho...meri jaan...you know very well why I didn't wake you up thike? I mean as it is because of the overexcited emotional nutcase that I have been since yesterday - you slept so late na keeping up with my chatter...you need the rest too..to just sleep in a little late than usual sometimes at the least..."

Arnav sighs - " Sparkle...but...I am just pretty much scheduled to lounge and relax at home and your's today...so I could have caught up with some extra sleep later is what I mean...I didn't need to sleep during this interval when I know you are headed out to face the most monumental moment today..the one you'v been waiting for...the one we have all been waiting for..."

I grin at that as I say - " well...see...technically you do not have anything to frown about thike? for you did catch me in time...as in..I still have another ten minutes or so before I head out to meet Yasmine....for breakfast..."

Arnav nods as he says - " well yes...I know that bit of it Sparkle..,"and he pauses and adds locking his gaze with mine - " but I just knew it that you'd be feeling like a bundle of nervous meri jaan..ever since you woke up this morning..."

I nod at him at that as I say sincerely - " acha..listen na baba..I am so sorry that I didn't wake you up thike? as in ab there's no point in haggling and wasting time over it na? I just have like 9 minutes left before I head out..please...just give me that killer smile of your's na??"

Arnav does. He gives me that exact killer heart-warming smile of his that I needed to see at the moment and he asks softly, locking his intense gaze with mine - " nervous much Sparkle??"

I nod at him sincerely as I admit honestly - " oh yes...like am such a bundle of nerves ya..but in a good way too,"and I pause as I wink at him as I say - " and please note...even though you were sleeping...it was you..who helped ease my edginess thike??"

Arnav raises his eyebrow at that as he asks grinning - " really?and how was that??"

I chuckle as I say - " well...I was watching your victory celebrations from the ICC Champions trophy finale with the team and the post-match presentation video again...na...baba...haa...that happy energy from you on TV acted like magic as always...I mean I just have to say this again..Skipper Blue...your bat has been doing some major talking haan this year and how ....I mean...how epic was your 105 runs in the final of ICC Champions trophy against England..ok..it wasn't just epic thike? it was beyond just epic indeed..."

Arnav chuckles at that lovingly as he says - "well you know very well Sparkle...that...that 100 was for you too...but yes..thank you so much for that yet again...but this moment in time...right now..is not about me alright? it's about you...and you know what will be epic*beyond all off infinity? The sight when I actually see you pick up your bat and play after all these months indeed....I mean I am so glad that Yasmine agreed to subtly video call Samaira at that point unknown to the fact that I will be on video call with Samaira at that point from the tablet too with our video off but coz the video on the other end will be on...I will be see you in live time meri jaan...I mean it's not going to be beyond just epic not only for me but for both our families...since Sagar Dad, Nisha Mom, Rahul and Anj are joining us for breakfast this morning in a while from now...so that we can all see you live...together..."

That wells up Dear eyes on its own accord indeed for of course the way Arnav and everyone back at Home has planned to be with me in the moment of time nonetheless - means the world to me.

I nod at him lovingly as I whisper - " I know....in fact I will call them all too quickly after my breakfast for a bit...I spoke to Mom though a while back already....I told her to tell everyone that I will call before I head out to doing my physio warm up...have to call Jess too...also Reva Mom, Abhi Dad, Dadi, Akash.."

Arnav nods at me lovingly - emotions evident in his voice as he says softly - " Sparkle...do that ofcourse...but hey...listen..I do have a suggestion in here for you..before you step on the ground to play.."

I nod at him as I ask inquisitive - " yes love...bolo na..what suggestion?"

Arnav shoots me a heartfelt smile and he say's - "how about if you wear the belt around your waist and back for a bit in the first couple of minutes of play...you know just to be extra cautious since you will be playing after months...I mean..just to be cautitious off no sudden jerks or whiskers...to dear back...or maybe just wear it all day for play today?"

I chuckle at that lovingly - loving his protective mode as I say locking my emotional gaze with his - " yes yes...okay..meri jaan...I will talk to Yasmine about the same thike? anyway...I am only playing in like super short sessions today....infact is Yasmine is going to check up on me every ten balls..I guess..."

Arnav nods - grinning- brushing his hands through his hair and he adds in another reminder in his loving, protective tone - " great.....also..yes...Sparkle...I think...just wear those arm guards too...today...I mean...we don't want any balls scrapping here and there too..right??"

I chuckle as I answer lovingly - " yes...Your Majesty..noted...leg guards on..arm guards on...helmet on...yes a support back-belt for play too on today...anything else??"

Arnav shakes his head in a negative, grinning as he says - " nope...that should be good to go..."

I chuckle at that - " if it were up to you...Skipper Blue..you'd have me playing cricket in an armour today..."

He chuckles at that as he says - " well yes to that...apologies Sparkle for going into my protective zone...I guess..I am just nervous too...for you..and for what I am going to feel when I see you play too..."

I lock my gaze with his emotions returning to overwhelm me completely - " oh..please...I understand love...you'v lived every bit of the moments in my journey ya...you'v seen me through it all...thank you love..thank you so very much...for overcoming this inner battle emotionally and physically was possible because of you all too..."

Arnav gives me a heartfelt smile - " oh please Sparkle...that was just partial perhaps? mostly...it was all You...I am so proud of you dammit...so so so ..freaking proud...you just don't worry okay? Just go with the natural flow once you reach the nets...alright?the rest will just come to you ...I know...the game's inherently in you already Sparkle......you bleed blue dammit......"

I nod at him lovingly as I say - " just like you..Skipper Blue...,"and I pause as I say after taking deep breathes of relaxation - " do you know I also saw couple of videos of our women's team's series win from the WI tour of India.."

Arnav asks grinning - " really? did you now Sparkle??"

I nod at Him and he adds lovingly - " how about if we see your six-sixes video again too before you set out the room.. Little Hit Girl??"

I nod at him lovingly as I say - " yes..maybe..."

And he gestures me to get my tab and I do so quickly just like he does and as we quickly see those highlights of my Six-Sixes again together, my eyes well up on their own accord as I whisper touching the screen on my tablet - " I can't believe Arnav..that the moment in time is finally here...when I am going to pick up my bat again to see...if I can make my way back to the Little Hit Girl version of myself...I mean...this is it....the moment of truth...,"and I look up my tablet screen to find Arnav looking at me with so much love shining in his eyes already and we share an emotional silent eye lock that was speaking volumes in between of us.

About a minute later he says softly - "yup..like you said..this is it...Sparkle...and I am going to be with you ok?Sparkle? we all will be...you know that don't you?? ill watching you...meri jaan...and please know...I'd surely be the crazy jumping jack in happiness at just the sight off you walking to the nets all dressed up in your cricketing avatar..."

We share a warm happy chuckle at that and Arnav adds lovingly - " infact...Rahul and me are betting on this for sure..as in he says he'd be the crazier jumping jack in there though....or maybe..I just know that Sagar Dad will beat us both to it..."

And we share another happy chuckle that gets converted into a happy laughter for the next couple of minutes and I feel the loving vibe in between of us - strengthen me yet again on it's own accord - and all of me gets consumed with the shades of grit and determination that's kept me going all this while - on reflex.

Guys.

I got This.

I can do this.

I am going to do this.

I am going to - Get - Set and Freaking - Play!

Today.

.........................................................

90 Minutes Later

10:30 AM

In the Dressing Room -At the NCA Playing Ground, Bangalore

Khushi's POV Continues

Ok.

Then.

Guys.

Even though I had anticipated this bit off the flow of emotion as and when I would be in this given moment of time but I swear to all of my Cricketing Gods above that I had not anticipated the magnitude of the flow of emotions that would basically consume me equalling me into feeling like all Super Duper Emotional* Beyond all of Infinity for Real.

I mean - I am standing all perpetually dazed at the entrance of the dressing room at the NCA after finishing up with my warm up physio's and getting on a quick call with Mom, Dad, Superbro, Anj, Abhi Dad, Reva Mom, Akash, Dadi plus a quick extra chat with Arnav and Jess after telling them that I was now headed into getting ready to head to the nets.

They obviously were super emotional too and they now know that I just need to be in my element all by - myself as I get set to set my foot out to Play.Arnav says that it's super-crucial for me to experience the range of emotions that I am experiencing at the moment perhaps? So that it serves as a rightful closure to all that I have been through ever since I was injured.

Ok Then.

So.

The reason why I am rooted at the entrance right now is also because I just wanted to soak in this moment where- in - I am about to step into a Cricketing Dressing Room after ages. The Dressing Rooms that once used to be my permanent lounging point alongside my respective teams be it domestic/international. And it's an absolute amazing feeling to just feel that I will be getting back to the Dressing Rooms after what seemed like Eternity!!!

Ok.

I know.

I know - you all surely thinking that what's with me ya..I mean I am getting all nostalgic at the entrance of a Dressing Room itself. But I just can't help it thike? I promised myself that I'd let the range of emotions flow as is without trying to shut them out.

I am right on that thought as I hear Yasmine's happy voice coming in from behind me - " really?? Khushi?? I mean...The Little Hit Girl is all dazed to her spot at the entrance of the dressing room itself??"

I look back at her still standing pretty much rooted to my spot as I admit with a overwhelmed grin - " oh yes...Yasmine...you could say that totally...I mean I am dazed* infinity...I mean now that this moment is finally here...I just feel like...so overwhelmed...and happy...its unbelievable..this is so huge for me right now..so freaking monumental within...just feels like I have finally been able to conquer my very own mind and body to make my way back here... "

Yasmine nods at me sincerely giving me her warm smile - " I understand ofcourse Khushi...I mean ..I have seen so many cricketers walk back to the nets after an intense rehab over the period of my time here getting all caught up in emotion...but trust me when I say this...I have never seen anyone as dazed to their spot at the entrance of the dressing room itself...for sure...their daze often starts when they head to the ground..."

That makes me chuckle on reflex as I add - " well...I am glad that I am the first on that then....."

Yasmine nods warmly and she comes in to give me a warm side hug as she says - " come on then...get ready now...,"and she pauses and hands me the support belt from her hands - " here...it is...wear this for this first day...we were going to hand it to you anyway..but am glad that you asked as well..which only tells me that you are as watchful as well...which is a good sign..makes me worry less as your official physio ..I wouldn't want you to sniggle in any jerks in excitement.."

I chuckle to myself remembering Arnav's protective zone from a while ago.

I take the belt from her hand and I say - " thank you Yasmine...I'll take that and get in to get ready now..."

Yasmine nods happily - "yes...do that...and I will be waiting for you out with my phone in hand...I mean Samaira will kill me if I don't get her on the video call the minute I spot you all set to step onto the ground.."

We share a happy chuckle yet again and she pats me on my arm in happy support and walks out towards the ground.

I take a deep breathe.

Ok.

On the Count of- One, Two, Three.

Let's do This.

Lets get into the Dressing Room.

One.

Two.

Three.

And I walk in - still pretty much like a dazed version of myself and I spend the next five minutes just tenderly touching the various cricketing kits and bats lined up in front of me across a line of lockers! Ah - finally! From not being allowed to sit up months ago to now finally just being minutes away from dawning my leg guards and cricketing kit by myself!!! God - I have no words to express the Magnitude of my Happy Daze.

I take another deep breath for Dear Eyes have welled up with Happy tears on it's own accord for I realise that it's now time to choose the kit I am going to dawn - first!!

I follow my gut intuition - in picking up a pair of blue leg guards and arm guards and a helmet in front off me (the ones that I think will be the perfect fit for me) - loving the fact that they were all Blue in Colour(Given my love for Cricket and Skipper Blue - obviously).

I walk back with them in my hand to the little bench up in front off me and lean it all against the bench and take my seat fighting a pool of happy tears as I begin to tuck in my support belt around my waist under my sport - tee. And once I was done with that - I finally get onto dawning the rest of the elements of my kit - one by one.

And just like that - as I am doing so - the happy moment from back in time from the dressing room at SCG(alongside by team) where-in I played my last match makes it way into Dear Mind on it's own accord resulting in a nostalgic smile making its way to the curve my lips on too. That was 27th January, 2020 - and today is 2nd August, 2020!!

Ahhhhh the Tides of overwhelming emotion continue to consume and engulf me.

Guys - Apologies - yet again - for I don't think I'd ever be able to find the right words to express what I am feeling at the moment as I finish dawning and adjusting the helmet on my head and walk over to finally choose a Bat to Play with. There are probably over 30 bats of various weights and sizes lined up in front off me at the moment too and I am so overwhelmed at just the thought of touching one of them!!!!

Right then my stunned with emotions Dear Mind + Dear Heart chip in warmly as they say. Hey - K...we just wanted to say this for a second...how about if you choose the bat no 21 lined up from this line..you know 21 for it's Arnav's Jersey number...I mean we know you love the no 22...but I guess..in this moment of time...let's just go with the 21st bat lined up please? I mean it will totally feel like as if he is with us too as in he already is.. for his mind is surely tuned into your energies at the moment. But you get the point, don't you?

I smile to myself. Yup ofcourse Dear Insides. And right you are - it's only fair that I go with the Bat No 21 lined up in this que of bats indeed !!

Dear Insides grin in collective Unsion. Ok then - now that you'v heard our point out that's us getting back into our stunned with emotion zone yet again. You carry on - K. Pick up that Bat and make your way out! Its about time that you Get - Set and Play! Whoot Whoot - we are cheering for YOUUUUUUUUUUUU! YOU GOT THIS. YOU FREAKING GOT THIS.

I smile to myself fighting another pool of happy tears as I walk along the que of Bats to Bat no 21 lined up in the que counting it along the way and just as I touch the handle and pick it up - the pool of Happy tears that had huddled up in dear eyes - finally makes its way down both my cheeks on its own accord.

Guysssssssssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just Freaking Picked Up a BAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LIKE FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I AM GOING TO HUG THIS ONE - JUST BECAUSE IT'S BAT NO 21 FROM THE QUE TOO!!

YEAH - CALL ME A FREAK IF YOU WANT GUYS - BUT THE HAPPINESS THAT IS CONSUMING ME AT THE MOMENT AS I AM HUGGING THIS BAT IS PRICELESS.

After a couple of minutes of just holding the bat in my arms - I finally rotate it in my hand feeling all powered up with happiness, grit and determination and make my way out the dressing room towards the ground in steady powered strides.

And just as I step out - I spot Yasmine waiting there along with some more support staff from the NCA and a couple of more physio's from my case each of them giving me a warm sincere smile for they have been a part of my journey to recovery right? They'v seen me go through it all and they surely must have a hunch of what I am feeling as a sportsperson as the moment.

They ask in unsion - " the nets are set..Little Hit Girl..are you good to go?? The bowler is waiting by the nets for you too...come on..head on now...before more players arrive in another 30 minutes for their nets and practice sessions...we had your session slotted prior..."

I can also see Yasmine's phone all in her hand already facing me and she gives me an encouraging Thumbs Up sign - which means that she's surely got Samaira on the video call already which also means that everyone else at Arnav's is watching me Live already too!!!

I nod at the support team happily rotating my bat in my hand in glee - pretty sure that I was like that Kid in the Candy Shop who had just been handed the Crazy Big Lolipop!!!!!!!! And I am sure everyone back at home will be able to figure out exactly what I am feeling!!

I gesture a huge thumbs up to the support team and oblivious to them to Arnav and everyone back at home as I say out loud - " I am good to go...guys...all set...lets do this...let's play...."

And as they all nod back happily at me each of them giving me a thumbs up - I make my way onto the ground tucking my Bat No 21 under my forearm happily.

Yup.

I totally feel like what a Toddler would feel like at walking those first stretch of crucial steps independently across a ground at the moment!!

Ha! Ha! Guys - the excitement that consumes the pit of my stomach is also surely the same I felt when I was walking to the pitch for my very first domestic match years ago - and my very first international match for my country a couple of years ago!! I mean - the Crazy me - is going into an Exhilarated Mode while just walking to the Nets just Now!! Who knows what am I going to feel when I actually walk out to play a Match for Real!!

But you guys understand, don't you?

I mean - this is Monumental* Beyond all of Infinity - Ya!!

As I near the nets that I was appointed to - I see the bowler walk up to me grinning as she says - "and I am glad that I will be bowling to you today..Little Hit Girl..I mean I was told that I am to head here just in time to bowl to a player who had just recovered from intense rehab...and to be honest...I was hoping it would be you Khushi...since it isn't news that you'v been here for your recovery...big fan..huge fan of your game..."

I smile at her warmly as I ask holding my hand out to her for a shake - " thank you so very much..,"and I pause and she gets the inference as she says grinning back shaking my hands - " Nikita..I am Nikita..."

I nod at her happily as I say - " thank you Nikita...for coming out to practice with me today...to be honest...I am grinning like a but I am nervous too..what if you clean bowl me with your very first killer delivery..."

She grins happily - " well I bet you..its going to take me a lot more deliveries to clean bowl you Khushi.....,"and she pauses and I add grinning - " thank you Nikita..that was very kind.."

She grins and adds - " no worries Khushi..I know and can anticipate exactly what you must be feeling as a fellow cricketer at the moment..,"and she pats my arm in encouragement - " I am ready...whenever...you are..."

I nod at her as I admit grinning - " I am ready too..more than just ready..," and I gesture to her that I am now going to get to taking my batters spot in front of the Stumps.

Once she nods at me with a thumbs up - I finally make my way down in front of the Stumps holding and rotating my Bat No 21 in Hand.

Hey - You - 22 Yards! Long Time - No See !! Did you miss me at all? I surely Missed You a Hell Freaking Lot - Indeed.Good to see you again. Lets not Break Up again - like ever - Alrighty?

And as I finally take my spot in front of the stumps and get set into my Batting Position and gesture Nikita a Thumbs up to get set to bowl in - surprisingly I feel myself being consumed with a sudden wave of calm and serenity.

Arnav was right all along perhaps? Our game is so inherent into me that it was only a matter of time until I got hold of the bat again! Now I know exactly what he meant by - It will Flow to me Naturally if I do not let worry - barricade the flow. I just have to tell myself that this isn't me coming out to play after ages, instead it is just the madly in love with cricket version of myself coming out to Play and face the ball.

And now that I just thought that bit - I can't help but grin to myself feeling all relaxed.

Ok Guys - I can see her getting ready to bowl in - for she is pacing forward in her steps now.

Bring it On!

One.

Two.

Three.

In comes the ball and I am able to play a defensive shot straight up from the lower edge of my bat to defend my position.

OH MY FREAKING GOD.

THIS FEELS SURREAL!

I JUST PLAYED MY FIRST SHOT! A DEFENSIVE ONE AT THAT!!

I re-adjust my helmet on my head a little - wiping a happy side-lined tear out off my eye as I gesture Nikita to get on with another delivery.

She does.

And I am able to defend that of the Middle of my Bat again!

And after playing two more defensive shots - on the next two delivers - I hear Dear Mind chip in through the stunned happy daze - Go on then Sparkle...try Skipper Blue's cover drive will you? You love that shot of his don't you? See you did not get clean bowled on the first four deliveries at all, which means its time to Drive IN!

Oh Yes. Lets give My Skipper Blue's Cover Drive a Shot!

And as the next ball comes in - I aim and play for a cover drive shot that would have otherwise gone into the boundary line for a - Four - indeed and I hear Nikita say out loud from across - " okay...Little hit girl...you just hit me for a Four..after those first four defensive hits...good job...you....I told you...I am going to need a lot more deliveries to clean bowl you..."

I nod at her happily - and as she gets ready to bowl in the sixth ball which would be like the last ball of the first over, she bowled - I hear Dear Heart chip in now nudging me forward - Maybe Try your Pull shot too...Little Hit Girl...You can surely do it! It's your natural hit shot!

Ok then.

Lets do that - Dear Heart.

Let's give a Pull Shot a Shot!

I get set with my stance yet again and I feel my muscle memory realign to play the same on its own accord too.

And just as Nikita bowls in the ball and the fact that I am able fire it Pup through in a pull shot successfully(in the sense that it surely would have gone out for a six in the ground during play) - I finally feel like I have conquered a Monumental Inner Battle Indeed.

And the Pool of Happy Tears Return!

Nikita walks up to me grinning as she says - "and I was hoping you'd do that Khushi...I am a huge fan of your six sixes moments...from the Kia..out of which four of the sixes were the pull shots..."

But I am unable to answer her at the moment as Tides of priceless happy emotions engulf me momentarily and tears leave my eyes.

I gesture her in a silence to just give me a moment and she nods at me sincerely in a silent understanding acknowledgement of the same. I take out my helmet next momentarily and wipe the trail of my happy tears with my hands, kneeling down on the ground in front of the stumps on reflex. And the very next moment - I just bury my face in my hands completely overwhelmed and consumed within my very own cricketing emotions like never before.

And.

I Cry.

Out of Happiness - ofcourse!!

And I continue to Just Cry out Niagara Falls of Happy Tears - Out of Sheer Glee.

...........................................................

Meanwhile Simultaneously

At Rihaee (Raizada Mansion)

To say that everyone gathered up together in the informal living area were collectively overwhelmed with intense emotion within - would surely be an understatement of the century!

For Yes - Rahul, Sagar Gupta, and Arnav had actually indulged in jumping in glee - spree together the minute they had spotted Khushi walk to the ground out of the dressing room dressed in her cricketing get up - Indeed. Not very surprisingly though - it was Sagar who had managed to win the jumping jack spree contest for he actually had leaped up in happiness - to a height no one could actually anticipate he was capable of jumping at in the first place claiming in sheer glee to all, completely elated and cheering and clapping - " Nisha..Abhi, Reva Bhabhi, Dadi, all our kids...you all are seeing what I am seeing on this video call..aren't you??? that's my girl...my little girl...back in her cricketing avatar after months..."

Everyone had nodded at him in sheer glee with Nisha, Reva and Dadi tearing up and hugging onto each other in happiness unable to digest that the moment that they were all waiting for - was finally happening with Nisha exclaiming teary eyed - " my...baby...look at her..just look at her...there she goes...off to the field..."

Reva and Abhi had exclaimed happily too - " our baby...Nisha...Sagar...our baby..our little girl...look at that...she's done this..she's fought this through..."

Dadi grinned as she said to all - " I told you all...nothing could ever keep back Khushi beta from recovering for good...thank you god..thank you for this day..."

Anjali, and Akash had hugged onto each other in happiness too as they exclaimed to each other in glee - " knew it..that Our Junior was going to do this today..."

After continuing to cheer and jump happily for the next two minutes as Khushi continued to walk to the nets Rahul and Arnav finally hugged onto each other in immense happiness - giving up collectively on the the jumping jack version of themselves - realising that Sagar Dad was beating them hands down at it continuously - nonetheless.

Rahul was truly an overwhelmed brother as he stated hugging Arnav wiping his happy tears - " did you see her ...Arnav...I mean did you? she's dressed in her playing avatar..like...finally..."

Arnav had hugged onto Rahul back tight, his happiness knowing no limits as he stated grinning - " yes...I saw...I saw...so glad that Samaira is helping us live this moment..,"and he had paused momentarily for immense emotion had choked his voicebox. The sight of his Sparkle choosing the blue coloured leg guards, arm guards, and helmet had not missed his eye obviously - infact the very sight of it had stumped him with immense love yet again.

And the very second after - they all returned their attention to the TV screen upfront which was being mirrored through Arnav's tablet to show the sight of Khushi up on the TV screen in the lounge, they spotted Khushi finish her little conversation with the bowler(thankfully Yasmine had zoomed in the lens to the spot) - and they all collectively watched with bated breathes as she took her batting stance in front of the stumps.

Anjali had walked over to hug both Akash and Rahul from one end.

Sagar had stopped jumping finally and hugged onto Nisha happily in anticipation to his side.

Reva side hugged onto Abhi happily too.

Arnav finally sat down in front of the wing chair where his Dadi was seated holding her hand with bated breath too!

And just as they saw Khushi play her very first defensive shot - each of them cheered and clapped happily in sheer Glee yet again each of their eyes welling up happily in immense emotion.

And three more balls later as they took in the sight of her going in for the Cover Drive shot - Arnav felt the need to wipe his very own happy tear out of the corner of his eye - as Happiness and Calm continued to engulf him like never before. His Sparkle was Back to her Cricketing Avatar for Real! This wasn't a Dream. It was finally happeneing.

Whilst everyone was stunned in a happy silence - Akash had exclaimed happily - " bhai..everyone...did you just see that...Junior probably just hit bhai's favourite.. the cover drive shot..."

Everyone affirmed a Yes - in unison for they all knew how to read that shot perfectly.

Arnav had nodded clutching onto his Dadi's hand next - " everyone......as much as I Know my Sparkle...she might just go in with trying to hit her pull shot next...I am just so glad..she has that support belt on at the moment...though..."

And everyone had exchanged excited anticipated glances happily as they looked on the screen again and as Arnav had anticipated - his Sparkle truly did fire up a Pull Shot next - indeed - leading them all to just hoot and cheer happily for her with Akash, Anjali,Rahul exclaiming to all - " Junior's is back....Our junior...our little hit girl...is back...everyone..."

Everyone got up to get into a happy group hug for a minute or so after which Arnav was sandwiched in a hug in between both his fathers' Sagar and Abhi on either sides as Sagar said with his eyes welled up happily - " you supported her through Arnav beta..always...thank you...so much for being there for my daughter and loving her the way you do...its surely your love and support that has powered her through...you assured her always...that you would play on her behalf until she couldn't which never let her feel disconnected from her game..ever..."

Arnav side-hugged Sagar happily as he answered - " Sagar Dad..please...it wasn't just me..,"and Abhimanyu stated the next second taking up the sight on the screen as everyone was busy celebrating the moment - " wait...everyone...Khushi..she's overwhelmed onto another level....look she's just kneeled to the spot and I guess...she is crying out of sheer happiness at the moment...I mean..I am sure those are tears of happiness.."

And as everyone took in the sight up on screen Arnav adds his heart swelling with both pride and love - " ofcourse those are tears of happiness Dad...infact I'd say ..that is My Sparkle..crying out in sheer glee at the moment...".He was also partially stunned witnessing the tender moment.

Nisha and Reva sidehug each other as they say understanding the moments meaning to Khushi - "it's only natural for her to feel this way... we don't mind the flow of those happy tears...they need to flow out..she's been waiting for this moment..forever...right? only fair that the moment gets its emotional due"

Akash says to Rahul and Anj who were now emotionally stunned witnessing the tender moment too - " I am so glad that bhai asked me to record the video of it all from my tab positioned on the table in front of the TV...I mean I will surely edit out our voices..but I do need to share the video with Payal and everyone on the group...they are all waiting for it..Jess actually did say she'd kill me if I didn't send it to her..asap..."

Arnav adds happily - " do that brother..do that...but to be honest..I am sure Jess is watching this live along with rest of Khushi's team too for they are in practice together at the moment...Jess surely must have asked one of the other support team members through Yasmine to help them witness the same too...after she heard my idea out twenty minutes ago on text.."

Anjali chuckles at that - " yup...totally...she did text me saying she was going to do that"

And they all share another warm group hug as they take in the sight of Khushi finally standing up on her feet again and wiping her happy tears and grinning through it all as she puts on her helmet again and takes her batting stance gesturing a Thumbs Up to the Bowler that she was good to Play the next ball!

And it is right then they all hear Samaria's chirpy voice come through - " ok..Arnav...Yasmine might just end this call any minute for she does need to go check on Khushi after these couple of balls...I recorded the video of her first over though..going to share it with all on group too..."

Arnav answers back - " yes..okay...Samaira..please do that.. thank you so very much for making this happen..."

Samaira's happy voice comes through - " oh please...Arnav...don't thank me please..chalo...ill call you back in a bit alright?gotta rush out with Payal and Maa for some shopping..you know how difficult it is to get Rohan to agree to come along.."

Arnav chuckles at that and speaks to her for another ten seconds and he finally cuts the video call on his tablet after and he says to all - completely emotional - " Khushi's going to be okay...I just know it by that overwhelmed look on her face before she put on the helmet back to play again - that she is okay..as in physically...she's just stumped with happiness and emotion..."

Nisha and Reva exchange a heartfelt smile as they nod at one another and walk up to Arnav as they say in unison - " just like you are beta...."

Arnav nods at them happily and then hugs both the Moms together as he says - " I think..they will just have her play this way for short intervals for the next two days too..until she is scheduled to return home on the 5th..Moms..."

Both the Mom's pull back from hugging Arnav and they now add in unison yet again - " and now beta...that you'v finally seen your Sparkle play..how about you get on with your shopping schedule too??"

Arnav chuckles knowing that he couldn't wade away at the moment for he was scheduled to go in for some shopping in order to buy some new ethic stuff for their upcoming Roka on the 6th and he nods at them as they say - " okay..Mom's...I will get on with that..with Akash and Rahul...in about thirty minutes...maybe..I mean just give me this little while to have the emotions sink in...,"and he pauses and adds with a playful wink looking at all - " everyone...you have to know this...This moment..surely feels all similar in exhilaration to our ICC Champions Trophy win the other day at the Lords...or wait..no...this tops that a tad bit little for sure..."

They all share a happy warm laugh acknowledging Arnav's happy moment.

Nisha and Reva nod at him lovingly as they answer - " ok beta..take the little while..but then get on with it soon alright? the two of us are going to sit down to discuss your future wedding preps...,"and Reva adds hugging Arnav and Akash - " I mean by the end of the year both my sons will be married and Khushi and Payal will be home...flash news sons..this bit of the news is as exhilarating as can be for a mother..."

Akash and Arnav exchange a happy overhwlmed chuckle as they exclaim in unison - " yes..yes..we know that Mom...,"and Akash winks at Arnav happily as he says - " so glad that its Saturday isn't it??"

Arnav nods and he answers grinning - " so glad indeed...brother for you all arent at work today..,"and he exchanges a happy look with Rahul, Anjali and he says - " Anj...you come along too with Rahul, Akash and me alright??"

Anjali grins - " obviously I am coming along bhai.. I mean I do have to pick up both mine and Khushi's outfits too...as in you remember how we ordered the one she chose through the pics for the Roka.."

Arnav nods as he answers - " oh yes...but let me tell you all...you are acing this cover up bit really well ..as in...also lets join in Rohan and Samaira and Payal too after..for even if anyone spots us...they can surely think we are all getting set for Akash's wedding..which we also are..."

Rahul adds grinning - " well this is fun..for sure..."

Dadi says happily next- " chalo chalo..Nisha...Reva..Sagar..Abhi..let the kids get going...we have so much to prep for now too..as in ...the wedding is later...we need to settle things now too.. for their Roka...in four days from now..."

Abhi and Sagar hug happily at that and Abhi asks Sagar - " you okay Daddy? Now that your little girl's Roka is just four days away??"

Sagar nods at him happily overwhelmed as he says - " yes...Abhi...I am okay...,"and the elders make their way out the informal living room happily.

And before they are to head out - Arnav goes over to Anjali, Rahul and Akash and engulfs them in another happy group hug silently -as Arnav continued to just process this thought in his head and heart over and over again.

What thought?

That His Sparkle was Back to the Nets Finally!!

That - India's Little Hit Girl - was Back to the Nets - Finally!!

That His Sparkle was Back to practicing her game day in and out all hard so that she could continue living her dream off dawning the Blue Jersey and be ever ready to Get.Set.Play for India Again - very soon - Indeed.

........................................

.................

TADAAAA.

Next Update : Friday is my Bday guys..so will be taking a day off to just Chill at Home!! So I shall most surely post on Thursday Night.

Have a Happy Week Ahead.Please take necessary precautions while out and Stay Safe everyone - the Covid numbers seem to be at a Rise Again!!

Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support.

Much Love.

Always.

....................................