TAKE 32 - Leap of Faith
Hellooooo Guysssssssss....
SURPRISEEEEEE!
So yes - here I am with the next update for HW3.o this week.
So first - I had planned a full fledged update but then by the time - I finished writing this gaming bit out of the Finale- I just wanted to post it as a Stand Alone! Given that I haven't also posted an exclusive gaming chapter in a bit. And given that its Hit Wicket - only fair that I zoom into just the games bit every now and then too - right??
So I hope you all enjoy the depiction of the ASIA CUP final game - through my wordssss!!!!
Word Count -Medium in length -6.5K Words.✍✍👩💻👩💻
Taking some hours off to just Write this Out finally has truly been my Respite in taking my Mind Off - Everything Covid! And I truly hope - that you are able to experience some distraction and entertainment through the Story Too🤗❤🙏
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Also, yes this is the First Draft. Please definitely ignore editing/common repition of words errors etc - since I have not proofread.
I shall now let you all dive in without Further Delay.
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Disclaimer:
This Story/ Written Series is a work of Fiction.All characters are fictitious.Any resemblance to a person living or dead is purely coincidental. The depiction off fictitious characters through their cross - cultural backgrounds is also a work of pure fiction. I respect all faiths, cultures, communities with its rich diversities, equally.I mean no offence or hurt to anyone's sentiments through my work in any way whatsoever.
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Take 32 - Leap Of Faith
A couple of Days later
The day of the Asia Cup Final
10th September, 2019
Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai - UAE
10:00 PM - UAE Time
The atmosphere at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium right now - in this moment of time as the Asia Cup Final was underway in between Bangladesh vs India - was alit with gaming buzz and excitement.
Everyone in the stands - the fans who had come out to see the match + the respective team dug outs of both the nations were consumed in gaming anxiety. The respective team players family and friends in the various stands were also on the edge of their seats in nervousness. The officials from the BCCI that had come to see the final -were also quite nervous within - even though they were trying their best to mask their gaming nerves - at this very moment in time.
Why?
Because the finale game of the ICC ASIA CUP had just entered into a nail-biting thrilling phase.
Brief Gaming Pre: Context - Captain Dev for India had won the toss and had chosen to field first.
The Indian playing 11 team for the final - comprised off Sameer, Raunak(Star openers) of the team followed by Ved Khanna (VC) going in on No 3 - followed by Yuvaan and Rishi on no 4 and 5 and then Captain Dev slated to step in on No 6, after which came in the bowlers/all rounders. India's ace all rounder/spinner - Arnav Singh Raizada was slated to step in on No 7 and post him was Singh at no 8(another fellow spinner) - followed by Daksh(India's ace fast pacer at no 9) and then the last two batsmen who were the medium pacers in the unit.
It had been a collective strategical decision to bowl first - in case the toss went in India's favour because in the context of the pitch condition - it was expected that the pitch was going to be tricky/two faced one to bat at first - given the heat/humidity factor at the UAE and hence India wanted to just contain Bangladesh to a decent total and then get set to chase down the target in the final - as the day progressed with the expectation off the pitch becoming flatter to bat on providing less assistance to Bangladesh bowlers later on.
However - just as - everything in a gaming scenario cannot be predicted down to the T - the nature of the pitch in the final played out to be a little different from what India had expected. The Bangladesh team with their deep batting order were able to post 322 runs on the board until they were bowled out in 49.5 overs with one ball remainder to face.
The ace bowling performance for India once again came off their ace spinner/all rounder - ASR's golden arm as he claimed 5 wickets within the ten overs he bowled giving away only 45 runs to the opposition, his unique ability to bowl spin at medium pace, once again acting like that trump card handy for the Indian Captain. Daksh(ace pacer), had managed to clinch 3 wickets too and the rest two wickets went to Singh in the unit. But even though these wickets kept coming on regular intervals, the Bangladesh batsmen were able to brew up significant partnerships in the middle that eventually led them to reach the total off 322 runs.
The equation was clear.
India needed 323 runs to win from their 50 Overs. In the mid innings - everyone in the unit/coaches - had focused on positively motivating one another that yes - they could do it. They could chase down the target for the win. All they had to do was prioritize the belief in their very own game and strengths in this moment of time.
India had started off their batting innings very well too. They needed their openers to get them to a steady start and Sameer and Raunak lived up to the situation. The openers put up a 100-run stand for India for the loss of no wicket in just 17 overs with Raunak and Sameer each reaching to their half centuries comfortably.
But then - the double blow - for India arrived in the very next over as Bangladesh's ace spinner was able to trap both Raunak and Sameer LBW's which left India in the position of 101 - 2 in 17.3 overs. In stepped in India's deputy/vice captain - Ved Khanna+ Yuvaan - and it took some amazing gritty shots off Ved's bat with subtle support of Yuvaan's to steady the ship for India. Their partnership was going good - until Yuvaan fell at his 25 runs by the 23 over and India were at the position of 155-3.
Rishi went in to join Ved who was batting at 30 then. Giving some time to Rishi to get accustomed to the pitch/read the surface - Ved took the task in his hands to continue firing for he was set on crease. He went onto make additional 30 runs - until he fell off to an amazing catch at mid-off and got out for 60 - leaving India with the figures of 195-4 with Rishi batting at 10 runs. Next came in Captain Dev for India - joining Rishi on the crease and they managed to forge a steady partnership again which indeed was the need of the hour. They played slowly and steadily with the strategy to keep wickets intact until the 45th over. Captain Dev had just registered his half century - 50 runs and Rishi went on to make 40 runs as well until he fell to a killer stumping in the very first ball of the 46.1 overs.
The scoreboard for India read -
Sameer - 50 runs - out
Raunak - 50 runs - out
Ved - 60 runs - out
Yuvaan - 25 runs - out
Rishi - 40 runs - out
Cap - 50 runs
India were 275- 5 and they still needed 48 runs for the win in the last 3.5 overs. 48 runs needed in 23 balls.
Oh the gaming situation was beyond just tense and thrilling - indeed!!
India had just lost Rishi who had been playing steadily alongside Cap and he was walking back to the dug out - dejected. But in the team dug outs - there was Hope - nonetheless for their Skipper was at strike and ASR was set to join him next. They all knew he could assist Cap with his massive hitting power.
In the stands - Khushi along with Brian, Jack, Maya and Sarah was literally on the verge off biting off her finger nails in nervousness because she knew Arnav was going to be next to enter for batting. Her heart was thumping in her chest for she knew that her man was entering at the most crucial stage of the match - indeed. She couldn't contain her gaming nerves - as her insides continued to pray for her man over and over along with her close friends. She was also on text with Akash/Payal who had arrived the previous day in support for Arnav and were watching the finals from the other stand - along side rest of the India team players/friends and families. Ved's partner - Maahi had come out in his support too alongside Cap's wife - Sachi.
Each and every Indian fan was praying with bated breathes for India's cruise towards victory. The players/team/supporting units in the Indian zone were doing pretty much the same too.They all had faith that they could pull this off.
But would they?
Would India manage to pull of chasing the next 48 runs in 24 balls and be crowned the Winners of the ASIA CUP??? Would they manage to defend their ASIA CUP winners title - from the last edition?
Well - only the ticking of the clock would - give the answer to that!!
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Near the Player's Dug Out
Arnav's POV
Ved pats on my shoulder as I rotate my bat in my hand - getting all set to step in on the field. I take in deep breathes - to just recenter and zoom in my head on the task upfront at hand.
It was a tricky gaming situation - yes it was. But just like I always tell myself on similar moments - I say to myself within. Believe Arnav.Beleive. You got this. You got it - in you to chase this down for your team. Take that Leap of Faith into your Gaming Zone and back yourself up. Focus on your strength and play by it. Focus only on the aim and the belief.Snooze the pressure of the massive responsibility for a bit.
Ved says in support now as we both keep our eyes on the dejected frame of Rishi walking back towards us - " On you... brother...go on in...join Cap...I won't say much....just play your natural game...the required run rate is almost double for us for we need 12 an over...but we know you got this...you'v been brilliant with the ball for us..already...5 wickets..in the first innings...just channelize that gaming zeal from the first innings then?? Just beleive...and dive freaking in..."
I give him a nod and a little determined smile as I pat his arm back - " doing exactly that brother..within the walls of my head and heart.."
He smiles and I say - " I aim to give myself a couple of balls to just gauge in the situation...and then..will figure out my strategy/tactics..in talks with Cap..."
Ved nods and smiles - " yes...go on then...brother...trust your gut...back it...like you always do.."
I nod at him and we share a determined punch and I step on the field and I give Rishi's arm a pat as he crosses me and I say on reflex - " their wicket keeper pulled out a helluva stumping..outta the air...buddy...don't be so hard on yourself.."
Rishi nods dejected and he says - " I know...I am still stumped...as to how quick he was....chalo...all the best mere bhai...bacha lo..please...(save the match for us..please...)"
I nod at him determined and make my way up to the pitch to join Cap. I am the one to take strike in Rishi's place and as I walk across Cap - we fist our gloves together as I say softly - " I am aiming for a quick single first Cap...to get you back on strike...I need a couple of balls...I know we don't have many balls in store...but I'll need a couple to just read through the way the pitch has been playing...its flattened...yes...but at the same..time...there is some assistance from the rough around the creases..."
He nods at that - " exactly...brother...I was just about to relay that to you..glad you read it out yourself...," and we exchange another determined nod and I get set on the crease. Its their ace pacer on attack. His body language tells me that he's going to aim for the yorker and my gut/mind collectively tell me that I need to protect my stumps from getting bailed off.
He runs up in and swings in the perfect yorker (like I was expecting)- which I am able to defend successfully - but that also means that it is a dot ball.
Dammmit.
But I couldn't help it. I couldn't risk the wicket.
48 runs needed in 22 balls.
Cap walks up to me midpitch now and he says patting my arm - " no worries..brother..you did the right thing...we need to keep our wickets intact...it's his last over..."
I nod - " thanks Cap...,"and I pause for a second to observe the Bangladesh skipper talking to his bowler briefly. I say now to Cap adjusting my gloves and helmet - " Cap...he's going to aim for the inswinger...I guess..now...he wants to trouble with the variation..."
Cap nods - " you know what to do then..."
I take a deep breathe and get back on strike. I need to hit this for sure for a single at the least.
I refocus and zoom in all of my attention to the ball upfront and just as it comes to my way in the form off an inswinger as expected - I am able to successfully hit it to mid - on and Cap and me are able to sneak in a cheeky single.
Phewww!
47 runs needed in 21 balls.
The Bangladesh skipper is smiling.Obviously.For that's what they want. They are okay with singles - obviously. They want to save us from hitting boundaries and build pressure.
I take deep breathes from across watching Cap - get set to strike and just as the next ball gets bowled in to him - I can't help but grin in glee as I see him hit it for a massive sixer straight into the stands - and the crowd erupts in their positions in glee as well as the Stadium comes to life.
Damm.
My Golden Skipper.
He's a freaking magician. Just look at that sixer he just pulled off!!! I say that to him - walking to him midpitch now - as we fist our gloves together and I hug him from the side - " holy..smoly...Cap...that was freaking brilliant...we now need...41 from 20 balls..."
Cap nods - " quite a uphill task still..buddy...but...I think...that's all for the hit this over...I will not aim for any more boundaries and risk it...just two balls to go...he's surely going to correct the line he lost in the previous delivery...let's not underestimate him...alright??aim for singles...at the most..."
Well. He is right about that. The bowler's surely thinking the very same as he's in the middle of his prep to run up.
I nod at Cap again and we fist our gloves again and he takes position to take strike.And I groan in disappointment - just like the rest of the crowd as we all see the bowler - bowl in a killer yorker yet again that sneaks in through Cap's shoes as he aims to hit it - snipping his bails out at the leg stump.
Dammit.
The umpire's finger goes up and Cap's Out!
We are 282- 6 in 46.5 overs. 19 balls to go and we still need 41 for Victory!
Cap's shaking his head to himself in sheer dismay as he's walking past me now and he pats my arm - " that got me..instantly...he played with the pace...anyways..what's done is done...look ahead...Arnav..don't worry about me going off now...next over...retain the strike as much as you can...Arnav...and back your gut...I know he will send in the other finger spinner in his team next...saving his best off break ace spinner for the penultimate over before the last...I say this again..in this moment..back your gut and strength..and take on the balls you think you can...I believe that we can still pull this off..."
I smile at him determined at that - " it's never over until the last ball...Cap..."
Cap nods - " it's never over until its over..indeed...,"and he makes his way off the pitch and I see - Singh coming in to join me next and I don't say anything to him and give him a subtle nod - that's a familiar gesture of lets do this - in between of us Spinner's. He's been my spin twin this tournament - just like he is most of the times as we play for India.
Singh nods determined and takes strike - but - to my sheer dismay yet again - I watch him - get his off stump bails knocked off by another killer yorker delivery and we lose another wicket.
GODAAMIT.
282- 7 in 47 overs. 18 balls to go and we still need 41 for Victory!
Okay! My Gaming nerves begin to simmer up. I flush down the worry - consciously.Its never over until it's over - Raizada. I remind myself that.Continue taking your leap of faiths back and deep into your gaming abilities.That's pretty much all this moment needs.
The Bangladesh team is ecstatic as they celebrate in sheer thrill and Singh begins to walk off dejected as he says - " that was a cherry of a deliver...ASR...it stunned me...bizzare...hate this..."
I nod and pat his arm in support - "yes..it indeed...was...buddy...no...don't be so hard on yourself...you got us those last two wickets towards the end in your over as we bowled them out..remember?if it wasn't for you...that target could have been higher... "
Singh pats my arms and gives me a little smile - "trust you..to make me feel better about this distressing situation...anyways..so.. Daksh is coming in now...its on you two buddy...ill head off..."
I nod at him determined and continue to channelize the faith that it is still not over for us and take the moment to observe in the celebrations in the Bangladesh unit on field.
Hmm.
Raizada.
Perceptive Mode. On!
Okay then guys - by the very body language of their Skipper I know - he's changed his decision. He's sending in their ace spinner in next to continue attacking. They are going to aim to get us catch out for they know we have option but to go in for boundaries next over. Now goven that their ace spinner - has the similar off break style as me - I can surely anticipate the ways in which he's aiming to trap me and Daksh with catch outs. He'd play with pace/length - enticing me to hit for the biggies and have his Skipper play with fielders around to get us caught. Easy for me to sense this given that- that is exactly how I also set the plot/ trap for my wickets on field while bowling.
BUT.
Now this means - I do not have to fall for this trap they are collectively setting up for us but then I also know that I need to make runs this over or the game will slip out of our hands.
Hmmm.
My Mind lights up instantly. Oh well - we do have another option in here! The good old running in between the wickets should do the trick. I think its wiser to just stick to that.
Daksh joins me in now and I relay the same to him getting all set to take strike as the over changed and once he nods at me in affirmation of the strategy I say - " done deal then brother...lets aim for 12 by just running doubles on every ball of this freaking over...we gotta make sure...that we do not hit the ball into the air even for a risky second...and then...we take their second spinner of the team on in the second last over given that his style is different and I can aim his balls out of the park then...I know...this is mounting on pressure on us...but my gut tells me that's the way we should go..its absolutely important that we keep our wickets this over...and don't fall for their boundary trap..."
Daksh nods at that and we punch in our gloves - "yes...now that I think this through...I agree with you...lets do this...ASR.. lets give it our very all..."
I nod at him - and we punch in our gloves.
And I take strike and close my eyes for a second to just - Channelize my faith and belief in my hitting abilities yet again snoozing out every other mind pressure in the process.
I COULD DO THIS.
FOR MY INDIA.
FOR MY TEAM.
FOR MY CAP.
FOR THE LOVE OF CRICKET AND FOR MYSELF.
I MOST DEFINETLY COULD.
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A Few Minutes later - in the Commentary Box
The first commentator - " goodness me...did ASR just run another double at the speed of light to score 12 runs for India in the third last over? Oh yes..he just did the very same...successfully..there you go ladies and gentleman...India's ace spinner/all arounder or the man with the golden arm as they..rightly say...whose already stunned us all with his five wicket haul in the first innings...keeping the hopes up alive..for his team...with some display of..clever..very clever..batting..."
The second commentator - " Foxy...indeed..extremely shrewd and foxy from the Indian all arounder...Bangladesh can't believe it...that he didn't hit the ball into the air on any of those deliveries..no matter how much the fellow spinner across the pitch..enticed him too..and yet...he kept the hopes alive..still scored...12 runs by all that speed-lightening running in between the wickets..."
Commentator 1 - "the crowds going beserk in anticipation..well..well..well...so are we? Aren't we gentlemen..given that all India need now is 29 runs in 12 balls...last couple overs to go...and just 29 runs away from victory...and even if ASR does plan to score in doubles..he'd still need..atleast a couple of boundaries..in the next over..because India need 29..and not 24 for the win..."
Commentator 2 - " Correction.Over change.Change of ends which means that Daksh will be facing the first ball of the second last over...let's see what does India's ace pacer do now..."
Commentator 1 - " nonetheless..what a sight it is ladies and gentleman...normally we would have expected one of India's top order batsmen at the crease in this moment of time..but here it is today...India's bowlers, their ace spin + pace spades absorbing in all the last minute high intensity gaming pressure..."
Commentator 2 - " and which is why they say..that...it's never over that last wicket goes down..."
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Everyone in the respective dug outs - of India/Bangladesh units were now literally finding it extremely difficult to stick to their seats. The Bangladesh players/staff were hoping for ASR's wicket desperately. They knew only he was the one who could hit the balls out of the park if he set his mind to it. The Indian team were hoping the opposite obviously. Ved, Cap, Head Coaches, Raunak, Sameer, Rishi, Yuvaan, everyone in the playing 11 + squad was out their in their dug out discussing the very hope that Daksh is able to comfortably take the single and get ASR on strike again.
The gaming anticipation in the family/friends box had also reached its peak. Akash felt like he couldn't keep his eyes open to witness the next over and so he whispered to Payal next to him who was already holding onto Maahi's hand nervously who was in the chained seat holding onto Sachi's hand nervously - " Payal...I am sitting back in my seat..with my eyes closed..alright? let me know how the over plays out...I cannot even watch..thats how much my stomach is rumbling in nervousness..god only knows how this twin of mine..is coping up with the pressure..in the zone.."
Payal smiles at that nervously and whispers back to Akash - "on the contrary...I am sure..he's just snoozed out the pressure in his head Akash...he's just looking at the aim ahead...I guess...look..he's deep in conversation with Daksh..before he goes back on crease...,"and when she spots Akash sitting back in his seat nervously she says - " oh..don't be childish..Akash..please...watch it with me..hold my hand..or perhaps..even I'd lose my mind.."
Akash stands up in his spot about twenty seconds later and it is right then they all spot - Daksh just defend - the first delivery of the second last over.
Everyone in the stand groans and Maahi sighs in dismay - " another dot ball...oh no...."
Sachi comforts her - " relax..Maahi..relax..take deep breathes...he had to defend that..with the play of footwork..to get that inside edge just in time or Daksh would be trapped LBW..."
Everyone focuses their attention back on the field and they see Daksh hit the next ball straight to long on - but given that there was a slight fumble in the fielders pick up - Arnav and Daksh manage to sneak in three runs with Arnav getting back on strike!
Everyone in the crowd sighs in collective relief + shades of Hope.
All India now needed was 26 runs in 10 balls!!
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Khushi rubs her nervous palms as she holds onto Sarah's arms and hears S say now - " oh...heavens..K..I feel like my heart is going to burst..its thumping that bad right now in gaming excitement...what is Arnav going to do ..now??"
Khushi answers nervously keeping her eye glued to the field - " he knows he has to hit boundaries now...S...obviously...he knows he has no other option...I am sure...that is exactly what he is going to do...just pray he doesn't lose his wicket right now dammit...guys...please??????"
Maya nods - " we are all obviously praying..profousely...K...oh come on...lets watch..."
Khushi's phone beeps with Akash's text and she reads it quick and says to all - " Akash says..he's having a hard time keeping his eyes open now...but Payal won't let him close them and not watch.."
Everyone shares a warm chuckle at that and Jack and Brian say in unison - " alrighty girls...in comes in the next ball..lets focus...we know he can do this...right? Lets watch him..pull him off then?? For India??"
Khushi nods holding onto her thumping heart as she continues to pray that Arnav is able to hold onto his nerve and trust himself to see this through.Baby.You got this. You can hit the rest out of the Park.I just know...you can...You always back me up baby..come what may...and so..here I am doing the very same..for you...in every way I can...
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Commentator 1 - " Holy....Smoly....Did he hit that high and far enough?? Oh yes...he did...there you go ladies and genthleman..a massive sixer out of ASR's golden arm...just in time...as India..needed it...the crowds going beserk..the fans are too...for India now need 23 runs in 20 runs balls in 9 balls...his Skipper and deputy are pumped up as well along with the rest of the squad and why shouldn't they be...they know that victory is not impossible...now..I say..the rhythms just shifted in India's favour..."
It indeed Had. For the very second - Arnav hit that sixer - all the Indian fans in the crowd had made sure to come alit and buzzed up yet again!!!!
A minute later as the next ball gets bowled in - Commentator 2 - " Oh heavens...I think he's hit this one even further than the previous sixer...oh yes he has...another massive six straight of ASR's golden arm..this one is above 90 m's..colossal...mighty..and colossal...the bowler's body language says it all..he knows ASR just hammered him hard..with that..."
Commentator 1 - " and it is obivious for him to feel hammered. That's massive twin sixes from ASR...to take India within touching distance to victory...14 runs...needed in 8 balls...this finale...has just turned into a thriller of a lifetime..for me...I am on the edge of the seat...is he going to hit another one??? Or play low for a bit??"
Coomentator 2 - " Play low for a bit? As if. You can't keep ASR quite once he gets going like that. We'v seen his hitting power in the T20's so often.He's zipped into that mode now..I reckon..he'd take the bowler on...and oh...oh...am I right or am I right...for as this next delivery comes in......."
Commentator 1 - " oh damm right you are...for that's one of flattest power hit six I have seen this tournament indeed...the Umpire's signaled it...they are rechecking the visual to just reconfirm if it hit the boundary ropes...first...it did...no bounce prioe...there you go...8 runs needed in 7 balls...last ball of the over...the Bangladesh skipper is having a word with his bowler...but I say..tough luck skipper...I see this going India's way now..."
Some seconds later.
Commenattor 2 - " oh goodness...hell...has he hit that outta the park again????? Oh yes he has!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot believe my eyes ladies and gentleman - ASR has just hit 4 sixes back to back to get India to the point that they are now just 2 runs away from victory in the Asia Cup final - 2 runs in 6 balls. Who knew - this was what it would come too - a couple of over's ago???????"
Commentator 1 - " Everyone's pumped up in the Indian Camp. The crowd, fans, supporters, players, they know...they are going to win this....get set...hold on with bated breathes...as Daksh faces the first ball of the last over..what is he going to do?? Run a double?hit a four...??"
Commentator 2 - " oh boy...my ..we see a display of thorough commraidreship in a moment as tense as this too..for India's ace spade...Daksh only took the single..even though he could run the double..and gestured ASR to stay back on strike...commendable...from him..."
Commentator 1 - " oh..it's the bowlers standing up for one another and why shoudlnt they? Daksh wants just like everyone else for the winning runs to come of his partners bat...only fair...he's been fabulous...with the ball first..and now with the bat...in so much pressure...he's already on 37 out of 12 deliveries he's faced..how epic is that????"
Commentator 2 - " lets just say...that arm of his has turned Platinum for India..tongiht?? what do you think he's going to do now?? Hit a single...or a boundary?? And take in the look of determination on his face...still...he hasn't celebrated his shots in the last over much..even though everyone around in the public/stadium/dugouts has...for he knows there's a task up ahead...he will perhaps only..celebrate...once he hits the winning runs..."
A pause.And a couple of seconds Later as the next ball gets bowled in.
Commentator 1 - " Andddddddddddddd....he does....Arnav Singh Raizada...hits the winning runs for India in the ASIA CUP final this year and he does it in elite style...all India neeed was a single...but ASR's fired the ball into the stands..in his Skipper's signature...helicopter shot..for a Sixer...will you believe this?????????INDIA WIN. THEY WIN IT IN SWAG AND STYLE.All thanks to the man whose chased a colossal uphill tonight.....ASR....has done it..for India...his teams..ecstatic for him...and now he celebrates....look at that joy on his face as he takes off his helmet and jumps up in sheer joy over his partner..Daksh...simultaneously also fisting his bat in air...a well deserved celebration...he finishes..43 not out with that sixer...and India Win the Asia Cup by 3 wickets...as they complete the chase successfully with five extras in the bank credit to ASR's six. India - 328/7 retain their winning reign on the Title of the Asia Cup.... "
Commentator 2 - " and the party on the field has just begun...what a sight...what a victory...for TEAM INDIA....They believed they could pull this off from the very get go..the positive intent was very much visible in the body language of all as they stepped on field for this chase...this was a clinical team performance by all..significant batting contributions throughout the order...leading up to the exact platform their ace all rounder capitalized on...eventually....just like they say ladies and gentleman...never underestimate the power of true belief ...for just like in life...sometimes in Sport in pressure moments like these...the conviction to aim for that leap of faith..on the gaming yards..is all that matters....."
..........................................
Meanwhile Simultaneously - In India
The very - second - Arnav Singh Raizada had hit the winning runs for India taking them to another ASIA CUP title win - every cricket fan who had been watching on their TV screens went crazy and beserk in victory celebrations.Every media house in the country - began to cover up the same hot trending topic/news of India's victory!!
The social media handles/twitter/Instagram - went abuzz and alit with congratulatories/wishes from all across the netizens in the nation/international commending team India from all over clinical chase - with everyone also paying a special mention to India's favorite all rounder - ASR.
ASR's personal social media handles - began to get flooded with comments/wishes too!!
Back at their respective Homes in Delhi, India - given that Arnav's parents/Di+ Jiju - continued to celebrate Arnavs performance+ Team India's victory amidst themselves on a collective conference call. They couldn't wait for Arnav to get off field and connect to them. In the moment - both his parents and Anjali/Jiju were a tad bit bummed that they couldn't join in Akash and Payal in Dubai to watch the finals live - for they each had their medical/business duties that they couldn't pull away from on the day yet again.But nonetheless - they were all collectively on Cloud Nine - knowing that Akash/Payal + Khushi and her close circle of friends+ Arnav's team mates were there with him to celebrate it in real time nonetheless.
The very second Arnav had hit the winning sixer - Mrs J had also got on a quick call with Arnav's parents to congratulate them.She couldn't wait to hear from him and connect with him via phone too!
On the field - on the ground in Dubai - The Men in Blue were still busy in the celebrations amongst themselves. They hadn't even paused on that and yet the news of their victory in the ASIA CUP final had taken the cricketing world /fans - by STORM!
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Simultaneously - Oman - Six Senses Zhigy Bay Resort
Raahil's Room
Just as India wins the Asia Cup on the accord of the Indian all rounder ASR hitting the winning sixer - Raahil says to his Abbu+ Noor, Azlaan+ Azlaan's younger twin siblings Ayaan and Azhar who were all collectively catching up on the ASIA CUP FINAL Live in Raahil's suite - " Abbu, Noor, Azlaan, Ayaan, Azhar - did you all see this last sixer shot off ASR's arm??? I can't believe the gaming talent..this man...possesses...I mean..not only he deceives you on crease with turn/spin at medium pace...remember how he got my wicket in our match????but he has the capability to just come in out of the blue on such pressure moments and create so much impact for his team...India wins the ASIA CUP on his accord...totally..yes..India is our arch nemesis in the game...but you gotta appreciate..talent and grit when you see it right? Even if its in opposition...right Abbu? And then ofcourse...off field...he's a friendly, kind, polite bloke as well..."
Rehaan nods now taking in the celebratory sight in the Indian unit on screen - " rightly said...Raahil...we must appreciate a commendable effort...come what may...he played a brilliant role for India tonight..both with the ball, field and then bat..that boy can hit hard..."
Azlaan, Ayaan and Azhar, Noor - second the same as they all fall into the discussion of the match+ chase - pulled off by India.
Noor adds now a couple of minutes later on the lighter note - " on that note Abbu...this reminds us...you used to hit your boundaries as hard too...too bad...there was no T20 format in your time..or else you would have been the most sought after hitter in all of Asia too.."
They all share a warm chuckle at that and as Noor spots Raahil smiling in pride and returning back to commending his Abbu's batting skills from back in the day - Noor bites back her happy grin exchanging a look with her brothers. She had known that some exact change of space and time off with close ones - was exactly what Raahil had needed to get his mind off the aching Loss.
And she was beyond just glad - that - the SetUp had served the exact purpose she'd planned and seeked!
...................................
BACK ON THE FIELD - IN DUBAI
ARNAV'S POV
Okay.
Guys.
Seriously.
I can't contain my gaming excitement and exhilaration in the moment of time as we all continue to celebrate our victory on field.
I MEAN.
WE PULLED IT OFF.
I actually managed to hit those sixes I was aiming for!!!! I am beyond just thrilled - obviously. Everyone literally has been toppling on me one by one and I can't stop jumping on them too from the sides from where I see it - it was a clinical team performance on the whole!
However yes.
I do think I need to remind Rishi in this moment off time to not choke me in glee right now given that he's once again jumped up on me with his arms around my neck tight in sheer glee as he states over and over - " mere bhai..phir se...aaapne..bacha liye...meri neend ko bhi...game ko bhi...hum sab ko bhi..."( my brother..once again..you saved me...my sleep...game as well...you saved us all by sailing us to victory...you are the deal...bro...legit..deal...kya kar diya..aapne...aaj...."
I remind him the same excited chuckling- " Rishi...you want to kill me now or what?"
He chuckles sheepishly at that and finally loosens his armed grip around my neck allowing me to take a deep breathe finally and adds grinning - " thike..mere bhai...I will let you breathe...but I am not getting off you..until the post match presentation begins.."
I chuckle at that and it is right then Ved, Cap, Raunak, Sameer come in from the side to surround us yet again as Cap says patting my arm again - " there you go...look at your twin up there in the box brother...he's literally wiping his joyful tears..."
I smile and take the look on the full screen of the blown up images/roll of camera of our respective family/close ones from the box.
Yup.
Cap's right.
I can actually see Akash wiping his happy tears. Payal's grinning at him in a happy mischevious disbelief too. Maahi and Sachi Maam are also celebrating amongst themselves.
And just like that as I am taking all of these moments in - my thoughts instantly go to My Fiore now. She's in the other stand with everyone. I can't see her with my eye right now given that she is so far away and tucked away in the sea of the fans/crowd but in my heart and head - now - I can totally imagine - her sitting back in her seat right now and crying her heart out in a happy relief with her head tucked into her hands!
I know - she'd be beyond just stumped for me - emotionally - game wise!!! You know what guys - even though in her head and heart she's been prepping herself for the biggest ever leap of faith in her life - all day today - she's only been consumed with nerves/gaming anticipation for my Finale tonight!! All day prior to the game today - I could easily sense that our game - tonight was the only bit that was consuming her!
How can I not love her the way I do??????
And as our celebrations continue on field - simultaneously and we all begin to get ready for the post-match ceremony - and Rishi refuses to get off me still consumed in his gaming glee - all I can think and imagine is the emotional happy face of my Fiore - crying her heart out in relief right now.
And I can also imagine the bit that now that the game at my end is finally over - I am sure that the nervy jitters about tomorrow were going to return to consume her. Only natural.
Can't wait to freaking see her, hug her, kiss her - hold her tight in my arms now and reassure her once again - that everything was going to be Okay and I'd be with her - as she dived deep into the trickiest but much due revelation off her Life - tomorrow!
I am sure she is consumed in nothing but pure emotions/thoughts off me right now and here I am within minutes after a milestone victory - consumed in her emotions/thoughts too.
Its crazy guys - but what can I say?
Such is Our Love.
SUCH
IS
OUR
LOVE!
- INDEED!
.....................................................
TADAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
How was that guys???????????????? Did you all enjoy the Final Game????????? Did you all feel the Thrill??
AlSo like I mentioned prior - I just wanted this bit to be a stand alone given that the gaming thrill is a contrast too the emotional/vulnerable moments coming after as Khushi gets set to reveal the truth to Raahil and Noor!!
Next Update : Take 32.1 - Leap of Faith 2.0 - (Tomm evening)
Until Then - Please take care and Stay Indoors and Safe guys!!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thanks, Guys, for all the Support and your Precious Time to my Work!
Much Love
Always
❤
Prachi
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