CHAPTER 37.2 - STORMED & WRECKED

Helloooo everyoneeeee..

So here I am with the NextUpdate of the week. And its about Medium Length - around 8.1k plus words for I needed this Chapter to be the Stand Alone - obviously.

Seatbelt On Guys. It's a Super Intense Chapter!

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

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CHAPTER 37.2 - STORMED & WRECKED

23 MORE DAYS LATER

27th January, 2020

Sydney - Australia

6: 30 PM

Nikhil smiles to himself as he picks up his phone that was buzzing with Radha's video call and sits on the little ledge against the window to his hotel room, looking out and says into the phone grinning - " hellloo to you buddy..i reckon you'v called to tell me that you'v just finished up the report on our Men in Blue's victory in the 2nd test match today.."

This time around - from the Hindu Times - for the media coverage for their newspaper/youtube/social media handles of the International tours of Men/Women in Blue - Natraj Anand (the Head of Sprots Journalism at Hindu Times) - had sent in his star cricket reporters - Radha to NZ (to cover the tour off Men in Blue) and Nikhil to Australia to cover the tour of India Women in the T20 Tri Nation Series which was being played amongst Australia, India, and England.

He hear's Radha add now grinning - " bingo that buddy...do me a favour will you please? just have a quick glance up at it, will you please? I do need to send the final draft in to Natraj sir in 30 minutes...and I know I know..you are getting all set to head to the SCG(SydneyCricketGround) - for the second last match in the series which is almost like the semi's tonight in between our India Women and England Women for it will decide who plays Australia in the finals at the MCG day after..but c'mon I am sure you can spare a couple of minutes on the move.."

Nikhil adds grinning - "well I surely can Radha..and look at you with that grin up your face..did you get an exclusive byte from ASR? Or what??"

Radha nods grinning - " oh yes I surely did but not just from him but the entire team too...I mean the team and the Captain ofcourse have just been splendid in this tour of NZ right Nikhil? I mean winning the ODI&T20 series with 2-1 yet again and then that fantabulous performance in the Tests too - I mean the first test was a Draw but with the win the Second out men in blue are headed into the third and final test in 4 days from now with a stronger mindset..and guess what I feel we are going to win the third test too - and return home victorious in all three formats - and this test win is anyway so important since it's a part of the world test championship too right??"

Nikhil nods - " yup...I know exactly what you mean Radha..."

Radha - " you know what Niks I specially asked ASR - how is he able to adapt so smoothly to all three formats..like his performance in all three has been commendable..right??? like with one century in the t20 + two 50's plus scores in the T20's + those two centuries in the two match winning ODIs too + and this second test too - we surely had an edge because of his 125* in the first innings that gave India the much needed Lead..like it was truly the captain's knock"

Nikhil asks inquisitive -" ok and what did he say to that?? how does he adapt so smoothly??"

Radha chuckles - " for that my friend, how about you read my report.."

Nikhil grins - " will do...as soon as possible.."

Radha asks now with a playful wink - " and look at you..aren't you the one who is all smiles too ever since Natraj sir told you that you'll be coming to Australia to cover the Tri nation series..i mean don't I know how you just cant stop crushing over the little hit girl - like I still cant forget the expression on your face when you actually met her for that first time at the photoshoot - or wait to be honest I think she was quite dazed when you asked her for her autograph.."

Nikhil adds chuckling remembering the moment - " oh yes..she was quite dazed..for sure...remember how she asked? Sir you want my autograph???? Like mine? Are you sure??,"and he pauses and adds - " she's captivating you know...that one for sure...you know what's more interesting.. the other day I was chatting up with Sheena a little after the post match with England which turned out to be a draw and when I took her byte along with harpreet's and vedika and because I was inquisitive I just asked sheena in private..that whats the scene in the dressing room like now that everyone knows about Khushi's family connect with ASR's with their siblings married and everything..and she surely doesn't talk about it loud in the media but what was it like in the dressing room...??"

Radha asks curious - " and what did she say? And why didn't you tell me this before niks?"

Nikhil chuckles -" must have slipped my mind because of the awed daze I was in after what I heard radha..anyway hear this..so sheena was like so casual and grinning about it as she said that it isn't that khushi wont talk about the personal stuff to the media..its the same in the dressing room as well..and everythings been the same like was as normal before because khushi was very particular in each of the team members in the unit about her reasons why she had wanted to keep it undercover till that point and even though everyone now knew about it..she did not want any family developments in the background affect her dynamics within the team - and sheena did say that her sheer sincerity about it kind of won everyone's heart which is why they just respect her insanely even more now...for even now with the truth out in the open even in the dressing room - she never talks/gloats about her connection with ASR's family...and sheena very fondly told me that her grounded , simple,humble nature is truly one of her biggest strengths indeed....i mean beat this Radha..if I were her..id freaking gloat about knowing ASR's family left right and center...I mean she doesn't even gloat about it in the dressing room..."

That makes Radha grin as she says - " but you are not her na Nikhil...she is she..and if she would have wanted to gloat about this in the dressing room she would have done it long ago na..and know what?I kind off really respect her for this you know..i mean especially knowing about her professional journey from herself..i reckon all she wants to do is focus on making a mark in the field of women in sports and empower and encourage the future generation of women in sport..."

Nikhil nods as he says admiration dripping in his voice - " well yes to that Radha...I mean how can I ever forget the goosbemups I had when she stated that bit to us in the interview about talent+ dreams having no gender..that from her was epic indeed...oh I think I just got goosbumps again.."

Radha chuckles at that as she adds - " look at you... I think you are crushing on her insane.."

Nikhil winks - " well yes..i surely am..,"and he pauses and asks now - "anyways you tell me what did you think of my last report on the epic performances by our women's unit too - I mean each side has to play the other side twice before the point tables decide who plays the finals and I think we are going to win it tonight..for sure and then hopefully also beat Australia in the finals to clinch the tri series for we have already won over them in the third t20 match of the series by 5 wickets...the game tonight is huge...Radha..its going to be epic.."

Radha grins - " well ofcourse your coverage has been on point and brilliant - and I do have to give a special mention to that coverage you gave to the little hit girls post match presentation in which she got the player of the match in that win against Australia in the third series match for the 75runs + two catch outs and amazing fielding performance..i mean that was also our women's unit - most highest successful run chase ever right..and our unit bossed it...it isn't easy you know beating the aussies in their den and If we win tonight to make it to the finals I am sure..aussies are going to play the finals with vengeance for they won the first match against our unit and were looking to the win the second too but our unit surprised them with that epic performance.. I mean they all have just been brilliant...but I do hope that tonights match does have a result for the prior match with England was a draw with the superover being a draw too and then because rain happened - it couldn't go on and that meant that both India and England got that one point..."

Nikhil says grinning feeling confident - " don't you worry Radha..i have a good feeling today..we are going to win this..and then I am surely going to request Sheena/Harpreet/ Mira to get me an exclusive byte from Khushi too...after the match because I am confident she is going to be brilliant in todays innings too..you know how her's+ sheena's opening partnerhip has been brilliant for us again..i mean those two just play in pure sync.."

Radha grins - " well lets hope for the best and I am going to be watching obviously...its been a long hectic day here too..while the test was on here for the men's team so I am glad this is a night match...and I am also scheduled to head to Christchurch soon..for that's where the third and final test is.."

Nikhil adds grinning - " and I hope to be the one heading to Melbourne soon too Radha, to cover the final in between India and australia..,"and he pauses and says now picking up his stuff getting all ready to head out - "anyway...I gotta get going now Radha..ill check out your report and text you..you had dinner yet? Since you are two hours ahead in time from here??"

Radha - "yes I was just about to order in...ok bbye niks..let me know about the report and lets get set to watch another kickass game of T20 cricket - you live from the stadium and me on my screen.."

Nikhil chuckles at that and bids his friend bye and finally makes his way out of his room to head to the Sydney Cricket Ground with a smile on his face. He had a good feeling about the result of this Game - Already!!

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At the Sydney Cricket Ground - 6:50 PM

Khushi's POV

Guys.

Guess who is Dazed + Nervous * Infinity at the Moment???

Me - Ofcourseeeeeeeeeee!!

Dazed *Infinity - Why??? - Because I just can't beleibe the fact that I am in the locker room at the epic Sydney Cricket Ground - for real!!! Like this cricket ground has always been on my List - of the grounds I'd want to play in representing my country and today - for the first time ever - I am just minutes away from playing a Fixture for my Beloved India - right Here. It surely means the World to Me.

And Nervous* Infinity because - the game that is up tonight is like super duper important for us and we are all quite keen on the Win - obviously. I mean in this Tri Nation - Series Tournament - each side was scheduled to play 4 games - twice with each country - and today is our &Englands 4th and final match before we know who is going to play Australia in the finals at the MCG day after tomorrow, on the 29th. So basically at the moment we are on No 2 spot on the Point table with 3 points. The Point table looks like -

1.Australia - 4 points - they Won 2 (they won one match against England and US each)- Lost 2(they also lost one match against England and Us Too)

2. India - 3 points ( for we won one match against Australia and lost one to them and One was Draw with England) but we have a better run rate from England which is why we are on spot 2

3. England - 3 points too ( they won one match against Australia and the one with us was a draw) but their run rate is less than ours so they are spot 3

And if we win tonight - than its going to be Huge for our unit to head into finals with Australia - obviouslyyyyyyyyy!!!!

Now you all know why I am like super duper dazed+ nervous*infinity - so much so that all My Insides are just in that state of collective mute mode just processing the moments around In.

I do take deep breathes now as I stock up my stuff into the cocker and close my eyes for a second and think about my talk with Mom, Dad, Rahul, Anj, Reva aunty, Abhi uncle, Akash - before leaving the hotel for the game and I let their empowering words power me through yet again - and for that last bit of the SuperSurge into my system - I obviously think of Arnav, my love and his loving support as always and I let his happy energy from a while ago from the video call (after winning the Test Prior today in NZ)- calm my jumpy nerves further.

It is right then I feel Jess's hand around my shoulders from the side as she says nervousness quite evident in her voice too - " khushi ya..pinch me ya...like is this a dream? In the sense are we actually just minutes away from playing the game for India at the SCG??? Like I am super super nervous..and not just me..like mostly all of us in the dressing room are excited yet nervous..harpreet di is just about to step out for the toss in five minutes and she did say she/mira di/coaches are obviously going to have a word with us all before that... which I know is going to be exact motivational bit we need to hear before we step out..."

I nod at her as I hug her in the side as I say - " I know Jess..and I am superrr nervous too..like so so excited..as well.."

And right then we both feel Sheena di jump on us happily from behind and she joins in the group hug and adds grinning now - "and we are going to win this my girls..and play our bats out in the final against Australia too day after tomorrow..and take the cup home..."

We hug her happily as we say in unsion - "we really hope the same Sheena di.."

Sheens di grins and right then Vedika, Harleen, Tanu, Deepika and the rest of our team mates also gather in close as Sheena di says to us all - " girls...on the count of one two three..,"and we all nod in a happy unison and put our hands together in a group fist one by one like we mostly do and yell out - India Together - two seconds later and cheer out for ourselves.

Right then as we are all in the middle of the pumped up motivational cheering at one another - we see Mira Di/Harpreet di/ coaches come in close to us all. Mira di is not playing today for she's had a little injury in her elbow last match. Harpreet Di is leading our side as captain obviously and Sheena Di is the Vice Captain.

Harpreet di asks us all to group in a circle and we do and she is beaming up at us all and she adds now - " girls....three points...second position in the point table...we are going to seal the win tonight...I am sure of that..for I greatly believe in the grit in each one of you...infact our last practice sessions have only spoken volumes about each one of your determinations..and we have decided if we win the tos - we bat in first for we are most surely banking on putting up a huge total on the board..sheena..khushi...the onus to give us a flying start is on you two as opening pair for us obviously...play in sync like you always do.."

Sheena di and me look at one another and nod in unison and high five - "yes Cap....,"and we all hear her go on to motivate each of us as she continues - " incase we lose early wickets...do not let that deter you...your shake your confidence in T20..its all to the last ball...chose your bowlers to go after...alternatively and carefully with your partner on the other end.....one of you anchor then other fires..and then rotate the strike..run those doubles..like we all always do...make them into threes...when you can...today we gotta be at our strategic + aggressive best..."

Mira Di adds now - " also yes girls...this tri series is just like a mini trailer...for we have to return to Australia itself for the T20 World Cup at the latter half of the year - so if we make it to that finals..its going to speak volumes to the audience back about about our resilence as a unit + tenacity...thankfully..the buzz about women in sports in our nation is pretty much still on..and if we make it tonight to reach that finals...trust me we will grab eyeballs like never before..."

We all look at one another in a group completely determined, nodding our heads and continue to listen to our Coaches after as their motivational words continue to empower us with energy and about seven minutes later - Harpreet Di walks out for the Toss and coaches follow her and Mira Di says to us all - " im heading out to the dug out girls..not playing otday but I am with each one of you nonetheless ..alright?????????????i know you will give it your best...just give it your freaking best...that's all that matters..."

We nod at her and everyone disperses to their respective lockers momentarily and Jess pulls me aside in the corner towards my locker as she whispers softly - " okkayy...I think we have five minutes..im going to talk to Vikram.."

I whisper back softly - " yes..im going to text mr stranger too..he's waiting for my text too once I was free settling in the dressing room and everything..."

Jess nods at me in an excited whisper- "waise bhi..they are all going to be watching the match together anyway...in the hotel room in Auckland...hridhaan and Vikram are joining them in.."

I grin at that as I whisper - "I know...acha jaldi now you talk to Vikram and I will just text Mr Stranger..."

She nods.

I stand up close into my locker now and quickly dish out my phone and I text him quickly.

Me : hey you..skipper blue...sorry yaa couldn't text you prior for iv been in like a perpetual daze ever since i stepped into the locker room here at the SCG and then just was with everyone in the unit as Harpreet Di/Mira Di/Coaches were doing their empowering pep talk...Harpreet di just walked out for the toss...and I think I do have five minutes now...god..love..i don't know why I am feeling so dazed+ nervous...as in maybe now I can say nervous in a good way though...you know this is huge for me in so many ways...playing at the SCG finally...and then the game tonight is also like a semi's for us...so yeah...dazed who?????????? Your Sparkle indeed( I add a line of dazed emoticons)

And I Tap send. My Phone neeps in twenty seconds.

Him : hey you Sparkle..i know we can all see Harpreet on screen getting all set for the toss - as you know we as in me, rohan, ravi, cap, Vikram and hridhaan have gathered up in Cap's suite in our hotel to watch all of yours game tonight - infact because we are two hours ahead..its already nearing 9 here..so we'v ordered dinner in too..and we are all so excited..dinner and a game of t20 cricket by our woman in blue...crackling of the end to the amazing day indeed....and its okay to be dazed a little..for I was too when I played at the SCG for the very first time..but don't be nervous much Sparkle...just play your natural game like you do..do not let the circumstance intimidate you...or the pressure will come in with a mind game..remember what you once told me? pressure and worry is that burgular at your doorstep..now are you going to let it rob you of your natural flow??

I smile as I read that.

My Heart Glows.

And the remainder of my jumpy nervousy nervous wash away - like Magic.

Me : thank you yaaa love...you know exactly what to say to me and when...I love you..

Him : just like you know exactly what to say to me and when...I love you too Sparkle...and guess what? it isn't just us who is excited to see you play...Dad/Sagar Uncle/Rahul literally called in a half day at work and now everyone is all huddled up together at your home in front of the screen to watch the game too - you know that don't you?? we are all cheering and rooting for you our little hit girl...now cmon...pad up..and go and fire up some shots and stun the Brits..

I smile as I read that. Also a image of everyone all huddled up back at home - is shared by Anj and Superbro too in the family group.

Me : yes I know love..and I can never thank you all enough ya..anj just shared a pic...also wait na baba..let us know the result of the toss first..then only will I know na whether I have to pad up or we field first..

Him : Harpreet won the toss my love and chose to bat..i can see that obviously..and I think you will get the news in a minute in the dressing room...(winks)

And it is right then one of our support staff comes in with the news that we are batting first and I look back at sheena di and she winks at me from across and adds - " lets pad up..partner..."

I nod at her.

And get back to my phone now.

Me : hahaha..okayy my love.. I just got in the news..need to start padding up..do also want to drop a little message in the family group before setting my foot on the ground...so now I will text you later thike?? my love?? after the match...the minute it is over...pakka se as usual..ravage kisses...

Him : yes do that Sparkle...for ill be waiting for you my love...as always..and in the meanehile I got my eyes on you..(winks)

Me : hahaa..just like I had my eyes on you all day nonetheless watching your test...ohh god...just have to say this again love..am so so so so happy...you are all going to win the test series too...mujhe strong intuition hai...

Him : just like I have a gut feeling that you are all going to win the match too..Sparkle...I am so so proud of you..pad up now..my little hit girl..and give it your best like you always do.. on our 22 yards...ravage kisses..

Me : thanks love...yes I will give it my all...okay..now I gotta rush love..dont reply now(kisses and hearts)

I quickly go to my family group on whtsapp and drop a quick message to all - before I switch off my phone - and get to padding up straight and once I am done - minutes later - I pick up my favourite bat outta my cricketing kit and touch Arnav's handwritten code on it lovingly and I feel determination - take over Dear Heart - completely now - as I walk up to Sheena di now with my helmet all tucked under my arm and I say to her with a grin - " ready partner.."

She winks at me and says picking up her bat and tucking her helmet under her arm too and says - " ready indeed...khushi...just got the news from the dug out that it does look like a betters pitch..we will take that first over to just analyse..and then see where we can power hit through the powerplay..."

I nod at her determined as I say now - " yes di...we gotta make most of that powerplay..for sure..," and we both side hug one another happily and Sheena di looks at me a tad bit emotional as she adds - " for India..for Us..for everyone..who believed/beleive in us..."

I nod at her as I say my eyes getting a little emotional too - " for India...for Us..for everyone who believed/believe in us..indeed...sheena di.."

And we gesture the The Rest of Our Team to join in on another group hug and they do and we all shout out loud in a Pumped Up Cheer.

" For India..For Us...and For everyone who believed/believes in us..."

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Two Hours 40 Minutes Later

At New Zealand - Auckland - At The Hotel Room

(NZ is Two Hours Ahead off Sydney, in Time - so in Sydney at the Moment its 10:10 PM and in NZ its 12:10 AM (as in Ten minutes Past Midnight)

Arnav's POV

Guys.

Please Note - This for Future Reference.

I am not a Big Fan of Strategic Timeouts - when It isn't me who is playing on the field and I am watching my Sparkle play a match. As in when it comes to me being the one - to be absorbed in the game - I am obviously all for strategic timeouts - because its that much needed regrouping two minutes needed by us as a Team on the ground.

But.

Like I said - when I am in the Middle of Watching My Sparkle Play an intense match and the Team calls for a strategic time out - I can only groan in impatience obviously. And especially that last timeout that comes around the 16th over in the T20 games!

Anyways - the Only Good thing that came out of England calling in for their strategic timeout - while Chasing at the moment in the intense moment of this match at 16.4 overs - is that I could use that two minute break to freshen up myself - because otherwise I have been pretty much glued to my seat obviously.

And because I am in the middle of the Gaming Rush within my Head - I can only use a minute or so to give you all a Glimpse into the Intense Game unfolding in between India Women Vs England Woman at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

I hope I am excused for Rushing this Bit Through.

But Can't Help It.

Gotta get my attention on the Game at Hand.

So ofcouse for starters - I am beyond just freaking proud to say this - That India Woman bossed the First Innings as they put up a total score of 220 - 3 in 20 over's with My Sparkle scoring 101 of those runs and she went Not Out Too. Infact - Sheena and Her batted in perfect sync with a mix of fast + calculated slow pace uptil the 13th over for that high partnership stand off 130 runs by that point - with each of them having scored 65 runs till that point - until Sheena then lost her wicket in deceptive short ball trap set in my the bowler In a unbeleivable good catch Out - after which Harpreet came in to Join Khushi - and they both batted in perfect rhythym with Harpreet taking the lead in firing and My Sparkle anchoring at the other end and Harpreet fired up a quick 45 runs as well and My Sparkle also adding up on 20 more runs to her run stand from there on - and she was at 85 when Harpreet got clean bowled in the 18th over and she most definetly suggested my Sparkle to continue being the one to fire up for she had been in momentum right as Vedika came in to join her next for those last 9 balls to be bowled and Vedika anchored on the other end and scored a couple of runs too but My Sparkle fired up a couple of drives and one more killer pull short to end the innings with the stand off 101 runs not out - with Vedika losing her wicket in the last ball in an LBW.

So the ScoreBoard for India Woman Kind of Looked Like -

Sheena - 65 runs - out

Khushi - 101* - not out

Harpreet - 45 runs - out

Vedika - 9 runs - out

The rest of the Team did not Bat - obviously!

And I am sure you all can imagine the excitement not just me - but our families + our close friends have been feeling within at seeing My Sparkle play such a remarkable beauty of an Innings in such a crucial Match.

She's Truly Stepped Up - Her Very Own Mettle Today!

And now - coming to the reason why I am saying that the moment in the match is super intense is because since the pitch turned out to be the Batters one - England are 180 - 4 in 16.4 overs and they now need 40 runs in 20 balls to chase the Total - and one of the batswoman on the crease is a hitter too - infact she was the captain of the Western Storm team - in the Kia Super League (in which Khushi and Sheena played? Remember guys?)

And this is the reason why the entire India Woman unit is in a super intense momentum at the moment because, Harpreet, Sheena , Khushi - they all know that these two batswoman can surely seal the deal for England.

Ok.

Raizada.

Time to head back to Join everyone in the Room.

I head back out of the washroom now and I ask everyone in front of me who was huddled by the screen in Cap's suite - " strategic timeout done??"

Rohan turns back to look at me as he says - "just in time my friend - 9 seconds to go..."

Ravi grins as he gestures me to take my usual seat and I do and he says with a wink - " our little hit girl has killed it today...I was just with Noor on the call..you can't believe how excited she is..."

I grin at him at that - " really??everyone back at home is going bonkers too ..i mean we all did get on that little call in the innings break before getting absorbed in watching the game again..."

Cap and Rohan add now grinning- " and so are Sachi and Samaira...they are going nuts...,"And cap adds grinning - " Khushi..has really shined her way through with her bat today I mean that strategic aggressive yet paced out play of innings with Sheena first and then Harpreet after is beyond just commendable Arnav.."

Rohan adds grinning - " oh yes..we all know how commendable that is.."

Hridhaan adds grinning from his seat - "and let me not even begin to tell you all - how crazy Shivi is going..."

Vikram adds grinning - "and I could totally see Jess and the rest of the team beaming from the dug outs.."

I nod at him at that happily beaming in pride and I say - "and she was so so nervous before the match Cap..this is her first match at the SCG right.."

Rohan adds - " and what a class innings to announce her arrival at the SCG..buddy...im telling you buddy..i have a feeling they are going to win this one..."

Hridhaan and Vikram add grinning in unison- "and what a day it has been..i mean you sealed the victory in the second test..after already winning the T20 and ODI series here in NZ..Indian cricket is shining indeed..."

And I add now little nervous as my eyes go to the screen as the strategic timeout ends - " yes guys..but you know its never over until its over...and in t20 especially the last three overs are very crucial...so come on..lets watch this..now..."

Everyone nods and we return our attention to Our Women Unit on the screen - as Harpreet is placing the fielders around intensely chatting up with Sheena + Khushi in an intense mode too for they know how the batswomen on the crease could be thinking having played them in the Kia.

My Heart Glows with Intense Love as my eyes fall on My Sparkle's intense gaming frame.

She was My CindrellaVersion Helmet and Bat - afterall.

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

Ten Minutes Later

Arnav's POV Continues

Ok.

That's it.

I can't be Calm at the Moment.

Even though I am trying my best to be - with my fingers crossed and everything and we hear Vikram get up from his spot as he looks at us all in nervousness, rubbing his hands on his face - "guys trust me..iv never been this nervous when I am the one on the polo field..but at the moment I am freaking out...for Jess and Khushi + their entire unit obviously....i mean if they lose this I know how upset they all will be..right?"

So - The Reason for him getting This Worked Up is that England needs 10 runs in the last two balls now - and they are still 211 - 4 means that the Hitters are still batting.

The pitch has offered nothing to the Bowlers in the Death.And the Brits look in complete control - but to be fair enough - so does our Unit. Harpreets made sure that the team's all calm and determined in this intense situation.

Ravi says now - " tanu needs to take a wicket on this ball.."

I add - " exactly ravi..and I think she will.."

Cap - " but the pitch is offering no support...at all.."

Rohan - " exactly..a wicket looks difficult...in any other way..has to be a catch out...for they are surely going to hoist the balls in boundaries..."

Guys - we often watch the matches we do on Mute because we prtty much do the Commentary bit ourselves right??

I say to all as we see Tanu coming in to ball now - " okay guys...last two balls...,"and just as the ball gets bowled and the English batswoman fires it for a straight drive for a Four - we all groan out in disappointment - obviously.

And my heart is all engulfed in nervousness as I take in the tense look on Sparkle + rest of everyone faces.

Cap says - " oh they need a six in one ball...she's going to surely fire a six next..."

Rohan groans - "dammit..."

Ravi says immediately - " tanu..trap her in a short ball...so that the ball isn't able to cross the third man point near the boundary..she will target that surely..its the shortest boundary..."

And as my eyes fall on the screen I say now - " guys..wait..harpreet is changing the fielder's position after a quick gesture by Tanu..."

Hridhaan adds from next to me nervous too - " it think she's calling Harleen back in from third man to gully and have Khushi go up from gully to Third man..."

Vikram - " and shes also shuffled Jess to fine leg and Vedika from fine leg to square leg..."

I add now deep in thought - " yes...because these four have been brilliant in their catches in the field these series..shes securing her best fielders on the batswomans leg side and off side both - increasing the chance of a catch out..for they all know she is going to fire up a six..."

Ravi nods and just as Tanu bowls the last ball he exclaimes - " thank god...short ball trap..for sure...wicket..this is the wicket.."

And we all watch with bated breathe as the ball goes flying into the air off the Gully point straight towards my Sparkle in the Third Man position - and I clutch my fist tight in anticipation as I see My Sparkle Dive Up High and Sideways To Stop the ball from Crossing the Boundary and just as I take in the sight of her palm closing around the Ball secured - I jump up as I exclaim - " Yesssssssssssssss...yes......freaking caught it...she freaking caught it...,"and we see her clutch onto the ball tight in her hands as she falls sideways to the ground and I let out a nervous - " careful Sparkle...,"on reflex obviously.

And everyone around me jumps up in glee and excitement as Rohan+ Ravi + Cap let out a Yes - too as we see the entire Indian Woman team run towards each other in celebration as the Empire announces Out!!!

And I can't help but feel my Heart get consumed in happiness as they are showing the replay of the clean intense unbelievable catch out by My Sparkle up on screen - and it is right then everyone engulfs me in a group hug as we begin to celebrate and I beam in pride as I say hugging onto everyone - " godammit her..did you all see that bloody catch...she was the supergirl out there..."

Ravi grins - " supergirl indeed..that dive was superhigh and that too sideways..ou little hit girl can fly too.."

Cap , Rohan,Hridhaan, Vikram add grinning - " indeed...indeed...,"and I pause in my celebrations as I say to all now - " okay guys...I need to get a look on her happy exhilirated face up screen.."

Everyone says in unison - " shes going to be the player of the match indeed..."

I grin as I say - " I think so too..,"and right then as everyone disperses from around me and my eyes fall back on the screen again - my smile vanishes on its own accord as I catch not happiness but intense worry on all of India Women's team faces + the Brits batswomen who were on the field + the umpires+ the physios and meds from our Indian WomenTeam - as they are all huddled up in a group near the third man - where My Sparkle caught that ball.

Why are they all huddled Up in So much Worry??????????

I look at everyone wrecked with worry as I say to Ravi - " volume..pleaseeee...Ravi...volume dammit...why are they all huddled up that way in near the third man??"

Hridhaan, Cap, Rohan, Vikram + Ravi shoot me worried looks too as Ravi amps up the volume and we hear the commentators deep serious voice through - " India has won the match and will be playing Australia in the finals at the MCG day after for that catch was clean indeed...but what we reckon by that scene on the field right now is that Gupta - Jersey no 22 India - has sustained a injury in that fall as she dived in for that catch...for while everyone was busy in celebration and was awaiting her to join in from her fielding point while the cameras were rolling in the replay - she was noticed collapsing and lying flat on her back on the ground...."

WAIT.

WHAT?

JUST WHAT THE FREAKING HELL DID I HEAR?

No.

No.

GODAAMIT.NO.

The other commentators falls on my ears as I feel a numbing pain wreck my heart and being - " and I think the injury isn't looking good...for she couldn't get back on her feet after the catch not even for a second...and was seen grimacing in pain as she rolled over onto her back with her nose bleeding, before losing consciousness.."

I gape at everyone around me in disbelief as I ask with my voice shaking - " no...no..this isn't true right? what they are saying isn't true right?? this is not happening to My Sparkle everyone??"

Ravi, Rohan, Cap , Hridhaan, Vikram come by my side immediately holdingonto my shoulder as I rake up the volume on the TV with shaking numbing hands as I let out a curse now kicking the table in front of me - " dammit you all on the screen...move around dammit..dammit...I need to have a look at my Sparkle...move you freaking around..."

And right then just as I see the Medics hurry in to the ground with a stretcher - and we can only see a stunned silence in the stadium too - I feel like My Heart's Stopped Beating.

Why are they calling a stretcher in?

I ask my voice shaking to all - " why?? Why are they calling that stretcher in..Has my Sparkle sustained an injury that grave that they haven't been able to get her up on her feet yet???????????????????"

Cap - " arnav..calm down..."

Rohan - " just a second..im sure the commentators will say something.."

Ravi & Vikram and Hridhaan - " arnav..keep calm..nothing has happened.."

And right then as my shaking and numbing with fear being takes in the sight of everyone gathered up in a huddle at third man finally move around and I see Jess crying profusely along with Sheena and harpreet/vedika/harleen in tears too - and the Medics putting up my unconscious Sparkle on the stretcher with a cotton ball stuck to her bleeding nose - I feel like I have been Stabbed to Freaking Aching Numbness like never before.

NO.

NO.

THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING.

WHAT I AM SEEING IS NOT TRUE.

IT'S A FREAKING NIGHTMARE.

A FREAKING BLOODY NIGHTMARE.

I say shaken sure aching tears had left my eyes pretty much to myself in a broken disbelif- "no..no...this isn't true..she isn't injured that way..shes going to walk up to collect the player of the match award right??? she Is going to walk up to do that right Cap? rrohan? Ravi? Vikram? Hridhaan??she freaking just played the innings of her life...101 not out..commendable fielding performance...and that last catch...,"and I pause on reflex as the aching consequences of that catch sink in over and over again at the brutal sight on TV of them rushing my Sparkle in a rush with most of her team mates running by the stretchers side in a rush too - flashes in front of my eyes over and over again.And they are now beginning to show the replays and flashes of the scene in which she was spotted injured and grimacing in pain and as I am taking that sight in - I am Numbing into a Zone - I have never Before as aching tears continue to leave my dazed broken eyes.

They all pull me in a group hug as they say - " Arnav..compose yourself..please.....pleaseee"

I say instantly now through that aching numbness before it could cease my mind from operating completely- "I need to go..i need to go to Sydney..right freaking now....i need to get on a freaking plane..right freaking now..."

Everyone pulls back and Rohan says - " ofcourse..."

Cap - " ill look for the first ticket out.."

Ravi - "ill come with you..Arnav.."

Vikram and hridhaan add - " we will come with you too..."

And I take a deep breathe as I try to compose myself as tears continue to leave my eyes still - " Rohan..cap...you stay here...manage it here...I am going..."

They nod at me and I wipe my aching tears as I look back at the screen as the commentators voice comes through - " the organisers have decided that the post match presentation will go through behind closed doors and not in a usual way in the wake of the massive injury sustained by one of India's players jersey no 22 - as of now as they are heading her into the ambulance we do not know how grave her injury is...lets just hope that the grave history doesn't repeat itself here at the SCG - for this was the very ground where our very own Philip Hughes was injured gravely on 25th November, 2014 before he succumbed to his grave injuries days later, just three days before his 26th bday..what an unfortunate loss that was..and stats tell us jersey no 22 is very young too - not even 22 yet and just at the start of her roaring cricketing career...let's hope and pray the best for her..."

I kick the table up in front of me now in fury and wrath as I yell out loud - " shut the freaking up you dammit....she's not just jersey no 22 dammit..she's my sparkle...my khushi...her names khushi....she's not just a playing number....,"and as everyone tries to stop me from turning the table upside down I yell in fury and fear - " just the what the hell did he just say????????? Why the hell did he have to say what he did dammit???????????? why did he have to mention that grave incident with Philip hughes in comparison??when there's no news of what her injury is...damm these freaking commentators...bloody hell..ill kill him...ill freaking kill him....the minute I land in sydney...ill find him first and kill him..,"I yell out as I finally do the turn the table upside down in helpless fury and rage and everyone returns to getting me to calm down.

And right then all of our phones buzzing all at once and I put mine on speaker with shaking hands as I hear a wrecked with worried voices of Anj, Rahul , my parents, khushi's parents and Akash come through in the background as I hear Rahul say rushed - " ASR...juniors injured..she's really injured bad for sure..did you see???mom, dad are going insane in worry..they wont stop v=crying...we are taking the first flight out to Sydney...but its such a long time in transit for us...15 hours plus.....,"and he pauses - for I am sure he is choked on his tears

I say now in a rush sure he could sense my disturbed rushed voice- " im heading too ..rahul..im going..its just three hours from here..im heading..right now..listen to me Rahul...sparkle Is going to be okay...your junior is going to be okay...."

I hear Anj broken tearful voice come through now - " bhai ..rahul's choked into tears..akash is with him now...after what they'v just said on tv...the commentators..we are all freaked out..mum , dad won't stop crying..mom is with mum and dad is with sagar dad..obviously..bhai find out please..you must have a way...find out what happened...these people on the TV just exaggerate..."

I say immediately - " yes..i will find out...anj..straight away..just shut that freaking tv off first...and Ill hang up now for I need to find out right???just somehow get everyone to calm down there please...tell them me , ravi, hridhaan and Vikram are heading out straight...sparkle will be okay..she will be okay..nothing can happen to her..alright...just about nothing can...just take care of everyone there anj...,"and Anjali says softly - " bhai..you ..you...,"and I know she is about to ask me if I am okay and I don't think I will be able to answer that without breaking down and I do need to find out what's going on with My Sparkle in priority obviously so I just hang up saying in my shaken numb voice - " anj..don't..ask me that...please..ill call you back.."

And just as I hang up - I see Cap talking to Sachi Maam, Ravi talking to Noor, Hridhaan talking to his parents and Shivi, Rohan to Samaira - each of them wrecked with worry - I hear Vikram add now in despair - " dammit...Jess isn't picking up her phone....she surely must be with khushi in the ambulance..."

And I scroll through my contacts to Mira/Harpreets as I say shaking - " Mira/Harpreet - their captains I have their number..ill call...,"And I look at Rohan - " rohan...someone at our physio might be knowing someone on their side...find out please..get in touch..please???,"and he nods at me immediately and hang up on the phones and act on it and head out the door and I look at Cap as I add brokenly - " cap I need you to get me on the first freaking flight out..pleaseeee?????????"

Cap nods as he says in a rush coming in to pull me in a sidehug - " yes ...im on it..its our agent im talking to ASR now..after that frantic call with Sachi..had to take it...she was too worried...you call Harpreet/Mira..now...im getting you on that plane.."

I nod at him and as I see Hridhaan and Vikram trying to console a crying Shivi on the other side of the phone consumed with worry too - I finally dial Mira's No - first with shaking fingers hoping desperately that she picks up and I get to know what has happened and at the same time - a deep fear is coming to consume to me too as I feel continuous aching tears leave my eyes.

Godaamit.Sparkle.

NOOOOOOOOOOOO.

You can't be this Injured.

YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME.

You promised - you'll text me the minute the match was over!

You can't break your Promiseeeee - Sparkle Dammit.

YOU JUST BLOODY CAN'T.

YOU NEVER BREAK YOUR PROMISE - SPARKLE.

YOU NEVER - BREAK YOUR PROMISE.

YOU HATE TO BREAK YOUR PROMISE.

And it is right then Ravi takes the phone from my hand as he says clutching onto my shaken shoulder in support - " ill talk to Mira..and Harpreet...first....why don't you compose yourself for a couple of minutes..please compose yourself ,"and I hand him my phone and I gesture him to get on with the calls - as I sit down with a Dazed Thud on the Sofa and I feel a fresh bout of pain engulf me - joint with a waterfall of aching tears too - and I finally bury my face in my hands as I let my ache and pain flow for a bit.

How could I not Cry This way - when I can feel every inch of my Being - get consumed in a Massive Storm of Ache, Pain and Fear within - like never Before.

I wasn't Just Stormed or Shaken Within.

My Heart wasn't Just Stormed or Shaken within.

I was Wrecked.

MY HEART WAS WRECKED.

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

TADA.

Ok - no shoes at me for Stopping there Though - pleaseeee!!

How was the Update Guysssss?? Did any of you anticipate the Storm to be this way???????????????

And before you all get worried - let me tell you - that ofcourse Our Sparkle has not sustained too many grave injuries - and she will be okay - as in not critically injured for sure - but yes she is injured enough to be ruled out of playing any cricket for a while - for its going to be months before she has to fight her way back to that health and fitness. Guys - this really does happen to sportspersons - how many times have we seen players sustain massive injuries during play and I really want to explore the angle in here - that the agony any sportsperson would go through mentally because of the same + how much grit and determination and the battle within - it takes to fight the way back to health and fitness and make a comeback eventually !

So yeah - like I said - now we have stepped into an Uber Intense and Emotional RollerCoaster Ride - for Sure!

Next Update : Since I left it on such an Intense Cliffhanger will - surely try my best to Give a Medium length Update Tomorrow.

Alsooo yesss -I have finally gotten around to making my writing handle on Insta. Using it for Daily interactions - quotes - snippets etc. Would love to connect with you all on it too.

You can find me On Instagram - by Clicking on the Link Below.

https://www.instagram.com/mysticaltales11111/

Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support.

Much Love.

Always.

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