CHAPTER 47.2 – WORLD CUP..HUNGAMA..AND YOU - PART 2

Helloooo everyoneeeee..

OKKKK YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!

SO I AM FINALLY HERE WITH THE MOST AWAITED UPDATE – THE WORLD CUP..HUNGAMA..AND YOU...PART 2 –!!

AND ITS ABOUT 20.2k WORDS INSNAELY LONG IN LENGTH GUYS! FOR AS I CONTINUED TO WRITE OUT THE FLOW OF SCENES AS IMAGINED EXTENSIVELY AND IN DETAIL – MY FINGERS WOULDN'T STOP ON THE KEYPAD – UNTIL IT FELT RIGHT IN MY HEART TO PAUSE ON THE CHAPTER.

HENCE THE INSANE LENGTH OF 20.2 k WORDS.

HAHA!

I AM SO GLAD I SPLIT THIS !

AND I AM SURE YOU CAN ALL GUESS BY MY USE OF CAPITAL LETTERS RIGHT VERY NOW – HOW UBER EXCITED I AM POSTING THIS RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Guys.

AND I AM SUPER EXCITED TO KNOW YOUR Feedback on the Same – Obviously!

I HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY THE ROLLER COASTER RIDE OF THIS MAHA – MUCH AWAITED – DHAMAKA – UPDATE – FINALLY!

And guys yes – pleaseeee – surely 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.

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CHAPTER 47.2 – WORLD CUP..HUNGAMA..AND YOU - PART 2

Minutes Later Into The Match

Player's Pavillion

Arnav's POV

Guys.

Yup.

Now I know exactly what My Sparkle meant by saying that when she is watching me play Live from the stands and there is an immense pressure moment on the ground in the middle of the game – she literally feels so nervous that she feels like biting her nails off.

Yup.

Because – that's exactly what I feel like doing at the moment too. For the moment right now on pitch in the middle of the game is super intense Indeed.

And once again – I have to mask up my tensed expressions and not be the one in attempting to actually bite my nails off. I am right on that thought when I hear Ravi lean in next to me in a whisper as he adds pulling my leg as usual - " nope..don't even think about biting your nails off in worry right now...Arnav..I am sure you don't want a picture of you biting your nails going up viral in meme online..right now.."

I gape at him narrowing my eyes turning to the side as I whisper - " really Ravi?? I can't believe you are pulling my leg in a moment like this...."

Ravi chuckles as he whispers – " oh come on...just relax...they got this..yes the moment is intense...but still in control...see we all know Jess is killer with the bat...and see..she is walking to her spot now to join Khushi...chill buddy..mark my words...I have a feeling ..that these two are going to march us to victory tonight..."

I smile at that on reflex as I say – " and if that actually happens Ravi..I swear to our Cricketing God's that I will continue to put in brilliant words for you as usual in front of Bua and Uncle...so that when you actually propose Noor in either mine or Akash's wedding..they actually announce the date of your wedding..the very next second...in glee..."

Ravi and me automatically share a warm chuckle at that before we return our attention back to the game with Rohan and Cap leaning in to exchange a subtle gesture of the eye with me too in order to just ask me to relax!

Ok.So.

Point of the Game in Context Guys.

Sheena and Khushi actually did get off to a Flying start like they usually do with each of them taking turn to attack depending on the seam/swing bowlers bowling in from alternate ends and in 5.5 overs – we were at 60 runs for the loss of No Wicket.

I'll just get on with the Stats in Breif!

At 5.5 overs – 60 runs – No Wicket – with Khushi and Sheena each scoring a solid 30 runs.

However, the very next ball which was the last ball of the powerplay – Sheena was caught out in an amazing flying catch at deep fine leg which led to the score being – 60 runs – 1 wicket in 6 overs!

In came in Harpreet next and then she took on the attacking role as a Hitter too and Khushi anchored the other end as they played the rest of the 6 overs in calculative medium pace taking some calculative risks in boundaries and then obviously running massively in between the wickets and converting singles into doubles and a few double's into three's.And within Harpreet + Khushi's partnership – Harpreet made about 35 runs and My Sparkle added a anchoring stand off 15 with her individual score heading to 45 by the end of the 12 over before Harpreet lost her wicket in the start of the next over in an LBW !

Individual Scores Till that Point –

Sheena – 30 runs – catch out

Khushi – 45 runs*not out*still batting

Harpreet – 35 runs LBW

So by the end of the 12..1 Over which was just moments ago – the stats looked like – IndiaW – 110 – 2 – but because they just had the target of 185 up in front off them and they just had to score about 75 runs more in 8 more overs with 8 wickets in hand – it all looked pretty much in control – Until – the ace spinner from the Aussie's end who had just claimed Harpreet's wicket in an LBW managed to take a Killer – Hat-Rick of Wickets by trapping Mira and Vedika in another LBW trap+ Clean Bowled - making their mind think that they were playing for Turn until the straight delivery completely got to them – since Mira had come to the strikers end first after Harpreet – she fell to the LBW and Vedika was clean bowled by a killer delivery -(causing us all in the Indian stands to go into a stunned silence) – because all of a sudden three balls ago – it looked like we were in complete control and now the momentum has momentarily shifted to the Aussies – with these three back to back wickets.

And now we are still 110 – 4 in 12.3 overs with still another 75 runs to chase!!

I pause on that thought as we see Jess finally take up her position after a little chat up with My Sparkle mid pitch given that she just saw three wickets being taken back to back from the non-striker's end – she probably is asking Jess to just defend out the last three balls off the over and take things slow and steady for the next 10 balls or so.

And as expected we see – Jess just simply defend the next three deliveries safely and the over ends – and Jess and Sparkle walk up mid pitch to talk again – I hear Rohan say with a phew – " good...on that...Jess...good things this spinner just has one more over left to bowl...and I think her Skipper will keep her for the death..probably for the second last or the last..."

Cap nods as he adds – " yup..I think so too...and I also think those two know that they just need to take it a little steady and slow for the next 10 balls..for they cannot loose another wicket right now too...and specially not Khushi's..she is the one who has been on the crease since the beginning and is set on 45..."

I add in a whisper – "I think they will probably just aim to run singles and doubles for the next 10 balls to keep the score ticking slowly too..and avoid any risks...at this point...,"and I pause to lean forward to just steal another look at everyone in the family box across – and like I expected everyone has got super nervous/tensed expressions up their face.

The next over begins and I hold on with a bated breathe trying to mask my expressions too and I whisper to Ravi – " Ravi...I surely am going to go to the family box after these two more overs and the strategic timeout alright??"

Ravi nods – " okayyy..yes...,"and we pause to cheer a little as My Sparkle manages to hit a killer square cut on the third ball of the over after her and Jess taking just singles – but it gets fielded right in time on the boundary cover but these two still manage to get three runs and I add in a little Imaginary Yes in my Hands under my breathe – " come on then Sparkle...you can do it..another 50 is just a run away...."(she was at 49 now) with India's score 115 in 13.3 overs!

And just as we all see her take in a comfortable single next and complete her half – century comfortably as she makes her way to the other end and Jess comes on strike – my heart beams in Pride as I (along with everyone else around me) see her forgetting to raise up her Bat to celebrate her very own individual 50 – given that her energies are all consumed in the moment with the focus on the target up front and she does not realise that she forgot about it too until Jess hugs her tight in celebration and the Indian Women players in the dug out and the Indian crowd and us all cheer for her after which she subtly raises her bat towards her Skipper and Team in the dug out – before returning her attention back on pitch and to her conversation with Jess as her partner on the other side discussing the plan up ahead.

Yuvaan says thrilled from the other side – " okay..that 50 is commendable...given the pressure moment right now..and I can't believe it didn't strike her until Jessica reminded her that she had achieved another 50......"

Veer and Shiv add in unison beaming – " which probably also means that she is already the lead scorer of this tournament too...but we can notice clearly from her body language that at the moment that doesn't matter to her at all..what probably matters is the target up on her mind..."

I hear the BCCI officials around and behind me discussing the same and appreciating her subtle gesture on reflex of putting her team's target above her individual milestones!!

And My Heart continues to beam in Happiness and Pride.

That's My Sparkle – the Little Hit Girl - for you all ladies and gentleman – always a Team Player!

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

Minutes Later @ Family Box – After the End of 18 Overs

Everyone continued to exchange nervous worried glances amidst one another as they looked at the equation upfront in hand.

India Women – 160 runs – 4 wickets in 18 overs.

25 runs needed to win in the last 12 balls.

Each of them were praying within that Khushi and Jess continue to stay calm and composed up on the crease given the moment of immense pressure.

Jess and Khushi had managed to steadily compose the innings in control for India by running hard and crazy in between the wickets converting doubles into three's and taking some calculative shots on 4's too in the last 4.3 overs leading to a crucial partnership in between off them at this juncture off about 50 runs with Jess contributing 25* runs into the partnership and Khushi contributing 25 runs too – leading India Women to the stand they were right now!

Shivi says nervously to all – " oh god everyone...I can't breathe right now..like literally...what an intense moment is this ya...I mean..25 more runs needed in the last two overs...Khushi is on a steady 71 now and Jess on 25...oh my god...we can't afford any of them to lose their wicket right now...but they also know they need to pump up now..."

Vikram adds deep in thought gesturing Shivi to relax – " not necessarily Shivi..if they just run doubles this over..it will be 12 runs still...with 13 more to chase in the last over...pretty attainable...don't worry...they got this...right? Roger uncle..Kaelyn aunty?,"he pauses to look at Jess's parents – but found them holding onto each others hands with their eyes closed momentarily in a prayer!

Just like most of the elders were. Hridhaan's parents, Rohan and Payal's parents, Khushi and Arnav's parents , Dadi – they were all sitting with their hands folded in their palms in a stunned silence clutching onto the flags in their hand in the heat of the moment.

Kudrat now whispers to Hridhaan as they both gesture to Shivi to just relax – " will ASR be here any moment now? Hridhaan? I think – he did mention he will come here for the last two overs right?,"and she admits grinning to Hridhaan – " still can't believe he is Khushi's Mr Stranger ya...I mean..Hridhaan..this is amazing...now I know..why things unfolded the way they did..". Although Kudrat had not herself asked anyone or Khushi about the same in the first place – but since morning as she was hanging out with everyone it was normal for her to figure out the dynamics within the families and equations right at the breakfast time itself and before Khushi left she had taken her to the corner and asked her the same if- it was ASR who was Mr Stranger -only to discover Khushi happily affirm the same to her as well!

Hridhaan whispers back to Kudrat – " yeah..he should surely be here soon...Kudrat...,"and he pauses and adds with a little smile – " remember how I told you..it took me a while to digest this too back then..."

Kudrat nods at him as she says looking towards the ground – " somehow I just am not feeling tensed at all Hridhaan...I just have a feeling Khushi and Jess are going to take us home to victory.."

Shivi hugs Kudrat in a sidehug as she adds nervously – " a big fat chocolate for you Kudrat...for just saying this ya..."

Kudrat and Hridhaan ruffle Shivi's hair lovingly hugging her to their sides.

Rahul adds finally getting up in his spot tensed to all – "Ok...I need to stand...I just can't be seated in my spot anymore... also the Aussies have tried to banter and sledge around quite a bit with Junior and Jess in the these last couple of overs...but I am so glad that they are giving them no heed or the pleasure of getting a reaction out of them..."

Anjali , Akash , Payal add in unsion – " thank god for that...they are trying to distract these two...and we are super glad that they aren't falling for it..."

Everyone exchanges a nod amidst themselves and with the elders too who just gesture them all to keep the focus back on game and Akash asks in a whisper to Samaira, Sachi, Noor – "where is bhai?"

Noor adds along with Sachi and Samaira – " should be here any minute with Ravi..,"and she pauses and adds – " also everyone of our relavtives in the stand's are just texting me in nervousness too...the pressure is so freaking high right now..."

Sachi and Samaira add in a percpetive nod – " he should be here soon for sure...Dev and Rohan will stay in the pavilions stand with the team – for the balancing bit.."

Right then they all look back along with Akash, Payal, Rahul, Anjali, Noor, Samaira, Sachi to see Arnav and Ravi walk into the box with a tense look up their face right as the bowler balls in the first ball and Jess just defends giving away no run.

Ravi adds with a sigh to Arnav as they are making their way to all– " the Aussie Skipper played it smart..buddy...sending in the ace pacer to bowl in the penultimate over..for with her Yorkers..it is difficult to aim for the big shots...she's also kept her ace spinner with her last over left for the last...but this is that over...which decides the pace of the game going into the last...it all bottles down to these next 5 deliveries..right now..."

Arnav nods at him worried and tensed!

And they all groan as Jess just simply defends the next two killer yorkers – giving away no runs and the equation mounts to 25 runs needed for the win in 9 balls!

The World Cup for India Women – was Just – 9 Balls in 25 Runs Distance Away!

And Arnav clutches on his fist nervously as he says sending out a silent prayer for his Sparkle. You can do this Meri Jaan. You can do this. Look at how far you have come. You can Go this Distance My Love. You Surely Freaking Can!

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

Five Minutes Later

On the Pitch

Khushi's POV

I run in to Hug Jess – super tight just as we finish running the double on the last ball of the 18th over successfully and I say to her on reflex – " godammit Jess...that was freaking brilliant...I was in awe off those two back to back square cuts in those beautiful Four's in the two balls prior to this..."

Guys.

I knew exactly why Jess was keen on defending the first three balls of the pacer in this penultimate over because we decided that as a Strategy in between of us! So that she could gauge the line and length and manipulate her footwork to lead the bowler to think to change her pace/ in order to manipulate her deliveries as a bowler and shift attention towards aiming for the wicket – which was exactly what Jess did – leading the bowler to shift herself from playing her Yorkers which led Jess to manipulate her backfoot and front foot work accordingly to fire two square cuts back to back in fours and then run this double before the second last over ended – leading us to a position of 170 – 4 in 19 overs with Jess adding those crucial 10 runs to her stand to ease out this last over pressure.

Jess hugs me hard as she says – " thanks Khush...I am so glad our strategy worked..."

The energy from the Indian Crowd just lit up too with her Killer Square Cuts.

PHEW!!

GUYS.

WHAT'S A GAME IT'S BEEN SO FAR.

SO FREAKING INTENSE.

I TOTALLY FEEL LIKE I AM ON THE MOST THRILLING ROLLERCOASTER RIDE ON MY 22 YARDS!

And we both pause on our hug and just exchange a fist punch adjusting the gloves and our helmets reading the pitch AGAIN knowing that the Aussie Skipper who was immensely worried right now was going to send in her ace spinner – the one who got the Hat-Trick – against Us sending Happy Di, Mira Di and Vedika into the dug outs back to back and I say now determined keeping my focus on the target at hand channelising my Calm and reassessing the play conditions around me – " ok..Jess...15 more runs in 6 balls....and since you crossed in the double...you will face the first ball of the final over..any thoughts..this one is surely going to play the straighter delivery to try to trap us in a LBW or clean bowl us...."

Jess nods reading the pitch – "rightly perceived Khush...she will surely get a little assiatnce from the pitch too...know what? I am going to nick the ball and aim for the single to get you back on strike..since you play and read spin much better...and you have taken her on quite a bit in the beginning in the powerplay already..."

I nod at her as I say my gaze going up the pitch again – " ok then Jess..."

Jess pats my arm with a little smile – " how are we on pressure Khush??"

I wink at her as I say like I have been for a while – "no pressure at all ...Jess...its only 22 yards..us..and our love for the game on my mind right now....we are going to play the ball and not the bowler....just think of the next deliveries as a normal ball coming in that we have to play and take a shot at hitting..."(for this was a thing we came up with to keep our cool as Jess came in to bat after the loss of three wickets back to back – so that we are able to keep the bowlers intimidating intent of trying to get into our energies and into our Heads)

We fist our gloves again as she says the same words back to me and I make my way to the Non Strikers end – taking in deep breathes.

OK Then.

This is It.

The Last Freaking Over of the World Cup Final.

Last 6 balls.

15 Runs.

Channelise the Cricket Analyst in You – K! – chips in Dear Mind.

I do.

Obviously.

I got to read one ball at a time and take advantage of my spot at the non -strikers end right now to evaluate the bowlers mark up in steps before she bowls – becauseon the basis of all my analysis experience in the past + my studying to be a cricket strategy analyst off late – might just help me figure out the pace and the angle of the off -spin she is going to aim for!

I do just That.

I analyse her foot work as she bowls in and just as Jess nicks the ball to mid wicket and calls for a Single – I run for it – at the speed of Freaking Light or Sound whichever would be faster.

Phewwwwwwwww!

Made it to my Spot – safely!

Jess and me walk up to one another again and fist our pumps and we say to one another again in unison trying to keep our nerves in the stomach in check because of the energy from the crowd's cheers – " there's no one there in the crowd just now...it's just us...playing on our 22 yards...and we need 14 runs in the next 5 balls to win...that's all....one ball at a time..."

Jess pats my arm as she gives me a knowing look – " you read and perceived her footwork mark up didn't you??"

I nod at her with a little smile.

She pats my arm again and we fist our gloves together as she says – " so you know exacky what to do now..my Little Hit girl.."

I pat her arm nodding – determined and taking a deep breathe I walk back to my crease asking Dear Mind to just shield out everything around and the cruciality of the moment – out of focus completely - and narrow in my focus to exactly what I observed a ball ago helping me come up with the right tactic to tackle the next ball.

The Idea of a Pre- mediated – Reverse Sweep – strikes Me – instantly.

But as I take my spot and adjust my helmet – the Aussie Wicket Keeper just scowls at me immensely and she sneers looking straight into my eye – " that's it...its finally the time of your wicket...Little Hit Girl.."

I just smile at her as I say with a wink and thumbs up - "maybe....or maybe not...,"and turn around in my spot and get into focus knowing that she was taken aback by my smile and answer.

It is right then she says into my ear from behind – "you ain't going to win this one...the World Cup is ours...Just like the Tri Nation Finale was...oh wait...you didn't play that final did you ...you poor thing..you were injured...on this very ground..."

OUCH.

HOW LOW WAS THAT FOR A SLEDGE?

AM I GOING TO GIVE HER THE SATIFACTION OF A REPLY WITH MY WORDS?

NAH.

WHY USE WORDS WHEN DEAR BAT IS TALKING IN IT'S LANGUAGE RIGHT NOW!

I – TOTALLY – PRETEND – TO BE – Tone Deaf – to Her – just like I have been most of the evening and zoom in my Focus on My Game – listening to my Gut to get set to go in for a Reverse Sweep.

And just as I see the bowler fire in her delivery – I feel my body adjust on reflex reading it and smash it on reflex in a Reverse Sweep – hoping with all my heart that it races to the boundary in a Four and the fielder from deep fine leg isn't able to make it to stopping it in time.

And as it does Hit the boundary cover and the Umpire signals in a Four – I fight back a happy Grin as Jess runs up to me and she hugs me sideways as the loud cheer and chant of I-N-D-I-A falls in our ears and she states – " that was fab Khushi...what a killer reverse sweep just in time...just ten more..with 4 balls to go...Khush....we can do this....we can...the distance to that World Cup..isn't very far Khush...we know what this means...we win this...we chase the narrative towards how people look at women in cricket back Home...,"she states emotionally with a nod as our eyes fall on the hopeful eyes of our team standing up in sheer anticipation in the dug out.

I nod at her feeling all of my cricketing emotions engulf me as I walk back to my Spot.And adjust my Helmet on my Head and I Take a Deep Breathe.

Emotions Out. Game Focus IN.

4 More Balls – 10 runs!

The Aussie Skipper is adjusting her field near the boundaries too.

Ok.

Guys.

The Aussie Wicket Keeper is back to sneering and glaring along with some of the fielders near by and they all begin to collectively remind me off my Injury yet again on this very ground and I just remind myself that they are like those thieves at my doorstep trying to rob me off my Calm which eases my insides on reflex and I just smile at each of them again politely resuming my stance on the Crease just gesturing with my bat with a subtle signal to myself – all that matters to me is that I am here Now.

I AM LIVING THIS MOMENT.

I AM NOT IN THE PAST.

I return my focus on game and Trust my Gut– telling me that the bowler is going to go in for the same pace/line + length delivery like before. She probably won't risk a Shot Ball right now.

Ok Then.

She right does the same and I feel my body and footwork adjust on reflex as I smash it off the middle of the bat – in the honour of My Skipper Blue – in his signature Cover Drive shot – watching the ball with my heart in my throat as it races to the boundaries as the fielder who dived to catch it couldn't get to it in time!

I bite my Grin within as I hear the Crowd Cheer and Chant I-N-D-I-A - Again!

This one was you – My Love!

And as Jess runs up to me again happily and I walk up to her too – I do spot the Exhilarated faces of Arnav and our families from the family box grinning – clapping and cheering being flashed on the screen for a second before the camera rolls to the images of Our Team on their feet on the dug out clapping in anticipation and the images off most of the Indian fan crowd up on their feet in anticipation too!

My Heart Swells with Determination and Love yet again.

Jess says grinning as we pump our fist together and she says – " 6 runs needed Khush...in 3 balls...and the World Cup is Ours..dammit...finish this off will you...My little hit girl.."

I nod at her as I say reading the bowlers body language as she is in discussion with her Skipper and I whisper to Jess – " not this delivery Jess...maybe the next one..she is going to go change her delivery for sure...I just wana read this one...lets aim for a single or double...slow and steady...we got three balls left Jess...one ball at a time..."

Jess nods at me now as she says patting my helmet – " go for it...Khush...just go for what your gut tells you..."

I nod at her and walk back to my Crease trying to observe the bowlers Mark Up again from my spot!

Oh Boy.

Guys.

My gut tells me that she is going to go in for a straighter delivery next with the aim to clean bowl my stumps and if I give an inside edge to it - my bails will knock off and if I stay stuck in the crease – I will be trapped in LBW.

Hmmm.

Ok.

She is getting Set.

I take a Deep Breathe and Dear Mind chips in. K – you just gotta back your footwork and come out of the crease to mitigate the risk of the LBW and defend with a simple nick – just like you have seen your seniors in our team/ Arnav and the Men in Blue do a countless number of times against countering Spin Attack!

Thank You Dear Mind.

I take a deep breathe and get ready and as expected – the bowlers bowls in a killer straighter delivery trying to manipulate me into playing for the turn but because dear mind had anticipated this – I feel my body act and adjust and play my shot as I had thought in my head stepping out of my Crease in protection and I run for my Life as I gesture in Jess for a single and just as I make it to the non-strikers end Jess calls out for another as there is a slight misfield at cover point.

We run the single again – as the speed of Light! And as I make it back to my spot safely scoring another 2 runs– I feel My Body act up on reflex as I pause to catch on my breathe by holding onto my one knee before I make my way back to pat Jess on the arm as I say with a smile on reflex – "that was some excellent running Dutee Chand..."

She grins and pats my Helmet with a wink – " excellent running Hima Das.."

We share a determined nod yet again and a fist punch as she says now – " there you go Khushi...2 balls...and 4 runs to win...wanna take it steady and run the doubles again??"

The crowds around us has gone Beserk with everyone on the seats.

The Aussies are scowling and sneering as their Skipper is adjusting her fielders at boundaries too!!

I admit a little bit of last minute jitters making their way into my head – " to be honest Jess...I think the bowler is going to want to trick me by a shot ball...hoping that I get catch out at long off/deep fine leg..."

Jess nods taking a deep breathe as we look around the ground – " maybe yes...you are right...know what Khush...just go in with what your gut asks you to do this time around...you are on strike...take the call...as the ball comes in...just hit it though... so that we can run to be at the safe side incase you do not fire up a boundary shot.....,"

I nod at her determined and just like that I say to her again – " 4 runs away from the World Cup...2 balls to go...one ball at a time...we chase this...we chase the Dream on behalf off our team, India for every women cricketer in India..."

She nods at me determined.

I make my way back to the Crease.

And as I am doing so- in come in the Flashes – off every doubt/belittleing acts/bullying I/Jess/My Team has faced while growing Up and after in our journey to this Point.

"You are a Girl...you cannot Play Cricket.."

"You are crazy to want to dream to Play Cricket.."

" You.. women cricketers will never dominate the world stage like our men's team do..."

"Wait...what? are you a professional cricketer? Like really? does that segment even exist in Cricket? Don't mind..we don't want to sound condescending but it just surprises us to think – who would even watch Women's Cricket in the first place? I mean do you all have audience watching you at all or not...maybe not...just the empty stands...perhaps?"

"Who are you kidding? It will never be housefull in the stadium when you women cricketers play...in India.."

" Oh Please....You Women Cricketers will never win the World Cup for India...Not even in your Dreams...you will chicken out to last minute pressures...like you all did in the Tri Nation Series..Final..."

" Dream On....You will never get to the World Cup..."

" Jusr Choose an alternative Career..there is no equal regard/respect/ place for women in cricket or in any sports..."

Life's coming a full circle within my Head for sure Guys - for - Here we are – finally – just Four Runs Away From the World Cup!

And I take a deep breathe as I take my Stance nudging these aching belittling flashes away – and my eyes fall on Arnav's secret code written on my bat and just like that everything that I have been through with my health and game in these last couple of months flashes through my eyes again and I just close my eyes for a nanosecond - shifting my focus to Dear Heart in taking strength from all the love, faith, belief, gratitude, grit and positivity – that I have always given more priority too in my journey with a request to dear Heart to just back me up here and as I open my eyes I feel as if my entire Life has narrowed around to just this moment in Time on my beloved 22 yards.

NOTHING ELSE MATTERS.

BUT THIS DELIVERY AND MY BAT.

The Bowlers comes running in and her pace tells me she is going to go in for the Shot Ball Indeed.

Dear Heart chips in now. And now you just have to capitalise on it by adjusting your stance and a little bit of both the front foot and backfoot first – getting inside the line of the ball –and then transferring your weight back on the backfoot as you play the Shot K - so that the ball goes flying out of the park in great height – there's going to no chance of a catch out then! Go in for your Strength – K. Your Pull Shot. Back yourself Up with It.

And as the ball comes in – I back My Gut and My Heart and do Just that – getting into my familiar position of taking on the Ball with a Pull Short – firing it Straight into the Air – and I statue in my spot as I hit it - literally keeping my eyes on it and my bat paused in the air too with my heart jumping in my throat for a second!

AND.

Just as I see it cross the fielders heads by a massive height over the boundary lines in a SIX – Happy exhilarated tears engulf Dear eyes on their own accord and as I hear the Crowd Shoot upto a Loud Cheer on their Feet in a Victory Chant - and I spot Jess Running in towards me clinching onto one of the wickets she has uprooted off the stumps in sheer glee in her hand – and the rest of our team flood in running down the ground in Sheer Glee too - I finally just kneel down on my knees in my spot with my Bat standing tall against the ground and I bury my head in my gloved hands over my Bat's Handle – and I CRY!

Yeah.

RIGHT.

WE WON THE ICC WOMEN'S T20 WORLD CUP!

WE CHASED OUR DREAM!

And Everyone's going Berserk Around Me.

But all the Crazy Charlie Chaplin- Me- can do right now is Just cry out – Bundles off Niagra Falls *Beyond all of Infinity in Glee and Happiness – crouched up over knees – looming over my Dear Bat!

MY SHOULDERS ARE SHAKING AS I AM CRYING.

SURELY THE REST OF THE WORLD –IS SEEING ME CRY in this exhilaration and Happiness TOO.

BUT I DON'T CARE.

ALL I CARE ABOUT – LIVING MY EMOTIONS – STAYING TRUE TO MY Heart – in this Monumental Moment of Time!

INDEED.

AND I KNOW – THAT ARNAV, OUR FAMILIES, FRIENDS AND MY TEAM – WILL SURELY UNDERSTAND WHERE MY EMOTIONS ARE COMING FROM!

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

Just Rewinding Those Last Three Balls from Arnav's POV

My Heart leaps up in Sheer Glee as we all see My Sparkle hit the ball for another Four Runs – in a Killer Cover Drive and just like everyone else around me and the Indian fans in the crowd – I jump up on my feet cheering – clapping and rooting for Her!

Godaamiit Sparkle.

That was Freaking Beautiful Shot!

Guys.

I cannot tell you – how badly my Heart is Pumping in the Middle of My Chest right Now.

India Women need 6 Runs Needed for the Win in 3 Balls to Go!

I still am pretty sure in my Head that this was super intense for my Sparkle to just play through given that we could surely figure out that the Aussies are still trying to sledge and distract her in the nick off time. She seemed all casual and calm and composed. But all of me is dying to know what they were saying to her? I am sure the presenters are going to question her about it since it was a point of discussion amongst the commentators with the little scene of My Sparkle just smiling to herself as the Wicket Keeper was bickering and sneering behind her.

And Yes – we will surely know from the Stump Mic Convo-s soon!

Godammit Sparkle.

I am so proud of you for keeping your Calm amidst the Heat of the Moment – Meri Jaan! And I just continue to clap and cheer alongside everyone again.

Everyone around me pauses on celebration a minute later and Anjali comes in to hug me happily from the side as she whispers into my ear chuckling in glee – " bhai..tone down your happiness now will you??"

Rahul comes in to hug me from another side as he adds in my ear – " I am sure... Junior fired that cover drive thinking off you Mr Stranger..."

Akash comes in to hug me from the back too – " copy that...bhai..I agree..Junior surely fired the cover drive for you...in the honour of her Skipper Blue...she's pulling out some massive grit on the pitch right very now...racing up to 79 with that boundary...,"and pauses and adds winking at me – " okay then...let me remind Mom, Dad and Dadi to just tone down their expressions a little bit more.."

I nod at him happily speechless and I just hug on Rahul and Anjali hard and as Ravi – Noor continue to hug each other in celebration and Vikram and Jess parents + Hridhaan+ Shivi+ their parents +Kudrat + Rohan's parents + Samaira + Payal + Sachi maam + Noor continue to high five each other in happy High-Fives amidst a happy celebration too – I bite back my chuckle as I spot Akash school Mom, Dad and Dadi over their expressions in the far corner in our aisle of seats.

I finally hear Sagar Dad tears up happily as he adds – " just look at her....my little girl....Nisha...unbelievable isn't it?"

Nisha Mom just nods at him overwhelmed crying out buckets in happiness already wiping her tears away from her cheeks.

And I finally take deep breathes as I say to everyone as we see My Sparkle and Jess take a quick double in between the wickets – " ok then everyone...this is them being super wise on the pitch surely not wanting to rush to finish and make a hasty shot...."

Everyone nods at me and the Stadium around us also goes into a excited Hush Silence as we spot Khushi and Jess catching up in for a talk!

2 balls to Go.

4 runs needed.

The pictures of their Team standing on their Feet in the Dug Out in Hopeful exhilaration is being blown on the Screen over and Over again!!

Ravi says now hugging onto Noor to his side – " 4 runs..2 more balls...that's all...everyone..."

Sagar Dad adds rubbing his hands over his face – " Khushi beta...just run your doubles...don't take a risk of a shot...just in case..."

Rahul adds grinning – " Oh Dad please...come on...Junior can't hear you...and she surely is handling the pressure situation well with a lot of maturity...along with Jess..right now..see they are chatting up again.."

And as my eyes fall on the scene mid pitch – and I take in the body language of my Sparkle as she walks back to the Crease slowly after a chat with Jess - deep in thought – adjusting her Stance – My heart gushes with love as I spot her eyes fall on the spot where in I have written my code on her bat and I just know as I spot her closing her eyes that she is focusing on channelising all her strength within reliving everything that she has been through this year probably feeling as if her entire Life was narrowing down to this moment in time.

And where as everyone – around me is buzzing in anticipation as the last ball gets bowled in – I just know it by her stance that she is going to Back her strength and take on that Shot Ball in her Pull Shot For a -Six!

WE ARE ALL ON OUR FEET ALREADY IN ANTCIPATION AND JUST AS WE SEE MY SPARKLE FIRE HER PULL SHOT – I PUMP BOTH MY HANDS INTO FISTS IN EXHILIRATED Happiness – and so does Ravi for we both know its gone miles into the Stands for a Six and we end up saying in unison – " It's a Six....Yes...Yes....Freaking Yes....."

And just as the Umpire actually does Declare it as a Six – We all Go absolutely Berserk in Celebrations just like the Ground with India Fans bursting into a Victory Cheer like never Before - and Nisha Mom bursts into happy tears already as she asks to confirm again – " Reva...Sagar...Arnav..Rahul..An..Akash..Payal...that was a six right?? we won?? We won right??? India Women won the world cup....for the first time..ever??"

And Sagar Dad, Rahul, Anj hug her tight instantly as they jump up in happiness with Mom just hugging onto Dad in an exhilarated daze too as we all state to her in a collective unison – " yes...we won....we freaking won...,"and Rahul adds happily – " and Junior was the one to hit the winning sixer for real..she finishes on 87* not out...with India Women completing the chase and scoring 187 runs – 4 wickets down in 19.5 overs Mom.....Junior smashed it...dammit her....."

Yeah.

Right.

Copy that – Superbro!

Goddamit. Sparkle. You.

Godammit. Little Hit Girl. You!

SO PROUD OFF YOU DAMMIT.

And as I spot the sight of My Sparkle going down in her knees on the crease - and breaking down into Happy Tears – I feel my eyes well up with Happy Tears too and I look down for a second adjusting my cap over my Head to mask my emotional expressions for a second before I look up again to see Jess running towards my Sparkle In glee with the wickets from the Stumps in her Hand and the rest of her Team flooding and running towards the Two of them on the pitch too and I walk up to pull Mom aside from hugging Dad, Payal, Dadi, Akash out of sheer happiness too and I lean in her ears to ask her a very vital question – engulfing her in a Hug.

Yeah.

My Insides are Stumped into Happiness *Beyond all of Freaking Billions of Infinity – Indeed and I'd be dammed if I didn't act out off the emotions that were consuming me right now!

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

Meanwhile as Khushi Hits The Winning Sixer

The Commentators on the commentary box say in glee – " and there it is....The Little Hit Girl...finishes things off in Style...a magnificent..absolutely magnificent sight here at the SCG...India Women win their First ever T20 World Cup and...as the Little Hit Girl's smashes the shot ball in a massive Pull Shot Straight into the Stands in a massive Sixer....the victory celebrations begin...the party begins in the dressing rooms...and it's been an excellent performance by the Indian Women's Unit this tournament...and what a magnificient knock from the Indian Opener who fought her way back through the turmoils of a massive injury into this World Cup Squad for her country just in time....what a Moment in time...ladies and gentlemen...The Australians fans and players are obviously gutted over their close losss...but it is what it is ladies and gentleman...it truly is...India Women's moment.. for They win and Lift The ICC T20 World CUP for the very first time....a very well deserved and a fought hard victory....they have absolutely thrilled the world with their performance this tournamenet..."

The other commentator - " The sight on the field is heart-warming indeed...as the entire India Women unit topple and hug the two players of the Hour – Jessica Rego and Khushi Gupta - who managed the last two over pressure with great maturity to seal things for their side...helping the women's unit in writing down History...that shall go down in golden words in the pages of Women Cricketing Books in India...."

The other commentator chips in Happily – " or maybe lets make that platinum words...and its absolutely heartwarming to see the Indian Men's Unit celebrate this way in the players pavilion in their counterparts support...Their Skipper has just raced his way back into the player's box and they are all celebrating as a Men's Cricketing Group now collectively hooting and cheering for the Team of the Hour... this is...a sight that truly is a trademark of the sportsmanship and the spirit of the Game....Gender does not Matter...Only The Game Does..."

The first commentator continues cheerfully – " and the sight on the field of the India Women celebrating half of them into exhilarated Happy tears – hugging and cheering – is truly a scene to watch over and over again...they know what this means to them...achieving this for their country for the very first time....MonumMental...Indeed...or rather someone give me another word right now?"

The second commentator adds in glee – "well well well...I surely should have suggested you an word/adjective if I could remember for that's how thrilled I am this time arounf...lets just say...that the sight in front of our eyes is a true testimony of the fact – that the Victory always tastes Sweeter when it comes wrapped in the papers of History - for the very First time...."

The Various reporters and Media on the Ground are also going all Buzz covering the Moment as the India Women Unit Celebrate their Victory by jumping and toppling over one another.

Earlier - Khushi was lying flat down on the ground with Sheena, Harpreet , Vedika, Jess,Harleen toppling over her in Glee and the rest off the unit hugging each other tight in the Toppled Up Huddle and she just continued to live the moment with her team mates hugging them hard in glee too finally hooting and shouting and cheering along with the rest of the team as the happy tears finally paused for a bit and she could just soak in the Happiness of the moment along with the rest of her Team happily in Glee!

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

Nikhil hugs on Radha and Varun hard in the Media Stand as he states in exhilaration celebration – " yes...yes...yes....we did it...we freaking did it......They won...they won..come on guys..we need to start live...I am stoked with goosebumps all freaking over...did you all see that last over from Khushi? Two fours and a Six..I just knew it she is going to go in for the big shots then.....I mean...in her innings till that point she had only conceded 3 sixes and 5 fours...and was just running hard in between the wickets too..."

Varun adds exhilarated – " but now with those back to back boundaries....she finishes her world cup final innings with 4 sixes and 7 fours – totally clinching that Top Scorer Spot with 607 runs this tournament...."

And Radha finally puts down the phone as she was on a exhilirated call with Natraj Sir side by side and she grins and says to the two – " come on then boys...we need to get live supersoon...Natraj Sir says..the media on TV has gone all buzzing....,"and she pauses and Varun sets up the Live in point Radha says exhilarated continuing to relive the moment super stoked that she saw it live – " boy...I just have to say this again....those last two overs were unbelievable Niks from both Khushi and Jess...and that last sixer...from our Little hit girl...mark my words..is going to be remembered as an iconic moment in Cricketing Time Just like Cap's winning world Cup sixer back from 2011 is...for it is with that Colossal Stylish Six that our women's team – Lift their first ever ICC T20 Women's World CUP ................woohhooooooooo"

Nikhil nods happily as he says finding it uver hard to contain his excitement but they had a job to get on with – " come on then...partner..we need to get on with our coverage live...or Natraj sir will kill us for being lost in celebrating our happiness..."

Radha nods and they both get on the Job at hand – alongside Varun.

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

Back in India

The entire public that had been seeing the Final Live was now stoked in their World Cup Win celebration for the Women's Team had created History for the very first time – answering everyone who doubted their talent and grit + their trollers and bashers – with their performance.

And

Everybody who was not watching it live – was now compelled – to put all their work on hold as the Breaking News of India Women – winning their First Ever ICC T20 World CUP – made the headlines in all the news channels + Online World with the snippets of the highlights of the game +last two overs + the last winning sixer shot by the Little Hit Girl being rolled over on every Digital Screen over and over again – taking both the country and the Cricketing world – By Storm!

And the crazy about Cricket Public in India finally Danced and Celebrated in their Women's Unit World Cup Victory – for the very first time!

And This Victory was Uber Special.

For it turned the History Pages in the Books of Women Cricketing Scene in the Country – towards a Chapter of New Hope – that now – finally – after this World Cup Win - the heads would Turn to Look towards the Game and Talent of Women Cricketers in the Country too!

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

In Madan's Village

He couldn't stop Crying in Happiness.

Madan coudn't stop the flow of his happy tears ever since the Minute he had seen His Khushi Didi – hit the winning Sixer – and so just like the rest of his Village – He Cried in Happiness and Glee celebrating a World Cup Victory like never before – pretty much speechless consumed in the Bundles of Happiness and Exhiliration.

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

Authors Note** - Just had to Include this Song in Here for the Victory Feels!

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

In The Players Pavillion

Arnav was finding it really hard to contain his excitement as he celebrated along with the rest of his Unit! The BCCI officials around him couldn't stop smiling and celebrating too and as he could easily hear them talk amidst each other along with the rest of the team – he exchanged a knowing happy look with Rohan, Ravi, Cap for they all knew that – The President of the BCCI was now going to himself make sure that the women's team – got Heaps of Limelight and PR from here on too!

And he couldn't contain his Happiness as he was also taking in the sight of His Sparkle going bersek in crazy celebrations alongside the rest of the team!

He was STOKED BEYOND WORDS! FOR HE KNEW WHAT THIS MOMENT MEANT TO HER AND HER UNIT!

They were right in the middle of Celebrations that he sees Ravi pausing for a second to look into his phone and as he frowns a little – Arnav walks up to him to whisper and ask in his ears – " whats up??why the frown??"

Ravi answers in a hush as everyone around him continues to celebrate – " the stump mic conversation from the last over just came to light as in its going viral...apparently the Aussies were trying to intimidate Junior by reminding her of her injury..their wicket keeper started it...and the rest around her fielding...joint in a collective sneer after she started with the reverse sweep..."

And all of a sudden as he takes that in – Arnav's happiness is clouded by shades and cloud of immense anger as he adds swearing under his breathe to Ravi – " really? is that what they were rubbing her in about?? Even for their normal sledging and banter standards – this was quite below the belt...god...I am freaking furious...I just wish I could...,"and he pauses for he knows His Sparkle wouldn't want him to give out any reaction to the same given that she held her composure and patience at that point in time and did not let their banter disturb her from her goal up hand.

Ravi understands the meaning of the pause and he gives Arnav a little smile – " exactly...we know her..she wouldn't want you to React...and the online world is taking it on amidst themselves in a war of Aussie and Indian cricketing fans right now...pretty much with all of Indian fans saying that – it was way below the belt indeed..and they were proud that their players answered with those hits instead..."

Arnav sighs at that and he admits – " and I am so proud of that too..,"And he takes a deep breathe and adds – "you know what...I am not going to let any anger take over my Happiness at the moment...just about nothing can influence my exhilaration right now...,"and he pauses to return his attention up in field at the sight of his Sparkle now getting set alongside her team for the post- match presentation.

Ravi nods happily and Cap and Rohan join them in too and they gesture to ask them subtly what their little discussion was about and as Ravi quickly fills them in Rohan and Cap add in unison – " you are right...Arnav..lets just focus on our teams celebrations for now..,"and they add in a whisper – " all that matters is that the World Cup is Home...and is going to be in the hands of our women's unit soon..."

And Arnav just group hugs his buddies to his side as he adds to Cap getting all nostalgic – " Cap...that last shot from her..reminded me off your winning shot from the 2011 World Cup..."

Cap nods grinning - " ask Rohan...I had happy tears in my eyes watching it too....for it got me totally nostalgic too.."

Rohan adds grinning – " it got us all nostalgic in the players box this side ...only apt..for actually her eyes on the ball and the pause on the bat mid -air – were just mirroring Cap's focus on his shot after he played it back then in that moment of time...."

Ravi adds grinning – " Surreal...boys...this is beyond just Surreal for our women in blue and the little hit girl..obviously...,"he finishes with a happy wink.

And Arnav feels his heart continue to beam in pride and happiness as he continues to celebrate with his closest buddies and his team as they all get set to watch the Post Match Presentation formalities get ready too.

A support team member comes and asks Arnav now – " Skip...the media wants to know that when is it that you all – as in the Men's unit make your way down to congratulate the women's team??"

Arnav exchnages a knowing look with Rohan, Cap, Ravi and the BCCI officials around him a gesture of their eye telling him that they all agreed with what he had on his mind and he answers the support team member – " please tell them...that we will only make our way to the ground to congratulate them after the post match presentation, their victory celebrations and victory lap with the flag is completed....for this moment in time and it's thunder is theirs as a professional unit to experience and live....with one another...we will not overshadow their limelight by making our way their now....we surely will indulge in our celebrations and congratulations with them...but only after...they have lived their professional moments..."

The Support team members gives Arnav a heartfelt smile at that and Arnav continues with a smile – " so please tell the Media..to not request us for any bytes from any of us right now and just focus on our women's unit's monumental victory...we will talk to the Media...but after we have seen and cheered for their victory from our spot right here in the stands..."

The support team member nods at him – " rightly so Skip...,"and takes the leave.

And even though the Stadium had been half full with Aussie fans – at the moment the Stadium was pretty much Jamm packed and full with all of the Indian Fans staying back to witness the happy moments in hand going crazy in cheer too and 3/4th of the Aussie fans just smiling and cheering on the moment graciously too.

And so along with the rest of the Crowd + his crazy happy families in the box next door – Arnav finally gets set to see his Sparkle's post match presentation live.

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

On the Ground

Khushi's POV

Guys.

You can't be Mad at me for this Thike?

I mean – I am a Bundle of emotions Ya!

But still ya – I can't believe that My Charlie Chaplin self had to come out this way in the middle of the post-match presentation!

I mean I literally couldn't get words out of my Mouth when they handed me the Player of the Match award just now and asked me about the match and my experience and all I could literally say with happy tears welled up my eyes after thanking them for the award was – " that...is it okay? If I talk to you in a bit for I still am pretty much just stumped speechless with Happines...soaking in the moment.."

Luckily the presenter was superkind and just nodded at me happily saying – she totally understood where I was coming from and I just walked back to my spot alongside the rest of My Team – with my player of the Match Award in my Hand as they now called Happy Di as Skipper on for a Talk.

I am in a Cloud of Happy Daze.

Jess and Sheena Di instantly hug me from the side now as I gesture to them and my team a silent - I couldn't get a word out ya.

They just nod at me in an instant understanding and I just fall back aside the rest of my unit as we happily are group hugging in an exhilarated silence all set to listen to Happy Di – our Skipper Talk on our behalf in this Moment of time!

We now hear the Presenter ask Happy Di – "Skipper Harpreet...how does it feel to win the ICC T20 World Cup as a Unit for the very first time..it surely is a monumental moment for you all in time for you and your unit have created History...India Women's first ever world cup win ever...there's surley got to be a lot of emotions flowing around??"

We all exchange a happy knowing look amidst one another in a collective nod and see Happy Di take a deep breathe brushing her hands over her face as she finally says – " to be honest – that's what we all are feeling right now for sure as a unit...we are totally consumed with exhilirating emotions like never before..for The World Cup...has been a Dream for so many of us for a long long time now....and we have been giving it our all chasing it with our grit and hard work...and to be able to finally live the moments of this game and reach that Dream...truly means the world to us all...at the moment....,"and she pauses for a bit as happy moments choke her throat.

And all our eyes well up happily and emotionally yet again – as we all reach out to our respective eyes to wipe a happy tear outta our eye's mirroring the overwhelmed action of our Skipper up on field in unison.

And I also know that My Skipper Blue + Everyone else is surely getting super emotional with me within their hearts this moment off time too.

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

Minutes Later into the Presentation

The post match presentation was already 3/4th of its way through – with the presenters already interviewing the Aussie Skipper first who on Mike graciously accept the result and congratulated the India Women Team for being the better performer in the Final after which they had proceed towards rewarding the Player of the Match and it was unianimously decided that the Award be awarded to The Little Hit Girl for her commendable knock of 87*not out and she was stumped with happiness to talk much then so the presenters had proceeded with interviewing their Skipper next – Harpreet whose emotional and empowering words for her entire unit and the women cricketing community back at home in India and along the world had truly warmed everyone's Heart in the audience.

After this interview – they had then proceed with the rewards of the tournament – and Harleen (from India Women)had managed to win the lead wicket taker spot and once she was called up on spot to accept her award – she gave a very empowering, positive and a happy interview too thanking – her entire unit, team, her family and friends and everyone who believed in her till this point – as he unit and group cheered and hooted for her happily.

After this bit – the Presenters did call Sheena up for a chat up and interview too for as the Indian Vice Captain – she too had finished in that second spot off the lead scorers and it really was the first time ever that two players from any other country apart from Australia women – had made it to the top 2 Scorers List – those Two Players Being none other than the Star Opening Pair of Sheena and Khushi as openers for India Women.

And Khushi along with the rest of the unit couldn't stop cheering for her Sheena di from the sides as Sheena Di was finishing up with her byte now.

(* Everyone up in the crowds, the Fans, and the Families, were having the time of their lives – witnessing the Happy sight on ground)

Vedika, Harleen, Jess, Tanu,finally say in unison to Khushi now – " Khush...we hope you have found your voice back now..for you are going to be called up next and you better talk this time around..."

Khushi chuckles at that as Mira di /Jharna di pull her into a hug from the side too and they say winking to all – " yes Little Hit Girl...you better talk now...or else we are all going to be very mad at you.."

Khushi hugs on her Mira Di/Jharna Di and says happily to all taking a deep breathe – " yes...yes...guys...finally...I guess dear voicebox has found its electric plug of the chord back..which means...I shall surely be able to talk now..."

Everyone shares a warm chuckle at that continuing celebrating amidst the unit and they also continue to cheer for Sheena who finally walked back grinning to them and she says to Khushi – " go on then...partner...they are going to call out your name now...,"And she hugs Khushi tight as she says in exhilaration – " am so happy for you partner.."

Khushi was just hugging her Sheena Di back all tight in glee as the presenter announces into the Mike – " and for the Lead Scorer with the Bat for this tournament – we have none other than Khushi Gupta – jersey No 22 – or as they fondly call her the Little Hit Girl from India – with her score of 607 runs this World Cup Tournament...incase you are joining us now Khushi..was also adjudged the player of the match , however she was stumped with happy emotion to chat up with us then...we hope she is ready now...come on up..Little Hit Girl..."

Everyone of Khushi's team member, support staff from the dug out + the Indian Fans in the Ground + Arnav+ Men In Blue + her Family and close near and dear ones cheer for her loud !

Khushi hands over her Player of the Match award to Jess to hold lovingly and she walks over to the Presentation stand – grinning – finally instructing her voicebox to co-operate in accordance now.

As she takes her stand in front of the Presenters and she is awarded with the lead scorer award – The Crowd Goes Besrek Cheering again – and she fights her happy emotional tears again and she finally takes a couple of deep breathes looking at her Lead Scorer Award in her Hand in awe for a bit and walks up towards the Interviewer for a Chat.

He asks smiling now – " that surely feels downright amazing..doesn't it Khushi?? I can still spot some happy tears in your eyes...which tells us that you are stoked and consumed with emotion pretty much still?"

Khushi nods grinning and says into the Mike – " well yes...Sir..you are totally right about that...for I am consumed with emotion like never before right now...but lets just say I'v managed to get my voicebox to function now..."

Everyone in the crowd chuckles at that happily.(Arnav bites back his smile in the stand lovingly with great difficulty. The Family cheers out loud)

The interviewer chuckles at that happily too and he asks – " okay..so for starters...lets talk about the match today for we didn't chat up with you on that prior...you paced your innings brilliantly...at first along with your opening partner Sheena..with that thrilling display of powerful patting in the powerplay and then in calculated anchoring partnership with Your Skipper too...and you managed to hold your calm through...as you saw those three wickets being taken back to back...and then lastly – along with Jessica Rego's calculative and crucial knock on the other end – you smashed the pull shot sixer for victory...so please..tell us..what was going through your mind at different stages of the innings...."

Khushi nods and answers grinning – " well to be honest...the only thing that was going through my mind as we stepped out to Bat or later on in the innings – was the Target upfront ahead off us on the Chase...and to think off the best ways in which I could contribute towards my Team...at every point...and I just remembered our team's plan/my coaches/ my skipper's words at every step – that we gotta take one ball at a time...and tackle it through..bit by bit..and set up our chase...."

He asks next – " and what a chase that was indeed...Khushi...25 runs..needed in the last two overs...with your partner defending out the first three balls...can you please enlighten us on what that intense conversation in between you and Jessica Rego was about on field..."

Khushi nods as she exchanges a happy wink with Jess across and she goes on to add grinning – " so yeah...we were just talking way through to keep each other calm...and most importantly decide the strategy of play forward...and it might have looked otherwise..but Jess defended those three balls purposely..as per our strategy"

And she continues to explain the strategy bit off what was going through her and Jess's mind on field on Mike – which was making everyone in the crowd cheer constantly given that they could see the glimpse of maturity with which they handled the pressure.

After that the interviewer asks with an ongoing smile impressed himself – " that is outstanding...the two of you surely handled the pressure situation with much ease...do you think your journey this year as a player – helped with the perseverance factor in there??"

Khushi smiles a little as she says – " well yes ofcourse...the journey that it has been this year within my very own mind...surely has a great part to play in my moments this tournament and on the pitch today surely...for during my recovery...in my Head..this was the goal I was chasing..I wanted to get fit in time to make it to the World Cup squad...and today while I was on that pitch..during the last over...I surely felt as if all my Life was narrowing down to this one moment in time... and she pauses and adds with a heartfelt smile – " and ofcourse...this journey had everything to do with my loved ones, my family, my friends.....my team...My Skipper...My Coaches...our support team...their constant support and belief in me..even while I was on bed...that I'd make It back to the 22yards for My India...alongside my squad in a nick of time..."

(Arnav's heart swells with immense Love as he hears that bit and so does everyone's of Khushi's family and friends present in the Stands.)

The Interviewer nods and grins and pauses to ask the next bit – " also yes...we could all also see the heat of the moment coming into play as the opposition were trying their best to rile you up...reminding you of your injury on this very ground..given that the stump mic's convo's have now come to light...did that bother you for a second at all??personally?"

Khushi admits smiling a little – " not really to be honest...it didn't bother me personally at all...for like I said the journey this year within my mind truly has taught me a lot as a sportsperson/as an individual and look these things keep happening on the field in the heat of the moment..and credit to Australia Women for being so brilliant this tournament for it was a nail biting game for us a unit given the target they set up for us..so yeah...no personal offence taken...from their point they were just trying to work up the batswomen on crease that's all...and its all a part of the game we play..for we are all so emotionally invested into the moment of play..its natural for this to happen...so once again...I do want to say this on record – no personal offence taken at all....alls fair in love and war don't they say? And this final really was a war?wasnt it?? "

(Everyone up in the Fan Crowd in the stadium who was already aware of the incident as in the fans and everything + Arnav + families in stands + Men In Blue + Bcci officials + the Women in Blue + the Support Staff unit in dug out – feel immense respect for Khushi's answer to this incident – given the way she was keen on being sporting about a banter point that otherwise was low below the belt.)

(A Shot off the Aussie Wicket Keeper plus the fielders who got into that collective sneer towards the end – are now graciously smiling amidst one another showing Khushi a thumbs up for her kindness + sportsmanship – also giving sheepish gesture of an apologetic smile to her)

The interviewer grins – " well that is very sporting off you indeed...but there surely must be something that you were telling yourself in your head at that point in time to keep your cool? What was that??"

Khushi answers with a polite smile – "so yes... all I kept telling myself was...that I am living this moment in time and I am not stuck in the past anymore....and I just kept reminding myself to face one ball at a time...with Jess's help and support on the other end..backing me up..too..."

The Interviewer nods – "alrighty...and we all saw you bundle up on your knees in immense emotion after you hit that winning sixer....was it like that the gates of emotion you were feeling all through out the final finally opened up then??"

Khushi nods and grins – "oh yes...that was exactly what happened...it was like a part of my mind was holding a Great Wall of China in front of my cricketing emotions so that I could keep my nerves in check and focus up on the target up hand...and the minute I played that last shot and saw the ball go into the stands for a Sixer...the Great wall of China collapsed...giving a way to a lot off raw vulnerable emotion..."

(Everyone in the crowd exchanges happy overwhelming nod at that)

The interviewer nods and asks next grinning – "and lastly – not only are you walking away with a World Cup medal in hand but also this lead scorer of the tournament trophy...has it sunk in finally??"

Khushi rubs one of her hands over her face in a happy rush as she says into the mike – " well yes....it truly has sunk in now...and It surely feels Surreal to hold this lead scorer trophy in my hands right now...and...I would like to thank this moment to thank each and everyone who has supported me in the journey to this very point...for in our dressing room that was what we were telling ourselves constantly over and over....for India..for us and for everyone who had/has/and continues to believe in us and...,"she pauses to raise the trophy in front of the camera and adds – " and this trophy even though is a personal milestone isn't just really mine to celebrate...it's as much as my Team's too...and now before I end..I do have some special dedications to make...."

The interviewer nods happily as he says – " go on please..."

Khushi says into the mike emotions consuming her heart – " I would like to express immense gratitude towards my family and loved ones....this one's to my Dad...who always taught me that talent and dreams have no gender...to my Mom...who constantly always believed in me and has been my wall of Strength come what may...My SuperBro as in my brother – who was my first cheerer when I began to play as a little girl...my Bhabhi...who has been a dose of strength as my soul sister...the rest of my family and close circle of friends outside off my team too – who are all out here in the Stands coming out in our support today...I would like to thank each and every one of you from the deepest corners of my heart for just about everything as always...My Journey to this point..isn't just mine at all...its all of Your's too and I can never express immense gratitude enough...."

And she pauses and takes a deep breathe now wanting to get on with thanking Arnav – her love - cryptically knowing he is already a bundle of emotions that he is having to mask in the stands but she couldn't not thank him right now so she says – "and last but not the least....I would like to thank the love of my Life for his never ending support and love...as always...for if it hadn't been for his empowering ways of support, and unconditional selfless love – I surely wouldn't have been able to Go The Distance that I had marked for myself...thank you love...thank you so very much for being You...for supporting me and loving me in the ways that you do..and for always believing in me in those vulnerable moments when I was on bed...feeling all lost...you fuelled me to find my way back...and it truly is all because of you...that I was able to pick up my bat again and play this tournament the way I did...thank you once again..for always living every moment with me high or low as if it were your's too...thank you for being here in my support on this monumental occasion alongside the rest of my family...I love you Immense*Infinity..and this lead scorer trophy is totally going on your mantle piece my love not mine..,"and she pauses to add with a playful wink – " oops or maybe you can just fight with Dad and Superbro on this..and you all can decide for yourselves...,"she finally finishes with a happy chuckle and thanks the interviewer for her time and makes her way back to her Team.

(Just as Arnav hears this bit in the Players Pavillion surrounded by the rest of his Team – he surely feels like his expressions were going to give him away given the tides of love and emotion he was experiencing – so he politely excused himself to just walk in to the lounge to get himself some water casually – with His Insides going Beserk in Immense Emotion that His Sparkle had just made him Feel)

On the Ground - The Interviewer happily now gets on with awarding the Player of the Tournament Award to the – Australian Skipper !And as that last bit of the ceremony continues before the final awarding of the medals – India Women continue to celebrate amidst one another with each of them also pulling Khushi's leg for her emotional speech for her Mr Stranger.

Meanwhile – Khushi's last bit of thank you for the love of her Life – has surely caused a lot of buzz in the Crowd and the Indian Fans + the Indian Media on ground as the Little Hit Girl had never acknowledged any side of her personal life in Mike/record ever always keeping hush and silence about the rumours too and today she had finally gone live up on mike in an official presentation – to thank the Love of Her Life!

The Buzz that had stirred was spreading at the speed of Light – given the bit where in She and Her have team have shot up to the spot off Cricketing Hero's within the country too!

And especially with her Last Winning Shot – The Little Hit Girl had garnered a lot of Spotlight! Hence - a lot off Indian Media was now continuously focusing on streaming and getting an angle on Hridhaan Singh Rajput's + his families face over and over gain on their respective live streaming handles live(going by their previous assumption) – completely oblivious to the truth still – that was going to see the light of the Day Super Soon)

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

Meanwhile In the Online World Back in India & On Social Media

Just as Khushi's finished her Thank You – bit – and the last bit went live – everyone up online and The Social Media too went Beserk in linking the Old Dots Too with Hridhaan's presence in the stands – completely oblivious to the bit – that some massive Hungama was about to come their way – Indeed.

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

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

In the Lounge Area outside of the Players Pavillion + Family Box

Arnav continued to sip on another glass of water to just contain the tsunami of emotions swirling through him. He didn't have too much time to hang out here anyway – for he had to put the Mask of Pretend Back on for a little more as he was to witness the medal ceremony and the Victory Celebrations and the Victory Lap with the Flag – off His Sparkle alongside her Team.

He somehow manages to contain his emotions and just as he is about to make his way back – he hears Rahul happy voice next to him – " Mr Stranger..I just thought I'd find you right here...look at how emotional Junior has made us all...Dad and Mom need bottles of waters too..."

Arnav chuckles at that and Rahul adds patting his arm with a wink and leaning in to whisper in his ears – " ok just so you know..Dad and me have decided that we are not going to fight with you for Junior's trophy on this...it can surely grace your mantle piece...please consider this as a wedding gift from our end..alrightly Mr Stranger..."

Arnav chuckles at that and hugs Rahul to his side and adds – " thank you so much for that superbro...but no..as much as My Sparkle would insist...that trophy should grace her Mantle...not mine at all..."

Rahul nods at him with a grin and they spot Hridhaan walking upto them as he slowly leans and whispers in Arnav's ears – " once again...the netizen won't stop speculating that ...that last bit was for me....Kudrat and me were just having a laugh over it though...given that there have been some speculations online with her presence and talking to us all in a group from a moment in a match...that she is probably your love interest..."

Arnav chuckles at that as he says – " goddammit...the curious case of crosslinked speculations continues....but its okay...let it go on for a little while more until the victory celebrations end...for after which we shall put an end to it once and for all..."

Rahul nods excited – " finally....about time isn't it??"

They all share a happy nod and Rahul and Hridhaan ask – " coming into the Family Box now??everyone's going crazy in collective celebration for sure..."

Arnav says grinning – " yes okay.. I will come in with you all first for five minutes or so..for then I will go to join the team in the players pavillion..as after victory celebrations we are all headed to the ground together to wish the unit congratulations formally...,"and he winks at them happily.

They all exchange happy nods and make their way to watch the rest of the Victory celebrations.

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

On the Ground

After the Australian Women are finally awarded with their Silver Medals one by one - it now is the turn for the Indian Women players to walk up to collect their gold Medals.

And as they do get on with that one by one – the loud cheer up in the Crowd continues to roar high over and over again.

About seven minutes later – The Indian Women team for the First Time Ever – Lift Their First Ever ICC T20 Women's World Cup Trophy – as a Unit – with each of them going crazy Hooting and Cheering in Glee with one Another as Skipper Harpreet and other seniors like Mira Di, Jharna Di, Sheena and a few other players who had played the ODI World Cup finals a couple of years ago but had failed to win – finally get super emotional at Holding onto the World Cup Trophy in their Hands - Finally – as a Group! And for every player in the team who had played their first ever World Cup final like Khushi, Jess, Vedika, Harleen, Tanu and a few others – this moment and its pictures(that was being snapped by the countless Media and Camera men upfront)was surely going to Nail its Way to the Walls of their Respective Home's Indeed – just like it had nailed its way onto the Walls of the Entire Unit's Heart

After crazy seven minutes of Celebration with the trophy and pics in groups – and all the Champagne Popping and everything – the Women In Blue finally get set for their Victory Lap at the SCG with the Indian National Flag at hand – each of them completely feeling thrilled to see 3/4th of the Ground still filled with Indian + Aussie Fans all set to watch them take their Victory Lap in Australia – where in they had claimed the World Cup from their Home Team – on one of their Home Grounds!

And as everyone nudges Skipper Harpreet to hold the National Flag first as they start with their Victory Lap and she gets on with that with happy tears and overwhelmed smile – with her team falling in behind her in close groups - each of the women players feel immense pride consume their being at the sight of India's Flag – flying high into the Sky in the Hands of their Skipper.

And after leading the team half way through the Ground – Harpreet gestures Sheena to come take the Flag from her first as Vice Captain and lead for a bit as she falls besides her group.

Sheena does so with similar exhilirating emotion and pride and after that she gestures Khushi and Jess to come over and take it from her – given that they were the ones to see them to victory but Khushi and Jess first collectively nudge their seniors that is Mira Di, Jharna Di to take the lead before them for – they had been the torchbearers of womens cricket in India for a long time prior!

Mira and Jharna are immensely touched by this gesture and they take the lead on leading the next phase of the SCG with the Flag in hand as the crowd continues to Cheer – and after a while – they finally gesture Khushi and Jess to come over and they finally do – pulling their entire group of players in team -Vedika, Harleen, Tanu and all for whom it was the first world cup final alongside too.

And the Indian fan crowd in the Sydney Cricket Ground alongside the BCCI officials + the Men in Blue + the Players Families + the Media – continued to just cheer on the Women in Blue from their respective stands watching them take on the Victory Lap in great Pride and Respect.

And Back in India – News Channels continued to be flooded with reports and videos and snippets of the Magnificent sight of the India Women's Team victory celebrations and victory lap with the Flag in hand – over and over again – for the Crazy about Cricket Country to watch and Behold – these Iconic Moment in their Minds.

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

Thirty Minutes Later

In Front of the Player and Team Dug Outs On The Ground

Radha cannot seem to keep her excitement as she says into her microphone grinning – her happiness clearly reflecting in her tone – " ladies and gentlemen...what a Historic night it has been right here at the Sydney Cricket Ground – for our Women's Cricketing Unit....and we continue to bring you live footage off the ongoing congratulatory meet and greet in between our Women and Men in Blue.."

She pauses giving Nikhil his cue.

A lot of other media reporters were also lounging around the dug outs giving their reports and coverage.

Nikhil says into his Mike now – " The Men in Blue had finally walked out to the ground after our women's unit completed their enthtalling and heartwarming Victory lap with the flag twenty minutes ago – and ever since then its been a rare and a happy sight yet again on the center of the field behind us – with both India's Men and Women's T20 cricketing unit catching up – for a round of informal and heart warming congratulatories....and its been all smiles as the units are still amidst their casual chatter...a reason why you can still see that the half the Stadium is still jamm packed for the Indian fans have surely extended their stay to lounge right here...to witness and record this happy sight...,"he pauses to give Radha her Cue.

Radha nods and adds into her Mike grinning – " We are sure just like us – no Indian Cricketing fan would like to get off this stadium in a hurry tonight – for what a Year it has been for Indian Cricket ladies and gentleman..a monumental and a colossal one indeed..for right there on ground are the Indian Teams who have given it their all on the 22 yards....for Our Men in Blue have been dominant on the global scene ever since the start of the year – with a Win or a Tie in every series played Home or Abroad in all three formats of the game – Test/T20/ODI and with two major tournaments wins too – The ICC Champions Trophy and the Asia CUP as well – conceding into no defeat whatsoever this year under the very dynamic leadership of the Skipper ASR......and ofcourse....Our Women's Unit...who have had a dominant year as well and with their First Ever ICC World CUP Win tonight – it can be aptly said that they have set a mark towards checking in and announcing their global arrival and dominancy in the World of Women's Cricket – especially in the T20 format of the game...thus I am in no rush to head out these grounds at all,"she pauses giving Nikhil his cue.

Nikhil adds next grinning – " rightly said Radha....for we surely are in no rush to head off this ground tonight – given the sight we are continuing to witness....ladies and gentlemen we – on behalf of Hindu Times – have also been constantly rolling in live bytes and interviews from the team of the hour - our women's players and groups off our men's team players expressing their happiness over their victory...as you all already saw – Skipper ASR and Vice Captain – give a collective congratulatory statement out for the same...when they women's team were finishing up with their Victory lap – near these very dug outs before stepping out the ground to start the congratulatory meet and greet....please make sure to rewind and press the replay button on those playbacks as we take this little shot break and come back to you with some more bytes..,"and with that Nikhil pauses on his cue and asks Varun to pause on recording.

Radha walks up to Nikhil excitedly as she says – " okay Niks...I know...you literally got a collective excited byte from Khushi, Jess, Harleen, Sheena, Vedika, Tanu in group + Harpreet, Mira, Jharna,and the rest of the players ...and I also did get so many collective bytes from Yuvaan, Shiv, Veer, Cap, Rohan, ASR and the rest of the men in blue already....but c'mon lets try to get some more bytes?? If you look up the ground – ASR is still surrounded by so many reporters and so is Harpreet as they are both giving out statements as Skipper right now – on the year gone by for Indian Cricket..how about if we try to head up the center – and pave our way through to get a byte off ASR for a bit?and now that all of the formal stuff is almost over...lets see if he will give us the window in taking up some personal questions..."

Nikhil nods as he says looking towards the sight and huddle up on ground eyeing Khushi in a happy conversation with Sheena, Jess, Veer and Yuvaan, Shiv too and he says – " ok then partner..lets try to give this a shot..lets head on towards the center and push our luck...after this last bit of ASR and Harpreet's collective byte as Skipper's is over...I do want to try to get the Little hit girl on mike again...I mean the earlier byte we got was all formal with the team..lets see if we can get something personal out of her..given that she did talk about the love of her life..."

Radha nods excitedly and she says with a ouch shrug – " much to your disappointment though...oohh...I mean ..Hridhaan Singh Rajput is right here in the stands with everyone...why not declare it now already ya....its so freaking obvious...,"and she finally gestures Nikhil and Varun to join her in.

Varun does s0 – super excited and grinning.

Nikhil does so – giving Radha – a chuckling wink as she gave him a gesture off Tough luck eyeing towards the Little Hit girl Again.

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

In the Family Box in the Stands

+ Khushi+ Arnav's+ Rohans family and friends– had been enjoying the happy sight in front off them and unlike the rest of the crowd and the media in the ground – each of them were fully aware that now that the formal stuff was finally nearing its end – Arnav was going to take over the driving seat in causing some Major Buzz yet again!

Hence - they all were getting set to sit back in their seats with a imaginary bucket of popcorn in their hands – Indeed.

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

Five Minutes Later

Arnav finally finishes the last bit of the formal collective byte alongside Harpreet as Skipper and congratulates and shakes hand with Harpreet again.

Harpreet thanks him for that – and for coming out with the entire unit this way in their support yet again and they fall into another informal chatter alongside Mira and Jharna(the seniors)as the couple of reporters who had come around for formal bytes start to walk away! Rohan, Cap, Ravi join in the group too as Mira gestures Jharna – ASR and Harpreet all to walk upto Rohan, Cap and Ravi.

Arnav knew that his closest buddies Rohan , Ravi and Cap had gotten together in a group of three probably trying to contain their personal talks in whispers for they surely knew of his plan! The plan he was going to excecute in minutes for now - as the Women's Team had lived their Moments of Professional Thunder and every thing was now settling into more of an informal buzz – keeping up with his promise to himself that he would give due respect to His Sparkle's professional space given this monumental moment of time – knowing that it meant the world to her to be able to experience all of this.

The minute they had walked to the ground for the formal congratulations after India Women completing their Victroy Lap with the flag – Arnav had fought the urge with great difficulty to just run to his Sparkle and haul her in his arms and twirl her around happily – as their eyes had locked subtly from across and by Khushi's body language he knew -she was fighting the urge of running into his arms too then – but they knew that this was those last very minutes of pretend and they restored to continue talking in their subtle silent language of eyelocks – which only they understood!

Jess, Rohan, Ravi, Cap were having a hard time concealing the secret that was now going to pop out the box too but somehow they were all collectively managing to keep the cover going waiting for Arnav to start with his cue.

Four to Five minutes later – as some Indian reporters now started to get some Men in Blue/Women in blue players in informal personal conversations – Arnav anticipated it well in his head that the reporter from Hindu Times (whom he had previously spoken to already)was surely going to get to him soon in for a byte too.He finally looked across to the spot where his Sparkle was standing with Vedika/Jess/Tanu with Harleen giving a personal informal byte to a Hindu times reporter too – trying to catch her eye.

And it was almost as if Khushi could feel the eyes of the love of her life on her – she finally looks up and they exchange a subtle eyelock with which – Arnav gestures to mean to ask her in a cue knowing she will understand – 'Now you won't feel like that you overshadowed your team's professional thunder no Sparkle?You know it's important for me to do this – when you say – Yes – you are okay?'

Khushi responds with a subtle eye gesture off – a – Yes – feeling completely elated within her heart that her Skipper Blue as always had understood her Unsaid.

Arnav bites back his Smile as he reads his Sparkle's eye gesture as a comfortable Yes.

Meanwhile, Khushi on the other side surrounded by some of her team mates around her suddenly feels like she probably owes it to her team to reveal about her and Arnav too! She gestures Jess to just fall aside a little behind Tanu/vedika and she whispers in her ears – " Jess...SB is going to talk about us soon...now...we just exchanged our final cue about the same..."

Jess whispers back in a relief – " phew finally...Khush ya ..really I am going to get diarehea in excitement all because of you because im trying to keep this all bundled up in a moment like this..."

Khushi chuckles at that and she whispers – " uff ya Jess..you know my reasons na as to why we waited till this point...acha listen...you listen to this...I am thinking...that atleast I want to be the one to tell Sheena Di/Happy Di/Mira Di/Jharna Di myself ya..and Vedika/harleen/tanu too...before the rest of the world finds out...lets gesture them to come over here to join us..na...I feel like I owe it to them...myself too.."

Jess nods and she says grinning – " alrightlyy yes...,"and as Harleen finishes up with her personal byte Jess gestures them all to fall in beside her and before the Hindu Times Reporter (Nikhil)could ask any of them for another personal byte Jess says to him in a request – " just give us a second as a group will you...please? we wish to walk up to our seniors for a second...we will be right back.."

Nikhil nods at Jess across and as he spots Radha from the other side requesting ASR to come in for a byte to the side – he decides to walk up to stand by her side in the meanwhile as the Women in Blue also walk up to a similar spot where Mira/Jharna/Sheena/Harpreet were standing besides Cap, Rohan, Ravi too.

Khushi gestures all of her team mates to fall nearer to her in a huddle and they all look at her confused and puzzled as they ask – " whats up champ??"

Khushi takes a deep breathe looking towards all nervously as she says – " ok guys...remember...about Mr Stranger...so ...I wanted to tell you all who he is ya..."

Harleen winks at Khushi as she says – " yes yes Khush..we all heard your super senti speech for him ya...oh we already know who he is na..we can see him up in the stands right now grinning alongside your family..."

Tanu adds in a whisper with a wink – " Hridhaan singh Rajput..he is right??"

Khushi groans as she says to all – " uff ya girls..no ya..it isn't him..I told you all a zillion times already..Sheena di..happy di..tell them na..."

Sheena and Harpreet chuckle happily as they say in a whisper – "yes girls...she did say it isn't Hridhaan na..lets hear our champ finally tell us who it is tonight...I mean she hit the winning six for us girls..lets not take her case now..."

Mira and Jharna add grinning – " ok..wait...champ..how about we listen to ASR give another byte first...am sure..the reporter is now going to talk to him about all the informal stuff...I mean we all know its Akash's wedding day after right...."

Khushi says immediately – " yes..so...about that...,"but right then everyone asks her to just hold on a second as the reporter begins her byte with ASR getting him on Mike.

Khushi looks at Jess helplessly and Jess gives her a don't you worry look – just tell them in the nick of time, I will manage it after.

Khushi nods and takes a deep breathe and fights the Yo*Yo cocktail in the pit of her stomach bubble again with personal exhilaration now that the professional one had settled down a little.

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

Everyone in the family stand exchange a happy – overwhelmed look amongst one another for the sight upfront on the field with Arnav getting set to give another byte – kind off gave them a hint that the moment they had all been waiting for was finally here.

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

Radha asks ASR politely before switching on the Mike – " ASR is it ok? if my partner Nikhil also joins in taking the byte alongside me for a few questions...on and off??"

Arnav nods – loving the sight of his Sparkle standing aside her team in a group right now. The little tinch of nervousness in her body language did not miss his eye.

He looks upfront back to the scene upfront as he hears Radha say the very next minute into the mike – " thank you so much ASR for giving us this time for this little informal byte..."

Arnav nods and grins – " my pleasure..."

The Men in Blue continue to chatter along themselves too as they fall into a group and huddle together with Rohan , Ravi and Cap biting back on their smile – for they knew very well why Arnav had started with the words my Pleasure.

Nikhil asks next – " Its almost upto just 30 minutes to Midnight here in Sydney..ASR...but looks like that no Indian Fan wants to leave the ground just yet.."

The Indian Fans in the Crowd are still stationed in their spots start to Hoot and Root – and the Support teams in the Women's Dug out continue to smile happily!

Arnav chuckles at that as he answers – " well...we are all absolutely stoked with their presence here tonight obviously...,"and he pauses and answers with a continuous grin – " and to be honest..i think I speak that on behalf off both our units the men and the women's...we as cricketers can never thank them enough for coming out in support for their love for India...and our game..."

The entire women unit nods at that collectively and claps and Harpreet adds with a thumbs up from across – " rightly said...Skip..."

Arnav nods at Harpreet happily and he exchanges a subtle look with his Sparkle as she gives him a subtle nervous smile that he understood and he adds next into the Mike folding his arms around his chest comfortably and casually – " so yes...I'd like to thank the fans once again for being here..and specially for staying this long after the match was over too.."

Radha chuckles as they all hear the Crowd cheer and root again – " well they are surely having the time of their lives right now Skipper...as Indian cricket fans...okay so since we already have done a round of professional bytes..is it okay for us to ask you something personal?? Do we have that little window in here ASR?? You'v had the personal window shut for any queries for a long long time now..."

Arnav nods grinning – loving that this was organically somehow going to lead towards what he wanted and he adds – " okay...yes...since I am just so happy tonight...go on..ask me..."

Radha exchanges a happy look with Nikhil completely stoked and she asks – " okay..great..so for starters....I am sure that you are also pretty excited and happy because a personal event starts for you tomorrow...as in...your brother Akash and Rohan Sir's...sister Payal are tying the knot on the 7th right? in a line off wedding ceremonies starting tomorrow..."

Before Arnav could answer that Nikhil chips in happily – " which is why your entire family and close friends are here tonight in the stands as well...ASR..along with Rohan Sir's family too...,"And he pauses grinning gesturing to turn around to give Rohan a thumbs up first which Rohan happily acknowledges with a thumbs up too biting back his grin with great difficulty and the grin on the rest of the Men in blue 's faces affirms his thought again and he turns around to look at ASR and he says – " we would like to wish them all the best for their new journey stepping into matrimony here on..."

Arnav bites back his grin as he says taking a deep breathe into the mike – " thank you so much for that...both Rohan and me will surely pass on your bestest wishes to our siblings..who are otherwise also hearing them too live from the stands....for yes...even though we haven't talked about it openly on Mike yet – it is true that our siblings are tying the knot soon..."

Suddenly the crowd cheers and the remainder of the Indian reporters lounging around the dug out start to roll in camera's over the grinning faces off Akash and Payal from the family box along with everyone else's too.

Khushi and Jess bite back their grin with great difficulty as everyone in their unit starts to grin and clap too and she feels like her stomach is finally going to give up on her due to the Momentum of the Continuous Yo*Yo's today!

Radha exchanges a happy grin with Nikhil at that and she adds grinning – " you mean Supersoon ASR..given that the wedding functions start tomorrow??"

Arnav says casually biting back his grin – " well not really supersoon actually....soon...for they are getting married over the Xmas + New Years break at the end of the year which is like still like 45 days away...so..yeah...I'd like to stick with the word soon, instead of supersoon..."

That puzzles the hell out of Radha and the Men In Blue and the rest of the Women in blue too as they look at Khushi and Jess puzzled but before they could ask Khushi or Jess anything and the Men in Blue could ask Rohan , Cap and Ravi anything on the same – Radha asks puzzled to ASR instantly – " wait...what?? ASR?? Did you just say that your brother Akash and Rohan Sir's sister Payal are getting married over the Xmas break.."

Arnav bites back his grin yet again and says innocently – " yup...that's exactly what I said.."

Nikhil chips in extremely puzzled – " but we all have news that an exclusive resort in the Blue Mountains has been booked for an extensive three day wedding festivities starting tomorrow until the seventh on behalf of your families – and also both Rohan Sir and your entire close circle of family is here...so what is that about? Isn't there a wedding happening at all??"

Radha chips in puzzled – " come on then ASR..please answer us..look it isn't just us who is puzzled..the crowd is too.."

Arnav says in a casual shrug loving the puzzlement in the air and he adds – " well ...there is no need to be puzzled...for there surely is a wedding up on the cards which is why you have spotted everyone travelling here...and yes..your news about the wedding resorts destination is also True.."

That only puzzled everyone(Who didn't know about them) in the teams more + the Crowd and once again before they could ask anything to anyone – Radha asks instantly again – " wait..wait..wait...ASR...you just said..that there is definetly a wedding up on the cards...plus that Akash and Payal are getting married only over the Xmas break – so then...whose..??"

The crowd continues to Buzz in confusion too. Only everyone in the family box was having the time of their lives – grinning amidst themselves loving the scene unfold in front of them!

Arnav takes a deep breathe and says into the Mike grinning casually – " oh...you mean to ask whose wedding is it then??"

Radha nods puzzled – " exactly ASR??"

Arnav finally says into the mike with a very heartfelt smile – " that would be mine.....you know...the wedding...its actually mine..I am getting married to the love of my life on the 7th of November.."

THAT FROM ARNAV – OUT LOUD ON MIKE FINALLY – CREATES A FRENZICAL BUZZ WITHIN THE CROWDS LIKE NEVER BEFORE.

Radha feels so shocked and surprised almost as if her Jaw was going to drop open at that.For never in her wildest dreams – she had expected ASR to say that out loud on Mike to her as the reporter covering it. She couldn't believe what she had just heard – which was why she was Stumped into a Shocked Speechlessness.

All most everyone in the Indian Fan Crowds drops into a spot of a Shocked Statue as they hear their Indian Skipper say that with everyone buzzing among themselves exchanging unbelievably surprised and grinning and shocked looks – " wait...what?? he is getting married?? ASR is getting married?? To whom??"

Nikhil controls his jaw from dropping open in shock too and he asks again seeing his partner go into a shocked statue behind the Mike – " wait...what???? ASR?? Did you just say that you are getting married on the 7th of November..in days from now????"

Arnav nods grinning again – " yup...that is exactly what I said...,"and he bites back his chuckle as he see's His Sparkle open up a bottle of water nervously starting to gulp it down! He was loving her adorable nervousness at the moment

EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY BOX – CAN'T STOP GRINNING AT THE SIGHT!

EVERYONE IN THE MEN IN BLUE'S TEAM LOOKS SHOCKED AND SURPRISED TOWARDS Rohan, Cap and Ravi to confirm the same to which the three of them finally happily do affirm with a nod and Shiv, Yuvaan, Veer, and the rest of the unit asks in a shocked daze – " to whom?? He is getting married to whom??SO..we are all actually here for ASR's wedding and not Akash's ??"

Rohan, Cap, and Ravi nod at everyone.

Khushi continues to gulp down her bottle of water casually hoping that it does not give her nervous stance away to anyone except for Jess and Arnav!

Radha finally gets out of her shocked stuper as she straightens her voice and gives Nikhil a look of – I – Told – You – So that he was seeing someone and she asks into the Mike – " Ok...ASR...so if you are getting married on the 7th of November...and since you said – the love of your life...it surely means that you'v been in a committed relationship for quite a bit..then??when did this even start? We understand the reasons why you were so protective and private about it till this point given your last experience with the media with regards to your personal life...but now that you are getting married...please tell us.... who is she???I mean is she here...your bride to be?? And why the cover up for the wedding? As in why lead everyone to think that it was your brother Akash getting married?"

Arnav nods as he adds grinning – " Okay..so that was a line of questions for sure..let me get around to answering them one by one.."

Khushi continues to gulp down another bottle of water which Jess handed to her biting back her smile amidst the puzzled group of their team members.

Radha nods and asks inquisitive – " yes..pplease...one by one would be good...ASR...for we want to know it all...the crowds surely want to know it all now...."

Nikhil adds grinning next – happy that they were now getting the next news of the hour on the Mike – " just like most of India back home wants to know too..for we are sure everyone who is watching this on our social media handles live..surely wants to know too..."

Varun happily chips in behind from the camera – " right...ASR...we have a numerous comments flooding in already..."

Arnav answers now grinning – " okay...so your first question...with regards to since when I have been in a commited relationship...umm...that would be..the April of last year..to be exact 25th April, 2019...but I'v known her since earlier..as in the February of last year...ummm...but wait...,"and he pauses to add casually grinning – "yes given the bit that I was the one to fall madly in love with her prior – and we were in some sort off a informal commitment prior already within the terms of our emotions for one another..I'd like to date us back to being together to the beginning of April then...yup...beginning of April..I am sure My Sparkle would agree to that timeline..."

That shocks Radha and Nikhil and the Crowds + the Men and Women in Blue even more for they couldn't believe that they hadn't caught the huff of this yet.

Radha's mind goes into a overdrive recollecting Kudrat's face in the crowds and she asks – " what? that long? You'v been seeing someone since the April of last year??? ,"and she pauses and asks – " and is that what you call her – Your Sparkle? I mean since that's how you just addressed her??

Arnav nods – " yup...that's exactly what I lovingly call her..for that's who she is – The Sparkle of my Life...ever since I first met her..in February of last year..."

Radha asks next grinning – " okay...and Miss Sparkle's identity? Who is she? I mean ASR...we can't believe that we didn't catch this brewing..,

Arnav chuckles at that as he adds – " well to be honest..I was just extremely protective about this....until now...and I am so glad that my family helped me cover up until now...but now I am just days away from getting married..so the news would be out anyway..."

Radha asks next her inquisitiveness and curiousity reaching the height of Mt Everest – " so wait...ASR please answer our second question...is she here in the stands?? Your bride to be?? Miss Sparkle's identity is???"

Arnav nods grinning – "oh yes..ofcourse..she is here...I mean I most surely cannot get married without her right??"

Radha asks – "wait you mean she is here in Sydney in the city in general or here at the stadium??"

Arnav nods grinning – " right here...at the Stadium..."

The Indian reporters and camera man near the dug out start zooming in on Kudrat for a second – thinking ASR's mysterious bride to be- Her accidentally.

And Khushi finally stops her water tank gulping and she thinks to herself silently – Uff Ya Skipper Blue- all this theatre affect you are building up is stumping me with nervousness.And she narrows her eyes at him from across as she bottles the cap on the bottle of water knowing he will get the quick gesture of her accusing him lovingly off being uber cheeky in the moment. It is right then the Women in Blue ask pretty much the same question to Khushi – " Khush...ASR is getting married?? You surely knew didn't you? given his sister is your Bhabhi...who is he getting married too????cmon then..tell us..."

Khushi gestures to her team- mates to get in a huddle in closer to her and she looks at their puzzled eager faces and finally says out in a sheepish whisper nervously – " exactly ya guys...this was what exactly what I wanted to tell you all prior before his live byte began...umm...so..."

Mira/Jharna/Sheena/Harpreet/Vedika/harleen/tanu and the rest gape at her and ask un unison in a whisper – " but khushi...you wanted to tell us about who Mr Stranger is...right??and we are asking you who ASR is getting married too na..."

A similar inquisitive scene is happening about in the Men in Blue huddle and the Crowd.

Khushi nods with a sheepish smile as she whispers to all nervously – "uff ya guys..thats what..the answer to your question...that would be me...as in the answer to that and what I wanted to say is the same..as in that Mr Stranger is him...and..,"And she pauses and Jess finally adds in a grin to all – " exactly...ASR's bride to be is none other than our Khush...our little hit girl..."

That simply shocks and dazes everyone in the Women's unit as they say out in a collective whisper shocked and surprised about this development to the core– " whattttttttttttttt ....theeeee......?????"

And before Khushi could answer anything to them – they hear Radha's inquisitve voice fall in their ears again as she asks after the little surprised pause – " ok..so ...If Miss Sparkle is right here...then why lead everyone to think it was Akash's wedding?? I mean If she is here in the stands publically already??"

Arnav finally answers grinning – " well to be honest...that was for both..part privacy reasons..and part professional reasons.."

Nikhil asks puzzled – " huh?? What do you mean ASR?? Part professional reasons???"

Arnav says with a heartfelt smile locking his eyes with Khushi's across who had just looked at him with emotions engulfing her eyes finally gesturing to him that she had given the heads up to her team herself already– " well so...I think my this line next...will answer your every question....so technically...even though...we are getting married on the 7th which is just two days from now and are scheduled to be engaged in our engagement function tomorrow night...I think...the happy occasion tonight..surely calls for a little alteration to that...our families SURELY don't mind a little pre-ponement to that ceremony surely....,"and he pauses and adds next stepping from his spot casually walking towards the Women in Blue and Radha and Nikhil instantly follows with the mike puzzled and confused and Arnav goes on grinning finally locking his gaze with his Sparkle telling her with a silent eye lock that he was now going to give It away and says sideways into the Mike too – "for when...the love of your life... hits the Winning Sixer Shot to win India Women – an ICC T20 World Cup – a man's surely got to go down on his knees right very then and put the ring on her finger – the very one that he has been dying to have grace her finger for ages...."

THAT FROM ARNAV – WAS A FINAL GIVEAWAY OBVIOUSLY! FOR EVERYONE KNEW - WHO WAS THE ONE TO HIT THAT WINNING SIXER INTO THE STANDS!

And Radha and Nikhil pause in their steps instantly exchanging a – WHATT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED LOOK?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everyone in the Family Box gets up on their Feet and starts hugging one another – for Finally the Cat was out of the Bag and they did not have to guard the secret anymore!

The Crowd goes Beserk Buzzing amongst one another and so do the Men in Blue as it finally sinks in to them all and Rohan and Cap and Ravi nod again with a happy grin to the rest of the Team!

Nikhil asks out of complete daze into the Mike – " wait??? What??? ASR...the one to hit the winning six..was the Little Hit Girl...so are you and the Little Hit girl getting married in days from now??and it's the two of you that have been together all this while? Since the April of last year,"and he pauses to just look to and fro towards ASR and Khushi as ASR continued to walk upto her and they both nod collectively to that in sync immediately in a happy overwhelmed silence.

And Khushi continues to just nod alongside Arnav standing frozen to her Spot – Grinning – and a second after - she rubs her hands over her face momentarily her heartfelt smile continuously being a complete giveaway too – to everyone – and Nikhil can't believe what he finally observed as his eyes widen at that into cups and saucers and so does Radha's at the sight.

And as Arnav finally takes his spot in front of his Sparkle grinning loving the nervous grin up her face – he finally goes down on his one knee locking his emotional gaze with her's giving a damm to the fact that the world was watching and he takes out the ring box from his pocket and adds out loud holding his right hand to her first holding the ring box in his left hand – " come on then...Sparkle..even though I am supposed to make you wear this tomorrow formally...I don't think I have it in me to wait right now...given the way you got my emotions super worked up with that speech of yours in the post match presentation...hand me your hand now...will you love??"

RADHA AND NIKHIL - CONTINUE TO EXCHANGE STUMPED SHOCKED AND DAZED LOOKS GESTURING A VERY STUMPED VARUN TO CONTINUE GETTING THIS COMPLETELY UP FRONT CLOSE UP – Live!

The Men in Blue began to Cheer amongst themselves with Veer and Yuvaan and Shiv stating in glee out loud– " Jersey no 21 and 22 – declaring their love to the world on the 22 yards of the SCG after India Women's first world cup win ever...this night cannot just get more iconic than it already is...,"and they continue to cheer and hoot now too!

Khushi nods dazed at Arnav – completely overwhelmed and just as she is about to give her hand in his with her personal emotions now taking over and making her heart go haywire at the sight of her Skipper Blue /Her Mr Stranger/the love of her life - on his knees on on the grounds of SCG - she couldn't help but give a damm to the fact now that the world was watching too - she finally hears her still dazed and shocked in a happy surprise team- mates along with Jess finally just out loud in unison – "oh stop being stumped in emotion now Khush...give out your hand faster now will you??? I mean where is the speed in the hand that you were playing your shots with haan???"

That makes everyone chuckle and Arnav and Khushi exchange a heartfelt eyelock with Khushi's eyes telling him – Godammit...You...Skipper Blue...and Arnav's eyes mirroring the same back to her Khushi chuckles at that lovingly exchanging a heartfelt look with her team- mates – knowing well that since that they knew her they way they did they would surely figure out her reasons for keeping mum till this point in their heads !!

And she instantly looks back at Arnav happily handing her hand in his quickly and Arnav kisses on her hand happily first and finally opens the ring box up quickly and takes out the ring he had specially secretly prepped up for his Sparkle as their engagement ring and places it on her – Ring Finger – lovingly before kissing on it again!

The rest of the Men in Blue + The Women in Blue Unit – Breaks into a Massive Cheer and Hooting together at the sight!

The Crowd goes Beserk Cheering!! Everyone in the Family Box joins in the Mad Crazy Cheer Too!

And Khushi could only lace her hands with Arnav's hands tight gaping at the Huge ring on her left ring finger and she says out loud emotionally wiping a happy tear outta her eye – " uff...ya ...love...you...godammit...you...,"and with that she finally clutches on their hands laced together tighter stepping forward into his frame happily and that very second Arnav instantly gets up on his feet too and he finally opens his Arms to her and she leaps in forward happily – and Arnav Engulfs His Sparkle into his frame happily kissing her forhead lovingly before he finally acts on his heart wish is sweeping her off her Feet in the circle of his Arms and Happily Twirls her Around for in Glee!!

Khushi hadn't expected Arnav to sweep her off her Feet that away but now that he already had and was Twirling her Around Happily she could only give in to her Hearts wish off just cupping his face gently as she placed her forhead Happily over his – as he continued to twirl her around for a little while more – as their gazez locked happily and emotionally!

And as the Loud Hoot and Cheer continued Around them – Arnav finally placed his Sparkle down on her feet and instantly the very next second - he just Engulfed her in his arms acting upon his wish off he wanting to just Hug her Freely again and hold her close and tight to his Heart! And he whispers kissing her ear lovingly – " lo...kardiya...Hungama..meri jaan..."

And Khushi could only tip toe on her feet and just hug him back tighter speechless as she adds into his ear – " I love you...I love you dammit..."

And Arnav adds next pulling back from the tight hug cupping her face gently and kissing her forhead and her hands next – "I love you Sparkle...My Little Hit Girl...so proud of you dammit...so freaking proud...,"and before Khushi could say anything to that yet again – Arnav just sweeped His Sparkle up his arms by holding her up the Waist and began to Twirl her around Happily !!

And as the Crowd+ Plus their families + their teams+ EVERYONE AROUND continued to Cheer and Hoot out Loud unable to soak in the excitement of what they were just witnessing – The Media+ the Crowd around them truly began to Have a Field Day continuously snapping the pictures off the Emoitional Hugs and Happy twirling of Skipper Blue and Little Hit Girl in the emotional embrace off others arms - with the aim of spreading this News around like Wildfire!!

And as they paused in the Happy Twirling and just hugged each other emotionally hard yet again – they knew that - just like they do everything together - Arnav and Khushi/Stranger and Sparkle/ Skipper Blue and The Little Hit Girl – had FINALLY COME OUT IN THE OPEN - opening up the PANDORA'S BOX OF HUNGAMA – TOGETHER!

INDEED.

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Authors Note ** - Oh Yes the Picture of the Ring - Skipper Blue had got prepped up in Secret with the help of his Mom and Anj obviously! ITS A Heart Shaped - Huge Solitare in Blue😉😉❤❤

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TADAAAA!!

Ok GUYS.

HONESTLY.

I HAVE HAPPY TEARS IN MY EYES AS I AM POSTING THIS!

LOVED WRITING IT OUT! FINALLY!

HOW WAS IT GUYSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS?? DID YOU ALL ENJOY THE RIDE?

Coming up Next – Chapter 48 – Hungama Unlimited!

Stay Tuned in Guys – for this last bit of the rollercoaster – as I write my beloved – Stranger and Sparkle's journey in HW2.0 to Closure!❤❤❤❤There are atleast 5-6 chapters left in the story before I list it complete🤗🤗 and then I will be also giving three epilogues too - 🙏🙏🙏

Please continue to 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.

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