Under 19 Worldcup again

As he entered the living room, he found his mother, Ratna, sitting on the couch, reading a book. He walked over to her and flopped down beside her, letting out a deep sigh.

Ratna looked up from her book, concern etched on her face. "Arnav, what's wrong? You look lost in thought."

Arnav turned to his mother, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "It's just Khushi, Mom," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I saw her on stage today, and...and she looked so beautiful."

Ratna's expression softened, and she put a gentle hand on Arnav's knee. "Oh, Arnav," she said, her voice warm and understanding. "You're growing up, and it's natural to develop feelings for someone. But remember, you're still young, and it's essential to take things slow."

Arnav nodded, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside him. He was grateful to have his mother to confide in, but he was also aware that his feelings for Khushi might be more than just a simple crush.

"I know, Mom," he said, his voice laced with uncertainty. "But I feel like there's something special about Khushi. I don't know if it's just friendship or something more, but I feel drawn to her in a way I've never felt before."

Ratna smiled, her eyes filled with warmth and understanding. "I think it's wonderful that you're exploring your feelings, Arnav," she said. "Just remember to be honest with yourself and Khushi, and don't rush into anything. Take your time, and let things unfold naturally." She pulls his ear playfully "I knew it the day I saw you blowing that kiss during that final match" making him shy.

Arnav's face turned bright red as his mother pulled his ear playfully. "Mom, stop!" he exclaimed, laughing and trying to squirm away.Ratna chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I knew it, I knew it!" she teased, releasing Arnav's ear. "You're growing up, beta, and it's time you acknowledged your feelings."

Arnav grinned, feeling a mix of embarrassment and relief. "Okay, okay, Mom," he said, holding up his hands in surrender. "You win. I'll take things slow and be honest with myself and Khushi."Ratna smiled, her expression softening. "That's all I ask, beta," she said. "Remember, I'm always here for you, no matter what. Dont scare her with you craziness" Arnav just nods with a smile

KHUSHI'S NANA NANI HOUSE

Khushi's eyes widened in surprise as she looked at her Nani. "Nani, you were married at 16?" she repeated, trying to process this new information.

Nani nodded, a faraway look in her eyes. "Yes, beta. I was married to your Nana when I was just 16 years old. It was a different time back then, and things were done differently."

Khushi's mind was reeling as she tried to imagine her Nani as a young bride. She had always thought of Nani as a strong, independent woman, and it was hard to picture her in a different role.

"But Nani, I'm not ready for marriage or anything like that," Khushi said, feeling a little overwhelmed. "I'm still in college, and I want to focus on my studies."

Just then, Raj and Nalini walked into the room, overhearing the conversation. Raj teased, "No, no, we'll get you married tomorrow itself!"

Nalini chimed in, "Yeah, we'll start looking for a groom right away!"

Khushi's eyes widened in horror. "Nooooo! Don't even joke about that!" she exclaimed, feeling her face grow hot with embarrassment.

Nani also joins saying "No, you both need not search the groom. He is already searched by your daughter" winks at Khushi's parents who looked surprised and reveals the name " Our Arnav"

Khushi replied instantly "Bit Nani, I dont want to get married to him like right now."

Raj and Nalini burst out laughing, teasing Khushi mercilessly. "Arre, we're just kidding, beta," Raj said, chuckling. "But you have to admit, Arnav is a great guy. We're just happy to see you two getting along so well."

Nalini nodded in agreement. "Yes, Khushi, you deserve all the happiness in the world. And if Arnav makes you happy, then we're happy too."

Khushi rolled her eyes good-naturedly, feeling a little relieved that her parents were just teasing her. But deep down, she couldn't shake off the feeling that her parents were hinting at something more serious.

Unbeknownst to them, Kashish was lurking behind the door, listening in on their conversation. Her face twisted in a scowl as she heard Raj and Nalini teasing Khushi about Arnav. Kashish's anger simmered just below the surface, fueled by her jealousy. She couldn't bear the thought of Khushi being happy, especially not with Arnav. Kashish had always considered Arnav to be her own territory, and the thought of Khushi encroaching on that territory made her seethe with rage.

It's been 1 and half years after the world cup. It was the time for the next worldcup. Arnav had already made his mark in local tournaments so he was sure of his place. Rohan had called Arnav to come to the BCCI office with Khushi.

Arnav arrived at the BCCI office, looking sharp in his cricket gear, with Khushi by his side. Rohan, who was already there, greeted them warmly.

"Hey, Arnav! Congratulations on your outstanding performance in the local tournaments. You've really made a name for yourself," Rohan said, beaming with pride.

Arnav grinned, feeling a sense of excitement and nervousness. He had been working tirelessly for the past year and a half, and he was confident that he had secured his spot in the Indian cricket team for the upcoming World Cup.

Khushi, who had been quietly observing the exchange, spoke up, her voice filled with pride. "Rohan Ji, Arnav has been practicing day and night."

Rohan chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I have no doubt about that, Khushi Ji. Arnav has always had the potential to be a world-class cricketer. And I'm glad you're here to support him."

Arnav felt a surge of gratitude towards Khushi, who had been his rock throughout his cricketing journey. He smiled at her, feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity in her presence.

Rohan cleared his throat, bringing the conversation back on track. "So, Arnav, I'm sure you're aware that the team selection for the World Cup is just around the corner. I've called you here today to discuss your preparation and strategy for the tournament."

Arnav nodded, his mind already racing with thoughts of the World Cup. He was ready to give it his all and make India proud.

Khushi's eyes sparkled with excitement as she squeezed Arnav's hand in support. Arnav's face lit up with a bright smile, his heart racing with anticipation.

As Arnav walked into the room with Rohan, Khushi waited anxiously outside. After what felt like an eternity, Arnav emerged, his face etched with a mix of emotions.

Khushi's heart skipped a beat as Arnav approached her, his eyes clouded with disappointment. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tight hug.

"What happened?" Khushi asked, her voice laced with concern. She could feel Arnav's tension, and her mind was racing with worst-case scenarios. He slowly hugged her.

Arnav's voice was muffled against her shoulder. "I didn't make it as a team member."

Khushi's heart went out to him, and she hugged him back, trying to offer what little comfort she could. But before she could say anything, Arnav pulled back, a sly grin spreading across his face.

"Hey, it's okay," Khushi said, trying to sound reassuring. She pulls him back from hug and say "It's not a big deal. And definetly not the end of world. Next time we will try harder."

Arnav's grin grew wider, and he pinched Khushi's cheeks, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'm not just a team member, Khushi. I'm the captain of the team."

Khushi's eyes widened in shock, and she took a step back, her hands on her hips. "What? You're the captain of the team?" she repeated, her voice laced with incredulity.

Arnav nodded, his grin still plastered on his face. "Surprise!" he exclaimed, his eyes glinting with amusement.

Khushi asks again "Really?"

Arnav nodded, his grin growing wider. "Yeah, I am. And it feels pretty amazing."

Khushi's face lit up with a radiant smile, and she threw her arms around Arnav's neck. "I'm so proud of you, Arnav! You deserve it!"

Arnav laughed and hugged her back, feeling a sense of joy and relief wash over him. He had been worried about how Khushi would react to the news if he failed one day, but as always, she had surprised him with her unwavering support and enthusiasm.

Rohan walked up to the duo, a warm smile on his face. "Congratulations, Arnav! I knew you had it in you. You're going to make a fantastic captain!"

Arnav grinned, still holding Khushi close. "Thanks, Rohan Sir! I couldn't have done it without your support."