Pyaar Se: An Innings At Love

53. muscle mehra

"Chaudhvin ka chand ho, ya aaftab ho, jo bhi ho tum, khuda ki kasam,
lajawaab ho."

Naman's P.O.V.

"If India looses this match, then, y'all would have to go back home. Do you feel pressurised, captain?" Brian asked after we won the toss and I announced that we'd bowl first.

Today was India versus Afghanistan. The latter was in a good form and had only lost one match out of the three in this year of the World Cup till now. Today will be their second defeat.

The conversation with my wife yesterday had really been it for me. I just needed to a reminder on who I am and once I received it, my confidence was back where it used to be- the top!

"We feel the pressure but exactly the right amount of it, we're here to win the game and we will give our best in making that happen." I answered.

"All the best, Mehra. I'll let you go, now. Thank you." He concluded and after nodding my head in response, I left.

The match began, Afghanistan were doing good but we were better. After my conversation with Kriti, I called a team meeting and talked to the boys, heart to heart.

First, I apologised to them for being such a dick and then, I got their confidence back like it used to be. We are the Team India, for fuck's sake! There's no other team better than us.

"Skip, catch it!" I heard Bumrah yell but my eyes were focused on the ball falling in my direction.

Even though, it was an easy catch, the ball was really close to falling out of boundary which made it a bit difficult to catch but nonetheless, I ran towards the position where I thought it'd land and just about in time, I jumped to catch it before it goes out of the boundary.

And there it was, the beautiful ball in the hold of my palm. Fuck, this feeling was what I missed!

"Let's go!" I yelled in delight as my team mates ran over towards me and the captain of Afghanistan team walked back to the dressing room.

Soon, the first innings came to an end and the team was all out three over before the actual over limit! Things were looking good for us.

The second innings began after a break and the openers- Rahul and Rohit, were doing great! If they keep playing this way, my turn wouldn't arrive!

But, Rahul got stumped on the basis of LBW in the next over. I was all padded up and ready as I walked down the stairs with fans on the either side of me.

"I've got this, don't worry." I said to Rohit, he looked a bit tensed but in my case, stress was far, far away.

And as promised, I started hitting the balls and I hit them hard. One after another, I put my hundred and ten percent in it.

The next ball flew in my direction and my wrists and bat did their thing and the ball went flying into the stands causing the eruption of a loud cheer by the fans.

"Mehra! Mehra!" Chants were being heard from the crowd and that made my heart swell.

This excitement, this thrill is what attracted me to this game and then eventually made me fall in love with it.

The chants were growing louder and louder leaving me a bit confused.

Then, I saw Rohit walk towards the middle of the pitch, so, I did the same.

"What's happening?" I asked.

"You've completed a century, fucker!" Rohit laughed out loud on my confused looking face and then patted my back.

Oh.

A century, jesus, a century after the surgery. I guess Kriti was right, I still had it in me. Fuck, I did it. I made her a promise and I did it.

I raised my bat towards the crowd and then, I kissed my engagement ring. I know she's watching the live telecast and this was my way of thanking her until I can do it in person.

This one is for her.

All for her.

I closed my eyes for a moment and her smiling face came into view and then, I opened my eyes and started smashing the ball again and eventually, I went ahead and made forty four more runs until the innings ended.

We had won the match.

I am back.

"A much needed and a great win for the Indian team, don't you think, skip?" I was asked in the post match presentation.

"Yes, indeed, we really needed to win this one and we did. This win was necessary, both for staying in the tournament and for us as players." I answered.

"Of course. Since the beginning of today's match, we couldn't help but notice this change in your mindset when compared to the last few matches. Anything special?" The next question came.

I smiled, "I'll tell you when we lift the Cup."

The host laughed and then spoke, "I like that attitude. Now, tell me, captain- the fans want to know, is their beloved 'muscle Mehra' back?"

I chuckled and replied, "He is."

"Great news for the Indian fans, congratulations for the win, Naman, and all the best for the next one. See you soon." He ended.

"Thank you, Liam, cheers."

The rest of the month passed in us travelling from one city to another, practising and then killing it on the field. The next matches for the team went quite terrific! We didn't even lose one, including the quarter finals.

Yes, the quarter finals! We were now in the semi finals, baby. My first World Cup semi-finals, in my career.

The last World Cup we played, we had gotten out from the quarters, so, it will be my time playing the semis and I was excited as fuck.

Amidst all this, I couldn't help but miss her, deeply. It's weird how one person walks into your life, one fine day, and then you forgot that there was a time you lived without them, too. Because at this point, I cannot even imagine my life without Kriti in it.

I had spent twenty eight years of my life thinking I'd be living alone for the rest of my life and I did not mind it but Kriti walked in and changed my perception in less than one.

That's the hold she has over me.

Fuck, I miss her. A lot.

I miss kissing her, fucking her, teasing her but above all, I just miss being around her- in her bubble. I miss that the most, smelling her with each breath I took.

This woman has successfully driven me crazy. But I'm glad that she has.

I guess everyone needs a Kriti in their life, I'm just happy to have found mine.

And for you all, please go find yours, because I'm keeping this one and never letting her go.

Not a fucking chance, she is mine.

I can't wait to see her. But for now...

Semi-finals, we are coming for you!