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Rahul (whispering): Tia..

Shubhi: Yeh to bhabhi ki awaaz thi na..

Rahul threw the remote and ran towards his room followed by Harry, Shubhi, Ishu and rest all too followed them hearing Athiya's scream. Rahul came inside the room and was shocked to see Athiya crying. He ran to her and sat on the bed beside her

Rahul: Tia..

Athiya hugged him tightly hiding her face in the hug. Rahul held her protectively. He was caressing her hair.

Rahul: Tia.. kya hua? Koi bura sapna dekha kya?

Athiya shook her head in no.

Athiya: Rah.. Rahul..

Rahul: Haan baba main yahi hoon. Kya hua Tia..

Athiya show him her phone. He frowned but took it and found she was reading an email which has come last night but was missed by both of them because of the chuda rasam.

Rahul checked the email and his eyes went wide. He smiled widely.

Rahul: Oh My God..

Virat: Kya hua?

Sakshi: Tia bachcha kya hua?

Rahul: Guys... Guys.. guys.. Tia has got her maiden national call. Usko England ke against jo Series hai uske liye National Team ko join karna hai. I am so proud of you Tia..

Rahul said while looking at her with his widest smile possible. Rest all too hooted

All: Congratulations Tia/Bhabhi..

Athiya (crying): Thank you

Anu sat beside her on the bed and gently wiped her tears.

Anu: Pagal.. aise koi chillata hai kya? Dara Diya hum sab ko..

Athiya: Woh maine aise achanak se yeh email dekha to..

Ritz: But now stop crying Tia.

Athiya nodded in yes and wiped her tears like a baby.

Rahul: Are baba yaha reh gaya

Athiya tried to wipe it but was wiping somewhere else. Rahul himself gently wiped her cheeks.

Rahul: Are Tia.. tum waha pe to yeh sab sarees leke nahi jaogi na?

He joked and Athiya smacked his hand lightly.

Athiya: Bhabhi dekho na kaise chida rahe hai

Anu (sternly): Rah..

Ritz: On a serious note Tia, tumhare paas yaha pe kapde hai na practice ke liye?

Athiya: Ji bhabhi hai. Aur phir waha pe to team ka uniform ayega lekin..

Rahul: Lekin kya?

Athiya: Mujhe Women's team ko join karna hoga kal. Yaha Mumbai me hi hai.

She quickly added last line.

Mahi: Haan to?

Athiya looked at Rahul who was looking at her confusingly.

Rahul: Bolo Tia..

Athiya: I have to go..

Rahul: Are to National Call up pe to Jana hi padta hai na. Pagal.

Rest all facepalmed themselves and Athiya smiled a little.

Athiya: Main dinner ki preparation dekh leti hoon

Saying so she went from there to kitchen.

Rohit: Seriously Rah..

Rahul: What??

Virat: You are impossible

Rahul (confused): Are lekin ab maine kya kiya

He asked confusingly.

Harry: Gadhe kuchh nahi kiya wahi to problem hain. Isse to achchha hota subah inko Jo karna ho woh karne deta.. huh

He went from there saying kaisa idiot friend hai mera

Mahi: You know you are an idiot Rah

Ash: A Big time idiot

Rahul: Are lekin maine kiya kya?

Virat sighed.

Virat: Rah.. Tia got her maiden national call and it's a great news. But it means you both have to stay away from each other. She will be busy in preparing for the series and will be staying with girls.

Rahul: Of course Vi Bhai.. I know and I am so happy for her

Virat: That we know Rah but alag rehna hoga tum dono ko ek dusare se

Rahul: Are Haan to..

He now realised.

Rahul (realising): Holy Sh*t...

Virat: Akkal aayi

Rahul: Matlab woh waha rahegi aur main yaha..

Rohit (sarcastically): Nahi nahi.. tumhe bhi girls' academy me admit karwa dete hai

Rahul: Sh*t.. Woh iss liye thodi si upset thi..

Mahi (sarcastically): Of course not. She was the happiest..

Rahul: Are aap log sunana bandh karo. Woh kitna sad feel kar rahi hogi na

All facepalmed themselves

Rahul: Ab main kya karu?

Virat: Yeh bhi hum bataye ki tumhari biwi ko tum kaise khush karo.. Waah..

Rahul: No no main dekhta hoon

Rahul ran downstairs and found Athiya in kitchen. She was making coffee and it was boiling and almost about to fall on her hand but he turned off the gas.

Rahul: Tia kidhar dhyan tha? Jal jata hath abhi

Athiya: Sorry.. dhyan nahi tha

She said looking down. Rahul sighed.

Rahul: Achchha sorry Tia. I know I am idiot lekin jaisa bhi idiot hoon ab tumhe life long issi idiot ko jhelna hai

Athiya made a face and poured coffee in mugs.

Rahul: Tia yaar sorry na

Athiya didn't reply but continued doing her work. Rahul was following her everywhere like a lost puppy but she was not talking to him.

Rahul: Tia..

Athiya was setting the dining table. Then she went to kitchen only to be followed by Rahul. She was about to start her work when Rahul held her hand and turned her towards himself caging her between him and the kitchen slab.

Athiya: Kya kar rahe ho aap?

Rahul: Apni biwi se baat

Athiya: Mujhe nahi karni koi baat.

Rahul: Sorry na yaar Tia. Mujhe nahi samaj me aaya ki you will miss me

Athiya: Ek minute.. aap kehna kya chahte hai? Nahi matlab aap yeh kehna chahte ho ki aap mujhe miss nahi karoge?

Rahul: Of course... main kyu miss karunga? Main to yaha sab ke sath hounga na

Athiya: Haan to main bhi koi miss wiss nahi karne wali. Main bhi waha team ke sath houngi. I'll enjoy there

Rahul: Chal jhoothi..

Athiya: Haww.. main jhoothi..

Rahul nodded in yes

Athiya: Main jhooth nahi bolti..

Rahul: Achchha.. to bolo you won't miss me

Athiya (looking down): I won't

Rahul lifted her face through her chin softly.

Rahul: Meri aankho me dekh ke bolo

Athiya: Aap meri aankho me dekh ke bolo..

She retorted back with a smirk. Rahul too smirked leaning towards her.

Rahul: You said you won't miss me..

Athiya: Exactly...

She said it while looking here and there. Rahul cupped her cheeks.

Rahul: Then you won't miss me cupping your cheeks

Athiya: Of.. of course..

Rahul smiled and kissed on her forehead to which she hold his T-shirt tightly.. closing her eyes feeling his lips on her forehead.. and dealing with the shiver she always feels.. The kiss was a bit more longer than the usual ones.

Rahul rested his head over hers.

Rahul: I'll miss you Tia..

He admitted genuinely and frankly.

Rahul: But I am happier because of the reason for this distance. My Tia has got her maiden national call. I wish you play for our country and made us all more proud than we are on you.

Athiya just hugged him tightly resting her head over his chest and enjoying his rhythmic heart beats. She always felt peace hearing them. He kissed on her crown. Athiya broke the hug.. Rahul was looking at her with a smile on his face. She leaned towards him but stopped midway on realising what she was doing.

Athiya took a deep breath.

Athiya: Are mujhe to kitna kuchh kam karna hai.. packing theek karni hai. Main aayi

Saying so she frees herself and ran from there.

Rest all youngsters who have witnessed them romancing were talking amongst themselves

Jassi: We should not have intrude

Shrey: Ghanta intrude

Harry: Uss gadhe ko kab samaj aayega ki forehead ke alawa bhi kafi sari jagah hoti hai jaha pe kiss kar sakte hai

Shubhi: Rah bhaiya ko waise bhi yeh sab samajne me time lagta hai

Ishu: Tab hi to uss Nidhi ko dost mante hai

Rishu: Are dost ki kon si quality hai bhai uss ladki me

Harry: Agar kisi ko dikhe to mujhe batana but remember we are not supposed to talk about her. Tia mushkil se usko bhuli hai

Rest all agreed

**********************************

It was night when Rahul came to his room and found Athiya was looking outside the window. He was done with keeping her luggage and kit in the car so that tomorrow they do not forget any necessary stuff. He silently went to her and back hugged her. Athiya was screaming but Rahul quickly put his hand over her mouth and turned her towards him.

Rahul: Are main hoon

Athiya sighed in relief. Rahul took his hand back. Athiya kept her hand over her heart

Athiya: Dara Diya mujhe.. aise kon aata hai

Rahul: Main karta hoon

Athiya: Main dar gayi thi pata hai.

She hold his hand and put it over her heart.

Athiya: Dekhiye kitni tez chal rahi hai abhi bhi heartbeats

Rahul remembered something and smiled which was almost like a blush.

Athiya: Aise kon aata hai Rahul?

Her question brought him back.

Rahul: Are.. kisme itni himmat hai ki aake tumhe aise back hug kare. Main hi hounga na

Athiya (softly): Aap bhi kaise ho sakte ho Rahul?

Rahul: Tia I am trying..

Athiya: I am not complaining Rahul. I understand and believe me when I say I understand I mean it

Rahul: Main bas kuchh aisa nahi karna chahta jisse aage Jake tumhe ya mujhe takleef ho

Athiya cupped his face

Athiya: I know baba. Aur sach kahu to main khud ready nahi thi aur shayad abhi bhi nahi hoon itna ready. Sab ki teasing se affect hona, room ko decorated dekh ke affect hona are okay but what I know is ki jab woh sab karna hota hai real me tab aisa lagta jaise kuchh chhoot raha hai

Rahul: It's love

Athiya: Shayad Haan.. lekin iska yeh matlab nahi hai ki hum hamari friendship bhi bhul jayenge. Hai na..

Rahul smiled and nodded in yes.

Rahul: Kya soch rahi ho yeh batao ab

Athiya sighed

Athiya: Kuchh nahi bas Papa ke bare me..

Rahul took her in a side hug to which she kept her head over his shoulder.

Athiya: This was his dream too alongwith mine ki main India ke liye khelu

Rahul: Aur yeh sapna sach zaroor hoga

Athiya smiled but before she could say anything more, Rahul picked her up in his arms.

Athiya: Rahul.. kya kar rahe ho aap? Niche utariye mujhe..

He took her to bed and sat on the bed with settling her beside him.

Athiya: Kya hua?

Rahul: Nothing. You should sleep now. It's getting late

Athiya nodded in yes and placed the pillows between them. She then layed down at her side. She closed her eyes but sleep was far away. She was not able to sleep. She was just tossing from one side to another. Rahul who was observing all this sighed and shook his head. He kept all the pillows at their places and layed down next to her pulling her in a hug. Athiya was startled.

Rahul: Aaj main sula deta hoon

Athiya: Lekin pillows??

Athiya's question made Rahul's ears turn red. His cheeks started heating up as his lips curved into a blushy smile. Rahul cleared his throat to compose himself in front of the questioning gaze of his wife.. HIS WIFE.. Well the lady who he has pulled into hug is definitely his wife who is capable of making him blush without even trying to.

Rahul again cleared his throat. He hid Athiya's head in his shoulder whereas rested his head over hers kissing her crown.

Rahul (whispering): I.. I am comfortable enough to cuddle with my wife

Athiya looked at him surprisingly who was looking down blushing hard.

Athiya: Rahul...

Rahul: I.. I know I am very bad in all this. But I.. I really like you Tia. You have been a great friend and super great companion. I.. I want to give a chance to US.. to be.. to be ONE. I know we should take it slow and we are taking it slow. But I can't deny the fact that I really like you. I don't know the extension but I like you.. Besides you have been kind enough to make me comfortable in all senses around you. I.. I really don't mind the cuddle.

Happy tears fell from Athiya's eyes which Rahul gently wiped and shook his head in no.

Athiya: I promise Rahul.. we will go through this together and will be passing with flying colours.

Rahul smiled widely at her. Athiya again hugged him and they both slept peacefully cuddling to each other.

**********************************

On the next day, when Athiya woke up, she found herself in the hug with Rahul. He was still sleeping while hugging her. She caressed his hair. She leaned upwards towards him but stopped and freed herself from the hug but not before caressing his hair one more time.

Athiya got ready and found Rahul was still sleeping. She went to him.

Athiya (softly): Rahul.. uthiye chaliye

Rahul: Sone do na Tia

Athiya (softly): Rahul uthiye baba. Phir mujhe nikalna bhi hai

Rahul quickly got up and went to get freshen up but again came running to her and kissed on her forehead.

Rahul: Good morning

He then again went to washroom. Athiya chuckled at his antics but her hand was caressing the place where he has kissed.

Rahul quickly got ready and called Athiya who was downstream helping ladies in settling the dining table.

Rahul (calling/shouting): Tia.. Tia mere socks kidhar hai yaar

Harry: Tia.. mere achchhe khase dost ko typical husband bana diya hai.. Not bad.. Ab main usko iss baat pe chidaunga

Athiya (chuckling): Kya Harry tum bhi na

Rahul (shouting): Tia...

Ritz: Are Bhai jao uper Jake dekho. Warna yeh pura Ghar sar pe utha lega.

Anu: And main na ek bada sa chart paper deti hoon. Usme na bade bade letters me likh dena ki kon si cheez kaha rakhi hai. Kyuki pati logo ki aankho me na pata nahi kya problem hoti hai. Kabhi kuchh milta hi nahi

Virat looked at her with raised eyebrows.

Virat: Achchha ji..

Anu: Of course..

Virat: Nushkie.. Woh tumhare paas 500 ke khulle paise hai kya?

Anu: Haan hai na. Le lena mere purse mese

Virat: Are tum hi dedo na.

Anu: Vi you know na mujhe nahi pata Mera blue purse maine kidhar rakh diya.

Virat: Nushkie cupboard kholte hi samne rakha hai tumhara blue purse. Kal tumne hi rakha tha remember...

Anu bit her tongue.

Sakshi: She is exception. Baki usne jo bola woh sab sahi hai

Mahi: Oh hello.. maine kab tumhe pareshan kiya

Sakshi: Achchha.. ek kam karo. Aap hi Cheeku ko khulle paise dedo

Mahi: Fine..

Mahi tried to find his wallet but it was not with him.

Mahi: Sakshi mera wallet...

Sakshi gave him a winning smile to which even Mahi chuckled alongwith others.

Rahul (shouting): Tia...

Athiya: Aai... Main jati hoon

She ran from there.

Rohit: Main kitna achchha hoon na Ritz. I always ask you before keeping and taking back anything

Ritz: Because you always forget Ro.

All laughed and Rohit pouted.

Athiya came inside was surprised to see Rahul. He was wearing Black T-shirt, Black Pant and a Black hoodie. He was literally looking way too much handsome. She was literally checking out him.

Rahul chuckled seeing her like that which broke her trance and her face flushed.

Athiya: Apke socks.. are maine bed pe hi rakhe the kidhar gaye?

Rahul: Mere pero me..

He said while pointing towards his legs.

Athiya: Are jab mil gaye the to bulaya kyu?

He came to her and held her hand and took her to dressing mirror. He then took the Sindoor box and filled her hairline. He then kissed on her forehead.

Rahul: Iske liye..

Athiya blushed looking down. Finally she spoke.

Athiya: Rahul..

Rahul: Hmm..

Athiya: Woh..

She looked at him and again looked down.. still blushing because of the after effects of him showing his affection towards her.

Rahul: Are bolo bhi..

Athiya: Kuchh nahi. Woh breakfast karne chale?

Rahul nodded in yes and hold her hand and started normally going towards stairs while she was just looking at him.

Rahul stood in the lobby and looked at her with cross arms. Athiya looked at him confusingly.

Rahul (teasing): Ek baar dekh lo achchhe se. Apne hi pati ko check out kar rahi ho Zara tabiyat se check out karo. Kaise khada rahu left profile.. right profile.. ya straight..

Athiya (blushing): Rahul..

She looked down blushing hard.

Rahul chuckled and took her in a hug.

Rahul: Kitna sharmati ho

Athiya smacked him lightly

Athiya: Waise sharmane to aap bhi kuchh kam nahi hai

She broke the hug

Athiya: Mr Rahuliya

Rahul: Aye.. Don't call me that

Athiya (teasing): Rahuliya...

Rahul: Tia ruko tum..

Athiya ran downstairs followed by Rahul but he was quick enough to held her hand and pulled her towards him making her dashed directly with his chest. They were in the hall and all saw them. Virat has clicked their picture.

Anu: Rah kafi comfortable ho gaya hai na Tia ke sath..

Rohit: Tia ki mehnat ka natija hai

Mahi: True.. Rah ke dil me jagah banana asaan nahi hai.

Virat fake coughed which broke RahIya's trance who were busy in looking at each other and they both came to dining area.

Ritz (teasing): Rah.. Tia.. socks nahi mil rahe the kya? Kafi.. time lag gaya

Rahul: Kon se socks?

Athiya: Wahi jo apke pero me hai

Rahul bit his tongue. Rest all were controlling their laughter.

Rahul: Oh haan yeh socks.. Haan time.. time lag gaya

Anu: Haan to kidhar se mile?

Athiya: Are inke pero..

She stopped on realising what she was saying and cleared her throat.

Athiya: Inke pero ki size se ek size Chhota bhi tha.. bada bhi tha.. to real wala jo actual size ka hai na woh dhundhane me time lag gaya

Rahul gave her an I am Impressed look to which she just rolled her eyes. Rest all were like kya cover up Kiya hai

They had breakfast.

Sakshi: Tia.. jao ready ho jao yaha sab hum log sambhal lenge

Athiya nodded in yes and went from there. She came downstairs after a while getting ready in a T-shirt, Pant and a simple shrug. She was looking so pretty that Shubhi almost whistled.

Shubhi: Wow bhabhi.. kya mast lag rahe ho

Ishu: Rah bhaiya to clean bowled ho jayenge by God

Rishu: Ho jayenge nahi ho gaye woh dekh..

All looked at the main door from where Rahul was coming inside and now was just looking at Athiya.

Athiya saw him and blushed looking down. It broke his trance too and found everyone was looking at him with teasing smiles and he smiled sheepishly rubbing his neck.

Rahul: Umm.. Tia chale?

Athiya nodded and met everyone. The ladies were quite emotional.

Rohit: Are yaar series ke liye ja rahi hai Bidai nahi ho rahi

All chuckled

Rohit: All the best Tia

Athiya: Thank you

Virat: Chalo Tia..

Rahul: Aap kidhar ja rahe ho?

Virat: I am coming with you guys. Tia ko drop karne. Driver Virat Kohli at your service Ma'am

Athiya: Bhaiya aap kyu takleef lete ho? Rahul hai na.. aur main keh rahi hoon Rahul aap bhi kyu takleef le rahe ho. Main chali jaungi na

Rahul: Your phone.

He gave her HER phone which was with him though none saw that it was already switched off.

Rishu: Ab to Rah bhaiya Naya phone le hi lenge..

All chuckled.

Virat: Main car me hoon. Tum dono ko aana hai to chalo..

Rahul: Haan chalo..

Athiya too nodded in yes and they finally left for the Women's team wing of the NCA. Virat has literally made them sit at the back seat and he was driving. Rahul has hold her hand in his assuringly to calm her down as she was continuously fidgeting with her fingers. They reached there. Virat looked at them from the rear view mirror and shook his head.

Virat: Main bahar hoon.

Saying so he came out of the car.

Rahul: Dar lag raha hai?

Athiya nodded in yes while tears fell from her eyes. Rahul took her in a side hug.

Athiya: I'll miss you

Rahul: I'll miss you too

Athiya: Take care

Rahul: You too

Athiya nodded in yes

Rahul: Don't get scared Tia. You are safe here okay. Main roz baat karunga tumse

Athiya smiled and nodded in yes. Rahul kissed on her forehead as a good luck wish

Athiya: Umm.. Rahul..

Rahul: Haan..

Athiya (blushing): May.. May I?

Rahul looked at her for a second and found himself nodding in yes. Athiya cupped his face which itself made shiver ran through his body. His throat felt dry and he gulped down. As she was leaning towards him, he closed his eyes. His heartbeats rose considerably. Athiya gently planted a soft kiss on his forehead. She rested her head over his.

Athiya (whispering): I know you.. we both are not ready that much enough for THAT to happen between us.

Rahul blushed hard hearing this and just hugged her tightly hiding his face in her crook.. She too was blushing but was happy too. They broke the hug with wide smile on their faces.

They came out from the car and Rahul took out her luggage while she met Virat.

Virat: All the best Tia.. and don't worry about YOUR Rahul..

Athiya chuckled while blushing but nodded in yes.

Athiya: Ab main..

Virat: Yeah you go.

Athiya looked at Rahul who gave her a small wave.

Rahul: All the best and Don't miss me..

Athiya chuckled and waved back at them and then she went towards the main building. She looked at the name.

National Cricket Academy - Women's Team Wing

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So that's it for this chapter. Hope you guys like it

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