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Athiya (shocked): Wh.. what??

Rahul: What?? Tumne jo manga wahi de raha hoon na

Athiya: Rah.. Rahul..

Rahul: Let's do it.. NOW..

Athiya was again shocked.

Athiya (shocked): What?? Now??

Athiya looked here and there and clutched her hoodie tightly keeping it more nearer to her.

Rahul: I know I cannot come and neither can you. So 10 din ka wait to karna padega. So we will do that in conversation right now. Let's just enjoy what will happen in future by imagining it now. So imagine I am there with you in your room and I closed the door behind me coming towards you to the bed..

Athiya: Rahul..

Rahul: Then I'll sit in front of you.. then imagine me cupping your face and kissing on your forehead..

Athiya: Rahul...

Rahul: Then.. on your eyes.. then on your cheeks..

Athiya: Rahul please..

Rahul: And then on your li..

Athiya (quite loudly): Rahul Stop...

Rahul looked at her only to find her sitting with her eyes tightly closed. Tears were falling from her eyes.

Rahul: Kya hua? You are my wife and you are insecure.. you have your valid reasons.. so I am being a nice husband just removing your insecurities. As simple as that

Athiya looked at him while tears were still falling down from her eyes.

Rahul (in broken voice): Kya hua Tia? Jab sirf bol raha hoon to yeh hal hai.. jab sahi me..

He couldn't even say further while she kept crying.

Rahul (in broken voice): I.. I really don't know Tia what I should do to make you feel secure. What I know is neither of us are ready for going ahead from where we are right now.. hell we are not even ready for a lip kiss and you..

Tears were falling from Rahul's eyes too. He knew she was scared but he really didn't understand why she is insecure this much.

Rahul: What has happened to you Tia?

Athiya: I.. I am scared. Jab bhi.. jab bhi aapse door hoti hoon to ajeeb sa dar lagta hai. Aur jab se shaadi hui hai tab se bas Nidhi Nidhi ho raha hai.. I.. I don't want to snatch your happiness Rahul.. Mujse.. mujse nahi ho raha khush rehne ka natak. I.. I am getting affected with all this. Mujhe bura lagta hai jab sab kisi aur ke nam ke sath apka naam lete hai. Aur yeh koi dosti wala bura nahi hai.. I feel bad.. I feel hurt the way a wife feels..

Rahul: Tia..

Athiya: Main apko hurt nahi karna chahti thi Rahul lekin main khud ko nahi sambhal pa rahi. Aur aise me dekho kaise .. kaise apko kitna hurt kar diya.. Sab.. sab sahi kehte hai.. I.. I am a bad luck..

Rahul (shouted): Tia..

Athiya flinched hearing his shout.

Rahul: Don't you dare.. don't you dare say anything like that for MY WIFE. YOU ARE MY WIFE TIA.. YOU ARE MY PRIDE. I CAN DO WHATEVER IT TAKES FOR YOU.

Athiya: Sorry..

Rahul (softly): No Tia.. I am sorry. I didn't talk to you about Nidhi ever. Even after the boys said those things in front of you when we came here but still I didn't say anything to you and not even tried to clear things. You are my wife and I should have cleared those things with you. Me not doing that kahi na kahi tumhare man me woh shaq rakhega hi na. It's natural Tia.

Rahul took a pause and found her looking at him only. Rahul shook his head in no.. Athiya wiped her tears.

Athiya: Aap bhi aansu pochho

Rahul (wiping his tears): I am not crying.. Aankh me kuchh chala gaya tha

Athiya: Haan.. pichhale aadhe ghante se Gaya hua hi tha.. nikla hi nahi aankho mese

Rahul and Athiya both chuckled.

Rahul: Tia.. You okay?

Athiya shook her head in no.

Rahul: I am sorry Tia.. you had to go through this. But please never think negatively. We will pass this phase too.

Athiya took the Sindoor box which he has gifted her and hugged it tightly.

Rahul took her pillow and hugged it tightly hiding his face into it.

They both were emotional and needed sometime to compose themselves.

Athiya: I am sorry Rahul.. Maine hi apko promise Kiya tha aur maine hi..

Rahul: No Tia.. You didn't break your promise. You just expressed your thoughts which were haunting you. You just expressed your insecurities which were not allowing you to even focus on our relationship.

Rahul sighed

Rahul: Tia.. main chahe kitni bhi koshish kar loon main nahi samaj sakta ki main tumhare liye kya mayne rakhta hoon. Lekin mujhe itna pata hai ki I am YOUR HOME and I also understand ki pichhale dino jo kuchh hua.. jaise bhi hua.. tumhare man me dar sa baith gaya hai. It's a trauma of those events Tia and it's okay. You are a human too na Tia.

Rahul looked at her only to find her already looking at him.

Rahul: You have been so understanding Tia. You have always made my comfort your first priority. To main kya itna bhi nahi kar sakta ki tumhare dil me jo dar hai usko accept Karu.

Athiya: Lekin I hate this feeling Rahul. I hate it from the bottom of my heart.

Rahul: Tia.. till the time you have your this Sindoor box with you and your Mangalsutra in your neck na, Mujhe kuchh nahi hoga.. Na physically, na mentally, na financially.. Aur Nahi main tumse door jaunga

Athiya (innocently): Sach..

Rahul: Much. I truly believe in these sacred things Tia.. I believe in the power they hold. Our relationship is new but it has the purity needed in it. We both want to make it successful with our genuine efforts. To hum wahi karenge Jo hum aaj tak karte aaye hai. Hamesha ek dusare ka sath denge, Ek dusare ko support karenge, Ek dusare pe bharosa karenge phir chahe koi bhi aake kyu na kuchh bhi bole aur kare.. We will always be true to ourselves and each other Okay..

Athiya: Waada..

Rahul smiled at her. She too smiled back at him but soon her smile turned into frown.

Athiya: Headache kyu hua tha itna gandawala?

She asked like a teacher and Rahul literally felt like a student who got caught while doing mischief.

Rahul: Neend nahi hui thi kuchh dino se.

Athiya: What are you doing Rahul? You know na mushkil se to aapki back and all sab sahi hua tha aur aap ho ki..

Rahul cut her.

Rahul: I was missing you. Tumhi sulati thi na mujhe.. Aur uper se tumko hug karke sone ki adat si ho gayi hai

Rahul said while looking down at the pillow as the slight blush was clearly visible on his cheeks.

Athiya was having a smile on her face seeing him expressing but at the same time she was worried for him too.

Athiya: Aise to nahi chalega na Rahul.

Rahul: I know. Iss liye to ab tumhare pillow ko hug karke sota hoon. Neend aa to jati hai lekin.. itni gehri nahi aati

Athiya: Sach kahu to I miss you too. Sab hai lekin ek ajeeb sa khalipan feel hota hai jo cheekh cheekh ke sirf apko hi pukarta hai. But it is what it is. We are in the profession where this thing will come quite often. We have to learn to adapt it

Rahul: True that. We will learn that too

Athiya: Haan lekin abhi aap rest karoge

Rahul: Are lekin..

Athiya: No lekin.. Letiye chaliye..

Rahul did as asked. Athiya could see him on the screen. She started humming a lullaby while patting the Sindoor box in her hand as if it is Rahul's head. There was a slight smile on Rahul's face. But more than anything else, there was some peace on his face and it made her calm too.

Virat came there to check on Rahul.

Virat: So gaya..

He came while coming into visibility of Athiya. She smiled at him.

Virat: You okay Tia?

Athiya shook her head in no.

Virat: Kya hua Twinnie?

Athiya: I hurt him bhaiya

Virat: You know the strange thing about anger and hurt..

Athiya looked at him.

Virat: We got angry the most on the person whom we love the most and we hurt the person or got hurt by the person whom we love the most..

Athiya looked down

Virat: Chin up kiddo. It's okay to accept the imperfections. Kya pata samne wala apke iss imperfections pe hi mar mita ho..

Athiya looked at him surprisingly. Virat smiled and winked at her.

Virat: Now no more overthinking. Have some rest before the series and do well okay. Bye take care (teasingly) And don't worry.. call disconnect karke nahi ja raha, you can stare at the sleeping figure of your husband

Virat again winked and left from there to which Athiya blushed but looked at Rahul with pure love and admiration. She too dozed off in a while.

From that time onwards, It was clear in both of RahIya's minds that they have to put more efforts to avoid or to ignore any arguments. If they are not liking something, they have to be vocal about it to at least each other. They won't hide anything from each other.

It was the night before the first T20 match of the series. Athiya was gonna play the match and she was getting very much nervous.

Rahul: Tia stop biting your already bit nails

Rahul said on the video call. Athiya glared at him though she took back her nail from her mouth.

Athiya: I am nervous

Rahul: It's natural baba. Sab ko aisa hi feel hota hai. Now sleep Tia. You have a match tomorrow. Our dream is gonna be true tomorrow

Athiya smiled. She was feeling the luckiest person on the earth having Rahul as her life partner. He was accepting her with all her flaws.. all her mistakes.. all her fears.. all her pain..

Athiya: Neend nahi aa rahi

She pouted

Rahul: Bas itni si baat.. come aaj main sulata hoon

Athiya: Aap aa jao na yaha

She pouted.

Rahul: I wish I could come Tia. But I really don't want to be a distraction for you and not specifically before your debut match. So just have some sleep okay.

Athiya nodded in yes and closed her eyes though Rahul kept saying sweet nothings to her. Soon he too fell asleep with their video call still going on on their respective phones. Jemmy came to room and once again she found the couple on the video call and sleeping while still being on an ongoing call. She chuckled at their antics.

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

It was the match day and team was going towards the stadium. Athiya's heart was beating faster. As she was about to go on her journey of what ifs, She received call from Rahul. Instantly a smile came on her face.

Athiya: Hello..

Rahul: Hello Tia.. sab le liya na?

Athiya: Haan baba sab le liya hai

Rahul: Tia.. All the best.. I know you will do well. And Mom Dad mandir Gaye hain tumhare liye pray karne

Athiya: Lekin mujhe bahut dar lag raha hai Rahul.

Rahul: Natural hai baba. One suggestion is unnecessary big screen pe mat dekhna and Tum itna mat socho.

Athiya: Dimag me ayega hi na Rahul. Aise kaise nazarandaz kar doon?

Rahul: Woh sab theek hai yeh batao mujhe gift me kya milega?

He changed the topic to divert her mind.

Athiya (confused): Gift? Kis liye?

Rahul: Tia.. hamari shaadi ko do mahine hone ko aa gaye. And you still have not given any gift to me. That's so wrong na

Athiya chuckled

Athiya: Hmm.. matlab baby ko gift chahiye

Rahul (whining): I am not a baby Tia

Athiya chuckled hearing this.

Athiya: Achchha to ab yeh batao ki apko gift me kya chahiye?

Rahul: Mujhe meri Tia Player of the Tournament ke award ke saath chahiye

Athiya: I'll try my best to give you that Award

Rahul: That's like MY GIRL

Athiya blushed looking down.

Rahul: Tia..

Athiya looked at him. He gave her a flying kiss.

Rahul: All the best dear

Athiya (blushing): Thank you

They disconnected the call. They reached the stadium and got busy in practising. The toss happened and India lost it. They were asked to bat first.

During National Anthem, Athiya was getting emotional as it was the dream of her parents specially her father. And now it was her husband's dream too. It was her dream too but they all have been more excited for her achievements rather than herself. She has always seen her father's impression in Rahul and she knew she will be able to do it life long.

Rahul has come to watch the match and was in the VIP area.

Indian openers failed to give them a good start and departed early. Athiya was asked to bat at no 3. She went to ground first seeking blessings from it and from God. Now the partnership between Her and Jemmy who has come at No 4 was the key.

Athiya: Abhi koi wicket nahi khoni hai. Let's build a partnership

Jemmy nodded in yes and they both build a steady partnership of 50 runs.

Jemmy: Ab scoring rate badhana hoga

Athiya: Main Marti hoon. Tum stand do. You have more experience in International Circuit than me. Age tum easily manage kar paogi

Jemmy: Aisa kuchh nahi hai but jaisa tumhe sahi lage

They fist bumped and took their positions. Rahul was watching the match with his poker face on. He was seen numerous times on the big screen and public have cheered a lot too whenever he was shown but he maintained his calm and so as the girls. Athiya was not at all looking at big screen.

Athiya started hitting the ball and scoring rate too started increasing. Soon enough she completed her 50. She just raised her bat and thanked God and her parents but her concentration was full on the match. Rahul was seen clapping hard while standing from his seat with a wide smile plastered on his face. India was 120 after 15 overs when Jemmy got out. Harman came to bat.

Athiya: Di aap strike do. Main Marti hoon.

Harman nodded in yes. Athiya continued with her dominance. Her focus was only on one thing that she has to score runs for the team. She smashed three 4s and three 6s in Brunt's over.

It was 19th over going on and Athiya was on 88. Sarah Glenn was bowling and Athiya hit two 6s back to back and completed her century. The crowd erupted in the loud cheer. Athiya took off her helmet and looked upwards.. she thanked God and seeked blessings of God and her parents. She had tears in her eyes. Rahul was jumping and clapping when she completed her century. Athiya then hold her Mangalsutra and kissed it. She then kissed her wedding ring. The cameraman was making no mistakes, now the reaction of Rahul was being shown on Big screen. When she kissed her Mangalsutra, Rahul's hands automatically stopped clapping and he was just looking at her with a serene smile on his face. But soon it was converted into a blushy smile. He then again started clapping when she kissed on her wedding ring. And as Rahul saw it on Big screen, he himself burried his face in his palms blushing and chuckling.

At the end of 20 overs, India was 205-3. As they were going back, Athiya saw Rahul in the VIP box. She was pleasantly surprised. Rahul was clapping for her while standing. He show her thumbs up from both hands. She mouthed a Thank you and went to dressing room. They knew English team will try to overpower them and they are having very less chances of errors. But the team was motivated and they bowled and fielded really well making English team all out in 100 runs. But as Renu got 6 wickets, she was Player of the Match whereas Athiya got other awards like maximum 4s and 6s. The girls had to go back early to the academy as they were having an early morning practice session tomorrow. They really didn't want to let go of momentum they have got so Rahul and Athiya couldn't meet each other. And moreover, because of traffic near stadium and Rahul's fans waiting there, it was quite late when Rahul reached home. Though he called her during the ride but there was so much noise because of traffic that they couldn't hear each other properly and Rahul just texted her that she played really well and very much maturely. He wished her all the luck for upcoming matches and then wished her Good night.

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In the second T20, India was again batting first but this time we got a good opening partnership of 100 runs before Shefali got out trying to hit a 6. Soon Athiya joined Smriti and they both continued. Smriti reached her maiden 100 in that match whereas Athiya scores another 50. English team did really well while chasing but ultimately India won the match and the series.

Currently the girls were in bus. Athiya clapped her hands instinctively gaining everyone's attention.

Athiya: Do match aur series Jeet chuke hai. Let's whitewash them. Bahut baar hume haraya hai. Iss baar unko haar ka swaad chakhate hai

Harman, Smriti and Amol looked at each other and smiled. The girls agreed with Athiya and they all were now determined for the series win with the whitewash.

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

It was the third T20 and this time, The Men's team too has come to watch the match alongwith Rahul. This time, India was fielding first.

Virat: Yaar batting leni thi

Rohit: Lekin toss hum nahi jite na Vi

Harry: I have doubt yeh log chase karne me comfortable hai

Rahul was biting his nails..Virat smacked his hand. Rahul pouted.

Virat: Bad habit Rahuliya

Rahul: Nervousness feel ho rahi hai Vi Bhai. Pata nahi Tia kaise chasing ka pressure handle karegi

Virat: Woh kar legi Rahuliya. Waise bhi meri fan hai. To chase to achche se hi karegi

Rahul gave him a look to which Virat gave him a teasing smile and winked making Rahul pout again.

Virat (teasing): Waise tumhari Biwi hai. Players ko dhoti tumhare jaise hi hai.

Rahul had a blushy smile on his face but to his luck, their exchange was shown on Big screen and crowd was cheering making players laugh.

The match started and English players got a decent start but soon they started increasing the scoring rate. The Indians were mentally gearing up for the big chase when Richa got ball directly hit on her knee. The physio came and stated that she had to go out of the ground.

Shefali: Di mujhe to abhi kuchh time keeping karne se bhi mana kiya gaya hai

Harman: Exactly

Smriti: To ab lagta hai kholna hi padega

Harman: Haan .. turup ka ikka .. Jao apne keeper ke avtaar me ground pe aao

The girls chuckled internally and started discussing the stretegy. The lights got dim and the crowd was getting entertained by DJ.

Rahul: Yeh Tia kidhar hai? Dikh nahi Rahi

Rohit: Abe huddle me hongi na

Rahul: B-Ro.. look at her height and huddle. Kidhar pe uski height ki ladkiyan dikh rahi apko

Harry: Abe waha 2-3 ladkiya hai to lambi si

Rahul: Haan lekin usme se koi Tia nahi hai

Virat: Tujhe kaise pata?

Rahul: Because I..

Virat (raised eyebrows): You..

Rahul: I just know Vi Bhai..

Virat smiled hearing this.

Virat: Good going.

Rahul: Matlab??

Virat: Matlab itne andhere me bhi usko pehchan lete ho it's a good thing Rahuliya

Rahul: Don't call me that

Virat chuckled and his gaze fell on ground.

Virat: O Teri..

Men's team except Rahul: O Teri...

Rahul: Now What??

Harry: You were right Rah. Tia was not there.

Virat: Because Tia has now come. See there..

Virat pointed at the ground and Rahul saw Athiya was going towards the middle with padded up, her helmet and keeping gloves on. His mouth was hung open. Virat closed his mouth with his fingers.

Virat: Muh bandh Rahuliya. You are in public place. Ghar pe jaake.. you can do whatever you want to do..

Rahul almost smacked Virat at his teasing while himself blushing hard.

There was a new found energy in the Indian team and they were now more focused. Brunt was playing and she came out of the crease on Radha's ball but misses and Athiya did a swift stumping. The crowd again erupted in joy and the boys were clapping hard. Mahi was having an impressed look whereas Rahul was having a proud face.

It was 17th over and Taylor was batting and there was LBW appeal from India but Umpire gave not out. Athiya instantly asked Harman to take review. The bowler was not sure about the pitching thing but Athiya insisted and Harman at the last moment took the review. When the ball tracking came, it was having all three reds. Pitching inline, impact inline, wickets hitting and the Umpire had to change the decision to out. Smriti picked up Athiya and twirled.

Rahul: Yeh kyu ghuma rahi hai? Meri biwi hai

Virat and Harry who were sitting at either side of Rahul gave him a look to which he bit his tongue and Virat and Harry burst into laugh making Rahul hid his face in his palms while laughing and blushing. He was not able to believe he was behaving like a teenager.

Though Indians cut the scoring rate considerably in the final overs but still they got target of 195.

Soon enough the Indian team started their innings. They were already one player and finisher short as Richa was not allowed to bat. The momentum was with English team. Shefali and Smriti started well but soon Smriti got out and Athiya came. She was keen on building a partnership whereas Shefali was hitting the ball nicely but she too got out. Jemmy came. They both were good in running between the wickets and soon they built another 50 runs partnership. India was doing decent but the scoring rate was now needed to increase. Jemmy tried to do that but got out when she was at 32. Harman came to bat.

Harman: Let's take as much runs with running as possible. Use as much risk free shots as possible.

Athiya nodded in yes and they both increased the scoring rate mostly by running hard and converting Ones into Twos.

It was the last over and India now needed 16 from 6.

On the first ball, Athiya took 2. Now it's 14 from 5.

On the second ball, she hit it for a 4. Now it's 10 from 4

On the third ball, it was again a couple of runs so it's 2 runs taken. Now 8 from 3

On the fourth ball, Athiya came down the track and smashed a 6. All were clapping hard. The boys were jumping and cheering for her. Now it's 2 from 2.

On the fifth ball, Athiya missed it and it went directly to the keeper. It was a very near escape.

Rahul: Easy.. easy..

Athiya was looking here and there when her gaze fell on Rahul who was signing her to calm down. There was full faith on his face. It was shown on the big screen and the crowd started chanting Rahul's name making him surprised at first but then he blushed. Athiya was already blushing but her concentration was on the game as it was not finished yet. The bowler bowled the next ball and Athiya smashed it for 6.

The girls came there running and hugged Athiya while the boys were clapping and jumping.. giving hi-fives to each other. The girls broke the hug and official handshake too was done. Athiya looked at Rahul who couldn't control and gave her a flying kiss to which she blushed hard hiding her face whereas the girls started laughing at her antics.

The post match presentation was going on.

Anjum: So now the time is for Player of The Match and Player of The Tournament awards and they both go to Athiya Rahul..

All clapped hard whereas Rahul was having a content smile on his face.

Athiya received the award and took the mic. She took a deep breath but there was a wide smile on her face.

Anjum: Congratulations Athiya for the awards

Athiya: Thank you so much

Anjum: Now another Congratulations for the Marriage

Athiya (chuckling): Thank you

Anjum: You were looking so good throughout the tournament. It didn't look like it's your first international tournament

Athiya: I was nervous but when you have a bunch of people around you who keep motivate you, It really became easier

Anjum: We have seen you bat in first innings and in second innings. You seemed less agressive in second innings. Is there any specific reason?

Athiya: I always look for the loose ball to target else I'll stick to my plan of running between the wickets. I value my wicket and I know if I stay there at the middle, I can win the match for my team. So I just try to do that only regardless of we bat first or second

Anjum: Great thing. Now as you have won Player of The Tournament award, any special dedication?

Athiya chuckled. The crowd started chanting Rahul's name making both of them Blush really hard.

Athiya: Well.. There are many people whom I would like to dedicate the awards. Starting from my parents, coaches, team.. It was my father's dream that.. that I play for India.

Athiya got tears in her eyes while Rahul was seen rubbing his palms. But both of them composed themselves.

Athiya: So today I fulfilled his dream and.. when you have your special person there in the stands cheering for you, showing you the support you tend to do good and play well. Lastly I would like to dedicate this to My Husband who has asked this as a Marriage gift. So here it is.

She said chuckling to which Rahul too chuckled. The crowd cheered.

Anjum: Rahul.. please continue asking for this type of gifts.

All laughed and then Athiya went to team. Harman was interviewed and then asked to collect the trophy. She collected it and gave it to Athiya.. The girls kept the trophy and remaining awards in the middle and the posed for the group photo. They were standing there.. Together.. And as a Champion

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

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