10. The Interview

Author

As promised to Ananya, Shaurya gathered his team to confirm the interview, and within moments, all of them agreed. Why wouldn't they? Each one knew Ananya and her team well enough to trust that their stories would remain respected. To them, this interview was just another chance to laugh, connect, and, maybe, offer glimpses of their unspoken bond with her.

Shaurya's own excitement was unmistakable; he was eager to see what Ananya had prepared for him. But, of course, things rarely go as planned. Instead, Shikar chose to lead the interviews, starting with the bowlers, leaving Shaurya to wait his turn until he was last.

"Saving the best for the last," in Shikar's words.

Akshith and Yuvaan had already shared their memories, along with Siraj and the rest. Siraj's words brimmed with respect for Shaurya when questions were about him, while Akshith and Yuvaan took the opportunity to reveal every embarrassing story, making Ananya's cheeks flush with laughter and curiosity. The growing affection between her and Shaurya wasn't lost on the team—they saw it, felt it, but all chose to act blissfully ignorant, waiting for the two to figure it out themselves.

Ananya's interview with Akshith was by far the most chaotic, each trying not to lose their cool as playful insults and daring glances were exchanged. At one point, Akshith boldly declared he was the "most important part of Shaurya's life," and would remain so "even when they grow old." A comment made to annoy Ananya but with a hint of undeniable truth. And, though she appreciated their bond, his teasing attempt to claim Shaurya irked her just enough to keep sparring back.

Finally, it's time for Shaurya's interview.

Ananya adjusted her notes, her fingers trembling slightly as she glanced at her watch, waiting. The room had been set up with soft, warm lighting, casting a golden glow on the dark mahogany furniture. She'd chosen a lovely emerald-green dress that hugged her silhouette perfectly, the color complementing her deep brown eyes, which were now fixed on the door. A cozy coffee table separated two armchairs, hinting at an informal chat rather than a formal interview. There was a subtle aroma of coffee lingering in the air, adding a comforting touch to the cozy setup.

Just as she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, the door swung open, and in walked Shaurya. He was effortlessly handsome, dressed in a casual, yet tailored, light-blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up, revealing his strong forearms, and charcoal grey trousers. His charm was undeniable, with that usual glint of confidence in his eyes, softened by an amused smile as he noticed her staring a bit too long.

Ananya just sat there, mesmerized, forgetting to get up and welcome him. Shaurya's lips twitched as he chose to break her trance.

"Good evening, Miss Ananya. I hope you're ready for all my truths," he said, settling into the chair opposite her, his tone laced with gentle teasing.

Ananya chuckled, feigning confidence, "Only if you're prepared to share them, Mr. Shaurya. I promise to keep it fun and only slightly invasive." Her eyes sparkled, hinting at a playful challenge.

They started with the basics, but as the questions flowed, so did the layers of Shaurya's life.

"Shaurya, your career skyrocketed after that unforgettable match two years ago," she began, leaning forward slightly, "What did that moment mean to you?"

He took a thoughtful pause, his fingers gently brushing his chin. "You know, it was one of those moments where everything else fades. There's the crowd, the noise, the cameras... but for me, it's like a silence settles. That silence helps me find my focus. It's my team, the game, and the thrill of every second."

Ananya found herself captivated, not just by his words but by the quiet intensity in his voice. "So, your fans..." she ventured, grinning. "They say you're one of the most down-to-earth players out there, despite the fame and volcanic eruptions you display on the field. How do you keep it that way?"

They shared a laugh at her comment about his aggressive nature on the field.He shrugged, smiling softly. "It's simple. Cricket is my passion, but my family and friends are my roots. I'm still the same guy to them – no matter how many stadiums chant my name."

She tilted her head, sensing his vulnerability. "And friends? Is there someone you can always lean on, someone who's your go-to?"

For the first time, Shaurya hesitated, a flicker of warmth crossing his face. " Akshith and Yuvaan are always there. But I guess I found another person to lean on too," he admitted, looking directly into her eyes, "someone who always makes things better."

Ananya felt a blush rise to her cheeks, and, with a quick recovery, moved to her next question, her voice a bit unsteady. "And... cricket. You must have some strong opinions about how the game has evolved. Any thoughts on the difference between the old-school legends and the modern approach?"

Shaurya's eyes twinkled. "You're really digging deep here, aren't you?" he teased, leaning back in his chair, his voice thoughtful. "The game has definitely changed – technology, strategies, even the audience's expectations. I respect the legends because they shaped what we play now. But there's something about this generation's hunger... we're always striving, adapting. I think that's what makes it exciting."

Their conversation moved to lighter topics, with Ananya asking cheeky questions about his pre-game rituals, favorite moments on the field, and how he keeps his calm around rival teams. She even slipped in a few playful jabs, making him laugh in that relaxed way that only she could bring out.

Then, she leaned forward, her voice lowering with a spark of mischief. "So, Shaurya... where do you see yourself in, let's say... the next five years?"

Shaurya raised an eyebrow, sensing her underlying flirtation. "Five years, huh?" he murmured, letting his eyes linger on her a moment longer than necessary. "Well, I see myself playing a lot of cricket, of course. But maybe... with someone by my side to celebrate each win, or, you know, keep me grounded after every loss."

The tension between them hummed in the air, making Ananya's heart skip. She gave a nervous laugh, quickly looking down at her notes, but she couldn't resist a sly comment. "Well, I'm sure that someone would be... very lucky."

Shaurya didn't miss a beat. "I'd say we'd be lucky together, Miss Ananya."

Ananya's pulse quickened at the subtle suggestion in his words. She glanced down, trying to hide her smile, but couldn't resist the shy smile grace her lips as she looked down at her notes, fidgeting her fingers.

Trying to stay focused, Ananya grinned and leaned back. "Alright, Mr. Shaurya, tell me about your early days, especially with Akshith and Yuvaan. I've heard you three were quite the mischievous trio. Can you share any such incident with us?" She scooted to the edge of her seat, genuine curiosity shining in her eyes.

Shaurya settled deeper into his chair, chuckling softly, as if recalling a memory. His eyes met Ananya's with a playful glint, and she couldn't help but smile back, eager to hear the story behind that grin.

"Alright, you've got me in a sharing mood. Let me tell you about my early days with Akshith and Yuvaan," he began, leaning forward slightly. "We were just a bunch of overly ambitious rookies, fresh out of junior cricket, ready to take on the world with, frankly, no clue about how things really worked."

Ananya's eyes sparkled, sensing a humorous tale. "Do tell! What kind of mischief did you three get up to?"

"Well, it all started with our very first major tournament together," he said, a bit of nostalgia lining his voice. "We had just joined the team, and our coach warned us about the strict diets and fitness regimes. Now, Akshith, as you probably know, has a sweet tooth like no other."

Ananya laughed, imagining the mischievous look on Akshith's face. "So what did he do?"

Shaurya grinned, leaning forward, caught up in the memory. "One evening, we'd all slipped out to 'explore the local culture,' as he put it, which really meant sneaking out to grab gulab jamuns. We weren't exactly being stealthy, and before we knew it, our coach was hot on our trail. Akshith panicked and, in his brilliance, decided to stuff his pockets full of gulab jamuns so he wouldn't have to leave them behind. Yuvaan and I were just trying to hold in our laughter as we sprinted back to the hotel."

Ananya covered her mouth, stifling her giggles, her eyes bright with amusement. "And the coach didn't catch on?"

"Oh, he did," Shaurya laughed. "But he just shook his head, muttering something about 'hopeless rookies.' We all thought we'd be benched for life, but I think he actually found it funny. Still, Akshith didn't hear the end of it for weeks. Yuvaan and I made sure to remind him every time we saw a gulab jamun."

Ananya shook her head, laughing. "So, you were the troublemakers of the team?"

"Something like that," Shaurya replied, a gleam of mischief in his eyes. "Yuvaan was always the quiet one, though. Thoughtful, observant... but you wouldn't believe the pranks he'd pull on me. Before my very first big match, he managed to sneak into my locker room and swapped out my shoes with two left feet. I was rushing to put them on and couldn't understand why they felt so wrong. When I realized, I could hear him laughing from outside the door."

Ananya's laugh rang through the room, making Shaurya pause to take in her joy. For a moment, he seemed almost transfixed, as if seeing her for the first time.

"Those sound like the best of times," Ananya said, catching her breath. "It's rare to have friends who feel like family."

Shaurya's expression softened. "They are my family," he said quietly. "Through every struggle, every high and low. I wouldn't have made it here without them."

She let his words settle, feeling the warmth in them, and then—almost shyly—she dared to ask, "Do you ever think about what the future holds for all of you? I mean, after cricket, once life settles down..."

Shaurya's gaze turned thoughtful, and he smiled, almost to himself. "I think about it sometimes. Akshith jokes that he's going to retire in a little hill station, open a bakery, and live on sweets. Yuvaan wants to coach young kids, give back to the sport that's given him so much." He hesitated, his voice dropping a little. "And as for me... I haven't thought much past today. But maybe one day... I'd like to have someone by my side, someone who's there not just for the wins, but for the quiet moments too."

Ananya felt a warmth spread through her, and without thinking, she looked down to hide the faint blush on her cheeks. Clearing her throat softly, she asked, "Someone to share every little thing with, huh? Sounds like you're a bit of a romantic, Shaurya."

He laughed, leaning back and giving her a half-smile. "Only sometimes," he said, his voice low. "And only with the right person."

Her heart skipped a beat at his words. Trying to brush it off, she moved to another question, though her voice trembled slightly. "So, tell me, how do you feel playing against other teams, especially those known for their aggressive game? Any rivalries we should know about?"

Shaurya's eyes lit up with a playful glint. "Oh, it's all professional, of course... but I'd be lying if I said there wasn't a thrill to going head-to-head with the best. There's a team from Australia we've played against for years. Yuvaan and I joke about it every time—how they get so fierce, as if they're the only ones allowed to win."

Ananya chuckled, picturing it. "And you? You don't feel the need to get back at them?"

"Let's just say I make sure the game speaks for itself," he replied with a wink. "I let them chase me on the field."

Her heart raced as she felt his gaze linger, the playful undertones making her pulse quicken. Trying to keep her cool, she gave a small smile. "Well, Mr. Shaurya, it sounds like your future and your present are pretty well set. Here's hoping you find that 'someone special' to share it all with."

For a moment, he was silent, his eyes fixed on her as if searching for something. Then, his voice softened. "Maybe I already have," he murmured.

The words hung between them, carrying a promise yet to be spoken, an intimacy that filled the space with an electric warmth. And in that golden-lit room, they both realized that this interview had turned into something far deeper than either had expected.

They just sat there, lost in each other, while the others silently slipped away, leaving them alone. Shaurya's eyes scanned the room before finally finding their way back to Ananya, who sat there looking at him as if mesmerized.

"Ananya," Shaurya called out softly, touching her hand. Ananya blinked slowly, coming back to her senses, and looked at Shaurya as though trying to gauge his feelings through his eyes. She shook her head and looked away, her cheeks flushing pink.

"I think we are done here," she finally managed, standing up quickly and accidentally knocking her phone from the table. Shaurya reacted instantly, catching it before it hit the floor, and rose to stand right in front of her.

"Here," he murmured in a low, husky voice, extending her phone back to her. With slightly shaky hands, Ananya reached for her phone, only for Shaurya to clasp her hand, the phone trapped between their intertwined fingers.

"Wh-what are you doing, Mr. Singhania?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper as she tried to pull her hand back. Shaurya stepped closer, closing the distance between them.

"What is this, Ananya? Back to Mr. Singhania once you're done with your interview?" he teased, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. His fingers lingered, grazing her skin in a way that made her eyes flutter closed, her lips parting slightly as she felt the warmth of his touch.

"Call me Shaurya," he whispered, caressing the back of her palm. She was too caught up in the moment to respond, her body reacting instinctively. Sensing her silence, Shaurya pressed his thumb gently against her neck, drawing a soft gasp from her lips.

"Wh-what?" she breathed, her heart racing wildly.

"Call me Shaurya, Ananya," he coaxed. The closeness was unlike anything they'd shared before as if every unspoken feeling was in this moment. They had exchanged glances over the past month and shared some brief moments, but this—this was on an entirely different level. Sure, they spent every night after that, in either of their balconies even when they moved to other cities but they never took that step to let out their feelings for each other and always kept things as hidden as they could, from each other.

"Shaurya..." she whispered finally, her eyes shut, fingers curling into his shirt as she felt his breath near her neck. She clung to him, the name slipping from her lips as her heart pounded in sync with the closeness between them.

Just when they were about to give in and hug, the quiet atmosphere was interrupted by the sound of footsteps outside the door, reminding them of the team and their duties. Shaurya gave a soft chuckle, breaking the intensity, but his eyes never left hers. "Well," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, "I guess we'd better get back to being professionals."

Ananya nodded, biting her lip to hide the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Right," she replied softly, gathering her scattered notes as Shaurya rose from his seat, every movement measured and reluctant.

But before he left, he paused, leaning close enough that she could feel his warmth. "And Ananya... I'll be waiting. To meet you again, this time just as Ananya, in our little space," The sincerity in his voice made her heart flutter, and before she could even respond, he turned, offering her one last lingering smile before stepping out.

She watched him leave, her heart pounding, a quiet sense of joy and excitement settling within her. Whatever lay ahead—on the field or off it—she knew, deep down, that this was only the beginning.

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Hello readers!

Here's the update though the vote target in the previous chapter is not reached. It's not too much to ask for 125 votes now, is it?

For the next chapter, the target is 130 votes and 50 comments. I won't update till the target is reached. If anyone wants to read early, you can read it on scrollstack. The next two chapters are available there.