The next morning after the match felt unusually calm, almost slow, as if the world was still recovering from last night's excitement.

By noon, the SRH digital team finally posted the blog which is written by sayali on their official website and social media.

THE BLOG

More Than Runs – A Note for Abhishek Sharma 

By Saanvi

Sometimes cricket is strange. One day the crowd cheers your name, and the next day the same crowd questions everything. One match makes you a hero, and one bad day makes people forget all the hard work behind the scenes. Maybe that's just how sports are — fast, unforgiving, and a little unfair.

After the last match, everyone only talked about the scoreboard. How many runs? Why did he get out early? What went wrong? But while everyone focused on numbers, I kept thinking about something else — not the stats, not the dismissal, but the walk back to the pavilion. The quiet look in his eyes. The disappointment he probably felt, not because of others, but because of himself.

Because players like Abhishek Sharma don't play just to participate. They play with heart. And when they fail, they feel it deeply. Maybe that's exactly what makes them special.

We often forget that cricketers are humans first. They get nervous. They overthink. They blame themselves. They want to make their family proud. They want to give their hundred percent every single time. And sometimes, even after giving everything, things just don't go their way.

But one bad match doesn't define a player. One low score doesn't erase talent. One tough day doesn't reduce years of hard work. If anything, it builds character. And if there's one thing Abhishek has always shown, it's resilience.

Every time he walks onto the field, there's a calm confidence about him — that effortless timing, those clean shots, that fearless intent. It doesn't come from luck. It comes from hours of practice when no one is watching. From early mornings, sweat, discipline, and never giving up.

Some players play for stats. Some play for fame. But some play with heart — and you can always tell the difference.

So before the next match begins, I just want to say this: maybe today isn't about pressure or proving anything to anyone. Maybe today is just about trusting yourself again, playing freely, smiling a little more, and remembering why you started playing cricket in the first place. Because when you enjoy the game, that's when you look your best.

Runs will come. Big scores will come. Good days will come. They always do. And honestly, anyone who has watched you play knows — you're already enough.

Here's to a fresh start, a new match, a new day, and another chance to shine.

All the best, Abhishek.
Play fearless. Play free.
We're already proud of you.

— Saanvi

___________________________________________________________

The same anonymous writer that fans had slowly started recognizing for her emotional and heart-touching pieces had posted again. And just like every time, people noticed immediately. Within minutes, the blog began gaining attention. Likes steadily increased, comments flooded in, and shares multiplied across fan pages and stories.

Readers couldn't stop praising the writing style. It didn't feel like a sports article at all. It didn't talk about scores or stats. It wasn't about the match. It felt personal. Emotional. Real.

Instead of numbers, it spoke about his hard work, his silent struggles, and the self-doubt he carried after tough days. It described his dedication during practice when no one was watching, the pressure hidden behind his calm smile, and the quiet fire in his eyes whenever he stepped onto the field. Reading it felt like someone truly understood him — not the cricketer everyone saw on screen, but Abhishek, the person. It felt as if the writer had somehow seen everything he never said out loud... as if she could feel exactly what he felt.

Meanwhile, at the SRH team hotel, the atmosphere was relaxed after practice. A few players were scattered around the lounge, lazily scrolling through their phones and chatting. Abhishek sat comfortably on the couch when one of his teammates suddenly walked up to him, excitement clear on his face.

"Bhai, dekh... mast blog likha hai tere pe," he said, handing him the phone.
(Bro, look... someone has written such an amazing blog about you.)

Abhishek took the phone casually, expecting it to be just another regular fan post. But the moment his eyes fell on the first few lines, something shifted. His relaxed expression slowly changed. The casual look faded, and in its place came something softer... quieter... almost emotional, as if each word was reaching somewhere deep inside him.

As he started reading, his expression slowly began to change.

Line after line.
Word after word.

He grew quieter.

The way it described his emotions... his pressure... his self-doubt... his comebacks...

It didn't feel like something a random fan had written.

It felt like someone understood him.

Deeply.

Too deeply.

"...How does she even know all this?" he murmured softly to himself.

For a second, his chest felt warm. Light. The same strange comfort he felt whenever that unknown girl talked nonstop on the phone. The same softness. The same calm.

Without realizing it, his lips curved into a small smile.

He scrolled back up and read the name again.

Saanvi.

Something about that name lingered in his mind.

Without wasting time, he stood up and walked over to the SRH digital team staff who were sitting nearby.

"Who's the Writer of this blog?" he asked.

They smiled proudly. "Our  new writer. She's really talented, right?"

"Yeah... can I get her number ?" he tried to sound casual, almost indifferent.

But they immediately shook their heads.

"Sorry, Abhi. She specifically told us not to share her identity or contact details with anyone. She wants to stay anonymous."

He paused for a moment, then nodded slowly.

"Oh... okay."

His voice was calm.

But inside?

A tiny wave of disappointment hit him.

Just a little.

He looked back at the blog on the screen once more, rereading a few lines. That soft smile returned to his face.

Whoever you are... he thought quietly, thank you.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, Sayali was lying on her bed with her phone in her hand, refreshing Instagram every two seconds like a complete maniac.

The moment SRH posted the blog, her heart had started racing.

"That's mine... that's literally mine..." she whispered to herself, staring at the screen in disbelief.

She quickly opened the post.

Likes were pouring in.

Comments praising the writing.

"Beautifully written."
"So emotional."
"Best piece ever."

Her cheeks turned pink with happiness.

She scrolled through the likes list excitedly, her eyes sparkling.

And then—

She froze.

Komal di — liked.
Manju aunty — liked.
Uncle — liked.
Even some SRH players — liked.

Her smile widened proudly.

But then she searched for one specific name.

Abhishek Sharma.

She scrolled once.

Twice.

Again.

Still nothing.

Her smile slowly faded.

"Didn't he like it...?" she muttered softly.

For some reason, that tiny thing bothered her more than it should have.

She pouted at her phone like a kid.

"Ufff... don't overthink, Sayuuu," she scolded herself, lightly tapping her forehead. "Maybe he didn't even see it yet."

Still...

Her heart secretly hoped—

that somewhere...

somehow...

he had read it.

And liked it.

Little did she know—

he hadn't just read it...

he had already memorized half of it.

_________________________________________________________

After a few minutes of pretending not to care, Sayali picked up her phone again, trying to act casual even though her curiosity was eating her alive. "Bas last time check kar rahi hoon..." she muttered to herself — just one last time. Her fingers opened Instagram almost automatically, but her heart felt strangely nervous, like she was about to check exam results instead of a simple post.

The page loaded slowly, each second feeling longer than usual. Her eyes went straight to the likes list without even thinking. And then—she froze.

Abhishek Sharma — liked.

For two whole seconds, her brain completely stopped working. She just stared at the screen, blinking, making sure she wasn't imagining it. Then suddenly she shot up straight on her bed.

"Whattttt?!" she gasped loudly.

He liked it. He actually liked it.

Her heart started racing as if she had just run a marathon. A huge, uncontrollable smile spread across her face, the kind that hurt your cheeks but you still couldn't stop. "He saw it... he actually saw it..." she whispered to herself, excitement bubbling over.

Without wasting even a second, she quickly took a screenshot and opened Meher's chat, her fingers flying across the keyboard.

"BROOOOO HE LIKED MY BLOGGGG 😭😭😭
ABHISHEK SHARMA HIMSELF LIKED ITTTT
MAIN MAR JAAUNGI AAJ KHUSHI SE" (I'm going to die of happiness today)

She kept spamming messages one after another, rolling around on her bed dramatically like a complete fangirl, hugging her pillow and kicking her feet in the air. Anyone watching her would've thought she had just won a lottery.

It was such a small thing—just one like on a post. Something most people wouldn't even notice.

But for her?

It meant everything.

And that night, she fell asleep with the biggest, softest smile on her face, her heart still replaying that one name glowing on the screen.

_________________________________________________________

Time skip — one week later

A soft golden light slipped gently through the curtains, spreading warmth across the room and painting everything in a calm, honey-colored glow. The air felt fresh and quiet, the kind of peaceful morning that usually only existed for a few minutes before chaos took over the house.

For once... everything was still.

No utensils clanking loudly from the kitchen.

No one shouting.

And surprisingly...

Sayali woke up on her own.

No dramatic yelling from her mother.

No "Sayali uth lavkar!" echoing through the house.

No blanket being forcefully snatched away.

Nothing.

Her eyes slowly fluttered open as she stared at the ceiling, confused. For a few seconds, she just lay there, wondering what had woken her up.

Since when did she wake up without ten alarms and three warnings?

Suspicious.

Very suspicious.

She turned to check the time and sat up immediately.

"Wait... I woke up THIS early... by myself?" she muttered, shocked at her own existence.

Stretching lazily like a cat, she yawned, got out of bed, and shuffled to the bathroom. After freshening up, she tied her hair into a messy ponytail and walked downstairs, still half sleepy but weirdly proud of herself.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Revati was busy making breakfast, humming softly while stirring something in a pan.

She casually looked up—

And froze.

The spoon stopped mid-air.

Her brain stopped processing.

Because standing there in front of her...

Was Sayali.

Awake.

Early.

Ready.

Revati stared at her like she had just seen a ghost or some parallel-universe version of her daughter.

Sayali noticed the intense staring and frowned.

"Ashi kashala baghat aahe?"
(Why are you staring at me like that?)

Revati slowly raised one eyebrow dramatically.

"Tu lavkar kashi uthali aaj? Surya kuthun ugavla aahe?"
(How did you wake up early today? From which direction has the sun risen? — meaning this is unbelievable!)

"Aai yaar..." Sayali whined, embarrassed, rubbing the back of her neck.

Revati just laughed and shook her head, clearly amused.

Then she casually said,
"Jaa, Arush la uthavun ye."
(Go wake Arush up.)

The moment those words left her mouth...

Something dangerous sparked in Sayali's eyes.

A slow.

Mischievous.

Villain-type smile spread across her face.

Ohhh.

Opportunity.

In her mind she smirked,
"Aata tu gela, Arush ke bacche..."
(Now you're gone today, Arush... you're dead.)

Cracking her knuckles dramatically, she quietly tiptoed toward Arush's room like she was on some secret mission.

She slowly pushed the door open.

And then—

She stopped.

Because the sight in front of her was absolutely ridiculous.

Arush was sleeping half on the bed and half hanging off the side, one leg touching the floor, one arm twisted behind his head, blanket wrapped around him like he had wrestled with it all night.

It looked less like sleeping...

And more like he survived a battlefield.

Sayali immediately covered her mouth to stop laughing.

"This boy literally sleeps like a monkey," she whispered to herself.

"Ha porga, hyala neet jhopta pan yet nahi... badvat kuthla..."
(This boy doesn't even know how to sleep properly... what a disaster.)

She called softly, "Arush..."

No response.

She tried louder. "Arushhh..."

Nothing.

Dead.

Completely gone to dreamland.

Then her eyes slowly moved around the room...

And stopped at the table nearby.

A jar of water.

Her lips curved.

Slowly.

Dangerously.

Evil idea unlocked. 😏

She quietly poured some water into a glass, holding back her laughter. Then she walked closer, standing right beside his face like some cartoon villain.

She aimed carefully.

Three...

Two...

One—

Splash!

Cold water straight to the face.

Arush jumped up instantly like someone electrocuted him.

"Paaus! Paaus!"
(Rain! Rain!)

He looked around in panic for a second.

Then reality hit.

No rain.

Only Sayali standing there, laughing like a maniac.

He glared at her.

"Taiiii 😒 tu geli aata, beta!"
(Sisterrr... you're dead now!)

He jumped off the bed and started chasing her.

"AAAAA!" Sayali screamed dramatically and ran out of the room, laughing uncontrollably, sprinting straight toward the kitchen.

"Mommmmm!" she yelled like a five-year-old seeking protection.

Arush ran behind her, ready for revenge.

Revati stood there, watching both of them run around the house like wild animals.

Water drops everywhere.

Footsteps thudding.

Shouting.

Laughing.

Complaining.

"Tai thamb!"
"Pakad na mala!"
"Mom see him!"

Pure chaos.

And just like that...

The quiet, peaceful morning disappeared completely.

Because in the Kelkar house...

Peace never lasted more than five minutes.

_________________________________________________________

On the other side — at the Sharma house

Unlike the chaotic morning at the Kelkar house, the Sharma house felt calm and warm.

Soft sunlight streamed through the large windows, falling across the dining table where breakfast was already laid out neatly — parathas, butter, curd, and hot chai. The comforting aroma filled the entire house.

Everyone was slowly gathering at the table.

Manju was arranging the plates while Komal helped bring the food from the kitchen.

Looking toward the stairs, Manju frowned slightly.

Manju: "Oye Komal, saadda laddu kithe reh gaya?"
(Hey Komal, where is our laddu/son? — laddu used lovingly for Abhishek)

Komal: "Aa reha hovega, mummy. Tussi baitho."
(He must be coming. You sit.)

Manju: "Achha theek aa."
(Alright, okay.)

Just then, footsteps echoed from upstairs.

Abhishek came down after freshening up, hair still slightly wet, wearing a simple t-shirt and track pants. He looked relaxed — the rare peaceful morning before another busy day.

"Good morning," he said softly, pulling out a chair.

"Good morning, puttar," Manju smiled warmly.

They all started serving themselves and eating together, casual family chatter filling the room.

After a few minutes, his father, Rajkumar, cleared his throat, sounding thoughtful.

Rajkumar: "Shaadi de invitation dene shuru kar dene chahide hun sanu."
(We should start giving out the wedding invitations now.)

Manju: "Haan ji, main vi eh hi soch rahi si."
(Yes, I was thinking the same too.)

Abhishek nodded while eating.

Abhishek: "Main vi apne doston nu invite kar dunga... te Shub vi kal ton aa jaayega."
(I'll invite my friends too... and Shub will be coming from tomorrow anyway.)

Manju's face lit up with excitement.

Manju: "Theek aa. Main vi apne bachpan de dostan nu aaj call kar dindi haan. Sadi taan kinne saalan ton gal hi nahi hoyi. Hun saare milange... bohot changa laguga."
(Alright. I'll call my childhood friends today too. We haven't spoken properly in so many years. Now we'll all meet again... it will feel so nice.)

There was happiness in her voice, the kind that comes from old memories and reunions.

Komal teased lightly, "Mummy already emotional ho gayi."

Everyone chuckled.

The breakfast continued with small talks, light jokes, and comfortable silence — the kind only families share.

No rushing.

No chaos.

Just warmth.

After finishing their meal, they all got up one by one, picking their bags and phones, heading toward their respective routines for the day.

Another normal morning at the Sharma house.

Calm.

Simple.

And full of love.

_________________________________________________________

At the Kelkar house — later that morning

Unlike the calm breakfast at the Sharma house, the Kelkar house still carried its usual noisy, chaotic energy.

Plates clinked against the table, the pressure cooker whistled in the kitchen, and the TV played some random morning serial in the background. Revati was serving poha while Arush was already halfway through his second helping, eating like he hadn't seen food in days.

Sayali sat at the table lazily, chin resting on her palm, clearly bored out of her mind.

Being at home all day sounded fun at first...

But now?

It was torture.

She let out a dramatic sigh and looked at her mother with the most pitiful expression she could manage.

Sayali: "Aai, mi bore jhali aahe ghari thambun. Aapan kuthe firayla jau na, please..." 🥺
(Mom, I'm getting really bored staying at home. Let's go somewhere out for a trip or outing, please...)

She even made full puppy eyes, blinking innocently like a five-year-old asking for chocolate.

Revati didn't even look up from serving breakfast.

Revati: "Baghun nantar."
(We'll see later.)

That was it.

No promise.

No confirmation.

Just we'll see.

Sayali's face instantly fell.

Sayali: "Areeee..." 😭
(Oh come onnn...)

She made an exaggerated crying face like her whole life had ended.

Across the table, Arush watched the entire scene while chewing happily.

And then—

He smiled.

A very evil, satisfied smile.

Because unlike her...

He had exams coming up.

Which meant no trips.

And if he couldn't go...

She shouldn't go either.

Seeing his smug expression, Sayali immediately narrowed her eyes and glared at him.

If looks could kill, Arush would've been gone.

He just grinned wider and kept eating like an innocent kid.

Revati shook her head at both of them.

"Tumhi doghe kadhi mothhe honar ka nahi, mala kalat nahi re baba..."
(I seriously don't know when you two will ever grow up...)

After finishing breakfast, Revati grabbed her bag and left for work, reminding them to behave.

The house slowly grew quieter.

Sayali went back to her room with her laptop and notebooks, forcing herself to complete some pending assignments.

Meanwhile, Arush picked up his bag, still humming happily, and left for college.

And just like that—

Another regular day began at the Kelkar house.

One bored sister.

One annoying brother.

And zero peace.

___________________________________________________________

Afternoon

The house was unusually quiet that afternoon. Sunlight streamed softly through the windows while Sayali sat upstairs on her bed with her laptop open, completely lost in editing Abhishek's clips and pictures for a small fan edit she had been working on.

She was so focused that she didn't even hear the main door open downstairs.

Revati had come home early that day.

Not because of work.

But because she wanted to surprise Sayali.

A small smile played on her lips as she kept her purse on the table and called out loudly,

Revati: "Sayaliii!"
(Sayaliii!)

Hearing her mother's voice so early, Sayali frowned in confusion.

Why is Aai home already?

She quickly came downstairs.

Sayali: "Aai, tu aaj lavkar kashi aali?"
(Mom, how did you come home so early today?)

Revati smiled mysteriously.

Revati: "Aaj surprise dyaycha hota tula mhanun."
(I wanted to give you a surprise today, that's why.)

The word surprise instantly lit up Sayali's face. She absolutely loved surprises.

Little did she know...

This one was going to be the biggest surprise ever.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

She bounced excitedly.

Sayali: "Kay aahe surprise?"
(What is the surprise?)

Revati chuckled.

Revati: "Thamb, Arush la yeu de, mag sangte."
(Wait, let Arush come home, then I'll tell you.)

Almost like perfect timing, the front door opened and Arush walked in from college.

Sayali gasped dramatically.

Sayali: "Shambhar varsha jagshil tu!"
(You'll live a hundred years! I was just talking about you!)

Arush blinked.

Arush: "Arey bapre..."
(Oh God... what now...)

Sayali turned to her mother immediately.

Sayali: "Aata sang, haa ala aata!"
(Now tell us, he's here!)

Revati shook her head.

Revati: "Thamb, hyala fresh tar hou de."
(Wait, at least let him freshen up first.)

Sayali groaned loudly.

Then she glared at Arush.

Sayali: "Tu kay baghat basla aahe makadya sarkha? Jaa patkan fresh hoon ye!"
(Why are you staring like a monkey? Go get fresh quickly!)

Arush rolled his eyes.

Arush: "Tu vedi aahe."
(You're mad/crazy.)

And he ran upstairs before she could hit him.

Time Skip – Lunch Time

After some time, the three of them sat together at the dining table for lunch. The food was served, but Sayali couldn't focus at all.

Her brain only screamed one thing.

SURPRISE.

Finally, Revati cleared her throat.

Revati: "Mala tumhala kahi sangaycha aahe."
(I want to tell you both something.)

Sayali leaned forward.

Sayali: "Kay?"
(What?)

Revati smiled softly.

Revati: "Mala majhya lahanpanichya maitrinicha call ala hota. Tine aplyala tichya porichya lagna sathi bolavla aahe."
(My childhood friend called me. She has invited us to her daughter's wedding.)

Sayali's eyes widened.

Sayali: "Arey waah! Changla aahe! Kuthe aahe lagna?"
(Wow, that's nice! Where is the wedding?)

Revati replied calmly—

Revati: "Punjab. Amritsar."
(Punjab. Amritsar.)

Sayali almost choked.

Sayali: "Kayyyyy? Punjab?!"
(Whattt? Punjab?!)

Revati: "Ho."
(Yes.)

Sayali's excitement suddenly dropped.

Sayali: "Pan itkya dur aahe... tu nahi mhanla ashil na?"
(But it's so far... you must have said no, right?)

Revati looked at her like she was crazy.

Revati: "Nahi tar."
(Of course not.)

Sayali froze.

Wait.

She didn't say no?

She blinked rapidly.

Sayali: "Mhanje?"
(Meaning...?)

Revati finally smiled wide.

Revati: "Apan chalo aahe Amritsar la."
(We are going to Amritsar.)

For two seconds, Sayali processed it.

Then—

Explosion.

Sayali: "Kharach?! Omgii vomzi! Aapan Punjab la chalo aahe! Yayyyyy!"
(Really?! Oh my God! We're going to Punjab! Yayyyyy!)

She almost jumped from her chair in excitement.

But Arush's face dropped.

Arush: "Pan majhi exam..."
(But my exams...)

Revati replied practically,

Revati: "Tu mavshi kade rahshil. Tujhe exams aahet na."
(You'll stay at aunt's house. You have exams, right.)

Arush's soul left his body.

Arush: "Arey yrrr..."
(Oh man... this is so unfair...)

Sayali tried very hard not to laugh.

But failed.

Because for once...

The universe had chosen her side. 😌

to be continued....

_________________________________________________________

End Note:

Sometimes the best surprises come when you least expect them.
From a boring afternoon at home to a sudden trip to Punjab... life really has its own plot twists.

Little did Sayali know — this journey wasn't just about a wedding.
It was about to change her life forever. 🤍

If you liked this chapter, please don't forget to vote, comment, and follow. Your support and feedback really motivate me to keep writing more for you all. 💛