Chapter 18

When I arrived at the ground with her, everyone was initially shocked. However, she quickly befriended everyone. Every time I attended the game, I observed her unwavering focus, even under the scorching sun. I couldn't discern her expressions when I grew angry with my friends over mistakes during the game; she was simply enthralled by the match.

During the innings break, I approached her. She was perspiring even more than I was. "Why are you out in the sun? Did you go to the car?" I asked.

"I'm just watching the game..." she replied.

That's when I truly grasped her passion for the sport. Without delay, I informed Hari and arranged for an umbrella, which I handed to her.

"Would you like some water?" I offered.

After quenching my own thirst, I extended the bottle to her. She took it, though hesitantly. We fetched another bottle and handed it to her, then resumed playing the game.

The second innings required 187 runs in 20 overs for victory. Unfortunately, our team members seemed determined to lose their wickets needlessly. I was seething with anger. I had to express my frustration with everyone. In the end, we lost the game.

Overwhelmed by sadness and anger, I headed back home. Even while seated in the car, I found myself reprimanding other drivers for minor errors.

"Why are you so upset?" she inquired, likely having heard it countless times.

"Is this because of losing the match?" she ventured.

"Didn't you see how chaotic their game was... everyone was all over the place..." I retorted.

"Why are you this furious?" she persisted.

"What do you know about cricket?"

"I don't know a thing about cricket, Nandu... But are you really this upset over losing a match, Nandu? This isn't the final game... We need to dissect how we lost this one and prepare for the next match to ensure it doesn't happen again. Plus, what good does it do to berate your friends? Just be upset... Nandu, do you realize how disheartening it is to witness you like this... every now and then, take a look in the mirror, smile, and see how beautiful you are..."

Her words struck a chord, even though they were delivered with a raised voice. I was the one tasked with instilling confidence in the entire team, yet here I was, seemingly at odds with everyone on the field. In that moment of self-anger...

I simply gazed at her.

She's incredibly furious; her face is flushed.

"Sorry..." I murmured to her, but she seemed lost in her thoughts.

"Why are you apologizing to me? What have you done to me?" she retorted.

"But let's..." I began, meeting her gaze and hesitating.

"Yes, yes... welcome..."

Upon returning home, my sister-in-law scolded me for playing cricket with her. Devu overheard it all, but chose to stay silent.

"Husband and wife off to play cricket. Nandu, you're in your final year... Shouldn't you focus on studies? How will you take care of this girl? We need to educate her... We have to cover her expenses... Are these our responsibilities? Don't be irresponsible, Nandu..." the scolding echoed in my ears.

Rage pulsed through me as I received an earful from both my sister-in-law and brother. I retreated to my room.

"No one seems to care about what I want. Cricket is all I have. Why can't anyone understand that? Wasn't she thrust upon me... How many times did I protest... Even if I have to sacrifice my own desires and shoulder the responsibility... it won't happen..."

In the confines of my room, I rehearsed all the things I wished I could say to my brother and sister-in-law. As I paced, lost in thought, I caught my reflection in the mirror, unsure of what steps to take next.

I find that my face heats up when I get angry, just like Devu mentioned. How then can I catch a glimpse of my own smiling reflection? Unconsciously, a faint smile crept onto my face.

"It's wonderful to see Nandu smile..." Devu's voice echoed. I glanced around, but there was no one in sight. There was no possible way for her to have entered the locked room. That's what I believed. Why should I be thinking of her? I recognized the truth that she held a small space somewhere in my thoughts.

Even as they settled down to eat, their conversation revolved around my cricket game.

"Bro, those who excel in this year's club matches get a direct entry into the club. If they perform exceptionally, they're recommended for the Kerala Ranji Trophy team. I'm confident I can at least make it to Ranji. Many who've played in Ranji have also represented the Indian team. What if I can achieve something? I aspire to play in the IPL, even if I don't pass, brother..."

I unshackled my ambition.

"You in the Indian team? You? Give me an update, Nandu... You should have considered all this when you took her in. How do you plan to support this girl until then? Are you planning to rely on the family's expenses?"

"Brother, I..."

"Don't say anything. You're the one who set this in motion... You'll have to face the consequences. Once you finish your degree, you'll secure a job right away."

There was no sign of my brother's stance softening. All I could do was retreat to my room in silence.

The notion that my aspirations were being crushed by a marriage fueled my resentment towards Devu once again. If this marriage stood in the way of my desires, there was a path ahead of me: find her father and entrust her to him.

To be continued...