Chapter 153

The phone rang, interrupting Nitish Reddy's deep reverie. He was staring out of his bedroom window, watching the sun dip below the horizon. It was a moment of reflection, of quiet anticipation. For Nitish, this day had always been on the horizon, a destination he had been journeying toward.

He picked up the call, and the voice on the other end was unmistakable, brimming with enthusiasm.

RCB Coach (with excitement): "Nitish, it's your coach from Royal Challengers Bangalore. How are you?"

Nitish (with a hint of nervousness): "I'm good, coach. How can I help you?"

RCB Coach (with a smile in his voice): "Well, Nitish, I have some great news for you. The management and I have been following your performances closely, and we believe you have what it takes to be a part of the RCB Training Camp."

Nitish (barely containing his excitement): "That's incredible news, coach! I Will join the Camp in 3 days."

RCB Coach (with pride): "Yeah that works fine"

The next three days were a whirlwind for Nitish. It felt as if his entire life had been compressed into a few suitcases. He had to say quick goodbyes to his family, pack his cricket gear, and prepare for the journey ahead. Yet, amid all the chaos, there was a quiet sense of fulfillment. This was what he had worked for all his life.

But there was one thing missing from those three days that weighed heavily on Nitish's mind. Jahnavi Singh. He had grown used to seeing her presence at the academy, her infectious smile, and her genuine conversations. However, during those three days, she seemed to have vanished.

Nitish couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment. He had wanted to say a proper goodbye, maybe even muster the courage to ask if they could stay in touch. But the opportunity never presented itself. He was too occupied with preparations, and she was nowhere to be found.

The truth was, Nitish had made a minor misstep in their previous encounter. At the end of their conversation, he had asked for her number, forgetting that he already followed her on Instagram. It had been an embarrassing moment, one that had left him flustered. She had responded with a polite smile, saying, "You follow me on Instagram, right?" Nitish had felt like a fool.

As a result, during those three days, he hesitated to approach her again. He didn't want to risk another awkward moment, especially when his journey to join RCB was on the horizon. So, he kept his distance, waiting for a chance that never came.

On the day of his flight, Nitish learned something unexpected. Jahnavi was also given a week-long break, and she was planning to visit Chandigarh. As the information reached him, he couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. What if he had mustered the courage to talk to her again? What if he had asked if he could accompany her on the flight? But the memory of his previous embarrassment held him back, and he decided against it.

When he finally did see her, it was at the academy just before he left. They exchanged pleasantries, and an awkward silence hung between them. Nitish wished he could express his feelings, ask her to stay in touch, or at least say something to show his interest. But the words seemed to escape him.

Nitish (smiling): "So, when's your flight?"

Jahnavi (with a hint of disappointment): "Early in the morning."

A silence followed, and Nitish knew he should seize this moment and ask if he could come to send her off in airport. But the memories of his previous embarrassment paralyzed him.

Nitish (smiling again): "Well, have a safe journey, Jahnavi."

Jahnavi (with a warm smile): "Thank you, Nitish. See you after the break."

Those last words lingered in Nitish's mind as he boarded his flight to join the Royal Challengers Bangalore Camp. He couldn't help but wonder if there was a chance for them to reconnect in the future.

But there was one obstacle he hadn't considered. He had tried messaging her on Instagram, but she hadn't accepted his message request. Nitish had mixed feelings as the plane took off. The excitement of joining RCB camp again was undeniable, but the unresolved emotions he left behind at the academy weighed heavily on his heart.

In those three days, Nitish had yearned to approach her, to bridge the gap that had formed between them. But every time he mustered the courage, doubt held him back. He couldn't shake the memory of his previous awkward conversation.

As he sat on the plane, he reflected on the missed opportunities. What if he had simply asked if he could accompany her to the airport, send her off with a friendly smile? What if he had told her that he'd like to stay in touch, that her presence had meant something to him? These were the questions that swirled in his mind, and there were no easy answers.