You Belong With Me

10

Sourav grinned, his competitive spirit evident. "That's what makes the game interesting, isn't it? Where's the fun without a little competition? And personally, I prefer winning."

Rahul simply smiled. He knew all too well that trying to outwit Sourav in an argument was like attempting to catch a shooting star - exhilarating, but ultimately futile.

Flashback Ends

"And guess what?" Rahul exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Our boys brought the World Cup home to India!"

"Really?" Vanshika gasped in disbelief, her eyes widening with amazement.

"Yes, in 2011," Rahul confirmed, his voice tinged with pride. "Sourav had always been spot on with his predictions about our boys."

"He did know every single one of his teammates inside out back then," Vanshika remarked, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "He sounds like the perfect captain."

"Oh, absolutely," Rahul agreed with a nod. "He truly was. Even today, everyone who played under him regards him as the greatest captain of all time, despite not winning a World Cup himself."

"But his team did!" Vanshika exclaimed, a smile spreading across her face as she cheered up at the thought.

"He even gave up his own spot on the team to help the new players, to make sure they had a chance to shine and build their careers. He even sacrificed my position for it!" Rahul said, rolling his eyes dramatically.

"What?" Vanshika laughed, shaking her head in disbelief.

flashback

"What if the selectors drop me?" Kaif's voice trembled with worry.

Kaif had been on top of his game, no doubt. But facing tough competition with a batting lineup that boasted legends like Dravid, VVS, Ganguly, Yuvraj, and formidable openers like Sehwag and Tendulkar, he couldn't help but feel the pressure. Would he make the cut? Sourav Ganguly, the captain, looked at Kaif, his star player, a match-finisher, someone who had time and again proven his worth.

Ganguly couldn't afford to lose him. He had been mulling over this for a while now, and now was the time to act.

"I'll make sure you won't be dropped," Sourav assured him.

With just those words from his captain, Kaif felt a wave of relief and confidence wash over him. That was the kind of bond Sourav Ganguly shared with his players.

Sourav's firm knocks reverberated through Rahul's door, heralding a long-awaited visit. Eager anticipation danced in Rahul's eyes as he swung the door open, revealing the sight of his beloved boyfriend, finally unburdened from the responsibilities of captaincy. A radiant smile graced Rahul's lips as he welcomed Sourav inside, his fingers curling around the fabric of Sourav's collar, drawing him closer with a tender affection. A playful peck landed softly on Sourav's nose, a sweet gesture of affection, a prelude to the warmth of their embrace.

But just as Rahul leaned in for a kiss, Sourav gently halted his advance, a serious expression clouding his features. Rahul's brow furrowed in confusion, his eyes searching for answers in the depths of Sourav's gaze.

"It's not 'your boyfriend' Sourav at this moment, it's your captain," Sourav's words carried a weighty significance, a reminder of the roles they must momentarily inhabit.

"Ah, my captain," Rahul's tone adopted a dramatic flair, his playful demeanor morphing into one of obedient readiness. "Pray tell, what command dost thou have for thy humble vice-captain?"

Sourav's lips curved into a wry smile at Rahul's theatrics, a silent acknowledgment of their shared camaraderie. "I come not bearing orders, but rather a humble request," he replied with a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes. "Can you don the gloves and keep wicket for us?"

Rahul's eyes widened in shock. "Why me?"

"Because you're the only one with experience keeping wickets in our batting lineup," Sourav explained.

"Can't we just pick a dedicated wicketkeeper? I haven't done it in years. I'm not sure if I can do it," Rahul said hesitantly.

"We need a wicketkeeper who can bat too. And all the keepers I know aren't good batsmen like we already have. So, it's up to you. Please, Jam, accept this job," Sourav pleaded.

"But Sourav," Rahul protested.

"No 'buts'. If you don't say yes, Kaif won't get a place in the playing 11. We already have six batsmen," Sourav explained firmly.

"So, you're sacrificing me for your player?" Rahul joked, though there was a hint of seriousness in his voice.

"What do you mean 'my player'? They're your players as well," Sourav retorted.

"No. They are their Dada's boys," Rahul had already made up his mind to say yes, but he couldn't resist teasing Sourav a bit. "Give me some time to think about it," he said with a mischievous grin. He knew that Sourav would do anything for his team and his teammates. It was this quality that made him the most beloved and respected captain of India.

Can't stop myself about writing Dada as a captain 🥺. He's an emotion, man. I love him sm.