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Author Thought
I'm thrilled to share that I've begun work on my new book, Tales of Dhira — a fantasy fiction novel set in the era of the Mahabharata.
This story blends mythology, imagination, and the timeless essence of heroism and destiny.
It's only the beginning of a long creative journey, and I would be truly grateful if you could read the chapters and share your thoughts.
Your feedback and encouragement will help shape Tales of Dhira into something truly special.
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The announcement came just after Match Six.
"Two days off," Coach Rameshwar said. "No nets. No drills. No team meetings. Rest means rest."
The players erupted in cheers. Plans were made within minutes—movies, food joints, shopping streets, and long-overdue naps.
But for Nikhil, rest didn't mean stillness.
Day One – Rhythm in the Rain
The rain had returned in the early morning, light but steady. Most players stayed curled in their blankets. But at 4:30 AM, Nikhil was already in the gym.
No sprints. No heavy lifting. Just movement—mobility drills, light core work, resistance bands. Enough to keep the rhythm alive without pushing the body too far.
By 8:00 AM, the rain had cleared.
That's when Arav knocked on his door.
"Come on," he grinned. "We're going out. You're not skipping this."
Nikhil hesitated, then smiled. "Alright. Let's go."
Outside the Camp
They rode into the city—Arav, Nikhil, and three others from Team Green. No jerseys. No drills. Just five boys in hoodies and sneakers, laughing over roadside chai, arguing over which biryani stall was better, and taking photos near the old fort.
For a few hours, Nikhil wasn't a vice-captain or a shadow strategist.
He was just Nikhil.
They returned by late afternoon, tired but lighter. The dorms were quiet. The sky had cleared.
The Stamina Test
That evening, Nikhil walked to the medical wing.
"Voluntary stamina test?" the medic asked, surprised.
Nikhil nodded. "Just want to check something."
The tests were standard—VO₂ max, recovery pulse, sprint-to-rest ratio.
He passed them all. Not just passed—excelled.
"Your recovery rate's elite," the medic said, flipping the chart. "You've built something solid."
Nikhil didn't smile. He just noted it down.
"Stamina Test – Day 1 Result: High recovery, consistent output Reminder: The body remembers what the mind repeats."
Day Two – Quiet Reset
The second day passed even faster.
A long breakfast. A quiet walk around the academy. A short nap. A few pages of a cricket memoir. A call home.
No nets. No drills.
But in the evening, he sat by the field, watching the sunset over the boundary rope, notebook in hand.
"Rest Day 2 – Mental Reset Lesson: Stillness isn't laziness. It's fuel. Fix: None. Just breathe. Reminder: The game resumes tomorrow. Be ready."
Two days had passed in a blink.
And yet, something had shifted.
Not in his stats. Not in his role.
But in his balance.