Chapter 23: Bhopal U19 [Pt 1]
Aryan walked alongside Ananya as they made their way back to the apartment complex.
The streetlights flickered overhead, casting long shadows on the pavement. They were both quiet until Ananya took the initiative to break the silence.
"You know, it's been a while since I've been in Mumbai properly, and I've forgotten a lot of the cool hangout spots. If only someone would show me around," she said while tapping her cheek innocently, glancing sideways at Aryan.
Aryan, who knew exactly what she meant, laughed before speaking. "Then I'll take you around sometime when I'm free. Maybe Marine Drive or the Gateway?"
"Then it's a date," Ananya said boldly before turning back and walking inside her wing of the building.
Aryan looked on as she walked inside, a smile plastered on his face. After Ananya disappeared into the elevator, Aryan decided to get some rest because tomorrow's training was going to be hell, as Coach Kulkarni had warned them.
Aryan entered his flat before heading upstairs to his room. He bought a Conditioning Elixir and a Recovery Fluid from the System Shop before using both of them simultaneously.
After that, Aryan played a bit of FIFA to unwind.
The days went by as Aryan trained relentlessly with the U19 Probables. His abilities increased by each passing day.
Although stat points were needed to upgrade attributes significantly, the System also rewarded 'natural growth'—training added small increments to his proficiency.
Aryan trained very hard, coming to the BKC grounds very early and clocking out late. Aryan, after finding out he could earn stat points from extra training, didn't throw away that chance and grinded hard in the nets.
He would stay for at least one hour after the official session and would practice spot bowling or range hitting before he would leave.
Coach Kulkarni, who would occasionally stare at Aryan from his office window overlooking the nets, was very happy that Aryan wasn't getting complacent despite his recent success.
"The zonal stage will be heating up soon. If he was a bit older, I would've recommended him to the Mumbai Ranji selectors immediately. Hahaha, funny how he's just 14. His age is a gift and also a bit of a hindrance," Coach Kulkarni thought as he stood there sipping his tea.
Aryan, oblivious to everything, packed up his kit bag after he finished his extra drills.
School was a bit of a hassle as the 10th-grade board exams were approaching. The school corridors were hectic as the students were scrambling to study, exchanging notes and panicking about passing their final exams.
Aryan, however, found it funny. He was already prepared, even with all the cricket training and matches, and was currently revising his History notes calmly.
Aryan's bench partner, Christian, saw that Aryan was calm amidst the chaos.
"No pressure, right?" he said as he looked at Aryan. Aryan just smiled without talking before returning to his textbook.
After school, Aryan found himself at the U19 training grounds. There was going to be a match tomorrow, and today was the last training session before the match as they would have to travel away to the opponent's home ground.
Mumbai U19 was playing Bhopal U19 (representing the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association), so the match had drawn a bit of traction even before the first ball was bowled.
Coach Kulkarni walked up to the team after they had finished their fielding drills.
"Tomorrow we will be playing the 2nd place team, Bhopal U19, and this is a chance to widen the gap a bit. Saurashtra U19 lost yesterday, so if we win tomorrow's match, we can widen the gap with Bhopal to 4 points and Saurashtra's gap to 5 points also," he said.
"So let's go out tomorrow and win," he added.
His speech was well received by the players. Aryan felt happy to be a part of this group.
"Aryan," Coach Kulkarni said, prompting Aryan to turn back as the group dispersed.
"I'm starting you tomorrow in the Playing XI, so I hope you get some rest and be in your best shape for tomorrow."
Aryan, who stood there stupefied by Coach Kulkarni's words, finally spoke. "Thank you, Coach. I won't disappoint," Aryan said.
"I know you won't," Coach Kulkarni said before turning to go.
Aryan turned to go and was feeling very happy for the Coach's trust. He wasn't just an Impact Player anymore; he was a starter.
Aryan got home and found Priya, together with Riya and Ananya, in the living room. He greeted them before heading upstairs to take a bath as he wasn't satisfied with the quick wash he took at the Academy.
Aryan, after drying off, heard a system prompt from Max. He opened the system interface before a smile appeared on his face.
[Maiden Start]
'Get your first start in the Playing XI for your new team.'
Rewards:
5 Stat Points
1 Recovery Elixir
Aryan didn't waste time and quickly consumed the Recovery Elixir as he needed to be in his best shape for tomorrow's travel and match.
Aryan went down for dinner, and Ananya this time decided to stay for dinner. The dining table was livelier than usual as Riya, who usually ate quietly, was unusually chatty at the table.
Aryan told his mother about tomorrow's match against Bhopal.
"Ow Aryan, Mum can't watch this time. Bhopal is too far for a day trip," Priya said.
"It's okay, I know you can't watch every game of mine for now, but wait till I get to the Senior Team or the IPL. I'm going to retire you," Aryan said, prompting a giggle from Ananya and Priya.
"After all, he's still a child," Priya thought while looking at Aryan. The loss of his father forced Aryan to mature a bit early. Priya thought Aryan had grown up too early, but it seemed he still had a childish side to him.
Aryan, after dinner, chatted a bit with Ananya as they planned their outing for next week. Afterwards, Aryan went upstairs and was about to play a game before he remembered that he had to rest for the long journey and the game tomorrow. Aryan put his phone away before he slept.
Aryan was in the team bus which was currently heading to Bhopal. The team had about 10 to 12 hours of travel ahead of them.
Aryan decided to continue his revision for the upcoming exams to kill time.
"What are you doing?" Kabir asked as he was seated by Aryan. Aryan raised his head before replying.
"I'm studying for my finals."
"Finals? Aren't you supposed to be in the 8th grade or something?" Kabir, a final year student in high school, joked.
Aryan didn't say anything and left Kabir to his thoughts, focusing on his Science notes.