The ground proposal

"And the ball swings out of the stadium, good job Sahid" the commentator was saying.

"Vedika look there is Aditya in stands. Is he looking at us." Harish said excited.

They all looked far into the stands and noticed Aditya looking intently and then waving, they all waved back.

"He is looking at us. When is he gonna play?" Vedika asked.

"Number 4 or 5 I think." Asad said, "but don't you dare pray for any wicket of our team." He continued.

"Why would I? I want our team to win." Vedika said.

___

"Aditya the upcoming cricket youth icon is on the ground. On the other side is Naseer the former skipper." Commentator was saying.

"Come on Aditya." Vedika yelled throwing a punch in the air.

Coincidentally at the same time Aditya looked in their direction and all of them waved, the camera showed them on large screen.

"Aditya is looking at his fans and they are going crazy." Commentator said.

Vedika just sat and smiled, Aditya used the secret sign of rubbing his thumb on the wrist of another hand to tell how happy he is to see her.

Commentator had no idea who they were.

___

"The last ball three runs needed Aditya on strike. Ball left the bowlers hand and it goes right on the bat Aditya swings it but impact is not much. They are running to make it three. Fielder has thrown the ball but missed the wicket. Naseer and Aditya are going for another run, one more run to win the match.

Ball is thrown back towards the wicket again and Aditya dives towards the line and..........hit. Did he reach before the ball? What's empire's decision?"

Everyone look at the big screen where ball and Aditya in slow motion are approaching the wicket and line respectively. Vedika and all watched it intently and nervously.

"It not out, India wins the first match of the series." Commentator announces.

Vedika jumps up on the seat and join her hands in prayer. She think about the gift she gave to Aditya before he left for the matches.

Aditya after shaking hands with the opponent and his team players arrives quickly in the dressing room and take out the gift Vedika gave to him. He unwrap it and someone interrupts.

"Aditya why are you here, be there for ceremony. Come fast." Aditya immediately put the gift in his pocket without seeing what it is and rush out.

"The man of the match goes to Sahid for incredible inning."

Announces.

All the players are standing in a line. Behind their back literally Aditya takes out the gift to peak at it, takes it out of the box.

A little glass bat filled with some liquid and a ball floating inside that said

Boyfriend?

Aditya's mind goes blank for a second before realizing what he read. Vedika literally asked him to be her boyfriend in the sweetest way possible. Aditya was continuously smiling.

"What happened to you?" Rocky ask.

"Nothing nothing." Aditya says.

"You are so happy for Sahid" Rocky says.

"I am happy for him and also we won." Aditya says putting the gift back in his pocket without anyone noticing.

This was one of the best days of his life. The woman he always wanted to love and cherish asked him out.

He looked towards the stands but none of them were there. He will meet them later out. One more thing he needed to do was introduce her family to his family.

———

Aditya's breathing was ragged. He can't wait another second to meet Vedika. As he was passing through the ground to reach dressing room someone grasped his wrist and turned to see Subha smiling.

"I am so happy for you Aditya." Subha said hugging him.

"Thanks Subha but I have to go see you later." Aditya shook off from the hug.

"Ok I just wanted you to know as a friend." Aditya didn't liked her approach. She seemed a little creepy with creasing his elbow and cheeks.

"I need to go Subha." Aditya left leaving Subha gawking.

Taking all his things Aditya rushed towards the exit of the stadium and found Vedika, her parents and Asad getting into a taxi.

"Vedika." Aditya shouted and Vedika turned. Aditya approached them.

"You are leaving?" Aditya asked.

"Ma was not feeling well." Vedika said.

"Let's go to the hospital then." Aditya said.

"No I just need rest beta." Hema said from inside the taxi.

"You go rest auntie I'll meet you all tomorrow." Aditya said disheartened that he have wait longer to talk to Vedika.

"Vedika I can take Uncle and Auntie home you can stay here with Aditya for a while. His team won I am sure he want to celebrate with you. What you say?" Asad asked Hema and Harish.

"Vedika you don't have to come you can stay. We trust Aditya." Harish said.

"But ma." Vedika said.

"I am fine I just need rest." Hema said.

After a little chat Asad with Hema and Harish left for hotel and Vedika stayed with Aditya.

"So." Aditya said.

"So?" Vedika asked.

"Surprised." Aditya said.

"Surprised why?" Vedika asked and Aditya immediately lifted her in his arms and started circling.

"Because you asked me out you crazy girl and my answer is yes." Aditya said putting Vedika down and she clutched onto his arm for support.

"You opened it?" Vedika asked.

"You asked me to open it after the match so I did." Aditya said.

"Wow I am nervous now." Vedika said waving her hand over her face.

"Vedika I left after party because I wanted to give you my answer as soon as possible and you are nervous." Aditya said not being able to stop smiling.

"Do you want to go for dinner?" Vedika asked.

"Now you are asking me on a date? So fast girlfriend." Aditya said nudging her.

"Aditya I am hungry stop being dramatic." Vedika said trying to act annoyed but failing.

"Why can’t I be dramatic? You asked me to be your boyfriend in most dramatic way possible." Aditya said.

"Aditya Vedika. You guys. Together. Oh my god Vedika you asked Aditya out? When? how? Tell me everything I am so excited." Rocky came from behind and bombarded.

"Rocky I will tell you later Vedika want to eat so I am taking her out for dinner." Aditya said.

"You did well today Rocky." Vedika praised.

"Thanks Vedika." Rocky said and Aditya and Vedika smiked at each other.

______

Vedika and Aditya were driving in a car for the restaurant.

"Stop Aditya stop the car." Vedika said and Aditya stopped, looking alarmed.

Vedika jumped out of the car followed by Aditya and rushed towards the side of the road.

"Look at this." Vedika said gesturing to a two or three months old puppy whining in pain. His legs were twisted at a weird angle, probably run over by a vehicle and hurt his spine.

Vedika lift him gently in her arms.

"Let's go talk him to vet." Aditya said and they both got into the car.

"I don't how can someone leave a hurt innocent alone." Vedika said as the puppy seemed more calm now, looking at Vedika with cute little eyes.

"Some people are actually heartless. Don't worry we will get him treated and back to running. Right little buddy?" Aditya said looking admiringly at the puppy and puppy looked at him with same innocent eyes.

______

"Yes his spine is hurt. He will be fine after a surgery and some physiotherapy and rehabilitation." The vet was saying.

"Then do it doctor we will take care of the expanse." Vedika said.

"Sure we will be on it right away just fill out some forms." The doctor said.

"Sure doctor please start with the surgery as soon as possible. He is in a lot of pain." Aditya said.

"Will do Mr. Aditya." Doctor said.

______

Vedika was sitting on the bench in a garden outside the hospital, she never liked the environment of hospitals.

"Here you go." Aditya came with two packed pasta and handed it to Vedika.

"Thanks Aditya." Vedika said. "Wow tasty." Vedika said cherishing the taste of pasta in her mouth.

"Hope that puppy get better." Vedika said.

"He will be. You are a beautiful soul Vedika I feel so lucky to have you." Aditya said and Vedika snuggled closer to him as they both sat there for hours talking and sharing the moments of their life with each other.