Chapter 29: Moving in

I was over the moon when I called my mother to share the news of my selection for the Indian cricket team. She was ecstatic and couldn't contain her excitement. "Vipin, I am so proud of you. I always knew you had it in you," she said with a smile in her voice.

I replied, "Thanks, Ma. I couldn't have done it without your support."

She then asked, "So, are you selected for the under-19 team?"

I hesitated for a moment before I replied, "No, Ma. I am selected for the senior cricket team and we will be playing against Pakistan in their home ground."

There was a moment of silence on the other end before she said, "Vipin, are you sure it's safe to travel to Pakistan right now? The tensions between our countries haven't subsided yet." Her voice was filled with worry.

I understood her concern and replied, "Don't worry, Ma. The BCCI has ensured us that all the necessary precautions will be taken for our safety. And besides, this is my dream and I am willing to take the risk."

She then said, "Your father would be so proud of you. He always believed in your talent and passion for cricket." Her voice was filled with emotion and I could sense the tears in her eyes.

I replied, "I miss him so much, Ma. I wish he could see this day."

She then said, "He is watching you from above, Vipin. He is always with you, guiding you on your journey."

I felt a lump in my throat as I thought about my father. He was my biggest supporter and I knew that he would have been proud of me.

We continued to talk for a few more minutes, and my mother expressed her worries about my safety. I assured her that I would be careful and that the BCCI would take all necessary precautions. I hung up the phone, feeling grateful for the love and support of my mother.

Excited and eager to share the news with my best friend, I dialed Virat's number. He picked up on the second ring, "Vipin! What's up bro?"

"Virat, you won't believe it. I've been selected for the Indian cricket team!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my excitement.

There was a moment of silence on the other end before Virat replied, "What?! That's amazing, man! Congratulations!"

I could hear the genuine happiness in his voice and it made me feel even more special. "Thanks, Virat. I couldn't have done it without your support," I replied, feeling grateful for our friendship.

Virat then asked, "So, which team are you joining? Under 19?"

"The senior cricket team," I replied, unable to keep the smile off my face.

There was a moment of silence again before Virat spoke up, "That's great, man. I'm so happy for you. You deserve this."

However, I could sense a hint of sadness in his voice. "Virat, what's wrong?" I asked, concerned for my friend.

He then replied, "I'm playing first-class cricket for Delhi, but I haven't made much progress. I'm just a little jealous, I guess."

I understood where he was coming from and replied, "Virat, don't be. You're an amazing player. Your time will come. Just keep working hard and don't give up."

He then said, "Thanks, man. I appreciate it. And don't worry, I'll be cheering for you when you play against Pakistan."

I smiled, feeling grateful for Virat's support. "Thanks, bro. I'll need it," I replied, before we hung up the phone.

I was overjoyed when I received the news of my selection to the Indian national cricket team. After submitting all the required documents to the association, I eagerly waited for the confirmation from the BCCI. Within a week, I received a flight ticket and a letter from the BCCI inviting me to join the team for some team bonding exercises.

[Dear Vipin,

On behalf of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), we would like to extend our warmest congratulations on your successful submission of all the required documents. We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected to join the Indian national cricket team.

We cordially invite you to come to the BCCI headquarters to join the team for some team bonding exercises. This will be a great opportunity for you to meet your teammates and get to know them better. We are sure that this experience will be a memorable one and will help you grow both personally and professionally.

The ticket to reach the headquarters has been included with this letter. Please make sure to reach the headquarters by the date mentioned in the ticket. We look forward to seeing you soon and welcoming you to the team.

We wish you all the best and hope that this new chapter in your life brings you joy and fulfillment.

Sincerely,

BCCI.]

As my mother and I stood at the airport, they chatted about a variety of topics, both related and unrelated to cricket. The excitement and nervousness of the moment were palpable in the air.

"I can't believe my baby boy is flying off to represent the country. You've grown up so fast!" said my mother with a hint of sadness in her voice.

"I know, Mom. It feels like just yesterday I was playing cricket in the park with my friends," I replied with a nostalgic smile.

"Those were such good times. You were always so passionate about the sport. I'm glad you've turned your passion into a career," my mother said, beaming with pride.

"Thanks, Mom. You've always been my biggest support. I couldn't have done this without you," I expressed my gratitude.

"Well, you better keep in touch and let us know how everything is going. I want to hear all about your new adventures," my mother reminded me.

"Definitely, Mom. I promise to call you every chance I get. And I'll make sure to bring back lots of souvenirs for you and grandfather," I reassured her.

"And you, make sure you take a bath every day and don't eat anything given by strangers. And most importantly, be polite to everyone on the team," my mother added, with a motherly tone of concern.

My mother then went on to list out a few more concerns she had, "And don't forget to get enough rest and sleep, eat healthy foods and keep yourself hydrated. And always make sure to put on a sweater when it's cold, I don't want you getting sick!"

I nodded, acknowledging her advice. "Of course, Mom. I'll make sure to follow your instructions," I said with a smile.

As we said our goodbyes, both my mother and I couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions. We were both proud of my achievements and excited for my future, but also sad that I was flying so far away.