Chapter 11 : A Fun Day Out

Advay and Aryan stood firm, their eyes locked on the target. The scoreboard read 180/2 in 35 overs, and the required runs were now down to just 51 off 90 balls. The Tamil Nadu team looked exhausted, their bowlers sweating under the afternoon sun. The Karnataka dugout was buzzing—victory was within reach.

Aryan was the first to strike in the next over. The bowler sent in a full delivery on off stump, and Aryan stepped forward, meeting it with the full face of the bat. The ball raced past extra cover for a boundary.

Commentator 1: "That's textbook! A picture-perfect cover drive from Aryan!"

Commentator 2: "He's been in sublime touch today. That was pure class."

The Tamil Nadu pacer, visibly frustrated, tried to follow up with a short-pitched ball. But Aryan was ready. He pulled it with authority, sending it flat over mid-wicket for six.

Commentator 1: "Oh, that's massive! He didn't even bother keeping it down!"

Commentator 2: "What a way to put pressure back on the bowler! Karnataka is racing toward victory."

At the other end, Advay continued his controlled aggression. A slightly overpitched ball on middle stump was all he needed. He leaned forward and drove it effortlessly past mid-on. The timing was so pure that the fielder at long-on had no chance.

Commentator 1: "What a shot! Advay makes batting look so easy."

Commentator 2: "He's been a revelation in this chase. The composure, the class—just brilliant!"

The next delivery was a short one outside off, and Advay was quick to respond. He opened the bat face and cut it late, guiding the ball past the diving backward point fielder for another boundary.

Commentator 1: "Oh, that's cheeky! Beautifully placed past the fielder!"

Commentator 2: "He's playing with complete control. Tamil Nadu is running out of answers."

With Karnataka now at 210/2 in 40 overs, they needed just 21 more runs off the final 10 overs. The Tamil Nadu captain brought back his lead spinner, hoping to slow things down.

But Advay and Aryan had other plans.

The off-spinner tossed one up outside off stump, and Aryan danced down the track, meeting the ball right under his eyes and lofting it beautifully over long-off for six.

Commentator 1: "That's gone! Straight down the ground, and into the stands!"

Commentator 2: "He read the length early and committed to the shot. Brilliant batting!"

The next over, Advay finished things off in style. A medium-pacer bowled a good-length ball on middle and leg, and Advay shuffled across, scooping it over fine leg for four.

Commentator 1: "What innovation! That's pure confidence!"

Commentator 2: "That's the mark of a fearless player! Advay has put the final nail in the coffin!"

With just five runs left, Aryan sealed the game in the 43rd over. The bowler sent in a full delivery, and Aryan drove it hard past mid-off. The ball raced to the boundary, and the Karnataka team erupted in celebration!

Commentator 1: "That's it! Karnataka wins their opening match of the tournament!"

Commentator 2: "What a dominant chase! Aryan and Advay made it look effortless!"

The scoreboard flashed Karnataka 232/2 in 43 overs, sealing an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Tamil Nadu. Aryan finished unbeaten on 91 off 112 balls, while Advay remained not out on 58 off 49 balls, their partnership of 132 runs showcasing their dominance.

The Karnataka players rushed onto the field, patting their batters on the back. Aryan and Advay shared a fist bump before walking off, their heads held high. It was just the first match, but they had sent a strong message to the rest of the teams—Karnataka was here to win.

The Karnataka locker room was filled with an electric energy, the echoes of their victory still fresh in their minds. Players were sprawled across benches, some still in their pads, others fresh from the showers, towels draped around their shoulders. The air carried a mix of sweat, sports drinks, and the unmistakable scent of triumph.

Aryan, the captain, leaned back against his locker, shaking his head with a wide grin. "Boys, that was a bloody good chase. We paced it well, played smart cricket, and never let the pressure get to us." He turned to Arjun and Advay. "And you two—brilliant stuff. Controlled, calculated, and absolutely ruthless at the end."

Arjun smirked, stretching his arms. "Didn't want to leave it too late. When I saw Advay walk in, I knew we had to step it up."

Rahul, Karnataka's tall off-spinner, let out a laugh. "Hah! Step it up? You two went berserk! That flick over midwicket, Arjun? Pure class. And Advay? Where the hell did that reverse scoop come from?"

Advay, sitting calmly while untying his shoelaces, just shrugged. "It was there to be hit."

Aryan threw his hands in the air. "There to be hit, he says! As if you didn't just casually dismantle their best pacer like you've been doing this for years."

Vishal, the left-arm seamer, chuckled. "Forget the batting for a second—can we talk about how this guy"—he pointed at Advay—"took a wicket first ball? You don't see that every day!"

Rahul nodded. "And it wasn't just a fluke delivery either. That inswinger was textbook. The batter had no idea what hit him. Gone before he could even get his eye in!"

Advay just gave a small smile. "I've been working on it."

Arjun nudged him. "Yeah? And what else have you been working on? Because that straight drive of yours was straight out of a coaching manual."

The room erupted in laughter.

One of the younger bowlers, Arjun (the medium pacer), looked at Rahul. "Bro, your carrom ball was insane today. The guy didn't even react before his stumps got rattled."

Rahul smirked. "Ah, thank you, thank you! But let's not forget Vishal. That yorker at the death was chef's kiss perfection. The batter was set, looking dangerous, and you just cleaned him up like it was nothing."

Advay leaned forward, looking at Vishal. "That yorker at the death? Man, that was world-class. You completely took the wind out of their sails with that one."

Vishal grinned, clearly pleased with the recognition. "Had to make sure they didn't go past 250, right? But honestly, it was a team effort. Rahul's breakthroughs in the middle overs were just as crucial."

Advay turned to Rahul. "Yeah, that carrom ball? The batter didn't even have time to react. If you keep landing those consistently, you're going to be a nightmare to face."

Rahul smirked. "I'll take that as a challenge to get you out in the nets next session."

The team laughed as Arjun clapped Rahul on the back. "Good luck with that. If today was any indication, this guy's seeing the ball like it's a football."

Aryan, the captain, finally stood up and clapped his hands. "Alright, boys, enough praise for one day. We played like a team, and that's what matters. This is just the first step. Let's keep this energy going."

As the excitement of the victory still lingered in the air, Vishal stretched his arms and leaned back against his locker, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Alright, boys, we've earned this win. Tomorrow's a rest day—how about we go out and celebrate? Maybe grab some food or check out that new aquarium that just opened last month?"

Rahul, still buzzing from his spell, nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, sounds like a plan. We've been training non-stop for weeks, a day off will be nice. We need to do something other than just cricket for once."

Vishal turned to Aryan. "What do you think, Captain? Up for some fun?"

Aryan chuckled, leaning against his locker. "As long as no one's late, I'm in."

Before anyone could finalize the details, Advay, who had been quietly lacing up his shoes, glanced up and smirked. "My treat. Whatever we do, it's on me."

The room fell into a brief stunned silence before Arjun laughed. "Oh? You got some secret stash of cash we don't know about?"

Vishal raised an eyebrow. "Big words, Advay. Hope your wallet can keep up."

Advay just shrugged, his expression calm as always. "You'll see."

Rahul chuckled. "Alright then, Mr. Generous. Aquarium at 11 AM sharp, no excuses. And after that, we find the best food in town."

Aryan gave a nod of approval. "Just don't go overboard, we still have a tournament to win."

A round of cheers and agreement followed, with each player already looking forward to the rare day off. They had fought hard on the field, and now, for a day at least, they would enjoy the victory together—not just as teammates, but as brothers.

The next morning, the Rai household was filled with the comforting scent of freshly brewed coffee and hot dosas sizzling on the pan. Sunlight streamed in through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the dining table where Advay, Arjun, Aditi, and Alina were seated. The usual morning chatter filled the air as Alina moved gracefully around the kitchen, serving breakfast while humming a soft tune. Arjun sat with his newspaper, flipping through the business section as he sipped his coffee. Aditi, still groggy from sleep, scrolled through her phone, absentmindedly nibbling on her food.

As Alina placed another dosa onto Advay's plate, she looked at him with a smile. "So, how's the tournament going? You haven't told us much since it started."

Advay swallowed his bite before answering, "It's going well. We won our first match yesterday. Chased down 231 pretty comfortably."

Arjun looked up from his newspaper, nodding in approval. "That's a solid first game. You've worked hard for this moment. It must feel good to finally play in a proper tournament."

Aditi smirked, setting her phone down. "And? You played the scoop shot, didn't you?"

Advay smirked slightly. "Obviously."

Arjun chuckled. "I don't think he even knows how to play a match without playing that shot."

Aditi grinned. "If you didn't play a scoop, I'd assume something was seriously wrong."

Alina laughed as she poured herself a cup of tea. "That's my boy. Always playing with such composure. Was it a good one?"

Advay nodded. "Pretty clean. Stepped across, flicked it over fine leg for four. Felt nice."

Aditi sighed dramatically. "Of course it was clean. You make everything look too easy."

Alina smiled as she reached out to ruffle Advay's hair. "You always stay so calm. I bet your teammates are still trying to figure out if you even feel pressure."

Advay smirked but didn't say anything.

Aditi leaned forward. "And what about the team? You getting along with them?"

"Yeah, they're a solid group. We're going out today—aquarium and lunch."

Arjun raised an eyebrow, setting his coffee mug down. "You? Socializing?" He smirked. "That's new."

Advay simply shrugged. "Figured it'd be nice. Besides, I said I'd treat them."

Aditi smirked. "So, you're finally using your money for something other than investing and playing cricket?"

Alina chuckled. "Just don't go overboard."

Arjun smirked, setting his newspaper aside. "And do they know about you?"

Advay, still calmly eating, took a sip of his juice before replying, "No."

For a moment, there was silence. Then Aditi suddenly burst out laughing, nearly choking on her food. Alina shook her head, letting out a soft chuckle, while Arjun gave an amused sigh, rubbing his forehead.

Aditi wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. "Wait, wait, wait—you're telling me that they have no idea who they're dealing with?"

Advay shrugged, taking another bite of his dosa. "Nope."

Arjun leaned back, arms crossed, shaking his head. "So you're just letting them assume you're a regular kid?"

"Pretty much."

Alina laughed lightly. "You really don't make things easy for yourself, do you?"

Aditi grinned, tilting her head. "You could just tell them, you know? It would save you the trouble of pretending."

Advay glanced at her. "Where's the fun in that?"

Arjun chuckled. "Son, they're going to be shocked when they find out."

Aditi leaned forward, smirking. "Well, yeah. I mean, imagine their reaction when they figure out their 'normal teammate' is a self-made multi-billionaire at age 13."

Alina sighed, shaking her head. "You should at least give them some idea. If they find out later, it's going to be overwhelming."

Advay remained unfazed. "It doesn't matter to me. Right now, I'm just their teammate. That's all."

Arjun looked at him for a moment before smirking. "Well, at least let me be there when they find out. I want to see their faces."

The whole family burst into laughter again. They knew Advay wasn't going to change his mind, but they also knew that the day his teammates discovered the truth was going to be hilarious.

Chapter 11

Advay and Aryan stood firm, their eyes locked on the target. The scoreboard read 180/2 in 35 overs, and the required runs were now down to just 51 off 90 balls. The Tamil Nadu team looked exhausted, their bowlers sweating under the afternoon sun. The Karnataka dugout was buzzing—victory was within reach.

Aryan was the first to strike in the next over. The bowler sent in a full delivery on off stump, and Aryan stepped forward, meeting it with the full face of the bat. The ball raced past extra cover for a boundary.

Commentator 1: "That's textbook! A picture-perfect cover drive from Aryan!"

Commentator 2: "He's been in sublime touch today. That was pure class."

The Tamil Nadu pacer, visibly frustrated, tried to follow up with a short-pitched ball. But Aryan was ready. He pulled it with authority, sending it flat over mid-wicket for six.

Commentator 1: "Oh, that's massive! He didn't even bother keeping it down!"

Commentator 2: "What a way to put pressure back on the bowler! Karnataka is racing toward victory."

At the other end, Advay continued his controlled aggression. A slightly overpitched ball on middle stump was all he needed. He leaned forward and drove it effortlessly past mid-on. The timing was so pure that the fielder at long-on had no chance.

Commentator 1: "What a shot! Advay makes batting look so easy."

Commentator 2: "He's been a revelation in this chase. The composure, the class—just brilliant!"

The next delivery was a short one outside off, and Advay was quick to respond. He opened the bat face and cut it late, guiding the ball past the diving backward point fielder for another boundary.

Commentator 1: "Oh, that's cheeky! Beautifully placed past the fielder!"

Commentator 2: "He's playing with complete control. Tamil Nadu is running out of answers."

With Karnataka now at 210/2 in 40 overs, they needed just 21 more runs off the final 10 overs. The Tamil Nadu captain brought back his lead spinner, hoping to slow things down.

But Advay and Aryan had other plans.

The off-spinner tossed one up outside off stump, and Aryan danced down the track, meeting the ball right under his eyes and lofting it beautifully over long-off for six.

Commentator 1: "That's gone! Straight down the ground, and into the stands!"

Commentator 2: "He read the length early and committed to the shot. Brilliant batting!"

The next over, Advay finished things off in style. A medium-pacer bowled a good-length ball on middle and leg, and Advay shuffled across, scooping it over fine leg for four.

Commentator 1: "What innovation! That's pure confidence!"

Commentator 2: "That's the mark of a fearless player! Advay has put the final nail in the coffin!"

With just five runs left, Aryan sealed the game in the 43rd over. The bowler sent in a full delivery, and Aryan drove it hard past mid-off. The ball raced to the boundary, and the Karnataka team erupted in celebration!

Commentator 1: "That's it! Karnataka wins their opening match of the tournament!"

Commentator 2: "What a dominant chase! Aryan and Advay made it look effortless!"

The scoreboard flashed Karnataka 232/2 in 43 overs, sealing an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Tamil Nadu. Aryan finished unbeaten on 91 off 112 balls, while Advay remained not out on 58 off 49 balls, their partnership of 132 runs showcasing their dominance.

The Karnataka players rushed onto the field, patting their batters on the back. Aryan and Advay shared a fist bump before walking off, their heads held high. It was just the first match, but they had sent a strong message to the rest of the teams—Karnataka was here to win.

The Karnataka locker room was filled with an electric energy, the echoes of their victory still fresh in their minds. Players were sprawled across benches, some still in their pads, others fresh from the showers, towels draped around their shoulders. The air carried a mix of sweat, sports drinks, and the unmistakable scent of triumph.

Aryan, the captain, leaned back against his locker, shaking his head with a wide grin. "Boys, that was a bloody good chase. We paced it well, played smart cricket, and never let the pressure get to us." He turned to Arjun and Advay. "And you two—brilliant stuff. Controlled, calculated, and absolutely ruthless at the end."

Arjun smirked, stretching his arms. "Didn't want to leave it too late. When I saw Advay walk in, I knew we had to step it up."

Rahul, Karnataka's tall off-spinner, let out a laugh. "Hah! Step it up? You two went berserk! That flick over midwicket, Arjun? Pure class. And Advay? Where the hell did that reverse scoop come from?"

Advay, sitting calmly while untying his shoelaces, just shrugged. "It was there to be hit."

Aryan threw his hands in the air. "There to be hit, he says! As if you didn't just casually dismantle their best pacer like you've been doing this for years."

Vishal, the left-arm seamer, chuckled. "Forget the batting for a second—can we talk about how this guy"—he pointed at Advay—"took a wicket first ball? You don't see that every day!"

Rahul nodded. "And it wasn't just a fluke delivery either. That inswinger was textbook. The batter had no idea what hit him. Gone before he could even get his eye in!"

Advay just gave a small smile. "I've been working on it."

Arjun nudged him. "Yeah? And what else have you been working on? Because that straight drive of yours was straight out of a coaching manual."

The room erupted in laughter.

One of the younger bowlers, Arjun (the medium pacer), looked at Rahul. "Bro, your carrom ball was insane today. The guy didn't even react before his stumps got rattled."

Rahul smirked. "Ah, thank you, thank you! But let's not forget Vishal. That yorker at the death was chef's kiss perfection. The batter was set, looking dangerous, and you just cleaned him up like it was nothing."

Advay leaned forward, looking at Vishal. "That yorker at the death? Man, that was world-class. You completely took the wind out of their sails with that one."

Vishal grinned, clearly pleased with the recognition. "Had to make sure they didn't go past 250, right? But honestly, it was a team effort. Rahul's breakthroughs in the middle overs were just as crucial."

Advay turned to Rahul. "Yeah, that carrom ball? The batter didn't even have time to react. If you keep landing those consistently, you're going to be a nightmare to face."

Rahul smirked. "I'll take that as a challenge to get you out in the nets next session."

The team laughed as Arjun clapped Rahul on the back. "Good luck with that. If today was any indication, this guy's seeing the ball like it's a football."

Aryan, the captain, finally stood up and clapped his hands. "Alright, boys, enough praise for one day. We played like a team, and that's what matters. This is just the first step. Let's keep this energy going."

As the excitement of the victory still lingered in the air, Vishal stretched his arms and leaned back against his locker, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Alright, boys, we've earned this win. Tomorrow's a rest day—how about we go out and celebrate? Maybe grab some food or check out that new aquarium that just opened last month?"

Rahul, still buzzing from his spell, nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, sounds like a plan. We've been training non-stop for weeks, a day off will be nice. We need to do something other than just cricket for once."

Vishal turned to Aryan. "What do you think, Captain? Up for some fun?"

Aryan chuckled, leaning against his locker. "As long as no one's late, I'm in."

Before anyone could finalize the details, Advay, who had been quietly lacing up his shoes, glanced up and smirked. "My treat. Whatever we do, it's on me."

The room fell into a brief stunned silence before Arjun laughed. "Oh? You got some secret stash of cash we don't know about?"

Vishal raised an eyebrow. "Big words, Advay. Hope your wallet can keep up."

Advay just shrugged, his expression calm as always. "You'll see."

Rahul chuckled. "Alright then, Mr. Generous. Aquarium at 11 AM sharp, no excuses. And after that, we find the best food in town."

Aryan gave a nod of approval. "Just don't go overboard, we still have a tournament to win."

A round of cheers and agreement followed, with each player already looking forward to the rare day off. They had fought hard on the field, and now, for a day at least, they would enjoy the victory together—not just as teammates, but as brothers.

The next morning, the Rai household was filled with the comforting scent of freshly brewed coffee and hot dosas sizzling on the pan. Sunlight streamed in through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the dining table where Advay, Arjun, Aditi, and Alina were seated. The usual morning chatter filled the air as Alina moved gracefully around the kitchen, serving breakfast while humming a soft tune. Arjun sat with his newspaper, flipping through the business section as he sipped his coffee. Aditi, still groggy from sleep, scrolled through her phone, absentmindedly nibbling on her food.

As Alina placed another dosa onto Advay's plate, she looked at him with a smile. "So, how's the tournament going? You haven't told us much since it started."

Advay swallowed his bite before answering, "It's going well. We won our first match yesterday. Chased down 231 pretty comfortably."

Arjun looked up from his newspaper, nodding in approval. "That's a solid first game. You've worked hard for this moment. It must feel good to finally play in a proper tournament."

Aditi smirked, setting her phone down. "And? You played the scoop shot, didn't you?"

Advay smirked slightly. "Obviously."

Arjun chuckled. "I don't think he even knows how to play a match without playing that shot."

Aditi grinned. "If you didn't play a scoop, I'd assume something was seriously wrong."

Alina laughed as she poured herself a cup of tea. "That's my boy. Always playing with such composure. Was it a good one?"

Advay nodded. "Pretty clean. Stepped across, flicked it over fine leg for four. Felt nice."

Aditi sighed dramatically. "Of course it was clean. You make everything look too easy."

Alina smiled as she reached out to ruffle Advay's hair. "You always stay so calm. I bet your teammates are still trying to figure out if you even feel pressure."

Advay smirked but didn't say anything.

Aditi leaned forward. "And what about the team? You getting along with them?"

"Yeah, they're a solid group. We're going out today—aquarium and lunch."

Arjun raised an eyebrow, setting his coffee mug down. "You? Socializing?" He smirked. "That's new."

Advay simply shrugged. "Figured it'd be nice. Besides, I said I'd treat them."

Aditi smirked. "So, you're finally using your money for something other than investing and playing cricket?"

Alina chuckled. "Just don't go overboard."

Arjun smirked, setting his newspaper aside. "And do they know about you?"

Advay, still calmly eating, took a sip of his juice before replying, "No."

For a moment, there was silence. Then Aditi suddenly burst out laughing, nearly choking on her food. Alina shook her head, letting out a soft chuckle, while Arjun gave an amused sigh, rubbing his forehead.

Aditi wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. "Wait, wait, wait—you're telling me that they have no idea who they're dealing with?"

Advay shrugged, taking another bite of his dosa. "Nope."

Arjun leaned back, arms crossed, shaking his head. "So you're just letting them assume you're a regular kid?"

"Pretty much."

Alina laughed lightly. "You really don't make things easy for yourself, do you?"

Aditi grinned, tilting her head. "You could just tell them, you know? It would save you the trouble of pretending."

Advay glanced at her. "Where's the fun in that?"

Arjun chuckled. "Son, they're going to be shocked when they find out."

Aditi leaned forward, smirking. "Well, yeah. I mean, imagine their reaction when they figure out their 'normal teammate' is a self-made multi-billionaire at age 13."

Alina sighed, shaking her head. "You should at least give them some idea. If they find out later, it's going to be overwhelming."

Advay remained unfazed. "It doesn't matter to me. Right now, I'm just their teammate. That's all."

Arjun looked at him for a moment before smirking. "Well, at least let me be there when they find out. I want to see their faces."

The whole family burst into laughter again. They knew Advay wasn't going to change his mind, but they also knew that the day his teammates discovered the truth was going to be hilarious.

After finishing breakfast, Advay got up from the dining table, stretching his arms before heading to his room. He wasn't one to spend too much time on picking outfits, but today was an exception. It had been a while since he'd gone out with friends, and though he kept a low profile, he still liked to dress well.

He walked over to his wardrobe, scanning his options before pulling out a pair of well-fitted denim pants. Simple, stylish, and comfortable. Next, he picked a black cashmere full-hand t-shirt, soft to the touch but perfectly complementing his lean, athletic frame.

He grabbed his watch, a sleek and minimalistic design that wasn't too flashy but added just the right touch of sophistication. Then, to complete the look, he draped a black scarf loosely around his neck, adding a subtle yet refined edge to his outfit.

Walking over to the mirror, he ran a hand through his thick, wavy black hair, adjusting a few strands to make sure it looked effortlessly neat. Once satisfied, he gave himself a final glance, grabbed his phone and wallet, and headed out.

Stepping into the car, he leaned back against the seat as the driver started towards the aquarium. The streets of Bengaluru bustled with morning energy—commuters rushing to work, vendors setting up their stalls, and kids playing cricket in narrow lanes. The city had a certain charm, a rhythm Advay had always appreciated.

As the car moved through the familiar roads, he glanced out the window, a small smirk on his face. Today was going to be interesting.

As the car rolled to a stop near the entrance of the aquarium, Advay stepped out, adjusting his scarf slightly as the cool morning breeze brushed past him. His teammates were already gathered near the entrance, chatting among themselves, but the moment they spotted him, the teasing began.

"Look at this guy," Vishal smirked. "Not even trying, and people are staring."

Rahul nudged Aryan, grinning. "Forget cricket—if we had a rupee for every girl who looked at him, we'd be richer than the BCCI."

Advay ignored them, used to their remarks by now. He was dressed just like them—a simple black cashmere full-hand t-shirt, well-fitted denim pants, and a scarf thrown over his shoulders to keep warm—nothing flashy, nothing out of place. Yet, no matter what he wore, he always stood out.

His emerald-green eyes were his most striking feature, a color so rare and vivid that it seemed almost unnatural. Sharp and focused, they carried a calm intensity, as if he always saw more than he let on. Even in moments of stillness, there was something captivating about them, something that made people stop and look twice.

His thick, jet-black hair, slightly wavy, sat effortlessly on his head, never looking overly styled yet always falling into place perfectly. He never did much to it, yet it seemed to frame his sharp, well-defined facial structure—high cheekbones, a strong jawline, and perfectly symmetrical features—with an effortless grace.

His flawless, porcelain-white skin, inherited from his Russian mother, made for a stark contrast against his dark hair, making his emerald eyes stand out even more. It wasn't just his face, though. Even in casual clothes, his lean yet athletic build was evident—years of cricket and training had given him a naturally well-defined physique, not bulky, but toned with just the right amount of muscle to hint at his strength.

Despite dressing just like his teammates, he carried himself with a quiet confidence that made people notice him. He never slouched, never fidgeted—every movement was smooth, efficient, and controlled. He didn't seek attention, but attention always found him.

As he walked toward the group, a few girls passing by slowed their steps slightly, sneaking glances at him. Some whispered among themselves, while others stole another look before walking ahead, pretending not to notice.

Of course, his teammates weren't about to let that slide.

Vishal sighed dramatically. "It's honestly unfair. Some of us actually try, you know?"

Rahul shook his head in mock frustration. "And here's Advay, just existing, and people can't stop looking."

Aryan smirked. "Be honest—are we actually here for the aquarium, or do you have other plans?"

Advay rolled his eyes. "Are we going in, or are you all planning to stand here and act like idiots?"

The group burst into laughter, still teasing him as they made their way toward the entrance.

The group laughed before continuing their walk through the aquarium, chatting casually about the exhibits they had seen so far. As they made their way through the winding paths, they finally reached the last section—the shark exhibit.

Massive tanks stretched across the dimly lit space, filled with various species of sharks gliding silently through the water. Some moved with an eerie calm, their sleek bodies cutting through the currents effortlessly, while others rested near the bottom, barely moving. The entire section had a quiet, almost intimidating aura, as if the presence of these apex predators commanded respect.

Rahul pressed his hands against the glass, watching as a hammerhead shark swam past. "That thing looks straight out of a sci-fi movie."

Vishal pointed at a tiger shark that was circling near the bottom. "That one's a killer. These things will eat anything—even license plates and tires."

Aryan, reading the information board, nodded. "Yeah, tiger sharks are known to have some of the strongest bites in the ocean."

Advay, standing beside them, glanced at a great white shark that passed near the glass, its sheer size making it an instant focal point. "But nothing beats the great white in hunting ability. They're the most efficient predators in the ocean."

Rahul shook his head. "Yeah, and if I ever see one while swimming, I'm walking on water."

The group chuckled, moving further along the exhibit. They spotted reef sharks, nurse sharks, and even a few smaller blacktip sharks, each with their own unique behaviors.

Vishal tapped the glass near a lemon shark, watching as it slowly cruised past. "I don't get why people go cage-diving with these things. Who chooses to jump into the ocean with a shark?"

Aryan smirked. "The same kind of people who think facing a 150 kmph bouncer is fun."

Rahul grinned. "Yeah, except if a bowler gets you out, you walk back to the pavilion. If a shark gets you—game over."

The conversation was lighthearted, but the presence of the sharks kept everyone slightly awed. There was something about watching them move—graceful, powerful, and completely in control of their domain.

As they neared the exit, Advay glanced back at the great white shark, watching as it disappeared into the depths of the tank. He had always respected creatures like these—silent, dominant, yet never needing to prove their power.

With one last look, the group moved toward the exit, ready for the next part of their day.

As they stepped out of the aquarium, the group instinctively glanced at the large clock near the entrance. 8:00 PM. Time had slipped by faster than they realized. The streets were lively but not overcrowded, the faint hum of traffic blending with the distant chatter of pedestrians enjoying the cool winter night.

Vishal stretched his arms with a satisfied sigh. "Alright, that was actually fun. But now I'm starving."

Rahul rubbed his stomach dramatically. "Yeah, yeah, we get it. But the real question is—where are we eating?"

Aryan turned to Advay, smirking. "You said it's your treat, right? So, where are we going?"

The group immediately turned their attention to Advay, who, as always, remained calm and unreadable. He simply adjusted his scarf and said, "I'll take you. Just walk with me."

No one questioned it. There was something about the way he said it—casual, but with absolute certainty—that made them trust him completely.

With that, they started walking, the crisp winter air wrapping around them as they moved through the streets. Bengaluru's night scene was alive with glowing signboards, the occasional street musician strumming soft tunes, and the tempting scent of food wafting from roadside stalls.

Rahul, tucking his hands into his jacket pockets, glanced at Advay. "You're acting like you have some secret place in mind."

Advay smirked but didn't reply.

Vishal narrowed his eyes playfully. "If you're taking us to some five-star place where they serve food in 'delicate portions,' I swear—"

"Relax," Advay cut in. "You'll like it."

They continued walking, their footsteps rhythmic against the pavement. The cold breeze was refreshing, making the walk even more enjoyable. They talked about the aquarium, joked about Rahul's exaggerated fear of the moray eel, and debated which shark was the most terrifying

As they continued walking, still chatting about the aquarium, their conversation drifted to a more heated debate—which shark was the most terrifying.

Rahul insisted that the hammerhead looked the most unnatural, while Aryan argued that the great white was the true king of the ocean. Vishal, on the other hand, was convinced that tiger sharks were the most dangerous because of their unpredictable nature.

Advay, as usual, simply listened before adding, "It doesn't matter which one's the scariest. If you're in the water with any of them, you're done either way."

The group fell silent for a second before Rahul groaned. "Why do you always say things like that?"

Vishal chuckled. "Man's got a point, though."

Just as they laughed it off and continued walking, they finally reached the restaurant Advay had chosen.

The moment they arrived, their eyes widened. Right at the entrance, a huge line stretched down the sidewalk, filled with people waiting to get a table. The entire place was buzzing with energy, the warm golden glow of the restaurant's lighting spilling onto the street. The smell of freshly grilled meats, rich spices, and sizzling butter filled the air, making their stomachs growl almost instantly.

Aryan glanced at the long queue and raised an eyebrow. "Okay… this place is packed."

Rahul whistled. "No wonder. This place has been all over social media. They say the food here is next level—not costly, but insanely tasty."

Vishal rubbed his chin. "Yeah, I've seen posts about it too. The owner apparently doesn't believe in overpriced dishes. He just makes really good food."

Rahul exhaled dramatically, crossing his arms. "Cool, cool, great choice and all—but Advay, tell me something."

Advay looked at him, unimpressed. "What?"

Vishal joined in, smirking. "You sure you don't want us to starve to death before we actually get a seat?"

Aryan chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, man. I knew you were mysterious, but I didn't know you liked testing our survival skills too."

Rahul sighed. "At this rate, we should've just fought the sharks at the aquarium for food."

The group burst into laughter, still teasing Advay about making them wait in the endless line. But as they continued, Advay didn't respond. Instead, he simply smirked, pulled out his phone, and walked a few steps away from them.

They couldn't hear what he was saying, only that his voice was calm and brief. He barely spoke for more than a few seconds before ending the call and slipping his phone back into his pocket. Then, without any explanation, he walked back to them and stood silently, as if nothing had happened.

Rahul narrowed his eyes. "Uh… what was that?"

Advay just glanced at him but didn't answer.

Vishal looked around. "You didn't just tell them to hold us a spot, right? Because there's no way we're getting in with this line."

Aryan was about to say something when, just a few minutes later, the restaurant doors swung open. A sharply dressed staff member stepped outside, scanning the crowd. The moment his eyes landed on Advay, he immediately walked over with a polite nod.

"Sir, please come inside."

The team froze.

Rahul blinked. "Wait… what?"

Aryan exchanged looks with Vishal. "There's no way…"

The people in the long queue turned their heads, watching as the staff escorted them straight past the waiting crowd. A few whispers started among the customers standing in line. Some looked at them with curiosity, others with mild irritation, wondering who they were to receive such VIP treatment.

Vishal, walking beside Advay, leaned in and whispered, "Alright, man. What the hell was that?"

Advay, completely unfazed, replied smoothly, "A table."

Rahul scoffed. "A table? Dude, we just skipped, like, fifty people!"

Advay didn't react, simply continuing forward as if nothing unusual had happened.

Once inside, they were led to a booth near the center of the restaurant, a prime seating area with a perfect view of the open kitchen. The lighting was warm, the scent of freshly cooked dishes filling the air, making their hunger even worse.

Just as they settled in, the restaurant manager himself walked over to their table. He was a middle-aged man, dressed in a neatly pressed uniform, carrying a composed and professional demeanor. His eyes landed on Advay, and with a respectful nod, he greeted him.

"Good to have you here," he said with a polite smile.

Advay gave a small nod in return. "Thanks."

The interaction was brief—no unnecessary pleasantries, no mention of Swiggy, no over-the-top welcomes. Just a simple acknowledgment.

But for his teammates, that only made things more suspicious.

Rahul slowly turned to Vishal. "Okay… what is happening?"

Vishal shook his head. "I have no idea. But I need answers."

Aryan, arms crossed, studied Advay with narrowed eyes. "Yeah… this guy is hiding something."

And just like that, their casual dinner had turned into a mission to uncover whatever secret Advay was keeping from them.

As soon as the manager walked away, the team immediately turned their attention to Advay. The air around the table had shifted—suspicion was now at an all-time high.

Vishal leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Alright, man. What was that?"

Rahul, still glancing at the spot where the manager had been standing, shook his head. "Yeah, seriously. We just walked past a mile-long queue like VIPs, and the manager personally welcomed you like he knows you."

Aryan, arms crossed, studied Advay carefully. "You're not just some normal guy, are you?"

Advay, who had been taking a sip of water, set the glass down and looked at them with a raised eyebrow. "You actually don't know who I am?"

The three of them exchanged looks before Vishal spoke. "What? Are you some kind of celebrity or something?"

Rahul nodded. "Yeah, man, is your dad, like, a big-shot politician or Bollywood star or something?"

Advay blinked. For a moment, he actually thought they were joking. He had assumed they knew—maybe not everything, but at least something. After all, he had never been particularly secretive, nor had he gone out of his way to hide anything. Yet, from the looks on their faces, they were completely clueless.

He exhaled, shaking his head slightly, before pulling out his phone and placing it on the table. "Search 'youngest billionaire in India' on Google."

They hesitated for a moment, but then, almost at the same time, they pulled out their phones and began typing.

A second passed. Then another.

And then, silence.

The expressions on their faces shifted almost instantly—from curiosity to absolute shock.

Rahul, who had been lazily scrolling, suddenly sat up straight. Vishal's mouth fell open slightly, his eyes glued to the screen. Aryan, who rarely looked surprised by anything, furrowed his brows in disbelief.

There, in bold headlines, were articles, business reports, and countless news features:

"India's Youngest Billionaire: The Prodigy Who Built a Multi-Billion Dollar Empire."

"Founder and CEO of Swiggy: The Boy Who Revolutionized the Food Delivery Industry."

"Meet the 13-Year-Old Business Genius Behind India's Fastest-Growing Startup."

They scrolled further—interviews, stock market reports, photos of business meetings, and headlines about Swiggy's meteoric rise.

Rahul looked up, completely stunned. "Bro… what the hell?"

Vishal shook his head in disbelief. "No… no way. That's you?"

Aryan finally spoke, his voice lower than usual. "And you've just been playing cricket with us… like a normal guy?"

Advay leaned back in his seat, watching their reactions with quiet amusement. He had expected them to be surprised, but this level of shock was hilarious.

Still recovering from the shock, they slowly set their phones down, exchanging glances before deciding to let it sink in over food. They called the waiter over and placed their orders—a mix of biryanis, kebabs, curries, and fresh naan, making sure to try the dishes the restaurant was famous for.

As the food arrived, the rich aroma filled the air, momentarily distracting them from their disbelief. Plates were passed around, and soon, they were all eating. But the curiosity about Advay hadn't faded.

Rahul, still processing everything, finally spoke up between bites. "Alright, man. Since we clearly don't know anything about you, tell us about your family."

Vishal nodded, tearing a piece of naan. "Yeah, for someone who's, I don't know—India's youngest billionaire—we know almost nothing about your life outside cricket."

Aryan, who had been quiet, leaned forward slightly. "You never really talk about your family. What do they do?"

Advay took a sip of water before answering. "My dad, Arjun Rai, runs Rai Groups."

Rahul paused mid-bite. "Wait. Rai Groups? The billion-dollar conglomerate?"

Advay simply nodded.

Vishal exhaled. "Of course. Of course your dad is that Arjun Rai. Why am I even surprised anymore?"

Aryan smirked. "And your mom?"

"Alina Ivanov. She was a model back in Russia before she moved to India."

Rahul let out a low whistle. "Man, you really hit the genetic jackpot, huh?"

Vishal shook his head in disbelief. "So your dad runs a billion-dollar company, your mom was a model, you built Swiggy, and you casually play cricket like it's just a hobby?"

Advay just shrugged. "Pretty much."

Aryan chuckled, shaking his head. "You really don't make things easy for us, do you?"

The conversation continued, with them asking more about his life, his childhood, and how he managed to balance everything. The initial shock hadn't completely faded, but by now, they were adjusting to the fact that their teammate—their quiet, composed, normal teammate—was anything but normal.

After finishing their meal, the group sat around for a while, letting the food settle as they chatted about random topics. The earlier shock of Advay's identity hadn't completely worn off, but for now, they chose to let it be.

Vishal stretched his arms. "Man, that was good. No wonder this place is famous."

Rahul sighed in satisfaction. "Yeah, I'm so full I might just sleep standing up."

Aryan checked his watch. "It's getting late. We should head back."

They stepped out of the restaurant, the cool winter air refreshing after the warmth inside. The streets were quieter now, the occasional car passing by as the city settled into the night.

Standing near the entrance, they exchanged their goodbyes.

Vishal grinned at Advay. "Well, this was… interesting. Definitely not how I thought the night would go."

Rahul smirked. "Yeah, next time, give us a tiny hint before dropping world-altering information on us."

Aryan chuckled. "See you at practice."

Advay gave them a small nod. "See you."

With that, they each headed their separate ways, the night ending on a note none of them would forget anytime soon.