Chapter 75 :

The airport buzzed with quiet activity, the occasional announcement echoing through the terminal. It was September 2020, and Advay was set to leave for the UAE for IPL preparations.

Ananya stood beside him, arms crossed, trying to look indifferent—but failing miserably.

"You're leaving for two months," she said, her voice softer than usual.

Advay smirked. "It's not like I'm going to war."

She rolled her eyes. "I know that, idiot. But still… it's going to be weird not having you around."

He raised an eyebrow. "You'll survive."

She huffed. "Barely."

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The reality of the moment settled in—the endless video calls during lockdown had made it easy to forget what distance actually felt like.

As she glanced at her phone, ready to leave, Advay reached out and pulled her closer. His arms wrapped around her, holding her firmly yet effortlessly.

For once, she didn't argue. She just sighed, pressing her forehead against his shoulder. "You better not get injured."

"I won't," he murmured.

She slowly pulled away, her hands still lingering on his arms. Then, before she could second-guess herself, she leaned in and kissed him.

It was brief but warm, filled with something unspoken. When she stepped back, her cheeks were slightly flushed, but her eyes held their usual stubbornness.

"Good luck," she said, stepping away.

Advay smirked, his emerald-green eyes locked onto hers. "Try not to miss me too much."

She scoffed. "Not happening."

But as she walked away, she absently touched her lips, her heart still racing.

And he watched her go, already counting the days until he'd see her again.

As Ananya walked away, Advay watched her until she disappeared into the crowd. He exhaled, adjusting the strap of his backpack before turning toward the departure gate.

The rest of the RCB squad was already gathered, some chatting, others focused on their phones. Virat Kohli spotted him first, smirking as he nodded toward him. "All set?"

Advay gave a small shrug. "Yeah."

Yuzvendra Chahal, never one to miss an opportunity, grinned. "Sure? You looked pretty occupied back there."

Advay shot him a look, but before Chahal could push further, the boarding announcement echoed through the terminal. The team picked up their bags and moved toward the gate.

As they settled into their seats on the flight to UAE, Advay leaned back, staring out of the window. This was his second season with RCB, and after what had happened in the 2019 final, there was unfinished business.

Six needed off the last ball. He had middled it perfectly. The ball had raced to the boundary—but it stopped inches short. A four, not a six. A near-miss.

Yet, despite the heartbreak, RCB fans had embraced him as their hero.

Now, a new season awaited. A new chance.

As the plane took off, Advay closed his eyes, his mind already locked in. This time, he wasn't leaving anything unfinished.

After landing in the UAE, the RCB squad made their way through immigration and collected their luggage before boarding the team bus. The Dubai skyline glittered in the distance as the bus cruised through the streets, carrying them toward their base for the season.

An hour later, they pulled up in front of The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai—their home for the next couple of months. The players stepped out, stretching after the long journey, and made their way to the lobby.

Advay collected his key card and headed to his room. As soon as he stepped inside, he dropped his bag near the couch and exhaled, taking in the quiet space. The room was spacious, with a stunning view of the Dubai Marina, but for now, all he wanted was a moment to settle down.

After settling into his hotel room at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, Advay sighed and pulled out his phone. Without thinking twice, he tapped on Ananya's contact and hit video call.

It rang twice before she picked up, her face appearing on the screen. She was in her room, curled up in bed, wearing an oversized sweatshirt.

"You reached?" she asked, her voice softer than usual.

"Yeah, just got to my room," he replied, leaning back against the headboard.

She nodded, watching him for a second. "Tired?"

"A little," he admitted. "Long flight, usual stuff."

She smirked. "Missing me already?"

Advay raised an eyebrow. "You wish."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her small smile. "Whatever helps you sleep at night, Rai."

They talked for a while—about nothing and everything—until her eyes started drooping.

"Go sleep," he murmured.

"You too," she said through a yawn.

He smirked. "Eventually."

She rolled her eyes again but didn't argue. "Good night, Advay."

"Good night, Ananya," he said, watching as she ended the call.

As the screen went dark, he set his phone aside, exhaled, and closed his eyes. Tomorrow, training began.

The next morning, the RCB squad gathered outside The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, waiting for the team bus. The sun was already beating down, signaling the intense training sessions ahead.

As the players settled in, Virat Kohli took a seat next to Advay, stretching his legs.

"Ready to grind?" Virat asked, smirking.

Advay leaned back against the seat, his usual calm demeanor intact. "Always."

Virat chuckled. "Good. Because this year, we're not just here to participate."

Advay met his captain's gaze, his emerald-green eyes steady. "We're here to win."

Virat grinned, nodding in approval. "Exactly."

As the RCB squad arrived at the training grounds, players stepped out one by one, adjusting their gear and taking in the Dubai heat.

Advay slung his kit bag over his shoulder when a few new faces walked up to him.

Aaron Finch extended a hand. "So, you're the guy who almost won RCB the title last year."

Advay smirked, shaking his hand. "Almost."

Josh Philippe, the young wicketkeeper-batsman, grinned. "Heard a lot about you, mate. Looking forward to watching you bat up close."

Advay gave a small nod. "Let's see if you can keep up."

Chris Morris chuckled, clapping Advay on the back. "Welcome back, champ. Hope you've got another insane season in you."

Advay adjusted his gloves, his expression unreadable. "Guess we'll find out soon."

As the team moved toward the nets, the energy was high—new season, new faces, but the same hunger to bring RCB their first title.

At the training nets, the sound of leather meeting willow echoed through the air as players took turns batting, bowling, and sharpening their skills.

Advay stepped in, adjusting his gloves as Dale Steyn ran in with his usual fiery intensity. The ball zipped through at 145 km/h, but Advay met it with a crisp straight drive. The ball rocketed past the stumps, making Steyn shake his head with a grin.

"Not bad, kid," Steyn smirked, picking up his mark again.

From the sidelines, Yuzvendra Chahal called out, "Arre, koi isko short ball daalo! Last time IPL final mein bhi ek shot kam pad gaya tha!" (Someone bowl him a short ball! Last time in the IPL final, he was one shot short too!)

The entire team burst into laughter, while Virat Kohli grinned, nudging Advay. "You gonna take that?"

Advay smirked, rolling his shoulders. "Chahal, get me out first. Then talk."

Chahal strutted in confidently and tossed up a flighted delivery, trying to tempt Advay into a big shot.

Advay stepped out and launched it over long-on, the ball sailing into the empty stands.

Chahal stood frozen for a second before dramatically throwing his cap on the ground. "Cheating ho raha hai! Ye banda all-rounder kaise hai?" (This is cheating! How is this guy an all-rounder?)

The team roared with laughter, while Chris Morris clapped from the side. "Man, I'm just glad he's on our team."

Advay smirked, twirling his bat. "Good call."

The session continued, filled with sharp deliveries, cracking shots, and relentless banter—but beneath all the jokes and laughter, one thing was clear.

RCB meant business this season.

The evening of September 21, 2020, felt different. The Dubai International Stadium, usually packed with roaring fans, stood eerily silent. No chants, no banners, just the sounds of players warming up and the occasional instructions from the dugouts.

The empty stands were a stark reminder of the pandemic era, but on the field, the intensity remained the same. This was still the IPL.

Down at the pitch, Virat Kohli and David Warner stood for the toss. The coin went up, flickering under the floodlights, and landed in Virat's favor.

Virat, without hesitation, looked at the presenter. "We'll bat first."

The RCB dugout clapped, while in the SRH huddle, Rashid Khan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar discussed early bowling plans.

As the teams took their positions, the stadium speakers crackled to life, the commentators ready.

Harsha Bhogle: "Welcome to Match 3 of IPL 2020! We are live from the Dubai International Stadium, where Royal Challengers Bangalore take on Sunrisers Hyderabad. No crowds this time, but make no mistake—this is still a high-stakes battle!"

Ian Bishop: "Indeed, Harsha! RCB has won the toss and decided to bat first. And look at this—Virat Kohli and Advay Rai are walking out to open together!"

As the two batsmen reached the middle, SRH's bowlers gathered near the pitch, waiting for their captain's instructions.

Danny Morrison: "Advay Rai, the man who lit up the 2019 season, is back! Won both the Orange Cap and Purple Cap last year, and now, partnering Kohli at the top. What a combination!"

Sunil Gavaskar: "Absolutely. But SRH isn't going to make this easy. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has the new ball, and we all know how dangerous he can be in the powerplay."

Bhuvneshwar stood at the top of his mark, ball in hand, as Virat took his guard. Advay tapped his bat against the crease, eyes sharp, already locked in.

No crowd, no noise—just the game.

The umpire signaled, and Bhuvi steamed in.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar ran in for the first ball, full on off stump. Virat leaned in, meeting it with a perfectly timed cover drive—FOUR. The ball raced across the outfield, the crisp sound of bat meeting ball echoing in the silent stadium.

Harsha Bhogle: "And that is classic Kohli! What a way to start!"

SRH's fielders adjusted, but it made little difference. The next ball was slightly short, and Virat pulled it behind square—FOUR more. The RCB skipper was off to a flyer.

At the other end, Advay took strike against Sandeep Sharma in the next over. First ball—short of a length. Advay rocked back and pulled it flat over midwicket—SIX. No second thoughts, no hesitation, just brute power.

Danny Morrison: "Oh, stop it, Advay Rai! That is outrageous!"

SRH shuffled their bowlers, but nothing worked. In the fourth over, T. Natarajan pitched it full, hoping for a yorker. Advay, completely unfazed, lofted it inside-out over extra cover—FOUR.

Next ball, slightly short—Advay swiveled and hooked it for SIX!

Ian Bishop: "Oh, that is a magnificent shot! He's picking gaps like he's threading a needle!"

Virat wasn't holding back either. When Rashid Khan was introduced in the sixth over, Kohli stepped down the track and drilled him over long-on—SIX.

The scoreboard kept ticking at an explosive rate.

End of Powerplay (6 overs): RCB 78/0

Sunil Gavaskar: "SRH needs a breakthrough, and they need it fast. Otherwise, this opening partnership is going to take the game away."

Even after the fielding restrictions lifted, the onslaught didn't stop. In the eighth over, Advay brought up his fifty with a fierce square cut past point—his half-century in just 26 balls.

Virat wasn't far behind. In the ninth over, he pulled a slower ball from Abhishek Sharma into the stands, bringing up his own fifty.

Harsha Bhogle: "The captain and his heir—Virat Kohli and Advay Rai, absolutely unstoppable today!"

By the end of 10 overs, RCB stood at 118/0. SRH had no answers. The bowlers looked helpless, the dugout was all smiles, and out in the middle, Virat and Advay just tapped gloves, calm as ever.

They weren't done yet.

The second half of the innings began just like the first—absolute carnage.

In the 11th over, Rashid Khan tossed one up outside off. Advay stepped out and lofted it high over extra cover—SIX!

Harsha Bhogle: "Oh, that is pure class! Advay Rai is toying with one of the best spinners in the world!"

At the other end, Virat flicked Natarajan off his pads for four, then followed it up with a straight drive past mid-on. The RCB skipper was playing with the precision of a surgeon, punishing every bad ball.

By the 15th over, RCB had raced to 172/0.

SRH was running out of options. Bhuvneshwar returned in the 16th over, looking for redemption. He bowled a back-of-a-length delivery, but Advay shuffled across and scooped it over fine leg—SIX!

Ian Bishop: "That is unbelievable! He has no fear!"

The very next ball, Bhuvi tried a yorker—Advay adjusted, opened the face of his bat, and guided it past third man—FOUR!

Virat wasn't slowing down either. In the 17th over, Sandeep Sharma bowled a full toss, and Kohli whipped it over midwicket for SIX!

Danny Morrison: "Oh, Captain Kohli means business tonight!"

RCB crossed 200 in the 18th over, with Advay sitting on 96 off 49 balls.

The next over, he reached his century—his first of IPL 2020—with a fierce cut shot past point for four. He raised his bat, gave a small nod, and went right back to business.

Sunil Gavaskar: "A hundred for Advay Rai! Another masterclass from this young superstar!"

In the final over, Kohli was on 94, and the stadium watched as he faced Bhuvneshwar.

First ball—FOUR past extra cover.

Second ball—SIX over deep midwicket.

Harsha Bhogle: "Oh, he's done it! A century for the RCB captain! What an innings!"

The last ball of the innings, Advay on 116, Bhuvi tried a slower one. Advay swung hard—FOUR past deep square leg!

FINAL SCORE: RCB 247/0 in 20 overs

Advay Rai - 120 (61)*

Virat Kohli - 108 (57)*

RCB had set a mountain of a target, and the SRH dugout looked completely stunned. The two openers walked off, unfazed, but their teammates erupted in applause.

This wasn't just a dominant start to the season—this was a statement.

With 247 runs to chase, SRH needed a miracle. But RCB wasn't in the mood to let that happen.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rashid Khan had their pads on, but their expressions were grim. In the dugout, David Warner and Jonny Bairstow took their guard, knowing they had to go all-out from ball one.

Harsha Bhogle: "A mountain of a target for Sunrisers Hyderabad. They need 248 to win, and that means they need to be aggressive from the very start!"

Bairstow started strong, smashing two fours off Navdeep Saini in the first over, but the momentum didn't last long. In the third over, Umesh Yadav found Warner's edge, and AB de Villiers dived to his right—OUT!

SRH 26/1 in 2.4 overs

The chase never really got going. Bairstow and Manish Pandey tried to stabilize the innings, but the required run rate was already spiraling out of control.

Advay was brought into the attack in the eighth over. First ball—full and fast outside off. Pandey threw his hands at it but mistimed it straight to Kohli at extra cover!

Ian Bishop: "Got him! Advay Rai strikes on his very first ball! This is getting worse for SRH!"

SRH 67/3 in 7.1 overs

With wickets falling at regular intervals, Abdul Samad and Rashid Khan tried to fight back, swinging hard against the pacers. But Advay returned for his second spell in the 15th over and ended any hopes of a comeback.

His first delivery—a slower one outside off—Samad went for the big shot but only managed a thick edge. Devdutt Padikkal settled under it at long-off—OUT!

SRH 132/7 in 14.3 overs

Danny Morrison: "Advay Rai is having the perfect game—120* with the bat and now wickets with the ball!"

The tailenders hit a few boundaries in the last overs, but the result was inevitable.

FINAL SCORE: SRH 189/9 in 20 overs

RCB won by 58 runs!

As the players shook hands, the RCB dugout celebrated. It was the perfect start to the season—dominant, ruthless, and a clear message to the rest of the league.

And at the center of it all was Advay Rai, proving once again why he was RCB's biggest match-winner.

As the match ended, players from both teams gathered near the pitch, exchanging handshakes and casual conversations.

Advay walked up to Jonny Bairstow, who smirked, shaking his head. "120* and two wickets? You really don't like giving us a chance, do you?"

Advay smirked. "Not my fault you kept bowling in my arc."

Bairstow chuckled. "Next time, we're making you run for those runs."

Nearby, Virat Kohli and David Warner were chatting about the game. "Tough one today, mate," Virat said, patting Warner on the back.

Warner sighed. "Yeah, you guys were too good. Not much we could do when you and Advay batted like that."

Meanwhile, Rashid Khan walked over to Advay, nodding. "Good knock, brother. But next time, I'm not going easy on you."

Advay smirked. "Didn't seem like you were easy on me today either."

Rashid laughed. "Fair point. But enjoy this one. We'll see you in the playoffs."

As the players wrapped up their chats, the stadium lights dimmed, and the teams walked toward their respective dressing rooms. It was just the first game of the season, but RCB had already made their mark.