Chapter 77 :

On October 28, 2020, at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, RCB faced Mumbai Indians in their 11th match of IPL 2020.

At the toss, Virat Kohli called it right and without hesitation said, "We'll bat first."

Harsha Bhogle: "No surprises there! RCB wants to put runs on the board, and with the form their top order is in, this could be another big total!"

As the MI fielders took their positions, Virat Kohli and Advay Rai walked out to open the innings, their body language confident, their focus sharp.

Just as they reached the crease, before taking their stance, Virat turned to Advay and said, "I feel good today."

At the exact same moment, Advay said the same thing.

They both paused, glanced at each other, and then chuckled in unison.

Virat smirked, adjusting his gloves. "Looks like Mumbai is in for a long night."

Advay smirked right back. "Let's give them one."

They tapped gloves, locked back in, and took their stance.

The storm was about to begin.

Trent Boult ran in for the first ball, eyes locked on Virat Kohli. He pitched it full, looking for swing. Virat leaned into the drive, perfect timing, past extra cover—FOUR! The sound off the bat was pure elegance.

Harsha Bhogle: "Oh, what a start! Virat Kohli, in his element, caressing that through the covers!"

Boult adjusted, went straighter, but Virat whipped it behind square—FOUR more! Mumbai already had a problem.

At the other end, Jasprit Bumrah came steaming in at 148 km/h. His first delivery to Advay Rai was short, rising toward the chest.

Advay swiveled and pulled it flat over deep midwicket—SIX! The ball disappeared into the night sky.

Danny Morrison: "Oh-ho, that is outrageous! Bumrah at full pace, and Advay Rai just launches him!"

Bumrah, unfazed, fired in a deadly yorker next. Advay opened the face and squeezed it past third man—FOUR!

The Mumbai fielders exchanged glances—they had no answers.

The assault continued. Boult bowled short again in the third over, and Advay uppercut him over third man for six! The next ball, slightly fuller, was smashed back past the bowler for four.

Rahul Chahar was brought in, but Virat stepped out and lofted him over long-off for six. Next ball, a quicker one, was carved behind point for four.

Danny Morrison: "This is batting on another level! They're treating the MI attack like a club bowling unit!"

By the end of the Powerplay (6 overs), RCB was 89/0.

The aggression didn't stop. Pollard tried slowing things down, but Advay waited on a slower ball, then scooped it over the keeper for four. When Bumrah returned, he tried another bouncer, but Advay rolled his wrists and hooked it into the stands for six.

Harsha Bhogle: "Oh, STOP IT! This is unreal batting from Advay Rai!"

At the 10-over mark, RCB stood at 132/0. The Mumbai bowlers looked completely helpless, the dugout in stunned silence.

Virat and Advay? They just tapped gloves and locked back in. Mumbai was in for a long, long night.

Jasprit Bumrah returned for the 11th over, hoping to break the partnership. He ran in hard, fired a full delivery at 149 km/h on middle and leg. Advay shuffled across, whipped it off his pads with pure timing—FOUR past deep square leg!

Harsha Bhogle: "Oh, that is just wristwork at its finest! Bumrah at top speed, and Advay just flicks it like it's nothing!"

Bumrah went short next ball. Advay was waiting. He pulled it effortlessly over deep midwicket—SIX!

Danny Morrison: "OHHH STOP IT! Advay Rai is putting on an absolute masterclass here!"

At the other end, Virat was just as relentless. Rahul Chahar tossed one up on off-stump, and Virat stepped down, inside-out over extra cover—SIX! Two balls later, a flatter one was smashed past cover for four.

Mumbai was crumbling. Rohit Sharma called in Kieron Pollard to try and slow things down. First ball to Advay—a cutter, slightly short.

Advay waited, waited—then launched it flat over long-on! SIX more!

Ian Bishop: "Oh, this is brutal! Advay Rai is taking Pollard apart now!"

Pollard changed his angle, came wider. Advay adjusted and slapped it behind point—FOUR!

Virat joined in the carnage in the next over. Boult bowled full on off-stump. Virat leaned in and drilled it past mid-off—FOUR! Next ball, a bouncer, was hooked behind square—FOUR more!

Harsha Bhogle: "This is unbelievable batting! Kohli and Advay are completely dismantling Mumbai!"

At the 15-over mark, RCB stood at 198/0. Mumbai had tried everything, but nothing was stopping the storm.

You're right! Let's correct that and make it all add up properly.

With the way Advay Rai and Virat Kohli were batting, it was only a question of how big RCB's total would be.

Trent Boult ran in for the 16th over, trying to contain the carnage. First ball—wide yorker attempt. Advay opened the face and squeezed it past third man—FOUR!

Next ball—short and outside off. Advay rocked back and slapped it over deep point—SIX!

Danny Morrison: "Oh, stop it! This is outrageous hitting from Advay Rai!"

At the other end, Virat Kohli was closing in on a hundred. Bumrah steamed in for the 17th over, firing a full delivery on middle stump. Virat flicked it past square leg—FOUR!

Next ball—a well-disguised slower one. Virat picked it early, waited, and lofted it over long-off—SIX!

Harsha Bhogle: "Oh, what a shot! Virat Kohli bringing out the big guns now!"

RCB had crossed 220, and both batters were in the 90s.

In the 18th over, Kieron Pollard tried his luck. First ball—Advay shuffled across, scooped it over fine leg—FOUR!

The next ball—full and wide. Advay reached out and carved it past point—FOUR more!

Advay Rai's hundred came up off 51 balls.

Harsha Bhogle: "That is century number six in the season for Advay Rai! He is unstoppable!"

Virat was on 97 as the final over began. Boult ran in, bowled a low full toss. Virat whipped it past midwicket—FOUR!

Next ball—short-pitched, aimed at the body. Virat hooked it behind square—FOUR!

Virat Kohli's century came off 53 balls.

Danny Morrison: "The captain gets to three figures! This is an IPL masterclass!"

On the final ball of the innings, Bumrah bowled a pinpoint yorker, but Advay somehow dug it out and guided it past short third man for FOUR!

RCB finished at 248/0 in 20 overs.

Advay Rai (112 off 55 balls)*

Virat Kohli (102 off 54 balls)*

A record-breaking opening partnership and Mumbai Indians had no answers.

RCB had set a massive target of 249, and Mumbai Indians needed something spectacular to even come close. But from the very first over, it was clear—this was RCB's night.

Navdeep Saini ran in for the first over, keeping it tight against Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock. But in the third over, Rohit decided to attack. Umesh Yadav pitched one short, and Rohit pulled it flat over midwicket—SIX!

Next ball—full on the stumps, flicked behind square—FOUR!

Harsha Bhogle: "Rohit Sharma isn't going down without a fight!"

At the other end, de Kock went after Chahal in the fifth over, stepping down the track and launching him straight over long-on for SIX!

By the end of the Powerplay (6 overs), MI was 67/0, trying to keep up with the high required run rate.

Virat turned to Advay Rai in the 7th over, and that's when the game changed.

First ball—slower one outside off. De Kock tried to cut, but mistimed it straight to backward point! OUT for 38!

Danny Morrison: "And there it is! The golden arm of Advay Rai strikes again!"

MI 68/1 in 6.1 overs.

Rohit Sharma was still at the crease, and he tried to take on Washington Sundar, flicking him for a four and then lofting him over extra cover for six.

But in the 10th over, Advay struck again.

Flighted delivery, drifting in. Rohit stepped out, looking for the big shot—but missed! The ball crashed into the stumps!

OUT for 52!

Harsha Bhogle: "Advay Rai gets the big fish! That might just seal this game for RCB!"

At the 10-over mark, MI was 98/2, needing an impossible 151 off 60 balls.

Ishan Kishan and Kieron Pollard tried to keep the chase alive, but the required rate was out of reach.

At 15 overs, MI was 142/3, needing 107 off 30 balls.

In the 18th over, Chahal dismissed Pollard with a sharp leg-break, and MI's hopes crumbled.

In the final over, MI needed 41 runs. They managed only a few boundaries, and RCB sealed a dominant victory.

Final Score: MI 187/6 in 20 overs.

RCB won by 61 runs!

Danny Morrison: "RCB crushes Mumbai! A complete performance with bat and ball—this team is looking unstoppable!"

Advay walked off with two wickets and another match-winning performance, as RCB celebrated yet another victory.

Back at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, Advay lay on his bed, phone in hand, the glow of the screen reflecting in his eyes as he hit video call.

Ananya picked up instantly. "Took you long enough," she teased, her voice laced with fake annoyance.

Advay smirked. "You act like I don't call after every match."

She stretched, pulling her blanket over herself. "Yeah, but today you took your time. Busy basking in glory?"

"Something like that."

She shook her head, watching him. "Another hundred, two wickets, and a massive win. You know you're making it unfair for everyone else, right?"

Advay shrugged. "Not my fault they keep bowling in my zone."

She rolled her eyes but smiled, her voice quieter now. "I love you, Advay."

His smirk softened. "Love you too."

Neither of them spoke for a second, the silence between them feeling effortless.

"Get some sleep," she murmured.

"You too," he replied.

She ended the call, and Advay set his phone aside, exhaling deeply before closing his eyes.

At the end of the IPL 2020 league stage, the standings were as follows:

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – Finished 1st with 22 points (11 wins, 3 losses)

2. Mumbai Indians (MI) – Finished 2nd with 18 points (9 wins, 5 losses)

3. Delhi Capitals (DC) – Finished 3rd with 16 points (8 wins, 6 losses)

4. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Finished 4th with 14 points (7 wins, 7 losses)

These four teams qualified for the playoffs.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – Just missed out with 14 points (7 wins, 7 losses), but a lower Net Run Rate than SRH

6. Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Finished 6th with 12 points (6 wins, 8 losses)

7. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – Had a poor season, finishing 7th with 10 points (5 wins, 9 losses)

8. Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) – Finished last with 10 points (5 wins, 9 losses), lower Net Run Rate than CSK

On the night of November 5, 2020, the air in Dubai was cool, the city lights glowing in the distance as Advay Rai drove toward the airport.

RCB had just finished their dominant league stage, but tonight, cricket wasn't on his mind.

He parked, leaned against the car, and checked his phone. Ananya's flight had just landed.

A few minutes later, she emerged from the terminal, pulling her suitcase behind her. Her eyes scanned the crowd, and the moment she spotted him, she smiled.

Advay smirked. "Took you long enough."

She rolled her eyes as she reached him. "I swear, if you say that one more time—"

Before she could finish, he pulled her into a hug.

She let out a small laugh, melting into him. "Missed me?"

"Not really," he murmured, but his arms didn't loosen.

She chuckled. "Liar."

He finally let go, grabbed her suitcase, and started walking toward the car.

Ananya smirked as she followed. "So, are you taking me to the hotel, or are you planning to leave me stranded here?"

Advay glanced back. "Depends. You going to keep talking the whole way?"

She shoved his arm lightly. "Shut up, Rai."

He smirked, opening the car door.

The playoffs could wait. Tonight, she was here.

Back at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, Advay swiped his keycard and pushed open the door, letting Ananya step in first.

She dropped her bag near the couch and stretched. "Finally. That flight was so long."

Advay smirked, kicking off his shoes. "Should've walked instead."

She shot him a glare. "You're lucky I'm too tired to fight you right now."

He chuckled, grabbing the room service menu from the table. "What do you want to eat?"

She flopped onto the bed. "Something that doesn't involve me moving."

"Lazy."

"Rich coming from the guy who plays cricket for a living and still calls running between the wickets 'too much effort.'"

He rolled his eyes but ordered pasta, fries, and some dessert. As they waited, Ananya scrolled through the TV options.

She glanced at him. "Movie?"

"Sure."

"What do you feel like watching?"

"Anything where people aren't talking too much."

"So no rom-coms?"

"Absolutely not."

She smirked, scrolling past the options before finally settling on an action thriller.

They sat back, the warm glow of the screen filling the room. Dinner arrived midway through the film, and they ate in comfortable silence, occasionally throwing in sarcastic remarks about the movie.

Somewhere between the action sequences and stolen bites of each other's food, the exhaustion of the day caught up to them.

As the movie ended, the dim glow of the screen flickered across the room. Ananya shifted slightly, stretching as she leaned into him.

Advay didn't say anything—he just pulled her closer, his hand resting at her waist. She glanced up at him, eyes soft, and before she could say anything, he kissed her.

Slow, warm, effortless—like it was the most natural thing in the world.

When they pulled away, she smiled against his lips. "Took you long enough."

He smirked, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You talk too much."

She rolled her eyes but settled against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her.

With the faint hum of the TV in the background, and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat under her cheek, they fell asleep—together.

The next evening, the RCB squad and their families gathered for a special team dinner. The atmosphere was lively—players, their wives, and girlfriends, all celebrating the team's dominant run into the playoffs.

At one corner of the room, Advay was deep in conversation with Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma.

Anushka smiled, arms crossed. "So, six centuries in the season already. You do realize you're making it impossible for bowlers to sleep at night?"

Advay smirked. "Not my problem."

Virat chuckled. "I keep telling him he's just annoying bowlers at this point. But I don't think he cares."

Anushka shook her head playfully. "He reminds me of someone else I know."

Virat raised an eyebrow. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Nearby, Ananya was chatting with Shubman Gill, who had joined them for the evening.

"You've really got no pressure, huh?" Shubman teased. "Dating the best player in the tournament, must be nice."

Ananya laughed. "Oh, trust me, he hears about it every day."

Shubman smirked. "You should remind him before every match. Might get him to score a double hundred next time."

She rolled her eyes. "Please don't give him ideas."

The night continued with laughter, conversations, and the sense that RCB was closer than ever—not just as a team, but as a family.

As the dinner carried on, Yuzvendra Chahal suddenly stood up, spoon in hand, grinning mischievously.

"Alright, boys and girls, it's time for Chahal TV—IPL Final Edition!"

The room erupted into laughter, some rolling their eyes, while Virat smirked. "Again?"

Chahal waved his makeshift mic. "Of course! We are one step away from the final, and we all know there are… certain stakes involved."

The players chuckled, knowing exactly what he meant.

Chahal pointed the spoon at Devdutt Padikkal. "Bhai, still ready to shave your head?"

Padikkal groaned. "Yes, Chahal. Can we not remind me every five minutes?"

Next, he turned to Virat Kohli. "Captain, tattoo parlor appointment booked?"

Virat smirked. "Only if we win."

Chahal then turned dramatically toward Advay, the entire table waiting.

"And finally, the biggest mystery of them all… Advay Rai, care to remind everyone what you promised?"

The room fell silent. All eyes on him.

Advay, calm as ever, leaned back in his chair and said, "It's a secret."

Chahal gasped. "Arre, yeh cheating hai! You can't keep it hidden!" (This is cheating! You can't keep it hidden!)

At that moment, some of the players—Virat, Morris, AB, even Gill—started giggling.

Advay's eyes narrowed. "I swear to God, if any of you reveal it, I'll opt out of the final."

The laughter immediately stopped.

Chahal froze, looking around in mock panic. "Okay okay, no one say anything!"

Virat, trying not to laugh, raised his hands. "Bhai, we're silent."

Ananya, sitting beside Anushka, just shook her head, smirking. "Interesting."

Advay shot one last glance around the table before smirking himself. "Good."

The conversation moved on, but the curiosity lingered in the air. Whatever Advay Rai was hiding, everyone knew—it was big.

As the laughter died down, the curiosity only grew stronger—especially among the wives and girlfriends.

Anushka leaned forward, eyes narrowing. "Okay, seriously. What is the big secret?"

Dhanashree, Chahal's wife, smirked. "Exactly. Why are all the guys giggling like schoolboys?"

Ananya, arms crossed, glanced at Advay. "Yeah, Advay. What exactly have you signed yourself up for?"

Advay kept his expression unreadable, sipping his drink like he hadn't heard anything.

Chahal, always one for drama, started tapping his spoon against the table. "Ohhh, look at him! So calm, so composed! But he knows the moment this gets out, the entire world will be watching!"

The wives turned to Virat, their best chance at getting an answer. Anushka raised an eyebrow at her husband. "Virat?"

Virat smirked but shook his head. "Nope. Not saying a word."

The players burst out laughing.

Ananya narrowed her eyes even further, leaning slightly toward Advay. "Rai, if you don't tell me, I will find out."

Advay finally looked at her, completely unfazed. "You can try."

The table oohed in unison, some chuckling, others watching the standoff unfold.

Ananya huffed but didn't break eye contact. Now, more than ever, she needed to know.

As soon as Ananya excused herself to the restroom, Anushka saw her chance.

"Alright, she's gone. Now tell me," she said, leaning forward, eyes locked onto Advay.

Chahal, AB, and the others also turned their attention to him, waiting.

Advay exhaled, setting his drink down. "Fine. But if any of you breathe a word of this before the final, I will make you regret it."

The table leaned in.

He glanced around once before saying, "If we win the IPL final, I'm proposing to Ananya. Same day. On the ground. Live on TV."