Chapter 96 :

Later that evening, as they sat together on the bed, Advay turned to Ananya, a playful yet serious look on his face.

"Hey, do you remember how I told you we'd renovate the 37th floor of the Swiggy office to be our new home?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Ananya nodded, a smile tugging at her lips as she remembered the conversation. "Of course, I do. You were so excited about it."

"Well," Advay began, "it kinda didn't work out." He paused, and Ananya looked at him, her curiosity piqued. "You know, we hired some new employees recently, and I thought it might be a bit weird to have our home right next to the office. So, yeah... plan changed."

Ananya nodded understandingly. "That makes sense," she said. But then Advay's eyes brightened as he added, "But don't worry. I got something even better for us."

Advay reached for his phone and pulled up some photos. He turned it towards Ananya with a grin. "Remember how you told me you wanted our house to be not too big and not too small? Well, I've bought us a place that's perfect."

As Ananya looked at the photos, her face lit up. "Advay, this is beautiful!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. The apartment in Kingfisher Towers, Bangalore, was absolutely stunning. The modern design, with its spacious living room, floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city, and sleek, elegant finishes, was everything Ananya had imagined. It felt like home—comfortable, stylish, and intimate.

"I knew you'd love it," Advay said, his smile widening as he watched her reaction.

Ananya leaned into him, her heart full. "This is amazing, Advay. I couldn't have asked for a better home. It's everything we dreamed of, and it feels just right."

Advay wrapped his arm around her, feeling an overwhelming sense of happiness. "I'm glad you love it. This is just the start of our new life together, and I want everything to be perfect for you."

Ananya rested her head on his shoulder, feeling the warmth of his love and the excitement of what lay ahead. "I'm so lucky to have you, Advay."

Advay gently pulled Ananya closer, their bodies fitting perfectly together. They shared a soft kiss, their hearts beating in sync. The day had been filled with joy and excitement, and now, in each other's arms, the world seemed to fade away. They held each other, basking in the warmth of their love, feeling peaceful and content.

As the night wore on, the only sound in the room was the soft rhythm of their breathing. They fell asleep in each other's embrace, knowing that together, they had built something truly special, not just today, but for the rest of their lives.

As their flight touched down in Bangalore, Advay and Ananya stepped off, still basking in the afterglow of their dream wedding in France. The journey had been long, but as they walked through the private airport exit, hand in hand, the excitement of starting their new life together was undeniable.

Waiting outside was Advay's sleek Aston Martin, the car gleaming under the warm Indian sun. He took their luggage effortlessly, placing it in the trunk before opening the door for Ananya with a smirk. "Welcome home, Mrs. Rai," he teased, slipping into the driver's seat.

Ananya shook her head with a smile. "Still sounds surreal," she murmured, lacing her fingers with his as he started the car.

They drove through the vibrant streets of Bangalore, the familiar energy of the city wrapping around them. But today, everything felt different—this was their home now, not just another visit.

As they pulled into the luxurious Kingfisher Towers, the security guards greeted Advay with deep respect, already aware of who he was. The elevator ride up was silent, filled with anticipation. When the doors slid open to their new home, Ananya gasped softly.

The spacious penthouse was fully furnished, just as Advay had planned. Elegant yet cozy, the apartment was a perfect mix of modern luxury and warmth. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking panoramic view of Bangalore, and the soft evening light made the entire space glow beautifully.

"You did all this?" Ananya turned to him, her eyes wide with admiration.

Advay smirked, slipping an arm around her waist. "Told you I had something better than the 37th floor of Swiggy HQ."

She chuckled, shaking her head. "You really don't do anything halfway, do you?"

"Not when it comes to you," he murmured, pressing a soft kiss on her forehead.

They walked through the beautifully designed living area, the plush neutral-tone furniture, a massive entertainment unit, and a cozy balcony with a stunning city view. The kitchen was sleek and fully equipped, the marble counters reflecting the soft glow of the under-cabinet lighting.

But the real showstopper was their bedroom—a minimalist yet luxurious space, with a king-sized bed, soft lighting, and a private balcony overlooking the city. A small reading nook near the window and a walk-in closet for Ananya had her gasping.

"This… this is perfect," she whispered, running her fingers over the soft bedding.

"Only the best for us," Advay replied, watching her with quiet satisfaction.

Ananya turned, looking at him with pure love in her eyes. "I still can't believe this is real."

Advay took her hand, pulling her closer. "Believe it," he whispered before capturing her lips in a slow, deep kiss.

For a moment, the world outside disappeared. It was just them—their new home, their new life, and their love.

As they finally pulled apart, Ananya grinned. "You know what this place needs?"

Advay raised an eyebrow. "What?"

She smirked. "A housewarming party."

He groaned playfully. "Can we at least enjoy it for a few days before inviting the chaos?"

Ananya laughed, resting her head against his chest. "Fine. Just us for now."

By February 20, 2021, Advay and Ananya had begun the process of making their new house truly feel like home.

Over the next week, they moved their belongings in, carefully unpacking and arranging everything to their liking.

Some things were changed almost immediately—the sofas, the mattresses, and certain pieces of décor that didn't quite match their vision.

They spent hours browsing through furniture stores and designer boutiques, picking out pieces that felt right.

Every day was a mix of settling in and making small changes.

They added warm lighting in the living room, selected the perfect rug for their bedroom, and found the ideal artwork for the walls.

Shopping trips became a regular thing, sometimes ending with late-night coffee runs and quiet drives through the city.

They debated over color schemes, laughed over Ananya's insistence on having a reading corner, and Advay's love for minimalism.

Eventually, they found a balance that suited them both.

By February 27, 2021, everything was finally in place.

Their home was exactly how they wanted it—elegant yet comfortable, luxurious yet personal.

It wasn't just a beautiful apartment anymore; it was their space, their sanctuary.

That evening, as they sat together on the couch, sipping coffee and watching the city lights twinkle through the floor-to-ceiling windows, there was a quiet sense of contentment between them.

Advay opted out of the England tour of India as he had just gotten married and wanted to spend time settling into his new life with Ananya.

The decision was met with understanding from the team management, who knew how much cricket he had played over the past year.

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rahul Dravid fully supported his choice, knowing that he deserved this break.

While the media speculated about his absence, most fans respected his decision, acknowledging that even the best players needed personal time.

For Advay, this was a rare moment to pause, enjoy his marriage, and fully embrace the new chapter of his life before returning to the game he loved.

On March 21, 2021, Advay received the official call-up to join the RCB camp for preparations ahead of the 2021 IPL season.

As soon as the news broke, social media exploded with excitement. For RCB fans, their hero was back.

The players and staff were thrilled. Advay wasn't just a part of the team—he was their biggest star, the man who had carried them through heartbreak and triumph.

They still remembered 2019, when RCB fell short in the final, needing six off the last ball. Advay had struck it clean, but the ball landed just inside the boundary, resulting in only a four. The pain of that loss had haunted him, the team, and the fans.

But then came 2020—the same scenario, the same pressure. This time, when the final ball was bowled, Advay launched it out of the stadium, sealing RCB's first-ever IPL title. That moment had cemented his legacy forever.

Now, as he prepared to return to camp, there was a different kind of pressure—to defend the title, to do it all over again. But for Advay, it was just another challenge, and he was ready.

The next day, on March 22, 2021, Advay arrived at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where RCB held their training sessions.

As he stepped out of his car and walked toward the practice nets, the staff and younger players couldn't hide their excitement. His presence alone brought a different energy—this was the man who had carried them to their first-ever IPL trophy.

Before heading to the nets, he took a moment to greet the new additions to the squad, shaking hands and exchanging a few words with each of them. He made sure they felt welcome, knowing how important it was to integrate them into the team's culture.

Then, as he made his way further inside, he spotted AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli, two of his closest teammates. A grin spread across his face as he walked over.

"Look who finally decided to show up," Virat teased, smirking as he pulled Advay into a hug.

AB laughed, giving Advay a firm handshake before pulling him in for a quick embrace. "The man, the myth, the legend," he joked. "Ready to win us another title?"

Advay smirked. "You know it."

The reunion was short but filled with warmth, a reminder of the bond they shared. Soon after, he turned to the coaching staff, greeting head coach Simon Katich, batting coach Sanjay Bangar, and bowling coach Adam Griffith.

"Good to have you back, champ," Katich said, patting him on the back.

Advay simply nodded. "Let's get to work."

On April 8, 2021, a day before their first match, the entire RCB squad gathered for a team lunch at a private section of a high-end restaurant in Chennai. The atmosphere was relaxed yet filled with anticipation, as everyone knew the tournament was about to begin.

Players sat around in groups, chatting, laughing, and discussing everything from cricket to random banter. Virat and AB de Villiers were deep in conversation about strategies, while Yuzvendra Chahal was busy pulling pranks on some of the younger players. The new additions were starting to blend in, getting more comfortable with the team.

Advay sat across from Glenn Maxwell, who had joined RCB that season. They had been talking about cricket, but their conversation had drifted into something else entirely.

"You know, mate," Maxwell said, smirking, "you have this whole calm, composed thing going on, but I've seen your highlights. You play like a man possessed."

Advay chuckled, taking a sip of his drink. "Controlled aggression. I like being in charge of the situation."

Maxwell nodded. "I get that. But that six you hit last year to win the final? That was next-level stuff. What was going through your mind?"

Advay smirked. "Just one thought—'Not this time.' I wasn't letting it slip away again."

Maxwell grinned, shaking his head. "Cold-blooded. I love it."

Nearby, Mohammed Siraj and Navdeep Saini were arguing about who had the fastest yorker, while Harshal Patel joked that it didn't matter as long as the batsmen missed it. The energy in the room was light-hearted, but beneath it all, there was a shared focus—they were here to win.

As the lunch wrapped up, Virat clapped his hands together. "Alright, boys. Tomorrow, we start our title defense. Let's make it count."

The team responded with nods and smiles, a quiet confidence settling over them. They were ready.

As the lunch continued, Yuzvendra Chahal, never one to miss a chance for entertainment, grabbed a spoon from the table and held it up like a microphone.

"Welcome, welcome to Chahal TV!" he announced loudly, making some of the players laugh while the rest groaned, already knowing what was coming.

He turned the "mic" toward Virat first. "Captain saab, who are you most looking forward to playing against this season?"

Virat smirked, playing along. "Every team, Chahal. But if I had to pick… Mumbai Indians. Big matches, big moments."

Chahal nodded dramatically. "A diplomatic answer, as expected. Moving on!" He turned to AB de Villiers. "AB bhai, what about you?"

AB chuckled. "I think Delhi Capitals. Some exciting bowlers there."

Chahal moved on, pointing the spoon at Glenn Maxwell. "Maxi, your turn!"

Maxwell leaned in with a smirk. "KKR. Always fun to smash some sixes against them."

The players laughed, and Chahal continued his journey around the table.

When he got to Advay, he grinned mischievously. "And now, the man who carried RCB to glory last year! Advay bhai, who are you looking forward to playing?"

Advay leaned back, smirking slightly. "Doesn't matter who it is. Whoever bowls to me, I'm looking forward to them."

The table erupted in laughter, while Chahal staggered back dramatically. "Arre, bhai! Confidence level: infinity!"

Even Virat laughed, shaking his head. "You really walked into that one, Chahal."

Chahal sighed, pretending to wipe a tear. "This is why I should've been a batsman instead of a bowler."

The interview continued with more jokes and playful roasting, lightening the mood before the real battle began the next day.

After lunch, Advay returned home around 5 PM, unlocking the door to find Ananya sitting on the couch, comfortably wrapped in a blanket, watching TV.

She glanced up as he entered, a small smile forming on her lips. "You're back," she said, shifting slightly to make space for him.

Advay didn't say anything—he just walked over, sat next to her, and immediately pulled her into a hug. Ananya let out a soft laugh, leaning into his embrace, resting her head against his shoulder.

"How was lunch?" she asked, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on his arm.

"Good," he murmured, his voice relaxed. "Chahal was running around with a spoon, doing interviews for Chahal TV."

Ananya chuckled. "Of course, he was. What was the question this time?"

Advay smirked. "Who we were looking forward to playing against. I told him, 'Whoever bowls to me.'"

Ananya pulled back slightly, raising an eyebrow. "Of course, you did. Typical Mr. Confident."

He shrugged. "It's the truth."

She shook her head, amused. "And how's the team?"

"They're in good spirits. Everyone's ready. Maxwell and I were talking for a bit—he brought up last year's final."

Ananya smiled. "That six is never going to be forgotten, you know."

Advay chuckled. "I know."

She curled back into his arms, letting out a content sigh. "Tomorrow's the first match, right?"

"Yeah," he nodded. "First step to defending the title."

She tilted her head up to look at him. "You nervous?"

Advay smirked. "Do I ever get nervous?"

Ananya rolled her eyes. "I had to ask."

He kissed the top of her head. "Just another match, Ananya."

She smiled softly, hugging him a little tighter. "Then go win it."

Advay glanced down at Ananya, still holding her close. "Are you hungry?" he asked.

She tilted her head up, giving him a small smile. "Yeah, a little."

He smirked. "Come on, then. I'll make something."

Ananya sat up, stretching her arms as she watched him get up and walk toward the kitchen. "What's on the menu, Chef Rai?" she teased.

"Chicken fried rice," he said casually, rolling up his sleeves.

Her eyes lit up. "Ooh, I like where this is going."

As Advay moved around the kitchen, effortlessly chopping vegetables, seasoning the chicken, and handling the wok with expert precision, Ananya sat on a stool near the counter, resting her chin on her hand as she watched him.

"You know, it's honestly unfair," she said, shaking her head. "You're ridiculously good at way too many things."

He smirked, tossing the rice in the pan with ease. "I like being good at things that make you happy."

She let out a soft laugh. "Smooth answer, Mr. Rai."

Within minutes, the rich aroma of perfectly cooked chicken fried rice filled the air. He plated the food and brought it over to the couch, handing her a bowl before sitting next to her with his own.

They started eating, the warmth of the meal adding to the cozy atmosphere of their evening.

"So, tell me," Ananya said between bites, "who do you think is going to give you the most trouble this season?"

Advay took a sip of water, thinking for a moment. "Probably Mumbai. Their bowling attack is strong. Bumrah's always a challenge."

She nodded. "And the team? Feeling good about it?"

He smirked. "With me opening, of course."

Ananya rolled her eyes, laughing. "I should've known that was coming."

They continued eating, talking about the match, the season ahead, and random little things in between. It was moments like these—just them, good food, and easy conversation—that made everything feel perfect.

On April 9, 2021, the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai was buzzing with energy as the IPL 2021 season opener between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians was about to begin. The stands, though not completely packed due to restrictions, were filled with passionate fans, their cheers and chants echoing through the stadium. RCB's red and black flags waved proudly, while the Mumbai Indians supporters, draped in blue, countered with their own loud roars.

The atmosphere was electric, the anticipation palpable as the two teams lined up for the toss. Rohit Sharma flipped the coin, and Virat Kohli called, but the luck favored Mumbai.

"We'll bowl first," Rohit announced, a confident smirk on his face. The Mumbai dugout cheered.

Harsha Bhogle's voice carried through the commentary box. "Well, no surprises there! The trend at Chepauk suggests chasing is the safer option, and Mumbai Indians are backing themselves to do just that."

Ricky Ponting, analyzing the decision, nodded. "It's a good call. The pitch does get slightly better under lights, but RCB have a power-packed batting lineup. If Mumbai don't strike early, it could get dangerous."

In the RCB camp, there was no hesitation. Virat Kohli and Advay Rai, the team's explosive opening duo, grabbed their bats and began the walk to the middle. The stadium erupted as the two giants of the game stepped onto the field.

"Here we go!" Sunil Gavaskar exclaimed in the commentary box. "RCB's superstar pair—Virat Kohli, the king, and Advay Rai, the man who won them the IPL last season—are out to open!"

Harsha Bhogle added with a chuckle, "And you just know all eyes will be on Advay today. The hero of last year's final, the man who sent the last ball out of the stadium—can he start this season with the same magic?"

The Mumbai Indians players took their positions, their field set, as Jasprit Bumrah marked his run-up with the new ball in hand.

The tension in the air was undeniable. The IPL had begun.