22 - The Story of Love [Completed]

3. Dreams

The Lord's Cricket Ground in London was one of the most popular and historic cricket grounds in the world. For any emerging or settled sports player and for anyone interested in cricket dreamt of visiting this historic ground once in their life.

He had also dreamt of this day in his life. Despite being in England's national team, all of the games he played were coincidentally either in a different cricket ground or abroad. But today, he was finally getting to be in the place he had always admired. Daniel's eyes were shining with excitement and enthusiasm, the thrilled smile had a sparkle to it. He was so happy to be doing what he loves so much.

After a whole month of no formal cricket, he was back with his team to begin the International Cricket Series with Pakistan. The first few matches were T20s and the preparation and training had been going on for the past two weeks. Both teams were hopeful and determined to get a win on board to give a confident start to their team morale.

The English team was escorted to the left of the ground to team rooms and lockers so they could change and prepare for the game meanwhile Pakistan's cricket team was escorted to the right. Both teams and their key players had some interviews to do in the early afternoon as the game was not meant to start until 5pm. Players from both Pakistan and England would be divided in pairs and would be directed to give interviews to a British and a Pakistani sports presenters team.

In his changing room, Daniel opened his bag and pulled out his national team's shirt and stared at it for a few moments as his lips curled into a smile. He had come a long way. Turning the side of the shirt, he looked at his favourite number written in a large font: 22.

Twenty-two was more than a number for Daniel. It was the date of his mother's birth, it was also important because it was on the 22nd of January when he played his very first cricket game as a National English player, it was on the 22nd of March when he first scored his century in a game against South Africa. Today, on the 22nd of May, little did the oblivious Daniel knew that this day too was going to be a memorable day and his list of reasons for loving twenty-two will get an addition. Because someone on the other side of the very same cricket ground was preparing for her first interview with an international team in a foreign country.

Hoorain and her team had just arrived at the cricket ground about an hour earlier than the teams because they had to plan ahead for the interviews. London was beautiful at the first sight. She loved the buzz, the crowds, the cheerful movement of people from all backgrounds who were visiting from all corners of the world. This trip was going to involve a lot for her, a lot more than what she had seen before, but she was looking forward to it. Her experience in sport analysis had brought her on an international stage. A smile was constantly playing on her lips just by looking around the cricket ground and thinking about all that was going good in her life. Anya stared at her for a few moments and then tried catching her attention by starting a conversation.

"Oh hello! Look at that smile and the vibe you are giving out, what's the matter?"

"Nothing, just really happy to be here. Thank you for thinking of me when you guys were choosing the team to travel here, I will always be grateful to you for this opportunity."

"Don't be silly. You are exceptionally talented, and you deserve to be here right now covering this event with us. You have a bright future ahead of you my love. Just never give up!"

"I won't. Not after coming this far."

She had said it with a new determination on her face.