Emperor Of Cricket

Chapter 44

As they enjoyed their meal, the conversation between them remained light and effortless, flowing as naturally as the breeze around them. The city lights twinkled in the distance, adding an almost surreal quality to the moment.

At one point, Ananya twirled her fork in her pasta before glancing at him curiously. "Since it's our first date, I think it's only fair that I get to know you better."

Advay raised an eyebrow, wiping his mouth with a napkin before resting his elbow on the table. "Oh? You mean beyond what your sister has already told you?"

Ananya rolled her eyes. "Rysa knows you as a cricketer. I want to know you as a person."

Advay smirked slightly. "Fair enough. But if I'm telling you, you have to do the same."

She thought for a second before nodding in agreement. "Okay. You go first."

Advay leaned back, his gaze thoughtful for a moment before he started speaking.

"Well, I'd say I'm... calm, mostly. I don't react to things too quickly, I like to take my time observing before making a move. Whether it's in cricket or life, I'm more of a strategist than someone who acts impulsively."

Ananya, resting her chin on her palm, listened attentively. "That actually makes sense. You don't seem like the type to let emotions get the best of you."

Advay nodded slightly. "Exactly. I believe in controlling the situation rather than letting the situation control me."

Ananya tilted her head slightly, a hint of curiosity in her expression. "That's… kind of intimidating."

Advay chuckled. "Is it?"

She shrugged. "A little. But also impressive. It's not easy to stay that composed all the time."

Advay smirked, taking a sip of his drink before setting the glass down. "Well, your turn. Tell me about yourself."

Ananya thought for a moment before speaking. "Hmm… I guess I'm more of a free spirit. I like to live in the moment, enjoy things as they come. I don't think too far ahead, which, according to some people, is both a blessing and a curse."

Advay raised an eyebrow, amused. "So basically, the opposite of me."

She grinned. "Exactly. I don't overthink things too much. I trust my instincts, and if something feels right, I go for it."

Advay smirked, his green eyes studying her thoughtfully. "That explains a lot."

Ananya frowned playfully. "What's that supposed to mean?"

He shrugged. "Just that you seem like the kind of person who enjoys messing with people. A little mischievous, maybe?"

Ananya laughed, leaning back in her chair. "Guilty. I do like messing with people, but only the ones who can handle it."

Advay smirked. "Good to know. Anything else?"

She thought for a second before nodding. "I'm also very social. I love meeting new people, talking to different personalities. It keeps things exciting."

Advay hummed. "Makes sense. You blend into conversations so easily."

Ananya smiled. "I take that as a compliment."

He nodded, his gaze still steady on her. "It was meant to be."

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The wind was cool, the soft music playing in the background added to the atmosphere, and the flickering city lights made the rooftop feel like its own little world.

Ananya finally broke the silence, tilting her head slightly. "So… Mr. Strategic Thinker, what else do you have in that personality of yours?"

Advay smirked, leaning forward slightly. "Guess you'll just have to stick around and find out."

She raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a small smile. "Is that so?"

He simply grinned, picking up his fork again. "That's for you to decide."As Ananya twirled her fork in her pasta, Advay leaned back in his chair, watching her with an amused glint in his eyes.

Got it! Here's how the scene could go:

As the evening breeze flowed gently around them, Advay leaned back in his chair, watching Ananya as she played with the rim of her glass. After a brief pause, he asked, "So, tell me about your family."

Ananya glanced up, slightly surprised. "My family?"

Advay smirked. "Yeah. I feel like I should know a little more about the people who raised the girl who enjoys messing with me."

She rolled her eyes but smiled. "Alright, since you asked. My dad—Chunky Pandey—is an actor. He's been in the industry for years, mostly playing comic roles."

Advay nodded. "Yeah, I've heard of him. Always the funny guy in movies, right?"

Ananya laughed. "Exactly. He's the biggest goofball at home too. Always cracking jokes, always in a good mood—sometimes it's fun, sometimes it's just exhausting."

Advay chuckled. "And your mom?"

Ananya's expression softened. "Bhavana Pandey. She's the complete opposite of my dad—calm, composed, and the actual boss of the house. If dad is the one who brings the chaos, mom is the one who keeps everything in check."

Advay smirked. "So, she's the real powerhouse."

Ananya grinned. "Oh, absolutely. Nothing happens in our house without mom knowing about it first."

Advay leaned forward slightly, his curiosity growing. "And your sister?"

Ananya let out a small groan. "Rysa Pandey. She's younger than me but has the energy of ten people combined. Overdramatic, nosy, and somehow always knows everything before I do."

Advay raised an eyebrow. "So, the troublemaker of the family?"

Ananya sighed. "Completely. But she's also my biggest fan and my biggest headache at the same time."

Advay chuckled. "Sounds entertaining."

Ananya shook her head, laughing. "You say that because you don't have to deal with her daily."

Advay smirked. "Fair enough. But it sounds like your family is pretty close."

Ananya smiled, her voice softer now. "Yeah. We are."

Ananya set her fork down and leaned forward slightly, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Alright, enough about me. What about your family?"

Advay smirked, tilting his head. "You sure you want to know?"

She raised an eyebrow. "Why? Is your family some kind of top-secret government operation?"

Advay chuckled, shaking his head. "Not exactly. Just… don't be too shocked."

Ananya crossed her arms, intrigued. "Now you're making me curious. Spill."

He exhaled lightly before leaning back. "Alright. My father—Advay Rai—is the owner of Rai Groups. It's a multibillion-dollar conglomerate."

Ananya blinked. "Wait, Rai Groups? As in—one of the biggest business empires in the country? That Rai Groups?"

Advay smirked. "That's the one."

She stared at him for a second before shaking her head. "And you just casually drop this like it's nothing?"

He shrugged. "It's not really something I bring up in everyday conversation."

Ananya exhaled, still processing. "Okay… and your dad? What's he like?"

Advay's smirk softened slightly. "A lot like me. Calm, strategic, doesn't let emotions get in the way of decisions. He built everything from the ground up, so he's always three steps ahead of everyone."

Ananya hummed. "That explains a lot."

Advay chuckled. "Oh, we're not done yet. My mother—Ilana Ivanov—is a housewife. She's the heart of our family. Kind, caring, and the only person who can make my dad stop acting like a corporate machine."

Ananya smiled. "Sounds like she balances things out."

He nodded. "Completely. She's the reason our house feels like a home instead of a business boardroom."

Ananya smirked. "And what about your siblings?"

Advay exhaled dramatically. "Just one. Aditi Rai. My older sister… and also the current CEO of Rai Groups."

Ananya's eyes widened. "Wait, your sister runs the entire company?!"

He chuckled. "Yep. And trust me, if you think I'm intense, she's on a whole different level when it comes to business."

Ananya leaned back, shaking her head in disbelief. "Your entire family sounds ridiculously impressive."

Advay smirked. "Yeah, but Aditi's also chatty, funny, and—unfortunately—cares way too much about me."

Ananya grinned. "Let me guess—constantly checking up on you, giving unsolicited advice, acting like your second mom?"

Advay sighed. "You have no idea."

Ananya laughed. "I think I like her already."

He rolled his eyes. "Of course you do."

For a moment, she just stared at him, shaking her head slightly. "You really undersold how insane your family is."

Advay smirked. "I did warn you."

Ananya twirled a strand of her hair between her fingers and leaned forward slightly. "Alright, Mr. Record-Breaker, tell me—what are your hobbies?"

Advay, who had just taken a sip of water, casually replied, "I don't have any."

Ananya blinked. "Wait, what? Who doesn't have hobbies?"

He smirked. "Other than cricket, managing Swiggy takes quite a lot of time, you know."

Ananya frowned slightly, confused. "Wait… what do you mean by managing Swiggy?"

Advay leaned back, completely unfazed. "I mean exactly that. I own it."

She stared at him for a second, processing his words. "Hold on. You're telling me that Swiggy—the food delivery giant—Swiggy—is yours?"

He nodded, his expression completely casual. "Yeah. I founded it."

Ananya's mouth opened slightly before she shook her head. "No. No way. You're joking."

Advay smirked. "Am I?"

She leaned forward. "You're telling me that on top of being a cricketer, you also built one of the biggest food delivery companies in the country?!"

He shrugged. "Pretty much."

Ananya sat back in her chair, still trying to wrap her head around it. "This is insane. I was expecting, like… I don't know, reading, or maybe biking, but you just casually drop 'I run Swiggy' like it's a normal thing."

Advay chuckled. "Well, I did warn you not to be shocked."

She ran a hand through her hair, exhaling. "Okay, so let me get this straight. You're an IPL superstar, your dad owns a multibillion-dollar company, your sister runs it, and you, in your free time, decided to build Swiggy?"

He smirked. "When you put it like that, it does sound kind of excessive."

Ananya shook her head in disbelief. "Excessive? Advay, this is beyond excessive. Who even does that?!"

He chuckled. "Apparently, me."

She leaned forward, studying him curiously. "Okay, serious question—why cricket then? With Swiggy and your family's business, you could've just been a billionaire entrepreneur."

Advay's smirk softened slightly. "Because cricket is what I love. Business is great, but nothing compares to the rush of being on the field."

Ananya watched him for a second before smiling. "You know… you're probably the most ridiculously overachieving person I've ever met."

He smirked. "Glad to be at the top of your list."

She laughed. "Oh, trust me, you've set the bar impossibly high."

Advay simply raised an eyebrow. "Then I guess I'll have to keep exceeding expectations."

Ananya shook her head, still smiling. "You're unbelievable."

Advay smirked, taking another sip of water. "So I've been told."

By the time they finished eating, the clock had struck 9 PM. The city lights flickered in the distance as Advay and Ananya stepped out of the restaurant. The air was crisp, carrying the faint hum of nighttime traffic as they made their way to his car.

Ananya glanced at him curiously as he started the engine. "Where to now?"

Advay smirked but didn't answer, simply pulling out onto the road.

After about ten minutes, he pulled up in front of a small, old-school ice cream shop tucked into a quiet corner of the city. Unlike the high-end restaurant they had just left, this place had a nostalgic charm—simple wooden benches, faded signboards, and a cozy glow from the streetlights.

Ananya raised an eyebrow. "An ice cream shop?"

Advay nodded. "The best one in town."

The place was nearly empty, except for an elderly man behind the counter, wiping down the glass display. The moment he saw Advay, his face lit up with recognition.

"Arrey, beta! Look who's here!" the old man said warmly.

Ananya watched as Advay walked up to the counter and greeted him with genuine familiarity. They exchanged a few words in Kannada, the old man laughing heartily as they chatted. It wasn't a quick interaction—Advay seemed completely at ease, talking as if this was a regular visit rather than a casual stop.

Ananya, seated at one of the benches, rested her chin on her hand, watching with amusement. "Huh… so Mr. Record-Breaker is also Mr. Local Favorite."

A few minutes later, Advay returned, carrying two cups of ice cream. He handed one to her before sitting down next to her on the bench.

"So…" Ananya took a bite, then glanced at him. "You come here often?"

Advay smirked. "Used to. Haven't had time in a while."

She studied him for a second. "So, let me guess. This isn't just any ice cream shop, is it?"

Advay took a spoonful of his ice cream, nodding slightly. "Nope. This place has been around since I was a kid. My dad used to bring me here after my matches when I was still playing local tournaments."

Ananya smiled. "That's kind of… sweet, actually."

Advay shrugged. "Yeah, well. Some traditions are worth keeping."

For a moment, they sat there in comfortable silence, enjoying the simple joy of ice cream under the city lights.

After finishing their ice creams, Advay drove Ananya back to her house. The streets were quieter now, the city winding down for the night. The soft hum of the engine filled the silence as they cruised through the dimly lit roads.

Ananya, leaning slightly against the window, glanced at him. "So, let me get this straight. You break records for fun, run a billion-dollar company on the side, and apparently have a secret soft spot for old ice cream shops?"

Advay smirked, keeping his eyes on the road. "Everyone needs a little balance."

She chuckled. "Balance? You run Swiggy and smash bowlers for sixes. Where exactly is the balance in that?"

He glanced at her briefly. "Right now? It's in a simple drive after ice cream."

Ananya shook her head with a smile. "You're something else, you know that?"

Advay smirked. "I get that a lot."

A comfortable silence settled between them for a moment before Ananya spoke again, her voice softer this time. "Tonight was fun."

Advay glanced at her, his smirk turning into a small, genuine smile. "Yeah. It was."

She tapped her fingers lightly against her knee, then asked, "So, do you do this often?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Do what?"

She gestured slightly. "Take girls out for fancy dinners, ice cream, late-night drives—basically, be the perfect date."

Advay chuckled, shaking his head. "Can't say I do."

Ananya smirked. "Oh? So, I'm special?"

He shot her a sideways glance. "Let's just say… I don't usually make bets that lead to dinners."

She laughed softly. "Noted."

As they approached her house, the car slowed to a stop outside the entrance. Ananya unbuckled her seatbelt but didn't get out immediately. Instead, she turned to him. "So… what happens next?"

Advay leaned back slightly, resting his arm on the steering wheel. "That depends."

She raised an eyebrow. "On?"

He smirked. "On whether you plan on making me work for your number again."

Ananya laughed, shaking her head. "Relax, cricket boy. You've earned it."

She pulled out her phone, tapped the screen a few times, and a moment later, Advay's phone vibrated with a message. He glanced at the screen and smirked when he saw her name pop up.

Ananya Pandey: Don't get used to winning so easily.

He looked at her, amused. "I'll keep that in mind."

She opened the door, stepping out before pausing and leaning down slightly. "Goodnight, Advay."

He nodded. "Goodnight, Ananya."

She gave him one last smirk before shutting the door and walking toward her house. Advay watched her go for a second before shaking his head with a small chuckle, putting the car into gear, and driving off into the night.

Got it! Here's the revised version with the new title:

May 5, 2019

The IPL league stage had finally come to an end. After weeks of intense matches, nail-biting finishes, and record-breaking performances, RCB finished at the top of the table with 12 wins and just 2 losses.

It had been a whirlwind of a season for Advay Rai. In the nine matches since his record-breaking century against SRH, he had continued his dominance—adding two more centuries and four half-centuries to his name. Every time he stepped onto the field, the expectations grew, and every time, he delivered.

The media had crowned him the "Crown Prince of Indian Cricket." Analysts debated whether he was having the greatest debut season in IPL history, while fans filled stadiums just to witness his brilliance. His form was unreal. His confidence, unshaken. And RCB? They were heading into the playoffs as the strongest team in the tournament.

But amidst all the cricket, something else had changed in Advay's life.

His conversations with Ananya Pandey had become a daily habit. What started as casual texts had turned into long, late-night calls. They talked about everything—movies, childhood stories, random thoughts at 2 AM. He found himself looking forward to her messages just as much as he looked forward to stepping onto the field.

And it wasn't just conversations. Over the past few weeks, they had gone on two more dates.

One was a late-night drive along the outskirts of Bengaluru—windows down, music playing, the city lights fading behind them. They had stopped by a quiet roadside stall, sharing a plate of spicy chaat while arguing over which movie deserved the title of "best rom-com of all time."

The second was far more unexpected. Ananya had invited him to a private screening of a film, just the two of them in a luxury mini-theater. At first, he had teased her about it being "too cliché," but by the time the movie ended, he had to admit—it was one of the best nights he'd had in a long time.

Neither of them had defined what this was. Were they dating? Was it just fun? They hadn't talked about it.

But they didn't need to.

Because every time they were together, it just felt right.

As Advay sat in his hotel room, staring out at the city skyline, his phone buzzed beside him.

Ananya Pandey: You better win the playoffs. I don't go out with losers.

Advay smirked, shaking his head before typing a reply.

Advay Rai: Then I guess I don't have a choice, do I?

She replied instantly.

Ananya Pandey: Nope. See you after the next win.

He chuckled, locking his phone and leaning back against the chair.

The playoffs were next. The biggest test of all.

And for the first time in a long time, cricket wasn't the only thing on his mind.

IPL 2019 League Stage Standings (After 14 Matches)

Position

Team

Matches

Wins

Losses

Points

NRR

1

RCB

14

12

2

24

+1.85

2

Mumbai Indians (MI)

14

10

4

20

+1.12

3

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

14

9

5

18

+0.89

4

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

14

8

6

16

+0.45

5

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

14

7

7

14

-0.12

6

Rajasthan Royals (RR)

14

6

8

12

-0.34

7

Delhi Capitals (DC)

14

6

8

12

-0.41

8

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP)

14

5

9

10

-0.57

9

Royal Challengers Punjab (RPSG)

14

4

10

8

-0.82

10

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

14

3

11

6

-1.05