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The above song is 'Pardesiya' from the movie 'Soorma'

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So this is the future story that I've been working on for the past few weeks.

It's going to be a three-part story, so I hope you guys enjoy it all the way through.

~~~~~~~

A few years later the Indian Men's team is playing a test match in Ranchi while the Indian Women were on a break before their next series.

Siya had not been feeling well in the morning, so she had been ordered to stay at home by the overprotective men in her life.

She had tried to argue, but the sudden urge to puke early in the morning had not helped her case at all.

Unfortunately even her niece hears about her poor health, so during breakfast Ziva says, "Bui, if you stay at home and rest today then I promise Papa will take both of us for ice cream after I come back from work?"

Mahi raises an eyebrow and asks, "When did I agree to this?"

Ziva pouts cutely and replies, "Please Papa. I have a half day today and Bui is sad about missing Buddy's match."

Siya almost smirks at her niece's emotional blackmail while her brother tries to avoid looking at her for a few moments before he sighs and says, "Okay fine. I'll take you both out for some ice cream."

Sakshi dryly comments, "And you wonder why I accuse you of being too soft on your girls. You spoil them too much."

Mahi argues, "Hey, it's not like I do this all the time. Besides it's my birthright to spoil my Gudiya and my princess."

Sakshi raises an eyebrow and says, "You know if you keep doing this, then you're raising Ziva's expectations from her future boyfriends. We're lucky that Siya found someone to spend her life with."

Mahi replies, "Hey, if a boy can't treat my daughter like the princess that she is, then he doesn't deserve her anyway."

Sakshi simply shakes her head before turning to her daughter and says, "Just finish your breakfast quickly otherwise you'll be late for work."

Ziva quickly finishes off her breakfast before kissing her father and aunt on the cheek and running out with her mother.

~~~~~~~

Later Mahi helps his sister back to her bedroom and tucks her in, ignoring her protest of being old enough to do it herself.

Siya pouts until her brother sits beside her and says, "Aaj mujhe meri Gudiya ka dhyaan rakhne de. Bahut din ho gaye hai. (Today let me take care of my Gudiya. It's been too long.)"

Mahi smiles upon seeing his sister move to place her head in his lap and he starts caressing her hair.

Siya asks, "Aapne mujhe bahut miss kiya na (You missed me a lot, right)?"

Mahi smiles and replies, "Ab tere har tour pe toh nahi aa sakta na. Zaroori kaam hote hai yahaan. (It's not like I can come for every tour of yours. I have some important work here.)"

Siya says, "Agar itna miss karte ho toh kabhi bata diya karo. Aa jaaungi main aise hi thoda laad karne aapke paas. (If you miss me so much then just tell me. I'll come to be pampered by you like this.)"

Mahi chuckles lightly and replies, "Tera jab bhi kabhi man kare aa jaya kar. Main tujhe kabhi mana karunga kya? (You can come whenever you feel like it. Will I ever deny your wish?)"

Siya smiles and says, "Done lekin agar Bhabhi kuch bolegi toh fir aapko sambhaalna padega (Done but then if Bhabhi says anything then you only handle her)."

Mahi replies, "Zyaada dhyaan mat dena uski baato par (Don't pay much attention to everything that she says)."

They start talking about random things until Siya doses off and Mahi continues to watch over her, reminiscing over their special memories.

~~~~~~~

A few hours later Siya starts waking up and Mahi softly asks, "Abhi better lag raha hai kya Gudiya (Are you feeling better now Gudiya)?"

Siya smiles and replies, "Ha (Yes) Bhaiya, don't worry. Waise aapne ice cream promise ki hai toh bhoolna mat (By the way you promised me ice cream so don't forget about that)."

Mahi chuckles and says, "Le jaaunga ice cream khilaane, don't worry. Tumhe apni tabiyat theek lag rahi hai ya nahi yeh batao pehle. (I'll take you for ice cream don't worry. First tell me if you are feeling better right now.)"

Siya replies, "Shayad thakaan ki wajah se subah theek nahi lag raha tha. Ab rest kar liya toh better lag raha hai. (Maybe because of tiredness I wasn't feeling well in the morning. Now that I'm rested, I feel much better.)"

Mahi nods and says, "Theek hai fir abhi Ziva ko pick up karne ka time ho raha hai toh taiyaar ho jaao jaldi se (Okay fine now it's almost time to pick Ziva up so get ready quickly)."

Siya squeals in excitement before running to get dressed while Mahi simply shakes his head, chuckling at his little sister's antics.

~~~~~~~

About an hour later, Mahi found himself driving to their regular ice cream parlour, while his little girls were busy chatting about various things in the backseat.

It had always amazed him to see how the women in his life always had so much to talk about every time they met whether it was after a few months or a few hours.

They had breakfast together and it was just after lunch, but somehow both Siya and Ziva had a ton of topics to continuously discuss about.

Mahi kept listening to the two girls while replying occasionally as he continued to drive them to their favourite ice cream shop as promised in the morning.

Ziva then started telling them about the surgery she had been selected to assist in the following week.

Mahi had initially been a little surprised at his daughter's decision to become an orthopaedic surgeon, but her specialisation in sports injuries wasn't all that shocking.

The girl had seen quite a few sports related injuries over the years with three professional athletes living under the same roof as her, so it made sense for her to be interested in helping other people with similar problems.

They soon pulled into the ice cream parlour's parking area and the girls squealed before running inside to place their orders.

Mahi slowly followed suit before making the payment and they all take a seat on one of the nearby tables.

Suddenly his phone rings with a call from his wife so Mahi moves slightly away to take the call.

Once the call is received Sakshi asks, "Mahi, tum logo ne news toh nahi dekhi hai na abhi (Mahi, you guys haven't seen the news yet, have you)?"

Mahi replies, "Hum toh abhi bas ice cream khaane aaye hai. News kyu dekhenge? (We just came to have some ice cream. Why will we see the news?)"

Sakshi says, "Please don't let the girls watch the news right now"

Mahi asks in a confused tone, "But why?"

Sakshi replies, "Shub got hurt in the match. Sachin Paaji said that they are taking him to the hospital right now."

Mahi almost drops the phone upon hearing this before he asks, "How bad is it?"

Sakshi replies, "Really bad. Main nahi chaahti ki Siya pareshaan ho toh please usko match se related koi bhi news mat dekhne dena (I don't want to worry Siya so please don't let her see any news related to the match)."

Mahi turns around to check on the girls when he notices that they were looking at something on one of their phones with a grave expression and says, "I think it's a little too late for that. Kaunse hospital me leke gaye hai Shub ko (Which hospital have they taken Shub to)?"

Sakshi sighs and tells her husband the name of the hospital before informing him that she'll also be joining him there soon.

Mahi walks back to their table and says, "I know that you both have seen the news so let's go now."

Siya looks up to her brother with teary eyes and asks, "Bhaiya, Shubi theek toh ho jaayega na (Bhaiya, Shubi will get better, right)?"

Mahi lovingly caresses his sister's head and replies, "I hope so Gudiya. Come on now."

Siya nods with teary eyes and they make their way to the car.

Mahi quickly drives them to the hospital while Ziva tries her best to console her Bui.

~~~~~~~

Upon reaching the hospital, Mahi safely guides his sister and daughter towards Shubman's room.

Sachin Paaji was waiting outside the hospital room when they finally arrived.

Siya immediately runs up to him and asks, "Paaji, Shubi ko kya hua? Woh theek toh hai na? (Paaji, what happened to Shubi? He's fine, right?)"

Sachin Paaji replies in a grave tone, "Shub took a bouncer on his arm. I'm pretty sure his bone has been dislocated."

Mahi asks, "What did the doctor say?"

Sachin Paaji replies, "They're trying to set his bone back in place, but they think there could be more damage. Hopefully they'll have more information soon."

They wait patiently for some time, during which Jammy Bhai also arrives and then a doctor comes out asking for them.

Sachin Paaji and Mahi come forward to talk to the doctor who says, "We've fixed the bone, but he's got a lot of muscle damage in his arm as well. I'm afraid it's going to be a really difficult road to recovery for him so that he can at least regain some mobility in his arm."

Siya nervously asks, "But he will get better, right? He will be able to play again eventually, right?"

The doctor gravely replies, "I can't say for sure. His recovery depends on him, but I'm not very hopeful. The muscle damage is extensive and I'm afraid he might just barely get some mobility back for his day-to-day activities."

Siya turns to her brother with teary eyes as the doctor leaves and says, "Bhaiya, he won't like this. Toot jaayega woh yeh sunke (He'll be broken after listening to this)."

Mahi immediately takes his sister in his arms and replies, "Don't worry Gudiya. Everything will be fine. Tera Shubi zaroor khelega firse (Your Shubi will most definitely play again)."

Siya innocently asks, "Promise?"

Mahi kisses her forehead lovingly and replies, "Pakka promise. Main hoon na (I'm here). I'll make sure that Shub makes a complete recovery."

Sachin Paaji says in a low and stern voice, "Mahi, zara do minute ke liye side me aana (Mahi, just come on the side for two minutes). I want to talk to you."

Mahi nods and follows both his older brothers having an inkling to what they might want to talk to him about.

Jammy Bhai stands wordlessly while Sachin Paaji says, "Dimaag kharaab hai kya tumhara (Are you mad)? How can you promise something like this to Siyu? You don't even know the extent to Shub's injuries and you think you can get him back on the field. Doctor ko bhi nahi lagta ki Shub firse khel sakta hai aur tune aisa promise de diya Siya ko (The doctor also doesn't think that Shub can make a comeback and you promised this to Siya). What happens when you can't fulfil this promise?"

Mahi calmly replies, "Paaji, I understand your concern, but I'll do my best to help Shub. I made the promise because Siya needs the reassurance right now."

Jammy Bhai asks, "But what happens if things don't go your way?"

Mahi sighs and replies, "I don't know Bhai, but I will still try my best. Paaji, you made a comeback after your tennis elbow injury so I'm sure we can help Shub also. Mujhe nahi pata ki yeh sab kaise hoga lekin Shub ka comeback karna zaroori hai (I don't know how, but Shub's comeback is important)."

Sachin Paaji says, "You do remember that I almost didn't comeback. Muscle damage is not a small thing. What were you thinking?"

Mahi calmly replies, "I understand that Paaji, but I also know that Shub's comeback is very important for my Gudiya. I'll do whatever I can to make this happen."

With that he walks back to his sister leaving a fuming Sachin Paaji behind.

Sachin Paaji angrily turns to his best friend and asks, "Why isn't he understanding the issue here? Since when did he become so unreasonable and stupid?"

Jammy Bhai calmly replies, "Mahi isn't wrong in his place. If Shub can't play anymore then maybe Siya might also think about taking retirement. You know how much they love to play together. I understand your point of view and so does Mahi, but right now he's also an older brother who's worried about both of his kids. Mahi is also scared about the uncertainty of all this, but he's trying to be strong for our Siyu. Sachin, he really needs our support right now."

Sachin Paaji sighs and says, "Fine, I'll try to help. Maybe we can find some expert to help out with Shub's rehab."

Jammy Bhai smiles and pats his best friend on the back before they both go to join the others.

Sakshi had also arrived and was trying her best to help his little sister feel better.

Ziva was talking to her father in hushed tones while Mahi kept looking back at his sister every now and then.

Sachin Paaji could clearly see the concern in his kid's eyes and decided to have a chat with Shub's doctor along with getting a second opinion.

~~~~~~~

Sometime later Shub was allowed to have visitors and Siya immediately ran into her husband's room.

The other followed slowly to give the poor girl some time alone to reassure herself that her Shubi was fine.

Mahi was a little worried about how Shub would react considering the fact that the doctor had informed them that he knew about the extent of his injury.

They entered the room to find Siya reassuring her husband about him making a comeback soon while Shub simply smiled in response.

Mahi could clearly see the pain behind the young man's smile and it was quite clear to him that Shub didn't really believe that he could make a complete recovery.

Sakshi also noticed this and shared a look of concern with her husband who just squeezed her hand in response.

Ziva quietly slips out of the room after seeing all this while Mahi goes to his sister and gets involved in their conversation.

Sachin Paaji leaves the room to find his niece outside talking to two doctors.

Upon closer inspection he realised that one was Shubman's doctor while the other was unknown to him.

He tried to eavesdrop and caught a small portion of the conversation where Ziva seemed to be pleading for a chance to the unknown doctor.

Just then he hears the unknown doctor say, "But Dr Dhoni, what you're asking to do is a physiotherapist's job. You're working to become a surgeon here, so I don't understand why you would want to do this."

Ziva replies, "I understand that Sir but think of it as a learning experience for me about post operation care. We can agree that this is a special case and there's a possibility for another surgery. I just want to keep an eye on things so that we can avoid it. Also it'll be better for us to keep an eye so that there are no complications later because I can guarantee that the patient will try his best to get back on the field. Athletes are known for being a little reckless when it comes to their sport."

Shubman's doctor says, "Dr Dhoni makes an excellent point. Sports injuries tend to become worse mostly because the athletes always try to push themselves which makes their injuries worse."

The unknown doctor sighs and asks, "Are you absolutely sure about this? Also do you think that you'll be able to identify any complications that might occur?"

Ziva nods and replies, "Yes Sir. I've seen my own father push himself multiple times despite being advised against it by his team physio. I can identify any signs of discomfort and I'll keep a close eye on the patient. If there's any issue that I can't handle myself, I'll immediately bring him in."

The unknown doctor smiles and says, "Alright then congratulations on getting your first patient. You're one of my top students so I'm sure you'll do a good job. Getting the patient back on the field is going to be extremely difficult, but I don't think it's completely impossible. You'll have to analyse the perfect way to get the job done without straining his arm too much. If he ends up pushing himself too hard before he's ready, then the damage can become irreversible. Muscle injuries are a little tricky to deal with, but I trust you to handle it. Good luck doctor."

Ziva nods and replies, "Thank you Sir"

The two doctors then walk away discussing something amongst themselves.

Sachin Paaji makes his presence known and asks, "Yeh kya tha waise (What was that)?"

Ziva smiles sheepishly and replies, "Buddy ki recovery me help karna tha mujhe. Official permission leli hai abhi toh aaram se sab kaam khud kar sakti hu. Mere mentor ko lagta hai ki comeback possible hai lekin advised nahi hai kyuki woh athletes ko jaante hai. (I wanted to help with Buddy's recovery. I have taken official permission so that I can work on this on my own. My mentor thinks that a comeback is possible, but it is not advised because he knows how athletes are.)"

Sachin Paaji nods and says, "That makes sense. No pressure for comeback means that recovery goes on properly."

Ziva replies, "Exactly. Papa ka toh maine dekha hi hai toh Buddy ko yeh definitely nahi batana hai (I have seen Papa so I'm not telling this to Buddy for sure). He'll definitely be trying, so my job is to stop him before he hurts himself even more."

Sachin Paaji nods in agreement before they both go back to the room where Ziva informs them about being assigned as Shub's official doctor for his recovery.

Mahi doesn't show it, but he was relieved to know that his daughter will be looking after Shub because that meant that the boy couldn't possibly try to boss around his doctor to get things his way.

Ziva might be young, but she knew how to push back when she knew and believed that she was right in her place.

Shubman's recovery would continue at a pace that his body allows and hopefully he might just make it back on the field.

~~~~~~~

A few weeks pass and Shubman is finally able to do his everyday tasks without much trouble.

Ziva makes him do multiple exercises to improve his arm strength without straining his muscles further.

Siya also does whatever she can to support her husband while Shubman simply tries to keep a positive mindset.

Mahi keeps researching on ways to help and suggesting some training techniques to his daughter to look over.

Almost two months after his injury, Shubman tries to lift his bat but fails miserably.

Mahi tries to convince the young man to not give up, but it was quite clear from the boy's demeanour that Shub had lost all hope.

Siya also picks up on this and thinks about skipping her upcoming series to be there for her husband.

She decides to have a chat with her Bhabhi about this since the girl felt that only she would understand her emotions properly.

~~~~~~~

A few days later Siya brings up the topic and Sakshi is surprised to hear about the plan to skip the next series and asks, "Siyu, are you sure?"

Siya replies, "Bhabhi, please try to understand my point of view. Main nahi chaahti ki Shubi aise situation me akela rahe (I don't want Shubi to be alone in these circumstances). I know that you all are here, but I also want to be there for him."

Sakshi sighs and says, "I understand your point of view, but I also know that both Mahi and Shub will not be happy with this decision of yours."

Siya replies, "Bhabhi, please just help me convince them. Bas ek series ki hi toh baat hai (It's just a matter of one series)."

Suddenly they hear a familiar voice from the door, "Unbelievable"

The two ladies turn around to find their respective husbands standing there.

Mahi shoots his sister a disappointed glare and says, "Maine kabhi yeh nahi socha tha ki meri behen apne desh ko second priority degi (I never thought that my own sister would put her country as her second priority). You didn't even think about talking to me before taking such an important decision. Mere retirement ke decision pe toh itna gussa ho gayi thi lekin ab khud mujhe kuch nahi bataya (You were so angry at my decision to retire but now you yourself didn't tell me anything)."

Siya replies, "Bhaiya, it's not like that. I was going to talk to you before finalising anything. I prom-"

Mahi cuts her off, "That's not what it sounded like. Now if you'll excuse me, I have more important things to do."

With that he turned around and left while Siya helplessly calls out after him.

Shubman slowly enters the room and takes a seat next to his wife who looked at him with teary eyes.

Sakshi reassuringly pats her little sister's back while Shubman says, "Bhaiya ka gussa jaawaz hai (Bhaiya's anger is understandable). Unnecessary breaks should not be taken like this. If you're just worried about leaving me alone then I'll come with you. You shouldn't put your career on hold on account of my injury."

Siya nervously asks, "What do you think I should do?"

Shubman sighs and replies, "If you wish to take a break during WPL then it's fine, but don't miss any international matches."

Siya nods before turning to her Bhabhi and asks, "Bhaiya ab mujhse baat nahi karenge kya (Will Bhaiya not talk to me now)?"

Sakshi smiles sympathetically and replies, "He probably won't until he's calm. Iss baar thode zyaada gusse me lag rahe hai toh bas thoda time lag sakta hai (This time he seems to be a bit too angry so it might take some time). Just don't lose hope. Mahi anyways can't stay mad at you for very long."

Siya simply nods in response while silently wishing for her brother to be calm before she has to leave.

~~~~~~~

Unfortunately for Siya, Mahi hadn't let go of his anger until the day she was supposed to leave for her series.

Shubman was travelling with his wife while Ziva had decided to stay back and look for new ways to help with his rehab.

Siya was given a long list of instructions and exercises for her husband to continue working on his recovery.

Mahi had refused to see his sister off like he normally did, resulting in Siya leaving with teary eyes.

Sakshi felt bad about the circumstances, but she didn't dare interfere in the matter because she knew how stubborn the brother-sister duo could be.

~~~~~~~

Unknown to the others, Mahi was actually watching his two kids leave from upstairs as he tried to stay strong in his decision to give his Gudiya the silent treatment.

It was extremely difficult for him, but he needed her to understand that she couldn't take emotional decisions like this.

Mahi wanted his Gudiya to understand that no matter what she couldn't get emotional and take important decisions like these.

It was necessary to be objective while taking decisions to ensure that one takes a sensible and well thought out decision.

Siya's decision-making ability not only affected her personal life, but also her career.

Mahi refused to let her lose sight of objectivity, even for a brief moment.

~~~~~~~

On the way, Siya turns to her husband and asks, "Shubi, Bhaiya mujhse kuch zyada hi gussa hai na (Shubi, Bhaiya is really angry with me, right)?"

Shubman smiles sympathetically and replies, "I think you should try to understand why he's angry first. Tumhare hisaab se Bhaiya kis baat se gussa hai (According to you why is Bhaiya angry)?"

Siya thinks for a moment and says, "He could be angry because I didn't tell him that I was thinking about this. Bhaiya even brought up his retirement."

Shubman nods and replies, "That is definitely possible, but I don't think that's the only reason why he's angry. He would have calmed down by now if that's the only reason why he was angry."

Siya looks confused and asks, "What else could Bhaiya be angry about?"

Shubman shrugs and replies, "I don't know for sure but it's not just the fact that you never told him. Bhaiya only stays angry at you if he feels that there's something important that you need to learn."

Siya nods in agreement before placing her head on her husband's shoulder and says, "I hope Bhaiya forgives me by the time the series is complete. I'll talk to him about the upcoming WPL season before making any decision."

Shubman replies, "That sounds like a good plan. Besides it's not like Bhaiya can stay mad at you for very long."

~~~~~~~

The girls catch up for a day before getting back into their usual routine.

Richa and Siya warm up together while Shafali decides to hang back with her best friend's husband.

Shubman was watching the practice session with a look of longing when Shafali asks, "You really miss it, don't you?"

Sighing, Shubman replies, "I really want to come back but my recovery is a little slow and I'm probably getting impatient as well. I guess my age is catching up with me."

Shafali gives him a look and says, "You're not that old. I mean I know that you're an oldie compared to us but still."

Shubman looks offended and exclaims, "Hey, that's not very nice!"

Shafali raises an eyebrow and says, "You were literally born in the last millennium. Hum toh early 2000 ki paidaaish hai (We were born in the early 2000's)."

Shubman sighs in defeat, knowing that he couldn't argue with that logic and replies, "Please get to your actual point. Mere budhaape ke baare me baad me baat karenge (We'll talk about my old age some other time)."

Shafali says, "You need to be patient and continue trying your best. Injuries are a part of our careers and as athletes, we just need to stay positive no matter what."

Shubman replies, "Easier said than done. When things move slowly then it's not possible to stay as motivated."

Shafali says, "Well then find a new motivation. You can't give up just because you're not as motivated anymore."

Shubman nods and is about to say something, but he gets cut off by one of the younger girls who comes running to them, "Jiju, jaldi aao (Jiju/Sister's husband, come quickly). Siya Di just fainted."

Shafali and Shubman share a look of concern before running behind the young girl to where Siya had fainted.

Richa sprinkles some water on her best friend's face and soon she starts showing signs of waking up.

Shubman helps his wife sit up before making her drink some water from a bottle that Shafali handed to him.

Siya looks confused at the concerned faces and asks, "What happened?"

Richa replies, "You fainted. Right now, I don't want to hear anything from you because we are going to visit a doctor."

Siya tries to argue but Shafali interjects, "Don't you dare say that you're fine now. For once just listen to us without any arguments."

Shubman adds, "Siya, please just go for us."

Siya sighs in defeat and soon the four of them make their way to a nearby clinic after letting their coaches know.

~~~~~~~

Wonder what's wrong with Siya 

Also will Shubman find the motivation to make a comeback?

Let me know what you guys think ✍🏻

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