Episode 7: GET SET GO..

Time: 8:00 PM

The first wicket was down. One more and Pushpak would be setting foot in the PPL pavilion for the very first time. Yet, instead of excitement, he felt hollow — a fraud, a puppet dancing to his owner’s strings. If only Nishi were here. She would have known what to do…

Every ball sent his heart into overdrive. Any delivery could claim a batsman, just as planned. His nerves snapped when a hand gripped his shoulder.

Oh, great. He turned, bracing himself. It was Sahil. The so-called “superhero” from the movies.

Sahil eased into the seat beside him.

“Pushpak, I’m sorry for dragging you into this,” he said quietly. “This isn’t about the money. Do you think I need dirty money? My parents raised me to be honest… but life isn’t black and white. Sometimes fear drives us to choices we never imagined. For me, that fear is losing the people I love.”

He paused, drew in a long breath, and went on.

“Ninety percent of cricket is real glory. Ten percent is theatre. That’s the game now. But today—today you’re lucky. This is your ninety percent. The bastards called the bets off. You’re free. Swing that bat for yourself.”

As Sahil rose to leave, he nodded at the batsman on strike.

“By the way, he’s gone on the next ball. The deal was called off only minutes ago. You’re up next. Go win that match for me.”

A rush of joy surged through Pushpak, almost dizzying. For the first time, he wasn’t playing for money, for owners, for anyone’s plan. He would play for Nishi. For Ma. For his father. For Panchimda. For the millions of boys chasing cricket dreams in dusty gullies.

A million eyes followed him as he stepped out from the pavilion and walked towards the crease. His body hummed with exhilaration. In that trance-like moment, it was simple. Him versus the ball.

Time: 8.20 PM

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