Chapter 1

Slurp…

“I was sure he was going to bowl a yorker. Why did he bowl the slower one? Did I shuffle across the off stump a bit early? Did he see through me? God, it was embarrassing”. Naman was recalling his day on the ground today. He was sitting at his usual place, having his cup of tea, waiting for Pranav to join.

“Hey, champ.” Pranav arrived with his cricket kit. “Geez, what a knock you played today! Another century for you. Practice those autographs already”. Naman had played an excellent inning for his academy today. This was his second consecutive century in the tournament they were playing. He was the star of the academy at the moment.

“Shut up now. Didn’t you see how I threw my wicket? A catch to the wicketkeeper after hitting the middle of the bat. I’m never playing this stupid scoop again”. Naman was frustrated by his dismissal. “Are you stupid? You scored a freaking century. I got out on the first ball in the previous game. I’m pretty sure I won’t get to play another match now”, Pranav sighed, finishing his tea, “Let’s go home now, we have a test tomorrow at school too.”

Naman and Pranav lived in the same area of the city. They became good friends after they joined the Lessons Beyond Wickets Academy for cricket. The LBW academy was one of the best in the state for this sport. It was located across the little forest outside the town. They both cycled around the forest every day to reach the academy. Naman’s parents have strictly prohibited him from going through the woods; otherwise, they’d pull him back from the academy. Naman has never thought about breaking this rule.

“All the best for the test. See you in school.” Pranav took off after saying goodbye to Pranav. Naman turned back and started going back towards the woods.

Previous Chapter: Prologue