The celebration party in the hotel banquet hall lasted until the early hours of the morning. The players sang, danced, and enjoyed the massive relief of winning the Champions Trophy. Siddanth stayed with his team, sharing stories with the younger players and laughing at Shikhar Dhawan's terrible dance moves.
By 2:00 AM, the exhaustion finally caught up with him. He said his goodnights, walked out of the loud hall, and took the elevator up to his private suite.
He unlocked the heavy wooden door, walked inside, and dropped his room key on the table. The room was quiet. The streets of London outside his window were dark and empty.
Siddanth took a quick shower to wash off the sweat from the match and the party. He changed into a comfortable grey t-shirt and loose track pants. He walked back into the bedroom and sat on the edge of the large bed.
He took a deep breath, letting the silence of the room settle his mind.
He closed his eyes. He focused his thoughts inward and opened the System interface.
The familiar blue holographic screen materialized in the darkness of his mind.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION
Quest Complete: Win the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy.
Evaluating Performance... Outstanding.
Siddanth watched the text scroll. He waited for the rewards.
Template Progress Update:
James Anderson Sync: Increased by 5%. Total Mastery: 51%.
Siddanth nodded slightly. Pushing it over the halfway mark to fifty-one percent was a massive leap. It meant his muscle memory and his natural ability to swing the ball in difficult conditions were now deeply ingrained. He didn't have to think about his wrist position as much; it was becoming instinct.
The screen blinked. A glowing, golden icon appeared in the center of his vision.
Siddanth mentally tapped the box to open it.
The golden box shattered into digital sparks. The text revealed the contents.
REWARD ACQUIRED
Special Template Unlocked: Tony Stark (Engineering and Innovation).
Siddanth's eyes snapped open. He stood up in the middle of his hotel room.
He stared at the empty wall. He read the notification in his mind again.
Tony Stark.
As a cricketer, getting a sports template was great. But as the CEO and founder of NEXUS, getting the mind of the greatest fictional engineer was absolute gold. Coupled with the ability to divide his mental focus into two completely separate, independent streams of thought without any delay which he got after winning IPL—it was the ultimate upgrade for a man living a dual life.
The fatigue he felt a minute ago completely vanished. His brain fired on all cylinders. Ideas, concepts, and structural designs began flooding his mind with crystal clarity.
He walked over to his desk, grabbed his laptop, and opened it.
"Veda, are you online?" Siddanth asked out loud.
"Online and listening, Boss," VEDA's voice replied quietly through the laptop speakers.
"Pull up the archived project files for the military drone chassis we were testing," Siddanth instructed, opening a blank design workspace. "And bring up the current blueprints for the new Nexus Apex smartphone."
"Retrieving files now," VEDA confirmed.
The screens filled with 3D models.
Siddanth sat down. He engaged the new template.
He looked at the drone chassis. Before, he had struggled with the weight of the metal. Now, looking at the same file, the solution seemed incredibly obvious. He highlighted the central frame.
"Change the frame material to a lighter titanium blend," Siddanth instructed, his hands moving across the keyboard. "Remove the secondary cooling fan. Route the air intake directly through the primary motor housing to cool it naturally. It drops the weight and increases the battery life."
He didn't stop. He spent hours redesigning motherboard layouts, moving the battery placement in the smartphone to make it thinner, and fixing software bottlenecks. He talked to VEDA continuously, having her run instant simulations to verify his thoughts.
The sky outside the window slowly turned from pitch black to a pale blue.
Siddanth was still sitting at his desk. His typing slowed down. The adrenaline of the reward was wearing off, and the exhaustion of the day was taking over his body.
He rested his head on his hand. His eyes closed.
Through the laptop's built-in webcam, VEDA observed him. The AI analyzed his physical state. His eyes were fully closed. His chest rose and fell in a slow, steady rhythm. He had not moved his hands for twenty minutes.
"Sleep state confirmed," VEDA noted internally.
Seeing no response from him, the AI automatically organized the open design files. She saved the new blueprints to the secure offshore servers, closed the applications cleanly, and shut down the laptop to save power.
A few hours later, the bright morning sunlight hit Siddanth's face.
He woke up, blinking against the light. He was still sitting in his desk chair. His neck was slightly stiff. He looked at the closed laptop.
He rubbed his face. He stood up, stretched his back, and walked into the bathroom. He took a hot shower, brushed his teeth, and put on a clean, casual grey button-down shirt and dark jeans. He checked his watch. It was past nine in the morning.
He grabbed his keys and his phone and left the room.
He used his Chameleon's Cloak as soon as he stepped out of his suite. He walked down the hotel hallway, took the elevator to the lobby, blended with the people in lobby and walked straight past the media reporters waiting near the doors.
He walked out of the hotel and got into a waiting car.
The car drove him across London to a different luxury hotel where Krithika and Anjali were staying.
Siddanth walked up to their floor. He stood in front of Krithika's door and knocked twice.
The door opened. Krithika stood there. She was wearing a comfortable oversized sweater and jeans. Her hair was tied up in a messy bun.
She looked at him, crossing her arms over her chest. She raised an eyebrow.
"If I knew you were going to sleep like a log, I wouldn't have woke up early morning," Krithika said, a teasing edge to her voice.
"Good morning to you too," Siddanth smiled, walking past her into the room.
He leaned down and kissed her cheek. She playfully pushed his shoulder but followed him inside.
Krithika sighed dramatically, closing the door. "I should have married a quiet software engineer from Kukatpally. He would have answered my calls at night instead of falling asleep after a party."
"The software engineer wouldn't have taken you on private jet for your honeymoon," Siddanth countered smoothly, sitting down on the edge of the sofa. "Besides, it is too late now. You are stuck with me."
"Don't remind me," she laughed, sitting next to him. "How are you feeling?"
"Tired," Siddanth admitted. "But good. Where is Anjali?"
"Sleeping," Krithika pointed to the adjoining door. "She stayed up all night watching movies."
Siddanth stood up. He walked over to the adjoining door and knocked loudly. "Anjali! Wake up!"
A minute later, the door opened. Anjali stood there in her pajamas, rubbing her eyes.
"What?" Anjali mumbled. She saw Siddanth. "Hi, bava."
"Get ready," Siddanth said. "We are going out for a drive. We have a free day today."
Anjali shook her head immediately. "No thanks. I am not going."
"Why not?" Krithika asked.
"Because I do not want to be a third wheel. You two haven't spent any proper time alone since we got to London. Go for your drive. I am going to order room service and go back to sleep. Just bring me some chocolates when you come back."
Anjali waved and closed her door.
Siddanth looked at Krithika. "Just us, then. Grab a coat."
Waiting for them in the driveway was the vehicle Rahul had arranged. It was a sleek, dark blue Aston Martin DB11.
Siddanth opened the passenger door for Krithika. She got in. Siddanth walked around and got into the driver's seat.
He started the engine. The car pulled away from the curb.
He drove them through the busy streets of London, heading toward the quiet English countryside. The drive was peaceful. The roads were lined with large trees and open fields.
"You know," Krithika said, looking out the window at the passing farms. "In the movies, the hero usually takes the heroine to Switzerland for a holiday. You took me to a village."
"Switzerland is cold," Siddanth replied, keeping his eyes on the road. "And I don't like fondue."
"You have no romance in you," she teased.
They drove for another hour. They pulled off the main road and parked near a small, traditional English pub with a thatched roof.
They walked inside and sat at a small wooden table near a window. They ordered simple food—fish and chips, and a roast. They spent the entire afternoon sitting there, ignored by the locals, talking about their future, their families, and their plans for the off-season. It was a completely normal, mundane conversation.
As the sun began to set, Siddanth drove them back to London.
He did not go back to the team hotel. He stayed in Krithika's room that night.
The next morning arrived quickly.
Siddanth, Krithika, and Anjali sat at a small table in the hotel restaurant, eating breakfast. Their suitcases were packed.
Today, they had to part ways. Krithika and Anjali were flying back to Hyderabad. Siddanth and the Indian team were flying directly to the Caribbean for a short tour against the West Indies.
"Do you have your passports?" Siddanth asked.
"Yes, bava," Anjali said, eating her toast.
Krithika looked at him. "Call me when you land in the West Indies."
"I will," Siddanth promised.
They finished breakfast and walked out to the hotel driveway. Two cars were waiting.
Siddanth side hugged Anjali first. "Safe flight, Anju."
He turned to Krithika. He pulled her into a tight hug. She held onto him for a long moment.
"Have a safe trip," she said, stepping back.
Siddanth watched as they got into their car and drove away toward the airport.
He turned around and got into his official BCCI transport car. The driver pulled away from the curb, heading toward the team hotel to join the rest of the squad.
His phone suddenly vibrated in his pocket.
He pulled it out. The caller ID showed the name of Rahul Johri, the CEO of the BCCI.
Siddanth answered the call. "Hello, Rahul sir."
"Siddanth. Good morning," Rahul Johri's voice sounded serious. "I am calling to inform you of a development. Anil Kumble has formally stepped down as head coach of the Indian team."
Siddanth did not react visibly. He looked out the window. "I see."
"The Cricket Advisory Committee will begin the process of selecting a new head coach," Johri continued. "For the West Indies tour, Sanjay Bangar will be traveling with the squad as the interim head coach."
"Understood," Siddanth replied smoothly. "Sanjay bhai knows the boys. We will manage."
"Good. Have a safe flight to the Caribbean, Siddanth," Johri said, preparing to hang up.
"Rahul sir, wait a moment," Siddanth said, stopping him.
"Yes, Siddanth?"
"The Indian Women's Cricket Team is currently in England preparing for the World Cup," Siddanth said. "Can you tell me which hotel they are staying at?"
Johri paused for a second. "They are staying at a hotel in Derby. I can send you the address."
"Please do," Siddanth said. "And could you send a message to their team manager? Tell them I will be visiting them briefly before we leave for the airport."
"That is a great gesture, Siddanth," Johri said, sounding pleased. "I will inform the manager immediately. I will text you the address now."
"Thank you, sir."
Siddanth hung up the phone. A moment later, the address arrived via text message.
The car arrived at the team hotel. Siddanth walked into the lobby. The players were sitting around with their luggage.
Siddanth saw MS Dhoni sitting in a chair. Siddanth walked over to him.
"Mahi bhai," Siddanth said. "Do you want to take a detour with me?"
Dhoni looked up. "Where to?"
"The Indian Women's team is staying at a hotel in Derby," Siddanth explained. "Their World Cup starts soon. I thought we should go wish them luck."
Dhoni smiled. He understood the importance of the gesture. "Let's go."
Siddanth and Dhoni walked out of the hotel and got into a private car. Siddanth gave the driver the address.
They arrived at a modest hotel in Derby. They walked through the front doors. The team manager was waiting for them in the lobby. He quickly escorted them to a private conference room on the ground floor.
The Indian Women's team was having a meeting. Mithali Raj, the captain, was standing at the front.
The manager opened the door. Siddanth and Dhoni walked into the room.
The players turned their heads. Several of the younger players gasped, their eyes widening in shock.
Mithali Raj smiled broadly. "Siddanth. MS. This is a very pleasant surprise."
"Hello, Mithali," Dhoni smiled, shaking her hand. "We wanted to stop by before our flight."
Siddanth shook her hand. "We wanted to come and wish the squad the best of luck for the World Cup."
Mithali turned to her team. The players stood up, smiling and clapping. Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana walked forward to greet them.
Siddanth and Dhoni spent the next twenty minutes talking to the team. They shared practical advice about the English conditions.
As they walked around the room, Siddanth noticed a young girl standing quietly near the back. She looked very nervous, clutching a notebook.
Siddanth walked over to her. "Hello."
The girl looked up, her eyes wide. "H-Hello, sir."
"You are new to the squad, right?" Siddanth asked.
"Yes, sir," she nodded quickly. "My name is Dhruti Mutta. I am an all-rounder."
"It is nice to meet you, Dhruti," Siddanth smiled. "Don't call me sir. Siddanth is fine."
Mithali Raj walked over. "Dhruti is the youngest player in our squad. This is her first major World Cup tour."
"First World Cup," Dhoni said, joining them. He smiled at the young all-rounder. "You will feel nervous. That is completely normal. Just focus on your game."
Dhruti nodded, looking incredibly inspired. "I will remember that. Thank you."
"You are an all-rounder," Siddanth added, looking at her. "When you bowl, give the ball some flight. When you bat, play with a straight bat early in your innings. The ball swings here in England."
"I will, Siddanth sir," Dhruti promised.
Mithali called for a group photograph.
Siddanth and Dhoni stood in the center of the room, surrounded by the entire Women's World Cup squad. The team manager took a few photos using Siddanth's phone.
"Thank you for coming," Mithali said as they walked toward the door.
"Bring the cup home," Siddanth smiled.
Siddanth and Dhoni walked out of the hotel and got back into their car to drive to the airport.
Sitting in the back seat, Siddanth opened his phone. He opened the Vibe application and Twitter. He selected the group photo they had just taken with the women's squad. He also selected a picture of him and Dhoni talking to Mithali Raj.
He typed a caption:
Stopped by to see the squad before leaving England. Wishing Mithali Raj and the entire Indian Women's Team the best for the World Cup! Bring it home! 🇮🇳🏏 #TeamIndia #WWC17
He hit upload.
Within minutes, the post went viral. The internet reacted immediately to the gesture.
@CricketFanatic99: The two greatest captains of India visiting the women's team! This is the kind of support they need! 🇮🇳
@BlueArmyIndia: Siddanth Deva and MS Dhoni in one frame with Mithali Raj. Too much legend in one picture! 👑
@WomenCricZone: Thank you, Siddanth and Mahi! It means so much to see the men's team actively supporting women's cricket.
@MemeLordIndia: The younger players in the back of the photo look like they just saw a ghost! They are so starstruck! 😂
@StatNerd_Ind: Great to see the World Cup winners passing on their advice to the next World Cup hopefuls.
@ViratGang: Love this gesture from the skipper. True leadership off the field as well.
@Smriti_FanClub: Smriti Mandhana smiling in the front row! The whole squad looks so happy.
@BCCI_Updates: Team India supporting Team India! All the best for the #WWC17!
@Harmanpreet_Army: Harmanpreet and Dhoni talking in the second slide. The two biggest hitters in Indian cricket! 💥
@Desi_Humor: Siddanth Deva walks into a room and instantly raises the aura level by 1000%.
@Jhulan_Legend: The women's team deserves this spotlight. They have worked so hard. Let's go girls!
@CricketShitpost: The men's team won their cup, now it's the women's turn. No pressure! 😅
@MithaliRaj_FC: Mithali looks so proud standing next to them. Two captains who respect each other immensely.
@FastBowling_Fan: Hopefully Siddanth gave the fast bowlers some tips on how to swing the Dukes ball in England!
@Indian_Troll: Haters will say it's PR, real fans know Siddanth actually cares about the sport.
@DhrutiMutta_Fan: Look at Dhruti Mutta in the back! The youngest all-rounder getting advice from the GOAT. Huge moment for her.
@MSDian_Forever: Mahi bhai with his simple smile. He always knows the right thing to do.
@Deva_Supremacy: First he wins the Champions Trophy, then he supports the women's team. The perfect ambassador for the game.
Siddanth locked his phone as the car pulled up to the airport terminal. He grabbed his heavy kit bag. The Champions Trophy was done. Now, it was time to face the red ball in the Caribbean.