Location: Bangalore Academy Grounds & Aryan's Home
Timeline: A week after the U-10 semi-final loss
The sun was barely up, but the academy was already buzzing. Bats smacked balls, whistles pierced the air, and dusty gusts rose from freshly rolled pitches. It was a new week, and that meant one thing—time to grind.
Aryan stood near the nets with his gear bag on one shoulder and his bat tucked under the other arm. He stared at the pitch in front of him. His last match still played on a loop in his mind. The nine runs. The stumping. The loss.
But now, there was no space for self-pity.
> [System Log – Training Mode Activated]
Confidence Level: 82%
Motivation Spike Detected
Suggested Focus: Bowling Accuracy, Footwork Under Pressure
Quote of the Day: "Hard work beats talent when talent stops working hard."
He tied his shoelaces tight and walked into the nets.
---
Coach Sandeep was already there with a clipboard. He watched as the bowlers lined up and the batters took position.
"You're in Net 3 today," he told Aryan. "You'll bowl first. Then pads on."
Aryan nodded and jogged to his mark. He took a deep breath and ran in.
His first ball pitched short and wide—smashed for four.
"Again," he muttered.
Next ball—better. Full and straight. Dot ball.
He worked on his grip, on his seam position, on the angle of his wrist. He bowled 40 deliveries in the next hour. Coach took notes silently.
On the 41st ball, he tried something new—a slower one. He remembered how Tushar Desai had picked his length so easily.
This one was released with slightly more fingers, less wrist.
The batsman stepped out early—and missed.
Stumped.
Aryan smiled.
> [System Update]
New Variation Added: Slower Off-Cutter
Status: Unstable (Needs Practice)
Potential Unlock: Game-Changing Delivery
Coach Sandeep walked over. "What was that last one?"
"Slower off-cutter," Aryan said. "Still rough."
Sandeep nodded. "Keep that one in your pocket. Don't overuse it."
He clapped Aryan's shoulder. "Now go pad up. Let's see how you handle pressure today."
---
Net 1. Aryan padded up. The bowler charging in was Kabir, an 11-year-old fast bowler known for his aggression.
The first ball was a bouncer. Aryan ducked instinctively.
The next—full, swinging in.
Aryan brought his bat down late—thud—hit on the pads.
"Out!" Kabir shouted.
Aryan shook his head. "Missing leg."
Kabir grinned. "Next one's going at your head, genius."
And it did.
Aryan ducked again, then grinned back.
> [System Note]
Environment: Simulated Match Pressure
Focus Level: 91%
Response: Calm, Competitive
Mental Trait: Ice Under Fire (+1)
He adjusted his stance and began timing his footwork. Two cuts, three drives, a flick for four. He focused on his footwork. On balance. On economy of movement.
Coach Sandeep watched quietly.
After the session, he called Aryan aside.
"Good. You're finally uncomfortable. That's when real growth happens."
Aryan tilted his head. "Uncomfortable?"
"Yes," the coach said. "You're sweating. Getting hit. Thinking. That's exactly where you need to be."
Aryan grinned. "Can I stay an hour more?"
"Only if you stretch for thirty minutes after."
"Deal."
---
Later that evening, Aryan returned home, his bag heavier with sweat than gear. As he walked in, he heard laughter from the kitchen.
His mother, Aparna Varma, stood at the stove, flipping rotis with expert grace. Anika sat nearby, scrolling through a sketchpad.
"Back already?" Aparna asked, smiling.
Aryan dropped his bag at the door. "Stayed late. Coach let me work on slower deliveries."
Aparna turned off the stove and motioned toward the dining table. "Then you've earned two extra gulab jamuns."
Anika snorted. "Should've gotten out for zero more often, clearly."
Aryan pulled her ponytail as he sat. "You're just mad I beat your drawing challenge."
She stuck her tongue out.
As they ate, Aparna watched him carefully. "You've been different this week."
Aryan looked up.
"Quieter," she said. "More focused. Not in a sad way. Just… deeper."
He nodded. "I had to lose, Ma. It taught me."
Aparna reached over and wiped a bit of dal from his chin. "I hate seeing you hurt, even a little. But I love that you get back up."
He looked at her, eyes soft. "I promise, I'll make you proud."
She smiled. "You already have. But when you wear that India cap someday—bring it home first. I want to smell the sweat on it."
---
Later that night, Aryan sat on his balcony with his journal.
The moonlight cast silver lines on the page as he wrote:
> "A week ago, I thought talent was enough. Now I know it's just a seed. Practice is the water. Family is the sun."
> "Today, I got hit. Today, I ducked. Today, I scored. Today, I learned."
> "And today… I felt like I belonged."
He closed the journal and looked up.
> [System Log – Emotional Maturity +1]
Progress Saved.
Unlock: Mini Tournament – Bangalore District Cup (Selection Event)
Objective: Get into U-13 Bangalore XI
Timeline: 3 Months
Side Quest Reminder: Track Infosys Portfolio (Current ROI: +2.7%)
Sister's Involvement Bonus: +1 Relationship Point with Anika
Life Level: 4.3 / 100
He leaned back and whispered into the night:
> "I'll rise. But this time—brick by brick."