Wednesday
A chartered flight carrying the two teams landed in Solan on Wednesday morning. Thanks to Chief Walia’s clout, the SMS gang was on the tarmac handing out roses to the team members as they disembarked from the aircraft. Seeing their heroes in flesh and blood made Aditya and Kabir jump around like excited puppies. Akriti was more composed and stood in line along with the welcome party.
After the entire Indian team had disembarked, Rahul Bedi emerged. He was accompanied by his wife, Rhea Varma, a popular Indian actress. In Rhea’s arms was one of the cutest cats Akriti had ever seen – snowy white with a black patch around one eye.
‘Her name is Pingu,’ said Rhea smiling. Akriti realized with a start that she had been so fascinated by the cat that she had forgotten everything else, and even missed welcoming Rahul as he walked past her! And now he stood close by, smiling and quietly looking at Rhea and Akriti, as they chatted about the cat. At first Akriti hesitated, but then she couldn’t help but reach out and pet the cat. Pingu purred softly when Akriti rubbed her hand on her head. She purred even more when Akriti moved her hand to caress the underside of her neck.
‘She is soooo cute,’ Akriti cooed.
‘Isn’t she?’ Rhea exclaimed. She loved it when Pingu was the centre of attention.
‘Can I take a picture with the two of you?’ Akriti smiled at Rhea. ‘For my Instagram,’ she added.
‘Not today, some other time,’ Rhea replied. ‘We will need some time to get the pose and the lighting right,’ she added.
Akriti’s face fell. ‘OK, one picture of Pingu. Pleasssse? she pleaded.
‘That’s fine. Go ahead,’ Rhea obliged.
Akriti clicked a picture of the cat, making sure Rhea was not in the frame.
The festivities continued back at the hotel when the team bus arrived. The cricketers received a traditional welcome with a tikka on the forehead and a garland, before being escorted to their rooms. Anto and Lizzy welcomed each of the cricketers individually. It was a big event for them. A reaffirmation of the fact that they were the biggest and best hotel in Solan. They couldn’t let this opportunity pass.