...Miss me?...

Australia has another demand of Test Cricket. The most preferable person for them is- Steven Smith. So, the end of 2022 was important for him as he got a busy schedule from December 17 to January 08. Yeah He just has one day for Christmas and has no intention of doing a single thing cz 26th December was their 2nd Test.

Aaron Finch was busy with his team as a backup captain. Nick Maddinson was injured and ruled out from the whole season. He got the responsibility for his team. He was the former captain of Melbourne Renegades. So he has the capability to keep going the same as he won the BBL 08 title. He has the Ability of National Team Captaincy also, everybody knows.

"What's up, Finchy?" Kane Richardson asks. "Yeah, mate, fine," Finch replies. Richo asked cz he found Finch a little but worry, knows the way he lies. But doesn't repeat a word. "Okay. Stay well. I guess you have got an entire-routine." "Yeah. Actually, Im doing good with that." He needs to keep going with his team till qualifier. He knows that New Year is knocking but hasn't any mind for celebrating.

____________________

Smith was searching for his best gift for Christmas. He even got so many Best Gifts- DIOR Watches, New Balance shoes, Adidas bagpack, Diptyque perfume, One Latte Machine etc.... but he is still on. "Here it is-" He finally found. 'FOR YOU sweetheart. Merry Christmas'- that written chit over that Gift hasn't leave any grudge to Satisfaction. He smiles faithfully. Opens it, the smile hasn't been erased yet! There were two gifts- one was full of chocolates, other one was special. Smith, without any hesitation, opens the box of chocolates. There was a chit again, 'Anyone knows, his Sweetheart is gonna open this Box First...' Smith was shocked- not much. But the Slight Little Shock is loved by 'anyone'. He smiles again, why not, Finch loves to BE THE REASON for his each and every Smile. Then he opened it as he found a bunch of happiness. As there were the brand Chocolates- Valrhona, Ferrero Rocher, and Godiva, Not 1 or 2 but 5 of each. He just nailed it...

Forget about the other box obviously cz he madly started eating chocolates, tasting each. When his sudden eyes fixed the position to VIEW, he reminded, "Oh! I messed up-" so he took the gift on his lap, untied the ribbon, and opened the box. This time, he hasn't expected as it was 'Harry Winston's Secrect collection' necklace and bracelet. He was just shocked! He couldn't take this but still can't reject it. He wasn't so happy that he got the expensive one but somehow feeling good. Otherwise, Finch has given it. He never lets his mind flow down on these normal things as well as find presents, he hasn't seen Finch yet- that most touchable PAIN doesn't let him to be Normal...

____________________

Finch was quite busy with his team. So do Smith... he is just practising Hear and Soul for the Test against South Africa. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood got injured as he gotta go with his team cz both of them were powerful. As a vice captain, he also has some responsibilities. He even doesn't off the Cristmas day for practising. Everyone knows he is more Test Addict than cricket. He never forgets his 'Shadow Batting.'

Finch, with a concerned mind, sleeps rarely. His wallpaper has Smith's Best pic. Always Glares at it, doesn't know the Time but sometimes, had no time left for Sleeping. Had worry about Smith's health. Sometimes, he practised more than Limitation, what he hates the Most. There was no one to look after. He even had no chance to call. He just lets him go... he somehow, missing his 'Shadow Batting' also what never disturbed him, but he left no chance to rule over it. Yeah, he is barely missing it! Missing those Smiles, those Silence...

Some memories are turning to disappointment instantly. Nobody could ever wonder how it had turned quickly. The Certainties remain quiet for Visionaries. 'How it can be a misery Aaron, when you become Enough to Heal,' Finch thinks for the reason he is turning back!

When Smith scored 104 against SA, Finch was delightedly watching over. Text him with a 'Congratulation'. He knows he is busy, but he just done his job. He has still faith that he is coming...

___________________

January 09, 2023

Victoria, Melbourne

Morning sky shining with sun and made warm respirations outside.

Suddenly, a man wearing Jean's jacket over a white t-shirt, Skinny Jean's and Brown Sneakers, Cobalt Blue Round Glasses and iPhone in hand, air pods in ears walks in...

Smith is the most beautiful guy in someone's world. Wearing the collection, someone gifted him on his last Birthday. "I know I appear with Sins..." Smith says himself. He hasn't seen Finch yet cz he left earlier for practising. He was waiting.

Afternoon,

When Smith sees Finch, realising Finch hasn't seen him still, he calls, "Aaron!" Finch looks, looks like the SOUND what his Heart was shouting out for a cruel memory, becomes the unfaithful reality. He never becomes so emotional, but that time, he does! Smith walks forward to him and hugs him tightly, Finch nothing but does the same on his own way and holds Smith like he never. "Sweetheart!" Finch Breaths the name out and says, "Missed me?" Smith answered, "Of course, Aaron. I couldn't sleep well." "I'm proud of you, Sweetheart. I trust this year you're gonna WIN the Allan Border." "Oh Forget it. You haven't said you miss me," Smith says with huff. "My God. You're asking me to tell, don't tell me Sweetheart You don't realise yet. Can I say my missing by words? Hm." Finch Clears. "Fine. Just asked!" They are talking still being in each-others hand, Hugged lasts forever for them... they talked about 1 or 2. Even 3 months doesn't matter in their relationship, no text, even no calls either. Smith felt he walked with Sins, but he didn't ask for forgiveness cz the Hug was more than Enough.

Night,

Finch just holds Smith over his chest where Smith rests his head. Long while, Moon isn't showing up on the sky, the night is dark, Cold wind is flowing out, one of the windows is light open, letting the Wind flow inside over them, over their intimacy. "Sweetheart!" Finch says. "Hm," Smith responds. "Ah! How was the day going without me?" "Hm! You know I can't say bad words." "[Laughs] I Love you Sweetheart," Finch firmly says. "I love you too, Aaron," Smith quietly replied.

When Smith looks up directly at Finch's Haze Green tanned eyes, Finch smiles and Kiss on his temple. That emotion, when it slightly turned into Entireness Smith, gives a precious smile, released all the pain over Matters, let that feeling to come and blows him down to love. Whenever Smith shys, Finch always lets his eyes capture it instantly. He knows what things are punishing Smith insidely. He also knows who can only understand it even before it can HURT him down. 'The Downside isn't made for you, Sweetheart.' The line he once told Smith. 'And MY Love is for up till the distance to Infinity,' the other line still showing its Importancy. They felt it, felt both by each other. Knows, made for each other.

Finch bows down to kiss him on the lips, and Smith lets him. Kissed like how much they need each other. "I'm gonna Hold you the entire night, Sweetheart," Finch assured. "So do I, Aaron," Smith says. Finch holds him again between his arms, lets the wind flow overnight, breathes to breathe, hasn't let any hesitation remain, breaths make the Bound, Love keeps desires. Still going on, how they went together.

- Aaron!

- Yes, Sweetheart.

- Promise me one thing.

- Of course

- That you are, I mean-

- You want something?

- How do you know?

- I can read your eyes even you're not watching me.

- [Smiles] Ah! First Promise that you are going to give..

- Hah! Alright, Promise!

- I want Cheese Burger.

- [Smiles] I already booked two seats for tomorrow.

- Really?

- Hm. Order whatever you want.

- [Happy] Love you.

- Love you too!

___________________

30 January, 2023

Sydney, Australia

Blue carpet, all cameras are ready, all journalists are ready, Flash Light, lightning up dimly, everyone is looking glorious, made a warm environment on night. That day, when Cricket Australia will be announced the Allan Border Medalist along with other rewards.

Smith is ready, wears Shrap Plain Black Coat, and is looking beautiful. 'I'm proud of you, Sweetheart. I trust this year you're gonna WIN the Allan Border.' Smith doesn't trust Finch, but had Faith...

When the host was announcing one by one name, everybody stood up and had their rewards gradually. That time when Allan Border Medalist was announcing, the battle was between 3- Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, and STEVE SMITH. They have already got their vote, respectively. Who will be the Allan Border Medalist then? The announcement said the name- Let me present you The 2021-22 Allan Bordar Medalist, 'With all Pressure back with 124 votes respectively and he is with his 4th time Allan Border Medal and the Name is- Steve Smith!' The Pressure quite, Beats become silent, Mouth Smiles, all his ears is hearing nothing but Claps and Cheers around. But his heart! His heart just mumbled that LINE from Finch again and again. He closed his eyes, ignored everything the peoples, the claps, just Breaths, 'I'm proud of you, Sweetheart.'

.................

...Puzzle...

Eng vs NZ

June 02, 2022

Ben Stokes was appointed as England Cricket Teams Test Captain in April. It was his first Test as a Captain. With the new coach, Brandon McCullum, he's done a superb job.

"How is it feeling to win by 5 wickets as Captain, Stokes?" Root asks on the dressing room. Joe Root, the former captain, on the other contrary, scored a Century on that match. Stokes looks at him, the look- like he never gives! "It was fun having everyone by our side and coach, hah! He is amazing," Stokes says. "[Happy] I see, you're enjoying your captaincy, Stokes. And you know what, I am veerryyy Happy," Root explains with happiness. Stokes didn't give feedback much. Maybe Root didn't notice either. After packing Stokes's stuff, he says with a serious face, "Root." Root looks at him, "Yeah?" "I guess you're free tonight." "Yes. Why?" "Actually, I can't tell you everything HERE. Just wanted a MEET." "Ah! I'll let you know."

______________________

Root and Stokes started their relationship in 2020. With many ups and down having their sides, they were still together. 'Were'- because after having some serious controversies about Joe Root's Captaincy, Root finally decided to step down. Former Crickets, especially Chappells, Ians, and who else, Kevin Peterson. He couldn't take the trolls even to complain about his captaincy. It was like a 'Mental Pressure' is making his house inside him. After discussing with family, he decided to step down from captaincy. Ben Stokes was the Vice Captain of Test Cricket, and he took the Captaincy as well.

Their Relationship, Ben Stokes, became busier after taking the responsibility. And Root, he got the Relief finally, and he wasn't available for him either. He was spending time with himself most often. He was happy for Stokes, but somewhere, Stokes wasn't...

Stokes knows how things are gonna change too soon. He hadn't no option. Somewhere he wanted that somewhere, didn't! The exhausted throws him in a puzzle. So then he was trying to solve it down and again and again, he failed. Stokes lost his father in 2020. He found Root by his side no only for Consolation but also for becoming the Reason he is alive now. He still searches the matching piece to fill.

Root was doing a good life at the beginning. With being his company, he is nothing but just wanted one more time after each moment. His little faith somehow was filled with Stokes. He knows he isn't going well after the Great Loss. But with him, he found another world. Within 1 year, that clownish thing appears. A mental depression, with its other hand, create a barrier between them. What did it want? Who knows...

Root never shows it, neither Stokes justified. The Misunderstanding with other hand, starts building with its name constantly.

Root's family is never gonna accept Stokes, he knows. Even after knowing that, they were in a relationship for 2 years. Maybe Stokes had another plan. Stokes's father loved Root so much that they lost him. His family wasn't happy at that time when they were in a relationship. Who could a family accept then? After spending 2 great years, things are turning slowly. Not everything had its own name, what it should be called? Stokes doesn't know that! That plan also didn't work. Have anything left?

After so many misfortunes, Root not only stepped from Captaincy but also increase distance between him and Stokes. He was mentally depressed. It was nothing but an excuse. Stokes barely becomes free then, after having a busier life, he almost forgot Root. Matter is, neither Root tried nor Stokes.

______________________

Stokes called him at night for a discussion. He was confused when he saw Root after months, took it normally when he saw Root normal. But in a friendly behavior--- he couldn't take it. Is their relationship broken? That is the only question Stokes wanted to ask. If no, then why so distance. If yes, why didn't Root tell him... so many things like puzzles, and he can't match these down. He is confused...

- You don't have to tell me, Stokes, that why you asked me to come.

- You know... Already? [Shock]

- Why won't I?

- [Sad Laugh] Don't know

- [Looks at him] Listen Stokes. I know-

- You know nothing, Root. And I actually wasn't going to ask you. What do you know.

- Let-me-finish [rude] I KNOW, I KNOW WHAT YOU'RE GONNA ASK! I know THAT

- The answer?

- Listen Stokes [Suddenly turns voice to softer] You might know I was going under pressure, and I needed space from everything

- Yeah I remember you said once I am your everything and look you proved that again, Root.

- I didn't mean it. I still LOVE you, Babe.

- How can I? STILL!

- I know you had that same pressure but not the same as MINE. We both needed space

- What Space Root? Going far away, creatinh distance from your Lover bla bla.. is a WAY to call 'Space'?

- [said nothing]

- Root. I loved you, and as a lover, you were with me when I lost my dad. As a company or whatever you ment, I still keep this in my heart Root. But you didn't let me do the SAME when you needed me, Root. Are you? I mean, seriously, proving it that- that I can't do what you did!

- No Stokes

- YES [wild eyes] Yes ROOT YES. You just have no right to run away. I know your family is not gonna accept me anymore.

- But Stokes on thing is, I can figure it out.

- I have gone to jail, I have banned for months, I have filled the Fine, I am divorcee-

- STOKES [shouts louder] My family isn't accepting you just because OF ME. Cz they fixed my wedding with someone else. And I, I, spoiled everything just because of you. Because of YOU STOKES. I will figure it, I promise. Trust me, I was so happy when you took that pressure from me not only as a vice captain but also a careful Lover Stokes. I just give you some days to fix things. You should know your Lover isn't changing too soon. Not too soon, Stokes.

- [Emotional] Oh, root, you're too much.

- [Laughs softly]

- [Stokes then sits down off his knees and holds a ring before Root] Will you Marry me?

- [literally Shocked] Oh Stokes. [Breaths; sighs] Oh! I will.

Then Stokes twisted the RING on his finger and kissed him.

.................

...1000, Jimmy...

- Yeah I know being a dad isn't easy and let's forget it.

- Yeah. I'm so happy I have been uncle.

- But Jimmy-

- I will buy him a big Teddy,

- Jimmy listen!

And a princess dress,

- Please

- Also a Barbie Doll,

- JIMMYYY [shouts]. I said Listen. It's not a joke. I know you think it's funny, but I am serious, and let me CLEAR you one thing, I LOVED YOU; I LOVE YOU NOW; I WILL BE LOVING YOU FOREVER.

- Stu-

- And. I dont need your TRUST either to show how much I care for you.

- But

- But nothing! I need your fucking attention to understand that I LOVE YOU JIMMY. I DO! HOW MUCH I DO!

- Give me one sec-

- I HAVEN'T FORGET YOU. And I was madly waiting for that moment to get back together and do our job. Job is just an Excuse Jimmy. I wanted to hold you again, wanted to see you again. I MISSED YOU. You understand? [Emotion appears]

- Who else is gonna do it for you without I?

- You trust me?

- Then Who else is gonna do it for YOU without I?

- [smiles] you stupid!

- Yeah. I am, otherwise who's LOVER am I?

- STUU! [fretfully]

Stuart Smiles. He hadn't enough time to talk much as their plan landed on New Zealand, they did hurry to get off!

______________________

Stuart has an imaginary mind as well as fascicle of expectations. He knows something is coming in his way, which will be bring amount of complacency somehow. He ordered a Box of Wine and Chocolates cz all English men love it! He added a bouquet of combined flowers also.

England vs New Zealand

1st Test, 2023

When Brandon McCullum starts his authority through 'BAZBALL', every team has been a piece of paper. Not with a varying length, but they are just doing WELL after 'Stokes-McCullum' era started. They lost just 1 match after that and won every consecutive match.

Again, they stand against New Zealand- the team, McCullum belongs and also the team, McCullum has started his journey against, as coach. Had a Great history also. When everyone was waiting for another showdown of Bazball, Stuart was waiting for 1000. Not a batting Milestone! Its a Bowling Milestone which named 'Bowling Partnership between Stuart and Jimmy.' YES- 1000!

997- their total wickets then. Only 3 wickets to go now. Before that Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne had a record of 1001. They need 5 wickets ALSO to beat their Legends. STUART remembers this. From 2022 he is waiting for that moment, Finally it has come...

So what! ENGLAND again beats New Zealand by 267 runs. Everyone was so pleased. They Another thing is, Jimmy and Stuart had their RECORD! They got 4 wickets on Eng 1st innings; Got the Record also. Amazing thing is, they also had their ANOTHER Record which was 'Beating 1001'. They got 8 wickets on their 2nd innings and made the partnership to 1009! This is how 'The MOST Bowling Partnership Record' again Build. The crowd was Kewis side of course, but when their Record breaking announcement was in the Bord, the CROWD known to be bound. They stood up, clapped, cheers, congratulated them! Like They were a fragment of BarmyArmy.

____________________

Jimmy was so glad. He hadn't the sense of that Amazing record; but felt Happy when he knew. Everyone was congratulated him with a wild smile. Not for this record but for his superb performance as he ends his innings by 7 wickets! He is G.O.A.T. otherwise.

When he got himself in his room, in a tired face, he got shocked also. He noticed flowers and gift on his bed! He knows who can LEFT it here, he Smiles. He opens it and gives a happy face cz he loves it! He looks around for Stuart bit he wasn't there. His smiles erased instantly. When he was about to call him, he heard a sound, his gate opens, someone appeared.. "Stuart?" Jimmy questioned the emptiness. "IT IS!" Stuart certainly said. And that Relief received by Jimmy. He goes and Hugged him. Stuart Smiles and said, "Loved that Gift? Jimmy." "Is it a question?" Jimmy says. Stuart kissed him on the lips, Jimmy feels it; takes it. Loves every moment Stuart willingly gives him. Since 2008, they are still having each-other's side, support.

______________________

To reporters,

Stuart says, "I remember the game and the feelings quite clearly. Jimmy actually twisted his ankle on night one playing football and left the ground on crutches not knowing if he was going to take part, which would've been a nightmare. I remember feeling quite nervous, but just trying to go in with a free spirit, having made my debut three months earlier in Colombo."

Jimmy says, "I was thinking there's not many more chances I can get. Because I'd been in and out for quite a few years. I don't think either of us thought that it would be the start of a partnership or something that we can build on, we were just trying to take the opportunity that we had been given. The fact that the coach and captain had given us the responsibility after you and Hoggy had been there for a number of years, gave us a lot of confidence that they trusted us."

They made the day a 'Memory'....

- Just say you don't love me.

- Ah! You Know I CAN'T!

- Why Jimmy? You said-

- Yeah. I did. Forget it for me.

- [Chuckles] You know I can't.

- Stu! Don't you dare to repeat-

- Alright.

- I hate you.

- I love when you hate me.

- You dumbass!

- You beautiful!

- Shut up. I wonder what you have thought about.

- Say.

- You are gonna come here and put your all shit down then get my intentions.

- Don't say you aren't giving.

- Oh! Just Don't try to make my temperature high. Okay!

- [Laughs] I- I love you Jimmy. I love when you got angry like angry birds and your hot temperature showed up directly at your f-face [laughed out]

- STUUU

- JIMMYYY

- Forget it! [Looks up] I love you too.

Stuart picks him up between his hand in a bridal style. Placed him on their Bed and the rest of an emptiness filled with Glorious Gratification with no impediment left.

............