Present, July 2023
Dear Mr. Khan,
Our team has keenly felt the absence of your talent since your departure four years ago. Not a single day passed without us remembering your talent and the work you put into the team. We respect your dedication to family, yet we believe your return could bring pride to you, your loved ones, and our country. Please consider a comeback.
Warm regards,
PctShadab looked at the letter in front of him. The thought about rejecting the offer like the previous year or the year before didn't cross his mind once. This time, something felt different. He always knew that he would eventually return back, and maybe it was time.
Four years ago, he had told the world that he needed time for important things in life. The truth was that he wanted to avoid seeing him. But maybe it was time to return. Cricket was his life after all, and just playing for his club could never satisfy him.
With a sudden surge of determination, Shadab reached for the phone, dialling the number of Misbah. The words flowed without hesitation from his lips as he told his new coach his decision.
A lot had changed in his life in the last 4 years. Beginning with his older brother, Mehtab getting married and Shadab moving to Islamabad, to him becoming the captain of Islamabad United.
After the fourth time his mother had introduced him to a girl that might be his 'possible match', he told her about everything. Minus the part with him, obviously. Her reaction was surprising, to say it like that. She had told him she would support him no matter what and his father, well he had said 'Beta,I want to tell you it doesn't matter, but I won't lie to you. This world is cruel. It will never accept people who don't fit its norms.' Shadab knew his father was right, but he chose not to dwell on the words that left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Shadab had tried everything in his reach to, not to think about him, but it was quite impossible if Shadab's algorithm just wanted to show him photos of the other man.
The Indian player was happy, at least according to his Instagram profile and all the articles, written about his personal life - not that Shadab read any of those. Shadab didn't unfollow him, as he knew this would make everyone even more suspicious of his sudden resignation from the national team. Nor did he talk to Vikas or any of the members of the Kohli family, except with Saroj once a month, neither did the other hold any contact with them after that night.
Most of all, Shadab missed Aarav. The boy had turned 6 this year. Shadab didn't want to admit it, but he stalked Vikas's social media accounts to see pictures of Aarav, and from what he had seen, the boy was a sight for sore eyes. It won't surprise Shadab if he turned out to be a copy of him.
Shadab was happy for the person who used to be his friend, but there was nothing more.
'That's why you still didn't delete his number?'
That voice in his head mocked him again. A lot has changed, but not this. No, this voice that reminded him of Babar and always popped up to make him feel guilty was still there. And, Shadab was sure it was just because he spent a lot of time with Babar.Perhaps he should ask the board to pay him compensation for the collateral damage in his head caused by their captain's constant screaming and yelling..
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Less than an hour later, the bell rang. As soon as Shadab opened the door, someone jumped on him. It was Shaheen. "You're really coming back!" exclaimed Shaheen excitedly.
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FanfictionWhat's worse than falling for your friend? You may say it would be falling in love with your enemy, right? But no, Shadab can tell you what it is, namely to fall for your friend, who also happens to be your rival and not to mention married and a man...