After the Afghanistan match, Shubman found himself benched for the next three matches, a first-time experience for him. The shock was palpable as he sat on the sidelines, trying to make sense of it all. He couldn't recall the last time he'd been benched; usually, it was for a few bad performances, but this time, it felt unjust. As he watched his teammates take the field without him, he couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment and frustration.
In the midst of his turmoil, his phone buzzed with a video call from Ishan. Shubman's lips curved into a smile as he picked up the call, grateful for the distraction. Seeing Ishan's face on the screen brought a sense of comfort and familiarity amidst the uncertainty.
"Ishan, yaar, kya haal hai?" Shubman greeted him, his voice laced with a mix of emotions.
Ishan's tender expression softened as he looked at Shubman through the screen. "Shub, tu thik hai na?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.
Shubman nodded, trying to push aside the disappointment he felt. "Haan, yaar, bas thoda upset hoon," he admitted, his voice trailing off.
Just then, Shubman noticed Virat Kohli approaching them. His heart skipped a beat as he greeted the legendary cricketer, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement.
"Hey, Shubman, how are you?" Virat's voice was warm and reassuring, instantly putting Shubman at ease.
"Hi, Virat bhaiya, I'm doing okay," Shubman replied, his voice tinged with gratitude. "Just dealing with some disappointment, you know?"
Virat's expression softened, empathy shining in his eyes. "I understand, Shubman. It's never easy, but remember, every setback is an opportunity to come back stronger."
Shubman nodded, feeling a surge of motivation wash over him. "Thank you, Virat bhaiya. Your words mean a lot to me," he said sincerely.
Ishan, who had been patiently waiting in the background, chimed in with a supportive smile. "Shub, remember, you're not alone in this. We're here for you, always."
Shubman felt a wave of gratitude wash over him, knowing that he had such unwavering support from both Ishan and Virat. With their encouragement, he felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, determined to rise above his current setback and prove his worth on the field once again.
After seeing Shubman's disappointment, Ishan's heart ached for him. He knew how much Shubman valued his place in the team and how hard he worked to perform well. Unable to bear seeing Shubman in distress, Ishan decided to take action.
Pulling out his phone, Ishan dialed Virat's number, his fingers trembling with determination. As the phone rang, Ishan's mind raced with thoughts of how he could help Shubman feel better.
"Hello, Ishan, what's up?" Virat's voice sounded from the other end of the line.
"Virat bhaiya, Shubman ko lekar kuch baat karna tha," Ishan said, his voice laced with concern.
Virat's brows furrowed in curiosity. "Haan, bolo Ishan, kya hua?" he asked, sensing the urgency in Ishan's tone.
"Shubman kaafi upset hai, aur main usse thoda change of scenery ki zarurat samajhta hoon," Ishan explained, his words coming out in a rush. "Main soch raha hoon ki agar aap usse saath le jaayein kahin, toh shayad uska mood thik ho jaye."
Virat listened intently, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I understand, Ishan. I'll make sure to spend some time with Shubman and help him feel better," he assured Ishan.
Ishan breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for Virat's willingness to help. "Thank you, Virat bhaiya. It means a lot to both of us," he said sincerely.
With a plan in motion and the support of his mentor, Ishan felt hopeful that Shubman would soon find solace and comfort in Virat's company. As he ended the call, Ishan sent a silent prayer, hoping for Shubman's swift return to happiness and confidence on the field.
"By the way, Ishan, how are you doing?" Virat's voice resonated with genuine concern.
Ishan paused, feeling the weight of his emotions settle in his chest. "I'm... I'm trying to stay strong, Virat bhaiya," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "But seeing Shubman like this... it's tearing me apart."
Virat's heart sank at Ishan's words, knowing all too well the pain of watching someone you care about struggle. "I understand, Ishan," he said softly, his voice heavy with empathy. "It's hard when you feel helpless, especially when it's someone you love."
A tear escaped Ishan's eye as he listened to Virat's comforting words. "Yeah, it's... it's tough," he admitted, his voice breaking slightly. "But knowing that you're there for us... it means everything, Virat bhaiya."
Virat's heart ached at the vulnerability in Ishan's voice. "You and Shubman are like my own brothers," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "I'll always be here for you, no matter what."
As the conversation continued, Ishan found solace in Virat's comforting presence, feeling a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of their current struggles. In that moment, the bond between them grew stronger, as they shared their burdens and leaned on each other for support.
In the quiet moments that followed the dinner with Virat, Shubman found himself alone with his thoughts. His phone buzzed once again, and it was Ishan calling. As he answered, Ishan's warm voice filled the emptiness around him.
"Shubi," Ishan began, a subtle tenderness in his tone, "I just want you to know, I love you, meri jaan. Jab dard tujhe hota, mujhe mehsoos hota hai."
Shubman felt a mixture of emotions flood over him – comfort, warmth, and a sense of belonging. In those words, he found not only love but a profound connection that transcended the challenges they faced. Ishan's unwavering support became a soothing balm for Shubman's wounded spirit.
"I love you too, Ishu," Shubman whispered, the weight on his heart lifting with each passing moment. In that shared exchange of affection, they discovered a strength that went beyond the cricket field, a strength born from the love they held for each other.
Ishan's voice resonated through the phone, "Shub, har dard tujhe mehsoos hota hai, toh mujhe bhi. I love you, meri jaan."
Shubman's heart swelled with emotions, "Ishu, tu hi mera sahara hai. Teri har baat, tera har pyaar, sab kuch mere liye hai."
Ishan continued, "Jab tu musibat mein hota hai, mujhe bhi lagta hai jaise saara jahan gir gaya ho. But remember, hum dono ek dusre ke liye hain, hamesha."
Shubman, feeling the warmth of Ishan's love, replied, "Tune mere dard ko apna bana liya hai, Ishu. Teri zarurat hai meri zindagi mein, hamesha rahegi."
As they exchanged these heartfelt words, a silent promise hung in the air — a promise of enduring love, shared pain, and the strength they found in each other. The miles apart seemed inconsequential, for in that moment, they were connected by a love that knew no bounds.
