Listen To Your Heart.

Chapter 22

Five years later:

Five years and sixty-eight days have passed since Shubman's world was shattered by Ishan's sudden departure. He felt lost and didn't know what to do or where to turn. Hoping to find Ishan, Shubman scoured social media, following every Ishan fan page, but with no luck. As time went on, he tried to move forward, but Ishan's absence was a constant reminder of his lost love.

Many things changed since then.
A political leader who favored Mr. Patil passed away, revealing Mr. Patil's unethical deeds during his time as BCCI head. This news led to public outrage and Anita and Mr. Patil fleeing to London.

The ICT made a press-conferrense then,Sharing everything he did to all of them specially to Ishan and Shubman after he was BCCI head.Mr. Patil was sacked then after that.Shubman hoped this would bring Ishan back.

It hadn’t.

The Indian cricket board,Ishan's friend all tried to search Ishan,But Ishan couldn't be found.Shubman held onto hope that Ishan would return, but as the years passed, that hope faded. Shubman sometimes wondered if he would ever feel whole again without Ishan by his side.

There are days when Shubman feels resentment towards Ishan,How could Ishan escape from everything, leaving Shubman alone? If Ishan had to run away, he could have taken Shubman with him. Shubman would have gladly given up everything to be with him.

In these five years, not a single party or gathering went by without Ishan's absence being felt or his name being mentioned. Shubman witnessed countless members of the Indian Cricket Team become teary-eyed when discussing Ishan. Even someone as composed as Virat bhai's voice would tremble, as if on the verge of tears, especially during cake-cutting ceremonies. After all, everyone missed the sudden splash of cake from a certain someone.

Shubman couldn't help but laugh at those sweet memories of the good old days. In the five years since Ishan's departure, countless girls had tried to woo him, even proposing marriage. But Shubman couldn't bring himself to accept any of them.He couldn’t.He was married his heart and brain would scream.So Shubman remained alone, with only memories of Ishan to keep him company.

Last year,A producer proposed Shubman, they wanted to make a film on Shubman's life specially about the BCCI drama and his love life,how he overcame and now the best cricketer of ICT.At first Shubman was skeptical, but he agreed last.Mahi bhai has suggested him,let the world know What happened, people will learn to fight with unfair from it.

Today marked the premiere of the film, and Shubman, along with the entire Indian Cricket Team, was invited to the first screening. As he watched the story of his life unfold on the screen, Shubman couldn't help but relive those past memories. The director had done justice to the characters, capturing the essence of Shubman's journey with authenticity and depth.

However, as the film came to an end, Shubman felt a pang of longing in his heart. Watching the portrayal of his relationship with Ishan only served to deepen his sense of loss. Despite the success and recognition depicted in the film, Shubman couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness without Ishan by his side.

Shubman was standing in the balcony when he saw a shattered star.It reminded him the day Ishan and Shubman got married.Shubman prayed for Ishan's happiness that day,so he did it again today.

"Ishan,Wherever you are,I wish you stay safe."-Shubman prayed closing his eyes.

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In 4300 miles far,a car stopping just an inch away from Ishan, thanks to a stranger's failed brake. The foreigner girl, visibly shaken by the incident, rushed out of her car to apologize profusely.

" Oh my God, I am so so sorry,My brake failed.I didn’t have any control over it.You were in your headphone so you also didnt notice,But suddenly it stopped!It's so strange."

"It's okay"

"No,I mean you must have a lot of prayer of your dear ones with you.You are lucky"

"I wish.Anyway,You don’t have to worry,I am fine.But took the car to mechanic first."-Ishan said.

" Can I buy you a coffee?Please I am feeling gulty?"

Ishan opened his mouth to say no,But the girl kept saying,"Please?"

"okay"-Ishan sighed."I work in a cafe here.Lets take you there."

।।।।।।।।

The cafe Ishan works,is a local cafe,He and another girl called Alaska works here.Alaska is a very nice and friendly girl.Surviving would have been a lot hard if Alaska wasn’t there.Although Ishan never shared with Alaska who he is.He just lied about his identity.

" Hi,Alaska,How's everything?"-Ishan asked.

Alaska gave him an expression that seems like she saw a ghost.

।।।।।।।।

It was past 3 at night and Shubman's phone kept ringing.Annoyed he receive  the call.

"Hello Shubman.It's Sara."

"Sara?Is everything okay?"

"I think I have found Ishan."