As Ishan stood in front of the locker, the weight of disappointment hung heavy on his shoulders. With each drop of water splashing against his face, it felt like his tears were finally allowed to fall.
"Why can't I play well?" Ishan's voice wavered as he spoke to his reflection. The frustration and self-doubt echoed in his words, a constant companion in his mind.
He replayed his recent performances in his head, each failure magnified by his relentless overthinking. The memories of his low scores taunted him, reminding him of his struggles and shortcomings.
"Did I make a good enough comeback? Why can't I perform better?" Ishan's voice cracked with emotion as he voiced his inner turmoil, his heart heavy with disappointment.
In the the locker room, his vulnerability laid bare, Ishan grappled with his doubts and fears, longing for the elusive success that seemed to slip through his fingers time and again.
Hardik noticed Ishan's dejected expression from across the room, his heart sinking at the sight of his younger brother's distress. He could sense Ishan's inner turmoil, the weight of disappointment evident in his eyes.
Approaching Ishan with a gentle yet concerned expression, Hardik placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Hey, Ishu, what's wrong?" he asked softly, his voice laced with genuine concern.
Ishan sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping with the weight of his emotions. "I just can't seem to get it right, Hardik bhaiya," he admitted, his voice tinged with frustration. "No matter how hard I try, I keep falling short."
Hardik's heart ached at Ishan's words, knowing all too well the pain of grappling with self-doubt and criticism. "I understand, Ishu," he replied empathetically, his voice soothing. "But remember, cricket is a game of highs and lows. You've shown your talent before, and you'll do it again."
Ishan nodded, but the weight of his disappointment still hung heavy in the air. "I just wish I could do better," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I know, Ishu," Hardik said, his tone filled with empathy. "But remember, you're not alone in this. We're here for you, no matter what. And together, we'll get through this."
Ishan managed a weak smile, grateful for Hardik's unwavering support. "Thanks, bhaiya," he said softly, the warmth of Hardik's presence offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of his despair.
Feeling the weight of Ishan's sadness, Hardik enveloped him in a tight embrace, offering him a sense of solace and reassurance. Ishan's tears began to fall, the release of his pent-up emotions washing over him in waves of vulnerability and relief. But amidst his tears, Ishan made sure to keep his emotions hidden from the prying eyes of the stadium and the other players from different team, not wanting to show any signs of weakness in front of them.
Hardik held Ishan close, offering him a safe haven within the confines of their embrace. "It's okay to let it out, Ishu," he murmured softly, his voice a soothing balm to Ishan's troubled soul. "We all have our moments of doubt and frustration. But remember, you're stronger than you think, and you have a whole team standing behind you."
Ishan nodded, his tears gradually subsiding as he found comfort in Hardik's words. "Thanks, bhaiya," he whispered, his voice tinged with gratitude. "I needed that."
Hardik squeezed Ishan's shoulder affectionately, offering him a reassuring smile. "Anytime, Ishu," he replied warmly. "We're in this together, remember? Now let's go show them what you're made of."
With Hardik's unwavering support bolstering his spirits, Ishan felt a renewed sense of determination stirring within him. Wiping away his tears, he straightened his posture and nodded resolutely. "Yeah," he said with a newfound conviction. "Let's do this."
