Awakening Hearts

Chapter 3

As the first light of dawn crept through the curtains, Kiara's eyes fluttered open. Today was the day she would embark on a new journey, and the flutter in her heart couldn't be stilled. With meticulous care, she readied herself, her movements a dance of anticipation. Suitcases in hand, car keys jingling with promise, she descended the staircase to the living room where her life had unfolded in countless memories.

Jagdeep and Genevieve awaited her, their faces a canvas of bittersweet emotions. "Mishaal," Kiara's voice was firm yet affectionate, "don't you dare enter my room while I'm gone." Mishaal, with his ever-present cheeky grin, saluted playfully. "Ji madam," he chimed, his respect for her veiled in humor. Their hug was a silent promise of return.

The drive to JW Marriott was a blur, her mind awash with thoughts of what awaited. The legendary Rahul Dravid greeted her with a warmth that belied his stature. "You can meet the captain now," he said, his voice a guiding beacon, "and in the evening, the rest of the team."

Rohit, the captain, stood before her, an embodiment of leadership and camaraderie. "Good morning, sir," Kiara greeted, only to be met with a chuckle. "Kiara, don't call me sir, call me bhai," Rohit insisted, his tone welcoming. As she took the offered seat, Rohit's gaze held hers, serious yet kind. "Kiara, I want to tell you a few things," he began, his words painting the ethos of the team. "We are one, a family. Our bond is sacred, and I trust you'll honor it."

Kiara's promise was heartfelt. "Bhai, I will never break your bond." Rohit's smile was her reassurance.

Her room at the Marriott was a haven, a beautiful space that whispered of comfort and luxury. The balcony beckoned, and for a moment, Kiara stood there, the world sprawling before her. But comfort called, and she changed into clothes that felt like a soft embrace.

A chance encounter in the hallway led to a collision of fates. "I am really sorry," the stranger apologized, her voice a melody of regret. Kiara lifted her gaze to meet Aditi's, and in that exchange, a new acquaintance was formed. "I am Kiara," she introduced herself, her hand extended in friendship.

Aditi, with her connection to Ishan Kishan, was a link to the world Kiara was about to immerse herself in. Their conversation was a dance of social media and introductions, ending with a follow on Instagram and the promise of future interactions.

Lunchtime brought Kiara to a gathering of stars, where Rohit's introduction of her was a spotlight moment. "Guys, meet our new psychiatrist, Kiara Advani." The team's smiles were a warm welcome, a circle of acceptance that Kiara stepped into with grace.

Virat's voice cut through the chatter, a playful command to Ishan. "Ishu Kishu, go call your Veere." The banter was light, but the absence of Shubman, referred to affectionately as Veere, hung in the air.

Shubman's eventual arrival was a quiet storm. His presence next to Kiara was a silent testament to his inner turmoil, his eyes windows to a soul in distress. His departure was as silent as his arrival, a shadow retreating to solitude.

Kiara's heart, trained to sense the unspoken, followed. Her knock on Shubman's door was an offer of solace, her words a gentle probe. "You seemed disturbed, so I thought to check on you." His response was a wall, a barrier to her kindness. "I am fine," he stated, but the door closing on her spoke volumes.

Ishan's revelation was a whisper of concern. "He's been like this for a year," he confided, his sigh a weight of shared sorrow. Kiara's resolve was a beacon. "I'll try my best," she promised, her determination a vow to heal.

As the day unfolded, Kiara found herself enveloped in the world of cricket, her Instagram a testament to her new role. But as the evening approached, it was Shubman's solitude that called to her, a puzzle she was determined to solve.