You Belong With Me

52

The selection meeting began, and tension crackled in the air like static before a storm. As each member took their place, Mukesh shot Sourav a sly smirk. It was a look that could ignite a thousand fires, and Sourav felt the heat of anger rising within him. Yet, he swallowed it down, tucking his emotions away for the time being.

Seated among the selectors and the coach, Sourav, the captain, felt the weight of responsibility pressing down on him like a boulder. His shoulders sagged under the burden, and he knew he had to make a decision, even if it meant stepping away from something he had worked so hard for.

"I... I think I should resign from the captaincy," Sourav's voice was barely above a whisper, but it cut through the room like a knife. "I feel overwhelmed, and I know my performance isn't where it should be."

The room erupted into a chorus of protests, everyone except Mukesh, whose silence was more damning than any words could ever be. They all tried to convince Sourav otherwise. After all, the team had been thriving under his leadership. His aggressive style was just what they needed, but Sourav remained resolute.

Finally, after much debate, they settled on Rahul as the new captain. Mukesh, however, couldn't resist one last jab. Turning to Sourav with false innocence dripping from every word, he asked, "But you are joining the upcoming series, right?"

It was a clear signal, a veiled threat. Sourav knew what Mukesh was implying. He wanted Sourav to say that he should be dropped.

With a heavy heart, Sourav admitted, "I think it's best if I sit this one out. My confidence is low, and I need some time to work on myself."

It wasn't an easy decision. The room fell into a heavy silence as they processed Sourav's words. But Sourav knew he had no choice. Mukesh's blackmail hung over him like a dark cloud, forcing his hand.

Reluctantly, he accepted his fate, knowing that he had to put Rahul first, even if it meant stepping away from the game he loved.

After the intense meeting, Sourav realized he faced an uphill battle. Convincing his teammates why he took the actions he did without disclosing the real motive would be like trying to solve a Rubik's cube blindfolded. However, the toughest challenge loomed ahead: he couldn't bear the idea of deceiving Rahul, his boyfriend. How could he possibly explain himself to Rahul? How could he make his teammates understand? Despite the odds stacked against him, Sourav somehow managed to sway both his teammates and Rahul.

The moon cast a silvery glow through Sourav's window, but despite its gentle light, his mind was shrouded in darkness. Overthinking had become his unwelcome companion, plaguing him even in the quiet of the night. Just as he was about to succumb to another wave of anxious thoughts, a sharp knock reverberated through his room.

Startled, Sourav rose from his bed, padding softly to the door. With a hesitant hand, he turned the knob, revealing Sachin's silhouette in the dimly lit hallway. Before Sourav could utter a word, Sachin pushed past him, closing the door behind him with a decisive click. The finality of the sound made Sourav's heart skip a beat. He knew what was about to unfold.

"What the fuck is going on with you?" Sachin's voice cut through the silence, sharp and unyielding.

Sourav's throat felt dry as he struggled to find the right words. "Sach, I—"

"No! First, you listen to me." Sachin's voice brooked no argument. "I didn't say anything downstairs because I knew you wouldn't tell. But I ain't your little puppy like your teammates, who would trust whatever you say. And nor am I your lovesick boyfriend Rahul, who would melt with your stupid kisses and compliments. I want the fucking truth," he demanded, his anger palpable in the confined space of the room.

Sourav's heart hammered in his chest, the weight of Sachin's words hitting him like a ton of bricks. He had always relied on his charm, his easy smiles and quick wit to navigate through life. But with Sachin, there was no room for pretense, no space for half-truths.

The truth hung heavy in the air, begging to be released. But Sourav hesitated, the fear of what would come next gripping him in its icy embrace. Yet, as he looked into Sachin's eyes, blazing with a fiery determination, he knew there was no escaping it. It was time to confront the demons that had haunted him for far too long.

Sourav guided Sachin to sit, his expression heavy with the weight of the story he was about to reveal. The dimly lit room cast long shadows across the faces of the two friends as Sourav began to recount the series of events that had led him to this point.

He spoke slowly, each word carrying the burden of his secret. He explained how Mukesh had blackmailed him, threatening to expose private and intimate moments between him and Rahul. Sachin's initial anger and frustration slowly softened as he listened, his eyes reflecting the pain and turmoil his friend had endured.

As Sourav continued, Sachin felt a surge of empathy for his friend. He realized the impossible choices Sourav had been forced to make, torn between his own career and his loyalty to Rahul. It was a dilemma no one should have to face.

Sachin's anger simmered beneath the surface, threatening to boil over as he imagined the man who had caused his friend so much pain. He longed to confront Mukesh, to make him pay for what he had done. But he knew that it wasn't that simple. Mukesh held a powerful weapon - private pictures that could destroy not only Sourav's and Rahul's career, but also their relationship.

Feeling the weight of Sourav's burden, Sachin pulled his friend into a tight embrace. Sourav's eyes glistened with unshed tears, and Sachin vowed silently to stand by him, no matter what. 

Sachin looked at Sourav with a furrowed brow, his mind racing for alternatives. "Is there not any other way?" he asked, a hint of desperation in his voice.

Sourav shook his head, his expression grim. "No, Sach. I wish there was. But I know him. He's a bastard. He would reveal our secret to the whole world, resulting in the collapse of both of our careers."

Sachin's heart sank at Sourav's words. The weight of their shared secret pressed down on him, suffocating him with its implications. They had worked so hard to get where they were, and now it could all come crashing down because of one person's betrayal. He clenched his fists, trying to hold back the frustration and anger bubbling inside him. But as Sachin looked into Sourav's eyes, he knew that their options were limited.

Flashback Ends