A Campaign of Dreams (ON HOLD)

The Prince's dilemma.

The Prince's dilemma.

A/N - Anything unrecognisable is a figment of my imagination. No hate or disrespect to anyone.

Let no one ever say that New York is not beautiful. Yes, it was noisy, somewhat polluted but nevertheless, very beautiful.

And yet, there were no stars to be found. Not that Shubman had expected it, what with the blinding lights and the glow up urbanisation. He missed the views from his home and missed his country in general. Things here felt too foreign, for the lack of a better word, and there was a perpetually empty space smack right in the middle of his chest, where he imagined that feelings resided.

"Shub?"

Shubman turned and found Kuldeep trailing the doorstep of the balcony with something like worry flickering through his eyes.

"Kuldeep Bhai? Aap yahaan?"

Kuldeep tossed his head back and grinned. "So, I cannot come or what? Room out of bounds for me? Still angry at the run-out?"

Shubman could make neither heads nor tails of it and finally shook his head after a few long moments. "What are you even talking about , Bhai? I was not even angry that day. A little disappointed but only that." He squinted at the spin-king of their Team and frowned. "Did I make you feel as if...." He trailed off, not sure how to place the words.

Much to his relief, Kuldeep shook his head. "Ah... No re. Was just pulling your leg."

"Kya Bhaya." With a chuckle, he went back to staring out at the visage of the city. "You had me worried for a while."

"And you have me worried me; ever since we landed here and even before. What is it, Shub?"

And the familiar hand reached out to squeeze his shoulder; Shubman worked hard to keep the rapidly rising dampness from his eyes.

"Nothing, Kuldeep Bhai. I am perfectly alright." He made to keep his grin that bit brighter. "All good and all."

"Of course." Kuldeep came to stand beside him and Shubman, subconsciously, moved a couple of steps away. But of course it was noticed and the senior player raised an eyebrow.

"Kya?"

"Kuch nhi."

Shubman was subjected to another stare from the spinner that ended with an eye roll. "You, my friend, cannot lie to save your life. So, it is better that you do not try to."

Shubman pulled at his hair. "I am not lying," he mumbled.

"Then why weren't you down for dinner today?"

"Because I ordered room service?"

"You did?" Another look, this one holding scant spicing of mischief. "So I can call the reception and confirm?"

And before Shubman could get a word in edgewise, Kuldeep was off towards the phone placed on the bedside table. And he dialled.

The younger cricketer sprinted and smacked his hand on the disconnect button before there could be further damage rendered and warily looked at his fellow Teammate.

"Why would you do that, Bhai? You knew that...." Shubman trailed off.

Kuldeep chuckled but it was not a happy sound. "That you had skipped dinner? Reason, Shubman?" The words did not come as easygoing as before and the recipient winced.

"I-I was not hungry.."

It was so not the right thing to say as Kuldeep scowled fiercely, stared for a while at Shubman's slightly bowed head and then strode off, leaving the room. Shubman ran a hand over his eyes, trying to rub away the tiredness, and went inside to sit at the edge of the bed.