THE UNEXPECTED CONFESSION💞

Part -13

The announcement that the school's cricket team would be leaving India for an extended practice session overseas brought mixed emotions to everyone involved. Hardik was particularly torn. On the one hand, he was incredibly proud of KL Rahul and the team; on the other hand, the thought of being separated from Rahul made his heart ache.

Hardik, however, put on a brave face. "This is a fantastic opportunity for you, Rahul," he said, smiling brightly. "You'll gain so much experience and come back even stronger."

Rahul, sensing something off but attributing it to the stress of exams, pulled Hardik into a tight hug. "I'll miss you, but we'll stay in touch every day. I promise."

Hardik nodded, burying his face in Rahul's shoulder. "I'll miss you too. Just focus on your game, okay?"

Meanwhile, Shubman was also struggling with the news. He had a chance to get selected for the under-19 team, but the thought of leaving Ishan behind made him hesitant. Ishan, sensing the conflict but not knowing how to address it, started to distance himself, thinking it was for the best.

One afternoon, Shubman confronted Ishan in the hallway. "Ishan, why are you avoiding me? Is it because of the under-19 team?"

Ishan looked away, his heart aching. "Shubman, I just don't want to hold you back. You have a great future ahead of you. You should focus on that."

Shubman's eyes filled with tears. "But what about us? I thought we were in this together."

Ishan clenched his fists, trying to keep his emotions in check. "We are. But I don't want you to miss out on your dreams because of me."

Shubman shook his head, feeling broken. "You don't get it, do you? You're part of my dream too."

Unable to bear the pain in Shubman's eyes, Ishan turned and walked away, leaving Shubman standing there, devastated.

Meanwhile, Rahul couldn't shake the feeling that something was off with Hardik. He decided to talk to Rohit, hoping for some insight.

"Rohit, have you noticed anything strange about Hardik lately?" Rahul asked.

Rohit sighed. "He's been putting on a brave face, but I know he's hurting. He's just trying to support you."

Rahul frowned. "I hate seeing him like this. I wish there was something I could do."

Rohit patted Rahul's shoulder. "Just be there for him. He needs to know that you care, even when you're far away."

That evening, Rahul found Hardik sitting alone in the stands, staring out at the empty field.

"Hey," Rahul said softly, sitting down next to him. "What's going on in that head of yours?"

Hardik sighed, leaning against Rahul. "I'm just going to miss you so much. I want to be supportive, but it's hard."

Rahul wrapped an arm around Hardik, pulling him close. "I know. But we'll get through this. We'll talk every day, and before you know it, I'll be back."

Hardik nodded, feeling a bit better with Rahul's reassurance. "Okay. Just promise me you'll stay safe and take care of yourself."

Rahul smiled, kissing Hardik's forehead. "I promise."

As the team prepared for their departure, Ishan couldn't take the distance from Shubman anymore. He found Shubman sitting alone in the park, looking lost.

"Shubman," Ishan called out, approaching him slowly.

Shubman looked up, his eyes red from crying. "Ishan, what do you want?"

Ishan took a deep breath, sitting down next to him. "I'm sorry. I thought I was doing the right thing by giving you space to focus on your dreams. But I was wrong. I don't want to lose you."

Shubman sniffled, wiping his tears. "I thought you didn't care."

Ishan shook his head, taking Shubman's hand. "I care more than you know. I just didn't want to hold you back."

Shubman looked into Ishan's eyes, seeing the sincerity there. "I don't want to go without you. We can figure this out together."

Ishan nodded, pulling Shubman into a tight hug. "Together. We'll make it work."

As they held each other, the weight of their worries seemed to lift. They knew it wouldn't be easy, but they were determined to face the challenges together.

Meanwhile, Hardik and Rahul sat quietly in the stands, enjoying their last moments together before the team left. Despite the impending separation, they both felt a sense of hope and strength in their bond.

"No matter how far apart we are, I'll always be with you," Rahul whispered.

"And I'll always be with you," Hardik replied, their hands entwined as they looked out at the field, ready to face whatever the future held.