𝚆𝚒𝚕𝚍𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝙳𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚖𝚜 [ Yashasvi Jaiswal ]

23

The Rajasthan Royals camp was buzzing with the excitement and energy of a new IPL season. As the evening approached, the team prepared for the annual welcome dinner, a tradition that marked the beginning of their journey together. Yashasvi and Divya, however, were caught in their own whirlwind of emotions, each trying to navigate the awkward tension between them.

Yashasvi dressed for the dinner with a mix of anticipation and dread. He knew he couldn't avoid Divya forever, and tonight would be the first true test of their ability to coexist in the same space. He glanced at himself in the mirror, adjusting his shirt and trying to muster the confidence he felt on the cricket field. But the mirror only reflected his unease, his thoughts constantly drifting back to that fateful kiss in Dharamshala.

Meanwhile, Divya stood in her room, staring at her reflection. She had chosen a simple yet elegant dress, hoping to blend in rather than stand out. Her heart raced as she thought about seeing Yashasvi again. She had avoided him successfully so far, but the welcome dinner would force them into close proximity. Taking a deep breath, she reminded herself of her professionalism and stepped out of her room, determined to maintain her composure.

The banquet hall was decorated with an array of lights and flowers, creating a festive atmosphere. As the team gathered, laughter and conversation filled the room. Yashasvi entered with his teammates, immediately scanning the crowd for Divya. When he finally spotted her across the room, his breath caught in his throat. She looked beautiful, her face lit by the soft glow of the chandeliers, but her eyes were distant, her smile strained.

Divya felt Yashasvi's gaze on her the moment he walked in. She forced herself to engage in conversation with her colleagues, trying to appear unaffected. But every laugh felt hollow, every smile a mask to hide the turmoil inside. She could sense him watching her, and it took all her willpower to keep from looking in his direction.

As the evening progressed, the team manager, Romi Bhinder, gave a speech welcoming everyone and setting the tone for the season. The players and staff mingled, exchanging stories and aspirations for the upcoming matches. Yashasvi found himself stuck in small talk, his mind drifting back to Divya with every passing second. He couldn't help but steal glances at her, each one intensifying the ache in his chest.

Divya, on the other hand, kept herself busy, moving from one conversation to another. But the effort was draining, and she found herself retreating to a quieter corner of the room. She watched as Yashasvi laughed with his teammates, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. The sight of him, so close yet so distant, only deepened the sense of longing and confusion within her.

Their paths finally crossed when Divya went to the refreshment table to refill her drink. Yashasvi was already there, pouring himself a glass of water. Their eyes met, and for a moment, everything else faded away. The noise of the room, the people around them—it all disappeared, leaving only the unresolved tension between them.

"Hey," Yashasvi said softly, his voice barely audible over the din of the party.

"Hey," Divya replied, her voice equally quiet. She looked down, fiddling with her glass, unsure of what to say next.

The silence stretched, heavy and awkward. Yashasvi wanted to say so much, to ask her how she was feeling, to apologize for the confusion and the distance. But the words wouldn't come. Instead, he stood there, feeling the weight of everything unspoken pressing down on him.

Divya glanced up, meeting his eyes briefly before looking away again. "I... I hope you're doing well," she managed, her voice tinged with an emotion she couldn't quite name.