Is This Love? [Shubman Gill x Ishan Kishan]

Chapter Ten

January 2024

Ishan doesn't even get 3 days to process their loss in the world cup before he's sent to play test matches with Australia. Both Shubman and Ishan find themselves caught in a whirlwind of test matches, training sessions, and traveling.

He feels like the BCCI might actually have something against him because every test match he's scheduled to play, Shubman isn't and every test match Shubman is scheduled to play, he isn't.

He throws himself at cricket, using every match to prove himself as an important player. The hours are long and rigorous but it's a welcome distraction from the gnawing loneliness he feels without Shubman on his side.

They try their best to keep in touch with each other, relying on late-night phone calls and video chats to bridge the physical distance. However, soon the time difference and their conflicting schedules often make these moments fleeting and satisfying as well. Their conversations soon become mostly about their respective matches, but there's still an underlying tension no longer how hard they try to avoid it.

One night, after a particularly grueling match against England, Ishan sits in his hotel room, his body aching. He stares at his phone, waiting for Shubman's call. It's their anniversary. It's their second anniversary and they still can't spend it together. The minutes tick by, and Ishan's heart sinks as he realizes that Shubman might not be able to call at all.

Just as he's about to give up hope, his phone buzzes. Shubman's face flashes on the screen, and Ishan's heart leaps. He quickly answers, trying to keep his disappointment from his voice.

"Hey, babe," Shubman says, his voice warm but tired. "Sorry, I'm calling so late. The interview took forever, it started later than they planned."

"It's okay," Ishan replies, forcing a smile. "I'm glad you called."

"How was your match?" Shubman asks.

"Hard," Ishan mumbles, knees to his chest and chin on his knees. "How was your day full of PR?"

"Interviews are annoying, I'd much rather be with you," Shubman replies. "You've been working so hard though, it's going to pay off."

"I hope so," Ishan sighs. He pauses before quietly adding, "I miss you."

"I miss you too," Shubman says, voice tinged with sadness. "This is harder than I thought it would be."

"Yeah, I guess it was easy when we were together all the time," Ishan jokes, chuckling softly.

Shubman hums, "It's okay. We'll be together next week. We can finally celebrate our anniversary."

"Yeah, I'm excited."

"I was thinking we could just spend it at home, we've barely been there since the world cup," Shubman explains.

"Okay, babe," Ishan replies, yawning.

"You should sleep," Shubman says after a couple moments of silence. "I'll call you tomorrow."

"Good night," Ishan sighs. "I love you."

"Love you too."

Ishan ends the call and places his phone down, trying to push away the unease he feels. He looks at the call time, it's two minutes. Their phone calls have never been two minutes, not even when they were just friends.

He blinks back tears, why does it feel like everything's ending?

Just as Shubman requested, they celebrate their 2nd anniversary in the comfort of their Mumbai apartment.

"Hey," Ishan greets Shubman as the taller boy walks into the apartment.