Maybe in this Lifetime (Short Fics)

Enemies? Dating? (2/2)

Their second league match together was more intense, the fights in the middle of the points table were on. One lost match, one rain washed out match could mean the difference between qualifications and knockouts. Everything was tense. Shubman felt like he was losing it. There was so much going on, he couldn't even catch a night's restful wink. It was pressure unlike anything he has ever felt, so he struggled. The only thing holding him together were the random conversations he had with Ishan. They weren't even related to cricket but it helped soothe him like no other.

Ishan, on the other hand, was handling everything better. Hardik who was close to him like his own brother was going through a lot of mental stress so he would constantly chat with him to calm him down. Ishan thinks he would've been a bigger mess had he not gone through everything he had.

His break had given him perspective and a hunger to thrive. He was ready to claw his way back in and there was no way he would lose his cool over inanities. He had Shubman to hear him out when he needed it and now he was more than happy to be the pillar of support for his best friend.

"Best friend" hmmm ever since Virat had asked the question his mind hasn't shut down for even a second. He wondered if this was what the kids(!) called situationship? But that would mean Shubman and he were in love. That's absurd right? Or was it?? They seemed to check all the boxes that indicated that they could be more than friends.

—

Shubhman and Ishan weren't chatting like they usually do. Everybody around them were confused. Now, this was weirder than them constantly having a go at each other. Meanwhile, Shubman's batting was downright shaky.

"Shubman's looking out of sorts"

"A complete contrast to when he is bantering with Ishan." The other commentator saw it fit to say and erupt into a giggle causing the others to snicker.

"Maybe that's the key.. a good healthy banter!" The very British commentator exclaimed. Everybody laughed at his overt emphasis on banter.

"Looks like they got a good talking to from their franchises"

"Ok that's another mistimed shot from the bat of Shubman Gill. We don't often get to see those."

"He's clearly struggling."

During the break Ishan went to Shubman and whispered something in his ears and from the next over, it was a brand new Shubman Gill taking on the bowlers and playing his shots with ease.

"What did Kishan say to goad Gill I wonder? "

"Whatever it was, has worked wonders. Gill is back to playing like we are used to seeing him"

"Why do I get the feeling those two aren't quite the enemies they're made out to be?"

"It's all very confusing, if they're not at odds with each other why would Kishan goad him"

"What if he had said something encouraging?"

"That's funny" and the commentating crew laughed.

When Shubman Gill was interviewed post match, the first question was what did Ishan Kishan say to you that completely turned your game around.

Shubman gave the interviewer an inscrutable stare then replied in his typical fashion "I don't think someone saying something can change anyone's game. The bowler was bowling to my strengths in that over and that's how I was able to get back into the game".

++

"Oh I see.. it was bowler haan? Not me??"

"Owww ouch.. dheere (slowly)...Ishan yaar.. what was I supposed to say? My opponent wicket keeper is the reason I played well?"