The Switch

24: The Past Life

sam's pov:

After a solid 10 minutes of silence, his voice breaks through the stillness. "So, were you going to hide the fact that you were on the Indian team?"

I turn to stare at him, my eyes wide in shock. How did he know?

That's when he places my pictures on the bed. My heart skips a beat as I see the photos—moments from my time on the field, captured in vivid detail. How did he find these?

"You weren't supposed to snoop around my room, you know?" My voice comes out just above a whisper as I take the pictures in my hand, slowly brushing my fingers over them.

The memories flood back—every match, every victory, every moment of pride. I never intended for anyone to see these, especially not Adhi.

Correcting my posture, I take a deep breath and meet his gaze, trying to gather my thoughts. This wasn't how I imagined this secret coming out, but now that it has, there's no turning back.

Adhi's eyes search mine, waiting for an explanation, but I'm not sure where to start. My fingers continue to trace the edges of the photos, each one a reminder of the part of my life I've kept hidden.

 "I wasn't hiding it," I finally say, though the words feel weak even to me. "It's just... complicated." 

He sits down on the edge of the bed, his expression softening but still tinged with confusion. "Complicated how? You're on the national team, Sam. That's huge. Why wouldn't you tell me?"

I let out a sigh, struggling to find the right words. "It's not that I didn't want to tell you. It's just... there's not much to say really!" I try to fight back the tears forming. I don't want to cry not that I finally thought I got over it!

"I had been playing cricket ever since I could remember," I begin, my voice soft and distant, as if I'm talking to someone from a long time ago. "My father loves cricket, and I wanted to play with him, so we always played together. Slowly, his love for the game started to turn into my passion... and my life."

I pause, letting out a deep sigh before continuing. "I was selected for the Indian women's under-19 cricket team when I was 17." I glance at Adhi, who's listening to me so intently that he hasn't blinked once.

"I still remember the day I got my jersey," I say, my voice gaining a hint of warmth as the memories flood back. "After all those training sessions, practice matches, and small tournaments, I was so, so happy that I started crying. I ran all the way home to tell my parents."

A small smile tugs at my lips as I look down at the photos, reliving that moment. "And then, after two months, it was finally time for my debut match. I was so stressed, so nervous, that I couldn't sleep. So I put on my track pants, my shirt, and my shoes... and I went out for a jog."

My voice falters as I approach the part I've been dreading, my breath becoming shaky. "W-when..."

I struggle to keep my emotions in check, but the memories are too powerful, too overwhelming. I take a few shaky breaths, trying to steady myself, but the pain is still there, just as raw as it was back then.

Adhi reaches out to me, his touch gentle and supportive, but I can't bring myself to look at him. I'm too lost in the past, in the moment when everything changed.

"When I was out jogging, I was hit by a bike from behind," I finally manage to say, my voice barely audible. "It was early morning, the road was surrounded by trees on both sides, and the streets were empty, but I didn't see it coming. The hit wasn't so serious, but I lost my balance, and my leg went limp. I couldn't m-move..."

The room is silent, the weight of my words hanging in the air. I can feel Adhi's grip on my hand tighten, his concern palpable, but I still can't bring myself to meet his gaze. I keep staring at our hands, "There were two men on the bike... T-they pulled me into the trees, a-and they... they abused me. They hit my head, and I fell unconscious. The next thing I knew, I woke up in a hospital. Some men going down the path saw me that afternoon."

"I never got to play that match," I whisper, my voice breaking. "I never got to live that dream."

Adhi's hand moves to my shoulder, and I finally look up at him. His eyes are filled with sorrow and understanding, but there's something else there too—something like admiration, or maybe even awe.

"You're so strong, Sam," he says softly. "I had no idea you went through something like that."

I shake my head, tears welling up in my eyes. "I'm not strong, Adhi. I've been hiding from this, from my past, for so long. I didn't want anyone to know because... because it hurts too much."He pulls me into a gentle hug, holding me as I finally let the tears fall. "You don't have to hide anymore," he whispers. "Not from me."

"But because of this, Adhi—this switch—I did play for India. We won! I had our country's name on my chest! Well, technically, not on mine, but I finally at least know how it feels. And thank you so much, Adhi!"

For the first time in a long while, I feel like maybe it's okay to let someone in, to share the pain I've been carrying alone for so long. The weight of it doesn't feel so heavy anymore, and I realize that maybe, just maybe, I can start to heal. 

Adhi pulls back slightly, looking into my eyes with a soft smile. "You've been through so much, Sam. But you're here, and you're still fighting. That's something to be proud of."

I nod, wiping away the last of my tears. "I'm so sorry, Adhi!"

"My parents have given so much to me. I don't think they will accept us, and I don't want to hurt them! I don't want to hurt you!" I look at him, tears still flowing down my face. "I don't want to hurt you, Adhi! You are so nice, so pure! I'm not even close to that! I am not the right one for you!"

I shake my head, trying to push away my tears. "You deserve so much more!"

Adhi's expression softens further, and he reaches out, gently cupping my face in his hands. "Sam, none of this is about being perfect or living up to some ideal. It's about being there for each other, supporting each other through everything. I see who you are—your strength, your courage, your kindness. And that's enough for me."

I open my mouth to argue, but Adhi places a finger on my lips, silencing me. "I know your past is painful and complicated, but it doesn't define who you are now. What matters is how we face the future, together. I'm here for you, no matter what."

I search his eyes, trying to find any hint of doubt or judgment, but all I see is sincerity and love. The weight of my fears and insecurities feels a little lighter uder the warmth of his gaze.

Hello people!!

I'm sooo sorry for not posting last week!
Let me know if u like this chapter!
Any improvements, suggestions?

❤️❤️❤️

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING MY STORY!