The Cricketer

Chapter 25

Vicky's POV:

I hear Ara moving around, cleaning the kitchen. I haven't eaten all day; I lost my appetite when I saw the food she prepared for me this morning. I can't stop thinking about yesterday—Kabir calling himself her boyfriend and Ara just standing there, silent. It felt like a punch to the gut. I thought I knew her, and I was wrong. Again.

I hear her standing in front of my door. I walk over and hear soft knocking. "Vicky? Please, can we talk?" she calls out, trying to keep her voice steady. I can't bring myself to answer her; the silence feels louder than anything. I hear her sigh, leaning her forehead against the door as I do the same. "Please, just hear me out. It's not what you think."

I want so badly to let her in, but some part of me keeps my hand stuck to my sides. After a long silence, I hear her softly move away from the door and return to her room. As soon as I hear her door close, I turn my back against the door and slide down. I sit there, my hands pulling at my hair as if it would help with the swirling thoughts in my head.

Why didn't she say anything? Why didn't she deny it? The questions whirl around, and no matter how hard I try, I can't find any answers that make sense. I lean my head back against the door, feeling the weight of confusion and hurt pressing down on me.

I stay there for what feels like hours, lost in my thoughts. I hate feeling this way—like I'm not enough, like I'm always the one who cares more. I thought things with Ara were different, that maybe she felt the same way. But now, I don't know what to think.

Finally, I force myself to get up and walk over to my bed. I fall onto it, staring up at the ceiling, the ache in my chest growing with each passing minute. The thought of losing Ara, of things between us never being the same again, is unbearable.

But I don't know how to face her or talk about what happened. I'm scared—scared of what she might say, scared of how much it will hurt if she confirms my worst fears. As the night drags on, sleep doesn't come easy. I keep replaying everything in my mind, hoping for a different outcome, but the reality stays the same.

And then there's the tournament. Tomorrow, I have to leave for cricket, and I'm torn between clearing things up before I go or leaving this mess behind for a while. But sitting here, all I can feel is the weight of what I might be leaving unresolved.

***

The next day, everything feels heavy and tense. Ara and I avoid each other, each retreating into our own spaces. I hear her moving around the house, but we don't exchange a single word. The atmosphere is charged with unspoken words and unresolved feelings.

I spend most of the day trying to distract myself. I go over my cricket gear, make sure everything is packed, and even try to focus on some last-minute practice. But my mind keeps drifting back to Ara and the mess between us. I wish things were different, but I don't know how to bridge the gap that's grown.

As the day progresses, I keep an eye on the clock, knowing that soon I'll have to leave. I don't want to leave things this way, but I also don't know how to fix them. I want to talk to her, to clear the air, but every time I think about it, I freeze. The fear of making things worse keeps me silent.

When the time comes to head out, I gather my bags and head towards the door. I hear Ara moving in her room but don't see her. I take a deep breath, grab my gear, and feel my heart grow heavy. I'm not sure if she's avoiding me or just doesn't want to face me. Either way, I can't stay.

As I step outside, I glance back at the apartment one last time, hoping for some sign of her, but it remains quiet. I haven't told her about the tournament, so I walk back to the dining table where we keep the sticky notes. I write a quick note: "Going for the tournament. Will be gone for 2 weeks. Be safe!" and stick it to the fridge.

I get into the car, and as it pulls away, I feel a pang of regret and sadness. I wish I could have made things right before leaving, but now it's too late.

The drive to the cricket facility is a blur of thoughts and emotions. The road stretches out before me, but my mind keeps wandering back to Ara and the unresolved tension between us. I try to focus on the tournament ahead, but the weight of the situation hangs heavily over me.

When I arrive at the cricket facility, I'm greeted by teammates and the usual pre-tournament bustle, but I can't shake the feeling of emptiness. Every cheer and high-five feels hollow, and my mind keeps drifting back to the apartment I left behind.

I know I need to put everything aside to focus on the game, but the unresolved issues with Ara make it difficult. I hope that time will bring clarity and that we'll be able to address things when I return. For now, all I can do is try to immerse myself in the tournament and hope that things will work out eventually.

Hello people!!

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

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THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING MY STORY!