After months of pain, struggle, and endless support from his loved ones, Ishan was finally discharged from the hospital. His parents, Raj, and Shubman were all there, and the joy was evident in their smiles. But it wasn’t just the physical recovery; it was the emotional scars that still lingered between Ishan and Shubman, scars that no one had dared to address since the night of Shubman’s broken engagement with Sara.
As they exited the hospital, Ishan was surprised when his parents told him that he would be staying with Shubman.
“We think it’s better this way,” his father said, trying to be gentle but firm. “Shubman will take care of you. He’s been with you every step, beta.”
Ishan glanced at Shubman, who stood silently, his eyes reflecting an unspoken promise. Ishan simply nodded, unwilling to argue but also unsure how to feel.
### The Road to Recovery
The next two months were grueling yet transformative. Ishan pushed himself harder every day to regain his strength and get back on the cricket field. His determination was fierce, fueled by the unwavering support of his teammates.
Rohit, Virat, and Hardik were always around, providing not just guidance but genuine brotherhood. They organized small training sessions, always keeping Ishan motivated.
One day, Rohit was tossing balls at the nets while Virat and Hardik cheered on.
“Chote, focus! Eye on the ball,” Rohit shouted, his voice filled with both authority and affection. Ishan swung the bat, hitting the ball with precision.
“Atta boy!” Virat clapped, a proud smile on his face. “You’re getting your rhythm back.”
Hardik ran over, ruffling Ishan’s hair. “Soon, you’ll be smashing bowlers again. But don’t rush, okay? We don’t want to see you back in that hospital bed.”
Ishan nodded, his eyes brimming with gratitude. “Thanks, guys. I wouldn’t be here without you all.”
As much as his teammates were supportive, Shubman was on another level. He was always there, meticulously planning every meal, every physiotherapy session, and even small walks in the park. It was as if Shubman was taking care of a delicate glass sculpture that could break at any moment.
Shubman’s care bordered on obsessive. He would cook Ishan’s meals, ensuring everything was balanced and nutritious. He’d check Ishan’s vitals constantly and always insisted on being present at every doctor’s appointment.
One evening, after an intense physiotherapy session, Shubman brought a glass of water to Ishan. “Drink this, it’ll help with muscle recovery,” he said, his voice soft but firm.
Ishan took the glass, eyeing Shubman. “You don’t have to do all this, you know.”
Shubman shrugged, trying to keep it casual, but his eyes betrayed his emotions. “I want to. It’s my responsibility.”
Ishan’s lips curled into a sad smile, but he said nothing more. Shubman’s devotion was touching, but it also reminded him of the walls that had been built between them. Walls that neither had tried to break down.
### Confronting the Unspoken
One morning, they were exercising together in their apartment. The usual silence hung between them, punctuated only by the sounds of their steady breathing and the faint music playing in the background. Ishan had been pushing hard, his muscles aching from the relentless routine.
As they took a break, sitting side by side on the yoga mats, Ishan finally broke the silence that had been suffocating him for months. He looked directly at Shubman, his eyes reflecting a mixture of pain and determination.
