The sun blazed high over the stadium, casting long shadows on the cricket field as the roar of the crowd filled the air. It was the day of the most anticipated match of the year—India versus Pakistan. The tension was palpable, and every player knew what was at stake. This was more than just a game; it was a battle of pride, a clash of titans. The Indian team was charged, their determination visible in their eyes. Ishan, back in the squad after months of recovery, was ready to prove himself. His teammates rallied around him, ensuring he felt nothing but their support.
In the locker room, Rohit Sharma clapped Ishan on the back, his smile broad and encouraging. "Today is your day, champ. Show them who you are."
Virat Kohli, always the motivator, added, "Ishan, just play your game. Forget the pressure. Forget the past. Focus on the now."
Hardik Pandya, ever the mischievous one, teased, "Aur haan, maar maar ke bhool jaana ki yeh tumhara comeback match hai, bhai. Unko pata bhi nahi chalega ki Ishan Kishan waapis aagaya hai." (And yeah, smash them so hard that they won’t even realize Ishan Kishan is back.)
Shubman, who had been quietly observing Ishan, approached him with a gentle smile. "Khel ke dikha. Main yahin hoon." (Show them your game. I’m right here.)
Ishan nodded, feeling a surge of warmth and confidence from his teammates. He stepped onto the field, his mind focused, his body charged. The cheers of the crowd echoed in his ears, chanting his name louder with every step he took.
"Go, Ishan! Go, Ishan!" the crowd roared as he took his position.
The Pakistani bowlers were relentless, throwing every trick they had at Ishan, but he was undeterred. Each ball met the sweet spot of his bat with a fierce crack, and each shot sent the ball flying across the field. His power and precision were mesmerizing, and he played as if he had never been away. He was back in form, and his ruthless batting left no doubt that he was here to stay.
As Ishan smashed a boundary, Shubman joined him on the pitch. Together, they formed an unbreakable partnership, the kind that had won them matches before. Shubman was calm and composed, hitting the ball with grace and style. When he completed his century, the stadium erupted. But instead of celebrating his milestone with his signature step alone, Shubman turned towards Ishan, bowed with his bat, his eyes pleading, showing a silent apology and admiration.
The gesture spoke volumes, a silent plea for forgiveness, and acknowledgment of everything that had been left unsaid between them. It was his way of telling Ishan that he was sorry, that he had missed him, that nothing mattered more than Ishan being by his side.
Ishan, overwhelmed, smiled at Shubman, his eyes glistening with tears that he had held back for too long. He ran towards Shubman, closing the distance between them, and wrapped his arms tightly around him. They held each other amidst the roaring cheers, a moment of pure emotion and vulnerability that spoke of their unspoken bond.
The crowd, witnessing this heartwarming reunion, began chanting louder, "Ishman! Ishman! Ishman!" The nickname that fans had coined for them echoed in the stadium, blending their names as one.
A group of enthusiastic fans started chanting, "Humare jiju kaise ho? Ishan jiju jaise ho!" (How should our brother-in-law be? Just like Ishan!)
Another old man from the stands shouted with a cheeky grin, "Shaadi kab kar rahe ho, beta?!" (When are you getting married, boys?!)
Ishan and Shubman couldn't help but laugh through their tears, the teasing cheers only adding to the magic of the moment. As the match continued, every player stepped up, playing their hearts out. Rohit smashed some brilliant sixes, Virat anchored the innings with precision, and Hardik’s fiery pace sent chills down the spines of the opposition.
Finally, in the second innings, it was Ishan’s turn with the ball. He was in top form, every delivery a perfect execution of skill and strategy. He took five crucial wickets, dismantling Pakistan’s batting line-up with an unmatched ferocity. The crowd’s cheers reached a fever pitch as Ishan bowled the final delivery, sealing India’s victory. Pakistan was all out, losing by a wide margin, and India had won decisively.
The team celebrated on the field, lifting Ishan and Shubman on their shoulders, the stadium buzzing with energy and pride. The crowd’s chants of “India! India! India!” reverberated in the air, electrifying the atmosphere.
As the celebrations continued, Sara walked onto the field, accompanied by Sachin Tendulkar, who had been watching the game. The crowd fell silent, curious to see the interaction unfold. Sara approached Ishan, her expression sincere and apologetic. A fangirl in the stands couldn't resist and shouted, “Stay away from Ishan!” drawing laughter from the crowd.
Sara, slightly taken aback but smiling, said, “I’m really sorry, Ishan. For everything.”
Ishan, looking at her with a gentle smile, replied, “There’s no need to apologize, Sara. It’s all in the past now. We’ve moved on.”
Sara then turned to Shubman, a hint of relief in her voice. “I’m sorry, Shubman. I know it’s been hard on you too. But don’t worry, I’ve found someone else. Aman’s promise can be fulfilled without any engagement. We can still be friends.”
Shubman glanced at Ishan, seeking his silent permission. Ishan nodded with a smile, his eyes reflecting his forgiveness. “Yeah, we can do that,” Shubman said, feeling the weight of past burdens lift from his shoulders.
With that chapter of their lives finally closed, the team returned to their usual antics, the atmosphere turning lively and chaotic. Rohit couldn’t resist teasing Ishan and Shubman. “Oye, ab to tum dono ko ek doosre se dur rehne ki zarurat nahi hai. Bas shaadi ki date finalize kar lo!” (Hey, now that you two don’t need to stay apart, just finalize the wedding date!)
Hardik added, laughing, “Ishman fans ki toh lottery lag gayi. Pata nahi ab Instagram par kitne fan edits milenge!” (Ishman fans have hit the jackpot. I can’t imagine how many fan edits we’ll see on Instagram now!)
Virat joined in with a cheeky grin, “Bas ab room sharing shuru karo, aur match se pehle practice bhi!” (Now just start room sharing and practice before matches!)
Ishan blushed, but he was happier than he’d been in months. Shubman, ever the attentive partner, couldn’t take his eyes off Ishan. He made sure Ishan was comfortable, bringing him water, helping him cool down, and making sure he rested.
That night, after the celebrations died down, Ishan and Shubman finally found a moment alone in their shared room. The atmosphere was soft, filled with the warmth of the victory and the comfort of being together again. Ishan lay on the bed, his head resting on Shubman’s chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
“You really were amazing today,” Shubman whispered, running his fingers through Ishan’s hair. “I’m so proud of you.”
Ishan smiled, his eyes closing in contentment. “I missed this. I missed us.”
Shubman hugged him tighter, his voice soft but filled with conviction. “I’m never leaving you again, Ishan. I was foolish once, but not anymore.”
They lay there, whispering promises of a future that was finally theirs to claim, sharing stories, laughter, and soft kisses. The night was theirs—cuddled close, feeling safe and loved, they drifted into a peaceful sleep, knowing that whatever came next, they would face it together.
For Ishan and Shubman, this was just the beginning of their beautiful forever.
