Unknown To Known

Uncontrollable Circumstances

The morning sunlight filtered through the dressing room windows, the air vibrated with anticipation, the scent of hairspray and makeup mingling with the hum of the conversation.

Aditi stood before the mirror, her makeup artist expertly styling her hair into sleek waves. Nehal chatted with her family on the phone, her laughter filling the room.

"Ma'am, can you tighten my ponytail?" Aditi asked, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach.

She obliged, securing the final strand. "You look great!"

Nehal then handed Aditi a streaming cup of coffee, its aroma filling the room. "For good luck."

Aditi took a sip, feeling the warmth spread through her veins. She glanced at the TV, where the pre-match analysis was underway.

Ishan's face appeared on the screen, his focused expression a testament of his dedication. Aditi's heart swelled with pride.

The broadcast cut to the commentary team, their voices buliding excitement for the match.

"And welcome back! Today's clash promises to be epic. RCB is looking strong but MI won't go down without a fight."

As the match unfolded, all three of them watched the match live, their eyes glued to the TV. Ishan was wicketkeeping, focused when suddenly the lights flickered and went out. The live broadcast was cut to a break.

Aditi's makeup artist turned to her and said. "This break is perfect timing, let's get your eyes touched up." But before she could begin, Aditi's phone buzzed with a news alert.

She grabbed her phone and her heart sank as she read the headline: "Ishan Kishan injured by Hardik Pandya's freak throw, taken out of the field."

Her calm facade crumbled, and a mix of emotions swirled inside her. Worry for his condition gripped her, followed by anger toward Hardik Pandya's careless throw. Anticipation for the match ahead simmered beneath the surface.

Aditi then went through the live match on her phone, eyes locked to the screen which was now showing replays of the incident. She felt a lump form in her throat as she watched Ishan clutch his face and walking out of the field. The room around her faded into the background.

The makeup artist noticed Aditi's distress and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "He will be okay. It's just a minor injury."

But Aditi's mind raced with worst case scenarios.

Nehal nodded and said. "We should get updates from the management. Maybe they will release a statement soon."

Aditi's heartbeat raced, her eyes still fixed on the screen.

The lights flickered back to life, and the broadcast returned, dispelling the brief silence. The commentators' voice filled the room. "The team's medical staff is attending to Ishan. We will keep you updated."

Aditi's anxiety spiked. She felt helpless, unable to do anything but watch from afar.

Nehal exchanged concerned glances with the makeup artist before nudging Aditi toward the door. "Come on! Let's get you ready for the rehearsal." She said, holding up Aditi's favourite lipstick.

Aditi hesitated. "I don't know guys. I want to stay updated about his condition. He is one of my best friends after all, why wouldn't I be worried?"

Her makeup artist smiled reassuringly at her. "We will keep an eye on the news. You need to focus, Aditi."

Nehal added. "Besides, Ishan would want you to shine on that stage. Let's go."

Aditi sighed, knowing they both were right. She couldn't change the situation but she could control her performance.