Bound by Love, Separated by Fame

chapter 15

Chapter: A New Gameplan - Sid's Journey Beyond the Field

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The news had hit hard. It was supposed to be just another regular day for Siddharth, but it turned out to be one of the most difficult moments of his life. Despite being in top form, he had been dropped from the team due to a change in the BCCI management. They were keen on bringing in fresh players, and although Dhoni had fought for Sid's inclusion, the decision had already been made.

Sid stood on the balcony of his apartment, staring out into the distance with a heavy heart. Cricket had been his life for as long as he could remember. He had dedicated everything to the sport—his time, his energy, his soul. Now, it felt like everything had been taken away from him. Shehnaaz noticed the sadness in his eyes and approached him gently.

Shehnaaz wrapped her arms around his waist from behind, resting her head on his shoulder. “Sid, I know how much this means to you,” she said softly, “but this isn’t the end. You’ve worked so hard to get to where you are. And I know you’ll get selected again. You’ve always been resilient.”

Sid sighed deeply, feeling the warmth of Shehnaaz's presence. Her words offered him some comfort, but it didn’t fully ease the pain he was feeling. “Cricket is my life, Sana,” he muttered, his voice heavy with emotion. “I’ve dedicated everything to this. And now... now it feels like it’s all slipping away.”

Shehnaaz turned him around to face her, placing her hands on his chest. “I know how important cricket is to you, but I also know that you’re so much more than just a cricketer. You have an incredible heart, and you have so many people who love and support you. This is just a hurdle, and I believe in you. You’ll come back stronger.”

Sid nodded slowly, appreciating her words but still feeling the weight of disappointment. “I just... I don’t know what to do without cricket.”

Before Shehnaaz could respond, Ashok entered the room, overhearing the last bit of their conversation. “Sid, can I talk to you for a moment?” he asked, his voice calm and steady.

Sid turned to face his father, nodding quietly. They sat down together in the living room, Shehnaaz sitting beside Sid for support.

“Sid,” Ashok began, “I know how difficult this is for you. Believe me, I understand what it feels like to have something so important taken away from you. But you have to remember that cricket is just one part of your life. You’ve followed your passion, and you’ve been incredibly successful. But if this chapter is coming to an end, it doesn’t mean your life is over. You have so much more ahead of you.”

Sid looked at his father with a furrowed brow. “But cricket was my everything. I don’t know how to be anything else.”

Ashok smiled warmly, placing a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder. “Sid, your mother and I never stopped you from pursuing your passion because we believed in you. And look how far you’ve come. But there’s more to life than just cricket. Our family business—your grandfather’s legacy—is still there. Your sisters, Neetu and Preeti, are already handling it, but you’re a part of this too. You don’t have to carry the whole weight on your shoulders, but you should know that there’s a place for you in the business, if that’s something you ever want to explore.”

Sid frowned slightly, shaking his head. “Why should it only be me who handles the business? Neetu and Preeti are more than capable.”

Ashok chuckled softly. “Son, they’re already handling it. They’ve been doing an excellent job. I just wanted you to know that it’s an option if you ever want to be more involved. You’re part of this family, and this legacy belongs to all of us.”

Sid nodded, finally feeling a little lighter. “I understand, Dad. But for now, I want to focus on getting back on the field. I can’t give up on cricket just yet.”

Ashok smiled, pride shining in his eyes. “And you shouldn’t. I’m not saying you should give up on your dream. I’m just reminding you that you have options, and that no matter what happens, we’ll support you.”

Shehnaaz placed her hand on Sid’s arm. “He’s right, Sid. You’ll get through this. And no matter what happens, I’ll be right by your side.”

Sid smiled softly, grateful for the love and support of his family. He leaned over and kissed Shehnaaz’s forehead. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

The Family Support

Later that evening, Sid and Shehnaaz were invited over to Sid's parents’ house for dinner. It had been a while since they had all sat down together as a family, and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Sid needed to be surrounded by the people who loved him the most.

When they arrived, Sid’s sisters, Neetu and Preeti, greeted them with warm hugs. Their husbands, Naman and Rahul, were also present, along with their children, Ria and Ansh—Preeti’s 19-year-old twins who were now in their second year of college—and Anyra, Neetu’s sweet 10-year-old daughter.

As they all gathered in the living room, Shehnaaz found herself bonding with Sid’s family in a way she hadn’t before. Ria and Ansh, despite being older now, still gravitated toward Shehnaaz with excitement. They had always adored her and loved to share stories about their college life. Meanwhile, Anyra was glued to Shehnaaz’s side, sitting on her lap and playing with her hair.

Ria smiled at Shehnaaz. “Maami, you have no idea how much we miss you when you’re not around. College life is hectic, and I swear you’re like a breath of fresh air when you visit.”

Ansh nodded in agreement. “Exactly! And you have to come to one of our events soon. The college fest is next month, and it would be amazing if you could make it.”

Shehnaaz laughed, feeling touched by their affection. “Of course, I’d love to come! And I miss you guys too. It’s nice to see how well you two are doing in college.”

Preeti smiled proudly at her twins. “They’re doing well, thanks to their determination. But honestly, it’s always nice when you’re here, Shehnaaz. You have a way of making everyone feel special.”

Neetu joined the conversation, sipping her tea. “And don’t forget how much Anyra loves spending time with you. She talks about you all the time.”

Shehnaaz blushed slightly, feeling touched by the warmth of Sid’s family. “Well, you’re all very special to me too.”

Sid watched the scene from the corner of the room, smiling as he saw how well Shehnaaz fit into his family. His heart swelled with pride and love for her.

At dinner, the conversation turned back to Sid’s recent news. Naman, Preeti’s husband, spoke up. “Sid, I know this whole BCCI situation is frustrating, but you’ve got the talent and the drive. You’re going to get back on the team, I’m sure of it.”

Rahul, Neetu’s husband, nodded in agreement. “Exactly. And even if it takes some time, just know we’re all behind you. This family has got your back, always.”

Sid smiled, feeling the support from every corner of the room. “Thanks, guys. It means a lot to know you all believe in me.”

Rita, Sid’s mother, placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “We do, Sid. And no matter what happens, we’re proud of everything you’ve accomplished. You’ve made us proud every step of the way.”

Shehnaaz squeezed Sid’s hand under the table, giving him a reassuring smile. “You’re not alone in this, Sid. We’re all with you.”

As dinner continued, the warmth and love of the Shukla family filled the room. Sid began to feel lighter, more hopeful about the future. He knew there would be challenges ahead, but with Shehnaaz and his family by his side, he felt ready to face whatever came his way.