His Addictive ARCHNEMESIS ~ Ishman

Ch: 7 ~ Risk-Rum-Rush

Shubman frustrated hit the wall—"urrgh.. this man of sure will take my peace off."

Ishan moves out and exhales his breath, taking long breaths.. which he itself didn’t knew that he was so holding for so long, “Holy Heavens goodness — that’s so freaking perfectly carved abs, save my sanity” Ishan prayed smiling to himself.

☆☆☆

The tension between Shubman and Ishan had been palpable ever since the changing room incident. Neither of them addressed it, but something had shifted between them, and they both felt it-like an unspoken electricity in the air.

For days, they tried to avoid each other, and the teasing that had once come so easily from Shubman had stopped, reducing to occasional jibe and sarcastic taunts here and there which seemed more awkward and hesitant, as if they wanted to say something else and words weren't easy to put forth to.

Adding to that the internal exams played the fair part of cutting down the interaction and all were busy and practise were cut down to meet academics needs.

However, magnetic pull between them only seemed to grow stronger. There glance lingering little longer over the other, deliberate attempts—— making sure that,  coincidences of library meet happens every other day around the same— more like monotonous yet differently nice.

☆☆☆

Then came the big match against Xavier-Highs.

Shubman, as captain, had planned a defensive yet well planned and calculated approach. It was important for St. MARIE'S to win the match so as to confirm there position on league list of upcoming matches.

It was a safe, calculated strategy against their formidable opponents. But Ishan, always brimming with aggressive energy, wasn't one to hold back. Every time Shubman called for restraint, Ishan pushed forward, his batting fast and fierce, always trying to outpace the bowlers.

They were chasing a tough target, the pressure mounting with each ball. Shubman was steady, guiding the team, but the match started slipping away as wickets fell. With Shubman and Ishan now at the crease, it was down to them.

The rivalry that usually simmered between them was momentarily overshadowed by a shared goal: TO WIN !!

Ishan hit a powerful shot, sending the ball sailing over the boundary for six. He smirked as Shubman gave him a look. "You and your defensive approach," Ishan teased, between breaths. "Maybe if you listened to me, we wouldn't be cutting it this close."

Shubman gritted his teeth but smiled. "Or maybe if you stopped trying to show off, we'd have won by now."

Ishan raised an eyebrow. "That's my dear Captain is called winning attitude."

Shubman shook his head, focusing on the game as Ishan's cocky grin lingered. But deep down, he knew Ishan was right-there was something thrilling about the way Ishan played, reckless and aggressive, pushing them toward victory.

But the fact that, Shubman stood there supporting and balancing Ishan's recklessness was not an easy deal too. There were moments where Ishan could have lost the wicket but got saved by very thin margin of luck. May be Ishan too new, he was able to risk bigger shots because Shubman was there to take over if needed.

And there partnership worked wonders. Soon, they were down to the last few runs.

As the bowler charged in for what could be the final ball, Shubman steeled himself. He leaned into the shot, connecting perfectly, sending the ball skimming past the fielders. He and Ishan sprinted for the final runs, crossing the crease with a cheer as they secured the win.