Unknown To Known

First meet..In person

As Aditi walked around a dressing room, a player emerged from the locker room, wiping his face with a towel.

"Hey!" He said, approaching Aditi.

Aditi turned around, being cautious but got relieved when she noticed the team logo on his jersey. Her expression turned puzzled, as he looked familiar yet she couldn't quite recognise him.

"Hi." Aditi replied, her voice tentative.

He tossed the towel on the chair at his side and spoke. "You must be Aditi, right?"

Aditi's eyes widened as she slowly nodded, surprised at how he knew her.

"Mayank," he said, pointing to himself. "Ishan's teammate. He has told me about you."

Aditi smiled a little. "Really?"

Mayank nodded. "Yes! Nice to meet you."

As he introduced himself, Aditi's memory sparked. "Mayank! Yeah, Ishan told me about you too."

She smiled warmly. "Your bowling was incredible today. That last over was thrilling."

Mayank smiled, pleased. "Thanks, Aditi."

Aditi's hesitation was subtle but Mayank noticed.

"Are you looking for someone?" He asked, his tone friendly.

Aditi nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah, I was hoping to meet Ishan."

Mayank's expression turned knowing. He glanced around the room, ensuring no one was listening.

"I can help you find him," he said. "But, first let me check."

Aditi thanked Mayank, following him to the locker room. She stood behind him, slightly embarrassed about their height difference.

Mayank peeped inside the room, then turned back to Aditi with a reassuring look.

"He is inside." He said. Aditi's heart skipped a beat, anticipation building but before she could get inside, Mayank announced her presence.

"Ishan, dekh," Mayank said. "Someone's here to meet you."

Ishan's voice responded, curious. "Who is it?"

Mayank gestured Aditi to enter. Her heartbeat became rapid as he heard Ishan's voice. As she stepped inside, Ishan's eyes locked into hers, surprise and delight etched on his face.

Ishan rushed over to Aditi, enveloping her in a hug. Despite the fact that it's their first ever meeting in person, they both felt like old friends. She had been nervous about this moment, worried that Ishan might be surprised at this sudden meet. But all her confusion washed away as Ishan held her close.

As they hugged, Aditi inhaled the scent of his cologne and felt the softness of his shirt. He then released her to look at her with genuine delight.

Mayank watched from the doorway, a wide smile on his face. He was happy that Ishan and Aditi finally met but he couldn't help feeling a bit awkward witnessing their intimate moment.

To distract himself, Mayank nervously scratched his head, his eyes darting around the room. Ishan and Aditi suddenly became aware of their surroundings.

Ishan turned to Mayank, a mix of understanding and invitation on his face. "Mayank, aa idharr. Waha kyun ho?"

Aditi nodded, her smile inclusive. "Yeah, please stay."

Mayank's awkwardness dissipated, replaced by warmth. "Thanks guys."

He stepped inside, closing the door behind him. Ishan's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "This surprise visit...how did you plan this?"