Ishan sat on a bench, overlooking the serene pond on campus. His eyes were cast down, lost in thought. The weight of his loneliness felt suffocating.
Shubman, the star cricket player, walked by, noticing Ishan's solitary figure. Something about Ishan's demeanor struck a chord.
Shubman approached the bench, his athletic build and confident stride commanding attention.
"Hey, mind if I join you?" Shubman asked, his deep voice gentle.
Ishan looked up, startled, before nodding.
"Not at all," Ishan replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
Shubman sat down beside him, his warm smile putting Ishan at ease.
"I'm Shubman," he said, extending his hand.
Ishan shook it, his handshake firm.
"Ishan," he replied.
Their eyes met, and Ishan felt an unexpected spark of connection.
"So, what brings you here?" Shubman asked.
Ishan shrugged.
"Just needed some fresh air, I guess."
Shubman nodded.
"I know the feeling," he said. "Sometimes, I come here to clear my head before cricket practice."
Ishan's eyes widened.
"You're the cricket star," he said.
Shubman chuckled.
"Guilty as charged," he replied.
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, covering topics from favorite books to childhood memories.
As they talked, Ishan felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
For the first time in months, he didn't feel alone.
Shubman's phone buzzed, interrupting their conversation.
"Sorry, I need to take this," Shubman said.
Ishan nodded and stood up.
"It was great talking to you, Shubman."
Shubman smiled.
"Likewise, Ishan. Let's catch up soon."
Ishan walked away, feeling lighter than he had in weeks.
He couldn't shake off the feeling that his life was about to take a dramatic turn.
As Ishan disappeared into the crowd, Shubman couldn't help but notice the way Ishan's eyes sparkled when he smiled.
Shubman's heart skipped a beat.
He brushed off the feeling, telling himself it was just friendship.
But deep down, he knew it was something more.
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To be continued in Episode 2
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When loneliness found solace
RomanceIshan, struggling with loneliness, meets Shubman, the star cricket player, on campus. Their chance encounter blossoms into friendship and eventually, romance. As they navigate their feelings, they face internal conflicts and societal challenges. ◇ T...
