Unknown To Known

50 and the win

Aditi somehow reached the dressing room, the sounds of laughter and celebration echoed in the corridor. She slowly opened the door and her eyes scanned the room.

Ishan and Surya were in centre, beaming with pride, surrounded by their teammates. They cheered and patted them on their back, congratulating them on his international debut.

Aditi's heart swelled, seeing Ishan's dream fulfill. However, disappointment washed over her, realising she would interrupt their joyful moment. She hesitated and then silently backed out of the room.

Coming outside the stadium, she booked a cab and headed home, her mind replaying the day's events.

Ishan's smile while holding up the cap, his teammates' shining eyes, the first over, his half-century, his sharp eyes, his every feature.

Aditi suddenly felt a rush of emotions, she was proud of how well Ishan did on his debut match.

"You never disappoint," she said to herself. "I believed in you."

-

As Aditi entered her home, she was met with curious looks from her family. Her brother, Yash, was sitting on the couch, scrolling through his phone.

Aditi took off her shoes without a single word.

She moved to the hallway to go to her room but halted when her father asked. "How was the match?"

Aditi smiled, still living in the moment of Ishan's debut.

"Uh, great!" she replied softly.

Her mother burst out laughing. "Say his full name! He is a big cricket sensation now."

Aditi stood still.

"You should have told us about your plan." Her mother said, a hint of gentle scolding in her voice.

"Sorry." Aditi said, shrugging.

Yash looked up from his phone. "Was his debut good?"

Aditi's face lit up instantly. "Haan, he scored a half century!"

Her parents exchanged knowing glances, trying to hold back their laughter. She looked at them and bit her tongue, embarrassed.

"Pata tha hume. Yash ko bata diya tha par hume kyun nhi bataya ki Ishan tumhara friend hain?" Her father asked, amusement in his voice.

"I thought you would not approve of being friends with a cricketer." she confessed.

Her mother's expression softened. "Not at all! It's exciting how you became friends in the first place."

Aditi asked, her voice laced with surprise. "You are not mad?"

Her father came forward and placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch reassuring. "We trust your judgements and Ishan is a good person. I have seen how much he respects everyone."

The warmth and love enveloped Aditi. She felt grateful for her supportive family.

-

Ishan went to his and Shubman's shared hotel room, drained out from the match but still basking in the glow of his debut. They had another match the following day.

Shubman came out of the washroom after freshening up, only to see Ishan lying on the bed, exhausted. He approached him and held him from his shoulder, making him get up.

"Arey, what's wrong?" Ishan asked, annoyed.

"Uthoo aur ye exhaustion door karo." Shubman replied, trying to motivate him.

Ishan rubbed his tired eyes, feeling the weight of the previous match. Shubman, handed him a towel and a glass of water. "Come on, shake off the tiredness. We have a big game tomorrow."

Ishan nodded, taking a sip. "Pata hain. But I can't seem to shake off this exhaustion."

Shubman clapped him on the back. "Let's get you pumped up then. Chalo dinner karne chalte hain."

Ishan agreed and went to wash his face.

-
After dinner.

Ishan returned to his room, leaving Shubman behind as he had to talk with the coaches. He plopped down on the bed and started scrolling through his phone. The scorecards, wishes from his family and friends, highlights of the match brought a smile to his face. He felt proud of himself that he finally represented India in a big platform.

Suddenly, his eyes widened as he realised he had completely forgotten about his girl best friend, Aditi.

He quickly texted her. "Hey, you came today?"

Aditi's response was instant. "Yeah, I was there. Congratulations on your debut 50! You were amazing!"

Ishan's face lit up with a smile. "Thanks for coming and sorry I didn't get to meet you after the match. Got caught up with celebrations."

As he sent, he couldn't shake off the guilty feeling as he missed another opportunity to meet and spend time with Aditi.

She replied. "No problem. I left early and I didn't want to disturb you. But I am proud of you!"

Ishan's heart swelled with gratitude.

"And you know, mere family ko hamare baare mein pta chala. They are quite chill and they support us in our friendship." Aditi said, enthusiasm radiating from the text.

Ishan was surprised. "Wow. Accha hain. Everyone support us."

As Ishan's fingers flew across the screen, chatting with Aditi, a smile spread across his face. Shubman walked into their room and noticed Ishan texting someone, his face lit up. He couldn't help but tease.

"Koun hain?" Shubman asked, settling down beside Ishan.

Ishan looked at him and said casually. "Aditi hain."

"Koun?" Shubman teased.

"Arey, bataya nhi tha kya maine?" Ishan said, turning his attention back to his phone.

Shubman nodded, a smirk playing on his lips.

His voice turned sincere. "Waise, I am happy for you. Aditi's amazing!"

Ishan smiled, feeling grateful for his understanding and support.

Shubman then began with his melodramatic tone. "But, tum abb mujhse baat nhi karoge? Abb toh wai hain na tumhari bff."

Ishan rolled his eyes and playfully slapped him. "Shut up yaar. Along with her, you are someone I care about. You are my best friend."

Shubman expression softened as he lied down, adjusting his pillow. "I know that. And your secret is safe with me."

Ishan's eyes glazed over, lost in thought as moments of the match flooded his mind. The rush of adrenaline, the roar of crowd, first time wearing his jersey, his debut 50 and the win!

Shubman's voice snapped him back to reality. "Today's match was amazing. Kitna accha khela sabne."

Ishan's gaze refocused on Shubman.

"Tumhe kaise pata main match ke baare mein hi soch raha tha?" he asked, a hint of wonder in his voice.

Shubman chuckled. "Your face says it all! Yeh look tab aata hain jab tum match ke moments ke baare mein soch rahe hota ho."

Ishan grinned. "Wow." Shubman clapped him on the back.

Ishan's phone buzzed, breaking their moment.

"Abhi bhi soch soch ke I am smiling. I am so proud!" Aditi's text read.

Ishan smiled and typed. "Thanks! Itni bhi taareef mat karna."

Shubman raised an eyebrow noticing his expression.

"Koi special text kar rahi hain naa?"

Ishan's smile turned sheepish as he nodded.