Unknown To Known

The contract fiasco

Months went by and Ishan's whereabouts were unknown. He didn't play domestic matches, citing his need for the break.

Ishan reveled in the trip's relaxation, however his bliss was short-lived. Fans and critics began to scrutinize his decision to skip matches and partying in Dubai.

"Selfish, egoistic, lost his focus!" Social media swirled with controversy around him.

Stung by the criticism, Ishan struggled to maintain his composure, not feeling worthy of anything.

The coaches and selectors were also disappointed, feeling that Ishan had destroyed his own career. His refusal to play domestic cricket meant that younger players took his place and he was no longer considered for the Indian team.

As Ishan practiced with Hardik at his residence, Baroda, preparing for the upcoming IPL, he knew he had a long way to go and recharge. He was determined to prove himself, to show that he still had what it took to be a cricketer.

Aditi talked to him everyday, but remained oblivious to the doubts which swirled in his mind. As from outside, he looked really happier and carefree but inside he had a lot of thoughts and self doubts.

-

Ishan grabbed his phone after countless hours of practice, only to be greeted by a flood of notifications.

"Yeh sab kya? Itna messages toh nhi aaya hain kabhi?" he said to himself.

As he opened one, he felt his soul draining away. His hands trembled as he stared blankly at the text from one of his coaches.

The message was devastating. Ishan and Shreyas had lost their contracts for not playing domestic matches and making excuses.

Feeling defeated, Ishan's phone rang, breaking the silence. It was Shreyas.

"Ishan, mujhe just news mila." he said, his voice laced with disappointment.

Ishan sighed, his voice slightly trembling as he spoke. "Mujhe bhi."

There was a moment of silence, which felt suffocating to both of them.

"Bhaiya, mujhe kuch samajh nhi aa raha." Ishan said.

"Dekho, sab theek ho hoga. Tum apna khayal rakho yeh sab zada mat socho. We will get through this together." Shreyas said, trying to sound hopeful.

Ishan nodded, even though Shreyas couldn't see him. "Sahi bole. We will!"

Their conversation lifted Ishan's spirits, but the weight of his mistakes still lingered.

As the call ended, Ishan sat alone.

"Hello, Aditi!" Ishan answered, trying to sound cheerful despite his emotional state.

"Ishan, mujhe pata chala tumhare contract ke baare mein," Aditi said, her voice filled with concern. "I'm so sorry."

Ishan sighed and struggled to hold back his emotions, but he maintained his composure. "Yeah, tough day."

Aditi's voice was soft and soothing. "Tum akele nhi ho. Tum kar loge dekhna. Tum bahut strong aur talented ho, yeh bas setback hain."

Ishan took a deep breath and replied. "Haan, thank you aise words ke liye, but this is something to be concerned about."

As Ishan spoke to Aditi, he felt the dam of his emotions he'd been holding finally break. His vision blurred as tears filled his eyes and his voice cracked with a mix of sadness, anger and frustration.

"Maine sabko down feel karwaya hain," he said. "Myself, my team, my coaches... I have worked hard but it's never enough."

Aditi listened patiently, offering words of comfort and reassurance. "We all make mistakes. Aur unhi se seekhtey hain."