Canvas of Love

Who is that?

The sun was already high up in the sky when Ishan arrived at the practice nets, his usual smile replaced with a look of sheer determination. 

His movements were sharp and precise as he trained, his focus unwavering. The sound of leather meeting willow echoed through the empty ground, and Ishan seemed to lose himself in the rhythm of his strokes, pushing himself harder with every ball.

Sweat trickled down his face, but he didn't stop. He wasn't just practicing; he was on a mission. The recent coldness from Shubman Gill was fueling something in him—an unspoken challenge that Ishan had decided to meet head-on.

Just then, a familiar voice called out, breaking his concentration. "Hey, Ishuuu! Need a partner?" Tilak's cheerful grin was the first thing Ishan saw as he turned around. 

Tilak's presence was like a fresh breeze, lightening the tense mood instantly.

"Of course, Tilak! I could use some company." Ishan replied, his smile back in place, though a flicker of that competitive edge remained in his eyes. 

Tilak joined him, and soon their banter filled the air, their easy camaraderie bringing a sense of warmth to the otherwise focused session.

They started joking around, exchanging light-hearted punches on the shoulder, and occasionally bursting into laughter. 

Their energy was infectious, their bond effortless, and soon they were like two best friends sharing the best time of their lives, oblivious to everything else around them.

As they practiced together, Tilak teased Ishan, "Man, you should see the way Shubman looks at you sometimes. If looks could kill, you'd be in trouble!"

Ishan just shrugged, pretending not to care. "Well, let him look. If he thinks he can scare me off with that glare of his, he's got another thing coming."

They continued with their drills, with Tilak purposely adding to the fun, making Ishan laugh with his exaggerated moves and silly cricketing stances. 

Every time Ishan looked over at Tilak, there was an unmistakable twinkle in his eyes, and their laughter seemed to echo louder than the sound of the cricket ball hitting the bat.

However, on the other side of the field, Shubman Gill stood at a distance, watching them with an unreadable expression. 

His eyes narrowed ever so slightly as he observed Ishan and Tilak's playful antics. He didn't say a word, but something was definitely off about his mood today.

Shubman's phone buzzed in his pocket, and he quickly took it out. 

He seemed to be messaging someone, his fingers flying over the screen faster than ever. Every now and then, a slight smile would tug at his lips, but as soon as anyone noticed, he'd wipe it off, returning to his usual composed, almost cold demeanor. 

The way he was glued to his phone was suspicious, and a few of the team members couldn't help but notice the change in him.

Later that evening, as the team sat down for dinner, the playful mood from earlier carried over. Ishan and Tilak continued their lively banter, with Mayank and Abhishek joining in to form a mischievous quartet. 

They were tossing jokes back and forth like a well-played match, their laughter filling the room.

Abhishek couldn't resist throwing a jab at Shubman. "Hey, Gill! Ishan's taken quite a liking to Tilak here. Don't you feel a little left out? Or are you too busy with your secret admirer on that phone of yours?"

"Yeah, Shubman," Mayank added, grinning widely, "you've been texting non-stop today. Should we be worried that you've found a new batting partner? Maybe Ishan's not your type anymore."