Unknown To Known

A toll

Mumbai Indians was already under fire as they entered the league. Controversies surrounding the team's management and player selection had fans up in arms.

The news shook everyone. Rohit's IPL captaincy was handed to Hardik. Rumors spread like fire, fueling resentment. Fans targeted Hardik, assuming he had done the change.

"Chapri." Social media comments screamed.

Hardik, caught off guard, struggled to face the backlash. He hadn't asked for the captaincy and had respected Rohit's leadership.

Ishan sensed the tension, Hardik was already going through a lot and he didn't entertained fans criticising him.

But the damage was done, Hardik faced hostility and the team's dynamics were strained.

—

As they took to the field, the stadium was electric with tension. Booing and jeering filled the air with fans waving protest banners. Ishan's teammates looked nervous, but he steeled himself for the challenge.

The first few matches were tough, with the players struggling to find their footing. Ishan's own form was patchy and he faced criticism from fans.

But he refused to give up. Drawing on Aditi's words of encouragement, he worked tirelessly to improve his game. Slowly but surely, they hoped to turn the season around.

Ishan went back to his room, torn between elation and despair. The team's first win since the start of the IPL should have brought joy, instead the weight of expectations and constant criticism to his team threatened to consume him.

He shut the door, seeking solitude. Ishan's eyes wandered to the TV, where highlights of the match replayed. He replayed every moment, every decision.

Sinking into the bed, Ishan buried his face in his hands. The pressure was suffocating, the constant scrutiny. He realised he hadn't even scored any decent runs till now.

A lump formed in his throat as he fought back tears. "Koi samjhta kyun nhi hain?" he whispered.

Just then, his phone buzzed. Aditi's message illuminated his screen.

"The match was so good today! Replaying it since last one hour."

Ishan's gaze lingered on her text, her support was like a lifeline to him.

He dialed her number and she answered in the first ring.

"Hey, kya kar rahe ho?" she asked.

"Kuch nhi. Main bhi highlights dekh raha hoon." Ishan's exhaustion was evident.

"Kaisa lag raha hain?" she asked, sensing his turmoil.

Ishan's voice cracked, he expected the question but it broke the dam. "Nhi samjh aa raha hai. Pressurized feel ho raha hai, har decision, har match. Lag raha hai I'm losing myself."

Aditi listened intently.

"I see the smiles, victories. But andar se I am dying." Ishan confessed, tears filling his eyes.

Aditi sighed deeply, her gentle tone soothing his raw emotions. "Ishan, dekho, tumhari team ko tumhari zaroorat hain. Most importantly, tumhe khud ki zaroorat hain. Please take care of your heart, and your mind.

Ishan sniffled, listening to her words.

"Smile rakho apne face pe," Aditi urged. "Dusro ke liye nhi par khud ke liye. Remember why you started playing, the thrill and the dream?"

Her words wrapped around Ishan's heart, offering comfort.

As the call ended, Aditi's concern for Ishan deepened. She couldn't shake off the despair and weakness in his voice.

"I have to see him." she resolved, determination coursing through her veins.

Aditi decided to meet Ishan as soon as the IPL ends. She knew he needed someone, someone to remind him of his worth beyond the game.

His teammates, were struggling with their own criticism and pressure. Ishan required a safe and supportive presence.

"I'll be that person," Aditi said. "I'll help him find his footing, motivate him and remind him of his passion."

—

Ishan's eyes were glued to the TV as he watched Shreyas's team, Kolkata Knight Riders, lift the IPL trophy. Despite his own team's loss, he couldn't help but feel proud of Shreyas.

He quickly grabbed his phone and typed a congratulatory text to him.

Shreyas replied after the celebrations. "Thanks, Ishan. Can't wait to celebrate with you too."

Ishan smiled, feeling a mix of emotions. He was genuinely happy for Shreyas but also a bit disappointed that his own team didn't make it.

His phone buzzed again. This time it was Aditi. "KKR jeet gayi. How are you feeling?"

Ishan typed out his thoughts. "Feeling glad for him. I can't help but blame myself for everything. I want to get out of this."

Aditi responded. "Ishan, please calm down. Sab theek hoga. Abhi tum domestic matches ki taiyaari karo."

Ishan typed with a sad smile. "Haan. Abhi toh ho gya sab important matches toh abhi NCA jaunga. Bangalore mein."

Aditi's eyes sparkled. A radiant smile lit up her face as she received unexpected news. Ishan would head to Bangalore for his practices and coincidentally, her schedule had her visiting the same city.

"Fate hamare side hai." she thought, excitement coursing through her veins.

This alignment meant she could finally meet Ishan, offering the support he desperately needed.

"Main uske sath rahungi. Sirf phone calls mein nhi."

—

Ishan's phone rang, displaying his family's number. He answered and the warmth of their voices enveloped him.

"Beta! We are proud of you." his father said, pride echoing in every word.

Raj chimed in. "Qualify nhi huye but you gave it your all."

But it was his mother's gentle tone that touched his heart.

"Beta, apna dhyan rakho. Tumhari health kisi matches se zada important hain. Time pe khao, so and positive raho. Pressure ko handle kar loge, tum strong ho."

Ishan's heart swelled, his mother's words were a balm to his frazzled nerves.

"Haan, mumma. Don't worry." he reassured, struggling to keep his emotions in check.

"Tum sirf player nhi ho. Hamare bete ho aur sab ki jaan ho."

Ishan felt a surge of gratitude for his family's unwavering support.

—

As Ishan prepared for bed, his phone buzzed with an unexpected text from Aditi.

"Guess what? Mera next schedule bhi Bangalore mein hi hain."

Ishan's fatigue vanished, replaced by a wave of relief.

"Thank God." he whispered.

He desperately needed someone's support and Aditi's presence would be a calming balm for him. He suddenly realised that how much she is worried for him.

"Meri problems ka burden woh kyun le rahi hain?" he said, hesitating.

He didn't wanted to weigh her down but the thought of her nearby was irresistible.

"Good! Can't wait to see you soon." he typed and sent.