Unknown To Known

Tu Hain Toh

Ishan arrived at NCA in Bangalore, weary from traveling. The coaches and his teammates greeted him warmly.

"Today's the rest day. Begin from tomorrow." They advised.

Ishan checked into a nearby hotel, collapsing onto the bed. Just as exhaustion washed over him, his phone buzzed.

Aditi's text illuminated the screen. "Main bhi aa gayi hoon. Apni label team ke saath."

"Chalo milte hain. Par kaha?" Ishan asked.

Aditi suggested several secluded restaurants. They both finally settled on one, its location promising a peaceful evening.

"Bastian, yaar. Yaha aake waha nhi gaye toh kya faayeda?" Aditi said.

"Haan, toh theek hai. Main aa jaunga waha." Ishan said.

As Ishan showered and dressed, anticipation coursed through his veins.

"Aj kya hoga?" he thought.

—
Bastian Hotel.

Ishan arrived at the restaurant, relieved to find it serene and uncrowded. Thanks to Swami, who got ready and dropped him in time, after a few curses at each other, of course. He chose a cozy table, his eyes fixed on the entrance, anticipating Aditi's arrival.

Time slowed as he waited, his heart beating faster with every passing moment. Then, Aditi walked in, radiating elegance in her black dress. Ishan's breath caught.

Aditi's face lit up with a warm smile as she spotted Ishan. She waved and he mirrored the gesture, his hand trembling slightly.

As she approached, Ishan rose, his pulse racing.

They embraced, holding each other tightly. The warmth of their bodies reliving memories of cherished moments.

"God, I missed this moment." Ishan whispered, his voice trembling.

Aditi's gentle squeeze conveyed her shared longing. Their hug lingered, creating a more deeper connection between them.

As the parted, Ishan's eyes roved over Aditi's face, drinking in every feature.

As they settled down into their seats, Aditi's gaze tenderly swept across Ishan's face, noting the telltale signs of exhaustion. Dark circles under his eyes and his smile, though warm, hinted at a deeper weariness.

Her heart ached, seeing the weight of his struggles etched on his face. For now, she chose not to pry. Instead, letting their conversation flow lightly.

"Kitna acha lag raha hain tumse dobara milke." Aditi said.

Ishan's eyes lit up. "Mujhe bhi."

Aditi really wanted to ask him about his mental fatigue. Her inner voice whispered, "Not yet, usse saans toh lene do."

She sensed the fragile balance between Ishan's guarded struggles and his desire to open up.

As they ordered their meals, Aditi's hand brushed against Ishan's. The spark of contact sent shivers down their spines. Ishan's eyes met hers. In that moment, Aditi knew she had to tread carefully.

Her eyes sparkled as she asked. "Tumhari team kaisi hain?"

Ishan's face relaxed, a genuine smile on his face. "Sab theek hai."

Aditi's gaze intensified, her words infused with sincerity.

"Tumne iss IPL try kiya, Ishan. It wasn't your season but you were amazing!"

Ishan's smile faltered for a moment, vulnerability flickering in his eyes. Then, he simply looked at Aditi, his gaze holding a depth of emotion.

In that silence, Aditi sensed the turmoil he'd faced. Her words had touched his heart, reassuring him that  someone believed in him.