Unknown To Known

before everything goes right

TW: Mentions of suicidal thoughts. You may choose to skip the following part.

Ishan's sobs gradually subsided, both of them still holding each other tightly. Aditi felt his uneven breathing and the sniffles, a reminder of his fragile state. She rested her head on his shoulder, her hands caressing his back.

In the silence, Ishan's voice returned, barely above a whisper.

"Yeh thoughts..Aditi. mujhe maar hi degi lagta hain. Itna doubt, itna fear aur aisi feelings." Ishan words dripped.

"Koi baat nhi, Ishan. We'll face it together." Aditi's voice was steady, filled with hope.

"Mujhe darr hai future ka. Lagta hain apne ap ko kho dunga." Ishan's voice trembled.

Aditi's response was immediate. "Nhi kho ge. Main tumhe pakad ke rakhungi."

Ishan's voice dropped to a whisper, his words sending shivers down her spine, making her part away and look at him.

"Maine socha tha sab kuch khatam kar dene ka."

His red-rimmed eyes locked onto Aditi's. Her face turned pale and she felt like being punched in the gut.

"Kyaa?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Ishan's gaze fell, shame and despair etched on his face.

"Yeh sari thoughts mujhe satati hain. Kehti hain 'What's the point?' Mujhe lagta hain ek hi tarika hain aur woh hain..." his voice trailed off.

Aditi's eyes widened, horror and compassion mingling. "Ishan, nhi!"

She reached out, grasping his hands.

"You can't give up. You're strong, capable and loved." Her words poured out.

Ishan's eyes lifted. He spoke again as his voice laced with shame.

"Suicidal thoughts aane lage the. Mujhe laga everything is too much." His eyes dropped.

Aditi's expression softened. She tried hard to fight back her own tears.

"Oh, Ishan." she whispered, her voice shaking.

Ishan's gaze remained downcast.

"Mujhe itna weak, itna helpless feel hua ki mujhe isse behtar kuch nhi soojha. Apne aap ko maar daalna hi acha hota." His voice cracked.

Aditi stepped closer, her hands tightly grasping his.

"Tum weak nhi ho! You're brave for sharing this." her voice was firm.

Ishan's eyes locked onto hers, he noticed the tears she was holding back. She continued with firm but gentle tone.

"Aisa kyun soch rahe the?" she paused, searching for the right words. "Apni family, friends ke baare mein socha hai, the ones who love you unconditionally?"

Ishan's face fell again, shame and guilt written across.

"Unhe sabse zada weak feel hota agar tumhe kuch ho jata," She continued. "Your family, friends..they need you."

"And what about me, Ishan?" Her voice trembled.

"I need you too." Ishan replied instantly.

Aditi looked at him, his eyes filling with tears.

"Mujhe aisa kisi ne nhi kaha, Aditi. Aur tum hi ho jisne mujhe encourage kiya khul ke baat karne ko. Tumhara support hi mere liye sab kuch hain." Ishan said, his voice trembling.

Aditi sighed and enveloped Ishan in a warm hug, silent tears streaming down her face as she held him close. They stood there in silence, the only sound being their ragged breathing.

Ishan's arms wrapped around her, his face buried in her shoulder. They held on, the world around them melting away.

In that moment, words were unnecessary. Their tears mingled, a symbol of their shared pain and understanding. Aditi's heart swelled with compassion. As they held each other, the weight of Ishan's secrets began to lift.

After they parted, Ishan's eyes searched Aditi's, seeking guidance.

"Kya karoon ab?" he asked, voice laced with desperation.

Aditi held his hand, her touch warm and reassuring.

"Bataya tha naa. Domestic matches khelo," she advised, her voice steady. "Prove karo apne aap ko aur selectors ko dikhao tum kya kar sakte ho."

Her eyes locked onto his.

"Tumhare paas woh talent hain. Tumhe bas vishvas rakhna hain."

Ishan's gaze dropped, his shoulders sagging.

"But main fail ho gaya toh?" he whispered.

Aditi's grip tightened.

"Nhi hoge. Tum itna negative mat socho. Tumhare andar woh passion hain aur tumhe dikhana hoga."

Her words ignited a spark inside him.

"Trust yourself, Ishan! You got this."

Ishan's eyes filled with determination and affection.

"Aditi, mujhe yahi cheez itne logo ne kaha but confidence tumhari aawazo mein sunkar aaya. You are someone I needed at this time. Thank you so much. You are more than a friend to me." Ishan said, his voice laced with emotions.

Aditi couldn't believe his words. she was grateful that her presence was beginning to heal him slowly.

"I'm glad tum aisa sochte ho. Tum bhi matter karte ho, mere aur sab ke life mein. Just keep playing. I believe in you." Aditi said with a smile.

As they sat together, the tension slowly dissipated. They exchanged smiles and Ishan cracked a joke, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"I guess main hi nhi hoon jo down feel kar raha hain." he said, his voice laced with humour.

Aditi chuckled and it was a soothing balm to Ishan's heart.

"I think hum dono ko rona zaruri tha." she teased.

Beneath the surface, the weight of their words lingered. The vulnerability, the trust and the unspoken promises hung in the air. As they laughed and joked, their eyes would occasionally meet and the seriousness would resurface.

Ishan prepared to leave, as he had to begin his practice next day. Aditi's words lingered on his mind. His eyes, still red from the crying.

But beneath the lingering pain, Aditi saw a ray of hope. The tears had washed away some of the pain.

"Theek ho jayega. Just smile for yourself." she whispered.

Ishan smiled, his lips curling upwards.

As Ishan walked out of the room, Aditi's composure crumbled. She sank into her chair, her body trembling under the weight of her unshed emotions.

Tears burst like a dam breaking, streaming down her face. Her chest heaved with sobs, each one a painful reminder of the vulnerability Ishan had shared.

Those haunting words echoed in her mind – "Apne aap ko maar dena chaiye tha."

Her heart raced, her mind reeling with the terrifying thought of losing him. She cried for Ishan, for the pain he'd endured. She cried for the thought of a world without him, his bright smile, his laughter and his unwavering spirit.

As tears rolled down her cheeks, Aditi realised the depth of her feelings. She wasn't just scared of losing her friend but a part of herself.

In that moment, she knew she had to be there for Ishan, to support him even if from afar.

A/N:-

Everyone, including me, wishes the best for our players. But truth is, no one knows what happens behind closed doors. We all struggle in our own ways and let's support each other, trust in one another and remember everyone has a story worth telling.

Also, this is just a part of the story. I genuinely wish Ishan is doing well irl.