Unknown To Known

couldn't be overlooked

The next day, Ishan dove into his practice with renewed determination. Aditi, still in Bangalore, decided to meet him before departing. However, she hesitated, feeling she would distract him from his crucial practice.

"Usse abhi focus karna hain apne game pe," she thought. "Main uske saath hamesha hoon, usse jab bhi meri jarurat hogi, mai aaungi."

She knew Ishan's journey wouldn't be easy but trusted his resilience.

With a renewed sense of reassurance, Aditi began with her own work, allowing Ishan to concentrate on his practice. Though worried, she knew he's strong enough to overcome the challenges ahead.

She sent him a silent message. "Ishan, all the best tumhari practice ke liye. I know you can do it! I am here for you."

—

As Ishan sat cross-legged on his mat, eyes closed, he focused on his breathing, seeking solace in the familiar rhythm of the practice going on. His mind, however, refused to quiet. It wandered replaying the conversation he had with Aditi. The weight of his inner turmoil lingered but it somehow lifted the burden.

Vulnerability washed over him like a wave as he recalled whatever he shared with Aditi. Her ears listened, holding space for his emotions.

Relief seeped in, drop by drop, as he unburdened his heart. In her gentle gaze, he saw understanding, not judgement. His guarded walls crumbled, allowing connection to flourish.

—

He stepped onto the cricket field at NCA ground. He took a deep breath, feeling the familiar rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins. The sounds of his teammates chatting and the distant hum of the city faded as he focused on his practice.

With each swing of the bat, he felt his anxiety melting away. His coaches' words echoed in his mind. "Keep your focus!" He lost himself in the rhythm of the game, his movements fluid and instinctive.

As Ishan practiced his cover drive, the thrill of connecting the ball perfectly sent shivers. For a moment, he forgot about all the pressure and controversies. All that mattered was this moment between bat and ball.

But with each misstep, each missed catch, frustration crept in. His brow furrowed and the grip on his bat tightened. He replayed the mistake in his mind. "Kya galati ho gayi? Footwork ki ya timing ki?" The self-doubt nagged him, threatening to push him down.

Yet, he regained his composure. Sweat dripped from his face and his muscles ached, as he was practicing hard after a long time. But his determination only grew.

—

As the practice session drew to a close, exhaustion washed over him but it was satisfying to him. His mind and body were tired but rejuvenated. He knew he had a lot more to do, but for now, he lived in the simple moment of the game he loved.

At night, Ishan arrived back to his hotel room. He was heading to the washroom to fresh up after a long and hectic day. Just when he placed his bag on the bed, his phone buzzed, displaying Aditi's name.

"Hey! Aa gaye practice se?" Aditi said, her voice filled with curiosity.

"Haan, abhi hi." Ishan replied, tiredness evident in his voice but mingled with excitement while talking to her.

Aditi nodded, even though he couldn't see him. "Kaisi rahi practice? Coaches ne toh bhaari bharkam time diya hoga?"

Ishan laughed and Aditi's heart swelled at the sound of it. It felt like he's laughed after an eternity.

"Haan, but needed tha." He said.

Aditi smiled. "Achi baat hain."

Ishan's voice then turned sincere "Mujhe apne ap pe doubt hota hain abhi tak, but tumhari awaaz sunne se mujhme wapas vishwas aa jata hain."

Aditi's heart skipped a beat.

"Uh..bilkul. Remember, why you started playing in the first place? You love the game." She said, not replying to his statement.

Ishan's face fell as he expected a response from her at his honest words. But shrugged it off, and shared.

"Pata hain, t20 world cup squad announce hone wala hain. But I know main select nhi honga mera toh contract hi chinna gaya hain." He said, his voice laced with a mix of despair and excitement.

Aditi reassured him, saying that it was okay. "Koi baat nhi. Ache se perform karo domestics mein, aur tumhara contract tumhare paas kab aayega pata hi nhi  chalega."

As they talked, Ishan realised the depth of the support and concern Aditi showed to him throughout his cricketing career. She has been one of his biggest supporters and he couldn't believe it was turning into something more.

"Aditi, maine zada bola nhi hain par thank you. Tum sab kuch ho, mujhe hope deti ho whenever I feel lost." Ishan said, his voice filled with sincerity.

Aditi paused, taking in his sincere tone. She understood it was Ishan's inner voice gratefully appreciating her. She said softly. "Arey..Ishan. Thank you bolne ki need nhi. Mujhe tum par poora vishwas hain ki tum iss phase se nikal jaaoge."

Ishan expresses his gratitude and appreciation for Aditi's unwavering support. Their conversation becomes more heartfelt. Aditi kept her feelings and emotions hidden, aware that his motivation was to regain his contract.

—

As June dawned, Ishan's anticipation reached a fever pitch. He had spent most of his days preparing for the domestic season. His eyes fixed on the ultimate prize. T20 World Cup.

Aditi, infused him with hope, reassuring him that selected or not, his hard work would pay off. Then the moment finally arrived – India qualified for the next round. Ishan's pent-up emotions exploded as he watched the thrilling matches on TV. With every boundary, his excitement growing.

India won the world cup and everyone's heart pounded. Ishan was overjoyed, thrilled for the entire team. Aditi called him, to congratulate him on the victory. As they shared their excitement, their spirits soared.

But as the call ended, Ishan's heart sank. Rohit and Virat announced their retirement from the T20 format, leaving him stunned and nostalgic. As memories flood his mind, Ishan fondly recalls the moments they shared, cherishing the lessons learned and the love that lingered.

Ishan was glad for Hardik, who endured so much over the past few months. Seeing him cry out of happiness felt fulfilling. Seeing someone achieve their dream was a great experience. "I wonder mera time kab aayega." Ishan thought, a mix of inspiration and longing stirring within.