Unknown To Known

Next challenges

Ishan practiced thoroughly for the upcoming Buchi Babu tournament. He was named in the squad and it was first step to new beginnings. Aditi provided unwavering support despite the physical distance.

Even on his birthday week, he stayed focused on his goal of making a comeback. Aditi checked in with a call, curious about his plans.

"Tumhara birthday hain kuch din baad." she mentioned and Ishan's heart swelled as she remembered.

"Haan. Jaanta hoon." He replied.

"Toh, kya plans hai?" Aditi asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Ishan paused for a while before replying. "Practice karunga pura din aur phir shaam ko teammates ke saath kuch chota sa celebration kar lunga."

Aditi's jaw dropped. She suggested. "Ek din ke liye chodh do and enjoy karo. You need a break too."

Ishan suddenly chuckled while Aditi got confused at what the hell he was laughing for.

"Mazaak kar raha. Shirdi jaane ka plans hain. Sai Baba ke darshan karunga." Ishan said, with a smile.

Aditi sighed, relieved. "Ishan, aise bolte ho naa. That's great. Shirdi Sai Baba ke darshan! Dekhna tumhara comeback ho kar rahega."

As their conversation flowed, Ishan opened up about the upcoming tournament. With determination in his voice, he shared how he has been practicing tirelessly to make a lasting impression.

Aditi listened and offered support, she struck a balance between empathy and self-preservation. Aware of the emotional limits, she made sure to prioritise Ishan's mental health alongside their conversation.

To divert his attention from cricket-related topics, Aditi steered the conversation, infusing it with warmth and humour. She shared stories and experiences about her own ventures and work, effortlessly shifting the focus. Her energy was contagious. Ishan couldn't help but laugh, feeling the tension melt away. For the first time in weeks, cricket wasn't dominating his mind. He was present, fully immersed in their joyful moment.

They shared their stories, and as they opened up, they both realised a shift beyond friendship. Although it wasn't the right time to acknowledge these emotions, they couldn't shake off the connection that was deepening. They silently agreed to cherish this unspoken bond.

Their phone calls became a daily routine, a moment to hear each other's voices, in a hope that someday they would find a perfect moment.

The cricket season and label works forced them to confront their hidden emotions. Aditi knew Ishan needed to focus on regaining his contract, so she stepped back, allowing him to focus on his game.

She couldn't help but make plans to meet him and wish him luck in person.

—

The match day arrived and Ishan took to the field with unwavering focus. Aditi watched anxiously from the sidelines, her heart racing with every run. She desparately wanted an outstanding performance from him.

And it happened – a century, the culmination of his tireless effort. Overcome with emotions, she beamed in pride, knowing this triumph was more than just a victory.

They shared a tender celebration over the video call. Tears of joy and pride streamed down their faces as they relived the century making moment together.

As they relived the moment, Aditi inquired about upcoming matches that reignited Ishan's competitive spark. "Next tournament bhi aane wala hain naa?"

Ishan's eyes gleamed with determination. "Agle mahine. Duleep trophy. Mujhe focused rehna hoga, momentum build karna hoga."

Aditi listened empathetically and offered support.

As Ishan dove into intense training, Aditi stood steadfast. Late night calls, uplifting texts and care became their love language. With each passing day, Ishan's resolve strengthened, knowing Aditi believed in him.

—

Aditi planned a surprise visit to his training session, unaware of the toll the day's practice had taken. Ishan had pushed himself to the limit, day and night. But today, exhaustion overwhelmed him. His coaches reprimanded him and he nodded, hiding his exhaustion.

The practice session ended as evening fell. Ishan exhaled deeply, placing his bat and helmet on the ground. His teammates noticed how drained out he was. They invited him to join them for dinner today. Ishan smiled at their thoughtfulness but declined, insisting on another round of practice.

As soon as he was alone in the practice ground, Ishan sat with his head in his hands, seeking solace in the setting sun and cool breeze.

Lost in thoughts, he struggled to focus. "Aaj bhaut zada ho gaya. Swami bas ghar mein bataye naa sabko ki kitna ghante ka practice huya aaj." he thought.

That's when Aditi arrived, she stood afar, seeing him exhausted, she sighed softly and called out. "Ishan?"

Her soothing voice broke the silence. Ishan lifted his head, his eyes locked with hers. His escape, his confidant was there.

Aditi approached him, concern etched on her face. Ishan stood up and without a moment's hesitation, pulled her into a tight embrace. The world around them seemed to melt away as they held each other.

Aditi rubbed his back, providing him silent comfort. Ishan sighed, living in the moment as if he never wanted to let her go away from him.

They parted and she gazed at his weary appearance with concern. "Itna kyun push kar rahe ho apne aap ko?" she asked. "Breaks bhi lene hote hain naa?"

Ishan sighed, his eyes cast downwards. "Tournament aa rahe hain aur ready rehna hoga."

Aditi just smiled.

"Arey, khade kyun hain hum dono, baith jaate hain." Ishan said.

They sat together on the ground, watching the setting sun cast a warm glow across the field. The silence was comforting amidst Ishan's training schedule.

"Pata hain." Ishan said, breaking the silence. "Tum aise surprise visits karti ho, mujhe acha lagne lagta hain."

Aditi looked at him with a "really" expression.

Ishan smiled, his gaze shifting to the sky. "Haan, lagta hain koi hain jo mujhe sacche dil  se support kar raha hain."

Aditi felt her cheeks flushing. She looked at the other side, to hide it from him. "I am glad main tumhe support kar rahi hoon. Mujhe pata hain you need it." she said.

Ishan then opened up about his grueling practice sessions, sharing his fears and doubts.

"Exhausted feel ho raha hain but I can't afford to give up." he confessed, his voice laced with vulnerability. Aditi listened intently, her empathetic gaze encouraging him to continue.

"Shubman ko bahut saari opportunities mil rahi hain," he said, looking down at his fiddling hands. "I am seriously happy but main apne liye bhi wait kar raha hoon, aise successes ke liye."

"Haan, usne acha kiya, convey my wishes to him," Aditi said. "Aur dekho, success ke liye tum mehnat kar rahe ho, I am sure you can do it!"

Their conversation flowed to lighthearted banters. Aditi playfully revealed. "Meri family ko lagta hain ki we are dating each other." a mischievous grin across her face.

Ishan chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Phir kya boli tum?"

"Kuch nhi," she said with a sly smile. "Bas smile kar diya maine."

Their laughter died down for a moment and they sat with their hearts beating in sync.

"I think they are right." Ishan whispered, his voice low and husky.

That sent shivers down Aditi's spine. Her heart skipped a beat. "Oh, kya bole?"