Unknown To Known

you and me

Since that day, Aditi and Ishan woke up with a smile, cherishing a new and beautiful beginning. A fresh start had blossomed between them, filling their lives with joy and gratitude. Every morning they would wake up with a new hope and happiness for the love that has grown between them.

They were thankful for that special day, the start of a journey that changed their lives.

While Ishan was away in Australia for the match, Aditi flooded him with supportive texts and calls that lifted his spirits. Her voice was like a soothing balm to his soul, providing comfort and reassurance in the midst of intense competition.

Every time they spoke, they felt a sense of calm wash over them and Aditi's words of encouragement gave Ishan the strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

He would often find himself smiling as he read her messages, feeling grateful for her unwavering support. Her presence in his life was a constant source of strength and he knew no matter what happened on the field, he had someone who believed in him.

—

One day, while Ishan was relaxing in his home, his friends dropped by for a visit. As they chatted and laughed together, he couldn't help but text Aditi. Yashasvi noticed his constant smiling and asked. "Kitna smile kar raha hai tum. Aditi se baat kar raha hai naa?"

Ishan simply smiled in response, not wanting to reveal too much about their relationship just yet. He wanted to keep things private until they were certain and permanent. But he couldn't deny the happiness Aditi brought to him and his friends could see the change in him.

As the day wore on, they teased him good-naturedly about his secret love, but Ishan just laughed and shook his head.

"Dubai mein yaad hain na, kaisa chilla raha tha. Bol ke ki she is not my friend." Swami teased, raising an eyebrow.

Ishan rolled his eyes.

"Haan, aur ab dekho has raha hai." Anshumat joked.

"Ohhh, kuch toh hain." Yashasvi said, chuckling.

Ishan knew their relationship was still in its early stage and he didn't wanted to jinx it by sharing too much. He would tell everyone when the time was right.

That night, he called Aditi and she picked up with a sweet "mi amor." Ishan was taken aback, unsure what to make of the sudden endearment.

"Matlab?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Aditi sighed, a hint of laughter in her voice and explained. "It means 'my love' in Spanish."

Ishan chuckled, feeling a bit sheepish. "Spanish nahi aati mujhe. English ya Hindi mein hi bolo."

As they chatted, Ishan shared stories of his friends' teasings and Aditi listened with amusement. Then her tone turned serious and she asked. "Kya hame official karna chahiye? Fans ko bhi pata chalega phir."

Ishan hesitated, protective of her feelings. "Abhi nhi. Main nhi chahta tumhe trolls aur negativity face karo. Already koi koi log tumhare comments mein likhte hain ki tumhari wajah se mera contract gaya jab ki aisa nhi hai!" 

Aditi understood his concerns. "Haan, people just say anything they want. But we know how much we have supported each other."

Ishan teased. "Love bhi."

Aditi blushed slightly. "Bas karo."

He then reassured her. "Jab theek lagega tab official karengey.  For now, let's enjoy each other's company without the world's scrutiny."

Aditi agreed and they continued their conversation, lost in their own little world. As they talked, they realised falling deeper in love with each other.

Ishan then asked about her clothing brand and Aditi shared that it was doing well, especially during the festive season. He was thrilled to hear that her business was flourishing and he couldn't help but tease her about his mother's next order.

"Agar meri mumma ko new dresses chahiye honge, toh ready rehna." Ishan joked.

Aditi laughed and replied. "Haan, of course. It's all yours, anytime."

Ishan smiled, feeling happy that he could support her passion. He knew how much her business meant to his mother and they were proud to be a part of it, even if it was just a loyal customer.

—

The year unfolded with so many possibilities and opportunities for both of them. However, one thing continued to frustrate Ishan – he still hasn't got any chance and it pained him to think that he might not represent India again. Just as he was lost in thoughts, Aditi called him.

He expressed his disappointment. "Main abhi tak select nhi ho raha hoon. Kya kami reh rahi hai?"

Aditi offered words of comfort. "Itne restless mat ho. You need to be patient, itni jaldi nhi ho sakta naa sab kuch. Rome was not built in a day!"

Ishan understood her point but wasn't able to shake off the feeling of tiredness that had been building up inside him. "Haan, pata hain." he said, his voice laced with a hint of hope.

He took a deep breath, feeling a bit better after talking to her. He knew Aditi was right, but the wait was starting to wear him down. He hoped that her words would prove true.

Aditi then suggested, "Accha, tum trip plan kyu nhi karte Jaipur ki? Meri family tumse milna chahti hain aur mujhe keh rahi hai ki tumhe invite kare."

Ishan raised an eyebrow, curious about how much her family knew about their relationship. "Unhe hamare baare mein pata hai?"

Aditi replied. "Mene directly kabhi nhi bataya. But unhe lagta hain ki hamare beech kuch chal raha hai and they don't mind at all."

Ishan thought about his schedule, considering the invitation. "Abhi koi matches toh nhi hain mere, next month hain par." he said.

Aditi smiled. "Okay, ek din ke liye aa jao bas. Explore karengey saath mein."

Ishan knew this was a big step but he was willing to take it for her. He felt welcomed.