Unknown To Known

By each other's side...END

T20 World Cup 2026.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, painting the stadium in shades of orange and gold, the excitement in the air was electric. The national anthem played and Aditi felt a swell of pride as she stood among billions of fans, her heart racing not just for the game but for Ishan, the cricketer who had become so much more than a friend. Today was the day he became a part of the Indian team again after so much of doubts on himself and would represent India in the national side again.

The match began with fierce intensity. Every delivery bowled was met with gasps and cheers, the crowd hanging onto every moment. Aditi could see Ishan out on the field, his focus unwavering, his eyes scanning the pitch. With each run he scored, the tension in the stadium grew stronger.

The opposing team was no easy challenge and as wickets fell, her heart raced with anxiety. Aditi couldn’t help but bite her lip, hoping Ishan would anchor the innings.

Then came the moment that sent waves of excitement through the crowd.

Ishan had reached his century. The stadium erupted in cheers and Aditi felt tears of joy welling up in her eyes. He raised his bat high, a smile lighting up his face and in that instant, she knew he had poured his heart into this match.

She felt a rush of warmth as she thought about all the late night conversations, the dreams they had shared and the unwavering support they had given each other.

Scanning the stands, Ishan's eyes locked onto Aditi's beaming face amidst billions of fans. Her eyes were shining with pride and tears.

Ishan directly pointed his bat at Aditi as if dedication this milestone to her. The crowd erupted in cheers but his gaze never left hers. For a fleeting moment, there were only the two of them.

The camera captured them and they both laughed as everyone in the stands congratulated both of them. When Ishan returned to the crease, his batting partner gave a pat on his back, smiling proudly at his achievement.

After his century, Ishan eventually got out and Aditi sighed, feeling a mix of disappointment and pride. Despite the disappointment, she was grateful for his achievement, knowing how hard he'd worked.

As the opposition team took to the field for the second innings, the tension shifted. They had to chase 245 runs, a challenging task.

Ishan walked back onto the field, his focus shifting from batting to wicketkeeping. Adjusting his gloves, he settled behind the stumps, ready to lead his team to victory.

The opposition's opening batsmen walked out, their eyes fixed on the target. He kneeled, his gaze locked onto the batsman, anticipating every move.

The first ball hurtled and Ishan watched intently, ready to pounce. The batsman defended and he snapped up the ball, his reflexes lightning-quick.

Throughout the innings, he was a rock behind the stumps, his glovework incredible. Every catch, every stumping, every run out opportunity, he performed phenomenally.

Aditi watched anxiously from the stands, her heart racing with every ball. With each wicket that fell, her hopes rose.

The opposition struggled to keep up with the required run rate. Tension crept in as the overs ticked away.

—

The tension reached its peak as the opposition team needed just a few runs to win. The stadium was electric with anticipation.

Ishan crouched behind the stumps, his focus sharp. His heart pounded in his chest but his hands were steady.

The bowler hurtled down the pitch, his eyes locked onto the batsman. The final ball was about to be bowled.