As Aditi spent more time with the team, designing and cheering them on, she became a familiar and welcomed face. Everyone recognised her and she formed close bonds with the players as well.
Ishan, in particular, enjoyed her company and they often hung out together, exploring the city or sometimes playing a cricket match.
Their friendship began to deepen and they found themselves lost in conversation, sharing laughter and stories. It wasn't until they realised how much they appreciate each other's company and both of them acknowledged their true feelings. They couldn't deny the connection that felt instant, as if they had known each other for years.
Ishan considered confessing his emotions to Aditi, as he didn't believe in hiding. But he hesitated, as he was unsure of how she would react and it would probably shatter their friendship.
—
Ishan and Aditi sat together on the quite balcony of their hotel room, staring at the city lights.
They sat on their chairs, their shoulders almost touching as they shared a tranquil moment together, filled with anticipation.
Ishan sat silently, delving deeper into his feelings while Aditi kept talking nonstop.
She noticed Ishan's sudden silence as he seemed lost in thoughts, not paying attention to what she was saying all this time. She sensed a mix of emotions behind his calm facade, as if he wanted to express something. Her curiosity piqued and she gently encouraged him to talk it all out.
"Kya hua?" Aditi asked softly. "Kuch tension hain kya?"
Ishan's eyes turned back to hers, his gaze locking onto her with an intensity that made Aditi's heart skip a beat. He took a deep breath before speaking in a low and husky tone.
"Aditi, kya main tumhe sach bata sakta hoon?" he said, his tone vulnerable and sincere. "Itne dino se, almost ek saal se humne ek saath kitna time spend kiya, ek dusre ko jaana. Ab mujhe ye admit karna padega..ki... I have started to like you."
Aditi's heart raced in her chest as she processed what Ishan revealed just now. She felt a surge of excitement and surprise. Searching his face for any hesitation or any hint of prank, all she saw was the genuine emotions shining in his eyes.
Her reaction was calm, a hearty smile spread across her face. She too, couldn't deny the feelings and she was bit surprised to see Ishan making the first move.
She reached out and gently touched his arm, both of them feeling a shiver at the touch. "Ishan, kya hoga agar main kahu ki mujhe bhi same feel hota hain," she said. "Mujhe bhi accha laga tumse milkar aur aisa close connection banakar. Main bhi..like...karti hoon tumhe."
The tension between them dissolved and was replaced by excitement and a hint of possibility. Ishan's face lit up in a smile, and his eyes sparkled.
He took her hand and wrapped his fingers around hers, in an affectionate gesture. His eyes locked to hers and he asked a question that would change their lives forever.
"I love you. Will you be mine?" he asked, his words laced with sincerity.
Aditi's heart skipped a beat at the question she was processing. She did feel safe around him and she was ready to be his. Without hesitation, she nodded her head, a wide smile on her face .
"Yes," she finally replied. "I would love to be yours."
As soon as the words left her mouth, Ishan's face lit up again. He came closer and gently wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.
As they hugged, the embrace didn't felt like a friendly gesture. It became a promise to stand by each other through highs and lows. Aditi's hands gently ruffled Ishan's hair.
She closed her eyes, feeling contented. The warmth of Ishan's body, the beating of his heart and the gentle pressure of his arms around her felt like a dream.
After sometime, they pulled away. Aditi's voice filled with emotions as she shared her thoughts. "I'm so..lucky to have you," she said, her eyes shining with sincerity. "Abb toh main kuch bhi tumhare bina imagine nhi kar sakti!"
Ishan's heart swelled with affection as he listened. In that moment, he realised how hard Aditi had fallen for him. Her vulnerability and honesty touched his heart.
As they lived the moment, Ishan turned to Aditi with a playful smile. "Acha, chalo na iss night ko hum dono officially date night kehte hain."
Aditi grinned. "Haa. Theek hain," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yeh raat ko toh kabhi nhi bhulna chahti."
Ishan smiled. Pulling out his earphones, he handed one to Aditi. She raised an eyebrow, as he opened Spotify and scrolled through his playlist.
"Wow, the mood setter you are," Aditi teased. "Tumhare sath songs sunne ke liye toh kitne dino se wait kar rahi thi."
Ishan smiled warmly. "Ab wait khatam. Humne toh sirf party songs pe dance kiya hai na celebrations ke time, ab romantic songs sunkar ek dusre ke saath rahenge zindagi bhar ke liye."
The music began filling their ears. They cuddled, surrounded by the love and warmth of the peaceful night.
As the songs played, their minds imagined a future filled with promise and possibilities. Aditi envisioned providing comfort and support to Ishan during his matches, and he promised to navigate the highs and lows, side by side.
Teri Nazar Ne Yeh Kya Kar Diya
Mujhse Hi Mujhko Juda Kar Diya
Main Rehta Hoon Tere Paas Kahin
Ab Mujhko Mera Ehsaas Nahi
Dil Kehta Hai Kasam Se
Ke Thoda Thoda Pyaar Hua Tumse
Ke Thoda Ikraar Hua Tumse
Ke Thoda Thoda Pyaar Hua Tumse
Ke Thoda Ikraar Hua Tumse
Ke Zyada Bhi Hoga Tumhi Se
Ke Thoda Ikraar Hua Tumse
They were lost in the moment of their blossoming relationship. Ishan turned to Aditi, his eyes shining with adoration for her. When she met his gaze, her heart skipped a beat.
He leaned in and his lips brushed against her forehead, leaving a gentle and loving kiss. She closed her eyes, a smile spread on her face, living the tender moment.
Ishan pulled back, his eyes locked onto Aditi's as they kept smiling like the fools in love.
