Raat ke baad hi to savera hota hai

Ch-10

Next day, Rohit watched concernedly as Shubhi practically stormed into the dressing room after getting out on 34 and headed straight to the washroom without making eye contact with anyone. He kept an ear out just in case he heard anything concerning from the washroom, but that never came. Before he realized it, Shubhi was back from the washroom, freshly changed into their practice jersey, and headed to a secluded corner of the room before sitting down and taking out his phone, searching for something in an almost feverish manner.

Rohit waited five minutes before he headed to where the kid was sitting, and placed a comforting hand on his knee.

“What are you up to?” He asked softly.

Shubhi looked up towards him with big, teary eyes and immediately shifted his gaze in shame.

“Nothing, bhai.. just looking for flight tickets to Chandigarh..”

“Why? The match isn't over yet?”

“Its just that.. if my performance continues like this then I will have to go to Chandigarh to join domestics.. that's why I wanted to see which flight would be the best for that…”

Rohit gave Shubhi's knee a gentle but firm squeeze before talking to him.

“You've already reached the end of the match? The second innings hasn't even happened yet..”

“... It's not like my performance will suddenly improve, Bhai..” Shubhi whispered, looking away, his voice breaking towards the end.

“Since when did my Shubi become like this? You haven't even played the second innings..”

“Bhai… your Shubi got lost that day.. and I doubt if your Shubi, who paid back your faith in him will ever come back…” Shubhi whispered, voice breaking towards the end. Rohit pulled the kid into a tight embrace and patted his back gently .

“My Shubi is right here. Yes, he's a bit hidden under the shadow of self doubt, but I know. One good knock, and he'll be right back.”

Shubman looked away and chuckled wetly. He had no idea from where Rohit bhai got so much confidence in him. He only hoped he'd be able to do justice to this faith someday.

“No seriously. Hear me out. This innings you were already looking much much better and more confident than the last match. If you didn't attempt that shot and got caught, I KNOW for a fact that you'd have made it big. Now all you need to do is focus on what's coming next, like Yashu’s  century”

“Go wash your face first. Yashu wouldn't want to  see his beloved bhaiya like this.”

Shubman watched with a mixed sense of pride and longing as Yashu hit his century, and then converted into a double ton. He was so happy for his baby roommate, but at the same time, the guilt ate at him from inside. He quietly slipped away from the dugout and went to the attached indoor practice area. He had to get better. And he WILL. At any cost.

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A short update in the meanwhile..

Until next time, the time to which I'm unable to promise.. please understand 🥹

Enjoy and let me know how you liked it 💕