June 20th, 2009

The scorching sun beat down on the dusty cricket field as ten-year-old Shubman Gill and his friend Abhishek Sharma practiced their batting skills. The air was filled with the sounds of leather on willow as they took turns facing each other's deliveries.

Abhishek, a mischievous grin plastered on his face, couldn't resist teasing his friend. "Hey, Shubman, why do you always stare at Naina Malhotra during lunch break? Do you have a crush on her?"

Shubman's cheeks flushed crimson as he vehemently denied the accusation. "No way, Abhishek! She's just another girl. I don't care about her."

Abhishek chuckled, clearly unconvinced. "Come on, Shubman, don't be shy. Everyone knows you've had a crush on her since forever. She's like the princess of our school, and you're her secret admirer."

Shubman's frustration bubbled to the surface as he swung his bat with renewed vigor, determined to prove Abhishek wrong. "I told you, it's not like that! I don't even like her. She's just, uh..."

"FINE I LIKE HER!" Shubman rang out. "I knew it, it was in you all along," Abhishek said with a chuckle. 

Abhishek's laughter echoed across the field as he continued to poke fun at his friend, relishing in Shubman's embarrassment. Little did they know that their childhood banter would lay the groundwork for a tumultuous journey that would intertwine their lives in unexpected ways.

Shubman paused mid-swing, his brow furrowed in contemplation. "Hey, Abhishek, do you think I should ask her out?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Abhishek grinned mischievously, sensing an opportunity to tease his friend further. "Oh, definitely! You should totally ask Naina out on a date. I'm sure she'll be thrilled to go out with her secret admirer," he replied, unable to contain his amusement.

Shubman rolled his eyes, knowing full well that Abhishek was enjoying his discomfort. "Very funny, Abhishek. I'm serious," he insisted, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Abhishek's smile softened as he placed a reassuring hand on Shubman's shoulder. "Look, Shubman, if you really like her, then go for it. But just be yourself, okay? Don't try to impress her or anything. Just be honest and genuine," he advised, his tone earnest.

Shubman nodded, grateful for his friend's support. "Thanks, Abhishek. I'll think about it," he said, his mind already racing with possibilities.

Little did Shubman know, his innocent question would set off a chain of events that would ultimately reshape his relationship with Naina in ways he never could have imagined.

The next day at school, Shubman wandered through the bustling corridors, his eyes scanning the colorful blooms at the school garden. He was on a mission to find the perfect flowers for a certain someone, his heart fluttering with nervous anticipation.

Just as he was about to pluck a vibrant bouquet of roses, his elder sister Shahneel appeared beside him, a curious expression on her face. "Hey, Shubman, what are you doing?" she asked, arching an eyebrow inquisitively.

Shubman jumped slightly at her sudden appearance, hastily tucking the flowers behind his back. "Uh, nothing, just... just admiring the flowers," he stammered, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Shahneel raised a skeptical eyebrow, her gaze flickering to the hidden bouquet in her brother's hand. "Really? Because it looks like you're picking flowers for someone," she remarked, a playful smirk dancing on her lips.

Shubman's cheeks grew even hotter as he sheepishly admitted, "Okay, fine, you caught me. I was thinking of giving these flowers to Naina."

Shahneel's eyes widened in surprise, her playful demeanor softening into genuine curiosity. "Naina Malhotra? The same girl you've been crushing on for ages?" she asked, her tone laced with amusement.

Shubman nodded, unable to suppress the shy smile that tugged at his lips. "Yeah, I thought... I thought maybe I should finally tell her how I feel," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.

Shahneel's smile widened as she gently squeezed her brother's shoulder. "That's sweet, Shubman. Just remember to be yourself and speak from the heart. I'm sure Naina will appreciate your sincerity," she reassured him, her words filled with sisterly warmth.

With Shahneel's encouragement ringing in his ears, Shubman took a deep breath and gathered his courage. Little did he know, this simple gesture would mark the beginning of a journey that would change his life forever.

"Thanks, Shahneel," Shubman murmured gratefully, a flicker of relief crossing his features. "But please, don't breathe a word of this to Papa or Mama. They have enough on their plates already."

As Shubman approached the group of girls, his heart pounded in his chest, his palms growing clammy with nervousness. He spotted Naina among them, her laughter tinkling like bells in the warm afternoon air. She was surrounded by an aura of confidence and charm, her bright eyes sparkling with mischief as she animatedly chatted with her friends.

Summoning all his courage, Shubman stepped forward, his cheeks flushing crimson as he extended the bouquet of flowers towards Naina. "H-Hey, Naina," he stuttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I, uh, I got these for you..."

Naina's laughter abruptly ceased as she turned to face Shubman, her expression morphing from amusement to disdain in an instant. With a contemptuous snort, she snatched the flowers from his outstretched hand, her lips curling into a derisive smirk.

"What's this, Shubman?" she scoffed, her tone dripping with disdain. "Are you trying to impress me with these cheap flowers? How pathetic."

Shubman's heart sank like a stone as he watched in disbelief as Naina callously tossed the bouquet aside, the vibrant blooms scattering across the dusty ground at his feet. His cheeks burned with humiliation as he fought back tears, his pride wounded by Naina's cruel rejection.

Naina's friends erupted into giggles, exchanging knowing glances as they reveled in Shubman's embarrassment. The weight of their mocking laughter hung heavy in the air, suffocating him with shame.

Defeated and dejected, Shubman turned on his heel and fled, his eyes stinging with unshed tears. Little did he know, this painful encounter would leave a lasting scar on his heart, shaping his perception of love and relationships in the years to come.

As Naina's mocking laughter echoed in the air, Shubman felt a surge of anger boiling inside him, his fists clenching at his sides. Her words cut deeper than any physical blow, striking at the core of his identity and passion.

"Who would go out with someone who played cricket?" Naina sneered, her tone dripping with disdain. "So far, India has only won one World Cup. Face it, Shubman, you're just wasting your time chasing after a silly dream."

Shubman's jaw tightened, his eyes blazing with fury as he struggled to contain his rising temper. How dare she belittle his love for cricket, his one true passion? How dare she mock his dreams and ambitions?

"Cricket is not just a game, Naina," he retorted, his voice trembling with suppressed rage. "It's a part of who I am, it's in my blood. And one day, I'll make India proud, you'll see."

Naina's laughter faltered for a moment, replaced by a look of disdainful incredulity. "You actually believe that, don't you?" she scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief. "Well, good luck with that, Shubman. You'll need it."

With a dismissive wave of her hand, Naina turned away, her attention already drifting back to her friends. But Shubman remained rooted to the spot, his fists clenched in silent defiance. He may have lost this battle, but he refused to let Naina's cruel words extinguish the fire burning inside him. For he knew, deep down, that his love for cricket would carry him through even the darkest of days.

Shubman's chest heaved with emotion as he recounted the humiliating encounter with Naina to Abhishek, his words tumbling out in a torrent of frustration and hurt.

"I can't believe she said that, Abhishek," Shubman exclaimed, his voice trembling with anger. "Who does she think she is, mocking my love for cricket like that? It's not just a game to me, it's my passion, my dream."

Abhishek listened intently, his expression shifting from concern to sympathy as he absorbed Shubman's words. "I know, Shubman, I know," he replied, his tone filled with understanding. "But you can't let her get to you like this. She's just trying to get a rise out of you."

Shubman nodded, his jaw set with determination. "I won't let her win, Abhishek. I won't let her crush my spirit like that," he declared, his eyes flashing with resolve. "I'll show her, and everyone else who doubts me, what I'm capable of. Just you wait and see."

Abhishek offered a supportive nod, his faith in his friend unwavering. "I believe in you, Shubman. You've got talent, heart, and determination. Nothing can stand in your way if you set your mind to it," he said, his words infused with quiet confidence.

With Abhishek's encouragement bolstering his spirits, Shubman felt a renewed sense of purpose coursing through his veins. No matter what obstacles lay ahead, he knew he wouldn't face them alone. For in the game of life, true victory came not from defeating your opponents, but from rising above the challenges and proving your worth to yourself. And Shubman was more than ready to take on whatever came his way, one cricket match at a time.

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The cacophony of taunts and jeers echoed through the crowded corridors of the school as Shubman and Abhishek made their way to their classrooms. The air was thick with tension, the weight of Naina's cruel words hanging heavily over Shubman's shoulders.

"Weirdo cricketer! Weirdo cricketer!" the students chanted, their voices blending into a mocking chorus that reverberated off the walls. Shubman gritted his teeth, his hands clenching into fists at his sides as he struggled to maintain his composure.

Abhishek shot him a sympathetic glance, his expression mirroring Shubman's frustration and indignation. "Ignore them, Shubman. They're just jealous," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the din of the crowd.

But Shubman's patience was wearing thin, his temper simmering just beneath the surface. And when Naina's mocking laughter rang out once again, he knew he had reached his breaking point.

"Dork!" Naina taunted, her voice dripping with contempt as she locked eyes with Shubman, her lips curling into a cruel smirk.

That was the last straw.

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Shubman stood in the principal's office, his heart heavy with regret as he awaited his fate. The gravity of his actions weighed heavily on him, his mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions.

Meanwhile, outside in the school corridor, Naina sat huddled on the floor, her shoulders shaking with sobs as her friends gathered around her, offering words of comfort and consolation.

"I can't believe he did that to you, Naina," one of her friends murmured sympathetically, her voice tinged with concern.

Naina wiped away her tears, her expression a mixture of anger and hurt. "I don't understand why he's always so angry," she muttered, her voice trembling with emotion. "What did I ever do to him?"

Her friends exchanged worried glances, unsure of how to answer her question. But one thing was clear: Shubman's outburst had left a deep wound in Naina's heart, one that would not easily heal.

Back in the principal's office, Shubman hung his head in shame as the principal delivered a stern lecture about the consequences of his actions. He listened in silence, his guilt gnawing at him from the inside out.

"I hope you understand the gravity of what you've done, Shubman," the principal admonished, his tone stern but not unkind. "Your behavior today was unacceptable, and it will not be tolerated."

Shubman nodded solemnly, his throat tight with emotion. He knew he had let his anger get the best of him, and now he would have to face the consequences of his actions.

But as he glanced out the window and caught a glimpse of Naina's tear-stained face, a pang of remorse pierced his heart. He may have lashed out in anger, but he never intended to hurt her.

But still, Naina called him a dork. He had to act up. 

Shubman's heart sank as the principal delivered the final blow. "I'll be calling your parents, Shubman," he announced, his tone leaving no room for argument. "We need to discuss this behavior and ensure it doesn't happen again."

Shubman swallowed hard, the weight of the impending conversation with his parents settling like a heavy stone in the pit of his stomach. He knew they would be disappointed, perhaps even ashamed of his actions.

"Yes, sir," Shubman replied meekly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I understand."

As the principal dialed the number, Shubman couldn't help but feel a sense of dread creeping over him. How would he explain himself to his parents? How could he possibly justify his reckless outburst?

But as the phone rang on the other end of the line, Shubman made a silent vow to take responsibility for his actions and to do whatever it took to make things right. For he knew that true character was revealed not in moments of triumph, but in moments of adversity and how one chose to respond to them.

Shubman's heart raced as he heard the familiar voices of his parents on the other end of the line. He braced himself for the inevitable disappointment and reprimand that awaited him.

"Hello?" his father's voice echoed through the receiver, tinged with curiosity.

"Hello, Mr. Gill, this is Principal Sharma from Shubman's school," the principal began, his tone somber.

Shubman's mother's voice joined in, her concern palpable. "Is everything alright? Has something happened?"

Shubman winced, knowing he was the cause of their worry. He closed his eyes, steeling himself for the conversation that was about to unfold.

"Unfortunately, there was an incident at school today involving Shubman," the principal explained, his voice measured. "He was involved in a physical altercation with another student."

A heavy silence descended over the line as Shubman's parents processed the news. Shubman's heart sank, his chest tightening with guilt.

"What happened?" his mother's voice broke through the silence, her tone a mixture of concern and disbelief.

Shubman's father spoke next, his voice stern. "Shubman, are you there? What's going on?"

Shubman took a deep breath, steeling himself to face the consequences of his actions. "I... I lost my temper, Papa," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I... I'm sorry."

There was a moment of tense silence before his parents responded. "We'll discuss this when you get home, Shubman," his father said, his tone firm. "We expect you to take responsibility for your actions."

Shubman nodded, his throat tight with emotion. "Yes, Papa," he replied, his voice filled with remorse.

As the call ended, Shubman felt a heavy weight settle over him. He knew he had let his parents down, and now he would have to face the consequences of his actions head-on. But deep down, he also knew that this was an opportunity for growth and redemption, a chance to learn from his mistakes and become a better person. And with that thought in mind, he resolved to do whatever it took to make amends and earn back his parents' trust.

As Shubman approached his house, he noticed his parents standing at the door, their expressions a mix of concern and disappointment. His heart sank as he realized the gravity of the situation he was facing.

Shubman took a deep breath, steeling himself for the difficult conversation that lay ahead. With heavy footsteps, he approached his parents, the weight of his actions pressing down on him like a burden too heavy to bear.

His father's stern gaze met his as he spoke, his voice tinged with disappointment. "Shubman, we need to talk," he said, his tone firm but not unkind.

Shubman nodded, his throat tight with emotion. "I know, Papa," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry."

His mother's eyes softened with compassion as she reached out to place a comforting hand on his shoulder. "We're not angry, Shubman," she reassured him, her voice gentle. "We're just worried about you."

Shubman felt a surge of gratitude wash over him at his parents' understanding. Taking a deep breath, he recounted the events of the day, his voice trembling with emotion as he admitted to his mistake.

"I lost my temper, Ma, Papa," he confessed, his eyes downcast with shame. "I let my anger get the best of me, and I hurt someone."

His parents listened in silence, their expressions softening with empathy as they absorbed his words. They knew their son was struggling, and they were determined to help him find his way back.

"We understand, Shubman," his father said, his voice filled with compassion. "But you need to learn to control your anger. You can't let it dictate your actions."

Shubman nodded, his resolve firming as he met his parents' gaze. "I know, Dad," he replied, his voice steadier now. "I'll do better. I promise."

With the support of his parents behind him, Shubman knew he could overcome any obstacle that stood in his way. And as they embraced in a moment of shared understanding, he felt a glimmer of hope flicker to life within him, guiding him towards a brighter tomorrow.

As Shubman navigated through the remaining years of school, he found himself constantly at odds with Naina. Their animosity simmered beneath the surface, erupting into occasional clashes and tense encounters in the hallways.

One day, during their final year of school (now they are around 15 or 16), Shubman found himself face to face with Naina once again, their eyes locking in a silent battle of wills.

Naina's gaze was icy as she regarded him, her lips set in a thin line of disdain. "Still chasing after your silly cricket dreams, Shubman?" she sneered, her voice laced with contempt.

Shubman bristled at her words, his resolve hardening with defiance. "At least I have dreams, Naina," he retorted, his tone sharp with bitterness. "What do you have?"

Naina's eyes flashed with anger, her fists clenching at her sides. "Watch your mouth, Shubman," she warned, her voice low with threat. "You may think you're something special because you can hit a ball with a bat, but you'll never amount to anything."

Shubman's jaw tightened, his temper flaring as he struggled to contain his rage. "I'll prove you wrong, Naina," he vowed, his voice tinged with determination. "Just you wait and see."

And true to his word, Shubman persevered, channeling his frustration and anger into his passion for cricket. Despite the constant obstacles and challenges he faced, he refused to let Naina's taunts deter him from his dreams.

Finally, the day arrived when Shubman made the difficult decision to leave school during his 10th standard year to pursue his cricket career full-time. As he packed his bags and prepared to embark on this new chapter of his life, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief knowing that he would no longer have to deal with Naina's presence looming over him like a dark cloud.

But as he bid farewell to the familiar halls of his school, a part of him knew that his journey was far from over. For Shubman Gill, the road to success would be paved with challenges and setbacks, but he was ready to face them head-on, armed with nothing but his unwavering determination and the burning desire to prove his worth to the world.

So this isn't a chapter, but kinda like a prologue to introduce how their rivalry happened, but I hope you enjoyed!