The days that followed were a whirlwind for Ruhaan. True to his word, he tapped into his vast network of connections, calling in favors and negotiating deals to secure the contracts Ria wanted. It wasn’t easy—convincing top-tier brands to associate with someone who wasn’t yet a household name took persistence and, at times, subtle coercion. 

Each call, each meeting, felt like a step further into a game he despised. But Ruhaan pushed through. He didn’t do it for Ria or even for his career; he did it for Roohi. To protect her from the storm he knew would erupt if he refused to play along. 

After weeks of relentless effort, the contracts were finalized. Ria’s name started appearing in flashy campaigns and high-profile events. True to his promise, Ruhaan maintained a strict professional boundary, ensuring their interactions remained as minimal as possible. 

It was late one evening, and Ruhaan sat alone in his living room, staring at his phone. The squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy was set to be announced the next morning, and he could feel the anxiety creeping in. This was the series that could change everything—a chance to prove himself again on the grandest stage of cricket. 

Roohi entered the room quietly, carrying a cup of tea for him. She placed it on the table and sat beside him, her gentle presence immediately soothing his nerves. 

“Tomorrow’s the big day,” she said softly, her hand resting on his arm. 

Ruhaan nodded, his lips curling into a faint smile. “Yeah, let’s hope for the best.” 

“You’ll make it,” she said with unwavering confidence. “You’re meant to be there.” 

Her faith in him was unshakable, and it gave him strength even in his weakest moments. He didn’t know how she always managed to calm the storm inside him with just a few words, but he was grateful for it every single day. 

The next morning, Ruhaan was up early, pacing around the house while waiting for the announcement. He tried distracting himself by scrolling through his phone, but it didn’t help. Every few seconds, he refreshed the sports news page, his heart pounding with anticipation. 

When the clock struck ten, the squad was finally revealed. Ruhaan’s eyes darted across the screen, scanning the list of names. And then he saw it. 

“Ruhaan Sharma – Middle-order Batsman.” 

A wave of relief and joy washed over him as he read his name. He let out a deep breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding, a smile spreading across his face. 

Roohi walked into the room, her eyes lighting up when she saw his expression. “You made it, didn’t you?” 

Ruhaan nodded, unable to hide his excitement. “Yes! Border-Gavaskar Trophy, here I come.” 

She threw her arms around him, laughing with pure joy. “I told you! I knew you’d make it!” 

Her happiness was contagious, and for the first time in months, Ruhaan felt like things were finally falling into place. 

Later that day, Ruhaan headed to the practice ground. The energy was palpable as his teammates congratulated him on his selection. Rohit and Virat pulled him into a celebratory hug, their smiles as wide as his own. 

“Welcome back, champ!” Rohit said, ruffling his hair. 

“About time they came to their senses,” Virat added with a grin. 

Ruhaan laughed, the tension that had been weighing him down finally lifting. He knew this was just the beginning, but for now, he allowed himself to bask in the moment. 

As the practice session began, Ruhaan felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was back where he belonged, and nothing was going to stop him from proving that he deserved to stay. 

That evening, as Ruhaan and Roohi sat down for dinner, he couldn’t help but feel grateful for everything they had endured together. The sacrifices, the struggles, the compromises—they had all led to this moment. 

He reached across the table, taking her hand in his. “I couldn’t have done this without you,” he said sincerely. 

Roohi smiled, her eyes filled with love. “You don’t have to thank me, Ruhaan. We’re a team. Your victories are mine too.” 

And in that moment, Ruhaan knew that no matter how many challenges lay ahead, he could face them all as long as Roohi was by his side.