The next morning, Ishan joined his teammates for practice. During a break, he sat with Mayank, sipping water and discussing the upcoming IPL auction.

"The auction is going to be huge next year," Ishan said, his eyes sparkling in excitement. "More teams, more players and bigger budgets."

Mayank nodded, eyes fixed on the field's lush green grass. "A good performance is needed to attract top players. And with the new format, we need to think ahead.

Ishan placed his water bottle down after refreshing his throat with the cool water. Their conversation flowing with anticipation as they analyzed player performance and dynamics. They both delved deeper into the possibilities.

"I think a strong batsman is needed," Mayank said. "So that the innings could be steadied."

"Agreed." Ishan replied. "And a pace bowler would be a game changer. Imagine having someone like Jasprit Bumrah in our team."

Mayank's eyes widened. "That would be incredible." Their conversation then shifted to potential team members.

"I'm thinking about my current players. Ishan said. "What do you think, will anyone be bought by another franchise?"

Mayank sighed and replied. "I am sure. With this year being GL's last one, I am sure you all would be parting ways to different teams. You are definitely on radar, your batting and wicketkeeping has improved significantly."

Ishan chuckled. "Thanks. I just need to perform well."

As their discussion continued, Mayank couldn't help but feel proud of his friend despite himself being dejected and struggling to perform, at least at national level. He slightly lowered his head as Ishan continued the conversation, who seemed really thrilled for the auction.

Ishan's thoughts snapped back to reality as he glanced at Mayank, remembering his struggles. He placed a gentle hand on his shoulder and he nonchalantly lifted his head and looked at him, sighing.

"Ishan, do you think I will be selected for the IPL?" Mayank asked, concern etched on his face. Ishan nodded empathetically. "I hope so. You have done well in state matches though. That's something to build on."

Mayank sighed. "Yes. But I want to prove myself at the national level." Ishan encouraged and smiled at him. "Your time will come. Keep pushing."

Ishan's phone buzzed, breaking the introspective moment. He smiled as he saw Aditi's name on the screen. Her message was brief but uplifting.
"Hey, how's your day going?"

He settled into a more comfortable position, fingers flying across the keyboard. "Just chillin with my friend. Enjoy kar rahe hai bas abhi. How about you?" Ishan's curiosity grew as he awaited her response.

Aditi's reply came quickly. "I had a photoshoot. Just wrapped up." The words sent a flutter through Ishan's chest. He couldn't help but visualise her radiant smile. Their conversation was casual but filled with appreciation for each other.

As they chatted, Ishan learned more about Aditi's photoshoot. "You must have looked breathtaking."

Aditi's eyes lingered on Ishan's compliment, a smile spreading across her face. She felt appreciated. As she reveled in the feeling, Aditi's thoughts shifted to Ishan's cricket career. She had wondered from the day she stalked his profile why he had not shared this aspect of his life with her.

Her fingers hesitated over the keyboard. "Should I ask him directly? What if he had intentionally kept his identity hidden?" She thought, her eyebrows furrowed as she absent mindedly pouted.

But before she could type out her questions, Ishan's next message appeared. "Got to go. Chill time has came to an end for now haha. Talk to you later?" Aditi glanced at the message, a sense of mild disappointment washed over her. She was unsure if should ask him quickly or wait for their next conversation.

"Okay. Let's talk later." She replied. As she sent the message, Aditi couldn't shake off the feeling that she had missed an opportunity to possibly deepen their connection.

Her eyes widened in dramatic realisation. "Why didn't I ask him when I had the chance?" She face-palmed, her palm connecting with a soft thud. "What if he had been waiting for her to ask? Maybe he wanted to share his passion with her? Just like she has been doing all this time."

"Now I will never know." Her inner monologue turned dramatic. Her frustration was so loud that it was almost audible in her quiet surrounding.

-

Mayank approached Ishan with curiosity etched on his face. "Who were you talking to?" He asked, nodding towards Ishan's phone.

Ishan's instinctive response was to sheild his personal life, but Mayank's genuine interest allowed him to reveal it. Moreover, they are friends, thus, telling him didn't seem like a complication.

"Aditi." Ishan replied with a small smile on his face.

Mayank's expression turned perplexed. "Aditi?"

"Aditi Hundia." Ishan said, faceplaming.

Mayank's face scrunched. "Thik se bata toh, kon hai?"

"Arey, model hai. Uska dream hai alag alag pageants mei participate karna aur jeetna." Ishan explained, feeling a bit of pride.

Mayank's curiosity then turned to excitement. "Dude, that's awesome. What is she like?"

Ishan leaned against the cricket field's railing, recalling Aditi's quirks. "Amazing, funny, smart."

"Kuch photos dikhana na. Dekhu toh aisa kya hai usme." Mayank said, grinning.

Ishan fished out his phone from his bag and scrolled through Instagram. He clicked on Aditi's profile and showed Mayank her gorgeous photos.

A smile appeared on Mayank's face as he scrolled down. "Stunning." He said slowly. Ishan took this as an opportunity. "Simping?" He asked with a smirk and ended up laughing.

Mayank clicked his tongue in annoyance and said, "I don't even know her, it's you who's reaching out to her. How did you meet by the way?"

Ishan chuckled. "Free fire mei. We clicked instantly."

"Wahhh, pehli baar aise encounter ke bare mein pta chala." Mayank said, clapping sarcastically.

Their conversation carried on, and wrapped it up as they left for practice.

-

After practice, Ishan unwound on his couch, phone securely in his hand. He sent Aditi a casual "Hey, how's your day?" expecting a bright response. But Aditi's reply was delayed, and when it came, it was brief. "Fine. Thanks for asking."

"Everything good?" Ishan asked, concern creeping up.

Aditi's response was still terse. "Yeah."
Ishan's instincts told him otherwise. He knew the brief responses, lack of enthusiasm. Something was bothering her. Determined to lift her spirits, Ishan suggested.

"FaceTime?"

Aditi hesitated, her fingers typing. "I don't know." Ishan's gentle prodding won her over. "Come on, want to see you."

She agreed and soon their faces lit up each other's screens. As they settled into the call, Aditi's demeanor transformed. Her eyes sparkled and her smile returned, banishing Ishan's concern. "Hey." He said, relieved.

"Hey." She replied, her voice softer and more vulnerable.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, discussing about their day's events and everything until Aditi's expression turned curious, her eyebrows furrowing. "Ishan, need to ask something. Why didn't you tell me about cricket?" She hesitated, then added "Curious, not upset. Want to understand." Her voice tinged with anticipation, her heart racing.

Ishan's eyes dropped. He'd anticipated this question but still it caught him off guard. "Haha, busted! Yeah, I am a cricketer. Didn't think it was a big deal, but I guess I was wrong." Ishan said with a nervous smile.

"Seriously, i didn't wanted to scare you off with the fame stuff. You seemed different and I wanted to connect without any drama."

Aditi's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing. "Scare me off? Why would I be scared?" She chuckled a bit, to lighten the mood.

Ishan took a deep breath and exposed his vulnerability. "I thought you might think it's about fame, money and not really about the game." His words hung in the air as he awaited her response.

Aditi's expression softened, empathy etched on her voice as she gently said, "Ishan, I would've understood."

Their eyes locked and Ishan felt a surge of gratitude, knowing Aditi accepted him for he was. A comfortable silence settled between them before Aditi's encouraging gaze met Ishan's, urging him to open up about his cricket career. "Tell me about you and your cricket career." She said, her voice warm.

Ishan felt his shoulders relaxed, his expression turning moderate as he explained his backstory as well as cricketing career. "I've dreamed of playing international cricket too," he began. "But.. didn't got a chance so far."

Disappointment flickered across his face and Aditi's heart went out to him.

"But I am playing domestic matches and IPL,". He continued, a hint of a smile returning. "It's still the game I love."

Aditi nodded and her eyes sparkled. "That's nice. You're living your passion." Ishan's smile broadened. "Yeah. It's perfect as it's mine."

As they talked , Aditi asking insightful questions and Ishan shared his triumphs and setbacks. She realised his career was not just about the game, it was about his journey.

"So what about the auction?" Aditi asked.

"I've been training hard and hoping to get picked by a top team." Ishan said.

Aditi's enthusiasm matched his. "You deserve it! You've worked so hard."

Ishan beamed with pride. "Your support means everything."

As their conversation drew to a close, Ishan's voice turned sincere. "Aditi, you know. You are not just beautiful, but your kindness and understanding....they truly make you beautiful."

Aditi's heart skipped a beat.