Ishan's sweat drenched jersey clung to his chest as he sprinted across the field, tirelessly practicing for the IPL. His coach's words echoed in his mind.

"Focus on your footwork, Ishan."

He adjusted his batting stance, visualizing the ball hurtling toward him. With a burst of adrenaline, he swung his bat, feeling satisfied as it connected with the ball, sending it to the boundary.

Meanwhile.

Aditi stood before the mirror at the rehearsal space, the soft glow of the light illuminated the room. Her choreographer's guidance resonated in her thoughts.

"Own the stage."

Her hands trembled slightly as she adjusted the strap of her dress. She took a deep breath and began her walk, her heels clicking on the floor and her elegance shone through.

After the rehearsal, Aditi settled into the chair, exhausted. Her makeup artist greeted her with a warm smile.

"How was rehearsal, Aditi?" She asked, applying foundation.

Aditi closed her eyes, letting out a deep breath. "It was good, but I am still nervous. What if I stumble on stage?"

Her makeup artist's hands paused, her eyes locking onto Aditi's. "You won't. Your confidence must keep you going."

Aditi opened her eyes and asked, "Really? You think so?"

Her makeup artist nodded. "I have worked with many models. Your passion and dedication stand out."

Aditi's face relaxed, a smile spreading. "Thanks ma'am. You have calmed my nerves. I want to show the world what we are capable of."

"You will, Aditi. Your beauty and talent will dazzle people." She said.

With her finishing touches, Aditi's transformation began.

As her makeup artist stepped back, she admired the makeup on Aditi's face. "You look stunning!"

Aditi gazed into the mirror, her eyes widening. Her makeup was flawless and accentuating her features.

Her stylist entered the room, carrying an evening gown. "Time for another round."

Aditi's heart raced as her stylist helped her into the gown. The soft fabric hugged her curves, glittering under the lights.

"Wow!" Her makeup artist exclaimed. "You're looking amazing!"

Her stylist smiled. "This gown was designed for you. It showcases your elegance."

Aditi felt a surge of confidence, she stood taller, shoulder back and head held high.

"Let's go!" Her stylist said, leading her to the rehearsal stage. As Aditi stepped onto the ramp, the lights blinded her for a moment. After adjusting her vision, she took a deep breath and focused on herself.

Aditi's heels clicked on the floor, her gown flowing behind her. She sashayed down the ramp, eyes locked on some distant point.

"Perfect!" Her choreographers exclaimed. "Now, let's work on your turns."

She practiced her turns, with each step, her confidence grew.

—
Aditi settled into the dining table, her mind replaying the rehearsal. She scrolled through social media, seeking inspiration from fellow models.

"Time for a flawless ramp walk!" one model's post read, with a video showcasing perfect turns.

Aditi carefully observed each step. She quickly exited from the platform and attached some photos of her in her gown, sending it to Ishan.

Just then, Aditi's fellow contestant, Nehal, walked in, a hint of curiosity in her face as she sat beside her.

"Hey! How's dinner?" She asked.

Aditi smiled and said. "Good! I'm just getting some inspiration."

Nehal noticed Aditi's phone screen and raised an eyebrow.

"Sending pictures to someone?"

Aditi looked down at her phone and quickly hide the screen with her fingers, embarrassment creeping.

Nehal's eyes sparkled mischievously. "So, who is this friend of yours?"

"Yeah. Just a.. friend. Remember that." Aditi replied with mock seriousness.

As Nehal noticed the chat, her jaw dropped in realisation. "You're friends with Ishan? A.. cricketer? Wow."

Aditi nodded and said, "He is very supportive."

"Tell me more about this cricketer. How did you two meet in the first place?"

Aditi quickly glanced around the room, ensuring no one was listening.

Nehal's expression turned serious. "Your private life will be under scrutiny now. Be careful."

Aditi nodded and said. "I'll be careful. Thanks for looking out."

As they finished dinner, Aditi's thoughts turned to Ishan. She couldn't wait to share her rehearsal experiences with him but Nehal's words lingered. Her mind racing with thoughts of their online connection.

"I was thinking, since we are both alone here, would you like to share a room?" Nehal asked Aditi.

Aditi considered it for a moment. "Sounds great! Thanks for offering."

Just as they finalized the room sharing arrangement, Aditi's phone rang. Ishan's name flashed on the screen.

"Excuse me for a moment." Aditi said and stepped out to the balcony.

"Hey, how's rehearsal going?" Ishan asked, his  voice soothing.

"It's going well." Aditi said, smiling.

"Well.. I'm just managing to survive without your teasing." Ishan said.

"Teasing? Who, me? Never!" Aditi said, giggling.

"You love keeping me on my toes."

"Someone has to keep your ego in check. Besides, you are always dodging balls on the field, can't dodge my jokes." Aditi said playfully.

"Ouch." Ishan said in a dramatic tone. Aditi rolled her eyes and let out a chuckle.

"So, how's the cricket world treating you?" Aditi asked with excitement in her voice.

Ishan said. "Same old. Practice, meetings..the usual."

"Wow. Can't wait to see you smash sixes." Aditi said.

"And I can't wait to see you win the title for Miss Supranational." Ishan said, his voice tone relaxed.

"Deal! But don't get too distracted by my beauty." Aditi teased.

Just then, Nehal came to the balcony.

"Aditi, sorry to interrupt but we have a rehearsal schedule change. Be ready at 8 tomorrow instead of 7." Nehal informed while scrolling down her phone.

"Ok. Thanks for letting me know." Aditi thanked her and turned her attention towards Ishan.

"Everything good?" He asked.

"Yeah. Just a schedule change. I'll fill you in later." Aditi said, frustration evident in her voice.

Nehal glanced at Aditi's phone. She couldn't help but ask. "Is that the cricketer.. Ishan?"

"Guilty as charged." Aditi replied, laughing.

"Oh my God! Say hi from me." Nehal said excitedly.

"Nehal says hi." Aditi said to Ishan teasingly.

"Hi! Nehal. Tell her I said thanks for interrupting our call." Ishan said laughing.

"Will do." Aditi chuckled.

Meanwhile, in the cricket world, Ishan's name is on everyone's mind. His impressive performance in the recent practice sessions has made him the centre of attention. Amidst all the chaos, Ishan's personal life remains lesser known. Thankfully! No one knows about Aditi, the pageant contestant who has become his biggest supporter.

Ishan's teammates notice a change in him, though. He seems more relaxed and focused. "You are on fire!" his teammate Surya, exclaims. "What's your secret?"

Ishan just smiles, his eyes twinkling. "Let's just say..I have found my motivation."