The 2021 IPL began and Aditi got a chance again to cheer for MI from the stands. Ishan had made her a fan of MI. As she watched the toss with excitement, someone tapped her on her shoulder.

Turning, she was surprised to see Ritika and Devisha, smiling at her.

"The viral IPL girl and miss Supranational runner-up, right?" Ritika asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Aditi's face flushed as she remembered the moment from 2019 when the camera captured her watching the match. The clip had gone viral, making her an overnight sensation among fans.

Ritika and Devisha exchanged knowing looks, their faces lit up in warm smiles.

"Why are you watching the match alone?" Ritika asked, her voice inviting. "Come join us! We would love to have you."

Aditi's heart swelled at their kindness. She eagerly accepted, grateful to have some company.

As they led her to their seats, Aditi's excitement grew. She was now sitting between them, surrounded by warmth and camaraderie of Ritika and Devisha.

The match unfolded before them, filled with electric atmosphere. Ishan's every move made Aditi's heart skip a beat. With each boundary, she cheered loudly. Ritika and Devisha exchanged a curious glance, their eyes sparkling with interest.

"How excitedly you cheer for Ishan," Ritika said, her tone warm. "Are you his fan?"

Aditi's face lit up. "Yeah, actually we are really good friends."

Devisha leaned in. "Tell us about how did you meet?"

"We met through an online multiplayer game, free fire. I have been following his career ever since and we both are very supportive of each other." Aditi said, eyes shining with pride.

"Wow, kitna acha hain!" Ritika exclaimed.

Aditi smiled and continued sharing stories of their conversations, laughter and shared moments.

Suddenly, during the break, Ritika and Devisha said. "We want you join the MI group." Ritika said, her voice filled with conviction.

"You would fit with our crazy group." Devisha added.

Aditi's eyes sparkled, as if asking for confirmation.

"We have a chat where we discuss match, share jokes and support each other. You will love it!" Ritika explained.

They spent their time watching the match and chatting in between.

—

As the match concluded, despite MI losing, the three of them applauded, proud of their performance.

Devisha turned to Ritika. "That was a tough match, but they played well."

Aditi leaned in to hear what they were talking about and nodded. "They gave their all!"

After the handshake and post match conference, Ritika and Devisha decided to head to the dressing room.

Aditi hesitated a bit then asked. "May I join you both? I would love to support the team."

"Of course, no need to hesitate," Ritika said, smiling. "Well, support the team or support Ishan?"

Aditi rolled her eyes and said. "Both!"

—

As they stepped into the dressing room, the air thick with exhaustion and determination, mingling with the chats of post match analysis.

"Hey!" she said, making all the heads turn at her, smiling.

Her heart skipped a beat as she returned the smile. However, she frowned a little as Ishan was not present there.

"Guys, she is the part of MI family now. She is Ishan's friend, Aditi." Devisha said.

The room erupted into warm welcomes, the players' and staffs' face lit up with curiosity.

Mayank came forward and greeted her with a simple "Hey" that she returned back with a big smile.

The players then nodded, acknowledging Mayank and her being friends as well. They decided to get hold of him afterwards and get to know her more.

"Great game today. You all did amazing!" Aditi said, sincerity laced her voice.

Rohit smiled and thanked her, reminding her again that they all are her second family.

"By the way, I want to meet Ishan and then I need to leave. Can you all be kind enough to tell me where he is?" Aditi said with curiosity.

Ritika widened her eyes and said. "Why are you leaving so soon? Come with us in our hotel and stay."

Aditi's eyes sparkled at that. She could get to spend more time with Ishan but she had to leave now as she had to attend a fashion show next morning.

"I am honoured but I have to attend a show tomorrow so I need to leave. I promise the next time I come, I will definitely stay with y'all!" She promised.

Everyone in the room agreed and Rohit informed her that he is outside at the hallway, attending a call.

Aditi thanked him and walked out of the dressing room, her heart racing. She had to find Ishan. She navigated through the hallway, in her senses, searching for a glimpse of his familiar smile.

After walking for a whole minute, she halted, arms crossed across her chest. "Kaha hain woh? Rohit bhaiya ne bola yahi kahi hain."

Just as she turned to return to the dressing room, a sudden impact made her stumble. Strong hands grasped her shoulders, steadying her.

Aditi gaze locked onto the person who had bumped into her, her apology ready on her lips. But her words remained as she met Ishan's startled eyes.

Ishan's hands still grasped her shoulders, sending shivers down her spine at his touch.

They both froze, inches apart, surprise etched on their faces. Their faces then lit up with joy. The unexpected collision turned into a reunion.

They beamed at each other.

"Waaoow, tumse takkra gaya. Acha hua." Ishan said, his eyes sparkling.

Aditi's laughter filled the room.

"Literally!" she added, playfully rolling her eyes.

Ishan chuckled, his hands still gently held her shoulders.

"I was looking for you." Aditi said.

Ishan removed his hands from her shoulders, his heart fluttering unexpectedly.

"Kyun, achanak?" he teased.

She playfully hit him. Ishan's curiosity got the better of him.

"Yaha kaise aayi?" he asked.

Aditi's smile grew. "Ritika and Devisha di, they invited me here. And guess what, they said I am a part of MI family now."

Ishan returned her smile. "Arey wah! Itni badi supporter ho abb toh part toh hona hi tha naa!"

"Thanks to you, tumne hi mujhe fan bana diya." she said, her eyes sparkling.

"Glad I could teach you something." Ishan teased.

As they discussed about the match, Ishan's eyes sparkled.

"Hey, chalo kahi ghoomne chalte hain." Ishan suggested, his voice inviting.

Aditi's hesitation was palpable. "I don't know. Kal mera  ek fashion show hain toh mujhe nikalna hoga."

Ishan persisted. "Thodi der ke liye bass. Cricket ke baare mein aur baatein karengey aur dinner karne chalenge."

Aditi glanced at her phone, considering the option.

"Family ko bata deti hoon pehle." she said finally, pulling out her phone from her bag.

"Unhe kaho main hoon saath me. Nhi hoga kuch." he teased.

Aditi shot her tongue out at him as she dialed. Her family's supportive voices on the other end reassured her.

"Theek hain. But kal tumhara show bhi hain na, jaldi aa jana." her mother's warm tone filled the line.

Aditi's heart swelled with gratitude. She turned to Ishan, her smile radiant.

"Permission mil gayi. Chalo abb." Ishan said, smiling before Aditi could say anything.

—

As the team bus rumbled to life, Aditi settled in with Ritika and Devisha. The camaraderie enveloped her, making her feel like a part of the family.

Ishan, seated across from her, caught her eye and smiled. Aditi smiled back at him.

The bus ride was filled with laughter as the women shared stories of their husbands' quirks and cricket days. Aditi listened, feeling like she'd found her people.

As the team hotel came to view, Aditi's excitement grew. She was not just a fan anymore, but a part of their group.

Devisha squeezed her hand.

"Welcome to our crazy group."

Aditi beamed.

"I am loving it here."

The bus door swung open and the group started walking towards the hotel lobby. Aditi was overwhelmed by the bustle of players, coaches and staffs.

Ishan came beside her, his eyes shining.

"Chalo, mera room dikhata hoon." he said, guiding her to the lift as the others too retreated to their respective rooms.

As the doors slid shut, Aditi turned to Ishan with a grin.

"I love this hotel!" she exclaimed. "The lobby's marble flooring and crystal chandeliers are stunning."

Ishan chuckled. "Explore karna start bhi kar di?"

Aditi nodded enthusiastically. "Wo art pieces diwaar pe, aur bahaar ke furnitures. Mujhe sab acha laga."

Ishan smiled. "You notice everything, don't you?"

"I guess I do." Aditi replied, her eyes shining.

As the door opened to the second floor, they both got out. Ishan led Aditi to his room, his key card ready. With a soft click, the door to his room opened, revealing a cozy atmosphere.

Aditi's eyes widened as she entered inside. "Wow! This is so lovely."

Ishan smiled, happy that she liked it. "Thank the management of MI, haha!"

Aditi plopped down on the bed. "This is so soft. Feels like I'm in clouds."

Ishan chuckled, seeing Aditi so relaxed and being herself. He was grateful for this moment, for her trust and comfort around him.

He then gestured toward the balcony. "View dekhna, acha aata hain."

Aditi nodded eagerly. As Ishan headed to the washroom to freshen up, Aditi wandered in the balcony and took in the view. The city lights glowing and stars twinkling in the gentle evening breeze.

She returned inside, her eyes locked onto the bed. Without thinking, she lay down, inhaling deeply. Ishan's scent enveloped her.

As she settled into the pillow, Aditi realised how at ease she felt with Ishan. Sharing moments and laughters came naturally and trust flowed effortlessly.

She closed her eyes, contentment washing over her.

When Ishan emerged out of the washroom, he found Aditi snuggled into his bed, a smile on her face.

"Comfortable? Bahut zada hi naa?" he asked, his gentle and teasing.

Aditi's eyes opened. "Haan."

"Chalo jao, fresh hona hain toh ho jao tum bhi." Ishan said gently.

"Theek hain." Aditi said and made her way to the washroom.

—

After freshening up, Aditi styled her hair into a bun, with a casual top and baggy jeans, fitting her style. Ishan slipped on a hoodie.

"Chale?" he asked.

Aditi glanced at the time. 10:30 pm.

"Waise, where are we headed? Raat ho rahi hain kaha hi jaayenge?" she asked, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.

"Yaha se toh chalo. Dekh lenge." Ishan said casually.

Aditi's eyebrows furrowed. "What if fans recognise us?"

"Arey yaar! Aisi ek cafe jaha ham sabhi MI players jaate hain aur waha utni public nhi rehti hain. We all go there for any celebration!" Ishan reassured her, calming her concerns.

As they stepped out, the crisp night air enveloped them. Ishan thoughtful gestures enveloped Aditi in warmth.

They walked down the quite streets, with very less people to even pay attention to them. "Aditi?" Ishan asked, gently.

Aditi, lost in the surroundings, replied. "Kya?"

"Comfortable ho naa tum?" He asked, eyes locked onto her face which he was silently admiring.

Aditi turned to him and nodded. "Haan."

After walking for 10 minutes, with light hearted banters, they arrived at their destination, a quiet cafe. Inside, they headed upstairs and found a cozy corner table, sheltered from prying eyes.

They both got seated comfortably and Ishan perused the menu, asking for Aditi's preferences.

As they sipped on their hot chocolate, Ishan and Aditi delved into their usual conversations. Laughter filled the air, their banter effortless.

Ishan shared a funny anecdote about his best friend, Shubman, mimicking his accent. Aditi giggled, her eyes sparkling in amusement.

"Kitne acche storyteller ho!" she exclaimed and retaliated with a joke,  leaving Ishan laughing.

Their casual chatter flowed like a gentle stream – favourite movies, childhood memories and silly habits. As they ran out of topics, Ishan looked out of the window while Aditi placed her cup down, finishing her drink.

Her gaze locked onto Ishan's, she gently called out.

"Ishan?"

He looked at her and raised his eyebrows.

"You know, I have never felt this connected and trusted anyone like I do with you." she said.

Ishan's expression softened as he leaned in.

"I mean, tum itne friendly ho ki kisi ko bhi tumhare saath bonding mein time nhi lagta hai. You have this gift that draws people in." her words hung in the silence.

Ishan's expression turned tender, his heart swelled with gratitude as he gazed at Aditi. Deep down, he too felt a sense of trust, like her.

"Thank you, trust karne ke liye," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "And for letting me make you feel seen and heard."

Their heartfelt conversation dissolved into a playful banter as usual.

"Acha, I have started to think you are actually perfect." Ishan teased.

Aditi rolled her eyes, laughing. "Maska maar lo abb. Bill tumhe hi pay karna hoga."

Ishan chuckled. "Nhi, woh nhi kar sakta."

Their banter flowed effortlessly and after sometime, they moved out of the cafe, still feeling grateful for this moment.

"Thank you, Ishan. Next matches hone par phir aayungi." she promised.

Ishan smiled but suddenly asked concerned. "Akele jaa rahi ho? Raat ho gayi hain bahut. Almost 12 bj jayega abhi."

Aditi nodded in realisation and Ishan, wanting to spend some more time, said. "Aao, stop tak chodh deta hoon."

Aditi quickly shook her head sideways. "Nhi, tum jao. Main chali jaungi."

After some agreeing and disagreeing, Aditi finally allowed Ishan to accompany her. Of course, with some hitting and weird looks as well.

Ishan turned his flashlight on, as the streetlights weren't working properly. Aditi walked by his side, looking anywhere but him.

"Kya hua?" he suddenly asked.

Aditi said. "Kuch nhi. Main kya pagal hoon mujhe kuch na kuch hote rahega jo puchte rehte ho?"

Ishan smirked. "Mental hospital mein bhej deta hoon. Pagal toh ho hi tum."

As their banter continued, they both reached the stand. Aditi quickly booked an uber and headed home.

On his way back, Ishan's mind wandered to their moment. He replayed Aditi's smile, her laughter and the warmth in her words.

"Tonight was perfect!" he whispered to himself. "I want more moments like this."

The city lights blurred, his focus unwavering as he relived the night.

A/N:-

The next chapters are going to be super duper exciting, so make sure you don't miss any!

This chapter was slightly longer as well. If you read till the end, then tysm!!! I am really grateful to you all.