Ishan's decision to withdraw from the national team and take a break from cricket sent shockwaves through the sports community. His fans were worried and the media speculated his mental health.

His teammates understood the situation and granted him the break, feeling a bit bad for him. Ishan promised to stay connected with them and wished them luck for the upcoming series.

"I will be back stronger. Ap sab bas focused rehna." Ishan said and moved out of the room while his teammates just watched his retreating figure with a mix of hope and empathy.

Before leaving for Patna, Ishan went to his room to pack some essentials. As he tossed clothes into his bag, Shubman walked in, concern etched on his face.

"Ishan, kya chal raha hai?" He asked, sitting on the bed beside him. "You didn't tell me you were going through this? Why this secrecy?"

Ishan paused, unsure of how to share his emotions. "I didn't wanted to burden you. You have been there for me always."

Shubman's expression softened. "This is what friends are for. Main samajhta agar tum batate."

Ishan sighed, relief washing over him. "Drained feel ho raha hai, not physically but mentally. The pressure, expectations...bas thoda time chaiye fresh hone ke liye."

Shubman nodded thoughtfully. "You deserve it! We all do. Family ke saath time spend karo acha lagega."

Their conversation flowed easily, a comforting familiarity that only close friends share.

—

Ishan returned home, seeking solace in his familiar surroundings. His family welcomed him warmly, oblivious to his inner turmoil. They spent the evening sharing laughter and stories, but Ishan's exhaustion lingered beneath the surface.

As the night wore on, Ishan gathered his courage and revealed his decision of taking a break from cricket that's why he is here. The room fell silent.

His parents exchanged worried glances, shock etched on their faces. His mother took in his worn out appearance. "Beta, what's wrong?" she asked, her voice slightly trembling. "Achanak break, woh bhi cricket se?"

Ishan's father looked concern. "Chot toh nhi lagi hai na?"

Ishan took a deep breath, explaining his emotional struggle and the toll cricket had taken on his mental health, due to being benched multiple times. His parents listened intently, their expression turning from shock to understanding.

His mother rushed to his side, enveloping him in a warm hug. "Koi baat nhi. Hum hain tumhare sath."

Tears pricked at Ishan's eyes as he felt the weight of his parent's love and support.

—

Ishan's phone buzzed, breaking the silence. Aditi's text illuminated his screen.

"Theek se ghar pahoche naa?"

He smiled, feeling grateful for her concern.

"Haan, dopahar ko, ekdum aaram se."

Aditi's reply came swiftly.

"Acha hain. Ishan, mujhe batana tha ki I'll be busy for a bit. Bahut sare orders mile hain kapdo ke liye, need to meet the deadlines."

Ishan knew her business was thriving, his heart swelled.

"No worries. Focus on your work."

Aditi's next message warmed his heart.

"Waise main busy bhi rahungi, I'm there for you. Don't hesitate to reach out."

Ishan thanked her and put his phone down, feeling reassured. His reverie was interrupted when Raj walked into his room with a mix of curiosity and concern. Ishan rose from his bed to hug him and he hugged back.

"Tum bataya kaahe nhi apna fatigue ke baare mein?" Raj asked, pulling away and making Ishan sit beside him.

Ishan shrugged, feeling a bit sheepish. "Didn't wanted to worry you all. Mujhe laga main handle kar loonga khud."

Raj's expression softened. "Chalo koi baat nhi. Hum hai tumhare sath."

Ishan smiled, feeling grateful for his understanding.

"Pata hai. Just felt overwhelmed. Needed some time to recharge."

The brothers sat in a comfortable silence for a moment, enjoying each other's company. Raj broke the silence, a grin spreading across his face.

"Oyee, agle hafte ki trip ke baare mein matt bhoolna."

Ishan's eyes lit up. "Haan, dubai trip naa? Yaad hain."

Raj nodded enthusiastically. "Haan, kab se plan kar rahe the. Ab back out matt karna."

Ishan chuckled, feeling a surge of excitement. "Bilkul nhi. I need this break."

They high-fived, their anticipation building.

"Haan, time with friends, away from cricket." Raj said.

—

Aditi immersed herself in preparing for the influx of orders, meticulously guiding her stitching team and creating detailed lists. Amidst the chaos, her thoughts drifted to Ishan.

She wondered how he was coping with the pressure and stress of his break from cricket.

Aditi's heart ached, wanting to be by his side during this tough time. She envisioned herself wrapping him in a comforting hug, listening to his concerns and offering words of encouragement.

But reality dawned, and her mind refocused on the tasks at hand. Deadlines loomed, and her team relied on her guidance.

As she inspected the fabrics, Aditi's thoughts briefly escaped back to Ishan. What was he doing at that moment? Was he feeling better?

Shaking off the distraction, Aditi returned to her duties. "Let's prioritize these orders. We need to meet the deadlines."

Her team nodded, and the workshop hummed with activity.

Aditi's inner conflict persisted: her desire to support Ishan versus her responsibility to her business.

—

Ishan and his friends sat at the top of a skyscraper in Dubai, surrounded by glittering cityscape. They sipped their drinks, relishing the warm breeze and each other's company.

The group laughed and chatted, their conversation flowing effortlessly. They reminisced about old times, shared stories and teased each other.

Ishan felt rejuvenated, surrounded by friends and his brother who understood him. For a moment, he forgot about his pressure.

As they gazed at the breathtaking view, Ishan's friend, Yashasvi, raised his glass.

The group clinked their glasses together.

Ishan smiled, feeling grateful for these moments. "To letting go and moving on!" Anshumat added, eyeing Ishan.

Their banter continued, filled with warmth and jokes. Ishan's gaze drifted away from the group, his mind automatically shifting to Aditi. He missed her warmth and conversation, but he knew she was focusing on her work.

His friends noticed his sudden distraction. "Kya hua?" Yashasvi asked, nudging him playfully.

Ishan attempted a laugh. "Kuch nhi. Just spacing out."

As he acknowledged his longing, he couldn't shake off the feeling that his connection with Aditi was beginning to deepen into something more.

Yashasvi broke the silence. "Dekho, phir se soch mein kho gya hai."

Ishan shook his head. Anshumat then asked, his voice laced with amusement. "Acha haan, Aditi kaisi hain?"

He refused to share about her, with a forced laughter, but they wouldn't let up. One by one, they began teasing him, sensing his vulnerability.

"Nhi bata raha hai yeh. Bata na." Anshumat joked.

"Miss kar rahe ho apni bestie ko?" Yashasvi chimed in.

The teasings continued and Ishan started feeling frustrated at how they kept forcing him and not understanding that he didn't wanted to talk about her right now. He was trying to shake off his feelings, but it intensified due to their teasings.

"You okay naa?" Swami asked, a smirk on his face.

Noticing the chaos bubbling up, Raj gently said to Ishan. "Bata de unhe, kya bhaav kha raha hai. Tumhari toh achi friend hain na woh."

Just when Ishan lost his patience, he slammed his fists on the table and got up.

"Bhaiya, she is not my friend!" He almost yelled.

The group went silent, sensing Ishan's frustration. The jovial atmosphere dissipated, replaced by an awkward silence.

Ishan turned away and whispered to himself. "She is more than a friend."