As the days passed, Ishan and Aditi's connection grew stronger. They had never experienced such trust, such ease. The team matches became a backdrop for their growing friendship.

Aditi felt an unexpected sense of comfort around Ishan, as if she had found someone who cares and trust her blindly.

Maybe, Ishan mirrored her emotions, though he never admitted it to her or anyone as Aditi confessed to him so many times about much he means to her. Deep down, his heart swelled with admiration and affection for her.

With Aditi staying at the team hotel of MI, opportunities of shared moments multiplied. Stolen glances and laughter filled meals flowed smoothly.

Their connection deepened with each passing day, forging an unspoken understanding. It was as if they had known each other since childhood, not mere years.

One day, the hotel room buzzed with laughter and chatter as MI players gathered for their end-of-season celebration, their wives, friends and staffs in attendance.

The team reflected on their grueling season. "I don't think itna kabhi exhausted feel hua hoga mujhe." Surya joked.

"Batana." Hardik chimed in. "Those last few matches were insane."

Aditi had a conversation with Ritika and Rohit on the other end of the room. "You guys were amazing! Itna acha season tha aur entertainment bhi full hua." Aditi said, smiling.

Mayank clapped Ishan on the back. "Tumne bhi toh kya acha khela." 

The players echoed their appreciation, sharing stories of triumph and struggles. Aditi smiled intently, her eyes shining with admiration.

As the conversation flowed, Ishan's eyes landed on Aditi and he found himself drawn to her smile. He then said, with a gentle voice, turning towards his group. "Team effort, all the way."

Aditi then joined Ishan and Mayank in their conversation, Mayank just interacted with gestures and expressions. Ishan talked to her on random things, listening to her intently and ensuring she is comfortable.

Ishan finished his drink and glanced at the corner. the room didn't had any trash bin. "Ruko, main aaya." he excused himself and stepped outside to discard his empty paper cup. The cool evening air a brief respite from the laughter filled room.

Upon returning, his gaze swept the space where they were having a conversation. He halted at his place and his eyes locked onto Mayank and Aditi, his arm wrapped around her shoulder. As he approached, Aditi's laughter echoed, her eyes sparkling and Ishan couldn't help force his smile.

Mayank spotted him and called him to join them again. Ishan's eyes narrowed as he watched Aditi laugh with Mayank. He edged closer, his presence looming over their conversation. His hand instinctively reached for Aditi's, only to pull back.

"Arey, shaant kyun ho?" Mayank asked simply.

Ishan forced a smile. "Aise hi bass. Baat karne ke liye kuch hain nhi."

He noticed Aditi completely engrossed in Mayank, she ignored him but it wasn't intentional. She was just appreciating Mayank for his impressive performance and Ishan didn't like how close they were standing next to each other.

Ishan walked around the room, feeling left out. Aditi called out him but he just waved at her and went to Hardik.

"Kya hua isse?" She asked, pouting.

"Don't know. Aayega toh puchenge. Tum batao kya keh rahi thi meri bowling ke baare?" Mayank asked, curiosity laced his voice.

On his way to join Hardik and the group, Ishan couldn't help but think. "Kya bol raha tha wo bkl? Even if we talk, it's just friendship. Itna chipk ke baat kar raha hai abb usse."

A pang of jealousy twisted his gut, followed by guilt for being possessive.

"Aditi uske saath zada comfortable feel kar rahi hogi."

With Hardik and Surya, he kept forcing a smile, to mask his growing unease. Even they had to stop and ask if he was okay. His eyes betrayed the unease, locked onto Mayank's arm on Aditi's shoulder.

Ishan's gaze lingered on Aditi, her attention drawn back to her every few seconds. Aditi's eyes met Ishan's but he quickly looked away.

"Haath hatta de uske kandhe se warna todh dunga." Ishan battled with his inner thoughts.

Aditi thought Ishan was worried about the match, Mayank noticed her zoning out and inquired. "Ishan ki chinta ho rahi hai naa?"

Aditi locked her eyes into his and nodded. Mayank looked at Ishan, smiling. "Jao, mil ke aa jao usse lagega hamara kuch personal discussion chal raha hoga."

Aditi smiled at Mayank's thoughtfulness and understanding. She made her way towards Ishan who didn't notice her coming. Hardik, saw her approaching figure and teased Ishan. "Teri girl best friend aa rahi hai idhar."

For a moment, he was relieved but the tension still simmered.

"Hey!" Aditi came and greeted them. They greeted back a smile to her.

"Oyee! Ishan, aao hamare saath bhi baatein karo." Aditi said, her voice tone inviting.

Ishan's voice hinted at dismissal. "Thodha thakk Gaya hoon, go catch up with others."

Aditi's smile faltered for a moment, but she nodded and turned away. Ishan's gaze lingered on Aditi as she joined Ritika and Sammy, her laughter echoing in the room. His eyes narrowed, jaw clenched.

Hardik and Surya noticed his distress and asked, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Kya ho raha hai? Pareshaan kyun ho rahe ho?"

Ishan flinched a little and looked back at Hardik, smiling and reassuring them that he just wanted to catch up with them too.

As the conversation continued, Ishan's thoughts swirled. "Usne pucha hi nhi ki main kyun nahi aana chahta hoon uske paas. Usse chinta winta hain ya nahi?"

As he glanced over at Aditi, their eyes locked onto each other's for a fleeting moment. She mouthed "later" and returned to the conversation with Ritika.

Ishan's brow furrowed. What did she mean?

Across the room, Aditi's smile hid her genuine worry. She had decided to check on Ishan later, sensing his discomfort. But Ishan's perception warped, his jealousy lingering, assuming Aditi moved on unaffected.

—

As the celebration spilled outside, the players decided to head somewhere with their wives or family.

Ishan swiftly walked away. Aditi glanced at him and hastened to join him. "Ishan." she called out, her hand wrapping around his arm.

His gaze snapped to hers, his eyes narrowing. His jaw clenched and shoulders stiffened. "Let go." he said, his voice low.

Aditi's fingers released, her expression faltering. Her brow furrowed as her face etched in concern. "Kya hua?" she asked.

Ishan's gaze dropped, his eyes avoiding hers. "Itna kuch hone ke baad khud puch rahi kya hua?" the words remained at Ishan's throat.

Recieving no reply, Aditi gently tug on his arm, guiding him back towards the empty room where they were few moments ago. Ishan was too tensed to stop her, fearing that it would unfold any unnecessary drama.

Inside, Aditi turned to Ishan, her eyes locked onto his. "Why are you ignoring me?"

His posture remained closed off, arms crossed across his chest. His face, a neutral mask his his emotions.

"What's bothering you?" she pressed.

Ishan's gaze lingered on hers as he plainly asked. "Did you enjoy the celebration party?"

"Yes!" Aditi replied, her concern turning into enthusiasm for one reply.

Ishan's eyes narrowed. "Mostly with Mayank, haina?"

Aditi's brow furrowed, confusion washing over her. "Kya keh rahe ho?"

Ishan's voice dropped, his words laced with tension. "Maine dekha tum kitna enjoy ki uske sath."

Aditi's eyes widened, sensing the undertone. "Ishan, what's going on?"

His voice barely above a whisper, his words spilled out. "I saw you and Mayank laughing together. You seemed so carefree."

Aditi's eyes locked onto his, understanding dawning. "Woh toh sirf –"

"He made you smile."  Ishan interrupted, his voice laced with pain. "Aur main jab gaya, tumne poocha hi nhi kaha jaa raha hoon?"

Aditi dramatically opened her mouth. "Nhi poocha? Well, I did care but you shut me out."

Ishan's eyes dropped, his shoulders sagging. "I was confused, that you were happy with him."

Aditi pressed her lips together, she then gently said. "Ishan, look at me."

His gaze lifted, meeting hers.

"I care for you," she whispered. "Only you."

—
TBC.

A/N:-

Last night, after updating the previous chapter, I was stuck realising I am out of ideas. But today, ishanadores requested for a jealousy filled chapter and that sparked my motivation!

Thanks a lot, for helping me shake off my doubts. Hope you liked this chapter! 😁

Everyone, there's still more to come so stay tuned!

Please vote and leave a comment!