As soon as Aditi asked "kya bole?" , Ishan thought of a reply, his words tumbling. "Hum dono ko sab saath dekhenge toh yahi sochenge naa," he said. "But sach batau toh main apne aap ko kisi aur ke saath imagine nhi kar sakta."

Internally, his heart raced like a runaway horse but externally he maintained a calm facade.

Aditi's laughter echoed through the air, a dismissal of the tension. "Woh toh hain, tum bahut zada hi sweet ho." she teased, her eyes sparkling. Yet, beneath her playfulness, she was feeling the same as him.

Ishan anticipated her further questions and swiftly rose to his feet to escape. But in his haste, he lost balance. Aditi quickly grasped his arm, steadying him.

Their eyes met and the air crackled with tension. A spark flared up between them.

Enna sona kyun Rabb ne banaya
Enna sona kyun Rabb ne banaya

Aavan javan te main yaara nu manavan
Aavan javan te main yaara nu manavan
Enna sona, enna sona
Enna sona o...

Aditi broke the gaze, looking away. Ishan smiled knowingly.

"Jaata hoon practice karne." He said.

"Subah se kar hi rahe the naa, phir se kyu?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

"Thodi der ke liye bas, phir chala jaunga. Tumhe jaana ho toh jaa sakti ho." Ishan offered.

But she stayed, captivated by his dedication. As Ishan practiced, Aditi's presence energized him.

He invited her to join him for a practice sessions, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Batting karna chahegi?" he asked.

Aditi hesitated, then smiled mischievously. "Kyun nhi?"

Together, they walked onto the cricket field. Ishan guided her stance, adjusting her grip on the bat. Their hands touched, sending shivers down thier spines.

As they practiced, their laughter mingled with the sound of the ball hitting the bat.

"Now you bat, main bowling karta hoon." Ishan said, a grin spreading across his face.

Aditi chuckled, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Bowling kab se aane lagi? Wicketkeeper batsman ho naa tum toh."

He shrugged. "Talents hain mere paas pata hain naa?"

Aditi playfully rolled her eyes.

As they switched positions, Ishan struggled to bowl. His usually steady hand shook with clumsiness. Each missed throw sent both of them into laughter.

"Okay, okay," Aditi said, wiping tears from her eyes. "Practice karo. Main yaha reh ke dekhungi tumhe."

Ishan grinned, relived. "Maza aaya?"

Aditi nodded. "Bahut."

As Ishan resumed his practice, Aditi's encouraging smiles and occasional laughters fueled his determination. His focus sharpened and he achieved a personal best. Aditi offered a constructive feedback, revealing hidden knowledge of the game.

"Natural coach ho tum toh." Ishan said, impressed.

Aditi smiled. "Observant kaho."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Ishan packed up his gear. "Jaa raha hoon apne hotel. Mere saath rehna chahogi?" he asked, his voice low and inviting.

Aditi hesitated, her eyes sparkling with tension. "Meri team mere saath hain, humne hotels already booked kar chuke hain."

Disappointment flickered across Ishan's face.

"But thank you," she added softly. "Mujhe bahut maza aaya tumhare sath."

Ishan smiled, understanding. "Mujhe bhi. Acha thodi der ke liye hotel toh aao mere."

Aditi agreed. "Theek hain. Chalo."

They strolled together, the evening filled with anticipation. As they walked, their shoulders occasionally brushed, causing them to glance at each other and sending shivers down their spines.

-

Aditi stepped into his room, noticing the scattered clothes. A giggle escaped her lips, but Ishan playfully ignored the mess.

After freshening up and some conversations, they walked to the balcony, drawn by the city's twinkling lights.

"Mujhe balconies ke baahar dekhne mein maja aata hain." Aditi said, her voice wistful.

"Kyun?" Ishan asked, curiosity laced in his voice.

"Kyuki..lagta hain world stretch ho raha hai," she replied. "Possibilities har jagah."

Ishan smiled. As they talked, he couldn't help but notice the way Aditi's eyes sparkled in the fading light. He felt a flutter in his chest, a sense of comfort and connection with her.

Both of them stood in a comfortable silence, watching the stars twinkling.

Aditi broke the silence, her voice gentle. "Ishan, tumne kabhi socha hain cricket ke alawa kya achieve karna hai?"

Ishan's gaze drifted upwards, his thoughts wandering. "Kabhi socha hi nhi. Cricket hi mera focus raha hai."

Aditi's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "But agar tum cricket khelne ke alawa kuch aur karna chaho toh, kya karoge ?"

Ishan's expression turned contemplative. "Shayad, isi se kuch karna chahunga. Maybe coach or mentor young players."

Aditi nodded enthusiastically. "Acha rahega. Tumhare pass bahut knowledge aur passion hain share karne ke liye."

As the night deepened, they both realised they more at ease with each other than ever before.

Aditi pondered revealing her feelings but hesitated. Fearing it might shatter their friendship and would become a distraction to him, she kept her emotions locked up.

Their camaraderie was precious and she wouldn't risk losing it. Besides, Ishan had to focus on himself and his sport.

Ishan sensed her unspoken emotions, curiosity piqued. "Oyee, sab theek hain?" he asked, his voice soft.

Aditi waved it off. "Haan, kuch nhi. Bas thak gayi hoon."

But he didn't buy it. His eyes searched hers.

"Alright, agar tum sure ho." he said, softly.

Aditi nodded hastily. "Yeah, acha mujhe jaana chahiye."

An awkward silence followed.

"Main chodh deta hoon tumhe." Ishan offered.

Aditi politely declined. "Nhi nhi. Tum rest karo."

-

On her way back, Aditi struggled to shake off her emotions. She wanted to be with Ishan for a while longer, but tension overwhelmed her.

As soon as she entered her hotel room, she contemplated. "What if I ignore him to get rid of this feeling?"

But her conscience protested. Undecided, she decided to call Yash, seeking guidance.

"Bhaiya, I feel some kind of feelings for Ishan." She confessed.

Yash teased. "Maine bola tha na? Feelings develop hogi. Ab woh friends se aur bhi kuch hoga."

"Mazaak band kaariye aur bataiye kya karoon." she pleaded.

"Kya karogi? Confess it to him. Honesty attracts the right person."

"But agar woh mere liye waisa feel nhi krta hain toh?" Aditi asked, worried.

Yash asked. "Usse kaisa feel hota hain tumhare liye?"

Aditi paused, reflecting. "I noticed kabhi woh shaant ho jata hain, jaise usse kuch kehna hain but kehta nhi hain."

Yash's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Haan, samjh gaya. Woh bechara bhi bata nhi paa raha hain apni feelings."

Aditi nodded, hope flickering. "Sach mein, you think so?"

"Haan! Log pehle chupaate hai apni feelings. Usse space do open up hone ke liye."

Aditi's heart skipped a beat. Could her brother be right?