In the duleep trophy, Ishan delivered an outstanding performance in every match. Scoring a remarkable century and showcasing his amazing captaincy skills.

As he travelled to different places for the games, Aditi made sure to support him from afar and cheer him on.

She felt she had reached a point where she wanted to meet Ishan again and spend some time together. She was also curious to know his feelings, exploring and indirectly ask him if he felt the same way. From some sense, she was sure he did.

Their connection blossomed through calls and texts, with Aditi congratulating Ishan on his successes. However, amidst these exchanges, awkward silences would often follow, hanging heavy in the air like an unspoken question. Aditi would sensitively pick up on these cues, noticing a shift in Ishan's playful demeanor.

"Kya hua," she'd ask. "Itne shaant kyu ho rahe ho?"

But Ishan's response would either be casual brush off or silence. Perhaps, he was practicing restraint. Or maybe, he was genuinely uncertain about how to express the emotions brewing inside.

He shared his excitement about finally returning to ranji trophy, his words bursting him enthusiasm as he revealed his stats. Aditi listened attentively, her eyes sparkling with interest and offering advice.

"Aditi, tumne mere health ka dhyan rakha, Ishan said. "Mujhe support deke aur meri baatein sun ke mujhe hope diya."

As he spoke, his voice trembled with emotions, revealing the appreciation for her presence in his life.

-

Ranji trophy arrived in no time, and Ishan achieved another century. This accomplishment felt deeply to both of them, knowing the hard work, sweat and tears Ishan had shed. He also captained for two matches and his success brought tears of joy to Aditi's eyes.

The icing on the cake was Ishan's selection for India A's tour of Australia. Although, it wasn't the main team, he was proud to represent his country once again.

"Australia tour ke liye select ho gaya. India A team mein mera naam hain." Ishan shared.

"I am really really proud of you." Aditi said, beaming with joy.

After their conversation, Ishan revealed that he would soon leave for Australia. Aditi's face fell but she saw this as an opportunity.

"Ishan, abhi tum Mumbai mein ho naa?" she asked.

"Haan hoon." he replied, curiosity etched on his voice.

"Tumhare jaane se phele kya main mil sakti hoon?"

Ishan agreed. "Haan, ekdam."

They planned a meeting to the same restaurant where they spent a memorable night and where all the MI players go for spending time.

-

Aditi arrived at the restaurant and felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her. Memories of their time together flooded her mind. This place was special, not just for the two of them but for the entire team MI, which had shared countless moments here. It felt wonderful to be back after a long time.

As she waited for Ishan, Aditi pondered Yash's advice, to confess her feelings. When Ishan finally arrived, they exchanged their usual hugs, but Aditi's was unusually tight. Ishan sensed she wanted to share something special, something that went beyond their usual greeting.

As they sat together in a private cabin, nostalgia swirled around them. Their conversation flowed smoothly until suddenly, it faltered. An awkward silence followed, heavy with unspoken thoughts. Aditi broke the stillness, her voice barely above a whisper. "Tumhare future ke baare mein kya thoughts hain?"

Ishan's heart skipped a beat, its rapid rhythm betraying his composure. "For now, main cricket pe focus karoonga." he replied , his tone light but his eyes betrayed an unease.

Aditi smiled knowingly. "Mujhe pata hai. Mera matlab, tumhari personal life se related." The air thickened with tension as he struggled to maintain his poise.

Anticipating the question, gratitude and nervousness washed over Ishan. "Aisa kyu puchi?"

Her hesitation was palpable and he sensed the weight of her unspoken words. Ishan led her to the balcony, where the city lights twinkled below like stars, casting a magical glow. The crisp night air seemed to clear Aditi's thoughts and Ishan gently coaxed. "Kya hain tumhare dimaag mein?"

Aditi asked. "Ishan, kya tumhe kisi ke liye kuch feel hota hain?"

Ishan couldn't understand what she exactly meant. He noticed her sparkling eyes and quivering lips. Making her sit down on the swing, he settled himself beside her and said. "Frank ho kar batao, main samjhoonga."

With a newfound confidence, Aditi took a deep breath and looked down at the marble floor while Ishan locked his eyes on her face, awaiting her response.

Aditi then gathered courage and looked at him. "Hum dono ache dost hain naa?"

Ishan nodded enthusiastically.

She then asks. "Kya tumne hamare baare me socha hain kabhi?"

Ishan's pulse rate quickened, trying to be casual but his heart skipped a beat and he wanted to reveal his genuine interest.

"Humne ek dusre ko kitna time se jana hain. Kitna kuch saath mein face kiya hain. I was wondering..if.. you feel something more?" Aditi asked.

Ishan replied. "I don't know what to say." He was surprised but also open to exploring these feelings.

Aditi sighed and said. "Tumhe kuch kehne ki need nhi hain. Bas mujhe jaana hai ki tum bhi same feel karte ho." She valued the honesty and was willing to accept whatever he would reply with.

They both were feeling something but couldn't quite find the words. Aditi looked out from the balcony and Ishan, unable to control his feelings, whispered. "Mujhe bhi same feel hota hain." he continued. "Agar hum sach mein ek fresh start kare toh?"

Aditi turned to him and noticed the genuine emotions in his eyes. She was sure Ishan felt the same.

He smiled and said. "Haan, aur jab se tumne mujhe itna emotional support diya hain, tab se mujhe bahut zada grateful feel hota hai."

Aditi was on the verge of tears, but held back. Ishan confesses his doubts about making her happy, revealing his insecurities.

"Tumhe pata hain naa ki cricket pe focus karna hai aur contract waapas lena hain -"

Aditi interrupts, misunderstanding his concern. "Haan, mujhe laga tha ki yeh ek distraction rahega."

Ishan clarifies, sincerity in his voice. "Maina aisa kab kaha? Main toh bal ki khush hoon ki tumne mujhe support diya aur mere cricketing career ka part ho. You are not at all a distraction, Aditi."

The tension was broken when they whispered "i love you" simultaneously.

They gazed into each other's eyes. Ishan shared. "Haan, let's start afresh. No expectations. I would be happy to call you mine."

As soon as Ishan spoke those words, Aditi's eyes welled up with tears. Joy and relief washed over her face. Ishan beamed and pulled her into a warm hug and Aditi wrapped her arms tightly around him, holding on to a newfound promise. In that moment, they both felt a weight lift, replaced by a sense of hope and unity, ready to face whatever lay ahead, by each other's side.

As they pulled apart, Ishan looked at her glistening eyes. Aditi smiled and pinched his cheeks. They started a conversation, talking about their feelings they had and Ishan asked. "Tumne chupa ke kyun rakha tha?"

Aditi replied. "Yahi ki mujhe laga distraction rahungi main. Tumhe cricket pe focus rehna hai but I couldn't help this feeling."

Ishan countered. "Nhi yaar. Tumhe hi toh mujhe help kiya har cheez mein. Mere liye tum kabhi distraction nhi ho sakti."

Aditi smiled widely at that. They shared their hidden feelings, now unhidden.

She admitted. "I even imagined us.. kissing. Mujhe guilty laga ki main aisa soch rahi hoon hamare baare mein."

Then, turning serious, Ishan said, looking at her intensely. "Well..ab kabhi imagine nhi karna hoga."

Aditi looked contemplative, asking. "What do you mean?"

And that moment actually happened - Ishan leaned in and pecked her lips. Aditi froze. That 0.1 second of kiss felt like an eternity.

They parted and Ishan confessed. "Thank you hamesha mere side rehne ke liye. Ab tum sirf meri supporter and dost nhi ho, but kuch aur bhi. Saath mein challenges face karne ke liye taiyar ho jaao. I love you."

As Aditi smiled, tears started rolling down her cheeks. She whispered. "Best day meri life ka."

They sat together in a comfortable silence, watching the night sky. Aditi snuggled into Ishan's shoulder, feeling safe and cherished. The warmth of the moment sent shivers down their spines but they were grateful for the vulnerability they shared.

As hours passed, Ishan noticed her drift off to sleep, her peaceful face captivating him. He leaned in and gently kissed the side of her head and when he parted, he whispered. "My love, hame jaana chahiye."

Aditi woke with sleepy eyes, rubbing them before pleading. "Itni jaldi chale jaaye?"

Ishan teased. "Haan, kyuki kuch din baad mere matches hain aur tum mujhe sochti rahogi, hain na?"

Aditi's cheeks flushed as she playfully hit Ishan, their laughter echoing in the night, filled with joy, love and contentment.