Months went by and Ishan's whereabouts were unknown. He didn't play domestic matches, citing his need for the break.

Ishan reveled in the trip's relaxation, however his bliss was short-lived. Fans and critics began to scrutinize his decision to skip matches and partying in Dubai.

"Selfish, egoistic, lost his focus!" Social media swirled with controversy around him.

Stung by the criticism, Ishan struggled to maintain his composure, not feeling worthy of anything.

The coaches and selectors were also disappointed, feeling that Ishan had destroyed his own career. His refusal to play domestic cricket meant that younger players took his place and he was no longer considered for the Indian team.

As Ishan practiced with Hardik at his residence, Baroda, preparing for the upcoming IPL, he knew he had a long way to go and recharge. He was determined to prove himself, to show that he still had what it took to be a cricketer.

Aditi talked to him everyday, but remained oblivious to the doubts which swirled in his mind. As from outside, he looked really happier and carefree but inside he had a lot of thoughts and self doubts.

-

Ishan grabbed his phone after countless hours of practice, only to be greeted by a flood of notifications.

"Yeh sab kya? Itna messages toh nhi aaya hain kabhi?" he said to himself.

As he opened one, he felt his soul draining away. His hands trembled as he stared blankly at the text from one of his coaches.

The message was devastating. Ishan and Shreyas had lost their contracts for not playing domestic matches and making excuses.

Feeling defeated, Ishan's phone rang, breaking the silence. It was Shreyas.

"Ishan, mujhe just news mila." he said, his voice laced with disappointment.

Ishan sighed, his voice slightly trembling as he spoke. "Mujhe bhi."

There was a moment of silence, which felt suffocating to both of them.

"Bhaiya, mujhe kuch samajh nhi aa raha." Ishan said.

"Dekho, sab theek ho hoga. Tum apna khayal rakho yeh sab zada mat socho. We will get through this together." Shreyas said, trying to sound hopeful.

Ishan nodded, even though Shreyas couldn't see him. "Sahi bole. We will!"

Their conversation lifted Ishan's spirits, but the weight of his mistakes still lingered.

As the call ended, Ishan sat alone.

"Hello, Aditi!" Ishan answered, trying to sound cheerful despite his emotional state.

"Ishan, mujhe pata chala tumhare contract ke baare mein," Aditi said, her voice filled with concern. "I'm so sorry."

Ishan sighed and struggled to hold back his emotions, but he maintained his composure. "Yeah, tough day."

Aditi's voice was soft and soothing. "Tum akele nhi ho. Tum kar loge dekhna. Tum bahut strong aur talented ho, yeh bas setback hain."

Ishan took a deep breath and replied. "Haan, thank you aise words ke liye, but this is something to be concerned about."

As Ishan spoke to Aditi, he felt the dam of his emotions he'd been holding finally break. His vision blurred as tears filled his eyes and his voice cracked with a mix of sadness, anger and frustration.

"Maine sabko down feel karwaya hain," he said. "Myself, my team, my coaches... I have worked hard but it's never enough."

Aditi listened patiently, offering words of comfort and reassurance. "We all make mistakes. Aur unhi se seekhtey hain."

But Ishan couldn't seem to shake off the feeling of failure. "I've lost my contract. Mera dream cheenaa jaa raha hai mujhse. Kya pata mujhe phir kabhi naa mile?"

His voice trailed off as he struggled to contain his emotions. Aditi's silence on the other end was comforting, a reminder that she was there for him.

Her gentle voice brought Ishan back to reality. She understood Ishan was not doing well mentally, realising his doubts on himself and his game.

"Ishan, talk to me. Kya chal raha hai tumhare dimaag mein?" she asked, concern etched in her tone.

Ishan took a deep breath, letting his guards down. "I feel lost, the pressure, the criticism. It's suffocating me."

Aditi listened intently. "You're not just talking about cricket, are you?"

Ishan hesitated before opening up. "No..sab kuch hi hai. Anxiety, self doubts. Sometimes I feel like I'm pretending to be okay."

Aditi's voice softened. "Ishan, you don't have to pretend with me. Tum safe ho!"

For the first time in months, Ishan felt like he could be honest about his mental health struggles. "Mujhe panic attacks aa rahe the, Aditi. And the thoughts.. telling me I am not good enough."

Aditi's response was immediate. "Aisa mat socho. You are enough. We will get through this together."

As they talked, Ishan felt a weight lift off his shoulders. Sharing his struggles with someone, especially Aditi, had freed his from the burden of secrecy.

"Ishan, I'm proud of you," Aditi said, her voice filled with empathy. "Tumne pehli baar apne mental health ke baare mein bataya."

Ishan felt a surge of gratitude towards Aditi. Her unwavering support meant the world to him.

"Yeh tough time hain," she continued. "You can't let it define you. You are incredible and you have so much to offer."

Her words sparked determination within Ishan.

"Main chahti hoon ki tum aane wale IPL ki taiyari karo," Aditi said. "Give it your all and then consider playing domestic matches. Yeh best way hain tumhara contract waapas milne ka."

Ishan was surprised at her knowledge. He was impressed how well she saw the cricket world. He couldn't help but ask. "Haan, waise kisne bataya yeh sab?"

Aditi smiled a bit and replied. "Ritika di ek baar staffs se baat kar rahi thi iss baare mein and I overheard their conversation."

Ishan nodded, even though she couldn't see him. Her encouragement boosted Ishan's spirits. "I will take one step at a time and prove myself."

"I believe in you." Aditi said.

With renewed resolve, Ishan made a promise, he would work harder than ever, prove his worth and reclaim his spot on the national team.

-

As Aditi ended the call, she cupped her hand over her mouth, holding back a concerned gasp. Ishan's words lingered in her mind.

"I feel lost..i work hard but it's never enough... suffocating me.."

She hadn't realised the depth of his mental health battles and how they took toll. Her heart ached, thinking about how could someone so cheerful be carrying a heavy burden.

She regretted not noticing his pain sooner. "Usne toh mujhe bataya bhi nhi? Kyun, Ishan??" she wondered.

Determined to lift up his spirits, Aditi promised to be by Ishan's side for the upcoming IPL. Her busy schedules was preventing her to attend his matches but she decided to find ways, to cheer him up from afar.

But most importantly, she knew that she had to meet Ishan in person, to talk about his struggles and let him open up.

"I'll clear my schedule, just for him." she resolved.

Her mind whirled with ideas. She would listen to him attentively and offer words of encouragement. As she planned, her excitement grew. She couldn't wait to be there for Ishan and help him face his challenges.

A/N:-

Everyone, feel free to shout gaalis and throw chappals at me as much as you want. 😭

@ishanadores I'm really sorry for not taking your request but kya kare, main majbur hoon.

Had I not included this contract scenario, the storyline and trope would have completely changed. Also, I wanted to include a few chapters containing angst, so had to do this!

I couldn't help but feel bad myself writing this, as no one deserves to face these struggles. The coming chapters may have a bit of angst but as it progresses, it will be lighthearted.

I hope you understand and don't hate for this! 🤧