2030.

Ishan and Aditi revisited the Wankhede stadium for the team's reunion, surrounded by the familiar faces and warm smiles of the current players in attendance. Everyone were thrilled to see them still together.

They both entered, hand in hand, taking in the surroundings. Ishan looked at her and reminded. "Yaad hain naa? 4 saal pehle?" Aditi nodded, smiling warmly.

As Ishan caught up with his teammates, Aditi chatted with their gfs, and wives, feeling a sense of camaraderie and nostalgia.

Suddenly, Rishabh asked Ishan about his mental health journey and how they both fell in love.

"Kabhi bataya nahi apne toh." Tilak chimed in.

Shubman smiled knowingly, gazing at Ishan's expression who was trying hard to hide the blush creeping in, biting his lips.

"Abhi kya sharma rahe ho?" Dhruv asked.

"Baad mein batata hoon, abhi aata hoon locker room se." Ishan said and without waiting for their response, strode away.

He approached Aditi, who was busy chatting with the girls' group. "Sunna, chal locker room se aate hain."

—

As they entered the empty room, memories flooded their minds. Ishan missed his seniors, the ones who had guided him through the ups and downs.

Some had retired, others had moved on to coaching and commentary. But their legendary careers were still etched in history.

He remembered the laughter, teasings and the advice they shared. Tears welled up in his eyes but he blinked rapidly, in an attempt to hide it from Aditi, who was busy looking at how much the interior changed.

"Aditi," he said. "Kitne memories hain naa yaha." his voice was filled with longing.

Aditi gazed at him and smiled, keeping a hand on his shoulder. "Haan, i know you miss them so much, but now, it's your turn to carry their legacy and take over."

Ishan smiled. Aditi has always understood him and always provided him a shoulder to cry on.

"Chalo, hum unke sath bhi meet up plan karte hain kabhi." Ishan suggested, excitement filling in his voice.

A smile spread across Aditi's face. "Haan." she replied.

—

As they walked out of the room, they were, yet again, surrounded by the players.

"Apni century dedicate ki thi tumne isse 4 saal pehle." Riyan teased, nudging Ishan.

After some prodding, they agreed. "Acha theek hain, batate hain." Aditi said, raising her hands.

They all sat on the ground as the sky was painted in hues of pink and orange in the background, as the sun set.

"Guys, isne mujhe itne ways mein heal kiya ki koi nhi kar sakta tha," Ishan said, eyes fixed on the lush green grass. "Ek alag hi connection feel hone laga."

—
Flashback.

The rain poured outside, mirroring Ishan's thoughts. He paced back and forth in his hotel room, anxiety gripping his chest.

Suddenly, the door opened and Aditi walked in, shaking the rain off her umbrella. "Maine tumhara message dekha, kya hua?"

Ishan tried to hide his struggles but Aditi saw right through him. "Bas stressed hoon." he muttered.

Aditi approached him cautiously, concern etched on her face. She grasped his arm and encouraged. "Ishan, batao."

He broke down, tears streaming down his face. "Mujhe lag raha hai, har jageh fail ho raha hoon."

Aditi embraced him. "Shhh, we will face it together."

—
Present.

Aditi continued. "Mujhe pata tha ki usse kisi ki zarurat thi, aur tum sab bhi toh tensed rehte the apne matches ko leke."

They all nodded in understanding, grateful that Ishan had someone to rely on during tough times other than them.

"Aur jis din humne confess kiya, woh din kabhi nhi bhulna chahte, even after death." Ishan said.

The teammates smiled and Abhishek joked. "Toh, ap dono ke romantic moments honge bahut saare."

Aditi blushed and replied. "Ji haan, don't act like tum sab apni girlfriends ke sath romantic moments spend nhi karte ho."

The group erupted in laughter, some of them blushed.

—

After dinner, they drove away from the reunion. Aditi stared outside the window, lost in thoughts. Ishan noticed the contemplative look and asked. "Kya soch rahi hai?"

Aditi turned to him, sighing about the fact they couldn't have an eye contact at this moment, as Ishan was busy driving.

She smiled mischievously. "Bas, hamari journey ke baare soch rahi hoon."

Ishan smiled, recalling all their moments they shared since day 1.

"Tumne mujhe ye remind kiya hain ki strength bas cricket mein nahi, dil mein hona chahiye. Aur asli strength kabhi kabhi kamzoriya mein hoti hain." Aditi said.

Ishan sensed a deeper meaning and pulled over, stopping his car on an isolated road. "Aditi." he said, his voice gentle.

Aditi took a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "Mujhe pata tha tum struggle kar rahe the, but I stayed. Also, not only to heal you, but to spend my life with you."

Her words touched his heart. "Tumne mujhe dekha." he whispered.

"Maine uss ladke ko dekha jisse pyaar, support aur koi aisa chahiye tha usse samjhne ke liye." Aditi continued. "Tumne mujhe bhi strong feel karwaya hain, Ishan."

Tears welled up in Ishan's eyes and rolled down his cheeks. Aditi reached out, her hand gently wiping them away.

"But tumne apne ap ko heal kiya, and I'm so proud and honoured, ki main tumhari iss journey ka hissa rahi." Aditi said.

That ignited a fire within Ishan. He took her hand, eyes shining with emotions. "Main sach mein tum jaisi pyari ladki ko deserve nhi karta hoon."

"Tum deserve karte ho, all the love in the world too," she replied. "Aur mai tumhe dena chahti hoon."

Their eyes locked in a lovely gaze, sparkling with love and happiness. They leaned in for a tender kiss. Both of them closed their eyes to get lost in the moment, letting the world around them fade away.

But Aditi, tapped him on his chest, breaking the moment. "Raat ho gayi hain, chalo warna bhoot aa jayenge."

He sighed, shaking his head and pulling apart. "Bahut buri ho tum."

They both chuckled and Aditi snuggled closer, into his shoulder.

After a minute, they sat in a comfortable silence.

"Acha." Ishan began. Aditi turned to him.

"Shadi kar lete hain jaldi." he said, eyes sparkling with excitement.

Aditi was taken aback but her heart skipped a beat. "Jaldi?" she repeated.

Ishan nodded, his face radiant with hope. "Haan, ab aur ek moment waste nhi karna chahta."

Aditi pouted, looking anywhere but him.

Ishan took her hands, she gazed at him. "Kya kehti ho?"

"Yes, a million times yes!" she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around him.

Ishan reciprocated the hug and smiled widely. After they pulled away, he asked with a mischievous grin. "Engagement ki planning kab?"

Aditi grinned. "Chalo, abhi hi kar lete hain."

"Tum bhi ab excited ho naa?" Ishan teased.

She hit him playfully and nodded. "Haan, chalo chalo ab. Raat ho gayi hain."

"Oh, mujhe toh pata hi nahi tha." Ishan laughed.

As they embarked on a new journey, planning their engagement, they talked about all the plans, who all would be invited, outfits, theme and all.

They drove to their future, Ishan whispered. "Tumhare sath yeh life, sapna sach hone jaisa hain."

"I know, har ball pe sixer hit karne jaisa." Aditi said, chuckling.

—

Their engagement day arrived, surrounded by loved ones.

"Abey yaar tu naa? Phele batane mein bhaav kha raha hai." Yashasvi said, making the entire group laugh.

"Aarey, kuch kuch cheeze nhi batate." Ishan said.

Everyone showered them with gifts, blessings and teasings.

"Chalo, finally isse koi sambhalne wali mil gayi." Shubman joked.

Aditi, seated beside Ishan, blushed.

Their outfits reflected their personality. Ishan wore a navy blue suit, white shirt and a smile that lit up the room.

Aditi stunned in a flowing ivory gown, delicate silver jewellery and her hair styled in curls.

As they exchanged rings, their eyes locked and time stood still. Memories flashed before their eyes: laughter, tears, victories and defeats. Everyone showered flowers on them.

Afterwards, everyone shared a private dinner, the atmosphere being electric. Suddenly, everyone shouted. "Congratulations once again!"

The room erupted in cheers and applause.

———
[The End]