The morning sun had barely risen when Shubman Gill, the young cricket sensation, stirred from his slumber. The world outside was just waking up, but inside, Shubman's day was already set in motion. With a stretch and a yawn, he slipped out of bed, his mind still foggy with dreams. He donned his workout attire, a silent promise to himself to push his limits at the gym.

As he lifted weights and ran on the treadmill, his thoughts were a mix of concentration and anticipation for the day ahead. It was then that Ishan, his teammate and friend, approached with a casual stride. "Bro, coming for breakfast?" he inquired, a friendly nudge in his voice.

Shubman, lost in his routine, barely glanced up as he shook his head. "No, you go," he replied, his focus unbroken. Ishan's brow furrowed in concern, but he respected the silence and moved on.

Ishan's next stop was Kiara, the team's psychologist and a close confidant. "Kiara, he's not coming for breakfast," he relayed, a hint of worry lacing his words.

Kiara, understanding the unspoken bond between athletes and their regimen, nodded thoughtfully. She made her way to the gym, her steps echoing softly in the corridor. There, she found Shubman, a solitary figure on the bench, sipping water and catching his breath.

"Why are you not coming down for breakfast?" she asked, her tone gentle yet firm.

Shubman looked up, his eyes meeting hers. "Because, I don't want to eat," he said simply, a shadow crossing his features.

Kiara stepped closer, her presence warm and reassuring. "Please come down, Shubman," she urged, her voice soft but insistent.

He hesitated, then relented with a sigh. "Fine. By the way, Kiara, I was going to meet my sister. Would you like to come with me?"

Her response was immediate and enthusiastic. "Sure, why not? But first, have breakfast."

Shubman nodded in agreement and retreated to his room. The shower's cascade was refreshing, washing away the remnants of his workout. He emerged dressed in comfortable clothes, ready to face the day.

Downstairs, the breakfast table was abuzz with the team's chatter. Shreyas, ever the joker, announced Shubman's arrival with grandeur. "Here comes the Prince of Indian Cricket, Shubman Gill. We are very honored that the Prince himself has graced us with his presence."

A light smile played on Shubman's lips, mirrored by Kiara's own. She caught a glimpse of his dimples and couldn't help but think, "His dimples are so cute. They make his face so pretty. His features are also picture-perfect."

Shubman took his seat next to Virat, the team's captain, and Ishan couldn't resist teasing him. "Veere, you left me?" he joked.

Shubman rolled his eyes, a playful retort on his lips. "Shut up, yaar, I'm hungry."

The table erupted in laughter, even Bumrah, who choked on his food in surprise. "What did you say?" he coughed out.

"I'm hungry," Shubman repeated, a frown creasing his brow.

Bumrah's reaction was immediate and heartfelt. He hugged Shubman, serving him breakfast with a brotherly affection. Shubman's smile, small but genuine, was a rare sight as he began to eat.

Rohit leaned in to whisper to Virat, a knowing look in his eyes. "I guess Kiara's presence has brought a change in him. He never spoke so much. I have a feeling that we'll get our old Shubi back."

Virat nodded solemnly. "You're right, Ro. I really want our old Shubi back. That lively charm is no more in us without his cheerful and goofy behavior."

Ishan, feeling left out, poked Virat. "Vi Bhai, include me also in the conversation. I'm bored."

Virat's response was teasing. "Go and talk to your Veere."

Ishan's complaint was half-hearted. "All he does is say 'hmm' or stays quiet. I feel like talking to stones."

Virat's rebuke was immediate. "Hey, don't call him a stone. He is my son, you know?"

The table fell silent, confusion etched on their faces. Virat chuckled, enjoying the moment. "What do my fans call me?" he asked.

"King," Ishan replied.

"And what do fans call Shub?" Virat continued.

"Prince," Rohit answered.

Ishan's realization dawned. "Ohh, now I got your logic."

Rohit, still puzzled, asked, "But how does that make Shub your son?"

Ishan's explanation was simple. "Arre Ro bhai, a King's son is called a Prince."

The conversation was interrupted by Shubman's announcement. "Bhai, me and Kiara are going to meet Shahneel Di."

Rohit's concern was evident. "Okay, Shub, but come back safely."

Shubman nodded, his mind already on the road ahead. Kiara's question was practical. "Will you drive, or shall I drive?"

"I will drive," Shubman declared, a hint of excitement in his voice.

They drove towards a cafe, the cityscape blurring past. Shubman parked his car with precision, donning his mask and hoodie for anonymity.

Upon arrival, they were greeted by Shahneel's warm embrace. "It's been a long time, baby," she said, her voice filled with affection.

Shubman's protest was immediate. "Di, I am not a baby."

Shahneel's laughter was light. "You are my baby brother."

Shubman introduced Kiara, and the bond between the two women formed quickly. They headed to the beach, where Shubman took on the role of photographer, capturing moments of joy and laughter.

Kiara's decision to share the memories on Instagram was met with excitement. Together with Shahneel, they chose the perfect picture to post.

Spent some amazing time with my new bestie @shahneelgill. She is such a bundle of joy.
P.C. @shubmangill

Comments
shahneelgill: Even I had the most amazing time with you.
                         ↪shreyasiyer96: Where is our Punjabi Munda?
                                                          ↪kiaraaliaadvani: He is sitting by the shore.
virat.kohli: How I wish @shubmangill was also in this picture.
                      ↪kiaraaliaadvani: @virat.kohli, you have a surprise later.
                                                           ↪virat.kohli: Me very excited.
aditihundia: You guys left me? Not fair @shahneelgill and @kiaraaliaadvani😔😔
                         ↪shahneelgill: We will go for a girl's dayout soon.
                                                       ↪anushkasharma: You cannot forget me @shahneelgill
ishankishan23: You tell me where you are me and @aditihundia will come there.
                               ↪shahneelgill: No chance.
                                                             ↪ishankishan23: 😢😢
shub.shahforever: How I wish I saw @shubmangill also in this pic.
                                     ↪shub.ananya: Yeah! Ananya is also not posting anything related to him
                                                                     ↪shub.77: Dude they broke up.
anan.shub: What😱😱
                       ↪shub.77: Yeah! Check his last post. That had everything.

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The day continued with a visit to a restaurant for lunch. Shahneel's suggestion for Shubman to update his Instagram was met with agreement from Kiara.

"Fine, Di, just click a picture of me and Aditi, and then we'll see," Shubman conceded.

Shahneel's response was playful. "I will click when you guys are posing perfectly. Now eat lunch."

As they enjoyed their meal, Shubman showed Kiara something on his phone, her smile brightening the room. Shahneel captured the moment, a snapshot of friendship and camaraderie.

Shubman with the sun setting behind him, paused for a moment as he gazed at the picture on his phone. It was a candid shot, one that captured a rare, unguarded smile playing on his lips. For a heartbeat, he was transported back to the laughter and lightness of the day. With a deep breath, he opened Instagram, an app he hadn't touched in what felt like ages, and uploaded the photo. It was a silent acknowledgment, a step towards letting the world in once again.

Happiest time with @kiaraaliaadvani who never fails to bring a smile on my face. 
P.C: @shahneelgill

Comments
kiaraaliaadvani: Am I dreaming or is that @shubmangill who tagged me in his post?
                                ↪shubmangill: You are not dreaming, baby😉😉
                                                               ↪kiaraaliaadvani: *Me fainted*
ishankishan23: Am I dreaming or I am seeing @shubmangill post??
                               ↪shubmangill: You are seeing my post.
virat.kohli: Finally seeing @shubmangill's picture.
saratendulkar: Dating?
                              ↪shubmangill: Nah! Best friends.
abhisheksharma_4: Finally saw @shubmangill smiling after one long year.
                                         ↪rohitsharma45: Don't jinx it @abhisheksharma_4.
shahneelgill: Cuties.🥺🥺
                          ↪shubmangill: Thanks di😁😁
                                                         ↪kiaraaliaadvani: Thanks bestie.
shubish.7723: Aww these two look so cute.
                            ↪shubnanya: No. @shubmangill and @ananyasinghaniya looked cute together.
shreyasiyer96: I am jealous. @kiaraaliaadvani, you promised that you will spend time with me.
                             ↪kiaraaliaadvani: Sorry shrey bhai, I am busy👋🏻👋🏻
ishankishan23: Veereeee!
                              ↪shubmangill: Jaanemaannnnnn.
athiyashetty: These two's Veere and Jaaneman never gets old.

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The drive back to the hotel was quiet, contemplative. Kiara could sense the myriad of emotions swirling within Shubman, but she chose to respect the silence that enveloped them. As they arrived, Virat was there to greet them, his presence a testament to the brotherhood they shared. He wrapped Shubman in a hug, a gesture filled with hope and nostalgia. "My old Shubi is coming back?" he asked, his voice tinged with a mixture of excitement and concern.

Shubman's response was a mere whisper, his eyes shut tight as if to block out the pain of memories. "Bhai, I can never be the old Shubman again." The words were heavy, laden with the weight of a past that clung to him like a shadow. Ananya's memory, a ghost from a time when love was simple and life was less complicated, haunted him still.

He gently extricated himself from Virat's embrace and retreated to the sanctuary of his room. Kiara watched him go, her heart aching for the turmoil she knew he was enduring. Turning to Virat, she offered a reassurance that was as much for herself as it was for him. "Don't worry, I will talk to him," she said, her voice steady despite the uncertainty that clouded her thoughts.

Virat nodded, his expression a mix of gratitude and anxiety. He sank into the couch, the weight of leadership and friendship heavy on his shoulders. He knew the road to healing was long and fraught with unseen struggles, but he also knew that Shubman wasn't alone on that journey.

In the quiet of his room, Shubman faced the mirror, confronting the man he had become. The reflection staring back at him was a cricket star, a public figure adored by millions, but beneath the surface lay a tangle of emotions and memories that defined the true essence of who he was. As he grappled with the duality of his existence, he realized that the path forward wasn't about reclaiming the past but about forging a new identity, one that embraced both the joy and the pain of his experiences.

Kiara's knock on the door was gentle, a soft intrusion into his reverie. "Shubman, can we talk?" she asked, her voice a soothing balm to his frayed nerves.

He opened the door, and in that moment, he understood that healing wasn't a solitary endeavor. It was a journey made lighter by the presence of those who cared, a shared burden that, in time, would lead to a shared triumph. And with that realization, Shubman took the first step towards a future where the echoes of the past would no longer define him.