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.

The room was silent except for the soft whisper of the morning breeze against the window. Kiara stepped inside, her eyes filled with concern. "Sit down, Shub," she said softly, gesturing towards the bed. Shubman complied, the weight of his world settling on his shoulders as he sat. Kiara took a seat opposite him, her gaze steady and kind. "Shub, you need to tell me what happened. I am your best friend, right?" she implored.

Shubman's voice was a mere echo of his usual confidence, "Kiara, please don't force me." But Kiara was resolute, "You need to tell it to me, Shub. I can help you."

He stood abruptly, a battle raging within him as he fought back tears. "I don't want your help, Kiara," he said, his voice breaking. Yet, Kiara approached him, her determination unwavering. "Please, tell me what happened, Shub."

He shook his head, a torrent of denials spilling from his lips, "No, no, no, no, please no." But Kiara was unyielding, her hand resting gently on his shoulder. "Please, tell me."

Defeated, Shubman sank back onto the bed, his defenses crumbling. "Fine, you asked, I am telling you," he conceded. Kiara sat beside him, a silent pillar of support as he began his tale.

"I was 20, and I was ad shooting with Ananya Singhaniya. We met a few times and then we started dating. My cricket career was going good, and I was at the peak. We were very happy, and I was madly in love with her. Ma, Papa, and Shahneel Di did not like her, and there were many fights at home. Imagine, Kiara, I fought with Shahneel Di. Then a year ago, I decided to propose to her, and she indeed came, and she was shocked. She said she required time, and I agreed. After a few days, I had to leave for London, and I had forgotten my wallet in her house. When I went there, I saw her kissing some other man. I confronted her, and she said that she did not love me. She just used me for getting contracts and contacts."

As he recounted the betrayal, tears welled in Shubman's eyes, each one a testament to the pain and regret that filled him. Kiara's embrace was immediate, her arms wrapping around him as he lamented, "Why does this happen with me always? I have lost faith in love, Kiara. I regret dating her. I fought with my family for her, and all I got was this."

His sobs filled the room, and Kiara, with gentle hands, helped him lay down on the bed. In his half-sleep, he clung to her hand, his voice faint, "Please, don't go."

Kiara stroked his hair, her presence a comforting shadow in the dim room. When his breathing deepened into the rhythm of sleep, she carefully withdrew her hand and stepped into the living room. There, she found Virat, his posture unchanged, the anxiety palpable. "Kiki, how is Shub?" he asked, his voice laden with worry.

"He is sleeping, bhai. He told me everything," Kiara replied, her own heart heavy with Shubman's story. Virat's eyes held a plea, "Kiki, only you can help him. I want my old Shubi back."

"I will try to know more about him. Don't worry," Kiara assured him, her resolve firm. Virat nodded, and Kiara retreated to her room, her mind racing with thoughts of Ananya Singhaniya.

She scrolled through her phone, searching for any trace of the woman who had caused Shubman so much pain. There was only one picture, a stark reminder of the fame that Ananya had sought at Shubman's expense.

Determined to understand more, Kiara decided to reach out to Shahneel. She set her phone to charge and, with a weary sigh, allowed sleep to claim her.

The new day brought a fresh determination. After freshening up, Kiara called Shahneel. "Hey, Ki. Good morning," came the cheerful reply.

"Good morning, Di. Are you free today, like around 11:00 am?" Kiara asked.

"Yeah, I am. Why, what happened?" Shahneel's voice was laced with curiosity.

"I wanted to talk to you about something," Kiara said, the gravity of the situation evident in her tone.

"Okay, Ki. Send me the location," Shahneel agreed.

With the call ended, Kiara prepared for the day. She chose a lilac-colored sleeveless top and white, wide-legged trousers, complemented by a white jacket and a unique handbag adorned with a gold chain design. Clear heels and minimal makeup completed the look.

As she walked through the living room, she saw Shubman sitting quietly on the sofa, a stark contrast to the lively banter around the breakfast table. She approached him with a gentle smile. "Breakfast done?" she inquired.

He nodded, his eyes meeting hers with a glimmer of gratitude. "I am going out, and later, we will also go out," Kiara told him, her voice imbued with a quiet confidence.

"Okay, Kiki," Shubman replied, a faint smile touching his lips.

Kiara joined the others at the breakfast table, her spirit lifted by the small progress with Shubman. Ishan's curiosity was evident. "Going out?" he asked.

"Yes, meeting Shahneel Di," Kiara responded, her spoon clinking against the bowl as she ate.

The conversation flowed around her, but Kiara's thoughts were elsewhere. She was already planning the next steps, visualizing the journey ahead. It wouldn't be easy, but she was ready to stand by Shubman, to guide him back to the light, back to the joy of being the 'Prince of Indian Cricket'—not just in title, but in spirit as well.

The quaint cafe was bathed in the warm glow of the morning sun as Kiara walked in, her heart heavy with the task ahead. She found Shahneel sitting at a corner table, her eyes reflecting a deep, unspoken sadness. "Di, how was Shubman after Ananya cheated on him?" Kiara asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Shahneel looked up, her face a canvas of pain and concern. "Kiki, the day he found out, he was utterly devastated. He masked his feelings so well, but I could sense the turmoil within him. He retreated to his room, and I couldn't just sit by—I followed him. And there he was, Kiki, crying. My brother, who had always been the pillar of strength, was broken. He poured his heart out to me, and afterward, he discarded every single thing that reminded him of Ananya. He changed, Kiki. Papa was furious, but Shubman and Ma managed to calm the waters. Now, Papa has come around. But what I long for is to see my brother's old, crazy, and goofy self again," Shahneel confessed, tears brimming in her eyes.

Kiara reached across the table, taking Shahneel's hands in hers. "Don't worry, Di. I will help him. He trusts me as his best friend. He opened up to me yesterday, and I promise you, I will do everything in my power to heal him. We'll see the old Shubman again, the one full of life and laughter," Kiara said, her determination shining through her words.

The best friends embraced, finding solace in their shared resolve. They talked for a while longer, sharing memories and making plans. When Kiara left the cafe, she carried with her a renewed sense of purpose. She returned to the ICT house, her mind set on a mission—to rekindle the spark in Shubman that had been dimmed by heartache and betrayal.