After that lingering kiss, Shubman couldn't wipe the grin off his face for days. The world seemed to be painted in brighter colors, and his mood was at its peak. He practically floated through his days, and even his manager noticed the change.

"Shubman we have some pending offer we need to discuss about."-Shubman's manager sat with him.

Shubman, still in the afterglow, excitedly told his manager, "I'm in the best mood ever! Yes, yes, yes to everything. Let's do that shoot, the interview, the endorsement - whatever you have, I'm on board!"

His manager, taken aback by Shubman's unusually enthusiastic response, chuckled, "Well, someone's certainly in high spirits. Anything special causing this sudden burst of energy?"

Shubman, unable to contain his excitement, grinned, "Let's just say life's taken an unexpected turn, and I'm loving every moment of it!"

As the days passed, Shubman and Ishan continued their conversations over the phone. Their talks were filled with laughter, playful banter, and the sweet anticipation of the next time they would meet. Shubman found himself looking forward to every call, cherishing the connection that seemed to deepen with each passing day.

One evening, as they hung out over the phone, Shubman suggested, "Why don't we meet up this weekend? I know this great little cafe, and I've been craving their coffee. What do you say, Ishan?"

Ishan, on the other end of the line, teased, "Coffee? Or is it my company you're really craving, Shubman?"

Shubman, with a playful tone, replied, "Well, the coffee is excellent, but I won't deny that your company adds a special flavor to it."

They spent the weekend chatting, laughing, and sharing stories over cups of coffee. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and Shubman couldn't help but invite Ishan to watch his upcoming IPL match.

"Hey, Ishan, how about you being my lucky charm for the next match? I'd love to have you cheering for me in the stands," Shubman suggested.

Ishan, with a hint of flirtation, responded, "Oh, so now I'm your lucky charm? Isn't this you who made a fuss because people assumed I am your lucky charm?"

"May be I was a fool?Now, come on!Your face will calm me"

"I Won't be standing near umpire you know?So it's not like you could see me."

"Your mere presence will calm me,trust me,I know."-Shubman put a hand over his hand.

"I guess I'll have to come and bring all the good vibes then"

"I am arranging VIP tickets for you."

Shubman, added,playfully, "And who knows, you might even distract the opposition with your charm. It's a win-win situation, don't you think?"

Ishan laughed, "Well, if my charm can help you score some extra runs, I'm all in."

Their conversations were filled with these cute flirtatious exchanges, creating a light and playful atmosphere between them. Shubman found himself captivated not just by Ishan's physical presence but also by the warmth and calmness Ishan brings.

The day of the highly anticipated match of IPL had arrived, and the stadium was abuzz with energy. Fans filled the seats, their cheers echoing through the air as the players took the field. Shubman, aware of the heightened attention, felt a mix of nerves and excitement as he prepared to bat as the Captain of GT.

Ishan, seated in the VIP section, couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and nerves as he watched Shubman stride confidently to the crease. The atmosphere was electric, and Ishan found himself whispering a silent prayer for Shubman's success. "Come on, Shubman, you've got this," he murmured, fingers crossed.

Shubman, on the other hand, felt the weight of expectations but remained focused. The first ball approached, and with a precise swing of his bat, he sent it racing to the boundary, earning a roar of approval from the crowd. Ishan couldn't help but smile, his silent prayer seemingly answered.

As Shubman continued to face deliveries, Ishan found himself getting more and more immersed in the game. Every boundary Shubman scored felt like a personal triumph, and Ishan's gestures of encouragement were visible to those around him. He clapped, cheered, and even indulged in a few nervous pacing moments.

The tension in the stadium heightened as Shubman reached his half-century. Ishan, caught up in the excitement, couldn't contain his joy. He stood up, waving and cheering for Shubman, who acknowledged the support with a grateful nod.

The magical moment arrived when Shubman reached the coveted century. The stadium erupted in cheers, and Ishan, overwhelmed with pride, couldn't help but feel a sense of connection to the achievement. He raised his hands in celebration, sharing the joy with the ecstatic crowd.

Amid the jubilation, Shubman, true to his playful nature, gestured towards the stands where Ishan was standing. The gesture instantly became the focal point, as cameras zoomed in to capture the special dedication. Ishan blushed, a mix of surprise and delight on his face, as the crowd erupted in cheers once again.

After the match, in the post-game interview, Shubman was asked about the unique celebration. With a grin, he shared, "I have some special person in the stands today, and this century is for them."

The media frenzy continued, and Ishan, in the midst of the post-match celebrations, couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the unexpected turn of events. Shubman's success felt like a shared victory, and as they met after the match, Ishan couldn't resist teasing, "So, am I officially your special someone now?"

Shubman, with a smile, replied, "Absolutely. Your prayers and cheers worked wonders. Maybe you should be in the stands more often."

"No,its your hard work Shubman.You are an amazing captain."

"I have to work extra hard for this.I am gonna practice double now.
Ishan, the upcoming weeks will be challenging. Matches are outside Mumbai, and the schedule is tight. I won't be able to connect as often."

"I understand Shubman.Focus on cricket first and stay safe."

"Ishan, you've become such an integral part of my routine. It's hard to imagine these upcoming weeks without our regular connection. Where else can I find such comfort?"

Ishan smiled, "You've created a strange habit in me too. We'll manage, Shubman. Just promise me you'll stay in touch whenever you can."

As Shubman hesitated, a vulnerability in his voice, he addressed a concern, "Ishan, about Sid... I know I haven't given you any proper label yet, but please, don't go out with Sid. Trust me, I'll propose you properly after I finish this IPL. Just give me a bit more time."

Ishan, sensing Shubman's sincerity, responded, "Shubman, I'm not going anywhere. We'll figure things out together. Focus on your game, and we'll address everything else when you're ready.Take the time you need."

As the conversation lingered, Shubman finally gathered the courage to ask, "Ishan, will you wait for me? Through these tough weeks and beyond?"

"I will.I am incapable of stopping my own heart from missing you."

Amid the celebration of Shubman's century and the buzz surrounding his mysterious admirer, the internet was once again ablaze with anticipation. Fans and followers speculated about the blossoming relationship between Shubman and Ishan, eagerly awaiting any confirmation or denial from them.

Ishan was doing some design work for his office. When he checked his phone,his Instagram was bombered with notifications,tags and calls.

His eyes widened as he scrolled through the content bombarding his feed. Sid,had posted a public video claiming that Ishan was his boyfriend. The video was filled with accusations, insinuating that Shubman and Ishan's connection was nothing but an attempt by Ishan to gain easy fame and money.The video went viral and has millions views.

Ishan's heart raced as he continued scrolling through the disturbing content Sid had shared online. To his horror, the situation took an even darker turn when Sid presented an AI-generated video of Ishan in a compromising state, claiming it as evidence that they had been in a relationship.

Ishan's world suddenly went blank, struggling to breathe as a wave of his past chronic depression attacked him.