Author's note: I am not from medical background and I don't know about chronic depression much.I know little about it because one of my classmate had it.In this story the treatment might vary from the actual one just for the sake of plot.

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The room felt sterile and cold, a thousands of emotions racing through Ishan's mind. He sat there, staring blankly at the walls, the weight of the accusations and the resurgence of his past depression suffocating him.

Long gone depression attack is back.He is having breathing problem.His hands are horribly shaking,reminding of struggle he thought he has gone past.He texts Avi with shaking hand to come.

Days blended into nights as Ishan remained in a trance, not picking up calls, not acknowledging the outside world. Avi,being the loyal friend, watched over him with concern etched on his face. Finally, unable to bear the silence any longer, Avi decided it was time to take action.

"Ishan, we can't let you stay like this. We need to get you to the hospital," Avi urged, gently placing a hand on Ishan's shoulder.

"I am fine"-is all Ishan can manage.

" You are taking inhaler since I came,You are having a fit in every half an hour shaking horribly!"

"I am...."

"Yeah,yeah,you are fine.I just want to hear it from a therapist or doctor."

The journey to the hospital was a blur for Ishan. The doctor's diagnosis echoed in his ears-chronic depression from the past had resurfaced, triggered by the recent traumatic events. The recommendation was clear:some medicines & disconnect from the internet and mobile devices for at least two to three weeks to allow time for healing.

Shubman, completely unaware of Ishan's ordeal, continued to play his heart out on the cricket field. His manager, in the know of the situation, abided by Sheela's decision not to inform Shubman, fearing it would adversely affect his performance in the crucial matches as they were near to final.

In the stands, Shubman's anxiety heightened with each unanswered call. As he fielded and batted, his mind was on Ishan, wondering why his calls remained unattended. Finally, during a break, he managed to step aside and call Ishan again.

"Ishan, why aren't you picking up? What's going on?" Shubman's voice carried a mix of worry and frustration.

On the other end, Ishan's phone continued to ring, untouched, as he remained oblivious to the outside world.

The celebration in the stadium reached its peak as Shubman led his team to victory, securing the IPL championship. The air was filled with cheers, and the sense of accomplishment enveloped Shubman as he basked in the glory of the win. However, amidst the celebration, there was an undeniable void - Ishan's absence cast a shadow over Shubman's triumph.

"Not once, Ishan said goodluck to me.Not one text even after winning.Does he not miss me anymore?-Shubman thought sadly.

As the interviews rained down and teammates exchanged congratulatory hugs, Shubman's mind was fixated on one thing - the unanswered calls to Ishan. Determined to address the situation, he approached his manager with a sense of urgency.

"Where is Ishan? Why hasn't he called to congratulate me? Something isn't right," Shubman demanded, a mixture of agitation and concern in his voice.

His manager, aware of the delicate situation, chose his words carefully. "Shubman, there's something you need to know. Ishan is going through a tough time, and Sheela advised against informing you to avoid affecting your performance in the match."

Shubman's brows furrowed, frustration and anger bubbling to the surface. "Tough time? I just won the IPL, and he's not here to share in the celebration? I won't stand for this. Tell me what's happening."

"Miss Sheela believed it was in your best interest to focus on the game. We're handling it, and once the prize giving and all is over, you can be updated on the situation," the manager explained, attempting to manage the volatile situation.

Shubman's jaw clenched, the desire to celebrate tainted by the knowledge that Ishan was facing difficulties without his knowledge.

The manager's attempt to calm Shubman fell on deaf ears as the weight of Ishan's undisclosed struggles gnawed at him. The desire to revel in the victory was overshadowed by the growing frustration and anger at being kept in the dark.

"Handling it? What does that even mean?And why are you listening to Sheela's if I am the one paying you?You work for me and I deserve to know what's happening," Shubman retorted, his voice tinged with a mixture of anger and concern.

The manager hesitated for a moment before revealing, "There's a video that surfaced, and we thought it best to shield you from it until after the prize-giving ceremony. It's better not to distract you during this time."

Shubman's jaw tightened further, his eyes narrowing as he demanded, "What video? Show it to me."

The manager, reluctantly, played the video on a nearby screen. Shubman's eyes widened in disbelief as he watched the video depicting Ishan in a compromising situation. The blood rushed to his face, his fists clenched, and anger surged through him like a tidal wave.

"What is this? Who did this?Do you know" Shubman seethed, his voice cutting through the air.

The manager, realizing the gravity of the situation, stammered, "Someone named Sid, created it,claiming Ishan cheated on him for you and fame,it's circulating online, and we wanted to shield you from the fallout until after the ceremony."

"Something so big,and didn't inform me?Where was your commonsense?"

"Sorry Shubman,but Miss Sheela..."

"Enough.I hope Sheela will be there when you loose your job."-Shubman was in raged now.

Shubman's anger intensified, fueled by a protective instinct for Ishan. Without hesitation, he dialed Sheela's number, his tone sharp and unforgiving. "Sheela, what is this video? What are you hiding from me?And why did you instruct my manager not to tell me!"

Sheela, on the other end of the line, remained composed. "Shubman, there are certain things you're better off not knowing right now. Let us handle it."

Shubman's frustration erupted into a threat, "I don't care what and why you're trying to handle. If Ishan isn't okay, if he's facing trouble, you'll have a bigger problem to handle. I won't tolerate this anymore if my Ishu is in danger."

Sheela, undeterred, replied, "My Ishu!Shubman are you listening yourself!You need to focus on your career. Ishan's personal matters are being addressed. You don't need to involve yourself."

The fiery determination in Shubman's eyes hardened, "I don't care about my career right now. I care about Ishan. I love him, and I won't let anything happen to him. Show me the truth."

Sheela, challenging Shubman, pointedly mentioned, "Love? Shubman, your character is already under scrutiny with that video. Is this the image you want for yourself?You are scolding me for a two timer!"

Shubman, unyielding, responded, "I don't care about the image. I care about Ishan. Whatever that video shows,its fake."

"How are you so sure?"-Sheela asked

"Because clearly the person who made it never saw Ishan even in bare chest.He has a tattoo in his chest."

"How do you.. Did you sleep with him?"-Sheela said in a horrified voice.

Shubman cut the call without answering.

The first thing Shubman did after landing to Mumbai is went to find Ishan.His phone was still switched off.

The air hung heavy with tension as Shubman inquired about Ishan's whereabouts. To his dismay, he discovered that Ishan had given his resignation a while ago.

"Why would Ishan resign without telling me?" Shubman muttered to himself, his frustration mounting.

Shubman rushed to Ishan's apartment. The building's gateman informed him that Ishan hadn't been seen for over a week. Concern etched across his face, Shubman collected Avi's contact number from the security personnel.

As he dialed Avi's number, the anticipation and worry in Shubman's voice were palpable. "Avi, where is Ishan? I've been trying to reach him, and no one seems to know where he is."

Avi, on the other end, responded with a somber tone, "Hi Shubman, Ishan needed some time alone. He's on a solo tour in Goa, trying to find peace. He didn't want you to worry."

A mix of relief and concern washed over Shubman. "Goa? Why would he go there without telling me? Is he okay?"

Avi explained, "Ishan needed a break from everything. The accusations, the video,I guess you've seen it- it took a toll on him. He needed solitude to gather himself.The therapist thought it would be better.He didn't want you to be burdened."

Shubman's determination flared once again. "I need to be there for him. Give me the details. I'm going to Goa."

As Shubman boarded the next available flight to Goa, his mind raced with thoughts of Ishan. Upon reaching his destination, he wasted no time and headed straight to the location Avi had shared.

The hotel hallway was dimly lit as Shubman approached Ishan's room. The weight of worry hung heavy in the air as he knocked on the door.

The moment it swung open, Shubman's heart sank at the sight of Ishan-a mere shadow of his usual self. Dark circles adorned his tired eyes, and a sad smile barely clung to his lips.

Without uttering a word, Ishan lunged forward, wrapping Shubman in a tight, desperate hug. His body shook with the weight of unshed tears, and as he pulled away, the floodgates opened.

"I'm sorry, Shubman. I've ruined everything. Sid's video, the accusations - it's all my fault," Ishan cried, his words tumbling out in a chaotic jumble.

Shubman, holding Ishan at arm's length, looked into his eyes with a steadfast gaze. "Ishan, none of this is your fault.I am here. "

Ishan's eyes widened, surprised by Shubman's resolute tone. "But the video, Shubman. It's everywhere, and people believe it."

Shubman cupped Ishan's face in his hands, wiping away the tears. "We'll fight this together. I don't care about the video or what people say. I care about you, and that's all that matters."

Ishan's shoulders sagged with a mix of relief and vulnerability. "I thought you'd be angry, that you'd leave me.You would hate me."

Shubman shook his head, "Never, Ishu. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere. We'll get through this, no matter what it takes.And the only thing I hate about you is your absence."

"I am scared Shubman.I don't know what to do."

"Don't worry Ishan.Sid doesn't know who's boy he has defamed.All he has seen is a young cricket-star till now, but he doesn't know the hand that hold the bat can skin him alive."-And Shubman meant every word of it.