As Shubman signaled for Sebastian to bring his bat, his hands trembled with a mixture of fear and determination. He held the bat in a way that suggested he might strike Abhishek at any moment. Anticipating the pain in his leg, Abhishek hid his face in horror, bracing himself for the impact. But instead of the sound of a bat hitting flesh, all he heard was the sound of Shubman's sobbing.

Tears streamed down Shubman's face as he struggled to hold back the flood of emotions threatening to overwhelm him. The weight of his actions bore down on him like a leaden burden, crushing him beneath its suffocating weight. In that moment, he realized the extent of the darkness lurking within him, the cruel side he never knew he possessed.

"I'm sorry," Shubman whispered, his voice choked with tears as he looked into Abhishek's eyes. "I didn't mean for it to come to this.You were so nice to me.You were my only friend. You can go."

Abhishek's heart skipped a beat at Shubman's words, his mind reeling with disbelief. "What?" he asked, his voice tinged with confusion.

But Shubman only nodded, his gaze haunted by the shadows of his own guilt. "Go," he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. "Before I change my mind."

With trembling hands, Abhishek untied his restraints and stumbled to his feet, his leg throbbing with pain. As he limped towards the door, he cast one final glance at Shubman, his heart heavy with pity and sorrow.

Shubman watched in silence as Abhishek disappeared into the night, his mind consumed by a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The realization of what he had done weighed heavily on him, a crushing burden that threatened to suffocate him with its relentless grip.

Alone in the darkness, Shubman sank to his knees, his body racked with sobs as he clutched his mother's picture to his chest. Tears streamed down his face as he poured out his heart to the woman who had been taken from him far too soon.

"Why aren't you here, mother?" he cried, his voice raw with anguish. "I met a boy, and he doesn't even know I exist. But I love him so much, mother. It hurts, it hurts so much.I wish I could hug you."

His chest heaved with the weight of his sorrow as he struggled to make sense of the turmoil raging within him. "I didn't know I had a cruel side like father, mom," he whispered, his voice breaking with emotion. "The boy who treated me like a friend, I almost wanted to dismiss his dream."

As Shubman knelt there, clutching his mother's picture to his chest, the weight of his sorrow seemed insurmountable. Memories of his childhood flooded his mind, each one tinged with the bittersweet ache of longing for the mother he had lost.

"I miss you, Mom," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "I miss your laughter, your warmth, your unconditional love. Why did you have to leave me?"

Tears streamed down his face as he traced the contours of his mother's face in the photograph, a bittersweet smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You always knew how to make everything better," he murmured, his voice tinged with longing. "But now that you're gone, I feel so lost, so alone."

"I only wanted Ishan to love me," Shubman whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of his own tears.

Meanwhile, from the doorway, Shubman's father observed his son's anguish with a heavy heart. Concern etched lines of worry on his brow as he watched Shubman's silent struggle, his own pain mirroring the turmoil that consumed his son.

Turning away from the scene, Shubman's father called out to Sebastian, his voice tinged with urgency. "Sebastian, come to my room at once," he instructed, his tone firm and commanding.

Sebastian hurried to comply, his steps echoing down the corridor as he made his way to Shubman's father's room. As he entered, he found Shubman's father seated at his desk, his expression grave as he regarded Sebastian with a searching gaze.

"What happened, Sebastian?" Shubman's father asked, his voice low and measured. "I saw Shubman in distress. What is troubling him?"

Sebastian hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal, but the concern in Shubman's father's eyes urged him to speak the truth. "It's a boy name Ishan, sir," Sebastian began, his voice trembling slightly. "Shubman has been struggling with his feelings for Ishan, and it's causing him a great deal of pain."

Then Sebastian shared everything about Abhishek and Ishan.

Shubman's father's eyes softened with empathy as he absorbed Sebastian's words, a pang of sympathy tugging at his heart. "I see," he murmured, his voice tinged with sadness. "I had no idea Shubman was going through such turmoil. Thank you for being there for him, Sebastian."

With a sense of determination, Shubman's father rose from his seat, his resolve firm. He knew that he couldn't stand idly by while his son suffered, and he vowed to do whatever it took to ease Shubman's pain.

Making his way to Shubman's room, Shubman's father found his son sleeping soundly, the picture of his mother clutched tightly to his chest. A pang of sorrow pierced Shubman's father's heart as he gazed upon his son's tear-streaked face, his heart heavy with regret for the pain Shubman had endured.

Leaning down, Shubman's father pressed a gentle kiss to his son's forehead, his touch tender and comforting. "I'm here for you, son," he whispered, his voice filled with love and compassion. "I won't let you face this alone.!

And with that promise, Shubman's father resolved to take matters into his own hands, to guide his son through the darkness.

"Power and money might not buy love, but poverty certainly can eradicate love."

Next day Shubman's father call Abhishek's father in his office.

In Shubman's father's office, an air of tension hung thick as Shubman's father sat across from Abhishek and his father. His demeanor was serious as he began, "Gentlemen, it's crucial we address the situation at hand. Shubman's emotional turmoil regarding Ishan has reached a concerning level, and it's imperative we find a resolution."

Abhishek's father nodded, his expression attentive. Shubman's father continued, "My son's feelings are sincere when it comes to love. While I understand relationships can be complex, I'm worried about the toll it's taking on Shubman."

Pausing briefly, Shubman's father leaned forward, his eyes focused. "I've been contemplating a solution that could benefit all parties involved. I'm prepared to offer you a substantial business opportunity in Canada if your son agrees to end his relationship with Ishan."

Abhishek's father raised an eyebrow, considering the proposal carefully. "And if he refuses?"

Shubman's father leaned back, his gaze unwavering. "If your son chooses to remain with Ishan, I'll respect his decision. However, I assure you, Shubman won't interfere further. He'll apologize for any distress caused, and I'll ensure they both are taken care of."

"I may have the means to influence outcomes, but I refuse to set that precedent for my son's sake," Shubman's father added firmly.

Listening to the exchange, Abhishek felt the weight of responsibility and opportunity pressing upon him. The allure of securing a spot in the playing eleven was uncertain, but the prospect of a successful business venture in Canada without the uncertainties of cricket intrigued him.

They left the office with a promise of meeting Shubman's father again regarding their decision.

Sensing his son's inner conflict, Abhishek's father spoke softly, "Son, this is a significant decision that will shape your future. Consider the possibilities this opportunity offers. While the path of cricket may be uncertain, entrepreneurship in Canada could provide stability and prosperity."

As Abhishek glanced towards Ishan, he found himself reevaluating his priorities. Suddenly, Ishan didn't seem as daunting as before, and the allure of a life away from the uncertainties of cricket became increasingly appealing.

Feeling the weight of the decision, Abhishek spoke, "I'll need some time to mull this over."

Shubman's father nodded understandingly, "Of course, take all the time you need. This decision will shape your future, and it's essential to make the right choice."

As Abhishek sat contemplating his decision, Ishan unexpectedly entered the room, a warm smile adorning his face. "Hey, Abhishek," Ishan greeted, his eyes bright with excitement. "Just wanted to say Hi. How are you feeling?I haven't seen you the whole day."

Abhishek glanced up at Ishan, but instead of the usual flutter of his heart, he felt a sense of detachment.