𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑

As the months passed by, Shubman found himself caught in the whirlwind of his cricketing career and his relationship with Aria. Despite his best efforts to balance both aspects of his life, cracks began to form in their relationship, tensions simmering beneath the surface like a dormant volcano ready to erupt. 

On one side he was trying to handle their relationship and his career, and then on the other hand, was Mithra. His best friend. The person he had been in love with since 18. The person to whom he couldn't confess because of rejection. His friends knew about it. He got in a relationship. After all, he wanted to get over Mithra, cause he knew she deserved better.

One fateful evening, as they sat across from each other in their dimly lit apartment, Aria dropped a bombshell that shattered the fragile illusion of their relationship. "Shubman, we need to talk," she began, her voice tinged with a mixture of sadness and resignation.

Shubman's heart clenched at the seriousness in Aria's tone, a sinking feeling settling in the pit of his stomach. "What's wrong, Aria? Is everything okay?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

Aria took a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly as she gathered her thoughts. "I think we need to take a break," she admitted, her words hanging heavy in the air like a lead weight.

Shubman felt as though the ground had been ripped out from beneath him, the air around him thick with disbelief and confusion. "A break?" he repeated, his mind reeling with the implications of her words. "But why? What did I do wrong?" 

Aria shook her head, her eyes filled with sadness as she reached out to take Shubman's hand in her own. "It's not about you, Shubman. It's about us," she explained, her voice tinged with regret. "We've been drifting apart for some time now, and I think we both need some space to figure things out."

As the reality of their impending breakup sank in, Shubman felt a wave of sorrow wash over him, his heart heavy with the weight of their failed relationship. He had thought that she was the one, that their love was strong enough to weather any storm, but now he realized that it had been built on shaky foundations from the start. As they stated in some South Indian movies, the building was strong, basement was weak.

In the days that followed, Shubman found himself adrift in a sea of uncertainty and heartache, grappling with the pain of his broken relationship and the realization that he had lost his way. 

Shubman, grappling with the aftermath of the breakup with Aria, found himself standing on a familiar doorstep later that night. The quiet hum of the city surrounded him as he hesitated before ringing the doorbell. 

He hadn't planned on seeking solace from Mithra, but in that moment of vulnerability, she was the only person he felt he could turn to. Ishan Kishan, who opened the door, wore a mischievous grin that immediately caught Shubman off guard.

"Shubman, buddy! What brings you here?" Ishan asked a glint of excitement in his eyes.

Shubman, still processing the unexpected turn of events, stammered, "I...I just needed to clear my head. Is Mithra here?"

Ishan, looking more amused than ever, stepped aside, revealing a scene that defied Shubman's expectations. The living room was filled with familiar faces—Virat, KL, and Hardik, all engaged in animated banter with Mithra. A movie played in the background, the flickering light casting a warm glow on the scene.

Mithra, noticing Shubman's presence, flashed a welcoming smile. "Shubman! Perfect timing. Join us for the movie night."

Shubman, still bewildered by the unexpected gathering, hesitated before entering. "I didn't realize there was a party happening here."

Virat, the mastermind behind the impromptu gathering, chuckled. "Consider it a spontaneous intervention. Movie therapy, you could say."

KL, with a teasing glint in his eyes, added, "And you're just in time for the best part of the movie."

Hardik, holding a bowl of popcorn, chimed in, "Grab a seat, mate. We're about to find out who the killer is."

As Shubman settled into a seat, the atmosphere shifted from the weight of the breakup to the light-hearted banter among friends. The cricketing trio—Virat, KL, and Hardik—proved to be a comforting presence, their camaraderie a reminder of the bonds that extended beyond the boundaries of the cricket field.

Ishan, always the life of the party, handed Shubman a bowl of popcorn. "Cheer up, Shubman. Movie nights with this crazy bunch are the best remedy for a tough day."

The movie played on, providing a welcome distraction, and the room filled with laughter and shared moments. Mithra, ever the gracious host, ensured everyone felt at ease. Shubman, caught in the whirlwind of banter and camaraderie, felt a subtle shift within him.

As the credits rolled on the movie, the room was filled with a contented silence. The shared laughter and camaraderie lingered, creating a comfortable atmosphere. Shubman, feeling a mix of gratitude and introspection, turned to Mithra.

"Thanks for tonight," Shubman said, sincerity in his voice. Mithra, her eyes reflecting warmth, replied, "Anytime, Shubman. We're here for each other."

The others in the room echoed the sentiment, their nods and smiles reinforcing the unspoken bond that held them together. Ishan, always the planner of good vibes, chimed in, "Movie night therapy works wonders, right?"

Shubman chuckled, appreciating the light-heartedness that surrounded him. When the others excused themselves to get more snacks, Shubman found a quiet moment to talk to Mithra.

"Can we talk for a bit?" Shubman asked, a hint of vulnerability in his gaze. Mithra nodded, leading him to a quieter corner of the room. Shubman took a deep breath before opening up about the breakup with Aria, the weight of the unspoken emotions finding a release.

"Mithra, it's been tough. I never expected things to end like this," Shubman admitted, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. Mithra, offering a supportive presence, listened attentively. "I'm here for you, Shubman. Breakups are never easy, but you've got friends who care about you."

Shubman continued, "I just realized how much things have changed. I miss those times when we were carefree, chasing each other around. It feels like life has pulled us in different directions."

Mithra, understanding the depth of his emotions, gently responded, "Life does that sometimes. But it doesn't mean we can't find our way back to each other, even if it's in a different way."

Shubman, appreciating her words, nodded. "I miss our friendship, Mithra. I miss those simple moments."

Mithra, offering a reassuring smile, said, "Me too, Shubman. Life gets complicated, but true friendships have a way of enduring. We'll find our way back."

The weight of Shubman's emotions, held back for too long, finally broke free in the quiet corner of the room. As he shared the depths of his heartache with Mithra, the dam of composure he had maintained crumbled, and tears welled up in his eyes. 

The realization of the end of his relationship with Aria hit him with an intensity that he hadn't fully processed until that moment. Mithra, sensing the vulnerability in Shubman, wrapped her arms around him, offering a comforting embrace. 

The room, filled with laughter just moments ago, now became a sanctuary for shared pain and solace. Shubman's tears fell on Mithra's shoulder, each drop carrying the weight of unspoken sorrows.

In the midst of the quiet sobs, Virat, KL, and Hardik, noticed the sudden shift in the atmosphere, and exchanged concerned glances. Virat, placing a supportive hand on KL's shoulder, approached Shubman and Mithra with a gentle demeanour. "Everything okay, Shubman?"

Shubman, still holding onto Mithra, struggled to compose himself before saying, "It's just... Aria and I broke up. It hit me harder than I thought."

KL and Hardik, understanding the gravity of the situation, joined the circle of support around their friend. Mithra, her hug a silent reassurance, looked up at the others with a nod, indicating that Shubman needed a moment.

Virat, placing a hand on Shubman's back, offered comforting words. "We're here for you, Shubman. Breakups are tough, but you've got friends who care about you."

Hardik, always ready to lighten the mood, tried to bring a small smile to Shubman's face. "You know, when life throws bouncers, we've got to be ready to play some cover drives. And we're here to help you play them."

KL, his expression empathetic, added, "Take your time, Shubman. We're with you through the ups and downs."

Shubman, appreciating the genuine support from his friends, finally began to regain his composure. He pulled away from Mithra's embrace, wiping away the remaining tears. The room once again filled with a mixture of understanding and camaraderie, became a safe space for vulnerability.

As Shubman looked around at his friends, he felt a profound gratitude for the relationships that went beyond the cricket field. The cricketing saga, marked by victories and challenges, had taught him the importance of teamwork not just in the game, but in navigating the complexities of life.

With a collective understanding that some wounds take time to heal, the group resumed their movie night, their support serving as a balm for the emotional turbulence that had unfolded. 

As the comedy unfolded on the screen, the room resonated with genuine laughter. The choice of a lighthearted movie worked its magic, creating an atmosphere of shared joy that gradually lifted the lingering heaviness from earlier. The camaraderie among friends proved to be a potent antidote to the complexities of life.

Shubman, immersed in the unfolding plot, found moments of respite in the collective laughter of the group. Mithra, keeping a subtle eye on him, occasionally exchanged a reassuring smile, silently communicating her continued support. The unspoken understanding among the friends allowed Shubman to navigate the evening with a renewed sense of ease.

Ishan, always adept at maintaining a buoyant atmosphere, exclaimed, "Now, this is what I call a perfect movie night! Laughter therapy, anyone?"

The others chimed in, expressing their agreement, and the room was filled with playful banter about the characters and plot twists. The movie served not only as a source of entertainment but also as a catalyst for shared moments that strengthened the bonds among friends.

As the credits rolled, signalling the end of the movie, the friends found themselves in a collective state of contentment. Shubman, having weathered the emotional storm earlier, felt a subtle shift within himself—a newfound appreciation for the friends who stood by him during both joyous and challenging times.

Virat, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, suggested, "How about a round of snacks before we decide on the next movie? I'm in the mood for some popcorn and maybe a few guilty pleasure snacks."

Hardik, always up for fun, added, "I second that! Let's make this a full-fledged movie night experience."

The group dispersed momentarily to fetch snacks, the animated chatter filling the room. Mithra approached Shubman, offering a gentle smile. "Feeling a bit better?"

Shubman nodded, grateful for the genuine concern. "Yeah, thanks to all of you. I needed this more than I realized."

Mithra replied, "Friends are here for each other, Shubman. You're not alone in this."
As the night wore on, the group of friends found themselves migrating to the kitchen, their laughter and chatter filling the air with warmth and camaraderie. Mithra busied herself with preparing a round of drinks, her movements fluid and graceful as she moved about the room with ease.

Just as she reached for a bottle of soda from the refrigerator, Ishan appeared behind her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders in a playful embrace. "Hey there, chef extraordinaire," he teased, his voice laced with affection as he planted a kiss on Mithra's cheek.

Mithra giggled at Ishan's antics, her laughter bubbling up like a spring in the desert. "Ishan, you goofball," she chided, swatting him playfully on the arm. "You scared me half to death!"

Shubman watched the exchange with a furrowed brow, confusion knitting his brows as he tried to make sense of the dynamic between Mithra and Ishan. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy at the sight of Ishan's easy familiarity with Mithra, a pang of insecurity gnawing at him from within.

But as he observed the easy rapport between Mithra and Ishan, Shubman couldn't shake the feeling that he was somehow intruding on a private moment between them. He felt like an outsider looking in, disconnected from the easy camaraderie that seemed to flow effortlessly between Mithra and his teammates.

Shaking off his insecurities, Shubman forced a smile and joined the conversation, his mind still preoccupied with thoughts of Aria and the breakup that had left him reeling. He tried to push aside his doubts and uncertainties, focusing instead on the warmth and laughter that filled the room, but the nagging sense of unease lingered like a shadow at the edge of his consciousness.

As Shubman and Ishan found themselves alone in the kitchen, the gentle hum of the refrigerator providing a backdrop, Shubman couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity lingering in the air. 

The question that had been on his mind since the playful moment between Ishan and Mithra finally found its voice.

"So, Ishan," Shubman began, choosing his words carefully, "you and Mithra seem pretty comfortable around each other. Are you... you know, together?"

Ishan, taken slightly aback by the question, chuckled before responding, "Nah, Shubman. Mithra and I are just good friends. You introduced us, remember?"

Shubman nodded, recalling the time he had introduced Ishan to Mithra. "Yeah, I remember. It's just that I've never seen you two like that before."

Ishan grinned, offering an explanation. "We've become good friends over the past year or so. Friends can have playful moments too, right?"

Shubman, realizing the simplicity of Ishan's response, felt a weight lift from his shoulders. "Yeah, of course. It just caught me off guard, I guess."

Ishan, always adept at lightening the mood, playfully nudged Shubman. "Don't worry, mate. No secret love affairs in the kitchen. We're just here for the snacks and banter."

Shubman chuckled, appreciating Ishan's easygoing demeanour. "Got it. Just making sure I'm not missing out on any behind-the-scenes drama."

Ishan, pouring a glass of water, teased, "Sorry to disappoint, but the real drama is usually in the movies we watch. Now, let's get back before they think we've eloped or something."

As Shubman and Ishan filled their glasses with water, the light-hearted banter continued in the kitchen. The gentle hum of the refrigerator provided a background melody to their conversation. 

However, just as they were about to head back to the living room, Mithra's voice echoed from the other side of the apartment.

"Are you two making out in there?" she yelled with a playful tone, her voice carrying a hint of mischief.

Shubman and Ishan exchanged amused glances, both caught off guard by Mithra's unexpected comment. Ishan, always quick on his feet, replied with a laugh, "Nah, just sharing some kitchen secrets. You know, the recipe for perfect movie night snacks."

Shubman couldn't help but join in the banter, adding, "Yeah, we were just discussing the secret ingredient for the popcorn. It's all about the finesse."

Mithra's laughter echoed from the living room, her playful tone cutting through the air. "Well, make sure to bring some of those culinary masterpieces with you. We wouldn't want to miss out on the kitchen magic."

As Shubman and Ishan rejoined the group in the living room, the atmosphere was alive with laughter and chatter. Mithra flashed them a mischievous grin as they approached, her eyes sparkling with amusement at her own joke.

"Welcome back, lovebirds," she teased, her tone playful as she gestured for them to take their seats. "Did you two have a nice make-out session in the kitchen?"

Shubman's cheeks flushed crimson once again at Mithra's teasing, his embarrassment evident as he sheepishly took his place on the couch. Ishan chuckled at his friend's discomfort, shaking his head in amusement.

"Come on, Mithra, give the guy a break," Ishan said, his tone light and teasing. "We were just getting some water."

Mithra grinned, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she settled back into her seat. "Sure, sure, whatever you say," she replied, her playful banter adding to the jovial atmosphere of the room.

As the night wore on, Shubman found himself caught up in the easy camaraderie of his friends, the earlier tension and uncertainty fading into the background as they shared stories and reminisced about old times. And as he laughed and joked with Mithra and the others, Shubman couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the bond they shared, knowing that no matter what life threw their way, they would always have each other's backs.

As the banter settled, the friends returned to their designated spots in the living room, ready to resume the movie marathon. The flickering light from the TV screen cast a warm glow over the room, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Shubman, finding his place on the couch, exchanged a subtle glance with Mithra. The playful exchange in the kitchen lingered in the air, adding an extra layer of camaraderie to the movie night. Ishan, always one to maintain a light-hearted vibe, settled in with a bag of popcorn in hand, ready for the next cinematic adventure.

The movie resumed, and the friends immersed themselves in the unfolding plot. Laughter and gasps punctuated the air as they shared reactions to the on-screen events. The shared experience of watching movies together became a tradition, a moment of respite from the demands of their respective careers.

Mithra, her camera lying on the coffee table, occasionally captured candid shots of the friends engrossed in the movie. The snapshots were more than just visual memories; they were snapshots of genuine connections, frozen in time.

As the night progressed, the friends delved into various genres, each movie bringing a different flavor to the marathon. The room echoed with commentary, jokes, and occasional debates about plot twists. Shubman, allowing himself to be fully present in the moment, found solace in the company of friends who had become an integral part of his life.

Ishan, known for his witty remarks, provided a running commentary that had everyone in splits. "Note to self: never take relationship advice from movie characters. It never ends well!"

The banter continued, creating an atmosphere where the complexities of life momentarily faded into the background. The shared laughter became a bond, a language that spoke volumes about the strength of their friendships.
With the movie over, the banter resumed among the group as they settled back into the comfort of the living room. Mithra, with her quick wit and infectious laughter, led the charge, her playful teasing eliciting smiles and chuckles from everyone present.

"Did you see the look on that character's face when they fell?" Mithra exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I haven't laughed that hard in ages!"

Virat, always ready with a witty retort, jumped in with a grin. "I think that might've been your own reflection, Mithra," he teased, earning a chorus of laughter from the group.

Mithra mock-glared at Virat before playfully swatting his arm. "Very funny, Virat. I'll have you know, I'm a pro at keeping a straight face during comedic masterpieces."

Shubman joined in the banter, his spirits lifted by the lighthearted atmosphere. "Oh, please," he said with a grin, "I've seen you crack up at the most random things. Remember that time you couldn't stop laughing at a typo in a newspaper headline?"

Mithra rolled her eyes, her laughter infectious as she shook her head in mock indignation. "Okay, okay, so maybe I have a soft spot for a good laugh," she admitted, her grin widening. "But what's life without a little humour, right?"

Ishan, always quick with quips, pointed at the TV screen. "Can we take a moment to appreciate how the hero always knows exactly where to find the villain? Like, is there a GPS for evil lairs that we don't know about?"

Hardik, with a grin, replied, "Maybe it's a secret superhero app. 'Evil Lair Locator,' available only to those with capes and superpowers."

The room erupted in laughter, the shared humor becoming a glue that held the friends together. Mithra, with her camera in hand, captured candid shots of the banter, immortalizing the carefree moments.

Shubman, feeling the weight of earlier emotions lift further, joined in. "And what's with the dramatic pauses before the big reveal? I mean, if I were the hero, I'd be like, 'Okay, villain, spill the plan. I've got a match tomorrow.'"

The banter continued, with each friend contributing their own comedic observations about the clichés and tropes of the movies. The light-hearted atmosphere served as a counterbalance to the complexities they faced in their professional lives.

Mithra, adding her own touch to the banter, teased, "I'm thinking of starting a movie review channel. 'Cricket Meets Cinema.' What do you guys think?"

Shubman chuckled, "Well, as long as we get a special segment for 'Cricketers React to Bollywood Plot Twists,' I'm in."

The friends, bonded by both their shared experiences and the ability to find humour in the mundane, continued their banter late into the night. The jokes flowed effortlessly, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie that transcended the boundaries of their cricketing careers.

As the banter gradually subsided, the friends found themselves in a comfortable silence, savouring the shared moments. The room, filled with laughter and the echoes of banter, became a sanctuary where the intricacies of life momentarily faded away.