Everything seemed to be going well. Everyone was caught up in the daily hustle and bustle of life, and spending time with their families. But something was not right with Ishan. He felt utterly exhausted, experiencing nausea without any apparent reason, constant fatigue, relentless headaches, and food aversions. Despite these symptoms, he brushed them off, attributing them to his rigorous IPL practices and the anxiety and nervousness building up with the tournament just days away. Little did he know, there was a surprising reason behind his discomfort that he hadn't considered.

It was midnight, and Ishan was in the washroom, gripping his stomach tightly as he vomited. His body was wracked with pain, and he could barely endure it. He felt incredibly weak, his legs trembling as he leaned over the basin, struggling to stand.

Shubman's POV:
I was sleeping soundly when I suddenly heard some noise. I woke up abruptly and reached out beside me, but Ishan wasn’t there. Panic set in as I quickly got out of bed and rushed to the washroom. There, I found Ishan hunched over the sink, throwing up. I hurried to his side, holding him securely and rubbing his back.
Shubman: "Baby, are you okay?" Shubman asked, concern evident in his voice.
As Ishan sensed Shubman beside him, he hurriedly gripped his waist. After he finished throwing up, Shubman helped him wash his mouth and face. Ishan, exhausted, rested his head on Shubman’s shoulder.
Shubman gently picked Ishan up and carried him back to the bedroom, placing him on the edge of the bed.
Shubman:"Baby, are you feeling okay?"
Ishan hummed in response, his eyes heavy with fatigue.
Shubman: "Baby, you wait here. I'll call Hardik Bhai. He'll come and check on you." Shubman turned to go, but Ishan grabbed his hand, stopping him.
Ishan:"No, please don't. It's midnight, don’t disturb him. I’m fine. I think I just ate something junk during practice and couldn't digest it. I’m okay now."
Shubman: "Baby, are you sure? You're scaring me," Shubman said, his worry palpable.
Ishan: "Shub, I’m fine. I’m just feeling sleepy. Please cuddle me."
Without hesitation, Shubman embraced Ishan, holding him close against his chest. Together, they drifted off into their dreamland, the night's ordeal momentarily forgotten.

Morning arrived, and Shubman woke first. Ishan was still fast asleep, holding onto Shubman tightly. Carefully detaching himself, Shubman covered Ishan properly with the duvet and switched off the AC before heading to freshen up.

Returning, Shubman decided it was time to wake Ishan. Concerned about Ishan skipping breakfast after last night's ordeal, Shubman gently patted Ishan's cheeks and shook him awake.
Shubman:"Ishu, Ishu, wake up, baby," Shubman said softly.
Ishan stirred from his sleep, slowly opening his eyes.
Shubman: "Baby, you're feeling okay, right?" Shubman asked, his voice filled with concern.
Ishan: "Yes," Ishan replied, sitting up in bed.
Shubman:"Go freshen up and have breakfast. You must be hungry after throwing up," Shubman said, encouragingly.

Ishan:"Okay," Ishan agreed, heading to freshen up.
After they both freshened up, they made their way to the dining area for breakfast. They greeted everyone with a "Good morning," ready to start the day anew.

Everyone settled around the dining table. Ishan served himself to some bread and jam and began eating.
Mrs. Gill: "Baby, why are you eating that? I've made your favorite parathas. Have those instead."
Ishan: "No, Mom, I don't feel like eating it.
Mrs. Gill: "Ishu, you're saying no to parathas? That's unusual.
Shub: "Mom, he's not feeling well. He was vomiting last night.
Mrs. Gill: "What? What happened, Ishu? Are you okay? I think we should visit the clinic," Mrs. Gill said, her concern evident.
Ishan:"Mumma, I'm fine. I just couldn't digest something, that's all.
Mr. Gill: Ishu, are you sure? You shouldn't take any risks with your health especially now."
Ishan: "Yes, Dad, I'm sure, Ishan replied,. But deep down, Ishan knew the possibility that lurked in his heart, yet it was the last thing he wanted to happen.
Shub: Ishu, maybe you shouldn't go today. Take some rest.
Ishan:"No, Shub, I can't afford to skip practice right now.
Shub:"Alright, but don't overexert yourself."
Ishan:"Okay."
Abhi:"Bhabi, come with me. I'll drop you off.
Ishan: Okay.
After breakfast, Ishan and Abhi headed off to their practice session, determined to push through despite Ishan's lingering discomfort.

In car

Abhi: "bhabi you are really fine right. You are looking pale."
Ishan: I am fine abhi. Don't worry.
Vo chod tu ye bata tera koi boyfriend bhi hai ki nahi?
Abhi: vo.vo bhabi.. abhi said scratching his head.
Ishan: vo vo kya kar raha hai bata na.
Abhi: "IandMayankaredating."
Ishan: "Konsi language hai ye?" Ishan asked, puzzled.
Abhi: "Bhabi, I and Mayank, we both are dating," Abhi said, his tone tinged with nervousness
Ishan stared at Abhi's face in surprise.
Abhi:"Please don't get angry. I really love him. We both love each other. Please..."
Abhi couldn't finish his sentence as Ishan burst into laughter.
Abhi: "Bhabi, why are you laughing? You're not angry with me. Does that mean you knew already? But I didn't tell you. Did Shub bhaiya tell you?"
Ishan stopped laughing and asked seriously, "Shub knew about you both?"
Abhi: "Yes."
Ishan:"Ane do, aaj batata hu use. Usne mujhe nahi bataya," Ishan pouted.
Abhi:"Actually, I told him not to tell you. But how did you find out?"
Ishan: "Mayu already told me. Jab functions me tu jis tarah uske erd girdh  madhumakhi ki tarah mandarata  tha na tabhi mujhe doubt hua, and then I asked Mayu, and he told."
Abhi:"Acha hua."
Ishan: "But don't you dare to hurt my Mayu, baby."
Abhi: "Bhabi, ab wo mera baby hai. I will never hurt him. I love him so much."
They were engrossed in their conversation and didn't realize Ishan's stop had come.
Ishan: "Bye, Abhi. Go safely."
Abhi:"Okay, bhabi bye."
They parted ways, their bond strengthened by their heartfelt conversation.

As Ishan entered the ground, he spotted Surya talking with Tilak.
Ishan: "Surya Bhai!" Ishan shouted and ran towards Surya, embracing him. "Happy Birthday, bhaiya!" he wished enthusiastically.
Surya:"Thank you, bachha," Surya replied warmly.
Tilak:"Let's go, we'll practice first and then celebrate bhaiya's birthday," Tilak suggested.
Despite feeling dizzy during practice, Ishan still practiced. After the session, they freshened up, preparing for the cake-cutting.
Surya stood ready to cut the cake, surrounded by everyone singing the birthday song. Normally mischievous, Ishan would playfully smash cake on the birthday boy, but today he was unusually quiet, his discomfort noticeable to everyone. When Ishan approached Surya to feed him cake, Surya reciprocated. However, as Ishan swallowed the cake, a sudden realization struck him, for the first time ishan did not wanted to eat the cake and he hurriedly rushed to the washroom. Unnoticed by most , Tilak saw Ishan leave and followed him, finding him vomiting.
Tilak:Ishan, are you okay?" he asked, rubbing Ishan's back.
Ishan: "Yes, Tilak," Ishan replied, looking at him with teary eyes.
Ishan then left quietly and approached Rohit bhaiya.
Ishan:"Rohit bhaiya, I'm going home. I'm not feeling well."
Rohit:"What happened, Ishu? Are you sure you're okay? Alright, go home and rest properly."
Ishan:"I'm fine, bhaiya. I'm going."

Since he hadn't brought his car, he called his driver to bring the car. As car reached the spot Ishan instructed their driver to take a cab home. He drove himself and stopped in front of a pharmacy. Wearing a hoodie, cap, and mask to conceal his identity he went inside the medical shop and bought what he needed.

Returning home, Ishan prayed to every deity, desperately hoping that what he feared in his mind would not come to pass at any cost.It was the last thing he wanted to happen.

Tbc...

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