Love on the Pitch

The Heart at a Tug of War

Ishan's phone was ringing for the 14th time in a row while he was busy bawling tears, he was in his room sitting on the edge of the bed, curtains veiling the windows were allowing  dim evening lights to slant in.

15th ring of the phone invaded Ishan's ears, somewhat tapering his sombre state as he turned his head to look at it continuously buzzing and discovered Raj bhaiya calling. Managing to cease his sobs and composing himself, he took a deep breath wiping his tears before extending his hand to pick up the phone and receive the call.

"Hello, han bhaiya", he snuffled, clearing his throat, his voice even heavier.

"Abey call toh uthalo mummy ki, tumhe parso se call kar karke pareshaan hain bechari aur hum khud tumhe kabse call laga rahe hain, utha hi nahi rahe ho!", Raj bhai chided as Ishan snuffled again.

"Bhaiya wo busy tha, matches, practice sessions, bilkul hi time nahi mila"

"Are toh ek second toh hoga tumhare pass batane k liye ki unka beta theek hai, swasth hai, agar busy ho toh kuch der baad call back bhi toh kar sakte ho. Abhi thordi der aur call nahi uthate na toh hum seedha Shubman ko hi phone lagane waale the"

Similar to sprinkling salt on the burn, a pang of hurt pierced Ishan's heart at the mention of name, "Sorry bhaiya bhoolgye, kar lenge mummy se baat, ab daantna band karo", Ishan pouted hearing Raj bhai tut, "Are daant nahi rahe hain bhai, chinta hone lagti hai"

"Hmm, nahi hoga abse" Ishan assured, musingly drawing figures on the bedsheets.

"Acha yeh batao, theek ho tum? Awaz itni baithi baithi kyu lag rahi hai? Cold hua hai kya?"

Ishan's heart exuded in gloom, as he gulped the lump in his throat to not let himself burst in tears then and there, "Han, shayad cold hi hua hai"

"Toh dawa vagerah lelo koi"

"Lelenge, aap kya kar rahe ho?"

"Kaam par jaa rahe the, fassgye hain traffic mein"

Raj bhai told as Ishan heard a relevant blaring horn from the other side being followed by a very candid curse 'chutiya saala', it caused a smile to form on his lips, without his brother's struggles he wouldn't be here, his father would have never permitted him to play in the first place if it wasn't for Raj bhaiya who decided to drop cricketing and instead chose a 'stable profession' as a surgeon.

His thoughts halted as he caught Raj bhai roaring another profanity 'abay chutiya itni jaldi hai ki traffic signal hi tord denge matlab', this time Ishan couldn't help but erupt into a laughter, hearing Raj bhai snicker too.

"Kya? Has kya rahe ho? Humari aadhi zindagi traffic mein hi jaa rahi hai, funny toh kisi bhi angle se nahi hai yeh, aadhe ghante se koshish kar rahe hain ki hospital pahunch jaye par aadha ghanta toh humein yahin khade khade nikal gya hai or yeh bawla suar humari car mein dent aur maargya"

Ishan chortled even louder which soon faltered into a weak smile, bustle of horns and vehicles constantly pervading his ears, "Bhaiya?"

"Hmm?"

"Apko kabhi pyar hua hai kya kisi se?"

"Karte toh hain tumhari bhabhi se"

Ishan clicked his tongue, hissing, "Are matlab kabhi apko kisi aise se pyar hua jissey nahi hona chahiye tha par hogya aur ab aap keh bhi nahi sakte ki aap usse pyar karte ho"

"Han hua hai na cricket se"

Ishan sulked, "Aap toh aur bura feel kara rahe ho, insaan ki baat kar raha hun mai"

Raj bhai chuckled and went silent for a while before answering, "Shayad nahi, aise toh nahi hua kabhi humare saath"

"Kya chal kya raha hai, tum yeh aise sawal kyu puch rahe ho? Tumhe hogya hai kya pyar?" He further added, asking it like he was talking about the climate, unaware of his brother's pathetic situation.