There are a few moments in life, Ishan thinks, when you think you are inching a step toward normalcy, but end up two steps backward. The match, the dedication - it had drained Ishan. He had his family, Rahul bhai to console him - they all thought he missed cricket, he missed Shubman. He let them think so - because to explain his feelings would have drained him further.

Two days later, he still feels wrung out - he hasn't slept well, his injuries hinder his progress, and everything feels muted, somehow. He's just aimlessly scrolling through his phone, when Rohit bhai comes barreling in, followed by a loud thud of the door.