𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐀𝐍 - shubman gill

8. need to pay fees

Just then, Ishan and Shubman stepped into the house, having insisted on accompanying Naima back. They exchanged quick looks with Karthik, sensing the heaviness in the air.

"We're here for you, Naima," Shubman said, his voice steady. "No matter what."

Ishan nodded, adjusting his cap. "Yeah! Plus, we could use some snacks. You've got to have something delicious after all those boring rituals!"

Naima couldn't help but chuckle despite the tension. "I'm sure they've prepared something," she said, but the humour quickly faded as she pushed the door open and stepped into the living room.

The room was filled with familiar faces, but they felt foreign. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken judgments and whispers that she could almost hear in the silence. 

As she stepped further inside, several relatives turned to greet her, some with sympathy in their eyes and others with barely concealed disdain.

"Naima, you look so... grown-up," her aunt said, her tone dripping with passive aggression. 

"We were just discussing your cricket career. Such a brave choice for a girl, don't you think?"

"Brave or reckless?" another relative chimed in, crossing her arms. 

"What a shame your father didn't have a chance to see you play. Maybe he would have discouraged you."

Naima clenched her jaw, fighting to maintain her composure. Karthik's grip tightened on her arm, and she could feel his anger simmering beneath the surface. 

She shot him a look, silently urging him to stay calm.

"Actually, I think he would have been proud," Naima said, her voice steady despite the tumult of emotions swirling inside her. 

"I've worked hard to get where I am, and I won't apologize for that."

"Working hard?" an older man scoffed. "You're playing with boys. It's not the same."

"I'm playing at the highest level, competing against the best," Naima replied, her voice growing stronger. 

"And if you can't support me, then maybe you should reconsider your views on women in sports."

The room fell silent, her relatives exchanging uncomfortable glances. She could see Shubman and Ishan at the edges, ready to step in if things escalated.

Karthik stepped forward, anger flaring in his eyes. "Naima has achieved more than any of you ever expected. She's brought home trophies, and I don't care what you think about her playing in the men's team. She's a champion, and I'm proud of her."

Naima felt a swell of love for her brother, the way he defended her so fiercely. It was a reminder that, despite their family's disapproval, they had each other.

"You don't need their validation, Naima," Ishan said, stepping up beside her. 

"You're already a star in our eyes. And that's all that matters."

"Exactly," Shubman added, his gaze unwavering. 

"Let them talk. Your success speaks louder than their words ever could."

"Thank you," Naima said, her heartwarming at the support from her friends. 

"I'm sorry you had to witness all this. I know it's hard."

"It's nothing compared to what you've gone through," Ishan replied with a shrug. "And we're not going anywhere. We're in this together."

As the relatives shifted uncomfortably, Naima felt a wave of determination wash over her. She may not have their approval, but she had the support of her brother and her friends, and that was enough.