I'VE GOT SO MUCH PLANNED IN THIS STORY! ROLLING OUT DRAFTS SO FAST, ISTG. ANYWAYS HERE'S THE CHAPTER, HOPE YA'LL WILL LIKE THIS ONE!

And, the next chapter after this will be up soon!

The animosity and despise between Anahita and Shubman is one for the history books.

It all began on a chilly evening in London, at an exclusive club known for hosting celebrities and sports stars and the elite. Anahita Roy, fresh off a successful  racing season, was celebrating with friends. She wore a brand new Versace jacket, a gift to herself for her recent achievements, after much struggle. Meanwhile, Shubman, after a decent season, was enjoying with some of his friends and teammates.

Their paths crossed at the bar. Shubman, engrossed in a conversation, with Ishan, and Shreyas, accidentally bumped into Anahita, spilling his drink all over her pristine jacket.  As expected, her eyes widened in shock and anger. "Watch where you're going!" she snapped, trying to dab the liquid off her jacket.

Shubman, equally startled, apologized quickly. "I'm so sorry! I didn't see you there."

But the damage was done. Her night was ruined, and she couldn't shake off the irritation. That she was pissed was to say the least. Half an hour later, as fate would have it, she found herself next to him again, this time on the dance floor. In a moment of impulsive retaliation, she "accidentally" stepped on his foot with her stiletto heel. He winced in pain, realizing it was no accident. They began quarrelling, until and unless Ishan and Agni pulled Shubman away by the arms, and Ana's friends ushered her away to a corner.

From that moment on, a war was declared.

A year later, their paths crossed again at the Indian Sports Honours award show. By now, both had made significant strides in their respective careers.

The tension between them was palpable from the moment they arrived. Seated at the same table, they exchanged curt nods and forced smiles. The evening progressed with the usual speeches and awards, but the real drama unfolded during the after-party.

It started with a casual remark from Shubman about the "recklessness" of race car drivers, clearly aimed at her. She shot back with a comment about cricketers needing "more than just a bat to be interesting." The jabs continued, escalating into a full-blown verbal sparring match. Their friends and colleagues watched in amusement and concern as the two traded insults and taunts. Virat and Rohit were thoroughly enjoying the banter, while Kush Maini, Ana's friend and a racer himself, was trying in vain to not laugh out loud at the silliness and tension.

News of their animosity quickly spread, becoming fodder for tabloids and sports news, and gossip for fans and general audience. Headlines like "Cricket vs. Racing: The Feud Between Shubman Gill and Anahita Roy." dominated the media. Interviews and press conferences often included questions about their rivalry, much to their annoyance and scrunched eyebrows.

Despite the public spectacle, both Shubman and Anahita remained focused on their careers. And the rumors toned down a lot, but flames cracked occasionally.

Shubman was currently pacing around in the team lobby, mumbling curses under his breath.

Ishan thoroughly amused, scrolled instagram and simultaneously looked at his best friend.

Although the relationship thingy was to be kept secret from everyone else and shared between the people involved and their managers, Shubman being Shubman, in heat of the moment, told Ishan about it. And that Ishan had to sign an NDA about it tells the gravity of the situation.

Not that Ishan wasn't humored by all of it though.

"Seriously yaar. Why me?"

"Why not? You got yourself in a mess, scratch many messes and now your shit needs to be sewed up with this. Feel bad for Anahita though, she deserves better."

" YOU ARE MY BEST FRIEND!" Shubman yelled, to which he received a shrug.

"What are you kids fighting about now?" With sparkling water in his hand Virat came and sat across, on a couch.

" Shubi is not wanting to return my LV jacket so yeah." Ishan lied, smoothly.

 "In the age of becoming parents yourselves, why are you both behaving kids now?" Virat scoffed.

"Says the one who goofs around on field with us."

"Also, I have no intentions to settle down." Shubman added, making a face, only to get a shin kick from his best friend, who had a smug smile.

-----

She was dressed in a simple light blue top and black cargos, paired with flats. She's a fashion freak but didn't feel like dressing up for the depressing event she was heading to, so grabbed the first set she saw in her suitcase.

She was in Melbourne for the Grand Prix, the 5th of the season, while Shubman was there for series with Australia. It gave them a chance to talk and negotiate on face, rather than on Zoom.

"Roy."

"Gill." Anahita gave back to Shubman in the same cold voice.

Seb and Jane shared a tired look before the later spoke up, "We don't have much time, unfortunately. So let's get started, yeah?"

Ana sat on the chair opposite to Shubman while their managers sat on a side, with papers in their hands.

Shubman was in a white crisp shirt that stuck to his skin tight, with top two buttons undone, sleeves rolled up, and brown trousers from tommy hilfiger.

This man could dress up in all white as if he's going to a funeral but ultimately, he'll be doing a catwalk.

Wish he kept this focus on other stuffs.

"Great to see you, by the way, Anahita. Great season for you." Shub was clearly mocking.

Her blood went cold and she could feel her subdued anger rise. How dare he. So entitled. Such a brat.

Two can play the game, Gill.

"Congratulations to you, first. 75 percent match fee fine for too much aggression on field." She hit back, her lips drawn in a thin, sarcastic line.

"At lease we won and I had something to celebrate, while you were left to cry like a baby?"

"Zip your mouth or else I'll rip your tongue."

"Okay, stop. ENOUGH!" Poor Seb had to raise his voice.

He should have considered seeing a therapist beforehand.

"The contract is for two years, NDA involved. No telling to family."

"You mean I can't rant about this arrogant prick to my family?" Ana gasped, horrified.

Shub glared, only for her to dismiss it with the wave for her hand.

"We'll go with soft launch first, liking posts on each other's instagram first, then following the other-"Jane explained the process, "But that doesn't mean a quick spotting after Grand Prix. Mr. Gill, it would be amazing if you come to pick her up after Grand Prix race and have a dinner or-."

"Jane, isn't it too slow?" Ana was sarcastic.

"Honestly, the sooner the better."

Shubman groaned in annoyance.

"I have some conditions." Ana spoke up.

"Me too." Shub chimed in, "Ladies first."

"Even though it's fake, it's a relationship. Loyalty should be there."

He stared at her for a min before nodding and replying, "Fine by me. From my side, Privacy."

"Obviously. Boundaries." Jane shrugged and turning to Seb, whispered at him something, lowly. In the meantime, their clients did a stare down game.

The negotiations and conversation continued for about an hour and then they left the hotel, at different times, through the back door.

---

unknown 

so when are we working on those questions?

anahita

excuse me? who's this?

your not so fake boyfriend

oh you git. 

jane gave you the number?

no, I hacked into her phone 😒😒

anahita saved unknown to Egghead🙄🙄

shubman saved Anahita to Annoyance😪 

now tell me-

 excuse me, I have a race to compete in. 

After that.

 👍

😑😑

It's not even a whole day and he's testing her patience.

Scoffing she scrolled over the chats, while walking towards the elevator when she collided with someone.

"Whoa, look where you're going, Buttercup." Daniel chuckled as she steadied her.

He gave her the nickname because just tile the powerpuff girl of that name, she was tough, fearless.

"Sorry, Danny- It's just that Jane and-"

"I know, lil one, I know." Danny smiled, "If he steps a toe out of line, I'll run my car over him." He winked and continued, "You know what, I have some tricks to make it easy for you."

Being her teammates, obviously he knew the whole PR thing and had kind of objected to the idea, but there was not much space for his opinion.

"I love you."

"Love you too, buttercup. Lets head to the gym now, yeah?"

"I hope the race goes well. Last couple have been shitty."

"You're worrying bit too much. Chill a bit."

"I hope it goes well for me tomorrow. Need to score runs too badly. Can't let us lose because of me." Shubman sighed.

"Calm down. Shubi. Lean patch doesn't stay always." Jassi squeezed his shoulder gently, "You have been working on your mistakes. You'll do well!"

The television in the room was on, and the hot topic of sports, the Australian Grand Prix, and it's preparation was being shown on tv. It soon changed to a brief chat of the reporter with Ana, who was seemingly pumped up for the race in her second home.

Annoyed, Shubman turned it off and closed his eyes.

His subtlety wasn't so and Jassi was left with a small frown.