From today onwards, updates will be regular.

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Two updates a week or maybe three, depends on mood.

I'm free for a few days, I will try to update frequently.

Guys I'm thinking of writing another book, but it's a different book, no cricketers involved, a general book with a different story, will you read, please comment "yes" If you want to read it

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After two days

Shubman’s 18th birthday party at Kulkarni Mansion is an absolute showstopper. The lawn is alive with vibrant, multi-colored lights, casting an electric glow across the entire venue. A massive "18" sign sparkles at the entrance, leading guests past a red carpet toward a grand marquee tent. The dance floor pulses with LED lights, while lush floral arrangements in bold purple and gold elevate the glamour. Food stalls line the edges, offering everything from gourmet street food to live grills, and alcohol stalls serve up signature cocktails, champagne, wine, and whiskey. The energy is high, with a DJ booth spinning tracks, a champagne fountain bubbling away, and a photo booth capturing the night’s excitement. Media is strictly restricted, as Shubman values his privacy.

Rahul stands near a food stall, wearing a black suit, giving orders. “Serve neatly to everybody.” he directs, his voice firm. That’s when Virat, in a blue suit, strolls up to him.

“It’s their job, Rahul. Leave them.” Virat says, rolling his eyes.

Rahul responds, a hint of pride in his voice, “It’s my job to tell them, na bhai.”

As guests begin to arrive, Virat hands Rahul a glass of wine. Rishabh walks up, dressed in a grey suit, his face a picture of displeasure. Virat immediately notices.

“What’s wrong with you?” Virat asks.

Rahul quickly chimes in, “Breakup.”

Rishabh sighs, quickly correcting, “It’s just a misunderstanding. She’ll come back.”

Rahul places a hand on Rishabh’s shoulder and says, “Lesson #1, bro. If a girl says ‘no,’ it means no. Always.”

Virat, curious, asks, “For what did Sasha say no?”

Before Rishabh can answer, someone calls out, “Rai’s are here!”

Virat’s gaze shifts toward the entrance, where Anushka steps in, immediately commanding attention. She’s dressed in a striking red sleeveless gown that hugs her curves, flowing elegantly to the floor with a daring slit revealing the delicate curve of her leg with each step. The bold red contrasts beautifully with her skin, and the gown’s simplicity only enhances her natural grace. Her hair cascades in soft waves, and her makeup glows under the lights, making her look like a vision of sophistication and allure. Virat’s breath catches in his throat, and for a moment, the noise, the chatter, the music all fade away—leaving only Anushka.

Anushka's outfit

Rahul observes Virat’s reaction and whispers, “Close your mouth, mosquitoes will fly in.” He acts nonchalantly, fixing his beard as Virat snaps his mouth shut.

Anushka walks toward them. “Hi, guys…” She notices Rishabh, who’s still looking visibly upset. “What’s wrong with him.?”

“Sasha said no, it seems.” Virat answers.

“OMG, you proposed to Sasha for marriage.?” Anushka exclaims in a hushed tone.

Rishabh nods glumly. “Yeah. She rejected me instantly, no second thoughts.”

“Oh, come on, bro. She’s only 23, and you’re 25. Isn’t it too young to get married.?” Anushka suggests.

“Yeah, but we’ve been dating for five years. Anyway, forget it. Let’s just enjoy the party.” Rishabh takes a swig of red wine.
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Later, at 12am in the midnight, Shubman enters the party, his presence instantly commanding attention. He’s dressed in a sleek black suit, and the crowd cheers as he makes his way toward the grand cake, a towering masterpiece adorned with gold and silver accents. Zasha stands beside him, smiling brightly.

Shubman cuts the cake, feeding pieces to his parents first, then to his brothers, Virat and Rahul, who cheer him on. This visibly upsets Zasha, who was expecting him to feed her first. But, as always, family comes first for Shubman. When he finally offers her a slice, she forces a smile, masking her frustration. She watches him silently, unwilling to make a scene.

A little later, Shubman looks around for Zasha and spots her sitting by the table near the pool. “Hey, you here? Come on, let’s dance.”

“No, I’m not in the mood.” Zasha says, not meeting his gaze.

Shubman sits beside her, placing his hand on hers. “Are you okay, Zash?”

“No, I’m not,” she replies sternly, her voice betraying her annoyance. “It’s because of you.”

Shubman frowns, confused. “What did I do?”

Zasha struggles to control her frustration. “I thought you would feed the cake to me first. But…”

“You know my family is my first priority.” Shubman replies.

Zasha clenches her fists inwardly, screaming in her mind, "Family, family—hell with your family! I’m your girlfriend! I should be your first and top priority!"

But instead, she forces a smile. “Sure, go ahead. I’ll eat. We can dance later.”

“That’s my girl.” Shubman says, patting her hand lightly. “Dad’s calling me. I’ll be back. Eat something, and let’s dance soon, okay?”

Zasha nods, her fake smile lingering as Shubman walks away. Her eyebrows furrow thinking “Family, my foot.”
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As the night unfolds, the music swirls, but Virat and Anushka are lost in their own world. They stand by the alcohol stall, each holding a glass of red wine, the energy of the party feeling distant to them.

Virat’s fingers lightly graze the skin of Anushka’s leg just above the slit of her gown. “You’re making me look bad in front of everyone.” he teases, his voice low and playful, watching her for a reaction.

Anushka raises an eyebrow, a mischievous smile curling on her lips. “How am I making you look bad? I’m just being myself.”

Virat chuckles softly, his gaze softening as he looks her over. “You in this dress… looks more like a weapon of mass distraction.”

Anushka laughs, clearly enjoying the playful banter. She leans in, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Is it distracting you, sir.?”

Virat takes a slow sip of his wine, the tension between them shifting into something else, something deeper. His fingers still rest on her leg, sending a quiet thrill through both of them. “I don’t know.” he murmurs, his smirk curling slightly. “You… you look like a hotter version of yourself in this dress.”

“Really?” Anushka asks, raising an eyebrow.

Virat takes her hand, and they share a long look, the line between playful and serious blurring. There’s something more here, but neither of them is quite ready to acknowledge it.

“Come with me.” Virat says, guiding her toward the house.

From across the lawn, Savi watches them, her eyes narrowing. She notices the subtle intimacy of Virat’s hand resting on Anushka’s leg. Their chemistry is undeniable, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. Savi’s heart tightens, a sense of protectiveness rising in her chest. She knows there’s something deeper between them, something that can’t be easily ignored.

Savi’s protective instincts kick in, and she considers following them, but then pauses thinking “They’re adults. They know what they’re doing.” Reluctantly, she turns back to enjoy the party, but her mind lingers, wondering what’s really going on between Virat and Anushka.

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