"Nandini, I need to discuss something really important. Can we step outside?" Manik whispered to which I nodded and followed him into the garden.

"Everything okay Manik?" I asked softly.

"Yes of course! I just wanted to discuss about revealing our relationship to the public. Eventually we will have to announce it but I want you to decide when to do that. We can totally ignore any speculations and officially announce with our wedding pictures or we can go public before the wedding. We will do what you're comfortable with." Manik replied.

"I'll let you know when I'm ready to reveal it. For the time being, let them speculate. It's nice meeting secretly." I said with a smirk to which Manik pulled me into a hug and mumbled "I'm so lucky to have you".

2 months later:

"Oh my god! Are you kidding me? I'm so happy for you guys!" Anushka screamed.

"Shaadi, shaadi, shaadi!" Sakshi screamed.

Me, Sakshi and Anushka were having a coffee date at Anushka's house. I had called for an emergency meeting to tell them about mine and Manik's marriage talks.

"Guys, I never thought this day would come but I'm really excited! Manik is the one I want to spend my whole life with. But there's a problem!"

"Problem?" Sakshi questioned.

"I need to propose to Manik! He's expecting a full on filmy proposal." I explained.

"Isn't he suppose to propose? That's normally how it's done." Anushka asked.

"Nothing in our relationship is normal. He has always been in love with the idea of love, he always wanted to get married and have his dreamy wedding. I, on the other hand, hated love and marriage and wanted to stay single my whole life. I have never dreamt of a dreamy proposal and a fairy tale wedding but Manik has. I really want to do this for him. Besides, we also will have to make our relationship public eventually so I think the proposal will be a good start."

"Why don't you propose at a match? It'll be quite personal because cricket is so important to him and that way you can officially announce your relationship to the public." Anushka suggested.

"But won't that be super cringy?" I questioned.

"You may find it cringey but Manik will love it! Grand gestures and Cricket are two of his favourite things, put them together and you've got a fantastic proposal planned!" She reassured.

"Okay, if you say so! I just need to find the right occasion now. Which match shall I do it in?"

"Well the IPL finals are next week, and I'm sure CSK will make it to the finals without a doubt. Why don't you propose to him after the finals? If CSK win, it'll be a double celebration for Manik and if they don't (which I highly doubt) then it'll still give him something to be happy about." Sakshi suggested.

"Excuse me! No need to rub RCB's loss in my face! Virat has been so upset since they got eliminated from the race to the finals last week. Every single year, it's the same story. It's hard being an RCB fan!" Anushka said with a deep sigh.

"I wish I could empathise with you but I can't, CSK are made to be winners." Sakshi said in a teasing tone.

"If we start discussing the losses of RCB and the wins of CSK, we'll be here all day. Help me plan this proposal now please. I just hope CSK win the semi-finals tomorrow. Otherwise, this plan will never work." I said worriedly.

"Oh my god Nandini, have some faith in Dhoni and his boys, they won't let us down! You're coming to the match tomorrow right? I know you've been missing all the other matches because you wanted to stay clear of the media but it's the semi-finals, it's super important and Manik really wants you there. He hasn't asked you because he doesn't want to force you but I always find him looking at the stands and searching for you." Sakshi said.

"You should definitely go Nandini. You shouldn't let the media stop you from going because we know how much you want to be there for Manik. Besides, seeing your loved ones in the stands really makes a huge difference to the players. It gives them that extra motivation and it's an important match for CSK, you being there will really mean a lot to Manik. He won't ask you because he doesn't want you to feel forced, but he really wishes you were there." Anushka now added.

"You're both making me emotional. I will go but I want to surprise Manik. Sakshi do you think you can sort out a ticket for me?" I asked.

"Yes of course!!! I'm so excited to have you there! Anushka, you can always come to support Manik, after all he does class you as his sister."

"I would love to but imagine the headlines the next day! 'Anushka Sharma spotted at the CSK vs Mumbai Indians match, has she given up on RCB? Are things normal between Anushka and Virat Kohli?' They will take the tiniest thing and turn it into a big deal so I won't be able to come but I hope you both have the most wonderful time." Anushka dramatically explained.

"You're not wrong about that! Have you heard the current rumour about me? Apparently I'm pregnant with my second child. I mean I admit I've put on a bit of weight and I was wearing a tight dress so my belly was visible. That does not mean I'm pregnant." Sakshi said.

"No way!" I said in shock. What was wrong with people?

"Shut up! That's ridiculous!" Anushka added.

"No joke! I've learnt to ignore it now though. When they don't see my tummy getting any bigger after a few months, they'll realise themselves. Let them speculate till then." Sakshi said with a cheeky smile.

The Next Day:

It was the semi-finals! The most waited match of the IPL. CSK vs MI. This match is always a special one. I'm sat in the family stand with the rest of the CSK family. Manik still doesn't know I'm here. I'm so excited to see him! They're having a debrief in the changing rooms but I'm hoping to see Manik after that.

"The players usually pop into this area before going on the field to say hi. Manik will be coming along too, he always does." Sakshi explained.

"Nandini! Oh my god! What a beautiful surprise!" Zoya said as she jumped onto me for a hug.

"Nandini chachi, oops Masi. Hi." Myra said as she hugged my legs and I kneeled down to reach her height.

"Hi baby, aap kaise hain?" I asked her in a baby voice.

"Ek dum majamaa!" She replied in gujarati to my surprise.

"She's been learning for you!" Zoya said with a smile.

"How sweet of you!" I said as I pulled her cheeks.

"Have you forgotten about us?" I heard another voice.

"Mukti! Hi! Hi Aditya bhai. Hi aunty and uncle." I said with a big smile as I proceeded to greet each of Manik's family members one by one.

"Manik didn't tell us you were coming beta. We've missed you so much. You weren't at any of the previous matches." Nyonika Aunty asked.

"Actually, Manik has no idea. I'm here to surprise him." I replied.

"Then let's surprise him for real! I have an idea! Nandini you need to hide behind us. We're all going inside to meet the players before they go on the field, we want you to hide." Aditya bhai said with a cheeky smile to which I nodded.

The rest of the family members went inside to meet their respective player and then Manik's family went and I followed them in hiding behind the wall. It was quite busy in the room so it was very easy to hide.

I heard Manik's voice. He started greeting everybody. I tried to peek and catch a glance of him. I haven't seen him properly for a month with all the travelling he's been doing.

"Manik, is everything okay between you and Nandini?" Uncle asked worriedly.

"Of course Dad! Why wouldn't things be okay?" He asked worriedly.

"Well we just thought she'd be here today. It's a special match and she should be here to support you." Nyonika aunty said.

"I don't think she cares about you at all. I don't think she's serious. Otherwise she would be here today!" Mukti said dramatically. This family is crazy I tell you.

"Yes Mama! I don't think she loves you!" Myra too joined in. I put my hand over my mouth to suppress my laughter.

"Calm down! Nandini is busy with work. She's a doctor remember. She can't travel around the country every week for me. It's not practical. That does not mean she doesn't love or care for me." Manik explained lovingly. Ladies, get you a man who will not only defend you in your presence but also in your absence.

"Well did she at least message you wishing you good luck." Zoya di asked.

"No, but I'm sure she's just very busy." Manik continued to defend me.

"When was the last time she messaged?" Mukti asked.

"Last night. Shit, I've been so busy I haven't checked in on her today. I hope she's okay. She's going to think I've forgotten about her. I can't even use my phone now, can I borrow one of your phones please?" Manik said in a panic. This is such an important day for him and he's worried about me.

"You don't need to ring her." Nyonika aunty replied.

"Why not?" Manik questioned and I slowly came out from behind the wall. His family gestured him to turn around and we both saw each other after a whole month. He ran towards me and gave me a tight hug. God I've missed this.

"What are you doing here? Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" Manik asked.

"Let her go and she'll answer your questions."Zoya di said to which Manik gently pulled out of the hug but still held onto my hand.

"Manik, I wanted to surprise you. I know it's a special day for you so I really wanted to be here supporting you in the stands." I replied.

"Manik we'll give you two some privacy and go back to the stands. Wish you all the very best beta." Nyonika aunty said as she kissed Manik on his forehead and they all left the stand after greeting him.

By now, we had all gathered the attention of the rest of the players and their family members. Manik introduced me to all of them and then we went to the side to have a talk.

"I have missed you so much. I've longed to see your face this past month. I also want to apologise for not FaceTiming everyday, I should be making more of an effort but it's been a chaotic season." Manik explained.

"Manik, please never apologise for being dedicated to your work. Cricket is your life. I would never want to take that away from you. I appreciate all the times you did ring me. I've missed you so much too, so I'm really grateful I get to be with you now." I explained as I caressed his cheeks.

"I love you so much Doc!"

"I love you too VC! Now go make all of Chennai proud!" I said as I pulled him into a hug.

"You should know, CSK's fan base isn't just limited to Chennai. We have fans all over India and the rest of the world." He said with a proud smile.

"Well go make the entire fandom proud then. You've all got this!" I said with a smile.

I gave him a big hug and then made my way to the stand where I took a seat next to Sakshi. Nyonika aunty offered me a seat next to her but Zoya di asked me to sit with Sakshi instead. She was Manik's manager and knew that the paparazzi are after mine and Manik's relationship. She didn't want them to get any ideas until I was ready to openly share it with the world. Sitting with Manik's family would give them bigger things to talk about. So I sat in front of them with Sakshi and Ziva instead. Dear God, make this a successful match for CSK. They deserve it.

A/N: Chapter 42 updated. I hope you're all well. Happy new year. 🥳 🥰 I'm sorry this is so late but work has been very busy. A huge thank you to all those who have still saved my story and eagerly wait for an update. Your support means so much!!!! Hope you guys enjoyed this update! 😊💕