"You're glowing." Shalini says, taking a sip of her coffee as we sit down on a table in Starbucks. She flew in to Down Under to see how I was, after a quick trip to India.

I'm certain it's the sex, although I don't say so explicitly.

"I'm just happy that my parents aren't on my case anymore"

"Well they still are. I'm sure they still want you to marry when you finish this 'Uni project in an untold location', even though Abhi's family declined."

I shrugged. "I can't believe they haven't disowned me yet. DOnT yoU knOw hOw impOrtant abHi wAs foR uS?!" I imitate my dad.

"Hmm." Shalu nods then we both burst out laughing.

"Are you for real though babes?" Shalini stares longingly at her coffee as she stirs it. "Mine disowned me a long time ago, and I still regret running away from home even today."

"At least it's better than living in a prison. I'm proud of you."

"I left everything for the wrong man at the time, Shanaya." She smiles regretfully, evoking pathos.

"You have Hardik now. Manish is outta your life girl, cheer up." I reach out a hand and place it on hers to comfort her.

She smiles. "And you have Jasprit. So Mrs best-bowler-in-the-world, how do you feel about this amazing man you met last week?" She holds up a spoon as a microphone in front of my face, as we both giggle.

"I'm not 'Mrs best-bowler-in-the-world yet." I smile.

"Yet"

I roll my eyes and laugh.

"So are things spicing up a lil between you guys or nah" She shuffled forwards on her seat.

"Enough about me, what about Hardik? How's he?" I chuckle. "He's an amazing wingman that's for sure."

"Actually we have a date this evening." She smiles.

"Oooo fancy!!!" I laugh. "So - when are you becoming Mrs best-all-rounder-in-the-world?" I widen my eyes in excitement.

"He proposed already." She says quietly.

"What?! And you didn't even tell me?!?!" I exclaim.

"You're the first person to know, he hasn't even told his parents yet and obviously I don't need to tell mine."

"Hm so it's top secret is it?"

"Totally." She winks.

💗

I think about Shalini all dressed up as a bride and Hardik in a suit ready to tie the knot, wondering when me and Jasprit would too.

I walk back to the hotel.

"Jas. Get ready. We have a date." I say hurriedly, throwing my handbag onto the bed.

"Since when?" He asks confused.

"Like, since a minute ago."

He comes up to me and wraps his arms around my waist.

"I wouldn't mind a date like yesterday." He says huskily.

I giggle and push him away as he leans in to kiss me in the crook of my neck.

"Get ready." I say, through laughs. "I'm going to the parlour."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes I am, any problem?"

"Not at all, but you don't need-" before he can finish I've left.

"Iss ladki ko kya hogaya?" Jas says, at the highest level of confusion.

💗

"So why are we on this date anyway?" Jasprit takes a gulp of his red wine.

"Why, can't I spoil my boyfriend from time to time?"

"Of course you can, but why am I all suited up?"

"Jas! You need to leave your jeans and jackets aside a little. Have no fear of new fashion gear!"

"Thanks for the new motto", Jasprit laughs.

"So tomorrow's the match right?"

"Nope, day after tomorrow. I wouldn't be drinking wine a night before"

"Oh yeah." I facepalm myself.

"By the way, did you know Shalu and Hardik are engaged?"

"KYA?!?! Harry ne kuch bataya nahi"

"They're keeping it low key."

"Ah"

"So...I'm really happy - for them.." I say, hoping Jas might mention our wedding.

"Wow, man. Cheers to that" he picks up his glass and clinks it gently against mine before taking another sip.

"You haven't even touched your drink, baby." He looks at my drink then at me.

"Don't look at it like that with those puppy eyes, you're not getting any."

"Ahh... seems like you're going to have to drive back tonight."

"Hm.." I say, swirling the wine around in my glass, kind of upset he didn't say anything.

Oh well, he's probably tipsy from the wine.