The next day

after a thrilling match, the Indian cricket team was in high spirits, celebrating their victory in the dressing room. Laughter and banter filled the air as Shubman's teammates teased him relentlessly about the bet he had made with Ishan months ago.

Ishan: "So, Shubman, looks like you might just lose that bet after all. Head over heels, eh?"

Shubman rolled his eyes, trying to downplay the situation but unable to hide the grin tugging at his lips.

Shubman: "Oh, come on, Ishan. It was just a silly bet. You know how it is."

As the banter continued, Kainaat walked in, a bright smile on her face, ready to congratulate Shubman on his performance. But as she approached, she overheard the conversation, her smile fading as the reality of their words sank in. The mention of a bet, one involving her, felt like a punch to the gut.

Hardik: "Yeah, Shubman, you really thought you'd never fall for her, huh? Now look at you, all smitten."

Shubman tried to laugh it off, but the laughter died in his throat as he noticed Kainaat standing there, her eyes wide with hurt and disbelief. She had heard everything. The room fell silent as the teammates realized the awkwardness of the situation.

Kainaat: "A bet? Is that what this was to you, Shubman? Just a game?"

Shubman felt his heart sink as he saw the pain in her eyes. He took a step towards her, his voice pleading.

Shubman: "Kainaat, wait. It's not what you think. It started as a joke, but... it became real. I swear."

Kainaat shook her head, tears brimming in her eyes as she backed away.

Kainaat: "Real? How am I supposed to believe that? You made a bet on me, like I'm some object to be won. I thought... I thought you were different."

With that, she turned and hurried out of the dressing room, leaving Shubman standing there, his heart heavy with regret.. His teammates exchanged guilty glances, realizing the gravity of their teasing.

Ishan: "Man, Shubman, I'm sorry. We didn't mean for this to happen."

Shubman sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

Shubman: "I know. I just... I need to fix this. Somehow."

As Shubman sat on the couch in the dressing room, he buried his face in his hands, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. The room was filled with a heavy silence, his teammates exchanging worried glances. Finally, unable to hold it in any longer, Shubman spoke, his voice muffled but clear.

Shubman: "I love her. I really do. I messed up, and now I've hurt her."

His confession hung in the air, and the gravity of his words resonated deeply with his teammates. They knew this was more than just a bet or a joke; it was about something real and significant in Shubman's life.

Rohit: "Shubman, love isn't always smooth. We all make mistakes. What's important is how you handle it from here."

Shreya: "Yeah, man. If you love her, fight for her. Show her that you're serious."

Virat: "Love requires honesty and vulnerability, Shubman. You've got to show her that this is real for you, that she's not just a bet."

Hardik pandya, always the one to bring a smile, attempted to lighten the mood a bit.

Hardik: "And hey, if all else fails, we can always scare that co-actor some more!"

The room erupted in light laughter, easing the tension just a little. Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Shami offered their quiet support, while Ravichandran Ashwin and Suryakumar Yadav added their own words of encouragement.

Kl rahul: "Take it one step at a time. She needs to know that you're serious about her, not just winning some bet."

Kuldeep : "You've got this, Shubman. We're all behind you."

Finally, Ishan Kishan,  crouched down to his level, looking him in the eyes.

Ishan: "You love her, bro. And she needs to know that. But you have to be honest, from the heart. If you really mean it, she'll see that."

Shubman looked up at his teammates, his heart heavy but buoyed by their support. He knew what he had to do. He had to find a way to make Kainaat understand that his feelings were genuine, that he truly loved her and regretted the hurt he had caused. With a determined nod, he stood up, ready to take on the challenge that lay ahead.

Shubman: "Thanks, guys. I won't give up on her. I need to make this right."

As he left the dressing room, the support of his teammates bolstering his resolve, Shubman felt a glimmer of hope. It wouldn't be easy, but for Kainaat, he was willing to do whatever it took.

*****************

Shubman found Kainaat sitting alone on a bench in a secluded part of the stadium grounds, away from the crowds and noise. Her posture was tense, her arms crossed defensively as she stared into the distance. Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Shubman approached her, his footsteps echoing softly on the pavement.

"Kainaat," he called gently, hoping to break through her walls.

She turned to him, her eyes blazing with a mixture of hurt and anger

Kainaat- "What do you want, Shubman?"

Shubman- "I need to talk to you,"
he said, trying to keep his voice steady.
"Please, just hear me out."

Kainaat stood up abruptly, her frustration evident in every motion.

Kainaat- "What more is there to say? I heard everything. You made a bet on me. Like I'm some trophy to be won."

Shubman winced at her words, knowing he deserved them.

Shubman-"It started as a stupid joke, Kainaat. I never meant for it to hurt you. But somewhere along the way, it stopped being a joke for me."

Kainaat's eyes flashed with anger.

Kainaat- "You expect me to believe that? You think you can just say you care, and everything will be fine?"

He stepped closer, desperation in his eyes.

Shubman-"I know I messed up, but my feelings for you are real. I was an idiot to make that bet, but please believe me when I say that I love you."

Kainaat scoffed, shaking her head.

Kainaat-"Love? You don't even know what love is, Shubman. Love isn't a game, and people aren't prizes."

Shubman's frustration grew, matching her intensity.

Shubamn-"I know that now! I was stupid and immature, but I've changed. Being with you made me realize what I really want."

Kainaat- "How convenient," she replied sarcastically.
"You realize all this after you've hurt me."

Shubman- "I know I hurt you, and I hate myself for that" his voice breaking
. "But I can't lose you over a mistake I made when I didn't even know how much you meant to me."

Kainaat turned away, tears streaming down her face. "You don't get it, Shubman. It's not just the bet. It's everything. I thought you were different. I thought you saw me for who I am, not just some celebrity or a politician's daughter

Shubman: I do see you, Kainaat. I see the real you, the amazing, talented, and kind person you are. And I fell in love with that person."

Kainaat stood silent for a moment, her back still turned to him. The tension in the air was palpable, a mixture of anger, hurt, and something unspoken that lingered between them.

Desperate to make her understand, Shubman moved closer and gently grabbed her arm, turning her to face him.

Shubman: "Please, Kainaat. Give me a chance to prove it to you."

She met his gaze, her eyes searching his for sincerity.

Kainaat; "Why should I believe you? Why should I risk getting hurt again?"

Shubman: "Because I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make it right,"  he said earnestly
. "Because I can't imagine my life without you in it."

Kainaat shook her head, her resolve wavering. "Shubman, I..."

Before she could finish her sentence, Shubman acted on impulse. He pulled her closer, his hands gently cupping her face as he leaned in and kissed her, pouring all his emotions into that one act. At first, she resisted, her body tense against his, but gradually she melted into the kiss, her arms wrapping around his neck as she surrendered to the moment.

When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathless, their foreheads resting against each other. Shubman looked into her eyes, his voice a whisper.

Shubman: "I love you, Kainaat. And I'm going to spend every dayof my life  proving it to you if you let me."

Kainaat searched his eyes, the sincerity in his
gaze undeniable. Her anger and hurt began to dissolve, replaced by a cautious hope

Kaimaat: You better not let me down again, Shubman.

"I won't," he promised, pulling her into another kiss, sealing his vow with a tenderness that left no room for doubt.

How was it? Need some feedbacks

Sorry for not updating. Exams were going on. Still is but thought to take a break.

Needed some motivation by votes and comments. Well...didn't got any but still here we are with new chapter. 

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- Aanya