The next day

Shubman and Kainaat had to leave for India. Unfortunately their time for New York was over.

"I will miss this time with you" kainaat said, packing her bags.

"I am not dying, love" Shubman replied making Kainaat glare at him. He just stifled a laugh and continued packing his own bags. "India is also not so bad though" he teased

"I never said it was bad" Kainaat replied. "But spending time with you, all day long, just sitting under the star, sleeping on your shoulder. Yeh india mai nahi kar paaungi. Udhar family hogi and if my dad got to know if I am dating you, tumhari toh shaamat nahi Mr.Gill"

"Bhaag ke shaadi kar lenge" he winked. "And then you can sleep as much as you want on my shoulders"

She swatted his arm "You are impossible" she chuckled. "Chup chaap rishta leke aajana ghar." She kissed his cheek.

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

As the next day rolled in, Shubman and Kainaat found themselves at the Mumbai airport.

Their time in New York had been magical, but reality was waiting. Shubman's driver stood by the car, ready to take Kainaat home safely. They lingered near the terminal, not wanting to part just yet.

"I guess this is goodbye for now," Kainaat said softly, her eyes meeting his.

Shubman smiled, pulling her in for a hug. "For now," he echoed. "But not for long."

She chuckled, looking up at him. "Better not be. Or I might just show up in Punjab to embarrass you in front of your family and your village kids."

Shubman laughed, leaning in to kiss her gently. "You'd fit right in, baby" he teased. "They'd probably love you more than they love me."

They hugged tightly one last time, and as Kainaat got into the car, Shubman stood there, watching until the vehicle disappeared from sight. Taking a deep breath, he turned back toward the terminal to catch his flight to Punjab.

As Shubman's plane landed in Punjab, a sense of calm washed over him. The warm familiarity of his home state and the smell of fresh earth made him smile. The moment he stepped out of the airport, he was greeted by a group of kids from his village, who had apparently gotten wind of his arrival.

"Shubman bhaiya!" one of the boys shouted, running toward him with a cricket bat in hand.

Before he knew it, a dozen little hands were tugging at him, pulling him into their stories of cricket matches, school gossip, and their admiration for him.

"Bhaiya, I hit six sixes in a row last week!" one of them boasted.

Another added, "But Shubman bhaiya, my straight drive is almost as good as yours now!"

Shubman couldn't help but laugh as he crouched down to their level, ruffling their hair. "Six sixes, huh? Looks like I have some serious competition now. But remember, it's all about practice."

The kids surrounded him as he walked toward his house, each eager to share something. By the time he reached his family's front gate, his heart was full. Punjab always had this way of grounding him.

As Shubman entered the house, the familiar sound of his mom, Kirti, calling out to him echoed through the air. "Shubman! Oye, tu finally aa gaya?"

His dad, Lakhwinder, stood by the doorway with his arms crossed, with a stern face. "And what's this nonsense I hear about New York?"

Before Shubman could answer, his older sister, Shahneel, swooped in with a teasing grin. "New York, huh? Must be nice to just fly across the world without telling anyone. Who were you with, Shubman?"

Shubman rolled his eyes. "Hi to you too, di."

Khushpreet, his older brother, smirked from the couch. "So, you're going international now? Must be someone special if you didn't even tell us"

Before he could respond, his dadu, Manjeet, chimed in from his chair. "Bada aaya New York wala! Batao, kyun nahi bataya?"

(Oh, big shot New Yorker! Tell us, why didn't you inform us?)

His dadi, Jasleen, was the only one defending him, though she couldn't hide her amusement. "Arey, let him sit first! He just came home, and you're all interrogating him like he committed a crime."

Shubman groaned, dropping his bag near the door. "Alright, alright. Yes, I went to New York. Yes, I was with someone. And yes, before you all ask, she's my girlfriend."

A collective gasp filled the room, followed by utter chaos.

His dad raised an eyebrow. "Girlfriend? Aur humein batana zaroori nahi samjha?"

His mom looked half proud, half exasperated. "Haye rabba, mera munda bada ho gaya! Par Shubman, ladki kaun hai?" 

"Maa!" Shubman winced. "Mai pehele bhi bada tha"

Shahneel and Khushpreet were merciless. Shahneel leaned in dramatically. "Girlfriend? Shubman, the player, is no longer playing? Who is this miraculous girl?"

Khushpreet added, "We need details. Name, occupation, hobbies, and why she would willingly date you."

Shubman groaned again, sinking into the couch. "Her name is Kainaat. She's... amazing. Smart, funny, beautiful. And no, I didn't tell you because you'd all react exactly like this."

His dad huffed. "Amazing or not, I hope she knows what she's signing up for."

Kirti, his mom, clapped her hands. "Bas bas, stop teasing him now. Shubman, you better bring her here soon. I want to meet her."

Before Shubman could relax, Shahneel smirked again. "So, New York. Did you two do the typical romantic stuff? Holding hands, kissing under the stars?"

"DI!" Shubman exclaimed, his ears turning red.

The room erupted into laughter, and even Lakhwinder couldn't keep a straight face anymore.

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

Later that evening, as Shubman sat on the terrace with his dadi, Jasleen smiled softly at him. "You've grown up, beta. I'm happy for you. But you know your dad. He's just protective."

Shubman nodded. "I know, dadi. I'll make sure they all see how wonderful Kainaat is."

Jasleen patted his hand. "They will. She's already got you wrapped around her finger. That's a good start."

As Shubman looked out at the stars, he couldn't help but smile. His family may be a handful, but he wouldn't have it any other way.

How was it?
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I am soo sorry guys! I know I don't deserve an apology but I think it's been six months since I have last uploaded 😭

I will try my bestest to post regularly. (I know I said that last time too but this time it's a promise)

Sorry guys and love you so so
much 😘💖

Bye 👋