Shaurya Gupta curled his fingers tightly around the racquet's handle as he waited for the squash ball to bounce back off the wall. As soon as it did, he hit the ball back harder, sending it whirling to the wall.

Again and again, he repeated the action. Hit- wait- and then hit back. Adrenaline soared through his veins, helping reduce the frustration and anger he felt. He would have instead had a punching bag, but the gym did not provide one, and his own equipment was yet to arrive from Delhi. So, he had to work with what he had.

The glass door to the court opened, and his best friend cum manager, Lakshman aka Lucky, walked in with a disappointed look on his face, but Shaurya paid no heed to him and continued to play. Lucky just leaned against the wall near the door and stared at the back of his friend's head for almost 15 minutes.

When he realized that Shaurya wasn't going to acknowledge or say anything to him, he spoke as loudly as he could, "Shaurya, seriously?" Trying to talk to his friend over the blaring music and the loud noise of the ball hitting the wall. "You just left without telling me where you were going, and you are not answering your phone either. Do you know how worried I was?"

Shaurya finally stopped playing and looked at his friend. "Why? I am a grown man and not a child that you need to babysit me all the time."

"You think I enjoy this?" Lucky let out a frustrated groan as he followed Shaurya as he drank water from his water bottle. "At this age, I am supposed to have my children and look after them and not you, A 'grown man' that refuses to act like an adult. What is wrong with you? Can you for once act responsibly?"

Shaurya sighed and sat down on the bench. He leisurely patted his face and neck with a towel without looking at Lakshman. "Relax. I was feeling restless, and you were sleeping, so I decided to come here to blow off some steam. What's the big deal?"

Lakshman pinched the bridge of his nose and scoffed. "Nothing. Not a big deal at all. As usual, I am the one that is overreacting. Forgive me!"

"It's fine," Shaurya said, purposely misunderstanding his friend's sarcasm. "Let me go take a shower and get ready for the meeting with your girlfriend's mother's company."

"She is not my girlfriend." Lakshman clarified, looking a little flustered. "I heard about Red Eagle from my mother's astrologer. They did PR for his company. They have bhakts all around the world, you know." He said as they walked along the corridor to the changing rooms.

Shaurya stopped short and looked flabbergasted. "You chose my PR company based on that astrologer you go to?"

"Stop saying anything about Manglu baba," Lakshman held locket around his neck with the baba's face on it and tucked it inside his shirt. "He knows everything about your past, present and future."

"Shaurya Sir, I am a huge fan of yours." A young man came running up to them. "Can I get a selfie with you?"

"Actually, he is a little busy-" Lucky started.

"Sure." Shaurya beckoned the guy and passed his stuff to Lucky to hold.

"Thank you, Sir!" The man said, genuinely touched by Shaurya's gesture. He left happily after getting a selfie with his favourite sportsman.

"Why did you do that? You need to start acting a little more star-like." Lucky grumbled as they stood inside the locker room.

"Because I am not a star." Shaurya shrugged his shoulders. "Did you not know about this baba seven years ago?" Shaurya asked as he punched the code in for the locker. "Okay. Fine. I am sorry. I shouldn't question your faith."

"He suggested a few things that will change this slump." Lucky said as he leaned against the lockers. "As per his readings, your name requires an additional a at the end and an extra h."

"So, he suggests that I spell my name as Shhauryaa?" He asked incredulously. "Not happening. Next?"

"Your flat currently faces the east. He suggests that you buy a South facing-"

"I have spent too much money on this flat. I can't change it now. Next!" Shaurya said as his amusement laced his voice.

After a little hesitation, Lucky spoke again, "He did say to change your jersey number though. That number might-"

"I am not changing my jersey number." Shaurya snapped, all the amusement gone from his voice.

"Why? Because it is 76 and Dhvani's birthday is on the 7th of June? Right?"

Shaurya slammed the locker door, the loud sound echoing in the otherwise empty locker room. "No, it doesn't. Nothing I do in my life is related to her. It is what people associate me with, and I'd like to keep it constant that's it."

"Rigghhtt!" Lucky drawled. "I love how you think everyone except you is dumb."

"Change it!" He snarled. "Apply to change my jersey number, and after that, you are never going to mention Dhvani to me ever again. Am I clear?" He said as he disappeared into the showers.
-
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-

As the driver maneuvered the car around the busy and rainy streets of Mumbai, Shaurya and Lucky sat in the back seat quietly.

He couldn't help but keep looking at the couple on a two-wheeler beside their car. They looked young and really in love. She had her arms wrapped around him, while he focused ahead on the road, probably trying to get them home safely.

It was raining cats and dogs in the city of Dehradun. An 18 year old Shaurya and Dhvani were taking shelter under a tree. Their school uniforms drenched from the rain. Bicycles were haphazardly thrown under the tree. Shaurya quickly removed his blazer and wrapped it around a shivering Dhvani.

"When I get selected for the Indian cricket team, I am going to buy us an expensive car. I won't let you ever get cold or drenched in the rain. I promise."

Dhvani wrapped her hands around Shaurya and placed her chin against his chest to look up at him. "I don't mind getting drenched in any rain as long as I have you with me."

He shook his head and rested his forehead against hers. "I mind it."

"Okay," she whispered. "You have to teach me to drive the car and that too without getting angry. Promise?"

He smiled, touched her cold cheek, "Promise."

"Shaurya!" Lucky's voice broke through the fog of Shaurya's memories, and he jolted back to the present.

Clearing his throat, he tore his away attention from the pitter patter of the rain and focused on the newspaper resting on his lap. "They have dedicated an entire page for me." He laughed, shaking his head. "Some of them are quite funny. Did you read these tweets and memes?" He asked skimming through the page.

"Yes, really funny. Because that's our goal, now. Entertain people." Lakshman grunted, but Shaurya just continued to laugh at the tweets and status about him.

As the car pulled up into Red Eagle's parking, Lucky turned to Shaurya "Okay. I know this is going to be very difficult for you, but I want you to be as patient and as mindful as possible in this meeting. If you want to ever play for the Indian cricket team again then please please follow through with this."

Shaurya rolled his eyes. "I don't think this is necessary at all, but if you think it is, then I'll do it."

"Thank you!" He said sardonically. "Let's go." He patted Shaurya's shoulder as they walked out of the car.
-
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-

The high ranking executives, along with Dhvani, stood near the reception to welcome their saviour, Shaurya Gupta. She had been taking deep breaths to calm her nerves, but nothing seemed to work. Dhvani felt the butterflies in her stomach as she saw Shaurya walking into the office building with Lucky behind him. What was Lucky doing with him?

Their eyes met, and she couldn't have been prepared for this day even in a lifetime. Her heart was beating rapidly, just like it did when their eyes met in Social Studies class all those years ago. This wasn't the boy she had fallen in love with or the guy she had married and then divorced, this was a different man. Even though she had seen his face plastered all over television, billboards and newspapers all these years, seeing him in person made her realize how much he had changed. His shoulders were much more broader now, he now sported a stubble, and the smile that he always had when he caught a glimpse of her had made way for a scowl.

Lucky looked at her and smiled nervously as his eyes switched between Dhvani and Shaurya. He quickly whispered something into Shaurya's ear, and Shaurya in return just gave him a meaningful glare.

"It is such a pleasure, Mr. Gupta that you chose our company to represent you," Kritika said excitedly as she tried to get Shaurya's attention.

Dhvani knew he was angry because of the way he focused his attention to the floor, the way his nostrils flared a little and his breaths coming out in short spurts.

Shaurya wanted to turn around and walk away from this company and Dhvani. He had been ready for a day like this. He had a speech planned for what he was going to say to her. How he was going to rip her apart with his words for leaving him and breaking his heart, but now that she stood in front of him, he didn't know what to say or how to react. However, he wouldn't do was storm off and give her that satisfaction of her knowing that her presence still bothered him. Not when it didn't. Not one bit.

He took in a deep breath and looked up at Kritika and smiled. "I am hoping you won't disappoint." It seemed like Dhvani and Lucky were the only ones that understood that it was fake.

Kritika walked him along the row of executives. She was introducing them one by one. From the corner of his eyes, he saw Dhvani fidgeting with her fingers. Good! She was nervous.

Kritika and Shaurya finally stood in front of Dhvani. "This is Dhvani Mishra. Your PR manager. She is one of our best, and I am sure you won't have any complaints."

Shaurya couldn't help but scoff. "You are my PR manager? You are the one going to help me improve my image in public?"

Dhvani's hesitation and nervousness evaporated at his statement. All she felt was anger at this man. How was it possible for him to aggravate her by speaking one sentence? She followed his earlier suit and smiled. A professional smile. A smile that she would give any of her other clients. "I am. It is a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Gupta " She extended her hand for a handshake.

He looked at her face for a second and then shook her hand. "Same here, Ms. Mishra."

Both of them of not willing to bow away from the challenge. Their eyes locked on each other, ready for one cue so they could each start their side of the fight.

"It is great meeting you, Dhvani." Lucky quickly pushed Shaurya away and took Dhvani's hand for a handshake.

Once Kritika had led them all inside the office and towards the boardroom. Lucky stayed back for a second to pray. He really prayed that there wouldn't be a war here. He knew how ugly their fights had gotten.
-
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-

Dhvani and Lucky sat on either side of Shaurya. After spending hours trying to find Shaurya, they had found him on the cricket field. Just idly staring at the pitch. He had just been rejected to play for the under 19 world cup again. This was his final shot at being able to participate in the under 19 tournament. Shaurya didn't have a lot of connections or funds, so he was dropped out of the team regardless of his fantastic performance.

"It's okay! You are directly going to make it to the cricket team. So many players didn't play under 19. Look at them now." Dhvani said as she held Shaurya's hand.

"Exactly! You keep playing in these local matches and keep scoring. The board members are always looking for new talent, and I am sure there is a selector who will recognize your potential." Lucky chimed in.

Shaurya looked at his girlfriend and best friend and smiled. "I guess I will just have to keep trying."

"Exactly!" Dhvani said with a grin. "And when you become a cricketer I will be your PR manager so I can come with you on all your tours."

"And me. I will be your manager." Lucky said slapping Shaurya on his shoulder. "Managers come on tours too, right?"

Shaurya chuckled and nodded. He leaned and pecked Dhvani on her cheek.

"I'll kill you if you try and kiss me," Lucky warned making all three of them laugh.

"I'll kill you too because the only person you can kiss is me," Dhvani claimed as she stood in front of him, squeezing his cheeks with one hand.

"Okay!" He garbled with her hand still around his cheek and pulled her in for a hug.

Lucky jumped in and hugged both of them. The three of them hugged as they stood in the middle of the cricket ground under the moonlight.

Even though, Shaurya hadn't made it on the team; he still felt satisfied with this.

"Can we start?" Kritika asked as everyone settled down into their chairs.

Dhvani nodded. When she looked at Shaurya and Lucky, it appeared they were also reminiscing about that moment from their faces. She quickly turned off the lights of the boardroom and turned on the projector, so she could begin her presentation.

Standing in front of the room, she took one look at Shaurya and started speaking. "Our main goal here is to make sure that the public sees your side of the story. Your life, your struggles-"

"Can you please get to the plan? I don't have time for this." Shaurya asked nonchalantly. He knew it would piss her off.

"Yes, Mr. Gupta." She took a deep breath to calm herself from exploding. "I am getting to the plan. I just-"

"Have you worked with anyone other than politicians?" He interrupted her again.

She shot daggers at Shaurya. "In fact, I have. So, the plan is-"

"Can you give me an example of someone you have worked with that is not a member of a political party?"

She looked over at Lucky for some support, but he had hidden his face behind his hand. He was bracing himself for the fight that might ensue.

"I have quite a few testimonials, but I'll give you one that is the closest to your case. We have a bhel puri wala across the office. He too would get into fights all the time, and the other vendors kicked him out because of his attitude, but he came to me and begged for my help. Now, he has chains all around the city because of me, and I am sure that I will be able to do just as a good job with your case, Mr.Gupta." Dhvani said with extra fake sweetness. Her mouth curled up into a tight-lipped smile.

Gasps from the team members could be heard, but Dhvani refused to budge from the stare down that she was having with Shaurya.

Lucky was coughing, but everyone could tell he was trying to cover up his laughter. "Dhvani, why don't you finish the presentation." He requested as he tried to control his laughter.

For the next half an hour, Dhvani skimmed over the plan she had drafted.
Shaurya had kept quiet and listened to her. Not because he was upset by her petty insults, but because he couldn't believe that this was the girl he had loved and married. This woman was different. Physically yes. She was more curvier, and her clothes were prettier and fit her much better. Her eyes still widened every time she was excited. Her curly hair still bounced as she moved around the conference room. However, her changed attitude and her confidence was what hit him the most. Dhvani always hated public speaking, so to see her talk so confidently in front of people was a surprise. She still looked beautiful!

Shaurya abruptly got up as soon as he had that thought. When all the eyes turned towards him, he stammered to find an answer. "I have somewhere to be." He said, ignoring Lucky's questioning eyes.

"This meeting was supposed to 2 hours." Dhvani snapped. "My presentation is not done."

This time around Kritika practically leaped and turned on the lights and stood beside Dhvani. Kritika looked like she was going to have a heart attack any second. All the other executives weren't faring any better. "Of course, Mr. Gupta. We understand. I'd be happy to find another manager if you thought the presentation wasn't-"

"The presentation is fine. I'll be looking forward to working with Ms. Mishra here." Shaurya smirked when he saw Dhvani's face turn sombre. "And don't worry, I am going to free up my schedule for tomorrow to finish this meeting."

"Great!" Kritika laughed nervously. "We have a small party tomorrow evening to welcome you on board. Please do join us." She said as shook hands with Shaurya.

"Ms. Mishra. I look forward to working with you." He snickered and walked out of the boardroom like he owned the God damn place.

God! The arrogance of this man!

Author's note: I hope you guys enjoyed reading the chapter. Please do vote and comment. I really would love to read some feedback from you guys!❤