Kiara always seemed to be around Abhishek, chatting with him and sharing laughs. Ishika, standing a little apart, couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy every time she saw them together. She tried to focus on other things, but her gaze kept drifting back to Abhishek and Kiara.

Noticing this, Virat gently turned her around, his protective brotherly instincts kicking in. "Ishika, stop looking at Abhishek," he said firmly.

Ishika sighed, trying to sound casual. "Why are you so overprotective, bhai? It's not like anything's happening."

Virat's expression softened but remained serious. "I'm your big brother. It's my job to look out for you. And I know how these things can get complicated. Just focus on your own life for now, okay?"

Ishika nodded reluctantly. "Okay, fine. But you don't have to worry so much. I can take care of myself."

"I know you can," Virat replied, giving her a reassuring smile. "But let me handle this, alright?"

She glanced one more time in Abhishek's direction, then turned back to her brother, determined to push aside her feelings and trust Virat's judgment.

In their hotel room, Shubman and Abhishek were lounging on their beds, decompressing after the eventful day. Shubman was scrolling through his phone, while Abhishek was absentmindedly flipping through a magazine.

Shubman glanced up, breaking the comfortable silence. "Dude, did you see how Kiara was all over you today?" he teased, nudging Abhishek with his foot.

Abhishek chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, man, I noticed. She's nice, but I can't help but feel it's a bit much."

Shubman smirked. "A bit much? Come on, Abhay, she's stunning. Any guy would be thrilled to have her attention."

Abhishek sighed, tossing the magazine aside. "It's not that I don't appreciate it, but... there's someone else I can't stop thinking about."

Shubman's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Wait, you're talking about Ishika, right? I saw how you were looking at her."

Abhishek nodded, looking a bit troubled. "Yeah, it's her. But Virat's being super overprotective. He told her to stay away from me."

Shubman leaned back, crossing his arms behind his head. "Well, that's tough. But you know what they say about forbidden fruit."

Abhishek rolled his eyes. "This isn't a joke, Shubman. I really like her. But I don't want to make things awkward, especially with Virat around."

Shubman nodded, his expression turning serious. "I get it, man. Just play it cool. Maybe focus on the game and let things unfold naturally. If it's meant to be, it'll happen."

Abhishek sighed, appreciating Shubman's advice. "Yeah, maybe you're right. I'll try to stay focused. Thanks, Shubman."

"No worries, buddy," Shubman said with a grin. "And hey, if you need any more help with pickup lines, you know where to find me."

Abhishek laughed, feeling a bit more at ease. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, man."

. Abhishek heard a knock on the door and went to go get it. Abhishek opened the door to find Kiara standing there, a warm smile on her face. Shubman's cheeks flushed red, and he quickly sat up straighter, trying to compose himself.

"Hey there, Abhishek," Kiara greeted cheerfully, her eyes flickering between Abhishek and Shubman. "Mind if I come in?"

Abhishek stepped aside to let her in, exchanging a curious glance with Shubman, who was still trying to regain his composure. "Uh, yeah, sure, come on in."

Shubman cleared his throat, trying to sound casual. "Hey, Kiara. What brings you here?"

Kiara flashed him a playful grin, her gaze lingering on him for a moment. "Oh, just wanted to see how you guys were doing. Thought I'd drop by and say hi."

Abhishek exchanged a knowing look with Shubman, who shot him a sheepish smile in return. It was evident that Kiara's unexpected visit had caught them both off guard.

As they settled into the room, Abhishek couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment that it wasn't Ishika at the door. But he pushed aside his feelings, reminding himself to focus on the present moment and enjoy Kiara's company. After all, who knew what unexpected surprises the future might hold?

Abhishek couldn't help but notice Kiara's gaze lingering on him, despite Shubman's efforts to impress her. He exchanged a subtle glance with Shubman, who seemed to be growing increasingly flustered by Kiara's attention.

"So, Abhishek," Kiara said, her voice soft as she turned her attention to him, "I heard you had an amazing performance in today's match. Congratulations on being named the player of the match."

Abhishek smiled gratefully, feeling a surge of pride at her words. "Thank you, Kiara. It was definitely a memorable moment for me."

Shubman interjected eagerly, trying to regain Kiara's attention. "Yeah, Abhishek was on fire out there! You should have seen his batting skills, Kiara. It was like watching a master at work."

Kiara nodded politely, but her eyes drifted back to Abhishek, a hint of admiration in her gaze. "I'll definitely have to catch the highlights then. Sounds like it was quite the performance."

Abhishek felt a pang of guilt at the way Kiara's attention seemed to be causing tension between him and Shubman. He didn't want to come between his friend and a potential romantic interest, but he also couldn't ignore the undeniable connection he felt with Kiara.

As the conversation continued, Abhishek found himself drawn to Kiara's easygoing demeanor and genuine interest in him. Despite Shubman's efforts to impress her, it was clear that Kiara's attention was focused squarely on Abhishek—an unexpected twist that left him feeling both thrilled and conflicted.

Abhishek's heart skipped a beat at Kiara's invitation. He exchanged a hesitant glance with Shubman, who seemed taken aback by Kiara's request.

"Uh, sure, I'd love to," Abhishek replied, trying to keep his tone casual despite the flutter of excitement in his chest. "But, uh, maybe Shubman could come too? It could be fun, you know?"

Kiara hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering between Abhishek and Shubman. "Actually, I was hoping it could just be the two of us," she said with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

Shubman's expression fell, a hint of disappointment flashing across his face before he quickly masked it with a forced smile. "Oh, right, of course. No problem at all. You guys have fun."

Abhishek felt a pang of guilt at Shubman's reaction, but he couldn't deny the excitement coursing through him at the prospect of spending time alone with Kiara. "Yeah, maybe some other time, Shubman. Sorry, Kiara, he's just being a bit protective," he said with an apologetic smile.

Kiara nodded understandingly, her gaze softening as she turned back to Abhishek. "No worries. Just us sounds perfect, actually."

As Shubman excused himself from the room with a forced grin, Abhishek couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation that settled over him. Whatever lay ahead, one thing was for certain—this coffee date with Kiara was bound to be an experience he wouldn't soon forget.

—————————————————————————————————-

As they sat in the cozy corner of the cafe, Kiara and Abhishek delved into a conversation about their interests. Abhishek realized that they didn't have much in common, but he found himself enjoying Kiara's company nonetheless.

"So, what do you like to do for fun?" Kiara asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she sipped her coffee.

Abhishek chuckled, scratching the back of his neck sheepishly. "Well, I'm pretty into cricket, obviously," he replied with a grin. "But besides that, I enjoy playing video games, watching movies, you know, typical stuff."

Kiara nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "That sounds fun. I'm more into art and photography, myself," she admitted, her gaze drifting to the bustling street outside the cafe. "I love capturing moments and expressing myself through my artwork."

Abhishek found himself captivated by Kiara's passion, despite their differing interests. "That's really cool," he said genuinely, admiration coloring his voice. "I've always admired people who have a creative outlet."

Their conversation flowed effortlessly as they shared stories and exchanged laughs, the warmth of their budding friendship enveloping them like a cozy blanket. And as the afternoon sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a soft glow over their faces, Abhishek couldn't help but feel grateful for the unexpected connection he had forged with Kiara.

Suddenly, Abhishek felt a gentle pressure on his hand, and he looked down to see Kiara's fingers intertwined with his own. His heart skipped a beat as he met her gaze, a flush of warmth spreading across his cheeks.

"Thanks for hanging out with me today, Abhishek," Kiara said softly, her eyes filled with sincerity. "I had a really great time."

Abhishek felt a rush of warmth flood his chest at her words, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "The pleasure was all mine, Kiara," he replied, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I'm glad we could spend some time together."

As they sat in comfortable silence, the weight of their shared moment hanging in the air, Abhishek couldn't shake the feeling of contentment that washed over him. In Kiara, he had found not just a friend, but a kindred spirit—a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful connections are found in the unlikeliest of places.

As they strolled along the bustling streets of New York City, Abhishek found his thoughts drifting back to Ishika, despite the pleasant company of Kiara by his side.

"Hey, Abhishek, you seem a little distracted," Kiara remarked, her voice laced with concern as she glanced up at him.

Abhishek shook his head, offering Kiara a sheepish smile. "Sorry, Kiara, just lost in thought," he admitted, his mind still lingering on the image of Ishika's face.

Kiara's brow furrowed slightly as she stopped walking, turning to face Abhishek with a gentle expression. "Is everything okay?" she asked softly, her eyes searching his for any hint of distress.

Abhishek hesitated, unsure of how to articulate the jumble of emotions swirling within him. "Yeah, I'm fine, it's just... there's someone else on my mind," he confessed, his voice trailing off as he struggled to find the right words.

Kiara's gaze softened as she reached out to gently squeeze Abhishek's hand, offering him silent comfort. "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to," she said softly, her tone reassuring.

Abhishek nodded gratefully, appreciating Kiara's understanding. Despite the warmth of their budding friendship, his heart still yearned for Ishika, a longing he couldn't quite shake. And as they continued their stroll through the vibrant streets of the city, Abhishek couldn't help but wonder what the future held—for him, for Kiara, and for the tangled web of emotions that bound them together.

As they walked along the lively streets of New York City, Kiara and Abhishek engaged in light-hearted conversation, their laughter mingling with the sounds of the bustling metropolis around them.

"You know, Abhishek, I've really enjoyed spending time with you," Kiara said, her voice tinged with sincerity as she glanced up at him with a warm smile.

Abhishek returned her smile, feeling a sense of camaraderie blossoming between them. "Yeah, me too, Kiara. It's been great getting to know you," he replied, his tone genuine.

Kiara's expression softened as she hesitated, her gaze locking with Abhishek's. "There's something I've been wanting to tell you," she began, her voice slightly hesitant.

Abhishek's heart skipped a beat, a flicker of anticipation igniting within him as he waited for Kiara to speak.

"I... I like you, Abhishek. More than just as a friend," Kiara confessed, her cheeks flushing with a hint of nervousness.

Abhishek's breath caught in his throat as he processed Kiara's words, his mind racing with uncertainty. He knew he should respond, but the weight of his feelings for Ishika lingered heavily on his heart.

"I... I appreciate your honesty, Kiara," Abhishek said finally, his voice tinged with regret. "But I... I think I should go."

With that, Abhishek turned away, his steps quickening as he retreated from the conversation, leaving Kiara standing alone on the bustling streets of the city, her words hanging in the air between them, unanswered.

As Abhishek returned to the hotel, his mind swirling with conflicted emotions, he found Ishika waiting for him in the lobby, her presence a soothing balm to his tumultuous thoughts. Shubman had already left, leaving the two of them alone in the quiet tranquility of the hotel.

Ishika glanced up as Abhishek approached, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "Hey, Abhishek. Are you okay? You seem... different," she said softly, her eyes searching his face for any sign of distress.

Abhishek forced a smile, trying to mask the turmoil brewing within him. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just had a lot on my mind," he replied, his tone a touch evasive.

Ishika studied him for a moment, her intuition telling her that something was amiss. "You can talk to me, you know. I'm here for you," she said gently, her voice filled with genuine warmth and concern.

Abhishek's resolve wavered as he looked into Ishika's eyes, sensing the depth of her sincerity. "I appreciate that, Ishika. It's just... I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately," he admitted, his voice tinged with vulnerability.

Ishika reached out, placing a comforting hand on Abhishek's shoulder. "Whatever it is, you don't have to face it alone. We're in this together," she said softly, her words a silent promise of unwavering support.

Abhishek felt a surge of gratitude wash over him, grateful for Ishika's steadfast presence in his life. "Thank you, Ishika. That means a lot," he said sincerely, his heart lighter knowing that he didn't have to carry his burdens alone.

As they stood together in the quiet embrace of the hotel lobby, Abhishek couldn't help but feel a sense of peace settle over him, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he had a friend by his side who would always be there for him.

i lost my header for some reason idk why