Chapter : 18

At Mumbai, Saturday Morning

The sun filtered through the large windows of the apartment, casting a warm golden glow on the wooden floors. Shubman stretched lazily on the couch, his muscles still sore from the emotional rollercoaster of the previous day. Vaani walked into the living room, two cups of coffee in her hands.

“Good morning, Mr. Nervous-Wreck-from-Yesterday,” she teased, placing one cup in front of him.

Shubman groaned, rubbing his face. “Don’t remind me. I don’t think I’ve ever been that scared in my entire life. Facing bowlers at 150 kmph seems easier than meeting Saroj Maa.”

Vaani chuckled, sitting beside him. “Well, you survived. And she likes you. That’s a big deal.”

He exhaled deeply, sipping his coffee. “Yeah… but I still feel like she’s testing me. Did you see how she kept asking about my future plans?”

“She does that to everyone,” Vaani assured. “Even Rohit bhaiyya had to go through it when he started dating Ritika bhabhi.”

Just then, Virat walked in, dressed in a casual hoodie and joggers. “Good. You’re awake,” he said, plopping down on the armchair. “We have an important mission today.”

Shubman raised an eyebrow. “Mission?”

Virat smirked. “Yup. We’re going shopping.”

Shubman nearly choked on his coffee. “Shopping? With you?”

Vaani laughed. “Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as facing my mom. Bhaiyya just wants to get some things before tomorrow’s match.”

Virat leaned forward, his expression serious. “Also, I thought we could spend some time together. You’re part of the family now, and we barely hang out.”

Shubman nodded, surprised but pleased. “That actually sounds nice.”

“Great. Get ready. We leave in an hour.”

At a High-End Shopping Mall

The trio arrived at one of Mumbai’s most elite shopping malls, the kind where every brand had a luxurious showroom and price tags made people question their life choices.

“Alright, let’s start with formal wear,” Virat announced, leading the way. “Shubman, you need a good outfit for future family dinners.”

Shubman groaned. “Seriously?”

Vaani giggled. “Come on, it'll be fun.”

As they walked into a designer store, Virat and Vaani immediately started pulling out blazers and shirts for Shubman to try.

“This one,” Virat said, holding up a navy blue suit.

“No, this,” Vaani countered, picking up a charcoal grey one.

Shubman sighed. “I feel like a mannequin.”

After what felt like hours of trying on clothes, they finally settled on a few outfits. As they were heading towards the exit, a group of young cricket fans spotted them.

“Oh my God, it’s Virat sir and Shubman bhaiya!” one of them squealed.

Within moments, they were surrounded by excited fans asking for selfies and autographs.

Shubman smiled, posing for pictures, but it was Virat who stole the show with his effortless charm. Watching him interact with the fans, Shubman couldn’t help but admire how effortlessly he balanced fame and humility.

After finally escaping the crowd, they decided to grab lunch at a nearby café. As they settled in, Virat leaned forward. “So, how serious are you about Vaani?”

Shubman nearly choked on his drink. “W-What?”

Virat smirked. “Relax. I’m not grilling you. Just curious.”

Vaani rolled her eyes. “Bhaiyya, don’t scare him.”

Shubman composed himself and met Virat’s gaze. “I’m serious about her. I really care about Vaani.”

Virat studied him for a moment before nodding. “Good. Because she deserves someone who will put her first, always.”

“I will,” Shubman promised.

Vaani smiled, squeezing his hand under the table.

Back at the Apartment

By the time they returned home, the evening had set in. Anushka and Saroj Maa were in the living room, chatting over tea.

“How was the shopping trip?” Saroj Maa asked, looking at the bags they were carrying.

“Productive,” Virat replied, flopping onto the couch. “Also, we ran into some fans.”

Anushka smiled. “That’s nothing new.”

Shubman sat down beside Vaani, feeling much more comfortable now. Saroj Maa glanced at him, her expression unreadable for a moment before she spoke. “Beta, come sit with me.”

Shubman’s heart skipped a beat. He exchanged a quick glance with Vaani before moving to sit beside Saroj Maa.

She looked at him carefully. “You’re a good boy, Shubman. I can see that. But loving someone means understanding their world too. Are you ready for that?”

Shubman nodded. “I am, Aunty. I may not have all the answers, but I’m willing to learn and grow with Vaani.”

Saroj Maa smiled. “That’s all I needed to hear.”

A collective sigh of relief filled the room. Anushka clapped her hands. “Alright, enough of the serious talk! Let’s order dinner and relax.”

As the night continued, laughter and warmth filled the house. For the first time, Shubman felt completely at home. He had faced one of his biggest fears, earned the respect of the family, and deepened his bond with Vaani.

And as he looked around at the people who had now become a part of his world, he knew one thing for sure—he was exactly where he was meant to be.

Saturday, Kolkata

Rohit, Ishan, Shanaya, and Ritika landed in Kolkata on Saturday afternoon. The humid air hit them as they stepped out of the airport, the city bustling with life around them. They quickly got into their pre-arranged cars and headed toward their hotel.

Upon reaching the hotel, they checked into their rooms. Rohit and Ritika had their own suite, while Ishan and Shanaya were given separate but adjoining rooms. However, now that they were alone, the tension between Ishan and Shanaya became undeniable. Ever since that unexpected kiss a few nights ago, there had been an unspoken awareness lingering between them.

As Shanaya unpacked, she stole glances at Ishan, who was pretending to focus on his phone. His usual playful banter was missing, and she knew he was avoiding the conversation they needed to have.

Ishan finally cleared his throat, glancing at her. “So... about the other night…”

Shanaya felt her cheeks heat up. “Yeah… I guess we should talk about it?”

He nodded slowly, rubbing the back of his neck. “I mean… do we just forget it happened? Or… do you want to—”

Shanaya interrupted with a nervous laugh. “I don’t think I can just forget it.”

Ishan let out a breath of relief. “Me neither.”

Their eyes met, a silent understanding passing between them. But before either of them could say more, there was a knock at the door. Rohit’s voice came through. “Guys, team dinner in an hour! Get ready.”

Shanaya and Ishan exchanged a look, the tension still thick but now mixed with a hint of something new—anticipation.

“Guess we’ll talk later,” Shanaya said, a small smile playing on her lips.

Ishan nodded. “Yeah. Later.”

For now, they had a match to focus on. But something told them that after Kolkata, nothing would be the same between them.

________

Word Count = 1200

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