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Dreams. Dreams are the whispers of our soul, the flickers of hope that dance in the shadows of our waking mind. For indian girls, dreams often come wrapped in layers of tradition, duty, and expectation.

Dreams must be balanced delicately on the scales of family honor and societal norms, lest they tip too far in one direction and shatter against the hard ground of reality.

Born into families that worship Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and knowledge, Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and abundance, and Parvati, the goddess of strength and devotion, the goddess of strength and determination,

Indian girls like Shivangi learn from a young age to nurture their dreams while respecting the values and traditions passed down through generations.

Shivangi Randhawa thanked her Mahadev for letting her live her dream. She thanks him every day for giving her a brother who believed in her and supported her ambitions, even when the world around them whispered words of doubt and discouragement.

Shivangi thanked Mahadev for sending her vahini, Aaradhya into her brother's life. Her vahini was a pillar of strength and encouragement, always there to lend a listening ear and offer sage advice when Shivangi needed it most.

And her Dhriti, her best friend, who never failed to lift her spirits with her infectious laughter and unwavering support. Dhriti was the one who reminded Shivangi to chase her dreams fearlessly, to reach for the stars even when the night seemed darkest.

Never has she taken her restaturant, her dream for granted. "Devi" was her sanctuary, her temple where she poured her heart and soul into every dish, infusing each recipe with a touch of her own magic.

Never did Shivangi ever forget the struggles she faced, the obstacles she had to overcome to turn her dream into a reality. It wasn't easy being a woman in a male-dominated industry, but Shivangi refused to let that stop her.

Devi was not a means to make money. It was a way for her to feed her passion, to share her love for food with the world, to reminisce the time when her papa used to show her his talent of cooking in the kitchen, teaching her the secret recipes that had been passed down through generations.

Anyone that comes to Devi, Shivangi makes sure they never leave with an empty stomach. Her heart swells with pride as she watches her customers take their first bite, their eyes lighting up with delight, their taste buds dancing with joy.

Each satisfied smile is a validation of her hard work, a reminder that dreams, no matter how daunting, are worth pursuing.

"Final guests gone, Shivangi didi, ab toh close karne do," Anu whines, her voice pulling Shivangi back from her thoughts. Anu, the youngest member of her kitchen team, always eager to learn but equally eager to finish her shift and head home. [Final guests gone, Shivangi didi, let us close now.]

"Kisko pooch rahi hai tu, Anu? Agar Shivangi ka mann kare, toh voh kabhi Devi band hi na kare." Karan, her head server, remarks from where he is helping Nimrat dry the dishes and put them away. [Who are you asking, Anu? If it was up to Shivangi, she would never close Devi].

Shivangi, wiping the counters, couldn't help but chuckle at Karan's remark. Her silver baaliyan tinkled softly as she turned her head to glance at the young faces brimming with a mix of exhaustion and eagerness.

"Bas mujhe yeh saaf karne do, fir hum sab baith ke khate hain," Shivangi replied with a smile, her eyes reflecting the warmth of her heart. [Let me finish cleaning this up, then we can all sit down and eat.]

At the thought of eating the food Nimrat, Anu, Karan, Neha, Malhar, Rishi, and Vishal immediately broke into wide grins, their tiredness momentarily forgotten.

Shivangi cannot help the giggle that escapes her throat at the way the seven increase their speed, eager to finish up and indulge in the delicious meal awaiting them.

The seven were the jaan of her kitchen, the heartbeat of Devi. Without them, it wouldn't be the bustling, vibrant place it was. Without them, Shivangi was sure she couldn't keep her dream alive. She still remembers the first time she had met them.

Sure she made the food in the kitchen herself, but she needed a team to bring her vision to life. Anu was the best sous chef that Shivangi could have asked for, her youthful energy and eagerness to learn making her a valuable asset in the kitchen. Nimrat, though shy and reserved, was a great hostess, always ensuring that the customers felt welcome and cared for.

Karan was the perfect head server, managing Neha, Malhar, and Rishi under him with ease and grace. Neha, with her infectious smile and bubbly personality, was a natural at interacting with the customers, while Malhar's calm demeanor and quick thinking made him an excellent problem-solver. Rishi, with his attention to detail and knack for organization, kept everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

And then there was Vishal, the newest addition to the team, whose passion for food matched Shivangi's own. He was the perfect kitchen help, ready to help Shivangi and Anu, especially Anu who he stole a glance at every chance he got.

Shivangi couldn't help but notice the subtle blush that crept up Anu's cheeks whenever Vishal was around, and she couldn't suppress a knowing smile.

"Waise Dhriti di nahi aayein gi aapka khana khane?" Neha teases with a smile, knowing Dhriti cannot stay without them for long without dropping by to taste Shivangi's latest creations. [By the way, won't Dhriti come to eat your food?]

Shivangi chuckled, shaking her head fondly at Neha's question. "Dhriti toh hamesha late aati hai, par voh zaroor aayegi. Uska favorite dish banaya hai maine aaj." [Dhriti always comes late, but she will definitely come. I have made her favorite dish today.]

Malhar grinned mischievously. "Are you sure hum unka favourite dish nahi kha sakte? Unko pata bhi nahi chalegaki humne kha liya." [Are you sure we can't eat her favorite dish without her knowing? She wouldn't even realize we've eaten it.]

"Tujhe kya marna hai kya?" Rishi says, passing by Malhar and giving him a playful shove. "Dhriti di ka favorite dish matlab unka favorite dish hai. Aur vaise bhi, Shivangi didi ke haath ka khana Dhriti ka favourite hai. Unka aana toh banta hai." [What do you want, to die? Dhriti di's favorite dish means it's her favorite dish. And anyway, Dhriti di loves Shivangi didi's cooking.]

Shivangi turns around to Malhar with a mock look of anger on her face, "Sochna bhi mat Malhar! Dhriti ko pata chal gaya toh fir mere pass mat aane khud ko bachane keliye." [Don't even think about it, Malhar! If Dhriti finds out, then don't come running to me to save you.]

Shivangi's threat was met with playful laughter from her team, who knew better than to challenge her on matters concerning Dhriti's favorite dish. Malhar grumbles as he knows what happened the last time he dare to cross Shivangi's boundary on that matter.

He still remembers the way Dhriti had chased him around the kitchen with a ladle. It was a lesson learned the hard way, and Malhar wasn't keen on repeating it.

"Kya huha, iss din ki maar yaad aa gayi?" Vishal places his arm around Malhar's shoulder, teasing him gently. [What happened, remembering the beating from that day?]

Malhar rolls his eyes, swatting Vishal's arm away with a mock scowl. "Chal be, jyada shana banne ki zaroorat nahi hai tujhe." [Come on, you don't need to be too smart.]

"Kyu be, tujhe toh Dhriti ke haath se maar khane ka maza aata hai." Vishal retorts, earning a round of laughter from the rest of the team. [Why not, getting beaten by Dhriti is quite enjoyable for ypu, isn't it?]

"Haan toh tu kha le. Jaise baatein kar raha hai, harkate toh teri maar khane wali hi hai." Malhar shoots back, his eyes narrowing playfully at Vishal. [Yeah, you eat it then. The way you're talking, it seems like you're the one who's going to get beaten.]

"Yeh dono phir se shuru ho gaye," Rishi interjected with a laugh, stepping in to diffuse the playful banter between Malhar and Vishal. [These two have started again.]

"Haan, Rishi bhai, inka toh roz ka drama hai," Nimrat chimed in with a chuckle, joining in the conversation. [Yes, Rishi bhai, this is their daily drama.]

Shivangi watches, with a wide smile, as Malhar and Vishal push each other playfully. Malhar pushes Vishal a bit too hard, causing him to bump into Anu, who lets out a surprised yelp and nearly drops the dish she's holding.

Vishal catches her just in time, his hands reaching out instinctively to steady her. Their eyes lock lasts for a brief moment, but it's long enough for Shivangi to catch the hint of a blush on Anu's cheeks and a sheepish grin on Vishal's face.

"Tum theek toh ho?" Vishal asks, concern evident in his voice as he gently places a hand on Anu's arm. [Are you okay?]

Anu nods, her cheeks still flushed as she meets Vishal's gaze. "Haan, main theek hoon. Bas thoda sa ghabra gayi thi." [Yes, I'm fine. Just got a little startled.]

The two exchange a smile before Anu pulls away, busying herself with rearranging the dishes in her hands. Shivangi notices the smiles on everyone's faces as they watch the interaction unfold. The two were so obviously smitten with each other, it was almost comical.

Dhriti left no chances to tease the two whenever she got the opportunity, and the others were equally as quick to join in on the fun. Leave it to them to leave Vishal and Anu blushing profusely, their denials only fueling the playful teasing. Those and moments like these were what reminded Shivangi why she loved all of those around her.

"Chalo, bas karo ab tum dono," Shivangi interjected, her voice laced with amusement as she stepped in to stop the banter before it could escalate further. "Khana khane nahi jana hai kya?" [Come on, stop it you two. Don't you want to go eat?]

Vishal and Malhar immediately compose themselves at the mention of eating, straightening up and exchanging sheepish looks before nodding eagerly. Anu's cheeks still held a faint blush as she followed suit, her eyes darting away from Vishal's gaze.

Shivangi shakes her head, turning back to wiping the last bit of the counter with a chuckle. The team immediately gets back to work, finishing up their tasks with renewed energy fueled by the anticipation of the delicious meal awaiting them.

Wrapping up their tasks usually shouldn't take them long but when they are goofing around and teasing each other, it does take them longer than expected.

But Shivangi can't help but feel a surge of gratitude wash over her. These people, her team, her family, were the ones who made Devi what it was. They were the ones who stood by her through thick and thin, who shared her dreams and helped her turn them into reality.

As the last dish was put away and the kitchen gleamed with the satisfaction of a day's work well done, Shivangi clapped her hands together with a smile. "Chalo, ab hum sab dinner ke liye tayar hain!" [Come on, now we are all ready for dinner!]

The team cheered in unison, their exhaustion replaced by excitement at the prospect of indulging in Shivangi's culinary creations. Vishal, ever the eager one, exclaimed, "Didi, aaj toh aapne kuch khaas banaya hai na? Mujhe toh abhi se bahut bhookh lagi hai!" [Didi, have you made something special today? I am very hungry already!]

Shivangi grinned at Vishal's enthusiasm. "Haan, aaj maine tum sabke favorite dishes banaye hain. Ab chalo, let's go to the dining area and enjoy the meal together," she said, leading the way with a spring in her step. [Yes, I have made everyone's favourite dish. Now let's go to the dining area and enjoy the meal together.]

The aroma of spices and herbs wafted through the air as the team gathered around the table, their faces glowing with anticipation. Shivangi looked around at each of them, feeling a swell of pride and affection in her heart.

They weren't just colleagues; they were a family bound by their shared passion for food and their unwavering support for each other.

As they savored each bite of the delicious meal, laughter and stories filled the air, creating a tapestry of camaraderie and joy. Shivangi's eyes sparkled with happiness as she watched her team bond over food, their spirits lifted by the flavors that danced on their tongues.

As the night grew deeper and the sounds of satisfied murmurs filled the restaurant, Shivangi felt a sense of fulfillment wash over her. This was what Devi was all about—bringing people together, creating moments of joy, and turning dreams into reality, one dish at a time.

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Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian cricket team, the Hitman, the King of Mumbai, and the babysitter of a bunch of kids stuck in the body of grown men.

Sometimes, that's how he felt when he had to manage his team off the field. The team, he loved dearly, was like a family to him, but they could be quite a handful at times. Yet, he wouldn't have it any other way.

Not that he is alone. Whenever the team gets too much, he for sure is dragging Virat into the chaos. Just because he is now the ex-captain, doesn't mean he's off the hook.

He should have known better than to think he could escape the antics of his teammates by relinquishing the captaincy. The two have been together for so long, so obviously, Rohit's problem is Virat's problem too. And vice versa.

No wonder the two are called the maa papa of the team by everyone around them. Rohit is definitely the dad and Virat is undoubtedly the mom, always making sure everyone is in line and looking out for their well-being.

But Rohit is the fun dad, the one who cracks jokes and lightens the mood when tensions run high. And Virat, well, he's the mom who ensures everyone eats their vegetables and gets enough rest.

Plus, one look from Virat can silence even the rowdiest of players and crowds. So when the team makes a weird request, Rohit throws them to Virat with a mischievous grin, knowing that his stern gaze will quickly bring them back in line.

Just how he did now. Rohit couldn't help but chuckle as Siraj attempted to persuade him to postpone tomorrow morning's practice session. Rohit wants to give in, and wants to sleep in too, but he knows that Virat would never go for such a suggestion, especially with an important match looming on the horizon.

"Come on, Skipper, please. Humko humari rest chahiye na. Agar hum thake ho kar match khelenge, toh humara performance kaise hoga?" Siraj pleaded, his puppy-dog eyes almost convincing Rohit to give in to the temptation of extra sleep. [Come on, Skipper, please. If we play while tired, how will our performance be?]

"Mujhe toh mana loge, par Virat ko kaise manaoge?" Rohit smirked, raising an eyebrow at Siraj. [You might convince me, but how will you convince Virat?]

Siraj's face fell as he realized the futility of his request. "Virat bhai ka naam mat lo, Skipper. Unko toh bas practice aur discipline ki padi rehti hai." [Don't mention Virat bhai's name, Skipper. He's only ever concerned with practice and discipline.]

"Aacha. Mujhe practice aur discipline ki padi rehti hai?" Virat's voice cut through the conversation, startling both Rohit and Siraj. He walks closer, just in time to hear the tail end of their discussion. [Oh, I'm only ever concerned with practice and discipline?]

Rohit chuckled, nudging Siraj with a knowing look. "Bach ke, Siraj. Ab toh tu gaya." [Careful, Siraj. Now you're in trouble.]

Siraj gulped, looking sheepish. "Virat bhai, woh... main toh bas... masti kar raha tha." [Virat bhai, I was just... joking.]

Virat crossed his arms, "Maine tum sabko aaj cheat day diya na. Agar main chahta toh hum sab Salad Bar jate aaj. Ab bolo, kya chahiye?" [I gave you all a cheat day today, right? If I wanted, we could have gone to the Salad Bar today. Now tell me, what do you want?]

Siraj squirmed, knowing he was caught between a rock and a hard place. He shot Rohit a helpless look, but Rohit just grinned wider, enjoying the spectacle. "Virat bhai, kuch nahi... bas kal subah thoda late start kar sakte hai?" Siraj asked tentatively. [Virat bhai, nothing... can we just start a little later tomorrow morning?]

Virat suppresses the smile that threatens to tug at the corners of his lips, maintaining his stern demeanor. "Okay, theek hai. Kal ka pratice session thoda delay kar dete hai." [Okay, fine. We'll postpone tomorrow's practice session a bit.]

Siraj's eyes widened in surprise, clearly not expecting Virat to agree so easily. "Sach mein, Virat bhai?" he asked, his disbelief evident in his voice. [Really, Virat bhai?]

Even Rohit is surprised by how quickly Virat acquiesced to Siraj's request. Usually, it takes a bit more convincing. Because no matter what, Virat always puts the team's best interests first, even if it means sacrificing his own preferences or adhering to a stricter schedule.

Virat nods, though the hint of a mischievous smile finally breaks through his facade. "Haan, sach mein. Kal ka practice session 6:30 ki jaga, hum 7:00 baje karenge. Ab khush?" [Yes, really. Instead of 6:30, tomorrow's practice session will be at 7:00. Happy now?]

Siraj knew it was too good. He should've known better than to think that Virat bhaiyya would delay practice so easily. Not that Rohit bhai laughing in the background is helping his case. Leave it up to Rohit bhai to find amusement in the situation, Siraj thought ruefully. He should have known that Virat bhai's agreement came with a catch.

Rohit claps Siraj on the back, unable to contain his laughter any longer. "Tujhe kya laga, Siraj? Virat ko itni jaldi nahi maanega. Puppy eyes toh bas apne Ishan ki chalti hai Virat ke aage," Rohit teased, his eyes sparkling with amusement. [What did you think, Siraj? Virat wouldn't agree so easily. Only Ishan's puppy eyes work on Virat.]

"Aisi baat hai?" Siraj says, turning his head to look at Virat bhai and then Rohit bhai. A playful smile sets home on his lips. "Pakka Virat bhai?" [Is that how it is? Are you sure, Virat bhai?]

Virat's eyes twinkle with amusement as he nods in confirmation. "Haan, pakka. Aisi hi baat hai." [Yes, sure. This is how it is.]

"Theek hai, Virat bhai. Aapki marzi," Siraj says this with a smirk, before he turns his head and shouts, "Nushkie Bhabhi, Virat bhai bol rahe hai ki humko kal 5:45 per pratice shuru karni padegi. Aap hi kuch bolo na." [Ok, Virat bhai. Your wish. Nushkie bhabhi, Virat bhai is saying we have to start practice at 5:45 tomorrow morning. Say something na.]

Rohit claps a hand over his mouth, desperately trying to stifle his laughter as he watches the way Virat's eyes widen in horror. That was a dirty move. Pulling Anushka into the mix of their conversation was bound to get a reaction from Virat, and Rohit couldn't wait to see how he would handle it.

Anushka is like the loving mama bear of the Indian cricket team, fiercely protective of her husband and his teammates. And Siraj knew exactly how to push Virat's buttons.

Virat's expression shifts from amusement to mild panic as he glances at Rohit, realizing he's been outsmarted. He knows that if Anushka gets involved, there's no telling what might happen.

She will obviously support the players and Virat will get scolded for waking her babies up so early. But before Virat can come up with a response, a voice rings out from behind them.

"Kitne baje practice hai kal, Virat?" Anushka's voice cuts through the air, her tone a mix of amusement and concern. She walks up to them, her presence commanding attention as she wraps an arm around Virat's waist, shooting him a knowing look. [What time is the practice tomorrow, Virat?]

Behind them the Wags, arm in arm, with their husbands walk closer all with smiles on their faces, clearly enjoying the playful banter unfolding before them. Ritika wasted no time walking over to Rohit who was doubled over in laughter and having a hard time breathing.

This Panda. Once Virat is out of this situation, he will kill this Panda. After getting Virat in trouble, he is laughing at Virat? No worries, tomorrow, guess who is running 10 extra laps around the field? Virat winces, knowing he's in for it now.

He shoots Rohit a pleading look, silently begging for assistance, but Rohit just chuckles and shrugs, thoroughly enjoying the show. After all, it's not often he gets to see Virat squirm under the gentle but firm hand of his loving wife.

"7:30 baje. Practice kal 7:30 baje hai. Hai na, Rohit?" Virat replies quickly, a sheepish grin spreading across his face as he tries to salvage the situation. [At 7:30. Practice is at 7:30. Right, Rohit?]

Rohit, unable to contain his laughter any longer, steps forward, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "Haan, Sharma twin, kal practice 7:30 baje hai. Siraj ne toh bas... aise hi... apne dimaag ki batti jala di thi," he chimes in, his words laced with amusement. [Yes, Sharma twin, practice is at 7:30 tomorrow. Siraj was just... trying to... you know... trying to use his brain.]

"Oh, aacha. Mujhe laga kal 6 baje practice hai. Main toh Virat ki class lene ko ready bethe thi," Anushka says with a playful smirk, squeezing Virat's waist affectionately. She shoots Siraj a knowing look, her eyes twinkling with amusement. [Oh, okay. I thought practice was at 6 tomorrow. I was ready to teach Virat a lesson.]

Virat lets out a sigh of relief, grateful for Anushka's intervention. He shoots a grateful glance at Rohit, silently thanking him for not throwing him completely under the bus. Rohit just grins back, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he watches the interaction unfold.

"Ae Shubhi, Shrey, Rishu aur Ishu kahan hai?" Siraj questioned, looking around for the missing members of their chaotic crew. [Hey, where are Shubhi, Shrey, Rishu, and Ishu?]

"Shubhi, Shrey, Rishu, aur Ishu ab tak nahi aaye? Bhook lagi hai yaar!" KL Rahul groaned, rubbing his stomach dramatically. His wife, Athiya, laughed, swatting his arm playfully. [Shubhi, Shrey, Rishu, and Ishu are still not here? I am hungry.]

"Arre, Rahul. Patience. They must be finding the perfect parking spot," Athiya teased, rolling her eyes.

"Arre, yaar. In logo ko cars park karne mein kitna time lagta hai?" Rohit exclaimed, shaking his head in mock disbelief. [Oh, man. How much time do they need to park their cars?]

"Chill, Hitman. Shubman ke driving skills toh sabko pata hai. Safety first, remember?" Hardik joked, earning a round of laughter from the team. [Chill, Hitman. We all know Shubman's driving skills. Safety first, remember?]

Shivers run through the team as they remember letting Shubman drive the team bus once; it was an experience none of them wanted to repeat. Never in their lives had they clung to their seats with such fear as when Shubman navigated through traffic, narrowly avoiding collisions at every turn. It was a miracle they made it back to the hotel in one piece.

Ever since then, they only allow Shubman to park in open spaces with no other cars around, just to be safe. But even then, the sound of his parking attempts is enough to send the team running for cover.

"Woh teeno bol rahe the ki cars park karke aayenge. Bol rahe the ki hum jake unke liye order ka kar denge tab tak," Kuldeep replied, shrugging as he tried to hide his amusement. [They were saying they'll come after parking their cars. They said they'll order for us in the meantime.]

Natasa tilts her head, letting it rest on Hardik's shoulder, "Then we should order something delicious. I'm sure they will be here in no time."

Natasa's suggestion is met with unanimous agreement and the team decides to head inside. God knows how long it will take them to find parking in Mumbai, which can sometimes be a nightmare when it comes to finding parking.

As the team approached the restaurant door, still chuckling and exchanging playful jabs, KL Rahul reached out to pull the handle. To his surprise, the door didn't budge. He tried again, this time with a bit more force, but it still wouldn't open.

"Arre, yeh kya? Band hai kya?" Rahul muttered, furrowing his brows as he tugged on the door again, still unable to believe the restaurant was closed. [Hey, what's this? Is it closed?]

Rohit, still catching his breath from laughing so much, stepped up beside him and gave the door a tug, hoping his strength might make a difference. "Lagta toh hai," he said, a hint of confusion in his voice as he peered through the glass, trying to spot any signs of life inside. [It seems like it.]

Inside, the lights were dim, and there were no signs of life. The team members turned to Rohit and Virat for answers, expecting them to have a solution.

"Rohit, tu sure tha na ki yeh jagah aaj open hai?" Hardik asked, raising an eyebrow in suspicion and looking somewhat exasperated. [Rohit, you were sure this place is open today, right?]

Rohit scratched his head, looking slightly embarrassed as he realized his mistake. "Haan yaar, mujhe laga tha yeh open hai," he admitted sheepishly, feeling the weight of responsibility. [Yeah, man, I thought it was open.]

Virat sighed, shaking his head in mild frustration. "Accha, ab kya? Hum sab bhook se mar rahe hain," he said, scanning the street for any other viable dining options nearby. [Okay, now what? We're all starving.]

"Excuse me?"

The team is startled at the sudden intrusion, their collective hunger momentarily forgotten. They turn as one to face the source of the voice, a young woman standing a few steps behind them.

In the soft glow of the moonlight, she stood with an almost ethereal presence. Her attire was a study in understated elegance—a simple white kurta paired with a delicate pink dupatta that flowed gently in the breeze.

As she stood there, she radiated a quiet confidence. Her face, a serene canvas, was framed by dark hair neatly pulled back, allowing her natural beauty to shine unobstructed, and yet the two strands on either side added their own charm.

Her eyes were the most captivating feature, expressive and deep as if they held a world of untold stories, a subtle bindi adorned her forehead, while her silver hoop jhumkas swayed gently with each of her movements, catching the light and adding a hint of sparkle.

She seemed a bit anxious, her hands playing with the steel container in her hands, causing her bangles to make a soft, melodious sound that contrasted with the city's usual din. Her presence, unexpected and yet strangely calming, caught the team off guard.

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Shivangi is nervous, of course she was. She had never been in front of so many people all by herself. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart and calm her jittery hands. Shivangi hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to approach them.

They were strangers, after all, and she didn't want to intrude. But seeing their evident confusion and mild frustration at the sight of her closed restaurant she felt compelled to step forward and offer some help.

It was late. They were 30 minutes late, and had they been here earlier she would have welcomed them warmly inside the restaurant. She had stayed open longer than usual, hoping to accommodate a late-night customer or two, but she had finally given up and closed the doors, ready to head home herself.

Now, seeing this large group at her doorstep, she felt a pang of guilt and a sense of duty to help them, despite the late hour.

Her Vihaan bhaiyya and Aradhya vahini were waiting for her back at home, no doubt worried about her being out so late. Yet, as Shivangi looked at the group of people standing in front of her closed restaurant, she couldn't just turn them away.

Now. The problem is that they are closed and they all are hungry. However, Shivangi couldn't turn away a guest without at least offering something to eat.

It wasn't in her nature to send anyone away empty-handed, especially when they had taken the trouble to come all the way here.

No one that has come to her has ever gone back hungry, and she didn't intend to start now. Food was sacred to her, and she couldn't deny anyone the comfort and nourishment it provided, especially not now.

Maa Annapurna wouldn't be pleased if she turned away a hungry soul, Shivangi thought to herself.

"Excuse me?" she repeated, her voice trembling slightly, taking in their crestfallen faces. "Actually, this is my restaurant and it's closed for the night." Shivangi's eyes flicked towards the closed doors of her restaurant, a wave of guilt washing over her.

"Oh." Trisha sighed softly, disappointment evident in her eyes as she exchanged glances with Ritika, who shrugged apologetically. Behind them, the rest of the team murmured amongst themselves, their hunger palpable after a long day of training and travel.

A wave of disappointment run over the team as they realized their hopes of a satisfying meal had been dashed. Their stomachs rumbled in protest, echoing the collective sentiment of longing for food after a strenuous day. Ritika, and Anushka glanced around, searching for an alternative nearby, while Rohit and Virat exchanged looks of mild frustration, pondering their next move.

Seeing their dejected faces, Shivangi's heart sank further. She couldn't help but feel responsible for their predicament, even though it was beyond her control. Her mind raced, contemplating how she could assist them despite the closed doors of her restaurant.

"Harakata nahi. Aata mala sanga, kahi kya woh hai kya?" Rohit exclaimed with a hint of hope, gesturing towards the closed restaurant. [No worries. Now tell me, is there any "woh" nearby?]

"Restaurant?" Shivangi responded, catching Rohit's hopeful glance and understanding his inquiry perfectly despite his informal choice of words.

The other team members blinked in surprise at Shivangi's words, taken aback by her quick understanding. It was the first time someone other than Ritika or Virat had managed to decipher what Rohit's ambiguous 'woh' meant so effortlessly.

Shivangi hesitated for a moment, mentally running through the options available at this hour. The bustling streets of Mumbai usually offered an array of late-night eateries, but she was concerned about finding a place that could accommodate such a large group.

Recovering quickly, Shivangi continued, her voice warm and inviting. "Bhau, aaj unfortunately, sab kuch band hai as it's quite late. Lekin, agar aap logon ko bura na lage, toh mere pass yeh gajar ka halwa hai. Maine khud banaya hai." Shivangi suggested tentatively, holding up the big steel container with a shy smile. [Brother, unfortunately, everything is closed as it's quite late. But, if you don't mind, I have some carrot halwa here. I made it myself.]

It takes Rohit two seconds to understand that she has referred to him as "Bhau," an affectionate term for brother. The realization brought a smile to his face, and the captain of the Indian Cricket team cannot help the way his mouth waters at the thought of homemade gajar ka halwa.

The team exchanges glances with interest, and amusement. The warmth in her voice and the genuine concern etched on her face melted away their frustration.

Had it been any other restaurant owner, they might have walked away disappointed, and yet here was this young woman with a heart as big as her smile, offering them food.

The team's collective disappointment began to melt away as Shivangi's offer of homemade carrot halwa hung in the air.

Suryakumar's eyes lit up with genuine gratitude. "Gajar ka halwa? Wah! Aapne khud banaya hai?" he exclaimed, his smile widening. The mention of halwa instantly conjured memories of home-cooked delights, a comforting reminder of simpler pleasures amidst their hectic lives. [Gajar ka halwa? Wow! You made it yourself?]

Shivangi nodded warmly, relieved to see their initial disappointment giving way to curiosity and appreciation. "Haan, mere ghar pe sab ko aacha lagta hai. Aap bhi khana. Aap log bhookhe hai na, isliye socha aapko kuch toh khilau," she replied, her voice gentle yet filled with sincerity. [Yes, my family loves it. You must also be hungry, so I thought I'd feed you something.]

The team was in awe. The team was in awe of Shivangi's generosity and kindness. It wasn't just about the offer of food; it was the way she had stepped forward without hesitation to help complete strangers. In their world of fame and competition, such genuine gestures were rare and precious.

Hardik steps forward, his carefree smile on his face. "You are a lifesaver, bacha! Bohat bhook lag rahi hai humein. Gajar ka halwa sunke hi bhookh aur khushi dono lag rahi hai," he exclaimed, his eyes bright with gratitude. [You are a lifesaver, bacha! We're starving! Just hearing about carrot halwa makes us hungry and happy.]

Shivangi's warm smile graces her face as she prepares to offer the steel container of homemade carrot halwa to Virat. Just as she extends it towards him, a sudden blast from a loud horn startles everyone.

Their attention swiftly turns towards a white vespa that has pulled up nearby, its headlight casting a glare that momentarily obscures the face of the girl riding it.

"Shivi, jaldi aa! Tujhe toh daant nahi padegi, per Vihaan bhai mujhe zaroor daante ge," the girl yells from the Vespa, her voice tinged with a mix of urgency and irritation. [Shivi, hurry up! You will not get yelled at, but Vihaan bhai will for sure scold me.]

Shivangi's attention swiftly shifted towards the source of the urgency and her lips immediately twist into a smile as she recognizes the voice immediately — Dhriti Kothari. Her best friend since class 3, the one person who could always bring a smile to her face no matter the situation.

"Coming, Dhriti!" Shivangi called back, her voice carrying a hint of laughter as she adjusted the strap of her bag on her shoulder. She knew Dhriti was right; Vihaan bhai had always had a soft spot for her, ever since they were kids, but Dhriti, with her knack for getting into minor trouble, always bore the brunt of his stern lectures.

Shivangi turns her attention to the Indian Cricket Team, thrusting the steel container into Virat's hand. "Sorry sorry, bhaiyya, yeh lijiye. Ab main chalti hoon," Shivangi said quickly, handing over the steel container to Virat with a hurried yet genuine smile. [Sorry sorry, bhaiyya, here you go. Now I must go.]

Shivangi smiled at the team as she turned to leave, her steps quickening as she made her way towards Dhriti and the waiting Vespa. She knew Dhriti would not wait for long, especially with Vihaan bhaiyya's potential scolding looming over them. Yet, despite the urgency in her movements, Shivangi couldn't help but steal a glance back at the Indian Cricket Team.

The Indian Cricket Team watched as the white Vespa, carrying Shivangi and her friend Dhriti, disappeared into the bustling streets of Mumbai. What an unexpected encounter, and yet they couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the brief but delightful interruption Shivangi had brought into their evening.

Virat, still holding the container, couldn't help but smile. He glanced at Rohit, who was now grinning from ear to ear, clearly amused by the turn of events. "Well, that was something, wasn't it?" Virat remarked, shaking his head in amazement.

The WAGs stood by, their eyes twinkling with amusement as they watched their husbands circle around Virat, each vying for the coveted first bite of the homemade gajar ka halwa. The container passed from hand to hand, and each team member eagerly leaned in to catch a whiff of the sweet aroma emanating from within.

It was moments like these that reminded them of the playful, sometimes childlike essence hidden beneath the veneer of their husbands' stature as professional athletes.

"Cheeku, theek se khada reh," Rohit chided Virat, struggling with the tightly sealed steel container. [Cheeku, stay still.]

"Arre, abhi kyun khol rahe ho?! Pehle koi baithne ki jagah toh dhoond lo," Ritika teased, her eyes twinkling mischievously as she watched Rohit struggle with the container. She knew well that patience was a virtue not often associated with hungry cricketers, especially when it came to sweets. [Hey, why are you opening it now?! First of all, find a place to sit down.]

Once Rohit finally managed to pry open the steel container, he didn't waste a moment. Like a child with a prized possession, he darted off with it, eliciting amused disbelief from everyone around. The rest of the team stood there, mouths slightly agape, witnessing their usually composed captain sprinting away with food in hand.

"Ro bhai, yaar."

In an instant, the team erupted into action, spurred by the contagious enthusiasm of their skipper. They took off after Rohit, their strides varying from determined sprints to playful skips, each member eager to get their share of the sweet.

The sight of professional cricketers racing through the dimly lit streets of Mumbai would have been comical to any bystander, but to the team, it was a moment of spontaneous fun and just being themselves.

Ishan, Shubman, Shreyas, and Rishabh, who had just arrived, looked on in amusement as they witnessed their teammates bolting down the street in pursuit of Rohit. Without missing a beat, they joined the chase, their laughter blending with the sounds of Mumbai's bustling nightlife.

These were the people who carried the dreams of crores on their shoulders, but right now, they were just brothers enjoying a simple joy. It was a reminder that even heroes need to unwind, to laugh, to run after a bit of sweetness in life.

The busy Mumbai streets, usually filled with the hustle and bustle of daily life, seemed to pause for a moment as the cricketers relished this rare, carefree night.

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Here is a gift after the Ind vs Aus win. Sharmaji ke bete ne toh maze karwa diye. Tum bhi maze karlo.

Please tell me how did you liked the chapter and if there was anything I can approve in the chapter. If you want to see anything in the story, let me know as well, I will try my best to work it into the story.

Have a good day and have fun!