Pashmina rubbed her temples, watching her brother and her boyfriend argue like little kids about whose jersey she should wear to her first cricket match. She and Shubman had just finished the most beautiful trip, only for him to drag her along on his cricket tour because he didn't want her to go back to her room just yet. He wanted to spend more time with her. And now, here she was, watching her brother and her boyfriend argue over the silliest thing.

Pashmina sighed, trying to tune out their voices as the argument continued. She loved them both, but this was ridiculous. It was just a jersey, after all.

"Why don't you let her choose?" Shubman finally suggested, crossing his arms.

Paaji scoffed. "She's too nice to pick between us. You know that."

Pashmina raised an eyebrow. "I'm right here, you know."

Both of them turned to her, waiting for her decision. She looked from her brother to Shubman, then down at the two jerseys they were holding out for her. She knew if she picked one, the other would sulk for hours, maybe even days.

Pashmina curled up against the chair, looking nervous as she glanced up at their awaiting reaction. Just then, a voice broke through the silence. "Pashmina, why don't you wear mine? That way, you don't have to choose." It was Ishan, standing at the entrance.

Pashmina looked up to see Ishan, the short guy from that get-together night, holding his jersey with a big grin on his face.

Shubman narrowed his eyes at his best friend, scoffing. "Excuse me, don't jump on the wagon just like that. She is my girlfriend!"

Meanwhile, her Paaji banged his hands on the arm of the chair, flaring his nostrils. "And my sister!" he snapped, glaring at Ishan.

Pashmina sighed at her stubborn men, glancing between the jerseys and then at Ishan, who was pouting after being scolded. She knew the best way to handle the situation was to keep both 18 and 77 aside. With a smile, she moved toward the door, reaching for the jersey Ishan was holding.

"I'll wear yours," she said, making him beam with happiness.

Both men in the room gasped in shock, their faces a mix of disbelief and surprise. "No way!" they exclaimed in unison.

"Yes, way!" Pashmina replied confidently, glancing back at her men. "He will fit perfectly, considering we're the same height," she added with a shrug.

"Finally, one of the days where my height is an advantage!" Ishan said, giggling.

Both Shubman and Virat turned to glare at him, their expressions a mix of annoyance and disbelief. "You think this is funny?" Shubman shot back, crossing his arms.

"Both of you, it's my choice! Now go get ready for the match, or you'll be late," Pashmina said, planting a quick kiss on her paaji's cheek for good luck. Virat broke into a smile, his annoyance fading.

"You exactly know how to make me smile, don't you?" Virat said, pulling his sister into a bear hug.

Pashmina laughed, cuddling into his embrace. "Of course! That's my job as your little sister," she replied playfully.

Virat ruffled her hair and released her from the hug. "Just remember that when you're picking teams later," he teased, winking at her.

Pashmina rolled her eyes and shot back, "I'm not making any promises, so now go get ready." She playfully pushed him out of the room.

"I'm going! Just make sure you come with Anu and be safe, okay?" he said, leaning down to kiss her forehead.

"Promise!" she said, smiling up at him.

As Ishan and Virat left the room, Pashmina turned around to see Shubman still pouting, his arms crossed and his mouth forming a big, exaggerated frown.

Pashmina plopped down on Shubman's lap, sighing dramatically. "You still angry, big baby?"

Shubman looked at her, trying to maintain his pout, but the corners of his mouth twitched with a smile. "I'm not a big baby!" he protested, though his tone lacked conviction.

Pashmina giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck. "You are! I mean, look at you!"

Shubman raised an eyebrow, feigning confusion. "What's that supposed to mean?"

She leaned back slightly to give him a playful once-over, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You're all pouty and adorable. It's like you're trying to win an award for 'Most Dramatic Boyfriend."

"It's not funny! I wanted you to wear my jersey," he said, frustration creeping into his voice.

Pashmina looked around to check if they were alone before getting up and taking his jersey. Without giving him a chance to react, she pulled off his T-shirt and slipped the jersey over his head, making him blink in confusion at her sudden boldness.

"What are you doing?" he asked, his brows furrowing in surprise.

But when she crawled inside his t-shirt, wrapping her arms around him in a hug, he gasped at her boldness. It was the most daring she had ever been since they met, and it took him completely off guard.

"Now satisfied?" she asked, kissing his ear playfully.

Shubman stammered as he felt her soft body against his. "Did you just really...?" he started, his voice trailing off in disbelief.

"Are you complaining?" Pashmina asked, pouting as she turned to face him, ready to move out.

"No, no," Shubman said, pulling her into a hug instead. "I'm definitely not complaining."

Pashmina laughed, surprised by the sudden embrace. "What now?" she asked, looking up at him with a grin.

"I just wanted to make sure I remembered this moment," he said, tightening his arms around her. "You being bold and all. It's definitely one for the books."

Pashmina's smile widened, and she playfully rolled her eyes. "You're really laying it on thick, aren't you?"

Shubman chuckled, his expression softening. "I mean it! It's not every day I get to see this side of you. I love it."

She felt a warm flutter in her chest at his words, her heart swelling with affection. "Okay, okay! Just don't get used to it," she replied with a teasing grin. "I have a reputation to maintain!"

"Sure, keep telling yourself that," he said, finally releasing her from the hug. "But I'll be waiting for more surprises."

"Fine, but now get ready or you'll be late," she said, pecking his lips before turning to change.

Shubman held her waist, pulling her back gently. "I will make sure to make your first match etched in your heart," he promised, his voice sincere.

Pashmina smiled, kissing his forehead. "Thanks for existing," she said softly against his skin.
Shubman grinned, holding her close and burying his face in her shoulder. The warmth of her presence enveloped him, making him feel safe and cherished. "I could say the same about you," he murmured, his voice slightly muffled.

The stadium was buzzing with energy, the crowd shouting and going berserk for the players as they assumed their positions on the field. Pashmina stood among the sea of fans, holding her bhabhi's hand tightly, feeling overwhelmed by the noise but also a rush of excitement.

Everywhere she looked, fans were jumping and shouting, their voices blending into a symphony of anticipation. Colourful banners fluttered in the air, and the smell of popcorn and snacks wafted through the stands. Pashmina took a deep breath, letting the energy of the crowd seep into her bones.

She leaned her cheeks against her bhabhi's shoulder, holding her tight. No matter how much she tried to embrace the excitement of the crowd, the introverted part of her would always linger just beneath the surface.

Anushka gently cupped Pashmina's cheek with her palm as they made their way to the VIP stands. "You've got this," she encouraged, her voice soothing amid the chaos. "Just focus on having fun."

Pashmina nodded, taking deep breaths in between to calm her nerves. She reminded herself to stay composed, especially knowing the cameras would soon focus on her. The thought sent a flutter of anxiety through her, but she was determined to enjoy the moment.

As they approached their seats, the crowd's roar grew louder, and Pashmina could feel the adrenaline pulsing through her. She glanced around at the vibrant banners, the cheering fans, and the players warming up on the field, all of it igniting her spirit.

Pashmina's eyes widened in excitement as she spotted her paaji opening the innings instead of the captain. Next to him stood Shubman, ready to take on the challenge of the ODI once again. From everything she had read, Shubman was exceptional in both Tests and ODIs, and she could hardly contain her anticipation.

This was the moment she had been waiting for—witnessing both her paaji and her boyfriend perform live for the first time.

"This is it! They're about to start!" she exclaimed, glancing at Anushka, who was just as excited.

"Just wait until they make their first runs. You're going to lose it!" Anushka laughed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Pashmina nodded, her gaze fixed on the pitch as the bowler prepared to bowl the first ball. This was going to be an unforgettable day, and she was ready to soak in every second of it, cheering on the two players who meant the most to her.

She had her lips propped on one hand, her chin resting against her palm as she leaned forward in her seat, captivated by the masterclass of cricket unfolding before her. The graceful and eye-pleasing shots from both her men were nothing short of mesmerizing.

When the drinks break arrived, the camera panned to the crowd, and Pashmina, unaware, was shown on the big screen talking animatedly to Anushka. Her infectious smile and radiant energy lit up the screen, captivating everyone in the stands. The collective breath of the crowd hitched at her beauty, a chorus of admiration echoing through the stadium.

Shubman, catching sight of the display on the screen, felt a frown form on his face. He wasn't used to sharing her spotlight, and the sight of her being admired by so many made a knot form in his stomach. It wasn't jealousy but a protective instinct that surged within him.

"Why are they all staring at you like that?" he muttered under his breath, a hint of irritation creeping into his tone.

Virat glanced at him, eyebrows raised. "You know they're just appreciating how stunning she is, right?"

Shubman shrugged, his eyes still fixed on the screen. "Yeah, but she's my girlfriend. I don't like the idea of everyone gawking at her."

"Come on, focus on the game! She is all yours. My sister won't even look at anyone else if she loves someone," Virat said, turning his head back around to face the pitch, trying to lighten the mood.

Shubman let out a sigh, knowing Virat was right. Pashmina was devoted and had made her feelings clear, but the jealousy still gnawed at him. "I know, I know. It's just..." He trailed off, shaking his head in frustration. "I want to keep her safe from all that attention."

Virat chuckled and gave Shubman a light smack on the butt with his bat. "Don't worry, that's my job as the protective big brother! Now come on, score a century and impress her!"

Shubman nodded, a fierce determination coursing through him, and together with Virat, they began to rack up runs with remarkable ease. The excitement in the stadium grew as Virat reached his century first. He celebrated in his signature style, jumping into the air with joy, but this time, he added a special touch. He pointed twice skyward, a heartfelt tribute that spoke volumes.

Pashmina's eyes glistened with tears as she watched her brother celebrate, instinctively wiping away the moisture at the corners of her eyes. This was not just a personal victory; it was a touching homage to Karan, her late love, and her paaji's biggest supporter.

When Shubman reached his century, Pashmina felt her cheeks flush with warmth. He celebrated in style, bowing gracefully like a Disney prince, a playful grin on his face. The moment was enchanting, and she couldn't help but smile at his charm.

But her heart raced even more when he blew her a kiss, the camera catching the sweet gesture and broadcasting it across the stadium. The crowd erupted into cheers, and she felt a wave of shyness wash over her. Here she was, wearing jersey number 32, but receiving kisses from the boy in jersey number 77.

Pashmina knew that social media would be in a frenzy after the match, especially with the way Shubman had celebrated his century and their affectionate exchanges. She curled herself into a little ball in her seat, trying to contain the smile that threatened to spread across her face.

"Was this the beginning of everything better?" Pashmina pondered, her gaze fixed on Shubman as he focused on the game. The way he moved with determination, the way he lit up whenever he made a good play—it all stirred something deep within her.

"This is how healing looks," she thought, a gentle smile forming on her lips. After everything she had been through, this moment felt like a breath of fresh air.