Sara was packing her bags when Trisha approached her. "Hey, Sara."

Sara looked up and smiled. "Hey, Trisha."

Trisha hesitated for a moment before asking, "Can you do a favor for me?"

"Of course," Sara replied. "What do you need?"

Trisha looked a bit nervous. "My parents are out of town, and I'm scared to stay alone in the big house. Can I stay with you tonight?"

Sara nodded. "Sure, let me just ask Shubman. Give me a minute."

Sara quickly called Shubman. "Hey, Shubman, what happened?" he answered.

"Shubman, my friend Trisha's parents are out of town, and she's scared to stay alone. Is it okay if she stays with us tonight?"

"I have no problem with that, but Shreyas is also going to be here," Shubman replied.

"Cool. We'll be there in 15 minutes," Sara said, disconnecting the call. She turned to Trisha with a grin. "Dr. Trisha Kulkarni, get ready to meet Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer."

Trisha squealed with excitement and hugged Sara. Together, they made their way to Shubman's house. As they approached, Trisha marveled, "This house is so pretty."

"I had the same reaction when I first came here last week," Sara said, smiling.

Trisha nodded. "I know that."

Sara rang the doorbell, and soon, Shreyas opened the door. "Hey, Sara," he greeted.

"Hi, Shreyas. Meet my friend, Trisha," Sara said, introducing them.

Shreyas and Trisha exchanged glances, and for a moment, Shreyas seemed lost in her eyes. Sara snapped her fingers in front of his face. "Shreyas, let us in."

Shreyas nodded, stepping aside to let them in. Inside, they saw Shubman sleeping on the couch. "What happened to him?" Sara asked.

Shreyas chuckled. "Virat bhai made him practice a lot today. He was too tired to even go up to his room."

Sara shook her head with a smile. "He could have at least tried." She then turned to Trisha. "Come on, Trish, I'll show you my room."

Trisha nodded, and they headed upstairs, leaving Shubman to his well-deserved rest.

Sara led Trisha upstairs to her room. As they entered, Trisha looked around, impressed by the neatness and decor. "Your room is so cozy," she remarked.

"Thanks," Sara said, setting her bag down. "It's starting to feel like home."

Trisha sat on the edge of the bed. "So, Shubman and Shreyas, huh? They seem really nice."

"They are," Sara agreed, sitting beside her. "Shubman's been really accommodating, and Shreyas is always full of energy."

Trisha giggled. "I could tell. Shreyas looked like he was struck by lightning when he saw me."

Sara laughed. "Yeah, he tends to have that effect on people. But he's a good guy, very genuine."

Trisha leaned back, looking thoughtful. "And Shubman? What's he like as a roommate?"

"Surprisingly neat, for one," Sara said with a smile. "He's respectful of my space and makes sure I'm comfortable. It's been nice having him around."

Trisha nodded, intrigued. "And they both seem so close. Do they hang out often?"

"Yeah, they do. Along with Virat and Hardik," Sara explained. "It's like one big brotherhood. They're always looking out for each other."

Trisha sighed. "That sounds amazing. It must be nice to have such a supportive group of friends."

"It really is," Sara said. "They've made me feel welcome, and it's helped me adjust to this new place."

Trisha smiled. "I'm glad you have them. And now, you have me too."

Sara hugged her friend. "Yes, I do. And I'm so grateful for that."

After a moment, Trisha pulled back and grinned. "So, do you think Shreyas was just being polite, or...?"

Sara laughed. "Oh, I think he was genuinely taken with you. But don't worry, he's harmless. Just enjoy the attention."

Trisha blushed slightly. "I'll try. It's all a bit overwhelming."

"You'll be fine," Sara assured her. "And if you ever need backup, I'm here."

They spent the rest of the evening chatting and catching up, their conversation filled with laughter and stories. 

As the evening progressed, Sara and Trisha decided it was time to head downstairs for dinner. They made their way to the kitchen, where the delicious aroma of food wafted through the air. Shreyas was busy setting the table, and Shubman was stirring a pot on the stove, looking more awake now.

"Hey, you two," Shubman greeted them with a smile. "Dinner's almost ready."

"Hey, Shubman," Sara said, noticing the tired look in his eyes. "Are you feeling okay? You looked exhausted earlier."

Shubman nodded, giving her a reassuring smile. "I'm fine. Just needed a quick nap to recharge."

Trisha looked impressed. "You guys made all this? It smells amazing."

Shreyas grinned. "Yep, Shubman's quite the cook. I just helped with the easy stuff."

Sara walked over to Shubman, concern still evident on her face. "Are you sure you're alright? You should rest more."

Shubman chuckled softly. "Thanks for worrying, Sara, but I'm good. Cooking actually helped me unwind a bit."

Sara nodded, still not entirely convinced but decided to let it go for now. "Alright, but promise me you'll take it easy."

Shubman smiled warmly. "Promise."

As they all sat down to eat, the conversation flowed easily. Shreyas and Trisha quickly bonded over shared interests, and Shubman joined in the banter, the atmosphere light and relaxed.

"So, Trisha, how's your first day at college been?" Shreyas asked between bites.

"It was good," Trisha replied. "Met some nice people and got settled in. Sara's been a huge help."

Sara smiled. "I'm just glad to have a friend around. Makes everything a lot easier."

Shubman looked at Trisha. "Well, you're welcome here anytime. Consider this your second home."

Trisha beamed. "Thanks, Shubman. That means a lot."

As dinner progressed, Shubman's fatigue seemed to fade, replaced by the warmth of camaraderie and laughter. Sara kept an eye on him, still concerned but relieved to see him enjoying himself.

After dinner, they all pitched in to clean up, and then gathered in the living room to relax. The conversation turned to light-hearted topics, stories of past escapades, and future plans.

Shubman leaned back on the couch, looking around at his friends. "This is nice. It's good to have everyone together."

Sara nodded in agreement. "It really is. I think we're going to make a great team."

Trisha smiled, feeling grateful for the new connections and the sense of belonging. "I couldn't agree more."

As the night went on, they all felt the bonds of friendship growing stronger, each grateful for the unexpected twists that had brought them together.

Later that night, after everyone had retired to their rooms, Trisha found herself unable to sleep. She tiptoed out of Sara's room and made her way to the balcony, hoping the fresh air would help clear her mind. She was surprised to find Shreyas already there, leaning against the railing and gazing at the city lights.

"Hey," she said softly, not wanting to startle him.

Shreyas turned and smiled. "Hey, couldn't sleep?"

Trisha shook her head. "Too much excitement, I guess. Mind if I join you?"

"Not at all," Shreyas replied, gesturing to the space next to him.

They stood in companionable silence for a few moments, enjoying the cool night breeze.

"Thanks for letting me stay," Trisha said eventually. "I really appreciate it."

Shreyas smiled. "No need to thank us. It's nice having you here. You seem to be good for Sara, too."

Trisha laughed lightly. "I hope so. She's been amazing to me."

They fell silent again, each lost in their thoughts. Finally, Shreyas spoke up. "So, what's your story, Trisha? How did you end up studying medicine?"

Trisha leaned against the railing, thinking. "I've always wanted to help people. Medicine seemed like the best way to do that. Plus, I've always been fascinated by how the human body works."

Shreyas nodded, impressed. "That's a noble reason. I'm sure you'll make a great doctor."

"Thanks," Trisha said, smiling shyly. "What about you? How did you get into cricket?"

Shreyas chuckled. "It's been my passion since I was a kid. I used to play with my friends all the time, and eventually, I got noticed. It's been a long journey, but I wouldn't trade it for anything."

Trisha looked at him, admiration in her eyes. "That's amazing. You and Shubman both are so dedicated."

"Yeah, it's a lot of hard work, but it's worth it," Shreyas said. "And having friends like Shubman makes it easier. We push each other to be better."

Trisha smiled. "It's great that you have that support system. I can see how close you all are."

Shreyas nodded. "We're like family. And now, it looks like you're becoming part of that family, too."

Trisha felt a warmth spread through her at his words. "I'd like that," she said softly.

They stood together for a while longer, the city lights twinkling below them. The conversation flowed easily, and they found themselves sharing stories and dreams, forging a connection that felt natural and right.

Eventually, Shreyas glanced at his watch. "We should probably get some sleep. Big day tomorrow."

Trisha nodded, feeling a contented tiredness settle over her. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks for the company, Shreyas."

"Anytime," he replied with a smile. "Goodnight, Trisha."

"Goodnight," she said, heading back to Sara's room with a lighter heart and a sense of belonging she hadn't felt in a long time.

As she slipped into bed, she couldn't help but feel excited for what the future held, knowing she had found not just friends, but a new family.