Sara had an early morning session at her college, so she had left the house early. Shubman, too, had an early morning practice session, but he managed to return home before her.

Shubman had just showered and was wrapped in a towel when the doorbell rang. Assuming it was Ishan, he casually walked to the door and opened it. To his surprise, it was Sara standing there, engrossed in her phone.

As she looked up, she lost her balance and tripped, but Shubman quickly reached out and caught her. For a moment, they were both lost in each other's eyes. Sara's gaze shifted, and she realized Shubman was shirtless. She blushed deeply, but her eyes remained locked with his, creating a moment of unexpected and undeniable connection.

As Shubman held Sara in his arms, their eyes locked in a silent exchange. The warmth from Shubman's towel seemed to amplify the close proximity, making the moment feel intimate and charged. Sara's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink as she registered his bare chest, but she couldn't look away.

Shubman's heart raced as he took in Sara's flustered expression and the way she looked at him. He gently helped her regain her balance, his touch lingering a bit longer than necessary. "Are you okay?" he asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Sara, still caught in the gaze, managed a shy smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little clumsy."

Shubman chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You know, it's not every day I get a surprise visitor like this."

Sara laughed lightly, her nerves settling as the initial awkwardness faded. "I didn't expect to find you like this. I thought I'd be meeting Ishan."

"Trust me, the surprise is mutual," Shubman replied with a grin. He took a step back, giving her space but not breaking eye contact. "Why don't you come in? I'll get dressed and make us some coffee."

Sara nodded, stepping inside the house with a small, contented sigh. As Shubman retreated to his room to change, she wandered into the kitchen, admiring the cozy, lived-in feel of his home.

Shubman emerged a few minutes later, dressed casually in a shirt and jeans. He joined Sara in the kitchen, where he started brewing coffee. "I hope you're a coffee fan," he said with a warm smile.

"Absolutely," Sara replied, her gaze drifting to the way Shubman moved around the kitchen with a casual grace. "Thanks for making it. I could use a pick-me-up after my early start."

As they sipped their coffee, the conversation flowed easily. They shared stories about their respective mornings, laughed over small mishaps, and enjoyed the comfort of each other's company. The earlier tension had transformed into a relaxed, playful camaraderie.

Shubman, feeling the chemistry between them, took a moment to look at Sara. "You know, I'm really glad you stopped by. It's nice to have a bit of company."

Sara smiled, her eyes sparkling. "I'm glad I came by too. It's always nice to catch up with friends, and especially to see you."

As they continued to chat, the space between them seemed to close, filled with unspoken feelings and shared moments. The morning light streamed through the kitchen windows, casting a soft glow around them, making the ordinary feel extraordinary.

Their laughter and conversation became a gentle rhythm, creating a sense of warmth and intimacy that neither had expected but both cherished. The connection they felt was undeniable, and as they spent time together, it was clear that their bond was growing deeper, making the morning more memorable than either had anticipated.

As the evening approached, the excitement for Virat's party filled the air. Both Sara and Shubman had been looking forward to it. Sara, busy getting ready, had chosen a stunning blouse for the occasion, but she struggled with the delicate task of tying the dori at the back.

Frustrated, she called out, "Shubman? Can you come here for a moment?"

Shubman, who was in the living room preparing for the party, heard her call. With a smile, he walked down the hallway to Sara's room, knocking gently before entering.

"Hey, what's up?" Shubman asked, his gaze landing on Sara, who stood in front of her mirror, her blouse partially fastened but the dori hanging loose.

Sara turned to him with a hopeful smile. "I'm having a bit of trouble with this. Could you help me?"

Shubman stepped closer, his eyes catching the soft, glowing fabric of Sara's blouse and the graceful curve of her back. His heart skipped a beat as he reached out to help her. "Of course. I'll do my best."

As Shubman carefully began to tie the dori, his fingers brushed lightly against Sara's skin, sending a gentle shiver through her. The proximity between them heightened the electric tension in the room.

Sara glanced at Shubman through the mirror, her cheeks tinged with a soft blush. "Thank you. I know it's a bit of an odd request."

"It's no trouble at all," Shubman replied softly, his voice filled with warmth. "I'm happy to help."

As he tied the dori, his fingers moved with a practiced ease, and the delicate task became an intimate moment. Sara's breath hitched slightly with every gentle touch, the closeness making her heart race.

Shubman's fingers lingered a moment longer than necessary, his hands resting lightly on her shoulders. "There you go," he said softly, his breath warm against her neck. "All set."

Sara turned to face him, her eyes meeting his with a mix of gratitude and something deeper. "Thank you, Shubman. I really appreciate it."

Shubman smiled, his gaze soft and sincere. "Anytime, Sara. You look amazing, by the way."

Sara's blush deepened, and she laughed softly. "Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself."

They stood close, the moment stretching into something tender and unspoken. The warmth of their closeness and the genuine affection they shared made the evening feel even more special.

As they prepared to leave for the party, Shubman took Sara's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Shall we?"

Sara smiled up at him, her heart fluttering. "Yes, let's go."

Together, they headed out, their connection palpable, ready to enjoy the party but also cherishing the quiet, romantic moment they had shared.