Three weeks before the T20 World Cup, the Pandya household was buzzing with excitement. Hardik Pandya, fresh off a successful IPL season, had just returned home, ready to spend some quality time with his family before the big tournament. However, the usually quiet floor they lived on had a new addition. The flat across from the Pandyas had been empty for months, but now, it was finally bought.

Avni Dixit, a 28-year-old best-selling romance author, was moving in. Known for her brilliant storytelling and introverted nature, Avni was the kind of person who preferred the company of books over people. Despite her fame and a significant fan following, she remained shy and reserved. She kind of had an idea that her neighbours were quite famous but didn't know who it was.

As Avni unpacked in her new flat, she heard a knock on the door. She opened it to find a smiling woman holding a beautifully decorated basket.

"Hi, I'm Pankhuri, your neighbor. Welcome to the building! I thought I'd bring you a little something to make you feel at home," Pankhuri said, extending the basket. Avni immediately recognised her as the wife of the cricketer, Krunal Pandya and sister in law of Hardik Pandya.

Avni, taken aback by the warm gesture, blushed slightly. She was a mess, wearing an oversized T-shirt, shorts, a messy bun, and specs. "Oh, thank you so much, Pankhuri. That's very kind of you. Please, come in."

Pankhuri stepped inside and looked around. "It looks like you could use a hand with unpacking. How about I help you set up?"

Avni hesitated for a moment but then smiled. "I would really appreciate that. Thank you."

As they worked together, unpacking boxes and arranging furniture, they began to talk.

"So, Avni, what do you do?" Pankhuri asked, curious about her new neighbor.

"I'm a writer. I mostly write romance novels," Avni replied, a hint of pride in her voice.

"Really? That's amazing! I've always loved a good romance story. What's your latest book about?" Pankhuri asked, her eyes lighting up.

"It's about a free-spirited college student who finds herself under the overbearing protection of her brother's best friend, who is also a millionaire." Avni explained.

Pankhuri nodded appreciatively. "I'd love to read it. I'm a big fan of contemporary romance."

As the day wore on, the two women became fast friends. Pankhuri was fascinated by Avni's world of words and stories, while Avni appreciated Pankhuri's warmth and openness.

"Why don't you join us for dinner tonight? It would be a great way to get to know each other," Pankhuri suggested as they finished setting up.

Avni hesitated for a moment but then nodded. "I'd love that. Thank you."

That evening, Avni met the entire Pandya family. Krunal, with his infectious energy, Pankhuri's kindness, and little Agastya, Kavir and baby Vayu, made her feel at home immediately. Hardik, however, was more reserved, his recent divorce and the pressures of his career weighing on his mind.

"Avni, this is my brother-in-law, Hardik." Pankhuri said, introducing them.

"Nice to meet you, Hardik." Avni said, extending her hand.

"Nice to meet you too, Avni," Hardik replied, shaking her hand with a polite smile.

As dinner progressed, Avni found herself drawn into the warmth of the Pandya family.

"So, Avni, tell us more about your books," Krunal said, leaning forward with interest.

"Well, my latest book is about a woman who, after a heartbreaking divorce, rediscovers love in the most unexpected place," Avni said, glancing briefly at Hardik. "It's about healing and finding hope again."

"Sounds intriguing," Hardik said, surprising everyone with his interest. "Maybe I should read it."

"Maybe you should," Avni replied with a shy smile.

"You know, Avni, these two guys sitting over here are international level cricketers. We never miss any of their matches," Pankhuri said, beaming at her husband and brother-in-law.

"Kitni tareef karogi Pankhu." Hardik said looking down shyly.

"Oh, I know! and you totally deserve the tareef." Avni admitted, her eyes lighting up. "I'm actually a big fan of cricket myself. I've followed Krunal and Hardik's career for years. It's surreal to be sitting here with you all. Maine pehle bas isliye kuch nhi bola kyuki I don't want to seem stalker types, pehla impression accha hona chahiye."

Hardik raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Really? I wouldn't have pegged you for a cricket fan. You don't look like a cricket fan."

Avni nodded enthusiastically. "Well, I'm much more than what I look like. And watching you play, Hardik, has always been a highlight."

Hardik smiled, feeling a warmth spread through him. "Well, it's always nice to meet a fan."

Over the next week, Avni began to bond with the Pandyas. She spent afternoons with Pankhuri, discussing novels and writing. One day, as they sipped tea in Pankhuri's living room, Pankhuri asked, "So, Avni, what inspired you to start writing romance novels?"

Avni thought for a moment. "I've always been a hopeless romantic. Aur kabhi kabhi aisa hota hai na ki when you are reading a book and you don't want the character to do what they did like sometimes you don't like the ending and you want to change it as per your preference, toh isiliye i thought ki I'll write a story of my own jaha sab meri marzi ka ho. Then one book turned into many and here I am. Writing and reading makes me happy."

Pankhuri nodded. "That's beautiful. I think you and Hardik have that in common. He's also been through a lot and is finding his way back to happiness."

Avni smiled, feeling a deep connection with the family.

🕸️

One evening, after a particularly intense gym session, Hardik found himself on Avni's doorstep.

"Hey, Avni. Can I come in?" Hardik asked, his voice laced with fatigue.

"Of course, come in," Avni said, opening the door wider for him.

They sat on her couch, and Hardik began to talk about the match, his worries about the upcoming World Cup, and his lingering thoughts about his divorce.

"You know, Hardik, sometimes it helps to escape into a good book," Avni suggested gently. "Have you ever tried reading for leisure?"

Hardik shook his head. "Not really. I've never been much of a reader."

"Well, I can recommend a few books that might interest you," Avni offered. "In fact, why don't you start with this one?" She handed him one of her own novels.

Hardik took the book, looking at the cover thoughtfully. "Thanks, Avni. I'll give it a try."

As Hardik delved into the world of books, he found a new way to relax and unwind. Avni's recommendations opened up a new world for him, and he began to appreciate the power of storytelling.

One day, as they sat together, Avni mentioned, "You know, Hardik, one of my favorite authors once said that books are a uniquely portable magic."

"Who said that?" Hardik asked, intrigued.

"Stephen King," Avni replied with a smile.

"Well, I'm starting to believe it," Hardik said, holding up the book she had given him. "This has been surprisingly relaxing."

Their evenings often ended with Hardik discussing what he read. "So, I finished that chapter you suggested," Hardik said one night, eyes sparkling with excitement. "The way you wrote the reunion scene-it was so vivid, it felt like I was watching a movie."

Avni chuckled. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. That's the power of a good book. It can transport you to another world."

"Speaking of worlds, you've created quite a few," Hardik replied. "Do you ever base characters on people you know?"

Avni hesitated before nodding. "Sometimes. Characters are often a mix of people I know and pure imagination. It's fun to see how they evolve."

Hardik leaned back, thoughtful. "Maybe one day, you'll write a character based on me."

"Maybe I already have," Avni teased, her eyes twinkling.

As Hardik and Avni's bond grew stronger, he began to open up more about his past and his fears about the future. One evening, as they sat on her balcony, Hardik looked out at the city lights and sighed.

"You know, Avni, after my divorce, I felt lost. I didn't think I'd be able to find myself again," he admitted.

Avni placed a comforting hand on his. "You're stronger than you think, Hardik. Sometimes, it just takes the right people and the right moments to remind us of who we are."

Hardik looked at her, gratitude shining in his eyes. "You've been that person for me, Avni. You've helped me a lot, more than you know."

Their friendship was becoming something more, a deep connection that both feared and cherished. But the looming World Cup was a reminder of the uncertainties ahead.

🕸️

When the T20 World Cup arrived, Hardik had to leave for the tournament. Both he and Avni felt the sting of separation. They kept in touch through messages and video calls, but it wasn't the same. Avni, along with the rest of the Pandya family, would cheer for Hardik and the team during every match, sometimes at her place, sometimes at theirs.

During one such match, Avni and the Pandya family sat in her living room, the atmosphere charged with excitement.

"Come on, Hardik! You've got this!" Avni cheered, her eyes glued to the screen.

Pankhuri leaned over and whispered, "You really care about him, don't you?"

Avni nodded, unable to tear her eyes away from the game. "More than I ever thought I would."

Hardik's performance in the World Cup was exceptional, and when the team emerged victorious, Avni, Krunal, and Pankhuri decided to throw a welcome party for him. Avni was the happiest, knowing that Hardik would be returning after about a month. The day of the party, the Pandya household was buzzing with excitement as they decorated the living room with streamers and balloons.

"Do you think he'll like this?" Avni asked, adjusting a banner that read "Welcome Home, Champion!" and his initials in bold, lit letters.

"Are you kidding? He'll love it," Krunal said, giving her a reassuring smile. "You've put so much thought into this, Avni."

When Hardik finally arrived, the door opened, and he was greeted by a chorus of cheers and applause. He looked around, his eyes landing on Avni, and without hesitation, he ran towards her, enveloping her in a tight hug.

"I missed you so much," Hardik whispered into her hair.

"I missed you too," Avni replied, her voice muffled against his chest. "I'm so proud of you, Hardik."

As the evening progressed, Hardik mingled with family and friends, but his eyes kept drifting back to Avni. Pankhuri, noticing the dynamic between them, nudged Krunal.

"Have you noticed how much happier Hardik seems around Avni?" she whispered.

Krunal nodded. "Yeah, she's been a great influence on him. She's brought him back to his old self."

Later, as the party wound down, Hardik found Avni sitting on the balcony, gazing at the stars.

"Hey," he said, taking a seat beside her. "Thank you for everything, Avni. This party, your support... it means the world to me."

Avni smiled. "You deserve it, Hardik. You've worked so hard and achieved so much."

Hardik looked at her, his expression serious. "You know, I took that book you recommended to New York with me. It really helped me relax and focus."

"I'm glad you liked it," Avni said, feeling a warm glow inside.

"And I realized something," Hardik continued. "You've been my rock these past few months. I don't know what I would have done without you."

Avni blushed, looking down. "You've been just as important to me, Hardik. You've made me feel like I belong here."

They sat in comfortable silence, the connection between them growing stronger. As weeks turned into months and months into a year, their friendship deepened. They spent more time together, sharing their hopes, dreams, and fears.

One day, Avni found herself playing with Agastya, who had grown incredibly fond of her. They were building a tower of blocks when Hardik walked in.

"You two seem to be having fun," Hardik said, smiling at the sight.

"Avni's the best, Papa!" Agastya declared. "She tells the best stories."

Hardik's heart swelled with affection as he watched them. Avni had not only become an integral part of his life but also Agastya's. He saw how much joy she brought to his son and how effortlessly she fit into their world.

🕸️

As the months went by, Hardik and Avni's feelings for each other became impossible to ignore. One evening, after a family dinner, they found themselves alone on the balcony once again.

"Avni," Hardik began, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "I've been wanting to tell you something."

Avni turned to him, her heart pounding. "What is it, Hardik?"

"I think... no, I know... that I'm in love with you," Hardik confessed, his eyes searching hers for a reaction.

Avni's breath caught in her throat. She had dreamed of this moment, but now that it was here, it felt surreal. "I love you too, Hardik," she said softly, her eyes welling up with tears of joy.

Hardik smiled, pulling her into a tender embrace. "You've brought so much happiness into my life, Avni. I don't want to imagine it without you."

They shared their first kiss under the starlit sky, a kiss that was filled with all the love and longing they had held back for so long.

From that moment on, their relationship blossomed. They supported each other through thick and thin, finding strength and comfort in their love. Avni continued to write her novels, often drawing inspiration from their love story, while Hardik pursued his cricketing career with renewed vigor and happiness.

Their bond, tested by time and circumstance, only grew stronger, proving that sometimes, when the stars align, two people destined for each other will always find their way.

🕸️

a/n : y'all i randomly thought of this in class and started scribbling it on my notebook. i was almost caught by the teacher but thankfully the bell rang and I was saved. i have so many more ideas like jabhi bhi padhai karni hoti hai mere dimaag mein ideas and plots ki baarish honi shuru ho jaati. I'll try to cover all my ideas before I forget them. till then,

peace out.
~k.