Dedicating this one to Iamnivii for being the fabulous person that she is! <3

**

"So you're saying, that Nakuul Mehta- the, Nakuul mehta- has arranged VIP tickets for us?"

Fiddling with her fingers nervously, Surbhi nodded, not making eye contact with her father who was staring at her intently from beneath his glasses. He really resembled one of those strict parents right now- although he was anything but that- and she felt like she had been caught doing something she shouldn't have been.

"And may I ask, why?"

Pressing her lips, Surbhi went and sat beside her dad on the couch. Her mother and sister, being the traitors they were, had left her to deal with him alone, and had even left the house while she did so.

"You know how I went to Punjab's match, twice? Well, we sort of became friends..." She trailed off, wondering if it was really the right time to say that it was a little bit more than 'just friends'. 

"Still doesn't explain why he would book tickets for all of us. I mean, he must have a lot of friends, right? Sab ke kiye book kiya hai, kya?" The way her father said it, a teasing tone to his voice, it made Surbhi blush. Inching closer to her dad, she kept her head on his shoulder, and played with the hem of her top.

"Fine, there might be something more than that," She mumbled. Her dad sighed.

"And why didn't you tell me, bunny? You know I would approve of Nakuul Mehta, right?" He said, grinning. 

"I didn't say anything because we're not dating," Surbhi replied. She couldn't obviously tell him that they had kissed, or that they talked to each other throughout their nights.

"Well, when you do start dating, invite him over for dinner. I'll have to check for myself if he is as gentlemanly as the world claims he is."

Surbhi looked up at him, stunned, to see him sporting a serious look, before they both broke ino laughter. Pulling her close, her father kissed the top of her head. 

"You go and watch the match, alright? I'd rather prefer watching on TV where you can actually see what's going on." Surbhi rolled her eyes, mumbling that they were VIP tickets so would obviously have a good view. But she didn't try too hard to convince him, welcoming the idea that she would be able to meet Nakuul, alone. Kissing her father on the cheek, she got up, and went to her room. 

KXIP had, indeed, made it to the finals. When Surbhi had watched their semi-finals match a few days back, where they had defeated RCB in a nail-biting match, she had been absolutely elated, and she knew he had been, too. Seeing his smiling face on the tv screen had made her even happier, if possible. That night, they hadn't been able to talk, since their team was celebrating making it to the finals, and Surbhi hadn't complained. She was glad Nakuul was another step closer to finally getting what he wanted, and of course, thrilled at the prospect of going to watch the finals. Which was tomorrow, and a Sunday, so she didn't have shoot, either. When she had told Nakuul that she would, in fact, go, his excitement had made her beam. 

Surbhi started rummaging through her wardrobe, to pick an outfit for tomorrow when she would finally meet Nakuul again after their kiss. She would have to pick something casual, of course, since it was a stadium, but at the same time she wanted to look hot, for him. And because this time she wasn't going as Annika but as herself, she was free to wear what she chose. She was just scrutinizing whether an adidas t-shirt with white jeans would look okay, when her phone pinged. Dropping all the clothes she was holding, she hurriedly grabbed her phone. Nakuul was busier than ever but he still took time to talk to her, and that made her feel extremely special.

So, your family coming?

When he had told her that he wanted her to bring along her parents and sister, she had been over the moon. She didn't think it would be possible for a guy to get more perfect than this, but he proved her wrong, every day.

Nope, dad prefers watching on TV and mumma and di
don't really watch cricket :P
But they're SO grateful you arranged tickets for them too, Nakuul!

Anything for you, Surbhi <3
Come early tomorrow? I'll meet you before
the match starts, alright?

Blushing, Surbhi replied in the affirmative. She couldn't wait to cheer for him on the field and maybe hug him and kiss him and see that pure happiness on his face when they won. Could tomorrow just come, already?

**

"Mr. Mehta, how are you feeling about having reached the finals?"

As soon as Nakuul descended from their bus, in front of the stadium, media surrounded them. He groaned internally. He hated giving interviews, unless it was on the field or for pre-match press conferences. 

"I'm ecstatic, of course," He replied, giving a fake smile and trying to keep the sarcasm out of his tone. Their manager started leading the boys away, as the reporters kept on throwing their questions. Admist the chaos, there was one particular question that caught his ears.

"Mr. Mehta, are you dating the TV actress Surbhi Chandna?" 

Nakuul's eyes widened. He had known that people would of course suspect something, given how he and Surbhi posted pictures with each other and all, whereas he was seldom otherwise seen with girls who he could have some romantic connection with. But he didn't really want the media to get a whiff of anything going on between him and Surbhi, not just yet, at least. Whatever they had was entirely personal, and extremely beautiful. And so, without answering, he continued walking.

When they entered and the boys started warming up on the field, Nakuul turned to their manager, who had also become a good friend of his in the past month.

"Hey, do let me know when Surbhi comes, alright?"

The other man grinned, and nodded, before walking away. There was still about an hour left for the match to start, and fishing out his phone from the pocket, he texted Surbhi to ask if she had left her house yet. He was really nervous about the match, but somehow, the fact that she would come to see the match, just for him, was making him feel like they would definitely win this. 

Yep, just got in the car! Can't wait to 
see you! xoxo

Smiling at her message, he turned off his phone and jogged towards where the others were practising. Wankhede stadium was half full of KXIP supporters, the weather was perfect, and Surbhi Chandna was coming. 

Nakuul Mehta knew, in his heart, that they would win IPL 2018.

**

Surbhi sat on a soft couch inside the VIP lounge of the stadium, tapping her sneaker-clad foot against the carpeted floor. When her car had stopped in front of the VIP entrance, she had felt a little lost, wondering what she would say to the guard who stood there, to get in, since she didn't have any ticket on her. Thankfully, though, as soon as the guard her name, he smiled and let her in, while also informing someone over the phone that she had arrived. All this seemed so overwhelming to her, giving her very strong 'celebrity' vibes. After walking in, she had been met by a man in the corridors, who had introduced himself as Anand- manager of KXIP. He had, after greeting her warmly, led her in here- a spacious and luxurious room with couches scattered around, coffee tables, a large screen TV and of course, an entire wall made of glass that gave a gorgeous and clear view of the stadium. Surbhi had tried making out Nakuul's profile there, but he wasn't on the field. Sighing, she leaned back against the couch, wondering if he would actually come meet her before the match. She knew his phone would be switched off, so there was no use in calling him. She really wanted to see him pre-match though, to wish him luck. Moreover, she had taken extra care in getting ready, and was pretty sure her hair would get messed up after the match from jumping too much. Playing with the string of her white, destressed jeans, that she had paired with a black adidas crop top, Surbhi waited.

Somehow, Surbhi could feel him when he arrived even before she turned around. Getting up, she turned to look at the door, her heart beat increasing, and sure enough, he was there. Already dressed in his KXIP white and red jersey, hair slightly disheveled, smiling and looking ravenously handsome. Beaming, Surbhi walked up to him, while he met her halfway, and threw her arms around his neck. She could feel him grinning against her hair as he wrapped his arms around her waist. 

Pulling back, but still holding onto each other, they smiled.

"Thankyou so much for coming," Nakuul said softly, looking deep into her eyes. Up so close, Surbhi felt like she could get hyptonized by his bluish green orbs. 

"I'm glad to be here, Nakuul," She told him, truthfully. Nakuul looked at the digital clock on the wall, and with a sigh, told her he would have to go down now, for the toss. Surbhi nodded.

"Best of luck," She wished him. "You will win this, I know."

"Thanks," Nakuul smiled. "But don't you think you should wish me luck properly?"

Surbhi frowned, not quite understanding what he meant. She was about to ask the same, but before she could do so, he leaned in, and captured her lips in his own. Surbhi was stunned, but responded, tingles passing through her body at the feel of his lips against her own, and his hands against her waist. After a few seconds, they pulled back. Although the kiss had been short, it had been enough to leave them breathless. Looking at her with admiration in his eyes, Nakuul gave a cheshire grin.

"Now I know I will win this, too."

And with another quick peck on her lips, Nakuul reluctantly pulled away, and walking backwards till the door, disappeared outside the room. Surbhi touched her lips, in a trance, before jumping and squealing like crazy. 

**

The match was beyond exciting and was really worthy of being a final. Punjab's opponent- Chennai Surper Kings'- were a very good team, and having won the cup a couple of times before, were the more confident team on the field, this evening. However, Punjab was giving them a very tough competetion. During the second innings, excitement was running even higher in the stadium. CSK, having batted first, had given Punjab a high target of 212 runs, and given that Punjab was playing beyond expectations, too, it was hard to guess who would win.

Surbhi had never been so exhilarated before, but she was also so nervous, her nails had been bitten off jaggedly. She was seated next to Sakshi- MS Dhoni AKA captain cool's wife- who was practically in the same state. While the both were supporting different teams, they had bonded really well in the past couple of hours. Moreoever, their daughter was adorable, and had gotten attached to Surbhi.

"Gosh, I hope they win this," Surbhi heard Sakshi mutter.

"Me, too," She grinned, and the both started laughing. 

Soon enough, the match was at its peak point. Just the last over remained and they still needed 25 runs. It wasn't impossible, because Nakuul and Ashwin were still on the pitch, but it wasn't easy either because Chennai's best bowler was bowling. Ashwin was currently batting, and after hitting fours on the first two balls, he was run out on the second one. While half the stadium cried out in disappoinment, the other half cheered. Surbhi could have cried, and Preity Zinta who was now being shown on the screen, indeed had tears streaming down her face.

Because it was Nakuul's chance to bat now and he didn't, thankfully, succumb under pressure, the match dragged off till in the last ball, they had six runs remaining. Everyone knew the drill- to win, Nakuul would have to hit a sixer. Surbhi, with her hands clasped, prayed for him. She knew he would be devastated if he couldn't do this for the team. 

All eyes were glued to the field, as the bowled ran his length, delievered the ball, and...

Nakuul Mehta swung his bat as hard as he could, and brought to KXIP their first ever trophy.

And this time, Surbhi indeed cried, albeit these were, of course, tears of happiness.

**

Currently, a few minutes after Nakuul's spectacular sixer, Surbhi was being dragged by Prithi Ashwin along crowded corridors, where everyone was busy congratulating or consoling each other. They were making their way downstairs, pushing past all the people. Prithi had heard about surbhi from her husband- Ashwin, and the two had introduced themselves to each other, becoming quick friends. After their team had won, they had hugged and screamed together, and Prithi was now taking a reluctant Surbhi down to the field with her. While Prithi happened to be the wife of a cricketer, Surbhi wasn't even dating Nakuul, so she was hesitant to go. However, the older woman wasn't ready to hear anything, and now, her hand in Surbhi's, they made their way down the stairs and towards the gate that led to the ground. The security there knew Prithi and so didn't stop them. 

Surbhi's heart was beating extremely fast. For some reason, she was nervous to be on the grounds like this, amidst the players and the team management, along with some of their families. It was a chaos all around, as everyone who had access to the field went to congratulate the boys. The boys in question were already celebrating, cheering at the top of their lungs, jumping around, even doing some weird dance moves. Surbhi couldn't spot Nakuul since it was so congested, but she saw the team huddled together, and Prithi led her there. 

"Congratulations, baby!" Getting hold of her husband, Prithi hugged him, before pulling away and asking him where Nakuul was. Ashwin saw Annika and grinned, while she congratulated and gave him a hug, too.

"Nakuul must be here somewhere," He said, looking around, before he saw the guy, and called out to him. Nakuul, turning their way, saw Surbhi, and his eyes lit up even more, if possible. He hurriedly made their way towards them. Prithi hugged him first, before she and Ashwin went away to talk to the other players. Nakuul, turning to Surbhi, smiled widely, and she reciprocated. She was just about to congratulate him, when, without warning, he picked her up in his arms and twirled her around, making her shriek. He was all sweaty from the match, and yet smelled really good, so Surbhi wasn't complaining. She found it sexy, really.

"Thankyou so much for being here, my lucky charm," He yelled to make her hear him over all the noise, putting her down.

"You won because you deserved it, Nakuul," Surbhi told him, albeit gleaming inside that he had owed the win to her. "And I'm so happy for you!"

Nakuul only looked at her affectionately, not replying. Something seemed to be going on in his head, and the way he was looking at her, she had to gulp hard. That stare- that ravening stare- was doing things to her. Then, as if deciding something, Nakuul grabbed her hand, and started leading her inside. There were media people all around, who had indeed clicked pictures of the duo, but both were uncaring of anything other than each other, now.

Surbhi didn't question where Nakuul was leading her, but followed silently. They went in through the doors, past all the people who tried to stop Nakuul and congratulate him- to no avail- and finally Nakuul opened a door and entering, locked it. Looking around, Surbhi saw that it was the changing rooms of their team, with steel lockers all around. A few clothes were thrown here and there, but apart from that, the room seemed clean enough, and was only dimly lit by one light turned on.

"Nakuul, why are we here?" She asked, turning to him. He still had that deep, unnerving look in his eyes, and it was making Surbhi's heart do somersaults. Coming closer to her, he cupped her cheek with one hand, and caressed it with his thumb.

"I really like you, Surbhi," he confessed, voice slightly raspy and echoing in the deserted room. Surbhi's eyes widened, and a blush spread up her neck and cheeks. Smiling shyly, she held his hand over her cheek.

"I like you, too," She replied, softly yet audibly. Nakuul grinned broadly, before becoming more aware of his surroundings. Slowly, his hands left her cheek, and he snaked them around her waist, pulling her closer.

"Let's celebrate my winning?" He mumbled, their noses almost touching.

"How?"

And Nakuul, to show her how, pushed her against one of the lockers urgently, and proceeded to celebrate by feasting on her delectable mouth.

**

Really eager to know everyone's thoughts on this one! I'm actually quite happy with the way this turned out. I was about to end the chapter half-way through, but was excited about the last scene- ;)- so decided to continue. I really do hope everyone liked it!

PS  Wattpad is going through maintenance, so if I see that the response isn't very good owing to the fact that you're not getting notifications, I might unpublish the chapter then publish it again later.