I thought my laptop was going to be in servicing for the next week so I wrote this chapter asap, but then it got fixed in one day lmao. Anyway, college reopens the week after and I am NOT looking forward to going back 😭

QOTD: What's a TV series you can watch over and over again?

I think for me it'd be Brooklyn Nine-Nine and One Day at a Time.

**

If anyone asked Surbhi how her weekend getaway to the Maldives had been, she wouldn't be able to answer without a blush, because it had mainly just consisted of staying in bed inside their floating bungalow and indulging in various unspeakable shenanigans. They did take a dip in their private pool a couple of times but even these dips were... well, too private to speak of. At the end of this mini-vacation, Surbhi and Nakuul both were relaxed, satiated and glowing more than they had in a long, long time. Everyone at work could tell the difference but asked nothing, only giving knowing looks.

After the trip to the Maldives, their meetings became fewer and shorter. Before they knew it, April had arrived, and IPL had started in full swing. KXIP, as the defending champion, showed a lot of potential but unfortunately lost to Mumbai Indians in the semis, who then went on to win the finals. Nakuul wasn't too miffed about the loss and had no time to grieve because the World Cup was less than a month away. The whole time worked as hard as possible under Virat's skillful guidance. There was barely any time to relax and even in all this, Nakuul and Surbhi's relationship didn't waver. She was fully understanding of the fact that he was busy and even with her own schedule that was packed due to Ishqbaaaz and the various ads and campaigns she was invited to be a part of, Surbhi had gone to watch KXIP's match that was held in Mumbai to show her support for Nakuul. Even with life being so busy, they would talk on the phone whenever possible and sneak in a few dates here and there. Surbhi's parents too took pity on her and would let her stay over at Nakuul's house when she wanted, and so she found herself there on most weekends.

"We have to be the unluckiest couple in the planet," Surbhi said to Nakuul on one such Saturday, "who won't even get to spend their first anniversary together."

Nakuul kissed the top of her head lovingly. He was leaving for England next week and wouldn't see her for more than a month. On top of that, they would be apart on their anniversary. The sadness was visible on their faces.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart," He apologized again even though Surbhi kept telling him it wasn't his fault in any way that world cup was scheduled for this time of the year. "I wish we could do something about it."

"I wish I could come to visit you," She said softly, playing with his shirt buttons. He had just come back from practice a while back and they were snuggling on the couch. "But work is just so, so hectic. Upar se all these brand shoots that I absolutely love doing but they take up so much of my free time!"

"I know, love, I know. It's okay." He had nothing more to say to make her feel better because he himself was too morose. It was raining outside, and the pitter-patter of the drizzle filled the otherwise silent room. Nakuul spoke up after a while.

"What should I get you for our anniversary?" He asked to lighten up the mood. Surbhi looked up from his chest.

"How about the trophy?" She suggested with gleaming eyes. Nakuul laughed.

"That will be like an anniversary gift to the whole country," He joked. However, the thought of the world cup gave him jitters and he sighed.

"You know, when India had won the World Cup 8 years back, I had just been starting off with cricket. It was a tough time because I'd just graduated from school and I had to choose between going to college in the USA or stay here and play cricket alongside doing my undergraduate. Till this day, I believe it was seeing Team India holding that trophy that made the decision for me. I knew I wanted to have that moment, someday. In the last World Cup, I was still quite new and didn't even play all the matches, but this time, a lot of people are relying on me."

He paused for a while, and Surbhi didn't interrupt him, knowing he had more to say. She listened on patiently.

"So many people in my country are counting on me, Surbhi. And I'm so worried that I will let them down. What if I can't perform well?" He asked, his eyes slightly moist as he talked about the dreading possibility of letting down his country. "What if I disappoint?"

Surbhi didn't reply for a while, and when she was sure he was done, she cupped his face gently.

"Ho gaya tumhara? Nakuul," She sighed, "You're not going to disappoint, baby. I have seen you work hard day and night, and I know it will pay off. So you go there and play your very best. If we're meant to, we will win the trophy this year. And if not, then there is always the next World Cup, and the next, and the next..." She trailed off, and Nakuul placed a kiss on her palm.

"You're right," He said, giving her a smile. "We've all put in our best while practicing, but if we still don't win, it's just not in our fate this time. What matters most is that we go out there and do the best we can, and maybe show people what India is capable of."

"You do that," Surbhi mumbled, placing a kiss on his cheek.

"Anyway," Nakuul cleared his throat and sat up straighter, "I'm sorry I've been wasting away our evening with these emotional talks. We just have one week before I leave and I want to make the most of my time with you," He said, looking at her fondly. Surbhi nodded.

"Should we order dinner?" He asked. "Or should I cook something for us?"

"No," Surbhi shook her head, "Let's order something. I don't want you away from me for a single minute."

"Okay," Nakuul laughed, grabbing his phone to order takeaway. "What do you want?"

"Mm," Surbhi thought out loud, "Chinese? Anyway, I don't care much."

"Chinese it is, then."

Having ordered their dinner, Nakuul and Surbhi again fell into a comfortable silence. He played with her fingers while she just lay on his chest, listening to his heartbeat.

"I'll miss you," Surbhi mumbled, inhaling his scent and trying to embed it in memory to help her go through the next month and a half.

"As will I," Nakuul replied softly. The only thing he hated about these various trips abroad that being a cricketer brought with it was when he had to stay away from his loved ones for prolonged periods of time. The arrival of Surbhi in his life had made goodbyes even harder and he wished that her career allowed her to go on these tours with him, but that was just his heart being selfish. He was extremely happy though that even with these busy schedules and long separations, they were both willing and able to make this relationship work.

"Listen, you still didn't tell me what you want as an anniversary gift," Nakuul started. "How about another vacation when I come back from the tour?" Surbhi looked up at him with narrowed eyes.

"There are a million things that need to be sorted before we even think about a vacation, so no thanks. And anyway, if we go on so many vacations together, it'll take away the charm of it."

"That's a really stupid logic and I absolutely disagree with it," Nakuul deadpanned, making Surbhi hit his chest. "Tell me then, what you want?"

"I don't know," Surbhi whined. "You know how hard it is for me to decide on what gift I want. I guess what I really want though is that after you come back, we have a cozy, romantic celebration, just you and me."

"Done," Nakuul said with a wide smile. "But hey, won't you ask me what I want?"

"You have a gift in mind?" Surbhi asked curiously. Nakuul nodded like an excited child.

"What is it?" Surbhi narrowed her eyes. His intentions hardly seemed civil. And when he whispered into her ears what gift he wanted, it was confirmed; his intentions were very, very uncivil.

"Chee, Nakuul! I will definitely not be doing that!" Surbhi exclaimed, scandalized by his unchivalrous suggestions. "Not even as an anniversary gift!"

"Come one, babe," Nakuul couldn't stop laughing at her reaction, "It's gonna be fun!"

"No," She replied petulantly, "It's weird and kinky and...I don't wanna do it. Where do you even get these ideas from?"

"I have my sources," Nakuul shrugged as Surbhi looked at him suspiciously. "But fine, suit yourself. I'm sure, one day you yourself will want to handcuff me in bed and..."

"Don't say it so loud!" Surbhi exclaimed as she threw a pillow as his face. "God, you're incorrigible!"

Even as Surbhi walked up to his bedroom to recover from his outrageous wants, Nakuul laughed away while clutching his stomach.

**

The day of departure arrived too soon and once again Nakuul and Surbhi found themselves in the VIP lounge of Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport, waiting for him to catch a flight to London. The only difference was that this time the stakes of the tournament was higher-it was World Cup, after all. A dream India had been seeing for the last four years. Nakuul was finding it harder than ever to say goodbye now, not just because he would be leaving for more than a month but also because he was going to play such an important tournament. On top of that he and Surbhi wouldn't be able to meet for their one-year anniversary which was absolutely heartbreaking. Nakuul's only happiness right now was the fact that his parents and Prachi di, along with Jiju and Ayra, were also coming along to England. They would have a little holiday of their own and would return after watching India's first match.

"Guys," Virat called out, "We need to board the flight in 10 minutes, on the dot."

Everyone nodded at their captain's words, sneaking in some time to say goodbyes. Most of the cricketers were lucky because their significant others would be accompanying them on the tour. The unlucky one stood with his arms tightly wrapped around his girlfriend. He gave a long kiss on her forehead.

"I hate goodbyes," Surbhi told him, her eyes glistening with tears. Nakuul gave a low chuckle.

"So do I," He sighed. Everyone had already started making their way to the flight and Nakuul have one last hug to Surbhi before grabbing his duffel bag.

"I love you," He said. "And I promise I'll make your proud."

Surbhi gave him a smile.

"I know you will," She said, blowing him a kiss. Her eyes followed his back until he disappeared down the corridor, and then she missed him already.

**

After landing in England, the first thing Nakuul did was send a text to Surbhi that they had landed. The team along with their families then made their way towards the luxurious hotel that had been booked for them in London. Nakuul looked out of the bus of the window on the way. In was night time here and there was a light drizzle. His cricketer's mind wondered just how these unpredictable rains of England would affect the World Cup schedule and points. However he was soon distracted by the beauty this city presented every time he was here. He saw a couple walking down the sidewalk, their arms around each other as they held an umbrella over them. Nakuul smiled at the view. There was the kind of happiness on their faces that he knew too well-- it was something he himself felt whenever he was with the woman he loved. He looked at his phone with a sigh. It was too late in India now and so his message had yet not been read. Going back to his lock screen, he kissed the screen discreetly. It held the picture of his girlfriend as a wallpaper.

Upon reaching the hotel, Nakuul bid goodnight to his family and team members before going to his room and collapsing on the bed. He wasn't too fond of flying and unfortunately, he had to do it all too often. After changing, he had almost drifted off to sleep when his phone rang.

"Surbhi?" It was her video call on Facetime. Nakuul quickly picked up.

"Woman, are you crazy?" He asked as her beautiful, sleepy and smiling face appeared on the screen. "It's 3 am in India!"

"I miss you too, baby," Surbhi replied, sticking her tongue out.

"You have work tomorrow," Nakuul pointed out.

"And you," Surbhi pointed her index finger at him, "are unromantic."

Nakuul only groaned.

"Anyway," Surbhi continued, "I did fall asleep, albeit I didn't want to. But thankfully I didn't trust myself and set an alarm for 3 just in case. So here I am!"

"You're crazy," Nakuul said with a fond smile. "What was the need to wake up?"

"Because I wanted to see your stupid face," Surbhi said, pouting. "I miss you already."

"I miss you too," Nakuul replied with a sad smile. "It's just the first night and I already want you back in my arms." Surbhi only sighed.

"Anyway," She cleared her throat, trying to not get emotional and make him upset as a result. "It's quite late. You have practice tomorrow so get a good night's sleep, okay? You must be exhausted from the flight."

"I am," Nakuul stretched and yawned loudly. "You sleep too. There are dark circles under your eyes already."

"What? No there aren't," Surbhi frowned, bringing the phone closer to her face and looking at her reflection. "Jerk." Nakuul laughed.

"I love you too," He said. "Goodnight, sweetheart."

"Goodnight." Surbhi placed a kiss on her phone screen before hanging up. Nakuul took in a deep breath and leaned back on the headrest. At times like this, he felt like his heart would simply explode from all the love he held for this woman.

**

I hope this chapter was long enough!

A humble request to readers-please don't ask me to 'update soon' unless you also tell me how you feel/what you think about this particular chapter. It's just not a nice thing to do, in general. But I appreciate all the other comments you all leave and I'd like to thank every one of my readers for being kind enough to read my works and appreciating them whenever possible❤️