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Aditi, Ishan, Shahneel, Hardik, Rohit and Virat stood in Shubman's hotel room congratulating him for achieving a milestone of being the No. 1 ODI batsman.

Aditi hugged her sectet boyfriend, "I'm so proud of you, Man." She whispered as they broke the hug.

Shubman was then embraced by his mother. His parents arrived last night in Mumbai. After the match in Kolkata, team India had almost a week gap before the next one, so they went back to Mumbai.

His father patted his back as he cuts the cake, brought by Ishan. Aditi took the curtasy to take a video of it. He first fed to his father, mother and then Shahneel.

Virat fed him a peice, before Ishan jumped on him to apply cream all over his face. Aditi and others chuckled at the two.

She put the phone down after she was done taking some photographs and passed him a bunch of paper napkins. He came back after washing his face. Aditi noticed a bit of the white cream on his jaw and cleaned it with a tissue.

Shubman's mother asked Shahneel about who Aditi is. "Ye kudi kon hai, the one standing beside Hardik?"

"She is his sister, just came back from London. Abhi she works as the Chief Analyst of a very famous 5 star hotel group." Shahneel informed. "We became friends within a few days. Let me introduce you to her. Aapko accha lagega usse milke, She's a very lively person."

Kerat was inpressed hearing the girl's praises from her daughter. They approached to her along with Lakhwinder, "Adi, meet mine and Shub's parents."

Aditi gave them a charming smile and bent to touch their feet. "Namaste, uncle aunty. Kaise hai aap dono."

Shubman's father patted her head and said, "Very fine, beta. But don't touch our feet, humare gar ladkiya pair nahi chuti."

"Aapki flight kaisi rahi. Koi dikkat to nahi hui na?" She asked with concern.

Kerat shook her head, "Nahi beta. We were very comfortable throughout the flight." They went on with the conversation.

Shubman looked at them while sitting on the sofa with Ishan, Hardik, Virat and Rohit. They were talking about something important.

"Uncle, Aunty, aap dono, Shubman aur di ke sath aaj humare ghar dinner ke lie aaiyega." She requested them and they agreed after hesitating a bit. "Ma would love to have you over."

"Mummy, You remember meeting Agastya?" Shahneel asked, "he has grown so much. He and his younger brother are always behind Aditi. Jaha vo waha dono." They laughed.

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Aditi along with her bhabhis and mother was preparing for tonight's dinner with Shubman's family. They also asked Ishan and Garima to join.

While Pankhuri was taking care of the babies, Aditi, Natasa and her mother were preparing for the feast. Nalini made her infamous biryani while the other things were taken care by the two young ladies. She was very excietd to meet Shubman's family and Garima. Ishan and Shubman often bisited them during IPL along with other players like Virat and Rohit.

Aditi was chopped fruits for the custard and placed the bowl in the freezer. This was her special custard, which she learned to make from a friend in UK. She was fully focused on the swat dish, after which she started making Khandvi on a clean platform away from the two.

"Mummy, time kya ho raha hai?" She inquired.

"6 bajne wale hai tu jake ready hoja, sab ban gata hai, Pankhuri help kar degi meri." Her mother assured. She rushed to her room and started getting ready.

Having no clue of what to wear she called Shahneel. "Di, kya pehmu mai?" She meeked.

Shahneel on the other side chuckled, "Chill kar baby. Tu kuch bhi pehnegi chalega."

"Are aap batao na, kuch samjh nahi aa raha. That is why I called you." Aditi whined.

"You remember the dress we got for you from Kolkata. Wear that." Aditi plunged in her closet and took the red colored, calf length dress. She paired it with the leggings of her skin tone, a darker shade of beige. She styled her curls by putting a section of it in a mini claw clip and put on her favorite perfume.

Till the time she was done with her makeup, it was already seven, the guests were to arrive any moment. She went out and heard Hardik and Krunal greeting the guests.

She went there and hugged Shahneel and Garima, Kerat too gave her a small hug. They went to the living room, Shubman tailing behind Aditi like Agastaya and Kavir does.

They both sat next to Shahneel. Natasa, Garima, Krunal and Pankhuri, sat opposit to them. On the larger sofa, Ishan, Shubman's parents and Aditi's mother sat. Hardik sat on the armrest, beside Shubman and pateed him on back after turning his face away from Aditi.

They indulged in some light talk, "Khana kha le? Chalo." Aditi looked at the time, it was almost 8. She went to call Agastya who was busy playing with his toys for dinner.

Everyone settled at thhe dining table, with three seats left for the three Pandya ladies, next to Hardik, Krunal and one between Garima and Shubman for Aditi. Their mother sat next to Shubman's.

They stated serving everyone food, "Beta, sab table pe rakh do. Sab apne aap le lenge." Kerat said. Shahneel and Graima helped them bring food to the dining table. Everyone complimented the food, especially the Biryani.

Aditi served all of them the sweet dish that she made. "Mhmm, This is absolutely delicious." Shahneel praised. "Who made it. Mummy aap bhi seekh lo."

"This is Aditi's 'London' special custard." Natasa informed. A series of appreciation boosted Aditi up. But all Shubman did was say its nice!

Aditi kicked him underneath the table which made him choke on the piece of fruit that he just had. He coughed and she passed him a glass of water.  "You ok?" Shahneel patted his back.

After having the delicious dinner, all of them sat in the living room, being indulged in talks with each other. Agastya and Kavir kept everyone entertained. Later at night, the guests bid their good byes.

Shutting the door, Hardik whispered in Aditi's ear, "To rishta pakka samjhe?" She slapped his arm and said good night before going to her room.

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Happy new year. I hope 2024 brings you all, new opportunities and experiences, happiness, strength to tackle hard times, good people around you and consciousness to stay away from red flags. Have a great year ahead. Happy 24' :)