For- Rusatsou1

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Fairy lights twinkled on Virat Kohli's balcony, casting a warm glow on the Indian Cricket Team. Laughter and chatter filled the air as they devoured plates of biryani and samosas. Virat, the team captain, raised a glass of mango lassi.

"Everyone, listen up for a sec!"

The room quieted. Virat gestured to a woman beside him, her eyes sparkling. "Most of you know this amazing woman as my sister, Jiya. But from today on, call her CA Jiya Kohli!"

A roar of applause erupted. Jiya, cheeks flushed, was engulfed by the team.

"Congrats, Jiya!" Rohit Sharma boomed, clapping her back. "Huge achievement!"

Jasprit Bumrah, ever the jokester, grinned. "Looks like we have a genius in the Kohli family, Virat. Maybe she can manage your finances now?"

Virat playfully shoved him, both men laughing. Jiya joined in, the tension melting away as she interacted with these cricketing legends.

KL Rahul raised his glass. "To CA Jiya Kohli! May your success continue to inspire us all!"

The team echoed the sentiment, their glasses clinking. Jiya, touched, raised her glass. "Thank you all so much. This means a lot. Virat, you've been the best brother ever!"

Virat ruffled her hair. "Always, Jiya. Now, let's party! You deserve to celebrate!"

The music swelled, and the team returned to their conversations, the air thick with camaraderie. Jiya, surrounded by her newfound friends, felt a warmth spread through her. The weight of the exams lifted, replaced by the joy of achievement and the promise of a new chapter.

-----

Anushka nudged Jiya playfully, a conspiratorial glint in her eyes. "So, CA Jiya Kohli, huh? Sounds impressive! I bet Virat's been bragging non-stop."

Jiya blushed. "Maybe a little," she admitted, taking a sip of her mocktail. "But he's been a great support system throughout."

Anushka smiled knowingly. "He's a good brother, that much is clear. Now, enough about him. Tell me all about your plans. This CA degree opens a lot of doors, doesn't it?"

They were deep in conversation when Hardik Pandya, the young batsman, approached them.

"Jiya, congratulations!" he boomed, his smile as bright as his jersey. "CA, that's fantastic! You must be celebrating hard."

"Thank you, Hardik," Jiya replied, her heart skipping a beat under his warm gaze. "It's been a long journey, but it feels amazing to finally be here."

Anushka, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, excused herself gracefully. "I'll get us some more refills," she said, leaving Jiya and Hardik alone.

Hardik leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "So, any fancy accounting firms on your radar? Maybe you can handle Virat's endorsements – I bet he needs all the help he can get managing that mountain of cash!"

Jiya chuckled, a comfortable silence settling between them. There was something about Hardik, his easy smile and genuine warmth, that always made her feel at ease.

"Actually," she began, "I'm thinking of starting my own practice. Maybe something specializing in sports management. It would be a challenge, but also very rewarding."

Hardik's eyes widened. "Wow, that's ambitious! But you know, with your qualifications and Virat's... connections, it could be a real success story."

Their conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and shared dreams. Unbeknownst to them, Virat had been watching their interaction from across the room. A teasing glint entered his eyes as he decided to join the fun.

"Hey Hardik," he boomed, clapping him on the back a little too hard, "Just making sure you're not getting too friendly with my sister here, huh?"

Hardik straightened up, a touch flustered. "Of course not, Virat! We were just congratulating Jiya on her achievement."

Jiya felt a pang of disappointment. The playful banter she'd enjoyed with Hardik seemed to have evaporated under Virat's teasing gaze.

"Relax, I was just messing with you," Virat said, noticing the shift in mood. But his voice lacked its usual conviction.

Hardik, however, seemed to take Virat's words more seriously than intended. He cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Actually, Virat," he began, "Jiya's more like a sister to me too. You know, from the team."

Jiya's heart sank. Had she misread all the subtle signs, the lingering glances, the easy conversations? Hardik saw her only as a teammate's sister, nothing more.

Regret washed over Hardik's face as soon as the words left his mouth. He hadn't meant to sound so formal, so distant. But the damage was done. The light banter had been replaced by an awkward silence.

-----

Jiya flipped the page of her well-worn "Little Women," the plane's hum a comforting lullaby. A thud jolted her – Hardik slid into the empty seat. A wave of memories – the party, the dreams, the awkwardness – washed over her.

"Hi Jiya," Hardik offered, a touch too cheery.

"Hey," she replied, a neutral smile playing on her lips.

Silence stretched, punctuated only by the air conditioning. Jiya hid behind Jo March, hoping the book would shield her discomfort.

"Any good movies?" Hardik mumbled, scrolling through the in-flight options.

"Just catching up on reading," Jiya said, peeking over the top.

"Right, of course." He frowned at the screen. "Ugh, not the best selection. Maybe something we can both watch..." His eyes lit up. "Hey, 'Titanic'? Classic love story, right?"

Jiya stared at the screen, Kate and Leo frozen in a clinch. Irritation flickered in her chest. This was the same guy who friend-zoned her, suggesting a movie dripping with romance?

Placing the book down, Jiya met his gaze. "Actually, Hardik, I don't think I can watch that with you."

"Why not?" Hardik's confusion was genuine. "It's a good movie."

"It's not the movie," Jiya said, her voice firm. "Maybe I should sit somewhere else."

With a pointed look, she gathered her things and stood. Relief washed over her as she spotted Ritika a few rows ahead, deep in conversation.

"Mind if I join you?" Jiya asked, a hopeful smile replacing her earlier frustration.

Ritika's eyes widened. "Jiya! Of course, come sit!" She patted the empty seat beside her.

Settling in, Jiya launched into a quick explanation, "That was...awkward with Hardik."

Ritika listened patiently, then chuckled. "He can be clueless sometimes. But he's a good guy. Maybe he just doesn't realize..."

Jiya sighed, a flicker of hope battling the confusion. "Maybe you're right. But that movie..." she shook her head.

Ritika squeezed her hand. "Forget Hardik for now. Let's enjoy the flight. We can figure him out later."

Jiya nodded, a silent vow forming. This trip was about her, about her brother, and maybe, just maybe, about figuring out what she truly wanted.

-----

The stadium pulsed with the roar of the crowd. India batted first, and Hardik was on fire. Every powerful swing of his bat, every soaring six sent a thrill through Jiya, a knot of nervous anticipation tightening in her stomach. The memory of their plane conversation, laced with awkwardness and unspoken desires, lingered in her mind.

Just then, Hardik unleashed a glorious cover drive. The ball rocketed to the ropes, and the crowd erupted. He raised his bat in his signature celebration – a flamboyant twirl of the willow. But this time, something shifted. As he lowered the bat, his gaze darted to the stands, locking eyes with Jiya in an intense stare that stole her breath.

The world dissolved into a blur of ringing ears and pounding heart. Was it just a coincidence? Or was there a message in that lingering look, a secret only they shared? A blush crept up her neck as Hardik, seemingly oblivious, acknowledged his partner and the roar resumed.

The moment shattered, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions. Was Hardik hinting at something more, or was she imagining a connection that didn't exist? The mystery hung heavy in the air, a delicious tension that promised to unravel as the match, and perhaps their feelings, progressed.

-----

The celebratory dinner buzzed, but Jiya felt a cold knot in her stomach. Every attempt to talk to Hardik ended with him politely vanishing. Frustration simmered.

Later, in the quiet hallway, Jiya stood outside Hardik's door. Taking a deep breath, she knocked.

The door creaked open, revealing a surprised Hardik. "Jiya?"

"We need to talk," she said, her voice firm despite her pounding heart.

Hardik's brow furrowed. "Sure, come in." Nervous energy crackled between them.

Jiya entered, the door clicking shut. "The plane, your celebration..." she began, frustration bubbling.

Hardik shifted, looking away. "I, uh, don't know what you mean."

"Don't play dumb," Jiya pressed, stepping closer. "You single me out, then act like a stranger."

Hardik winced, a blush creeping up his neck. He ran a hand through his hair. "Jiya, it's..."

"Complicated?" Jiya finished, her voice softening. "Because right now, I'm lost."

Hardik met her gaze, his eyes mirroring her turmoil. "There's something between us," he admitted, "but things are..."

"Complicated?" she echoed, a hint of disappointment creeping in.

He let out a frustrated sigh. "It's not the right time. Too much going on."

Jiya felt a pang of hurt. The lingering touches, the stolen glances – they'd felt real. His words cast doubt, leaving her bewildered.

The air hung heavy with unspoken desires. In that charged silence, Jiya took a small step forward, drawn by an invisible force. Hardik didn't move away. Their eyes locked, a silent conversation passing between them.

Suddenly, as if pulled by a magnet, Hardik leaned in. The space between them evaporated, and their lips met in a searing kiss. It was a kiss fueled by unspoken emotions, a desperate attempt to bridge the gap of confusion.

Jiya gasped, surprised, then melted into the kiss, returning it with equal fervor.

The kiss deepened, but just as quickly, Hardik pulled away, his eyes filled with regret.

"I can't," he whispered, his voice thick. "This is a mistake."

With a muttered apology, he turned and walked towards the door, his hand reaching for the knob. Jiya watched him go, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. The kiss had been a revelation, but Hardik's retreat left her more confused than ever.

Standing alone, Jiya knew one thing for sure – this wasn't over. The spark between them, ignited by a stolen kiss, thrummed with a life of its own.

-----

Two weeks. Forced smiles, stolen glances, a heart tangled in knots. Jiya avoided Hardik, the memory of their kiss a lingering spark overshadowed by his retreat.

She liked him. Maybe he felt it too, the lingering touches and heated looks hinting at unspoken desires. But Jiya craved simplicity, not complication.

For six years, she'd focused on studies, a stark contrast to her friends' carefree flings. Now, a sliver of hope had opened, a chance for her own love story. Virat and Anushka, a testament to love's effortless beauty.

Love, Jiya realized, was a seesaw. A perfect 50-50 balance, but challenges were inevitable. Sometimes it dipped to 60-40, a natural ebb and flow. But what if it was always a lopsided affair, a constant struggle?

No. The confusion around Hardik, the unspoken words - it was exhausting.

As the ODI series ended, a sense of finality settled. Time to return to India. A bittersweet pang. England had been a whirlwind - victories, the spark with Hardik, and ultimately, the decision to walk away.

Packing, Jiya stole a glance at his closed door. The emotional distance mirrored in wood. With a sigh, she zipped her suitcase shut. The finality echoed the closing chapter on this confusing, exhilarating trip.

Maybe someday their paths would converge. But for now, Jiya craved clarity. A love that wouldn't leave her teetering on a lopsided seesaw.

-----

The roar of the engines faded as the plane taxied to a stop in Singapore's Changi Airport. The layover was a welcome break, a chance to stretch cramped legs and grab a bite to eat. Yet, for Jiya, the atmosphere crackled with a tension that had nothing to do with cramped airplane seats.

Hardik was on the same layover flight, and his presence felt like a physical weight in the sterile airport lounge. She studiously avoided him, burying herself in a book, stealing glances only at the departure screens. But even with her back turned, she could feel the heat of his gaze, a silent question hanging in the air.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the remaining passengers had cleared out, leaving Jiya and Hardik alone in the vast lounge. The silence stretched, thick with unspoken words and simmering emotions.

Hardik cleared his throat, the sound echoing in the empty space. "Jiya," he began, his voice laced with a mix of apology and desperation. "I wanted to apologize for how I acted back in England. I know I shut you out, and that was wrong."

Jiya kept her gaze fixed on the departure board, her jaw clenched tight.

Sensing her lack of response, Hardik continued, his voice softer now. "There's a reason I haven't acted on... well, on what's between us."

Jiya finally flickered her eyes towards him, a flicker of curiosity battling with the wall she'd built around her heart. "Why?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Hardik hesitated, taking a deep breath. "It's Virat," he confessed, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "He's my friend, my teammate... there's a bro code. And you're his sister. It's just..."

He trailed off, the weight of his unspoken words hanging heavy in the air. Jiya's heart lurched. A part of her had known, a nagging suspicion buried beneath the hope that had bloomed during their stolen moments.

Hardik reached out, his hand hovering hesitantly in the air before retracting. "But," he continued, his voice gaining strength, "after these past few weeks, after seeing you again, I don't think there's a big enough reason to hide this anymore."

He took a bold step forward, his eyes searching hers. Then, in a move that stole her breath away, he dropped to one knee. "Jiya," he said, his voice thick with emotion, "I'm so sorry for ignoring you and my own feelings. But the truth is, I love you. And if it means facing Virat, if it means fighting for you, then so be it. You're worth it."

The raw honesty in his eyes, the vulnerability etched on his face, broke through the dam of her carefully constructed walls. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision.

"Hardik," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I..."

For a moment, words failed her. The years of longing, the confusion of the past few weeks, all came crashing down.

Then, with a surge of courage that mirrored his own, she leaned forward, her eyes locking with his. "I love you too," she confessed, her voice husky with emotion.

The space between them evaporated in a rush. Hardik cupped her face in his hands, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that was both desperate and tender. It was a kiss that held the weight of unspoken words, a promise of a love that had fought its way through loyalty and doubt.

As they pulled away, breathless and filled with a newfound sense of hope, the departure board flickered with the announcement of their flight's gate. The world outside the sterile lounge seemed brighter somehow, infused with the promise of a love that had finally found its voice.

-----

The Kohli residence buzzed with the warm energy of a family reunion. Jiya had finally returned from England, and a celebratory dinner was in order. The aroma of freshly prepared delicacies filled the air as Virat and Anushka bustled around, ensuring everyone felt welcome.

As the family settled around the table, Jiya stole a glance at Hardik, a secret smile playing on her lips. They had spent the flight back lost in a world of their own, whispering promises and stealing kisses. Today, they were ready to share their truth.

"There's something we want to tell everyone," Jiya announced, her voice laced with a hint of nervousness.

All eyes turned to her, curiosity glinting in each gaze. Virat, ever the protective brother, leaned back in his chair, a playful smile on his face. "Well, don't leave us in suspense, sis. What is it?"

Jiya took a deep breath, her hand instinctively reaching for Hardik's under the table. "Hardik and I..." she began, her voice trailing off as she squeezed his hand reassuringly.

Hardik, his heart hammering in his chest, picked up where she left off. "We're together," he declared, his voice firm despite the knot of nerves in his stomach.

A beat of silence followed, then the room erupted in cheers and congratulations. Anushka was the first to reach them, pulling Jiya into a tight hug. "Oh, Jiya! I'm so happy for you both!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Virat, though initially taken aback, a wide grin spread across his face. He clapped Hardik on the shoulder, his grip a bit firmer than necessary. "Well, well, well," he boomed, his voice laced with amusement. "Never thought I'd see the day my sister gets the jump on me!"

Hardik chuckled nervously, but his eyes held a newfound confidence. "Thanks, Virat. I promise to take good care of her."

Virat leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a low growl. The playful smile had vanished, replaced by a mock stern expression. "You better," he warned, his gaze flickering between Jiya and Hardik. "She's my little sister. Break her heart, and you'll see the worst of me."

Hardik gulped, a flicker of fear momentarily replacing the joy in his eyes. He stole a glance at Jiya, who was deep in conversation with Anushka, oblivious to the silent exchange between the two men.

"Never," Hardik assured Virat, his voice low and determined. "I can't break her heart again."

Virat's eyes narrowed. "Again?" he echoed; his voice laced with surprise.

-----

I'll leave the next scene up to your imagination.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE

Okay the requests are officially closed.

Ash2029
varmakakarma
pagalwagalhaikyaa
ictmerijaan12

These 4 people are remaining and please you all don't go MIA. I have 3 stories ready but those people are not responding. So I have 3 stories available, anyone wants to give their name for it, I'll change the female lead name.

1. Ishan Kishan

2. Abhishek Sharma

3. Shubman gill.

It's first come first serve.