Before we dive into the next chapter, I have a question for you all.

Why aren't you reading my other book, 'Innocent Hearts'? I would love to hear your thoughts and see some comments, but so far, there hasn't been much feedback or many votes.

Your support and engagement mean a lot to me, and it helps me grow as a writer. If you haven't had the chance yet, please check it out and let me know what you think. Every comment, vote, and piece of feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for being here and supporting my work. Now, let's get into the next chapter.

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Shubman was getting ready for another event with Sidharth. Sidharth was receiving an award and had requested Shubman to accompany him to the award show. Shubman had agreed, so he was getting dressed.

He was wearing a light grey, textured two-piece suit with a subtle plaid pattern. The suit jacket featured notched lapels, a two-button front closure, and flap pockets. Underneath the jacket, he wore a white crew-neck t-shirt, partially tucked into the trousers. The trousers matched the jacket in fabric and pattern, with a fitted straight-leg cut. Completing the outfit was a pair of brown leather shoes with a pointed toe design.

Descending the stairs, Shubman saw Sidharth waiting in a maroon suit with a notched lapel blazer. The blazer featured a pocket square and a lapel pin. Underneath, Sidharth wore a cream-colored, fine-knit sweater with no visible patterns or logos. His maroon trousers were well-fitted, completing his dapper look.

Shubman smiled and asked, "Chalein?"

Sidharth glanced at the stairs and replied, "Bhabhi ke liye toh ruk."

Shubman nodded, and a moment later, Kiara descended the stairs in a stunning long red dress with a slit on the left side. The dress featured an off-the-shoulder design with sheer panels and intricate patterns on the bodice, embellished with sequins that gave it a sparkling effect. She wore high-heeled sandals that matched the dress's color, exuding sophistication and glamour.

Sidharth was momentarily lost in her beauty until Shubman nudged him, "Bhaiyya, chalein?"

Sidharth snapped back to reality and nodded. Together, they headed towards the award show.

While the award show was in full swing, Shubman's phone buzzed. Seeing Sara's name on the screen, he quickly answered, "Hey Sara, everything okay?"

Sara's voice was calm but urgent, "Yeah, it's fine. Can you come to the location I send you?"

Without hesitation, Shubman replied, "Yeah, I will be there." He went to Kiara and informed her, "Bhabhi, I have some work, I need to go. Please inform bhai."

Kiara nodded, "Careful while driving."

Shubman nodded back, quickly made his way to his car, and input the location Sara had sent him into the GPS. As he drove, his mind raced with possibilities of what could be so urgent.

Arriving at the location, Shubman found it well-lit and inviting. He entered and saw Sara standing there, wearing a light beige dress. The dress featured a fitted bodice with ruched detailing, enhancing her silhouette. It had a high slit on one side, revealing her leg up to the thigh, and the hem was floor-length. She wore strappy high-heeled sandals that wrapped around her ankles, complementing the dress's color. Her hair was free, and she had applied minimal makeup, accentuating her natural beauty.

Sara smiled at Shubman, who immediately asked, "Are you okay? What happened?"

Sara just smiled, took a deep breath, and knelt down before him. "Shubman, I've been thinking about this for a while, and I need to tell you something important. From the moment I got to know you, you've been such an incredible friend to me. You've been there through thick and thin, always knowing how to make me smile and how to lift me up when I'm down. Your kindness, your humor, your unwavering support—they mean the world to me. Over time, my feelings for you have grown stronger, deeper. I've come to realize that what we have is something really special. You're not just my friend, Shubman; you're someone I care about deeply, someone I want to share my life with in a more meaningful way. I've seen how you handle challenges, how you care for those around you, and it's made me admire you even more. You have a way of making everything better, just by being yourself. And I want to be there for you, not just as a friend, but as someone who loves and supports you in every way possible. Shubman, I want to be more than just your friend. I want to be your partner, your confidant, your biggest cheerleader. I want to be your girlfriend. What I'm trying to say is, will you be my boyfriend? Will you take this journey with me and see where it leads us? Because I believe we could have something truly beautiful together."

Shubman was initially taken aback, but then a warm smile spread across his face. He reached out, gently lifting Sara to her feet. "Sara, hearing you say all of this means more to me than you can imagine. From the moment we met, I knew there was something special about you. You've been my rock, my source of laughter, and my confidant. Your support and kindness have always stood out to me, and it's been amazing having you in my life. Over time, my feelings for you have grown as well. I've always admired your strength, your compassion, and the way you make everything brighter just by being yourself. You've been more than a friend to me for a while now, and I've often wondered what it would be like to take this step with you. Sara, you mean the world to me. I want to be there for you in every way, just as you've been for me. I want to share my life with you, face challenges together, and create something beautiful."

He paused, looking deep into her eyes. "Yes, Sara, I will be your boyfriend. I want to take this journey with you, and I believe we can build something truly amazing together."

Sara's face lit up with joy as she stood up and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly. Then, their eyes met, and slowly, they leaned in, locking lips in a tender, heartfelt kiss. They felt a sense of completeness and happiness.

After a moment, they broke the kiss, and Sara whispered, "Let's not tell this to anyone just yet."

Shubman nodded, "Yeah, let's keep it our secret for now."

As they stood there, enveloped in the warmth of their newfound connection, Shubman and Sara shared a moment of silent understanding. The decision to keep their relationship a secret for now felt right, allowing them to savor the intimacy of their new bond without outside pressure.

Shubman gently caressed Sara's cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against her skin. "I still can't believe this is real," he said softly, his eyes reflecting a mix of joy and wonder. "I've dreamed of this moment, but I never imagined it would feel this amazing."

Sara smiled, her heart fluttering at his words. "Neither did I," she admitted. "But now that it's happening, it feels like everything is falling into place."

They stood together for a few more moments, simply enjoying each other's presence. Finally, Shubman broke the silence. "I should probably get back to the award show before bhaiyya and bhabhi start wondering where I am," he said with a hint of reluctance in his voice.

Sara nodded, understanding. "Of course. But promise me we'll talk more later? There's so much I want to share with you."

"Absolutely," Shubman replied, squeezing her hand gently. "I can't wait."

With one last, lingering look, Shubman turned and headed back to his car. As he drove back to the award show, his mind was a whirlwind of emotions. He felt elated, nervous, and incredibly hopeful about the future.

When he arrived at the venue, he quickly spotted Kiara and Sidharth. Sidharth was chatting with some guests, his award gleaming proudly in his hand. Kiara noticed Shubman and waved him over.

"Everything okay?" she asked, concern evident in her eyes.

Shubman nodded, trying to suppress the huge smile threatening to spread across his face. "Yeah bhabhi, everything's fine. Just had to take care of something important."

Kiara gave him a curious look but didn't press further. "Well, I'm glad you're back. Sid's been asking about you."

Shubman glanced at Sidharth, who was now looking in their direction. He gave his brother a thumbs up, signaling that everything was alright. Sidharth smiled and nodded, returning to his conversation.

As the evening continued, Shubman found it difficult to focus on the award show. His mind kept drifting back to Sara and the heartfelt confession they had shared. He could still feel the warmth of her embrace and the softness of her lips against his.

After the event concluded, Sidharth, Kiara, and Shubman headed home together. In the car, Sidharth couldn't help but notice Shubman's unusually cheerful demeanor.

"You seem awfully happy for someone who had to leave in the middle of an award show," Sidharth teased, raising an eyebrow.

Shubman chuckled, trying to play it cool. "Just had a really good conversation, that's all."

Kiara turned around from the front seat, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Oh? With anyone we know?"

Shubman hesitated for a moment but then shook his head. "Just an old friend. We caught up on some things."

Sidharth and Kiara exchanged knowing looks but decided not to push further. They respected Shubman's privacy, trusting that he would share more when he was ready.

Later that night, as Shubman lay in bed, he replayed the evening's events in his mind. He couldn't wait to see Sara again, to explore the new chapter of their relationship. He picked up his phone and sent her a quick message.

Can't stop thinking about you. Can't wait to see you again. Sweet dreams, Sara.

Almost immediately, his phone buzzed with a reply.

Me too, Shubman. Sweet dreams. ❤️

With a contented sigh, Shubman set his phone aside and closed his eyes, a smile on his face as he drifted off to sleep, dreaming of the beautiful journey that lay ahead with Sara.