Anushka sat quietly by the large, wooden-framed window, her fingers wrapped around a warm cup of matcha tea. The soft green color of the tea contrasted beautifully with the earthy tones of the wooden table. She stared out of the large window beside her as she thought, about how she was practically dragged to Kyoto by her cousin, who was eager to pick up some souvenirs from their Japan trip, but she was glad that her cousin forced her to come. Cause, her cousin's insistence had led her to discover this unique café.

Yes, unique cause, apart from being the perfect blend of modern minimalism and classic Japanese aesthetics. The café's windows were tinted in a unique way—those inside could see out, but no one outside could see in. It created a sense of privacy for the people inside, and well about the world beyond the glass, it moved at its own pace—The sky outside was painted in shades of pink and orange, casting a warm, golden light across the streets.

Bicycles whizzed by with a leisurely grace, their wheels catching the last rays of the sun, while pedestrians strolled slowly, savoring the calm evening. She was on a much-needed vacation, escaping the hustle of her everyday life in Mumbai. Japan had always fascinated her, with its perfect blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity. This trip with her cousin sister, Meera, was meant to be a time for bonding, relaxation, and exploration. While, Meera was, as usual, lost in one of the tiny souvenir shops down the street, Anushka decided to walk ahead and explore the area, only to find this cozy cafe.

Anushka took a sip of her matcha tea, its delicate bitterness mingling with the creamy sweetness of the milk. She glanced at her phone, noting the time. And knowing Meera she would probably be a while longer in the souvenir shop, lost among trinkets and knick-knacks, she remembered that she hadn't updated Meera on her whereabouts. In order to not worry her cousin, she dropped her a quick text.

Hey Meera! Found a lovely café just a lane away from the souvenir shop. I'm here now, enjoying a peaceful moment. Come join me when you're done! ☕️🍵

She hit send and set her phone down, letting out a contented sigh, as she took another sip of her matcha tea, the warm, earthy flavor a perfect complement to the cozy moment she was enjoying. As she let her gaze drift back to the window, she noticed a figure outside, standing on the edge of the sidewalk.

He was a young man, casually yet stylishly dressed in a navy blue sweatshirt that hugged his frame casually, paired with black chinos that narrowed elegantly down to his shiny, black-and-white trendy sneakers, and the navy blue baseball cap complimenting his fit. He was holding several shopping bags in his hands. He seemed to be caught in a moment of self-reflection, adjusting his navy blue cap and smoothing down his hair with a thoughtful expression.

As he meticulously straightened his hair, his gaze shifted downward to his outfit. He took a moment to check himself out, his eyes darting from his trendy sneakers to the sleek lines of his chinos and the casual yet stylish fit of his sweatshirt. With a small, self-satisfied smile playing on his lips, he began making subtle gestures as if he were examining his reflection in a mirror. He adjusted the cap once more, tilted his head slightly to the side, and then flexed his shoulders, examining the way the fabric of his sweatshirt lay against his frame. 

The young man turned around and stepped back slightly to get a full look at his reflection in the glass. He shifted his weight onto one foot, striking a casual pose, as if appraising his overall appearance. With one hand, he lifted the hem of his navy blue sweatshirt, pretending to check if his outfit was sitting just right. And then, as if completely forgetting that he was in a public space, he flashed a playful grin at his reflection and gave himself a mock thumbs-up.

Anushka couldn't help but chuckle quietly into her cup, hiding her smile behind the rim as she took another sip of her matcha. The man, completely unaware of his secret audience, took it a step further. He angled his body slightly, lifted his chin, and gave a dramatic hair toss—though his hair barely moved under the cap—and followed it up by running his fingers through the strands that peeked out. He seemed satisfied with the result, nodding to himself as if silently confirming, Yeah, I look good.

But he wasn't done yet. With a flourish, he winked at his own reflection, then gave a double finger-gun gesture like someone doing a movie-style exit from a conversation. Anushka couldn't hold back her laughter this time; she giggled quietly, her shoulders shaking with amusement. There was something endearing about the way he unabashedly enjoyed his own little moment, entirely unaware that he had an audience. She had always been drawn to people who could find joy in the simple things, and this impromptu self-admiration session was certainly one of those moments.

Anushka leaned back in her chair, her fingers still curled around the warm cup, feeling a gentle warmth not just from the tea but from the scene unfolding outside. The man's playful confidence was infectious, and she found herself smiling more broadly than she had in days. As the young man continued his exaggerated preening, striking poses and then breaking into a self-satisfied grin made her feel a strange warmth in her chest. It was a feeling she hadn't expected—something about his playful, carefree attitude struck a chord within her. She hadn't expected to find herself so captivated. The simple joy he radiated was magnetic, pulling her in with a quiet intensity.

Anushka felt her pulse quicken, a warmth spreading across her cheeks that wasn't entirely from the matcha tea, and she knew it. There was a lightness in his movements, a genuine happiness that radiated from him as he struck yet another pose, this time pretending to flex his muscles like a bodybuilder, then breaking into a sheepish grin as if acknowledging his own ridiculousness. Maybe it was the way he was completely unaware of how captivating he was, or how effortlessly he owned the moment. She could almost imagine what he was thinking as he flashed himself a grin and mock saluted his reflection, and it made her smile even more.

His little self-confidence show wasn't arrogance; it was lighthearted, almost goofy in a way that made him endearing rather than off-putting. For a second, Anushka wondered what it would be like to talk to him. To sit across from him, watching the sun dip lower in the sky, casting shadows of golden hues across the room as they laughed about something ridiculous. She imagined him bringing that same energy into a conversation—playful, teasing, but with an undertone of warmth that made you feel comfortable. The thought surprised her.

She hadn't come to Kyoto looking for anything other than a quiet escape from her hectic life. But now, as Anushka watched this stranger go through his theatrical routine outside, she could feel the soft flutter in her chest. She took another sip of her tea, her eyes never leaving him. The man finally seemed to be satisfied with his impromptu fashion show. He gathered his shopping bags, adjusted his cap one last time, and with a casual shrug, turned to walk down the street.

Just as he was about to disappear from her view, he paused, turned back, walked towards the café, and stopped right in front of where Anushka was sitting, and for a brief moment, their eyes met. Anushka's breath caught in her throat. The playful, confident man she had been watching now wore a slightly puzzled expression as if he had somehow sensed her gaze. His eyes—deep and warm, with a hint of curiosity—locked onto hers, and for that fleeting second, time seemed to stand still. The world outside, with its fading sunlight and quiet streets, faded into the background, and all she could see were his eyes, holding her in place with an unspoken connection.

Anushka quickly averted her gaze, feeling a rush of warmth flood her cheeks. Her heart raced as she stared down at her cup, suddenly very aware of how silly she must have looked to the people in the cafe, laughing to herself while watching a stranger through the window. But she couldn't help it—there was something about him that had drawn her in, something that made her heart flutter in a way it hadn't in a long time. She risked another glance and found him standing still, his eyes flickering with a trace of amusement.

The young man placed the shopping bags carefully on the ground beside him, then reached into the pocket of his black chinos and pulled out his phone. With a casual tilt of his head, he opened the camera app, checking his reflection one more time before adjusting his cap slightly. Anushka watched, her heart still racing, as he angled the phone for a selfie, positioning it just so as to capture the golden hues of the sunset behind him. The soft glow from the sunset played off his features, highlighting the sharp angles of his jaw and the playful smirk that tugged at the corners of his lips.

The young man adjusted his cap once more and flashed a peace sign, striking a pose with the kind of effortless charm that made it seem like he'd done this a thousand times before, unknown to her, he had indeed done it a thousand if not infinite times already. Anushka stifled another giggle, watching the scene unfold from her side of the glass. There was something so endearing about his carefree attitude, his willingness to have fun in a moment that most people would overlook.

She could tell that he was enjoying himself, completely lost in his own little world, and it made her heart swell with an unfamiliar warmth. He took a couple more selfies, each one more exaggerated than the last—a mock-serious face, a cheeky smile, a double peace sign. With every click of the camera, Anushka found herself smiling wider, feeling an inexplicable connection to this stranger who seemed so unapologetically himself. Finally satisfied with his mini photoshoot, he lowered his phone, glancing at the screen with a satisfied grin.

The young man swiped through the photos, pausing every now and then to admire his handiwork. Anushka continued to watch him, a soft smile playing on her lips, fully entertained by this spontaneous performance. Just as he seemed to find the perfect picture, his expression shifted into one of sheer satisfaction. But before he could post the picture on his social media accounts, something totally unexpected happened...

Thwap

Yep, you read it right, out of nowhere, a hand appeared and delivered a light but firm smack to the back of the young man's head, knocking his favorite cap slightly askew. "Oi, Mr. Fashionista!"

A voice, laced with playful irritation, called out. The young man flinched in surprise, his old but precious phone nearly slipping from his grasp as he spun around to see who had dared to interrupt his moment. "Excuse me, what the fu—"

The young man began as he spun around, but his words were cut short as he turned to face the person responsible for the smack while readjusting his cap. Standing behind him was another man, dressed in light-gray shorts that complimented his black hoodie, and a matching navy blue baseball cap that clearly marked him as either his best friend or brother.

His expression was a mix of exasperation and amusement. His arms were crossed, and he glared up at him with an expression that screamed, Are you serious right now? "Really, Vi?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he raised an eyebrow. "You couldn't wait to do this at the hotel?"

The young man, who was none other than Virat rubbed the back of his head, where his friend had smacked him, wincing dramatically. "Ouch, yarr! That hurt! I was just—"

"Just being a goof, as usual," His friend interrupted, rolling his eyes. "You and your obsession with selfies. Seriously, sometimes I wonder how you're not completely in love with yourself."

Virat flashed him a sheepish grin, one that Anushka could tell was meant to be disarming. "Well, I have to admit, I do have some pretty good angles," he said, winking playfully. "Besides, the lighting was so perfect, I had to take some pictures. You wouldn't understand, Ro," he teased, straightening his cap and punching Rohit slightly on his shoulder.

Rohit rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. "Oh, trust me, I understand perfectly—you're an idiot."

Rohit reached out and snatched one of the shopping bags from Virat's hands, turning to walk ahead and leaving him behind. Without looking back, Rohit casually waved his hand in the air, the gesture as dismissive as it was teasing."Let's go, yaar," he called over his shoulder, his voice carrying a hint of urgency laced with nonchalance. "Riti's probably going to call soon, and trust me, she'll have our heads if she finds out I left my phone at the hotel again."

Rohit's tone lightened, but there was a playful edge to it as if daring Virat to keep up. Virat watched Rohit walk away, his expression shifting from playful defiance to mock exasperation. "Oi, wait up, Ro!" he called, stuffing his phone into his pocket and grabbing the remaining shopping bags.

Virat jogged a few steps to catch up, the casual rhythm of the street contrasting with the rush in his movements. As he neared Rohit, he slowed his pace, falling back in Rohit's footsteps, "I ain't saving you this time, you know," Virat said, his voice dripping with smug amusement. "Last time Riti called, I had to cover for your forgetful ass."

Rohit glanced at him from the corner of his eye, a smirk pulling at his lips as they walked side by side down the quaint Kyoto street. "Oh, really?" he drawled, his voice teasing. "You said that the last three times. And yet, somehow, when I'm in trouble, there you are, saving me."

Virat rolled his eyes dramatically but couldn't help the grin that spread across his face. "Oh, please, Ro," he said with a sarcastic edge. "It's not like I enjoy being your personal emergency hotline or anything. It's just that, I don't wanna see my dear sister, have a meltdown because you left your phone at the hotel again. Honestly, if it wasn't for me, she'd probably track you down with a GPS to make sure you're not lost," Virat retorted, his tone a mix of mock annoyance and genuine amusement.

Rohit stopped in his tracks, spinning around on his heel with an exaggerated slowness. He fixed Virat with a look that could only be described as a mix of mock indignation and playful annoyance, his eyes narrowing as if in deep contemplation. "Excuse me?"

Rohit began, his voice dripping with exaggerated offense. He raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms, tilting his head slightly as if deep in thought, a dramatic expression of mock offense painting his features. "Oh, so that's how it is, huh? Now I see," he began, his voice dripping with feigned hurt. "You knew me long before Rits came into the picture, yet the moment she showed up, you switched sides, huh? I see where your loyalty lies."

Virat tried to suppress his laughter, but the sight of Rohit's exaggerated expression broke his resolve. "Oh, come on, Ro," he said, rolling his eyes. "You know I'm just trying to survive. Besides, it's not my fault you're so easily forgetful. Someone has to keep you in check!"

Rohit narrowed his eyes at Virat, his voice mockingly accusatory. "Admit it, the two of you gang up on me all the time. Every time I forget something or make a mistake, there's Riti, with her knowing smirk, and you, acting all innocent while secretly enjoying it."

Virat chuckled, unable to hide his grin. "Well, I wouldn't say 'gang up'—more like... mutual support," he teased, the smugness in his tone unmistakable.

Rohit sighed dramatically, shaking his head. "I just want someone on my side for once. Someone I can gang up with against you. Someone who's not scared of you and your Punjabi sis. I need a partner in crime, man!" He shot Virat a side-eye, his lips curling into a mischievous smirk. "But no, apparently, I have to face the wrath of the Punjabi siblings on my own. Why don't you just marry already?" Rohit asked, his voice a mix of playful exasperation and longing.

Virat's eyes widened in surprise, the teasing light in them dimming just for a second before returning with full force. He stopped mid-step, turning toward Rohit with mock shock, his eyebrows raised high. "Wait, what did you just say?" His voice was drenched in playful disbelief as if he couldn't quite believe what he'd heard.

Rohit sighed heavily, throwing his head back dramatically as if the weight of his words had suddenly exhausted him. He turned to face Virat fully, his hands flying up in the air in mock exasperation. "You heard me, Vi," he said, voice now edged with an overly theatrical longing. "Just marry already, yaar. That way, I can finally have someone on my side who's not constantly ganging up on me like you and Riti."

Virat blinked once, then twice, before a grin broke across his face, the mock offense replaced by sheer amusement. "Oh, really?" He stuffed his hands into his pockets, his voice adopting a slow, teasing cadence. "Marry? Just like that, huh?" he asked, fighting to keep a straight face.

Rohit turned to look at him fully, walking backward. He gestured dramatically, and his eyes gleamed with mischief. "Think about it, yaar. You tie the knot, and boom, I've got myself a crime partner. It would be a dream team—me and your wife, ganging up on you, taking turns making your life miserable."

Virat stopped walking for a second, a grin tugging at the corners of his lips as he processed Rohit's words. "Wait, wait, wait." He held up a hand. "So, you're telling me you want me to get married... so you can join forces with my future wife to gang up on me?"

Rohit shrugged, his expression perfectly nonchalant. "Exactly. Sounds perfect, doesn't it?"

Virat laughed again, the sound full of amusement and disbelief. "Finally, you confessed your plan. I always knew you had ulterior motives, but this? This is next-level plotting."

Rohit threw his hands in the air, a look of mock frustration on his face. "I'm just trying to level the playing field here! You've got Riti on your side, always ready to gang up on me. While my poor self does not even stand a chance against both of you."

Virat smirked, leaning in slightly as he lowered his voice, a teasing glint in his eye. "Oh, I know. That's why I enjoy it so much."

Rohit sighed dramatically, shaking his head. "This is why I need backup. You're ruthless, yaar."

Virat chuckled, his amusement evident as he slung an arm around Rohit's shoulder. "Alright, alright, Ro. I hear you. Maybe someday I'll consider your plea and actually get married."

Rohit laughed, nudging Virat playfully with his shoulder. "Yeah, right. As if you will."

Virat shook his head, his grin widening as he looked at Rohit. "Oh, Ro, you know I will get married surely. But only when I find the right person." Saying that Virat turned around, his eyes fixed intently on the window of the cafe, as if he had sensed someone talking about him.

Meanwhile, Anushka watched the exchange between the two men, and how Virat jogged towards Rohit. She took a final sip of her matcha tea, her thoughts drifting back to the brief yet captivating encounter. There was something strikingly familiar about the man she had just been observing. Her mind raced, trying to place where she had seen him before. The way he moved, his playful demeanor, even his smile—there was an unmistakable sense of recognition. She glanced back at Virat, who was now catching up with Rohit, and her eyes widened as the realization hit her —Virat Kohli !

She'd seen him before, just not in this setting. Her brother had been practically bursting with excitement a few weeks ago, showing her a picture of Virat with an admiring grin. He had gone on and on about how impressed he was with Kohli's skills and charisma. At the time, Anushka had nodded and smiled, not entirely understanding the hype. Cricket had never been her thing, and she had only half-listened as her brother talked about the cricketer's charm and the way he interacted with fans. But now, as she watched Virat, acting out the very playful, carefree persona her brother had described.

Anushka couldn't help but let her gaze linger on him, her thoughts racing. She felt a sudden, unexpected pang in her chest, a fluttering warmth that she hadn't felt in a long time. She leaned back in her chair, her fingers still cradling the warm cup of matcha tea, and couldn't help but murmur aloud to herself, "I didn't know a first glance could make me feel like this."

Anushka's words were tinged with a mixture of surprise and a touch of disbelief, as she gazed at the two men, who stood on the pavement, the golden hues of the sunset casting long shadows behind them, as they continued their playful exchange. Anushka's gaze followed the two men who started walking side by side now, her heart fluttering with every passing second. A dreamy smile played on her lips as she whispered to herself, "What is it you've done to me, Virat? From the very first moment I laid eyes on you, my heart has been swept away. It's amazing how someone I've only seen for an instant can make my heart race so wildly."

Suddenly, Virat's head turned slightly, and his eyes scanned the surroundings. Anushka's breath hitched as their gazes met. For a brief, electric moment, their eyes locked. The world around them seemed to blur, and it felt as though a silent, unspoken connection passed between them. Virat's gaze was warm and penetrating, his eyes holding a depth that seemed to see right through her. Anushka's heart skipped a beat. She quickly looked away, feeling a blush rise to her cheeks.

Anushka's hand gripped the matcha tea cup tighter, almost as if she needed the comfort of its warmth to steady her racing heart. As she thought, about how a simple visit to a cozy café in Kyoto turned out to be so unexpectedly eventful, a warm smile crept across her face. She shook her head, as she caught herself daydreaming about what might have been if fate had offered them a different set of circumstances.

A part of her wished for another chance, another day when their paths might cross again. Perhaps then, she'd have the chance to share the feelings that her heart struggled to contain. Until then, she decided, she would cherish the memory of this unexpected yet profoundly meaningful meeting.

Hoping destiny would guide her back to him someday.

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Wrote another rom OS on the ICT couple...what are your thoughts on this one? I don't know, why nowadays I am coming up with rom one-shots lmao. 

XOXO!