Tara stepped into the hotel’s dining area, still slightly groggy from the warmth of sleep.

She had been expecting the usual scene—a casual breakfast setup with plates of eggs and toast, half-awake cricketers sipping coffee and lazily scrolling through their phones.

Instead, what she saw stopped her in her tracks.The room was utterly transformed.

Clusters of pastel-colored balloons floated in the corners, their soft hues of pink, lavender, and sky blue perfectly complementing the golden morning light streaming through the large windows.

Thin, shimmering ribbons cascaded down from the ceiling, catching the sunlight and swaying gently in the breeze from the ceiling fans.

A large banner hung near the buffet table, its bold, golden letters reading "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TARA!" in an elegant script that sparkled with glitter.

She froze, her breath hitching as the sight registered.

Her eyes flitted across the room, taking in the festive setup: a small table in the corner held neatly wrapped gifts, a bouquet of wildflowers sat in a glass vase, and a beautifully frosted cake peeked out from under a glass cover on the main table.

The cheerful hum of voices came to an abrupt stop as the players turned toward her, their faces lighting up with wide, mischievous grins.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TARA!” they shouted in unison, the sheer volume and enthusiasm of their cheer making her flinch in surprise.

Her hands flew to her mouth as a mixture of laughter and disbelief bubbled out.

“What—how did you all even...?” she stammered, her wide eyes darting from the decorations to the faces of her teammates, and finally to the glittering banner.

“You didn’t think we’d forget, did you?” Hardik asked, stepping forward with a mock look of offense. His tone was exaggerated, but the warmth in his expression was undeniable.

Tara’s gaze snapped to him, still caught somewhere between amazement and emotion.

“I didn’t even think anyone knew,” she admitted, her voice quieter now, a tremor betraying the weight of the gesture.

“Well, lucky for you, we’re excellent at keeping secrets,” Hardik said with a wink. He gestured grandly at the room with both arms, as if unveiling a masterpiece. “Not bad, huh? A Pandya special.”

“Don’t take all the credit, Hardik,” Ishan interjected, bounding forward with a wide grin. “It was a team effort. But, yes, we’re all amazing.”

Before she could respond, Ishan pulled out a glittery party hat from seemingly nowhere and perched it atop her head with great ceremony.

“Perfect! Now you’re ready to party,” he declared, stepping back with a playful flourish.

The sheer absurdity of it all made Tara laugh, the sound bursting out of her before she could stop herself. She reached up to adjust the crooked hat, shaking her head in disbelief. “You guys are ridiculous.”

“And you love it,” Yashasvi chimed in, stepping forward with an easy grin and a small bouquet of wildflowers in hand. His expression softened as he held it out to her.

Her gaze dropped to the bouquet, the delicate blooms of daisies, lavender, and baby’s breath arranged with surprising care.

She took it gingerly, her fingers brushing over the soft petals as warmth bloomed in her chest.

“I... don’t know what to say,” she said softly, her voice catching slightly. “This is—thank you. I can’t believe you all did this.”

“Believe it,” Hardik said, his tone teasing but his smile sincere. “We couldn’t let you have just another ordinary day, Tara. You’ve been stuck with us long enough to deserve this.”

“It was mostly Hardik’s idea,” Shubman said from behind her, his voice quieter than the boisterous energy filling the room but somehow cutting through it effortlessly.

Tara turned, her curiosity piqued, and saw him standing a few steps away, holding a small box wrapped neatly in silver paper.

Her brows lifted slightly as she met his gaze. There was something different about the way he looked at her—soft, almost uncertain, as if he were waiting for her reaction more than anyone else’s.

“And this is from me,” he said simply, stepping closer and holding the box out to her.

Tara hesitated, her fingers brushing the edges of the box as she looked up at him. “Shubman, you didn’t have to get me anything...”

“Just open it,” he replied, his voice gentle but insistent. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips, and Tara could sense a touch of nervousness beneath his usually calm demeanor.

Her curiosity deepened as she carefully unwrapped the box, peeling back the silver paper with deliberate care. When she finally lifted the lid, her breath hitched.

Nestled inside was a delicate necklace, the gold chain catching the light like threads of sunlight. At its center was a tiny charm—a simple star, its edges shimmering faintly, as if it held its own light.

For a moment, she could only stare. The design was unassuming but carried a quiet elegance that spoke volumes.

“It’s... beautiful,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper as she reached for the necklace, lifting it gently from the box.

Her fingers brushed over the charm, its cool surface warming quickly in her grasp.

Shubman shifted slightly, his hand rubbing the back of his neck as he glanced away briefly before meeting her eyes again.

“I thought it suited you,” he said softly, his voice quieter now. “You know, because... you’re always shining in your own way.”

Tara blinked, her chest tightening at the sincerity in his words. There was no teasing, no lighthearted banter to hide behind.

He was completely earnest, and that honesty left her momentarily speechless.

She swallowed, willing her emotions to stay steady. “Shubman, this is...” She trailed off, shaking her head as a soft smile curved her lips. “This is so thoughtful. Thank you.”

He exhaled lightly, as if relieved by her response. “I wasn’t sure if you’d like it,” he admitted, his smile turning almost shy.

“Are you kidding?” she said, her tone warm but playful as she met his gaze again. “I love it. This means... so much.”

“You’re welcome,” he replied, his voice steady, though there was a flicker of something unspoken in his eyes as they lingered on hers.

₊‧.°.⋆✮⋆.°.‧₊

Tara held the necklace up, letting the light dance off the charm. “Do you mind helping me put it on?” she asked, her voice softer now, almost hesitant.

Shubman’s breath hitched for a moment, a brief pause that seemed to stretch longer than it should have.

He blinked, his gaze darkening, caught off guard by the request. The tension between them crackled in the air, palpable and thick.

Without a word, he stepped forward, slowly closing the distance between them. His fingers brushed against hers as he took the necklace from her, and the brief contact sent a jolt of warmth through her.

Her pulse quickened as she turned her back to him, the weight of the moment hanging heavy in the room. She gathered her hair over one shoulder, exposing the curve of her neck.

His presence loomed just behind her, so close she could feel the subtle heat of his body against hers, though neither of them moved.

Shubman’s fingers hovered over the clasp for a second too long, his breath steady but shallow.

The tension in the space between them was almost unbearable as his hands finally, slowly, reached to fasten the necklace.

Each movement was deliberate, almost too careful, as if he were acutely aware of every inch of proximity, every shift of air around them.

His fingers grazed the back of her neck, and the touch was feather-light, but it made her skin prickle with awareness. She held her breath, trying to keep her composure.

Her heartbeat echoed in her ears, loud and irregular, as the cool metal of the necklace settled around her collarbone, its weight pulling her back into reality. But the connection between them lingered, palpable and electric.

“All set,” Shubman said after a moment, his voice barely more than a murmur, his breath a little too quick for his usual calm.

Tara turned to face him, the sudden movement breaking the tension, but she could still feel the lingering heat of his touch.

She instinctively reached up to adjust the necklace, her fingers brushing over the charm, though the action felt almost unnecessary as it already sat perfectly against her skin.

“How does it look?” she asked, her voice betraying a hint of uncertainty she couldn’t quite hide. She tried to smile, but it felt faint, like something was tugging at her heart.

“Perfect,” he said simply, his gaze steady on her. There was something deeper in his expression—something unspoken—that made her chest tighten.

Tara’s fingers brushed over the delicate star charm. Shubman’s lips quirked into a teasing smile. “You know, it’s fitting.”

“Fitting?” she asked, tilting her head.

He nodded. “Your name—Tara—it means a star, doesn’t it? Now you’ve got one to match.”

A soft laugh escaped her. “Really leaning into the metaphors, aren’t you?”

“Maybe,” he said, his tone light, though his gaze stayed warm. “But it suits you. You shine in your own way.”

Her heart fluttered, and she managed a small smile. “I guess I’ll have to wear it all the time.”

“You should,” he said, his grin turning playful. “Just don’t expect me to start calling you ‘Star.’”

Tara laughed, shaking her head. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Try me,” he replied, his voice light but his eyes lingering, the moment stretching between them.

Before the moment could linger too long, Hardik clapped his hands loudly. “Alright, enough of the sentimental stuff! It’s cake time!”

₊‧.°.⋆✮⋆.°.‧₊

The team erupted into cheers as a towering chocolate cake was wheeled out, candles flickering brightly on top.

“Make a wish!” Virat called as Tara leaned toward the cake, her smile widening.

Tara closed her eyes for a moment, letting the warmth of the celebration wash over her before blowing out the candles.

The room filled with applause as the players began slicing the cake and passing around plates.

As Tara took a bite of her slice, Ishan slid into the seat beside her. “So, how’s it feel being the center of attention?” he asked, his tone light and teasing.

“A little overwhelming,” she admitted, laughing softly. “But in a good way.”

Ishan nodded, his expression thoughtful. “You deserve it, you know. You’ve been so cool with all of us. It’s like you’ve been part of the team forever.”

Tara tilted her head, touched by his words. “Thanks, Ishan. That means a lot coming from you.”

He grinned, leaning back in his chair. “Well, don’t let it get to your head. I’m still the favorite around here.”

“Oh, absolutely,” Tara replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “How could anyone compete with you?”

Ishan laughed, the sound warm and genuine. “You know, Gill’s been extra thoughtful about this whole birthday thing. He practically harassed Hardik into letting him plan part of it.”

Tara blinked, her heart skipping slightly. “He did?”

“Yep,” Ishan said casually, taking another bite of cake. “But don’t tell him I told you. He’ll deny it.”

Tara’s gaze flicked across the room, searching for Shubman in the crowd. Her eyes found him near the buffet table, laughing at something Rishabh had said, his expression relaxed and free.

There was a lightness to him, a side of him that felt familiar yet distant at the same time. It was as though he wore his calmness like armor, his easy smile masking the deeper thoughts that swirled just beneath the surface.

Her fingers brushed the necklace, its cool metal grounding her. She thought of Shubman’s touch, the quiet intensity in his eyes as he fastened it.

A simple moment, yet it lingered, heavy with unspoken meaning. Her gaze drifted to him, so close yet distant, the pull between them undeniable.

Guilt flickered as Matt’s face came to mind—her fiancé, her supposed anchor. But for the first time, his image felt blurred, overshadowed by Shubman’s presence.

Her fingers stilled over the necklace as a sudden thought struck her. Matt.

She pulled her phone from her bag, her heart sinking as she unlocked it. No missed calls. No messages. Not even a simple “Happy Birthday.”

The guilt she’d felt moments ago was replaced by a hollow ache. How could he forget? Or worse—had he remembered and simply chosen not to care?

Her chest tightened as she stared at the blank screen. The silence from Matt, her fiancé, felt louder than the laughter and chatter surrounding her.

Ishan's voice cut through her thoughts, soft and steady. “You okay?”

Tara looked up, forcing a small smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Yeah,” she lied, slipping the phone back into her bag. “I’m fine.”

₊‧.°.⋆✮⋆.°.‧₊

After breakfast, the team decided to take Tara out for a surprise trip to a nearby beach. The ride there was filled with laughter and music, with Ishan insisting on playing DJ and Hardik making up terrible lyrics to every song.

When they arrived, the sight of the glistening waves and soft, sandy shore took Tara’s breath away.

She kicked off her shoes, letting the cool sand squish between her toes as the players scattered across the beach, some starting a game of frisbee while others relaxed under the shade of a palm tree.

Tara wandered closer to the water, the gentle crash of the waves calming her thoughts. She was admiring the view when Shubman appeared beside her, his hands tucked into his pockets.

“Nice, isn’t it?” he asked, his voice low.

“It’s perfect,” she replied, glancing at him. “Thanks for convincing me to come out today.”

He shrugged, his lips curving into a small smile. “You deserved it. Besides, birthdays should always be special.”

Tara looked at him, her chest tightening again as she took in his quiet sincerity. “You’re really good at this whole ‘thoughtful friend’ thing, you know that?”

“Friend?” he teased, raising an eyebrow.

“Don’t push it,” she said, laughing.

Shubman chuckled, his gaze softening. “Alright, I’ll take it. For now.”

They walked in silence for a few moments, the sound of the waves gently crashing filling the space between them.

Tara couldn’t help but glance at him now and then, feeling a little off-balance. There was something in his presence today—something different.

His calm demeanor was more than just familiarity; it felt like an unspoken bond was forming between them, one that neither of them had quite acknowledged yet.

₊‧.°.⋆✮⋆.°.‧₊

“You know,” Shubman said after a while, his voice thoughtful, “I’ve been thinking about the first time we met.”

Tara blinked, glancing up at him. “The first time we met?”

He nodded, his eyes distant for a moment as he recalled. “You were on your way to bcci hq for that presentation of yours. You were in such a rush, didn’t even notice when you bumped into me.” He chuckled softly, shaking his head. “I didn’t realize you had no idea who I was.”

Tara’s face flushed with the memory. She had been so focused on getting to the meeting on time, barely looking up at anyone in her path.

She had collided with someone—someone who had apologized, but she’d been too flustered to even glance at him properly.

“That was you?” she asked, her voice laced with surprise.

Shubman grinned, his eyes dancing with amusement. “Yep, that was me. Just some guy in the crowd to you, huh?”

Tara laughed, the awkwardness of that moment suddenly feeling far away. “I was so focused on the presentation, I didn’t even notice who it was. You could’ve been anyone.”

“You didn’t realize who I was, huh?” Shubman teased. “Could’ve been a disaster if I’d said something then, huh?”

Tara shook her head, a light laugh escaping her. “I think it’s probably for the best you didn’t. I was a mess that day, barely keeping it together.”

Shubman chuckled. “You sure seemed like you had it all under control.”

“Yeah, well,” Tara said with a playful grin, “if I wasn’t rushing around, I might have noticed who I bumped into.”

They shared a quiet laugh, the air between them light. But then, Shubman’s expression softened, and he turned toward her with a gentle smile.

“I’m kind of glad we met that way,” he said quietly. “I don’t think I would’ve known you the way I do now if it hadn’t been for that moment.”

Tara felt a flutter in her chest, her eyes locking with his. There was something in his voice, something in the way he looked at her now, that made her heart skip a beat.

She swallowed, feeling the weight of his words sink in. “Yeah… I’m glad, too.”

For a brief moment, it felt like everything else faded away—the noise of the beach, the movement of the players behind them, the world itself.

There was just the two of them, standing together in the soft sand, a quiet understanding passing between them.

“So,” Tara said after a long pause, breaking the silence, “if we didn’t bump into each other that day, what would you have done?”

Shubman’s lips curled into a grin, his eyes teasing. “I probably would’ve waited for you to notice me on your own. But then again, I’m glad I didn’t have to.”

Tara smirked, feeling the tension between them shift into something lighter. “You’re lucky I’m not too stubborn, huh?”

“I’d say it’s more luck for me,” he replied, his smile genuine. “I’m glad we got to know each other this way.”

Tara nodded, her heart still racing a little. “Me too.”

The sound of the waves continued, their rhythm a perfect match for the unspoken connection between them.

₊‧.°.⋆✮⋆.°.‧₊

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the group gathered around a bonfire on the beach. Glasses of juice and sparkling water were passed around, and Hardik stood up to deliver his signature toast.

“To Tara,” he said, his voice loud and confident. “The most stylish, patient, and all-around amazing addition to our chaotic little family. Happy birthday!”

“Happy birthday!” the group echoed, their voices ringing out in unison.

Tara laughed, her cheeks warming as she clinked her glass with the others. “Thank you, all of you. This has been... perfect.”

As the conversations and laughter continued, Tara caught Shubman’s eye across the fire. He raised his glass subtly, his lips curving into a small smile.

She mirrored the gesture, her heart fluttering as their unspoken connection lingered in the flickering light.