The next day, Sai Sudharshan woke up to the soft glow of his phone screen illuminating the darkened room. Rubbing his eyes, he scrolled through his notifications, his interest piqued when he saw a post from someone named Iliana Rajput. 

As a fellow cricketer and an avid reader, he had heard of her as an up-and-coming author, but they had never crossed paths personally. The photo she had posted was captivating. 

Sai couldn't help but admire her, his eyes shining with adoration as he double-tapped the picture.

ilianarajput has posted

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kam is taking so much time

comments

itskam i need photo credits, and it was not me who kept whining about the socks

shubmangill random, but what is that box behind her?

trishakulkarni when are you releasing your new book? 😔😭

                               soon! im working on it

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With a grin, he immediately texted his close friend, Shubman Gill, who had been exploring New York City. 

shubman

BRO, have you seen
Iliana Rajput's latest post?
She looks stunning!
LIKE HOLYSHIT

I KNEW IT

YOU HAVE A CRUSH

HAHAHAHA

LET'S GO

FINALLY

.......

maybe

goddammit

i don't even know her

but shes so pretty

🥹🥹

speaking of girls

bro kam is so cute yaar

who's kam?

kamari

the girl i met
on the train

ahh the 
Train girl

yess

wait gimme a minute, 
she wants me to take a picture of her

WAIT

YOU GUYS ARE HANGING
OUT?

SHUBMAN

SHUBMAN

ANSWER ME

FUCKER

NO DOSA

WHEN YOU COME BACK

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liked by shubmangill, ilianarajput, miyadzousa, sai_1509, and 5420 others

🍦🥐💌

photo creds: shubmangill

comments

shubmangill 🥰🥰
                      🥹🫶

ilianarajput so slay
                        you slay

miyadzousa prettiest woman
                    right back at ya

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Sai Sudharshan couldn't resist scrolling through Iliana Rajput's Instagram feed, each photo revealing more about her personality and passions. 

He found himself smiling at her posts—some about books, others about her travels—and couldn't help but admire her intellect and creativity. 

Before he could tap out another message to Shubman, he sent a message responding to their previous message.

shubman

WHAT DO YOU
MEAN NO DOSA
I HATE YOU

😭

fine fine

but anyway

Have you seen her travel photos?
She's got such an adventurous spirit

🙏🙏

i know sir
she told me

And Kamari?
 How's she holding up?
What's her Instagram like?

Oh, you'd love it.
Her feed is like a love
letter to books and the city.
She captures moments with such grace

Sounds like you're smitten, mate

Maybe a little. It's refreshing
to meet someone
who sees the world
through such a unique lens.

Iliana Rajput sat cross-legged on her bed, meticulously folding clothes into her suitcase. Her cozy hotel room in New York City felt both familiar and foreign as she prepared for her upcoming journey back to India. 

The vibrant memories of the past week lingered in her mind—the bustling streets of Manhattan, the serene moments in Central Park, and the laughter-filled nights spent with Kamari.

Kamari, perched on the edge of the bed opposite her, let out a dramatic sigh. "I can't believe you're leaving already, Iliana. We just got here!"

Iliana chuckled softly, glancing up from her packing. "I know, Kamari. Trust me, I wish I could stay longer too," she replied, folding a stack of t-shirts with practiced ease.

Kamari leaned back, her expression pouting. "But what about our plans? We were going to visit the museums, try that famous bakery, and I still haven't shown you my favourite bookstore!"

"I know, I know," Iliana said sympathetically, zipping up her suitcase. "But duty calls, and I've got meetings lined up with publishers back in Mumbai. You know how it is."

Kamari nodded, her disappointment evident. "I do. It's just... I was hoping we'd have more time together."

"We'll make the most of today, I promise," Iliana reassured her, standing up to stretch her legs.

"We can start with brunch at that cute café you found, then maybe a stroll through Central Park?"

A smile brightened Kamari's face. "That sounds perfect."

As they finished packing and prepared to head out for their final day in the city, Iliana couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at leaving New York so soon.

The city welcomed them with open arms, offering endless possibilities and unforgettable moments. 

But as she glanced at Kamari, her dear friend and fellow adventurer, she knew their bond would endure across continents and time zones.

Together, they ventured out into the bustling streets of New York, savouring every moment of their last day together.

Amidst the skyscrapers and bustling crowds, they created memories that would sustain them until their next adventure, cherishing the friendships and experiences that had shaped their journey in the city that never sleeps.

As the sun dipped low over the Manhattan skyline, Shubman Gill made his way to the quaint Italian restaurant where Kamari and Iliana were waiting. He had spent the afternoon exploring more of the city with the girls before the 2 had headed back, but his thoughts kept returning to the evening ahead—a chance to spend more time with Kamari and bid farewell to Iliana before her departure.

Entering the warmly lit restaurant, Shubman spotted Kamari and Iliana seated at a corner table, their animated conversation punctuated by bursts of laughter. Kamari's eyes lit up when she saw him, waving him over eagerly.

"Shubman, you made it!" Kamari exclaimed, standing up to greet him with a warm hug. "Iliana and I were just talking about our favourite moments in New York."

Shubman smiled, taking a seat between them. "I couldn't miss the chance to join two of my favourite people for dinner," he replied, his gaze lingering on Kamari for a moment longer than necessary.

Iliana chuckled softly, nudging Kamari playfully. "I told you he'd say something charming," she teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Over plates of homemade pasta and glasses of red wine, their conversation flowed effortlessly. They reminisced about their adventures in the city—the Broadway shows they had seen, the hidden gems they had discovered, and the countless selfies taken against iconic backdrops.

"So, Shubman," Iliana began, swirling her wine glass thoughtfully. "What's been your favourite part of New York so far?"

Shubman leaned back, considering her question. "Honestly, meeting you both has been the highlight," he admitted with a sincere smile. "It's not every day you find such kindred spirits in a city as big as this."

Kamari nudged him gently with her elbow. "Smooth talker," she teased, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush.

As the evening progressed, their laughter filled the cozy restaurant, blending seamlessly with the soft strains of Italian music in the background. They lingered over dessert, savouring the last moments of their time together in New York, knowing that tomorrow would bring farewells and new beginnings.

When the check arrived, Shubman insisted on covering it, much to Kamari and Iliana's protests. "Consider it a thank you for the wonderful company," he insisted with a playful wink.

Walking out into the cool night air, the three friends strolled leisurely through the streets of Greenwich Village, the city alive with the buzz of nightlife and the promise of new adventures. 

As they reached the subway station where Iliana would catch her train to the airport early next morning, they exchanged heartfelt goodbyes, promising to stay in touch and reunite soon.

Watching Iliana disappear into the subway station, Shubman turned to Kamari, his expression softening. "I'm really glad I met you, Kamari," he said quietly.

Kamari smiled, her eyes reflecting the warmth of the city lights above them. "Me too, Shubman. New York wouldn't have been the same without you."

They stood there for a moment, the city bustling around them, before linking arms and heading back towards their hotel—a bond forged in the heart of New York City, destined to endure across continents and time.

shubmangill has posted

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NYC Nights 🌃✨

photocreds - itskam

comments

ishankishan23 HOLD ON, YOU'RE ENJOYING WITH SOMEONE ELSE, WHO IS NOT ME?

sai_1509 TAKE ME TO NYC

abhisheksharma_4 BRO IM MORE CURIOUS ABOUT THE PC USER THAN HIM IN THIS POST

itskam 🙏✨🫶

shreyasiyer im enjoying barcelone, you're enjoying NYC. good to know

username1 on my knees rn

username2 FUCK

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As Shubman and Kamari walked back to their hotel through the lively streets of New York City, the night air was filled with a mix of excitement and a hint of melancholy. Despite having known each other for just a short time, their connection felt deeper, their conversations easy and their laughter genuine.

"So, Kamari," Shubman began, breaking the comfortable silence between them. "What's on the agenda for tomorrow?"

Kamari glanced up at him with a playful smile. "Hmm, well, I was thinking of checking out the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I've heard it's amazing."

Shubman nodded enthusiastically. "That sounds perfect. I've never been there myself. It'll be a new experience for both of us."

They continued chatting animatedly about their plans for the following day, sharing stories and trading recommendations for must-visit spots in the city. Despite the late hour, neither felt in a rush to return to their hotel room—they were content in each other's company, enjoying the magical ambiance of New York at night.

As they reached the entrance of their hotel, Shubman paused, turning to face Kamari with a genuine smile. "I'm really glad we met, Kamari. This trip has been so much better with you in it."

Kamari's heart fluttered at his words, a warmth spreading through her chest. "I feel the same way, Shubman," she admitted softly. "It's like fate brought us together."

They stood there for a moment, the city bustling around them, before Shubman took a step closer, his gaze searching hers. "Would you like to grab breakfast with me tomorrow before we head to the museum?" he asked, his tone gentle yet hopeful.

Kamari's smile widened, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'd love to," she replied without hesitation.

They bid each other goodnight with a lingering sense of anticipation for the day ahead, their footsteps echoing in the quiet lobby as they made their way to their respective rooms. 

As Kamari settled into bed that night, her thoughts drifted to the unexpected bond she had formed with Shubman—a connection that had blossomed amidst the vibrant energy of New York City, promising new adventures and endless possibilities.

soup rants!

so we have our second chapter!

sai is so smitten. so is shubman

they are so cute, me when, istg!

iliana had to go back [ we have reasons ]

so do comment if you liked this chapter!

- love soup!