Revathi was sitting on her bed, scrolling through her phone when she got a message from Shubman. It was one of those texts that immediately made her heart skip a beat.

Shubman 

Get ready a little fancy, babe.
We're going to a place with some
really good food tonight. Don't worry, I'll pick you up at 7.

She smiled at the text, excitement bubbling up inside her. She'd been so used to casual dates, but Shubman always knew how to switch things up and make her feel special. Fancy dinner? She could totally do that.

As she stood in front of the mirror, trying to figure out what to wear, she remembered the one rule: Look hot, but not like you're trying too hard.

After a few moments of overthinking, she chose her outfit. A white corset top with delicate blue patterns on it, tucked neatly into high-waisted jeans that accentuated her curves. 

For the finishing touch, she threw on one of Shubman's white shirts over it, leaving it unbuttoned just enough to show the corset top underneath. It was simple but sexy, and she felt pretty damn good.

She glanced at her phone one more time, making sure she was still on time. 6:45 p.m. 

Just a few more minutes until I get to see him again.

By 7, the doorbell rang. Shubman stood there, looking effortlessly cool in a tailored black jacket, his hair tousled perfectly, and his signature smirk on full display.

"Ready to have some fun, princess?" He grinned at her, leaning against the doorframe.

She bit her lip, walking over to him. "You know it."

As they drove through the city, the music played softly in the background, but Revathi was buzzing with nerves and excitement. 

She couldn't help but wonder what kind of fancy place Shubman had picked out. He was known for surprising her with these little details, and she had no idea what was coming next.

When they arrived, the car pulled up in front of a posh, sleek restaurant with an air of exclusivity.

Shubman took her hand and led her to the door, and she couldn't help but feel the eyes of a few bystanders noticing them, making her cheeks flush with heat.

He leaned in and whispered into her ear, "Stay close, babe. This is a special night."

They walked into the restaurant, and instead of heading to the main dining area, Shubman led her down a hallway.

She followed him, confused but excited, until they reached a private room. As Shubman opened the door, she froze in shock.

Her jaw literally dropped.

Inside, there was a long table filled with people she recognized instantly, their faces lighting up as they saw her.

"Shubman!" Revathi gasped, looking up at him. "What the hell is going on?"

"Surprise, babe," Shubman said with a wink as he pushed her gently into the room. "I thought we could have dinner with my teammates tonight."

The room was filled with everyone she had only seen on TV or social media. There was Virat Kohli sitting next to Anushka Sharma, their smiles so perfect they could've been in a photoshoot.

Rohit Sharma was laughing with Ritika Sajdeh, and KL Rahul was playfully teasing Athiya Shetty.

Ishan Kishan was sitting next to Aditi Hundia, holding her hand, while Shreyas Iyer and Trisha Kulkarni were engaged in a deep conversation.

And of course, Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal were cracking jokes in the corner, looking like the life of the party.

Revathi stood there, trying to process what she was seeing, her mind completely blown.

Holy shit, this is a lot to take in.

Why does this feel like a celebrity dinner and I'm the random girl they decided to invite?

Shubman chuckled as he pulled out a chair for her. "Relax, babe. They're all super chill. You're gonna love this."

Revathi slowly sat down, her heart racing. "I can't believe this is happening," she muttered to herself under her breath. 

"What the actual hell?"

"I know," Shubman grinned, sitting next to her. "I told you it was going to be special. You're looking hot, by the way. I can't keep my eyes off you."

Her cheeks flushed. "Oh my god, you're such a flirt."

As the waiter brought drinks and appetizers to the table, the atmosphere was relaxed, with everyone chatting and laughing. 

But Revathi, even though she was trying to fit in, couldn't stop feeling the weight of the situation. She was just some random 21-year-old girl, who happened to meet Shubman at a hotel lobby and, somehow, ended up here at this fucking dinner with all these famous people. 

She kept mentally repeating: Don't mess this up. Don't be awkward. Just act normal. You've got this.

Her inner chaos didn't help when Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma casually waved at her. She smiled shyly, feeling her palms start to sweat.

"Hi!" she said, but it came out way too loud, so she quickly corrected herself. "Hi, guys. Sorry. I mean, hi, everyone."

They all laughed, making her feel a little less awkward, and Virat raised his glass. "No need to be nervous, Revathi. Shubman's told us a lot about you. We're excited to have you join us tonight."

Revathi's heart skipped a beat. 

Shubman's told them about me? Why does that sound both cute and terrifying?

Meanwhile, the food arrived, and the conversation shifted. Everyone was chatting about cricket, their latest matches, and upcoming games. 

Revathi didn't know half the things they were talking about, but she was trying to keep up, chiming in every now and then when something made sense.

She felt like she was in a whirlwind—cracking jokes with KL Rahul, listening to Rohit Sharma talk about his recent trip, and giggling when Rishabh Pant told a hilarious story about his latest prank on the team.

But then, in the midst of it all, Shubman's hand brushed against hers, and she realized, for a moment, it was just her and him again. 

Her heart fluttered, and she tried not to look too obvious. Is this what it's like to date a guy who's a fucking cricketer?

"Feeling overwhelmed, babe?" Shubman whispered into her ear, his breath sending shivers down her spine.

"You could say that," she chuckled nervously. "This is insane. I mean, Virat Kohli. And Anushka. And... you're here too. I swear, I'm gonna wake up from this and realize it was all a dream."

"You're not dreaming, sweetheart," Shubman said, his hand resting on her thigh, sending heat through her entire body. 

"This is all real. And you're the one I'm here with. You've got me. All of me."

Revathi smiled, her heart skipping another beat. She tried to keep it cool, but inside, she was freaking out.

Just then, Ishan Kishan teased her, "You're acting like this is your first date with Shubman. Didn't he already kiss you, or did I miss something?"

Shubman rolled his eyes and shot Ishan a playful glare. "Shut up, man. You're ruining the vibe. Anyway, Revathi, I'll take you for a walk after this, just you and me. No cricket talk, no distractions. Sound good?"

Revathi could barely think straight. She tried to stay cool, but internally she was a mess. 

Am I really about to go on a date with the guy I used to fangirl over?

"Yeah," she said, voice a little shaky, "sounds perfect."

As dinner continued, she couldn't help but feel like she was in some alternate universe—one where the world of sports and celebrity collides with her own quiet, normal life. 

The night was chaotic and exciting, and she was trying to keep her cool, but her mind was spinning in every direction.

When it was finally time to leave, Shubman helped her into his car, still grinning.

"You good, babe? You didn't seem like yourself for a second there."

"I'm fine," she laughed, "I think I just need some time to process that I had dinner with actual legends."

Shubman winked at her. "You're a legend in my eyes, don't forget that."

As they drove off, Revathi leaned back in her seat, a huge smile plastered across her face, her heart still racing.

Holy shit. What a night.

SOUP RANTS!

welcome to the twentieth chapter of this book!
the gang omg
did we like this chapter?
I'll see you guys soon!
yours truly,

soup 🫶