𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑

As the excitement of the match began to wind down, Mithra and Shubman found themselves sitting together on the bench in the bustling dressing room. Shubman sat slightly leaned back, with Mithra nestled comfortably against his side, her head resting against his shoulder.

The room buzzed with activity as players moved about, some changing jerseys, others engaged in post-match discussions. Shubman wrapped his arm around Mithra's shoulder, pulling her closer to him as they watched the scene unfold.

Mithra glanced around the room, her eyes catching glimpses of the players' tattoos peeking out from beneath their jerseys. She couldn't help but feel a pang of curiosity as she observed the intricate designs adorning their skin.

"Everyone seems to have so many tattoos," she remarked softly, her gaze drifting back to Shubman.

Shubman chuckled, his fingers tracing idle patterns on Mithra's shoulder. "Yeah, it's pretty common among us," he replied, his voice warm with amusement. "But you don't need tattoos to be interesting, baby."

Mithra smiled at his words, leaning into his touch. "I know," she said, her tone affectionate. "It's just... I've always found tattoos fascinating. They tell a story, you know?"

Shubman nodded, understanding glinting in his eyes. "Yeah, they do," he agreed. "But you've got your own story to tell, Mithra. And it's just as beautiful as any tattoo."

Mithra's heart swelled at his words, gratitude flooding her chest. She turned to look at him, her eyes soft with affection. "Thank you," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. "I'm lucky to have you."

Shubman smiled back at her, his gaze tender. "The feeling's mutual, love," he replied, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.

As they sat together in the quiet intimacy of the dressing room, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of their teammates, Mithra couldn't help but feel grateful for the love and support she shared with Shubman. In his arms, she found solace and strength, and she knew that together, 

they could conquer anything that came their way.

Just as Mithra and Shubman shared their tender moment on the bench, their teammates couldn't help but notice the sweet exchange between them.

Rohit, who had been in the middle of changing his jersey, paused as he caught sight of the couple out of the corner of his eye. A grin spread across his face as he nudged Virat, gesturing subtly towards Mithra and Shubman with a tilt of his head.

Virat, always quick to pick up on the slightest hint of gossip, followed Rohit's gaze and stifled a chuckle when he saw the couple. He leaned in closer to Rohit, his voice low as he whispered, 

"Looks like our lovebirds are having a moment."

KL, who had been engrossed in checking his phone, looked up at the mention of Shubman and Mithra. His eyes widened in surprise as he took in the scene unfolding before him, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Ishan, ever the joker, couldn't resist chiming in with a playful grin. "Looks like someone forgot to tell them this isn't a romantic movie," he quipped, earning a chuckle from the others.

As the teasing banter continued, Shubman and Mithra remained blissfully unaware, lost in their own little world of love and affection. And though their teammates couldn't help but poke fun at them, deep down, they were happy to see their friends so happy together.

With a shared glance and a knowing smile, the boys returned to their own conversations, content in the knowledge that, no matter what, they were all in this together.

As the boys continued their banter, the topic inevitably turned back to Mithra. Rohit, ever the observant one, couldn't help but voice his thoughts.

"You know," he began, his voice thoughtful, "Mithra seems to bring out a different side of Shubman. He's more focused, more determined."

Virat nodded in agreement, his expression thoughtful. "It's like she grounds him," he mused, casting a glance towards where Shubman and Mithra sat. "He's always been talented, but with 

her, he seems more... at peace."

KL chimed in, his gaze flicking towards the couple before returning to the conversation. "It's not just Shubman," he added. "She's had a positive effect on all of us. I've never seen Ishan so disciplined, or Siraj so focused."

Ishan, who had been listening quietly, nodded in agreement. "She's got this way about her," he remarked. "She brings out the best in people."

As they talked, the boys couldn't help but feel grateful for Mithra's presence in their lives. Whether it was her unwavering support, her infectious laughter, or her genuine kindness, she had a way of making everyone around her better.

And as they glanced over at Shubman and Mithra once more, wrapped up in their own little world, the boys couldn't help but smile. For in that moment, they knew that they were witnessing something special – a love that transcended boundaries and brought out the best in everyone it touched.

As the conversation lulled, the boys exchanged knowing glances, a silent understanding passing between them. It wasn't often that they discussed matters of the heart, but when it came to Shubman and Mithra, it was impossible not to notice the profound impact they had on each other and the team as a whole.

Rohit leaned back against the bench, a contemplative expression on his face. "You know," he began, "I think we're all lucky to have Mithra in our lives. She's not just Shubman's girlfriend – she's become a part of our team, our family."

Virat nodded in agreement, a sense of gratitude swelling in his chest. "Absolutely," he agreed. "She brings a sense of balance and harmony to our dynamic. And besides, she puts up with all of our antics without batting an eye."

KL chuckled at the thought, recalling the many times Mithra had joined them for post-match celebrations or impromptu dinners. "She's definitely a keeper," he remarked with a grin. "I don't know how Shubman got so lucky."

Ishan nodded in agreement, his gaze softening as he watched Shubman and Mithra sharing a quiet moment together. "Love like theirs is rare," he said quietly. "But when you see it, you can't help but feel hopeful about the world."

As they sat in the dressing room, surrounded by the echoes of their victory and the camaraderie of their teammates, the boys couldn't help but feel grateful for the love and support they had in their lives. And as they watched Shubman and Mithra, wrapped up in their own little world, they knew that they were witnessing something truly special – a love that had the power to inspire and uplift them all.

As the boys continued to talk about Mithra, their conversation took on a more lighthearted tone, reminiscing about the various ways she had endeared herself to the team over time.

"She's got this way of making everyone feel included," Rohit remarked, a fond smile tugging at his lips. "Remember that time she organized that surprise birthday party for Jasprit? It was like she'd been part of the team for years."

Virat nodded, recalling the elaborate decorations and the infectious energy that Mithra had brought to the celebration. "And let's not forget her culinary skills," he added with a chuckle. "I don't think any of us will ever forget that epic biryani she made for the team dinner."

KL laughed at the memory, remembering how Mithra had insisted on cooking for the entire team, despite protests that it was too much work. "She's definitely one of a kind," he said with a grin. "And she's got Shubman wrapped around her finger."

Ishan nodded in agreement, his eyes drifting over to where Shubman and Mithra were sitting. 

"Speaking of which," he said with a smirk, "looks like she's got him in line right now."

The boys followed Ishan's gaze and chuckled as they watched Mithra playfully swatting Shubman's arm, her laughter filling the air. Shubman grinned, leaning in to whisper something in her ear, his eyes alight with mischief.

"Looks like they're having fun," Rohit remarked, a warm feeling settling in his chest as he watched the couple interact.

Virat nodded, a sense of contentment washing over him. "Yeah," he agreed. "They may be young, but they've got something special. And I have a feeling they're going to be just fine."

With a shared smile, the boys turned their attention back to their conversation, the sound of 

Mithra and Shubman's laughter blended seamlessly with the familiar rhythms of the dressing room. At that moment, surrounded by the bonds of friendship and the warmth of love, they knew that they were exactly where they were meant to be.

As Mithra's phone rang, Shubman couldn't help but pout playfully, knowing that their moment together was about to be interrupted. He watched as Mithra glanced at the caller ID and smiled, recognizing the familiar name.

"It's my mom," she said, her voice filled with warmth as she answered the call.

Shubman leaned in closer, his curiosity piqued. He had known Mithra's mother since they were children, and he had always admired her for her kindness and wisdom. As Mithra began to speak with her mom, he couldn't resist the urge to join in on the conversation.

"Hey Aunty, it's Shubman," he said, taking the phone from Mithra with a grin. "How are you?"

Mithra's mom's voice came through the phone, filled with affection. "Shubman beta, it's so good to hear from you," she replied warmly. "How's everything going?"

Shubman leaned back against the bench, feeling a sense of comfort wash over him as he spoke with Mithra's mom. He updated her on the latest match and the team's progress, his words punctuated by Mithra's laughter in the background.

As the conversation continued, Shubman couldn't help but smile at the fond memories he shared with Mithra's family. They had always welcomed him with open arms, treating him like one of their own, and he was grateful for their unwavering support.

After a few more minutes of chatting, Shubman reluctantly handed the phone back to Mithra, knowing that she needed to catch up with her mom. But as he watched her talk, a sense of warmth filled his heart, knowing that he was a part of something special – a bond that extended far beyond the cricket field.

As Mithra continued her conversation with her mom, Shubman couldn't help but admire her. 

Her eyes sparkled with warmth as she spoke, and her smile radiated pure joy. It was clear to him that she cherished these moments with her family, and he felt privileged to be a part of them.

As he watched Mithra, Shubman couldn't shake the feeling of gratitude that washed over him. Not just for the opportunity to speak with her mom, but for the incredible woman sitting beside him – the one who had captured his heart and filled his life with love and laughter.

Mithra's conversation with her mom soon came to an end, and she hung up with a contented sigh. She turned to Shubman, her eyes shining with affection. "Thank you for talking to my mom," she said, reaching out to squeeze his hand. "She's always happy to hear from you."

Shubman smiled, feeling a sense of warmth spread through him at Mithra's words. "Anytime," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity. "Your mom is like family to me."

Mithra's smile widened at his words, and she leaned in to press a tender kiss to his cheek. In that moment, surrounded by the sounds of their teammates and the familiar sights of the dressing room, Shubman knew that he was exactly where he was meant to be – by Mithra's side, now and always.

As Mithra and Shubman shared their tender moment, the rest of the team couldn't help but take notice. Ishan, Virat, and Kl exchanged knowing glances, their expressions reflecting a mixture of amusement and fondness.

Ishan nudged Virat with a playful smirk, nodding subtly towards the couple. "Looks like our boy Shubman is a real softie when it comes to Mithra," he remarked, his voice filled with affection.

Virat chuckled, his eyes lingering on the couple with a warm smile. "Can't say I blame him," he replied. "Mithra has a way of bringing out the best in people."

KL nodded in agreement, his gaze following Shubman and Mithra as they shared a quiet moment together. "They make a great team, both on and off the field," he commented. "It's clear they care deeply about each other."

As the three of them continued to watch, Mithra and Shubman finally pulled away from their embrace, their smiles bright and their eyes filled with love. It was a sight that warmed the hearts of their teammates, a reminder of the power of love and the strength of their bond as a team.

With a shared sense of camaraderie and affection, the boys turned their attention back to the dressing room, ready to continue with their post-match routine. And as they resumed their activities, their hearts were filled with happiness for their teammates, knowing that Mithra and Shubman were destined for greatness – both on and off the field.

As Mithra's phone rang once more, she couldn't help but let out a small groan of frustration. She glanced at the caller ID and saw that it was from the stats team, signaling that duty called. With an apologetic smile, she turned to Shubman and said, "Sorry, love. Duty calls. I have to head to the office room for a bit."

Shubman's expression immediately fell into a pout, and he crossed his arms over his chest in mock annoyance. "Again? Can't they give you a break for once?" he teased, though there was a hint of genuine disappointment in his voice.

Mithra chuckled softly, stepping closer to him and reaching out to squeeze his hand. "I know, I know," she said sympathetically. "But you know how it is – duty calls, even in the midst of post-match celebrations."

Shubman sighed, his pout softening into a resigned smile. "I suppose so," he conceded, though he couldn't hide the hint of longing in his eyes as he watched Mithra prepare to leave.

As Mithra made her way towards the office room, Shubman couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness at the prospect of being separated from her even for a short while. He knew that duty called, but he couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment at the interruption to their time together.

Nevertheless, he forced a smile onto his face as he watched Mithra go, knowing that duty came first. But deep down, he couldn't wait for the moment when they would be reunited once more, ready to pick up right where they left off.

As Shubman stripped off his sweaty jersey, he let out a contented sigh. "Ah, that feels better," he muttered to himself, tossing the damp fabric aside.

Glancing at his bag, he rummaged through it, searching for a fresh t-shirt. "Where did I put that... Ah, there we go," he mumbled, pulling out a neatly folded shirt.

With a quick tug, he pulled the shirt over his head, feeling the soft fabric settle comfortably against his skin. "Ah, much better," he remarked with a smile, smoothing out the wrinkles.

Just then, Ishan wandered over, a smirk playing on his lips. "Looking good, mate," he teased, giving Shubman a playful pat on the back.

Shubman chuckled, rolling his eyes at Ishan's antics. "Thanks, Ishan," he replied, his tone laced with amusement. "You're not looking too bad yourself."

Ishan grinned, clearly pleased with the compliment. "Glad to hear it," he said with a wink before sauntering off to join the rest of the team.

Shubman shook his head, a fond smile lingering on his lips as he watched Ishan go. Despite the interruptions and the fleeting moments, he knew that he was surrounded by friends who had his back – and that was all that mattered. 

With a renewed sense of determination, he gathered his things and prepared to join the celebration, ready to make the most of the time he had with his teammates.

As Shubman finished dressing, he couldn't shake off the lingering thoughts of Mithra. Despite the interruption, he found himself longing for her company, her laughter, and the warmth of her presence by his side.

"Can't believe she had to leave again," he muttered to himself, a hint of disappointment in his voice as he adjusted his t-shirt.

Just then, Rohit Sharma strolled by, a knowing smile on his face. "Missing someone, Shubman?" he quipped, nudging him lightly.

Shubman chuckled, though his expression betrayed his feelings. "Yeah, you could say that," he admitted, a wistful look in his eyes.

Rohit clapped him on the shoulder, offering a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, mate. She'll be back before you know it," he said, his tone filled with understanding.

Shubman nodded, grateful for the support of his captain and friend. "Thanks, Rohit. I appreciate it," he replied, his spirits lifting slightly at the reassurance.

With a final pat on the back, Rohit headed off to join the others, leaving Shubman alone with his thoughts once more. As he took a deep breath and gathered his resolve, he reminded himself that Mithra's absence was only temporary – and that they would soon be reunited, ready to create more memories together.

As the celebrations wound down, Shubman found himself drawn to the commentary box window, where he caught a glimpse of Mithra immersed in her work. He watched with a sense of admiration as she balanced a phone call while typing furiously on her laptop, her focus unwavering despite the chaos around her.

From his vantage point, Shubman could see the determination in Mithra's eyes as she tackled each task with precision and grace. He marvelled at her multitasking skills, impressed by her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities with ease.

A while later, he noticed Mithra begin to pack up her belongings, her movements efficient and purposeful. As she gathered her things, Shubman couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at the sight of his girlfriend in action.

Just before she left, he saw her stretch her arms above her head, a satisfied smile gracing her lips. And then, to his surprise, she gave a high five to someone nearby, her gesture filled with warmth and camaraderie.

Shubman couldn't help but smile at the sight, feeling a surge of affection for Mithra. He admired her dedication, her passion, and the way she brought out the best in everyone around her.As he continued to watch, Shubman made a silent vow to support Mithra in all her endeavors, knowing that together, they were capable of achieving anything. And as she disappeared from view, he felt a sense of excitement for the adventures that lay ahead – both on and off the field.

As Shubman stood by the commentary box window, watching Mithra in admiration, he felt a familiar presence behind him. Turning around, he saw Ishan approaching with a grin on his face.

"Hey, mate. Enjoying the view?" Ishan teased, nudging Shubman playfully.

Shubman chuckled, nodding as he glanced back at Mithra one last time before turning his attention to Ishan. "Yeah, she's something else, isn't she?" he replied, a fond smile tugging at his lips.

Ishan nodded in agreement. "She sure is. You're a lucky guy, Shubman," he remarked, clapping a hand on Shubman's shoulder.

Before Shubman could respond, he felt a pair of arms wrap around his shoulders from behind, pulling him into a warm embrace. He turned his head to see Mithra standing there, her smile bright and infectious.

"Hey, you," she greeted, her voice soft and affectionate.

Shubman couldn't help but smile at the sight of her. "Hey, yourself," he replied, reaching up to place his hand over hers.

Ishan grinned at the exchange, a knowing twinkle in his eyes. "Looks like you two are in your own little world," he remarked, chuckling.

Shubman and Mithra exchanged a glance, their bond evident in the silent communication between them. "Something like that," Shubman agreed, his gaze softening as he looked at Mithra.

As they stood there together, wrapped in each other's arms, Shubman couldn't help but feel grateful for the love and support that surrounded him. With Mithra by his side, he knew that anything was possible, and he looked forward to the adventures that lay ahead – together.

As they stood embraced, Shubman could feel Mithra's warmth seeping into him, calming his racing thoughts and soothing his worries. He leaned into her touch, relishing the comfort of her presence.

"I missed you," he whispered softly, his voice barely audible above the ambient noise of the stadium.

Mithra squeezed him gently, her arms tightening around his shoulders. "I missed you too," she replied, her voice tinged with affection.

Shubman closed his eyes, losing himself in the moment, in the feeling of being wrapped up in Mithra's embrace. It was a feeling of peace, of contentment, that he cherished more than anything else in the world.

As they stood together, lost in their own little world, Shubman felt a sense of gratitude wash over him. Gratitude for Mithra, for her unwavering support and love, and for the bond they shared.

With a sigh of contentment, Shubman rested his head against Mithra's, letting out a soft chuckle. "I could stay like this forever," he murmured, a smile playing at the corners of his lips.

Mithra laughed softly, the sound like music to Shubman's ears. "Me too," she agreed, her voice filled with warmth and affection.

And in that moment, as they stood wrapped in each other's arms, Shubman knew that no matter what the future held, as long as he had Mithra by his side, everything would be alright.

As Shubman and Mithra stood entwined in each other's arms, their fingers intertwined, they felt an undeniable connection between them. With a gentle sigh, Shubman rested his head against 

Mithra's, savoring the closeness they shared.

Feeling the warmth of her breath against his cheek, Shubman's heart swelled with affection for the woman in his arms. Without a word, he pulled her closer, his other hand finding its place on her waist as they began to sway in a slow, rhythmic motion.

Their movements were effortless, synchronized as if they had danced together a thousand times before. With each step, Shubman felt a sense of peace wash over him, as if the world around them had faded away, leaving only the two of them in their own little bubble of happiness.

Mithra's presence was intoxicating, her scent filling his senses as they moved together in perfect harmony. With their eyes closed, they let the music of their hearts guide them, their bodies moving in sync with the rhythm of their love.

As they danced, Shubman couldn't help but whisper words of love and adoration into Mithra's ear. "I love you," he murmured softly, his voice barely above a whisper but filled with sincerity and devotion.

Mithra's heart skipped a beat at his words, her own feelings echoing his as she whispered back, 

"I love you too, Shubman," her voice filled with emotion.

In that moment, as they swayed together in the quiet embrace of the empty hallway, Shubman knew that he had found his home in Mithra's arms. And as they danced, lost in their love for each other, he vowed to cherish every moment they shared, for as long as they both shall live.