IN THE COZY CORNER of their favourite café, Ishpita, Aratrika, Anahira, and Varya sat together, sipping on their coffees and chatting animatedly. The air was filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the warmth of their friendship.

"So, Ishpita, spill the beans! How did you and Ishan end up kissing in the kitchen?" Varya asked with a mischievous grin, leaning forward eagerly.

Ishpita blushed, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. "Oh, it was nothing really. We were making dinner together, and he suddenly kissed me while we were chopping vegetables. I cut my finger, he helped me out with it, ad then we were kissing. Caught me completely off guard!" she explained, laughing softly.

Aratrika nudged Ishpita playfully. "Sounds romantic! I think kitchen kisses have a charm of their own."

Anahira, who was seated next to Aratrika, chimed in with a grin. "Well, Abhishek and I had our moment in the rain. Classic movie scene, right in the middle of an empty road, when his car broke down. I couldn't believe it was happening, but it was so perfect."

Aratrika smiled warmly at her friends. "Speaking of unexpected moments, Shubman and I... well, we kissed on the terrace after a tutoring session. I never expected it to happen, but it just felt right."

Varya, who had been quietly listening, finally joined in. "You guys are all so lucky! Shreyas and I have been together for a while now, but every day still feels like sunshine with him. He's grumpy in the mornings, but it's part of his charm."

At that moment, across the café, Abhishek, Ishan, and Shubman were engaged in their own conversation, unaware that their girlfriends were sharing stories just a few tables away.

"So, Abhishek, how did you manage to pull off the rain kiss with Anahira?" Ishan asked with a grin, leaning back in his chair.

Abhishek chuckled, running a hand through his hair. 

"Honestly, man, it was totally unplanned. We were on our way back from the store, and my car broke down in the middle of an empty road, and it just happened when I was fixing the car."

Shubman, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up. 

"Aratrika and I had our moment on the terrace after she helped me with some tough assignments. It was just one of those moments where everything felt right."

Ishan raised an eyebrow teasingly. "Ah, so the academic rivals turned into something more, huh? That's smooth, man."

Shubman grinned sheepishly. "Yeah, it was unexpected, but I'm glad it happened."

Their conversation continued, filled with laughter and shared experiences of navigating relationships during university life. 

Each of them shared snippets of their journeys with their respective girlfriends, weaving a tapestry of youthful romance and camaraderie.

Back at their table, Ishpita, Aratrika, Anahira, and Varya caught glimpses of their boyfriends through the café's cozy ambience. 

Later that evening, as the sun began to set, Shubman sat on the couch in his shared flat with Virat, nervously tapping away on his phone. 

He was trying to craft the perfect text to Aratrika about their upcoming first date plans.

Virat, lounging nearby with a novel in hand (though not exactly reading), glanced over with a teasing smirk. 

"You look like you're planning a military operation. Date night with Aratrika, huh?"

Shubman rolled his eyes playfully. "Oh, please. It's just dinner. How hard can it be?"

Virat chuckled. "Sure, just dinner. No big deal. So, what's the plan, Commander Gill?"

Shubman sighed, his thumbs hovering over the screen as he typed and deleted several times before settling on a message.

Shubman: Hey Aratrika! Looking forward to our date tonight. 😊 Got any preferences for dinner?

He hit send and immediately regretted it. "Preferences for dinner? Seriously, Virat, I sound like a waiter."

Virat grinned mischievously. "Smooth, very smooth. But hey, it's better than 'Hey, wanna grab grub?'"

Just as Shubman was about to retort, his phone buzzed with a reply.

Aratrika: Hey Shubman! Can't wait either! How about that new Italian place downtown? I heard they have amazing pasta! 🍝

Shubman breathed a sigh of relief. "Italian it is then."

Virat raised an eyebrow. "Good choice. Classy move, Gill. Now, don't forget the flowers. Girls love flowers."

Shubman nodded. "Right, flowers."

Meanwhile, in another flat shared by Aratrika and Anushka, Aratrika was pacing nervously while Anushka sat comfortably on the couch, flipping through a magazine.

Anushka glanced up, sensing her roommate's anxiety. "Nervous about your date with Shubman tonight?"

Aratrika stopped abruptly and flopped down next to Anushka. "Yes! I mean, no. Well, maybe a little. He's just so... Shubman."

Anushka raised an eyebrow knowingly. "So, he's finally taking you out. About time! What's the plan?"

Aratrika smiled sheepishly. "We're going to that new Italian place downtown. I hope he likes it."

Anushka smirked. "Italian, huh? Sounds like he's trying to impress you."

Aratrika blushed. "Or maybe he just really likes pasta."

Just then, her phone buzzed with a message from Shubman, and she couldn't help but grin.

Shubman: Italian sounds perfect! 😊 I'll pick you up at 7?

Aratrika's heart skipped a beat. "He's picking me up."

Anushka winked. "Looks like you've got him wrapped around your finger already."

As the evening approached, both Shubman and Aratrika prepared nervously for their first official date, their thoughts filled with anticipation and a hint of playful rivalry that had always defined their academic interactions.

As the clock ticked closer to 7 pm, Shubman stood in front of the mirror in his room, debating between two shirts. He glanced over at Virat, who was sprawled on his bed, still trying to offer advice.

Virat looked up from his phone. "Go with the blue one. It brings out your eyes."

Shubman gave a sceptical look. "Since when do you care about fashion?"

Virat grinned. "Since forever. Now, don't mess this up. First impressions matter."

Shubman sighed, finally settling on the blue shirt. He checked his phone for the time—6:45 pm. It was almost time to pick up Aratrika.

Meanwhile, in the adjacent flat, Aratrika was going through a similar pre-date ritual. She paced in her room, debating whether her outfit was too casual or just right. Anushka lounged on the bed, enjoying the pre-date drama unfolding before her.

Anushka raised an eyebrow. "You look fine, Aratrika. Relax."

Aratrika paused, glancing at herself in the mirror one last time. "I hope so. What if he thinks I'm trying too hard?"

Anushka chuckled. "Trust me, he's probably more worried about impressing you than anything else."

Aratrika nodded, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves. She checked her phone—6:50 pm. Shubman would be here soon.

Back in Shubman and Virat's flat, Shubman grabbed his keys and headed out the door, Virat trailing behind him teasingly. "Remember, be charming but not too charming. You don't want to scare her off."

Shubman shot him a playful glare. "Thanks for the advice, love guru."

Outside, the evening air was cool and crisp, the city lights beginning to twinkle as night settled in. Shubman made his way towards Aratrika and Anushka's flat, his heart beating a little faster with each step.

At Aratrika's door, he took a deep breath and rang the bell. Moments later, the door swung open, revealing Aratrika, looking stunning in a simple yet elegant dress that complimented her smile perfectly.

Shubman felt a rush of relief and admiration as he saw her. "Hey, Aratrika. You look amazing."

Aratrika smiled warmly. "Thanks, Shubman. You look pretty good yourself."

They exchanged nervous laughs, both feeling the weight of the moment. As they walked down the stairs towards Shubman's waiting car, their conversation flowed effortlessly, a mix of light-hearted banter and genuine interest in each other's lives.

In the car, on their way to the restaurant, Shubman couldn't help but steal glances at Aratrika whenever he thought she wasn't looking. She caught him once and playfully rolled her eyes, which only made him smile wider.

At the Italian restaurant, they were seated at a cozy corner table, surrounded by soft candlelight and the aroma of freshly baked bread. As they perused the menu, their earlier rivalry seemed like a distant memory, replaced by a shared excitement for the evening ahead.

Over plates of pasta and glasses of wine, they laughed and talked late into the night, discovering common interests and enjoying the thrill of getting to know each other beyond their academic personas.

After dinner, the night air was filled with a gentle breeze, and the city lights cast a soft glow on the bustling streets. Shubman and Aratrika decided to take a leisurely stroll, neither of them ready for the evening to end just yet.

As they walked, Shubman found himself sneaking glances at Aratrika, admiring the way her hair caught the light and the effortless grace with which she moved. His thoughts raced as he tried to come up with the perfect thing to say next.

Man, she's stunning. Keep it cool, Shubman. Don't mess this up.

They passed by a charming, old building, its façade adorned with intricate carvings and ivy trailing up the walls. Aratrika stopped, her eyes wide with admiration.

"This building is beautiful," she said softly, almost to herself. "I love how it looks like something out of a different era."

Shubman saw the wonder in her eyes and felt an urge to capture the moment. Without thinking, he pulled out his phone and quickly snapped a picture of her. The click of the camera made Aratrika turn, catching him in the act.

"Did you just take a picture of me?" she asked, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

Shubman felt his cheeks warm up, caught red-handed. "Uh, yeah. You looked so... captivated. I wanted to remember this moment."

Stupid, stupid! That sounded cheesy. She's going to think you're weird.

But instead of laughing, Aratrika's smile widened. "That's sweet. Can I see it?"

He handed her the phone, and she looked at the picture, her expression softening. "You have a good eye. This is really nice."

Relieved, Shubman let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "I guess it's easy to take a good picture when the subject is so... photogenic."

Nailed it!

Aratrika laughed, a sound that made Shubman's heart flutter. "Are you always this smooth?"

Shubman grinned. "Only when I'm with someone who brings out the best in me."

Come on, Gill, don't lay it on too thick.

They continued walking, their steps in sync as they navigated the cobblestone streets. The conversation flowed easily, touching on everything from favorite books to embarrassing childhood stories. Shubman felt a connection growing, each shared laugh and sidelong glance reinforcing the bond between them.

As they approached a small park, Aratrika pointed to a bench under a large, ancient tree. "Let's sit for a bit."

They sat down, the bench creaking slightly under their weight. The night was quiet, the distant sounds of the city providing a soothing backdrop. Shubman turned to Aratrika, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"So, Aratrika, what's something you've always wanted to do but never had the chance?"

She tilted her head, thinking. "I've always wanted to travel the world, see all those places I've only read about in books. And you?"

"Same here," Shubman said, nodding. "There's so much out there to see and experience. I think it'd be amazing to just... explore."

Smooth, keep the conversation going.

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the rustling leaves above them adding to the tranquil atmosphere. Shubman's mind raced with thoughts of the evening, replaying every moment.

She's amazing. I can't believe how well this is going. Just be yourself, and don't overthink it.

He glanced at Aratrika, who was gazing up at the sky, lost in thought. He felt a surge of affection and decided to take a chance.

"Aratrika, tonight has been incredible. I know we started off as rivals, but I'm really glad we're here now."

She turned to him, her eyes reflecting the soft light of the park's lamps. "Me too, Shubman. I'm glad we took this step."

He smiled, feeling a warmth spread through him. "Here's to many more steps together."

As they continued their stroll through the quiet park, the atmosphere between Shubman and Aratrika grew increasingly intimate. The distant sounds of the city seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in their own little world.

Aratrika paused again, this time near a small fountain. She looked at the water cascading down, lost in thought. Shubman watched her, admiring the way the soft light danced on her features.

"Remember the last time we were in a place like this?" he asked, his voice soft and reminiscent.

Aratrika turned to him, a knowing smile on her lips. "You mean the terrace?"

Shubman laughed. "Yeah, that one. And, well, you know what happened after that."

Her smile grew, eyes twinkling with the memory. "Yes, I do. Our first kiss."

Shubman took a step closer, his heart pounding in his chest. "It was unexpected but perfect, just like tonight."

Aratrika nodded, her gaze locking with his. "It was."

There was a moment of silence, filled only with the sound of the fountain's gentle splashing. The tension between them was palpable, a magnetic pull drawing them closer.

Shubman took a deep breath, summoning his courage. "Aratrika, I..."

Before he could finish, she closed the distance between them, standing on her tiptoes to press her lips against his. The kiss was tender, filled with the warmth of their shared history and the excitement of new beginnings.

As their lips met, Shubman felt a rush of emotions—joy, relief, and a deep connection that seemed to transcend their playful rivalry. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer, savouring the taste of her lips and the softness of her touch.

Aratrika responded with equal fervour, her hands resting on his chest as the kiss deepened. The world around them seemed to blur, leaving only the two of them in a moment that felt both timeless and fleeting.

When they finally pulled apart, they were both breathless, their foreheads resting against each other. Shubman looked into her eyes, a smile playing on his lips.

"That was... even better than the first time," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Aratrika giggled softly. "It was."

Shubman brushed a strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering on her cheek. "You know, I think this might be the start of something really special."

Aratrika nodded, her eyes shining with affection. "I think so too."

As they walked hand in hand through the park, Shubman couldn't shake the feeling of overwhelming happiness that bubbled inside him. The night seemed to shimmer with magic, every moment with Aratrika feeling like a cherished chapter in a fairy tale.

As they reached a quiet corner of the park, Shubman stopped and turned to face Aratrika, his heart pounding with a mixture of nervousness and excitement. He took both her hands in his, looking deeply into her eyes.

"Aratrika," he began, his voice steady but filled with emotion, "I know we've had our ups and downs, especially with our academic rivalry. But tonight... tonight has shown me how much you mean to me."

Aratrika's eyes softened, her fingers tightening around his. "Shubman..."

He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "You've not only helped me with my studies, but you've also challenged me to be better. You've shown me that there's more to life than just competition. There's friendship, there's laughter, and there's... love."

Tears welled up in Aratrika's eyes, her heart swelling with a mix of emotions. She had never expected Shubman to be so open, so vulnerable. It touched her deeply to hear him express his feelings so sincerely.

"Shubman, I... I feel the same way," she managed to say, her voice choked with emotion. "You've taught me so much too, about perseverance and kindness. Tonight has been... magical."

Shubman smiled, brushing a tear gently from her cheek. "I'm glad. Because there's something I want to ask you."

Aratrika looked at him, anticipation and love shining in her eyes. "Yes?"

Shubman took a small step back, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a small velvet box, his heart racing with nerves. Opening it, he revealed a delicate promise ring nestled inside.

"Aratrika, will you... will you be my girlfriend?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly.

Aratrika gasped, her hand covering her mouth in surprise. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, Shubman! Yes, of course, I will!"

She threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. Shubman held her close, feeling an overwhelming sense of joy and relief wash over him. He couldn't believe how perfectly the night was unfolding, how everything seemed to align in that moment.

They stood there, wrapped in each other's embrace, the world around them fading into the background. It was a moment they would both treasure forever—a moment of vulnerability, courage, and unconditional love.

As they finally pulled apart, Shubman slipped the ring onto Aratrika's finger. It sparkled in the soft glow of the park lights, a symbol of their newfound commitment to each other.

"I love you, Aratrika," Shubman whispered, his voice filled with awe.

Aratrika smiled through her tears, her heart overflowing with happiness. "I love you too, Shubman."

shubmangill has posted

liked by itsrika, ishpithasingh, varyakhuranna, anushkasharma, virat.kohli., kl_rahul, anahirakalyan, ishankishan, shreyasiyer, and 2.1k others

i won i won i won

tagged: itsrika

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itsrika ...... congrats? its me?
                baby you know what i mean

virat.kohli. its official y'all. the rivalry is dead. gone. dusted
                itsrika   its still there virat. just not during date nights

ishpithasingh god damn gorgeous woman

varyakhuranna slay so slay
         shreyasiyer not as slay as you but i approve

anushkasharma CUTUUUU

athiyashetty bbg is so bvbhhjbvj

kl_rahul im worried rika will steal my girl
           itsrika 😈😈hehehe

anahirakalyan @abhisheksharma when we going on date
               abhisheksharma soon babygirl. I'll text you the details

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itsrika has posted

liked by shubmangill, ishpithasingh, varyakhuranna, anushkasharma, virat.kohli., kl_rahul, anahirakalyan, ishankishan, shreyasiyer, and 3.2k others

that's my man 

tagged : shubmangill

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soup rants!

- so here we have the eighth chapter of getaway car!

- why are they all so cute but hot at the same time

- the boys are down bad for their girls istg

- anyway comments on the chapter?

- hope you guys enjoyed!

- love, supraja