Shubman's POV:

It's been 3 years since Shivina left without any information. No one knows about her not even Harry bhai, Nats bhabhi and Nivisha. Every time I meet Nivisha it reminds me of how I took her best friend away and also mine. 

It's also been 3 years since Sara broke up with me. She's already dating someone and here even if I want to date I can't. While dating I always look for my Shivi in that person. But my Shivi was way too unique, loving, caring and perfect for me to find someone like her. 

No one knows what happened between me and Shivina except Shahneel di, Ishan and Nivisha. Di still hates me for what I did to Shivina, in a span of a month only they bonded quiet well and she still feel Shivina's absence. Even mumma keeps asking about Shivina if she contacted me or Harry bhai.

However we can't change the past, knowing what I did was way too wrong. I just want to meet her once, to apologize to her, to pacify her if I could.

Currently we are on the airport boarding our flight to New York for the Ind VS USA series. I don't know why but I'm getting this unusual feeling like I'm getting close to something I've been looking all my life.

After boarding, the flight took off within 30 mins escaping the environment of India, flying to unbound heights. It took  us approx. 16 hours to get to Nyc. Sleeping throughout the flight we reached nyc in the morning.

Boarding the team bus we reached the Ritz Carlton hotel for our stay throughout the series. Taking our room keys we reached our respective rooms. The bell boy brought our luggage to the room. Shutting the door I walked to the huge window from where the alluring skyline of Nyc was visible.

Opening the windows, I took a deep breath. The invigorating air filling my lungs, taking me to another realm of tranquility.

Shivina's POV:

Three years passed and I still couldn't move on from him, I still couldn't forget him, forget his habits, his presence and everything about him. Though I should be indignant towards him, I couldn't help but still love him the same.

Over the years Alex had been a great support to me and Reverie the 5 year old kid, daughter of Alex has been an essential part of my life, and has played an essential role in returning me my mental state back.

I'm no longer in contact with any of the ICT members except Harry bhai. I didn't even visit India for the first two years before there was a sudden deterioration in dad's health, 6 months back. I visited every one when I went back to India, but not ICT members especially Shubman.

Today Alex brought Reverie along with him to the office as it was her holiday due to some reason. So we thought to go to her favorite café after office hours. Currently I'm working on an upcoming project that is to open a branch of our restaurant in India. Well how can I not open a branch in India when we have got such amazing responses from Indian citizens who visit Nyc and the students living here.

About 3-4 hours later we decided to visit the café as the time was already past the office hours. Alex proposed me 2 months ago which I declined without wasting a moment. I neither wanted him to be in a cliffhanger situation nor to get him a wrong perception.

After a 15 mins drive we reached the café. It's not usually crowded but it seemed a bit today, Reverie saw a keychain in the shop beside, and Alex went to buy her that. He insisted me to go in and place the order and that they would join me after getting that key chain.

Entering I saw a bunch of guys with their masks on, on a table just beside the counter. I went to place the usual order that is a chocolate croissant and hot chocolate for Reverie, blueberry waffles for Alex, dark chocolate waffles for me and two cappuccinos for both of us.

Author's POV:

The ICT boys i.e., Yashasvi, Ishan, Rinku, Abhishek, Rishabh, Hardik and Shubman decided on going to a café nearby their hotel to spend their evening. Upon reaching the café they settled down on a table, discussing what to order.

Ishan: Shubman order place karde bhai!

Shubman: haan haan tum logo k kaam karta rahun main bas

Abhishek: itna bhaw kya kha raha h yaar Shubi 

Shubman: haan haan ja raha hun!

Shubman walked to the counter placing their order, that's when he heard a voice which he was longing to hear for past three years. 

Shivina: hey Maria!

He was having a whirlpool of emotions busting inside him, with feeling happy to see her after years, scared if it's not her, scared if she wouldn't forgive him and anymore. He kept looking her from side waiting for her to turn and confirm if she's his Shivina.

Upon turning after placing her order, Shivina was caught off-guard with facing the person she left behind years ago. The person she loved all her life, the person who was once the reason of her smile, but not anymore or maybe still. The person who has her heart forever.

Gathering all his courage he decided to break the awkward silence that lingered in the air. The silence of the past still haunting their soul, the night everything changed, the night their lives took a 360° turn.

Shubman: Hi!

Shivina: hi!

Shubman: all good?

Shivina: I guess so!

Her voice had an unknown hollowness, no longer having the same warmth in it. Her voice was bold and clear still failed to reciprocate the feelings he was looking for. So close yet miles away! Just the moment Shubman was about to say something Reverie called her from behind.

Reverie: Mum!

The duo looked at the kid who was in her father's embrace. A man with well built physique and a similar height to Shubman, walked towards them with a kid in his arms.

Did she get married? Is she her daughter? No she can't get married to someone else! No she can't be someone else's! Shubman had his head flooded with numerous unwanted thoughts. Feeling as if he would pass out any moment due to thoughts running in his head, creating a hollow feeling in him, making him regret every action, every word of his. Wishing as if that night would have never arrived.

Reverie: mum! see this key ring! It will look good on my school bag right?

Shivina: yes baby! it will look lovely just like you!

The kid giggled hearing it, while Shivina's eyes travelled Shubman's as if reading it to know his state of mind. She could see the insecurity and those unwanted thoughts creep into him. She wanted to hold his hand and to assure him that it's not how he's thinking but she no longer had those right. She no longer wanted to be one to assure him, atleast not after how she felt and how she was treated.

Alex: Shivi who's he?

Shivina: He's an... old friend of mine!

She said passing a smile to Shubman with the pain in her eyes that she has been carrying inside her for years now. A glint of tears about to escape those pair of almond shaped eyes.

Alex: nice to meet you mr. !?

Shubman: Shubman! Shubman Gill!

Alex: nice meeting you mr. Gill!

Shubman: same here mr. !?

Alex: Alex Vandoren!

Shubman: same here mr. Vandoren!

While the duo were introducing each other, Hardik and Ishan's eyes caught the scene unfold in front of them. Without wasting a second Hardik went towards the trio, engulfing Shivina in a hug followed by Ishan, startling the others present there. 

Hardik: kaisi hai Shivi tu?

Shivi: achi hun bhai! aap kaise ho?

Hardik: tujhe dekh liya na ab aur bhi acha ho gya hun!

Ishan: oye bestie main bhi hun!

Shivina engulfed Ishan in a hug.

Shivina: kaisa hai tu?

Ishan: tujhe koi haq nhi hai yeh puchne ka! aise koi chor kar jata hai kya?

Shivina: sorry na ab nhi jaungi!

Ishan: you better not!

Shivina: aur Nivi kaisi hai? 

Ishan: masi banne wali hai tu!

Shivina: kya? Shaadi kab ki tum logon ne?

Ishan: 1 saal pehle!

Shivina: congratulations Ishu!

Ishan: thank you to be masi! but Nivi bohot gussa hai tujhse! pata hai tune kitni royi thi woh shaadi wale din just because tu nhi thi wahan!

Shivina: Ik maine bohot imp part miss kardiya mere Nivi k life ka maine promise kiya tha ki uski shaadi plan karungi but haalat kuch aise the ki~

Ishan: Ik tujhe batane ki zarurat nhi hai bus tu mil gayi itna kaafi hai!

All of them looked at Alex and Reverie with confusion in their eyes and mind. Reading their not so readable expression, Shivina introduced the two to everyone.

Shivina: Guys this is Alex Vandoren my business partner and this is Reverie his daughter! Alex this is my brother and Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya and my best friend Ishan Kishan!

After the introduction, Alex decided to leave Shivina to meet her friends and brother after so long. She had a great time with her brother and other ICT members, but she didn't really interact with Shubman.

Alex had to leave urgently as Reverie wasn't feeling well and Shivina was left with the only option to call her driver as Alex drove her to the café. 

Ishan: arey Shubman drop kar dega na tujhe!

Shivina: koi zarurat nhi hai uski Ishu main driver ko bula lungi!

Shubman: chalo main drop kar dun!

Shivina: but~ 

Shubman: It's raining already!

She couldn't say anything but just followed him to the car. Her home from the café was quiet far. Through out the drive again the awkward silence lingered between them, which Shubman again decided to break.

Shubman: Kaisi ho?

Shivina: achi hun! how are you?

Shubman: sahi hun!

Again the silence creeped in, not allowing both of them to break it.

Shubman: I'm sorry Shivina!

Shivina: for what?

Shubman: whatever I said that day~ I know it's not easy to forgive and I'm not forcing you to forgive me but don't think I'm just saying and I don't mean it coz I really do!

Shivina just hummed in response but later said something which lacerate his past wounds.

Shivina: how's Sara?

Shubman: we are no longer together!

Shivina: I'm sorry! I didn't knew!

Shubman: it's ok! Btw are you dating Alex!?

He murmured the last sentence but loud enough to be audible for her.

Shivina: sorry?

Shubman: nothing!

Pretending to not hear Shivina just skipped the question not wanting to answer it. Dropping her at her house, Shubman drove back to the hotel.

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written on: 12-07-24
posted on: 22-07-24