Reethu's POV

As we drove, I couldn't shake off the curiosity that had been nagging at me since yesterday. "I have a doubt," I finally spoke up, my hand still resting in Shubman's as he made a left turn.

"Go on, I'm listening," he encouraged. "You're a huge cricketer. A very famous one. How did my dad pull you into this arrangement?" I questioned, my curiosity getting the better of me.

"Well, turns out our parents have been friends for quite a long time," he began to explain.

"Wait, then why didn't they let us meet when we were small?" I interrupted, feeling puzzled.

"I had the same doubt, so when I asked them, my dad said that when we were born, they had decided that no matter what, when we grow up, they'll get us married," he explained, sounding just as baffled as I felt.

"That makes no sense," I laughed in agreement, unable to wrap my head around it.

"Your laugh is so nice," he suddenly interjected, catching me off guard. "My laugh? Seriously?" I chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through me at his compliment.

"Okay, here we are. Stay here, I'll call you, alright?" he said as we reached our destination.

"Okay," I smiled, watching as he got out of the car. I spent a few moments scrolling through Twitter before Shubman came back and knocked on the window, signalling for me to join him.

I stepped out of the car and he covered my eyes, guiding me to a surprise he had planned.

"Okay, now open your eyes," he instructed, removing his hands from my eyes. When I opened them, to my surprise, my childhood friend Ishan stood before me. "Ishan?!" I exclaimed in disbelief. "Reethu?!" he echoed, equally surprised.

Before I could react, he enveloped me in a tight hug, leaving me momentarily speechless.

"Oh my god, I missed you so much," I murmured, returning his embrace. "And no phone call!" I added, playfully swatting his arm.

"Classic Reethu," he teased, making me chuckle. "So, you're marrying my best friend, huh?" Ishan smirked, causing my cheeks to flush crimson.

"You could say that, I guess," I replied, feeling slightly flustered as Shubman draped his arm over my shoulder.

"Let's go have food. I'm starving," Shubman suggested, and we all agreed. As we indulged in conversation and food, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and familiarity with both Shubman and Ishan.

When the boys were engrossed in their own conversation, I discreetly paid the bill. "Let's go, yeah?" I suggested, eager to continue our day.

"Yeah, let me just pay the bill," Shubman responded, reaching for his wallet. "Bro, she paid. Come on," Ishan intervened, nudging Shubman with a grin. Shubman shot me a surprised glance, but I just smiled back at him.

"Come on," I urged, and Shubman reluctantly got up.

Shubman's POV

As Reethu and Ishan chatted, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth seeing them reconnect. Ishan's presence reassured me that Reethu was surrounded by people who cared about her.

"Hey, let me just go to the ATM and come back real quick," Reethu announced suddenly.

After she left, Ishan turned to me with a knowing look. 

"You really like her, don't you?" he remarked, his tone filled with amusement. "Well, you could say that. She's so straightforward, and I honestly love her humour," I confessed, feeling a smile tug at my lips.

"Have I known her for 20 seconds or 20 years?" I mused, surprised by how quickly she had become an integral part of my life.

"Woah, you became a Swiftie?" Ishan exclaimed, breaking me out of my reverie. "You and Reethu are gonna get along so well," he laughed.

When Reethu returned, she seemed to be in good spirits after a phone call. "Let's go, yeah?" she suggested, and we headed to the car.

As we drove, I couldn't help but notice the genuine smile on her face, and I felt a sense of contentment wash over me.

"So, how is everyone back home?" she inquired, breaking the comfortable silence.

"They're doing good," I replied, returning her smile.

"Oh, by the way, when we go to the mall, I want you to pick a dress. There's a party on Saturday," I informed her.

"A party?" she echoed, sounding intrigued.

"Yeah, it's a small gathering. Everyone will be bringing their significant others, so I thought... you're okay with it, right?" I asked, feeling a hint of nervousness creep in.

"Yeah, sure. I'm not gonna let you be alone over there when everyone is with their plus ones," she reassured me, her hand finding mine as we intertwined our fingers.

"Thank you. It means a lot," I said sincerely, feeling a surge of gratitude towards her.

"So, Ishan said you're a Swiftie," I remarked, trying to lighten the mood as I turned on the radio.

"Uh, yeah," she admitted, sounding slightly embarrassed. "Me too," I confessed, feeling a smile tug at my lips.

"Wait, really?" she asked, sounding pleasantly surprised. "Yeah, could this day get any better?" I joked, feeling a sense of happiness settle over me.

When we arrived at the mall, I noticed her hesitate but she seemingly calmed down after I assured her.  I couldn't help but notice the excitement in Reethu's eyes as we entered one of the stores.

"They're playing Taylor Swift," she whispered in awe, her eyes lighting up with delight.

"If you've got a girlfriend, I'm jealous of her. But if you're single that's honestly worse. 'Cause you're so gorgeous it actually hurts." She glanced at me with a mischievous grin, her eyes sparkling.

Chuckling, I decided to join in the impromptu serenade, matching her steps as I sang back, "Ocean blue eyes looking in mine. I feel like I might sink and drown and die."

Reethu's laughter danced on the breeze as she continued, "You're so gorgeous. I can't say anything to your face (to your face). 'Cause look at your face (look at your face)."

Feigning offense, I replied, "And I'm so furious at you for making me feel this way (this way). But what can I say? You're gorgeous."

"That was nice," I admitted, smiling at her warmly. "You sing really well."

Reethu flashed a playful smirk, teasing, "Yeah, but you don't." Raising an eyebrow in mock indignation, I retorted, "Oh yeah?"

The playful exchange continued, each jest and riposte drawing us closer together as we reveled in the shared joy of the moment, the bond between us growing stronger with each lighthearted exchange.

"Alright come on. Let's go to the women's section." 

"Go on, pick anything," I encouraged her, watching as she browsed through the racks.

After much deliberation, she finally settled on a dress, and I couldn't help but admire how stunning she looked in it. "It has pockets," she exclaimed excitedly, her eyes sparkling with joy. "You look amazing," I blurted out, unable to tear my gaze away from her.

"Thanks," she whispered, her cheeks tinged with a blush.

As she changed back into her old clothes, I couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment at the thought of her covering up that beautiful dress.

"Did you pick any shirts or T-shirts?" she asked, breaking me out of my reverie.

"No, not yet," I replied, feeling a bit distracted by her presence.

"Come on, I'll help you," she offered, and I found myself smiling at her eagerness.

Together, we browsed through the men's section, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for her presence by my side.