Shubman had his gaze fixed on his index finger as he lay on the hotel couch, watching the earring dangling from it, swinging back and forth. His lips pressed together as he studied its delicate design, as beautiful and intricate as Pashmina herself.

"Your voice is soft as Kashmir winds," he murmured to himself, a smile tugging at his lips, lost in the thought of her.

"I think I should keep meeting you before every match—you seem like my lucky charm," Shubman said, tracing the earring with his other fingers, feeling the delicate design under his skin. But then he pouted, "Too bad the schedule doesn't permit it."

He let out a soft sigh, still playing with the earring, wishing things were different.

"Call her Paaji and ask for her mother's number," a voice said from above.

Shubman looked up, nearly falling off the couch in surprise. He quickly hid the earring, his eyes meeting his sister's cheeky smile.

Shubman's eyes widened as he stared at his sister, who was grinning mischievously. "How much did you hear?" he asked, hoping it was just the last part.

Shahneel grin widened. "Enough to know that you're missing someone special and could use a little help." She winked playfully. "Don't worry, your secret's safe with me."

Shubman sighed. "The way you're thinking, it's nothing like that, so don't get ahead of yourself," he said, tracing the earring with his thumbs.

Shahneel with a knowing smile, pulled her baby brother closer to her. "Oh, come on. Just admit it—sometimes, a little help can go a long way."

Shubman looked at his sister, his expression tired and defeated. "Shahu, you don't know about her. It's not as simple or easy as you think."

Locking her hands with his, she rested her head on his shoulder and said, "Then, tell me about it, Buggs."

Shubman sighed, his gaze distant as he spoke softly. "She has a past, and it's going to take a long time for her to work through it. Even if she does, I don't expect her to feel the same way I do about her." He absently played with his sister's long, manicured nails, lost in thought.

Shahneel looked at him with a mixture of concern and empathy. "It sounds like she's been through a lot," she said gently. "But you care about her deeply. Maybe she needs time and support to heal."

Shubman nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Exactly. And I'm willing to be there for her, even if it means waiting for a long time. I just don't want to set myself up for disappointment."

Shahneel nodded, her eyes full of understanding. "It's commendable that you're willing to stand by her through this. Healing isn't a straightforward process, and it's not always easy."

Shubman's gaze drifted back to the earring in his hand. "I just hope she can find her way out of the darkness. I want to be there for her, but I also need to be realistic about what I can expect."

She pulled his head down and kissed the side of his head. "I'm proud of you, Bugs. So, so proud of you."

Shubman smiled, touched by his sister's praise. Their moment was interrupted by his ringtone. He frowned, glanced at the unknown number on his screen, and promptly cut the call.

As Shubman cut the call, his phone rang again almost immediately. He frowned, irritated by the persistence of the unknown caller. He glanced at his sister, who gave him a reassuring nod to answer it if he needed to.

Shubman took a deep breath and swiped to answer, hoping this time it would be important. "Hello?" he said, trying to keep his voice steady.

Shubman heard a soft voice on the other end, almost as if it were whispering directly into his ear. He closed his eyes and leaned back, recognizing the familiar sound. "Mina, how are you doing?" he asked, his voice gentle as he waited for her response.

Shahneel rolled her eyes playfully. As much as she loved her brother and was curious about the girl he kept talking about, seeing him act like a love-sick puppy was something she wasn't quite used to. She shook her head with a small smile, deciding to give him his moment as she stood up and walked out, leaving him to his conversation.

Shubman watched his sister leave, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He refocused on the phone, relaxing on the couch as he heard Pashmina's soft breathing on the other end.

"I'm... okay," she finally replied, her voice quiet but steady. "I just... I wanted to hear your voice. It helps."

Shubman's heart tightened at her words. "I'm here anytime you need me, Mina," he said softly. "You know that, right?"

There was a pause before she responded, her voice even softer, "I know. That's why I called. I didn't want to be alone tonight."

Shubman bit his lip, his fingers absentmindedly tracing the earring still dangling from his hand. "You're never alone, Mina. Not as long as I'm around."

Pashmina hugged her blanket tightly, curling herself into a small ball as she cuddled deeper into its warmth. "Shubman," she whispered into the phone, her voice barely audible, "you know my earring? It's with you, isn't it?"

Shubman glanced down at the earring still twirling between his fingers. A small smile played on his lips. "Yeah, it is," he admitted. "Found it after the last time I visited. It's kind of been keeping me company."

Pashmina touched her empty earlobe thoughtfully. "Guess it must have stuck in your shirt when we hugged," she said softly.

Shubman chuckled softly, the warmth in his voice evident. "It seems so. I'm glad I found it, though. It feels like a little piece of you is with me."

Pashmina smiled faintly, comforted by his words. "I'm happy you have it, then. It's nice to know that even when we're apart, something is connecting us."

Shubman's smile widened. "Definitely. And I promise I'll take good care of it until we meet again."

There was a brief, content silence between them. Pashmina's voice broke the quiet. "When are you coming back, Shubman? I know you have matches, but I want your company. You understand what I mean, right?"

Shubman's heart ached at her words. "I understand, Mina. I'll be back as soon as I can," he said gently. "The matches are important, but so is being here for you."

Pashmina's voice softened with relief. "I'm looking forward to that. It's just... sometimes it feels like the days stretch on forever without you."

Shubman's voice took on a thoughtful tone. "You know, there's a long break between matches. I could fly to see you during that time. How does that sound?"

Pashmina's voice brightened with hope. "That sounds wonderful, Shubman. I'd love that."

Shubman hesitated for a moment before asking, "By the way, is this your number? I want to make sure I have the right one."

Pashmina's voice took on a hint of hesitation. "It's not my number. It's Mumma's. I don't use a phone. I haven't used one in the last three years."

Shubman's smile faded slightly, replaced by a look of surprise. "Oh, I see. I didn't realize. That makes sense now."

Pashmina's tone was apologetic. "I'm sorry if that confused you. It's just been easier for me this way."

Shubman nodded, understanding. "No need to apologize. I'll make sure to stay in touch through Mumma then. Just let her know when you're free for calls."

Pashmina hummed, clutching her blanket tightly. "You will come, won't you, Shubman?" she asked softly, her voice filled with a mix of hope and anxiety.

Shubman pulled away from the phone, his expression thoughtful as he looked at the screen. After a moment, he took a deep breath and spoke, "Yes, Pashmina, I'll come. I promise."

Shubman might have an idea of what Pashmina had been through, but he wanted to hear it directly from her once he was free from his matches.

Pashmina's voice was gentle as she said, "Shubman, I'll be waiting. I must go now. Good night."

Shubman's voice, tinged with disappointment, replied, "Can't we talk a little longer?"

Pashmina smiled softly. "We will. Just get some rest for now. I'll be here when you call next."

"Mina, wait," Shubman said desperately. He wanted to tell her how much he liked her, but he wondered if it was too soon or wrong to say, given that she was the one needing help.

"Yes, Shubman?" Pashmina asked, her voice making his heart flutter.

Shubman felt torn. He wanted to express his feelings, but he was unsure if it was the right time. Part of him wondered if Pashmina's request for help was connected to her feelings for him. Moments ago, he hadn't expected anything in return, but now, with Pashmina waiting for him, he was eager to know if she might feel the same way.

Taking a deep breath, Shubman uttered the most unexpected words, "Goodnight, Pashmina."

On the other end, Pashmina chuckled softly, finding his words endearing. "Goodnight, young man," she replied before ending the call.

As soon as the call ended, Shubman hit his head lightly and muttered to himself, "Idiot, you're a complete idiot."