2024

Shubman had just finished a light workout in the gym of his hotel when his phone buzzed on the side table. His friend and manager, Sebastian, was calling. 

Shubman wiped the sweat from his brow before picking up the call, wiping the lingering thoughts of Navya from his mind. He needed to focus. He had work to do.

"Yo, Seb," Shubman said, his voice still heavy with exertion. "What's up?"

Sebastian's voice was upbeat, as usual. "Shubman, good news. The G-Shock campaign shoot is scheduled for next week. It's all set up. We'll be doing it in Sydney. They've confirmed the location. You've been the face of G-Shock for years now, and it's time to make it big."

Shubman's heart skipped a beat. The G-Shock shoot—he had been the brand ambassador for a while now, and it was one of the many high-profile deals he'd managed to snag. 

The idea of the shoot brought a little excitement back into his life. He had always loved these opportunities, and this one was going to be special. 

But a strange thought crept into his mind. Would she be there? Would Navya be around?

Sebastian's voice snapped him back to reality. "Everything's in motion, bro. The team's going to pick you up for the shoot next week. We'll need to run through a few poses and shots. You know how this goes."

"Yeah, of course." Shubman cleared his throat, trying to focus. "When exactly is it?"

"About a week from now," Sebastian continued. 

"They want you to look fresh and ready to bring the energy. So, get your game face on. Oh, and they've asked for a couple of wardrobe suggestions. Maybe something edgy but clean, you know? You can definitely get creative with this one. Think cool, think modern. And don't forget, the interview about your journey as an athlete. They want the full package."

"Sounds good," Shubman replied, trying to sound enthusiastic. But deep down, there was still that unsettled feeling gnawing at him. 

The question that had been there all along: Would she even care that he was doing this?

"Also, mate," Sebastian added with a teasing tone, "You've been looking a little distracted lately. I don't know if I should ask... but are you still hung up on that girl? The one you were always talking about when we were younger?"

Shubman stiffened. 

Sebastian had known about Navya, of course. He was one of the few who had heard the stories of their childhood together, of how Shubman had always secretly harboured feelings for her, but never acted on them. 

The memory of her lingered in his mind like a shadow. Even now, the idea of her sitting by the lake, waiting for him to return, haunted him.

"Sebastian," Shubman began, trying to play it cool. "Let's just focus on the shoot. I've got my hands full with work. I don't need to complicate things right now."

Sebastian laughed knowingly on the other end of the line. 

"Come on, man. You're not fooling anyone. Whatever you've got going on, just don't let it screw up your game. You've got a big opportunity with G-Shock, so let's make it count."

Shubman grunted in acknowledgement. He knew Sebastian was right. It wasn't the time to think about her. 

Not now. Not while his career was taking off.

"Yeah, I get it," Shubman replied, though his voice was more distant than usual. He stared out the window, thinking of the familiar banyan tree by the lake, the place where he and Navya had spent countless hours together. 

Had she moved on? Had she forgotten about him entirely?

"I'll see you soon, Sebastian," Shubman said, ending the call, his voice heavy with the weight of his unspoken emotions.

As he dropped the phone onto the bed, he stared at it for a long moment, a sense of dread and longing washing over him. In a week, he'd be in Bengaluru, surrounded by cameras and flashing lights, showcasing the G-Shock watch to the world. 

But no matter how many ad campaigns, endorsements, or milestones he achieved, his heart still felt empty. 

He couldn't shake the feeling that he needed to fix what he had broken—fix her—before it was too late.

Shubman took a deep breath and rubbed his face, trying to push the thoughts of her aside. He had a job to do. And that was the only thing that mattered right now.

soup rants!!!

the twelfth chapter is here!
did we like it?
do comment your favorite part
what do you think will happen in the next chapter?
until then
yours lovingly,

soup <3