Later that night, Apoorva was sprawled on the luxurious couch of the suite, her legs tucked under her and her phone resting on her stomach. 

Athiya had gone to bed early, citing pregnancy exhaustion, while Anushka had retreated to her own room after teasing Apoorva endlessly about her upcoming "mystery dinner date."

Just as Apoorva was starting to drift into the relaxing void of sleep, her phone buzzed with a notification. 

It was a message from her best friend, Aditi Hundia.

Aditi: You awake? Got something to show you.

Apoorva rolled her eyes fondly. She and Aditi had been inseparable since college, the kind of friends who could talk about anything and everything, from stupid memes to life-changing moments.

Apoorva: Always. What's up?

Seconds later, her screen lit up with an image. Apoorva opened it, and her eyes immediately widened.

It was Aditi, her face glowing with happiness, her lips puckered in a playful kissy face. But it wasn't just her. 

Leaning into her, partially hidden behind her cascading hair, was none other than Ishan Kishan, one of India's most talked-about cricketers. 

They were sitting in the back seat of what looked like a car, his arm draped casually over her shoulder. His face was half obscured, but Apoorva didn't need more than a second to recognize him.

Before she could react, another message popped up.

Aditi: Guess what, babe? We're going Insta-official tomorrow. Finally, no more hiding from the fans or the media. We've been waiting for this moment for years—I'm so damn excited.

Apoorva blinked at the message, her thumb hovering over the keyboard. For a second, she felt a rush of happiness for her friend. 

Aditi and Ishan had been dating for years, their relationship strong enough to survive the chaos of fame, cricket schedules, and endless speculation.

But then a thought struck her like a bolt of lightning.

Shubman Gill.

Ishan and Shubman were practically joined at the hip. Best friends, teammates, and partners-in-crime on and off the field. 

If Aditi and Ishan were going public, it wouldn't be long before Shubman found out that Apoorva was Aditi's close friend. And from there, the dots might start connecting.

Her fingers flew across the screen.

Apoorva: OMG, Aditi! This is huge! I'm so happy for you guys. But... are you sure you're ready for all the madness that's gonna come with it? You know the media's gonna have a field day.

Aditi: Totally ready. I mean, we've been super private for so long—it's about time we stop hiding. Plus, Ishu's been asking me forever. How could I say no?

Apoorva chuckled at the nickname. She could almost hear Aditi's giddy tone in her words.

Apoorva: You two are disgustingly cute. I swear if you guys weren't my besties, I'd be jealous AF.

Aditi: LMAO shut up, you love us. Speaking of... What's new with you? Spill the tea, girl.

Apoorva hesitated, biting her lip. She wasn't sure how much to share, especially since her situation with Shubman was barely even a thing yet. But this was Aditi—if anyone could handle the chaos, it was her.

Apoorva: Sooo... funny thing happened. I matched with Shubman on Bumble.

The typing bubble appeared immediately.

Aditi: WTF. Stop. Are you serious?!

Apoorva: Dead serious. And get this—we're going on a dinner date tomorrow.

Aditi: Girl. WHAT. You're telling me you matched with Ishu's best friend and you didn't think to mention it sooner? I'm SCREAMING.

Apoorva: I literally just found out about your Insta plans, so chill! Also, he doesn't know about the connection yet, so please don't say anything.

Aditi: Oh my god, this is GOLD. I'm dying. You're basically walking into a soap opera and I'm here for every second of it. But seriously, you better bring your A-game. Shubman's picky as hell, but if he's into you, it's game over for him.

Apoorva groaned, throwing her head back against the couch cushions. "Why is my life turning into some chaotic rom-com?" she muttered aloud to no one in particular.

Aditi: Also, I bet Ishu's gonna lose his shit when he finds out. This is ICONIC.

Apoorva: Please, for the love of God, keep this between us for now. The last thing I need is your boyfriend spilling the beans to Shubman before our date even happens.

Aditi: Relax, babe. My lips are sealed. For now. But you HAVE to promise me details after tomorrow. I mean it.

Apoorva: Fine, fine. But only if you promise to send me the best pic for when you go Insta-official. I need to prepare my 'proud bestie' post in advance.

Aditi: Done. Good luck tomorrow, babe. And remember—no mercy. Show him why you're a Rahul - Shetty.

Apoorva laughed, shaking her head. Leave it to Aditi to turn her impending chaos into a pep talk. As the messages stopped coming in, Apoorva found herself staring at the picture again. 

Aditi and Ishan looked so happy, so right together.

For the first time in a long while, she wondered if maybe—just maybe—this date with Shubman might be worth the risk.

soup rants!!!

the fifth 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