By the time Apoorva, Athiya, and KL Rahul boarded their flight to Bengaluru, the ache of parting had started to settle in. 

Apoorva slipped into her seat by the window, thankful that Rahul was seated a few rows ahead with a teammate.

Athiya, seated beside her, gave her a reassuring smile.

"Check your phone," Athiya whispered, nudging Apoorva's arm.

Apoorva pulled out her phone and unlocked it. Sure enough, a message from Shubman popped up.

Shubman: Miss me yet?

She smiled, her fingers moving quickly over the keyboard.

Apoorva: I thought you'd be napping already.

Shubman: How could I sleep when you're not here to drool on my shoulder?

She stifled a laugh, nudging Athiya when she tried to peek at the screen.

Apoorva: You're lucky I like you, or I'd block you for that.

Shubman: Lucky? Nah, babe. That's all skill.

She rolled her eyes, but her heart skipped a beat.

Shubman: Text me when you land, okay? And remember, no overthinking about us.

Apoorva: I won't. Promise.

He sent a winking emoji, and Apoorva locked her phone, leaning back against the seat.

Athiya smirked. "He's got you wrapped around his finger."

Apoorva shook her head, feigning annoyance. "Can we not make a big deal out of this?"

Athiya laughed softly. "I'm not making a big deal. I just think it's sweet. And let's be honest, he's good for you."

Apoorva bit her lip, her thoughts drifting back to Shubman. "Yeah, he really is."

Shubman's flight had been uneventful, but his mind was far from quiet. He couldn't stop replaying the last few days in his head—the way Apoorva's laugh made his chest feel lighter, the way her hand fit perfectly in his, the way she blushed whenever he teased her.

As soon as he landed in Chandigarh, his phone buzzed with a message from Apoorva.

Apoorva: Landed safely. You?

He smiled, quickly typing back.

Shubman: Same. Glad you didn't get lost without me.

Apoorva: I survived, somehow.

He grinned, already missing her sarcastic quips.

Shubman's best friend, Ishan Kishan, was waiting outside arrivals. As Shubman approached, Ishan gave him a knowing look.

"So," Ishan said, as they walked toward the car. "How's Apoorva?"

Shubman sighed, though he couldn't hide the smile tugging at his lips. "She's... perfect."

Ishan grinned. "Look at you, all smitten and shit. You're lucky I like her, or I'd give you hell for being this soft."

"Don't start," Shubman warned, though his tone was more amused than annoyed.

"Hey, I'm just saying," Ishan teased. "It's nice to see you happy. Just don't mess it up, bro."

"I won't," Shubman said firmly. "She's worth it."

Back in Bengaluru, Apoorva stepped off the plane with Athiya and KL Rahul. As they walked through the terminal, Rahul glanced back at her, his brow furrowed.

"You've been on your phone a lot," Rahul commented casually. "Talking to someone special?"

Apoorva felt her stomach drop but managed to keep her tone light. "Just Aditi, probably whining about Ishan."

Rahul nodded, satisfied with the answer, but Athiya gave Apoorva a subtle smirk.

"Smooth," Athiya whispered as they made their way to the car.

Apoorva exhaled, silently thanking her sister-in-law for not spilling the beans.

As the car sped through Bengaluru's streets, Apoorva glanced out the window, her phone still clutched in her hand. The thought of seeing Shubman again already filled her with anticipation.

Her phone buzzed.

Shubman: Goodnight, baby. Dream of me.

She smiled, typing back quickly.

Apoorva: Only if you promise to do the same.

Shubman: Always.

Athiya glanced at Apoorva and shook her head, smiling. "You're a goner, you know that?"

Apoorva didn't even bother denying it.

soup rants!!!

the sixteenth 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