The flight from Sydney to Mumbai had been a whirlwind of emotions for everyone—victory celebrations for some, quiet introspection for others, and for Apoorva, a secret giddiness she carried from sitting next to Shubman for the entirety of the flight.

Now, as they disembarked in Mumbai, the reality of parting ways set in. Apoorva had to catch a connecting flight to Bengaluru with Athiya and KL Rahul, while Shubman was headed to Chandigarh.

In the bustling chaos of the Mumbai airport, Apoorva walked slightly behind KL Rahul and Athiya, her small carry-on wheeling behind her. She couldn't help but steal glances at Shubman, who was walking with a few teammates toward the domestic departures for his Chandigarh flight.

Athiya noticed Apoorva's distracted gaze and leaned in close. "You're going to miss him, aren't you?" she teased, her voice low enough so KL Rahul wouldn't hear.

"Shut up," Apoorva whispered back, trying not to smile too wide. "It's not like that."

"Uh-huh," Athiya said, clearly unconvinced. "You two were glued together the entire flight. I'm surprised you didn't just book a ticket to Chandigarh."

"Don't give me ideas," Apoorva muttered, rolling her eyes.

Ahead of them, Shubman turned back for a moment, his eyes finding hers. He gave her a small, almost imperceptible smile that made her heart flutter. Apoorva returned it subtly, hoping no one else noticed.

As they approached the departure gates, the group started to split off. The players heading to Chandigarh gathered near their gate, while Apoorva, Athiya, and Rahul lingered near theirs for Bengaluru.

Shubman hesitated, his duffle bag slung over one shoulder, as Apoorva stood with her cousin and sister-in-law. 

He glanced at the boys around him, most of whom were busy chatting or grabbing coffee before he made his way toward her.

KL Rahul had stepped aside to take a call, leaving Apoorva and Athiya standing together. Athiya spotted Shubman approaching and immediately excused herself, mouthing a quick "Good luck" to Apoorva before walking away.

Shubman stopped in front of Apoorva, his usual confidence replaced by a slightly hesitant smile. "So, I guess this is it for now, Poo," he said softly, using the nickname he'd started to call her.

"Yeah," she replied, her voice quieter than she intended. "You'll call when you get home, right?"

Shubman chuckled. "Of course, babe. You think I'd survive not hearing your voice?"

She grinned despite the knot tightening in her chest. "You're such a flirt."

"Only with you," he said, his tone playful but genuine. "I'll miss you."

Her heart twisted at his words, but she tried to play it cool. "It's just a few days. You'll be busy with training anyway."

"And you'll be busy dodging questions from your brother," he quipped with a grin.

She laughed softly, shaking her head. "Don't remind me."

A voice over the intercom announced boarding for the flight to Chandigarh. Shubman sighed, his gaze dropping to the floor for a moment before meeting hers again. "I should go."

"Yeah," Apoorva said, her voice barely above a whisper.

He took a step closer, leaning in so no one around could hear. "Take care, okay? And remember, you're mine now. No backing out."

Her cheeks flushed, and she nodded. "I won't."

With one last lingering look, Shubman turned and walked toward his gate. Apoorva watched him go, a strange mix of emotions swirling in her chest—happiness, sadness, and something that felt an awful lot like longing.

Apoorva returned to where Athiya and KL Rahul were waiting. Rahul was still on his call, pacing a few feet away, while Athiya stood with her arms crossed, a knowing smile on her face.

"Well, that looked intense," Athiya said as soon as Apoorva joined her.

"Can you not?" Apoorva replied, though her smile gave her away.

Athiya laughed softly. "I'm just saying, it's kind of adorable how smitten he is with you."

"I'm not smitten," Apoorva said defensively, though she couldn't keep a straight face.

"Sure, sure," Athiya said, linking her arm with Apoorva's. "Let's get to the gate before Rahul comes back and starts asking questions."

As they made their way to the Bengaluru departure gate, Apoorva couldn't help but glance at her phone, already waiting for the first message from Shubman.

soup rants!!!

the fifteenth 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