Aadhya's PoV

"Wait, say what now-?" I blinked, my expression aghast with shock.

"I love you," Dev started, making me gasp once more, but he glared at me before completing the sentence. "But as a friend,"

"All right." I started slowly, eyeing him suspiciously. "I love you too, as a friend.". I saw a twinge of hurt in his eyes, he masked it quickly with a charming smile. "But, you're looking at an international-level cricket player now."

I squealed, throwing my arms around him as he twirled me around. I knew that he got in, I knew that it was his dream. But I couldn't help it, It felt like I did it, I made the Indian team. It felt like my dream came true, the two of us broke apart from our hug. "Well, I'm your manager." I huffed, folding my hands.  "I need to tell my mom," His eyes lit up instantly, I hid a smile. What a momma's boy.

He picked up his phone, dialing in Aunty's number. Exactly two rings later, she picked up. I skipped into the kitchen to give the two of them some privacy, my own phone buzzed about in my pockets. It was a call from the hospital, I sighed softly. Picking it up, I grudgingly greeted the worker with a "hello"

"Madam, your mother's bills still haven't been paid." She parroted the sentence that drained my savings. "I know, I'll arrange the money." I mumbled, the woman said her good-bye's with a twinge of sympathy. I was a 20 year old with aspirations, but not with enough money to handle both my sick mother and my college fees.   "Aadhi-" I heard Dev's voice call out from over my shoulder, I turned to face him.

He took a single look at my blank expression and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Mumma's getting worse." I sighed. Dev took a long step towards me and hugged me. I really needed that hug.

"Amrita Aunty is going to be fine." He comforted, before pulling away.

"Aadhi, If you need any help-" He started but I cut him off with a shake of my head. "Accepting me as your manager is a big enough help, Dev."

He stuffed his hands into the pockets of his jeans, and flashed me a charming smile.

My heart skipped a beat and drooled about how cute he looked, I told myself to shut up.

"What-?" Dev blinked, and I cursed, realizing I'd spoken out loud.

"Nothing," I mumbled, heat creeping to my cheeks as I tucked a strand of my hair away.

By any means, Dev cannot know that I'm crushing on him.