The next day dawned bright and clear, with a gentle breeze drifting through the open windows of Preethi, Viva, and Shruthi's shared flat. As the sun streamed in, casting a warm glow over the cozy living room, the three friends stirred from their slumber, eager to start their day of leisure.

"Good morning, sleepyheads," Viva greeted cheerfully, stretching her arms as she padded into the living room, her tousled hair falling in waves around her face.

Preethi yawned and rubbed her eyes, offering a sleepy smile in return. "Morning, Viva. Did you sleep well?" she asked, stifling another yawn.

Shruthi emerged from her room with a grin, her eyes bright with excitement. "Morning, you two! I'm so ready for a day of relaxation and fun," she declared, her enthusiasm infectious.

With no work commitments on the agenda, the trio decided to make the most of their free day by spending quality time together. They lounged around in their pyjamas, sipping on cups of steaming coffee and sharing stories from their past adventures.

"So, what's the plan for today, ladies?" Viva asked, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

Preethi shrugged, a playful grin tugging at her lips. "I'm up for anything, as long as it involves good company and good food," she replied, her stomach rumbling in agreement.

Shruthi nodded in agreement, her mind already racing with ideas. "How about we head to that new cafe down the street for brunch? I heard they have the most amazing avocado toast," she suggested, her mouth watering at the thought.

Viva's eyes lit up at the suggestion, her stomach growling in anticipation. "Sounds perfect! I'm always up for trying new food," she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.

"What the fuck is avocado toast?" Preethi asked making Shruthi turn to her. "An open sandwich?" She answered.

"I'll stick to my dosa, thanks."

With their plans set, the three friends quickly got ready and headed out into the bustling streets of the city, their laughter echoing through the air as they walked with Preethi carrying Viva on her back while Shruthi walked beside them.

As they settled into a cozy corner of the cafe, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries enveloped them, creating a sense of comfort and relaxation.

"So, Preethi, tell us more about your upcoming trip to Chennai with Sai. Are you excited to see your parents?" Viva asked, her eyes curious.

Preethi's face lit up at the mention of her family, a warm smile spreading across her lips. 

"Definitely! I haven't seen them in months, so I can't wait to spend some quality time with them," she replied, her voice tinged with excitement.

Shruthi nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. "And I'm sure Sai is looking forward to some time off from cricket as well. It must be exhausting playing in the IPL," she remarked, her tone filled with empathy.

Preethi nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Yeah, he's been working really hard lately, so I think this trip will be a much-needed break for both of us," she admitted, her voice tinged with gratitude.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Meanwhile, Sai was busy packing his suitcase for the upcoming trip to Chennai when he heard a knock on his bedroom door. He turned to see Shubman poking his head in, a hesitant look on his face. "Hey, Shubman, come on in," Sai greeted with a warm smile, motioning for his teammate to enter.

Shubman stepped into the room, his hands tucked nervously into his pockets. "Hey, Sai. Sorry to bother you while you're packing, but I wanted to ask you something," he said, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Sai raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Of course, what's on your mind?" he asked, setting aside the shirt he had been folding.

Shubman cleared his throat, his gaze flickering to the floor before meeting Sai's eyes. "Um, I was just wondering... will Preethi be joining you on your trip to Chennai?" he asked, his words coming out in a rush.

Sai's eyebrows shot up in surprise at the question, a knowing smile spreading across his lips. 

"Ah, I see what's going on here," he teased, nudging Shubman playfully. "You've got a little crush on Preethi, don't you?"

Shubman's cheeks flushed pink at the teasing remark, but he couldn't deny the truth in Sai's words. "I... well, I guess you could say that," he admitted sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.

Sai chuckled, clapping a hand on Shubman's shoulder. "Don't worry, mate. Your secret's safe with me," he reassured him, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

Shubman let out a relieved sigh, grateful for Sai's understanding. "Thanks, Sai. I appreciate it," he said sincerely, a small smile playing at his lips.

Sai grinned, giving Shubman a playful shove. "No problem, buddy."

He then paused as he folded a pair of trousers, an idea forming in his mind. "You know what, 

Shubman? Why don't you come with us to Chennai?" he suggested, his eyes lighting up with excitement.

Shubman's eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected invitation. "Really? You think that's a good idea?" he asked, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

Sai nodded enthusiastically, his grin widening. "Absolutely! It'll be a great opportunity for you to spend more time with Preethi and get to know her better. Plus, you'll also get to meet my parents, and trust me, they'll love you," he exclaimed, his tone filled with certainty.

Shubman's heart skipped a beat at the thought of accompanying Sai and Preethi to Chennai. The idea of getting to know Preethi better in a new setting filled him with a sense of excitement and anticipation.

"I... I don't know what to say, Sai. That's really generous of you," he stammered, gratitude swelling in his chest.

Sai waved off his thanks with a dismissive gesture. "Nonsense, Shubman. We're teammates, and more importantly, we're friends. I want you to feel welcome and included," he replied sincerely, his gaze earnest.

Shubman couldn't help but feel touched by Sai's gesture of friendship. "Thank you, Sai. I really appreciate it," he said gratefully, a genuine smile spreading across his face.

Sai clapped him on the back with a grin. "It's settled then! We'll make it a trip to remember," he declared, his excitement infectious.
With a smile tugging at his lips, Sai reached for his phone and quickly typed out a text message to his parents, informing them of Shubman's addition to their trip to Chennai. He wanted to make sure they were prepared for the extra guest.

"Hey Amma, Appa! Just wanted to let you know that Shubman will be joining Preethi and me on our trip to Chennai. He's a teammate and a good friend, so I thought it would be nice to have him along. A few more of our friends might join if they get to know. Hope that's okay with you both! Can't wait to see you soon. Love, Sai."

Satisfied with his message, Sai hit send and leaned back against the headboard of his bed, a sense of anticipation coursing through him. He knew his parents would be thrilled to have 

Shubman join them, and he couldn't wait to see their reaction.

Meanwhile, Shubman paced nervously in the living room, his mind buzzing with excitement and anxiety. The prospect of joining Sai and Preethi on their trip to Chennai filled him with a mix of anticipation and nervous energy.

As he waited for Sai's parents to respond, Shubman couldn't help but wonder what they would think of him. Would they approve of their son's teammate tagging along? Would they welcome him into their home with open arms?

Lost in his thoughts, Shubman didn't even notice when Sai emerged from his room, a grin spreading across his face.

"Good news, Shubman! My parents are totally on board with you joining us in Chennai," Sai exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement.

Shubman's face broke into a relieved smile at the news. "That's a relief! I was worried they might not be okay with it," he admitted, his shoulders relaxing.

Sai shook his head, dismissing Shubman's concerns. "Nah, my parents are pretty chill. They'll be thrilled to have you join us," he reassured him, clapping him on the back.

Feeling a weight lift off his shoulders, Shubman let out a sigh of relief. "Thanks, Sai. I really appreciate it," he said gratefully, a genuine smile spreading across his face.

Sai grinned back at him, his excitement palpable. "No problem, buddy! It's going to be an epic trip," he declared, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

As the two friends shared a fist bump, Shubman couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement for the adventures that awaited them in Chennai. 

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

As Sai and Shubman continued to chat excitedly about their upcoming trip to Chennai, the door to their flat swung open, and in walked Ishan and Shreyas, their fellow teammates, friends and roommates.

"Hey, guys! What's up?" Ishan called out cheerfully, a wide grin spreading across his face as he entered the living room.

Shreyas followed closely behind, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "Hope we're not interrupting anything important," he teased, nudging Sai playfully as he stepped inside.

Sai chuckled, shaking his head at their antics. "Nah, just finalizing some plans for our trip to Chennai," he replied, gesturing toward Shubman.

Ishan's eyes lit up with interest at the mention of the trip. "Chennai, huh? Sounds like fun! Mind if we join you guys?" he asked eagerly, his excitement evident.

Shreyas nodded in agreement, his grin widening. "Yeah, we could use a little break from all the cricket madness," he added, flopping down onto the couch with a dramatic sigh.

Sai glanced at Shubman, a playful glint in his eyes. "What do you say, Shubman? Think we can handle these two troublemakers tagging along with us?" he quipped, a smirk playing at his lips.

Shubman chuckled, shooting Ishan and Shreyas a knowing look. "I think we'll manage somehow," he replied with a grin, already anticipating the adventures that awaited them in Chennai.

Ishan and Shreyas exchanged excited glances before turning back to Sai and Shubman with matching grins. "Awesome! We'll pack our bags and get ready to hit the road," Ishan declared, already imagining the fun they would have on their trip.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Excitement bubbled within Sai as he dialled Preethi's number, eager to share the news about their expanded travel plans. The phone rang a few times before Preethi's cheerful voice answered.

"Hey, Sai! What's up?" Preethi greeted warmly, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Sai grinned, unable to contain his excitement. "Hey, Preethi! I've got some exciting news to share. Shubman, Ishan, and Shreyas will be joining us for our trip to Chennai!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before Preethi's voice came through, filled with surprise and delight. "Wow, really? That's fantastic news, Sai! I'm sure we'll have a blast together," she replied, her excitement matching his own.

As Sai listened to Preethi's cheerful response, he couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation for the adventures that awaited them in Chennai. With their group expanding, he knew that their trip would be filled with laughter, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories.

However, before Sai could say anything else, he heard a commotion erupting in the background of Preethi's call. Viva and Shruthi's voices rang out loud and clear, their excitement palpable even through the phone.

"Hey, Preethi, are you talking to Sai? Tell him we want to come too!" Viva exclaimed, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

Shruthi chimed in eagerly, her tone just as enthusiastic. "Yeah, we can't miss out on all the fun! Count us in for the Chennai trip as well," she added, her voice ringing with excitement.

Sai couldn't help but chuckle at Viva and Shruthi's unexpected declaration, their spontaneity adding to the excitement of their plans. "Looks like our trip just got even more interesting," he remarked to Preethi, a grin spreading across his face.

Preethi laughed in agreement, her voice filled with amusement. "I guess we're going to need a bigger plane!" she joked, the sound of her laughter warming Sai's heart.

As they continued to chat about their upcoming trip, Sai couldn't shake the feeling of excitement building within him. With their group now including Shubman, Ishan, Shreyas, Viva, and Shruthi, he knew that their journey to Chennai would be nothing short of unforgettable—a trip filled with laughter, adventure, and the bonds of friendship that would last a lifetime.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

As the excitement about the upcoming trip buzzed in the air, Ishan's eyes wandered around the cozy living room of their shared flat. His gaze fell upon a photo frame resting on the mantelpiece, and he couldn't help but be drawn to it.

Intrigued, Ishan picked up the photo frame, his curiosity piqued by the image captured within. His eyes widened as he took in the sight—a picture of Sai and Preethi, flanked by two other girls, all smiling brightly at the camera.

In the photo, Sai's arm was casually draped over Preethi's shoulder, while the two other girls stood close, their arms wrapped around Preethi in a friendly embrace. Ishan couldn't help but notice the genuine warmth and camaraderie reflected in their smiles.

As his gaze lingered on one of the girls, his attention was suddenly diverted by Sai's voice from behind him.

"That's Viva," Sai said, appearing beside Ishan with a small smile, his eyes twinkling with fondness as he looked at the photo.

Ishan turned to face Sai, surprise evident on his face. "Viva? She's one of the girls in the photo?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Sai nodded, a nostalgic smile playing at his lips. "Yeah, that's her. Viva is one of Preethi's closest friends and her flatmate," he explained, his tone tinged with affection.

Ishan couldn't help but admire the girl in the photo, her bright smile and warm eyes leaving an impression on him. "She seems really nice," he remarked, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

Sai chuckled softly, noticing the faint blush that tinted Ishan's cheeks. "I'm glad you think so. Viva's a great friend, and she's always full of energy and laughter," he replied, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he observed Ishan's reaction.

Feeling a slight embarrassment at being caught admiring Viva, Ishan cleared his throat awkwardly, his cheeks flushing a deeper shade of pink. "Uh, yeah, she seems like a lot of fun," he mumbled, trying to regain his composure.

Sai grinned knowingly, patting Ishan on the back in a friendly gesture. "Trust me, you'll have plenty of opportunities to get to know her better during our trip to Chennai," he teased, his voice laced with playful amusement.

As Ishan's blush deepened, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead, especially with the prospect of getting to know Viva better.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Shreyas's curiosity piqued as he observed the photo frame, his gaze lingering on the other girl beside Preethi. "And who's this lovely lady?" he asked, pointing to the girl in the photo with a curious expression.

Sai's lips curled into a mischievous smirk as he glanced at the picture. "That's Shruthi," he answered, a playful twinkle in his eyes.

Shreyas's eyebrows shot up in surprise, a grin spreading across his face. "Shruthi, huh? She looks gorgeous," he remarked, his tone filled with admiration.

Sai chuckled at Shreyas's reaction, amused by his teammate's sudden interest. "Yeah, she's definitely got a unique charm," he agreed, his voice tinged with amusement.

As Shreyas continued to gaze at the photo, Sai couldn't help but notice the slight pink tint that appeared on his cheeks. With a knowing smile, Sai decided to tease his friend a bit further.

"Looks like someone's got a crush," he teased, nudging Shreyas playfully.

Shreyas's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink at the teasing remark, but he couldn't help but laugh along with Sai. "Hey, can you blame me? She's stunning," he admitted, his voice tinged with embarrassment.

Sai grinned knowingly, enjoying the playful banter between them. "Well, you'll have plenty of chances to get to know her better during our trip. Who knows? Maybe sparks will fly," he remarked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

As Shreyas's grin widened at the prospect, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for the adventures that awaited them in Chennai. 

Shubman, who was engrossed on his phone texting his sister, approached the group as they admired the photo frame. His eyes were drawn to the picture, and he couldn't help but smile at the sight of Preethi, Viva, and Shruthi, radiating happiness in the photograph.

"Hey, what's going on here?" Shubman asked, joining them with a curious expression.

Sai grinned and gestured to the photo frame. "Just reminiscing about some good times with our friends," he replied, a fond look in his eyes.

Shreyas nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Sai was just introducing us to Preethi, Viva, and Shruthi," he added, his gaze lingering on the photo.

Shubman's eyes lit up as he looked at the picture, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "They look like a fun bunch," he remarked, his tone filled with warmth.

Ishan nodded in agreement. "They definitely are. You'll see for yourself when we head to Chennai," he said, excitement evident in his voice.

As they continued to admire the photo, Shubman's gaze lingered on Preethi, his heart skipping a beat at the sight of her radiant smile. "Preethi looks stunning as ever," he commented, unable to tear his eyes away from her image.

Sai grinned knowingly, a playful twinkle in his eyes. "I'll make sure to let her know you said that," he teased, nudging Shubman playfully.

Shubman's cheeks flushed slightly at the teasing remark, but he couldn't help but smile at the thought of spending more time with Preethi in Chennai. 

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Sai chuckled at Shubman's comment about Preethi, enjoying the light-hearted moment among friends. His playful demeanour prompted him to add a jesting remark.

"Looks like the boys already have their crushes lined up," Sai teased with a grin, giving Shubman a friendly nudge.

His comment elicited laughter from the group as they exchanged amused glances. Shubman, Ishan, and Shreyas joined in the jovial atmosphere, each playfully denying Sai's insinuation while secretly acknowledging the truth behind his jest.

Ishan flashed a grin. "Oh, come on, Sai! It's not like that," he protested, though his eyes twinkled with mirth.

Shreyas nodded in agreement, adding his own playful retort. "Yeah, we're just appreciating the company of some lovely ladies," he quipped, earning a round of laughter from the group.

Sai laughed along with them, enjoying the camaraderie and banter. "Sure, sure, keep telling yourselves that," he replied with mock seriousness, his tone filled with amusement.

Ishan couldn't resist the opportunity to tease Sai further, especially after his playful remark about crushes. With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, he turned to Sai with a grin.

"So, Sai, when are you going to introduce us to your girlfriend, huh?" Ishan teased, nudging him playfully.

Sai's cheeks flushed slightly at the mention of his girlfriend, Divya. He chuckled, knowing that Ishan wouldn't let him off the hook easily.

"Ah, well, you'll just have to wait and see," Sai replied coyly, trying to keep the conversation light-hearted.

Ishan raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "Oh, come on, spill the beans! We're dying to meet her," he pressed, unable to resist teasing his friend further.

Sai laughed, shaking his head at Ishan's persistence. "Nice try, Ishan, but you'll have to be patient. You'll meet her soon enough," he replied, his tone filled with amusement.

As the group continued to banter and joke with one another, Sai couldn't help but feel grateful for the camaraderie and friendship they shared. And as they looked forward to their trip to Chennai, he knew that their bond would only grow stronger with each passing moment, promising an adventure filled with laughter, friendship, and the joy of being together.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Sai couldn't resist joining in on the playful banter, especially after Ishan's teasing about his girlfriend. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he turned to Shubman with a grin.

"And speaking of crushes, Shubman here had quite the chivalrous moment last night," Sai teased, his tone lighthearted.

Shubman's eyes widened in surprise at being singled out, but he couldn't suppress a sheepish grin as all eyes turned to him, curious to hear the story.

"What do you mean?" Shreyas asked, his interest piqued.

Sai leaned back, ready to regale the group with the tale. "Well, when we were on our way to the restaurant last night after the match, Shubman insisted that Preethi sit on his lap in the car since there wasn't enough space," he explained, a playful smirk playing on his lips.

A chorus of amused reactions erupted from the group, with Ishan letting out a whistle and Shreyas chuckling at the unexpected revelation.

Shubman's cheeks flushed pink at the attention, but he couldn't help but laugh along with his friends. "Hey, it was the gentlemanly thing to do," he defended himself, though his grin betrayed his amusement.

Sai chuckled, clapping Shubman on the back in mock admiration. "Of course, of course. Who knew our Shubman was such a charmer?" he teased, his tone filled with playful sarcasm.

Ishan couldn't resist adding to the playful teasing, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes as he turned towards Shubman with a grin.

"Looks like Shubman here is pulling out all the stops to impress Preethi," Ishan teased, his tone light and playful.

Shubman laughed along with the rest of the group, his cheeks still tinted with a hint of pink from the attention. "Come on, guys, it wasn't like that," he protested, though his smile betrayed his amusement.

Ishan raised an eyebrow in mock skepticism. "Oh, sure, sure. We believe you, Shubman," he replied with a smirk, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

The group erupted into laughter once again, enjoying the good-natured ribbing and camaraderie that flowed between them. As the banter continued, Shubman couldn't help but feel grateful for the friendship and laughter that surrounded him, knowing that these moments would become cherished memories in the days to come.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Sai grinned at the playful banter but soon redirected their attention to the practical matter at hand.  "Alright, alright, enough teasing for now, boys," Sai said, still chuckling. "But seriously, if you two want to join us in Chennai, you better start packing. We leave in a few days," he reminded them, his tone more serious now.

Ishan and Shreyas exchanged eager glances, excitement evident in their expressions. "You got it, Sai! We'll get on it right away," Ishan replied, already mentally making a list of things he needed to pack.

Shreyas nodded in agreement, his enthusiasm matching Ishan's. "Absolutely! Can't wait for the trip," he exclaimed, already picturing the adventures that awaited them in Chennai.

With a sense of excitement and anticipation filling the air, the group began to disperse, each member eager to start preparing for their upcoming journey. As they went their separate ways to pack and make final arrangements, they couldn't shake the feeling of excitement and camaraderie that lingered, knowing that their trip to Chennai would be an unforgettable adventure filled with laughter, friendship, and the bonds that would last a lifetime.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

As the group dispersed to start packing and making arrangements for their trip to Chennai, the apartment buzzed with excitement and anticipation. Ishan and Shreyas quickly headed to their respective rooms, eager to gather their belongings for the journey ahead.

Meanwhile, Sai and Shubman lingered in the living room, exchanging a glance filled with shared excitement for the adventure awaiting them. Sai couldn't help but feel grateful for the bond they all shared, knowing that their trip to Chennai would only strengthen their friendship.

"Looks like our trip is shaping up to be quite the adventure," Sai remarked, a smile playing on his lips as he turned to Shubman.

Shubman nodded, his own smile reflecting the anticipation in his eyes. "Absolutely. I can't wait to explore Chennai with everyone," he replied, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

With a sense of excitement filling the air, Sai and Shubman exchanged a fist bump, a silent affirmation of the adventures that awaited them. As they began to make their own preparations for the trip, they knew that their journey to Chennai would be filled with laughter, friendship, and the memories of a lifetime.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

As Shubman busied himself with preparations for the trip, he found his thoughts drifting to the moments he had shared with Preethi. A sense of anticipation and nervousness welled up within him, mingling with the excitement of the upcoming journey.

"Okay, Shubman, keep it together," he murmured to himself, trying to quell the butterflies fluttering in his stomach. "Just act natural and enjoy the time with everyone."

But despite his attempts to remain calm, his mind kept returning to the image of Preethi's smile and the warmth he had felt in her presence. He couldn't deny the growing attraction he felt towards her, even as he tried to convince himself that their interactions were simply friendly.

"Maybe it's just a crush," he mused aloud, pacing back and forth in his room. "But there's something about her that's different. Something special."

Lost in his thoughts, Shubman found himself replaying their conversations and moments together, each memory bringing a smile to his face. He couldn't help but wonder what the trip to Chennai would bring and whether it would provide the opportunity for their relationship to blossom into something more.

"Guess I'll just have to wait and see," he thought to himself, a mixture of excitement and nervousness coursing through him. "But one thing's for sure—I'm definitely looking forward to spending more time with her."

With a determined nod, Shubman refocused his attention on packing, ready to embrace whatever adventures awaited him in Chennai, knowing that with each passing moment, his bond with Preethi would only grow stronger.

"I need to stay focused," he reminded himself, pausing to take a deep breath and collect his thoughts. 

"This trip is about more than just one person. It's about enjoying the company of friends and making memories together."

Despite his attempt to rationalize his feelings, Shubman couldn't deny the spark he felt whenever he thought of Preethi. He found himself replaying their conversations and interactions, each one leaving him yearning for more.

"Maybe this is more than just a crush," he admitted to himself, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Maybe there's something real here."

Lost in contemplation, Shubman couldn't help but feel a surge of hope and excitement for the possibilities that lay ahead. He knew that the trip to Chennai would provide the perfect opportunity to get to know Preethi better and explore the potential for a deeper connection 

between them.

"Whatever happens, I'll embrace it with an open heart," he resolved, a sense of determination settling over him. "Who knows? This trip might just be the beginning of something beautiful."

As Shubman carefully folded his clothes and packed his belongings, his mind continued to wander, lost in a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. Despite his attempts to focus on the practicalities of the trip, his thoughts kept drifting back to Preethi.

"What if she feels the same way?" he wondered aloud, his voice barely above a whisper as he contemplated the possibility. The idea filled him with a mixture of excitement and apprehension, unsure of what the future held.

He couldn't shake the memory of their shared moments—the warmth of her smile, the sound of her laughter echoing in his mind. Each memory only served to deepen the connection he felt with her, leaving him longing for more.

"But what if I'm reading too much into it?" he mused, his brow furrowing in uncertainty. "What if I'm just imagining things?"

The doubt crept in, casting a shadow over his excitement. He found himself grappling with conflicting emotions, torn between the hope of something more and the fear of disappointment.

With a sigh, Shubman shook his head, determined to push aside his doubts and insecurities. "I can't let fear hold me back," he reminded himself, his voice firm with resolve. "If there's a chance for something real with Preethi, I have to be willing to take it."

As Shubman joined the others, his mind still buzzed with thoughts of Preethi. He couldn't shake the realization that their connection felt deeper than what he'd experienced in such a short time.

"I've only known her for a day," he reminded himself, trying to temper his emotions with rationality. "But it feels like I've known her much longer."

Despite the brevity of their acquaintance, Shubman couldn't deny the impact Preethi had already made on him. Her warmth, her laughter, her genuine kindness—all of it had left an indelible mark on his heart.

"I've never felt this way about someone I just met," he admitted to himself, a mixture of wonder and disbelief swirling within him. "But there's something about her that draws me in."

Lost in his thoughts, Shubman couldn't help but replay their conversations and moments together, each one a testament to the connection he felt with Preethi. He found himself yearning for more time with her, eager to unravel the mysteries of her heart and soul.

"But what if I'm moving too fast?" he wondered, a flicker of doubt creeping into his mind. "What if I'm just caught up in the moment?"

The uncertainty gnawed at him, threatening to dampen his spirits. But deep down, Shubman knew that he couldn't ignore the pull he felt towards Preethi, no matter how short their time together had been.

"I'll take it one step at a time," he resolved, a sense of determination rising within him. "I'll cherish every moment we have together and see where this journey takes us."

As Shubman settled in with his friends, the excitement for the trip to Chennai bubbled around him. Laughter and chatter filled the air as they discussed their plans and shared anecdotes from past adventures.

Despite the buoyant atmosphere, Shubman's thoughts kept drifting back to Preethi. He couldn't shake the feeling that she held a special place in his heart, even after just a day of knowing her.

"I should focus on enjoying the trip with everyone," he reminded himself, trying to push aside his preoccupation with Preethi. "There will be plenty of time to see where things go later."

But try as he might, Shubman found himself drawn back to thoughts of her—her infectious laughter, her kind eyes, the way her smile seemed to light up the room. Each memory only served to deepen the connection he felt, leaving him yearning for more.

"I can't stop thinking about her," he admitted to himself, a mixture of excitement and uncertainty churning within him. "But maybe that's okay. Maybe it's a sign that there's something special between us."

Lost in contemplation, Shubman couldn't help but feel a surge of hope for what the future might hold. He knew that the journey to Chennai would provide the perfect opportunity to get to know Preethi better and explore the potential for a deeper connection between them.

As Shubman engaged in conversation with his friends, his mind kept drifting back to the previous night, to the moment when Preethi had sat on his lap during the car ride to the restaurant. The memory played over and over in his mind, each recollection tinged with a sense of warmth and intimacy.

"She trusted me enough to sit on my lap," he thought to himself, a soft smile touching his lips as he relived the moment. "There was something so natural about it, like we'd known each other for much longer than just one day."

Despite the brief duration of their acquaintance, Shubman couldn't shake the feeling of closeness he had felt with Preethi during that moment. Her presence had felt comforting, her laughter infectious, and he found himself longing for more moments like that.

"It felt right," he mused quietly, his thoughts consumed by the memory. "Like we were meant to be together, even if it's just for a little while."

Lost in contemplation, Shubman couldn't help but wonder what the gesture might signify. Was it simply a friendly gesture, or did it hint at something more? The uncertainty gnawed at him, but deep down, he knew that he wanted to explore the connection further.

"I want to get to know her better," he resolved, determination flickering in his eyes. "To see where this could lead."

With a renewed sense of purpose, Shubman made a silent vow to cherish every moment he spent with Preethi, to unravel the mysteries of her heart and soul, and to see where their journey together might take them. As he rejoined the conversation with his friends, a sense of anticipation and excitement filled him, knowing that whatever the future held, he was ready to embrace it with open arms.

soups rants!!

the third chapter is hereee

and like they're all going to chennai woohoo

ishan and shreyas admiring viva and shruthi? yes please

shubman simping on preethi? yes please

so do comment on how this chapter was

but anyway

hope y'all enjoyed it!

- yours truly, supraja