MINIMUM 20 VOTES!

Shubman sat in his room, scrolling through his phone with an unusual intensity.

He had a big grin plastered on his face and an excitement that was hard to contain.

The ICT might think his radiant mood was due to his recent stellar performance in the World Cup semifinals, but Shubman knew there was more to it.

He was stalking Layla Perez's Instagram account. Each post captivated him: her radiant smile, her dazzling outfits, and her adventurous lifestyle. 

Her profile was filled with pictures from exotic locations, glamorous fashion shows, and candid moments with friends.

The more he scrolled, the more he found himself mesmerized by her beauty and charisma.

He stopped at a video of her famous catwalk at Chanel Fashion Show. "Wow," he whispered to himself.

She was breathtaking, gliding down the runway with the confidence of a queen. 

He then checked her on google and almost choked on air when he saw her net worth—$70 million dollars.

"Man, she's not just pretty, she's a whole damn millionare," he thought.

He clicked on another post where Layla was at a Taylor Swift concert. "She's a Swiftie too? Perfect," he mumbled, a wide smile spreading across his face. [AUTHOR: OFC SHE IS!]

Suddenly, his phone buzzed with an incoming call from his parents. Shubman quickly sat up and answered.

"Sat sri akal mummy papa!" he greeted cheerfully.

"Shubi, you played so well today! 80 runs in the World Cup semifinal! We're so proud of you!" his mother's voice was filled with joy and pride.

"Thank you mummy. I'm really happy with how I played," Shubman replied, his heart swelling with happiness.

His father chimed in, "We know you've worked so hard for this. The finals are going to be tough against Australia, but we believe in you."

Shubman felt a rush of nervous excitement. "Yes, the finals are going to be a big challenge, but I'm ready for it. I just have to stay focused and give my best."

"We know you will, beta. We're coming to the match to support you," his mom said warmly. "Thank you mummy papa. I really appreciate it. I'll see you at the match," Shubman said.

"Alright, take care and get some rest. See you soon, beta!" his dad added.

After hanging up, Shubman couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety about the upcoming finals. But his thoughts quickly drifted back to Layla. 

He spent the next three hours watching her most famous moments, reading articles about her, and even going through interviews.

His teammates noticed the glow on his face as they gathered for a meeting later that evening.

Ishan, who had already sensed something was up, decided to spill the beans. "Guys, Shubman has a crush."

Shubman's cheeks turned red as the rest of the team turned their attention to him. "What? No! I mean... I don't know what you're talking about," he stammered.

"Come on, spill it! We're all curious now," Shreyas chimed in, laughing.

"Who's the lucky girl?" Shami asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Fine, fine," Shubman admitted, scratching his head. "I might have a tiny crush on this supermodel... Layla Perez."

The team erupted in cheers and laughter, with everyone bombarding him with questions.

"Layla Perez? Isn't she that model who was in that show?" asked Rohit, raising an eyebrow. Virat replied on his behalf, "He means to say, isn't she that model from The Paris Fashion Show? I remember Anushka going crazy over the dresses"

"Yeah, that's her," Shubman replied, feeling both embarrassed and proud.

"Wow, Shubman! You surely have a great choice," said KL, patting him on the back. [AUTHOR: RAHUL, YOU DO TOO!]

"Have you even met her?" asked Hardik, grinning.

"No, not yet. I just found out about her recently," Shubman said, shaking his head.

"But you've been stalking her on Instagram, haven't you?" Ishan teased.

Shubman laughed, "Maybe a little. Yeah, I know. But it's not like anything's going to happen. She's in New York right now."

"Alright, lover boy, let's focus on the finals first," said Virat, bringing everyone back to the task at hand. "We can help you with your love life after we win this cup."

The room filled with laughter again as the team teased Shubman good-naturedly. Despite the playful banter, there was a strong sense of camaraderie and support among them.

As the team prepared to leave for Ahmedabad for the finals, everyone noticed Shubman's glowing demeanor.

He couldn't help but feel excited about both the match and the possibility of meeting his crush oneday.

On the flight to Ahmedabad, the teasing continued.

"Hey, Shubman, maybe you can invite Layla to the finals," said Hardik, winking.

"Yeah, and she can walk the ramp on the pitch!" added Bumrah, laughing. Shubman rolled his eyes but couldn't stop smiling. "You guys are impossible."

Once they arrived in Ahmedabad, the team settled into their hotel, ready to rest before the big match.

As they gathered for dinner, Shubman's phone buzzed again. It was a notification from Layla's Instagram—she had just posted a new picture.

Laylaa_Lulu has posted:

Liked by Shahneelgill,swati_Mishra,ishankishan23,anushkasharma,ritikasajdehsharma,jugnu,hardikpandya, and 9 million others

Laylaa_Lulu: New York, you've been amazing. Next stop? Maybe somewhere warmer and spicier 😉 #ComingSoon #Excited.

Comments have been disabled.[Author: I'm way too tired]

She was sitting on a couch, looking effortlessly chic. Shubman's heart skipped a beat. "Could she be coming to India?" he wondered, excitement bubbling up inside him.

The rest of the team crowded around, all eager to see the post.

"Shubman, if you get a date with her, we expect a detailed report," joked Siraj, making everyone laugh.

As the night went on, the team's playful teasing continued, but beneath the humor was a strong bond. They were ready to face Australia in the finals, and Shubman felt more motivated than ever.

Lying in bed that night, Shubman replayed the day's events in his mind. He thought about Layla, his parents' call, and the upcoming match.

There was so much to look forward to, and he felt a renewed sense of determination.

"I'm going to give my best in the finals," he thought. "And who knows, maybe I'll get to meet Layla soon."

With that hopeful thought, he drifted off to sleep, with his heart beating, holding hope for acquiring a victorious win against the Aussies.

The next morning, during their practice session, Shubman's energy was contagious. His teammates noticed how focused and driven he was.

"Shubman, if this Layla is the reason you're this motivated, we should thank her," Rohit joked

"Yeah, keep stalking her Instagram if it means you'll play like this in the finals," Bumrah added, laughing.

Shubman grinned, taking their teasing in stride. "Alright, alright. Let's focus on practice now."

Throughout the day, the team worked hard, honing their skills and strategies for the finals. He couldn't help but check his phone during breaks, hoping for more clues about Layla's plans.

Layla sat in her chic Empire Hotel Room, surrounded by a view of the city skyline.  After a long day, she finally had a chance to unwind and catch up with her elder sister, Aaliyah. 

Layla dialed her on a video call, and soon Aaliyah's familiar face appeared on the screen.

"Di, guess what!" Layla exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Kya? (What?)" Aaliyah asked, leaning in closer to the screen, her curiosity piqued.

"I'm planning to surprise Mom and Dad in Chicago. I'm going to visit them without telling them!" Layla said, barely able to contain her excitement.

"Are you serious? That's amazing! They're going to be so happy," Aaliyah responded, clapping her hands. "When are you going?"

"This weekend! I've already booked my flight," Layla said, grinning.

Aaliyah laughed. "Oh, you're still the same, always full of surprises. How's New York?"

"New York is amazing as always. But I've been missing home a lot lately," Layla admitted, her tone softening. "You know how it is. No matter where I go, home is home."

"Bilkul, ghar ki baat hi alag hai. (Absolutely, there's nothing like home)," Aaliyah agreed, her voice warm. "Are you taking any gifts for Mom and Dad?"

"Of course! I got Mom her favorite chocolates and Dad a new watch. He's been talking about getting a new one for like, forever?," Layla said, showing the gifts on the screen.

"Perfect choices. You know they'll love them," Aaliyah said approvingly. "So, tell me more about this trip. Are you coming alone, or is that annoying boyfriend of yours tagging along?" 

"Robby? Ugh, no way. We're done for good this time," Layla said, rolling her eyes. "I slapped him and walked away, remember?"

Aaliyah's eyes widened. "You slapped him? Lulu! You didn't tell me that part!"

"Well, he deserved it. He showed up with lilies, which you know, I Hate. And tried to apologize for cheating. Like flowers could fix that," Layla explained, shaking her head.

"Good for you, Lulu! You deserve so much better. I'm proud you stood up for yourself," Aaliyah said, her voice full of support.

"Thanks, Di. You always know what to say," Layla said, smiling gratefully. "Enough about me, how's London? How are things with you?"

"London is great, busy as always. Work is hectic, but I'm managing. Oh, and guess what? We might be coming to the States for a conference next month," Aaliyah shared.

"That's awesome! Maybe we can meet up if our schedules match," Layla said excitedly. "It would be great to see you."

"Definitely. We'll plan something," Aaliyah agreed. "Okay, so back to your surprise plan. How are you going to do it? Just show up at the door?"

"Yeah, that's the plan," Layla said, grinning mischievously. "I'm going to knock on the door and just wait for their reactions."

"Classic Lulu. I can already imagine Mom's face," Aaliyah said, laughing. "Make sure you capture the moment. I want to see their reactions."

"Don't worry, Di. I'll make a video. It's going to be epic," Layla promised. "I miss you, Aalu. It's been too long since we all got together."

"I miss you too, Lulu. We need a family reunion soon," Aaliyah said, her voice filled with longing. "But for now, this surprise visit will be perfect."

"Absolutely. Okay, I need to finish packing. I'll call you once I get to Chicago," Layla said, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

"Sounds good. Travel safe and have a great time surprising Mom and Dad," Aaliyah said. 

"I will, Di. Love you!" Layla said, blowing a kiss to the screen.

"Love you too. Bye!" Aaliyah replied, blowing a kiss back.

As the call ended, Layla felt a warm sense of happiness. She couldn't wait to see her parents' faces when she surprised them. 

With renewed energy, she finished packing her bags, her mind racing with thoughts of home and the exciting possibilities that awaited her.

Heyyyyyyyy Guysss. So this was the second chapter of the book.

AHHHHH our Shub's got a crush on Lulu. Stalking and all,huh?

Lulu's gonna meet her parents!!!! Ahhh im really excited to write the next one.

Also, my University has begun, and hence, writing and editing chapters are becoming almost impossible to be done. But, as promised, this book's gonna be finished as quickly as possibly. 

Anyways, back to the topic. How was it?

make sure you vote and spam with lots of comments! please don't be a silent reader.

Till then, with love

Yours, author! <33