MINIMUM 20 VOTES!

The next day, Layla stood outside her parents’ house in Chicago, trying to stifle her giggles.

She was about to pull off the ultimate surprise.

With her camera ready to capture every moment, she quietly made her way around to the back door of the kitchen.

Carefully, she unlocked it and slipped inside, making sure not to make a sound.

As she slipped inside, Layla could hear her parents talking.

Her mom, Nushrat, and her dad, Daniel, were standing by the kitchen island, engrossed in a deep conversation about what to cook for dinner.

“Dan, I’m telling you, we should make khichdi tonight. It’s been so long since we had it!” her mom said, her voice full of enthusiasm.

"But, carino, we had Indian food last night. How about some patata bravas instead? You know how much I love it,” her dad replied, his thick Spanish accent coloring his words.

Layla grinned, creeping up behind them.

The kitchen was filled with the comforting smells of spices and fresh ingredients.

Her parents were so caught up in their debate that they didn’t even notice her.

She quietly approached them, holding back her laughter.

Just as they were about to reach a decision, Layla placed her hands on both their shoulders and shouted, “Boo!”

Her parents screamed together in shock.

“Baapre!” her mom shrieked, clutching her chest.

“Dios mío!” (oh god!) her dad exclaimed, his eyes wide with shock.

Layla burst out laughing, quickly pointing the camera at their stunned faces. “Gotcha!”

Nushrat turned around first, her surprise quickly turning into a wide smile.

“Lulu! Oh my god, Beta! What are you doing here?” she exclaimed, pulling her daughter into a tight hug.

Daniel was still catching his breath. “Mija, you nearly gave me a heart attack! But what a wonderful surprise!”

He joined the hug, wrapping his arms around both his wife and daughter.

Layla grinned from ear to ear, hugging them both tightly. “I wanted to surprise you! I missed you guys so much.”

“We missed you too, beta,” Nushrat said, her eyes shining with happiness. “But scaring us like that? Sudhregi nai!”

Daniel laughed, shaking his head. “You’re just like your mother, always full of surprises. But I’m so happy you’re here.”

Layla finally let go of them, still smiling. "I just had to come see you both.”

“Accha Kiya,” Nushrat said, kissing Layla on the cheek.

“But tell me, how long are you staying? kuch khaya tune?"

“I’m here for a week,” Layla said, pulling out her phone to stop recording. “Plenty of time to talk, eat, and yes bohot bhook lagi hai.”

Her mom smiled, clearly overjoyed to have her daughter home.

“Well, now that you’re here, what do you want to eat? Your favorite, maybe?”

“Definitely! Mummy, please make Aloo Parantha,” Layla said eagerly.

“Accha theek hai. You sit down, and I’ll get started,” her mom said, bustling around the kitchen, now full of energy.

Layla sipped on her mom’s delicious chai, the warmth spreading through her as she sat at the kitchen table.

It felt so good to be home.

“So, Mummy Papa,” Layla began, a mischievous smile playing on her lips, “remind me again how you two fell in love. I never get tired of that story.”

Daniel and Nushrat exchanged a knowing glance, both of them smiling as they sat down at the table with her.

“Oh, you’ve heard this story a thousand times, Lulu,” Nushrat said, though her eyes sparkled with affection.

“I know, but I love it. And it’s been a while since I heard it from the two of you,” Layla replied, leaning in closer.

“Alright, alright,” Daniel chuckled, looking at Nushrat. “Should we tell her?”

Nushrat nodded, her smile widening as she took a sip of her chai. “Okay, beta, Dhyan se sun.”

“So, it was the early ‘90s, back in Mohali,” Nushrat began, her voice taking on a nostalgic tone.

“I was just 21, living with my parents—your Nana Nani—in our small house. They were strict, traditional, and wanted nothing but the best for me.”

“And by ‘best,’ they meant marrying some well-off  Punjabi,” Daniel rolled his eyes.

Nushrat laughed softly. “fate had other plans. You see,  I came across this fair, handsome Spanish Man who had just moved to Mohali for work. He was completely different from anyone I had ever met. And he lived right next door.”

Layla leaned forward, listening intently. “So, how did you two meet?”

“It was by chance,” Daniel said, his voice filled with warmth.

“I was struggling to communicate with the local shopkeeper, and your mummy happened to be there. She helped me out, and we started talking. From that moment on, I couldn’t stop thinking about her.”

“And I couldn’t stop thinking about him either,” Nushrat added, her cheeks flushing with the memory.

“But, of course, my parents weren't thrilled when they found out I was interested in someone who wasn’t Punjabi. Especially when that someone was not even An Indian.”

“Nana Nani were angry, right?” Layla asked, though she already knew the answer.

“Bilkul,” Nushrat said, shaking her head. “They were completely against it.

They wanted me to marry a local boy, someone they could control, someone they approved of. Par ese nahi hua.”

Daniel nodded. “ We knew we wanted to be together, so we started planning.”

Layla’s eyes widened. “Planning to run away?”

“Yes,” Nushrat admitted, sheepishly. “We couldn’t see any other way. We had to be together, and we couldn’t wait for my parents to come around. So, one night, we packed up our things and left. We got married quietly, and I found out I was pregnant with your sister Aaliyah.”

Layla shook her head in awe. “You guys really did all that? Wow.”

“It wasn’t easy,” Nushrat said, reaching out to hold Daniel's hand.

“But we had each other, and that was all that mattered. We moved to Chicago, where Dan had some connections, and started our life here. It was hard at first, but we were happy.”

Daniel smiled at Nushrat, his eyes filled with love. “We’ve been through so much together, but I cherish each and every moment.”

Layla couldn’t help but smile. “You guys are amazing. I can’t believe you did all that just to be together.”

“Love makes you do crazy things,” Daniel said with a wink. “And it was worth every risk.”

Nushrat nodded, then added casually, “Oh, and I had a close friend in Mohali. Her name was Keart Gill. We were like sisters. She was our neighbor.”

“Gill?” Layla repeated, her curiosity piqued. “That sounds familiar.”

“Yes, she was like family,” Nushrat continued. “She had a daughter named Shahneel. I wonder how they’re doing now…”

Layla shrugged, not thinking too much of it. “Maybe you should try reaching out to them. It sounds like you guys were close.”

Nushrat smiled. “Maybe I will. I lost touch with them after we moved, but it would be nice to reconnect.”

Layla’s mind was still reeling from the story. “So, after all that, you settled in Chicago?”

“Yes, we did,” Daniel said. “Aaliyah was born in 1994, and then you came along a few years later. Our little family was complete.”

“We were so happy here,” Nushrat added. “We purchased a new house, and we made so many wonderful memories there.”

Layla sighed, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. “I’m so glad you guys made it through all that. I wouldn’t be here if you hadn’t.”

“And we would do anything for you and Kittu, beta,” Meera said, reaching out to touch Layla’s cheek.

Daniel nodded. “You girls are our everything.”

Layla smiled, her heart swelling with love for her parents. “I love you guys so much.”

“We love you too, beta,” they both said in unison.

The next morning, Shubmanwoke up feeling awful.

His body ached, his head was pounding, and he felt completely drained of energy.

He tried to get out of bed but immediately felt dizzy and had to sit back down.

Something wasn’t right.

"Not today," he muttered to himself, frustrated.

The World Cup was on, and there was no way he could afford to be sick right now.

But the way he felt, he knew this wasn’t just a regular cold.

After a quick visit to the team doctor, his worst fears were confirmed. Shubman had dengue fever.

When Rohit  heard the news, he immediately went to check on Shubman. "How are you feeling, champ?" Rohit asked, his voice full of concern.

"Like I’ve been hit by a truck," Shubman replied weakly, trying to manage a smile.

Rohit sighed and sat down next to him. "Listen, Shub. You need to rest. There’s no way you can play in this condition. Your health comes first."

"But Rohit bhai," Shubman protested, "It’s the World Cup. I can’t miss this."

"I know, and I understand how much this means to you," Rohit said, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"But if you push yourself now, it’ll only get worse. Sit this one out, recover, and come back stronger. The team will handle it, I promise."

Reluctantly, Shubman nodded.

He knew Rohit was right, but it still hurt to think about missing the match against Australia.

"Okay, I’ll rest," he agreed, though his heart was heavy.

A few hours later

As Shubman rested in his room, he kept up with the match from his bed, watching as India faced off against Australia on October 8th.

The tension was high, and though he wasn’t on the field, he could feel the energy of the game.

Australia batted first, setting a target of 199 runs.

The Indian bowlers, led by Bumrah, Kuldeep, and Jadeja, put on a fantastic show, restricting the Aussies to a manageable score.

The crowd roared with every wicket, and Shubman couldn’t help but feel proud of his team.

When it was India’s turn to bat, Rohit  and Ishan walked out to the crease with determination.

Despite a few early hiccups, Kohli anchored the innings, scoring a solid 85 runs, while KL Rahul provided excellent support with 97 not out.

Their partnership helped India chase down the target with ease.

As Rahul hit the winning shot, securing a 6-wicket victory for India, Chidambaram  Stadium erupted in cheers.

Shubman, watching from his bed, felt a mix of joy and frustration.

He was thrilled for his team but disappointed that he couldn’t be out there contributing.

As the team returned to the hotel, Rohit and Virat checked up on Shubman. "We won, buddy!" Virat said, smiling.

"I saw, Vi bhai! You guys were amazing out there," Shubman said, managing a grin despite how weak he felt.

"You’ll be back on the field soon, Shub," Rohit assured him. "For now, just focus on getting better. We need you at your best."

Shubman nodded, feeling a bit better knowing his team had his back. "Thanks, Rohit bhai. I will get well soon."

Half and hour later,Suddenly, the door flies open, and Ishan storms in, his face a mix of frustration and disbelief.

Ishan threw his bat on the couch "Yaar, zero pe out! Zero! Can you believe it?"

Shubman simply smiled back weakly "Arre, hota hai, bhai. Cricket ka ek rule hai—kabhi tu out hoga, kabhi bowler ka din banega."

Ishan plopped down next to him "Easy for you to say! You’re just chilling here, being pampered and all. And I'm out there making a fool of myself!"

Shubman Chuckled"I'm not exactly having a party here, Ishu. Dengue is not fun. But seriously, don’t stress.  Ek match ka kya hai? Agle mein tu accha khelega."

Ishan smirked mischievously "Haan, ab tu meri tareef karega? Kya baat hai, Layla ko impress karna hai kya?"

Shubman was caught offgaurd "Kya Layla-Layla laga rakha hai? Koi Layla-vayla nahi hai!"

Ishan clapped back "Oh really? Then why have you been stalking her on Instagram? Don’t think I didn’t notice you liking all her old pictures!"

Shubman shot back "Arre, I was just scrolling..... bas....galti se like ho gaya hoga."

Ishan kept relenting "Haan, haan, galti se! Aur phir comment bhi galti se kiya hoga, right? 'Looking beautiful'? Come on, Shub, you're not that smooth."

Shubman let out a laugh "Yaar, tu bhi na. I’ll get back to you once I’m better!"

Ishan mocked him  humorously "Oh no, I'm scared! But for now, you rest and recover, priyatame. We need you back on the field, not flirting on Insta."

Shubman controlled his smile "You’re the worst, you know that?"

Ishan smacked his shoulder"Only for you, meri priyatame!"

They both burst out laughing, the tension from the match and Ishan’s frustration melting away in their light-hearted banter.

Ishan cleared his throat "Okay, okay, enough of my rant. You need anything? Water, juice, another pep talk?"

Shubman’s lips twisted in a curve upwardly "Just your energy, bro. It’s infectious. But stay away, I’ve had enough of infections!"

Ishan chuckled out loudly "Oh please, you’d be lost without me!"

They share a warm, brotherly smile, the bond between them evident as they continue to joke and support each other through thick and thin.

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

RDJ's our father in this one.
Juhi's just gorgeous.

And yep in the next one, I'm gonna have to mention Shubman's performance in the entire ODI world cup.

grab your tissues, angels💔

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