It was February 14, 2024, and after a whirlwind of cricket and personal moments, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Saumya Chatterjee finally had their first official date. 

The two had been hanging out more and more, and after days of playful teasing and flirtation, Yashasvi had finally gathered the courage to ask her out on a proper date. 

It was an intimate evening, and with the Test match in Rajkot looming the next day, they were determined to make it count.

Both of them had just arrived in Rajkot, the city buzzing with excitement for the match on February 15. 

The air was heavy with anticipation for the upcoming Test, but tonight wasn't about cricket. It was about them, finally taking a moment to themselves.

Saumya had spent the day getting ready for the date. She had chosen a stunning outfit—an elegant black dress that hugged her figure just right, with a subtle slit on the side that showed off her long legs.

She paired it with a sleek pair of black heels that added to her poise. Her makeup was simple yet flawless—bold lips, defined eyes, and a hint of highlighter that made her glow under the dim lighting. 

Her dark, wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders, catching the light as she moved. She wore small, delicate gold earrings and a silver bracelet that completed the look.

Her heart raced as she adjusted herself in the mirror. She hadn't been on a proper date in ages, and the chemistry between her and Yashasvi had been undeniable. 

Still, she couldn't help but feel a little nervous. They'd been growing closer, but tonight felt like something special, something different.

Just as she was about to check herself one last time, there was a knock on her door.

"Saumya, it's me!" Yashasvi called out from the other side, his voice muffled by the door.

Saumya quickly opened it, her nerves slightly easing when she saw Yashasvi standing there. He had opted for a simple yet elegant outfit as well—black jeans, a white button-down shirt, and a fitted blazer. 

His hair was styled perfectly, and there was a warmth in his eyes when he looked at her.

"Wow," Yashasvi said, his words genuine and a little awestruck. "You look absolutely stunning."

Saumya smiled, her cheeks turning pink. "Thanks, Yash. You clean up pretty well too," she teased, causing him to chuckle.

"Let's get going, then," he said, offering her his arm. "I've got a surprise planned."

They walked through the hotel lobby and out into the chilly Rajkot evening. Yashasvi led her to a sleek black car waiting for them, and soon they were on their way to the destination he had chosen.

As they drove through the city, Saumya couldn't help but feel the excitement building between them. 

It was quiet, but the air was filled with the tension of unspoken words. Yashasvi occasionally glanced over at her, his eyes lingering for just a second too long, but he quickly focused back on the road.

After a short drive, they arrived at a cozy rooftop restaurant, the kind of place with ambient lighting, a few candle-lit tables, and a view that took your breath away. 

The city of Rajkot sprawled out before them, its streets dotted with lights.

"This is beautiful," Saumya said softly, taking in the view. "How did you find this place?"

"I've been here before," he replied, a hint of a smile on his lips. "I thought you'd like it. It's peaceful and intimate. Just the two of us."

They were escorted to a private table with a perfect view of the city lights. As they sat down, the waiter poured them both a glass of wine, and they raised their glasses to the night ahead.

"So," Saumya started, after taking a sip of her drink. "What's been on your mind lately, Mr. Jaiswal?"

Yashasvi chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "You know, I've been thinking a lot about how crazy this past year has been. A lot of things have changed for me, on and off the field."

Saumya nodded, her gaze softening. "I can imagine. You've been working so hard."

He smiled, and there was a warmth in his eyes when he looked at her. "Yeah. And through it all, I've realized something."

Saumya raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What's that?"

"That the best part of my life... has been getting to know you," he said, his voice sincere, his tone steady.

Saumya's heart skipped a beat. She wasn't expecting him to say that, and she felt a rush of emotions as his words sank in. "Yash... I wasn't expecting that," she replied, her voice soft, her eyes meeting his.

He smiled, his gaze never leaving hers. "Well, I've never been good at playing games. I like being honest."

The waiter arrived with their food, but neither of them paid much attention to the meal. The conversation flowed easily between them—about their childhoods, their dreams, their favourite cricket moments, and their shared love for adventure.

But underneath it all, the underlying tension was palpable, and every now and then, their hands brushed, sparking a spark between them that neither could ignore.

Yashasvi nodded thoughtfully when she explained why she chose acting. "I admire that. You're always so confident and driven. I think you're going to go far."

She smirked. "I'm just trying to keep up with you, Mr. Jaiswal."

They both laughed, but there was something in the way their eyes locked that made the air between them feel charged. 

Neither of them said anything, but both of them could feel it—the undeniable chemistry that had been building between them since they first started spending time together.

As the night drew on, Yashasvi leaned across the table slightly, his hand brushing hers. His touch was light but deliberate, a silent invitation to take the next step. 

Saumya looked at him, her breath catching in her throat.

"You're different, Saumya," he said, his voice low. "I like this... whatever this is."

She met his gaze, her heart racing. "Me too, Yash."

And just like that, without words, they both knew where this was heading. The date was perfect—romantic, intimate, and filled with the unspoken promise of something more. 

They left the restaurant hand in hand, neither of them in a rush to let go.

As they walked through the night, the city of Rajkot humming in the background, Saumya leaned her head on Yashasvi's shoulder, a quiet smile playing on her lips. 

And for the first time, she allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, this was the beginning of something real.

Later that night, as Yashasvi dropped her off at her hotel, they stood outside for a moment, both of them reluctant to say goodbye.

"Goodnight, Saumya," Yashasvi said, his voice low, his eyes dark and intense.

"Goodnight, Yash," she replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper. She stood on her tiptoes, closing the distance between them, and kissed him softly on the lips, a sweet kiss that carried the promise of more.

Yashasvi pulled back just slightly, his forehead resting against hers. "I can't wait to see you tomorrow."

Saumya smiled, feeling a flutter in her chest. "Me neither."

With one final lingering kiss, they parted ways for the night, both of them knowing this was just the beginning.

og soup speaks!

- here we have the 18th chapter!

- they're so cute <33

- anyway comments on the chapter?

- hope y'all enjoyed!

- love, supraja!