One late afternoon, Shubman and Supraja found themselves seated together on the couch in their cozy living room.

The sun had started to dip behind the horizon, casting a warm glow through the window.

They were having a quiet evening after a long day filled with meetings and matches.

While Shubman had a brief break before his next game, Supraja had been busy figuring out what to do next with her career, especially after her contract with the BCCI had ended.

"Hey, I've been thinking a lot about your contract," Shubman began, his tone calm but with a hint of concern.

He turned towards Supraja, who was fiddling with the edge of a cushion in her hands, her expression thoughtful.

"Yeah, I know," she sighed, finally looking up at him.

"It's been on my mind too. I don't know what's next for me. The BCCI thing was a huge part of my life, and now that it's over... I feel a little lost."

Shubman reached out, gently taking her hand in his, giving it a comforting squeeze.

"Supraja, you're incredible at what you do. Trust me, you'll figure it out. You're way too talented to not find something amazing next."

She smiled softly at him but didn't seem entirely convinced. "I don't know, Shubman. It's been really hard. I feel like everything was moving so fast, and now I'm just... stuck. I don't know if I want to keep working in the same space or try something completely different."

Shubman tilted his head, trying to read her expression. "What exactly do you want to do? Have you thought about that?"

Supraja bit her lip, her fingers tracing the outline of her phone in her lap.

"I don't know. I thought about maybe staying in sports management, working with other athletes, or maybe even doing something more creative, like starting a brand of my own. But then, I get overwhelmed thinking about the whole process and what's expected of me. I feel like I'll mess it up somehow."

Shubman chuckled lightly, his voice soft.

"You mess it up? Babe, you literally built your career from the ground up. If anyone knows how to succeed, it's you."

She shook her head, her voice laced with doubt.

"But it's different when you're not working for something as big as the BCCI. There's a pressure, you know? Everyone expects you to just... be on top of things, and it's scary. And I'm so used to that stability, that security. It feels weird to think of doing something else now."

Shubman understood. He leaned in, his voice gentle but firm.

"It's okay to feel uncertain. But it doesn't mean you can't change things. You've got this incredible drive, and I know whatever you decide to do, you'll kill it. Don't be afraid to take a chance, Supraja. You don't need to have everything figured out right now."

She looked at him, her expression softening. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Shubman. You're always there when I need someone to talk to, even when I feel like I'm falling apart."

Shubman smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"That's what I'm here for, love. I'm not going anywhere. We're in this together, whatever happens. Whether it's your career or my cricket, we've got each other's backs."

Supraja leaned in, resting her head against his shoulder, feeling the comfort of his presence.

"I don't deserve you, you know that?"

Shubman chuckled softly, pulling her closer.

"You absolutely do. You deserve the world, Supraja. Don't ever doubt that."

There was a long pause as they simply enjoyed the quiet company of each other.

Finally, Supraja broke the silence, her voice more resolved than before.

"Maybe I should just take a leap. Look at new opportunities, see what feels right. Maybe something outside the BCCI, where I can really make a mark for myself."

Shubman smiled warmly. "That sounds like a great plan. You don't need to rush into anything. Just take your time, and whatever you decide, I'll be right here cheering you on."

She met his gaze, her eyes reflecting gratitude.

"Thank you, Shubman. For always believing in me."

"Always," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity.

"You're amazing, and I'm proud of everything you've accomplished. Whatever you do next, I know you'll crush it."

They shared a quiet moment, the weight of their conversation slowly fading as they simply enjoyed the peace of the evening.

For the first time in a while, Supraja felt a little lighter.

With Shubman by her side, maybe the uncertainty of the future wasn't so scary after all.

She would find her way. She always did.

og soup speaks!

- here we have the 24rth chapter!

- them>>>

- anyway comments on the chapter?

- hope y'all enjoyed!

- love, supraja!