꧁・┆✦ʚ 𝚂𝚑𝚞𝚋𝚖𝚊𝚗'𝚜 ♡ 𝙿𝚘𝚟 ɞ✦ ┆・꧂

The midterm exam timetable came out today, and all I could think was—why me? Long study hours, less cricket, and constant nagging from Mumma. Ugh.

I reached home and found Mumma sitting on the couch, arms crossed, like she already knew I'd try to escape studying. As soon as I stepped in, she said, "Give me your midterm timetable."

I groaned. "Mumma, at least let me freshen up first."

I went to my room, splashed some cold water on my face, and changed into something comfortable. Coming downstairs, I handed her the timetable, hoping she wouldn't go full strict mode.

She scanned the paper like a hawk and then, in her no-nonsense voice, said, "Start studying from today. Got it?"

I nodded lazily, but the next words hit me like a bouncer.

"Shubman, I'm serious. If you don't score well this time, no cricket coaching. Get it?"

I froze. "Seriously, Mumma?"

"Yes. You're in 12th standard, Shubie. This is a crucial year."

I sighed, realizing she wasn't bluffing. "Fine!" I muttered, dragging my feet toward my room.

Just then, the door opened, and in walked Shahneel and Sara. My mood instantly brightened. Sara smiled at me, and I smiled back like an idiot.

Mumma stood up, grabbing her purse. "These two will be here. Your Papa and I have some work, so we're leaving. And Shub! Better study!"

I nodded half-heartedly, watching as Mumma and Papa left. The moment the door closed, Sara wrapped her arms around me in a warm hug.

"Hey!" she murmured.

I hugged her back, inhaling the soft scent of her perfume. "Hey."

Shanu groaned. "Ugh, can you two not do this in front of me?"

Sara chuckled, pulling away, but her hand lingered in mine. "So, Head Boy, are you actually going to study today?"

I smirked. "Depends. If my tutor is cute, maybe I'll pay attention."

Sara rolled her eyes, but the blush on her cheeks gave her away.

Shanu grabbed a cushion and threw it at me. "Study, dumbass. I don't want Mumma cancelling your cricket just because you're too busy flirting."

I groaned, flopping onto the couch. This was going to be a long week.

⛧°。 ⋆༺ ＳＡＲＡ'Ｓ ＰＯＶ ༻⋆。 °⛧

Shubman actually sitting down to study was a sight I never thought I'd witness. Usually, he was either outside playing cricket or finding ways to escape studying, but today, he sat at his desk with his textbook open, pen in hand, looking unusually focused.

I settled onto his bed, hugging a pillow as I watched him. His brows furrowed slightly, his lips parted as he mumbled something under his breath, probably trying to memorize a formula. He looked... cute like this. His usual cocky smirk was replaced with concentration, and the way his fingers absentmindedly drummed on the table made me want to reach out and stop him.

I rested my chin on the pillow and teased, "Look at you, all serious. Who knew Shubman Gill could actually study?"

Without looking up, he replied, "Shhh, some of us actually have exams, Sara."

I giggled. "And some of us don't. Lucky me."

He finally turned to face me, narrowing his eyes. "Yeah? Then why are you here? Just to distract me?"

I shrugged. "Maybe."

Shubman sighed dramatically. "Sara Tendulkar, if I fail because of you, you're making up for it."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? And how exactly?"

He smirked. "By bringing me cupcakes every day for a month."

I rolled my eyes but smiled. "Fine, fine. Now go back to studying, genius."

I watched as he turned back to his book, tapping his pen against the desk. His focus shifted back to his notes, and for a moment, the room was silent except for the occasional scribbling of his pen.

Even in this quiet moment, I couldn't help but admire him. Whether he was playing cricket or struggling through his textbooks, Shubman Gill had a way of making my heart race.

And the worst part? He had absolutely no idea.

I stretched out on Shubman's bed, still watching him scribble in his notebook. His forehead was creased in concentration, his fingers tapping against the desk in rhythm. I couldn't help but admire him—his sharp features, the way his hair fell slightly over his forehead, the soft sound of him muttering formulas under his breath.

I sighed dramatically. "Shub, I'm bored."

He didn't look up. "Then go home."

I gasped. "Excuse me?"

Finally, he glanced at me, a smirk tugging at his lips. "I'm just saying. You're the one who came here to 'watch me study' but now you're complaining."

I rolled onto my stomach and pouted. "You're ignoring me."

Shubman sighed, dropping his pen onto his book. "Sara." He turned his chair to face me. "You want me to fail, don't you?"

I giggled. "Maybe."

Before he could say anything else, I got up from the bed and walked over to him, placing my hands on his shoulders. "Come on, take a break. Just five minutes."

He raised an eyebrow. "Five minutes?"

I nodded, giving him my best puppy eyes. "I promise."

Shubman sighed, then reached out and grabbed my wrist, pulling me onto his lap. I squealed as I landed, my arms instinctively wrapping around his neck.

"You're impossible, you know that?" he muttered, his voice low.

I smiled, playing with the collar of his T-shirt. "And you love me anyway."

His hands rested on my waist, holding me close. His touch was warm, comforting. "Yeah, yeah. But if I fail, I'm blaming you."

I laughed softly, leaning in until our noses brushed. "You won't fail. You're too smart for that."

He hummed, tilting his head slightly. "And what do I get for studying so hard?"

I pretended to think. "Hmmm... maybe a reward?"

His lips curled into a lazy smirk. "Like?"

Instead of answering, I pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. He chuckled, pulling me even closer. "Not bad. But I think I deserve more."

I blushed, but before I could protest, he leaned in, his lips barely brushing mine before whispering, "But I'll wait till my exams are over."

I groaned, smacking his shoulder. "Tease."

He laughed, hugging me tightly. "That's what you get for distracting me."

I buried my face in his shoulder, smiling to myself. Studying with Shubman might not have been productive, but it was definitely worth it.

A month had passed since our midterms, and today was the day our results were finally out. I wasn't too nervous—I had worked hard, and deep down, I knew I'd done well. Still, there was a tiny part of me that felt anxious as I waited for the teacher to call out the marks.

When she finally did, I beamed. 98%! As usual, I had topped the class.

Tucking my answer sheet into my bag, I walked out of the classroom, ready to find Shubman. I knew he would be waiting for me outside. And, sure enough, as soon as I stepped into the corridor, I saw him leaning against the wall, arms crossed, looking effortlessly handsome as always.

His eyes landed on me, and he straightened up. "So?" he asked.

I grinned. "98%."

He smirked. "Not bad."

I pouted. "Not bad? Shub, I topped again!"

He chuckled, ruffling my hair. "I know, I know. You're a genius, and I'm dating the smartest girl ever. Happy?"

I nodded proudly. "Very."

Just then, Shahneel and Arjun came walking toward us. Shahneel was the first to ask, "Sara, how much?"

I flipped my hair dramatically. "98%."

Arjun shook his head. "Of course. You're not even human at this point."

Shubman smirked. "She's a nerd, that's what she is."

I glared at him. "Excuse me, mister, I am academically gifted."

Shahneel laughed. "And Shub is just jealous because Mumma is going to compare his marks with yours."

Shubman groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Ugh, don't remind me."

I giggled, reaching out to hold his hand. "Don't worry. Even if Auntie compares, I'll always say you're the best cricketer, and I can never compete with that."

He smirked, squeezing my hand. "Good. Because I am the best."

I rolled my eyes, but my heart felt full. Today was a good day.

꧁・┆✦ʚ 𝚂𝚑𝚞𝚋𝚖𝚊𝚗'𝚜 ♡ 𝙿𝚘𝚟 ɞ✦ ┆・꧂

As soon as we reached home, I knew trouble was brewing. Mumma sat on the couch with Shahneel's result in her hands, her expression unreadable—but I knew better. Shahneel stood in front of her, shifting uncomfortably, while Papa watched silently from the side.

"92%, Shahneel?" Mumma's voice was calm, but that made it even scarier.

Shahneel bit her lip. "Mumma, it's still an A grade—"

"But it's not 98%, is it?" Mumma cut her off. "Look at Sara! She scored 98%. You had the same syllabus, the same teachers—what was missing?"

I sighed. Here we go again.

"Mumma, I studied. I really did—" Shahneel tried to explain, but Mumma wasn't having it.

"Then why didn't you score as much as Sara?" Mumma pressed.

Shahneel's eyes flickered to me for help, but I remained silent. I knew this routine all too well. When I was younger, I was the one standing there, getting scolded, being compared. Now, it was Shahneel's turn. And I hated it.

"Mumma, 92% is still great," I finally spoke up, hoping to calm things down.

Mumma turned to me, raising an eyebrow. "You stay out of this, Shubman. Focus on your own exams. Have you even finished all your revision?"

I clenched my jaw but nodded. There was no point arguing.

Shahneel, on the other hand, was clearly frustrated. "Mumma, I'm not Sara! I did my best, and I'm happy with my marks. Why can't you be?"

"Because I know you can do better!" Mumma snapped.

Papa finally stepped in, placing a hand on Mumma's shoulder. "Keart, let it go. 92% is excellent."

Mumma sighed, rubbing her forehead. "Fine. But Shahneel, I expect improvement in your finals."

Shahneel nodded stiffly and turned to leave, her face unreadable. But as she passed me, I saw the disappointment in her eyes. I knew exactly how she felt.

Later that night, as I sat in my room trying to study, I heard a soft knock on my door.

"Come in," I said.

Shahneel stepped inside, looking hesitant. "Did Mumma ever scold you like that?"

I let out a dry chuckle. "All the time."

She sighed, sitting on my bed. "It sucks."

"Tell me about it." I shut my book and looked at her. "Listen, Shah, you did great. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise, okay?"

She nodded slowly. "Thanks, Shub."

I smirked. "And don't worry. Next time, just study with Sara. Maybe she'll magically transfer some of her nerd powers to you."

Shahneel groaned and threw a pillow at me. "Shut up!"

I laughed, dodging it, feeling a little lighter. At least she wasn't upset anymore.

It was past midnight, and I was lying on my bed, staring at the ceiling. Sleep wasn't coming anytime soon. My phone buzzed on the nightstand, and I reached for it lazily.

Sara: You up?

I smirked and replied.

Me: Did you just forget who you're dating? I barely sleep.

A few seconds later, my phone rang. I picked up instantly.

"Why aren't you sleeping?" I asked, keeping my voice low so I wouldn't wake anyone.

"I could ask you the same thing," she countered, her voice soft and a little sleepy.

"Thinking about you," I said without hesitation.

There was a pause. Then she giggled. "Liar."

"Not lying," I defended. "Your results came out today. I was just wondering how it feels to be a genius."

"It feels great," she said dramatically. "Though, I wouldn't mind being a little dumb if it meant I'd get more time with you."

I smiled, rolling onto my side. "Who knew my girlfriend could be so cheesy?"

"Excuse me? You literally just said you were thinking about me."

"Yeah, but mine was smooth," I teased.

"Whatever, Shub," she mumbled, but I could hear the smile in her voice.

We lay in silence for a while, just listening to each other breathe. It was comfortable, like she was right here with me instead of miles away in her own home.

"I wish we could meet now," she said after a while.

"If I could, I'd climb up to your window," I joked.

"Oh please, you'd probably fall and break a leg."

"Rude," I huffed.

She giggled, and I could picture her tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, biting her lip to stop herself from laughing too loudly.

"Shub?" she whispered after a moment.

"Hmm?"

"You won't ever get tired of me, right?"

My heart clenched at how vulnerable she sounded.

"Sara," I said firmly. "I could never get tired of you. Ever."

She was quiet for a second, then sighed. "Okay, I'll believe you."

"Good."

"Now sleep, boyfriend."

"Only if you do too, girlfriend."

"Fine. Good night, Shub."

"Good night, sweetheart."

I waited until I heard her soft breathing slow down before I ended the call. Smiling to myself, I finally let sleep take over.