꧁・┆✦ʚ 𝚂𝚑𝚞𝚋𝚖𝚊𝚗'𝚜 ♡ 𝙿𝚘𝚟 ɞ✦ ┆・꧂

We won the Under-19 World Cup! And to top it off, I was named the Player of the Tournament! This was unreal. The stadium was roaring, my teammates were celebrating, and the Indian flag was waving high.

I had never felt prouder.

Mumma and Papa had flown to New Zealand to watch the match. The moment we lifted the trophy, they rushed onto the field.

Papa pulled me into a tight hug. "I'm proud of you, Shubie. Very proud."

Mumma cupped my face, her eyes glistening with pride. "Good job, baccha." She kissed my cheek, and I couldn't help but grin.

I introduced Abhishek to them, and to my surprise, Abhishek's parents turned out to be their old friends. The two families instantly clicked, leaving Abhishek and me staring at each other like What just happened?

After all the celebrations, the interviews, and the endless cheering, I finally returned to my hotel room.

The first thing I did? I grabbed my phone and called Sara.

I didn't even check the time in India. My excitement was through the roof.

"Pick up, pick up," I muttered as the phone rang.

After a few rings, a groggy voice answered, "Shub...do you know what time it is?"

Oops.

I glanced at the clock on the wall. 3:47 AM. Oh, crap.

I winced. "Oops... sorry, girlfriend. I didn't check the time."

She let out a tired sigh. "Of course, you didn't." Then, after a pause, she mumbled, "Why did you call?"

I grinned, my excitement bubbling over. "Because we won the World Cup, Sara! And I was the Player of the Tournament!"

There was a moment of silence before I heard rustling, as if she had sat up in bed. "Wait, what?! OH MY GOD, SHUB!"

She was fully awake now.

"I'm so proud of you!" Her voice was filled with pure joy, and I could imagine her face lighting up.

"You're officially a world champion, Mr. Gill!"

I chuckled. "That I am, Miss Tendulkar."

"I wish I could have been there," she sighed. "But stupid exams..."

"It's okay. You were cheering for me from India, right?"

"Always," she whispered.

I smiled. Just hearing her voice made everything feel even more special.

"Shub, you deserve this so much," she said. "All those early morning practices, the sacrifices, everything—it all paid off. I'm so, so proud of you."

My heart warmed at her words.

"You sound like my wife, Sara," I teased, grinning.

She scoffed. "Shut up, Gill."

I chuckled. "Okay, okay, sleep now. I'll be home soon, and then you can tell me how amazing I am in person."

"You mean how annoying you are?" she teased back.

"Same thing."

She laughed softly. "Goodnight, Shub. Congratulations again."

"Goodnight, love."

I ended the call, still smiling like an idiot. I had won the World Cup. I had Sara. Life was perfect.

I put my phone down, still grinning like an idiot. That was when I heard it—slow clapping from the other side of the room.

I turned to see Abhishek leaning against the doorframe, smirking like he had just caught me red-handed.

"Areeee wah, Mr. Player of the Tournament! Champion on the field, full-time lover boy off the field," he teased, walking into the room.

I rolled my eyes. "Shut up, Abhi."

But he wasn't done.

"Look at you, yaar! Itna bada cricketer ban gaya, but still calling his girlfriend like a married man checking in with his wife." He crossed his arms, grinning. "Bhai, tu 18 hai ya 28?"

I picked up a pillow and threw it at him, but he dodged, laughing.

"Sach bol raha hoon, Shub," he continued dramatically. "Bhai ekdum sanskaari pati types ban gaya hai. Shaadi kar le bas, kaam khatam!"

"Mera sir mat kha, Abhi," I groaned, shaking my head.

"Teri hone wali biwi ki bhi exams chal rahe hain na?" he teased, wiggling his eyebrows.

I sighed, rubbing my face. "Tu marega ek din."

Abhishek threw himself on his bed, still laughing. "But seriously, bro. She's a lucky girl."

I smirked. "I'm the lucky one."

He whistled. "Arreee! Kya baat hai, Mr. Gill. Bas ek World Cup jeeta aur romantic dialogues bhi aa gaye!"

I shook my head, chuckling.

"Chal so ja, idiot. Subah media se milna hai."

"Haan haan, lekin tu dream mein bhi 'Sara, Sara' mat karna, warna main headphone laga lunga," he said, rolling over.

I threw another pillow at him. This time, it hit him square on the face.

Some things never change.

The flight back home felt longer than usual. Maybe because I was running on zero sleep, or maybe because the excitement of winning the U-19 World Cup had finally settled down, leaving behind nothing but exhaustion.

Mumma and Papa sat beside me, talking about the celebrations awaiting us back home, but I could barely keep my eyes open. My head leaned against the window, and I fought the urge to just pass out right there.

"Shubie, drink some water," Mumma said, nudging me gently.

I groaned, sitting up straight and taking a sip just to satisfy her. "Mumma, mujhe bas soona hai."

Papa chuckled. "Beta, ghar pahuchne de pehle."

I just hummed in response, my eyes already closing again.

By the time we landed, I was barely functioning. We collected our luggage and walked out, where a small crowd of reporters and fans had gathered to welcome us.

I put on my best polite smile as flashes went off and people cheered. Mumma and Papa walked beside me as I gave a few quick interviews, but honestly, my body was screaming for a bed.

Finally, we reached home. The moment I stepped inside, I sighed in relief.

"Shubbbb!"

I barely had time to react before someone tackled me in a hug.

"Shanu!" I groaned, rubbing my eyes.

"Congrats, dumbass!" She grinned, pulling away.

"Thanks, but mujhe soona hai," I mumbled, dragging my feet toward the stairs.

Before I could go up, I heard a soft ding from my phone.

Sara❤️

My fingers itched to check, but my body protested. Tomorrow, I told myself. Tomorrow I'll talk to her properly.

Mumma called from behind, "Shub, kuch kha lega pehle?"

I just waved a hand. "Baad mein, Mumma. I swear I'll die if I don't sleep right now."

And with that, I crashed onto my bed, not even bothering to change. Within seconds, I was out like a light.

I woke up to the sound of my phone buzzing nonstop. With a groggy groan, I turned over and squinted at the screen.

Sara ❤️ (10 Missed Calls)
Sara ❤️: SHUBB WAKE UP!!!
Sara ❤️: Are you even alive?
Sara ❤️: Mujhe bhool gaya, haan?
Sara ❤️: At least text me back, stupid!
Sara ❤️: Fine, don't talk to me.

My heart dropped. Crap.

I quickly checked the time—5 PM?! I had slept for almost the entire day! My body still felt heavy from exhaustion, but I forced myself up, rubbing my eyes.

Without wasting another second, I Facetimed her.

She picked up immediately. "So, Mr. World Cup Champion finally remembers his girlfriend exists?"

I winced at her pouty face. "Sorry, baby. I was dead. Like properly dead. I just woke up."

She folded her arms. "You couldn't even send one text?"

"I swear, I wanted to, but Sara... I passed out the second I got home. Mujhse utha bhi nahi gaya," I explained, still groggy.

Her expression softened a little, but she still huffed, "Fine. But only because I know you were tired."

I smiled, lying back on my bed. "Mera baby mujhe maaf kar diya?"

She narrowed her eyes. "Depends. How much do you love me?"

I chuckled. "More than my cricket bat."

"Not convincing enough."

"More than my World Cup trophy."

She gasped dramatically. "Liar!"

"Okay, fine. I love you more than I love sleeping."

Sara grinned, "That's better."

I smiled, finally relaxing. Just hearing her voice made me feel at home.

"By the way," she added, "I stole one of your hoodies."

I laughed, shaking my head. "I figured you would. Which one?"

"The navy blue one. It smells like you." She blushed a little, looking away.

My heart melted. "Mera hoodie ab officially tera hai, sweetheart."

She giggled. "Good. Because I wasn't planning on returning it."

I smiled, feeling warmth spread through me. I may have been exhausted, but talking to her made everything feel better.

"Shub?"

"Haan?"

"I missed you."

I softened, looking at her through the screen. "I missed you too, baby. More than you know."

Mumma and Papa were getting ready to go out for some dinner party. I was still sprawled out on the couch, feeling lazy after my long nap.

"Shubie, we're leaving. We'll be late, so don't wait for us for dinner," Mumma said, grabbing her purse.

"Okay, Mumma," I mumbled, scrolling through my phone.

Papa patted my shoulder. "Aur haan Kaka, koi shararat mat karna."

I rolled my eyes. "Main toh bohot seedha hu, Papa."

Mumma gave me a knowing look before they finally left. The moment the door closed behind them, I smirked and picked up my phone.

Me: Mumma Papa left. Aa jao 😉

It took less than a second for Sara to reply.

Sara ❤️: Already outside.

I raised an eyebrow. This girl...

I walked to the door and pulled it open. And there she was, standing with a mischievous smile, wearing my hoodie.

"You were waiting for them to leave, huh?" I teased.

She grinned. "Obviously. I knew you'd call me the second they left."

I pulled her inside and locked the door. "Waise, you could've just knocked."

She rolled her eyes, "Aur maza kaise aata?"

I shook my head with a chuckle, but before I could say anything else, she suddenly threw her arms around me, hugging me tightly.

"I missed you," she mumbled into my chest.

My heart melted instantly. Wrapping my arms around her waist, I whispered, "I'm right here, baby."

We stood like that for a while—just holding each other. It felt perfect. I rested my chin on her head, inhaling the faint scent of her shampoo.

"Mujhe bhook lagi hai," she suddenly mumbled, breaking the moment.

I laughed, pulling away. "Toh madam, kya khaogi?"

She tapped her chin. "Something yummy. And made by you."

I sighed dramatically. "Tum sirf pyaar karne nahi aayi, naukri bhi karwane aayi ho?"

She smirked. "Obviously. Now move, chef Shubman."

I shook my head, smiling, and led her to the kitchen. It was going to be a fun night.

⛧°。 ⋆༺ ＳＡＲＡ'Ｓ ＰＯＶ ༻⋆。 °⛧

Shubman stood in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up, trying to look all serious while flipping an omelet. I sat on the counter, swinging my legs, watching him with an amused smile.

"Chef Shubman, aaj kya special ban raha hai?" I teased.

"Madam, jo bhi ban raha hai, pyaar se ban raha hai. So bas chup-chaap enjoy karo," he said, flicking his head slightly to move his hair back.

I giggled, but just as I was about to say something, the front door clicked open.

"Shubhannnnn!"

Shahneel.

We both froze. I quickly jumped off the counter while Shubman turned around with wide eyes.

"Yeh yahaan kya kar rahi hai?" he muttered under his breath.

Before I could respond, Shahneel walked in, tossing her bag onto the couch. Her eyes landed on us in the kitchen, and she raised an eyebrow. "Well, well, well... kya ho raha hai yahan?"

I tried to keep a straight face. "Kuch nahi, bas khana bana raha tha," I said, pointing at Shubman.

Shahneel crossed her arms and smirked. "Mujhe toh lagta hai yeh sirf tumhe impress kar raha hai."

I turned to look at Shubman, and he narrowed his eyes at his sister. "Tu bina bataye yahan kya kar rahi hai?"

"Bhai, yeh mera bhi ghar hai," she shot back, plopping onto a chair.

I laughed while Shubman groaned.

"Theek hai, ab aayi ho toh khaana bhi tumhare liye banana padega," he muttered, flipping another omelet onto a plate.

Shahneel beamed. "Aha! I love this version of Bhai—romantic bhi aur chef bhi!"

I bit my lip to hold back a laugh while Shubman just sighed, shaking his head.

As we all sat down to eat, Shahneel kept throwing teasing comments at Shubman about how he was acting like a pyaar mein pagal boyfriend. And honestly? I loved every second of it.

After dinner, we all decided to watch a movie. Shubman, being all confident, picked an action film, but within half an hour, I noticed his blinks getting slower. His head started tilting slightly, and before I knew it, he was out—his head resting comfortably on my lap.

I looked down at him, smiling softly. He looked so peaceful, his long lashes casting shadows on his cheeks, his breathing slow and steady. His fingers were loosely curled near my knee, and I resisted the urge to brush his hair back.

"Ahem."

I turned to see Shahneel smirking at me. "Mera bhai sach mein ek budda ban gaya hai. Itni jaldi so gaya?"

I giggled, whispering, "Jet lag hai na, let him sleep."

We continued watching the movie in comfortable silence until suddenly, the front door opened.

"Shub! Shanu!"

I gasped, my eyes widening as I saw Keart Aunty and Lakhwinder Uncle step inside.

Oh. My. God.

Their eyes instantly landed on Shubman—fast asleep on my lap. I felt my entire body stiffen as my brain scrambled for an explanation.

Keart Aunty's brows shot up, and Lakhwinder Uncle just looked... amused?

"Yeh... kya ho raha hai?" Aunty asked, crossing her arms.

Shahneel, the traitor, was barely holding in her laughter. I knew she wasn't going to help me.

Think, Sara, think!

I forced a nervous laugh. "Uh... Aunty, actually... Shub was feeling very dizzy! Haan! He was saying he had a headache and was about to fall off the couch, so I just... um... let him rest here."

Keart Aunty narrowed her eyes. "Really?"

I nodded quickly. "Yes, yes! Bilkul! Matlab, dekhiye na, bechara kitna tired hai." I gestured to Shubman, who, thankfully, was still fast asleep.

Lakhwinder Uncle chuckled. "Toh phir uthane ka koi iraada hai ya aaj yahin rakhne ka plan hai?"

I swallowed. "Umm... abhi uth jaayenge!" I gently shook Shubman's shoulder. "Shub, uthho!"

He stirred slightly, mumbling something incoherent, but didn't wake up.

Keart Aunty sighed, shaking her head. "Shahneel, utha usko!"

Shahneel, still holding back her laughter, gave Shubman a slight shove. "Bhai, uth! Mummy Papa aa gaye!"

His eyes fluttered open slowly, confusion clear on his face. He looked at me, then at his surroundings, then at his parents. His brain took a second to catch up.

And then—he jolted up. "Mumma? Papa?"

I held my breath, praying he wouldn't say anything stupid.

Keart Aunty just sighed. "Beta, agar thak gaye ho, toh apne room mein jaake soya karo."

I let out a breath of relief. "Haan haan, bilkul! Good idea!" I said, nodding quickly.

Shubman rubbed his face, still groggy, and shot me a look like "what just happened?"

I just smiled sweetly at him while Shahneel burst into laughter.

After the unexpected almost getting caught incident, I decided it was best to leave before I embarrassed myself even more. I quickly said goodbye to everyone, avoiding Keart Aunty's amused gaze and Lakhwinder Uncle's knowing smirk.

Shubman, still half-asleep, walked me to the door, rubbing his eyes. "Tu jaa rahi hai?"

"Haan, aur agar aur ruki toh tere Mumma Papa aur sawaal poochne lagenge." I whispered.

He chuckled sleepily, leaning against the doorframe. "Thanks for not letting me get murdered."

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Next time, try not to fall asleep on my lap in front of your parents."

His lips curved into a lazy smile. "No promises."

I blushed, turning quickly before he could see my face and walked away.

Later that night, lying on my bed, I stared at my phone and opened WhatsApp, clicking on Shanuuu💜

Sara: Oye, tu hansi ruk gayi kya ya ab tak has rahi hai? 🤨

Shanuuu💜: HAHAHAHA brooo, Mummy ke face expressions dekhne layak the 🤣🤣

Sara: Mujhe pata hai! Meri jaan nikal gayi thi 😭

Shanuuu💜: But seriously, tu toh full bhabi vibes de rahi thi 😂😂

Sara: SHAHNEEL. SHUT UP.

Shanuuu💜: Arre sach hi toh bola. Waise, Bhai ko uthana itna tough kyun tha? Tum dono kya slow motion movie mein the kya?

Sara: 🤦🏻‍♀️ Mera dimaag kaam nahi kar raha tha, okay???

Shanuuu💜: Hehehe, cute. But tension mat le, Mummy Papa suspect nahi kar rahe. Matlab thoda toh kar rahe hain but tujhe phir bhi bach gaye 🤭

Sara: YOU ARE NOT HELPING.

Shanuuu💜: Haan haan, but tu ek kaam kar—agli baar jab Bhai tere lap pe soye na, photo kheenchna! Main sabko dikhaungi ki Bhai kitna simp hai 😂

Sara: YOU ARE PURE EVIL 😭😭

I groaned, burying my face in my pillow. Trust Shahneel to make everything ten times more embarrassing!