12 years later

Noor watched her son, Veer, as he stormed inside the bathroom, his face flushed with anger. He had just come in, throwing his cap aside and tossing his kit on the floor without a second thought. She could sense something was wrong, her heart sinking as she saw him in such a state. He grabbed his towel and disappeared behind the door for a shower, leaving her to wonder what had happened to upset him so much.

Noor's gaze shifted toward the door as it opened once again. She saw Shubman walking in, letting out a tired sigh. "I don't know what's wrong with him," Shubman said, shaking his head. "Ever since that phone call from Simran, he's been acting like this."

Noor's heart tightened as she tried to piece together what might have gone wrong. Simran? What could she have said to stir up such anger in her usually composed son?

"You go inside his room and don't let him sulk there alone," Noor said, her voice gentle but firm. She pressed her lips together in thought as she turned toward the kitchen. "I'll bring his favorite food in the meantime."

Shubman nodded and headed towards Veer's room, while Noor moved swiftly into the kitchen, biting her lips in worry. As she prepared the meal, her mind raced with questions, trying to figure out what might have been said in that phone call to disturb Veer so deeply.

Shubman approached Veer's room cautiously, knocking gently before stepping inside. Veer sat on the edge of his bed, his damp hair clinging to his forehead, staring at the floor with clenched fists. Shubman took a deep breath and sat beside him, careful not to push too hard too soon.

"Hey," Shubman started softly, "I know something's bothering you. Want to talk about it?"

Veer didn't respond immediately, his jaw tight and eyes distant. He looked like he was battling with his thoughts, trying to decide whether to speak or keep everything locked inside.

After a few moments of silence, he let out a frustrated sigh. "It's just... Simran. She called, and... I don't even know how to deal with it."

Shubman waited patiently, knowing Veer would open up when he was ready.

Meanwhile, Noor quickly gathered the ingredients for Veer's favorite comfort food: paneer butter masala and hot, soft chapatis. She added some basmati rice to boil and prepared a side of crispy vegetable pakoras. As the scent of spices filled the kitchen, she hoped the familiar aromas would soothe his troubled heart.

Once the food was finished, Noor quietly made her way back to the room. As she stepped in, her heart softened at the sight before her. Veer, still looking emotionally drained, was clinging to his father, his head resting against Shubman's shoulder. It was a vulnerable moment, one that reminded her just how much Veer had always been a dad's boy rather than hers.

She stood in the doorway for a moment, watching them in silence. She knew Shubman had a way of calming Veer that she never quite could. It wasn't jealousy she felt, just the understanding that sometimes her son needed his father more.

Shubman gently stroked Veer's hair, murmuring something Noor couldn't hear, and for the first time since Veer had stormed into the house, his tense shoulders began to relax a little. Noor smiled softly, knowing that no matter how old Veer got, he would always find comfort in his father's presence.

Noor carefully placed the food on the side table, then sat down beside Veer and gently rubbed his back. "Now, what's the matter, Veer?" she asked softly.

Veer, still clinging to his father, finally spoke up after a few moments of silence. His voice was shaky and strained. "Simran called... and she was furious. She said I hadn't given her any time in the last two months. She told me not to call her again if I have time for everything but not for her."

Noor listened attentively as Veer continued, his voice filled with frustration. "How do I make her understand that cricket, school, and studies... it all tires me out? And now with the U19 coming up, it's even tougher."

Noor offered Veer a small bowl of moong dal halwa, his favorite sweet. He took it gratefully, eating hastily as if trying to comfort himself with the familiar taste.

"Listen, Veer," Noor said gently shifting closer, "I get it. You're not wrong—having so much on your plate makes it difficult to find time for everything. But remember, when you love somebody, it's important to find some time for them. It's not just about having spare time; it's about making the effort because you want to."

Veer paused, looking at his mother with a thoughtful expression. "I know you're right, Mom. It's just hard to balance everything and still make time for my friends."

Shubman, who had been listening quietly, raised his eyebrows and looked at Veer with a hint of skepticism. "Are you sure, boy? Just a friend?"

Veer's cheeks flushed slightly as he shifted uncomfortably. "Yes, Dad, she's just a friend. It's complicated, but that's all it is."

Noor sighed and rubbed her temples, a weary smile on her lips. "Just like your father," she muttered, shaking her head.

Shubman narrowed his eyes and gave Noor a curious look. "I know he's handsome like me, but what else do you mean here?" he asked, his tone a mix of amusement and curiosity.

Noor chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Oh, it's just that sometimes it feels like dealing with you two is like managing a soap opera. Both of you have your own ways of complicating things."

Shubman smirked, recognizing the playful jab in her words. "Well, if he's anything like me, he's got a good head on his shoulders. He'll figure it out."

Noor laughed, holding her stomach. "Good head? Please, your head couldn't even handle a injury without going into memory loss," she teased.

Shubman groaned, rubbing his face in mock frustration. "Oh no, not that joke again," he whined, pretending to be exasperated.

Veer, now seated comfortably with his meal, looked up with a curious expression. "Wait, what memory loss? What am I missing? Come on, guys, bring on the story!"

Noor turned to face Veer, holding his biceps with a dramatic flair. "We had just come back from London, where your father and I had a grand, romantic trip and confessed our undying love for each other. But then, on the way home, your father got hit by a car and lost his memories!"

Veer's eyes widened in surprise. "Seriously? That sounds like something out of a movie."

Shubman, still chuckling, added, "It was quite the ordeal. For a while, I couldn't remember anything from that trip, not even our heartfelt declarations."

Noor smiled, but her eyes held a trace of sadness. "I was lucky he got his memories back," she said softly. "He fought hard to regain them. If he hadn't, I might have lost him to Ghazal Raichandani forever."

Veer nearly choked on his morsel, his eyes widening in shock. "Dad, Ghazal Raichandani? You dated her?"

Noor rolled her eyes, her frustration evident. "Yes, when Nanu, Nani, and Dadu wanted to arrange our marriage, he didn't want it because he was so much in love with Raichandani. Uff, I still remember describing her while I was in love with him."

She huffed, a touch of jealousy lingering in her voice. "It was tough, especially hearing about the woman he was so infatuated with while I was trying to win his heart."

Veer chuckled, shaking his head. "Nah, Dad, that's wrong to make my lady feel like this," he teased.

Shubman playfully smacked Veer on the back of the head. "Why are you adding fuel to the fire?" he said, rolling his eyes.

Veer turned to Noor with a playful smirk. "Wait, Mumma, you deserve words like that for tolerating him, right?"

Noor agreed with a shrug. "Of course. We've all been through a lot together."

Shubman sighed and asked, "So, what do you want me to do now?"

Veer's blue eyes sparkled with mischief as he turned to his father. "Well, Dad, get down on one knee and tell Mumma why she's special. She's been with you since you were born, so tell her every moment she's made special and how beautiful and perfect she is."

Noor widened her eyes, blushing. "No, Veer, it's fine. Shubman doesn't need to do that."

Veer, still whining, said, "Come on, Mumma, let him. Dad, get on your knees!"

Shubman, chuckling, obliged and knelt in front of Noor. He took her hand gently and looked up at her with sincere eyes. "Noor, from the moment we met, you've been the most important part of my life. You've stood by me through everything, even when things were tough. Every day with you has been a gift. Your strength, kindness, and love have made every moment special. You're beautiful and perfect to me in every way."

Veer shook his head with a grin. "No, no, Dad, that's not romantic enough. I mean, describe her blue eyes and her beautiful face, even though it's got a few wrinkles now.
You know, really give it some heart."

Noor chuckled, "Veer, that's enough. Get up, Kaake."

But Shubman shook his head, still kneeling. "No, I want to do this." He kissed Noor's fingers gently and continued, "Noor, your eyes are like the ocean—deep and full of warmth. Even with the passage of time, every line on your face tells a story of love and laughter. You're beautiful in ways that words can hardly capture, and every moment with you has been a precious gift."

Noor's heart swelled with emotion as she listened. Shubman finished with a smile, "You're my everything, and you've only grown more beautiful with each passing year."

Veer watched, smiling, as Noor's eyes glistened with tears of happiness. He chuckled, "Aha, my oldies, so in love. When will I get to say all these lines to my girl?"

Shubman narrowed his eyes and said firmly, "After you finish this meal, you're rushing to Simran. And I mean it. If you don't, you're going to face me."

Veer gulped and nodded, his face flushing. "But I'm not going to say 'I love you' straight away. I need a bit more time, even though I know she's the one."

Noor chuckled, patting Veer's back. "We understand, Veer. Just make sure you don't keep her waiting too long. Sometimes, taking that first step is all it takes."

Veer teased, "Now, old man, get up. Your knees are going to hurt."

Shubman grinned as he got up without support. "Young man, don't forget I'm still one of the fittest cricketers around. Even in my 40s, I get compared to young guys like you."

Veer laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. You've still got it. Just don't overdo it."

Shubman chuckled, flexing his muscles. "I'll take that as a compliment. Now go on and take care of business with Simran."

Veer nodded, feeling both amused and motivated. "Will do, Dad. Thanks for everything."

After finishing his meal, Veer got up, taking his plate to the sink. Turning to his mother with a warm smile, he said, "Okay, beauty, I'll go now." He leaned in and kissed her cheek gently.

Noor returned his smile warmly. "Good luck, Veer. I'm sure everything will turn out just fine."

Veer picked up his keys and stepped out of the house, heading off to pacify Simran. Meanwhile, Shubman pulled Noor close, a playful glint in his eye. "We're alone in the house now. Veer's off to Simran, and Mum and Dad are at the village. What do you want to do?"

He placed gentle kisses on Noor's cheeks, his affection clear.

Noor turned around, her lips close to Shubman's, making his breath hitch every time she did that. "You know," she said, tracing his jaw with her nails.

Shubman, his eyes closed, responded with a soft, "Yes?"

Noor, her tone playful, continued, "Maybe we can..."

Shubman, excitedly, interrupted with an eager, "Hm hm, yes?"

Noor chuckled and said, "Maybe we can do the house chores because the maid is on holiday today."

Shubman opened his eyes, scowling slightly. "Seriously, Noor?"

Noor's expression turned serious. "Yes, very much serious. Now help me with the dishes, come on." She pulled him by his shirt, making him whine.

Shubman, feigning reluctance, groaned. "Oh, alright, alright. You're always keeping me on my toes."

Noor grinned, giving him a playful shove towards the kitchen. "Come on, it'll be fun. Plus, we'll get to spend more time together."

Shubman poked out his tongue and said with a mockingly bored tone, "Fun? What a fun."

Noor stood with her hands folded, looking at Shubman with a playful but firm expression. "Yes, fun. Now clean the stain properly and stop whining."

Shubman let out a dramatic sigh and grumbled, "Okay, okay. I'll get it done. Just don't make me do this every day."

Noor chuckled, enjoying the banter. "Only on days when the maid is on holiday."

No matter how old they grew, something about keeping the best friend phase alive kept them stronger.