Shubman was lying in a hotel room in Italy, rolling around on the plush bed, feeling utterly bored. The ornate ceiling, with its intricate frescoes, did little to distract him from the empty ache inside. He stared out of the tall windows at the vibrant streets of Florence below, filled with people going about their day, oblivious to his inner turmoil.

Shubman was still amazed that his family had agreed to let him go on this trip with his girlfriend. After his recent accident, they were worried about his recovery and well-being.

The real reason for the trip was the Regalia Global Fashion Gala, where his girlfriend, along with other top designers from around the world, would be showcasing their talents. The stakes were high: the winner of the gala would receive a substantial cash prize, but the true value lay in the career-defining opportunities that came with it.

Winning the gala meant gaining immense exposure in the fashion industry. The victor would not only be celebrated with media coverage and industry accolades but would also be offered exclusive design contracts and high-profile collaborations. Additionally, they would earn an invitation to showcase their collection at top international fashion shows. This recognition could catapult their career, establishing them as a leading figure in the global fashion scene and opening doors to numerous prestigious opportunities.

Shubman sat alone in the hotel room, feeling the emptiness around him. His girlfriend was out picking up final pieces for her runway show, leaving him with little to do but scroll through his phone.

He opened his chat history with Noor. The last message was from him was a simple note saying he was heading to the boutique. Since then, there have been no new messages.

Shubman pouted as he stared at his phone, missing the days when he and Noor would exchange random texts and memes. He had tried to keep himself entertained by annoying his sister with the same, but it just didn't compare. The joy of sending and receiving messages with Noor was something he couldn't quite replace.

Shubman sighed as he glanced at the clock—5 in the evening. He had taken two baths, napped, eaten, and watched a movie, yet nothing seemed to chase away his boredom. Maybe a walk around the city would help clear his mind and provide a change of scenery.

Shubman slipped on his sandals without bothering to comb his hair and stepped out in shorts and a T-shirt. He figured that with his low-key look, he wouldn't be easily recognized, and even if he was, as a heartthrob, people wouldn't mind seeing him in such casual attire. Grabbing the room key, he shut the door behind him and headed out into the city.

The cool evening air hit Shubman as he stepped out, a welcome change from the stuffy hotel room. Florence buzzed with life—the hum of conversations and the clinking of glasses from nearby cafes filled the streets. He wandered, taking in the city's charm.

Feeling his restlessness fade, Shubman stopped at a gelato stand and treated himself to a rich, creamy chocolate cone. As he enjoyed his treat, a hand next to him quickly placed some notes on the counter, but he barely noticed the person beside him.

It was only when his gaze fell on a diamond-studded bracelet on the wrist of the person next to him that he was taken aback. The bracelet had the name "Noor" engraved on it. His eyes widened in surprise.

He turned around and saw a small figure in shorts and a T-shirt over shirt trying to waddle away. The resemblance was striking, and Shubman's heart skipped a beat. Could it really be Noor?

Shubman quickly dropped some notes on the counter, barely taking time to process what was happening. He rushed after the figure, his long legs quickly closing the gap. He reached out and grabbed the person, turning them around.

His eyes narrowed in recognition. "Why are you here?" he demanded.

Noor yanked her arm away and glared back at him. "My money, my life," she snapped, her expression a mix of defiance and frustration.

Shubman rolled his eyes. "I know about your money and your life, but a random trip to Italy? I don't buy it. Tell me why you're really here."

Noor fisted her small fingers and replied sharply, "I think we're not best friends right now. We're on a break."

Shubman snapped, his frustration clear. "Oh, cut the crap. It's been a month—enough time for a break. Now tell me why you're here."

Noor fiddled with her bracelet, then said, "I'm selected for the gala. I applied for it while we were on break.

"And you didn't bother to tell me about such a big event in your life?" Shubman said angrily.

Noor opened her mouth to respond, but he cut her off. "Oh, cut the 'we were on break' drama. You could still have told me about something this important."

Noor folded her arms as a few passersby glanced at them but kept moving. "As if you were going to cheer for me. And don’t forget, you’re here for your girlfriend. Don’t act like you care about me."

Shubman scoffed. "Don't try to paint me as the one who's wrong here."

He suddenly seemed to have a realization. "Oh, got it. You've got a boyfriend now, huh? That's why you didn't care about your best friend anymore."

Noor let out a frustated growl and punched his arm, making him wince in pain. "Blame me like that again, and I won't mind dislocating your jaw."

Shubman, though strong from his athletic background, winced as Noor's punch connected. He shouted back, "Ha, leave like always. That's what you know—leaving me stranded in the middle of everything!"

Shubman huffed as Noor continued walking away. His eyes squinted at the figures that came into view, causing Noor to halt in her tracks—Parminder and, likely, his wife. Noor stopped to speak with them, nodding and patting their backs before moving on. Parminder, who had spotted Shubman, shot him a furious look before striding off with his wife. Shubman's heart sank. "Shit, shit," he muttered to himself, realizing he shouldn't have let his anger get the better of him.

"Noor!" Shubman shouted, running after her. When she didn't stop, he called out again, "Noori!" He caught up and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, holding her firmly."I'm sorry, Noori," he said, his voice earnest.

Noor tried to squirm and break free from his grip. "Let me go, Shubman!" she demanded, struggling to get away.

Shubman tightened his hold slightly, not wanting to let her go. "Please, just listen to me. I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm sorry for everything."

Noor's struggle slowed, though she still tried to pull away. "Why should I listen to you now? You've made it clear you don't care."

Shubman's voice softened. "Sorry, Noor. Maaf kar de apne kaake nu." (Sorry, Noor. Please forgive me.)

Noor bit her lip and, almost unconsciously, leaned into his chest, staring into the distance. "Only if I get the ice cream in your hand."

Shubman's eyes widened. "A big no," he replied, shaking his head with a slight chuckle. "But I promise I'll get you something just as good. Let's talk, and then we'll figure out what you want."

Noor shook her head. "No, I want your ice cream. Only that."

Shubman laughed softly, trying to lighten the mood. "Please, Noor. I love that ice cream and you know it. Ask for something else."

Noor tilted her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. "I'm serious. Ice cream or nothing."

Shubman chuckled. "You're evil, you know that?"

Noor shrugged, taking a big bite of the ice cream. "Of course, just for you." She then took the cone from him, enjoying the treat with a satisfied smile.

Shubman pulled Noor into a hug, gently kissing her forehead as she munched on his ice cream. As he held her, he felt a deep sense of relief and warmth, as if he were finally finding his soul again after weeks of uncertainty.

No matter how great things were with Ghazal, being with Noor felt like coming home.

Pulling her back slightly, Shubman looked at Noor, noticing how quickly she had finished the ice cream. Chocolate had smeared near her lips. Gently, he used a tissue to clean it away.

Noor met his gaze with her ocean-blue eyes, the ones he could stare at for hours. They had a calming effect on him, like the sun soothing the ocean's waves.

After cleaning the chocolate from her lips, Shubman smiled, and Noor's face lit up in return. Her light blues matched the joy of his dimples. He draped his arm around her shoulders and asked, "So, best friend, how about dinner? Tell me all about this new achievement of yours."

Noor nodded, a warm smile spreading across her face. "That sounds perfect," she said, leaning into him slightly.