"Noori, get ready. We have to go to the club," Shubman said, buttoning up his black shirt.

"Kaake, I'm not going to any clubs. I'd rather get some good sleep or go for a walk," Noor said, burying her face in the pillow.

"Noor, stop being lazy. Get up, we have to go," he said, pulling her up from the bed, and making her whine.

"No, I hate clubs. They make me claustrophobic and they're overrated," she said, hugging her pillow.

"You're just lazy and a weird Gen Z kid," Shubman said, huffing and crossing his arms.

"And you're just a bewda. You shouldn't be going to any clubs before matches," she said, waving her index finger.

"I'm not going to drink, just chill and vibe with the music," he said, shrugging and waving off her point.

"Still, all that smoking around you affects you," Noor said, narrowing her eyes.

"Noori, stop with your excuses. If you don't want to come, just say it straight out," Shubman said, sighing.

"Well, that's what I've been doing for the past three minutes," Noor said, rolling her eyes.

Shubman shook his head, frustrated. "Fine, stay here. But you're missing out," he said, grabbing his jacket.

"I'm fine with that," Noor replied, snuggling back into her pillow. "Have fun, but don't overdo it."

"Yeah, yeah," Shubman muttered as he headed towards the door. "Don't wait up."

"I wasn't planning to," Noor called after him, a small smile on her face as she closed her eyes, ready for a peaceful night in.

Noor tried to sleep but couldn't. She tossed and turned, glancing at the clock, which read 11 PM. Shubman wouldn't be back until 1 or 2 AM. She wondered what she could do alone in the big city of London.

Sighing, she sat up and looked around the room. "There's got to be something to do," she muttered to herself. She grabbed her phone and started searching for nearby places that were open late.

A few ideas crossed her mind: she could go for a late-night walk along the Thames, visit a 24-hour café, or even check out a quiet bookstore that stayed open until midnight. The idea of exploring the city at night intrigued her.

However, none of these ideas seemed to please her right now. Maybe clubbing? But going alone in short clothes at this time seemed risky to her.

She sighed, feeling a bit restless. She sighed, feeling a bit restless. Then an idea struck her. Over her short dress, she would wear a jacket and joggers. It might seem weird to others, but it would be worth it. She quickly changed into her clothes, mentally preparing herself for the explanation she'd have to give Shubman, who would smirk at her for eventually coming.

This was her first time going to a club, and she was already sweating. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her essentials and stepped out the door. The cool night air hit her face, helping to calm her nerves a bit. She flagged down a cab and gave the driver the address of the club.

As the cab drove through the bustling streets of London, Noor tried to steady her breathing. She could already imagine Shubman's teasing grin when he saw her, but she was determined to see what all the fuss was about.

When the cab pulled up to the club, Noor quickly paid the driver and stepped out, feeling a rush of excitement mixed with nervousness. She made her way to a nearby alley, where she swiftly removed her jacket and joggers, which the driver had been ogling in confusion the whole ride. Stuffing them into her purse, she took a deep breath, setting her hair right and touching up her makeup before heading towards the entrance of the club.

As she approached the door, two imposing bouncers stopped her in her tracks. "Excuse me, ma'am," one of them said sternly, "this is an exclusive club for VIPs only."

Noor's heart sank for a moment, but she refused to be deterred. She flashed them a confident smile and replied, "I know, but I'm here as a guest of Shubman Gill. He's inside already. Just let him know Noor's here to join him."

The bouncer laughed. "Stop kidding. Everyone who comes here has an excuse."

Noor felt her confidence waver for a moment, but she maintained her composure. "I'm not kidding," she insisted, her voice steady. "Just check with Shubman Gill at the bar. He'll confirm."

However, the other bouncer remained unmoved, pushing her backwards gently. "Sorry, ma'am. Don't waste our time. Move along," he said firmly.

Noor's heart sank as she realized her attempt to get in had failed. She glanced around, feeling a mix of disappointment and frustration. Should she try to find another way in or just give up and go home?

Noor glanced around, unsure of her next move. Then, it dawned on her: she could just call Shubman.

Feeling a bit dumb for not thinking of it sooner, Noor reached into her purse and pulled out her phone. She quickly dialled Shubman's number, hoping he would answer.

After a couple of rings, Shubman picked it up. "Hey, Noori, what's up?" he answered, his voice slightly muffled by the loud music in the background.

"Shubman, it's me. Outside the club, the bouncers won't let me in. Can you come out and vouch for me?" Noor explained, her voice tinged with frustration.

There was a brief pause before Shubman responded. "Seriously? Hold on, I'll be right there."

Relief flooded through Noor as she ended the call. She stepped back from the entrance, feeling a sense of reassurance knowing that Shubman was coming to sort things out. She glanced at the bouncers, who were now eyeing her with curiosity.

Moments later, Shubman emerged from the club with a smirk on his face. "So, you finally decided to come?" he teased, raising an eyebrow at her.

Noor assumed a stance of authority, crossing her arms as she directed her gaze first at the bouncers who had treated her with disdain, then to Shubman. "Wipe that smirk off your face and inform them that I am your girlfriend," she demanded, her voice resolute and unwavering.

Shubman's smirk faded as he caught on to the seriousness in Noor's tone. He nodded to the bouncer, his expression now serious. "She's with me," Shubman said firmly, emphasizing the point.

The bouncer's demeanour shifted as he realized his mistake. With a nod of apology, he stepped aside, allowing Noor and Shubman to enter the club without further issue.

Noor turned around and shot the bouncers a narrowed glare as they watched her being escorted inside by Shubman, his arm wrapped around her waist. With a satisfied nod, she followed Shubman into the club, feeling a mix of triumph and relief.

As Noor entered the vibrating club, which seemed so calm from the outside, she found herself suddenly enveloped in a hug by someone who was almost her height. Startled, she looked up to see none other than her boyfriend's best friend and her sautan.

"Hoor ki pari Noor, how are you?" he greeted with a wide grin, using the playful nickname he had given her.

She hugged him back excitedly. "Ishan, you've grown, little man," she teased, knowing it always got a reaction out of him.

Ishan groaned. "Stop calling me 'little man'," he protested, rolling his eyes but unable to suppress a grin.

Noor grinned mischievously. "Never," she replied playfully.

"I hate you, you know," Ishan said, smirking.

"I hate you more," Noor laughed.

Ishan then pulled them both towards the private section of the club. "Come on, let's have some fun with the team in there," he suggested with a grin.

"Kaake, the team is there? At least you could have let my ambivert self know about it," she exclaimed, a hint of exasperation in her voice.

"Chill, they're humans. They won't eat you, and you'll be introduced as my girlfriend. You'll get the princess treatment," he flexed, pulling her close by the shoulders.

Noor muttered under her breath, "Narcissist," prompting Shubman to pinch her playfully. Surprised, Noor let out a gasp and instinctively slapped him. Despite being in a relationship, she made it clear that they were still best friends and hitting her meant he'd get hit back.

As Noor's hand made contact with Shubman's cheek he blinked in surprise, rubbing his cheek where the slap had landed. "Whoa, Noor, what was that for?" Shubman asked, more bewildered than hurt.

With a raised eyebrow and a sarcastic smirk, Noor replied, "Oh, you know, just keeping you in check. Can't let that big ego of yours get out of control."

Scowling, Shubman was about to twist her arm in retaliation, but luckily for her, they reached the private section where the team was waiting.

Noor breathed a sigh of relief as she saw familiar faces in the private section. "Saved by the team," she muttered under her breath, shooting Shubman a playful smirk.

As they moved forward, Shubman leaned in close to Noor, whispering in her ear, "No one is going to save you from me at the hotel."

Feeling a shiver run down her spine at Shubman's whispered words, Noor shot him a curious glance. What did he mean by that? Before she could ponder further, Shubman quickly kissed her neck and pulled her along with him towards the team.

"Who is that he went inside with?" a voice whispered from the corner of the room.

"Not someone famous, but pretty sure it's his new girlfriend," another voice replied.

"He moved on so quickly?" the first voice said, fuming a bit, clutching a glass of alcohol.

"It shouldn't matter, especially when the breakup wasn't his choice," another voice chuckled.

"I thought he would wait and come running back once his form was back in the last series," the first voice whispered, fist clenched in frustration. 

 "Guess he's stronger than we thought," the chuckling voice said, clearly enjoying the gossip.

The first voice narrowed their eyes, determination flashing across their face. "I can't let this happen," they said firmly.

"Happen? What do you mean?" the other voice asked, curiosity piqued.

The first voice smirked, a plan forming in their mind. "Letting my asset be somebody else's," they replied, their tone laced with resolve.

*******

ᴄʜᴀᴘʟɪɴ ꜱᴘᴇᴀᴋꜱ

Author's Note:

 Hey, fam! 🌟 Just dropping by to see what you thought of the story 'Guarding MY Assets'! Did it vibe with you? Which part was your fave? Hit me up with those deets! Can't wait to hear your thoughts! 

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Chaplin229