Shubman's anger was evident, but he approached Noor with a soft, caring touch. As he carefully wrapped the bandage around her hand, his frustration melted into concern. Noor kept her gaze downcast

Noor attempted to speak, but Shubman cut her off gently. "No explanations tonight. I just want to go to sleep," he said.

Shubman turned off the light and pulled his blanket around himself with frustration. After the match, he had expected hugs, kisses, and cuddles, but instead, he found dark red marks on Noor's knuckles. The sight of her injuries, combined with the realization that she had stayed behind to confront a man rather than caring for herself, left him feeling deeply troubled.

Noor slipped under the blanket in front of him and nestled into his arms. As soon as Shubman felt her presence, he shut his eyes, trying to avoid conversation. Noor, wrapping her arms around him, whispered, "Kaake, I know you're not asleep."

Shubman's body tensed slightly at her words, but he didn't open his eyes. Noor tightened her embrace, her voice soft but insistent. "I'm sorry for not telling you everything. I just wanted to keep you safe from worry."

Shubman kept his eyes shut, ignoring her. Noor moved closer, her voice trembling as she said, "Kaake, I'm sorry," her sniffles betraying her distress.

Shubman finally opened his eyes, a flash of anger in them. "Sorry fixes everything?" he snapped, his frustration evident.

Noor looked up at him, her eyes full of regret. "I know it doesn't," she replied softly. "I just wanted to make things right."

"Noor, you can't just play the hero without thinking," Shubman said, his voice stern. "You need to be more careful. I understand you wanted to protect us, but putting yourself at risk isn't the answer."

Noor bit her lip, struggling to control her sobs. Shubman, his eyes stern, said, "No, don't cry and make me feel guilty. You need to understand, Noor, this isn't school where you might get away with something minor. This is much more dangerous. There are real consequences to your actions."

Noor buried her face in Shubman's chest, her cries muffled against him. Shubman, though still scolding, felt a pang of sympathy as he saw her vulnerability. His reprimands, though stern, felt more piercing than any she had received from her parents.

Noor cried into his chest, her voice trembling as she said, "Why can't we have a normal love life? First, it was Ghazal, and now this. Why does everything have to be so complicated?"

Shubman held her tightly, feeling her tears soak through his shirt. He took a deep breath before responding, "We will have our moments. This is just a testing period. Calm down, love. We'll get through this together."

Noor's sobs slowly subsided as she looked up at him, her eyes red and puffy. "It just feels like we can't catch a break. Every time we think things are getting better, something else happens."

Shubman wiped a tear from her cheek with his thumb. "I know. But we've always managed to get through tough times because we're strong together. We'll get through this too. I promise."

Noor wiped her nose and shook her head, her voice weary. "I'm tired. Why does it always have to be us?"

Shubman gently cupped her face, his eyes filled with empathy. "I know you're exhausted, and it feels like it's never-ending. But remember, we're not alone in this. We have each other to lean on."

Noor sniffled, her gaze meeting his. "It just feels like everything is against us, and I don't know how much more I can handle."

He kissed her forehead gently and looked into her teary blue eyes. "Noor, don't say that. You're my anchor, the strongest one."

Noor pouted slightly as she took in his words. "I don't feel very strong right now," she admitted, her voice trembling.

Shubman chuckled softly and said, "Well, those punches you threw say something else. You're stronger than you think."

Shubman, sensing her need for comfort, began to sing softly, his voice soothing and tender. He chose a romantic song that had always been special to them.

Noor, who had been staring at his chest, finally looked up and met his eyes as he began to sing softly. Shubman's voice filled the room with the gentle melody.

I found a love, for me...........

As the song ended, Noor hugged Shubman tightly, overwhelmed by her emotions. She pressed a tender kiss to his lips, letting her feelings spill out. The warmth of his embrace and the soothing sound of his song made her emotions overflow, and she clung to him, finding solace in his presence.

She pulled back slightly, looked into his eyes, and said with heartfelt sincerity, "I love you, Shubman. I love you so much."

Shubman's eyes softened as he heard her words. He brushed a stray tear from her cheek and whispered, "I love you too, Noor. More than you can ever know." He pulled her back into his embrace, holding her close.

"No matter what happens," he continued, his voice steady, "we'll face it together. You're my everything."

Noor nodded against his chest, feeling a sense of calm settle over her. "I needed to hear that," she admitted quietly.

Shubman kissed the top of her head, holding her tightly. "We'll get through this, Noor. We always do, because we have each other."

As Noor was about to speak, a series of coughs interrupted her. She choked slightly on her spit, trying to compose herself. She cleared her throat and started again, her voice still shaky.

"I... I just... cough... wanted to say... cough... that I'm really... cough... grateful for you... cough... Shubman..."

Shubman rubbed her back gently and said with a hint of amusement, "Looks like that loafer soul has come into you."

Noor managed a weak smile through her coughs. "I guess so," she replied, still catching her breath.

Noor's eyes widened with surprise as a realization dawned on her. She looked at Shubman and said, "It's the loafer!"

Shubman frowned, puzzled. "What do you mean?"