Fourteen years later, sitting among the roaring crowd, Noor and Shubman held hands tightly, their hearts swelling with pride. Around them were Mumma and Papa Bajwa, Mumma and Papa Gill, Aunt Shahneel, Uncle Karan, and cousin Sehmat, all gathered for this monumental day.

As they watched, Veer Shubman Gill, now a 30-year-old captain, squared his shoulders with determination, stepping onto the field. The stadium erupted in cheers, the crowd roaring his name as he led his team onto the pitch, ready to make history.

Noor’s eyes shone with tears as she squeezed Shubman’s hand. “Our boy,” she whispered, her voice filled with emotion.

Shubman smiled, pride radiating from him as he watched his son stand tall among the greatest players in the world. “He’s come so far,” he murmured back, feeling the weight of the journey they’d all taken together, from the playful days at home to this very moment on the world stage.

Noor turned her head and smiled softly as her gaze fell on the two beautiful women beside her—the women who had captured her son's heart. Sitting next to her was Simran, Veer’s wife, her face glowing with pride as she clapped excitedly. In her arms was their one-year-old daughter, giggling and bouncing with joy, her tiny hands clapping along as she watched her daddy on the field.

The baby girl, with her wide eyes shining in awe and excitement, was too young to fully understand the magnitude of the moment, but she could feel the energy, the love, and the pride that surrounded her. She squealed in delight, her gaze fixed on her father as he stood tall on the pitch, preparing to lead his team to victory.

Noor’s heart swelled with emotion as she took in the scene. Her son, once just a boy with dreams, now had a beautiful family of his own. Simran caught Noor’s eye and smiled, leaning in to whisper, “She’s been so excited ever since we got here. She recognizes him every time she sees him on screen, but this—seeing him live—she can’t stop clapping.”

Noor chuckled, her eyes shimmering with tears of joy. “She’s just like him,” she whispered back. “The same energy, the same light.”

As the crowd roared louder, the little girl squealed with happiness, her tiny hands waving in the air as she cheered for her daddy. Noor reached over, gently touching her granddaughter’s hand, feeling the warmth of generations connecting in that moment of love, pride, and hope.

Simran smiled at Noor, then turned back to the field, her eyes filled with love for the man she had stood by through thick and thin. And as the game unfolded before them, with Veer leading his team toward what could be the greatest victory of his life, Noor felt an overwhelming sense of peace. Her family was complete, her heart full, and the future, bright as ever.

Noor exhaled deeply, her nerves on edge as she moved into Shubman's comforting arms. Her eyes were glued to the field, her heart racing as she watched her son, Veer, chase down the target with precision and determination. No matter how many times she had watched both her husband and now her son play, the intensity of those moments never failed to unsettle her.

She clung to Shubman, her fingers crossed tightly as she whispered a prayer under her breath with every ball bowled. Each swing of Veer’s bat, every calculated move he made, left her holding her breath. Her heart soared and dropped with each run, her anxiety mounting and her prayers becoming more fervent as the game grew tighter.

Shubman held her close, his own eyes fixed on the game but still offering her silent comfort. He understood all too well the weight of the moment, not just for their son, but for Noor, who had spent a lifetime worrying and caring for her boys, always fearing for them when they stepped into the pressure of the spotlight. He kissed the top of her head gently, reassuring her without words.

“Don’t worry,” Shubman whispered, his voice calm but laced with the same intensity she felt. “Our boy knows what he’s doing. He’s got this.”

Noor nodded, though her nerves were still tight, her eyes never leaving the field as she watched Veer, her heart full of hope and pride, yet laced with that familiar knot of anxiety she’d always carried for the men she loved most.

When suddenly, the bowler appealed for LBW, Noor's heart skipped a beat. The entire stadium seemed to hold its breath. Noor gripped Shubman's arm tightly, her nerves spiking as the umpire paused to assess the situation. The moment seemed to stretch on forever

Noor, still in shock and unable to read the umpire’s subtle gestures, turned to Shubman with wide eyes. “What is it? Tell me—out or not?” she asked, her voice trembling with anxiety.

Shubman, who had been calm throughout the whole ordeal, sighed softly. He had seen countless appeals like this over his career as a cricketer and had developed an instinct for reading the situation. He glanced at Noor, trying to reassure her while still watching the field.

“Well,” he began with a knowing tone, “from the way the ball pitched and how Veer played it, it didn’t look like it hit the pads first. The angle and impact suggest the ball was going down leg side, so it’s probably not out.” He paused, looking into her eyes and smiling gently, “But the umpire just confirmed it too—he’s safe.”

Noor exhaled, still gripping his arm as she processed what he said. “How can you be so calm about it?” she asked, half amazed and half frustrated by his nonchalance.

Shubman chuckled, rubbing her back gently. “Years of experience, Noor. I’ve been in that situation too many times. You just get a feel for these things—the appeal, the angles, the umpire’s body language… It all gives you clues. Trust me, our boy’s got this under control.”

Noor shook her head, still jittery but comforted by Shubman's confidence. She squeezed his arm gratefully. “I don’t know how you two do it. I’m going to have a heart attack watching this.”

Shubman's laughed and kissed her forehead. “That’s why we have you—our biggest cheerleader.”

Just as Shubman predicted, the umpire’s signal confirmed Veer wasn’t out, and Noor let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.

The game was a roller coaster of emotions, with wickets falling and the score fluctuating wildly. But through all the ups and downs, Veer remained steady. In the final over, he took a single run to keep the strike, as the game reached its climax.

With just 2 runs needed and six balls remaining, and with 9 wickets down, every ball faced so far had been a dot. Standing in front of Veer was Sri Lanka's best bowler, adding to the tension of the moment.

Veer took a deep breath and pulled up his finger, pausing for a moment to himself. He scanned the field, taking in the surroundings and trying to calm his racing thoughts. His focus sharpened as he prepared for the crucial deliveries ahead, blocking out the noise and pressure of the moment.

Veer signaled to the bowler to start, readying himself for the crucial delivery. He adjusted his stance, his eyes locked on the bowler as he prepared to face what could be the defining moment of the match.

The bowler delivered a fast, full-length delivery aimed at the off-stump. Veer, watching it carefully, timed his shot perfectly and drove the ball to the cover field. The ball raced towards the boundary, but the fielder managed to cut it off, limiting the run to just a single.

Veer immediately shouted to the non-striker, urging them to run. Both batsmen sprinted between the wickets. As they completed the first run, Veer turned to come back for a second. The throw from the fielder came in quickly, and the wicketkeeper, alert and swift, performed a sharp stumping motion. The ball thudded into the keeper’s gloves as Veer reached the crease.

The umpire signaled for a review, the tension in the stadium rising. Noor, clutching the railing tightly, stood up, her face filled with anxiety. Shubman and the rest of their family around her mirrored her apprehension, all eyes glued to the big screen as they awaited the decision.

Veer sank to his knees, his eyes fixed on the big screen as the review process began. The third umpire, examining the footage from multiple angles, reviewed the crucial moment of the stumping.

The replay showed Veer’s bat was clearly in the air, and his foot was not fully in the crease when the wicketkeeper’s gloves dislodged the bails, but it was clear that the ball was not in the wicketkeeper's hands when the stumps were broken.

As the screen displayed “NOT OUT” in bold letters against green background, Veer fell to the ground, tears of relief and joy streaming down his face. The weight of the moment had finally lifted from him.

Shubman, sitting in his chair, also began to cry, overwhelmed with pride and happiness that his son had pulled through.

The commentator’s voice came through the speakers:

"The son of cricket’s legend has done it! Veer Shubman Gill has claimed his place as the new prince of the cricket world!"

After the match, as the family moved towards the ground, Veer ran towards his father with unrestrained excitement. He leaped into Shubman’s arms, wrapping his legs around his waist like a little child, his face beaming with joy.

Despite being over 50, Shubman held his son effortlessly, his strength and love evident in the way he embraced Veer.

As Veer finally lowered his legs and stepped down from his father's embrace, Noor squeezed between them, her arms reaching out. “Oh, daddy’s boy,” she said with a warm smile, “where’s Mumma’s hug?”

Veer grinned and quickly wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tight, affectionate embrace. Noor held him close, her eyes misty with pride.

Kissing Veer’s cheeks, Noor softly murmured, “I’m so proud of you. You’ve made us all so proud. This moment is all yours.”

Shubman patted Veer on the back, pulling him close and kissing the side of his head. “So, so proud of you,” he whispered, his voice full of emotion. Veer bit his lip and replied softly, “Thanks, dada.” Hearing the old, familiar term made Shubman even more vulnerable, as memories flooded back to when Veer used to call him that as a little boy, before he grew up.

Shubman looked into Veer’s eyes, a mixture of surprise and emotion crossing his face. “Did you really just call me that?” he asked softly.

Veer nodded, laughing, his dimples appearing—just like his father’s. He hugged Shubman tightly, his face burying into his father’s neck even though he now stood taller than him.

Shubman hugged Veer tightly, his face buried in his son's shoulder. As they embraced, camera flashes erupted around them, capturing the poignant moment between the new prince of cricket and his proud father.

Pulling back, Shubman wiped away his tears and said, “Okay, enough with the emotional stuff. Go meet the rest of the family.” He gently ushered Veer towards the crowd, encouraging him to celebrate with everyone who had been part of their journey.

Shubman and Noor stepped aside, giving Veer space to bond with his wife and daughter. They watched with smiles as Veer embraced Simran and their little girl, sharing the joy of the victory with them. The rest of the family gathered around, joining in the celebration and savoring the special moment together.

As Veer held his wife and daughter close, the rest of the family joined them, creating a tight-knit circle of joy and celebration. Simran looked up at Veer with a beaming smile, her eyes reflecting the pride and love she felt. Their daughter, nestled in her mother’s arms, clapped her tiny hands and giggled, her excitement infectious.

Veer gently lifted his daughter, holding her up so she could see the cheering crowd. The little girl’s eyes sparkled with delight as she looked out at the sea of faces celebrating her father’s achievement. Simran wrapped her arms around Veer’s waist, resting her head on his shoulder, while Veer kissed his daughter’s forehead and then Simran’s cheek.

The rest of the family followed, congratulating Veer and sharing in the celebration. Noor and Shubman looked on with deep satisfaction, their hearts full as they watched their family come together in joy. They exchanged smiles, knowing that all the hard work and support had led to this wonderful moment.

After a hectic yet joyous day, Noor lay in the hotel room with her head resting on Shubman’s chest. They held each other close, their eyes closed in contentment. Noor whispered softly, “We did it, Kaake. We really did it.”

Noor looked at Shubman with a nostalgic smile. “We grew together, were and are each other’s best friends. We fell in love, got married, started a family, and now our baby has his own baby. And now, it’s just us oldies.”

Shubman pushed Noor playfully, a scowl on his face. “Call yourself an oldie? I’m still hot and handsome! The girls still drool over me,” he announced with a grin.

Shut up, you grandpa,” she retorted, rolling her eyes.

Shubman huffed in mock indignation. “Wait a minute, you grandma. Look at your hair—it’s white! Even mine are, but I still look young,” he said, pointing to his own hair with a grin.

Noor narrowed her eyes at Shubman. “Shubman, you have a granddaughter, so of course, you’re a grandpa,” she said with a smirk.

Shubman narrowed his eyes in return. “So what if I have a granddaughter? I can still be young,” he insisted.

Noor rolled her eyes and turned around, speaking seriously. “Talking to you and expecting something sensible is just plain stupid,” she said.

Before Shubman could respond, Noor cut him off. “Go to sleep, you idiot. I don’t know what your obsession with looking young is about. Do you still want to catch girls or something?” she said irritated.

Shubman shrugged, watching Noor’s back with a mischievous grin. “I mean, I can. Maybe some girls wouldn’t say no too,” he said, his tone playful as he knew he was pulling the right strings.

Noor turned around, her eyes red with a mix of frustration and hurt. Shubman gulped, realizing he had pushed things too far. His playful grin faded as he saw the genuine emotion in her eyes. He took a step closer, his expression softening, ready to apologize and make amends.

Before Shubman could apologize, Noor launched at him, pulling him down and grabbing his hair. Shubman groaned, “Aww, Noor, stop! I’m sorry, I was just joking!”

Noor, her eyes still red, said with a serious tone, “You know what? Why don’t you leave me and go find some girls? If you find one who can tolerate the stupid you, I’ll divorce you.”

She released his hair, making him hold it and whine. Shubman pulled Noor into his arms and kissed her neck, saying, “I’m sorry, darling. I was just joking.” He chuckled, hoping to lighten the mood.

Noor wiggled in his embrace, clearly still upset and not wanting to be held. “Let me go,” she said, her tone firm despite the affection he was showing.

Shubman, determined to make amends, lay on top of Noor, his face buried in her neck. “Nope, I’m not letting you go,” he said with a smile.

Noor squirmed beneath him and said, “Uhh, Shubman, you’re heavy.”

Shubman chuckled, “Mhm, heavy? Well, you don’t mind it other times,” he teased.

Noor’s eyes widened, and she slapped his face lightly. “You old pervert!” she exclaimed, though her irritation

Shubman brushed his nose against Noor’s and said, “Well, I’m your oldie, aren’t I?”

Noor grinned and looked up at Shubman. “So, you accept you’re an oldie now?” she asked playfully.

Shubman nodded, still close to her. “Alright, alright, I’m an oldie,” he said with a chuckle. “But I’m still your oldie.”

Noor grinned and looked up at him, teasing, “So, except for you being an oldie, what else do you think you are?”

Shubman grinned back, pulling her closer. “Still the best thing that ever happened to you,” he replied with a wink.

Noor’s grin widened as she met his gaze. “Oh really? And what makes you so sure of that?” she teased, raising an eyebrow.

Shubman held her a bit tighter, his smile warm. “Because, despite everything, I’m the one who’s always been here for you,” he said softly. “And I’m still making you laugh, even when you want to hit me.”

Noor chuckled, shaking her head. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

Shubman leaned in, brushing his lips against her forehead. “I know. But I’m your impossible, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Noor sighed contentedly, leaning into him. “I suppose you’re right. Even if you are an oldie.”

Noor looked at Shubman’s lips, noticing how fresh and inviting they seemed. She leaned in, and he started to do the same. Just as their lips were about to meet, a continuous doorbell rang, interrupting the moment.

Noor pulled back with a sigh, and Shubman groaned in frustration. “Who could it be at this hour?” he said, trying to hide his disappointment.

Noor shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips despite the interruption. “You’d better check before they wake the whole hotel,” she said, nudging him toward the door.

Shubman gave her a reluctant grin. “Alright, alright. I’ll see who it is,” he said, heading toward the door with annoyance.

When Shubman opened the door, his eyes furrowed as he looked at Veer standing there. “What do you want at this hour?” he asked, his tone gruff.

Noor, hearing the commotion, quickly got up and adjusted her clothes. “What’s wrong, darling? Everything alright?” she asked, concern evident in her voice. She then slapped Shubman on the back for his harsh tone.

Veer, holding his one-year-old daughter Myara, explained, “I need you to babysit Myara. Me and Simran want to go on a date.”

Shubman rolled his eyes and muttered, “So, you’re ruining our night be—” but he was cut off by a slap on his neck from Noor.

“Be nice,” Noor said, giving him a stern look before turning to Veer. “Of course, we’ll take care of Myara. Go enjoy your date.”

Shubman grinned sweetly as he said, “Don’t enjoy too much or we might have to babysit again.”

Veer, catching the playful jab, responded with an amused eye roll. Noor, with a quick reflex, delivered another slap to Shubman’s arm. “Behave,” she said, smiling at Veer. “Go have a good time. We’ve got it covered.”

Veer nodded, smiling gratefully as he handed Myara over to Noor. “Thanks, Mom. See you later.”

Noor cooed softly as she held Myara, who continued to giggle and wiggle in her arms. “Oh, look at you, my sweet little Myara,” Noor said, her voice gentle and affectionate. “Are you excited to spend some time with Grandma?”

Myara responded with a few more giggles, reaching up with tiny hands to touch Noor’s face. “Yes, you are! Look at those little fingers,” Noor said, lightly tickling Myara’s belly. “Grandma’s going to make sure you have lots of fun.”

As Noor rocked Myara gently, she continued, “You know, your mommy and daddy need a little time for themselves now and then. So, it’s our job to make sure you’re happy and entertained.”

Myara’s eyes sparkled as she looked up at Noor, still giggling. “And Grandma’s very good at that,” Noor added with a chuckle. “We’re going to have a great time together, aren’t we?”

Shubman grinned at Myara and said, “Yes, Myara, you’re going to be entertained. Dadi’s got a clown face for you to see!”

Noor gave Shubman an unamused look and poked her tongue out at him, which made Myara burst into giggles. The little girl’s laughter was infectious, filling the room with joy. She clapped her tiny hands and giggled even more at Noor’s playful antics.

Noor, still holding Myara and smiling at her, asked playfully, “Who do you love more, Dadi or Dadu?”

Myara looked up at her with big, curious eyes, her little face scrunching up in thought. After a moment, she reached out to both Noor and Shubman, giving them both a wide, happy grin. Noor chuckled and hugged her close.

Noor and Shubman laughed, their hearts warmed by the gesture. “I guess that means she loves us both equally,” Noor said, smiling at Shubman.

Shubman nodded, his eyes soft. “Yes, it looks like we’re both winners,” he said, returning the hug with a gentle squeeze.

Noor and Shubman, in the truest sense, were winners. They had always dreamed of this moment. Noor lay her head on Shubman's shoulder, watching as Baby Myara’s energy dwindled and she began to drift off to sleep. Her heart felt full, surrounded by the man she loved and the little girl who was a precious part of their son’s life.

If someone had narrated this life to her when she was 16 or 17 years old, she would have laughed, thinking it was just a dream and never a reality. Back then, it seemed improbable that the man she loved, who only saw her as a best friend, would one day become her life partner and the father of their child. Yet here she was, living that very dream, surrounded by the love and family she had once only imagined.

Noor reflected on the scene with a sense of awe. “So this is what manifestation looks like,” she thought, marveling at the beauty of her reality. The moon outside seemed to shine more brightly, its light casting a gentle glow over the room. As Shubman lovingly caressed Myara’s head, Noor smiled at the moon, which appeared to smile back, the stars forming a celestial grin.

Her eyes twinkled with gratitude as she rested her chin on Shubman’s shoulder. She silently thanked the moon for guiding them through their journey.

Shubman glanced over his shoulder at Noor and asked, “What are you looking at?”

Noor’s eyes remained fixed on the moon as she replied softly, “The beauty of manifestation."

Shubman smiled, looking at Noor. “So, what exactly did you manifest?” he asked, even though he already knew the answer.

Noor turned her gaze from the moon to him, her eyes sparkling with affection. “I manifested a life filled with love, family, and happiness,” she said. “I dreamed of a future with you, a family of our own, and a life that felt truly fulfilling.”

Shubman nodded, his smile widening. “And look at us now,” he said, gently brushing his lips against her temple. “You made it all come true.”

Noor smiled as she hugged Myara to her chest, her eyes never leaving the moon. “And without you, it couldn’t be possible,” she said softly. “I love you, Shubman Gill.”

Shubman leaned sideways and pressed a tender kiss to Noor’s cheek. “And I love you, Noor Bajwa Gill,” he said softly, his blue eyes twinkling with affection. “My blue-eyed panda.”

Their story, written by the moon, was truly a perfect blend of imperfections and beauty. Each chapter, filled with dreams, love, and life’s unpredictabilities, unfolded into a narrative that was uniquely theirs. As they held each other close, it was clear that their journey, with all its ups and downs, had crafted a love story as enduring and beautiful as the moonlit night that watched over them.