Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Shobhana's POV
"I'll see you at the wedding, yeah?" I ask, my voice a little shaky as I try to hold it together. Shubman's standing just a few feet away, his hands tucked into his pockets, but the distance between us feels endless.
He nods, a small frown tugging at his lips. I can tell he's frustrated. "Can you not stay for just a little longer? Like after the playoffs? We can... I don't know, make up for the time?" he asks, his eyes pleading, trying to convince me to change my mind.
I shake my head. "Unfortunately, I can't. I've got some things I need to take care of. I'm sorry," I answer, but even as I say it, I'm fighting the urge to just say fuck it and stay with him.
Then, suddenly, our flight number is announced over the loudspeaker. Reality hits me. This is it. Time to leave.
"This is it," I murmur, and Shubman just looks at me with those sad, gorgeous eyes that make it hard to breathe.
"Fuck it," he mutters under his breath, and before I can react, he pulls me into a kiss. His lips are firm and warm, and I let myself melt into him, just for a moment.
When we pull apart, he rests his forehead against mine. His eyes are intense, full of everything I feel at this moment.
"I love you," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.
"I love you too," he replies, his voice low, raw, and full of meaning.
I'm trying not to cry. I don't want to cry. Not now, not like this. I take a shaky breath before turning to Ishan, who's standing a few feet away with Kriti.
"You two, drop a message in our group chat after you land, alright?" he says with that familiar teasing tone of his. I'm thankful for the distraction, but it doesn't make the ache in my chest go away.
"Goodbye," I mutter, my voice cracking, before pulling Ishan into a hug. I feel his arms wrap around me, and I almost want to cling to him, but I know I can't.
The next moment, I turn to Shubman one last time. His hand brushes mine, and I feel the electricity between us, but I know I have to leave.
"Goodbye," I say again, giving him a tight smile. I can tell he's holding back too, but I turn and walk toward the gate with Kriti.
As soon as we settle into our seats on the plane, I glance at Kriti. She's quietly sobbing, her eyes red. I feel the sting in my own eyes, but I bite my lip, pushing the tears down. I can't let her see me cry. Not now.
I slide my hand over to hers, squeezing gently. "It's going to be okay, Kriti," I murmur, trying to comfort her as best I can. "We'll see them soon, alright?"
