Stolen Heart

Regret.

It was Sara's last day before she goes back to Mumbai. So, she was having a good time with Shubman's family. They were sharing stories and enjoying each other's company.
Shubman, with a twinkle in his eyes, reaches out to hold Sara's hand, hoping to savor every moment. Sara, being her playful self, keeps her hand in a tight fist, teasing Shubman with a mischievous grin. Shubman, determined to unravel Sara's playful challenge, flexes his muscles and gently tries to open the fist, all while exchanging playful banter.

Shubman: Kholo na yaar!

Sara: Kyu? Tum nahi khol paa rahe? You're so weak, Mr.Gill!

Shubman: I can open the fist very easily but I'm afraid that you might get hurt if I do so.

Sara: Oh please. I'm not a touch-me-not plant. Show me what you've got.

Shubman: Challenge accepted!

Sara, enjoying the playful challenge, maintains her grip, creating a light-hearted moment filled with anticipation. As Shubman persists, Sara's laughter fills the air, enveloping the entire family.

Shahneel: Oh! There's a challenge going on. I'm Team Sara.

Sara: Yay!!

His mom: I'm team Sara as well.

Sara: One more down! Shubman, you've got no one.

Shubman: Papa, aap toh aa jao !!

His dad: Sorry beta, I'm team Sara.

Sara: Hahaha!! Yes! Yes!!

Shubman: Main jaa raha hu Mumbai.. Waha pe sab meri team mein honge..

Shahneel: Haa haa!! Mumbai ka damaad jo hai tu..

Shubman: Koi shaq?

Sara: Bilkul nahi! Par tum khol ke toh dikhao.. Bade aaye sportsman strength wale!

Finally, after a few more attempts, Shubman successfully opens Sara's fist, revealing her plam.

Shubman: Yesssss!! I did it, baby!!

Shahneel: Ha theek hai!! Udd mat zyada..

His mom: Sara teri beizatti nahi karana chahti thi isliye usne apna grip loose kar liya tha..

Sara: Aunty yaar!! Aapne kyu bata diya Shubman ko?! Koi baat nahi, Shubman!! Tum hi winner ho!

Shubman: Kitne dramebaaz ho aap log..

With that, they all share a genuine laugh, their eyes sparkling with shared affection. With their hands intertwined now, they sit together, basking in the warmth of the moment and the love of their family surrounding them. There is nothing more tender than playing with someone's hand. It sounds so dumb but stroking each other's palms and tapping on each other's wrists and twisting each other's fingers together and squeezing each other's hands. It's like having a conversation that no one else can hear!

Next morning, Shubman had to shoot a video, all by himself for a brand. The video was supposed to be pretty simple, so Shubman didn't call anyone for help. But that brand was getting very difficult to deal with. They were not satisfied with any takes and kept asking for retakes, making Shubman more and more frustrated. It was definitely not the ideal way for him to start his morning. So, he called Sebastian (his manager).

Shubman: What's wrong with this brand?

Sebastian: I don't know, Shubman. They are not satisfied with any of your takes.

Shubman: I don't want to work with this brand.

Sebastian: I'll make sure to never collaborate with this brand ever again, but for now please make the video according to their requirements.