Stolen Heart

It's different, it's not you!

In the past few days, Shubman and Sara were practically inseparable. Shubman would wake up, go to the gym, dive into the shoots and then spend some quality time with his lady love. It was becoming his daily rhythm, a beautiful blend of work and love.
One day, Shubman was casually scrolling through his phone, perhaps after a long day of shoots, only to stumble upon a shocking headline about Sara Tendulkar and Siddharth Kerkar. The rumour mill is churning out gossip of his girlfriend and it's like a sudden storm in his peaceful world. As he reads the words on the screen, a mix of emotions swirl within him. Confusion clouds his thoughts and a pang of hurt tugs at his heartstrings.
Shubman never really liked Siddharth and this rumour probably added another layer of complexity to the situation. Shubman probably wouldn't have been bothered if the rumours were about him and Sara but NO! It was about Sara, his Sara and that Siddharth, with whom Shubman never vibed.
Shubman takes a deep breath and dials Sara's number, his heart probably racing a bit faster than usual.

Shubman: Hello, Sara! I want to ask you something.

Sara: Hey, babe!! I was just about to call you.

Shubman: Why?

Sara: I have planned a special dinner date for us. Be ready on time.

Shubman (thinking that it would be better to talk about this in person): Okay, see you there!

Sara: You wanted to ask me something, right?

Shubman: Yeah, we'll talk about that in the evening.

Sara: You sure? Why do you sound so low?

Shubman: Nothing. I'm just tired. See you!

Sara: Alright! Take rest!

After talking to her, he realizes that Sara is unaware of the rumours swirling around. So Shubman decides to address this issue in person rather than on call.

In the evening,
Shubman entered the restaurant and his eyes scanned the room until they met Sara's gaze, her face beaming with joy. She had gone all out, booking the entire restaurant for their special dinner date. Sara's thoughtful gesture contrasted with Shubman's troubled expression, his furrowed brow betraying the storm of emotions within him.
Approaching Sara, Shubman's steps seemed heavier than usual, his usually bright eyes now clouded with concern.

Sara: Hiii!! Did you like the dinner set-up?

Shubman: Hmm.. it's good.

Sara (excitedly): So, how was your day?

Shubman: Good!

Sara: What happened? Is there something bothering you?

Shubman: Yeah actually...

Sara: Oh yeah! You wanted to ask me something. Go ahead and ask.

Shubman gathers all his emotions together and takes a deep breath.

Sara: Oh my god, Shub! What is it? You don't look like your usual self.

Shubman: Have you seen the rumour about you?

Sara: Wh.. what rumour? I'm sorry but I haven't seen anything like that.

Shubman: Let me show it to you.

Sara (sees the rumour): What's wrong with them? Have they lost their mind or what?

Shubman: I don't know. But there's one thing I know and that is I'm not liking your name getting attached with someone else.

Sara: Shubman, listen! I get it! I understand it! I wish I could take all the rumours down. But it's Indian media and it's not possible now.

Shubman: Who is Siddharth to you?