Where she wanted to give chance to relationship for the first time.
The last thing he wanted was to get into a relationship.
They weren't forced but they weren't happy too.
Sometime it takes more time than expected to get the puzzle in its place.
...
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• PROLOGUE: SHUBHAM •
The morning sun had barely peeked over the horizon when Shubman woke up, the sound of birds chirping in the distance. The soft glow of the sunrise seeped into his room through half-drawn curtains, casting a calm light over the neatly organized space. His mornings were often quiet, and today was no different. He liked this moment, the calm before his day became filled with training, calls, and the casual banter he shared with his best friend, Ishan.
By the time Shubman left his apartment, dressed in a simple t-shirt and track pants, the world outside was already awake. His routine involved an early morning jog, a ritual that cleared his mind and allowed him to focus. The paths around the park were familiar, the rhythm of his footsteps synced with his heartbeat, creating a steady cadence as he ran.
After about an hour, he stopped at their usual spot-a small, tucked-away cafe where he and Ishan often grabbed breakfast together. As expected, Ishan was already seated, casually scrolling through his phone, his hair still slightly tousled from sleep.
"You're late, bro," Ishan said with a grin, looking up as Shubman approached. "I've already ordered."
Shubman rolled his eyes as he sat down. "Five minutes, aur tum behave kar rahe ho jaise mein ek ghanta late hun. What's the rush?"
Ishan shrugged, his grin never fading. "Just excited to see your lazy face so early in the morning."
Shubman chuckled, shaking his head. "Right, because seeing you first thing in the morning is always such a treat."
Their breakfast arrived soon after-a simple spread of toast, eggs, and coffee. The conversation between them flowed easily, as it always did. They talked about cricket, their schedules, and the latest movies they'd watched. Shubman appreciated how effortless things were with Ishan. He was one of the few people who understood him-both the ups and downs, especially after his last relationship fell apart.
"So," Ishan said after a while, leaning back in his chair. "kuch jyada hii chup chup se re rahe ho. What's going on?"
Shubman hesitated, his fingers absentmindedly tapping against the coffee cup. "Nothing much, just thinking about a lot of things."
Ishan raised an eyebrow, knowing there was more to it. "Aunty, again?"
"Yeah." Shubman sighed. "She's been on my case lately. Keeps asking me to come home more often, keeps bringing up...marriage."
Ishan snorted. "Ah, the good old 'settle down' talk. Moms never give up, do they?"
Shubman gave a half-smile but didn't say anything for a moment. His mother's words were always loving, but there was a weight behind them, especially when it came to his future. She had been hinting at it for a while now-this idea of him settling down, finding someone to spend his life with. But after what had happened with his ex, the thought of getting into another relationship, let alone marriage, felt like too much.
