The Keeper of My Heart

Chapter 9

In the soft light of dawn, Shubman with the discipline of a seasoned athlete, rose from his slumber and made his way to the gym. The air was charged with the energy of a new day as he began his workout routine, muscles flexing and heart pounding with every lift and lunge. Around him, the gym buzzed with activity, and a few admirers couldn't help but steal glances at the cricket star's dedication. Shubman, however, remained focused, his mind set on the goals ahead, oblivious to the attention.

As the morning wore on and his workout reached its peak, Shubman prepared to leave, his body now a canvas of exertion and strength. It was then that a voice called out, "Hey handsome." Uninterested in engaging, Shubman continued on his path, his thoughts already on the day's schedule. But the persistence of the admirer halted him; her hand clasped his, seeking attention. "Why are you not talking with me? I know who you are," she insisted.

With a calm yet firm tone, Shubman replied, "Ma'am, please leave my hand. I need to go." His request went unheeded until Aditi appeared like a guardian angel. "Excuse me, lady, what are you doing?" she questioned, her voice laced with authority.

The girl, taken aback, retorted, "What is your problem? I am talking with this handsome." Without missing a beat, Aditi intertwined her fingers with Shubman's and declared, "I am his wife, Mrs. Aditi Shubman Gill," her mangalsutra glistening as a symbol of their union.

Shock registered on the girl's face as she stammered, "You are married?" Shubman, with a protective arm around Aditi, affirmed, "Yes, I am married. And she's not mad; she's my heart."

Hand in hand, Shubman and Aditi left the gym, their bond unspoken yet palpable. They arrived at the breakfast area, where their teammates greeted them with knowing smiles. Shubman, puzzled by the grins, inquired, "What did I do? Why are you guys smiling?"

Ishan, with a playful nudge, teased, "Seems that you are patching up with bhabhi." Realization dawned on Shubman as he felt Aditi's hand still in his. "Yeah. I just want to give this relationship a chance," he confessed, his voice a mix of hope and determination.

The room erupted in joy, with Rohit, Ritika, Virat, and Anushka sharing in the happiness. Rohit, with a brotherly embrace, said, "That's great, Shub."

Shubman, his heart swelling with gratitude, replied, "Thanks, bhai. I am sorry for ignoring you." Rohit, ever understanding, reassured him, "It's okay, Shub. Anyone would have done that."

The banter continued, with Ishan quipping, "Virat bhai, as you said, Kaka cannot live without his Rohit bhai." Emotions ran high as Shubman hugged Rohit, affirming, "Yes, I cannot."

Aditi, with feigned jealousy, exclaimed, "Oi, he is my bhaiyya." Shubman, with a playful tug, countered, "Mine." The sibling rivalry was endearing as Aditi pouted, "Bhaiyya, me or Shubman?"

Rohit, caught in the middle, diplomatically responded, "Arre, you both are precious to me." But Aditi persisted, "Me or Shubman?" To which Rohit cleverly coined, "Shubditi."

Confusion crossed Shubman's face, "Who is that, bhai?" Ishan, with a chuckle, explained, "Arre duffer, Shubditi is the couple name for Shubman and Aditi."

The playful banter escalated, with Shubman exclaiming, "Shut up, Ishuuu," and Ishan retorting, "Shut up, Shubiii."

As laughter filled the air, Aditi excused herself, returning with a plate adorned with rakhis. The tradition of Raksha Bandhan unfolded, with Aditi tying the sacred thread on the wrists of her brothers, each exchange a testament to their bond. Shubman watched with pride, his heart full.

The morning's drama concluded with a reminder from Shubman about a missed call from someone named Arjit bhai. Aditi's eyes widened in realization, "It was Arjit Singh. I have a recording today. Thanks for reminding me. I gotta go get ready."