𝓢𝙏𝙔𝙇𝙀, shubman gill

flashback

June 20th, 2009

The scorching sun beat down on the dusty cricket field as ten-year-old Shubman Gill and his friend Abhishek Sharma practiced their batting skills. The air was filled with the sounds of leather on willow as they took turns facing each other's deliveries.

Abhishek, a mischievous grin plastered on his face, couldn't resist teasing his friend. "Hey, Shubman, why do you always stare at Naina Malhotra during lunch break? Do you have a crush on her?"

Shubman's cheeks flushed crimson as he vehemently denied the accusation. "No way, Abhishek! She's just another girl. I don't care about her."

Abhishek chuckled, clearly unconvinced. "Come on, Shubman, don't be shy. Everyone knows you've had a crush on her since forever. She's like the princess of our school, and you're her secret admirer."

Shubman's frustration bubbled to the surface as he swung his bat with renewed vigor, determined to prove Abhishek wrong. "I told you, it's not like that! I don't even like her. She's just, uh..."

"FINE I LIKE HER!" Shubman rang out. "I knew it, it was in you all along," Abhishek said with a chuckle. 

Abhishek's laughter echoed across the field as he continued to poke fun at his friend, relishing in Shubman's embarrassment. Little did they know that their childhood banter would lay the groundwork for a tumultuous journey that would intertwine their lives in unexpected ways.

Shubman paused mid-swing, his brow furrowed in contemplation. "Hey, Abhishek, do you think I should ask her out?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Abhishek grinned mischievously, sensing an opportunity to tease his friend further. "Oh, definitely! You should totally ask Naina out on a date. I'm sure she'll be thrilled to go out with her secret admirer," he replied, unable to contain his amusement.

Shubman rolled his eyes, knowing full well that Abhishek was enjoying his discomfort. "Very funny, Abhishek. I'm serious," he insisted, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Abhishek's smile softened as he placed a reassuring hand on Shubman's shoulder. "Look, Shubman, if you really like her, then go for it. But just be yourself, okay? Don't try to impress her or anything. Just be honest and genuine," he advised, his tone earnest.

Shubman nodded, grateful for his friend's support. "Thanks, Abhishek. I'll think about it," he said, his mind already racing with possibilities.

Little did Shubman know, his innocent question would set off a chain of events that would ultimately reshape his relationship with Naina in ways he never could have imagined.

The next day at school, Shubman wandered through the bustling corridors, his eyes scanning the colorful blooms at the school garden. He was on a mission to find the perfect flowers for a certain someone, his heart fluttering with nervous anticipation.

Just as he was about to pluck a vibrant bouquet of roses, his elder sister Shahneel appeared beside him, a curious expression on her face. "Hey, Shubman, what are you doing?" she asked, arching an eyebrow inquisitively.

Shubman jumped slightly at her sudden appearance, hastily tucking the flowers behind his back. "Uh, nothing, just... just admiring the flowers," he stammered, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Shahneel raised a skeptical eyebrow, her gaze flickering to the hidden bouquet in her brother's hand. "Really? Because it looks like you're picking flowers for someone," she remarked, a playful smirk dancing on her lips.

Shubman's cheeks grew even hotter as he sheepishly admitted, "Okay, fine, you caught me. I was thinking of giving these flowers to Naina."

Shahneel's eyes widened in surprise, her playful demeanor softening into genuine curiosity. "Naina Malhotra? The same girl you've been crushing on for ages?" she asked, her tone laced with amusement.