Love Li(f)e

4.Sparks fly

"Couples rings for starters," Koel placed a small velvet box on the dining table. "Shubman would've got his ring too."

You hummed in response, continuing to eat the breakfast that was just served by your cook.

"Make sure you wear it anytime you're going out," she said, checking her iPad to let you know about your schedule. "You and Shubman will just hang out for sometime before going public. You know, just to get comfortable with each other as friends."

"Before he leaves for the World Cup?" You asked and she nodded.

"Recording might go on till night," your manager said as you dipped another piece of dosa in sambar. "And for the song to be completed, two days at most."

"I know," you continued eating, knowing that you needed energy for the upcoming hours of work.

"Why do you look like you're back on November 19?" She murmured and you paused.

"Koel," you looked her in the eye. "We don't talk about that day," you said dead seriously.

"Okay," she raised her hands up in surrender and mumbled. "Sorry."

You've had too many long days. Sometimes you were even recording till early in the morning.

Tours are what you love the most though. You could just sing your heart out with fans and interact with them more closely in what'll always be the happiest nights of your life.

The entertainment industry wants your voice most of the time and Koel maneuvered perfectly.

You're at the peak of your career. In your manager's words, everything you touch turns to gold.

The sound of your phone ringing grabbed your attention, your eyes lighting up at the caller ID that read 'Ma vie.' You had been waiting for the daily call.

"Did you have dinner, ma?" You enquired a split second after you swiped the call to answer.

"Dinner?" Koel looked at you questioningly and mouthed that she was in Ecuador as you talked to your mother.

You couldn't afford anything else for the next two days. Singing for ARR is a big deal.

-

"Did you get a fact sheet on me as well?" Shubman asked, walking beside you on the wooden bridge.

"Yesterday," you mumbled, staring across the lake. "For a moment, I felt like we both were Alex and Henry."

"But I suppose we don't hate each other," he added as the two of you continued walking.

It was kind of relaxing, actually. Since there was no one else in the place and everything within sight was the water and forests.

"This place is perfect to retire," you said randomly, stopping once you reached the end of the bridge and the only way further was to jump in the water. "Or kill someone."

Shubman glanced at you, then behind him. He was alone with you.

"Serial killers strike when their victims are alone and vulnerable," you continued. "Sometimes they verbalize their loneliness and low self-esteem that way."

You watched serial killer documentaries while eating most times or to relax.

"But there's also a misconception that all serial killers are lonely," you looked at him. "There are actually four types. Visionary, mission-oriented, hedonistic, and power or control-oriented."

Shubman looked around again. Where was his manager?

"I think I'd be a mission-oriented serial killer," you said when his eyes finally met yours. "I'd only want to kill specific people though. You know, doing everyone a favor by getting rid of discourteous people who'd never make it better."

"Do you have a favorite?" He asked, taking out a couple of Choki Choki from the pocket of his jeans, handing one to you.

"Not really," you got the chocolate from his hand with a small 'thank you.' "Each one of them has a different mind and method."

"I suspect hybristophilia," Shubman said as you tore the Choki Choki open. "You'd get along great with my sister. She loves watching and reading about serial killers too."

"She does?" You asked and he nodded. "I can't wait to meet her then."

With a smile, you turned to continue watching the beautiful scenery. That'd be synonymous with Shubman Gill but not right now.

"You look tired," he said, sipping from the choco stick. "Did you sleep well?"

"I slept like a baby," you answered. "Babies wake up every two hours."

You had also hit the gym only a couple of hours back.

"Try more sleep-inducing food," he suggested. "Like, kiwis. They're one of the best ways to promote sleep."

You hummed in response, thinking that maybe you'll try if you can't sleep again.

"I used to be confused when New Zealand players were called Kiwis," you recalled at the previous mention. "And then google helped me figure it out."

Shubman's phone dinged with a notification and so did yours.

"Rachin is my favorite, by the way," you added before looking at your phone.

'Paparazzi's got an eye on you. Hold hands. It's perfect to start now.'

Koel and Sebastian volunteered to wait near the trees. And though you couldn't see them, they could clearly see you both.

"Hold hands?" Shubman asked, looking up from his phone too.

"I guess," you said, not really thinking much when your fingers wrapped around his.

You told yourself that it's just your sleep deprived state. Yeah, only that.

The cricketer in front of you sighed, shaking his head. "Rachin is Ishan's favorite too."

"Entered your jealous boyfriend era, I see," you clicked your tongue with a small smile. "You and Ishan will definitely make a great couple. I ship you both."

"Wanna play cupid?" Shubman smiled back.

"Of course, Shubi," you answered. "IshMan forever."

And that conversation did little to conceal the warmth and sparks that flew through your held hands.