Bade Sapne

◇ Part 4 ◇

Vira's POV

The gentle hum of birdsong filled my ears, and the quiet, constant beat of the raindrops on the windows synchronised with my heartbeat. I opened my eyes, seeing only white around me. I was engulfed in a cloud of duvet and pillow, as I struggled to sit up in the soft bed.

My phone was on the bedside table, so I picked it up and checked the time. 4:23. The sun hadn't yet risen, and it looked like twilight hour outside. My throat was dry as I hadn't drunk anything since I got here. I got up again, intending to make my way to the kitchen.

The room was still dark, but I could just about make out the shadows of objects. Let's just hope I don't- OH SHIT! Again? My toe was throbbing, and rightly so! I'd stubbed it twice in one night. Once again, I stumbled my way to the door, quietly turning the handle, trying not to disturb Ishan.

I stepped out into the corridor, looking around, when a door next to me opened, light beating down on me, steam escaping from the room. I turned to look in the direction of light, only to see... Shubman. Once again, shirtless, his six-pack on display for all to see, towel hanging dangerously low on his waist, and hair dripping wet.

It took me a moment to gather myself, and another to tear my eyes away from him. What the fuck is going on with me? I shook the thoughts out of my head, while Shubman looked at me and rolled his eyes. Rightfully, I guess.

"What now?" he sighed.

"Uhh... ummm... nothing, don't worry about it." I lied.

"Spit it out."

"It's nothing, I just wanted some water."

"Ok, so why weren't you telling me? Follow me." He rolled his eyes again, looking me up and down as if I had two heads, then, under his breath, whispered, "Weirdo."

Well, isn't he nice? I wondered what he doing having a shower so early in the morning, but decided not to pry, especially since he already hated me. Also, what was with me and seeing Shubman shirtless? Twice in one night too. I followed him silently to the kitchen, where a two minute walk ended up feeling like hours. The silence brought awkwardness, torturing me slowly, since I simply could not shut my mouth. I looked at his hair, water droplets falling gently onto his shoulders. In that moment, he seemed so serene, and calm. Until he turned.

He thrust a glass of water at me, scowling, "Here you go. Now go back to sleep."

"What about yo-" I started.

"I have training, so I'd rather not be bothered when I'm getting ready."

"Ok. Tell me if you need any help."

"I won't. But, if I need someone to break another bat, I'll definitely call you," he said harshly.

I plastered a fake smile on my face, knowing he wouldn't be able to see through my façade. I wanted to apologise, but I knew an apology wouldn't do anything. Maybe Ishan could help me. I'd ask him later. I noticed the bat, stood up against the kitchen wall, when the image of Shubman cradling his bat came back to my mind again.

How do I manage to cause misery to everyone I meet? He watched me like a hawk while I emptied the cup, before placing it in the sink. He narrowed his eyes at me, and I wondered if I'd done something wrong.

"Abe pagal, cup ko sink mein koi rak ta hai kya?"

"Haan, mein rakti hoon, kyun?"

"Yahan, koi nahi rak ta. Nikalo."

"Oh." I took out the cup, and placed it on the counter.

"Use it later."

I nodded curtly, before turning to leave the vicinity. I felt very strongly that I had overstayed my welcome here. As I was about to walk away, he stopped me.