Love on the Pitch

In the matters of Love

"Okay, I still don't know if this is a good idea," Shubman frantically expresses while they stand outside a coffee shop. Ishan has invited his brother for coffee, deciding to eventually break the news during it.

Ishan, trying to maintain a calm exterior, replies, "Shubi, it’ll be fine. You're just having last-minute jitters. We can do this."

"Don’t worry, Bhai. We’re all in this together," Shahneel, who is also present, pacifies. Being their relationship's biggest supporter, Shubman decided to invite her too, and she didn't delay even a second in accepting the offer.

Shubman takes a deep breath, nodding, "Alright, let’s do this."

As they step inside, the bustling sounds of the coffee shop surround them. Raj is already there, waiting at a corner table. He waves at them with a welcoming smile.

"Hey guys, come on over," Raj greets them warmly.

They exchange pleasantries and sit down. Ishan can feel his heart pounding in his chest. He glances at Shubman, who gives his hand a reassuring squeeze under the table.

"I had no idea that Ishan was bringing guests over," Raj begins as Ishan gives him a nervous smile, "Erm, Bhai, I totally forgot to mention it."

Raj chuckles, "It's fine, having some company is good."

"So, Bhaiya, how's your work going?" Shubman initiates, gaining Raj's attention, who warmly smiles at him, "It's going good, Shubman, tiring but great."

Raj sighs, "Kabhi kabhi bahut zyada hectic ho jata hai, isliye hum aur Ishan ab saath time spend bhi nahi kar pate. Bahut rarely kisi occasion par ghar pe mil liye toh mil liye. Wo toh luckily hum Mumbai mein the, aur yeh bhi free tha, isne humse coffee ke liye pucha toh kaise na kaise time nikaal kar aa hi gaye bas."

"I can totally understand, Bhaiya, how much dedication it must demand, and I am so grateful for your service. After all, what you do is not less than God's work," Shubman politely compliments, causing the elder to be visibly touched by his words as he gently replies, "Thank you very much, Shubman. You're such a great kid yourself. I love your stance while batting, moreover you're so humble and polite."

Shubman chuckles, shyly ducking his head, his cheeks dimpled, "It's nothing much, Bhaiya, but thanks anyway."

Shahneel suppresses her smile, observing her brother's antics, meanwhile Ishan can't help but feel a little shy.

The coffee arrives, and they all take a sip.

Ishan, exchanging a glance with Shubman, opens his mouth to speak but falters, the words catching in his throat, "Raj Bhaiya, actually..."

Raj looks between them, sensing the tension, "Kya baat hai, Ishan? Tum itne tense kyun lag rahe ho?"

Just then, Shubman, in a fit of nervous energy, blurts out, "Shahneel is getting married!"

The table falls silent for a moment before Raj’s face lights up in surprise, "Really? Shahneel, congratulations! Who’s the lucky guy?"

Shahneel, caught off guard but quick on her feet, smiles awkwardly, "Uh, thanks, Bhaiya. It’s still... very new."

Ishan gives Shubman a "what the fuck" look, but feels relieved nonetheless. There's no wonder that he is having second thoughts about this.

"So, Bhaiya, we are asking for permission to take Ishan to Chandigarh while the wedding happens," Shubman says, quickly adding, "Obviously, your whole family would be invited. It's just that I have a lot on my shoulders, so I really need Ishan to be there with me much earlier."