UNLIKELY PARTNERS( Smriti & Perry)

Growing Connection

Their eyes remained locked, each searching the other's gaze with a mixture of curiosity and affection. Smriti's hand still rested on Ellyse's shoulder as they exchanged soft smiles, both realized that their feelings were mutual. The intensity of their connection was palpable, and it was clear that the spark between them was not one-sided.

Breaking the silence, Perry spoke softly, "What is it, Miss Mandhana? What pain are you hiding behind those eyes? I can see you're going through something. If you need to talk, I'm here for you, Smrits."

Smriti, startled by her concern, quickly removed her hand and looked away, her cheeks flushed. "No, Perry, it's nothing. Why do you think that? It's nothing," she said, trying to avoid eye contact and keeping her head lowered.

Perry gently lifted her chin with her index finger, ensuring their eyes stayed locked. "I can read you, Smrits. It's okay if you don't want to share. Just know I'm always here to listen to anything & everything you want to say."

Smriti took Perry's hand, which was still resting on her chin, and squeezed it gently. "Thank you, Perry. But really, it's nothing," she said, trying to reassure her.

Just then, Sophie and Wareham entered the room and noticed them holding hands. They lowered their heads and chuckled, causing Perry to look over and say, "Let's go."

Seeing Smriti's face flush deeply, Perry asked, "What happened?"

Smriti, still blushing, responded, "This is the first time someone's given me a nickname-'Smrits.' It's so sweet of you."

Perry smiled and winked. "You like it?"

As they all settled onto the sofa, the clock struck eleven, and the rain outside intensified. Smriti sighed and said, "Guys, it's raining heavily. It will take at least three hours to reach the hotel due to the traffic, and we can't afford to lose sleep with the match tomorrow."

Wareham groaned, "If I don't sleep on time, I'll have a terrible day tomorrow."

Smriti offered a solution. "We can stay here. It's not an issue, but there are only two bedrooms. We can't get one for each of us."

"Oh, Smriti, that's actually sweet of you," Sophie said. "We can manage two to a room. If one room has a single bed, Wareham can take the couch." she said jokingly

Wareham chimed in with a grin, "Oh, Perry snores. I'm not sleeping with her."

Sophie, catching onto the plan, added, "Neither am I. Sorry, Smriti, but you're stuck with Perry."

Perry looked confused. "Wait, when did I start snoring?"

Sophie, with wide eyes, trying to make aware Perry about their plan says, "Yes, you snore, Pez. You'll share a room with Smriti."

Despite her wish to avoid alone time with Perry, Smriti agreed, swayed by their pleading expressions. "Alright, I'll manage."

Smriti handed out clothes to everyone. When she emerged from the bathroom and saw Perry in her clothes, she thought to herself, *Oh, she looks beautiful in her clothes* Immediately, she shook off the thought. *Cut the crap, Smriti.*

"Pez" she called softly.

Perry turned with a smile

"What's up? Why are you smiling?" asks smriti

Perry admitting, "It's the first time you've called me Pez, I liked it."Perry's eyes sparkled with amusement.

Smriti smiled and continued hesitantly, "I was thinking you could sleep here, and I'll take the couch. I don't want to intrude on your privacy."

Perry shook her head, making a playful pout. "Shut up, Smrits. This isn't an intrusion."
"And trust me, I don't snore." she says making a puppy face.

Smriti laughed at Perry's exaggerated innocence.
Perry continued jokingly "Trust me I won't do anything to you, I've full control on me" mischievous grin on her face.

Smriti took a step forward towards her closing gap between them "Oh really. You sure that you have full control" she says in a sexy voice

Perry grinned, folding her hands behind her back in mock defense. "Please, don't do anything to me. I'm just an innocent child. Now I'll be up all night protecting myself from you."

Their shared laughter was warm and comforting. "It's late," Smriti said, still chuckling. "We should get some sleep."

They settled into their respective spots for the night. Smriti faced the window, her thoughts racing, while Perry lay facing the ceiling fan. Both women, unable to sleep, were lost in their own thoughts, reflecting on the night's events and their growing connection.

Smriti, determined to stay awake, as she didn't want Perry to witness her nightmares. Meanwhile, Perry, though also restless, was lost in thoughts about the night and the unique bond she was beginning to share with Smriti. The storm outside continued its rhythmic drumming, a backdrop to their sleepless, yet profoundly connected, night.