Stolen Heart

A blush that says it all

After Shubman left for Hyderabad, Sara and Shahneel spent an hour or so and then they left as well. They first partied in Bastian and then they were having dinner together.

Shahneel: Sara, um, I need to tell you something. Shubman told me not to say anything, but you know me... I can't keep a secret from my girl.

Sara (concerned): What? What's going on? Is everything okay? You're scaring me!

Shahneel (laughs): Calm down, it's nothing bad!

Sara: Then, what's it? Did I do something? Did he do something?

Shahneel: He definitely did something.

Sara: What exactly?

Shahneel: So... there's a little surprise waiting for us on our way back. Shubman planned for some paps to be around when we leave, you know, to capture both of us together.

Sara (shocked, not knowing how to react to this): What? He planned this and didn't even tell me? I swear... I'm gonna kill him! I mean, I've been around paps my whole life, but this is different. I'm with you, his sister. It's like... I don't know, it's just different.

Shahneel: I know, right? He thought it would be a cute way to, you know, signal to the world that you're hanging out with his family, that you're serious about each other. He just wanted to show the world that you're not just dating, but you're now part of each other's lives, like, really serious. It's his way of saying, 'You're his family, his home, his comfort'. Are you getting me?

Sara's heart melted at the moment, and she smiled softly.

Sara: Why is he sooo thoughtful?!! Like, my heart is beating so fast right now but it's also melting at the same time.

Shahneel: Well, that's my brother for you. He knows just how to make your heart skip a beat and then leave you with a smile.

Sara: I know right?! The last time I was papped with him, my heart was beating out of my chest. And now, here we go again. I'm so gonna kill him when I see him next. How could he not warn me?

Shahneel (laughs): Trust me, I told him you'd be so mad. But he just wanted it to be natural, you know? He thinks if you knew ahead of time, you'd be all prepared and perfect, and he didn't want that.

Sara (rolling her eyes but smiling): Ugh, he's such a romantic sometimes.

Shahneel: Sometimes? You sure about that?

Sara: Most of the times? No, actually, all the time. He's hopelessly romantic.

Shahneel: Exactlyyy!! This boy even carries your picture in his wallet. And everytime, I see it, I'm like, "Bro, you're a dark green flag".

Sara: He always makes me feel special. No doubt in that.

Shahneel: Yeah, I know.

Sara (remembers about the whole pap thing): But also... come on, a little heads-up wouldn't have hurt! I mean, I'm melting inside, but I'm also freaking out. Why didn't he tell me? And then he just leaves for Hyderabad. I can't even call him to yell at him right now, he's probably on his flight.

Shahneel: Oh, he knows. He probably planned it this way so he wouldn't have to face you right away.

Sara: Leaving me to deal with this while he's flying off. And what if I panic in front of the paps? What if I do something weird? I've been papped a hundred times, but this feels so different.

Shahneel: Don't worry, Sara. You're gonna be fine. We'll handle this together. Shubman also gave me a mask to cover my face when I start getting uncomfortable.