Unexpectly Yours:The Journey Of An Arranged Marriage

PART 36

{A few days have passed since Kavya's illness. Abhay has been doing his best to be there for her, but the tension with Aparna is still brewing. After practice one afternoon, the atmosphere is charged as the team wraps up. Abhay is feeling hopeful about his relationship with Kavya but still wary of Aparna's intentions.}

{As the players warm up, Abhay feels a bit of tension in the air. He glances around, noting how Aparna is subtly moving closer to him.}

Aparna (leaning casually against the nets): "You really nailed that last practice match, Abhay. I don't think anyone else could pull that off like you do."

{Abhay nods politely, trying to keep the conversation light.}

Abhay: "Thanks, Aparna. Just doing my part for the team."

{She steps closer, her voice lowering to a sultry whisper.}

Aparna: "But you know, you could do so much more... with the right person by your side."

{Abhay feels a knot tightening in his stomach but maintains his composure.}

Abhay: "I'm focused on the game and my family."

********
{As lunch rolls around, the team gathers in the canteen, laughing and sharing stories. Abhay sits with his friends, but he can feel Aparna's gaze lingering on him. She saunters over, a plate of food in hand, and sits next to him.}

Aparna: "Mind if I join you? I could use some good company."

Ishaan (teasingly): "Hey, we don't mind sharing Abhay, right? But I do warn you, he's got a heart that's already taken."

{Abhay shoots Ishaan a grateful look, silently pleading for help to change the subject.}

Aparna (leaning closer to Abhay): "I can't help but admire how dedicated you are to Kavya. It must be exhausting to balance work and home life. If you ever need a break, I'd be happy to help."

{Abhay feels his discomfort rising but maintains a polite smile.}

Abhay: "I appreciate it, but I manage just fine."

**********
{The practice resumes, and Abhay focuses on his drills. But as he runs laps, he notices Aparna has taken to stretching nearby, her movements intentional and provocative.}

Aparna (calling out): "Hey, Abhay! I've been working on some new drills. Want to try them together later? I could use your expertise."

{Abhay shakes his head, trying to ignore her intentions.}

Abhay: "I'm good, thanks. I have my own routine."

Aparna: "Come on, live a little! We're teammates, after all. It'll be fun."

{The pressure of her gaze weighs heavily on him. He takes a deep breath, trying to center himself and think of Kavya.}

*******
{As the practice comes to an end, the players gather to review footage from the day. Abhay is focused, but he feels Aparna sitting beside him, her presence hard to ignore.}

Aparna (leaning in, whispering): "You really know how to command attention on the field. It's impressive. You could easily be the center of attention off the field, too."

Abhay (gritting his teeth): "I'm only interested in one person, and she's waiting for me at home."

{She pretends to pout, brushing her hair back seductively.}

Aparna: "Oh, come on! We could create a lot of buzz together. Just think about it."

{Abhay is irritated, feeling her attempt to undermine his loyalty to Kavya.}

Abhay (sternly): "I'm married, Aparna. That's not up for discussion."

Aparna (continuing): "We make a great team, don't we? You, me, and the rest of the crew. Just think about it—how about we grab dinner sometime? Just the two of us. It could be fun."

{Abhay's heart races, and he takes a step back, creating distance between them. The air feels heavy with the implications of her words.}

Abhay (firmly): "Aparna, I appreciate the compliment, but I'm married to Kavya. She's my priority, and I'm committed to her."

{Aparna's playful demeanor falters, her expression shifting to one of surprise.}

Aparna: "Come on, Abhay. We could have something special together. I see how much effort you put into your work. You deserve someone who can truly appreciate that."

{Abhay shakes his head, feeling a surge of frustration.}

Abhay: "I don't need anyone else. Kavya is everything to me. I love her, and I won't entertain any other options. Please respect that."

{Aparna's eyes narrow slightly, a mix of irritation and disbelief flashing across her face.}

Aparna: "You're being naïve. You can't honestly think she'll always be there for you. What if she gets too busy or distracted?"

Abhay (his voice steady, unwavering): "I trust Kavya completely. She's my partner. You might not understand, but love is about support and trust—not distractions."

{The team members nearby begin to notice the tension, exchanging glances. Shubman, overhearing the conversation, approaches with a casual smile.}

Shubman: "Hey, Abhay! You doing okay? I thought I heard some interesting dialogue happening over here."

{Abhay glances at Shubman, grateful for the interruption, while Aparna tries to regain her composure.}

Aparna (forcing a smile): "Just discussing teamwork, you know? Important stuff."

{Shubman raises an eyebrow, clearly sensing the underlying tension.}

Shubman: "Sure, let's stick to teamwork and leave the personal stuff for another time, huh? We all know Abhay's heart belongs to his amazing wife."

{Ishaan joins them, his playful nature kicking in.}

Ishaan: "Yeah, I've seen how he takes care of her. If anyone tries to step in, they're going to have to deal with all of us. Right, boys?"

Rahul (smirking): "Yeah, I've seen Abhay go into protective mode before. Not a pretty sight if you're on the wrong side."

{Aparna glares at the group but realizes she's outnumbered. She quickly regains her confident posture.}

Aparna: "Fine. I just thought it was worth asking. No need to get defensive."

Abhay (sincerely): "I appreciate your understanding. But please, let's keep things professional."

{As Aparna walks away, visibly irritated, Abhay exhales deeply, feeling a mix of relief and frustration.}

Shubman (patting him on the back): "Don't let her get to you, man. We all know where your loyalty lies."

Ishaan: "Exactly. Kavya's lucky to have you, and we'll make sure she knows it too."

Rahul: "We're all in this together. Let's keep supporting each other, no matter what."

{Abhay feels a sense of camaraderie, his teammates rallying around him.}

Abhay: "Thanks, guys. I just want to focus on making things right with Kavya. I want her to feel appreciated and loved, especially after everything."

*********
{Later that evening, Abhay returns home to find Kavya in the kitchen, preparing dinner. The aroma of spices fills the air, and he watches her for a moment, feeling a wave of affection.}

Abhay (softly): "Hey, how was your day?"

{Kavya glances up, her smile lighting up the room.}

Kavya: "Busy as always, but I made your favorite. I thought it'd be a nice way to unwind."

Abhay (approaching her): "You always know how to make everything better. Thank you for being so amazing."

They share a warm moment, and he realizes that no matter what distractions come their way, his love for Kavya is unwavering.}

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