𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝 [ Shubman Gill ]

Two

Aditi swung her legs back and forth as she sat perched on the marble slab in the kitchen, her laughter ringing out as Shahneel recounted a story about one of Shubman's embarrassing moment. "And then, he actually tripped over his own shoelace right in front of the entire team right before his odi debut! Can you believe it?" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling mischievously.

"Typical Shubman." Aditi said, shaking her head as Shahneel stirred the pot of tea on the stove. "Always trying to act cool, but then doing something ridiculous. Do you remember when he thought he could fix the TV himself and ended up short-circuiting the whole house?"

Aditi nearly choked on her laughter. "Yes! Atharva bhaiya still calls him 'Electric Boy' every time he wants to annoy him."

The sisters shared a conspiratorial grin, perfectly in sync as they roasted their brothers. The kitchen was warm with the scent of freshly brewed chai and the cozy sounds of gossip—just the kind of morning Aditi loved.

As Shahneel poured the tea into two cups, Kiara's mum, Aditi's Badi Maa, entered the kitchen. Her gaze lingered on Aditi, a knowing look on her face. "Aditi, what are you still doing here?" she asked, folding her arms. "You're supposed to be getting ready to go out."

Aditi frowned. "Go out? Where to?"

Badi Maa sighed. "You have to take Shubman to get his sherwani. It's tradition for the bride's family to help the groom get his wedding attire, and we've already picked Kiara's lehenga. The sherwani is the only thing left."

Aditi's nose scrunched up at the idea. "Why me? Shahneel di can go, or he can just go with his friends. It's not like he's a kid who needs me holding his hand while he picks out a sherwani."

Badi Maa gave her a pointed look. "Shubman's family will expect it. It's our responsibility to make sure everything is perfect for the wedding, including his sherwani."

Aditi groaned, throwing her head back dramatically. "Fine. But don't blame me if I end up strangling him with a dupatta."

Shahneel chuckled as she sipped her tea. "You'll survive. Who knows, maybe you two won't kill each other this time."

With a reluctant sigh, Aditi hopped off the counter and made her way outside, where Shubman was lounging with Ishan.

"Here to admit you can't stay away from me?" Ishan quipped as Aditi approached.

She rolled her eyes. "Get over yourself, Ishan. I'm here because Badi Maa says "jiju" needs to get his sherwani, and apparently, I'm the lucky one who gets to take him."

Shubman let out an exaggerated groan. "Out of all the people in your family, it had to be you? Also, stop calling me jiju."

"Yeah, well, I'm not thrilled about it either." she shot back, reaching over to tug on a strand of his hair.

"Ow! What's wrong with you?" Shubman rubbed the back of his head as she started walking toward the car. "Gadhi."

"Stop whining and move it." she called over her shoulder, and Ishan's laughter echoed behind them as Shubman reluctantly grabbed the car keys and followed her out.

The car ride was nothing short of tense. As they pulled out of the driveway, Aditi leaned back in her seat and crossed her arms. "Don't you dare think of playing that obnoxious rap music." she warned.