The Untold Love : Cricket Romance

Too Many Surprises

Sameer

I couldn't stop smiling when Ishanvi sent me a picture of Lola. The cat suited her so perfectly. She even explained the meaning behind the name, and knowing her, it was thoughtful, deliberate-just like everything she does. Seeing her so happy with Lola made me feel... something I wasn't ready to admit.

My fingers hovered over the keyboard. This was it-the moment to finally say it. I typed out the words.

Me: I think I lo...

But my heart raced, and I deleted it instantly. No. Not like this. She hadn't seen it, I hoped.

Me: Nevermind, I'll tell you later.

Her response was immediate.

Ishanvi: What? Why? You just said you had something important to tell me. Spill!

I hesitated, my thumb hovering over the screen before I typed back.

Me: It's nothing. I'll text you when I'm at the airport. Maybe send you a snap.

Ishanvi: Okayyy...

We ended the conversation, but the weight of what I almost confessed still lingered. I wasn't even sure if I'd manage to get the tickets I wanted to surprise her with, so telling her anything right now felt risky. There were too many unknowns.

I packed my bags, Saurabh appeared at my door.

Saurabh: "You ready to go?" he asked, throwing me a teasing glance.

Sameer: "Yeah," I muttered, closing my suitcase. "Let's do this."

Saurabh: "Did you say goodbye to your 'best friend'?" He mimicked air quotes, clearly enjoying himself

Sameer: "Yeah, yeah. Let's just go." (I shot him a look)

Before I could leave, my phone rang. It was Dad.

On Call:

Me: Hey, Dad. How are you?

Dad: I'm good, beta. You at the airport yet?

Me: Almost. Waiting for the team bus. How's Mom? And Daksh? Haven't heard from him in a while.

Dad: He's good. Just got back yesterday, actually.

Me: That's great. Can I talk to him?

Dad: Sure, but there's something I need to talk to you about first.

Saurabh's voice cut through the conversation.

Saurabh: "Sameer!"

I shot him a frustrated look.

Me: "Dude, I'm on the phone. Can you give me five minutes?"

Saurabh: "No, you need to see this now."

Me: "What are you talking about?" I asked, reaching for his phone.

My blood ran cold when I saw the video playing on the screen-me, handing Ishanvi flowers.

Me: What the...?

Dad's voice crackled through the line.

Dad: I wanted to talk about that video that's gone viral. Have you not seen it?

Me: No, I haven't. I deleted all the social media apps for the IPL.

I quickly muted the call, staring at the screen in disbelief.

Dad: "Who's the girl in the video?"

I didn't hear what my dad was saying anymore.

Me: Saurabh, let me know when the bus arrives. I need to talk to my dad.