Siya Kapoor is a psychiatrist used to untangling others' minds, but when it comes to her own heart, she's got a wall up. That is, until she's caught in a whirlwind with not one, but two of India's rising cricket stars: Shubman Gill, her magnetic, lo...
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10. Back Home.
In the afternoon, Siya stood in her room, carefully folding her clothes and placing them into her suitcase. The wedding festivities had come to an end, and guests were beginning to depart for their homes.
As she zipped up her bag, a soft knock on the door drew her attention. She turned to see Shubman standing in the doorway, a tentative smile on his face.
"Hey," he greeted, stepping inside.
"Hey," she replied, returning his smile. "Are you all packed?"
"Almost," he said, leaning against the doorframe. "Just came to see if you needed any help."
Siya shook her head, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm almost done. Just making sure I haven't forgotten anything."
He nodded, glancing around the room. "It's been quite a week, hasn't it?" She laughed softly, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, it has. Feels like a whirlwind."
He moved closer, hesitating for a moment before speaking. "I'm glad we talked last night. I feel like we have a fresh start."
She looked up at him, her eyes warm but cautious. "Yeah, me too. It feels good to clear the air."
Shubman leaned against the dresser, his gaze steady on her. "So, friends?"
Siya smiled, extending her hand to him. "Friends."
He took her hand, giving it a gentle shake. "I promise I'll be a better friend this time around. No more misunderstandings."
She laughed, the sound light and genuine. "I'll hold you to that."
They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of their past beginning to lift. Siya zipped up her bag and set it on the floor.
"Need any help carrying that?" Shubman offered, gesturing to her suitcase.
Siya shook her head. "I think I've got it. Thanks, though."
As they walked towards the door, Shubman glanced at her. "You know, I was thinking... maybe we could grab coffee sometime. Start this friendship thing off properly."
She looked at him, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "I'd like that. Coffee sounds good."
"Great," he said, his smile widening. "It's a date. I mean, not a date-date, but you know... a friend date."
Siya chuckled, shaking her head. "I get it, Shubman. A friend date."
He opened the door for her, and they stepped out into the hallway. The air was filled with the sounds of guests saying their goodbyes and the hustle of packing.
As they walked towards the lobby, Siya felt a sense of peace. Things were far from perfect, but they were trying. And sometimes, that was enough.
"By the way," Shubman said as they reached the lobby, "you still owe me a rematch in that dance-off."
