Bade Sapne

Meri Takleef

Shubman's POV

The door swung open behind me with a sharp, heavy clang. I didn't need to look back to know who it was; I could feel the tension spike like a crackling current in the room.

I turned slowly, not willing to let my grip on Vira's hand falter. I knew she was resting, but a part of me hoped she could still feel the reassurance I was trying to give. "Ishan," I said quietly, attempting to keep my voice level.

His expression was stormy, anger flashing in his eyes. He stepped forward, his gaze flitting between Vira, lying there pale and still, and me standing at her side. "What the hell do you think you're doing, Shubman?"

My jaw tightened, but I kept my tone steady. "I'm making sure she's alright, Ishan."

He scoffed, crossing his arms. "Oh, really? Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you're here to take advantage of the situation. You couldn't back off even here, huh?"

A wave of irritation surged through me. This wasn't the time for a petty argument, and I didn't want to do this with her right there, especially when she was so angry with me already. "Are you serious right now? She's in a hospital bed, and this is what you're focused on?"

"Oh, don't give me that, Shubman. You being here is just going to complicate things for her. She doesn't need this—"

"She doesn't need you coming in here, throwing a fit, adding to her stress!" I cut him off, my voice sharper than I'd intended. I knew it would hit, but he needed to hear it. "You really think this is about you right now?"

He clenched his fists, eyes narrowed, a muscle ticking in his jaw. "No, Shubman. But it's not about you either. She needs someone who actually cares about her, not someone who's here out of guilt or... whatever you're trying to do."

"Someone who cares about her?" I stepped forward, not bothering to keep my frustration in check. "You think standing here like this, causing a scene, is showing her that you care? She almost died, Ishan. And you're here making it all about... about some jealousy?"

"Don't you dare twist this around, Shubman." His voice was low, but there was venom in it. "You don't get to pretend you care more than I do. Where were you when she was hurt because of the rumours? Because of everything you said?"

I felt that sting, but I refused to let it throw me off. "You act as if you were there! But no, you were just a coward and left her to deal with it herself."

"And what did you do?" He was almost shouting now, and I cringed at his volume, hoping we wouldn't wake Vira up.

"She wasn't my responsibility! She was YOUR girlfriend."

"How is this relevant?"

"Where were you when she needed protection? When people were chasing her down the street?" I shot back, unable to keep the heat from my words.

"She was only in that situation because of you! People idolise you so much, that they can't even understand that their favourite player isn't some god! They can't accept that you're playing shit because something's wrong with you!"

"Don't bring cricket into this." I warned, raising a finger towards him.

"But cricket is the whole reason this started, isn't it?"

"Ishan. Keep cricket and our personal lives separate. That's what got us in this mess in the first place."

"My point exactly."

"So what's the argument?"

"Well, you're holding my girlfriend's hand!"

"EX- girlfriend, you mean."

"Shut the fuck up, Shubman. You never had a chance with her anyway."

"I dont want a chance! I just want her to be safe."

"Don't lie to me. I know your intentions."

"Not everyone's lives revolve around a girl!"

"Abhi told me everything, Shub. Don't lie."

I stopped. I stared at him. Shock, horror, the sorts, painted on my face. Betrayal. That's what I felt.

"It's not what you think."

"Abhi never told me anything. But you've just proved it all to me."

I stared at him, dumbfounded and speechless, unable to move my mouth to form words. Anger was blazing in his eyes, his expression telling me that he was almost about to explode. Then he shouted.

"I trusted you! You traitor." He spat, hatred seething from his words.

And that's where my protective instincts kicked in, as I felt Vira's hand tighten around mine, and she started to stir. Without letting go of her hand, I pointed a finger at Ishan. "Chilao maat."

"Don't tell me what to do."

"All I'm asking is that you keep this crap outside the hospital room. She needs peace, Ishan. Just—give her that much."

He hesitated, the anger momentarily replaced by something almost vulnerable, as if he hadn't thought of it that way. "You think I want to hurt her? She's the last person I'd ever hurt."

"Then stop this." I spoke through gritted teeth, feeling the fight start to ebb out of me, replaced by something almost desperate. "Ishaan, this isn't about us. It's about her. She needs to heal, and us arguing like this is only making things worse."

He looked down, rubbing a hand over his face, and for a moment, the anger seemed to subside. There was just the weariness, the same exhaustion I felt, the worry, the helplessness.

"Listen, just in case you think the wrong thing, I WASNT taking advantage of the situation. I saved her life."

"Oh, so you're saying all this to be able to shove it in my face later?"

"No, I just don't want you to get the wrong idea. She called me because you weren't picking up."

"I was in a match."

"I know. She needed me."

"Right..."

"Gosh, you're acting like I'm in love with her or something."

"Are you not?"

"No, of course not."

No, of course not...
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A/N: 

So.... guess who just denied being in love? Liar.  Anyways, we love Shubu being a green flag ;)

ANYWAYS DON'T FORGET TO COMMENT YOUR OPS ON THIS CHAPTER AND VOTE ASW PLEASEEE

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Stay tuned ;)