lover [ 𝐬𝐡𝐮𝐛𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐠𝐢𝐥𝐥 ]

11

Shubman's heart raced with anticipation as he prepared for the evening's party. Despite attending numerous gatherings in the past, this one felt different. Today, he had the pleasure of escorting Reethu, and the thought of it brought a mix of excitement and nervousness.

With his parents out for the evening, Shubman found himself alone at home. The hours flew by, and before he knew it, it was already 5 p.m. He had promised to pick up Reethu at 5:30.

As he rose from his seat, his phone chimed with an incoming call. "Hello, Ishan," he greeted, recognizing his friend's voice.

"Oh, so you're awake," Ishan teased, joined by Abhishek in laughter. "Very funny, guys."

"Anyway, are you bringing her along?" Ishan inquired. "Bringing whom along?" Abhay chimed in.

It was a yearly get-together party, where everyone brought their significant others. He was usually the lone ranger, but this time, having someone to accompany me brought a flicker of joy.

Within moments, she opened the door, and for a split second, he felt breathless. She looked absolutely stunning. "Wow, you look... Wow..." he trailed off, and her smile only amplified his amazement.

"You look really 'wow' too, Shubman," Reethu replied with a smile that mirrored his own.

"Shall we?" he offered, extending his arm, to which she responded, "We shall," as they embarked on their journey. During the drive, Shubman found himself involuntarily holding her hand, relishing the warmth of her touch. Glancing at her, he saw her smiling, lost in thought as she gazed out the window.

Arriving at the venue around 5:45 p.m., Shubman opened the door for Reethu, feeling a surge of pride at having her by his side.

"This place is so beautiful," she remarked, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "Not as much as you," Shubman whispered, pressing a tender kiss to her head.

Blushing, Reethu playfully protested, "Oh, come on."

"You made it!" Ishan exclaimed as they approached, enveloping Reethu in a hug before Shubman could even react. "Emotional damage," Abhay quipped, earning a laugh from the group.

"It's alright," Reethu assured Shubman, patting his arm affectionately. After introductions, Shubman watched with a mixture of pride and adoration as Reethu effortlessly mingled with the other guests, her charm captivating everyone she encountered.

Grabbing a glass of champagne, Shubman joined Ishan, engaging in conversation about Reethu's ambitious project of building her dream house.

"Woah, she's actually ticking off items from the bucket list," Ishan remarked, scrolling through his phone to find a photo.

Curious, Shubman glanced at the image, revealing a list they had made as kids. "Pray that Ishan becomes a cricketer?" he read aloud, chuckling at the nostalgic memory.

As the evening unfolded, Virat bhai handed Reethu a guitar, and despite her initial reluctance, she decided to give it a go.

"Hey, everyone! I want your attention, please! Shubman's girlfriend, Reethu, will be singing for us!" Virat announced, prompting applause from the crowd.

I watched as Reethu strummed the guitar strings and began to sing, her voice filling the room with warmth and melody.

We could leave the Christmas lights up 'til January
And this is our place, we make the rules
And there's a dazzling haze, a mysterious way about you dear
Have I known you 20 seconds or 20 years?

Can I go where you go?

Can we always be this close forever and ever?
And ah, take me out, and take me home
You're my, my, my, my
Lover

We could let our friends crash in the living room

This is our place, we make the call
And I'm highly suspicious that everyone who sees you wants you
I've loved you three summers now, honey, but I want 'em all

Can I go where you go?

Can we always be this close forever and ever?
And ah, take me out, and take me home (forever and ever)
You're my, my, my, my
Lover

She looked at me while singing, and I couldn't help but smile as her voice washed over me.

Ladies and gentlemen, will you please stand?
With every guitar string scar on my hand
I take this magnetic force of a man to be my lover
My heart's been borrowed and yours has been blue
All's well that ends well to end up with you
Swear to be overdramatic and true to my lover
And you'll save all your dirtiest jokes for me
And at every table, I'll save you a seat, lover

Can I go where you go?

Can we always be this close forever and ever?
And ah, take me out, and take me home (forever and ever)
You're my, my, my, my
Oh, you're my, my, my, my
Darling, you're my, my, my, my
Lover

As she finished, the room erupted in applause, and I made my way to her side. "You sang really well," I complimented, and she flashed me a grateful smile. "Thanks," she replied, modestly.

Afterwards, we mingled with the other guests, and I was relieved to see Reethu getting along with everyone. Spotting her standing on a balcony, I made my way to her side.

"Hey, sweetheart," I greeted, wrapping my arm around her waist. "Hey, babe," she chuckled, and I couldn't help but smile at the endearment. "Babe, huh?" I smirked, planting a soft kiss on her cheek.

"Well, you called me 'sweetheart,' so..." she trailed off, and I nodded, understanding. 

"Ishan showed me your bucket list," I mentioned, and her eyes widened in surprise. "He still has it? Oh my god," she whispered.

"Yeah, he still does," I confirmed, sharing a laugh with her. "Hey, lovebirds, it's dinner time. Come on in!" Abhay's voice called out, breaking our conversation.

As we made our way inside, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment, surrounded by friends and with Reethu by my side.