Style.

26. Jealousy.

✨ CHAPTER TWENTY SIX ✨

As the morning sun gently filtered through the curtains, Mrunmayee glanced at her phone, her thumb hovering over the screen as she composed a message to Shubman. With a soft smile, she tapped out the words:

Mrunmayee: Hey Shubman, just wanted to let you know that I’m taking a day off today to take my Aai for her regular checkup. Will catch up with you later!

With a reassuring nod, she sent the message and turned her attention to her mother, who was patiently waiting by the door, her face etched with a mixture of anticipation and slight worry.

“Aai, are you ready?” Mrunmayee asked, her voice filled with warmth and concern.

Her mother nodded, offering a grateful smile. “Yes, beta, I’m ready. Thank you for taking the time to accompany me.”

“It’s my pleasure, Aai. Taking care of you is always my priority,” Mrunmayee replied, her eyes reflecting her genuine affection for her mother.

Together, they made their way to the hospital, the journey filled with light-hearted chatter and shared memories.

As they entered the waiting room, Mrunmayee’s phone buzzed softly in her pocket, indicating a message from Shubman.

Shubman: Hope everything goes well with your Aai’s checkup. Let me know if you need anything. Take care ☺️


Mrunmayee couldn’t help but smile at Shubman’s thoughtful gesture. With a quick reply expressing her gratitude, she tucked her phone away and focused on being there for her mother, knowing that Shubman was just a message away if she needed him.

Throughout the day, as they navigated the hospital corridors and waited for the doctor’s consultation, Mrunmayee and her mother shared quiet moments of reassurance and support.

And as they finally left the hospital, armed with positive news and a renewed sense of gratitude for each other’s presence, Mrunmayee couldn’t help but feel grateful for Shubman’s understanding and unwavering support, both on and off the cricket field.

----------------------------------

Shubman gave the interview, Shreyas and Ishan sat side by side, their attention drifting away from the conversation at hand.

Ishan, restless and seeking amusement, leaned over to Shreyas with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Hey Shrey, want to do something fun?” Ishan whispered, nudging his friend.

Shreyas turned to him, eyebrows raised in curiosity. “What do you have in mind?”

A smirk played on Ishan’s lips as he leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper. “How about making Mrun jealous?”

Shreyas’s eyes widened in surprise at the suggestion, but a devilish grin soon spread across his face. “Now that sounds like a plan.”

With a shared understanding, the two friends glanced back at the screen, where Shubman appeared engaged in conversation with the interviewer.

As Ishan discreetly pulled out his phone, Shreyas couldn’t help but stifle a chuckle at the audacity of their scheme.

With a few quick snaps, Ishan managed to capture moments where Shubman and the interviewer appeared particularly friendly and at ease.

The images, though innocent, had the potential to stir up some playful jealousy, exactly what Ishan and Shreyas were aiming for.

As they reviewed the photos, Ishan couldn’t help but grin triumphantly. “These will definitely get a reaction out of Mrun.”

Shreyas nodded in agreement, a playful glint in his eyes. “Let’s send them over and watch the drama unfold.”

With a few taps on his phone, Ishan sent the photos to Mrunmayee, accompanied by a teasing message.

As they awaited her response, the anticipation of her reaction added an extra layer of excitement to their afternoon, turning a mundane interview viewing into an unexpectedly entertaining affair.