9. The cricket match

Anika

After a couple of dates, as Jai had promised, he asked me out on another date. I was genuinely excited about this one because he had hinted at the location – the cricket stadium.

It was IPL season, and as a cricket fan, what more could I ask for? Despite my hectic work schedule, I was dying to attend a match.

So, the date was set for tomorrow, and I was busy picking out my outfit. Naturally, I supported SRH; I was a proud Hyderabadi and a dedicated team supporter.

I didn't know which team Jai supported, though, so I decided to text him.

Me: Heyy!

Jai: Hello

Me: Free now?

Jai: For you? Always.

I was already melting at his smooth words.

Me: Stop with the flirting! Wanted to ask you which team are you supporting tomorrow.

Jai: RCB obviously.

Me: Sorry, I don't know you anymore. How are we even friends?

This prompted him to FaceTime me, thinking I was serious. This guy! How am I going to marry him? I answered the call and burst into laughter when I saw the confusion on his face. His reaction was priceless.

"I was just joking," I said, still smiling.

"You confused me," he replied with a scowl.

"Seriously? You're not supporting the home team?" I questioned.

"No, I think the probability of RCB winning is high," he explained.

"Oh, let's see," I challenged.

"Game on," he replied, matching my energy.

After that, I started searching for the perfect outfit.

I settled on black jeans, a light orange top, and a jacket just in case.

It was simple, but who cares, I was going to see the match.

I went to bed, eagerly anticipating the next day. Cricket had always been my favourite sport.

My dad would be disappointed that he couldn't come, but this was a date, and I definitely didn't want my dad tagging along.

The next morning, I woke up with a terrible stomachache and back pain.

To make matters worse, there was a stain on my bed. Out of all the days, my period had to arrive today? Seriously?

I was getting more upset by the minute. There was no way I could go to the match now; my body simply wouldn't allow it. I decided to take a shower, change my sheets, and make some breakfast.

By the time I finished, it was past 11, and I was craving ice cream. Unfortunately, I didn't have any, so I laid back on my sofa and started watching movies.

I got so engrossed that I forgot to text Jai about postponing our date.

Me: Hey

Jai: Hey beautiful, ready for today?

Me: Actually, can we postpone the date?

Jai: Everything alright?

Me: Yeah, I don't feel like it today.

I didn't want to bring up the topic of my periods. Most guys didn't really want to discuss it anyway.

Jai: Okay, no worries. Let's meet later!

Me: Thanks!

Jai: Have a proper lunch and don't binge on chips.

Me: It was just one time!

He remembered all the little details from our previous lunch.

Me: And yes, I will have a proper meal, Mr. Singhania.

I dozed off on the sofa for a while. When I woke up after about an hour, I was in a better mood.

The cramps had subsided a bit, but I still had some discomfort. I heated my trusty water bag and settled back on the sofa.

For some reason, the sofa was my go-to comfort spot during my period. Don't judge me, it just felt cozy and comfortable.

As I scrolled through my phone, I heard the doorbell ring. I hadn't been expecting anyone today, so I assumed it might be a delivery for one of my recent orders.

However, what I found at the door was way better than any package.

Jai stood there with flowers and a paper bag in hand. He was casually dressed in a T-shirt and jeans, but he still managed to look like a model. How did he do it?

"What are you doing here?" I asked, genuinely surprised.

"Wanted to make sure you were okay," he replied casually. My heart fluttered my in chest.

"Want to come in?"

"Yeah, sure."

"Don't mind the mess," I warned him as I let him in. The living room was mostly clean, except for the blanket on the sofa. I quickly moved the blanket to my bedroom.

Then, I realized how disheveled I must look. I was wearing an oversized T-shirt and sweatpants, and my hair was a mess. I hurriedly fixed my hair and returned to the living room.

"What brings you here?" I asked, feeling a bit self-conscious about my appearance.

"I came to make sure you were okay," he replied.

"These are for you." He handed me the bag and the flowers.

My hormones must have been acting up because I felt my eyes welling up with tears. I quickly wiped them away before he could notice.

"Thank you. It was sweet of you to bring these," I said, smiling.

"I'll put on some music. Why don't you see what's in the bag?" he suggested, and I was eager to find out what he had brought.

I opened the bag and found another bag inside, which contained Chinese food. I had been craving it for a while.

To my delight, there was also a tub of chocobrownie ice cream. And, incredibly, he had bought me pads.

I couldn't help but ask, "How did you know I was on my period?"

"I just guessed," he replied casually.

"What if I was not on my period?"

"I would still get those things for you," he said, taking my hand into his.

"Let's go watch the match," he suggested, leading me to the sofa, which was just a few steps away.

"So, cricket and Chinese?" I playfully teased.

"Yes, ma'am," he replied, changing the TV channel to the cricket match.

We set up our makeshift dining table on the sofa and started eating while watching the match.

We teased each other whenever a player from the opposing team lost a wicket or hit a six.

Most of the time, I was the one teasing him. After a while, I noticed that we had gotten remarkably close.

I was practically snuggled up to him, with my head resting on his shoulder and his hand on my back. It felt good, the warmth radiating from him.

We stayed like that for a few minutes until my phone started ringing. I cursed internally as I reached for it. It was Aarav FaceTiming me.

"Heyy," I answered.

"Heyy,where are you? And why is he with you?"he asked.

"We're at my place. And please don't act like my mom," I replied.

"Just kidding, bro. What's up?" he asked, acting as if he hadn't just ruined the moment. I loved Aarav, but his timing was off this time.

"Nothing, just you ruining the moment, little bro," Jai chimed in.

"What do you mean?" Aarav looked confused.

"Nothing, I'll call you later," I said, ending the call.

Then, Jai had to leave as it was already past 8, and he had some work commitments.

I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed; I didn't want him to go. However, I wanted to answer the question he had asked me earlier.

"Jai?" I began, trying to catch his attention before he left.

"Yeah?" He turned towards me, his face serious and attentive.

"I wanted to tell you something."

His eyes locked onto mine as he waited for my words.

"The way you treated me today made me realize how great of a husband you could be. So, my answer to your question that day is a yes. I will marry you, Mr. Singhania"

His face instantly lit up with a radiant smile, one that I wished I could capture and treasure forever.

He hugged me tightly, catching me off guard, but I quickly responded with an embrace of my own.

"Oh, I am going to be the best husband," he said, a mischievous smirk on his face. I couldn't help but laugh, not entirely sure what he meant by that.

Then, reluctantly, it was time for him to leave. Even though I didn't want him to go, I didn't ask him to stay, and he didn't offer to stay longer.

He left, and I got back to my routine, indulging in the ice cream he had brought.

Then I called Aarav to kill him virtually.

.................................................................................

❀₊˚⊹♡

Who needs a Jai and a tub of ice cream on their period from now on?👀

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