𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐚 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐫 - Chapter 17: Chapter 17

Shubman POV:
The drive home from the airport was a blur. I sat in the backseat of the car, the rhythmic hum of the engine failing to drown out the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me. My hands rested loosely in my lap, but my fingers twitched as though searching for an anchor.
My mind, however, was already halfway back to the airport. To her.
Akshara.
I exhaled sharply, leaning my head against the cool glass of the car window. The city passed by in a kaleidoscope of colors—bright lights, bustling streets, honking vehicles—but my gaze was vacant. Her face was all I could see. The soft curve of her smile, the way her eyes brightened for everyone except me, the quiet strength she carried even when it was clear she was hurting.
I had spent two weeks seeing her every day, sharing the same spaces, exchanging glances that spoke volumes even when words failed. And now, I realized how accustomed I had grown to her presence. She was like a steady warmth I didn't know I craved until it was gone.
For someone who prided himself on his self-control, I felt pathetically unmoored.
When I finally reached my apartment, the house felt too large, too empty. I walked into the living room, pausing as the quiet greeted me like an unwelcome guest. I tossed my bag onto the couch and stood there for a moment, staring at nothing.
My heart felt heavy.
It was ironic. I had spent the better part of engagement trying to convince myself that this arrangement wasn't what I wanted. That I wasn't ready. That I couldn't open myself up again. And yet, here I was, missing her after mere hours apart.
The memory of her sitting with Di on the plane played in my mind like a reel on repeat. Her soft laughter, the faint smile that tinged her cheeks. when our eyes met—it was as if every little detail about her had been burned into my memory.
For the first time in a long time, I felt the weight of what I might lose.
I sank into the couch, my head falling back against the cushions. A part of me scoffed at the irony. This wasn't supposed to happen. I wasn't supposed to feel this way.
I had told myself that staying distant was the safest option. For her, for me. But now, as I stared at the ceiling, I couldn't help but wonder if I had been wrong.
Maybe he'd misjudged her.
No, I had misjudged her.
Akshara wasn't just some dutiful fiancée trying to make the best of a situation she didn't choose. She was kind, resilient, and impossibly patient. Despite my coldness, my walls, and my awkward attempts to keep her at arm's length, she had stayed. Not out of obligation but because she saw something in me, which I couldn't understand myself.
And I had been too much of a coward to meet her halfway.
The hours stretched into the night. I moved aimlessly around the house, my steps echoing in the stillness. Dinner sat untouched on the table, and my phone buzzed with messages I didn't bother to read.
The ache in my chest grew heavier with each passing moment.
I tried distracting myself by watching highlights from recent matches, but even that didn't help. Every time the screen flashed to the crowd, I thought of her cheering from the stands, even though she doesn't know anything about the cricket.
It was ridiculous, really. We hadn't even talked much during the trip, and yet her presence had become as vital to me as the air I breathed.
As midnight approached, I found myself pacing by the large window in bedroom, the city lights twinkling in the distance. I clenched my jaw, my thoughts a tangled mess.
For so long, I had been afraid—afraid to let her in, afraid to risk the pain of losing someone again. But now, I realized I was just as afraid of losing her without ever trying.
The memory of her soft laughter, her distant glances, and the quiet determination she carried in everything she did played in my mind like a melody I couldn't forget.
Maybe it was time to stop running.
I didn't know what future held, but for the first time, I felt the faint stirrings of hope. Maybe we could figure this out together. Maybe she was the person who could help me heal, just as I could give her the love she deserved.
I walked over to desk and grabbed my phone. My fingers hovered over her contact for a moment before I set the phone down. No, this wasn't something I could fix with a text or a late-night call.
I needed to show her.
The thought gave me purpose. I didn't know how or when, but I would find a way to make things right. To prove to Akshara that she wasn't just someone I was forced to marry.
She was someone I wanted to stay with.
And this time, I wouldn't let my fears hold me back.
🍂
I parked my car at parking lot, it's late afternoon according to what i know, maybe cafe will be empty by now. I didn't moved out, I didn't know what to do. should I just walk in.
i hesitated, my hands gripping the steering wheel tighter than necessary. Next to me Ishan was fiddling with his phone, oblivious to the storm brewing inside me.
"Shubi jaane ka irada hai ya yahin bait ne ka" Ishan quipped, raising an eyebrow.
I let out a short breath, a faint smirk tugged at his corner of lips. "haan jaa rhe hai bhai, toda thand rak" i prepared myself.
Ishan snorted, "das minutes se yahi baite aur kitna thand raku, kya hua? don't tell me you are nervous."
I kept mum, how can I explain the knots in my stomach, the way my heart picked up speed at thought of stepping in and seeing Akshara?
"pata nhi yaar ajib si feeling hai" I blurted looking at the cafe. "pehli baar todi aa rhe hai" Ishan asked, "still, tum nhi samjhoge."
"samjh raha hun bhai, sab smajh raha hun" Ishan smirked at me, i just rolled my eyes.
I gluped, my gaze flickering towards the cafe entrance.
As soon as we both entered in the cafe, the smell of baked goods and freshly brewed coffee hit my nostril, spreading unknow warmth and comfort in my senses.
the cafe was quite, after the buzz of customer in lunch time. I my eyes searched for the woman, for whom I am here. There she was sitting with her friend, her hair strands loosely adoring her face. she was wearing a cotton kurta with jeans, specs on.
As our eyes met, I practically got lost in her brown orbs, her eyes are so captivating like deep ocean.
She looked so..at ease, so in her element that made my chest tighten.
"Hey Akshara!" Ishan greeted, it seemed like in daze as she quickly composed herself and smiled, "hello Ishan, what a surprise!" She said flickering her eyes between me and Ishan.
I saw her smile didn't waver, I catch the subtle shift in her expression, surprise, wariness.
"Shubman" she said, her voice polite but cautious. "What's bring you here?"
I felt suddenly awkward, standing in the middle of her space like an intruder. “I...uh, Ishan wanted to grab a coffee, and he said this place is great.”
Ishan shot me a knowing glance but said nothing, instead launching into a conversation with Nikhil about the menu.
Akshara nodded, her demeanor professional. “Well, you’re in for a treat. What can I get you both?”
I hesitated, my eyes searching her's for a moment before I spoke. “Whatever you recommend.”
Akshara arched an eyebrow but didn’t comment, instead jotting down our order and moving to the kitchen.
We sat down at the same circular table and I busied myself by observing the cafe. It was cozy and silent, filled with calmness and the clinking of cutlery.
“Interior toh badiya hai na,” Ishan remarked, leaning back in his chair. “You can see how much she cares about this place.”
I nodded absently, my gaze drifting to Akshara as she moved efficiently behind the counter, She had a warmth about her, a quiet strength that seemed to draw people in.
“kuch karega bhi ya sirf ghur tha rhe ga” Ishan’s voice cut through my thoughts, low enough that only I could hear.
I frowned, “I’m not staring.”
Ishan snorted. “haan ji jaise ki mein hii anda hun jo tumhe tadapte hue dekh rahan ho, you are making it too obvious.”
Before I could retort, Aditi and Akshara approached table, holding trays of freshly baked desserts. Aditi’s smile was as warm as the aroma wafting from the pastries.
“Thought you boys might want to try these,” Aditi said, setting the tray down. “They’re today’s special—chocolate lava cakes. Akshara made them herself.”
Ishan’s eyes lit up as he reached for a plate. “You’re spoiling us, Aditi. Akshara, this is why your cafe is the best.”
Akshara smiled politely but didn’t say much, her gaze briefly meeting mine before skittering away. She took a seat beside Aditi, while I shifted awkwardly, unsure how to break the ice.
“So,” Aditi began, glancing between Akshara and me with a knowing look, “how’s everything going with you two?”
I stiffened slightly, and Akshara gave Aditi a warning glance. “Aditi,” she said softly, “this isn’t the time for—”
“Oh, come on,” Aditi interrupted, grinning. “I’m just asking as a friend. I think it’s sweet that Shubman finally decided to visit the cafe again.”
“It’s nice,” I said quickly, my voice steady but my gaze fixed on Akshara. “I should’ve come sooner.”
Akshara blinked, caught off guard. “You’re...always welcome here,” she replied, her tone cautious but sincere.
Aditi leaned back, clearly enjoying the interaction. “See? Progress. Maybe next time, Shubman, you can help us bake.”
I let out a soft chuckle, surprising myself. “I’m not sure you’d want me anywhere near your kitchen. I’d probably burn something.”
“haan,” Ishan chimed in, smirking. “aag lag dega, tum logon ki kitchen mein, jitna dur rhe utna accha hai.”
Akshara’s lips twitched in a small smile, and I caught the fleeting amusement in her eyes. It was the first real moment of levity between us in what felt like forever.
Aditi nudged Akshara gently. “You should let him try. If he ruins something, Nikhil can save the day.”
Nikhil, who was clearing a nearby table, raised a hand in mock agreement. “Always here to rescue the desserts.”
The group laughed, the tension at the table easing slightly. I took a deep breath, seizing the opportunity to address Akshara directly.
“You’ve built something amazing here,” I said, my tone genuine. “It’s clear how much this place means to you, and to everyone who comes here.”
Akshara’s eyes softened, though a flicker of uncertainty remained. “Thank you,” she said quietly. “It’s been a lot of hard work, but I love it. It’s...my safe space.”
I nodded, my chest tightening. I wanted to be part of that safe space, to be someone she could rely on, but I knew I had a long way to go.
“Maybe I could help sometime,” I offered, my voice hesitant. “Not with the baking—mujhe kuch bhi nuksan nahi karni, but...anything else.”
Akshara looked at me, her expression unreadable. For a moment, I thought she might dismiss the idea, but then she nodded slightly. “We’ll see,” she said, her tone soft but not unkind.
Aditi grinned, clearly pleased. “That’s a start. Who knows? Maybe we’ll have Shubman serving tables one day.”
“I’d pay to see that,” Ishan said, laughing.
"Haan aur agle hi din news headlines honge 'the famous cricketer Shubman Gill is working as a waiter in one of cafe in Mumbai'" Nitya said walking out from kitchen and placed some packed boxes on table.
"Thanks Nitya, Ishan, Shubman these are for you. Kuch cookies and brownies hai" Akshara said with polite smile.
"You didn't have to—" "arre kyun nhi, bhabhi ho aap humare, mana todi kar sakte hai" Ishan cut me in middle keeping the boxes. Everyone broke in smile at his antics.
The conversation shifted after that, the lighthearted banter between Aditi and Ishan filling the gaps. I stayed quiet, content to listen, but my focus remained on Akshara.
When she excused herself to check on something behind the counter, I leaned toward Aditi. “Thank you,” I said quietly, my voice low enough that only she could hear.
Aditi raised an eyebrow. “For what?”
“For...being here for her,” I said, glancing toward Akshara. “She deserves people who care about her.”
Aditi’s expression softened. “She does. And for what it’s worth, I think she still hopes you’ll be one of those people.”
I didn’t respond immediately, her words sinking in. I didn’t deserve that hope, not after the way I had kept her at arm’s length. But now, watching her laugh with Nikhil from across the room, I felt a flicker of determination.
I wanted to try. For her. For us.
And this time, I wouldn’t let my fears hold me back.