The next day, I woke up with a smile that wouldn’t fade. The evening with Ishaan replayed in my mind, every little moment vivid like it had just happened—his laugh, the way his eyes sparkled when he talked about something he was passionate about, the way he made me feel like I wasn’t just another person in the crowd, but someone worth listening to. It was all so effortless, so easy.

I tried not to overthink it, tried to convince myself that it was just a great night, that I shouldn’t read too much into it. But as I made my morning coffee, I couldn’t help but wonder—was he thinking about me too? Was he feeling the same way?

I had to admit, there was something different about him. Something that made me want to know more, something that made me feel like maybe this was the beginning of something special. But I didn’t want to rush it. We were still getting to know each other.

My phone buzzed on the kitchen counter, pulling me from my thoughts. I reached over, my heart skipping a beat when I saw it was a message from Ishaan.

“Hey, good morning! Just wanted to say I had an amazing time last night. I’m still smiling about it.”

I couldn’t help but grin as I typed my reply.

“Good morning! I feel the same way. It was such a great night. I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun. :)”

I hesitated before sending it. I didn’t want to come on too strong. But I couldn’t lie. I did feel that way.

My phone buzzed again almost immediately.

“I’m really glad you did. Maybe we can do it again sometime? I’m already thinking about our next adventure.”

My heart skipped. I quickly typed back, “I’d like that. Let’s make it happen.”

After I sent the message, I sat there for a moment, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. It was funny how a simple message could make you feel like the world was just a little bit brighter.

I quickly got ready and left for office. After a long hectic day. I texted Ishaan to check weather he's coming to academy or not he said he had an important meeting today so he was not able to make it. I quickly packed my kitbag and left for academy. As I entered Aadarsh smiled at me. I smiled back. I done my warm up and and joined the training session. We did Shadows, toss practice, backhand and smash practice."it really was a good training session." Said Aadarsh. It's always fun training with you." I replied with a smile. "You're heading to your apartment right?" "Yeah." "I'm also going to my brother's house today which is near to your apartment. Would mind if we both go together?" "Sure. Let's go"

During our way to my apartment we talked about various trick shots, gym session and our off-court life. When we reached my apartment He asked "Umm... Adriti I want to tell you something." I knew what it was. Still I asked him to tell. "Go on." "I think I have feelings for you. Would you like to go on a date with me?" I knew it. I saw this coming from miles away. Instead of telling him any stupid reason I choosed to tell him the truth. "Aadarsh, you're really a nice guy. But I'm sorry. Actually I'm dating someone. I Guess it's good if we remain friends and nothing more than that." "Ohh it's okay. Bye take care." He said with a smile. I know he was sad after i rejected he just hide that by a smile. "I'm sorry. Bye." I said this and left.

I checked my phone and messages from Ishaan. He said he wanted me to meet someone so he invited me to his house for dinner. I said I'll be there at his place by 7pm tomorrow. I'll be there after my training session.