Arjun Kapoor had faced hostile crowds.

He had handled sledging, injuries, and losing finals.

But nothing—

absolutely nothing—

prepared him for the Indian cricket team discovering his personal life.

It started in the dressing room.

“Oi Captain,” Rohit smirked, tying his shoelaces,

“since when do accountants attend net practice?”

Laughter erupted.

Arjun didn’t look up.

“She audits my footwork.”

Virat raised an eyebrow.

“Ah. Explains why you’re suddenly very… balanced.”

More laughter.

Arjun glared.

“Focus on your warm-up.”

KL leaned closer.

“So the rumors are true?”

Arjun grabbed his bat.

“No.”

Pant grinned wickedly.

“Then why are you smiling like you’ve just hit a last-ball six in life?”

Silence.

Arjun realized—

He was smiling.

Damn it.

Across the ground, Ruhe stood near the boundary.

Clipboard in hand.

Expression professional.

Heart anything but.

She felt eyes on her.

Too many.

And one pair she couldn’t escape.

Arjun’s.

He missed an easy shot.

The ball rolled past his bat.

The dressing room gasped.

“Captain,” Ashwin muttered,

“this is not the time to fall in love.”

Arjun shot him a look.

“Don’t psychoanalyze me.”

Ashwin smiled.

“I didn’t. I diagnosed.”

Later, at lunch—

Arjun sat across from Ruhe.

Public space.

Private tension.

“You’re distracted,” she said, sipping water.

“You’re present,” he replied.

She rolled her eyes.

“Wow. Poetry. Should I invoice you?”

He leaned in.

“You already do. Emotionally.”

She almost choked.

“Careful,” she warned.

“I might audit your heart next.”

“I’ll fail,” he said calmly.

“Too many liabilities.”

Her lips twitched.

Damn him.

Drama arrived uninvited.

A senior board member approached.

Cold smile.

“Captain, your association with auditors is… inconvenient.”

Ruhe stiffened.

Arjun stood instantly.

“She’s doing her job.”

The man’s eyes sharpened.

“And are you doing yours?”

Silence.

Heavy.

Arjun’s voice was steady.

“Better than most people with power.”

Ruhe looked at him.

Surprised.

Moved.

Terrified.

That evening—hotel corridor.

Ruhe confronted him.

“You shouldn’t fight my battles,” she said.

Arjun shrugged.

“Too late. I’m invested.”

“This will hurt you.”

He stepped closer.

“So will walking away.”

Her breath trembled.

“You don’t even know me fully.”

He smiled softly.

“I know you scare powerful people.

That’s enough.”

Her defenses cracked.

Just a little.

Meanwhile—team dinner.

Pant leaned across the table.

“So Captain,” he said loudly,

“are we practicing cover drives or romantic eye contact tomorrow?”

Whole table burst out laughing.

Arjun groaned.

“You people are impossible.”

Virat smirked.

“But admit it.

You’re playing your boldest innings yet.”

Arjun didn’t deny it.

Because for once—

They were right.

Later that night—balcony again.

Always the balcony.

Ruhe rested her arms on the railing.

“Why are you doing this?” she asked quietly.

Arjun didn’t hesitate.

“Because I’m tired of winning matches

and losing myself.”

She turned.

Eyes shining.

And this time—

She touched his hand first.

Just briefly.

Just enough.

“I’m not easy,” she warned.

He smiled.

“Good. I’ve had enough easy victories.”

...................................................................... A/n : Guys next chapter is my absolute favourite What comes next isn’t loud—but it’s powerful.

A moment, a silence, a feeling that changes everything.

I loved writing this chapter more than I expected.

I hope you feel it too.

See you in the next one.