Shubman wiped the sweat off his brow as he packed up his gear, his practice session stretching longer than expected. He was ready to head home, perhaps to enjoy a quiet evening. Well, as quiet as it could be when his wife, Aditi, was involved. Their relationship, forced as it was, had begun to shift slightly from outright hostility to something... almost tolerable. Maybe even warm at times. Not that he'd admit it.

Just as he slung his duffle bag over his shoulder, Ishan strolled up, his usual mischievous grin plastered across his face.

"Let's go," Ishan said casually, as if announcing a trip to the grocery store.

Shubman paused mid-step, narrowing his eyes. "Go where?"

"To your house. I need to meet Aditi," Ishan said, looking entirely too pleased with himself.

Shubman blinked, his lips curving into a scowl. "What? No. Absolutely not."

"Why not?" Ishan asked, feigning innocence. "I haven't seen her since your wedding. And from what I hear, the two of you are practically Romeo and Juliet now."

Shubman shot him a glare. "More like Tom and Jerry."

Ishan chuckled. "Even better. I love a bit of drama. Come on, Shubman, don't be such a grouch."

"No way," Shubman replied, zipping his bag aggressively as if to punctuate his point. "You're not coming home with me to... to meddle or whatever it is you're planning."

"Relax, I'm not meddling. I just want to see Aditi. She's an old friend!"

"You mean the kind of old friend who makes my life harder?"

Ishan smirked. "Exactly. Look, it's either I come with you, or I call her right now and tell her you're keeping us apart."

Shubman groaned, knowing full well Ishan would follow through on his threat. "Why are you like this?"

"Because you love me," Ishan replied breezily.

"Fine," Shubman snapped. "But don't do anything stupid."

"Me? Stupid? Never."

Shubman rolled his eyes and led the way to his car, muttering under his breath about "annoying best friends" as Ishan gleefully hopped into the passenger seat.

The drive was mostly Ishan peppering Shubman with questions.

"So, does she still hate you, or are we at the playful banter stage?"

"None of your business."

"Come on, Shubman, I need to know if I should start planning my speech for your first anniversary."

Shubman gripped the steering wheel tighter. "If you don't shut up, I'm kicking you out of the car."

"Admit it, you like her."

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes."

"Ishan, I swear to—"

"Shubman and Aditi, sitting under a tree," Ishan sang, obnoxiously loud, and Shubman regretted not tossing him out of the car at the practice ground.

When they reached Shubman's house, he parked the car with a heavy sigh. "Behave," he warned.

Ishan gave him an innocent look. "I'm always on my best behavior."

Shubman shot him one last glare before ringing the doorbell.

The door swung open, revealing Aditi with her hair tied back in a messy bun, a green face mask smeared across her face like war paint.

She blinked, surprised, then gasped. "Ishan!"

"Aditi!"

Before Shubman could process what was happening, Aditi and Ishan launched into a joyful hug like they were long-lost siblings reunited after years apart.

"Oh my god, it's been ages!" Aditi exclaimed, her voice muffled by Ishan's shoulder.

"I know! You look... uh, glowing?" Ishan said, trying not to laugh at the face mask.

Shubman cleared his throat loudly, but neither of them paid him any attention.

"I can't believe it!" Aditi said, pulling back to look at Ishan, her face splitting into a wide grin. "What are you doing here?"

"I just had to see you," Ishan replied, throwing a pointed glance at Shubman.

Shubman folded his arms, his scowl deepening. "Yeah, because apparently, he can't mind his own business."

Aditi ignored him, ushering Ishan inside with the enthusiasm of someone welcoming their favorite guest. "Come in, come in! I just made some coffee. Oh, wait, let me wash this off my face."

She dashed off to the bathroom, leaving Shubman standing awkwardly in the living room with Ishan, who was now grinning like a Cheshire cat.

"She likes me more than you," Ishan whispered smugly.

"Shut up."

Moments later, Aditi returned, her face clean and radiant. "Okay, tell me everything!" she said, plopping onto the couch next to Ishan.

Shubman stood awkwardly in the corner, feeling very much like the third wheel in his own house.

"Don't let him fool you," he finally said, pointing at Ishan. "He's here to annoy me, not you."

"Wrong," Ishan said smoothly. "I'm here to brighten your day, Aditi."

Aditi laughed, and Shubman's scowl deepened.

"Oh, lighten up, Shubman," Aditi said, glancing at him with a teasing smile. "It's nice to have someone normal around for a change."

Shubman opened his mouth to retort but closed it again when he realized he had no good comeback.

Ishan leaned back on the couch, clearly enjoying himself. "You know, I think I might just move in. This place has such a welcoming vibe."

Shubman groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I regret everything."

"Aw, don't be jealous, Shubman," Aditi said, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "There's room for all of us."

Ishan snickered. "Yeah, Shubman, don't be a spoilsport."

Shubman glared at them both, but deep down, he couldn't help but feel a faint flicker of something almost pleasant watching Aditi laugh so freely. Not that he'd ever admit it.