You Belong With Me

Rahul's hand trembled slightly as he reached for the chain around his neck. His fingers, nimble yet hesitant, found the small silver ring that had nestled close to his heart for what felt like an eternity. Slowly, he pulled it out, the silver catching the soft light and shimmering like a secret revealed. Holding it up between them, he gazed into Sourav's eyes with an intensity that made the moment feel timeless.

"Remember when Viru and I came to Kolkata to find you, but we couldn't?" Rahul's voice was barely above a whisper, but it was filled with a thousand unspoken emotions. "I bought this ring then, hoping to propose to you directly. But destiny had other plans. I've kept it since that day, waiting for the right moment."

Sourav's breath hitched, his eyes widening as they locked onto the ring. It was simple yet elegant, a perfect symbol of their love—uncomplicated, enduring, and beautiful. Rahul took a deep breath, steadying himself, and then gently took Sourav's hand. With a tenderness that spoke of years of longing and unspoken words, he slid the ring onto Sourav's finger. It fit perfectly, as if it had always been meant for him.

Sourav stared at the ring, his eyes brimming with tears of joy. He looked back up at Rahul, his voice trembling with emotion. "I've always dreamed of this moment," he whispered. "And it's even more beautiful than I imagined."

Rahul's smile was soft, his own eyes misty with unshed tears. "It's real, Sourav. Our love, our future. It's all real."

They stood there, wrapped in the magic of the moment, the world around them fading into a blur. Their arms found their way around each other, pulling one another into a tight embrace. Time seemed to stop, the universe itself holding its breath as if to honor the purity of their love.

Just then, Sachin's voice broke through the sacred silence, playful and light. "Now you may kiss each other," he declared, grinning like a mischievous priest.

Rahul and Sourav pulled back slightly, chuckling at Sachin's impromptu officiating. Sourav glanced at Rahul, who shook his head in a half-hearted warning, his eyes wide with a mixture of amusement and mild panic. But Sourav was always the bolder one. When did he ever follow the rules? And breaking rules at Lord's was something Sourav was a pro at!

With a defiant glint in his eye, Sourav pulled Rahul closer, their faces inches apart. "Shut up and kiss me," he whispered, his breath warm against Rahul's lips.

And then, as if pulled by an irresistible force, they closed the gap between them. Their lips met in a kiss that was both tender and passionate, a culmination of years of longing and unspoken desires. It was a kiss that spoke of promises kept and a future filled with endless possibilities. Their hearts beat in unison, the world around them fading into insignificance. They poured everything into that kiss—every moment of heartache, every dream of the future, every ounce of love they held for each other.

Sachin's laughter rang out above the din, his eyes twinkling with happiness for his friends. "Finally!" he exclaimed, clapping his hands in delight.

When they finally pulled apart, Rahul looked into Sourav's eyes, his voice barely a whisper. "I love you."

Sourav smiled, his eyes shining with tears and happiness. "I love you too, Rahul. Always."

With that, Sourav walked up to the young Indian cricket team, the champions of the World Test Championship for the first time. His eyes gleamed with a mix of pride and guilt. "I apologize for stealing your thunder, Team India," he said, his voice sincere. The team, basking in their monumental victory, responded with cheers and applause. Sourav smiled and congratulated each of them warmly. He excused himself from the celebratory chaos and motioned for Rahul to follow him inside.