It’s an evening during a relaxed family trip. The garden lights are on, the air is easy, and everyone, family and close friends are gathered in the attached garden playing area for a casual game of cricket. The vibe is playful, competitive, and full of natural banter.

Shubman and you’ve been together for a long time, since you were two dumb college kids who felt scared to talk to each other. Crush turned into love and eventually love turned into a lifetime commitment.

You understand the game, obviously, but not skilled at playing, which becomes the center of the teasing throughout the match. His parents, his sister and a few close friends are all part of the game, making it lively, chaotic, and fun.

His mom started off as a spectator, demanding to be left alone because she wanted to laugh and clap and not get hit by the flying ball. His dad stood by the entrance of the garden as a self proclaimed umpire.

Shubman tosses the bat toward you without warning.

“You’re batting.” he says.