As Shubman stepped out of the guest room, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted him, mingling with the warmth of the morning sunlight streaming through the windows. He glanced around the living room, taking in the scene before him.
Shreyas and Ishan sat at the dining table, their voices mingling with the soft hum of conversation as they sipped their morning brew.
Sai was busy in the kitchen, his cheerful laughter drifting through the air as he chatted with his mom and his girlfriend, Divya. Meanwhile, Sai's dad sat in his favourite armchair, engrossed in the morning newspaper.
Across the room, Viva and Shruthi sat on the couch, their heads bent over their phones as they scrolled through social media feeds, occasionally sharing snippets of conversation with each other.
But it was Preethi who caught Shubman's eye, her silhouette framed against the backdrop of the backyard. With a soft smile, he made his way towards her, his heart fluttering with anticipation.
"Good morning, love," he greeted her, his voice filled with affection as he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.
Preethi jumped in surprise, her eyes widening as she realized the implications of their embrace. "Shubman, what are you doing?" she whispered urgently, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Shubman chuckled softly, pressing a gentle kiss to the nape of her neck. "Relax, babygirl," he murmured, his breath warm against her skin. "Your parents won't mind."
Preethi shot him a sceptical look, but the tension in her shoulders began to ease as she leaned back into his embrace, allowing herself to bask in the warmth of his affection.
Meanwhile, Shubman couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the moment—the way Preethi fit perfectly in his arms, the way her laughter danced like music in the air. He knew that he was falling deeper and deeper in love with her with each passing day, and he couldn't wait to see where their journey would take them.
As they stood together in the quiet embrace, Shubman felt a sense of peace settling over him—a sense of belonging that he had never known before. And as he pressed a soft kiss to Preethi's temple, he silently vowed to cherish every moment they shared, for as long as they both shall live.
As Shubman and Preethi stood together, lost in their quiet embrace, they were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Preethi tensed slightly, pulling away from Shubman's arms, her cheeks flushing with color as she realized they weren't alone.
Shubman pouted playfully, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes as he teased, "Aw, already pulling away from me, love? I was just getting started."
Preethi swatted his arm lightly, her eyes sparkling with amusement despite her embarrassment. "Shubman, behave yourself," she whispered, glancing nervously towards the source of the footsteps.
They turned to see Preethi's mother, Mrs. Sudharshan, entering the room with a warm smile. "Good morning, you two," she greeted them, her eyes twinkling with affection as she observed the couple's slightly disheveled appearance.
Shubman straightened up, offering a charming smile as he greeted her. "Good morning, aunty," he said politely, his heart racing with nerves at the thought of facing Preethi's mother.
Mrs. Sudharshan chuckled softly, a knowing glint in her eyes as she observed the interaction between Shubman and Preethi. "I hope we're not interrupting anything important," she teased, her gaze flickering between the two of them.
Preethi blushed furiously, her embarrassment growing as she struggled to find the right words. "No, mom, we were just... talking," she stammered, her cheeks burning with color.
Mrs. Sudharshan raised an eyebrow, her smile widening as she exchanged a knowing glance with Shubman. "Of course, dear," she said teasingly, before turning her attention to Shubman. "We're actually planning to visit the temple this morning. Would you like to join us?"
Shubman nodded eagerly, his heart soaring at the opportunity to spend more time with Preethi and her family. "I would love to, aunty," he replied sincerely, his eyes shining with gratitude.
Mrs. Sudharshan smiled warmly, her affection for Shubman evident in her eyes. "Great! We'll leave in about an hour, so you two have plenty of time to get ready," she said, before turning to leave the room.
As she walked away, Shubman couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him. Despite his initial nerves, he was grateful for Mrs. Sudharshan's warm acceptance and the chance to spend more time with Preethi and her family.
Turning to Preethi, he offered her a reassuring smile. "Looks like we're going to the temple," he said, his tone filled with excitement. "I can't wait to experience it with you."
As Shubman and Preethi exchanged smiles, their attention was diverted by the sight of Viva pulling Ishan, towards her room with a mischievous grin on her face. Ishan looked slightly bewildered but willing to follow along, his expression a mix of amusement and curiosity.
Viva, couldn't contain her excitement as she dragged Ishan along. "Come on, Ishan! We have to get you ready for the temple," she exclaimed, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
Ishan chuckled, allowing himself to be led by Viva as he replied, "I didn't know getting ready for the temple required a whole production."
Viva shot him a playful look over her shoulder, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, it does," she teased, her laughter echoing down the hallway.
Meanwhile, in Viva's room, she pulled out a crisp dark green shirt and a traditional veshti, laying them out on the bed with a flourish. "Alright, mister, time to transform you into a South Indian heartthrob," she declared, her grin widening as she eyed Ishan's bemused expression.
Ishan raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips as he joked, "I didn't realize I signed up for a makeover session."
Viva rolled her eyes playfully, swatting his arm as she replied, "Oh, stop being dramatic and just go with it. You'll thank me later when Preethi's mom is showering you with compliments."
Ishan chuckled, unable to resist Viva's infectious energy as he followed her instructions, slipping into the shirt and veshti with ease. "Alright, how do I look?" he asked, striking a pose and flashing a grin at Viva.
Viva stepped back, appraising him with a critical eye before breaking into a wide smile. "Not bad, not bad at all," she exclaimed, clapping her hands in approval. "Preethi's mom won't know what hit her."
Ishan laughed, feeling grateful for Viva's friendship and her ability to lighten any situation with her playful banter. "Thanks for the help, Viva," he said sincerely, giving her a grateful hug.
Viva grinned, returning the hug with equal enthusiasm. "Anytime, Ishan. Now let's go join the rest of the gang before they leave without us," she declared, grabbing his hand and leading him out of the room.
As Viva and Ishan reached the doorway, ready to head back to the living room, Ishan's hand tightened around hers, stopping her in her tracks. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he gently tugged her back towards him.
"Wait a second, Viva," Ishan said softly, his voice filled with warmth as he looked into her eyes.
Viva turned to face him, a questioning look on her face. "What is it, Ishan?" she asked, her heart fluttering slightly at the intensity of his gaze.
Without saying another word, Ishan leaned in, closing the distance between them as he pressed his lips against hers in a sweet, lingering kiss. Viva's eyes widened in surprise for a moment before she melted into the embrace, her hands finding their way to Ishan's shoulders as she kissed him back with equal fervour.
The world seemed to fade away around them as they lost themselves in the moment, the soft brush of their lips igniting a spark of passion between them. For a brief moment, time stood still as they shared their love for each other, their hearts beating in perfect harmony.
When they finally pulled away, a soft smile played on Ishan's lips as he looked at Viva, his eyes filled with adoration. "I just wanted to steal one last kiss before we join the others," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
Viva's cheeks flushed pink as she returned his smile, feeling a rush of warmth spread through her veins. "I'm glad you did," she whispered, leaning in to press another quick kiss against his lips before reluctantly pulling away.
Meanwhile, in Shreyas's room, he stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the folds of his veshti with practised precision. His reflection stared back at him, the traditional attire accentuating his tall, athletic frame. With a satisfied nod, he smoothed down the fabric, ensuring it hung perfectly before tucking the loose end neatly into his waist.
As he finished getting ready, Shreyas couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building within him. Today wasn't just an ordinary day—it was a chance to spend time with his loved ones, to connect with his culture and heritage in a meaningful way.
Just then, there was a soft knock on the door, and Shruthi, his girlfriend, peeked her head inside with a warm smile. "Hey there, handsome," she greeted him, her eyes sparkling with affection as she took in his traditional attire.
Shreyas grinned, feeling a rush of warmth at the sight of her. "Hey, gorgeous," he replied, stepping forward to wrap her in a gentle embrace. "You look absolutely stunning in that saree."
Shruthi blushed at the compliment, her cheeks tinged with pink as she leaned into his embrace. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice filled with gratitude. "You clean up pretty nicely yourself, you know."
Shreyas chuckled, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead before pulling away to admire her. "Ready to head to the temple?" he asked, his eyes bright with anticipation.
Shruthi nodded eagerly, her excitement matching his own. "Absolutely," she replied, linking her arm through his as they made their way out of the room.
In Preethi's room, the air was filled with a sense of intimacy as she stood close to Shubman, helping him with the veshti. Shubman stood shirtless, his athletic physique drawing Preethi's gaze almost involuntarily.
His toned torso was a testament to his dedication to fitness, and Preethi couldn't help but admire the way the fabric of the veshti draped over his waist.
With deft fingers, Preethi skillfully tied the veshti around Shubman's waist, her touch gentle yet confident. As she took a step back to admire her handiwork, her eyes inadvertently fell on the tattoo adorning Shubman's chest, causing a faint blush to rise to her cheeks.
Noticing her gaze, Shubman flashed her a playful grin, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Like what you see, Preethi?" he teased, his voice low and husky.
Preethi's cheeks flushed even deeper as she quickly averted her gaze, feeling a rush of embarrassment at being caught staring. "I-I was just...admiring your tattoo," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Shubman chuckled softly, stepping closer to her until their bodies were almost touching. "Ah, my tattoo," he murmured, reaching out to gently guide her hand onto his chest, just above the intricate design. "It's an angel ring, dedicated to my mom."
Preethi's eyes widened in surprise as she traced the outline of the tattoo with her fingertips, feeling the warmth of Shubman's skin beneath her touch. "It's beautiful," she breathed, her voice filled with genuine admiration.
Shubman smiled, his gaze softening as he looked down at her. "Thank you," he replied, his voice tinged with emotion. "My mom means everything to me, and this tattoo is a constant reminder of her love and support."
Preethi felt her heart swell with affection at Shubman's words, the sincerity in his voice melting away any lingering doubts. "That's so sweet," she murmured, a warm smile gracing her lips.
Their eyes locked in a silent exchange, the air between them crackling with tension as Shubman leaned in closer, his breath ghosting over her skin.
"You know, Preethi," he whispered, his voice filled with a hint of mischief. "You're making it very hard for me to concentrate with your close proximity and those irresistible blushes."
Preethi's cheeks flushed pink at his flirtatious remark, but she couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement in her chest. "I-I'm sorry," she stammered, her voice barely audible.
Shubman grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he leaned in even closer, his lips brushing against her ear. "Don't apologize, sweetheart," he murmured, his breath sending shivers down her spine. "I quite enjoy the distraction."
Preethi's heart pounded in her chest as she felt Shubman's warm breath against her skin, her senses overwhelmed by the intoxicating proximity.
As Shubman admired his tattoo and engaged in playful banter with Preethi, he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement coursing through him. With each passing moment, his attraction to her grew stronger, and he found himself eagerly anticipating their time together.
As Preethi stepped back, giving him space to button up his shirt, Shubman couldn't tear his gaze away from her. The way the morning sunlight danced on her skin, highlighting the delicate features of her face, left him breathless. He quickly finished buttoning up his purple shirt, his fingers trembling slightly with anticipation.
A while later, as he began to fold the sleeves of his shirt until they reached his elbows, Shubman caught sight of Preethi stepping out of the adjoining room. His breath hitched in his throat as he took in her breathtaking appearance.
Preethi was a vision of grace and elegance, dressed in a white floral saree that hugged her curves in all the right places. The sleeveless green blouse accentuated her slender arms, while the jhumkas dangling from her ears added a touch of traditional charm. A small bindi adorned her forehead, adding a final flourish to her radiant beauty.
Shubman couldn't tear his gaze away from her, feeling a rush of warmth spread through him at the sight of her. "Wow, Preethi," he breathed, his voice filled with admiration. "You look absolutely stunning."
Preethi's cheeks flushed pink at the compliment, her eyes sparkling with gratitude.
"Thank you, Shubman," she replied, her voice soft and melodic. "You're not looking too bad yourself."
Shubman grinned, feeling a surge of pride at Preethi's praise. "Well, I have to make sure I look presentable if I'm going to be seen with the most beautiful girl at the temple," he teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
Preethi laughed, a musical sound that filled the room with warmth. "Smooth, Shubman," she teased, playfully nudging him with her elbow. "But flattery will get you nowhere."
Shubman chuckled, enjoying their playful banter as he reached out to gently take her hand in his. "I don't need flattery to appreciate your beauty, Preethi," he said sincerely, his eyes locking with hers. "It's simply impossible to ignore."
Preethi's heart skipped a beat at his words, feeling a flutter of excitement in the pit of her stomach.
As they prepared to leave for the temple, Shubman's heart raced with anticipation, his mind filled with thoughts of Preethi and the undeniable chemistry between them. Before they could join the others, he gently tugged her towards the vanity table in her room, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Wait a second, Preethi," Shubman said softly, his voice filled with warmth as he gestured towards the lipgloss on the table.
Preethi's eyebrows rose in surprise at his sudden gesture, but she couldn't hide the excitement dancing in her eyes. "What are you up to, Shubman?" she asked, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Shubman grinned, his fingers delicately picking up the lipgloss as he replied, "Just a little touch-up before we go."
He held her face gently in his hands, his touch sending shivers down Preethi's spine as she felt the warmth of his skin against hers. With practiced precision, he applied the lipgloss to her lips, his movements slow and deliberate as he traced the contours of her mouth.
Preethi's breath caught in her throat as she watched him, feeling a rush of excitement coursing through her veins. The intimacy of the moment sent her heart fluttering, her senses overwhelmed by the closeness between them.
As Shubman finished applying the lipgloss, he leaned in closer, his eyes locking with hers as he whispered, "There, perfect."
Before Preethi could react, he closed the distance between them, his lips meeting hers in a soft, lingering kiss. Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in the sweetness of the moment, their hearts beating in perfect harmony.
When they finally pulled away, a smile lingered on Shubman's lips as he looked at Preethi, his eyes filled with warmth. "I couldn't resist," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
Preethi's cheeks flushed pink at the unexpected gesture, but she couldn't hide the joy sparkling in her eyes. "I'm glad you didn't," she replied, her voice filled with genuine affection.
As they reluctantly pulled away from their tender kiss, Preethi couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions swirling within her. Her heart felt light, yet heavy with the weight of newfound feelings blossoming between her and Shubman.
With a soft smile, Preethi reached up to gently wipe away the lingering lipgloss from Shubman's lips with her thumb. His gaze never left hers, filled with a warmth that made her heart skip a beat.
"There, all cleaned up," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper as she admired the way his lips curved into a tender smile.
Shubman's hand reached up to gently capture hers, his touch sending a thrill down Preethi's spine. "Thank you," he replied, his voice filled with a mixture of gratitude and affection. "But I have to say, I quite enjoyed the taste of your lipgloss."
Preethi's cheeks flushed pink at his playful remark, her laughter ringing out like music in the air. "Smooth talker," she teased, unable to hide the fluttering feeling in her stomach.
Shubman grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he leaned in closer, his breath ghosting over her skin. "Just stating the truth," he murmured, his voice laced with a hint of flirtation.
Their gazes locked in a silent exchange, the air between them crackling with tension as they basked in the warmth of their shared moment. Preethi felt as if she were floating on cloud nine, the world around them fading into insignificance as she lost herself in the depths of Shubman's gaze.
But reality soon intruded, reminding them of the impending trip to the temple with their family and friends. With a reluctant sigh, Preethi gently pulled away from Shubman's embrace, a soft smile playing on her lips.
"We should probably go join the others," she said, her voice tinged with regret as she glanced towards the door.
Shubman nodded, a flicker of disappointment flashing in his eyes before he masked it with a charming smile. "You're right," he replied, his tone tinged with reluctance. "But don't worry, this won't be our last moment together."
Preethi's heart skipped a beat at his words, feeling a surge of hope swell within her. With a nod, she intertwined her fingers with his, silently vowing to cherish every moment they shared together.
And as they made their way out of the room, hand in hand, Preethi couldn't shake the feeling that their journey together was just beginning—a journey filled with love, laughter, and countless stolen moments that would stay with them forever.
soups rants!!
the ninth chapter is hereee
THESE 3 DUOS ARE SO CUTE, AND YES SO ARE SAI AND DIVYA
IM SO HAPPY
Also can you guys suggest ship names for them all? pretty please
so do comment on how this chapter was
but anyway
hope y'all enjoyed it!
- yours truly, supraja