A few weeks later, after a whirlwind trip to Paris filled with fashion shows, networking, and the occasional moment of homesickness, Ashwini and Ahvi were finally on their way back to India. The excitement of returning home, combined with the anticipation of seeing Shubman, had Ashwini feeling a mix of emotions as the plane began its descent into Mumbai.

As the wheels touched down, she felt a sense of relief and excitement wash over her. Home. She was finally home.

"Ahvi," Ashwini said, glancing over at her friend as they prepared to disembark, "I can't wait to see Shubman. I've missed him so much."

Ahvi smiled, adjusting her oversized sunglasses and smoothing down her sleek, tailored white jumpsuit. "I know exactly how you feel. I've been counting down the minutes until I see Sai. Paris was incredible, but nothing beats being back with the ones we love."

Ashwini nodded in agreement, her heart racing with anticipation. She adjusted her own outfit—a chic, fitted black dress that stopped just above the knee, paired with a pair of strappy black heels. 

The dress hugged her curves in all the right places, and the deep V-neckline added just the right amount of allure. She had paired it with a statement necklace and her favourite pair of silver hoop earrings, completing the look with a soft wave in her hair.

As they stepped into the bustling arrivals terminal, the familiar sights and sounds of India greeted them. The vibrant energy of the airport was a stark contrast to the serene elegance of Paris, but it was comforting in its own way.

Scanning the crowd, Ashwini's heart skipped a beat when she spotted Shubman standing near the entrance. He was hard to miss—tall, athletic, and impossibly handsome in a casual yet effortlessly stylish outfit. 

He wore a light grey blazer over a fitted white t-shirt, paired with dark blue jeans and polished black boots. His hair was slightly tousled, giving him a ruggedly charming look that Ashwini found irresistible.

Next to him, Sai stood with an easy smile, dressed in a simple black button-down shirt and well-fitted khaki pants. His arm was already extended in a wave as he caught sight of Ahvi.

"There they are," Ashwini murmured, feeling her heart swell with love as she walked toward Shubman, her steps quickening.

The moment Shubman saw her, his face lit up with a smile that made Ashwini's heart flutter. He broke into a stride, closing the distance between them in a few long steps. Without a word, he enveloped her in his arms, lifting her slightly off the ground as he held her close.

"God, I've missed you," Shubman murmured into her ear, his voice thick with emotion. "You have no idea how long these weeks have felt."

Ashwini wrapped her arms around his neck, savouring the feeling of being in his embrace again. "I've missed you too, Shubman. So much. It feels like it's been forever."

He set her down gently, his hands still resting on her waist as he leaned in to kiss her softly on the lips. 

The kiss was tender at first, a simple reunion of two people who had longed for each other. But as the kiss deepened, Ashwini felt the intensity of Shubman's longing pour through, and she responded in kind, pressing herself closer to him.

When they finally broke apart, Shubman brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his thumb tracing her cheek. "You look absolutely stunning, Ashwini. I'm not sure how I survived without seeing you every day."

Ashwini smiled, feeling her cheeks flush under his gaze. "You're not so bad yourself, Mr. Cricketer. I love this look on you."

Shubman grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Only the best for you, my love."

Meanwhile, Sai and Ahvi were having a reunion of their own. Sai had pulled Ahvi into a warm hug, lifting her slightly off the ground as she laughed in delight. "Welcome back, beautiful," he said, his voice filled with affection. "How was Paris?"

"It was amazing," Ahvi replied, smiling up at him. "But I'm glad to be back. I missed you like crazy."

Sai kissed her forehead, holding her close. "Missed you too, babe. Let's get your bags and head out. I think we could all use some downtime after that long flight."

As they gathered their luggage, Shubman took Ashwini's hand in his, lacing their fingers together as they walked through the terminal. He couldn't stop looking at her, as if he was afraid that if he looked away, she might disappear.

"You know, love," Shubman said as they walked, his voice low and intimate, "I couldn't stop thinking about you while you were gone. I missed everything about you—your smile, your laugh, even the way you always steal the covers at night."

Ashwini laughed softly, squeezing his hand. "You don't have to worry about that anymore. I'm not going anywhere."

Shubman stopped walking and turned to face her, his expression suddenly serious. "Promise me," he said, his voice almost pleading. "Promise me you'll always come back to me."

Ashwini looked up into his eyes, seeing the depth of his emotions reflected back at her. "I promise, Shubman. I'll always come back to you. You're my home."

Relief washed over his features, and he leaned down to kiss her again, this time with a passion that took her breath away. When they finally broke apart, he rested his forehead against hers, their breaths mingling.

"I love you, Ashwini," Shubman whispered, his voice raw with emotion. "So damn much."

"I love you too," Ashwini replied, her voice equally soft. "More than anything."

As Shubman and Ashwini finally arrived at his flat, the familiar comfort of the space immediately enveloped them. 

The cozy, modern apartment had always felt like a sanctuary for Shubman, a place where he could escape the pressures of cricket and simply be himself. Today, it felt even more special with Ashwini back by his side.

Shubman unlocked the door, and they stepped inside, the cool air of the apartment a welcome contrast to the heat of the city. He dropped his keys on the entryway table and turned to Ashwini with a smile.

"Make yourself at home, love. I'll just put our bags away and then we can settle in."

Ashwini nodded, her eyes scanning the apartment with a mix of nostalgia and relief. "I'm so glad to be back here. It feels like it's been ages."

As Shubman went to grab their luggage, Ashwini's gaze wandered to the various photographs and mementoes scattered around the apartment. 

There was a picture of Manvi, smiling brightly, and a few framed photos of Shubman from different cricket matches. But the most striking feature was the way the apartment felt—warm, inviting, and undeniably lived-in.

Just then, Ashwini remembered that Manvi was at school, a detail she hadn't considered in the excitement of returning. The thought made her pause, a faint smile tugging at her lips as she considered the opportunity to spend some quiet, uninterrupted time with Shubman.

Shubman returned from the bedroom, looking relaxed and content. "Everything's set. You want something to drink or do you want to just kick back and relax for a bit?"

Ashwini hesitated, her eyes meeting his with a playful glint. She bit her lip, feeling a rush of nervous excitement. "Actually, Shubman... I was thinking."

Shubman raised an eyebrow, a curious smile on his face. "Thinking about what, my love?"

She scratched the back of her head, a little self-conscious but clearly eager. "Well, since Manvi's at school and we have the place to ourselves... maybe we could... make out? You know, just a little."

Shubman's eyes widened, a grin spreading across his face. "Make out, huh? Is that your subtle way of telling me how much you missed me?"

Ashwini laughed softly, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Maybe. I just thought it might be nice to have some alone time and... well, I've missed you, and I really want to be close to you."

Shubman took a step closer to her, his expression turning serious but his eyes warm with affection. "Believe me, I've missed you too. And the thought of having you all to myself sounds absolutely perfect."

He closed the distance between them, his hands finding her waist as he pulled her into a slow, lingering kiss. 

The initial tenderness of the kiss quickly escalated into something deeper and more urgent. Ashwini's fingers threaded through his hair, pulling him closer, as Shubman's hands roamed down to her hips, drawing her body against his.

The kiss was intense, a beautiful mix of passion and relief, as if they were both trying to make up for the weeks of separation. 

Ashwini's breath came in soft gasps against his lips, her body melting into his touch. Shubman responded with equal fervour, his hands sliding up to cup her face as he deepened the kiss.

After a few moments, they broke apart, their faces flushed and their breaths mingling in the warm air. Shubman looked at her with a satisfied grin. 

"You know, love, you're incredibly irresistible. I've been thinking about this moment every single day."

Ashwini smiled, her eyes sparkling with affection. "I'm glad to hear that. I've been dreaming about it too. There's just something so comforting about being here with you, alone."

Shubman cupped her face gently, his eyes softening. "Well, I'm glad we've got this time together. You're my everything, Ashwini. I've missed you more than you can imagine."

She leaned into his touch, her heart swelling with love. "I've missed you too, Shubman. And this moment—being here with you, feeling your love—it's exactly what I needed."

They shared another tender kiss, savouring the closeness and intimacy of the moment. As they pulled away, Shubman's hands rested on her shoulders, his gaze full of warmth. 

"We've got the whole afternoon to ourselves. How about we take this opportunity to just be together, enjoy each other's company, and forget about everything else for a while?"

Ashwini nodded, her heart full. "That sounds perfect. Let's make the most of it."

As they moved to the comfortable sofa, their laughter and soft conversation filled the apartment, a beautiful prelude to the rest of their time together. 

As the afternoon sun bathed the apartment in a warm, golden glow, Shubman and Ashwini decided it was time to venture out for some much-needed groceries and a bit of fresh air. 

The initial excitement of their reunion had given way to a relaxed, easygoing vibe, and they were both looking forward to a casual outing.

Ashwini emerged from the bedroom, ready to head out. She wore a chic, casual outfit that perfectly balanced comfort and style. Her mini skirt, a trendy black faux leather piece, skimmed just above her thighs. 

She paired it with a crisp white t-shirt that hugged her curves and topped off the look with a denim jacket that had a slightly distressed finish. Her hair was loose and tousled, falling in soft waves around her shoulders. She completed the ensemble with a pair of white sneakers that added a sporty touch.

As she walked into the living room, Shubman's eyes lit up. "Wow, you look incredible," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "You're making casual look way too good."

Ashwini twirled playfully, giving him a full view of her outfit. "Thanks, love. I wanted to keep it comfortable but still look cute. What do you think?"

Shubman grinned, giving her an appreciative once-over. "You've definitely succeeded. I'm going to have to fight off all the guys at the store from trying to hit on you."

She laughed, stepping closer to him. "Oh, I'm sure you'll manage. Now, let's see what you're wearing."

Shubman had opted for a more laid-back yet equally stylish look. He wore a pair of dark blue jeans that fit him just right, a casual grey t-shirt underneath a sleek black leather jacket. 

He topped off the outfit with a black baseball cap worn backwards, adding a touch of cool nonchalance to his appearance. His look was effortlessly put together, embodying both confidence and comfort.

"How do I look?" he asked, striking a casual pose.

Ashwini grinned, her eyes twinkling with affection. "You look fantastic. Like a perfect blend of rugged and relaxed. I love the baseball cap—it gives you that charming, 'I'm too cool for school' vibe."

Shubman chuckled, adjusting his cap. "Glad you think so. I figured I'd go for the 'let's look good while running errands' look. Ready to take on the world—or at least the grocery store?"

"Absolutely," Ashwini said, grabbing her small crossbody bag and slinging it over her shoulder. "Let's make it an adventure."

They headed out of the apartment, the cool, crisp air of the city greeting them as they stepped into the bustling street. 

Shubman took Ashwini's hand in his, their fingers entwining naturally. They walked together, enjoying the simple pleasure of being side by side.

As they approached the local grocery store, Shubman glanced at Ashwini and smiled. "So, what's on our list? I'm thinking we should get some snacks and maybe a few ingredients for dinner tonight. Any special requests?"

Ashwini laughed, her eyes sparkling. "How about we get something for dessert too? I've been craving something sweet. Maybe some chocolate or ice cream?"

"You've got it," Shubman said, giving her hand a playful squeeze. "Chocolate and ice cream it is. I think I can handle a little indulgence."

Inside the store, they navigated the aisles together, their casual conversation punctuated by the occasional playful banter. Shubman tossed items into the cart with a practised ease, while Ashwini added her own selections with a thoughtful touch.

As they approached the dairy section, Shubman picked up a tub of ice cream and held it up with a grin. "How about this? Classic chocolate chip?"

Ashwini's eyes lit up. "Perfect! But let's also grab some of those fancy cookies. I saw them in the bakery section last time."

They continued their shopping, each item chosen with a mix of practicality and indulgence. The experience felt refreshingly normal and blissfully ordinary.

By the time they were ready to check out, their cart was filled with a mix of essentials and treats, a testament to their shared sense of fun and comfort.

As they walked back to the apartment with their bags, Shubman turned to Ashwini, his expression softening. "I love these moments with you. It's nice to just be ourselves and enjoy the simple things."

Ashwini smiled, leaning into him. "I couldn't agree more. It's these little moments that make everything so special."

As Shubman and Ashwini entered the apartment, they carried their grocery bags with a sense of satisfaction. 

The day had been a perfect blend of everyday routines and special moments, and Shubman was in the mood to continue the lighthearted fun.

He set the bags down on the kitchen counter, turning to Ashwini with a mischievous grin. "You know, love, I've been thinking."

Ashwini raised an eyebrow, setting her bag down beside his. "Oh? And what have you been thinking about?"

Shubman leaned against the counter, crossing his arms in a way that made his biceps flex subtly. "I was thinking that you're looking particularly irresistible today. It must be that skirt of yours."

Ashwini laughed, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Is that so? I thought you were going to say something profound, but instead, you're just checking me out."

Shubman took a step closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "Oh, I'm definitely checking you out. You've got this whole 'I-just-want-to-look-casual-but-still-steal-the-show' thing going on. It's working wonders, let me tell you."

Ashwini's smile widened as she playfully nudged him. "You're such a charmer. Always know how to make me blush."

Shubman placed his hands on her hips, pulling her gently towards him. "Well, I have a lot of practice. And if you keep looking this good, I'm going to need all the practice I can get to keep up."

She bit her lip, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "And what exactly do you have in mind, Mr. Gill?"

Shubman's gaze grew more intense as he leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a sultry whisper. "Maybe we should start with a little celebration of your fabulous return. How about we make this evening as perfect as you look?"

Ashwini felt her heart race at the intimacy of his words. She leaned in slightly, her lips just inches from his. "I think I'm up for that. But you'd better make sure you can keep up with me."

Shubman's breath was warm against her skin as he murmured, "Oh, I'm counting on it. Besides, I've been missing your touch way too much. How about we make up for lost time?"

Ashwini's eyes fluttered shut as she felt his lips graze her forehead, sending a shiver down her spine. "That sounds like a very tempting idea."

He tilted her chin up gently, his lips brushing against hers in a soft, teasing kiss. The contact was electrifying, filled with the promise of more. As they broke apart, Shubman's eyes were dark with desire.

"You know," he said, his voice low and playful, "the way you look right now, I'm not sure how I'm supposed to keep my hands off you."

Ashwini's laughter was soft and inviting. "Well, I suppose I should thank you for making me feel so special. I've missed these moments with you."

Shubman smiled, his hands still resting on her hips. "I've missed them too. And I'm going to make sure that every moment we have together is just as unforgettable."

With a flirtatious wink, he kissed her again, this time with more intensity. The kiss was passionate, and Ashwini responded eagerly, wrapping her arms around his neck as she deepened the embrace. Shubman's hands roamed to her lower back, pulling her closer as their bodies pressed together.

They finally pulled apart, both breathless and smiling. Shubman looked at her with a mixture of affection and admiration. "You're absolutely incredible, you know that?"

Ashwini's smile was radiant as she looked up at him. "And you're my favourite troublemaker. Always making me blush and keeping me on my toes."

Shubman chuckled, his eyes full of love. "Well, I'm glad I can still keep you on your toes. And trust me, I've got plenty more tricks up my sleeve."

As the night settled in, the apartment was bathed in the soft glow of ambient lighting. The aroma of the delicious dinner they'd shared earlier lingered in the air, adding to the cozy ambience of the evening. Shubman, Ashwini, and Manvi were enjoying a rare and tranquil moment together.

Manvi, exhausted from a day at school and play, had curled up on Ashwini's lap, her small frame nestled comfortably as she drifted off to sleep. 

Ashwini sat on the plush sofa, her fingers gently stroking Manvi's hair while her other hand held a book. Her gaze occasionally flicked down to the pages, but her attention was mostly on the little girl resting peacefully in her lap.

Shubman sat beside them, his laptop open in front of him. He wore a pair of sleek computer glasses that gave him an intellectual yet endearing look. 

He was engrossed in checking cricket stats and updates, his brows furrowed in concentration as he scrolled through various articles and statistics.

As he browsed, Shubman's eyes caught a headline that made him do a double-take. He clicked on the link, and a detailed article loaded on his screen. The article was titled, "Cricket's Heartthrob and His Fashionista Love: Shubman Gill and Ashwini Malakai Steal the Spotlight".

He read on, his initial curiosity turning into a mix of amusement and surprise. The article was published on a popular entertainment website known for its sensational headlines and detailed features. It was both flattering and a bit risqué, focusing on the burgeoning romance between Shubman and Ashwini. 

Cricket's Heartthrob and His Fashionista Love: Shubman Gill and Ashwini Malakai Steal the Spotlight

By Rina Patel

[ Shubman Gill and Ashwini Malakai spotted on 21st August, at 11:30 a.m. ]

In the glamorous world of cricket and fashion, it's not every day that we get to witness a love story as captivating as that of Indian cricketer Shubman Gill and renowned fashion designer Ashwini Malakai.

Known for his athletic prowess and charming smile, Shubman has now found himself in the limelight not just for his cricketing skills but also for his sizzling romance with Malakai, who has been making waves in the fashion industry.

Shubman Gill, who has been a household name for his impressive cricket performances, and
Ashwini Malakai, whose fashion designs have dazzled international runways, have been friends
for years.

Their relationship, which was once purely platonic, has evolved into a passionate and public love affair. The duo, who have been dating for the past few months, have kept their relationship relatively private but recently made headlines with their undeniable chemistry and high-profile appearances.

In a recent Instagram post, Ashwini shared a sultry picture of herself in a black top with netted short sleeves and black trousers, her head tilted back slightly. The caption, "Missing the guy who ravishes my neck," left little to the imagination and fueled rumours about the nature of their relationship.

Sources close to the couple have revealed that their romance is as fiery as it appears. "They're incredibly passionate about each other," says a close friend. 

"Shubman and Ashwini have been close for a long time, and their chemistry was always palpable. Now that they're together, it's like the world is witnessing a perfect blend of romance and style."

One insider shared, "Shubman and Ashwini are very much in love. Their relationship is a mix of playful teasing and deep emotional connection. They're incredibly supportive of each other's careers and enjoy spending quality time together."

As Shubman continues to make strides in his cricket career and Ashwini dazzles in the fashion world, fans can't help but wonder what's next for this high-profile couple. With their undeniable chemistry and mutual admiration, it's clear that Shubman Gill and Ashwini Malakai are here to stay, captivating the hearts of many with their glamorous love story.

Shubman's cheeks flushed slightly as he read the article, a mix of embarrassment and amusement washing over him. He glanced over at Ashwini, who was still peacefully reading with Manvi nestled on her lap, oblivious to the article's content.

Unable to help himself, Shubman chuckled softly. "Well, well, look at that. We've made the headlines, love. Apparently, our private moments are hotter than I thought."

Ashwini looked up from her book, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What are you talking about?"

He turned his laptop screen towards her, showing her the article. Ashwini's eyes widened as she read through the details, her cheeks flushing a deep pink. "Oh my God. I didn't realize our little moments were making waves."

Shubman grinned, leaning closer. "Seems like we're quite the hot topic. And I have to say, the article wasn't too far off. We do have quite the chemistry, don't we?"

Ashwini laughed, a mix of embarrassment and amusement in her voice. "You're incorrigible. But I suppose it's flattering, in a way."

Shubman's eyes twinkled with mischief as he leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear. "Flattering, huh? Well, if you think that article's something, just wait until we have some more private time. I promise you, it'll be even better."

Ashwini shivered slightly at his whisper, her eyes meeting his with a playful glint. "You're impossible. But I suppose that's part of your charm."

As they shared a tender look, Shubman gently kissed her temple, his hand resting on Manvi's back. "I'm glad you think so. Because I've never been happier than I am right now, with you by my side."

Ashwini smiled, her heart full. "I feel the same way. And maybe, just maybe, we should keep some things a little more private from now on."

Shubman chuckled, his fingers brushing against her cheek. "Agreed. But that doesn't mean I'm going to stop showing you just how much you mean to me."

soup rant's

and here we have the eight chapter of down bad!

she's back home, and the world knows, oops

they're so cute

also also, guys, am i going too fast with my book chapters, like generally in all books?

any suggestions you guys have?

anyway comments on chapter

love, soup!