Italy was everything they had hoped for and more—a whirlwind of colours, sounds, and scents that enveloped Ashwini and Shubman as they strolled through the cobblestone streets of Florence. 

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden hue over the beautiful architecture that surrounded them. 

Laughter echoed from outdoor cafes, and the rich aroma of fresh pasta wafted through the air, tantalizing their senses.

Ashwini wore a flowy, off-the-shoulder sundress that danced around her knees, the fabric a vibrant shade of turquoise that complemented her sun-kissed skin. 

Her hair fell in loose waves, framing her face perfectly as she turned to Shubman, a beaming smile illuminating her features. 

She was in her element, the beauty of Italy igniting a spark of joy within her.

Shubman, on the other hand, was clad in a fitted white linen shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, paired with light beige shorts that accentuated his athletic physique. 

The casual ensemble was perfect for the weather, allowing him to move freely as they explored the streets together.

"Can you believe we're actually here?" Ashwini exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement. 

She stopped to take a picture of a beautiful fountain, the water sparkling like diamonds in the sunlight. 

"This place is absolutely stunning!"

"Yeah, and it's about to get even better," Shubman replied, leaning closer to her as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. 

"I've got a surprise for you."

Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "A surprise? What is it?"

Shubman chuckled, enjoying the playful anticipation. 

"Let's just say it involves the best gelato in all of Florence. Trust me, you're going to love it."

"Is it really the best?" she teased, arching an eyebrow. "Or is that just your way of getting me to try every gelato shop in town?"

"Maybe a little of both," he replied with a grin. "But I promise, this one is special."

With that, he led her through the winding streets, their fingers intertwined. 

As they walked, they passed by local shops selling handmade leather goods, vibrant paintings, and intricate jewellery. 

Ashwini paused occasionally, admiring the craftsmanship and whispering little comments about the art she saw, her passion for fashion and design bubbling to the surface.

"Shubman, look at this!" she exclaimed, pulling him into a quaint little boutique filled with colourful fabrics and unique designs. 

She was instantly captivated, her fingers trailing over the silk and cotton.

"Wow, this place is amazing!" Shubman agreed, watching her with admiration as she lost herself in the beauty of it all. 

"You should definitely get something to remember this trip by."

Ashwini picked up a light scarf, its intricate pattern dancing under the store's warm lighting. 

"This would be perfect for the summer collection I'm working on!" she said excitedly. 

"It reminds me of the colours of the Amalfi Coast."

Shubman watched her with a soft smile, admiring how passionate she was. "You really do have an eye for this stuff, babe," he said. 

"I don't know how you do it."

She flashed him a bright smile, clearly pleased by the compliment. 

"It's all about the details. Speaking of which, let's take a picture here!" 

She pulled him in front of a beautifully crafted tapestry hanging on the wall.

As she snapped a few photos, Shubman couldn't help but admire her. She was radiant, her laughter filling the air, contagious enough to make everyone around them smile.

After Ashwini made her purchase, they continued to wander the streets until they finally arrived at the gelato shop Shubman had been raving about. 

The shop was small, but the line snaked out the door, a clear indication that they were in the right place.

"See? I told you it was popular," he said, winking at her.

Once they reached the counter, the variety of flavours had Ashwini's eyes sparkling like stars. 

"Oh my God, look at all these options! I don't even know where to start!" she exclaimed, scanning the menu with childlike excitement.

Shubman chuckled, leaning against the counter as he watched her indecisiveness. "How about I get us a couple of scoops to share? You can't go wrong with that."

After a bit of deliberation, they settled on a rich pistachio and a tangy lemon sorbet. As they stepped outside with their cones, Shubman glanced at Ashwini, who was eagerly taking her first bite.

"What do you think?" he asked, grinning as he observed her reaction.

"Mmm, this is incredible!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening in delight. "You were right! This is the best gelato I've ever had!"

"Of course I am," he teased, taking a big lick of his own gelato. "I wouldn't steer you wrong."

They continued to walk, sharing bites and teasing each other as they tried to get the other to take a lick without losing any of their precious gelato. 

The atmosphere was light and filled with laughter, the sun beginning its slow descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

As they rounded a corner, they stumbled upon a picturesque square bustling with street performers and artists. 

Ashwini's eyes lit up at the sight, and she pulled Shubman toward the centre, her excitement palpable.

"Let's watch the artist!" she said, pointing to a man skillfully painting a landscape of the square.

Shubman obliged, happy to see her so animated. They stood side by side, sharing their gelato while watching the artist at work. 

As Ashwini leaned closer to get a better look, Shubman couldn't help but sneak a glance at her, captivated by the way her face lit up with every brushstroke.

"Hey," he said softly, drawing her attention back to him. "How about we make a wish?"

"Okay, what do we wish for?" she asked, tilting her head slightly, her hair cascading over her shoulders.

He smiled, thinking for a moment. "How about we wish for more adventures like this?"

"Deal," Ashwini said, holding out her pinky. "Pinky swear?"

"Pinky swear," he replied, locking his pinky with hers, sealing their promise.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the piazza, Shubman felt the magic of the moment wrap around them like a soft embrace. 

The sounds of laughter and music filled the air, creating a vibrant backdrop that mirrored the energy between him and Ashwini.

"Can you believe how lucky we are to be here?" Ashwini mused, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as she took another bite of her gelato. 

"This place is like a dream come true!"

"It really is," Shubman replied, leaning in closer to her, their shoulders brushing against each other. 

"And to be experiencing it with you makes it even better."

She turned to him, her expression softening as she caught his gaze. "I love that we finally took this trip together. It feels like we're just... us. No distractions, no expectations, just you and me."

Shubman nodded, feeling the sincerity in her words. "Yeah, it's been amazing to escape everything back home, even if just for a little while."

As they wandered further into the heart of Florence, Ashwini's attention was drawn to a nearby street performer. 

A guitarist strummed a lively tune, his melodies captivating the small crowd gathered around him. Ashwini's face lit up, and without a second thought, she grabbed Shubman's hand, pulling him closer.

"Come on! Let's dance!" she urged, her voice filled with excitement.

"Dance? Here?" Shubman laughed, but he couldn't resist her infectious enthusiasm. "Alright, if you insist!"

As the music flowed around them, Ashwini twirled into the open space, her sundress swirling with her. 

Shubman watched her for a moment, captivated by her joy. Then, he joined her, their laughter mingling with the notes of the guitar.

They danced carefree, lost in their own little world. Shubman wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close as they swayed to the rhythm of the music. 

Ashwini leaned her head against his shoulder, her laughter bubbling up as they moved together.

"See? This is perfect!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining brightly. "I could dance like this forever!"

"Just don't step on my toes, alright?" Shubman teased, grinning as he spun her around.

"I promise to be gentle," she replied playfully, stepping back slightly and then darting forward to nudge him. "But you have to keep up!"

Their playful banter continued as they danced, creating a moment that felt timeless. People around them stopped to watch, some even applauding, but Shubman and Ashwini were oblivious to everything except each other.

Eventually, the song came to an end, and they slowed their movements, both slightly breathless and exhilarated. Ashwini leaned against him, her hair falling forward as she giggled. "That was amazing!"

"Yeah, it was," Shubman agreed, his heart racing not just from the dancing but from the connection they shared. "You're an incredible dancer, you know that?"

"Oh please," she said, waving a dismissive hand, though a blush crept onto her cheeks. "It's just all about having fun."

"Fun looks good on you," he replied, his voice low and teasing.

She shot him a playful glare, but the warmth in her eyes gave her away. "And you can stop with the sweet talk, Mr. Gill. You're making me blush!"

Shubman chuckled, loving the way their playful exchanges felt effortless. "It's the gelato talking. I swear it makes me more charming."

"Oh, so now you're charming?" Ashwini teased, nudging him again. "What happened to the awkward guy who always makes dad jokes?"

"Hey! My dad jokes are legendary!" he shot back with mock indignation, his grin widening.

They continued their banter, walking hand-in-hand until they stumbled upon a little outdoor café, its tables adorned with flickering candles. 

The soft glow and intimate atmosphere drew them in.

"Shall we grab a drink?" Shubman suggested, nodding towards a table with a stunning view of the square.

"Absolutely!" Ashwini beamed, her excitement infectious as they settled into their seats.

As they browsed the menu, Shubman couldn't help but steal glances at Ashwini. The way the candlelight danced across her features, illuminating her eyes and casting soft shadows on her face, made his heart flutter.

"What are you looking at?" she asked, catching his gaze and smirking.

"You," he admitted, unable to hide his grin. "You're beautiful, you know that?"

"Stop it!" she said, playfully rolling her eyes, but he could see her cheeks flush a lovely shade of pink.

"Just saying what's true," he replied, leaning closer. "You should know that you've got a glow about you tonight."

"Flattery will get you everywhere, Mr. Gill," she said with a wink, her tone teasing. "But I think I might need some wine to keep me grounded."

"Wine it is," Shubman chuckled, flagging down a waiter and ordering a bottle of local red.

As they waited for their drinks, Ashwini leaned back in her chair, surveying the surroundings. 

"This trip is everything I imagined and more. I can't believe we finally did this."

"Just wait until we hit Venice," he said, his excitement matching hers. "I have a gondola ride planned."

"Seriously? You're killing me with these surprises!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands in delight. 

"This trip just keeps getting better!"

"Only the best for you, babe," Shubman said, his eyes twinkling with affection.

Their wine arrived, and they raised their glasses, clinking them together. "To adventures," Ashwini said with a radiant smile. "And to us."

"To us," Shubman echoed, savouring the moment.

As they took their first sips, Ashwini's expression turned contemplative. "You know, I've been thinking a lot about us since we've been here."

"Yeah?" Shubman asked, intrigued.

"Yeah," she continued, her voice softer. "Being here, experiencing all of this together... it just feels right. Like we're really building something special."

He leaned forward, his gaze intense. "I feel it too. There's something about this trip that's just... solidifying everything for me. You mean a lot to me, Ashwini."

Her eyes sparkled as she smiled back at him, the air between them charged with unspoken feelings. 

"You mean the world to me, Shubman. I can't imagine sharing these moments with anyone else."

As the night wore on, they enjoyed their wine and food, their conversation flowing effortlessly. They laughed, reminisced, and dreamed about the future. 

With each passing moment, they felt more connected than ever, solidifying their bond amidst the beauty of Italy.

After they finished dinner, they wandered back into the streets, the night alive with energy. The moon hung low, casting a silvery light on the stone buildings and reflecting in the canal waters.

"Let's walk to the Ponte Vecchio," Ashwini suggested, her voice bubbling with excitement. "I've always wanted to see it lit up at night!"

"Lead the way, my Italian tour guide," Shubman said, following her with a grin.

soup rant's

and here we have the eleventh chapter of down bad!

they're like so soft yet so hot

lord this is never gonna happen with me :(

anyway comments on chapter

love, soup!