One quiet afternoon, Malini sat by the large window in her cozy apartment, the soft sunlight streaming through the glass and casting golden streaks on her work desk. 

She had a few hours free between her classes, and instead of heading out or spending time on social media like most people, she decided to indulge in one of her favourite hobbies—sketching.

Her sketchbook was sprawled out in front of her, and she absentmindedly flipped through the pages, searching for inspiration. 

Her mind wandered to Shubman, as it often did lately. She could still vividly remember the way he smiled at her when they first met, the warmth in his gaze when they shared that first kiss. The way his laughter filled the air, carefree and real. 

She had never expected to feel so connected to someone in such a short time, but there was something about Shubman that made everything feel easy.

With a sigh, Malini set the pencil to the page, her hand moving instinctively. She didn't even have to think much. The lines flowed, and before long, the outline of Shubman's face began to emerge. 

She sketched the curve of his jaw, the soft waves of his hair, and his intense eyes, the ones that always seemed to look right through her. 

His smile, gentle and knowing, became the focal point of the drawing, a perfect reflection of his charm.

Malini's fingers moved quickly, capturing the details—the slight tilt of his head, the way his eyes sparkled when he was excited. 

She couldn't help but smile to herself as she worked. There was something incredibly intimate about capturing someone on paper, a way of preserving them in time. 

In this moment, it felt like she was freezing a piece of him just for herself.

As she added the final touches to his smile, she leaned back, admiring the sketch. Her heart skipped a beat as she studied the drawing. It was him. 

No, it was more than just a likeness. It was the way he made her feel—safe, adored, cherished. It was as if she could see everything about him in those lines, his kindness, his humour, and the way he had begun to gently worm his way into her heart.

The doorbell rang, interrupting her thoughts. Malini quickly snapped the sketchbook shut, startled by the sudden sound. 

She wasn't expecting anyone, but when she opened the door, she found Shubman standing there, his hands in the pockets of his jacket, a sheepish grin on his face.

"Hey, MJ," he greeted, his voice warm and familiar, but with an edge of nervousness she hadn't noticed before.

"Shubman! What are you doing here?" she asked, her surprise quickly turning into a smile. She hadn't seen him since their last date, but they'd been texting often.

"I thought I'd surprise you," he said, holding up a bouquet of her favourite flowers, daisies, with a wink. "I know you've been busy with school. Thought I'd drop by and brighten your day."

Malini's heart fluttered at the gesture. "You didn't have to do that..."

But she was grateful. "Thank you, that's so sweet."

"Anything for you," he replied, his voice low and sincere. He stepped inside, and as she led him into the living room, his eyes immediately caught sight of the sketchbook she had hastily shoved to the side.

"What's this?" Shubman asked, pointing to the sketchbook on the table.

Malini hesitated for a moment but then decided it was no big deal. "Just some sketches," she said casually, walking over to put the flowers in a vase. "Nothing special."

"Let me see," he said, his curiosity getting the best of him.

Shubman sat down on the couch, waiting as Malini grabbed the sketchbook again, this time feeling the sudden heat rise to her cheeks. 

She flipped it open to the page with his portrait, trying to act casual, but she couldn't help feeling a bit vulnerable as she handed it over.

He took the book from her and paused, his eyes scanning the drawing, his expression unreadable at first. 

Malini stood nervously in front of him, watching his face for any sign of reaction. But then, a soft smile crept across his lips, and he looked up at her, his eyes sparkling.

"This is amazing," Shubman whispered, his voice low with admiration. "You drew me?"

She nodded, her heart racing. "Yeah. I mean, it's just a sketch... I was bored."

"You captured me perfectly," he said, his voice suddenly serious. "I didn't know you could see me like this."

"I see you," Malini said softly, feeling an unexpected rush of emotion. "All of you. Even the things you don't say."

Shubman reached out, pulling her gently into his lap. He cupped her face in his hands, his gaze tender. "You're incredible, Malini. I'm the lucky one here."

Her heart swelled in her chest as he kissed her forehead, then her lips, with a slow, lingering kiss that made everything around them feel like it was fading into the background.

When they pulled away, she rested her forehead against his, smiling shyly. "I'm glad you like it."

"Like it?" Shubman laughed softly. "I love it. This is something I'll keep forever."

"I'll draw you more, then," she teased, her smile wide and playful. "If you promise to be my muse."

"Deal," he agreed instantly, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "As long as I'm the only one."

Malini laughed, her fingers lightly tracing the outline of his jaw, marvelling at how naturally it all felt. There was no rush, no pressure—just them, in this quiet moment together. And for once, it was enough.

"Always," she whispered.

soup rants!

- hello everyone!

- I hope you guys are having a great day so far, and I also hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!

- they're so cute !!

- also comments on the chapter?

- i hope you guys liked this one!

- with lots of love, supraja 🫶