2024

Shubman practically burst into his flat, closing the door with an exaggerated flourish before throwing his arms in the air. 

"YES!" he shouted, his voice echoing in the empty space. He pumped his fists, spinning in a small circle, laughing like a kid who'd just scored the winning run.

"Navya, you have no idea what you're doing to me," he said to himself, pointing at the imaginary version of her in the room. 

"You're going to kill me. Absolutely kill me."

He walked into the kitchen, grabbed a protein bar, and started pacing. 

"I mean, seriously, did you see the way she looked at me today? That smile? Game over. Done for. I'm in the ground. Shubman Gill is officially whipped," he declared, waving the half-eaten bar like a victory flag.

After a quick, freezing shower (because let's face it, he needed it), he wandered into the living room, now clad in just a pair of grey sweatpants slung low on his hips. 

His damp hair was a tousled mess, water droplets tracing down his toned chest and abs. He plopped onto the couch, letting out a content sigh before reaching for his phone.

He dialled Navya, flipping onto his stomach and kicking his feet up in the air as he waited for her to answer. When she did, her voice was playful and warm.

"Shubman, are you calling to tell me how much you miss me already?" she teased.

"Obviously, jaan," he replied, smirking even though she couldn't see it. 

"What else would I be doing? Definitely not thinking about how you looked today in that dress. Or how your laugh makes my brain short-circuit. Nope. Not at all."

Navya laughed on the other end. "You're impossible."

"And yet you tolerate me," he shot back, grinning. "Who's the real fool here?"

"Definitely me," she said with a mock sigh. "So, what are you doing?"

"Oh, you know, just lying upside down on the couch, contemplating my life choices," he said, rolling onto his back and letting his head hang off the edge of the seat. 

His legs were thrown over the backrest, his body forming a crooked line.

Navya giggled. "Of course you are. That's very on-brand for you."

He hummed. "So, what are you wearing?"

"Shubman!" she exclaimed, scandalized but laughing.

"What? It's a legitimate question!" he defended.

"For your information, Mr. Cricketer," she began, "I'm in pajamas. Cute ones, thank you very much."

"Define cute," he challenged, his tone dripping with mischief.

"Not for your imagination," she retorted.

"Lame," he said, dragging out the word dramatically. "Meanwhile, I'm just here in sweatpants, looking like a Greek god."

Navya's laugh was infectious. "Humble much?"

"Never," he replied cheekily. "Anyway, jaan, tell me—when are you going to come over and cook me dinner?"

"Cook you dinner? Shubman, I can barely make toast," she said.

"Perfect. We'll starve together. Romantic, no?"

"You're ridiculous."

"And you love it."

There was a pause, and he could hear the smile in her voice when she replied, "Yeah, I do."

His teasing demeanour softened. "Navya... I'm really glad we're talking again. I missed this. I missed us."

"Me too, Shubman," she said quietly. "Me too."

For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence filled with unspoken feelings. 

Then, because Shubman could never let things stay serious for too long, he added, "But for real, are you going to come over and cook? Or should I start Googling 'how to not burn eggs'?"

Navya groaned. "I'm hanging up now."

"No, you're not," he countered quickly. "You're going to stay on the line and tell me about your day."

And so, they talked late into the night, their conversation punctuated by laughter, playful banter, and the kind of comfort that only came with knowing someone better than anyone else.

soup rants!!!

the twenty-sixth chapter is here!
did we like it?
do comment your favorite part
what do you think will happen in the next chapter?
until then
yours lovingly,

soup <3