The living room of Shubman Gill's flat was a picture of relaxed chaos. Ishan Kishan was sprawled on the sofa, playing a video game in his track pants and a "Game Over" hoodie. 

Abhishek Sharma, clad in comfy sweatpants and a "Don't Disturb" t-shirt, was lounging beside him, absorbed in a magazine. 

Aditi Nair, his girlfriend, was curled up in an armchair, wearing a flowy sundress that clashed hilariously with the otherwise casual vibe.

Sai Sudharsan was leaning against the wall, wearing a pair of shorts and a tank top that showed off his impressive abs, while his girlfriend, Ahvi Raghavendra, was sitting cross-legged on the floor in a cozy hoodie and sweatpants. 

Virat Kohli was chilling on the bean bag, looking sharp in a pair of joggers and a well-worn "King of the World" t-shirt. 

Hardik Pandya, in a casual pair of shorts and a tank top, was tossing a stress ball back and forth between his hands. 

Shreyas Iyer was pacing around in loose sweatpants and a "Chill Vibes Only" hoodie, while KL Rahul was half-asleep on the couch in sweatpants and a relaxed t-shirt.

Rohit Sharma was in the kitchen, trying to make a smoothie, dressed in a pair of shorts and a "Chef Mode" apron that was more stylish than functional. 

The room was filled with a medley of chatter, laughter, and the occasional shout of frustration from Ishan's game.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang, breaking the mellow hum of conversation. Shubman, who had been lounging in a pair of faded jeans and a comfortable "Weekend Vibes" tee, groaned as he stood up. "Who the hell could that be?"

He shuffled towards the door, his face a mix of curiosity and mild irritation. Opening it, his eyes widened in shock as he saw his ex-girlfriend, Leera, standing there with a baby in her arms. She looked uncharacteristically serious, her eyes avoiding Shubman's.

"Leera?" Shubman's voice was a mix of confusion and disbelief. "What the—"

Without a word, Leera thrust the baby towards Shubman. "Here," she said curtly. "This is yours." And just like that, she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Shubman frozen at the door, his heart pounding.

Shubman blinked in stunned silence, then looked down at the tiny bundle in his arms. The baby, no more than a month old, was sleeping peacefully. 

Shubman's mind raced as he noticed a small piece of paper tucked into the baby's blanket. His hands trembled slightly as he unfolded it to read:

"Manvi"

The room, which had been filled with casual chatter, suddenly fell silent as everyone's eyes turned to Shubman.

"What the hell just happened?" Ishan exclaimed, his video game forgotten. "Is that...is that a baby?"

Abhishek dropped his magazine and scrambled over. "Dude, you're kidding, right? Is that your kid?"

Shubman's face was a mix of horror and confusion. "I— I don't know what's going on. This is— this is insane!"

Virat, who had been lounging, jumped up. "Leera? That's the girl who broke up with you like, what, 11 months ago? And now she's dropping a baby on your doorstep?"

"Seriously, what the actual fuck?" Hardik said, his eyes wide. "Did she just bail and leave you with a kid?"

Sai Sudharsan and Ahvi exchanged bewildered glances, their relaxed postures suddenly tense. 

"Manvi?" Sai muttered. 

"That's a pretty damn big surprise. Does anyone have a clue about this?"

"Not a single one," Shubman said, his voice shaking. "I thought I knew everything about Leera, but apparently not."

Aditi, still trying to process the situation, managed to stutter, "What— what are you going to do?"

Shreyas, pacing more rapidly now, added, "Dude, this is a freaking mess. Do you even know how to take care of a baby?"

"I'm about to find out," Shubman said, his voice barely above a whisper. 

He looked down at Manvi, her tiny face serene and innocent, and felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility.

Rohit, coming out of the kitchen with a smoothie in hand, took one look at the scene and nearly dropped his drink. 

"What the hell did I miss? Is that...a baby? And why is everyone freaking out?"

KL Rahul, rubbing his eyes, added, "This is so messed up. We need to figure out what to do, like, right now."

The room buzzed with chaotic energy as everyone tried to come to grips with the shocking turn of events. 

In the midst of the confusion, Shubman held Manvi close, feeling the weight of the situation more than ever.

"Alright, alright," Shubman said, trying to sound more confident than he felt. 

"First things first. We need to figure out how to take care of this little girl. I don't even know where to start, but I guess we're going to find out together."

The flat was still buzzing with chaos when the doorbell rang again. Shubman, still holding the baby, looked up, his expression a mixture of bewilderment and frustration. 

He didn't even bother to move this time. "Whoever it is, can they just come in already?" he muttered.

Ashwini Malakai walked in, her shopping bags rustling as she made her way into the room. Dressed in a pair of comfy joggers and a casual top, she looked visibly puzzled. 

"I was at the store," she said, her eyes darting around the room. "I saw Leera in the parking lot looking like she'd seen a ghost. What's going on?"

As soon as her gaze fell on Shubman, holding the tiny baby in his arms, her mouth dropped open. "Shubman? Is that... a baby?"

"Uh, yeah," Shubman replied, looking equally stunned. "That's Manvi. Apparently, Leera just dropped her off and walked away. I'm still trying to process everything."

Ashwini rushed over, her eyes scanning the baby with concern. "What the hell? Why didn't you call me earlier? We need to make sure she's okay."

Aditi Nair, who had been kneeling beside the baby with a stethoscope, looked up with a professional yet concerned expression. "I'm on it."

Ashwini's face softened as she approached, kneeling beside Aditi. "I was in the parking lot when I saw Leera. She seemed off. I had no idea this was coming."

"Neither did I," Shubman said, running a hand through his hair. "I thought I knew everything about Leera, but this... this is a lot."

Aditi gently checked Manvi's temperature, listened to her heartbeat, and made some quick assessments. 

"She's fine, just a little malnourished and in need of some basic care. But she's healthy for her age. We should get her some formula and diapers, though."

Ashwini nodded, taking charge with her usual efficiency. "I'll handle that. I'm going to run to the store and get everything we need." 

She grabbed her purse, but not before giving Shubman a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. "Hang tight, okay? We're going to sort this out."

"I appreciate it, Ashwini," Shubman said, his voice tinged with both gratitude and stress. "I feel like I'm in way over my head."

Virat, having witnessed the chaos, couldn't help but chime in. "This is the most insane thing I've ever seen. Just when I thought I'd seen it all."

Hardik nodded in agreement. "Yeah, man, this is next level. I mean, what's with the surprise baby drop-off?"

"Fucking wild, right?" Sai Sudharsan added. "I'm still trying to wrap my head around this."

Ahvi, still sitting cross-legged, looked up at Ashwini with wide eyes. 

"Are you sure you can manage everything? I mean, this is a lot."

"I've handled crazier situations," Ashwini said with a determined smile. "Just make sure Shubman doesn't lose his mind while I'm out."

Aditi finished her examination and nodded. "She's good. Just needs some immediate care and a lot of love. If anyone can handle this, it's you guys."

As Ashwini headed out the door, she looked back at Shubman, who was still holding Manvi, a mix of worry and resolve etched on his face. 

"We're in this together. Don't freak out. Just be there for her."

"Got it," Shubman said, his voice steadier now. "Thanks, Ashwini. I don't know what I'd do without you."

As the door closed behind Ashwini, the rest of the gang exchanged glances, their initial shock slowly morphing into a collective determination to support Shubman.

Rohit, finally finding his voice, added, "Alright, team, let's figure out how to get this place ready for a baby. Looks like we're all in for a crash course in parenthood."

A few hours had passed since Ashwini left for the store, and the flat had transformed from a state of disarray to a surprisingly organized haven for the new arrival. 

The boys, despite their usual lack of domestic skills, had managed to assemble a crib, complete with cute baby-themed bedding, while Ahvi and Aditi took charge of the baby essentials.

Ahvi was carefully organizing diapers, baby wipes, and a stack of baby clothes on a new shelf. 

Her focus was intense, but she couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of her boyfriend Sai, struggling with the crib. 

"Sai, if you keep putting that screw in sideways, we're going to have a lopsided bed!"

Sai grunted in frustration, trying to align the crib parts. "I'm doing my best here! This thing has more pieces than my cricket gear."

Aditi was overseeing the arrangement of the baby's essentials. She had a serious but kind expression as she set out bottles, formula, and a soft baby blanket. 

"We need to make sure everything is sanitized and ready. And for God's sake, let's not forget the baby's first aid kit."

"Got it!" Ahvi replied, placing a box of baby toys on the shelf. "I'll make sure to label everything so we don't have to guess what's what at 3 AM."

In the corner of the room, the boys were hard at work. Shubman was attempting to fit the crib's mattress. 

His concentration was palpable. "This thing has to be level. I don't want Manvi rolling around like a pinball."

Virat was helping him. "Dude, this is like trying to play a perfect inning while blindfolded."

Hardik was holding the crib's side panels steady. "Seriously, this is the most complicated piece of furniture I've ever seen."

Rohit had taken a break from his smoothie-making duties to join in. 

"If this crib doesn't look perfect, I swear I'll make it my life's mission to figure out how to assemble it."

Shreyas Iyer, who had initially been pacing around was now attempting to read the assembly instructions, which he had clearly misunderstood. 

"Wait, is this supposed to be a step or a whole other piece?"

"Just hand me that screwdriver," Shubman said with a grin. "And try not to confuse it with a hammer this time."

The room was filled with the sounds of laughter, mild curses, and the occasional thud as the boys struggled with the crib. 

Despite their efforts, the crib eventually came together, looking like it might actually hold up under the weight of a tiny baby.

Ashwini returned, bags in hand, and surveyed the scene with a satisfied smile. "I see you guys have been busy. Everything looks great."

She placed the bags down and joined Aditi and Ahvi at the shelf. "I got the formula and a few more baby essentials. Anything else we need?"

Aditi looked up, her professional demeanour still intact but softened by the task. 

"We're almost set. Just need to make sure we've got everything sanitized and in its place."

Ashwini nodded, picking up a bottle and inspecting it. "I'll make sure everything's ready."

As the group settled into their newfound roles, the flat began to take on a more comfortable atmosphere. 

Shubman, feeling a mix of relief and exhaustion, sat down on the sofa with Manvi, who was now peacefully asleep in her crib.

"Hey, thanks for all the help, everyone," Shubman said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I know this has been crazy, but it means a lot."

"Don't mention it," Virat said, clapping Shubman on the back. "We're all in this together."

Hardik and Rohit, now standing by the crib, exchanged a glance. "Yeah," Hardik said. "We may not know much about babies, but we've got each other's backs."

The chaos of setting up the flat had finally quieted down. Exhausted from the whirlwind of activities, everyone had found their places to rest. 

Once bustling with energy and confusion, the living room was now a tranquil scene of scattered cushions and sleepy bodies.

Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma were snoring softly on the sofa, their video game controllers lying forgotten on the floor. 

Aditi and Ahvi had curled up on the armchairs, their heads leaning against each other, both exhausted but with satisfied smiles. 

Virat Kohli had stretched out on the bean bag, while Hardik Pandya and Shreyas Iyer were sprawled on the floor, their exhaustion evident despite their casual banter.

KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma had managed to find spots on the remaining couches. The room was filled with the soft hum of contented snores and the occasional rustle of blankets.

Shubman Gill, however, wasn't quite ready to sleep. He sat on the sofa with Manvi nestled in his arms, the baby's tiny fingers curled around his shirt. T

he room had dimmed into a soft, warm glow from a single lamp, casting gentle shadows on the walls. Despite the exhaustion, Shubman felt a profound sense of calm as he gazed down at the little girl in his arms.

Manvi, wide awake and seemingly intrigued by everything around her, looked up at Shubman with bright, curious eyes. Every now and then, she let out a soft giggle, her tiny face lighting up in delight. Shubman couldn't help but chuckle at her infectious joy.

"She seems to find you hilarious," Ashwini said softly, settling down next to Shubman on the sofa. She had changed into a comfortable pair of pyjama pants and a soft, oversized sweater, her hair pulled back into a loose ponytail. 

She leaned against the armrest, her eyes reflecting both amusement and tenderness.

Shubman smiled, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten as he looked at Manvi's joyful expression. 

"I guess I'm her personal stand-up comedian," he said, wiggling his fingers in front of Manvi's face, making her giggle again.

Ashwini reached over and gently brushed a stray lock of hair from Manvi's forehead. 

"She's absolutely adorable. And you're doing great, you know."

"Thanks," Shubman said, his voice sincere. "I never imagined I'd be in this situation, but... it feels right. I think I'm starting to get the hang of this."

Ashwini smiled, her eyes softening as she watched the tender moment between Shubman and Manvi. 

"You're doing more than just getting the hang of it. You're making her feel safe and loved. That's what matters."

Shubman's gaze remained fixed on Manvi, who was now reaching out to grasp his finger with a tiny, yet surprisingly strong grip. 

"She's so tiny," he murmured. "It's hard to believe how much responsibility comes with this."

Ashwini laughed softly, a warm, melodic sound that seemed to blend perfectly with the peaceful ambience of the room. 

"Tiny but mighty," she said. "You've got this. And we're all here to help."

Manvi let out another giggle, this time at the gentle tickle of Shubman's breath as he blew softly on her cheek. 

Shubman grinned, feeling a surge of affection for the little girl who had suddenly become the centre of his world.

As the minutes ticked by, Shubman and Ashwini remained seated on the sofa, immersed in their quiet conversation and the soothing company of the baby. 

The gentle rise and fall of Manvi's tiny chest, as she giggled and cooed, was a comforting reminder of the new, albeit unexpected, chapter in their lives.

Eventually, the room's silence grew more pronounced as everyone continued to drift off, their earlier excitement giving way to well-deserved rest. 

The soft, rhythmic breathing of the sleeping friends filled the room, creating a peaceful backdrop to the tender moment unfolding on the sofa.

Shubman, still holding Manvi, felt a deep sense of gratitude for Ashwini's presence. 

He knew that, despite the uncertainty and chaos, they had created a warm and welcoming space for the little girl. 

The room remained hushed and serene, with only the occasional shift of a body or the gentle rustle of blankets breaking the quiet. 

Shubman, still holding Manvi, felt a deep, profound sense of contentment and peace. The baby had settled into a restful sleep, her tiny breaths rising and falling steadily against his chest.

Ashwini, leaning comfortably against the armrest of the sofa, looked over at Shubman with a soft smile. Her eyes reflected both the warmth of the moment and the quiet confidence she had in the situation. 

"You know," she said quietly, "this whole thing is definitely unexpected, but it's kind of beautiful, don't you think?"

Shubman nodded, his gaze still fixed on the baby. "Yeah. It's like everything just fell into place, even though it was never part of the plan."

Ashwini gently nudged his shoulder with a playful smile. 

"Life's full of surprises, isn't it? And sometimes, those surprises turn out to be the best things that ever happen to us."

Shubman chuckled softly, careful not to disturb Manvi. "I guess so. And I have to say, having you here... it makes everything a lot less overwhelming."

Ashwini's expression softened further, her hand reaching out to gently stroke Manvi's tiny head. 

"Well, I'm here for you. We're all in this together, and we'll figure it out as we go along. For now, let's just enjoy the quiet while it lasts."

The peaceful atmosphere in the flat was a stark contrast to the earlier chaos. 

Each member of the group had found their place, settling into a quiet sleep, their earlier concerns giving way to a calm that enveloped the room.

As the minutes passed, Shubman and Ashwini continued to sit together, their conversation dwindling to a comfortable silence. 

The occasional whisper of a breeze through the open window was the only sound accompanying the gentle rise and fall of Manvi's breathing.

Eventually, Shubman's exhaustion began to catch up with him. He leaned back on the sofa, his body finally feeling the weight of the day's events. 

Ashwini noticed his fatigue and said softly, "You should try to get some rest. You've been through a lot today, and you need to recharge too."

Shubman hesitated for a moment, glancing around at the peaceful scene. "I don't want to leave her alone."

"I'll stay with her," Ashwini assured him. "You get some sleep. We'll both be here for her."

Shubman reluctantly agreed, carefully laying Manvi down in the crib, which now stood proudly in the corner of the room. 

He made sure she was comfortable and secure before turning back to Ashwini. "Thanks. I appreciate it."

Ashwini gave him a reassuring smile as he settled down on the sofa. "No problem. Just get some rest. We'll handle everything."

Shubman nodded and, with a final glance at Manvi, closed his eyes. The soft hum of the room and the rhythmic breathing of his friends created a soothing backdrop. 

Within moments, he drifted into a deep, much-needed sleep. Ashwini remained awake, her gaze shifting between the peacefully sleeping baby and the gentle rise and fall of Shubman's chest. 

Her thoughts were filled with a mix of hope and determination. She knew that while the road ahead might be challenging, they had the support of each other and a newfound sense of family.

As the night wore on, the flat remained a haven of tranquillity. The gentle glow of the lamp cast a warm light over the room, creating an atmosphere of quiet comfort. 

The group, though scattered and exhausted, had come together in a way they hadn't anticipated, united by the unexpected arrival of little Manvi.

In the stillness of the night, with the promise of a new day ahead, the flat felt more like a home than it ever had before. 

As the first light of dawn began to creep through the windows, it brought with it the promise of a new beginning for Shubman, Ashwini, and their makeshift family.

soup's rants!

- and here we have the first chapter for "down bad"

- full chaos, this group, i swear

- leera <<< ashwini and group

- manvi is so cute i wanna cry

- they're all so adorable like what

- anyway comments on chapter?

- love, soup!