The sun had barely risen, and Shubman Gill was fast asleep, nestled in his bed. The soft morning light crept through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the room. His sleep was abruptly interrupted by a small hand shaking his shoulder.

"Daddy, wake up!" Manvi's voice was muffled but persistent.

Shubman jolted awake, disoriented. "Huh? Did I oversleep? What time is it?"

Manvi shook her head, her little face slightly crestfallen. "No, Daddy. It's not that. Today's just the parent-teacher meeting, and it starts at 11 a.m. Our teacher said we need to come with both our parents."

Shubman's heart sank when he noticed the sadness in Manvi's eyes. He understood why she was upset—she had to bring both parents, but she only had him. The absence of her mother was a glaring void that Shubman felt acutely.

Before Shubman could respond, Manvi's small voice broke through. "Can we take Ashwini with us? She helps you with everything, and she's like a mom to me."

Shubman's heart ached at Manvi's request. He nodded, trying to keep his voice steady. "Okay, sweetheart. I'll call Ashwini after you've had your shower."

Manvi's eyes brightened slightly, and she scampered off to the bathroom. Shubman sighed, running a hand through his disheveled hair. 

He glanced at the clock—there was just enough time to get Manvi ready and call Ashwini before they needed to leave.

After ensuring Manvi was scrubbed clean and dressed in her school uniform, Shubman picked up his phone and dialed Ashwini's number. The call connected after a few rings.

"Hey, Ashwini," Shubman said, trying to sound casual. "Manvi's got a parent-teacher meeting today. She's hoping you can come with us. Can you make it?"

Ashwini's voice was warm and gentle. "Oh, hi Shubman. I'm actually at the temple right now. I'll be done in a little while. If you can pick me up, I can come with you."

Shubman glanced at the time. "Alright, we'll head over there. I'll come get you before the meeting. Thanks, Ashwini."

As he ended the call, Shubman glanced at the clock again. It was almost 10:00 a.m. He turned to Manvi, who was eagerly waiting by the door. "Let's go get Ashwini, then we'll head to the school."

They climbed into the car, and as Shubman drove, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.

Okay, Shubman, just stay calm. It's only a parent-teacher meeting. And Ashwini's not just helping out; she's really been there for Manvi and you. No need to make a big deal of it.

As he drove, his phone buzzed with a call from Sai Sudarshan.

"Hey, Shubman, where are you?" Sai asked.

Shubman responded briefly, "I'm picking up Ashwini before heading to the parent-teacher meeting. I'll catch up with you later."

The drive to the temple was filled with an uneasy sense of anticipation. When they arrived, Shubman's breath caught in his throat as he saw Ashwini waiting outside the temple. 

She was dressed in a stunning turquoise Anarkali suit, the rich fabric accentuating her graceful silhouette. The outfit featured full sleeves, a flowing dupatta draped elegantly over her shoulder, and her usual jhumkas and bindi added a touch of traditional charm.

Wow, she looks absolutely breathtaking. Get a grip, Shubman.

He parked the car and stepped out with Manvi in tow. As they approached, Ashwini's face lit up with a radiant smile.

"Hi, Ashwini," Shubman said, his voice slightly strained. "You look amazing."

Ashwini laughed softly, her cheeks tinting pink. "Thanks, Shubman. I didn't realize I was dressing up for a parent-teacher meeting!"

Shubman chuckled, "Well, you never know when you might need to make an impression."

They walked towards the school, and Shubman, feeling a bit playful, hooked his arm around Ashwini's. Her laughter was light and melodious as she leaned in slightly, holding his bicep.

"Nice move," Ashwini teased. "You know, this is not how I imagined coming to a school meeting."

"Neither did I," Shubman said, glancing at her. "But it's working out just fine."

As they entered the school hallway, Shubman couldn't help but steal glances at Ashwini. She was radiant, and the casual, yet intimate, gesture of linking arms felt natural and comforting.

When they reached Manvi's classroom, they were greeted by her teacher, Mrs. Patel.

"Good morning, Mr and Mrs. Gill," Mrs. Patel said warmly, extending a hand.

Shubman and Ashwini exchanged a surprised look, their cheeks flushing slightly. Ashwini, trying to hide her blush, nodded. "Good morning."

Shubman, feeling slightly awkward but not wanting to correct the teacher, simply smiled. "Good morning, Mrs. Patel."

Manvi's teacher continued, "It's so wonderful to see you both here. Shall we get started with the meeting?"

As they sat down with Mrs. Patel, Shubman found himself reflecting on the unusual turn of events.

Okay, this is a bit more formal than I expected. But honestly, having Ashwini here feels right. She's such an integral part of Manvi's life.

Ashwini, on the other hand, was having her own internal dialogue.

This is definitely not what I had planned for my day. But seeing Shubman and Manvi together like this, it just feels like the right thing to do. Maybe my parents were onto something after all.

As Mrs. Patel discussed Manvi's progress and areas for improvement, Shubman and Ashwini listened attentively. The meeting was informative, and Mrs. Patel's praise for Manvi's enthusiasm and progress warmed their hearts.

When the meeting concluded, Shubman and Ashwini walked out of the classroom together, Manvi chattering excitedly about what she had learned.

"Thanks for coming, Ashwini," Shubman said as they headed back to the car. "It really meant a lot to Manvi."

Ashwini smiled, her eyes softening. "I'm glad I could be here. It's important for Manvi to know she's supported."

As they drove back, Shubman felt a renewed sense of clarity about his feelings.

Ashwini is more than just a friend or a helping hand. She's a part of this family. Maybe it's time I acknowledge that.

For now, the day had been a reminder of how much they had come to rely on each other, and how the lines between friendship and family were blurring in the best possible way.

The soft click of the front door echoed through the apartment as Shubman, Ashwini, and Manvi entered. The air inside was a comforting mix of familiar scents: the lingering aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the faint hint of Shubman's aftershave. The sunlight streamed through the windows, casting warm, golden beams across the living room.

Manvi, brimming with excitement from the day's events, looked up at Ashwini with a bright smile. "Thanks for coming, Mom!" she said cheerfully, her small face glowing with gratitude.

Ashwini's heart skipped a beat. She froze, her eyes widening in surprise. "M-Mom?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Manvi, oblivious to the emotional impact of her words, dashed towards her bedroom to change out of her school uniform. She left a trail of giggles and excitement behind her.

Shubman, who had been carrying Manvi's school bag, was putting it away in the closet. He glanced at Ashwini, noticing her startled expression. 

"Hey, Ashwini, you alright?" he asked, his tone concerned but gentle.

Ashwini didn't immediately respond. Her mind was racing, trying to process the simple but profound impact of Manvi's words. 

She slowly made her way to the couch, sitting down with a soft thud. Her hands, still holding her bag, trembled slightly.

Tears began to well up in her eyes, blurring her vision. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but the emotional weight was too heavy. She brushed a stray tear away, her thoughts swirling with a mix of confusion and profound emotion.

She called me Mom. Manvi called me Mom. I didn't expect this... I'm not even her real mom, but she sees me like that. I... I didn't think I could feel this way.

Shubman noticed her distress and moved to sit next to her, his concern evident. "Ashwini, are you okay? You seem upset."

Ashwini glanced at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She forced a small, shaky smile. "It's just... when Manvi called me Mom... it caught me off guard. I didn't realize how much that would mean to me."

Shubman's expression softened, his own emotions rising. "She's been through a lot, and having you around has made such a difference in her life. You're like a second mom to her."

Ashwini swallowed hard, her voice trembling. "I know. I'm just... I didn't expect to be so affected by it. It's a big responsibility, and I want to make sure I'm doing right by her."

Shubman reached out, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You're doing more than right by her. You're giving her love and support when she needs it the most. That's what really matters."

Ashwini nodded, trying to compose herself. "Thank you, Shubman. I just... I need to get used to this feeling."

He smiled, a reassuring look in his eyes. "Take your time. We're in this together, okay?"

Ashwini took a deep breath and nodded, her emotions slowly settling. She stood up, wiping away the last of her tears. "I'm okay now. I just need a moment to myself."

Shubman watched as she walked towards the kitchen, a contemplative look on her face. He could sense the emotional depth of what had just transpired and felt a renewed sense of appreciation for Ashwini's role in their lives.

Manvi emerged from her bedroom, now dressed in a comfortable outfit—a bright yellow sundress with little flowers embroidered on it. Her face was still beaming with the excitement of the day.

"Daddy, I'm ready!" she announced, skipping into the living room.

Shubman smiled warmly at her. "Great! Do you want to do something special today, now that the meeting is over?"

Manvi's eyes lit up. "Can we go to the park? Maybe get some ice cream?"

Ashwini, returning from the kitchen with a cup of water, looked at Manvi with a soft smile. "That sounds like a great idea. Ice cream is always a good choice."

Manvi squealed with delight, running over to Ashwini and hugging her tightly. "Thanks, Mom!"

Ashwini's heart swelled once more. As she hugged Manvi back, she realized that despite the challenges and uncertainties, she had found a deep, abiding connection with both Shubman and Manvi. It wasn't just about being a friend or a helper anymore; it was about being a part of something much more meaningful.

Shubman, watching the scene unfold, felt a surge of warmth and gratitude. He knew that Ashwini's presence was not just a support but an integral part of their little family.

"Alright, let's get going then," Shubman said, herding them towards the door. "Ice cream and a day at the park it is."

As they headed out, the apartment seemed to echo with the promise of shared moments and the quiet strength of their unconventional but deeply caring family dynamic.

The café was a charming little spot tucked away on a quiet street, its ambiance warm and inviting. Soft jazz played in the background, mingling with the murmur of conversations and the occasional clinking of cups and saucers. The tables were adorned with small vases of fresh flowers, and the air was filled with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

At one of the corner tables, Shubman Gill sat with his friends—Abhishek Sharma, Sai Sudarshan, Ahvi Raghavendra, Aditi Nair, and Ishan Kishan. They were enjoying a casual catch-up after the parent-teacher meeting earlier in the day.

Shubman was absently stirring his coffee, his gaze fixed on his half-empty cup. His mind was miles away, caught up in a whirlwind of thoughts. The conversation around him flowed smoothly, but he barely registered it.

Abhishek, relaxed in a pair of well-worn jeans and a crisp white shirt, was recounting a funny incident from the practice session. "...And then, Ishan tried to bowl a bouncer, but it ended up being a full toss! You should've seen the look on his face."

Ishan, dressed in a black hoodie and sweatpants, rolled his eyes but grinned. "Hey, it was one time! And anyway, I was trying out a new technique."

Ahvi Raghavendra, wearing a sleek green dress and with her hair tied back in a neat ponytail, laughed softly. "Sounds like you had a rough day, Ishan. You're not even a bowler."

Aditi Nair, in her white lab coat still from her shift at the hospital, added, "You know, if you need any tips on technique, I can always give you a few medical pointers."

Sai Sudarshan, casually dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, leaned back in his chair, sipping his coffee. "We should all just appreciate how we're still alive after a season of Shubman's 'crazy coaching' methods."

The group laughed, but Shubman remained distracted. His thoughts kept drifting back to the events of the day. The way Manvi had called Ashwini "Mom" had struck him deeply, and the teacher referring to Ashwini as "Mrs. Gill" had been a jolt he wasn't prepared for. 

It made him think about his own feelings for Ashwini, feelings he had tried to suppress but were now surfacing with an undeniable force.

What the hell am I doing? Why is this affecting me so much? Ashwini's been there for Manvi and me, but the way she was called 'Mom'—Jesus, it was like a punch to the gut. And 'Mrs. Gill'? What the fuck is going on with me?

His inner turmoil was evident, and his friends were starting to notice.

Abhishek glanced over at Shubman, raising an eyebrow. "Hey, Shubman, you alright, man? You seem miles away."

Shubman blinked, snapping out of his reverie. "Oh, yeah. Just... thinking about some stuff."

Ahvi, noticing his distraction, tilted her head. "Everything okay? You look like you've got something heavy on your mind."

Shubman ran a hand through his hair, trying to shake off his thoughts. "It's just... today's been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. Nothing I can't handle."

Sai, always the curious one, leaned forward. "Come on, spill it. We're all friends here. What's got you so worked up?"

Shubman hesitated, then sighed deeply. "It's just... Manvi called Ashwini 'Mom' today. And then the teacher called her 'Mrs. Gill.' It's been... a lot to process."

Ishan, trying to lighten the mood, chuckled. "Sounds like Manvi's really taken to Ashwini. She must be doing something right."

Aditi nodded in agreement, her expression thoughtful. "It's clear how much Ashwini means to both of you. She's been an incredible support."

Abhishek leaned in, his tone teasing but sincere. "So, what's the deal, Shubman? Are you finally going to admit that you've got feelings for Ashwini?"

Shubman shot him a look of surprise mixed with frustration. "Jesus, Abhishek. It's not that simple. There's so much more to it."

Ahvi chimed in, her voice gentle but probing. "But you do have feelings for her, don't you?"

Shubman ran a hand over his face, trying to gather his thoughts. "Yeah, I guess I do. I mean, it's hard not to. She's been amazing for Manvi and me. But... shit, I don't even know what to do with these feelings. It's like everything's been turned upside down."

Aditi placed a comforting hand on his arm. "Sometimes, the best thing you can do is to be honest with yourself and with her. If you care about her, you owe it to yourself to at least explore those feelings."

Shubman looked around at his friends, who were all offering support and encouragement. "I know, but it's complicated. I don't want to mess things up, especially when everything's been so good."

Sai suddenly perked up. "You know, Shubman, you can't always control how things turn out. Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith. Who knows? Maybe she's feeling the same way."

Shubman stared at his cup, feeling the weight of his friends' words. What if they're right? What if I'm missing something because I'm too scared to admit how I really feel?

He glanced up at his friends, seeing their genuine concern and support. "Maybe you're right. Maybe it's time I stopped overthinking and just... talked to Ashwini about how I feel."

Abhishek clapped him on the back. "That's the spirit! Just be honest with her. It's the only way to figure things out."

Shubman nodded, feeling a mix of anxiety and relief. "Alright, I'll do it. Thanks, guys. I needed this."

The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the city as Shubman made his way up the familiar stairs to Ashwini's flat. He had decided to visit her after the café conversation with his friends, feeling more resolved to address his feelings and the current confusion in his life.

He knocked on the door, the rhythmic sound echoing in the quiet hallway. Moments later, the door swung open, revealing Ashwini amidst a flurry of activity. The usually neat and stylish interior of her flat was now a whirlwind of open suitcases, clothes strewn about, and various accessories scattered across the floor.

Ashwini was dressed in a pair of old sweatpants and one of Shubman's oversized T-shirts, her hair pulled back in a messy bun. She looked slightly flustered but determined as she zipped up a suitcase. The sight of her, so engrossed in her task, momentarily took Shubman by surprise.

"Hey, Ashwini," Shubman greeted, stepping inside. "What's going on here? You look like you're packing up for a world tour."

Ashwini glanced up, her expression a mix of surprise and guilt. "Oh, Shubman. I didn't expect you so soon." She paused, wiping her hands on her pants. "I was actually about to come over and talk to you and Manvi about this. I... I have something to tell you."

Shubman's brow furrowed as he observed the chaos around her. "What's up? You seem really busy."

She took a deep breath, her gaze dropping to the suitcase she was closing. "So, here's the thing. I'm going to Paris in a few weeks. Ahvi and I are heading there for a show. It's a big deal—our designs are being showcased at this international fashion event."

Shubman's eyes widened in surprise. "Paris? That's incredible, Ashwini. But... why didn't you say anything earlier?"

Ashwini looked up, her eyes filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. "I wanted to wait until everything was confirmed. I didn't want to get your hopes up or disrupt our routine until I was sure. But now it's official, and I need to start preparing."

Shubman took a step closer, his expression thoughtful. "How long will you be gone?"

"About a month," Ashwini replied, her tone tinged with sadness. "It's a big opportunity for my career, and I couldn't pass it up. But... I didn't want to leave without telling you first."

Shubman's mind raced. He had hoped to talk to Ashwini about his feelings and their evolving relationship, but this news threw a wrench into his plans. He tried to mask his disappointment. "Well, that's... a big deal. I mean, I'm happy for you. It's an amazing opportunity."

Ashwini nodded, her eyes searching his face for a hint of how he felt. "I know it's sudden. I didn't want to just leave without any notice. I wanted to talk to you and Manvi before I go."

Shubman took a deep breath, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions. "We'll manage, of course. I just... didn't expect this. Manvi's going to miss you, and I guess I will too."

Ashwini's eyes softened. "I'll miss you both too. I know it's going to be a challenge, but I'll be back before you know it. I promise I'll stay in touch and come back with stories and maybe a few surprises."

Shubman gave a small, forced smile. "I'm sure you'll do great. It's just... there's never a good time for something like this, you know?"

Ashwini walked over to him, her gaze filled with sincerity. "I know. And that's why I wanted to talk to you about it. I don't want to leave any unfinished business or unspoken feelings."

Shubman's heart skipped a beat at her words. He was about to respond when Manvi's voice came from the doorway of her bedroom, bright and cheerful. "Mom, are you still packing? I thought we were going to play dolls before dinner!"

Of course Manvi's here. I had left her here.

Ashwini's face lit up with a genuine smile, and she quickly moved to kneel beside Manvi, pulling her into a warm hug. "I'm almost done, sweetheart. Just a few more things, and then we can play."

Shubman watched the tender moment between them, feeling a pang of regret that he hadn't been able to talk to Ashwini about his feelings before her departure. The news of her leaving was a sudden jolt, but he knew that he needed to respect her dreams and support her through this.

He walked over and crouched down beside them. "Hey, Manvi. Looks like we're going to have to spend a bit more time together while Ashwini is away. Are you up for it?"

Manvi nodded enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling. "Yes! We can have all kinds of fun! And when Ashwini comes back, she can tell us all about Paris."

Ashwini chuckled, her eyes brightening. "Exactly. We'll have lots of fun and make plenty of memories before I go."

Shubman watched the two of them, his heart a mixture of pride and melancholy. "Alright, let's make the most of the time we have. We'll make sure Ashwini's last days before the trip are filled with laughter and happiness."

Ashwini gave him a grateful look, and he could see the warmth in her eyes. She was grateful for his support, and he was determined to make the best of their remaining time together.

As the evening wore on, Shubman helped Ashwini with the last of her packing and spent time playing with Manvi, all the while wrestling with his own emotions. He knew he had to be strong and supportive, but inside, he was grappling with the reality of Ashwini's departure and the uncertainty of what the future might hold.

Despite the chaos and emotional turbulence, the love and camaraderie they shared kept them grounded. 

They were a family in their own way, and they would face the challenges together, no matter what lay ahead.

soup rants!

and here we have the fourth chapter of "Down Bad"

them as parents, i live for it

MANVI BABY LITERALLY CALLED ASH "MOM", IM SOBBING

anyway comments on the chapter!?

- love supraja!