The sun was setting, casting a golden glow across the neighbourhood as Shubman approached Ashwini's house. He took a deep breath, steadying himself for another evening with the woman who had stolen his heart. The warmth of the evening matched the flutter in his chest. He climbed the steps to the front door, where Varshini opened it with a welcoming smile.

"Good evening, Shubman!" Varshini greeted cheerfully.

"Evening, Mrs. Malakai," Shubman replied, his usual polite demeanour belying the nerves he felt. "Is Ashwini ready yet?"

"She's still getting ready," Varshini said. "You know how she is. Please, come in. Make yourself comfortable."

Shubman entered the cosy living room, its décor reflecting Ashwini's elegant taste. He took a seat on the plush sofa, his mind racing with anticipation. After a few minutes, he decided to make his way upstairs. He passed through the hallway lined with family photos, each frame capturing joyful moments. He reached Ashwini's door and knocked softly.

"Ashwini?" he called, his voice hushed but warm.

There was no response. With a slight frown, he gently pushed the door open and peeked inside. The sight that greeted him made his breath catch in his throat.

Ashwini was standing in front of her mirror, her back to him. She wore nothing but a black lacy bralette and matching shorts, her slender frame accentuated by the delicate fabric. 

She was busy putting on her earrings, completely unaware of his presence. Her hair was pinned up in a casual bun, with a few loose strands framing her face.

Shubman's eyes softened as he took in the sight. The room was filled with the soft glow of the vanity lights, casting a gentle halo around her. He couldn't help but admire how effortlessly beautiful she looked.

He quietly closed the door behind him and locked it with a soft click. He approached her slowly, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and longing. 

He could hear the faint sound of a pop song playing from her phone, the melody blending with the rhythmic sound of her movements.

As he reached her, he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, pulling her gently against his chest. 

The warmth of his body was a stark contrast to the coolness of her exposed skin. His lips brushed against her neck, sending shivers down her spine.

"Ashwini," he murmured, his voice a sultry whisper. "You look absolutely stunning, my love."

She gasped, her body tensing slightly at the unexpected touch. She turned her head slightly, her eyes widening as she recognized his voice. "Shubman? What—"

Before she could say anything more, he tilted her head to the side and kissed her deeply. His lips moved against hers with an intensity that spoke of his love and desire. The kiss was both passionate and tender as if he was trying to convey everything he felt for her in that single moment.

Ashwini's hands fell to her sides, her earrings almost dropping from her grasp. She melted into the kiss, her body relaxing against him. 

She felt the familiar spark of their connection, the fire that had only grown stronger with time. When they finally pulled away, both were breathless.

"I'm going to miss you so much when you leave for Paris," Shubman said, his voice tinged with a mixture of playfulness and sorrow. "But tonight, I want to make the most of our time together."

Ashwini's eyes softened as she looked up at him, her fingers tracing the lines of his jaw. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Shubman. You've made everything so perfect."

He gave her a teasing smile, his forehead resting against hers. "Well, you'd better not find out. Because I plan to keep making everything perfect for you, one kiss at a time."

Their laughter mingled with the soft notes of the music, the world outside fading into the background as they shared this intimate moment. 

Ashwini's cheeks flushed a delicate pink as she stepped out of Shubman's embrace, her eyes lingering on his as she finished getting ready. She moved to her wardrobe and pulled out a sleek, knee-length black dress, the fabric shimmering slightly in the soft light. 

The dress was a classic Chanel, elegant and timeless, with a subtle slit up one side that added just a hint of allure.

Shubman leaned against the dresser, his eyes never leaving her as she slipped the dress over her head. The black lace of her bralette peeked out momentarily before she adjusted the straps, smoothing the fabric down her body. She turned to him with a playful smile, her eyes sparkling.

"What do you think?" she asked, striking a mock model pose.

Shubman's gaze travelled from her perfectly styled hair to the tips of her painted toes. "You look absolutely breathtaking, Ashwini. But then again, you always do."

She noticed his attire for the first time—a tailored Armani suit that fit him like a glove. The dark fabric highlighted his athletic build, and the undone top button of his crisp white shirt gave him an effortlessly charming look. He wasn't wearing a tie, and the casual touch made him even more irresistibly sexy.

"You clean up pretty well yourself," she teased, stepping closer and running a finger down the lapel of his jacket. "Though I do appreciate the casual top button. Very James Bond."

Shubman chuckled, his eyes darkening with desire. "Anything for you, my love."

Ashwini turned to her dresser and picked up a pair of black ankle boots from Alexander McQueen. 

She sat on the edge of the bed and struggled slightly with the zipper on one of the boots. Shubman moved to her side, kneeling down gracefully.

He took the boot from her hands, his fingers brushing against her skin.

"Let me help," he said softly, his eyes meeting hers.

She watched as he expertly guided the zipper up her ankle, his touch firm yet gentle. His hands lingered on her calf for a moment longer than necessary, sending a shiver through her body. He moved to the other boot, repeating the process with the same care and attention.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart.

Shubman looked up at her, his expression a mix of adoration and mischief. "Anything for you, Ashwini. Always."

She stood up, testing the boots with a few steps. They fit perfectly, hugging her legs in all the right places. She turned back to Shubman, who was now standing, watching her with an intensity that made her pulse quicken.

"Ready to go, beautiful?" he asked, offering her his arm.

Ashwini linked her arm with his, feeling the warmth of his body against hers. "Ready," she replied, her voice filled with excitement and anticipation.

As they walked out of her room and down the stairs, they passed Varshini and Santosh, who were sitting in the living room.

"You two look amazing," Varshini said, her eyes twinkling with pride.

"Thank you, Mom," Ashwini replied, squeezing Shubman's arm gently.

Santosh nodded approvingly. "Take care of our girl, Shubman."

"Always, sir," Shubman said with a respectful nod.

They stepped outside, the cool evening air wrapping around them as they made their way to Shubman's car. 

He opened the door for her, helping her in before walking around to the driver's side. As they drove off, the city lights reflected in their eyes, the promise of a magical evening ahead.

"I'm really going to miss you when I'm in Paris," Ashwini said softly, breaking the comfortable silence.

Shubman reached over and took her hand, bringing it to his lips for a gentle kiss. "I'll miss you too, more than words can say. But we have tonight, and I plan to make every moment count."

As they drove through the city streets, the anticipation of the evening ahead seemed to electrify the air around them. Shubman's hand remained intertwined with Ashwini's, a silent promise of the night they would share. The gentle hum of the car's engine and the soft glow of passing streetlights added a serene ambience to their journey.

Ashwini turned her head slightly, her eyes studying Shubman's profile. His hair, slightly longer than usual, brushed the collar of his shirt in a way that made him look even more effortlessly handsome. She reached over with her free hand, running her fingers through his hair, feeling the soft strands glide between her fingers.

"Your hair is getting a bit long," she murmured, a playful smile on her lips. "You should probably get a haircut."

Shubman glanced at her, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh, you think so? I thought you liked the rugged look."

She chuckled softly, her fingers still playing with his hair. "I do, but you know, a little trim wouldn't hurt. It might even make you look more dashing if that's even possible."

He raised an eyebrow, a smirk forming on his lips. "More dashing, huh? I'll take that as a challenge."

She laughed, a sound that warmed his heart. "You're impossible, you know that?"

He brought her hand to his lips again, kissing her knuckles softly. "Only for you, Ashwini. Only for you."

As they continued their drive, the cityscape gradually gave way to a more serene, picturesque setting. They pulled up to an upscale restaurant, its elegant facade illuminated by soft, golden lights. Shubman parked the car and quickly moved to her side to help her out, even the gentleman.

He took her hand, guiding her towards the entrance. "Ready for a night to remember?"

Ashwini nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Absolutely."

The restaurant's interior was even more breathtaking. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, inviting glow over the beautifully set tables. 

Soft music played in the background, adding to the intimate atmosphere. They were led to a private table by a large window, offering a stunning view of the city's skyline.

Shubman pulled out Ashwini's chair for her before taking his seat opposite her. The waiter handed them menus, but Shubman barely glanced at his. He was too captivated by the woman in front of him.

As Ashwini perused the menu, Shubman couldn't help but admire her. She looked up, catching his gaze and blushing slightly. "What? Do I have something on my face?"

He shook his head, a tender smile spreading across his lips. "No, you're just perfect."

She rolled her eyes playfully. "You're such a charmer."

The evening progressed with delicious food, laughter, and endless conversation. They shared stories, dreams, and whispered secrets, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing moment. The waiter came by with a bottle of fine red wine, pouring them each a glass.

"To us," Shubman toasted, raising his glass.

"To us," Ashwini echoed, clinking her glass with his.

As the night wore on, they found themselves swaying to the music, their bodies moving in perfect harmony. 

Shubman held her close, his hands resting on her hips, while Ashwini's arms draped around his neck. She ran her fingers through his hair again, this time more slowly, savouring the feel of it.

"You really should get a haircut," she whispered teasingly.

Shubman chuckled, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "I'll make an appointment tomorrow."

She looked up at him, her eyes filled with love. "Good. But don't cut it too short. I like having something to hold on to."

He kissed her deeply, his hands tightening around her waist. "Anything for you, Ashwini. Anything."

They danced the night away, lost in each other, the rest of the world fading into the background. It was a night they would both remember forever, a beautiful beginning to a love story that promised endless adventures and countless more magical moments.

As they finally made their way back to the car, Ashwini rested her head on Shubman's shoulder, a contented sigh escaping her lips. "Tonight was perfect."

Shubman kissed the top of her head, his heart full. "Yes, it was. And it's just the beginning."

As they arrived back at Ashwini's house, the evening had settled into a quiet calm, the city's bustling energy giving way to a peaceful stillness. Shubman parked the car and walked around to open Ashwini's door, his hand brushing against hers as she stepped out.

They made their way up the steps, their earlier laughter and warmth still lingering between them. When they reached the front door, Shubman turned to her, his expression softening.

"Tonight was incredible," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "I can't remember the last time I felt this happy."

Ashwini smiled up at him, her eyes reflecting the glow of the porch light. "I feel the same way. Thank you for making it so special."

As she unlocked the door, Shubman took a deep breath, his thoughts momentarily drifting to the fact that they had to face the reality of her leaving for Paris in a week. He wanted to make every moment they had together count.

Once inside, they slipped off their shoes, the house was quiet except for the soft ticking of a clock on the wall. Shubman followed Ashwini to the living room, where they sank into the comfortable sofa. She settled beside him, her hand resting on his knee, and leaned her head on his shoulder.

"Do you think you'll be able to handle being away from me for that long?" Shubman asked, his voice a mix of teasing and earnest concern.

Ashwini looked up at him, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw. "I'll miss you every day. But we'll manage. It's just a matter of counting down the days until we're together again."

He pulled her closer, his arm wrapping around her shoulders. "I'll be counting every second. And I'll be waiting for you with open arms when you come back."

Ashwini's eyes softened as she gazed at him. "You're so good to me, Shubman. I don't know what I did to deserve someone like you."

He smiled, his hand brushing her hair back. "You deserve all the happiness in the world, Ashwini. And I'm determined to give it to you."

Their quiet moment was interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. Varshini and Santosh appeared in the hallway, their expressions warm and knowing.

"We didn't want to intrude," Varshini said with a gentle smile. "But we're glad to see you both enjoying your evening."

"We're just heading to bed," Santosh added, giving them a nod. "Goodnight, you two."

"Goodnight, Mom. Goodnight, Dad," Ashwini said, her voice soft.

As her parents retreated to their room, Ashwini turned back to Shubman, a playful glint in her eyes. "It's just us now. What do you want to do?"

Shubman's gaze was filled with mischief. "How about we make the most of the rest of the night?"

Ashwini's lips curled into a teasing smile. "What did you have in mind?"

He leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear. "Let's start with a dance. Just the two of us."

She laughed softly, nodding in agreement. "A dance sounds perfect."

Shubman led her to the centre of the living room, where he placed his hands on her waist and guided her into a slow, intimate dance. The soft strains of music from a nearby speaker filled the room, creating a romantic atmosphere.

As they swayed together, Shubman's hands moved gently along her back, and Ashwini's fingers traced light patterns on his shoulders. The closeness between them was electric, every touch and glance filled with meaning.

"You know," Ashwini said softly, "there's something so comforting about being in your arms."

Shubman's lips brushed against her forehead. "And there's nothing I'd rather do than hold you close."

The dance continued, their movements fluid and natural, as if they were the only two people in the world. The night was theirs, a precious time to savour before the demands of tomorrow.

After a while, they stopped dancing, and Shubman led her to the sofa. They sat together, the intimacy of the evening settling around them like a warm embrace. Ashwini nestled against him, her eyes closing as she savoured the tranquillity of the moment.

"I'm going to miss you so much," Shubman whispered, his voice filled with emotion.

Ashwini looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with affection. "I'll miss you too. But we'll be together again soon. Until then, we have our memories."

Shubman kissed her gently, his lips lingering on hers. "And I'll be dreaming of you every night until you're back."

They held each other close, the quiet of the night enveloping them in a cocoon of love and anticipation. The world outside seemed distant and unimportant, as they cherished the precious time they had together.

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As the night wore on, the clock ticked away softly in the background, the gentle rhythm a reminder of the precious time slipping through their fingers. 

Ashwini and Shubman remained nestled together on the sofa, their conversation flowing effortlessly as it always did. Their long history as best friends added a deep layer of comfort and intimacy to their relationship.

"So," Ashwini began, her voice soft as she traced a lazy pattern on Shubman's chest, "what was it like for you, in those early days with Manvi? I can only imagine how overwhelming it must have been."

Shubman's eyes grew thoughtful. "It was tough, to say the least. I was juggling intense cricket training and this tiny little human who needed everything from me. I don't think I would have managed without you."

Ashwini's gaze softened, her heart swelling with affection. "You didn't have to. I was more than happy to help. Manvi's been like my own little girl from the very start."

He reached out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "And you did it with such grace. I can't even begin to express how grateful I am. It wasn't just about looking after Manvi. You became her rock, her constant."

Ashwini smiled, her eyes reflecting the warmth of his words. "She's a wonderful little girl. How could I not fall for her? She's like a piece of you and a piece of me, all rolled into one."

Shubman nodded, a fond smile spreading across his lips. "And she loves you so much. Remember that time she called you 'Mom' by accident?"

Ashwini chuckled softly, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Yes, I do. It was so sweet and unexpected. It made my heart ache in the best way possible."

"It was one of those moments that made me realize just how deep your bond with her really is," Shubman said, his voice filled with emotion. "You've been there for her in ways I could never have managed alone."

Ashwini leaned closer, her head resting against his shoulder. "And you've been there for me. We've been through so much together. I wouldn't trade it for anything."

Shubman's arm tightened around her, pulling her closer. "I feel the same way. And now that we're taking this step together, it feels like everything's falling into place."

They shared a quiet moment, the intimacy of their conversation deepening the connection they had always shared. Shubman's thoughts drifted to the future, to the days ahead when Ashwini would be in Paris. He knew that the distance would be challenging, but he also knew that their love was strong enough to withstand it.

"You know," Shubman said, breaking the silence, "I've been thinking a lot about the future. About us, and about Manvi."

Ashwini looked up at him, her eyes filled with curiosity. "What have you been thinking?"

He took a deep breath, his expression serious yet hopeful. "I want us to build a life together, not just for us but for Manvi too. I want her to know that she has a family who loves her deeply."

Ashwini's heart swelled at his words. "I want that too. I want to be there for both of you, in every way possible."

Shubman cupped her face gently, his thumbs brushing against her cheeks. "I've never been more certain of anything in my life. You're my partner, my best friend, and the love of my life. I want to make sure that we create a future that's full of love and happiness for us and for Manvi."

Ashwini's eyes glistened with unshed tears, her emotions overwhelming her. "I feel the same way. I'm so grateful for everything we have, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for us."

He kissed her tenderly, their lips meeting in a slow, loving embrace. The kiss was filled with all the emotions they had shared over the years: friendship, love, and a deep, abiding connection.

As they pulled away, Shubman looked into her eyes, his voice filled with determination. "We'll make it work, Ashwini. No matter where we are, we'll always find our way back to each other. And we'll make sure that Manvi knows how much she's loved and cherished."

Ashwini nodded, her heart full. "Yes, we will. Together, we can overcome anything."

They spent the rest of the evening wrapped in each other's arms, their conversation drifting to dreams of the future and plans for when Ashwini returned from Paris. 

The love and commitment they shared was evident in every word, every touch, and every glance.

soup rants!

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

THEY ARE SO ASDFGHJKLQWERTYUIOPZXCVBNM

LIKE

GODDAMIT, ME WHEN, BRO I'M WRITING STUFF, THAT'S MAKING ME FEEL SINGLE ASF

anyway, comments on the chapter!?

- love supraja!