A few months had passed and summer vacation was in full swing. Manvi, who had been eagerly anticipating her time away from school, was buzzing with excitement as she prepared to spend the holidays with her grandparents. Shahneel, Shubman's elder sister, had come to pick her up for a special visit to her place.

It was a sunny morning when Shahneel arrived at Shubman's apartment. She was carrying a bright red suitcase, and her face was lit up with a warm, affectionate smile. She was dressed in a casual yet stylish outfit—a white blouse with intricate lace details paired with high-waisted blue jeans and tan sandals.

"Hey, little princess!" Shahneel greeted as she walked through the door, her voice full of enthusiasm. "Ready for some grandparent time?"

Manvi, who had been waiting with bated breath, darted out of the bedroom where she had been packing her things. Her face lit up with a beaming smile as she ran to Shahneel, throwing her arms around her in a tight hug.

"Aunt Shahneel!" Manvi exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "I've missed you! Is Grandma's house really as fun as I remember?"

Shahneel hugged her back, her eyes soft and affectionate. "Oh, absolutely! Grandma and Grandpa have been looking forward to this as much as you have. They've got all sorts of fun things planned for us. Are you excited for the garden, the baking, and the new stories?"

Manvi nodded vigorously, her ponytail bouncing with the motion. "Yes! And Grandma promised we'd make cookies together. I can't wait!"

Shubman, who had been observing the reunion from the kitchen, smiled as he stepped into the living room. He was dressed casually in a grey t-shirt and jeans, his cricket bag slung over his shoulder. His eyes softened as he saw his daughter's excitement.

"Hey, Shahneel," Shubman said, walking over to give his sister a warm hug. "Thanks for taking Manvi for the summer. She's been looking forward to this trip."

"No problem at all," Shahneel replied, returning the hug. "We're going to have a blast. Plus, it's always great to have the chance to spoil her a little."

Manvi, who had been bouncing with energy, looked up at her father with wide eyes. "Daddy, can I take my new storybook? I want to read it to Grandma and Grandpa."

"Of course," Shubman said, smiling. "Just make sure you pack it in your suitcase."

As Manvi hurried to grab her book, Shahneel took the opportunity to chat with Shubman. "How have things been? Busy with cricket?"

"Yeah, pretty hectic," Shubman said with a chuckle. "But it's good. I'm enjoying the season, and it's nice to know Manvi's going to have a great time with you guys."

Shahneel nodded. "We've been looking forward to it. I've already got a list of things we're going to do. There's a new park nearby with a splash pad, and Mom's got a whole bunch of new crafts for us to try."

"I'm sure she'll have a fantastic time," Shubman said, his voice full of confidence. "Thanks for doing this, Shahneel. It means a lot."

"Don't mention it," Shahneel said, giving her brother an affectionate smile. "It's always a pleasure to have Manvi around. Plus, it gives you a chance to catch your breath."

As they continued to chat, Manvi finally reappeared, her suitcase in tow and her storybook clutched tightly in her hands. She looked up at Shahneel with a grin.

"All set, Aunt Shahneel!" Manvi announced proudly. "I'm ready to go!"

Shahneel smiled and knelt down to zip up the suitcase. "Great! Let's get this show on the road. We've got a fun-filled summer waiting for us."

Shubman bent down and hugged Manvi tightly. "You be a good girl, alright? I'll miss you, but I know you're going to have an amazing time."

"I will, Daddy," Manvi promised, hugging him back. "I'll tell you all about it when I come back."

With final goodbyes and promises of stories and fun, Shahneel and Manvi headed out. Shubman watched them go, his heart full of gratitude and a touch of sadness. He knew Manvi would have a wonderful time, but he'd miss her dearly.

As Shahneel and Manvi drove off, the conversation between them was filled with animated chatter about all the things they planned to do. Shahneel was keen to make the summer special, and Manvi was ready to soak up every moment.

"So, we've got a lot planned," Shahneel said as they drove through the city. "But let's start with the basics. How about we grab a special treat on the way? I hear there's a new ice cream place that's supposed to be amazing."

Manvi's eyes widened with excitement. "Ice cream? Yes, please! I want to try their chocolate chip cookie dough flavor."

"Chocolate chip cookie dough it is," Shahneel agreed with a laugh. "We'll get our ice cream and then head to Grandma's. She's got the house all ready for us."

As they continued their journey, the car was filled with laughter and the promise of a summer filled with cherished moments and new adventures.

Shubman stepped out of the shower, the cool air of the apartment contrasting sharply with the warmth of the water he had just left behind. 

He was clad only in a pair of black athletic shorts that hung low on his hips, his chest glistening with droplets of water that traced down his defined abs. He ran a hand through his damp hair, tousling it as he walked into the living room.

The apartment was quiet, save for the soft hum of the refrigerator. As he made his way towards the kitchen, he caught sight of Ashwini leaning casually against the kitchen counter. 

She was absorbed in her phone, her outfit consisting of a pair of denim shorts and a cropped, white tank top that showed off her toned midriff. The light fabric of her top clung to her, accentuating her curves, and her long hair was loosely pulled back into a messy ponytail.

Ashwini looked up as she heard Shubman's footsteps, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Well, well, look who decided to grace us with his presence," she said, her voice playful and warm. "You look like you've just stepped out of a magazine."

Shubman grinned, his eyes roaming appreciatively over her outfit. "And you look like you're ready to take on the world, or at least make a lot of heads turn."

She chuckled, her gaze flickering back to her phone. "I was just thinking of planning something exciting. You remember how you always talked about wanting to visit Italy?"

Shubman raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Italy? Hell yes. I've always wanted to go there. The food, the culture, the scenery... What's on your mind?"

Ashwini's eyes sparkled with mischief as she put down her phone and pushed herself off the counter, sauntering over to Shubman. 

"Well, I was thinking, why don't we actually go? I've been looking at flights and found some amazing deals."

Shubman's heart skipped a beat. The idea of a spontaneous trip to Italy with Ashwini was thrilling. "Seriously? You're not just teasing me?"

"Nope," she replied, shaking her head with a grin. "I'm dead serious. I thought it would be a fun way for us to spend some time together. Just the two of us."

Shubman stepped closer, his bare chest almost touching her as he took her hand in his. "You know, I've got to say, you're full of surprises. Italy sounds incredible. When do we leave?"

Ashwini's eyes met his, her expression softening. "How about next week? We can spend a few days in Rome, maybe head to Florence. I've got a few ideas."

"Next week sounds perfect," Shubman said, leaning in to brush a light kiss against her forehead. "This is going to be amazing."

Ashwini looked up at him, her smile turning flirtatious. "I'm glad you think so. But before we get too carried away, I think we should make sure we're both properly prepared for our little adventure."

Shubman raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "What do you mean by 'prepared'?"

"Well," Ashwini said, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper as she stepped even closer, their bodies almost touching. "I think we need to have a little more fun in the meantime. How about we make the most of tonight before we start packing?"

Shubman's breath caught in his throat. The way she looked at him, her gaze so intense and filled with promise, was enough to make his pulse quicken. 

"I'm more than ready for that, sweetheart."

Ashwini's lips curved into a seductive smile as she leaned in, her voice dropping to a hushed tone. "Good. Because I've been waiting for a moment like this."

Before he could respond, she slipped her arms around his neck, her touch sending a shiver down his spine. 

Shubman's hands moved instinctively to her waist, pulling her closer. The heat between them was palpable, the space between them shrinking until there was nothing left but the electric charge of their closeness.

He lowered his head, his lips capturing hers in a deep, passionate kiss. The intensity of the moment was heightened by the closeness of their bodies and the thrill of the spontaneous trip that lay ahead. 

The kiss was a blend of urgency and tenderness, filled with the promise of many more moments like this in the days to come.

As they finally pulled apart, both breathless and flushed, Ashwini looked up at him with a playful glint in her eyes. "I think we're both more than ready for this trip now."

Shubman chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Absolutely. And I'm looking forward to every single second of it."

As Shubman and Ashwini continued to revel in the intimate moment between them, Ashwini's phone buzzed on the kitchen counter. 

The soft vibration interrupted their conversation, and Ashwini reluctantly pulled away from Shubman, her curiosity piqued by the sudden distraction.

"Hold on a second," she said, reaching for her phone. "I've got some messages."

Shubman watched with an amused smile as she picked up her phone and glanced at the screen. Her brow furrowed slightly as she read the notifications.

"Looks like Ahvi and Sai are planning a trip to London," Ashwini said, showing Shubman the text from Ahvi. 

The message read: "Hey Ashwini, just wanted to let you know Sai and I are heading to London for a little getaway. Can't wait to catch up when we're back! Miss you!"

"That sounds exciting," Shubman remarked, his eyes twinkling with interest. "London, huh? They'll have a great time."

Ashwini nodded, her attention shifting as another message notification popped up on her screen. 

She swiped to read the new text from Aditi. "And Aditi and Abhishek are going to France," she said, her smile widening. The text read: "Heyy! Abhi and I are off to France for a romantic trip. Can't wait to explore Paris and Provence. Let's catch up soon!"

"Looks like everyone's going on these fabulous trips," Shubman commented, his tone light and teasing. "And here we are, planning our own Italian escapade."

Ashwini chuckled, shaking her head. "I guess we're all in the travel spirit. It's great to see everyone making time for these adventures."

Shubman leaned in, his hand brushing against hers as he took in her excitement. "It definitely adds to the thrill, doesn't it? Especially knowing we'll be making memories in Italy soon."

Ashwini's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Absolutely. And it's always nice to hear from friends who are also embarking on their own journeys. It makes everything feel a little more special."

As she typed quick replies to Ahvi and Aditi, letting them know how excited she was for their trips and how she looked forward to catching up with them, Shubman watched her with a contented smile. 

The way she effortlessly balanced her relationships and her own excitement was one of the many things he admired about her.

"So, speaking of trips," Shubman said, wrapping his arms around her waist again and pulling her close. "What's our itinerary looking like for Italy?"

Ashwini grinned up at him, her excitement palpable. "We've got Rome first—ancient history and incredible food. Then we'll head to Florence for some art and maybe a bit of wine tasting. And after that, I thought we could relax in the Tuscan countryside."

"That sounds like a dream," Shubman said, his voice low and filled with anticipation. "I can't wait to experience it all with you."

Ashwini's smile softened as she rested her head against his chest. "It's going to be amazing. And who knows, maybe we'll end up with our own little adventure story."

Shubman chuckled, his hand sliding up and down her back. "I have no doubt about that. With you by my side, every moment is an adventure."

They shared a tender kiss, their lips lingering as they savoured the closeness. 

As the conversation about their exciting future trip to Italy began to wind down, Shubman's eyes darkened with a familiar, playful intensity. 

He gently tugged Ashwini closer, his hand still resting on the small of her back. Her body pressed against his bare chest, and she could feel the heat radiating off his skin, still damp from the shower.

"You know," he said in a low, teasing voice, "talking about Italy just makes me want to start the adventure early. Maybe... in the bedroom?"

Ashwini chuckled, rolling her eyes in mock exasperation. "You and your ideas. What makes you think I'm just going to let you—"

Before she could finish, Shubman swooped down and scooped her up effortlessly, lifting her off the ground as if she weighed nothing. Ashwini let out a surprised gasp, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck as she shot him a playful glare.

"Shubman!" she exclaimed, laughing as he carried her toward the bedroom. "You can't just pick me up like that whenever you want!"

"Oh, can't I?" he teased, his grip tightening around her waist as he effortlessly carried her through the hallway. 

"You should know by now, baby, that I do whatever I want when it comes to you."

Her laughter filled the air as he pushed open the bedroom door with his foot, the room dimly lit by the evening glow filtering through the curtains. 

The atmosphere was intimate and inviting, the bed already turned down, inviting them into its cozy warmth.

Shubman's eyes never left hers as he gently lowered her onto the bed, his hands lingering on her waist as he leaned over her. 

The weight of his body pressed down against her slightly, his lips brushing against the soft skin of her neck, sending a shiver through her.

"You look so damn beautiful," he murmured, his voice husky with desire. "I can't get enough of you."

Ashwini's breath hitched as his lips trailed kisses along her collarbone. Her hands slid up his back, fingers tracing the defined muscles there. 

"You're impossible," she whispered, though her voice betrayed the way his touch was unravelling her.

"Only for you," he replied, his lips finding hers in a deep, slow kiss that made her forget everything else. 

The world outside their bedroom ceased to exist, the only sound being the soft rustle of the sheets and their quiet breathing.

Ashwini's hands tangled in his hair, pulling him closer as the kiss deepened, their connection growing more heated by the second. 

Shubman's fingers grazed the hem of her shirt, lifting it slightly as his hand explored the warm skin beneath. His touch was gentle but insistent, and she responded by arching into him, lost in the moment.

After what felt like an eternity, Shubman pulled back just enough to meet her gaze, his eyes full of affection and mischief. "Still want to go to Italy?" he asked, a grin playing on his lips.

Ashwini laughed softly, her fingers trailing down his chest. "Yes, but right now, I think I'm pretty happy with where we are."

Shubman smirked, lowering himself back down to kiss her again. "Good, because I'm not done with you yet."

As Shubman's lips reconnected with Ashwini's, the kiss deepened, becoming a fervent dance of passion and desire. His hands roamed over her body with a mix of urgency and tenderness, exploring every curve as if rediscovering her all over again.

Ashwini's fingers gripped his shoulders tightly, her nails digging into his skin as she pulled him closer. The kiss was an intense mingling of warmth and need, their breaths coming in ragged gasps as they lost themselves in each other.

Shubman's hands slid beneath her tank top, his fingertips trailing along her sides and up to the delicate fabric of her bra. 

He broke the kiss momentarily, his lips trailing down her jawline to her neck, where he placed a series of soft, heated kisses.

 Ashwini's head fell back against the pillow, a soft moan escaping her lips as he nuzzled against her skin.

"You drive me crazy," Shubman murmured, his breath hot against her neck. "Every time I'm with you, I just want more."

Ashwini's response was a breathy, "Don't stop," her hands moving to the back of his neck, drawing him back into the kiss. Her tongue slid against his, their mouths moving together in a rhythm of synchronized desire.

Shubman's hands continued their exploration, moving up to the clasp of her bra. With a deft touch, he undid it, his fingers skimming over the newly exposed skin. Ashwini shivered, her body arching slightly as his touch sent sparks of pleasure through her.

"Shubman," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion as he gently cupped her breasts, his thumbs brushing over her sensitive nipples. The sensation made her gasp, her hips pressing upward instinctively.

He responded by pressing his body closer to hers, his own arousal evident as he settled between her legs. His kisses traveled from her neck down to her collarbone, his hands exploring with a mix of reverence and eagerness.

Ashwini's breaths grew more rapid as his kisses reached the curve of her breast, his lips tracing delicate patterns along the way. "God, Shubman," she gasped, her fingers tangling in his hair, guiding him with a mixture of urgency and affection.

He lifted his head to look into her eyes, his expression a mix of adoration and hunger. "I want you so much," he said, his voice rough with desire. "You're everything to me."

Ashwini's eyes softened, her hands reaching up to cup his face. "I want you too," she replied, her voice low and intense. "More than anything."

They resumed their kiss, losing themselves in the passion and heat of the moment. Shubman's hands continued to explore, his touch sending waves of pleasure through Ashwini. The room was filled with the sounds of their shared breaths, the soft rustling of the sheets, and the occasional gasp or moan as they reveled in the intimacy they shared.

As the intensity of their connection reached its peak, their movements became more urgent, their bodies pressing together with a fervent need. The outside world faded away, leaving only the warmth and closeness of their shared embrace.

Finally, as their kisses slowed and their breaths returned to a more steady rhythm, Shubman pulled back slightly, his eyes locked with Ashwini's. He gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, his expression tender and loving.

"Still thinking about Italy?" he asked softly, his lips curling into a satisfied smile.

Ashwini's eyes sparkled with both mischief and affection as she looked up at him. "Definitely," she replied, her voice husky with satisfaction. "But right now, I'm more than happy to be here with you."

With that, they embraced once more, their bodies intertwined, savouring the afterglow of their passionate encounter. 

The world outside their bedroom remained a distant thought, replaced by the warmth and intimacy that enveloped them in their own little paradise.

Shubman's lips lingered just above Ashwini's, teasingly close but not quite touching as he stared down at her with that familiar, playful intensity. 

His fingers slowly drifted from her waist to her hair, tangling gently in the soft strands as he ran them through, over and over again.

"I've always loved your hair, you know that?" he murmured, his voice soft and low as if sharing a secret. 

His fingers combed through her waves with care, each touch deliberate and unhurried. "It's like silk... I could play with it all day."

Ashwini smiled up at him, her heart fluttering at his words, the tenderness in his touch sending shivers down her spine. 

She felt his fingers tug lightly at the ends of her hair, and his thumb gently traced the curve of her jaw, making her close her eyes and lean into his hand.

"You're full of sweet words today," she whispered, her voice barely audible as she opened her eyes to meet his gaze. 

There was a softness in her eyes, a mix of affection and desire that mirrored the warmth she felt from his touch.

Shubman chuckled softly, leaning down to press a slow kiss to her forehead. "Just telling the truth, baby. I think I could stare at you forever and still not get enough."

As he continued to play with her hair, his movements slowed, becoming more sensual. 

His fingers moved with a delicate grace, twisting strands around his fingers before letting them slip free, each motion filled with a quiet reverence. 

It wasn't just about the physical sensation — it was the intimacy of the moment, the unspoken connection that held them both.

Ashwini's eyes fluttered shut again as she felt his fingertips lightly massage her scalp, her body relaxing even more under his touch. 

"You always know how to make me melt," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Shubman's lips quirked into a soft smile as he leaned down, brushing his mouth against the shell of her ear. 

"That's because I know every inch of you, babe. Every little thing that makes you feel good."

His voice sent a thrill through her, and she reached up, fingers brushing against his bare chest, tracing the lines of his muscles. 

"You're too good at this," she teased, her eyes opening to meet his intense gaze. "Almost like you've had a lot of practice."

He smirked, leaning down again to kiss her slowly, lingering on her lips before pulling back just enough to speak. "Only with you."

The playful banter faded into the background as Shubman's fingers moved from her hair to her neck, trailing soft caresses down her skin. His touch was slow, and deliberate, each stroke sending a wave of warmth through her. He kissed her again, deeper this time, his fingers tangling in her hair once more as he held her close, his body pressed firmly against hers.

Ashwini's breath quickened as the moment grew more heated, but there was still a tenderness, a sense of safety and comfort that wrapped around them like a blanket. 

Shubman kissed her forehead again, then her cheek, before resting his forehead against hers, their breathing in sync.

"I love you," he whispered softly, his voice filled with sincerity.

Ashwini's eyes fluttered open, her heart swelling at his words. She smiled, her hand resting on his chest as she whispered back, "I love you too, Shubman."

He grinned, brushing her hair back from her face and pressing a final kiss to her lips. "Good, because I'm never letting you go."

soup rant's

and here we have the tenth chapter of down bad!

I'm in love with them

someone take me to Italy and play with my hair, and call me pretty [ never happening ]

anyway comments on chapter

love, soup!