The next day, Malini was practically vibrating with excitement. She hadn't expected last night to feel so... right. But every second of it had been. 

The kiss. The way he'd held her. The way they'd laughed together, as though they'd known each other for years instead of just a day.

She stood in front of the mirror, smoothing down the maroon sleeveless dress that hugged her figure just right. The thigh-high cut was daring, but she felt confident in it, the colour contrasting beautifully with her skin. 

Her leather jacket, perfectly fitted, gave off just the right touch of edginess to balance out the delicate sweetness of the dress. 

Her hair fell in loose waves, framing her face, while black stockings added an understated elegance. 

She slid her closed kitten heels on, her gaze lingering in the mirror as she admired how she looked.

It wasn't the first time she'd dressed up, but there was something different about today. Maybe it was the knowledge that she was going to see Shubman again. 

And that thought alone made her heart flutter with anticipation.

A buzz from her phone snapped her from her thoughts, and her heart skipped a beat when she saw the name.

Shubman.

She smiled, swiping the screen open.

Shub

hey beautiful!

i was thinking about you
all morning
can't wait to see you
later

you're still
good for 7, right?

MJ

yep!
still good. I'll be there

can't wait to see you either

Shub

I'll be waiting
do leave me hanging!!

Her stomach fluttered at the playful tone.

She put her phone down and checked herself over one last time, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. 

When she arrived at the location they'd agreed on, a small café near the park they'd visited the day before, she spotted him almost immediately.

He was standing near the entrance, looking ridiculously good in a casual white t-shirt and dark jeans, his jawline sharp and defined under the faint sunlight. But what caught her attention most was the bouquet of fresh flowers in his hand.

Her heart gave a little jolt.

He saw her approaching and his eyes lit up instantly, a smile spreading across his face. The way he looked at her like she was the most important person in the world at that moment, made her feel like she was floating.

"Malini," he said, his voice warm and inviting. "You look incredible."

She felt the warmth spread across her cheeks as she smiled back. "Thank you, Shubman."

Without a word, he held out the bouquet of roses—red and white, perfectly arranged with sprigs of baby's breath.

"For you," he said softly, his eyes never leaving hers.

Malini took the bouquet, her fingers brushing against his in the exchange. The gesture caught her off guard, and her heart swelled. "Shubman... you didn't have to."

"I wanted to," he replied, his tone sincere. "You deserve it. You're too beautiful to not have flowers with you."

Her smile was uncontrollable. "You really know how to make a girl feel special."

"Good," he grinned, stepping a little closer to her, the energy between them crackling like electricity. 

"Because I plan to keep doing that. So, you like them?"

"They're perfect." Malini paused, inhaling deeply. "Thank you. You're not like most guys, are you?"

Shubman's eyes twinkled as he cocked his head to the side. "I could say the same about you. You're different, Malini. In a good way."

She looked up at him, her heart skipping. "You really know how to make a girl's heart race."

"Well, that's the plan," he smirked. "Now, how about we get inside? I'm starving."

Malini laughed and nodded. "Yeah, let's go. You pick the place, though. You're the one with the fancy taste."

"Fancy? Nah," he teased, opening the door for her. "I just know where to find the best food."

They settled into a cozy corner of the café, and as they ordered, the conversation flowed easily. They talked about everything—his cricket matches, her art, the challenges of balancing careers and passions. 

Shubman asked her about her painting classes, and Malini shared stories of her own creative process, laughing at how she'd once spent hours on a piece only to realize she had painted over it in frustration.

"I mean," she said, shaking her head with a grin, "what's a piece of art if it doesn't come with a little drama, right?"

"Fair enough," he laughed, leaning back in his chair. "But I'm telling you, the world is missing out on you, Malini. You've got something special."

She smiled softly, the way he looked at her making her feel like she was the only person in the room. "I don't know about that. I just paint what's in my heart."

"That's what makes it real," he said, his voice low, intense, but soft.

The meal was lighthearted, filled with teasing and laughter, but there were also quieter moments when their gazes would meet, and time would slow down. 

It was the kind of connection that felt easy like it had always been there, even if they'd only just met.

When the bill came, Shubman reached for it before Malini could even grab her purse.

"Let me take care of it," he insisted, not giving her a chance to protest.

"Shubman, I told you I'd pay my half," she said, a playful edge to her voice.

"I know, but you've already given me enough." He grinned. "Now, I'll just take care of this part."

Malini rolled her eyes in mock annoyance but couldn't help the smile tugging at her lips. "You're impossible."

"Only for you, MJ," he teased. Her heart fluttered again, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth that she hadn't expected. As they walked out of the café together, the sun was starting to dip below the horizon, casting a golden hue over everything. 

Shubman's hand found hers again, and he gently squeezed it, as if to ground her in the moment.

"So, what now?" she asked, lifting her face toward him.

"Now," he said with a grin, "we go wherever you want. You're in charge today, remember?"

"Alright," Malini said, her voice soft. "Let's go for a walk. We can take it slow."

"I love slow," he said, his thumb brushing over her hand again as they walked down the quiet street, side by side.

And for the first time in a long time, Malini felt like everything was falling into place.

malinijayadev has posted

liked by shubmangill, ishankishan23, kavya and 693,077 others

malinijayadev he got me flowers, he's mine <3

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shahneelgill prettiest girl I've ever seen oml
malinijayadev has liked this comment

shubmangill yes I'm hers!
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kavya you're so cute, i love you
           taylorlover  i thought you loved me
                      kavya babe what are you doing here?

ishankishan23 I'm still waiting for shubman's comment
                   malinijayadev sir what are you doing here?😀
                            ishankishan23 here to collect intel for the team ma'am. please have a good day <3

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shubmangill has updated his closefriend's story

"So," Shubman began, breaking the silence, his voice smooth, with that playful edge she was starting to adore. 

"What's it like being an artist? You paint all these beautiful things, but what do you see when you're looking at the world?"

Malini paused, her mind spinning with the question. She glanced up at him, his dark eyes watching her with such curiosity and attention, it was as though he genuinely wanted to know.

"I guess," she said, tilting her head slightly, "I see more than just the surface. I see the details that most people miss. Like... the way light hits a building at the perfect angle or the way someone's eyes change when they're nervous. Or how the trees sway just enough to look alive."

Shubman nodded, listening intently, before smiling. "That's beautiful. But I've gotta admit, I'm still trying to figure out how you turn all that into paint."

She laughed, the sound light and carefree, before brushing a strand of hair out of her face. "It's a process. Sometimes, I get lost in it. But it's all about translating what's inside to what's on the canvas. It's not just the paint, it's the emotion behind it."

"And do you ever... lose yourself in it?" Shubman asked, his voice quieter now, a hint of something more personal in his tone.

Her heart gave a small squeeze, realizing how deep his question had gone. She glanced up at him, meeting his gaze. 

"Yeah," she said softly. "Sometimes it's like I'm not even there. Just lost in the art, at the moment."

Shubman smiled softly, his thumb still brushing over her knuckles in a calming rhythm. "I get that. For me, it's cricket. When I'm on the field, it's like everything else disappears, you know?"

She nodded, understanding the sentiment completely. "It's the same kind of freedom, I guess. You just let go of everything and let the art or the game take over."

The quiet fell between them again, but this time it wasn't awkward. It was comfortable. Like they were sharing something unspoken, something that didn't need words to make sense of.

They continued walking, hand in hand, the world around them fading into the background as their footsteps echoed in time with each other. 

As they passed by the park, the glow of the streetlights flickered, casting long shadows across the ground. 

Malini looked over at Shubman, her thoughts still whirling with everything that had happened over the past 48 hours.

"So," she said, trying to change the subject, "what's next for you? I mean, you've made it so far in your career. What do you see for yourself down the road?"

He glanced over at her, his gaze thoughtful. "I don't really know, to be honest. Cricket's been my whole life, but... I think I want something more. Like, I'm ready to build something outside of just the game."

Malini raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"

He shrugged, looking a little uncertain for a moment. "Maybe a business, something to keep me busy after cricket. Or I don't know... maybe just a family. Something that lasts."

A small smile tugged at her lips, and she squeezed his hand a little tighter. "You're thinking long term, huh?"

"Well, yeah," he said, meeting her eyes. "Life's too short not to think about what you want long term."

Her heart skipped again, but this time, it wasn't from surprise. It was from the warmth that flooded her chest. 

She hadn't expected him to be so open about the future, especially after just meeting her. But the way he spoke, so sincerely, made her believe he meant every word.

"You really are something else, Shubman," she said, voice soft with affection.

He smirked, glancing down at her. "I know. I'm amazing."

Malini laughed, the sound escaping her without a second thought. She loved that he was confident, but still grounded. 

That balance was one of the things that drew her to him in the first place. He was undeniably charismatic, but there was a genuine kindness underneath it all.

They reached a bench by the side of the park, and without a word, Shubman sat down, pulling her gently next to him. He took the bouquet she'd been holding and set it beside them, then turned to face her.

"So, what about you?" he asked, his expression turning more serious. "What do you want in the future, Malini? What's your big dream?"

Her stomach tightened. She hadn't really thought about the future beyond her art and her studies. But looking at him, with that open, expectant look on his face, she realized how much she wanted to share.

"I want to be remembered for my art," she said, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "I want to create something that lasts, something that people can look at and feel something. I want to build a life where I can share that with someone—someone who gets it, someone who... understands the importance of passion."

Shubman didn't look away. His gaze was locked on hers, intense and sincere.

"I think," he said slowly, "you've already started building that life, Malini. And I'm glad I get to be a part of it."

Her heart fluttered again, this time so intensely that she felt it in her throat. "You really think that?"

He nodded, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah. You've got something incredible inside you. Don't ever let it go."

She was speechless for a moment, overwhelmed by the sincerity in his words. She had only just met him, but it felt like they were in sync, like they were both on the same page, even with all their differences.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice shaky with the emotions she couldn't quite express.

"Anything for you, MJ," he said, his voice low and tender.

The moment hung in the air for a long time before Malini leaned in, slowly, as if testing the waters. 

When she was close enough, she kissed him, her lips brushing against his in a kiss that felt like an answer to everything unsaid. 

It was soft at first, exploring, but as the seconds passed, it deepened, their connection solidifying in that simple act.

When they pulled away, she rested her forehead against his, both of them breathing a little faster than usual.

"Promise me one thing?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Anything," Shubman replied, his hands now gently cupping her face.

"Don't stop being this real," she said, her eyes searching his. "Promise me that you'll always be this honest with me."

He smiled, his thumb brushing along her jawline. "I promise."

The night was still young as Shubman pulled up in front of Malini's apartment building, the engine of his car humming softly in the cool evening air. 

The ride back had been filled with light banter, but now, as he parked, there was a strange sense of quiet settling between them. 

He could feel the weight of what had just happened, the kiss they'd shared—a kiss that felt more real than anything he'd ever experienced before.

Malini unbuckled her seatbelt and turned to him, her eyes soft and filled with something he couldn't quite place, but it made his chest tighten.

"Thanks for the night," she said, her voice a little breathless as she met his gaze.

"Of course," he replied, his tone just as soft. "I had a great time, MJ."

A faint blush crept across her cheeks at the nickname, and he couldn't help but smile. She reached for the door handle, but before she stepped out of the car, he caught her hand gently, his thumb brushing over her skin.

"Hey," he said, almost in a whisper. "Can I walk you to your door?"

She hesitated for a moment, but then smiled, that easy smile he was starting to fall for. "Sure."

They got out of the car, walking side by side towards the entrance. The evening was peaceful, the streets mostly empty except for the occasional car passing by. 

When they reached her building, Shubman turned to face her, standing just close enough to feel the warmth radiating off her.

"Goodnight, Malini," he said, his voice soft but sincere.

Before she could respond, he leaned in, kissing her once more. This time, it was slower, deeper—filled with everything they hadn't said yet. 

When they pulled away, they were both breathless, their eyes locking for a brief, intense moment.

As he turned to walk back to his car, his mind was spinning, still lost in the feeling of her lips on his. But then, just as his foot hit the first step of the curb, something made him glance back.

Malini was standing at her door, leaning against the frame. She had her bag slung over one shoulder, and her eyes were fixed on him. 

But as he watched her, something shifted. He saw her sniffle, quickly wiping her nose with the back of her hand before glancing away. 

It was subtle, but it was enough to make his heart skip a beat.

His brow furrowed, a sense of worry creeping over him. Malini wasn't the type to show weakness, not with him. 

And seeing her like this—vulnerable, alone—pulled at something deep inside him.

Without thinking, he turned around and walked back toward her, his footsteps quickening as he approached.

"Malini?" he called out, his voice gentle.

She looked up at him, startled, and for a moment, her expression flickered with something unreadable before it softened. 

She opened her mouth as if to speak, but the words never came.

"Hey," he said again, his voice steady. "What's going on?"

Malini shifted slightly, her hand resting on the doorframe as she hesitated. He could see the conflict in her eyes, the hesitation. 

"I'm fine," she finally said, but there was a tremor in her voice that made him question the lie. 

"I just... I don't know. It's nothing, really."

Shubman stepped closer, his heart aching as he looked at her, trying to make sense of what was happening. 

"Malini, you can't lie to me," he said softly, his gaze never leaving hers. "I can see it. You're not fine."

She let out a soft sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly. "It's just... this is new for me, Shubman. All of it."

He stepped closer, now standing right in front of her, his hand resting lightly on her arm. "What do you mean? What's new?"

"I don't let people in, okay?" she said, her voice shaky now. "Not like this. Not this quickly. I... I didn't expect to feel this way, especially after just meeting you 2 days ago. I didn't expect this—" she gestured between them, "to feel so real."

Her words hit him like a tidal wave, and he felt something deep in his chest twist. 

It wasn't just the confession; it was the vulnerability in her voice, the admission that she was scared of how much she was already feeling.

"I get it," he said softly, his thumb gently brushing her arm in a comforting gesture. 

"I don't expect you to just open up to me right away. But I don't want you to feel like you can't."

Malini shook her head, her eyes welling up with unshed tears. 

"I've always kept people at arm's length. It's easier that way. And now... now I don't know. I don't know what I'm doing. With you. With this."

Shubman's heart broke for her, for the wall she had built around herself to protect her heart. 

"Malini," he said softly, cupping her face in his hands so she would look at him. "You don't have to be afraid of this. I'm not going anywhere. Not unless you tell me to."

She met his gaze, and for a moment, there was silence. Then, she spoke again, her voice barely above a whisper. 

"I didn't expect to feel so... safe with you, Shubman. And I think that scares me more than anything else."

He smiled, a soft, reassuring smile that was meant only for her. 

"It doesn't have to scare you, MJ. I'm not going to hurt you. You don't have to rush anything. Just... let me in, little by little. That's all I want."

Malini closed her eyes for a brief second, letting his words wash over her. When she opened them again, she nodded, a small but genuine smile curving on her lips.

"I'm scared," she admitted, her voice still shaky but stronger now, "but I don't want to push you away either."

"You don't have to," he whispered, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "You don't have to push me away, Malini. I'm here, alright? I'm here for as long as you want me."

She looked at him for a long moment, her eyes searching his face, as if trying to figure out whether he meant it. And when she found no doubt in his eyes, a sense of peace seemed to wash over her.

"Okay," she whispered, her lips curving into a small smile. "Okay."

Shubman leaned in, kissing her forehead gently. "I'm really glad you let me in, MJ."

The words they shared had already laid the foundation.

And now, there was only the feeling between them.

soup rants!

- hello everyone!

- I hope you guys are having a great day so far, and I also hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!

- i love them sm, they're so soft

- also comments on the chapter?

- i hope you guys liked this one!

- with lots of love, supraja 🫶