The crisp morning sun streamed through the clouds as Malini stood outside the museum entrance, adjusting her glasses and glancing at her phone. Shubman had texted five minutes ago, saying he was parking, but she couldn't help feeling a little nervous. She loved museums, and this was her world—a place filled with art, history, and stories. Sharing it with Shubman felt personal.

She tugged at the hem of her navy-blue pullover sweater, paired perfectly with a mini skirt and her striped shirt peeking from underneath. Her loose braid rested over her shoulder, framing her glasses and soft features.

"Hey, darling," Shubman's deep voice greeted, pulling her from her thoughts.

She turned to see him walking toward her with his signature swagger, carrying a bouquet of sunflowers. "For you," he said, handing them over with a boyish grin.

Her cheeks flushed as she took the bouquet. "You didn't have to. But... thank you. They're beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as you," he said, his gaze lingering on her.

"Shubman," she chided, though her smile betrayed her flustered feelings.

"Alright, alright," he said, laughing. "Ready to show me your world, Ms. Fine Arts?"

She nodded enthusiastically. "Let's go."

The museum was quiet, the kind of serene atmosphere Malini loved. They started in the art gallery, where centuries-old paintings hung on pristine walls. Shubman watched as Malini's eyes lit up at each piece. She'd lean closer, pointing out details he'd never notice on his own.

"See this one?" she said, gesturing to a painting of a starry night. "The brushstrokes—they're so deliberate but feel so chaotic. It's like the artist poured their emotions directly onto the canvas."

Shubman tilted his head, pretending to scrutinize the piece. "It's nice, but I think it's missing something."

"What?" she asked, intrigued.

"A small cricket bat in the corner," he deadpanned.

She gasped dramatically, smacking his arm lightly. "You're impossible! Cricket doesn't belong everywhere."

"Says the girl who's dating a cricketer," he teased, earning another playful glare.

As they moved to the historical artifacts section, Malini's passion shifted seamlessly to stories about ancient civilizations. She explained the significance of a 3,000-year-old pottery piece, her hands animated as she spoke.

Shubman leaned in, resting his chin on his hand. "You're incredible when you talk like this."

She paused, her glasses slipping slightly down her nose as she looked at him. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, the way you light up when you talk about art and history? It's mesmerizing. I feel like I'm seeing a whole new side of you."

Her cheeks turned pink, and she fiddled with the strap of her bag. "You're just saying that."

"I'm not," he said sincerely. "You're passionate, and it's beautiful to watch."

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malinijayadev museums!

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shubmangill the most gorgeous guide I've ever had
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shubmangill 🥰🥰

username 1. you're so pretty and 2. WTF IS SHUBMAN DOING HERE

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After a few hours, they found themselves in a small café inside the museum, sipping coffee and hot chocolate. Malini doodled absentmindedly on a napkin while Shubman watched her.

"What are you drawing?" he asked, craning his neck to see.

"Nothing much," she said, blushing. "Just an idea for a painting."

"You're amazing," he said softly, taking her hand in his. "I hope you know that."

"Stop, you're making me blush," she said, trying to pull her hand away, but he held it firmly.

"Good," he said, smirking. "You look cute when you blush."

They stayed until the museum closed, walking hand-in-hand through the exit as the sun set. Shubman pulled her close, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

"Thank you for today," he said. "I loved every second."

"Even the part where I lectured you about pottery for ten minutes?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Especially that part," he said, kissing her temple. "You're a nerd, and I adore you for it."

She laughed, leaning into him as they walked. "You're the sweetest, Gill."

"And you're my darling," he replied, his voice warm.

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 WANNA GO TO A MUSEUM 

- also comments on the chapter?

- i hope you guys liked this one!

- with lots of love, supraja 🫶