It was Diwali, the festival of lights, and Ira was spending it at Shubman's family home in Punjab. The house buzzed with energy—laughter, the aroma of sweets, and the sound of relatives chattering filled the air. 

Dressed in a deep red lehenga with gold embroidery, Ira looked radiant. Her makeup was subtle but elegant: a hint of shimmer on her eyes, a glossy nude lip, and the faintest hint of blush on her cheeks.

She had been roped into helping Shubman's mom, Keart Gill, and his sister, Shahneel, set up the diya decorations. They had spread out candles and small oil lamps in intricate patterns on the terrace, their chatter light and playful.

"Shubman is such a perfectionist," Ira teased as she placed the last diya in the corner. "If he were here, he'd probably rearrange all of these at least three times."

Shahneel laughed. "You're not wrong. He did that last year, and we made him sit inside."

Keart smiled knowingly. "He's always been like that. But Ira, it's nice to have someone who can keep him in line."

Just as Ira was adjusting her dupatta, Shubman appeared at the doorway, leaning against the frame in a dark blue kurta that hugged his broad shoulders perfectly. 

His hair was slightly tousled, and his dimpled smile was firmly in place.

"Mom, you have the best helper in the world," he said, his eyes locked on Ira. "I think you should keep her."

Ira gave him a mock glare. "Helper? Excuse you, Gill."

He smirked. "Correction. The prettiest helper."

Keart rolled her eyes affectionately and returned to arranging sweets on a tray, but Ira felt a slight warmth creep up her neck. Before she could retort, Shubman stepped closer.

"You know, love," he said casually, his voice dropping slightly, "you fit in so well here, it's almost unfair. If someone walked in, they'd think you're already family."

Ira paused mid-step, her heart skipping a beat. She looked up at him, her expression softening, but her eyes began to sting as tears welled up.

Shahneel, noticing Ira's expression, quickly nudged Shubman. "Bro, what did you say? Look, she's crying!"

"I didn't mean—what? Ira!" Shubman looked panicked, stepping closer to her. "What happened? What did I say?"

"Nothing, you idiot," Ira said, her voice wobbling as she blinked furiously to stop the tears. 

"It's just—ugh, you and your stupid, sweet words."

A tear escaped despite her best efforts, leaving a faint black streak from her mascara on her cheek. Keart immediately noticed and handed her a tissue. "Beta, don't cry. Shubman, say sorry right now!"

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make you cry!" Shubman said quickly, placing a hand on Ira's shoulder, looking completely flustered. "I was just being honest!"

Ira dabbed at her cheek, muttering, "Your son is an idiot, Auntie."

Keart chuckled. "That he is, but he's a sweet idiot."

"I second that," Shahneel added with a grin.

"Hey!" Shubman protested, though his face softened as he saw Ira sniffle and try to compose herself. He reached for her hand. 

"Ira, you know I didn't mean—"

"I know, Shub," she interrupted, looking up at him, her eyes still glossy but filled with warmth. "That's what makes you so frustratingly adorable. Now stop before you make me cry again."

He chuckled, squeezing her hand. "No promises, love."

Later, as they sat together watching the fireworks light up the night sky, Ira leaned her head on Shubman's shoulder, the earlier chaos forgotten. Shahneel had captured the moment on her phone, whispering to Keart, "I think we'll keep her."

Keart just smiled knowingly.

As the night deepened, the Gill household grew cozier. After the fireworks, everyone settled in the living room, the warm glow of diyas reflecting off the walls. 

Shubman sat with Ira on a couch, his arm casually slung across the backrest, his fingers brushing her shoulder now and then. 

Shahneel was showing Keart the pictures she'd taken of the family moments earlier, and laughter erupted occasionally as they reminisced about old Diwalis.

Shubman leaned closer to Ira, his voice low enough that only she could hear. "You okay now, my dramatic queen? No more mascara-streaked tears?"

Ira turned to glare at him, though the corners of her lips betrayed a small smile. "You're lucky I like you, or I'd have shoved you into a diya for that comment."

He smirked, leaning even closer. "You wouldn't. You'd miss me too much."

"Don't test me, Gill."

Shahneel caught their hushed conversation and grinned. "Are you two plotting something again? Because last time, we almost burned the gulab jamuns."

"Not our fault you can't multitask," Shubman shot back, his tone teasing. "Besides, Ira's the real troublemaker here."

"Excuse me?" Ira turned to him fully, her brow raised. "You're the one who told your mom you'd handle the sweets and then left me to do it!"

Shubman laughed, a deep, boyish sound that made Keart glance over with a smile. "Alright, you two. No fighting tonight. It's Diwali—save the arguments for tomorrow."

"Yes, Auntie," Ira replied sweetly, shooting Shubman a triumphant look.

"Wow," Shubman whispered, mock-shocked. "Traitor."

A while later, Shahneel dragged Ira away to take selfies in front of the decorations. As they posed and laughed, Shubman watched her from the couch, his heart swelling with an unfamiliar warmth. Keart nudged him gently.

"She's wonderful," Keart said softly. "You did well."

Shubman turned to his mother, startled. "Mom—what are you—"

"I'm saying," Keart interrupted, her eyes sparkling, "that if you're serious about her, don't waste time. You don't have to say anything now. Just—be sure of what you want."

Shubman nodded slowly, his gaze drifting back to Ira. She was gesturing animatedly to Shahneel, her laughter ringing out like music. 

"I'm sure, Mom. She's... she's it for me."

Keart smiled, patting his knee. "Good. Just don't wait too long to tell her."

Later that night, when the house had quieted and everyone was winding down, Ira stepped out onto the terrace, seeking a moment of peace. 

Shubman followed her, finding her leaning against the railing, staring at the distant lights of the neighbourhood.

"Stealing some alone time, love?" he asked, slipping beside her.

She looked up, her face soft in the moonlight. "Just soaking it all in. Your family... they're incredible."

"They love you already," he said simply, watching her reaction. "They always have, since we were kids."

Her cheeks flushed faintly, and she looked back out at the horizon. "They're easy to love. Especially your mom. She's such a sweetheart."

Shubman smirked. "And me?"

Ira rolled her eyes. "You? You're still an idiot."

He laughed, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her close. "An idiot you happen to like."

She leaned into him, her smile widening. "Yeah, yeah. Happy Diwali, Shub."

"Happy Diwali, my love," he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to her temple.

soup rants!

- hello everyone!

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

-  her with his fam >

- also comments on the chapter?

- what do you guys think will happen in the next chapter?

- i hope you guys liked this one!

- with lots of love, supraja 🫶