One crisp morning, Kyra woke up with a sore throat. It started as a small discomfort but quickly worsened. 

By midday, she was feeling feverish and exhausted, her body aching as if she'd been run over by a truck. 

She'd been working late the past few nights, shooting and editing her short film, juggling the pressure of assignments, and rehearsing for her university presentation.

Her head was spinning, and she could barely muster the energy to get out of bed. She tried to push through, but the dull ache in her throat and the fever that settled over her body made it impossible to focus. 

Coco, ever the loyal companion, stayed by her side, curling up beside her on the bed, her soft fur offering the only comfort in the otherwise stifling silence.

Kyra had always prided herself on being independent, never the type to show weakness, but today, she felt completely defeated.

Shubman was on a break from practice that day and had texted her earlier to check in, but she hadn't replied. 

She didn't want him to worry, but as the hours dragged on, she realized she needed help. Her energy was draining quickly, and it was hard to even keep her eyes open.

Without thinking, she opened her phone, her fingers barely able to type out a message.

Kyra: Hey, I'm not feeling too good. Could you maybe come over later?

She hit send and sank back into her pillows, Coco nuzzling her hand in an attempt to comfort her.

A few minutes passed before her phone buzzed. Shubman's reply was almost immediate, and it made her smile despite the fever fogging her mind.

Shubman: I'm on my way right now. Stay in bed. Don't even think about moving.

Kyra couldn't help but laugh softly, even though it hurt her throat. 

Typical Shubman, she thought. Always acting like he's the one in charge.

Not long after, she heard the familiar sound of keys jingling outside her door, followed by a knock.

"Babe?" Shubman's voice drifted through the door, calm yet concerned. "You in there?"

Kyra barely had the strength to answer. She managed to croak out, "Yeah, come in."

The door creaked open, and Shubman stepped inside, looking every bit the protective boyfriend she was starting to get used to. 

His eyes immediately found her, lying on the bed looking pale and flushed with fever. He frowned deeply, his face softening with concern as he walked over to the bed.

"Damn, baby," he muttered, sitting down beside her. He reached out, his hand brushing against her forehead to check her temperature. "You're burning up. What the hell?"

Kyra winced at his touch but managed a weak smile. "It's just a little fever. I'll be fine."

He raised an eyebrow, his voice filled with disbelief. "A little fever? You look like you've been hit by a truck. I'm not buying that, babe."

Kyra groaned, her throat hurting even more as she laughed softly. "I know. I don't even have the energy to argue."

Shubman leaned over her, his hand smoothing her hair back from her forehead gently. His touch was so tender that for a moment, the aches in her body seemed to fade just a little. 

"You're not going anywhere today, okay?" he said, his voice firm but caring. "I'll take care of you."

Kyra wanted to protest, but she was too weak to do so. Her body ached with every movement, and she was thankful to have him there.

"I can't let you take care of me, Shubs," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "You've got better things to do."

He shook his head, his hand coming to rest on her arm. "No, you're the most important thing to me right now. I'm not going anywhere. Just rest, alright?"

She nodded, closing her eyes as exhaustion washed over her. "You're too good to me."

Shubman chuckled softly, sitting back in the chair beside the bed. "I know I am," he said with a playful grin. 

"But I can't help it. You deserve it."

Kyra felt her eyes fluttering shut, the warmth of his presence slowly lulling her to sleep. She wasn't sure how long she was out for, but when she woke up, it was to the smell of something familiar and comforting.

Shubman had set up a small tray of food beside her, a bowl of warm soup, crackers, and a glass of water. He sat beside her, looking like he hadn't moved an inch.

"Hey, sleepyhead," he said softly, his fingers brushing against her cheek. "How're you feeling?"

"Like I've been hit by a bus," Kyra mumbled, blinking up at him. "What's all this?"

He grinned, looking pleased with himself. "Soup and crackers. You need your energy back. Now eat, or I swear to God, I'll feed you myself."

Kyra raised an eyebrow at him. "You're seriously going to feed me?"

"You bet I will," he said, not missing a beat. He picked up the spoon, scooping some soup. "Open wide, princess."

She rolled her eyes, but she was too tired to argue. Opening her mouth, she let him feed her the soup, feeling comforted by the way he gently cared for her.

"How are you so good at this?" she asked, her voice a little clearer now.

Shubman gave her a playful wink. "I've had practice with Ishan. The guy's always sick, so I've learned how to look after people."

Kyra couldn't help but laugh weakly, the sound a little raspier than usual. "Ishan? Really?"

"Yep," he said with a grin. "You should see the guy when he's under the weather. I'm basically his personal nurse. So now you're my patient."

"Lucky me," she muttered, but she appreciated the care he was showing her more than she could put into words.

Shubman stayed with her for hours, making sure she ate, keeping her hydrated, and just being there. 

Even when she felt like the world was spinning around her, his presence was the anchor that kept her grounded.

By the time the night came, the fever had started to break, and Kyra was feeling a little better, though still exhausted. 

Coco had curled up at the foot of the bed, content with the attention she was getting.

"You didn't have to do all this," Kyra whispered, her voice full of gratitude. "I'm sorry I dragged you into this."

Shubman shook his head, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Don't ever apologize for needing me, babe. I'm here for you. Always."

She smiled, a soft, sleepy smile that melted his heart. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You'll never have to find out," he said softly, leaning down to kiss her forehead gently. "I'm not going anywhere."

And with that, Kyra fell asleep again, this time with a sense of peace in her heart, knowing she was loved and cared for.

soup rants!

- hello everyone!
- I hope you guys are having a great day so far, and I also hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!
- oh to have someone take care of you >
- also comments on the chapter?
- i hope you guys liked this one!
- with lots of love, supraja 🫶