Later that evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the city, Shubman and Thalia arrived at his family's home. They were dressed casually but stylishly, reflecting the comfort of their relaxed evening plans.

Shubman had opted for a light grey, short-sleeved linen shirt that hung loosely over his dark jeans, paired with brown loafers. His casual outfit was completed with a leather watch that added a touch of sophistication. 

Thalia, on the other hand, was dressed in a simple yet elegant white maxi dress that flowed effortlessly around her legs, the soft fabric catching the light with every step she took. She paired it with minimalistic sandals and delicate gold jewellery, her hair cascading in loose waves down her back.

As they entered the house, the lively chatter and clinking of glasses from the living room greeted them. The atmosphere was filled with a buzz of excitement and activity as Shubman's family worked on engagement plans.

Shubman's mother, Mrs Gill, was busy arranging flower arrangements and decorations, her face lit up with a joyful smile. 

His father, Mr Gill, was discussing details with a few relatives, while his elder sister Shahneel, a fashionably dressed woman in a navy blue jumpsuit, was overseeing the entire operation with an air of authority and elegance.

"Arrey, aap dono aaye!" Mrs Gill exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she spotted Shubman and Thalia. "Come in, come in! We've been waiting for you."

Shubman grinned and gave his mother a quick hug before guiding Thalia inside. "Hi, Ma," he said, his voice cheerful. "How's everything going?"

Mrs Gill waved him off with a dramatic flourish. "Everything's going great! We're just finalizing some details. But first, come and sit. Have some tea."

Shahneel, who had been busy discussing seating arrangements with the event planner, looked up and smiled warmly at Thalia. "Hi, Thalia," she greeted. "Glad you could make it. You look lovely."

"Thank you, Shahneel," Thalia replied, her smile genuine. "It's great to see you."

As Shubman and Thalia settled onto the sofa, his father glanced over, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. "Toh, beta, kaise lag raha hai? Ready to become part of the Gill family?" he teased.

Shubman chuckled, glancing at Thalia with a sidelong grin. "Dad, we've been friends for so long. I think we're both more than ready."

Thalia laughed softly, leaning closer to Shubman. "Yes, I think so too. It's all a bit overwhelming but exciting at the same time."

"Arre, kya baat kar rahi ho?" Mrs Gill interrupted, handing them both cups of tea. "It's supposed to be a happy occasion. Relax and enjoy!"

As they sipped their tea, Shahneel joined them, her eyes sharp as she assessed their reaction to the ongoing preparations. 

"We're thinking of doing a traditional ceremony with a modern twist," she explained. "Something that blends both our cultures."

Thalia's eyes lit up with interest. "That sounds wonderful," she said. "I love the idea of combining traditions."

Shubman watched her with a soft smile, clearly pleased with how well she was fitting into his family's plans. His gaze lingered on her occasionally, his admiration evident in his eyes.

"Thik hai, ab kuch khaana khilao," Shubman's father announced, clapping his hands together. "I'm starving."

The group moved to the dining area, where a spread of delectable Indian dishes awaited them. The air was filled with the aroma of spicy curries, fresh naan, and fragrant rice. 

They all gathered around the table, the conversation flowing easily as they enjoyed the meal.

Thalia smiled, feeling more at ease as the evening progressed. Shubman, seated next to her, occasionally stole glances at her, his gaze soft and affectionate.

"You know, Thalia," Shahneel said, her tone playful as she passed a dish of paneer tikka. "You and Shubman make a great pair. I've seen how you both interact, and it's clear there's a strong bond."

Thalia blushed slightly, glancing at Shubman who responded with a teasing grin. "Aww, thank you, Shahneel," she said. "It's been a journey, but I'm excited for what's to come."

As the evening wore on, the conversation grew more relaxed, filled with laughter and light-hearted teasing. 

Shubman and Thalia talked about their plans for the future, their families shared stories and anecdotes, and the atmosphere was filled with a warm, familial camaraderie.

Eventually, after a few more rounds of food and lively discussion, the focus shifted back to the engagement preparations. Shahneel handed out some sample invitations and decor ideas, and the group began discussing final details.

"Okay, so we need to finalize the date and send out the invites," Shahneel said, her tone businesslike yet excited. 

"And don't forget, we'll need to plan for the pre-engagement ceremonies as well."

Thalia nodded, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I'm looking forward to all of it. It's going to be such a beautiful celebration."

Shubman's hand brushed against hers, his touch sending a small thrill through her. He leaned in, his voice a low whisper.

 "I'm glad you're enjoying this," he said softly, his gaze locking onto hers. "I was a bit worried about how you'd feel with everything happening so fast."

Thalia smiled, her heart swelling with affection. "I'm doing great, Shubman," she said. "It feels right. And I'm excited for what's to come."

As the evening drew to a close, Shubman and Thalia prepared to leave, their hearts full of the warmth and love they had experienced with his family. 

They exchanged hugs and farewells, promising to return soon with more updates.

As they stepped out into the cool night air, Shubman took Thalia's hand, his fingers intertwining with hers. "So, what do you think of the plans so far?" he asked, his voice gentle and curious.

Thalia squeezed his hand, her eyes meeting his with a bright, hopeful smile. "I think it's going to be amazing," she said. "And I'm glad we're in this together."

Shubman grinned, pulling her close for a brief, affectionate embrace. "Me too," he said softly. "Let's make this the best engagement ever."

With that, they headed to the car, their hearts light and their spirits high, ready to embrace the next chapter of their lives together.

Later that night, Shubman decided to catch up with his teammates at a local sports bar, a favourite hangout spot where they could relax and unwind. 

The mood was light and jovial as they gathered for their usual post-practice meetup.

Shubman arrived at the bar, finding his teammates already settled at a large table in the corner. The group included Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, and Abhishek Sharma. 

The bar was filled with laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the buzz of conversation.

"Arrey, Shubman!" Virat called out as he spotted him. "You made it! We were just about to start the round of drinks."

Shubman grinned, making his way over and clapping Virat on the back. "What's up, guys?" he said, taking a seat next to Hardik. "I need to catch up on everything."

Hardik, who was in a relaxed red T-shirt and jeans, looked up with a grin. "Man, you missed a lot of shit today," he said. 

"KL was just telling us how he almost lost his mind during practice."

KL Rahul, lounging in a black hoodie and sweatpants, rolled his eyes playfully. "Oh, shut up," he said. "It was just one of those days, you know?"

The group chuckled, and Shubman settled in, ordering a beer. The conversation soon turned to the day's practice sessions, their upcoming matches, and the usual banter.

"Hey, did you guys see that article today?" Ishan Kishan, dressed in a casual white T-shirt and shorts, suddenly asked. 

"It had something about Shubman. I didn't get a chance to read it properly."

Shubman, who was taking a sip of his drink, nearly choked. "Article?" he asked, his voice slightly strained. "What article?"

Rishabh Pant, lounging in a green sweatshirt and jeans, raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, I saw it too," he said. "It was about you and your, uh, personal life. Something about an engagement."

The table fell silent for a moment, and Shubman felt a wave of panic. "Fuck," he muttered under his breath. "That article."

Virat, always the one to stir things up, leaned forward with a smirk. "Dude, what's going on?" he asked. "Are you getting engaged or what?"

Shubman sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, apparently," he said. "It's been a whirlwind."

The group's curiosity was piqued, and the questions started flying. "Wait, who's the lucky girl?" Rohit Sharma asked his expression a mix of surprise and amusement.

"Is it someone we know?" Shreyas Iyer, dressed in a casual blue polo shirt and shorts, added.

Shubman glanced around at his teammates, feeling the weight of their gaze. "It's Thalia," he said finally, a bit hesitantly.

Dhruv Jurel, who had been quietly observing, raised his eyebrows. "Thalia?" he repeated. "As in Thalia Chandrashekar? Your childhood friend?"

"That's the one," Shubman confirmed, nodding. "Yeah, our families decided it was a good idea, and here we are."

Riyan Parag, who was wearing a casual grey hoodie and jeans, looked genuinely intrigued. "Damn, I didn't know you two were that close. How did this even come about?"

"It's been a bit crazy," Shubman admitted, taking another sip of his drink. 

"Our families thought it'd be great to get us together. It's a bit of a whirlwind, but we're working through it."

The group went silent for a moment, absorbing the information. Then Virat broke the silence with a grin. 

"Well, that's one hell of a plot twist," he said. "But hey, if you're happy, that's what matters."

"Exactly," Hardik added. "It's not every day that you hear about a childhood friend becoming a life partner. Sounds like a movie script."

Shubman chuckled, feeling a bit more at ease. "Yeah, I guess so," he said. "It's been a lot to handle, but I think it's going to work out."

Abhishek Sharma, leaning back in his chair, grinned. "So, when's the big day?" he asked. "And where's the party at? We need to be ready to celebrate."

Shubman laughed, shaking his head. "Not sure about the exact date yet," he said. "But I'll keep you guys posted. And definitely, there will be a party."

The conversation shifted to the upcoming celebrations and how they'd all be involved. The teammates joked and teased Shubman, their camaraderie and support evident.

As the evening continued, the group relaxed and enjoyed their time together. Shubman felt a sense of relief and gratitude for his friends' support, knowing that no matter what lay ahead, he had a solid support system.

"So," Virat said with a mischievous grin, "are you planning to give us any more surprises? Or is this the only one for now?"

Shubman grinned back, feeling more at ease. "You never know with me," he said. "But for now, let's just enjoy the night."

Meanwhile, Thalia was curled up on her couch in her cozy apartment, absorbed in the pages of her latest read. The warm glow of the evening sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft golden light across the room. 

She had been trying to relax and keep her mind off the whirlwind of recent events, specifically her impending engagement to Shubman.

Just as she reached a particularly intriguing part of the book, her phone buzzed, breaking the silence. She glanced down at the screen and saw a group conference call request. 

The names flashing on the screen made her smile: Ridhanya, Anushka Sharma, Natasa Stankovic, Ritika Sajdeh, Trisha Kulkarni, Aditi Hundia, and Athiya Shetty.

Ridhanya was her best friend, Aditya Roy's girlfriend, and the only one in the group who knew about the engagement news so far. 

The others were wives and girlfriends of Shubman's teammates, all of whom had become good friends over time, though none of them knew about the big news yet.

With a soft sigh, knowing this conversation was likely to turn chaotic, she answered the call.

"Thaliaaaaa!" Ridhanya's voice came booming through the phone. "I've gathered everyone for a very important chat."

Thalia chuckled. "Let me guess, it's about last night's chaos?"

Ridhanya giggled, "Sort of, but also... other things."

"Other things?" Natasa chimed in with curiosity. "What did I miss? Are we gossiping about someone?"

"Of course, it's gossip," Ritika teased. "But something tells me this is juicier than usual. Come on, spill it, Ridhu!"

Thalia could practically hear Ridhanya smirking through the phone. "Thalia, would you like to do the honours or should I?"

Thalia rolled her eyes, setting her book aside. "I swear to God, Ridhu, you're enjoying this too much."

Athiya chimed in, "Wait, what's going on? Is there some sort of big reveal happening?"

Ridhanya finally couldn't hold it in. "Okay, ladies, brace yourselves. Thalia is getting engaged to Shubman!"

A chorus of gasps filled the line.

"What?!" Anushka practically shouted, nearly dropping her phone. "Thalia, you're getting engaged to Shubman?"

"No way!" Aditi added, her voice filled with shock. "When did this happen? Why didn't anyone tell us?"

"Oh my God," Natasa exclaimed, "You two have been hiding this? How long have you been together?"

Thalia groaned, rubbing her forehead. "We didn't date," she said, trying to explain. "It's more of an arranged thing. Our families decided it would be a good idea, and we kind of just... agreed."

Trisha, who had been quiet up until now, laughed. "That sounds like the most chaotic love story ever. You're marrying your best friend?"

Ritika jumped in, "You guys have known each other forever, though. It makes sense in a weird way. But Thalia, why didn't you tell us sooner?"

Thalia sighed. "It all happened so fast. Our families only suggested it yesterday at the wedding, and now it's like, full steam ahead. I'm still trying to process it."

"I'm still stuck on the fact that you two didn't date," Anushka said with a laugh. "You're telling me this whole time, while we've all been watching you and Shubman hang out, we've been waiting for this to happen and boom—it's an engagement?"

"Exactly!" Athiya chimed in. "I mean, we all knew there was something, but come on, Thalia. How could you keep us in the dark?"

Thalia laughed, feeling the tension slowly melting away. "Trust me, it's been as much of a shock to me as it is to you guys."

"So, when's the engagement?" Natasa asked, now sounding genuinely curious. "Are we invited?"

"Of course, you're invited," Thalia said, rolling her eyes. "It's in about a month, I think. Our families are already planning it."

The group exploded into excited chatter again, all of them offering their congratulations and teasing Thalia about her upcoming life as Shubman's fiancée.

"Oh, Thalia," Aditi said with a playful tone, "You better make sure we all get front-row seats. I can't wait to see this unfold."

Thalia laughed. "Front-row seats? Ridhu will probably livestream the whole thing."

Ridhanya giggled. "You know it! Oh, and just so you know, I'm planning your bachelorette party. It's going to be epic."

Thalia shook her head, smiling at the chaotic energy of the conversation. "Just don't get too crazy, Ridhu."

"We make no promises," Ritika quipped. "But seriously, Thalia, we're all so happy for you. This is amazing."

"Thanks, guys," Thalia said softly, feeling overwhelmed by their support. "It means a lot."

As the conversation continued with more laughter and excited planning, Thalia couldn't help but feel a sense of calm amid the chaos. 

The next few months were going to be wild, but with her friends by her side, she knew she'd survive—somehow.

It was well past midnight, and the city outside Thalia's apartment was quiet, the only sounds being the occasional distant car horn or the rustle of leaves in the breeze. 

Thalia had fallen into a deep, peaceful sleep after a long day filled with phone calls, excitement, and planning. Her room was dimly lit by a single bedside lamp, casting a warm, soft glow over the space.

She was nestled under a light, silk sheet, wearing a snug, midnight blue off-shoulder top and comfortable, yet stylish, pajama shorts that barely reached mid-thigh. 

The outfit was subtly sexy, with the top accentuating her collarbones and the shorts showcasing her long legs. 

She had been drifting off to sleep when a sudden, faint sound made her stir. At first, it was barely perceptible—just a rustling noise, like fabric brushing against fabric.

Thalia blinked awake, her senses alert, and as her eyes adjusted to the dim light, she saw a shadow moving near the window. 

Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly pushed herself up on her elbows, trying to make sense of what she was seeing. 

To her shock and confusion, the window was slightly open, and through the narrow gap, she could see Shubman carefully climbing through.

"Shubman?" Thalia whispered, her voice laced with a mix of surprise and sleepiness.

He froze for a moment, catching sight of her, and then grinned. "Hey there, beautiful," he said softly, though his tone was filled with a mischievous edge.

Thalia rubbed her eyes, still trying to wake up fully. "What the hell are you doing?" she asked, her voice a mix of confusion and irritation. "It's the middle of the night!"

Shubman, dressed in a casually stylish outfit of a fitted white T-shirt and dark jeans, carefully lowered himself into the room. 

His outfit, though simple, looked effortlessly sexy, the T-shirt hugging his athletic build just right. He walked over to her with a confident stride, his gaze fixed on her with a playful glint.

"I missed you," he said, coming closer. "And I couldn't wait until morning to see you."

Thalia, though still groggy, felt a rush of warmth at his words. "Are you insane?" she asked, trying to keep her voice down. "What if someone saw you?"

Shubman shrugged, a cheeky smile on his face. "I'm a cricketer, Thalia. I'm used to making dramatic entrances."

She couldn't help but laugh despite her irritation. "You're ridiculous. Do you have any idea what time it is?"

"Yeah," Shubman said, walking over and sitting on the edge of the bed. "It's late, and I've got a good excuse for why I'm here."

Thalia shook her head, trying to suppress a smile. "Oh really? And what's that?"

"I wanted to talk to you," Shubman said, his expression softening as he looked at her. "You know, about everything that's happening. I didn't want to wait until tomorrow."

"Shubman," Thalia began, but she was cut off by his hand reaching out to gently touch hers. His touch was warm and reassuring, and it made her heart flutter.

"I know it's a lot," he said, his voice serious now. "And I know this whole engagement thing is a big deal. I just wanted to be here for you, right now."

Thalia felt a rush of affection for him. Despite the chaos of the past few days, there was something deeply comforting about his presence. 

"You really are something else," she said softly. "But you could've just called or texted."

"I wanted to see you," Shubman replied, his gaze intense. "And not just through a screen."

He leaned in closer, his hand still holding hers. Thalia could feel the heat from his body, and the closeness made her heart race. 

"You're so damn stubborn," she said with a laugh, her irritation melting away. "What am I going to do with you?"

Shubman's grin widened, and he leaned in even closer. "Well, you could start by telling me what you're thinking about all this. The engagement, our future... everything."

Thalia looked up at him, her eyes meeting his. "It's just... a lot to process," she admitted. "I never imagined things would move this fast."

"I get it," Shubman said, his voice gentle. "But I want you to know that I'm here for you. No matter how crazy things get."

Thalia took a deep breath, feeling a mix of emotions. "I'm glad you came," she said softly. "Even if it is a bit crazy."

Shubman's eyes softened, and he leaned in to press a gentle kiss to her forehead. "I'm here, Thalia," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "And I'm not going anywhere."

As the hours passed, the conversation between Thalia and Shubman grew softer and more intimate. The quiet hum of the city outside and the gentle rustle of the curtains in the breeze created a serene backdrop for their private moment.

Shubman, who had initially come in with a playful intent, found himself drawn into the soothing calm of Thalia's presence. 

The stress and excitement of recent days seemed to melt away in her company. They spoke in hushed tones, sharing their hopes and fears about their future together, the engagement, and everything in between.

Thalia had settled closer to Shubman as the conversation deepened. Her warmth was palpable against him, and the soft fabric of her clothes brushed against his skin with every subtle movement. 

Shubman's casual outfit did little to obscure the toned, athletic physique beneath, making the closeness even more electric.

As their discussion gradually waned, a comfortable silence enveloped them. Thalia found herself leaning into Shubman, her head resting on his shoulder. 

His arms, strong and reassuring, had slipped around her, pulling her in close. She felt a profound sense of safety and warmth from his embrace.

Shubman's breathing became slower and more rhythmic, a sure sign that he was drifting toward sleep. Thalia, equally exhausted and comforted, let herself relax completely. 

She shifted slightly, her body moulding to his, and before she knew it, she was lying partially on top of him, her head resting on his chest. The contact was intimate, their bodies pressed together in a way that felt both natural and intensely close.

Shubman's hand traced gentle patterns on her back, the light touch of his fingertips sending shivers through her. He leaned down, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered, "You're so perfect."

Thalia shivered at his words, her heart fluttering. "And you're quite the troublemaker," she murmured, her voice barely audible.

She shifted slightly, her leg draping over his, her thigh pressed against his hip. The movement made her body even more aligned with his, their warmth mingling in an undeniably intimate way. 

Her breathing grew more even, a sign of her impending sleep, and she nuzzled closer into his chest.

Shubman, feeling her weight comfortably on him, couldn't help but savour the moment. He allowed himself to fully relax, his arms securely holding her as if afraid to let go. 

"You know," he whispered, his voice thick with sleepiness, "I could get used to this."

Thalia chuckled softly, the sound vibrating gently against his chest. "Me too," she murmured, already halfway to dreamland.

The silence stretched between them, punctuated only by the gentle rise and fall of their breathing. 

Thalia's head nestled perfectly under Shubman's chin, her hair spilling over his shoulder. His arm was draped protectively around her, his other hand lightly resting on her hip.

As the night wore on, the room became quieter, the only sounds being the occasional rustle of the sheets and the soft, rhythmic breaths of the two entwined figures. 

The sense of closeness and the shared warmth made the space between them feel even more intimate, and sleep took them both in its gentle embrace.

In that quiet, private moment, with Thalia lying on top of him, Shubman felt an overwhelming sense of rightness. 

Despite the whirlwind of their engagement and the uncertainty of the future, being with her at that moment felt like exactly where he was meant to be.

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

- also comments on the chapter?

- I hope you guys liked this one!

- with lots of love, supraja 🫶