A few days after their late-night conversation, Thalia and Shubman found themselves cozily ensconced on the couch, enjoying a rare moment of downtime. 

The living room was dimly lit, the only illumination coming from the flickering light of the television screen. A rom-com was playing, its predictable but charming storyline offering a comforting escape from the whirlwind of their recent engagements and plans.

Shubman was lounging in comfortable sweatpants, the soft fabric of the pants hugging his toned legs and his bare chest partially exposed. 

He looked effortlessly relaxed, his hair tousled in a way that only added to his casual charm. Thalia, on the other hand, had borrowed one of his oversized flannel shirts, the plaid fabric hanging loosely on her frame. Her shorts, barely visible beneath the shirt, added to the relaxed vibe of her outfit.

They were nestled together on the couch, Thalia leaning against Shubman's side, his arm draped around her shoulders. 

The movie had just reached a scene where the hero, in a fit of romantic exuberance, was showering the heroine with kisses all over her face—each kiss tender and lingering.

Shubman watched the scene with a smirk, his eyes flicking over to Thalia. "You know," he said, his voice playful, "I think the hero in this movie is onto something."

Thalia raised an eyebrow, looking up at him with a mix of curiosity and amusement. "Oh really? And what's that?"

"Just watch," Shubman replied, his gaze intense as he cupped her face gently in his hands. His thumbs brushed softly against her cheeks, and he leaned in, pressing a series of light kisses all over her face.

His lips brushed against her forehead, then her cheeks, and finally the tip of her nose. Each kiss was soft, tender, and affectionate. Thalia's breath hitched slightly with each touch, a soft giggle escaping her as his lips danced across her skin.

"Shubman!" she laughed, her eyes sparkling with surprise and delight. "What the hell are you doing?"

"You said the hero in the movie was cute," Shubman said, his voice low and teasing. "I thought I'd give it a shot."

Thalia shook her head, her laughter mingling with a playful blush. "You're such a dork."

"Guilty as charged," Shubman grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "But I figured I'd leave out the most obvious part."

Thalia glanced up at him, her eyes narrowing in playful suspicion. "And what's that?"

He smirked, leaning in closer, his breath warm against her skin. "Well, I didn't want to overdo it. Plus, you know I've got to keep some mystery."

Thalia snorted, trying to stifle her laughter. "You're impossible."

Shubman's grin widened, his gaze softening as he looked at her. "I just wanted to make sure you know how much I care about you, Thalia. Even if it's just through sappy movie moments."

Thalia's heart fluttered at his words, the genuine affection in his voice making her smile. She tilted her head slightly, catching his gaze. 

"Well, I appreciate it. And for the record, it's working."

He chuckled, his fingers gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Glad to hear it. I guess I've got a lot of sappy moments left to live up to."

"Don't push it," Thalia said with a mock-serious tone, though her eyes were warm and filled with affection. "I might just have to start expecting these gestures more often."

Shubman's eyes darkened with playful intent as he leaned in, his lips brushing against her cheek one last time. "I'm up for the challenge, beautiful."

The room was filled with the soft hum of the movie and their shared laughter, creating a bubble of warmth and intimacy. 

Shubman's kisses had left Thalia's face tingling, a sweet reminder of their connection. As the movie continued, they remained nestled together, enjoying the simple pleasure of each other's company.

As the romcom continued to play softly in the background, Shubman decided to take things up a notch. He gently pulled Thalia onto his lap, her body fitting comfortably against his. 

The warmth of his embrace was both comforting and exciting, the proximity making her heart race slightly. Thalia settled with a soft sigh, resting her head against his shoulder, enjoying the intimate closeness.

Shubman's arms wrapped around her waist, his chin nestled in the crook of her neck. The sensation of his breath against her skin sent a shiver down her spine.

 He nuzzled closer, pressing light, affectionate kisses along her neck and shoulder. The casual comfort of their outfits—his sweatpants and her oversized flannel shirt—only made the moment feel more relaxed and intimate.

Just as Thalia was beginning to lose herself in the soothing warmth of Shubman's embrace, her phone buzzed on the coffee table. 

She glanced over and saw her mom's name flashing on the screen. With a soft groan, she reached for the phone, reluctantly breaking the spell of their cozy moment.

"Hey, Mom," Thalia answered, trying to keep her voice light despite the disturbance. "What's up?"

Her mom's voice came through, tinged with an edge of excitement and frustration. "Thalia, darling! We finally settled on the date for the engagement ceremony. It's going to be October 20th. Mark it on your calendar."

Thalia's eyes widened slightly. "October 20th? That's so soon. I thought we had more time to prepare."

"Oh, don't be silly," her mom said, her voice slightly exasperated. "We've been planning this for weeks. The venue is booked, and everything is set. I just wanted to make sure you're clear on the date."

Thalia sighed, trying to keep her frustration in check. "Okay, I get it. But can we at least have a bit more time to figure things out?"

"No more time," her mom retorted firmly. "You and Shubman need to get everything sorted. You should have started planning sooner."

Shubman, who had been listening to the conversation, tightened his embrace around Thalia. He nuzzled closer, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, "Your mom's really going full throttle, huh?"

Thalia couldn't help but laugh softly, despite the stress. "Yeah, she is. I guess we're officially on the clock."

Her mom continued, seemingly oblivious to the tension in Thalia's voice. "And don't forget to tell Shubman's family that everything is confirmed. We've got a lot to do, and I need you to be on top of it."

"Alright, Mom," Thalia said, trying to keep her tone as calm as possible. "I'll make sure everything's taken care of."

After a few more minutes of her mom's detailed instructions about the engagement, Thalia ended the call with a sigh. She turned her attention back to Shubman, who was looking at her with a mix of sympathy and amusement.

"Your mom's a force of nature," Shubman said, his voice soft as he traced light patterns on her arms. "But don't worry, we'll get through this."

"I know," Thalia said, leaning back into his embrace. "It's just... a lot to handle at once."

Shubman's hands roamed soothingly over her back, his touch warm and comforting. "We'll handle it together," he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple. "And if we need a break, we'll take one. We've got each other, right?"

Thalia nodded, her body relaxing against him. "Yeah, we do. And I'm glad for that."

Shubman's hands moved to cup her face gently, his fingers brushing against her cheeks. "You're incredible, you know that? Handling everything so gracefully."

Thalia smiled up at him, her eyes reflecting the affection she felt. "Thanks, Shubman. I guess we'll just have to roll with it."

Shubman grinned, his eyes twinkling with a mix of affection and mischief. "And maybe sneak in a few more movie nights like this before the big day."

Thalia chuckled, resting her forehead against his. "Sounds like a plan. But no more interruptions, okay?"

Shubman's lips curled into a playful smile. "Deal."

As they settled back into their intimate embrace, the warmth and closeness of their bodies made the outside world seem far away. 

Shubman's hands continued their soothing caress, and Thalia allowed herself to relax into the moment, the stress of the upcoming engagement momentarily forgotten. 

The romcom played on, its sappy love scenes serving as a backdrop to their own tender, affectionate exchange.

As they settled back into their intimate embrace, Thalia let the warmth of Shubman's body envelop her, the chaos of the outside world fading into a comforting blur. She felt his fingers gently brushing through her hair, his touch soothing and igniting a spark of warmth within her.

"Honestly, can you believe how fast this is all happening?" Thalia said, her voice barely above a whisper. "One minute we're just living our lives, and the next, we're engaged."

Shubman chuckled softly, the sound vibrating through her body. "I know, right? It's like we went from zero to sixty in a heartbeat. But hey, at least I'm getting to spend my life with you. I'm not complaining."

She looked up at him, her heart racing. "You're just saying that to sweet-talk me, aren't you?"

"Maybe a little," he admitted, a cheeky grin spreading across his face. "But you know I'm serious. You're the best thing to happen to me, Thalia."

A blush crept across her cheeks at his words. "You're just saying that because I'm sitting on your lap."

"Maybe," he replied, his tone teasing. "But I've always thought that. You're like this beautiful, chaotic whirlwind that makes my life so much more interesting."

Thalia laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Beautiful and chaotic, huh? I'll take it."

"Hell yeah," Shubman said, his eyes darkening with mischief. "Especially when that chaos involves you making fun of me for my terrible cooking skills or being overly dramatic during romcoms."

"Hey, those are essential parts of your charm," she shot back, grinning widely. "Without them, you'd just be a pretty face."

"Pretty face?" He feigned offence, placing a hand dramatically over his heart. "I'll have you know I'm a master at more than just looks. I can charm anyone with my wit and undeniable charisma."

Thalia shook her head, stifling a laugh. "Undeniable charisma? Please, Mr. Gill. The last time you tried to charm me, you nearly set the kitchen on fire."

"Alright, that was one time!" Shubman exclaimed, his laughter mingling with hers. "I was just trying to impress you with my culinary skills."

"Impress me? You scared me half to death!" Thalia replied, playfully swatting his arm. "I still can't believe I walked into the kitchen to find you throwing flour around like it was confetti."

He chuckled, the sound deep and warm. "In my defense, the recipe looked way easier than it actually was. Who knew baking could be so damn complicated?"

Thalia rolled her eyes, unable to suppress her smile. "And yet, here we are, engaged. You're going to have to step up your game for the wedding, you know."

"Don't worry, I'll hire a personal chef," Shubman replied, smirking. "You'll be taken care of, my beautiful chaos. And if you need me to stand there and look good, I can definitely manage that."

Thalia chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief. "You really have no shame, do you?"

"Absolutely not. Shame is for people who can't pull off my level of awesomeness," he said, puffing out his chest in mock pride. "Besides, it's not my fault you find my charm irresistible."

"Irresistible? More like incredibly annoying," she countered, her eyes sparkling with playful defiance.

"Annoying? You're just jealous of my natural magnetism," he quipped, leaning in slightly, the teasing glint in his eyes growing bolder. "Face it, Thalia. You love this."

"Maybe I do," she admitted, a blush creeping across her cheeks once again. "But don't let it get to your head, okay? I still need to keep you grounded."

"Oh, I'm definitely grounded," he said, his voice dropping an octave, a hint of seriousness creeping in. "Especially when you're around. You keep me balanced."

Thalia looked at him, a sudden warmth flooding her heart at the sincerity in his eyes. "That's sweet, Shubman."

"Only for you, babe," he said, his thumb brushing against her jawline softly. "You're the one who brings out the best in me, even when I'm being a total goof."

"Being a goof is just part of your charm," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "But you know, I wouldn't trade it for anything."

Shubman's gaze softened as he looked down at her, his face just inches from hers. "You mean that?"

"Of course," she said, her voice steady despite the flutter in her chest. "You're stuck with me now."

"Damn right I am," he replied, a teasing grin playing at the corners of his lips. "And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way."

As they settled back into the comfortable silence, Thalia could feel the heat radiating between them. The flickering light from the television cast soft shadows across the room, the ambience thick with an undeniable tension. 

Shubman leaned in slightly, nuzzling into her neck once more, his breath warm against her skin.

"Just promise me one thing," he murmured, his lips grazing her collarbone.

"What's that?" Thalia asked, her voice trembling slightly from the closeness.

"Let's make the engagement as fun as possible. I want you to be able to enjoy every moment, even if it means dealing with our families and their ridiculous planning," he said, his tone turning serious once more.

"I'll do my best," she replied, her heart swelling at his consideration. "But knowing our families, it'll be a circus."

"Then let's be the ringmasters," Shubman suggested, a wicked glint in his eye. "We'll make it our show, and they can't take that away from us."

Thalia smiled, feeling the warmth of his resolve wrap around her. "Deal. Just promise to keep me laughing through the chaos."

"Always, my beautiful chaos," he replied, a soft smirk playing on his lips. "Always."

As Shubman's teasing whisper hung in the air, Thalia felt the tension thrum between them, electrifying and tantalizing. He pulled back slightly, his dark eyes glinting with mischief as he met her gaze. 

"You know," he said, leaning closer again, his breath warm against her skin, "I've been thinking about giving you something to remember this moment by."

Thalia raised an eyebrow, her heart racing. "Oh really? And what exactly did you have in mind?"

His lips curled into a devilish grin, and before she could respond, he pressed his mouth against her neck, planting soft kisses along her collarbone. 

"Just a little something to mark my territory," he murmured, his voice thick with playful intensity.

"Shubman!" Thalia gasped, a mix of surprise and delight rushing through her. The warmth of his lips sent shivers down her spine as he continued his gentle assault, trailing kisses up to her jawline, leaving his mark on her skin.

"Yeah?" he replied, his voice low and teasing. "You like that?"

"Are you kidding? I think you're just trying to claim me before the engagement party," she laughed, trying to keep her composure despite the rush of emotions he stirred within her.

"Oh, I definitely am," he said, his lips brushing against her skin again, leaving another lingering kiss before sucking softly at the sensitive spot right beneath her ear. 

"Besides, I need everyone to know who you belong to."

"Shubman," she breathed, feeling the heat flush through her entire body. "What if someone sees?"

"Let them see," he said, pulling back slightly to meet her gaze, his expression a mix of playful seriousness. 

"I want everyone to know that you're mine. And I'm yours."

"Okay, okay," she giggled, but his lips were back at it, and this time, he left a trail of kisses that travelled down to her collarbone, his mouth lingering longer than before. 

Thalia could feel herself melting into him, her resolve slipping as she revelled in the heat of the moment.

"Just wait until I finish," he murmured between kisses, his tone low and seductive, "you'll be the hottest bride-to-be anyone's ever seen."

Thalia's breath caught in her throat as he planted another kiss just above her neckline, and before she knew it, he was working his way back up, this time leaving a small hickey at the base of her neck. The sensation sent her head spinning, and she struggled to catch her breath.

"Shubman!" she exclaimed, half-laughing, half-shocked. "You're going to make me a walking advertisement for our engagement."

"Good," he said with a smirk, clearly pleased with his handiwork. "You'll be the envy of all the girls at the engagement party. I'll have to fend them off with a stick."

"Like they would stand a chance against you," she replied, the heat rising to her cheeks. "I mean, who could resist this face?" she added, mockingly flipping her hair over her shoulder.

"Oh, please," he scoffed playfully, but there was an unmistakable gleam in his eye. 

"No one stands a chance against my girl. And besides, I plan on claiming more than just your neck before the night is over."

Thalia's heart raced at the implication, and she playfully swatted his arm, trying to regain some semblance of control. "You can't just leave marks all over me, you know!"

"Why not? It's fun," he said, a wicked smile stretching across his face. "And besides, I like knowing I've left my mark on you. It reminds me that you're always here, with me."

"God, you're impossible," she said, shaking her head, but her heart swelled at his words. "You really know how to make a girl feel special."

"That's the goal, babe," he replied, leaning in to kiss her forehead tenderly, softening the earlier heat of their playful exchange. 

"I just want you to know how much I care about you. Even if it means leaving some hickeys to remind you."

Thalia smiled, resting her head against his shoulder as she tried to catch her breath, feeling a sense of warmth and comfort enveloping her. 

"Well, mission accomplished, Shubman. Just remember, the next time I see you, I might have to return the favour."

"Oh, is that a challenge?" he asked, raising an eyebrow, his eyes sparkling with intrigue.

"Absolutely," she grinned, her confidence returning. "You better be prepared."

"I always am for you, Thalia," he said, a teasing lilt in his voice as he pulled her closer once more. "Always."

soup rants!

- hello everyone!

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

-  shubman is so down bad for her already!

- also comments on the chapter?

- I hope you guys liked this one!

- with lots of love, supraja 🫶