pretty long chapter. please read till the end <3

The day was buzzing with excitement as Thalia and Ridhanya flitted from one boutique to another, their laughter echoing through the shops. 

Ridhanya, the fashion entrepreneur, had her keen eye out for the perfect birthday outfit for Shubman. 

"You know he's going to love whatever you wear, but let's make it unforgettable!" she declared, holding up a stunning red dress.

"No way, I'm not trying to steal his thunder on his birthday!" Thalia laughed, shaking her head as she slipped into a simple yet elegant white dress. 

The fabric hugged her curves perfectly, and she couldn't help but admire her reflection in the mirror. "This is cute enough, don't you think?"

Ridhanya rolled her eyes dramatically. "Cute? Thalia, you're not just going to be cute. You need to turn heads! Besides, it's not stealing thunder; it's a celebration!"

"Alright, alright, I'll keep looking!" Thalia relented, her heart racing at the thought of tonight's festivities. 

They finally settled on a couple of dresses—one for Thalia and a fun, bright ensemble for Ridhanya.

Later that evening, Thalia stood in front of her mirror, putting the finishing touches on her look. She was nervous but excited, knowing Shubman would be at her doorstep any minute. 

As she slipped on a pair of delicate earrings, her phone buzzed.

"Can't wait to see you tonight!" she texted Ridhanya. Just as she finished up, she heard a soft knock on the door.

"Come in!" she called, thinking it was just her mom checking in.

But when the door swung open, it was Shubman, looking impossibly handsome in a light blue satin shirt adorned with tropical prints and off-white jeans that clung to his lean form. 

Thalia's breath hitched at the sight of him.

"What the hell, Shubman?" she exclaimed, her heart racing. "You can't just walk in here!"

"Why not? I'm already at my girlfriend's house," he smirked, stepping closer, his gaze roving over her. "And wow... You look stunning. That dress is doing things to me."

She felt a blush creep up her cheeks as she turned back to the mirror, pretending to adjust her hair. 

"Thanks. I was just trying to look presentable for your birthday, you know?"

"Presentable? Thalia, you look fucking edible," he replied, his voice low and sultry as he took another step closer, invading her space. "I could eat you up."

"Okay, stop it," she laughed nervously, her heart racing even faster. "What if someone sees you?"

"Let them see. I don't give a shit," he said, leaning against the doorframe with a lazy confidence. "I'd rather have you all to myself, anyway."

Thalia turned back to the mirror, her stomach flipping as she struggled to maintain her composure. "You can't just waltz in here and act like you own the place."

He chuckled, that devilish grin spreading across his face. "But I kind of do, don't I? I mean, you're practically mine, babe."

"Is that so?" she shot back, trying to sound indifferent even as butterflies danced in her stomach.

"Damn right," he said, stepping closer, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her pulse quicken. "And I want to see you in that dress, but I bet it'd look even better on the floor."

Thalia bit her lip, fighting a smile as she shot him a teasing glare. "You're such a pig!"

"Only for you," he said, taking a step forward, the air between them thickening with unspoken tension. "I just can't help myself when you look like that."

She swatted at his shoulder, laughing despite herself. "Seriously, you can't just barge in and flirt with me before your birthday party! It's not even fair!"

"Why not? I mean, it's my birthday, and you're my favourite distraction," he replied, leaning in closer. "Besides, it's not like I'm asking you to strip. Yet." His voice dipped lower, sending shivers down her spine.

"Stop!" she said, half-laughing and half-shocked, but the heat in her cheeks betrayed her. "You're going to get me in trouble."

"Trouble? I don't think so," he said, moving even closer, his breath mingling with hers. "I think you like it."

Thalia's heart raced, the tension electric as she found herself inching closer to him. "Maybe I do," she admitted softly, feeling bold for a fleeting moment. 

"But that doesn't mean you can just waltz in here and act all cocky."

"Oh, but I can," he replied, his tone teasing yet serious. "Especially when I see how beautiful you are. You're the best gift I could ask for, Thalia."

Before she could respond, he leaned in closer, brushing his fingers against her arm. The contact sent a wave of heat coursing through her. 

"Now, can I have a birthday kiss?" he asked, his voice dripping with playful seduction.

She shook her head, breathless and flustered. "You're impossible!"

"Maybe," he said, smirking as he moved to stand behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. 

"But you know you love it."

And with that, he pressed a soft kiss against her temple, making her heart flutter. "Now, let's get this party started before I lose my mind."

Thalia turned to face him, finally meeting his gaze head-on. "Alright, but only because it's your birthday. Don't get used to this."

"Trust me, babe," he said, leaning down to whisper in her ear, "I'm going to make every moment count."

As they finally made their way out, Thalia couldn't help but feel the warmth of his presence linger with her, the promise of the night ahead igniting a thrill within her.

Just as Thalia reached for the doorknob, Shubman stepped in front of her, his playful smirk sending a rush of heat to her cheeks. 

"Uh-uh, where do you think you're going?" he said, his voice low and teasing.

"What do you mean? We're going to be late for your birthday party!" she exclaimed, confusion mixing with anticipation.

Without answering, he locked the door, the click echoing ominously in the cozy room. Thalia's heart raced a thrill of excitement coursing through her veins. "Shubman, what are you doing?" she asked, a hint of nervousness in her voice.

"You'll see," he replied, his eyes sparkling with mischief. In an instant, he trapped her against the dresser, leaning in close so that their faces were only inches apart.

 The heat radiating from him sent shivers down her spine.

"Shubman," she warned playfully, her heart pounding as he leaned even closer, his breath hot against her skin. "We really need to—"

But before she could finish her sentence, he pressed his lips against the sensitive skin of her neck, causing her to gasp. 

"What are you doing?" she whispered, both exhilarated and breathless.

"Just marking my territory," he murmured, his voice a seductive growl as he kissed a path up her neck. 

She could feel the heat of his body radiating against hers, and her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts.

"Shubman, we can't—" she tried to protest, but the words escaped her as he sucked gently on her skin, leaving a mark that would be impossible to hide.

"Don't you dare say you don't like this," he whispered against her neck, his lips brushing against her skin as he continued to tease her.

"Damn it!" she gasped, tilting her head back as a wave of pleasure surged through her. 

"You're going to leave a mark!"

"Good," he replied, pulling back just enough to look into her eyes, his gaze dark and hungry. "That way everyone will know you're mine."

"Shubman!" she exclaimed, half-laughing, half-shocked at his boldness. "You're insufferable!"

"Only for you, babe," he said, his voice dripping with charm. "You know I can't help myself when you look this good." 

He leaned in again, pressing another kiss against her neck, his lips trailing further up towards her jawline, leaving her breathless.

"Okay, okay," she finally said, pulling back just enough to regain her composure. "As much as I'm enjoying this, we really need to go. Your party isn't going to wait for us."

He sighed dramatically, feigning disappointment as he leaned back against the dresser, a playful glint in his eyes. "Fine, but you owe me, Thalia. Next time, no locking the door, and definitely more of this," he said, gesturing between them.

Thalia rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. "You're impossible!"

"And you love it," he shot back, winking at her as he opened the door. "Now let's go before my birthday party starts without me. And try to hide that hickey," he added, flashing her a cheeky grin.

She smirked back at him, feeling that familiar mix of excitement and chaos that always accompanied their time together. "You're such a brat."

"Just for you, babe," he teased. 

She quickly turned her back to Shubman, trying to adjust her hair and cover the hickey that was definitely going to raise questions at the party. 

"Shit, shit, shit," she muttered under her breath, rummaging through her makeup bag for some concealer.

"Need some help?" he asked, amusement lacing his voice as he watched her frantic attempts in the mirror.

"I can handle it!" she snapped, shooting him a look over her shoulder. "You just... keep your distance for a second!"

Shubman chuckled, the sound deep and rich, making her heart flutter. "You know I'm going to find a way to make you laugh, right? No matter how serious you try to be."

"Yeah, well, right now I'm trying to not look like a total idiot," she replied, finally managing to dab a bit of concealer over the mark. She turned to face him, a small smirk on her lips. "See? All good."

But Shubman wasn't having it. With a playful glint in his eye, he sauntered over to the edge of her bed and plopped down, effortlessly pulling her onto his lap. "Not so fast, babe. I'm not letting you off that easy."

"Shubman! What are you doing?" she exclaimed, her cheeks flushing as she landed softly on his thighs, his arms wrapping around her waist.

"Just getting comfortable," he said innocently, though the mischievous look on his face told her otherwise. 

"Besides, it's your fault for wearing that little white dress. You look too good to resist."

Thalia rolled her eyes, trying to suppress a grin as she leaned back against him. 

"You're such a brat," she said, half-amused, half-exasperated.

"Only because it's fun to see you all flustered," he said, nuzzling his face into her hair. 

"And honestly, I couldn't care less about that hickey. It's proof that I have you all to myself, even if just for a moment."

"Shubman!" she gasped, laughing as she felt his breath tickle her neck. 

"Stop! We're going to be late for your party!"

"Who cares?" he replied, pressing a soft kiss to the nape of her neck. "This is way more important. Just relax for a second."

Thalia felt her resolve melting away as she sank into his embrace, the warmth of his body igniting her senses. 

"Okay, but if anyone asks about this," she gestured to her neck, "I'm blaming you."

"Blame me all you want, babe. Just remember, it's not my fault you look so damn good in that dress," he said with a teasing smirk, his fingers lightly tracing her sides.

"Okay, fine," she sighed, pretending to concede. "But if they ask, I'm saying it was a rogue lipstick accident."

"Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night," he teased, his lips curving into a smirk as he leaned back, admiring her for a moment. "But let's be real. Who wouldn't want a hickey from yours truly?"

"Shubman!" she exclaimed, laughing as she playfully pushed against his chest. "You're incorrigible!"

"Only for you," he said, the playful tone in his voice softening into something more sincere. "You know I can't help it."

Thalia felt the weight of his gaze on her, making her heart race. "Okay, Mr. Birthday Boy," she finally said, breaking the tension. 

"Let's get moving. You have a party to attend, and I have a hickey to hide."

"Yeah, yeah, let's go," he replied, standing up with her still in his arms, a gleam of excitement in his eyes. 

"But just know, the more you try to hide it, the more it'll draw attention. Just embrace it, babe."

Thalia chuckled, shaking her head as she finally slipped off his lap. "You're unbelievable, you know that?"

"But you love me for it," he shot back, winking as they headed out of her room together, ready to face whatever the night had in store.

As they stepped into the hallway, Shubman grabbed her hand, intertwining their fingers. The warmth of his skin against hers sent a rush of electricity up her arm. 

"You ready for this?" he asked, his voice laced with excitement.

"Ready as I'll ever be," Thalia replied, trying to shake off the lingering thrill from their earlier moment. "Let's just hope no one brings up the hickey, or I might actually die of embarrassment."

"Don't worry," he said with a grin, "if anyone asks, I'll just say it's a birthday present."

"Right, because that won't raise any eyebrows," Thalia shot back, rolling her eyes but unable to suppress a smile.

"Just own it, babe. Besides, if they ask, we can tell them we were celebrating my birthday early," he winked.

Thalia chuckled, shaking her head. "Yeah, and how do you think that'll go down with your family?"

"Very well, actually," he replied casually, swinging their hands between them as they made their way down the stairs. 

"You should see the look on my mom's face when I bring you up. It's like I've won the lottery or something."

"Ugh, now I'm really starting to feel pressure," Thalia said dramatically, a playful pout forming on her lips.

As they reached the front door, Shubman paused, turning to face her. "You're not just my date, Thalia. You're someone I want to show off," he said, the sincerity in his voice making her heart race.

"Okay, let's not get too sentimental right now," she said, trying to keep the mood light, but his gaze held hers, making it hard to look away. 

"We have a party to get to."

"Right, right! Let's go!" he exclaimed, snapping back to his usual exuberance as they stepped out into the cool evening air.

When they arrived at the venue, the sound of laughter and music filled the air, and colorful lights danced around the outdoor space. 

The party was already in full swing, with friends and family mingling, drinks in hand, and tables laden with food.

Shubman led Thalia through the crowd, introducing her to various guests, his arm resting casually around her waist. 

"There's Virat and Anushka!" he pointed, steering her toward the couple.

"Happy birthday, man!" Virat greeted, pulling Shubman into a bear hug.

"Thanks, bro!" Shubman replied, his face lighting up with excitement.

"Thalia! You look stunning," Anushka said, her eyes twinkling as she embraced her. "How are you?"

"Great! Just trying to survive this birthday chaos," Thalia laughed, but her gaze drifted to Shubman, who was engaging with his friends.

As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere buzzed with energy. Thalia found herself laughing and chatting, with a drink in hand, while Shubman moved around and greeted guests. 

She admired how effortlessly he interacted with everyone, his charisma shining through as he joked with his teammates and family.

But as the night wore on, Thalia couldn't shake the feeling of his gaze lingering on her, his smirk hinting at some inside joke. 

"What?" she finally asked him when he joined her at the bar.

"Just admiring how you can light up a room," he said smoothly, leaning against the counter beside her. 

"You know, I could get used to this. My beautiful fiancée stealing the spotlight."

Thalia felt her cheeks heat up. "You're such a flirt," she replied, trying to keep her tone light despite the rush of emotions his words stirred in her.

"Only with you, babe," he grinned, leaning closer as he whispered, "and only because you make it so damn easy."

"Okay, Romeo, calm down," she teased, rolling her eyes playfully. "You don't need to butter me up. I'm already here for your birthday."

"True, but I like to make things special," he replied, his tone more serious now. "And you make everything special just by being you."

Before she could respond, Ridhanya bounded over, her excitement infectious. 

"Thalia! You made it! I was worried you'd leave Shubman at home with all this," she said, pointing dramatically to the food and drinks.

Thalia laughed. "You know me; I can't resist a good party."

"Speaking of which," Ridhanya said conspiratorially, "I was just talking to Anushka about you two and the engagement. We're all dying to know the details!"

"Oh god," Thalia groaned, her cheeks burning. "Please don't."

Shubman leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear. 

"Come on, babe, let's give them a show," he said, mischief dancing in his eyes.

Thalia shot him a glare. "You're unbelievable."

"Just let me handle this," he said, a grin breaking across his face as he turned to Ridhanya. "What details do you want to know?"

"Everything!" Ridhanya exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.

As the conversation shifted to engagement plans, Thalia felt her heart race. They discussed dates, venues, and what the ceremony would look like, laughter and teasing filling the air. 

But throughout it all, Thalia couldn't shake the sensation of Shubman's hand on the small of her back, grounding her, his presence both thrilling and reassuring.

Finally, after a round of playful banter, Ridhanya stepped away, leaving Shubman and Thalia alone again. He turned to her, his expression softening. "So, about that hickey..."

"Shubman!" she hissed, though she couldn't hide her smile. "Please don't!"

"What? I'm just saying you look beautiful, even with it," he teased, brushing a finger over her collarbone. "It just shows you're mine."

"And what if someone notices?" she asked, trying to sound serious.

"Then I'll tell them it's part of the celebration. You know, a special birthday present from your loving fiancé," he winked.

Thalia shook her head, unable to contain her laughter. "You're ridiculous."

"Yeah, but you love it," he said, his voice dropping low, the seriousness creeping back in.

"Maybe I do," she admitted, her heart fluttering at the intimacy of the moment.

"Good, because I plan on making every birthday after this as memorable as today," he said, his eyes locked on hers, his tone sincere.

As the last of the guests trickled out, Thalia stood in the dimly lit living room, the remnants of the celebration scattered around her. 

She took a deep breath, heart racing, and grabbed the small, carefully wrapped box from the table. Today was Shubman's birthday, and she had something special for him—something personal.

"Hey, Shub!" she called, walking toward him where he was leaning against the kitchen counter, sipping on a drink. "I have your gift!"

His eyes lit up, a playful grin spreading across his face. "You got me something? I'm honoured, babe!"

"Just open it," she said, a smile tugging at her lips, trying to mask the nerves swirling in her stomach.

Shubman tore through the wrapping, his eyes widening when he pulled out a sleek silver bracelet engraved with the initials "S & T" intertwined in a heart. 

"This is sick, Thalia! You actually got me something thoughtful?" he exclaimed, looking genuinely touched.

"I figured it would be nice to have something to remind you of me," she replied, a hint of shyness creeping into her voice.

"Of course, I'll wear it every day!" he said, slipping it onto his wrist and holding it up to the light. "You're the best, Lia."

"Just don't lose it, okay?" she chuckled, feeling her heart swell at his enthusiasm.

After the gift-giving, the room fell into a comfortable silence, the air thick with unspoken words. Thalia felt a surge of boldness and hesitated for a moment, then leaned closer to him. 

She could see the glimmer of the bracelet on his wrist, and without thinking, she brushed her lips against his, testing the waters.

But as soon as their lips touched, she felt him go rigid, his body stiffening under her touch. 

The warmth she had expected to flow between them was replaced by an awkward chill, and she quickly pulled back, panic flooding her senses. 

"Sorry," she muttered, her cheeks burning as embarrassment washed over her.

Turning away, she rushed outside, trying to hide the tears threatening to spill from her eyes. What the hell just happened? she thought. Did I ruin everything?

Thalia sank into the driver's seat of her car, her heart pounding in her chest. She fumbled with the keys, feeling a lump form in her throat. 

The thought of having messed up what they had built over the past few weeks was unbearable. She couldn't help but think she had crossed a line, misreading the chemistry between them.

"Ugh, I'm such an idiot," she whispered to herself, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. "I should've known better."

Before she could lose herself in her spiraling thoughts, the passenger door flew open, and Shubman slid in, breathing heavily, eyes wide with urgency.

"Thalia!" he said, his voice a mix of frustration and desperation. "What the hell was that?"

Her heart leaped, but she couldn't bring herself to look at him. "I... I thought it was okay. I'm sorry," she stammered, feeling humiliated.

"Sorry? You think that's all I wanted to say?" he said, grabbing her chin gently but firmly, forcing her to meet his gaze.

And before she could even comprehend what was happening, Shubman leaned in and kissed her hard, his lips crashing against hers with a fire that made her head spin. 

The sweetness of his mouth mingled with the heat of his body, igniting every nerve ending in her system. 

Thalia's eyes fluttered shut, and she melted into the kiss, her hands finding their way to his hair, fingers tangling in the soft strands.

"Goddammit, Lia, don't you ever do that again without knowing how much I want you," he murmured against her lips, pulling back just enough to lock eyes with her, his breath warm and ragged.

"I thought... I thought I messed everything up," she admitted, still breathless from the intensity of the moment.

"Don't you get it? You're the one thing I want more than anything else. I was just surprised, alright? You caught me off guard," he confessed, his voice low, tinged with urgency.

"Really?" she asked, her heart fluttering as hope began to fill the cracks of her earlier despair.

"Really," he affirmed, brushing his thumb along her jawline, his eyes darkening with an emotion she couldn't quite place. 

"You mean the fucking world to me, Thalia. Don't doubt that."

She smiled, warmth flooding her heart. "So... we're okay?"

"More than okay," he replied, his eyes gleaming with mischief. 

"Just don't go pulling any surprises like that when I'm not ready for them."

She chuckled, relief flooding her. "I'll try not to, but no promises!"

"Good," he said, leaning in for another kiss, this one softer, more lingering, a promise of what was to come.

Thalia melted against him, every fear and worry slipping away as they got lost in each other, the chaos of the party forgotten. 

For now, it was just them—their past, their present, and a future that seemed brighter than ever.

soup rants!

- hello everyone!

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

-  they finally kissed! i had originally planned on making them kiss the night before their engagement but i couldn't help it!

- also comments on the chapter?

- I hope you guys liked this one!

- with lots of love, supraja 🫶