The evening air was thick with anticipation, a perfect prelude to Thalia's birthday celebration. Shubman, still in his team's navy blue jersey and black joggers, parked his car in the driveway of their sprawling mansion. 

He was running late, and the feeling of guilt gnawed at him. After a long day of training, all he wanted was to sweep Thalia off her feet and celebrate her special day.

As he stepped into the grand foyer, the soft glow of the chandelier overhead illuminated the entrance. However, instead of the lively laughter and music he expected, he was met with an eerie silence. Frowning, he made his way to the office room.

Pushing the door open, Shubman froze. Thalia was seated at the large mahogany desk, surrounded by piles of answer sheets, her brow furrowed in concentration. 

She wore a comfortable pair of navy-blue joggers and a loose-fitting white T-shirt, her hair tied up in a messy bun that accentuated her delicate features. The light from the desk lamp cast a warm glow on her face, but the tired lines around her eyes spoke of long hours spent grading papers.

"Thalia?" he called softly, stepping into the room.

She looked up, a mixture of surprise and disappointment crossing her face. "Shubman! You're home late," she replied, a hint of sadness in her voice. "I thought we were going to celebrate."

"I'm so sorry, babe. Practice ran long," he said, rushing over to her. "But that doesn't mean we can't celebrate! Come on, let's get you away from this mess."

He gently pulled her away from the desk, lifting her chin with his fingers to meet her gaze. "It's your birthday, and you deserve to enjoy it, not spend it grading papers like some kind of academic robot."

Thalia sighed, the weight of her responsibilities evident in her posture. "I know, but I have so much to get done before the semester starts next week. I just—"

"No 'just'! No work tonight. You've got to be kidding me! We're going out, and I'm treating you like the queen you are." Shubman was adamant, determination flaring in his eyes.

She bit her lip, a smile slowly forming. "You really think I'm a queen?"

"Absolutely," he said, his tone softening. "Now, come on. I have a surprise for you."

With that, he led her by the hand toward their bedroom, excitement bubbling beneath the surface. As they entered, he quickly grabbed a small, beautifully wrapped bag sitting on their bed, a luxurious red ribbon perfectly tied around it.

"Okay, close your eyes," he instructed, a playful grin spreading across his face.

Thalia raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued, but complied, shutting her eyes tightly. "You better not be tricking me, Shubman!"

"Me? Trick you? Never!" he exclaimed dramatically, his voice laced with mock offence.

Once she had her eyes closed, he placed the bag in her hands. "Alright, open them!"

She opened her eyes to the sight of the elegant bag, her heart racing. "What's this?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Open it and find out," he encouraged, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

As she carefully opened the bag, she gasped. Inside was a stunning mid-thigh length red dress, the fabric smooth and luxurious. 

The backless design highlighted her curves, and the spaghetti straps crisscrossed beautifully behind her back. "Shubman... this is—" she stammered, the words failing her.

"Just wait, there's more!" he said, grinning as he pulled out a pair of exquisite red heels. "And these to match!"

The heels were from Christian Louboutin, known for their iconic red soles, with delicate straps that looked as if they were made to wrap perfectly around her ankles.

"Are you serious?" she exclaimed, eyes wide with shock and delight. "This is so beautiful! I can't believe you got this for me!"

"I knew you'd love it! I couldn't let you spend your birthday in those boring clothes. You're too gorgeous for that," he replied, a playful glint in his eye.

Thalia looked up at him, a mix of gratitude and disbelief in her expression. "But what if it doesn't fit?"

"It'll fit, trust me. I know your size better than anyone," he teased, stepping closer. "Now go on! Change! I'll be right here waiting."

With a burst of energy, she darted into the bathroom, the sound of rustling fabric and her excited squeals filling the room as she changed. 

Shubman couldn't help but lean against the wall, feeling a sense of pride wash over him. He loved seeing her happy, loved surprising her.

After a few moments, the bathroom door swung open, and Thalia stepped out, the red dress hugging her perfectly. 

The heels added elegance to her look, making her legs appear endless. Her hair cascaded in soft waves around her shoulders, and the bindi on her forehead tied everything together. She looked like a goddess.

"Holy shit, you look incredible," Shubman breathed, his voice low and filled with awe. "I mean, you're absolutely stunning!"

Thalia twirled around, the dress flowing beautifully. "Do you really think so?" she asked, biting her lip nervously.

"Damn right, I do. You're making me rethink my whole 'stay focused on cricket' mantra," he said, winking. "You might just steal my heart all over again tonight."

She laughed, but then her expression softened, and she stepped closer to him. "Thank you, Shubman. This means the world to me. I didn't want to celebrate, but now..."

"Now you're going to have the best fucking birthday ever," he interrupted, pulling her into a warm embrace. "I promise."

"Okay, Mr. Promise Keeper," she said, pulling back slightly to look him in the eyes. "But you'd better not let me down!"

"Never. I'd walk through fire for you, my love," he said earnestly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Now, let's go. The night is still young, and I have a reservation at that fancy rooftop restaurant you love."

"Seriously? The one with the killer view?" she asked, eyes sparkling.

"Yep! So, no more delaying. Let's make this night unforgettable," he urged, lacing his fingers through hers as they headed toward the door.

As they stepped out of their bedroom, Shubman turned to her, a mischievous smile on his face. "One last thing before we go."

"What now?" Thalia asked, her brow furrowing slightly.

"Just a quick kiss for luck!" he declared, leaning in, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss.

"Shubman, we really need to get going—" she started, but he interrupted her with another kiss, this one deeper, igniting a warmth that made her melt against him.

"Alright, now we're ready," he said, pulling back and giving her a wink. "Let's go make some memories, birthday girl."

With their hearts full and hands intertwined, they stepped out into the night, ready to celebrate Thalia's special day in a way she would never forget.

They arrived at the rooftop restaurant, an elegant gem that overlooked the glittering city skyline. The place was upscale, with glass walls and soft, ambient lighting that gave the whole setting a warm, intimate glow. Shubman had secured a table right by the edge, providing a breathtaking view of the city lights twinkling below.

The host guided them to their table, and Thalia's eyes widened as she took in the sight. "Shubman, this is... this is perfect," she whispered, clearly overwhelmed.

He pulled her chair out for her, grinning as he helped her sit. "Only the best for you, my love. Just wait until you try the food."

They ordered, indulging in a mix of Italian and Indian fusion dishes, and spent the meal chatting and laughing, both of them feeling a lightness that came from being in each other's presence. 

Shubman couldn't keep his eyes off her—she looked breathtaking in that dress, every bit the confident, beautiful woman he adored.

As their main courses arrived, he leaned forward, eyes twinkling. "You know, I've been thinking... after cricket, maybe I'll become a full-time chef. What do you think?"

Thalia chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, yeah? The Shubman Gill Gourmet Experience? Sounds expensive."

"Expensive and exclusive," he shot back, smirking. "But you'd get a lifetime membership. Free meals, first-class service... everything on the house."

"Wow, aren't I lucky?" she teased, taking a sip of her wine.

"Damn right you are," he murmured, his tone playful but his gaze intense. "You're the luckiest woman alive, and I'm the luckiest bastard alive."

After the meal, Shubman raised his glass, a thoughtful expression softening his features. "To my Thalia," he began, his voice tender. 

"The most brilliant, beautiful, maddening woman I've ever met. You're everything I didn't know I needed. Here's to more birthdays, more surprises, and many more nights just like this."

Thalia smiled, her eyes misty as she raised her glass. "And to Shubman, the most persistent, infuriating, and caring man I know. You make every day feel like an adventure. Thank you for tonight."

They clinked their glasses, and Shubman brushed his thumb along her knuckles, looking at her with so much love that her heart skipped a beat.

After dessert, a soft jazz band began to play by the corner of the room, and a few couples had moved to the small dance floor that overlooked the city. Shubman set his glass down, his smile mischievous.

"What are you up to?" Thalia asked, narrowing her eyes at him.

Without a word, he stood and extended his hand. "Dance with me?"

She hesitated, glancing around. "Shubman, you know I can't dance."

He smirked. "Lucky for you, I can. Just follow my lead."

He took her hand and led her to the dance floor, sliding his hand around her waist, pulling her close. She followed his steps, feeling a little clumsy at first, but Shubman's confidence and steady rhythm had her relaxing, and soon they were moving in perfect sync.

"You're not so bad at this, Professor," he murmured, his breath warm against her cheek.

She laughed, shaking her head. "Maybe because you're making me look good."

They swayed together, the soft music filling the air. As the song slowed, he leaned in, whispering, "You know, you look so damn stunning in that dress, it's taking everything in me not to end this night a little early."

Her cheeks flushed, and she rolled her eyes. "You're incorrigible."

He laughed, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "You love it."

As they arrived home later that night, Thalia leaned against the door, a contented sigh escaping her lips. "That was... perfect, Shubman. Really."

"Perfect doesn't cover it," he said, watching her with a soft, lazy smile. "But the night's not over."

Before she could respond, he scooped her up in his arms, making her squeal in surprise. "Shubman! Put me down!"

"Not a chance, sweetheart," he said, carrying her into the bedroom. "You're my birthday queen tonight, remember? So, I'm carrying you to the throne."

He gently placed her on the bed, the soft glow from the bedside lamp casting a warm light across her face. As he sat beside her, he looked at her with a rare vulnerability in his eyes.

"You really mean everything to me, Thalia," he said softly. "More than cricket, more than anything else. I've never felt like this before."

She reached up, caressing his cheek. "I feel the same way, Shubman. Thank you for making my birthday unforgettable."

"Unforgettable's the only way I know how, babe," he whispered, leaning down and pressing a lingering kiss to her lips.

The kiss deepened, and for a moment, the world around them disappeared. Thalia felt herself melt into him, her hand finding the back of his neck as his fingers trailed down her back. Shubman's touch was warm, tender, and she could feel his heart racing just as fast as hers. Finally, he pulled back, his gaze intense, his lips curling into that charming, familiar smirk.

"Happy birthday, love," he whispered, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Hope I've managed to make it worth the wait."

Thalia laughed, a soft, satisfied sound as she traced her fingers along his jawline. "You've gone above and beyond. This... tonight... it's the most special I've felt in a long time."

They settled back onto the bed, both feeling the comfortable ease of each other's company. Shubman leaned back, pulling her to rest her head on his shoulder, his arm wrapped protectively around her waist.

"Good," he said softly, his voice serious now. "I know things have been... hectic with all the travel, training, the media noise. Sometimes I worry I'm not there for you enough."

Thalia turned her head to look up at him, her expression softened. "Shubman, I know what I signed up for. I knew what it meant to be with you, to love you. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Every call, every time you make the effort... I see it, I appreciate it. Tonight especially."

He pulled her closer, pressing his lips to her forehead. "I'll keep trying, love. I know it's not easy, but I want you to feel loved every day. Not just when I'm here."

They lay in comfortable silence for a moment, letting the night settle around them.

"Just promise me," she whispered, her fingers tracing little circles on his chest, "you'll always be this you, no matter what—thoughtful, sweet... maybe even a little too cocky for your own good."

"Ah, so you do like that I'm a bit cocky," he teased, chuckling. "I knew it. Don't act like you're not impressed, Professor."

She rolled her eyes, but her smile was genuine, filled with love and a hint of amusement. "Well, there's no denying you're impressive, Mr. Gill."

Shubman's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Impressive enough to earn a birthday dance with my fiancée in her stunning red dress?"

She laughed, the sound brightening the room. "One more dance before bed, huh? You really do know how to spoil a girl."

They stood up, and as he pulled her close again, she realized that with Shubman, even in the simplest moments, she felt complete.

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that's my birthday bby @thaliagillchandrashekar

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thaliagillchandrashekar best birthday ever 🥰

jugnu i need party
 ishankishan me too
   ridhashekar me three
        shubmangillchandrashekar tomorrow evening dummies

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soup rants!

- hello everyone!

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

- not him raising the standards in every chapter >

- also comments on the chapter?

- I hope you guys liked this one!

- with lots of love, supraja 🫶