Thalia had just finished getting ready for a trip to the temple, her saree draping elegantly around her frame. It was a beautiful pastel pink saree with intricate golden embroidery along the edges, paired with a matching sleeveless blouse that accentuated her toned arms. 

Her hair was tied up in a loose bun, a few strands of hair falling to frame her face, and she wore delicate gold jewellery that added a subtle glow to her look. The soft scent of jasmine from her hair oil mixed with the fresh breeze as she stepped out into the backyard.

Shubman, on the other hand, had been out there for a while, wearing a simple pair of grey shorts and a white t-shirt. He was holding a garden hose, watering the plants in the backyard with an intensity that showed how focused he was on the task at hand. 

The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on his face, and his muscles rippled slightly with every move, making Thalia smile to herself as she watched him from behind. He hadn't noticed her yet, lost in his world of gardening.

She stood there for a moment, admiring the view. There was something endearing about the way he was so absorbed in his work, so oblivious to the fact that she was standing there, staring at him. But then, an impish idea crept into her mind.

With a mischievous glint in her eye, she tiptoed over to him, careful not to make a sound. Her heart raced with excitement. 

This was going to be fun.

She reached the hose and, without a second thought, stepped on it from behind. Immediately, the sound of water stopped flowing. 

Shubman, still concentrating on his task, didn't notice at first. He continued to water the plants, a confused expression crossing his face as the water suddenly stopped.

"What the—?" He muttered, looking down at the hose, trying to figure out what had happened. He moved to adjust the nozzle, his back still turned to her.

Thalia couldn't suppress her grin. She waited for the perfect moment. As soon as Shubman's face was close to the hose, she removed her foot with a swift movement.

The next second, a powerful stream of water shot out from the hose and straight onto Shubman's face. His eyes widened in shock, and he stumbled back, drenched instantly.

Thalia burst into laughter, unable to hold it in. "Gotcha!" she exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Shubman blinked a few times, dripping water from his hair and face. His first reaction was a look of shock, but that quickly turned into playful annoyance. 

"You little—" He narrowed his eyes at her, wiping the water off his face with his hand, but Thalia was already backing away, her laughter ringing in the air.

She tried to make a quick getaway, but Shubman was faster. With a mischievous grin on his face, he grabbed the hose, aimed it at her, and turned the nozzle.

Before she could react, a powerful jet of water hit her square in the chest, drenching her completely. 

"Shubman!" she gasped, stumbling back, her saree clinging to her body, and her hair falling loose as the water soaked through it.

She stood there, frozen for a moment, water dripping from her skin, and her mouth open in shock. 

Her saree, usually so perfectly draped, now clung to her in a way that made her feel both embarrassed and amused.

"Now you're really wet," Shubman said, his grin widening, but there was something else in his eyes—pure mischief mixed with desire.

Thalia, completely drenched, glared at him, but it didn't take long for her to start laughing too. "You're dead when I get my hands on you!" she shouted, though her words were light-hearted.

Shubman laughed, clearly enjoying the chaos he had caused. "What's the matter, baby? Don't like getting a little wet?" 

He winked at her, stepping closer, still holding the hose as a playful weapon.

She took a deep breath, trying to act annoyed but failing miserably. "You'll pay for this, you know," she said, trying to regain some dignity, though her wet saree made it impossible to look anything other than drenched and dishevelled.

He stepped closer to her, closing the distance between them. "You love me too much to be mad," he teased, his eyes filled with affection and mischief.

Thalia's heart raced as he neared her, the playful tension thick in the air. 

"Don't you dare," she warned, though her voice had softened, and her lips curled into a smile.

"Oh, I dare," he replied, and before she could react, he grabbed her around the waist, pulling her into him as his lips found hers in a passionate kiss.

The cool water dripping from both their bodies didn't matter at that moment; all that mattered was the connection between them. 

Their kiss deepened, the world around them fading away as they melted into each other's arms. The sound of the water dripping from their clothes was drowned out by the beating of their hearts.

Finally, they pulled away, both breathless and laughing. Shubman rested his forehead against hers, a soft smile on his face. 

"I love you, you know that?"

She smiled back, her heart full. "I love you too, you idiot."

Still smiling, he kissed her forehead gently. "Let's get you out of that wet saree before you catch a cold, baby."

"Yeah, I think that's a good idea," she said, her voice now playful and warm as she stepped out of his arms, still dripping with water but feeling more alive than ever.

He smiled, taking her hand. "But first, I need to fix my hair. You totally ruined it, you know?"

She laughed, pulling him toward the house. "And I'll make you pay for it—don't you worry."

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're so cute <33

- also comments on the chapter?

- I hope you guys liked this one!

- with lots of love, supraja 🫶