The sun was shining brightly as Shubman stood in the backyard, hammering the final nail into the wooden swing he had been building for days. 

He was covered in dust and sweat, his shirt rolled up, showing off his toned arms. His concentration was intense, but his eyes kept flicking over to Amira, who was sitting nearby on the grass, swinging her tiny legs back and forth, her big brown eyes fixed on her dad in complete fascination.

Amira, wearing a small pink dress with little floral prints and a matching headband, was a picture of curiosity. 

She kept peeking up at Shubman, then back at the swing he was constructing, completely mesmerized by the whole process.

"Appa, can I help?" she asked, her voice sweet and innocent.

Shubman paused, wiping his brow with the back of his hand. He chuckled. "You want to help? Sweetheart, this is big work for you."

"I can hold the hammer," she said, standing up and putting on her most serious face, hands on her hips.

Shubman smiled warmly, his heart swelling with love. "You want to hold the hammer?" He crouched down to her level, ruffling her hair. 

"Okay, princess. Let's get this swing done first, then you can help me with something special."

Amira beamed, her excitement palpable. "Okay, Appa! I'll be the best helper ever!"

Thalia, who had been sitting at the patio table, sipping coffee while going over some assignments, looked over at the pair. 

She couldn't help but smile as she watched Shubman work with such focus and care while Amira watched him with admiration in her big eyes.

"She really thinks you're a superhero, doesn't she?" Thalia called out, her voice soft yet teasing.

Shubman glanced over at her, his eyes crinkling with a smile. "She's the one making me feel like a superhero. I promised her this swing, and I'm not about to let her down."

"You're doing great, babe," Thalia said, giving him a thumbs-up. She'd already seen the swing taking shape over the past few days, and she was genuinely impressed by his handiwork.

Amira, still fully engrossed, clapped her hands in excitement when she saw her dad finish securing the last part of the swing. 

"Yay! It's done!" she squealed, running over to the swing, her little feet kicking up the grass behind her.

Shubman stood up, wiping his hands on his pants, then dusting them off before walking over to her. He crouched down again to her level, lifting her up and sitting her on the swing.

"Okay, ready to test it out, princess?" he asked, looking at her with a playful grin.

"Yes, Appa!" Amira squealed, her hands gripping the ropes tightly as Shubman gently pushed her, making sure she was secure. 

The swing creaked slightly but held firm, and she kicked her legs up in the air, her giggles echoing through the garden.

Shubman and Thalia exchanged a look of pure contentment, the sound of Amira's laughter filling their hearts. Shubman walked up behind Amira, giving her another gentle push.

"Do you remember when you were younger, and I'd do the same for you?" Thalia asked, leaning on the porch railing with a wistful smile, her eyes following their daughter's joy. 

"You used to be so scared of swings, but now look at her. She's fearless."

Shubman looked over at her, his eyes softening. "Yeah, she's growing up so fast. Sometimes I wish I could slow it all down."

Thalia walked over to him, placing a hand on his arm. "We'll just have to make the most of every moment, babe."

Shubman nodded, brushing his lips against her forehead in a tender kiss. "I'm grateful for this. For you. For her."

As Amira swung higher and higher, shouting in delight, Thalia looked at her husband and daughter, feeling the weight of love and happiness settle around her like a warm embrace. 

Shubman had kept his promise, and now he was building a future for Amira—one filled with laughter, love, and joy.

And as the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the garden, the family felt as whole as 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're so pookie
- also comments on the chapter?
- I hope you guys liked this one!

- with lots of love, supraja 🫶