It had been a grueling few weeks for Abhi Kannan. The once energetic and vibrant interior designer was completely drained.

Her schedule had been packed with demanding clients, last-minute revisions, and back-to-back meetings that left her utterly exhausted.

Her usually neat desk was cluttered with design drafts, material samples, and a half-empty coffee cup from hours earlier.

Ishan Kishan noticed it immediately when he entered her apartment late one evening.

She hadn't responded to his texts all day, and he'd decided to check on her.

He stood in the doorway, his cricket duffel bag slung over his shoulder, still in his training gear—a plain white t-shirt and gray joggers.

His sneakers scuffed lightly against the wooden floor as he stepped inside.

"Abhi?" he called out, his voice soft but concerned.

"In the living room," came her tired voice.

When he turned the corner, his heart clenched at the sight. She was curled up on the couch in her oversized sweater and leggings, her hair in a messy bun, dark circles under her eyes, and a blanket thrown haphazardly over her legs.

The TV was on, but she wasn't really watching it. Her laptop sat on the coffee table in front of her, a design software window open but untouched.

"Jesus Christ, Abhi, you look like you've gone through a fucking war," Ishan muttered, dropping his bag and walking over to her.

"Gee, thanks," she mumbled, giving him a weak smile before rubbing her temples.

"What are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here? Babe, you haven't replied all day, and I know that's not like you. Of course, I came to check on you."

His tone was gentle, but there was an edge of worry in it.

Abhi groaned, letting her head fall back onto the couch. "It's just work. I've been swamped with projects, and everyone wants everything done yesterday. I can't even think straight anymore."

Ishan crouched in front of her, his hands resting on her knees.

"Why didn't you tell me? You know I'm here to help, right?"

"Because I didn't want to bother you," she admitted softly, her voice tinged with guilt.

"You've got your matches and training. I didn't want to add to your stress."

"Babe," he said, his voice firm but tender.

"You're never a bother, okay? Don't ever think that."

She nodded, her eyes welling up slightly, and he stood up, pulling her into a hug.

"C'mon, you need a break. No laptop, no work. Tonight, it's all about you."

"Ishan, I can't—"

"Shh." He placed a finger on her lips. "You can, and you will. Now, let me take care of my girl. No arguments."

Abhi sighed but relented, allowing him to gently push her back onto the couch.

"Fine. But don't call me your girl so casually," she teased, her voice still tired but carrying a hint of her usual humor.

"Too bad, because you are." He winked at her before heading toward the kitchen.

"Now, sit tight while I make us something to eat."

She watched as he rummaged through her fridge and pantry.

He eventually decided on making something simple but comforting: grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.

He moved around her small kitchen with ease, his muscular frame looking almost comical in her floral apron, which he tied around his waist.

Abhi couldn't help but laugh at the sight. "You look ridiculous."

"Yeah, well, you look like a zombie, so we're even," he shot back with a cheeky grin.

"Rude!" she exclaimed, throwing a couch pillow at him.

He dodged it effortlessly and smirked. "Just telling it like it is, jaanu."

By the time he brought the food over, she was already looking a little better, her face softening as the smell of melted cheese and fresh tomato soup filled the room.

He placed the tray on the coffee table and handed her a bowl.

"You're the best," she murmured, taking a bite.

"Yeah, yeah. Just remember this next time you yell at me for leaving my stuff all over your place."

They ate in comfortable silence, the warmth of the food and Ishan's presence doing wonders for Abhi's mood.

After they finished, he cleaned up while she stayed on the couch, her eyelids growing heavier.

When he returned, he found her dozing off, the blanket pulled up to her chin.

He smiled, sitting down beside her and gently brushing a strand of hair out of her face.

"Abhi," he whispered, placing a soft kiss on her forehead. "Let's get you to bed."

"Mhm," she mumbled sleepily, letting him guide her to her room.

She didn't even protest when he helped her change into a fresh pair of pajamas—one of his old cricket jerseys and a pair of soft shorts.

As she curled up under the covers, Ishan sat beside her, running his fingers through her hair.

"You're going to be okay, jaan. Just take it one day at a time. And remember, I'm here for you."

She smiled weakly, her eyes fluttering shut.

"Thanks, Ishan. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Good thing you'll never have to find out," he replied, leaning down to kiss her temple.

He stayed by her side until he was sure she was fast asleep, then quietly left the room, determined to make sure she never got this overwhelmed again.

og soup speaks!

- here we have the 21st chapter!

- they're so cute 🥺

- anyway comments on the chapter?

- hope y'all enjoyed it!

- love, supraja!