The past few weeks have been a whirlwind. Winning back-to-back matches, and spending time with everyone had been chaotic, to say the least. The boys were in high spirits, and so were the fans. Well especially when you defeat teams with a bulk of runs.

But now as Diwali arrived, the vibrant festival of lights added an extra layer of excitement to the already charged atmosphere in Bengaluru. 

The hotel was decorated with traditional Diwali lamps, colourful rangoli patterns, and lots of fairy lights, creating a festive and warm ambience. 

The air was filled with the scents of incense and delicious sweets, blending with the hum of anticipation for the semi-finals against New Zealand.

In their respective hotel rooms, the players were preparing for the evening's festivities. Shubman and Ishan were in the hall, each dressed in their traditional Diwali attire. 

Shubman looked radiant in a turquoise kurta with intricate gold embroidery, paired with matching pyjamas. 

The kurta's soft fabric shimmered under the hotel lights, giving him an effortlessly elegant look. His dark hair was neatly styled, and he wore a contented smile, ready to celebrate the festival.

Ishan, standing next to him, wore a classic black kurta with a simple yet sophisticated design, complemented by matching pyjamas. 

His kurta's elegance contrasted nicely with Shubman's brighter attire, and his warm expression reflected his excitement for the evening.

The two friends were engrossed in a lively conversation about the upcoming match, their playful banter filling the hallway. 

"I still can't believe we've made it this far," Shubman said with a grin, nudging Ishan. "We're on fire this season."

Ishan chuckled, adjusting his kurta. "It's been incredible. But let's focus on tonight. Diwali's here, and we've got some celebrating to do."

Their conversation was interrupted when they spotted Supraja entering the hallway. She was dressed in a soft lavender saree that flowed elegantly with each step. 

The saree's delicate fabric was adorned with subtle embroidery, catching the light in a soft, shimmering glow. Her hair was styled in loose waves that framed her face beautifully, and she wore contact lenses, enhancing her already striking features. 

The silver heels she wore added a graceful touch to her appearance, making her look both sophisticated and radiant.

Supraja was on a phone call as she walked, her voice a gentle murmur in the otherwise lively hallway. "Yes, I'll be there in a few minutes," she said, her tone warm and friendly.

Abhi entered right behind her, looking equally stunning in a maroon lehenga. The lehenga's rich colour contrasted beautifully with Supraja's softer attire, its intricate embroidery glistening under the lights. 

Abhi's long hair was styled in loose waves, and she completed her look with elegant jewellery that sparkled softly.

Ishan's eyes lit up when he saw Abhi. "Wow, Abhi, you look absolutely stunning," he said, his admiration evident. He moved to her side, wrapping an arm around her waist. 

"I'm the luckiest guy here."

Abhi smiled up at him, her eyes filled with affection. "And you look pretty dashing yourself, Ishan."

Shubman turned his attention to Supraja, his gaze filled with admiration. "You look incredible, Supraja," he said softly, a genuine smile gracing his lips. "That saree is perfect for the occasion."

Supraja's cheeks flushed slightly at his compliment. "Thank you, Shubman. I wanted to dress up for tonight. It's special, and I'm excited for the celebration."

Ishan nudged Shubman with a playful grin. "Looks like you've got some competition tonight, buddy."

Shubman laughed, shaking his head. "Oh, please. No one could outshine Supraja."

The group continued to mingle in the hallway, with the festive atmosphere heightening their excitement. 

The boys teased each other and exchanged playful jabs, while Supraja and Abhi chatted with the others, catching up on the day's events and making plans for the evening.

Virat and Hardik appeared, dressed in their own Diwali attire. Virat was in a deep green kurta, while Hardik opted for a vibrant red sherwani. They both joined the group, adding to the lively energy in the hallway.

"Hey, looking sharp as always," Virat greeted, giving Shubman and Ishan a friendly slap on the back.

Hardik joined in, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I see the competition is fierce tonight. I'm just here for the sweets and the fireworks."

Shubman and Ishan laughed, enjoying the camaraderie of their friends. "Well, let's not keep everyone waiting," Shubman said, glancing at Supraja with a warm smile. 

"Shall we head down for the celebrations?"

Supraja nodded, her eyes meeting Shubman's with shared excitement. "Let's go. I'm looking forward to it."

The group made their way downstairs, laughter and festive music growing louder as they approached the hotel's grand ballroom. 

As the evening progressed, the grand ballroom of the hotel continued to buzz with festive energy. Laughter and the clinking of glasses filled the air, and the aroma of rich, traditional Diwali dishes wafted through the room. 

The players and their friends were enjoying themselves thoroughly, mingling and celebrating the festival of lights.

Supraja, however, found herself glancing at her watch more frequently. She had been trying to ignore the time, but it was getting close to the moment she needed to leave for her family's home in Bengaluru. 

Her family lived in the city but were not part of the festivities at the hotel, so she had planned a visit to spend some time with them on this special occasion.

Shubman, who had been chatting with Virat and Hardik, noticed Supraja's distracted demeanour. He approached her with a concerned look. 

"Everything alright, love?" he asked gently, his tone filled with warmth.

Supraja looked up, her smile slightly waning. 

"Oh, hey Shubman. Yeah, I'm just... it's almost time for me to head over to my family's place. I've been looking forward to spending Diwali with them, and I don't want to be late."

Shubman's face softened, his eyes filled with understanding. "Why don't I drive you there?" he offered. "I can't let you go alone on such a special night."

Supraja's eyes widened in surprise, her heart swelling with appreciation. "Oh, Shubman, you don't have to—"

He interrupted her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I insist. It's Diwali, and I want to make sure you have the best time with your family. Let me handle the driving. It'll be my pleasure."

Supraja hesitated for a moment, but the way he spoke made her heart melt. 

"Are you sure? I don't want to keep you away from the celebration."

Shubman shook his head, his smile unwavering. "Don't worry about me. I'm more than happy to do this. Besides, I'll get to see your family's place and experience a bit of your Diwali traditions."

A soft laugh escaped Supraja's lips. "Alright, then. Thank you, Shubman. That means a lot to me."

He took her hand gently, leading her towards the entrance of the ballroom. As they walked, he kept up a light-hearted conversation to distract her from any lingering concerns. 

"So, tell me more about your family's Diwali traditions. What's the one thing I should look out for?"

Supraja chuckled, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "Well, we usually start with a small puja, and then there's always a lot of sweets and snacks. My mom makes the best ladoos. You'll have to try them—they're famous in our family."

Shubman grinned, clearly looking forward to it. "I'm all in for trying those ladoos. They sound amazing."

They reached Shubman's car, a sleek vehicle that stood out under the hotel's bright lights. He opened the door for Supraja with a flourish, his gesture filled with charm. "After you, beautiful."

Supraja smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude. "Thank you, Shubman. This is really sweet of you."

As they drove through the bustling streets of Bengaluru, Shubman expertly navigated through the traffic. The city's lights glittered around them, reflecting the festive spirit of Diwali. Supraja sat beside him, her heart warmed by his gesture and the gentle conversation they shared.

"So, how long has it been since you last visited your family?" Shubman asked, his eyes focused on the road.

Supraja's gaze softened as she thought about her family. "It's been a few months. With everything going on with the World Cup, I haven't had a chance to see them as often as I'd like."

Shubman nodded, understanding the pressures of a busy schedule. "I can imagine. It must feel great to catch up with them."

"Absolutely," Supraja replied, her voice filled with warmth. "It's moments like these that make everything worthwhile."

As Shubman and Supraja reached the entrance of her family home, the festive lights and vibrant decorations created a warm, inviting atmosphere. 

Shubman parked the car in front of the house, and for a moment, they both sat in the vehicle, enjoying the peaceful pause.

The soft glow from the streetlights cast a gentle light inside the car, and the sounds of Diwali celebrations in the distance created a serene backdrop. 

Supraja turned to Shubman, her eyes filled with a mixture of affection and gratitude.

"Thank you so much for bringing me here, Shubman," she said softly, her voice filled with warmth.

Shubman smiled, his gaze never leaving her face. "It was my pleasure, Supraja. I'm glad I could be here for you."

They sat in comfortable silence, their hearts in sync with the tranquillity of the evening. Supraja's hand rested on Shubman's, a gentle connection that spoke volumes. 

Shubman's eyes wandered to her lips, and he couldn't help but lean in slightly, his heart racing with a mix of anticipation and tenderness.

Supraja met his gaze, her breath catching as she felt the electric charge between them. She reached up, her fingers lightly brushing his cheek. "Shubman..."

He closed the distance between them, his lips meeting hers in a tender, heartfelt kiss. The kiss was soft and lingering, a moment of pure connection and affection. 

Shubman's hand cradled the back of Supraja's neck, holding her close as they shared an intimate embrace.

Just as they deepened the kiss, a soft sound from outside startled them. They both pulled back slightly, their faces flushed and their breaths mingling in the confined space of the car. Supraja's heart skipped a beat as she realized the sound was the main door of her house opening.

Panic flashed in her eyes. "Oh no, my parents..."

Shubman looked around quickly, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "Did they see us?"

Before Supraja could answer, the front door swung open, revealing Mr. and Mrs. Reddy standing there, their expressions a mixture of surprise and curiosity. 

Mr. Reddy, a distinguished-looking man with a kind face, and Mrs. Reddy, a graceful woman with an air of warmth, both looked at the car with wide eyes.

Mrs. Reddy's eyes went from the car to Supraja and Shubman, her mouth forming a small, shocked "O" as she took in the scene. "Supraja, dear, what's going on?"

Supraja's face turned a deep shade of crimson, her hand flying to her mouth in embarrassment. "Mom, Dad... I—"

Mr. Reddy cleared his throat, his eyes flicking between Supraja and Shubman. "I didn't realize you had company tonight, Supraja."

Shubman, sensing the need to diffuse the situation, stepped out of the car and greeted them with a polite, if somewhat nervous, smile. "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Reddy. I'm Shubman Gill. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Mrs. Reddy's expression softened as she took in Shubman's respectful demeanour. "Oh, you're the cricketer we've heard about. Nice to meet you, Shubman."

Mr. Reddy nodded, though his gaze remained inquisitive. "Yes, nice to meet you. We weren't expecting visitors at this time."

Supraja stepped out of the car, her cheeks still flushed with embarrassment. "I'm sorry for the surprise, Mom and Dad. I didn't mean for you to see... well, that."

Mrs. Reddy's eyes were gentle as she looked at her daughter. "It's alright, dear. We just weren't aware you had a boyfriend."

Supraja took a deep breath, her voice steadying as she spoke. "I didn't know how to tell you. Things have been happening so quickly, and I wanted to introduce Shubman properly."

Mr. Reddy's expression softened, though a hint of concern remained. "I see. Well, it's good to meet you, Shubman. Why don't you come inside? We can talk more over some sweets."

Shubman smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Mr. Reddy. I'd love to."

As they walked into the house, the warmth of the family's hospitality enveloped them. Supraja's parents led them into the living room, which was adorned with Diwali decorations and filled with the comforting aroma of traditional sweets.

Mrs. Reddy offered Shubman a seat and began serving some freshly made ladoos, her earlier surprise replaced with a warm, welcoming demeanour. 

"Please, have some sweets. We've been preparing for the festival, and it's always better with company."

Shubman accepted a ladoo with a grateful smile. "Thank you. These look delicious."

As they settled into the cozy ambience of the living room, the initial awkwardness began to fade. Supraja's parents asked Shubman about his career and his experiences, and he shared stories with genuine enthusiasm. 

The conversation gradually became more relaxed, and Shubman's sincerity and charm won them over.

By the time the evening progressed, Supraja felt a wave of relief and happiness. Her parents were getting to know Shubman in a positive light, and the initial embarrassment had turned into an opportunity for connection and understanding.

As the night drew to a close, Supraja and Shubman bid her parents farewell, their hearts lighter and their bond strengthened by the evening's events. 

Shubman had proven himself to be not just a loving boyfriend, but someone who could navigate unexpected situations with grace and kindness.

In the car ride back to the hotel, Supraja leaned back, her hand finding Shubman's once more. "Thank you for everything tonight, Shubman. You handled everything so well."

Shubman squeezed her hand gently, before lifting it towards his lips, placing a soft kiss on her hand, his eyes filled with affection. "I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. I'm just glad I could be here with you."

Meanwhile, back at the hotel, the festive spirit of Diwali was still in full swing. Abhi and Ishan had found a quiet corner of the grand ballroom, away from the main crowd, where they could share a moment amidst the bustling celebrations.

Abhi leaned against a pillar, her eyes twinkling under the soft light. Ishan stood close, his arm around her waist as they watched their friends and teammates enjoying the festivities.

Ishan chuckled, his gaze drifting over to where Hardik and Virat were engaged in a playful competition over who could light the most sparklers at once. 

"This Diwali has been pretty incredible, hasn't it?" he said, his voice filled with warmth.

Abhi nodded, her eyes still fixed on the cheerful scene before them. "It really has. Being here with everyone, and especially with you, makes it even more special."

Ishan turned his attention fully to Abhi, his eyes softening as he looked at her. "You know, when we started this World Cup journey, I didn't think we'd be here, celebrating Diwali together like this. It's like everything's falling into place."

Abhi smiled, her hand reaching up to brush a stray lock of hair from his forehead. "It feels perfect, Ishan. I'm so grateful for these moments."

Their conversation was interrupted by a burst of laughter as Hardik and Virat's sparkler contest ended with Virat playfully dumping a bucket of water on Hardik. 

The scene brought a bright smile to Abhi's face, and she leaned into Ishan, enjoying the lightheartedness of the evening.

As they continued to watch, Abhi's phone buzzed in her hand. She glanced at the screen and saw a call from their friend Saumya, an actress who couldn't join them for Diwali but wanted to share in the celebration from afar.

Abhi answered the call, her voice filled with excitement. "Saumya! Happy Diwali!"

Saumya's cheerful voice came through the speaker. "Happy Diwali, Abhi! And Ishan! How's the celebration going?"

Ishan leaned in closer to the phone, smiling broadly. "Hey, Saumya! It's been amazing. We miss you here, though."

Saumya laughed, the sound bringing a touch of her presence to their moment. "I miss you guys too! But tell me everything. How's the party? And Abhi, how's Ishan behaving?"

Abhi glanced at Ishan with a teasing glint in her eye. "He's been on his best behaviour, of course. And the party is wonderful. We're having so much fun."

Ishan rolled his eyes playfully. "Best behaviour, huh? You make it sound like I'm usually a troublemaker."

Abhi giggled, leaning into him. "Only sometimes."

Saumya's voice took on a mischievous tone. "And what about Supraja and Shubman?"

Abhi's eyes lit up with excitement. "Oh, he's taken her to her family's place tonight."

Saumya let out an excited squeal. "No way! That's amazing! I can't wait to hear all about it."

Abhi nodded enthusiastically. "It's been such a beautiful night, Saumya. I wish you were here to see it all."

As they chatted, sharing stories and laughter, Abhi and Ishan felt the warmth of their friend's presence despite the distance. 

The call ended with promises to catch up soon, and Abhi put her phone away, her smile lingering.

Ishan took her hand, squeezing it gently. "I'm really glad you're here with me, Abhi. This Diwali wouldn't have been the same without you."

Abhi looked up at him, her eyes reflecting the deep affection she felt. "I feel the same way, Ishan. Every moment with you makes everything more special."

Just then, Hardik and Virat, having finished their playful antics, approached them with wide grins. "Hey, lovebirds," Hardik teased, "care to join us for some sweets? We've got a table full of them."

Ishan laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, let's go before you eat them all."

Abhi and Ishan joined their friends at the table laden with an assortment of traditional Diwali sweets. The group continued to enjoy the festive night, sharing stories, laughter, and the joy of being together.

Shubman parked the car in the hotel's underground garage and turned off the engine. He glanced over at Supraja, who was still smiling, her face glowing with happiness. 

"Ready to head back up?" he asked softly, his hand gently squeezing hers.

Supraja nodded, her eyes reflecting the joy of the evening. "Hmm, yeah let's go."

As they walked to the elevator, her hands wrapped around his bicep, making him smile down at her, enjoying the peaceful silence that accompanied their return. The elevator doors opened with a soft ding, and they stepped inside, leaning against each other as they ascended to their floor.

When they reached their floor, the hallway was quiet, the sounds of the Diwali celebration muffled behind closed doors. 

As they walked towards their rooms, they heard distant laughter and chatter from the ballroom, where the rest of the team was still celebrating.

Supraja paused outside her room, turning to face Shubman. "Thank you again, Shubman. Tonight was perfect."

Shubman smiled, his eyes filled with tenderness. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. Your family is wonderful, and I'm really happy I got to meet them."

Supraja's cheeks flushed with warmth. "They liked you a lot too. Especially after seeing how sweet and respectful you are."

Shubman chuckled, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "Well, I have to be on my best behaviour if I want to impress my girlfriend's parents."

Supraja giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck. "You did more than impress them, Shubman. You made tonight unforgettable."

They shared a lingering kiss, their connection deepening with every passing moment. Just as they were about to pull away, the sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway. Supraja and Shubman turned to see Abhi and Ishan approaching, their arms linked and smiles on their faces.

"Hey, you two," Abhi called out, her voice filled with excitement. "How was your evening?"

Supraja smiled, still holding Shubman's hand. "It was amazing. Shubman met my parents, and they really liked him."

Ishan grinned, nudging Shubman playfully. "Look at you, Mr. Perfect. Meeting the parents already."

Shubman laughed, shaking his head. "Just trying to make a good impression."

Abhi stepped forward, her eyes shining with curiosity. "So, how did it go? Any funny stories to share?"

Supraja and Shubman exchanged a knowing look, both of them smiling at the memory of the evening. "Well, there was a bit of an awkward moment when my parents caught us kissing in the car," Supraja admitted, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink.

Ishan burst out laughing, clapping Shubman on the back. "Nice one, man. Nothing like getting caught by the parents to make things interesting."

Abhi giggled, shaking her head. "I can just imagine their faces. But I'm glad it all worked out."

Supraja nodded, her smile returning. "It did. They were really understanding, and we had a great time."

Ishan glanced at the ballroom doors, where the celebration was still going strong. "Well, it looks like the party is still on. Want to join us for a bit before calling it a night?"

Shubman looked at Supraja, who seemed to consider it for a moment before nodding. "Sure, why not? It'll be nice to end the night with everyone."

The four of them walked towards the ballroom, their steps light and their spirits high. As they entered, they were greeted by the vibrant energy of the Diwali celebration. The room was filled with laughter, music, and the delicious aroma of sweets and snacks.

Hardik and Virat spotted them immediately, waving them over with wide grins. "Hey, you guys made it back! Come join us!"

Supraja and Shubman joined their friends at a table laden with an assortment of traditional Diwali sweets. Abhi and Ishan took their seats, and the group fell into easy conversation, sharing stories and laughter. 

Shubman kept a protective arm around Supraja, occasionally stealing glances at her and feeling grateful for the wonderful night they had shared.

As the evening progressed, the group enjoyed the delicious treats and the warm camaraderie. The celebration was filled with moments of joy and connection, the essence of Diwali shining brightly in their hearts.

After a while, Shubman leaned in close to Supraja, his voice soft and filled with affection. "You know, I'm really glad we got to share this Diwali together. It's been perfect."

Supraja looked up at him, her eyes reflecting her deep feelings. "I feel the same way, Shubman. Thank you for making it so special."

As the Diwali celebration wound down and the hotel ballroom began to empty, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of contentment and warmth. Friends bid each other goodnight, the echoes of laughter and shared joy lingering in the air. Shubman and Supraja, hand in hand, made their way to her room, the festive glow still illuminating their hearts.

When they reached her room, Supraja fumbled with the keycard, her thoughts swirling with the events of the night. The door clicked open, and they stepped inside. Supraja turned on a soft lamp by the bedside, casting a gentle, warm light across the room.

Shubman looked around, his eyes lingering on the delicate decorations that added a personal touch to the otherwise impersonal hotel room. "You did a great job with this place," he remarked, admiring the cozy atmosphere.

Supraja smiled, though a hint of vulnerability flickered in her eyes. "Thanks. I try to make it feel like home, especially when we're traveling so much."

They sat down on the edge of the bed, a comfortable silence settling between them. Shubman reached out, taking her hand in his. "I had a wonderful time tonight, Supraja. Your family is amazing."

Supraja squeezed his hand, her voice softening. "I'm so glad you came with me. It meant a lot."

Shubman leaned in, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I wouldn't have missed it for the world."

After a few minutes, Shubman stood up, ready to head to his room. "I should probably let you get some rest. It's been a long day."

Supraja's eyes followed him as he moved towards the door, her heart sinking at the thought of being alone. Just as he reached for the doorknob, she blurted out, her voice tinged with vulnerability, "Shubman, wait."

He turned back, concern etched on his face. "What is it, Supraja?"

She took a deep breath, her fingers twisting nervously. "Can you... can you stay? Just for a little while longer?"

Shubman's expression softened, and he walked back to her, kneeling down in front of her. "Of course, I'll stay. You don't have to ask."

Supraja looked away, her voice trembling slightly. "It's just... I don't want to be alone tonight. Sometimes, even in a room full of people, I still feel lonely."

Shubman's heart ached at her words. He gently cupped her face, guiding her to look at him. "Hey, it's okay. I'm here. I'll always be here for you."

Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke, her insecurities bubbling to the surface. "I'm not used to this, Shubman. I've always been on my own, and sometimes it scares me to let someone in."

He nodded, understanding her feelings. "I know it's not easy, but you don't have to face everything alone anymore. I want to be here for you, in the good times and the tough ones."

She leaned into his touch, finding comfort in his presence. "Thank you, Shubman. It means so much to me."

They sat back on the bed, and Shubman wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. The warmth of his embrace slowly melted away her fears, and she felt a sense of peace she hadn't known in a long time.

They lay there for a while, wrapped in each other's arms, the soft light of the lamp casting a gentle glow over them. Supraja's breathing began to steady, and she felt the tension leave her body.

Shubman whispered softly, his voice filled with affection. "You're amazing, Supraja. And I'm so lucky to have you in my life."

She smiled through her tears, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm the lucky one, Shubman. Thank you for staying."

He pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. "Always, my love. Always."

In the dimly lit hotel room, the warmth from the lamp created a soft, soothing ambiance. After a few minutes of shared comfort, Supraja began to feel more relaxed. She glanced over at Shubman, her heart swelling with a mixture of gratitude and affection. 

"I think I'm going to change into something more comfortable," she said softly, her voice still carrying a trace of vulnerability.

Shubman nodded, giving her a reassuring smile. "Take your time. I'll just wait here."

Supraja stood up, her movements a little hesitant as she made her way to her suitcase. She started to unfasten the ties of her blouse, which were intricately knotted at the back. She glanced over her shoulder, catching Shubman's concerned and attentive gaze.

"Could you help me with this?" she asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's a bit tricky."

Shubman stood up and walked over to her, his touch gentle as he began to untie the knots. His fingers moved with care, his eyes focused on the delicate task. "Of course," he said softly, his voice a comforting murmur.

As he worked, Supraja's heart raced with a mix of nerves and anticipation. She could feel his presence close behind her, his touch both reassuring and intimate. 

Once he had untied the last knot, the blouse fell away from her shoulders. She hesitated for a moment, feeling the cool air against her skin.

She glanced at Shubman, who was now facing her, his eyes full of warmth and respect. Her dark purple bra was exposed a stark contrast against her pale skin. The sight of it seemed to magnify her insecurities, and she quickly grabbed her clothes, attempting to shield herself.

"I—I'm sorry," Supraja stammered, her voice trembling slightly. "I didn't mean for this to happen."

Shubman's gaze remained soft and reassuring. "There's nothing to be sorry for, Supraja. You're beautiful, and I'm here for you."

Despite his comforting words, Supraja felt a wave of self-consciousness wash over her. She took a deep breath, her hands clutching the clothes tightly as she tried to steady herself. "I just need a moment," she said, her voice cracking slightly.

Without waiting for a response, she hurried to the bathroom, closing the door behind her with a quiet click. Inside, she leaned against the sink, her hands shaking as she tried to regain her composure. The reflection in the mirror showed her dishevelled appearance and the tear streaks on her cheeks.

The reality of her insecurities hit her hard, and she struggled to hold back tears. She felt exposed and vulnerable, the weight of her fears and self-doubt crashing over her like a tidal wave.

Supraja took deep, shaky breaths, trying to calm herself. The room felt suffocating, and she could hear the muffled sounds of Shubman's movements outside the door. Her heart ached with the realization of how deeply she had let herself feel and how much she longed for acceptance and love.

As she looked at herself in the mirror, she whispered, "Why is it so hard to feel good about myself? Why does this always happen?"

She continued to struggle with her emotions, feeling like she was on the brink of breaking down. Just then, there was a soft knock on the bathroom door.

"Supraja, it's me," Shubman's voice came through, gentle and concerned. "Can I come in?"

She hesitated, her mind racing with a mix of embarrassment and the need for comfort. "I—I'm okay. Just give me a minute."

Shubman's voice remained steady. "I'm not going anywhere. I just want to make sure you're alright. Please, let me in."

The sincerity in his voice finally broke through her resolve. With a trembling hand, she unlocked the door and opened it slightly. Shubman stepped in, his eyes filled with concern as he saw her standing by the sink, tears still visible on her cheeks.

"Hey," he said softly, approaching her with careful steps. "It's okay. You don't have to go through this alone."

Supraja's voice was barely a whisper as she tried to hold back her sobs. "I just... I don't feel good enough. It's hard to let someone see me like this."

Shubman took her hands in his, his touch warm and grounding. "You're more than good enough, Supraja. You're incredible, just the way you are. I see you, all of you, and I love you for it."

His words, combined with his unwavering presence, slowly began to soothe her. She let out a shuddering breath, the tears continuing to fall as she allowed herself to be vulnerable. Shubman pulled her into a gentle embrace, holding her close as she cried.

"It's alright to feel this way," he murmured against her hair. "You don't have to hide from me. I'm here to support you, no matter what."

Supraja clung to him, her heart aching but also finding solace in his embrace. "Thank you, Shubman. I don't know what I'd do without you."

He stroked her back soothingly. "You don't have to worry about that. We're in this together."

They stayed like that for a while, the comforting warmth of Shubman's embrace helping Supraja to slowly calm down. When she finally pulled away, her eyes were red but filled with gratitude.

Shubman smiled gently, his eyes reflecting his deep affection. "Whenever you need someone, I'm here. You're never alone."

Supraja nodded, wiping away her tears. "I know. And I'm grateful for you."

As they emerged from the bathroom, Supraja changed into her comfy clothes—soft, loose pyjama pants and a cozy sweatshirt. Shubman waited patiently, giving her the space she needed but remaining close by.

When she finally emerged, she felt a renewed sense of comfort, and Shubman took her hand once more. "How about we just relax for a while? No pressure, just us."

Supraja smiled, feeling a sense of peace settle over her. "That sounds perfect."

og soup speaks!

- here we have the 9th chapter!

- vulnerable soup = og soup

- abhi and ishan >>

- shubman meeting suprajas parents was not planned okay?

- anyway comments on chapter?

- hope y'all enjoyed!

- love, supraja!