Kundavai was supposed to get a few signatures, and paperwork done, by 5 p.m. She was definitely not supposed to see Shubman Gill shirtless.

But what did she see, when she opened the door to his quarters? His shirtless back.

How can someone's back look this hot?

"Ah!" Kundavai gasped, covering her face with the notepad. That caught Shubman's attention. "Why are you shirtless, Shubman!"

Shubman sighed when he realized that it was Kundavai and not some other person. He put on a smirk, as he said — "This is my quarters, Devi,"

Kundavai rolled her eyes, "Anyone could just come inside." She stated as she headed towards his desk.

"Relax, sweetheart. I'm just getting dressed. You're the one who barged in without knocking," Shubman chuckled, his voice deep and soothing.

Kundavai's face turned an even deeper shade of red. "I did knock! You just didn't answer."

Shubman turned around fully, giving Kundavai an unobstructed view of his chest. His body looked like it was sculpted by the gods themselves—broad shoulders, well-defined pecs, and a chiselled six-pack.

His skin was a warm bronze, glistening slightly as if he had just been working out. He wore a pair of tailored dark trousers that hung low on his hips, emphasizing his muscular physique.

Kundavai, trying her best to maintain her composure, was dressed in a modern royal ensemble: a sleek navy blue pantsuit adorned with intricate gold embroidery along the edges, and a pair of elegant gold heels. 

Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, and her eyes sparkled with a mixture of irritation and undeniable attraction.

"Fuck, Shubman! Why are you always like this?" Kundavai muttered under her breath, more to herself than to him.

Shubman raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. "Always like what, Devi? Handsome? Irresistible?"

"Arrogant," she snapped, but her voice lacked its usual sharpness. She placed the notepad on his desk, trying to avoid looking at his perfect abs. "Just sign these so I can get out of here."

Shubman sauntered over to her, closing the distance between them. He took the notepad from her hands, his fingers brushing against hers. 

"Anything for you, my dear Kundavai," he said in a low, teasing voice. He picked up the pen, but instead of immediately signing, he leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear. "Did you miss me?"

Kundavai felt her heart race. "Stop playing around, Shubman. I have a lot to do."

"Oh, I bet you do," he said, finally signing the documents with a flourish. "But you always have time for me, don't you?"

She grabbed the signed papers, her fingers trembling slightly. "You wish, Shubman."

He laughed, the sound rich and melodious. "Maybe I do, Devi. Maybe I do."

As she turned to leave, Shubman called after her, "Kundavai?"

She paused, glancing back at him. "What?"

"You look stunning today," he said, his eyes lingering on her form.

Kundavai's cheeks burned, but she managed a retort. "And you look like a Greek god, as usual. Happy now?"

"Ecstatic," he replied, his grin never fading. "Don't be a stranger, Devi."

She rolled her eyes again, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "I'll see you around, Shubman. Try to keep your shirt on next time."

"No promises," he called out as she left his quarters, closing the door behind her.

Kundavai walked briskly towards her father's quarters, her heart still racing from the encounter with Shubman. The hallways of the palace were adorned with exquisite tapestries and chandeliers, each step echoing off the marble floors. She clutched the signed papers tightly in her hand, determined to maintain her composure.

As she approached her father's office, she took a deep breath, straightening her blazer and smoothing her hair. The door was slightly ajar, and she could hear her father, Chief Minister Rajendra, speaking to one of his advisors.

"Come in, Kundavai," her father called out, sensing her presence even before she knocked.

Kundavai pushed the door open and stepped inside. Her father was seated behind a large mahogany desk, covered in documents and official seals. He was a tall, imposing man with greying hair and a stern expression softened only by his affection for his daughter.

"Here are the papers you needed, Appa," she said, handing him the files.

Rajendra took them, briefly scanning the signatures. "Thank you, my dear. How did it go?"

Kundavai hesitated for a moment, thinking of Shubman's smirk and shirtless body. "It went... fine," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

Her father looked up, studying her face. "Is everything all right, Kundavai? You seem a bit flustered."

She forced a smile. "Just a busy day, Appa. A lot of running around."

He nodded, satisfied with her answer. "Very well. Make sure you take some time to rest. You work too hard."

"I will, Appa," she promised, turning to leave. "I'll see you later."

As she exited the office, she let out a sigh of relief. Walking through the palace corridors, she began to unbutton her blazer. By the time she reached the more private wing leading to her quarters, she had shrugged it off completely, draping it over her arm.

Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out her mobile phone. Her fingers moved swiftly, checking for any new messages.

As she walked, the day's events replayed in her mind, and she couldn't help but smile a little at the memory of Shubman's teasing.

"Hey, Kundavai!" a voice called out, snapping her out of her thoughts.

She looked up to see Shahneel Gill, Shubman's elder sister and her best friend, approaching. Shahneel was dressed in a chic, navy blue dress, her long hair styled in elegant waves.

"Shahneel! How are you?" Kundavai greeted her, quickly slipping her phone back into her pocket.

"I'm good, just finished a meeting with the event planners for the charity ball next week," Shahneel said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "What about you? You seem a bit... distracted."

Kundavai laughed nervously. "Just the usual chaos. You know how it is."

Shahneel nodded knowingly. "Oh, I do. By the way, did you see my brother today? He mentioned he had some paperwork to sign for your father."

Kundavai's heart skipped a beat. "Uh, yes, I did. Briefly."

Shahneel grinned mischievously. "Did he annoy you again? He loves to tease you."

Kundavai tried to keep her expression neutral. "A little, but it's nothing I can't handle."

"You're too kind to him, really," Shahneel said with a chuckle. "Anyway, are you free this evening? We could catch up over dinner."

"Sure, I'd love that," Kundavai replied, grateful for the distraction. "I'll meet you in the dining hall at eight?"

"Perfect. See you then," Shahneel said, giving her a quick hug before heading off.

Kundavai continued her walk to her quarters, her mind racing. She reached her room, pushed the door open, and stepped inside, feeling a wave of relief wash over her.

She tossed her blazer onto a chair and sat on her bed, finally allowing herself a moment to relax.

Pulling out her phone again, she saw a message from Shubman.

Shubman: Hope you weren't too flustered earlier, Devi. See you around. ;)

Kundavai rolled her eyes, her lips curving into a smile despite herself. She typed a quick reply.

Kundavai: Don't flatter yourself too much, Shubman. I've had worse distractions.

Hitting send, she lay back on her bed, staring at the ceiling. No one knew about her crush on Shubman, and she intended to keep it that way.

Later that evening, Kundavai arrived at Shahneel's quarters, ready to unwind and discuss the upcoming ball dance. 

Shahneel's rooms were a blend of opulence and modernity, with velvet drapes, crystal chandeliers, and a luxurious seating area adorned with plush cushions and a grand piano in the corner.

Kundavai knocked lightly before entering, her eyes widening slightly as she took in the lavish surroundings. Shahneel was already there, lounging comfortably on a velvet sofa in a knee-length, emerald green dress that hugged her curves perfectly. 

The dress was adorned with delicate gold embroidery that shimmered under the soft light. Shahneel paired it with strappy gold sandals and minimal jewellery, letting the dress be the focal point.

Kundavai, on the other hand, was wearing a daring ensemble: a sleek, black mini skirt that brushed against her thighs and a fitted, off-the-shoulder top in deep crimson. 

She had accessorized with a black blazer draped over her shoulders, her hair styled in loose waves that framed her face. Her makeup was subtly dramatic, emphasizing her eyes and highlighting her lips.

"Hey, Shahneel!" Kundavai greeted, sliding into a seat beside her friend.

Shahneel looked up from her tablet, a wide smile spreading across her face. "Kundavai! You look absolutely stunning tonight. That mini skirt is scandalously gorgeous."

Kundavai chuckled, smoothing her skirt. "Thanks! I figured it was time to break out of the usual royal attire. How's the prep for the ball coming along?"

Shahneel sighed dramatically, flipping through the pages of her planner. "The ball is next week, but the preparations are already driving me insane. There's so much to coordinate and so many details to finalize."

"I can imagine," Kundavai said, her eyes scanning the elegant room. "I've heard the charity event is in a week as well, right?"

"Yep, next Saturday," Shahneel said, rolling her eyes. "And don't even get me started on the damned seating arrangements and guest lists. It's going to be a circus."

Kundavai laughed, "Sounds like a royal nightmare. But at least we have the ball to look forward to. The theme sounds fantastic."

"Oh, absolutely," Shahneel agreed, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "The theme is 'Enchanted Garden,' so the decor will be magical—fairy lights, flowers, the whole shebang. I'm really looking forward to it."

"I'm excited too," Kundavai said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's been ages since I've been to a ball. And I heard the Prince is quite the dancer."

"Don't remind me," Shahneel said, rolling her eyes with a smirk. "My brother's definitely got some moves. But he'll probably be too busy with his usual charming antics to focus on dancing."

Kundavai felt a blush creep up her cheeks at the mention of Shubman. She quickly shifted her focus. "Well, it sounds like it'll be a night to remember."

"Absolutely," Shahneel said with a grin. "But first, we need to get through this week. I need to finalize the guest list and make sure everything is in place for both the ball and the charity event. You're helping me with these details, right?"

"Of course," Kundavai said, smiling. "What do you need me to do?"

Shahneel handed her a stack of papers. "Help me go through these. They're the final lists and notes on the schedule. And if you see anything that looks like it'll go up in flames, let me know."

Kundavai took the papers and began flipping through them, her fingers lightly grazing the elegant notecards. "Got it. I'll make sure nothing blows up. Or at least I'll try."

Shahneel laughed, leaning back with a sigh of relief. "You're a lifesaver, you know that? I don't know how I'd manage without you."

"You'd probably be buried under a mountain of paperwork," Kundavai teased, her eyes scanning the lists.

As they worked, the conversation flowed easily. They talked about the upcoming ball, their personal lives, and their latest adventures. The room was filled with their laughter and the occasional exasperated exclamation from Shahneel as they navigated through the chaotic details.

Eventually, Shahneel's expression turned more contemplative. "You know, I'm really glad you're here, Kundavai. It's nice to have someone to share this madness with."

Kundavai looked up, her eyes warm. "I'm glad to be here too, Shahneel. It's moments like these that make all the chaos worth it."

As the evening drew to a close, Kundavai said her goodbyes to Shahneel, feeling a mix of exhaustion and anticipation for the upcoming events. She gathered her things, slipped on her black blazer, and began the walk back to her personal quarters. 

The palace was quiet at this hour, with most of the staff retiring for the night. The soft glow of the sconces lining the corridors cast long shadows, making the grandeur of the palace feel almost intimate.

Kundavai's heels clicked against the polished marble floors as she made her way down the corridor, her thoughts still swirling with plans for the ball and the charity event. She was just rounding a corner, lost in thought when she collided with something—or rather, someone—hard and warm.

"Shit!" Kundavai exclaimed, stumbling back a step.

Strong hands reached out, steadying her before she could fall. She looked up, her heart skipping a beat as she recognized the familiar smirk of Shubman Gill.

"Well, well, Devi," Shubman drawled, his voice a low rumble that sent a shiver down her spine. "Fancy bumping into you like this. Literally."

Kundavai's cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and annoyance. "Shubman! What the hell are you doing, lurking around corners?"

He chuckled, his hands still resting lightly on her shoulders. "I wasn't lurking, sweetheart. Just walking back to my quarters. You're the one who wasn't paying attention."

Kundavai rolled her eyes, trying to ignore the way his touch was sending little sparks of heat through her body. "Maybe because I wasn't expecting to run into someone in the middle of the hallway."

Shubman's gaze flicked down, taking in her outfit. His smirk deepened, his eyes lingering a bit too long on her mini-skirt. "Nice outfit, Devi. Trying to catch someone's attention?"

Kundavai huffed, brushing his hands off her shoulders and stepping back. "If I were, it certainly wouldn't be yours."

"Careful, Kundavai," Shubman teased, leaning in slightly. "You're making me jealous."

"Jealous?" Kundavai scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "Please. You're just trying to rile me up."

He grinned, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Is it working?"

Kundavai opened her mouth to retort but found herself at a loss for words. Up close like this, it was impossible to ignore just how good Shubman looked. 

He was dressed casually, in a fitted white shirt that hugged his toned chest and arms, and dark jeans that emphasized his long legs. 

His hair was tousled like he'd been running his hands through it, and there was a roguish gleam in his dark eyes that made her heart skip a beat.

"Why are you staring, Devi?" Shubman's voice was low, almost a purr. "Like what you see?"

Kundavai's face flamed, and she quickly turned her gaze away. "Don't flatter yourself, Shubman."

He chuckled, clearly enjoying her flustered state. "You're so cute when you're all worked up. It's kind of my favourite thing about you."

"Ugh, you're impossible," Kundavai muttered, trying to push past him.

But Shubman stepped in front of her, blocking her path. "Hold on, Devi. I'm not done with you yet."

Kundavai glared at him, her patience wearing thin. "What now, Shubman? It's late, and I have a lot to do tomorrow."

Shubman's expression softened, and for a moment, there was a hint of something more in his eyes—something almost tender. "I just wanted to say... take care of yourself, okay? Don't let all this royal bullshit wear you down."

Kundavai blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in his tone. "Uh... thanks?"

He smiled, a genuine one this time, and it made her heart flutter in a way she desperately tried to ignore. "You're welcome, sweetheart. Now, go get some sleep. You'll need it for the crazy week ahead."

Kundavai nodded, suddenly feeling a bit shy under his gaze. "Goodnight, Shubman."

"Goodnight, Devi," he replied, stepping aside to let her pass. As she walked away, she could feel his eyes on her, the weight of his gaze lingering long after she turned the corner.

Once she was out of sight, Kundavai let out a long breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Her heart was still pounding in her chest, and her thoughts were a chaotic mess.

"Get a grip, Kundavai," she muttered to herself as she reached her quarters and pushed open the door. "He's just messing with you. That's all it is."

But as she changed into her nightclothes and crawled into bed, she couldn't shake the image of Shubman's smirk or the warmth in his eyes when he'd told her to take care of herself. It was going to be a long night.

ABHI'S RANTS!

welcome to the first chapter (finally) of this book!!

kundavai is just so me (and soup) (maybe everyone) and poor her getting teased by our shubman 😭😭

AND he calls her devi. like man is
setting high standards up there.

but how shubman transitioned from
flirty to caring? that's soup's magic right there! 

WE CANT WAIT TO WRITE THE BALL
HONESTLY!!!

its going to be so chaotic 🤭🤭

shahneel and kudavai are just SOOOO cute besties (after vanathi and kundavai)

AND have a guess who wrote this amazing chap? 🤭

[it's our soup, ofcourse!]

next chap is for our girl
vanathi!! see ya later !!

yours sweetly,
abhi & soup 💌