Shubman wiped away his tears with the back of his hand, nodding resolutely like a determined child. "Deal," he agreed, his voice tinged with emotion. Noor nodded in response, a gentle smile gracing her lips as she murmured, "Good night," preparing to move away. But before she could, Shubman's hands gently encircled her waist, and his husky voice whispered in her ear, "Let's mark a year from tonight." Goosebumps cascaded over her skin at his words, sending a shiver down her spine.

Unknowingly leaning on his shoulder, Noor whispered softly, "Aren't you moving too quickly?"

Shubman tightened his embrace around her waist, his voice gentle as he replied, "Maybe I am, but sometimes taking a leap of faith is the only way to know if something is meant to be." His words carried a silent invitation for Noor to ponder. Then, burying his face in her shoulder, he murmured, "Don't worry, I just want cuddles."

She smiled at his cautious yet determined steps, nodding in agreement. Leaning sideways, she gently placed a kiss on the side of his head. She allowed him to take the lead as he guided her towards the bed. She got in first, with him following suit. He covered both of them with a blanket before pulling her into his arms, her head resting comfortably on his chin.

Shubman smiled as he gazed into the darkness. "Kya jaldi jaldi bade hogye na hum?" he mused aloud.

Noor gazed into his eyes, a hint of nostalgia in her expression. "Agreed," she said softly. "There was a time when we were fighting over toys, and now we're grappling with the challenges life throws at us."

Shubman nodded in understanding, his gaze still fixed on Noor's. "It's funny how things change," he remarked a hint of wistfulness in his voice. "But I'm glad to have you by my side through it all."

Noor smiled warmly, feeling a sense of comfort in Shubman's words. "Likewise," she replied softly, squeezing his hand gently. 

Shubman nodded before locking eyes with Noor, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Damn, have I ever mentioned how blue your eyes are?" he murmured, his voice filled with admiration. "They're like the waters of Lakshadweep at night, shimmering in the moonlight."

Noor chuckled loudly, playfully slapping his face softly. "I agree, we're a couple now, but come on, don't be so cheesy," she teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "It's funny to see you getting all flirty with me."

Shubman grinned sheepishly, his cheeks flushing slightly at Noor's teasing. "Alright, alright, I'll tone down the cheesiness," he admitted, laughing along with her. "But I can't help it when I'm with someone as wonderful as you."

Noor laughed loudly, shaking her head sideways. "Stop it, it's too funny," she exclaimed between giggles.

Shubman pouted, his lower lip sticking out in a mock expression of hurt. "Hey now, at least I'm making an effort here. You're just treating me like your Kaake," he retorted playfully, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes.

Holding his chin between her fingers, Noor whispered softly, her voice serious yet tender, "Because I want our relationship to slowly transform from best friends to lovers. I don't want to rush into anything too soon."

Pressing his lips gently on her forehead, Shubman reassured her, "Kudiyee, don't worry. I won't do anything without your consent. You've been a part of my childhood, and I wouldn't do anything to scar those memories."

Blushing slightly, Noor buried her face into Shubman's neck, grateful for the cover of darkness provided by the night. She inhaled deeply, taking in his perfume, which carried the scent of the first rain of the season. In response, Shubman buried his face into her hair, inhaling the familiar fragrance that hadn't changed over the years—the scent of her oxygen-dove shampoo.

Shubman muttered, fully aware that he was probably going to get a playful punch to his stomach for his comment, but he couldn't resist saying it anyway. "You're as cuddly as a panda," he remarked with a grin.

As soon as he spoke, a punch landed squarely on his stomach, confirming his expectation. Noor, with her cheeks slightly puffed in annoyance, slipped out of his embrace and turned towards the other side of the bed.

Shubman winced slightly at the impact of the punch, but couldn't help but chuckle at his Noori's reaction. He watched as she slipped out of his embrace, her cheeks slightly puffed in annoyance, and turned towards the other side of the bed. Shifting towards her, he reached out and gently pulled her towards him, despite her initial resistance. "Sorry, Noori," he murmured.

"No," she replied stubbornly, a pout forming on her lips as she tried to maintain her position.

He leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek. "Sorry, Noori," he repeated softly, hoping to appease her.

"No," she insisted, a playful protest evident in her tone, her resistance softening slightly at his affectionate gesture.

Shubman moved back slightly, knowing exactly how to handle Noori's playful stubbornness. As soon as she felt his arm retreat, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. What kind of boyfriend was he if he gave up so quickly?

She turned around to see him smirking mischievously, her eyes widening in realization. She knew exactly why he had backed off—it was because his Noori couldn't resist staying mad at him for long. Shubman chuckled evilly before launching into action, tickling her mercilessly. Noor squirmed and giggled uncontrollably, unable to contain her laughter as she tried to fend off his playful assault.

As Noori's laughter filled the room, she pleaded with Shubman between giggles to stop tickling her. "Please, stop!" she gasped out, her sides aching from laughter.

But Shubman, still wearing that mischievous grin, shook his head defiantly. "Nope," he declared, continuing to tickle her gently. "Not until you say it. Say you're my panda!"

Noori shook her head vigorously, her laughter mixed with protest. "Never!" she exclaimed, her voice still filled with mirth despite her resistance.

Shubman chuckled at her stubbornness, relenting only momentarily to let her catch her breath. "Then bear it," he teased, his fingers wiggling as he prepared to resume the tickle attack.

Finally relenting, Noori's laughter subsided into a contented sigh. "Okay, okay, I'm your panda," she admitted with a playful grin, surrendering to his playful antics.

With a triumphant grin, Shubman stopped tickling her and wrapped his arms around her in a tight embrace. "My adorable panda," he whispered, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead.

Noori smiled blissfully, feeling utterly cherished in his embrace. She tilted her head up to meet his gaze, her eyes shining with affection. "And you're my mischievous monkey," she replied tenderly, brushing her fingers against his cheek.

As they settled into each other's arms, surrounded by the warmth of their shared laughter and love, little did they know that this night marked the beginning of a truly extraordinary year ahead. It would be a year filled with unexpected adventures, profound moments of growth, and a deepening of their bond that would surpass all expectations.

******

ᴄʜᴀᴘʟɪɴ ꜱᴘᴇᴀᴋꜱ

Hey there!I hope you enjoyed reading "I Am Your Panda" as much as I enjoyed writing it! If you found yourself getting lost in the story, just like Noor's captivating blue eyes, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Did the characters resonate with you? Did you find yourself smiling at their banter or feeling their emotions tug at your heartstrings? Your feedback means the world to me, so please don't hesitate to vote and drop a comment letting me know what you liked most about the story.Thanks for taking this journey with Noor and Shubman. Here's to more adventures ahead!

LOVE:
CSG228