lover [ 𝐬𝐡𝐮𝐛𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐠𝐢𝐥𝐥 ]

24

Reethu was engrossed in her book, the soft melody of music playing in the background creating a serene atmosphere. She glanced up from her reading as Shubman stirred beside her, his eyes slowly fluttering open. Relief flooded her as she saw recognition dawn in his gaze when he met her eyes.

"Hey meri jaan," he murmured, sitting up and leaning into her shoulder.

"How do you feel?" she inquired, concern evident in her voice.

"Bleh," he muttered in response.

Reethu reached for the painkiller and glass of water on the bedside table, offering it to him. Shubman straightened up, crossing his legs as he accepted the medication.

"God, I feel so much better," he sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair.

A knock on the door interrupted their moment, prompting Reethu to rise and answer it. She exchanged a brief exchange with the delivery person before turning her attention to Ishan and Abhay's room to summon them for dinner.

Ishan appeared at the door, rubbing his eyes sleepily. "God, I'm so hungry," he groaned.

"Come on, let's have dinner," Reethu replied, leading the way to the dining area where Abhishek soon joined them.

As they ate, Shubman emerged from the room, clad in shorts with a towel draped around his neck. He greeted Reethu affectionately with a kiss on the cheek, eliciting an amused eyeroll from Ishan and Abhay.

Following dinner, the boys congregated on the bed, chatting animatedly while Reethu retreated to the balcony, relishing the tranquility of the night.

Lost in thought, she admired the bustling city below, the flickering lights casting a mesmerizing glow. Contentment washed over her as she observed the joyous scenes unfolding around her.

Moments later, Shubman joined her on the balcony, the cool breeze ruffling his hair. Reethu smiled at his presence, feeling a sense of peace wash over her.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, settling beside her.

"Nothing, just enjoying the view," she confessed.

"It's nice out here, and a little chilly," he remarked.

Reethu made a move to fetch a hoodie for him, but Shubman halted her, pulling her back down beside him.

"Nah, it's not that cold," he reassured her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.

As they gazed out at the cityscape, Reethu couldn't help but reflect on their future together.

"I can't believe in just two days we'll be heading back home," she mused aloud.

Shubman chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "And then the whirlwind begins—wedding planning, filming, cricket practice."

Reethu laughed, leaning into him as he pressed a tender kiss to her lips.

"You should come to Kajal's wedding," she suggested. "Of course, I wouldn't miss it for the world," Shubman replied, his voice filled with warmth.

Their conversation was interrupted by another kiss, the warmth of their embrace enveloping them in a cocoon of love. "I love you," Reethu murmured against his lips.

"I love you too, but can we head inside before I freeze to death?" Shubman teased, prompting laughter from both of them. With a final lingering kiss, they rose from the balcony, their hearts full of love and anticipation for the journey ahead.

As they entered the room, Shubman closed the balcony door behind them, shutting out the chilly night air. Reethu couldn't help but notice the comforting warmth of their shared space, filled with the soft glow of lamplight.

She watched as Shubman moved about the room, his movements fluid and familiar. His casual demeanor belied the strength and determination she admired in him, qualities that had drawn her to him from the start.

"Feeling better now?" she asked, her voice soft with concern as she approached him.

Shubman turned to face her, a gentle smile gracing his lips. "Much better, thanks to you," he replied, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Reethu's heart swelled at his words, a rush of affection flooding her senses. She closed the distance between them, wrapping her arms around his waist in a tender embrace.

"Anytime, my love," she murmured, resting her head against his chest as she savoured the warmth of his embrace.

At that moment, surrounded by the quiet comfort of their room, Reethu felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the man standing before her. Together, they had weathered countless storms, their bond growing stronger with each passing day.

As they stood together in the soft glow of lamplight, Reethu knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, hand in hand. With Shubman by her side, she felt invincible, ready to take on whatever the future held.

With a contented sigh, she leaned into his embrace, knowing that as long as they were together, they could conquer anything that came their way. Lost in the warmth of their embrace, Reethu and Shubman remained entwined, revelling in the comfort of each other's presence. The soft hum of the air conditioning filled the room, a soothing background melody to their shared moment of tranquillity.

Shubman gently tilted Reethu's chin upward, meeting her gaze with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. In his eyes, she saw a reflection of her own emotions—love, devotion, and an unspoken promise of forever.

"You know, I never want to let you go," Shubman whispered, his voice barely above a murmur as he brushed his thumb across her cheek. Reethu's heart skipped a beat at his words, her own feelings mirrored in the depths of his gaze. "And I never want to leave your side," she confessed, her voice barely a whisper as she leaned into his touch.

In that moment, time seemed to stand still as they lingered in each other's embrace, basking in the warmth of their love. The world outside faded away, leaving only the two of them, bound together by an unbreakable bond.

With a soft sigh, Shubman pressed a tender kiss to Reethu's forehead, his lips lingering against her skin as if to imprint the moment forever. "I love you," he murmured, his words a vow that echoed in the quiet of the room. "And I love you," Reethu replied, her voice filled with a depth of emotion that words alone could not express.

As they stood locked in each other's embrace, they knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. For in each other's arms, they had found a love that was unshakable, a love that would endure for all eternity.