𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑 - shubman gill ✓

9

As Shubman parked the car in my driveway, he offered to help carry the bags. "Here, let me help," he smiled, taking two bags from me.

"Amma!" I called out as I slipped off my shoes.

"Ah, there you are," my mother greeted, her arms outstretched, but instead of embracing me, she went straight to Shubman and hugged him. I stood in surprise, hands on hips, as Shubman shared a warm hug with my mom. He winked at me, prompting a smile despite my bemusement.

"Yeah, I love you too," my mom chuckled, patting my shoulder before heading to the kitchen.

Shubman grinned at me, throwing an arm over my shoulder. "Aw, it's okay," he reassured me, his comforting gesture easing my slight bewilderment. "Come on, let's go," he whispered, guiding me towards the dining table.

"Sit down," my dad invited as we settled beside each other, my parents taking their seats opposite us.

My mom served pasta, and as we ate, my dad and Shubman engaged in a lively conversation about cricket matches. I cleared my plate and then carried it to the sink to clean it.

"Hey, ma?" I called out as I washed the dishes. "Yeah?" she responded.

"Can I take Shubman to my house? Kya use dikha dho?" I requested. "Han, use dikha dho. Shubman will really like it," she approved.

"What will I like?" Shubman inquired as he brought his plate in. I took it from him to clean, and he flashed me a grateful smile.

"Thanks, sweetheart," he murmured a private exchange that seemed to amuse my mom, judging by her smirk.

"Nothing much. My mom thinks you'd like what I'll be showing you today," I explained, smiling at him as I placed the cleaned plate on the drainer.

"Well, I'm excited," he grinned.

"Ok then, come on, I'll take you there," I offered, wiping my hands on a towel.

"Ma, I'll be back soon," I informed my mom before Shubman and I departed.

"You wanna drive?" Shubman proposed. "Are you okay with that?" I questioned, to which he nodded.

"Anyway, you're the one who knows the location, so..." he reasoned, handing me the keys.

"Okay," I agreed, a smile playing on my lips as I took the driver's seat. "So, what is this surprise?" he inquired as we embarked on our journey.

"It's actually something I've been working on for the past five years," I disclosed. "A house?" he guessed, casting a curious glance in my direction.

"Was it that obvious?" I chuckled. "I just guessed," he shrugged. After a 15-minute drive, we arrived at the destination. "Here we are," I announced, stepping out of the car and handing him the keys.

"This looks amazing," he remarked, admiring the house. "Wanna go inside?" I suggested, to which he eagerly agreed.

"Let's go," he cheered, following me inside. As he explored, he remarked on the backyard. "You really made space for the backyard," he observed.

"Yeah, I've planned to add a swimming pool at the back. Come on, I'll show you," I replied, leading him towards the back. "So yeah, I have plans for it to go here, and on the other side, I'm not really sure what to include," I deliberated.

"I guess we could think about it after checking out your house," he suggested.

"Yeah, sure. But one thing, the interiors are yet to be started," I informed him as I opened the door. "I guess I could help with that," he offered his willingness to assist warming my heart.

"That would be great," I accepted gratefully.

After showing him around and explaining my plans for each room, I found myself standing on the balcony while he spoke on the phone. Suddenly, I felt his arms wrap around my waist, pulling me close as he nuzzled his head into the crook of my neck.

I smiled softly, feeling a blush creeping onto my cheeks. "Do you think I should set up a practice net?" I suggested, attempting to distract myself from the fluttering feeling in my chest.

"I'm not sure if that makes sense, but—" I began, but he interrupted me.

"No, no, I understood what you're trying to say," he reassured me, planting a soft kiss on the side of my head. "That's actually a good idea, but why that?" he inquired, his chin resting on my shoulder.

"I don't know. It just felt right. It could be helpful for you, you know..." I trailed off, feeling a surge of warmth at his closeness. "That's really thoughtful of you," he acknowledged, his smile reflecting his appreciation.

"This is nice," I murmured, savouring the moment. "Yeah," he whispered, his voice filled with contentment. After a while, we decided to head back home as it was getting late. He dropped me off, and before I left the car, he pulled me into a hug.

It felt comforting and reassuring, and I hugged him back without hesitation. As we parted, he placed a tender kiss on my forehead and then my cheek, leaving me with a smile.

"I'll see you later, yeah?" he said, his voice gentle and warm as he prepared to drive off.

"Good night, Reethu," he bid farewell with a smile. "Good night, Shubman," I returned the sentiment, watching him drive away with a sense of happiness in my heart.