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2 weeks later!!
The flat was quiet except for the soft hum of the refrigerator and the distant chirping of birds outside. The early morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room.
Inside Shubman's bedroom, the room was a dishevelled mess of crumpled sheets and scattered pillows. Shubman Gill lay sprawled on the bed, shirtless, clad only in a pair of grey shorts. His chest rose and fell rhythmically as he slept deeply.
Manvi's room, across the hall, was surprisingly peaceful. Manvi, now eight years old, was nestled snugly under her Spiderman-themed covers, her small frame rising and falling with her even breaths. It was her birthday, but she was still blissfully asleep.
Ashwini Malakai had let herself into the flat with the spare key she always kept on hand. Her usual stylish flair was replaced by a comfortable old T-shirt and a pair of oversized sweatpants. Her hair was in a messy bun, and she wore no makeup. She tiptoed past Manvi's room first, checking to ensure everything was in place for the birthday celebration later.
Okay, everything seems fine here. Manvi's still asleep—good. I can't believe it's her birthday already. I hope Shubman's not too out of it this morning. I really need him to wake up, or he's going to screw up the whole day. Not that he ever means to, but still.
Ashwini moved quietly to Shubman's room, mentally bracing herself. She gently pushed open the door, the creak of the hinges barely audible. Shubman was sprawled out, looking utterly relaxed and entirely unaware of the world.
Alright, Ashwini, you've got this. Just wake him up, remind him it's Manvi's birthday, and we can get the day started. Don't let him pull you back into bed. You need to be firm this time.
She walked over to the bed and shook Shubman's shoulder gently. "Hey, Shubman. Wake up. It's Manvi's birthday."
Shubman mumbled incoherently, his body shifting slightly but not fully waking. "Mmm, 's too early... what time is it?"
