Since then

Ch. 3

Britishers are portrayed as supporters of same sex relationships here, even though most of them were way too homophobic for that. Just to fit the plot in I had to do that.

"And to ruin his life forever, I will marry him"

A shiver ran through Ishan's spine, his heart sank even further. He knew he had no choice but to agree.

"I will do it, sir. I will marry you" Ishan answered, unexpectedly quick.

"But um son isn't it odd" Mr. Gill, the zamindar said.

"It's not odd for Britishers , it's legal baba" shubman said, knowing his father would agree with anything that Britishers support.

"Then it's more than fine! Kaal hi shaadi ki tayyari Kiya jai"

Zamindar said looking at his son. He wanted to fit in western culture too much that he saw this as an opportunity. The concept is odd in village but he is willing to do anything that Britishers like. He knows no one in the village would even dare to question him.

Shubman smirked.

He quickly picked up the crying boy from ground by holding his hand , dragging him inside the mansion. They reached Shubman room. They went in before Shubman closed the door.

"Looks like I got a new husband here" Shubman said, smiling at Ishan.

Ishan was looking down, his knees were shaking, tears still rolling down his cheeks.

"Y-yes sir, use me all you want just let my sister go" Ishan said, helplessly.

"Hey hey , look at me" Shubman said, gently.

Ishan, looked up at him, surprised at the soft tone of the boy.

"I won't hurt you, I am sorry. That was just an act" Shubman smiled again.

Ishan blinked at shubman, confused.

"What's your name?"

"I-ishan, Ishan kishan" Ishan replied, still being clueless.

"Ishan, I won't hurt you at all. I know what my father does to... all the people who can't pay tax. I can't see that, I can never support that. I hate my father for this. But unfortunately, I don't have enough power yet to stop this whole thing. But... When I saw you, I thought maybe I can try to save at least someone's life. I didn't expect baba to agree, but he got bribed. Ishan if you don't want to, you can run away. But I can assure you my father is going to catch you again. But if you are married to me, he would have less chances to do anything to you. Also he trusts me , he won't worry about you much."

Shubman hesitantly took Ishan's hand.

"Ishan, I have witnessed many people's lives being ruined by my father. Believe me, I used to run back to my room and cry silently whenever I used to be home. Now, I got this chance to save atleast someone's life... I don't want to let the chance go. You can tell me about all your problems, I will try my best to solve them, fulfill your wishes"

Ishan was speechless. He stared at the tall boy in disbelief.
He was too shocked to reply, he really expected Shubman to be just like his father, ruthless and cruel. But he turned out to be just the opposite.

"You are lying... Right?"

Shubman smiles flashing his dimples.
"I am being honest, Ishan. I know it's hard but you can trust me"

Ishan somehow felt something, one strange instinct that told him to trust the absolute stranger standing in front him.

Ishan nodded.