Maybe in this Lifetime (Short Fics)

Under The Influence (1/1)

Shubman was waiting for his best friend to come back. He was feeling a tiny bit anxious. He learnt from their team staff who had accompanied Ishan to his dental surgery that he had to be given general anesthesia. Now he wished he had gone with Ishan instead of listening to "voices of reason".

The longer it took for Ishan to return, more anxious he got, pacing around the hall the rest of the ICT had gathered around. They were having a team bonding session but Shubman was currently only interested in his bond with Ishan.

"Why's he pacing around like his wife is in labor?" Shreyas had to know.

"Dude, give him a break. The love of his life is in pain" Surya replied shrugging.

"Bhau..aapko kuch Patah hai kya.. " (brother.. do you know something?) Siraj was curious why Shubman was pacing like a mad man.

"Ishan ka aaj dental surgery tha.. abhi wapas aaya nahi" (Ishan had dental surgery and isn't back yet)

"Par uskeliye ye itna kyun pareshan hai?"(But why's he so worried about that)

Suraj stared at Siraj exasperated. "Ye Shubman hai.., aur woh Ishan.. aur kuch kehna zaroori hai kya?" (This is Shubman and that is Ishan..do I need to say more)

Siraj laughed "Sahi baat hai bhai " (True brother)

Rohit was holding his head looking at Shubman. Why did he decide to go ahead with this team-bonding session? First, there was no Ishan who made these sessions worth their while and then there is Shubman who might as well not be there.

Rohit looked around for Virat who was busy on a call. Rest of the team were there but busy with their own conversations. Rohit sighed, long suffering.

Shubman was on call again he noticed. Like someone was saying he really did look like an expectant father. He wondered if even he were that stressed about Samaira's birth. Who was he kidding, he most definitely was.

That made him wonder about Shubman and Ishan's friendship. The kind of attachment that made you question what was love if this was just friendship. He did admire the purity of their bond. There was high regard for each other and a distinct lack of jealousy or competition. They encouraged and motivated each other to be the best version of themselves. They were also utterly loyal to each other.

Suddenly, Shubman rushed towards the exit but before he could get out, came Ishan barreling into him, jumping on him. Shubman nearly lost his balance not expecting koala bear Ishan. He, however, steadied himself gently trying to put Ishan down but the koala would have none of it. Rohit nearly laughed at the face Shubman was making.

Concern for Ishan had led everyone including him to move towards where Ishan was clinging on to Shubman like he were a 4 year old throwing a tantrum. Shubman looked around blushing and somehow managed to get Ishan down on his feet.

"Shubhhuuuu. Mujhe neeche kyun utara itnaaa acha lag raha tha" (Shubhuuuu... why did you put me down.. it felt so good to hug you) Ishan pouted, it was loud enough to capture the attention of the whole team. Jassi and Ash exchanged concerned glances.

"Tujhe Patah hai.. meine tujhe bohot miss kiya" (Do you know.. I missed you a lot) he said smiling sweetly at Shubman. "Yeh Dilip bhai na bohot kadoos hai mujhe chup rehne ko bol rahe the. Tu humeeeesha mujhe bolne detha hai meri jaan.. tabhi tho tu mera favvvvvorite hai." (You know Dilip bhai is so grumpy.. he kept asking me to keep quiet.. you always let me talk my love.. that's why you're my favorite). Shubman heard a couple of sniggers from the group

Shubman had turned a brilliant shade of red as he tried to steer Ishan away towards their room. But Ishan would have none of it. He shrugged off Shubman's efforts to take him to their room.