Something's Missing

Part 3 - Kabhi bhool sakta hoon kya

When Shubman rushed back from his practice session he had not expected Ishan to have company. Not just anyone, one of Ishan's closest friends Mayank Markande. They both sat cuddled on the bed watching a movie.

Shubman walked in. Mayank waved at him. Ishan moved a little away from Mayank almost subconsciously, smiling at Shubman. Shubman gave Ishan the medicines and some water.

"Tu kab aaya" (when did you come?)

"Aaj hi. TV pe dekha tha iska accident. Socha mil ne aa jaoon" (Just today. I saw the accident on tv. Thought I'd come and meet him)

"Kitna acha dost hai tu" (What a good friend you are) Ishan said only half joking, Shubman gave a half smile, nodding.

"Tum dono continue karo mein thodi der mein aatha hoon" (Both of you continue.. I'll be back in a while)

Ishan felt a pang of something inexplicable when Shubman was leaving.

"Par Gill.. tu.. " (But Gill.. you)

Shubman turned around almost instantly. He went towards Ishan concerned.

"Kya hua ish.. kuch chahiye tha kya" (What happened Ish, do you need something?)

Ishan didn't know what to say so he got on his knees on the bed so he could hug Shubman comfortably. Shubman smiled at the unexpected display of affection by Ishan. He patted Ishan's back comfortingly.

"Kuch hai tho call ya message kardena" (call me or text if you need anything)

Meanwhile Mayank had a knowing smile on his face as he hooted and whistled.

"Wah wah kya pyaar hai" (wow.. what love!) he said smiling fondly at the duo. Shubman walked out to Ishan taking Mayank's case for pulling their leg.

He wandered aimlessly through the hotel corridors. He felt an overwhelming sense of de ja vu and lord, did it hurt. He's been trying to be reasonable and understanding but sometimes the heart wasn't in his control. He made his way into the gym. He didn't want to use the equipment but there was a meditation room that most didn't use at that time of the day. So he found himself sitting alone contemplating on how to make his heart hurt less. He closed his eyes trying to meditate but he couldn't. He had promised himself he wouldn't feel this way. But he couldn't hold back any longer. His heart was breaking and he had good reason to.

///Past///

Shubman and Ishan had been dancing around their feelings for a while now. They had taken to doing couple-y things without a second thought. It was match day and their pre match routine had changed a lot over the years.

"Ish chal na late hojayenge" (Ish come.. we're gonna be late)

Ishan had come running and almost crashed into Shubman who tried to look annoyed but failed miserably. Instead he smiled sweetly as he held Ishan in his arms.

"Aaj jaake shatak bana, mere shatak".(Make a 100, my 100)

If they were around others Ishan may have rolled his eyes but in the privacy of their room he smiled back just as sweetly.

Shubman held his face and kissed him gently on his left cheek lingering there for a bit causing Ishan to blush. He had decided that he wouldn't be the only one blushing so he pulled Shubman down to his level and kissed him on his cheek as well. Instead of one kiss, however, he had kissed him thrice.

Shubman could've sworn he felt his toes curl. He had almost instinctively pulled Ishan closer by his waist. Their breath had caught as they stared at each other almost forgetting about the match. By the time they left for the India Srilanka match neither was under any delusion that what they had was only friendship.