ARRANGE MARRIAGE [SHUBMAN X ISHAN]

Cherished Moments

Shubman waited in his car for Abhishek to join him for the ride to the office. "Kabhi hamare liye bhi gate khol diya kar," Abhishek quipped as he settled into the passenger seat, fastening his seat belt.

"Tu deserve nahi karta be," Shubman retorted with a grin. "Haha...very nice," Abhishek chuckled, enjoying their usual back-and-forth.

 As they cruised down the road, Shubman suddenly turned serious. "Ek baat puchun tujhse," he began, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. "Puch bhai," Abhishek responded, curious about what was on his friend's mind.

"Tu Mayank ko like karta hai na?" Shubman asked a mischievous glint in his eyes. Abhishek was taken aback, choking on air at the unexpected question. He glanced at Shubman, who was sporting a teasing smile.

 "N-nahi t-toh aise kyun bol raha hai," he stammered, trying to regain his composure. Shubman simply shrugged. "Nahi bas aise hi," he replied casually, not pressing the matter further.

The rest of the ride to the office was filled with comfortable silence, the air between them unburdened by the earlier conversation.

Upon reaching the office, they parked the car and made their way inside, ready to tackle another day of work.

Soon, Ishan and Mayank settled by the poolside, dipping their feet into the water while relishing the serene sunset. They chatted about various topics, their voices blending with the gentle lapping of the waves.

"Ishu," Mayank called out. "Hmm?" Ishan responded. "What are your plans for Holi? It's just three days away," Mayank inquired. "Oh my! I completely forgot that it's my first Holi with Shubi," Ishan said, a broad smile spreading across his face.

Mayank grinned, his heart filled with joy for his best friend. Just then, a servant approached them. "Apologies for the interruption, sir. Mrs. Gill requests your presence for evening tea," the servant informed.

"Tell Mamma that we'll be there in a few minutes," Ishan instructed. "Very well, sir," the servant replied, bowing before leaving. "Let's go, Bhai. Otherwise, Mamma will scold us," Ishan said, getting to his feet.

Mayank joined him, and they made their way to the living room where their loved ones were gathered. Ishan took his seat next to Shahneel, while Mayank sat beside him.

"Ishu," Mrs. Gill addressed Ishan, "as this is your and Shubi's first Holi together, I'd like you two to celebrate at your house." "My house? But isn't this my house, Mamma?" Ishan asked, puzzled.

Mrs. Gill chuckled at her son-in-law's adorable reaction. "Yes, beta, it is your house. But where you've spent your childhood and experienced life's most precious moments, that's also your home, isn't it?" Mrs. Gill explained.

Ishan smiled as he looked at his mother-in-law. She truly treated him like one of her own, showering him with love and care. "Okay, Mamma," Ishan agreed.

"So, you and Shubi leave tomorrow, and the rest of us will join you the next day. Does that sound alright?" Mrs. Gill asked. "Yes, Mamma," Ishan replied, and they all continued enjoying their evening tea.

Shubman and Abhishek, arrived at the parking lot after finishing their office work, the time was 8 pm. They were signing a deal. As they were driving back home, Shubman suddenly stopped the car outside a flower shop. 

"Hey, why are we stopping here?" asked Abhishek. "I want to get something," said Shubman, unbuckling his seatbelt. "For bhabhi?" Abhishek asked, teasingly. "Yes," Shubman replied, getting out of the car.

 Abhishek followed him inside the shop. The shop was filled with beautiful flowers, their fragrance lingering in the air. Shubman carefully selected the best flowers for his Ishu. His eyes stopped at a bouquet of white roses.