Tangled Hearts - In the Eye of The Storm

Confusions

PLEASE READ CHAPTER 2 AGAIN. I HAVE CHANGED THE SECOND HALF COMPLETELY.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction with no intention of reference that this happened in real. It is purely fictional.
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The next few days went in a haze for both Shubman and Ishan. Even though Ishan had played a brilliant knock against RCB, he couldn't shake off that nagging feeling of something not being right. After the match he had texted his family, Aditi and Shubman asking if everything was okay. Though his family and Aditi had replied in the affirmative, Shubman had not replied to him.

At first he did not think much about it but when his messages and calls did not get returned even once in the next few days, he grew restless. He desperately wished for just one reply from Shubman so that he could breathe a sigh of relief.

But life is paradoxical in nature isn't it? Because when Ishan did finally receive the reply he was craving for, the exact next second he wished he never recieved it.

Gill ❤️
Ishan sorry for not responding.  I never imagined our bond would face such scrutiny. It pains me deeply to suggest this, but for the sake of preserving our friendship, perhaps we should refrain from talking for a few days. It's not because I want to, but because others' misconceptions threaten what we hold dear. Please know that this distance doesn't diminish the love and respect I have for you.

Ishan felt the ground beneath his feet slip as his eyes widened after reading the text. He couldn't believe it. Yes, their friendship had been made into a romance by the world but it was all in a fun banter. They both knew it. Their respective girlfriends knew it. Then what was the reason for reacting like this? And that too suddenly? Was he so replaceable in Shubman's life? He knew Shubman wouldn't just writevthid out of the blue. He knew what they both meant to each other. Yet he couldn't shake away this feeling of immense hurt that was beginning to make his heart feel heavy.  He couldn't give the benefit of doubt to Shubman this time. He decided he won't text or call Shubman again before his idiot best friend himself comes and explains all this to him.

Unable to process anything, he just got on his bed and slept.

His mind couldn't help but go back to the day when Shubman and Ishan had taken an oath that no matter what life would throw at them they will always be by each other's side. Always be best friends.

"Yaara Teri yaari ko maine toh khuda maana. Yaad karegi duniya Tera Mera apsana"

("Oh my friend I've made your friendship equivalent to God. The world will remember and. give examples of  our friendship")

As his eyes closed from exhaustion, Ishan couldn't help but wonder if forever actually is nothing but a lie?

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In another part of the country, Shubman had been struggling to keep his sanity intact. The IPL season not going too well for GT and him being questioned about his own performance and well as his ability to be a captain certainly did not help him in trying to forget about whatever happened between him and jugnu and the text he was forced to send against his will to his Ishan.

Even a day had not gone by when he had not re-read his message to Ishan and how he had received no call from Ishan after that day. He wished all this didn't have to be done but he didn't have any other choice. He couldn't betray his cousin and childhood friend who had supported him and his father so much through the years.

Flashback

Jugnu : I need you to stop speaking to Ishan, Shubman Kake (baby brother)

Shubman : Kya bakwas kar rha hai Jugnu! Aise mazak mat Kiya kar mere saath!