Through The Storm [ An Ishman Ff ]

Chapter 8

After the stormy night, a silent morning dawned at the Gill mansion. The MI franchise made an early announcement through their media outlets that Ishan would not be playing this IPL and is replaced by 'X' player. The actual reason of not playing, however, was kept confidential.

Upon hearing the news, the Kishan family was in shock. Mrs. Kishan hurriedly called Ishan, but he didn't pick up. Frantic, she called Mrs. Gill. When Mrs. Gill answered, she explained everything. Mrs. Kishan was distraught, tears streaming down her face, desperate to meet her son as soon as possible.

Ishan woke up, his head throbbing with pain. He tried to clear his vision and looked around for his husband, but Shubman was nowhere to be found. Unease settled over him; he hadn't seen Shubman since yesterday. After freshening up, he went downstairs and found Mrs. Gill sitting on the couch.
Seeing Ishan, Mrs. Gill said softly, "Ishu beta, you're awake. Come, have breakfast with me. You haven't eaten anything since yesterday."
But Ishan's eyes were only searching for one person. "Mom, Shub?"
Mrs. Gill's voice was low as she replied, "Beta, he went to work."
Ishan just hummed in response, his heart sinking further.
But Ishan didn't know one thing: Shubman himself didn't want to go anywhere, at least not before talking to Ishan. But what could he do? He had an important project to sign with foreign entities, a project the entire team had worked hard on.

Both Ishan and Mrs. Gill sat down to have breakfast. Just then, Mrs. Gill asked, "Ishu beta, have you done the check-up?"
"Yes, mom," replied Ishan. "We are completely fine."
Mrs. Gill nodded, a gentle smile on her face. "Okay, beta. Don't take tension, alright? Everything will be fine."
Ishan hummed in response, trying to ease his mind. Just then, he heard a familiar voice. Turning towards the direction of the voice, he saw his parents approaching, looking worried. Mrs. Kishan hurriedly came towards Ishan and hugged him tightly.
"Ishu, tu thik hain na beta?" Mrs. Kishan asked, her voice trembling with concern.
As Ishan felt his mother's embrace, tears started to fall uncontrollably. He definitely needed this. Though Mrs. Gill was like another mother to him, the presence of his own mother was different, like a warm, comforting light cutting through the darkest of nights. Her embrace carried the scent of home, filled with memories of safety and love. Mr. Kishan gently caressed Ishan's hair, trying to soothe him and stop his tears.
"Shh, baby, don't cry. It's okay. Everything will be fine," Mrs. Kishan whispered, wiping Ishan's tears away.
Mrs. Gill and Rahul watched this tender moment with teary eyes, their hearts aching for Ishan.

Ishman room
Ishan lay with his head resting on his mother's lap, her gentle hands caressing his hair. His tears flowed freely, and the room was heavy with the weight of his sorrow.
Ishan: "I hurt Shub so much, Maa," Ishan's voice cracked as he spoke, the pain evident in every word. "He was crying because of me. I should never have lied to him. I should have told him about the baby," he sobbed, his body shaking with the force of his emotions.

Mrs. Kishan's heart ached for her son. She continued to stroke his hair, her touch soothing yet filled with an unspoken sadness.
Mrs kishan: "Ishu, don't cry," she whispered, her voice soft and comforting. "It's good that you've realized your mistake. As a mother, I understand what you were going through. It must have been so hard for you to think clearly and make the right decision at that moment."
She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing. "But now that you understand your mistake, you need to ask for forgiveness. Making promises is easy, Ishu. Taking vows is easy. But keeping them, that's the real challenge. There are times in life when we unintentionally break those promises, and that's okay. We are human, and humans make mistakes."

Mrs. Kishan's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she looked down at her son. "But what matters is that we don't keep repeating those mistakes. You don't need me to tell you how much Shubi has done for you, how much effort he has put in for your happiness. So don't do such things that will make him feel that all his efforts were in vain, that his love and trust in you were misplaced."
"Don't do anything that disrespects the sacrifices he has made for you. You have the power to make things right, Ishu. Go to him, apologize, and show him that you truly value everything he has done for you.
"Maa Papa, everyone is here for you. Please, don't take on so much tension. It's not good for you or the baby," she said softly, her voice a soothing balm. "And you know our Shubi. Even though he's right in his own way, he will still be the first to come and ask for forgiveness," she added, smiling warmly.
Ishan laughed through his tears, the memories flooding back. He could vividly recall the days when he would playfully get angry over their silly fights, just to tease Shubman and Shubman, with his earnest eyes and heartfelt apologies, would follow him around like a kicked puppy, desperate to make amends.
"Now, you take some rest, okay? You look really tired," she said gently, caressing Ishan's hair. "When Shubman comes, talk to him. Tell him everything. He will definitely understand you."

Ishan closed his eyes, feeling the soothing touch of his mother's hand. Her words wrapped around him like a warm blanket, easing his troubled heart. As he drifted off, he promised himself that the next time he would sleep, it would be in Shubman's embrace, where he felt truly safe and loved.

Later that afternoon, Shubman rushed home, eager to speak with Ishan and clear the air between them. As he entered, he was little surprised to see his in-laws, but he quickly composed himself, greeted them warmly, and took their blessings. Without wasting any time, he headed to his room, his heart pounding with anticipation.
There, he found Ishan sleeping soundly, curled up like a baby. A tender smile spread across Shubman's face as he took in the peaceful sight. He quietly approached the bed, his steps light and careful. Leaning down, he gently pressed a soft kiss on Ishan's forehead, then another on his stomach. "I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion.

After freshen up Shubman was sitting on the couch in their room's balcony, lost in his thoughts. Suddenly, he felt a familiar presence beside him and turned to find his mother sitting there.
"Maa," he whispered, managing a small smile.
But Mrs. Gill could see the pain behind that smile. "Maa Jo hain."

Without a word, Shubman slid off the couch and sat on the floor, resting his head in his mother's lap. She gently caressed Shubman's hair, her touch comforting and tender.
Mrs Gill: "Regretting it, right?" she said softly. Shubman could only hum in response, his eyes downcast, lost in a whirlwind of emotions.
Shub, I know exactly what you're feeling right now," she continued, her voice filled with empathy. And I also know I don't need to say much because you both must have realized each other's mistakes by now. No one, I mean no one, has witnessed the extent of Ishan's struggle to reach where he is today more than you have. You've seen him give his blood, sweat, and tears for this, haven't you?"

Shubman nodded slowly, the memories of Ishan's relentless efforts flooding his mind.
"Just put yourself in Ishan's place and think calmly," Mrs. Gill urged. "I know he broke his promise and lied to you, but what you're doing right now? You too promised him that you would never let go of his hand, no matter what problems came your way. And now, when he needs you to hold him tight, to stand beside him, you really turning your back on him?"
Tears welled up in Shubman's eyes as his mother's words hit him. He remembered the pain in Ishan's eyes.
You realized that he had hidden something significant from you; he lied to you. But did you see the sacrifice he made for you and the baby? He stepped away from the matches, giving up his passion and career. " And now, when he has done something so significant for you and the baby, don't let him feel it's worthless."
Mrs. Gill's voice softened even more, filled with a motherly warmth. "Go talk to him, Shub. Tell him that the sacrifice he made is priceless, and that you are proud of him. The issue that you both fought over is just a small problem. Life will hit you hard when you least expect it, challenging your very soul. In those moments of deep struggle, how will you find the strength to rise again if you start to react like this in small issues?"
Now, the two of you are not alone; a new bundle of joy is soon coming to complete you both. With this happiness, new responsibilities will also arrive. You will not only have Ishan to care for, but another precious life will be added to your family. Never turn your back if problems arise, the way you have done now. As a husband and father, protect them and shield them from any harm.
"Don't let him feel alone at this time," she said gently, her eyes filled with concern. "He will be very sensitive during his pregnancy. That poor baby is blaming himself for everything. He needs you the most right now. Talk to him and clear everything up. And you know right, we are always here for both of you. You will always have us behind you when you feel lost."

Shubman felt a lump in his throat as he listened to his mother's comforting words. "Thank you so much, Maa. You are the best," he whispered, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. Tears glistened in her eyes as she looked at him with maternal affection.
"Chal, hun maa nu makhan na la,( guys ignore if I wrote it wrong)
she said playfully, trying to lighten the mood, before turning and walking away.

Don't forgot to read next chapter 😁