What Are We Now (Mind Reader) | Ishman

Ch.4

*Shubman's POV*

I woke up and realised I had fallen asleep in that room in Ishan's lap.
It was so peaceful. Strangely quiet. I've never felt this silence before. It was calming. Very calming. No other thoughts. Just us in the room. Just us.

I could feel someone's hand combing through my hair gently and it felt good. Really calming. I let out a long breath and saw it was Ishan, still sitting like that, looking at me with soft eyes.

"You're up, Shubi?"
"Thank you, Ishi... I- It was just so quiet here.. no other voices.. I couldn't help but fall asleep.. I've never felt this good before in my life, Ishu"

My voice was really heavy and low. His hand stopped his movements and rested on my cheek.
"I know Shubi... I know how it feels.. I'm happy you had a good nap"
"Why do you know it, Ishu? Why?"

His eyes became distant and I could hear his thoughts.

'Hate, hate, hate... How do I tell you, Shubi, hate is all I have. It's only Ro bhaiya and Mayu who've always been here... And now you... What if you too-'

"I'D NEVER!"
"H-huh?"
"I meant.. I'd never force you to say it... It's okay, Ishu... I'm here with you. And from now on, I'll always be"
"Thank you, Shubman"

I wish I could somehow tell you that I want to make things alright for you, Ishu... I'll make it fine.. just please give me the chance to.

And these were my thoughts, which no one could hear.

"It's getting late, Ishu... I'll drop you to your house. Let's go"
"No it's fine-"
"It's completely okay, Ishu. Do you not want to spend more time with me?"

He blushed lightly.
'such a gentleman, omg. It's impossible not to fall for him...'

"Of course"

We then picked up our stuff and walked to his house, hand in hand.

"It's starting to get dark"

He said and I could sense he didn't like it. His thoughts weren't saying much, just kept repeating 'home fast' and a 'no no no'

I stopped us there.
"Sh-ubi-?"
"You're scared, Ishu... I won't ask you why, Ishi, but you could've just said it... Come here"

I opened my arms for him and he hugged me.
"You're safe, Ishu.. I'll keep you safe... You don't have to be alone now, Ishu. I'm here. I'm always here"

I wiped a tear that had slid down his eyes.

"I want to take this pain away, Ishu... How do I tell you that I want to give you the same peace you bring me"

'Me too, Shubi. I want you to take it all away too... Just like you manage to make me smile and forget about everything.'

I heard his thoughts and he sighed.
"Thank you, Shubi"
"Of course, Ishu.. you're my friend now. Aren't you?"

I smiled and flicked his nose, earning a toothy grin from him too.
We then continued walking and soon reached his house.

"Why don't you come in, Shubi?"
"I- oh- No no... Don't want to trouble you guys. And my bhaiya will be back soon too.."
"Hm.. why don't you take something to eat along with you"
"I- no it's fine really-"
"Don't do this, Shubi. At least let your bhaiya eat home made food"
"Fine... You're right. He deserves to eat some well cooked food"
"Come on in now"

I gulped but nodded, following him. There was just us in the house and we kept our bags away, and he took us to the kitchen.

"Mmmm.. the kitchen already smells so home-like. My kitchen smells burnt half the time"