All you need is love

chapter 13

Over the next few days since their first kiss on the beach, their relationship had evolved and deepened. They spent more time together, their interactions filled with small touches and affectionate smiles.

Shubman found himself constantly thinking about Ishan, his thoughts returning to their shared moments of intimacy and the way Ishan's presence made him feel. He couldn't remember the last time he had felt so alive, so consumed by someone.

Their interactions grew more frequent and intimate. They snuck stolen moments together whenever they could, stealing kisses and exchanging secret smiles.

Sometimes it would be a simple touch of the hand, an affectionate caress, or a gentle whisper of sweet nothings when they were alone. Other times, they would find themselves wrapped in each other's arms, their bodies intertwined as they sought comfort and pleasure in each other's embrace.

Shubman was aware that his feelings for Ishan could complicate things, especially in his line of work. As a detective, he was supposed to remain impartial and detached from his cases and the people involved in them.

But try as he might, he couldn't ignore the way Ishan made him feel. Every time he saw him, every time they touched, it was as if a fire was lit inside him, a fire that he couldn't extinguish, no matter how much he tried to resist it.

It was a constant struggle within him, trying to balance his professional responsibilities with his growing affection for Ishan. He knew that his feelings might cloud his judgment, that he might overlook important details in a case because he was too focused on Ishan.

But whenever he looked into Ishan's eyes, whenever he felt the touch of his hand, it was as if all those worries faded away, replaced by this overwhelming need to be close to him.

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It was past midnight, Ishan sat on the edge of his bed, his knees pulled up to his chest, the soft fabric of his pajamas bunching up around his legs. The clock on the wall ticked slowly, the sound barely breaking the silence of the night.

The sudden sound of a gunshot in Ishan's mind startled him, causing him to jerk awake from his thoughts. He closed his eyes tightly, trying to block out the sudden memory that had resurfaced.
his fingers clenching the sheets beneath him as he tried to calm himself down.

Followed by other gunshots continued in his mind, echoing like a symphony of horror. Ishan's chest tightened with each sound, his breath coming in short, gasping sobs.

Fresh tears welled up in his eyes, sliding down his cheeks like drops of rain. He clenched his teeth, trying to hold back the sobs that threatened to erupt from his throat, but it was no use.

Ishan stumbled out of bed, his movements jerky and unsteady. He made his way to the bathroom, the white tiles cold beneath his bare feet.

Once inside, he closed the door behind him and turned on the tap, the sound of running water filling the small space. He cupped his hands under the stream, splashing water over his face in an attempt to ground himself.

Ishan stood at the sink, his hands gripping the edge of the countertop as he took deep, steadying breaths. The sound of the running water and the feeling of the cool water on his face helped to anchor him to the present moment.

He closed his eyes, focusing on his breathing, and counted each inhale and exhale, trying to quell the storm of emotions raging inside him.

Ishan made his way back to his bed, his movements a bit more steady now. He had managed to calm himself down somewhat.