Something's Missing

Part 7- Badi Badi Baatein

Kya?

Kya???

Ishan and Shubman turned to see Mayank carrying some drinks, fruits and nuts on a platter looking like he was struck by lightning.

Ishan was mortified. He wanted to hit his head on the hospital walls and immediately erase this memory from his brain forever. Since it's something his brain has been doing often, he would happily take a third time if it meant the memory of a shocked Mayank, confused Shubman and the utter embarrassment he felt could be removed forever. But alas!

Ishan turned to look at Shubman as Mayank seemed to focus on him as well. He seemed to be holding up pretty well, surprisingly. He did not look as devastated as you'd expect.

Almost anti-climatically, Shubman gets a call. Ishan vaguely hears the words doctor and meeting.

"Ish" he gets up and pats Ishan's cheek, "I have to go for something important. I'll be back soon, ok?", he says turning to Mayank.

While leaving Shubman gives Mayank an unreadable look. Mayank shivers at the lack of familiarity in it.

As soon as Shubman leaves Ishan starts apologizing to Mayank. "Sorry sorry bura matt maan na.. ye bilkul sach nahi hai." (sorry sorry..don't feel bad..it's absolutely not true)

"Dil thod diya tune mera" (Broke my heart) Mayank giggled as he dramatically put his hand on his heart. Then sat next to Ishan and asked seriously. "Tu ye kya kar raha hai Sweetu. Uska chehra aise utar gaya" (What are you doing sweetu..his face became so dull) Mayank was gesturing at the door Shubman had left from.

Ishan sighed, he felt horrible at what he had done. He had romantic feelings for Shubman but even as a friend he loved him so he knew what he had done was hurtful in a weird way. Why couldn't his brain get it together for once?

"Kya hua.. bata na.. "(What happened..tell me)

"Woh kuch nahi. Mujhe Shubman ki koi baat taalni thi. Tho meine aise hi bol diya.. tabhi tu aaya" (It's nothing..I was trying to avoid telling Shubman something and I said that..that's when you came)

"Acha tu kya taalna chah raha tha" (What are you trying to avoid?)

Ishan kept quiet. He wasn't sure he wanted to confess his newly forged feelings to a third party even though this was a close friend.

Mayank sighed. "You should talk to him" 

"Tu kya tabse uski side le raha hai. Tu mera dost hai ya uska" (Since when do you take his side? Are you my friend or his?)

"Tum dono ka dost hoon na.." (I'm a friend to both of you) Mayank started.. "par tera jyaada hoon" (more of yours) he continued seeing Ishan's glare.

"Tujhe patah hai. Woh mujhe milne bhi nahi aata" (Do you know, he nevers come to visit)

Mayank's shock was palpable on his face. "Kaun Shubman "devoted to Ishan" Gill?"

Ishan shrugged insecurities settling into his heart like an especially cold winter night. "Maybe he's sick and tired of taking care of his friend who loses his memory every other week.." Ishan commented sardonically.

Mayank watched Ishan for a minute.. "you do know ki tera sirf vehem hai? Ki aisa koi duniya nahi jaha woh tujhe sabse jyaada chahta nahi?" (You do know you're overthinking this. There is no world where you aren't the most important to him)

"Mayuuuuu." Ishan whined and Mayank shrugged.

"Yaar tere sar pe chot lagi hai. Tabhi tu aisi betuki baatein kar raha hai." (You've hit your head...no wonder you're talking nonsense)