The Barren Love

The First Step

Another Person's POV

Shubman locked his car before holding the diary tightly in his hand. He hold the picture in his other hand and tried to look for the same place which is shown in photo.

He walked around bit then saw a old lady sitting there. He thought for a second before walking towards her. He showed her the photo and asked.

"Mata ji....apne ye ghar kahi dekha hai pehle...?"

She stared at the picture and then to Shubman. She sighed and pointer at the barren house in front of them. Shubman was taken back seeing the condition of the house.

It was clear that this house is abandoned years ago. There's no trace of anyone living here for years. He stood in front of the broken door and tried to open it.

Shubman pull out his phone and took pictures of the house and roam around. He tried to feel Ishan presence there but it was nowhere.

Shubman still not find the courage to read it. He tried to but again stop himself. He walked out of the house and closed the door. He took a last picture of house from outside before heading back to his car.

Shubman put the diary on the other seat. He was going to drive but he didn't understand why he stopped the engine. He closed his eyes and tried to lost himself in his memories.

"I don't like tomato...."

Ishan frown when he saw Shubman putting it in salad. He chuckled watching Ishan's face and pecked on his lips.

"Why you act so cute always?"

"I'm not cute...! Don't say anything..."

Ishan blushed. Shubman laughed again and put the knife a side before wrapping his around Ishan.

"But I never someone as cute and beautiful than you...."

"Did they teach you sweet words too during the training..."

Ishan comment. Shubman just laughed hearing his boyfriend getting mad.

"I love you babe...."

Ishan suddenly said. Shubman was bit taken back but he still kissed him again to say after.

"I will always love you till the end...."

Shubman opened his eyes and sighed. His eyes glanced at the diary. He held it and opened it finally. Shubman traced the diary with feeling of longing. He don't know what is he gonna read in this but he will try to look for the answer.

XX May 2008

Papa bought cricket bat for me. I was really wanted it. My coach said I can be a great cricketer if I focus on my batting.

I hit sixty ball today. It was exhausting but I will keep working harder. I want to play for India one day.

Shubman smiled reading that, there was a time even he wanted to become a cricketer but soon he decided to join the defence. He wanted to work for his country.

He turned the next page. Shubman frowned when he read the first line and slowly his frown turned into disgust to shock.

Ishan held his bat tightly before opening the gate of his house. He rushed towards the living room but stopped when he heard the cries of his mom again. He could hear her begging for her life.

Ishan hide behind the table and watch his father beating her. He wanted to save her. He could see her crying. Then he saw red. His mother saree painted in blood.