Beneath the charm

A familiar unknown

Ishan settled into his favorite spot by the bedroom window. He gazed out at the house across the road, his eyes drawn to the window that belonged to him – Shubman.

Ishan's mind wandered as he sat there, lost in thought. He noticed that most of the lights in that house were off, except for a faint glow emanating from what he assumed was the bedroom. He wondered why most of the lights in his house were always off every night.

His eyes always peeking  on the window  .

He couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something more. Maybe Shubman was not in the house or maybe he was sleeping... on a large bed ....in messy white bedsheet....

only in shorts ...his well built body ...

Stop , What are you thinking??

Ishan scolded himself.

Ishan's heart skipped a beat.He sighed,feeling a little silly for getting carried away with his imagination. Yet, he couldn't help but feel drawn to the mystery of the dimly lit room, and the man who maybe was in the room.

Aditya had his friends wedding so he went to his hometown.Ishan was alone in his house.

The weather was getting bad. Strom hit the city. Rain was pouring wildly. Roads were empty. Ishan planned to sleep early. When he turned off the kitchen light and ready to go to his room. Someone knocked the door vigorously. Ishan looked at the door.

' who will be here in this weather.'

Ishan was little afraid to open the door. Again the door was knocked by someone.

Ishan gathered all of his courage and opened the door.

The street light was not working maybe because of Strom some tree fell upon it and damaged the pole.

Ishan saw a tall figure all drenched.

" Shubhman , oh my god . You are all drenched , what are you doing outside in such Strom." Ishan asked.

Subhman replied -" can I come inside?"

Ishan nodded his head and stepped aside .

Shubman hurriedly went inside and took off his overcoat.Ishan took the overcoat and hung it to the hook he used for key.

Shubman was hesitating, standing there with eyes downcast.

Ishan showed him the shoe rack and said

" Put your shoes there and come inside." 

Ishan gave Shubman  his oversized tshirt . Shubman changed the clothes and sat on the sofa .

Ishan was making some ginger Tulsi tea for Shubman. He was drenched so badly that he might catch cold tonight.Ishan didn't even know why he let Shubman came inside his house without even asking . Shubman's house was literally opposite of them . Why Shubman came all drenched , nervous?

Ishan gave Shubman the tea . Shubman gave a small smile and took a sip.

" Thanks."

Ishan sat beside him .

" Umm Shubman , was anything happened?

I mean in your house . You were looking nervous."

Shubman stopped his motion. Some emotions played across his eyes.

He put the tea cup .

" I'm afraid."

" Afraid? Of what?"

" I.. I am afraid in my house.. all alone . Darkness and silence are suffocating me .."

Ishan placed a hand on the back of Shubman's hand . Shubman was getting more anxious as he talked. He was fidgeting his fingers . Shubman became calm after Ishan touched his hand.