Through The Storm [ An Ishman Ff ]

Chapter 14

It was midnight, and the room was cloaked in silence with only the soft rhythmic ticking of the clock breaking the stillness. Suddenly, the quiet was pierced by the unmistakable sound of Shaan’s wail sharp and insistent, cutting through the darkness.

Ishan stirred first, his eyes fluttering open as he tried to push away the heavy fog of sleep. Beside him, Shubman groaned softly, already half awake, as the baby’s cries grew louder and more urgent.

“Ishu, I’ll get him,” Shubman mumbled, trying to pull himself up, but Ishan was already on his feet, moving toward the crib with a parent’s instinctive urgency.

“I’ve got him, Shub,” Ishan whispered, his voice thick with exhaustion yet filled with the tender resolve of a loving parent. He reached into the crib, gently scooping up the tiny, wriggling bundle that was their son.

“Shhh, Shaanu, Mama’s here,” Ishan cooed softly, cradling Shaan close to his chest, feeling the rapid heartbeat of his baby against his own. He rocked gently, trying to soothe the crying infant, but Shaan’s wails only seemed to intensify, echoing off the walls of the quiet room.

Shubman, now fully awake, swung his legs out of bed and joined Ishan, placing a comforting hand on Ishan’s shoulder as he leaned in to look at their son. Concern etched across his face as he whispered,
“What’s wrong, little one? Are you not feeling well again?”

“I don’t know, Shub. He’s not hungry; I just fed him,” Ishan replied, his voice laced with worry and fatigue. He glanced up at Shubman, his eyes shadowed with sleepless nights. “He had that cough a few days ago. Do you think it’s bothering him again?”

Shubman’s expression tightened with concern, but he quickly masked it with a reassuring smile. “I don’t think so, Ishu. Let’s just change his diaper first and see if that helps,” he said gently.

Together, they laid the baby down on the changing table. Ishan’s hands moved quickly and efficiently as they changed the diaper, checking to make sure everything was okay. But even after the fresh change, Shaan’s cries persisted, his tiny fists waving in the air as he continued to fuss.

Ishan sighed, brushing a hand through his hair in frustration. “He’s so fussy tonight. What are we doing wrong?”

“Nothing, Ishan. Sometimes babies just cry. We’ll figure it out,” Shubman replied, his voice steady with reassurance. He lifted Shaan again, holding him close, chest to chest. The baby’s cries were loud in the quiet room, but Shubman remained calm, gently patting his back as he began to sway and hum a soothing lullaby.

Shh, don’t cry, my boy. Daddy’s here,” Shubman murmured his tone filled with affection as he continued to pat Shaan’s back softly  trying to calm him down. He began walking slowly around the room his movements deliberate and rhythmic like a slow dance with their fussy little one.

Ishan watched, his heart aching as Shaan continued to cry. He felt helpless the weight of parenthood pressing down on him. “Maybe we should get him checked tomorrow, just to make sure everything’s okay,” Ishan said, his voice barely above a whisper.

“We will,” Shubman agreed, never breaking his gentle rhythm with Shaan.

Finally, Shaan’s cries began to quiet. His tiny body relaxed against Shubman’s chest, his breathing evening out into soft, hiccuping sighs. Shubman gently swayed back and forth, murmuring a lullaby under his breath, while Ishan stroked Shaan’s back.

Slowly, they moved back to the crib, and Shubman carefully laid Shaan down holding his breath as he waited to see if the baby would stay asleep. Ishan watched biting his lip and they both exhaled in relief when Shaan stayed quiet his little face finally peaceful in sleep.