What after That?

Ch 8.

It was another usual day in 11th A, and Ishan was doing what he did best—studying during the lunch break. With his nose buried deep in his books, he was determined to make the most of every minute, especially with the unit tests looming on the horizon. But as always, peace was a luxury Ishan couldn't afford when Shubman was around.

Shubman, who had just finished chatting with Abhishek and the rest of his gang, told them " bhaii abhi aata hoon.. "

He spotted Ishan at his desk, completely lost in his studies. A mischievous grin spread across his face as he made his way toward Ishan. Without any warning, he grabbed Ishan's lunch box off the desk and then, with equal audacity, took hold of Ishan's hand.

Ishan, startled by the sudden intrusion, tried to protest." shubman kahan leke jaa rahe ho? haath chhodo.. "

"Shubman! Hum gaali nahi dena chahte... haath chhodo humara!" He tried to pull his hand away, but Shubman's grip was firm.

Shubman continued to drag Ishan out of the classroom, ignoring his protests. "Arey, tumko bheje mein kuchh ghusta nahi hai kya? Haath chhodo, kahan leke jaa rahe ho?"

But Shubman wasn't listening. He was too busy enjoying Ishan's flustered reactions and whistling as he led him through the corridors, down the stairs, and out toward the big tree behind the school building. This was the usual hangout spot for Shubman and his gang—an area where the teachers rarely ventured.

As they approached the tree, Ishan's eyes fell on Yashaswi, who was sitting there looking thoroughly uncomfortable. His lunch box was in front of him, untouched, while the rest of Shubman's gang lounged around, chatting and laughing.

"Wah, matlab ab tumne Yash ko bhi pareshaan karna shuru kar diya," Ishan said, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he glared at Shubman.

Shubman let out a mock gasp, clearly enjoying himself. "Ohhh... guys, heard that? Yash bhaisahab, Chik-Chik ne to isko nickname bhi diya hai... wah!"Yashaswi, caught in the middle of the situation, looked nervously between Ishan and Shubman. "aisa kuchh nahi hai..," he muttered, trying to stay out of the brewing mischief.

Abhishek, who was sitting nearby with a hungry expression, called out impatiently, "Abee bhook lagi hai saale... jaldi baith!"

Shubman raised his hand dramatically. "Abee chal na, Chik-Chik ka lunch sirf mera hai... main nahi dunga kisi ko!"

" chik chik? " all of them asked in unison.

Ishan rolled his eyes, exasperated. While shubman slapped his back as indicating its the guy.. "bhai ye aur kon?"

" abee tune iska naam change kar diya last time to... chhotu tha na..? " rahul said opening the soft drink bottle which they bought.

Shubman just smirked, then with a sympathetic sad look " wo kya hai na.. mujhe realise hua ki aise kisi ki hieght ka mazaak nahi udana chahiye..

mtlb kya kar sakte hain..

ab wo chhotu sa hai to..? "

And the signature smirk was back when ishan snorted with anger " aur tum kya ho? bijli ke khambe? ya fir baans ke ped ( bamboo tree.. ) "

the whole group was laughing where shubman was clearly in disbelief the audacity of this guy. but soon the smirk was back " achha baba samajh gaya tereko naya nickname chahiye na.. dont worry main soch lunga.. "

" aree akal ki jagah bhoo-- Shubman filled his mouth with food.. but but for shubman it was a normal bite for ishan it was a big one.. who tried to chew to somehow. Shubman pulled him down and they sat.