Purrfect Neighbour (ShubmanGillxIshanKishan)

24

The warmth from the coffee cup wrapped Ishan's hands in a cozy embrace as he gazed out of the window. The winter chill had finally bid farewell, leaving behind bare trees and a ground that looked almost barren. But here and there, tiny sprouts of grass were bravely pushing through, heralding the arrival of spring. Ishan took another sip of the coffee, savoring the French vanilla flavor that Shubman had insisted on trying. Not bad, he thought, but nothing could ever beat the rich simplicity of straight black coffee.

Shubman had recently become obsessed with their new coffee machine, experimenting with a different flavor every day. Today’s pick was decent, but Ishan couldn’t help but imagine how much more fun it would be to convince Shubman to install a pizza oven next. The thought made him smile—a brick pizza oven, nestled in an outdoor space where they could bake pizzas under the stars. But to make that dream a reality, they’d need to get a house first. Mumbai was out of the question, of course; too expensive. Maybe somewhere on the outskirts or even in the lush hills up north.

As he finished the last of his coffee, Ishan realized something that made his heart skip a beat—he was planning a future with someone. Not just anyone, but with Shubman. The idea of settling down, of sharing a home and getting excited over pizza ovens together, was oddly thrilling. In just a few months, he would have been in Mumbai for a year—twice as long as he had originally planned. But then, Shubman had walked into his life and turned everything upside down in the most wonderful way.

Just as that thought crossed his mind, a familiar, strong arm slipped around his waist, pulling him close to a body that felt as solid and warm as a fireplace on a chilly evening. Speak of the  tharki devil.

“Can I get a kiss goodbye?”

Ishan turned, meeting Shubman’s playful gaze, those almond-shaped eyes glinting with mischief. He leaned in, letting Shubman’s lips brush against his in a sweet, lingering kiss. It had become their morning ritual, one that Ishan looked forward to more than he’d ever admit.

When Shubman pulled away, a wide grin spread across his face, making Ishan chuckle. They were two idiots grinning at each other, caught in a moment of pure, silly happiness.

Before heading out, Shubman ruffled Ishan’s hair, earning a half-hearted swat in response. “Have a good day, love. And don’t forget to give Sara her kibble—she’s had enough wet food to last a lifetime.” Shubman paused, biting his bottom lip as if he wanted to say something else but thought better of it. Instead, he flashed Ishan one last bashful smile before stepping out the door.

As the door clicked shut, Ishan shook his head, still smiling. The guy had turned his world upside down, and Ishan wouldn't have it any other way.

Ishan had turned back to the window, lost in thought, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching him. Glancing over his shoulder, he caught sight of Sara perched on the armrest, her big doe eyes narrowed in a rather judgmental glare. He knew that look all too well.

Sighing, Ishan headed to the kitchen, rinsed out his coffee cup, and then reluctantly poured the kibble into Sara's food bowl, refilling her water as well. The routine had become a bit of a morning standoff ever since Shubman had put a ban on wet food.

Returning to the living room, Ishan flopped down on the couch and flipped on the television, smiling when his favorite show, Pawn Stars, appeared on the screen.

“Meow.”

Sara was back. And she didn’t look happy. Her meows grew increasingly distressed, each one sharper than the last. Ishan was sure that if Sara could talk, she’d be cussing him out right now.

"Sara, you’ve got to eat the kibble. You heard Shubman. No more wet food, okay?"

The cat stopped meowing, then suddenly sprang onto Ishan's lap, purring and rolling over, softly butting her head against his torso in a shameless display of affection.