What Are We Now (Mind Reader) | Ishman

Ch. 22

*Ishan's POV*

I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.
Yes I can.

It was finally the event day. Christmas eve. And the whole college was gathered there. And I was sitting in the crowd too, waiting for Shubman to arrive. He'd said he'd come later on with Ro bhaiya because Bhaiya had some work, and so Vi bhaiya and I were here.

"Ishu... Calm down, Baccha... You'll do good"
"What if I ruin the surprise by thinking about it?"
"I know you won't. Just talk about anything with him. He doesn't seem to read minds when you're talking. I've cursed him a few hundred times, and had no response, so he definitely never notices."
"....okay, Bhaiya... But.. can I do it?"
"Of course you can... And look who's here!"
"Shubi?"
"No... Tilak and his boyfriend"

I stood up and excitedly went to give them both a hug.
"HI!!! THANK YOU SO MUCHHHHH FOR COMING!"
"Of course, Ishan!"
"Hi DB!"
"Hi Ishu!!"
"Come on! Let's sit!"

I talked to them about the event.
"...and you know what! My bestfriend and Shubman's bestfriend, Abhishek and Mayank are in charge of this, and they're a couple too!"
"Heyyyy!! That's so cool! So you guys go on double dates?"
"We've been on a few"
"That's cool!"

"Ro's here" Vi bhaiya announced.
"Shubiiii!"

I ran to him, but his expression wasn't very okay. It must be because of so many people around us. It's been such a long time since he's ever been alone with crowds and their thoughts.
He was fixing his collar and clenching and unclenching his fist. He was uneasy and it was my duty to make him comfortable again.

I immediately jumped into his lap, and he kissed my forehead and held me tightly.
"It's okay, Shubi... How're you?"
He breathed in and closed his eyes, hugging me.
"Thank you, Baby. You make it so much better"
"I missed you sooooooo much. *Mwah*"

"Itni khushi Bhaiya ko dekh ke to kabhi nahi hui, hm?" Bhaiya joked.
I gave Him a toothy smile and kissed Shubman's cheek.

"Where were you busy?"
"Just with Bhaiya"
"Hm... Now you're here... Sit with me"
"There is no other choice for you or me, Baby Boy"

We sat together and I introduced him to Tilak and Brevis.
"Guys guys guysss! It's Mayu!"
"Wait... I thought Abhi was hosting?" Shubman inquired.
"And so?"
He looked at me for a second and nodded in sudden realisation.

...
"Shubi I need to use the washroom"
"Are you sure you'd go alone, Baby"
"I'll go with Vi bhaiya, then?"
"Sure Baby, take care"

He kissed my forehead and asked me to come back fast and told Bhaiya to take care of me, to which he ruffled his hair and he aggressively put them back in place.

"It's time now, Ishu"
"Yes, Bhaiya... And I want to do it perfectly... For my Shubi..."
"Han han tera Shubi... But Ishu, you know that regardless of how you perform, we all love you, and especially Shubman. He's always proud of you"
"I know Bhaiya... I just want to go back to him fast... He wasn't comfortable when he came here alone... The thoughts and people, they trouble him... I want him to always stay calm and peaceful"

Bhaiya kissed my forehead.
"Ishu, Baccha... You're so perfect. I can't believe mere Bandar jaise bhai ko tujh jaisa koi mil gaya.. he's so lucky to have you"
"Thank you, Bhaiya" I giggled and he patted my back.
"Chal, ab.. is your partner ready?"
"I'll ask Abhi"

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE'S NOT HERE?!"
"I- Ishu I can't do anything..."
"Sorry for shouting Abhi..."
"It's okay, I understand that. And deserve that."
"No not you, he deserves it. Stupid ass! Ruined everything! How am I supposed to play the duet?!!!"
"I-ishu- we-"