Love Me Again

chapter 50

The warm sun kissed the streets of Mumbai as Ishan, Shubman, and little Ayansh returned home after their time in Chennai. The trip had been filled with its own ups and downs, but now back in familiar surroundings, Ishan felt more determined than ever to build something lasting with Shubman. The tension between them had eased, and there was a sense of newfound warmth that Ishan hadn’t felt in months.

In the living room, Ishan was bouncing Ayansh gently on his lap, his eyes constantly drifting toward Shubman, who was busy unpacking their luggage. Ayansh, barely a year old, giggled as Ishan tickled his tiny feet, his laughter infectious and pure.

Ishan playfully. "You know, Shubman, I think Ayansh got his looks from me. Don’t you think so? Look at him, he’s already breaking hearts."

Shubman, unable to suppress a chuckle, turned to look at Ishan, shaking his head with a smile.

"Breaking hearts? More like he inherited your talent for endless flirting."

Ishan flashed a mischievous grin, leaning back in his seat, his eyes twinkling with playfulness.

Ishan flirtatious. "Well, if he’s half as good as me at winning hearts, we’re in trouble. But, honestly, Shubman, I don’t need to break any more hearts. I already won yours."

Shubman rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the soft blush creeping up his cheeks. He was slowly allowing himself to feel again, and moments like these reminded him of why he had fallen in love with Ishan in the first place. The banter, the lightness—it was something he hadn’t realized how much he missed.

"You never stop, do you?"

"Not when it comes to you."

Shubman’s smile widened as he came over to sit beside Ishan, leaning into him slightly, his eyes on Ayansh, who was now cooing contently in his father’s arms. The sight of Ishan so lovingly holding their son made Shubman’s heart ache with a bittersweet feeling. He thought of their other son, the one they lost, and for a moment, his smile faltered.

Ishan noticed the change in Shubman’s expression and gently shifted closer, his voice soft and comforting.

"I miss him too."

Shubman closed his eyes briefly, the grief still raw, but he nodded. They would never forget their lost twin, but they had Ayansh, and in him, they saw hope and love.

Shubman whispered "He’d have been just like you… stubborn and impossible to handle."

Ishan chuckled, squeezing Shubman’s hand gently. The memory of their other son was something they would carry together, but it was also something that reminded them of their resilience.

Ishan softly said. "We’ll keep his memory alive, always."

---

That evening, Ishan found himself alone with Hardik, who had come over to check on his younger brother. Hardik, ever the protective one, had been distant since Ishan’s accident, but now, seeing Ishan slowly finding his way back to happiness, Hardik felt a weight lift off his shoulders.

"You’ve grown up, Ishan. About time you started acting like an adult."

Ishan smirked, leaning against the kitchen counter, his arms crossed.

Ishan teasing . "Don’t get too emotional on me, Hardik. I can’t handle you being all soft."

Hardik rolled his eyes, but there was a small smile playing on his lips. Despite the teasing, he was proud of his brother. Ishan had come a long way, and Hardik couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in the man his younger brother had become.