What after That?

Ch 31.

Shahneel opened the door, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of two drenched boys standing on the doorstep. 

Shubman stood there with his signature smirk, while Ishan, holding tightly onto his bag, was glaring at Shubman, clearly less amused by their current state.

Shahneel raised her eyebrows, curious. "Aa gaya... umm, yeh kaun hai?" she asked, looking at Ishan.

Ishan gave a small, awkward smile, trying to make the best of the situation. "Hi di... I am Ishan."

Shahneel's face brightened at his polite introduction. "Oh, hello, Ishan!" she greeted warmly.

Before the conversation could continue, Shubman impatiently interjected, his playful grin still in place. "Abey hato toh sahi saamne se... andar aane do!" he urged, nudging past Shahneel.

Shahneel stepped aside, laughing lightly. "Achha, aa jao..."

As the boys walked into the house, dripping water onto the floor, Shahneel's eyes lingered on their muddy clothes. 

She wrinkled her nose in amusement. "Yeh tum dono itne gande kaise ho gaye?" she questioned. Her gaze then landed suspiciously on her younger brother. "Shubman, pakka tune kuchh kiya hoga..."

Shubman didn't miss a beat, smirking confidently. "Nahi, main bhala kuchh kar sakta hoon?" he replied, his tone dripping with mock innocence.

Before the playful banter could continue, Shubman's mother emerged from her room, her curiosity piqued. 

"Oh ki ho gaya... ab ki nava drama karke aaya hai?" she said, eyeing her son suspiciously as she approached. But her expression softened immediately upon seeing Ishan. Her face lit up in a welcoming smile.

Ishan, feeling a bit self-conscious, quickly greeted her. "Namaste aunty... woh, main—"

Shubman's mother interrupted him with a warm chuckle. "Arey beta, sahi waqt pe aaye ho! Main pakode bana rahi thi. Ek kaam karo, Shubman ke room mein jaake fresh ho jao."

She smiled at Ishan before turning to her son, her expression shifting to a light glare. "Aur tu... kapde de dena apne."

Shubman, as always, had a response ready. "Arey, main kyun doon?" he protested, crossing his arms.

His mother narrowed her eyes, her tone firm yet playful. "Tu aaram se dega ya--"

Shubman, seeing the look in his mother's eyes, knew better than to argue further. Pouting slightly, he gave in. "Achha, theek hai, de dunga..." he mumbled in mock defeat.

Meanwhile, Ishan stood there, drenched and feeling a bit out of place. He shifted awkwardly, unsure of where to look or what to do as the banter between Shubman and his family played out around him.

His clothes were sticking uncomfortably to his skin, and his hair dripped water onto the floor. He tried not to make too much of a mess, but he couldn't help feeling awkward in the cozy household.

Finally, Shubman's mother smiled at him warmly, sensing his discomfort. "Jao beta, jaake fresh ho jao. Tum dono ke kapde abhi sukha denge."

Ishan nodded, grateful. "Ji aunty... thank you." He glanced at Shubman, who was still grinning, before following him to his room.

As Ishan entered Shubman's room, he was about to walk further inside when Shubman suddenly stopped him. 

"Oyee, hilna mat... kapde utaar," Shubman commanded casually, leaning against the doorframe.

Ishan's eyes widened in shock, his hands immediately clutching his drenched shirt in a protective manner. "Kyun?!" he asked, a mix of disbelief and embarrassment flashing across his face.