THEM 'Ishman'

Ten years

The grand chandelier sparkled overhead, casting a warm golden glow across the ballroom. The air buzzed with quiet conversations, clinking glasses, and the subtle rustling of elegant gowns and expensive suits. 

This was an event to which only the most powerful and influential people were invited. It was Ishan's domain—he thrived in these circles, navigating through conversations with high-profile investors and business moguls, always with a polite smile and sharp wit.

But tonight, something was different.

There was a tension in the air, a sense of anticipation that made Ishan feel unsettled, though he didn't yet know why. His doe-black eyes scanned the room, taking in every detail out of habit. His suit—tailored to perfection—hung effortlessly on his shoulders, giving him an air of dominance, though his charm always softened the edge.

As he sipped from his glass of whiskey, he caught sight of a familiar figure at the edge of the room. His breath caught in his throat, and the cool confidence he was known for faltered for a brief moment.

Shubman........

The name echoed in his mind as he stared at the man standing alone, half-hidden in the shadows. 

Shubman, with his sharp jawline and brooding expression, looked as cold and untouchable as ever. Dressed in a dark, perfectly tailored suit, he radiated danger, his presence commanding the room despite his aloof stance. 

He was the mafia heir, his reputation shrouded in mystery and violence. The people around them knew of him but dared not approach.

Ishan's fingers tightened around his glass as memories from years ago rushed back to him, memories he had long tried to bury.

Ten years! It had been ten years since they last saw each other, back in their school days when they had been more than just friends—before Shubman had disappeared without a word, leaving Ishan behind to pick up the pieces of his broken heart.

He hadn't expected to see him again, especially not here.

Shubman's dark eyes met Ishan's across the room, and for a moment, time seemed to freeze.

 The air between them crackled with a tension that had nothing to do with the glamorous event. It was a tension born of unresolved emotions and a past that neither of them could forget.

Ishan's heart raced, but he forced himself to remain composed. He was no longer the naive boy who had fallen in love with Shubman all those years ago. He was a powerful businessman now, successful and ruthless in his own right. He didn't need anyone, least of all Shubman.

But as Shubman pushed off the wall and started walking toward him, Ishan felt a flicker of something he hadn't felt in a long time—'vulnerability'.

Shubman moved through the crowd with ease, his presence parting people like the tide. He stopped a few feet away from Ishan, his eyes locked onto him as if no time had passed at all.

"Ishan...." Shubman greeted, his voice low and smooth, though it carried a hint of something more, something soft, almost hesitant.

"Shubman." Ishan replied, keeping his tone steady, though his heart pounded in his chest. "It's been a while." Ishan added raising his eyebrow.

Shubman's gaze flickered, his cold mask faltering just for a moment. "Ten years, seven months, and 27 days, Ishan." he said, his voice quieter. 

 "I didn't expect to see you here."Shubman said looking here and there.

"I could say the same." Ishan said, taking a sip of his drink to steady himself. 

"But then again, I don't know much about your life these days, do I?" Ishan said, smiling bitterly.