What after That?

Ch 34.

Shubman and his gang were sprawled out on the terrace the very next evening, the sounds of the house below bustling with preparations for the keertan. 

They were busy gathering their own essentials for a night of fun and mischief under the stars, oblivious to the sacred atmosphere below.

"Abee, Rahuliya, tu wo machchar wala... kya bolte hain usee...?" Tanmay asked, searching for the right word.

Rahul smiled sheepishly, scratching his head. "Mortin bhaii... nahi yaar, bhool gaya..."

Shubman, unable to resist, bowed dramatically in front of Rahul, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Jahapana, tussi great ho! Tanmay ka taufa qubool karo!" 

His antics drew a playful gag face from Rahul, who couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity.

With laughter still echoing, they settled onto the mattress, arranging it comfortably. Two table fans were set up to combat the warm evening air, and an extension cord snaked its way across the terrace, powering their setup. 

They had loaded a mountain of snacks: chips, cookies, and a few energy drinks, ensuring they wouldn't need to go downstairs until morning.

Mayank, stretching out on the mattress, looked up at the night sky. "Konsi movie dekhenge waise...? Ab to bata do saalo..."

Abhi and Shubman exchanged mischievous smirks, clearly in on a joke that the others were not privy to. Abhi leaned in, a conspiratorial glint in his eyes. "Pata lag jayega thodi der mein..."

The atmosphere on the terrace was electrifying as the boys kicked off the night with a playlist of Punjabi hits. 

Simran and Ishan, who were part of the gang but Ishan never openly acknowledged him being part neither Shubman did, joined in on the fun, adding to the lively energy. 

The moment the beats of Honey Singh filled the air, everyone felt the urge to sing along.

Shubman leaned over the grill, casting glances down the street, secretly hoping to catch a glimpse of Ishan. 

As the gang began to sing, Shubman finally let himself be swept away by the infectious spirit of the moment. They belted out the lyrics together:

"Kudiye ni tere, brown rang ne,
Munde patt te ni saare mere town de,
Kudiye ni tere, brown rang ne,
Munde patt te ni saare mere town de.

Koi kam utte jaave na,
Roti paani khaave na,
Gori gori kudiya nu,
Koi muh laave na... 

Kudiye ni tere brown rang ne,
Munde patt te ni saare mere town de..."

The energy was palpable as they swayed and danced, lost in the moment. Their laughter echoed into the night, creating a cacophony of joy that blended seamlessly with the music.

Shubman glanced back down the street, momentarily distracted from the song, wondering if Ishan would show up soon. 

As the chorus repeated, the gang sang louder, their voices harmonizing in a joyful celebration of friendship and the carefree spirit of youth.

"Excuse me miss...
Kiss kiss kiss,
Kis se tu bhaage gi hun bach bach ke,
Tenu rabb ne husan ditta raj raj ke..."

As Shubman sang the lyrics with enthusiasm, his gaze caught sight of Ishan just as he stepped onto the terrace.

The timing felt almost magical, as if the universe had conspired to highlight Ishan's arrival. The playful lyrics seemed to echo in the air just for him.