Ishman Oneshot

A fragile Down (1) 🥀

The warm summer evening wrapped around Ishan like a forgotten promise. The air was sweet with the fragrance of blooming flowers, a stark contrast to the turmoil bubbling within him. He was only thirteen, yet heavy burdens pressed upon his small shoulders. The world was supposed to be a playground of laughter and friends, but that night it felt like a darkened maze, twisting and turning beyond his reach.

"Come on, Ishan! Live a little!" Shubman's infectious laughter echoed in the backyard as he motioned for Ishan to join the party. Ishan hesitated, nervously running his hand through his hair. Shubman had always been the more daring of the two, dragging Ishan into adventures that bordered on reckless.

"I don't know, Shubman... What if someone sees?" Ishan's voice trembled slightly, but there was a glimmer of excitement in his eyes.

"Who cares about them? We're just having fun. Besides, they're all busy with the music," Shubman replied, slinging an arm around Ishan's shoulder. "Just one drink, you'll loosen up!"

With that, Shubman pulled him towards the group, where the echoes of loud music and laughter mingled with the faint smell of alcohol. Ishan had heard stories of parties like this, but he never imagined he would find himself caught up in one. They were barely teenagers, yet here they all were, acting like adults, with little regard for tomorrow.

"Here, try this," Shubman said, handing Ishan a cup filled with a fruity concoction. The vibrant shade danced in the light, making it look harmless. Ishan hesitated but gave into the moment.

"Okay, just one."

Hours blurred into each other as the laughter and music pulsed through them. Ishan felt a strange warmth wash over him; the laughter echoed louder, the colors brighter. He could feel Shubman's presence beside him, a protector and an anchor in this wild sea of chaos.

However, as the night deepened, something began to change. Ishan felt adrift. The boundaries between right and wrong blurred, and impulsively, he followed Shubman to a quieter corner of the yard, where the cool night air stung against their flushed skin.

"What are we doing?" Ishan whispered, looking around nervously as they stumbled onto a deserted swing set. The moon watched over them, serene yet oblivious to the unraveling drama below.

"Just... be free, Ishan. Forget everything for a moment," Shubman said, brushing his fingers against Ishan's cheek. The touch sent a shiver down Ishan's spine that danced between thrill and fear.

"I feel strange," Ishan confessed, heart racing. The drinks were heavy in his system, swirling with confusion. The boundaries of friendship felt distorted, warped by the intoxicating haze surrounding them. Before he could think further, Shubman leaned in, pressing lips against Ishan's.

Time stopped. Ishan melted into the kiss, an innocent surrender. It felt right, yet everything in him screamed it was wrong. The world faded into a blur of emotions, and he found solace in Shubman's arms, the only sanctuary he could dream of.

Eventually, the night spiraled further into chaos. They crossed a line, one that would haunt Ishan in the days to come. Whether it was the alcohol or the sudden freedom intertwined with the rush of first love, it didn't matter. Morning dawned with consequences lurking in the shadows.

Days passed, each dragging heavier than the last. Ishan felt a shift within him, something unsettling lingering in the pit of his stomach, a perpetual reminder of that night. Until one morning he found the courage to seek the truth.

"Shubman?" Ishan called, voice trembling. They met at the old oak tree where they had shared countless secrets. Today, however, felt different.

"Hey, is everything okay?" Shubman's eyes were bright, but there was a flicker of concern.