Ishman Oneshot

A fragile Bond (2)🥀+☁️

Days morphed into weeks after the birth of Ishan's baby, the small room filled with the soft scent of baby powder and the echoes of quiet moments spent in thought. But even amid the warmth of the tender life cradled in his arms, shadows loomed-of Shubman, betrayal, and a past that weighed heavily upon him.

One afternoon, as Ishan rocked the baby to sleep, he found himself staring out of the window. The world moved on outside his small apartment, people laughed, children played, and for a fleeting moment, the shadows of despair faded. Yet, as the faint rays of the sun dimmed, so too did his hope.

Then came an unexpected knock at the door, a familiar yet forgotten sound.

"Ishan!" came the hesitant voice from the other side.

His heart raced like a wild horse. He dropped the baby's blanket and rushed to open the door, revealing Shubman standing sheepishly, hands shoved deep into his pockets. The boy's eyes were red-rimmed and full of a mixture of guilt and determination.

"Shubman..." Ishan breathed, the name tasting unfamiliar on his tongue. Memories of anger and betrayal surged within him. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to talk," Shubman said quietly, his voice lost in the air between them. "Can we... can we sit?"

With reluctance, Ishan stepped aside, allowing Shubman to enter. Both of them stood in silence; the air thick with unresolved tension, a quiet battlefield of the heart.

"Um, I wanted to say... I'm sorry," Shubman finally said, looking down at the floor.

"For what? For everything?" Ishan replied, a mix of bitterness and vulnerability coloring his tone. "You broke my trust, Shubman. You disappeared when I needed you the most."

"I know," Shubman sighed heavily, running his hands through his hair. "I was scared, and... so ashamed. I didn't know how to face you, let alone the situation."

"Scared? You think I wasn't scared?" Ishan's voice cracked, the pain surfacing anew. "You don't get to just walk back into my life, Shubman, like nothing happened."

"I know I've made mistakes," Shubman pleaded, stepping closer. "But I need to know-I need to be in both of your lives. I want to be there for you and for our son."

"Son?" Ishan echoed, disbelief etching his features. "This isn't just about you anymore. This is about a life-a tiny being that we both brought into this world."

Shubman took a deep breath, his eyes meeting Ishan's. "I know, and I'm ready to face it. Please, let me meet him. Let me be part of this."

With a mix of trepidation and yearning, Ishan led Shubman into the small room where their baby lay asleep in a makeshift crib. The sight struck Shubman like lightning-tiny fingers curled in a peaceful slumber, the features of the baby strikingly reminiscent of both him and Ishan.

"Oh wow," Shubman whispered, unable to take his eyes off the child. "He really looks like us."

"He does," Ishan said, crossing his arms tightly over his chest. "But we have to understand what this means. How do we tell our parents? My family..." he trailed off, doubting their acceptance.

"I'll talk to my parents first. I can do that. I'll tell them the truth," Shubman declared, firm resolve now replacing the uncertainty in his voice.

"I don't want this to turn into a disaster," Ishan said, anxiety creeping in like ivy.

"Just trust me. We'll face it together," Shubman replied, his tone filled with sincerity.

That evening, after what felt like a lifetime, Shubman sat across from his parents in their warm and inviting living room. The air was thick with tension as they exchanged uncertain glances.