A Love So True

Chapter 55

One week had passed since the incident, and Shubman and Hardik had efficiently handled the aftermath. They had staged Eshana's death as a suicide, making it seem as though she couldn't cope with her losses and had fled from the van, jumping into the river. Hardik's men had retrieved her body, and they had performed her last rites.

Mrs. Kishan had remained silent until Ishan lit Eshana's funeral pyre (Mukhagni). Overcome with grief, she broke down and wailed for her daughter. Ishan, too, cried uncontrollably, holding his mother tight.

Now, Ishan lived with his mother in their house, with Ivan staying with them as well. Shubman visited every day, and the Gills were busy preparing for Shubman and Ishan's marriage ceremony.

Mrs. Gill suggested Ishan stay with his mother for the time being. However, when Ishan requested postponing the marriage ceremony by a month, citing his sister's recent passing, Mrs. Kishan disagreed.

"She's gone," Mrs. Kishan said firmly. "Shubman and you shouldn't delay your marriage because of this. Life must go on."

Ishan's eyes pleaded with his mother, but she remained resolute.

Ishan hadn't heard from Nehal since that night. His calls went unanswered, leaving Ishan worried. Afraid of disappointing Shubman, Ishan avoided mentioning Nehal's name in front of his husband.

He called Mayank to ask him about his brother's whereabouts. Mayank had cut him off, saying, "Focus on your marriage, Ishan. It's better if you maintain distance from Bhaiya. He had suffered enough. " 

Ishan knew Mayank was right, but concern lingered.

As Ishan patted sleeping Ivan, he felt a sense of peace. Ivan never had anything other than Punjabi food. Today Ishan cooked chicken in lunch. Ivan had enjoyed the Bihari-style chicken Ishan cooked. He overate .

A knock on the door broke the silence. Ishan opened the door just to see Mayank stood there with a small smile, Abhi behind him with a pout.

Ishan welcomed them. Mayank slumped down on the bed . Abhi dragged a chair and sat on it , maintaining a distance from Mayank.

"Did you guys have a fight?" Ishan asked.

Mayank rolled his eyes at Abhi. "Ignore him; he fusses over everything."

" Ishan , Don't Shubman get angry when he sees you hugging your male friend ?"

Abhi brought up Shubman's possessiveness, sparking a lively discussion.

Ishan nodded , " ofcourse , he makes big scene whenever he sees me close to anyone."

Abhi showed a victory smile.

" It's very normal but some people don't understand."

Mayank scowled.

" I don't understand why they have so much problem with us having male friend. We are boys ... Why should we always have to hangout with female friends not male ones."

Ishan also agreed.

" Yeah , I also thought about it. Why they never get jealous with girls."

Abhi gave a logic.

" Because we don't want other man to give an perverted eyes on our loved ones. "

Mayank threw a pillow on Abhi's face.

" What about your perverted eyes ?"

Abhi pouted.

" We have the rights."

Mayank and Abhi started arguing over Mayank's friend who came to meet him and hugged him .

Ishan sighed.