Somewhere Only We Go (Editing)

Chapter 40

10 years ago

"Aman!!!" Ishan had to shout because the music was too loud. He was already regretting coming here but was considering staying a few more hours. Contrary to what he thought, he knew his mother and his manager both were right, contacts and networking are important in this profession. However, none of that mattered anymore. As much as he loved his career he loved his brother more. And unfortunately, his career had made them drift apart. But all was not lost, Avi had called him. He was panicking about kissing a guy and Ishan was the one he had called. He still thought of him as his safe space and Ishan wasn't going to let him be disappointed in him again.

"AMAN" Aman finally looked back from where he was dancing. Ishan signaled him to come back and Aman did.

"What?"

"I am leaving." They still had to raise their voice a little, the music was loud.

"Already? I thought you said you wanted to stay?"

Ishan nods. "I did, but that was before Avi's called. I just need to make sure he is alright."

Aman nods in understanding. They both knew how Avinash could get way over in his head and he was panicking a little on the phone. Aman looked back towards the dance floor and Ishan followed his eyes that had stopped on a boy who was sitting on the couch scrolling on his phone. Understanding hits Ishan and he smiles.

"Stay. I'll get a cab or I think Prateek is leaving, I'll ask him to drop me."

Aman looks at Ishan. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, go and talk to him." he starts moving backward and winks at Aman. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Aman gets back to the party and Ishan leaves with his other friend Prateek. The lift opens at the parking and Ishan steps outside, he debates calling his brother then decides to not call him because maybe he is asleep or busy with the boy he kissed. His mind was already working on different ways he could help Avi with whatever he asked for. He could always get Avi to talk to Aman. Aman has always known he was gay, if Avi was just freaking out about kissing a boy, there is no one who would understand his fear better than him. Ishan was also looking forward to the dinner he had promised Avi. He will take him out to his favorite restaurant. All he had to do was make sure his mother or his manager didn't know. Not that any of them will have a problem but they will make it a pr activity. Instead of making it look like normal dining for two brothers, Avi will become a stepping stone in Ishan's very meticulously drafted media image. And not this time.

Ishan wasn't sure how or when it happened but he wasn't close to his brother anymore. Which is why he felt like he was going to cry when Avi called. To be still needed by your younger brother, the one who used to be your best friend, all was not lost, Ishan knew in his heart he could still fix it.

As he made his way to the car parked for Prateek, he stood resting beside the passenger door. Prateek had messaged him that he would be there in 10 minutes. Ishan was scrolling through restaurant menus when he felt someone approaching him from behind.

He turned around and frowned.

"Mom?"

His mother was standing on the other side of the car. "What are you doing here?"

"What are you doing downstairs? Shouldn't you be at the party?"

"I was and now I am leaving."

"Why? Isn't it too early? Where is Aman?"

"He is still up, I am the one leaving, I–" Ishan stops midway. He couldn't tell his mother the truth and out Avi, he didn't even know if there was something. All he knew was about one kiss. "I had a headache."