THEM 'Ishman'

The studio confession

The ICT boys were out for a late-night photoshoot, one of those extravagant shoots for a sports magazine that wanted to capture the team's energy and charisma in every frame.

The studio was buzzing with life—cameras flashing, lights positioned just right, and the makeup artists frantically running around to make sure everyone looked picture-perfect.

Ishan had arrived earlier than the others, already dressed in a stylish leather jacket over a black t-shirt, with ripped jeans that accentuated his fit physique.

He was sitting on the high chair, getting the final touches on his hair. He looked calm, collected, but his eyes flickered nervously every now and then.

Despite being the host of the event, Ishan wasn't used to all this attention.

One by one, the rest of the ICT entered the studio, all in varying degrees of excitement.

Rishab was the first to spot Ishan and, naturally, the first to throw a comment his way.

"Whoa, who's this model?" Rishab whistled, making a beeline toward Ishan.

"I mean, seriously, have we been hanging out with a celebrity and didn't know it?"

Ishan chuckled, brushing it off, but Rishab wasn't about to let it go.

"Come on, man. You're killing it tonight. You should just ditch cricket and become a full-time model." he teased, giving Ishan a playful wink.

"I'll think about it, Pant." Ishan replied coolly, his lips curling into a small grin. "But I'm pretty sure I'd get bored after a day."

"Bored? Please! You'd be too busy breaking hearts. In fact, why don't we start with mine? You free for dinner after this?" Rishab smirked and laughed and took a seat next to Ishan, leaning closer.

Ishan laughed, his cheeks warming slightly, though he tried to play it off.

"Pant, I'm sure there are better options for you. Besides, I'm working." he replied, gesturing toward the flashing lights around them.

Hardik, not one to miss out on a chance to join in, strutted over, flexing his muscles dramatically.

"Hey, hey, what's going on here? Are you two flirting with each other without inviting me?" He grinned.

Ishan threw his hands up in mock surrender, laughing. "Please, Hardik, it's not like that."

"Yeah, well, you say that now, but I can't help but notice the way you've been looking. Besides, if anyone's taking Ishan to dinner, it's me." Hardik winked, clearly teasing. He leaned in closer, putting an arm around Ishan's shoulder.

Ishan raised an eyebrow, still smiling, though he felt the warmth in his face growing. "I didn't realize I was on the auction block."

"Hey, nothing wrong with a little competition, right?" Hardik grinned, leaning closer, almost theatrically, making the others around them laugh.

Just then, the room seemed to shift as Shubman entered, his presence as always carrying a certain gravity.

Dressed casually in a white button-up shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and dark jeans that fit just right, Shubman looked effortless—too effortless, in fact.

His hair was slightly tousled, and a subtle chain peeked out from under his shirt, making him look almost too good for a simple photoshoot.

He walked over to the group, his eyes scanning the room, but there was a particular sharpness in his gaze when it landed on Ishan, surrounded by Rishab and Hardik's teasing.