Drawn to trouble. ( Ishman FF)

Chapter 2

 

As the class ended, Ishan walked down the corridor towards the staff room, he couldn't shake the image of Shubham from his mind. His thoughts wandered to the way Shubham had leaned casually against the desk, his tattooed arms on display, muscles flexing slightly as he drew something down.

"Kids these days," Ishan muttered to himself "really take their looks seriously." He tried to brush it off as a passing thought, but his cheeks betrayed him, flushing slightly as he pushed open the staff room door.

Inside, the usual hum of teachers exchanging notes greeted him. Ishan took a seat at his desk and began sorting through some papers.

Ishan sat at his desk in the staff room, flipping through some art journals and sketches when the door swung open. Two teachers walked in— a man with a whistle around his neck and a confident stride, and a slightly shorter one with sharp features and an air of calm intelligence.

“Ah, you must be the new guy!” the taller one said with a friendly grin. “I’m Rohit, the PT teacher.”

“And I’m Virat,” the other added, offering a polite smile. “I teach English.”

Ishan stood up, extending a hand. “Nice to meet you both. I’m Ishan, the new art teacher.”

“Art, huh?” Rohit said, shaking Ishan’s hand firmly. “A man of culture.” He gestured to Virat. “This one’s always quoting poetry in the middle of meetings, so you two will probably get along.”

Virat rolled his eyes. “Better than listening to you rant about gym schedules, I’m sure.”

The banter between them was light and easy, and Ishan found himself smiling. He couldn’t help but notice how Rohit occasionally leaned closer to Virat, or how Virat’s subtle smirks seemed to encourage it.

“So,” Ishan began, leaning back in his chair, “how long have you two been working together?”

“About five years now,” Virat replied. “We’ve got a system. He yells at kids to run faster, and I tell them to slow down and reflect on life.”

“Balance is key,” Rohit added with a wink, nudging Virat lightly. “Though this one could use a little more action in his life, if you ask me.”

Virat smirked. “And you could use a little more thoughtfulness, but we can’t all be perfect.”

Their playful dynamic made Ishan wonder if they were a couple. They seemed so in sync, with an unspoken understanding between them.

Rohit suddenly glanced at Ishan, as if reading his thoughts. “Oh, and in case you’re wondering—we’re both single.”

Virat chuckled, shaking his head. “He always feels the need to clarify that.”

“Just setting the record straight,” Rohit said dramatically. “Don’t want the new guy getting the wrong idea. But who knows, Virat—maybe one day you’ll realize what you’re missing out on.”

Virat scoffed but smiled. “Don’t hold your breath.”

Ishan chuckled nervously. “Well, you two definitely make a great team. It’s nice to see colleagues getting along so well.”

“Thanks,” Virat said, grabbing a cup of coffee. “And if you ever need help settling in, just let us know.”

“Or if you want a gym buddy,” Rohit added, flexing his arm slightly, “I’m your guy.”

Ishan nodded, feeling a little more comfortable. He returned to his sketches, but the lively banter between Rohit and Virat lingered in the background, bringing a warmth to the otherwise formal atmosphere of the staff room.