What after That?

Ch 43.

As they rode back through the quiet streets, the gentle evening breeze brushed against them, carrying a calmness that made the world feel soft and peaceful. 

Ishan, sitting behind, couldn't help but wish the ride would go on forever. He didn't want to leave just yet; he wanted more time—maybe to play with Shubman, maybe to talk, or maybe just to sit there in silence, feeling the steady rhythm of the bike beneath them.

In a quiet, moment, Ishan rested his cheek against Shubman's back, lost in his own thoughts. His fingers gently held onto Shubman's tshirt around waist area, as he let himself feel the comfort and warmth. 

He wondered when he would see Shubman again, already feeling a tinge of longing at the thought of leaving.

Shubman's heart swelled with a mix of emotions, smiling softly at the warmth he felt from Ishan leaning against him. 

But there was an ache too, a quiet sadness knowing he'd have to say goodbye, even if just for a little while. He didn't understand why it hurt this much when he knew Ishan would be back soon.

Shubman pulled the brakes in front of Ishan's house, bringing their ride to a gentle halt. 

Ishan, still in a bit of a daze, had his cheek resting on Shubman's back, lost in the warmth of the moment. Shubman glanced over his shoulder, his voice soft.

"Ishan... hum pahunch gaye hain."

"Huh?" Ishan blinked, snapping out of his thoughts as he lifted his head.

"Ghar. Hum ghar pahunch gaye hain," Shubman said with a hint of a smile.

Ishan realized they had arrived, and a touch of embarrassment swept over him as he quickly got down from the bike. 

They both stood there for a moment, looking at each other under the quiet evening sky.

"Umm... bye fir," Ishan said, his voice carrying a hint of hesitation.

Shubman nodded, feeling a heavy tug in his chest, even though it seemed overly dramatic. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling. 

Ishan turned toward his house, and Shubman, with a sigh, started to take a U-turn. But just as he was about to pedal away, he heard Ishan's voice.

"Shubman, wait!"

Shubman stopped and looked back, a bit surprised. "Haan, bol—"

Before he could finish, Ishan had already rushed up to him, wrapping him in a tight hug, his eyes closed as if gathering comfort in the embrace. 

Shubman froze for a moment, his heart racing, but then instinctively, he wrapped his arms around Ishan, holding him back even tighter. He took a deep breath, savoring the closeness, feeling as if time had slowed down.

Ishan rubbed his hand across Shubman's back, a small gesture of comfort, as if to tell him everything would be alright. 

When they finally pulled away, Shubman smirked, masking the deep emotions he felt. 

With a playful tone, he teased, "Itni desperation...?"

Ishan glared at him, his cheeks tinged red. "Bhagg!!"

Shubman chuckled, enjoying the flustered look on Ishan's face.

"Chalo ab niklo," Ishan said, trying to regain his composure.

"Haan haan, ja raha hoon. 

Mujhe konsa tere saath humesha ke liye rukna hai..." Shubman replied, the words light, but deep down, he wished he didn't have to go.