THEM 'Ishman'

Tied by Strings of Care

The soft hum of waves lapping against the shores of Goa provided the perfect backdrop for the group of friends’ vacation.

With their carefree laughter and teasing banter, they had turned the coastal paradise into their playground.

Amid the group, Ishan’s energy was unmatched.

His endless curiosity about every little thing was both adorable and exhausting for his friends, especially Shubman, who had unknowingly taken up the role of his protector..... Maybe knowingly.

It was their third day in Goa, and today’s plan was kite flying on the beach.

“Come on, guys! Let’s make this a competition!” Ishan chirped, his voice carrying a childlike enthusiasm as he held a bright blue kite adorned with clouds.

“Competition? I’m already winning, baby boy. Look at this!" Virat smirked and held up a majestic kite painted like a phoenix.

“I’ll beat you all!” Ishan declared, puffing out his chest.

Shubman, standing beside him, chuckled. “You need to learn how to fly one properly first, Ishu.”

“I can do it! You’ll help me, right?” Ishan said with a dramatic pout, tugging on Shubman’s hand.

“Of course!” Shubman replied softly, his voice a mix of indulgence and amusement.

The group scattered across the beach, each setting up their kites.

Ishan struggled with the string, his small hands fumbling. “Ugh, this is harder than it looks!”

“Here, let me.” Shubman said, kneeling beside him. He took the string and patiently showed Ishan how to handle it.

“Like this?” Ishan asked, his eyes wide and focused on Shubman’s hands.

“Exactly! Now, hold it steady and wait for the wind.” Shubman said, his voice warm.

Ishan gave an exaggerated nod, determined to prove himself.

He ran forward, the kite tugging slightly before rising into the air. “It’s flying! Look, Shubh, it’s flying!”

Shubman smiled, his gaze fixed on Ishan’s glowing face. “Good job, Ishu.”

But moments later, the string tangled with Virat’s phoenix kite, and before Ishan could react, his kite came crashing down.

“No!” Ishan cried, his shoulders slumping.

“Sorry, kiddo. Better luck next time!” Virat teased.

“I’ll make another one fly.” Ishan mumbled, his determination wavering.

He crouched to fix the kite, but his fingers trembled slightly.

Shubman noticed. He knelt beside Ishan and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Hey, it’s okay. We’ll get it up again.” he said gently.

“But Virat bhai—”

“Forget Virat bhai. Focus on you and me, okay? We’ll do this together.” Shubman interrupted.

Ishan looked up at him, his lips curving into a small smile. “Okay.”

While the others were engrossed in their own kites, Shubman stayed entirely focused on Ishan.

Together, they mended the string, and this time, Shubman held Ishan’s hands steady as they guided the kite into the sky.

“It’s flying!” Ishan exclaimed again, his voice filled with joy.