THEM 'Ishman'

The art of not studying

The sun was performing its evening routine, slowly dipping below the horizon and casting a warm, golden glow over the hostel's common room. 

It was the perfect backdrop for a group of determined students to buckle down and study for their fast-approaching exams.

If only anyone cared.

At the center of the chaos sat Ishan, the only one with a genuine intent to study. 

He was hunched over a pile of books and notes, diligently highlighting sections in his textbook as if his life depended on it. His glasses kept sliding down his nose, and he adjusted them every few seconds with the frustration of a man fighting a losing battle.

Around him, 

however, 

it was a different story.

"Hey, Ishiiiii......." called Shubman, lounging in a chair across from him, feet up on the table like he owned the place. 

His face wore its usual mischievous grin, and his eyes were locked on Ishan with laser-like focus. "What do you call a fake noodle?"

Ishan didn't bother looking up. "No"

"No? But you don't even know the answer! What kind of friend are you?" Shubman protested, placing a hand dramatically over his heart. 

"The kind that's studying." Ishan replied, flipping a page with extra force.

Shubman leaned in, voice low and smooth. 

"An impasta!" He whispered, winking as if he'd just delivered the world's greatest joke.

Ishan sighed, pushing his glasses up his nose again. "Shubman, I swear, if you tell one more joke—"

"You'll fall in love with me? Finally?" Shubman interrupted, grinning wider. 

"No. I'll throw this book at you." Ishan deadpanned, holding up a thick biology textbook.

Shubman clutched his chest like he'd been shot. "Ouch. You wound me, Ish. Here I am, offering you laughter in your darkest hour, and you repay me with violence." He shook his head dramatically. 

"Toxic. This relationship is so toxic."

"I wasn't aware we were in a relationship." Ishan muttered, scribbling notes furiously.

"Don't say that, Ish. You'll hurt my imaginary children. They already call you Dad." Shubman quipped.

The entire room burst into laughter.

Virat, sitting on the couch nearby, nearly choked on his chips. "Bro, you're too much."

Shubman shot Virat a proud look. "Too much for him to handle? I know."

Ishan rubbed his temples, silently wondering if it was too late to change roommates.

Meanwhile, Rohit and Mayank were engaged in a fierce debate about which superhero would win in a fight.

"Iron Man would destroy Captain America." Rohit declared, gesturing wildly.

Mayank scoffed. "Destroy? Cap has super soldier serum! Tony wouldn't stand a chance!"

"Super soldier serum? Please. My grandma's ginger tea has more kick than that." Rohit retorted.

"Can we please focus? We have exams in three days!" Ishan pleaded, his frustration reaching critical levels.

Tilak plopped down next to Ishan with a bowl of chips. "Exams? Never heard of 'em. Sounds like a myth."

Ishan shot him a withering look. "You'll be hearing about them when you fail."