What after That?

Ch 52.

The farewell party was already in full swing, the hall brimming with laughter, chatter, and the occasional camera flash. 

Boys in sleek suits and girls in elegant sarees looked nothing like their usual selves in school uniforms; today, they were young men and women stepping into a new phase of life.

Among the crowd, Shubman's group stood near the entrance, waiting impatiently for their two missing friends. Rahul glanced at his watch, frowning. "Yaar, kab aayenge ye dono? Party shuru hone waali hai!"

Abhi, as usual, let his imagination run wild, smirking mischievously. Mujhe lagta hai Shubman ne Ishan ko pakad liya hoga... aur kya pata abhi chumma-chaati chal rahi ho...ahem- ahem-- hesitate abhi..

Tanmay raised an eyebrow at Abhi's grin and prolonged silence. "Kya soch raha hai, bey?"

Abhi grinned wider. "Kuchh nahi... bas ye soch raha hoon ki Shubman aur bhabh— I mean Ishan ab tak kahan atke hue hain."

Before they could ask him further, the group noticed the hall fall strangely quiet. Heads turned, and there he was—Shubman, walking in with the confidence of a young model. 

Dressed in a perfectly tailored suit that accentuated his shoulders and sharp features, he looked utterly handsome.

Shubman strode toward the group, his charm effortlessly drawing attention, and leaned closer to whisper to Abhi, "Saale gadhe, wo abhi bhi gussa hai."

Abhi smirked, giving Shubman an exaggerated once-over. "Aaj try kariyo. Aaj tu suar se insaan lag raha hai."

Before Shubman could retort, Tanmay interrupted, "Kya khus-pus kar raha hai, bey?"

And then, as if on cue, Ishan entered the hall. He wore a classic yet understated suit, looking dashing and radiant. His delicate features stood out even more, the soft blush on his cheeks making him seem both gorgeous and approachable.

The group erupted into cheers and whistles. "WOOOOOOOOOOOOO! LOOK WHO'S HERE!"

Ishan's face turned beet red as he saw the entire class staring at him. Embarrassed, he quickly looked down and hurried toward the group, earning chuckles from his friends. 

His shy sprint only made him look cuter.

Meanwhile, Shubman stood frozen. It wasn't the farewell party he saw anymore; his imagination took over.

Shubman's thoughts raced. Kitna sundar lag raha hai... kaise? 

Yeh... mere se kaise pat gaya? Aur agar humari shaadi ho rahi hoti to...?

 Suddenly, the background blurred, transforming into a beautiful church. Ishan wasn't just walking toward the group—he was walking down the aisle, dressed in a white suit, carrying flowers, and looking like the most beautiful person Shubman had ever seen.

His mind conjured a priest's voice. "Do you take Ishan as your husband?" Shubman grinned in his daydream, imagining himself shouting, "YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!"

The imaginary priest turned to Ishan. "Do you take Shubman as your husband?"

Shubman's heart thudded. Tab wo kya yes bolega? Bolega na?

His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a gentle slap on his face.

Shubman blinked, to find Ishan standing right in front of him, looking both concerned and annoyed.

"Shubman!" Ishan called again, his voice slightly raised, clearly irritated after repeating his name several times. "sapno se bahar aao.."

Before he could stop himself, Shubman grabbed Ishan's shoulders, his grip firm, and asked in a desperate tone, "Tu yes bolega na?"