Snapshots of Love

The Other One

Okay so this might be sad as well as angsty so enjoy ig (can I say that 🫣)

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Shubman sat by the window, his eyes tracing the contours of the clouds as they danced across the canvas of the sky.

His mind, however, was a million miles away, lost in the rhythmic beats of the song that played through his earphones.

The lyrics, a haunting melody of unrequited love, seemed to echo his own feelings, resonating deep within the caverns of his heart.

Jaane woh kaise,

Log the Jinke

Pyaar ko pyaar mila...

He had been nurturing a secret crush for as long as he could remember, and today, like every other day, he felt the weight of it pressing down on his chest, a silent burden that no one else could see or understand.

Ishan was the rising star in field of cricket, a boy who had the world at his feet, yet remained oblivious to the longing glances thrown his way by a certain teammate in the corner.

His laughter was the sweetest sound to Shubman's ears, his smile, a fleeting glimpse of the sun peeking through the clouds on a rainy day.

But it was the way Ishan's eyes lit up when he talked about his "best friend" Aditi that sent a stab of pain through Shubman's heart.

He knew he had no right to those feelings, knew that his love would forever be a solitary affair, destined to bloom in the shadows of Ishan's heteronormative world.

The ground buzzed with life, cricketors milling about, sharing laughter and gossip during break.

Shubman navigated the throng, his eyes searching for the one face that could either make or break his day.

He spotted Ishan, surrounded by his usual entourage, the picture of carefree charm. His heart skipped a beat as their eyes met for a brief second, only to be disrupt by the ringing of phone, more precisely Aditi's phonecall.

Ishan face breal into a huge smile as he exused himself to the other corner. The sight sent a cold shiver down Shubman's spine.

It was a reminder that no matter how much he wished, no matter how much his heart hoped, Ishan was not his to claim.

He watched as Ishan leaned in to the phone talking animatedly to, his giggles sending a dagger to Shubman's soul.

His hand clenched into a fist, the fabric of his shirt crumpling under his grasp. He knew he had to get away, to find a quiet corner where he could breathe, where he could hide from the torment of his own feelings.

The practice session comes to am end and Shubman took the opportunity to slip away, his eyes downcast, avoiding the glances that might pierce the armor of his denial.

The empty hallway was a welcome respite from the stifling atmosphere of the field. He found himself in his room, dark and cold just like his heart.

Sinking into a bed, he pulled out his phone, the screen lighting up with messages from his friends, eager to know the latest gossip.

But all he saw was Ishan's name, plastered across a photo of the two lovebirds. It was like a punch to the gut, a stark reminder of the reality he refused to accept.

His thumb hovered over the power button, but before he could turn it off, a new message popped up.

Ish😸💖
Hey shubi
Are you joining today's party?!