Winter mornings in Thekkady are cool and pleasant, with mist-covered hills and spice plantations. A town in Kerala, known for its wildlife sanctuary and breathtaking views.
Along with Thekkady, Shubman has one more breathtaking view, for his eyes only. Shubman's sleeping beauty, his husband, Ishan Gill, always takes away Shubman's breath with his innocent doe eyes, gorgeous smile and his cute antics.
For Shubman, Ishan always look beautiful, even if he is sleeping, like now. The peaceful look and a small, serene smile on his face is all Shubman always wish for to cherish everyday.
Shubman lightly chuckled when he remembered how his husband was angry with him because he couldn't give his husband enough time. Shubman and Ishan own a cafe. A cozy little space which is their second home, located at the heart of the city. Due to Christmas and New Year, the cafe was very busy. Though it went smoothly for Shubman and Ishan with their cafe's dedicated staffs, but somewhere Ishan yearned for a quiet, peaceful time with his husband. Ishan knows how tired Shubman was on the next day of new year, so he just wanted a little escape from all those chaos.
But looked like Shubman was not in the mood. Because even after 10 days since New Year (and Ishan giving hints here and there), Shubman still hasn't said or maybe even thought about a little trip or vacation. So, when all the plans failed, Ishan used his ultimate plan, which he knew will never fail.
That day when Shubman came home in the evening, after giving Shubman a glass of water, Ishan sat on the sofa cross-legged, hand folded on his chest, face set with a deep frown and a big pout. At first Shubman didn't noticed, but when he saw Ishan sitting ideally without saying a word, he got confused and little curious. After not getting any answer in his first few tries, Shubman realized that Ishan is definitely angry on him. But to be honest, Shubman was trying to control his chuckle, because his husband was looking cute even when he is angry, like a cute little kitten.
About 10 minutes and a lot of pursuing later, Ishan finally told Shubman his reason of being angry. Shubman sheepishly smiled and promised Ishan that they'll definitely go on a vacation. So, as promised, here they are after two weeks, in Thekkady.
"Ish, c'mon Honey cookie wake up, we have to explore this beautiful place", Shubman softly tried to wake Ishan up. He placed a sweet kiss on Ishan's forehead, like every morning. He softly ran his thumb on Ishan's soft cheeks, soft like cotton.
Ishan's eyes fluttered, he nuzzled his face on Shubman's chest, rubbing up and down like a kitten. Shubman chuckled. Ishan slowly opened his eyes and looked up at his husband.
"Good morning Shub", Ishan wished Shubman and kissed on his dimple.
"Good morning Mini munchkin... Now c'mon wake up!! Ghumna hai ya nahi? So, chop chop!!", Shubman carried Ishan in his arms and took him to the bathroom. He put Ishan down on the bathroom floor and went out so Ishan can get ready. Ishan shook his head and giggled at his husband's antics.
When they both got ready, they went down to have their breakfast. Shubman has already booked everything for their trip. Last year, Shubman's friend Abhishek and his boyfriend Mayank, came here. They told everything to Shubman, so with the help of those details, Shubman planned their trip.
After having their breakfast, Ishan and Shubman started for the first place of their trip, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India's most prominent Tiger Reserves. The first thing they saw after their entry was the vast blanket of trees and flowers. They both were awestruck by the beauty of nature and the cold weather was enhancing its beauty more. Ishan practically ran towards the bed of flowers. Shubman gave a soft chuckle and followed his husband like a lost puppy.
The sanctuary was covered with tropical evergreen, moist deciduous and man-made stands of eucalyptus. Ishan, with wide eyes and soft smile, was absorbing the greenery of teak, rosewoods, sandalwoods, mangoes, jamun trees. A particular flower captured Ishan's attention, the spider flower. Ishan really wanted to touch its petals but he knows he can't. Thinking this he unconsciously pouted. Shubman was observing Ishan's every act.
