THEM 'Ishman'

His Baccha 💕

It was a cozy evening, the kind where the world outside seemed to move slower, blanketed in the soft hues of dusk. 

The chill of winter lingered in the air, but inside the small apartment, warmth radiated not just from the heater but from the unspoken bond shared between two souls. 

Shubman was sprawled on the couch, attempting to read a book. 

His dark hair was slightly messy, and he wore a sweater that looked too comfortable to ever take off. 

In front of him, Ishan sat cross-legged on the floor, pretending to watch TV. 

But in reality, Ishan's focus was entirely elsewhere.

Every few seconds, Ishan's eyes darted toward Shubman, studying the way his brow furrowed in concentration, how he occasionally pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. 

Ishan's lips twitched with the effort to suppress a smile, but his resolve lasted all of five seconds.

"Shubu...." Ishan finally said, stretching out the nickname like warm caramel.

Shubman's eyes didn't leave the book. "What is it, puppy face?"

Ishan twisted around, leaning his chin on the armrest of the couch. 

His dark eyes sparkled with mischief. "I'm bored."

"You're always bored, fidget fairy." Shubman replied without looking up, flipping a page.

"That's because you're boring." Ishan shot back, grinning cheekily.

"Then go find something exciting to do, trouble tot." Shubman said in a calm tone, still engrossed in his book.

Ishan pouted dramatically, collapsing onto the floor like a fallen starfish. 

"Ughhh, why did I even fall in love with you?" He groaned, covering his face with his hands.

That got Shubman's attention. 

He finally lowered the book, one eyebrow raised. "That's a question I ask myself every day, drama muffin."

Ishan gasped, sitting up straight. "Excuse me, Shubu McGrumpy! Did you just insult me?!"

"I don't know. Did I?" Shubman smirked, clearly enjoying himself.

Before Shubman could react, Ishan launched himself onto the couch, landing squarely on Shubman's stomach with a triumphant "HA!"

"AHH MERA BACCHA, GET OFF ME!" Shubman groaned, though his arms instinctively wrapped around Ishan to steady him. 

"You're heavier than you look, chaos cupcake."

"Nope!" Ishan grinned, poking Shubman's cheek. "This is what you get for being a meanie to your sugar sprinkle."

Shubman sighed, adjusting Ishan so he was sitting more comfortably on his lap. "You're not a sugar sprinkle. You're a teeny tornado with too much frosting."

"Too much frosting? Take that back!" Ishan gasped in mock offense. 

"Not a chance, chotu." Shubman said with a playful glint in his eyes.

Ishan squirmed, attempting to retaliate with tickles, but Shubman was faster. 

He caught Ishan's wrists with one hand and leaned in, planting a quick kiss on his forehead.

"There. Now stop wiggling, wriggly worm." Shubman said softly, his tone tender.

Ishan froze for a moment, his cheeks flushing pink.