Something's Missing

Part 8 - Yaadein

Shubman keeps his word. He refuses to let Ishan be alone. Things aren't as easy what with matches and practice sessions. However, Shubman persists. He was not about to give anyone (cough *Mayank* or others) an easy in with Ishan.

He was all for Ishan spending time with his friends. He wasn't heartless and they were his friends as well but he absolutely did not want to hear Ishan say he likes someone else even if he didn't mean it. There is only so much his heart could take. He was still so young and the universe has been throwing grey-hair-inducing curve balls.

All he wanted was to spend time with his lover. He wasn't even talking about sexy times. Just easy domesticity. Just hanging out with his best friend who had become much more that's all he wanted but why was that so hard to find?

Shubman finds out from an insider friend that if Ishan doesn't get better in another week or so, he might get shunted to the NCA. It's not about going there but the uncertainty that prevails as a consequence. Shubman wanted to make sure Ishan was back without having to take that particular detour. The doctors are positive about the progress Ishan is making. They even feel Ishan might regain his memory completely. Also, if he doesn't, they don't think it's going to affect him in the long run.

He knows Ishan's well being is all that matters; however, in a tiny corner of his heart he couldn't help but hope Ishan would remember. They had shared some precious moments. It was like the universe was conspiring to erase all the romantic moments they had together. He knows, he really knows that he can't fall into the overthinking spiral he had gotten into ever since Ishan's second incident. However, in some ways he was still the young boy at heart, pampered by his family.

Even though he had recovered from the complete meltdown he had post Ishan getting hurt again, there were still remnants of the struggle he went through. Ishan was back with the team, that was a relief but he wasn't practicing as much, which was fine, but he was hanging out with Mayank on the sidelines which made him want to pop a gelusil.

Mayank being the good friend he was, had gotten permission to train with the team. (Cue "wah kya dosti hai"). He didn't even know you could join the Indian team training like that? He had no right to be so stupidly jealous after all Mayank had been nothing but a good friend and great support to Ishan. He tamped down the rearing head of the ugly green monster only because Ishan had some support and at the end of the day that's all that mattered. Ishan's wellbeing.

"Itna bore ho raha hoon..chalte hai na Mayu..." (It's so boring..let's go Mayu..) Ishan was using his soft, persuasive, slightly whiny voice that nobody could say no to.. and it was doing things to Shubman's heart. He wasn't even the recipient of the said voice or puppy eyes and he was already ready to give Ishan whatever he wanted. Mayank was a stronger person than he was for he was refuting Ishan.

"I don't think jaana chahiye.. Teri tabiyat abhi teek nahi hui hai. Shubman maanega nahi." (I don't think we should go.. You're not fully well yet. Shubman won't agree)

"Shubman kyun nahi manega.. Woh meri har baat manta hai" (Why wouldn't Shubman agree..he listens to everything I say)

Saying which, both Ishan and Mayank turned a corner to where Shubman was. On spotting him Ishan blushed unexpectedly. Shubman raised an eyebrow while Ishan looked down. Very unusual for his pocket dynamo but something was going on with him recently and Shubman felt he wasn't privy to his thoughts anymore. Did he actually develop a crush on Mayank post the second incident?, Shubman wondered.

As if breaking his unnecessary digression, Mayank spoke up. "Oh Shubman tho yaha hai.. khud poochlo" (Oh Shubman is here, ask him directly)

"Kaha jaa rahe ho.." (Where are you going)