What after That?

Ch 70.

Even though they talked every single day using the new video call feature, it wasn't the same.

Ishan felt it.

Shubman did too.

The absence of physical presence—the missing warmth of having the other right there.

But they made do.

Sometimes, Shubman would call in the middle of Ishan's lectures, his name flashing on the screen. Ishan, sitting at the last bench, would carefully tilt his phone just enough to see him while pretending to take notes.

And there was Shubman, talking about anything and everything—his voice animated, his expressions exaggerated.

Ishan listened silently, biting his lip to keep from smiling too much and getting caught.

On nights when Ishan had trouble sleeping, Shubman would call again, this time whispering.

"Suna hai koi mujhe bohot miss kar raha hai~"

Ishan rolled his eyes, hugging his pillow. "Apni galat fehmi ko kam palo zara. Main so raha tha."

Shubman smirked. "Jhooth mat bol. 

Chal, aankhein bandh kar, good nighty miss me not.. "

" aree buddhu nighty kuchh or hota hai.. " Ishan said setting the pillow from here to there not able to get comfortable.

Shubman saw that of course now who will make his starfish babu comfortable.

" Abhi aapko pata chalega ki kya atyachaar hota tha mere saath.. " 

Ishan already fed up finding the comfy position glared " kya bole? "

" aree aapko nahi pillows ko bol raha hoon.. waise aap ye pillows ka kila kahan tak le jaane wale hain? " Shubman said, Eyes on the pillow territory of Ishan's. 

Ishan sighed and got up hugging a pillow he mumbled " come back soon.. "

" kyun are you miiiiissssiiiiiinnnnnngggggg meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee? " 

" No. "

" tab nahi aata jaa.. " Shubman said looking away.

Then carried the silent treatment much of Shubman's disappointment Ishan didn't say I missed you.. or I miss you.. just as he was about to look back he heard.

" I MISS YOU.. NOW COMEBACK! "

Shubman giggled batting his lashes, " wo kya hai na.. redbull actually cant give me wings.. to abhi to nahi 2 din baad aa jaunga.. pakka. "

" tumhe ye.. aise overdramatic expression banane mein maza aata hai kya? " 

" nahi sirf apne woh ke liye banata hoon.. " Shubman said shying away more dramatically, and Ishan laughed " stop it! you acting like a newly wedded bride.. " 

" is it..ji? par waise hi to lagunga na ji.. oops lagungi na ji~~ " The epic female version of Shubman's voice.

Ishan's tears were even spilling from all the laughing as Shubman acted like his wife. " stop it shubi.. " 

" aap rokiye na ji.. " 

Ishan knew Shubman will not stop anytime soon.

One of the normal yet boring day in Ishan's life :--

Ishan rolled his eyes as his phone screen flashed again.

Shubman calling...

He picked up, already expecting nonsense, but froze when he saw Shubman standing there—shirtless.