His sukoon : His junoon

Extra: 69

ENJOY :-)

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Ishaan got off the car and immediately slipped his hand into Vittorio's. He was nervous, but equally excited. Vittorio gave his fingers a reassuring squeeze and led him toward the orphanage doors.

"I'm going to do everything right," Ishaan whispered as they walked. "I've practised my lines. I'll smile, not too wide though, or I'll look creepy. And I'll kneel down when I talk. That's warm, right? Not scary?"

Vittorio chuckled. "You'll be perfect. Just be yourself."

Ishaan gave him a wide, hopeful grin and let himself be pulled inside. Their fingers still intertwined, they stepped into the warm building filled with laughter, toys scattered in corners, and faint nursery rhymes echoing from a distant room.

They were soon led to the orphanage director's office a cozy space with colourful wall paintings and a shelf full of teddy bears. The director, a kind-faced woman in her fifties, greeted them with a warm smile.

The director smiled at them and began explaining the process and formalities. But Ishaan, feeling his nerves building up again, gently let go of Vittorio's hand.

"I—I'm going to get some air, okay?" he whispered, and Vittorio gave a slight nod, letting  him be.

"Don't go too far, tell me if it overwhelming" Ishaan nodded and kissed his cheek walking away. The lady was stunned as it is her first time seeing two men in love but she warmly smiled at their interaction and continued her work.

Ishaan quietly stepped out and wandered through the halls. Children were playing, laughter echoing across the wide courtyard. He felt a soft smile tug at his lips. Despite the nervous flutter in his chest, this place felt warm... it felt like a beginning.

He walked slowly, watching a few kids chase each other, until his attention was drawn to a corner where a small group had formed.

He frowned.

Several children had surrounded one boy who was kneeling down, his head lowered, back against the wall. Concern flickered in Ishaan's chest. Was someone hurt?

He walked closer and tried to understand the situation. One of the boys stood tall and called out, "Hey, let's play!"

But another child added, "He doesn't play with us."

The taller boy crouched down and shook the silent boy's shoulder lightly. "We can play ghar-ghar. Preeti is going to make us tea."

Ishaan stepped in, kneeling beside the kids. His voice was soft . "Hey, guys. Let's give him a little space, okay? Maybe he's feeling a bit shy or scared. That's alright."

The children looked at Ishaan, then at each other. After a moment of hesitation, they nodded, one by one.

"Okay," one of them said with a small shrug, "but he can come play later."

"Of course," Ishaan said with a gentle smile, ruffling the boy's hair. "Go ahead. Preeti's tea must be getting cold."

With cheerful giggles, the kids ran off, leaving Ishaan alone with the boy.

He stayed silent for a few seconds, just kneeling beside the small frame, not wanting to startle him. The boy's shoulders were tense, head still buried in his knees.

Ishaan whispered, "Hey... it's okay. You don't have to say anything. I just wanted to make sure you're alright."

The boy didn't reply, but his shoulders relaxed, just a little. Slowly, the boy lifted his head.