What after That?

Ch 77.

77. Gilly billy for a reason..

As soon as Ishan stepped into his home, the warm smell of incense and freshly made sweets hit him. His chachu pulled him in a tight hug, "Arey hero aa gaya! Kitna bada ho gaya re tu!"
His dadi cupped his face lovingly, "Kaala tika lagao isko koi... nazar na lage!"

The house was buzzing with energy - everyone was there for Chhath Pooja. Cousins running around, aunts setting up pooja baskets, elders chatting in every corner - and in between all of this, Ishan's phone would not stop buzzing.

He sneakily checked:

Shubman [2:03 PM]: Reached? Say something yaarr
Shubman [2:07 PM]: At least thumbs up bhej de
Shubman [2:10 PM]: Tera face yaad aake mujhe miss miss ho raha hai......
Shubman [2:11 PM]: Btw, miss kar raha hoon...I want those squeezy cheeks back....
Shubman [2:15 PM]: Are you wearing something traditional? Mujhe pic chahiye. Abhi.

Ishan bit his lip to hide a smile. He replied quickly:

Ishan: Reached safe. Everyone here. Wearing kurta, not sending pic. Too many people.
Shubman: Too many people = too many threats. Keep my baby safe or I'll come in full dulha look and claim you right here.

Ishan rolled his eyes at that, muttering under his breath, "Pagal hai yeh..."

Just then his cousin peeked, "Bhaiya kis se smile kar rahe ho phone mein?"

Ishan immediately locked his phone and said, "Aree... nothing... memes."

The next day had been a whirlwind for Ishan-relatives visiting non-stop, last-minute arrangements for Chhath, and non-stop noise.

By night, when everything had finally quieted down, he tiptoed up to the chhat with his phone, hoping for a moment of peace-and to talk to the one person who had been buzzing in his thoughts all day.

As soon as the call connected, Shubman's voice came through with a teasing lilt,
"Aa gayi meri yaad?"

Ishan sighed, rubbing his forehead,
"Don't be dramatic... you know the whole family's here."

"Shaadi thodi ho rahi hai ... ittu sa festival hai," Shubman quipped with a fake whine.

Ishan frowned slightly,
"Meri family ko kuchh mat bolna. And na hi chhat pooja ko... my fav.."

Shubman softened,
"Ji meri itni himmat? Hone waale in-laws ko bura bolu? Kabhi nahi."

Ishan rolled his eyes, biting back a smile,
"Shut up, haan? Bohot bolte ho tum. Padh lo jaake thoda."

Shubman groaned,
"Mera aaj ka ho gaya... ab main nahi padh sakta."

"Achha... fir bhi chalo. Bhago. Rest karne do mujhe," Ishan said, half amused and half sleepy.

There was a beat of silence before Shubman said quietly,
"Aur mera kya? Mujhe kaise rest milega?"

Ishan's voice faltered,
"Pata nahi.

Chalo ab shoo shoo."

A pause.

Then Shubman asked, low and playful,
"Waise... tujhe kal raat ka kuch bhi yaad nahi hai?"

Silence hung in the air.

Ishan cleared his throat suddenly,
"Mumma bula rahi hai-"

"Matlab tujhe yaad hai?" Shubman pushed, a hint of mischief in his voice.

"Kya? Kya yaad hai?" Ishan feigned innocence, eyes flicking to the stairs.

"Wahi... jo hum dono ke beech-"