Shubman never shares. Whether it's a person or a thing, they were his and only his. Actually... not sharing is a mild word. He was possessive. Possessive of his people and his things. So, it was natural when five-year-old Shubman became possessive of his Ishan bhaiya.
His Ishan bhaiya, Ishan Kishan, a six-year-old boy, is his next-door neighbour. The Kishan family had just shifted a few days ago. Mr. and Mrs. Gill, along with little Shubman, went to greet and welcome the new family.
Shubman was sitting on his mother's lap, fidgeting with her dupatta. He was looking shyly here and there. His parents were talking with the Kishan couple, and he was sitting there leaning on his mother. Shubman has said a word or two when Mrs.Kishan has asked him something. His shy nature prevented him from answering anything more.
Shubman was still roaming his eyes when he heard the sound of a door opening and then light footsteps coming towards the living room. A few seconds later, a boy came and smiled at the guests. He warmly greeted Shubman's parents.
"Namaste Aunty, namaste Uncle."
The Gill couple greeted him back with equal warmth.
"Ye hamara beta hai, Ishan. Aur Ishan, ye hain Lakhveer uncle aur Seerat Aunty, aur unka beta Shubman. Ye hamare padosi hain," Mr.Kishan said.
Ishan smiled at them and waved at Shubman. The little boy shyly waved back with a smile.
As their parents were talking, Shubman was continuously peeking at Ishan, with a twinkle in his eyes. Ishan has caught him staring a couple of times. He would give Shubman a soft smile, and instantly the little boy would turn towards his mother, hiding his face.
After some time, the Gills stood up to go back to their home. At the door, the elders exchanged hearty goodbyes for the time being. Ishan came towards Shubman, who was standing there holding his mother's hand, half hiding behind her.
Ishan smiled at Shubman and extended his hand. Shubman hesitated for a couple of seconds, but then eventually shook Ishan's hand timidly with a shy smile.
Ishan then playfully ruffled the little boy's hair, "Wapas jaldi milte hain, Shubi. Bye!"
And Shubman.... well, he could only dazedly wave back, because Ishan called him Shubi!!!
Only some people call him Shubi. His parents, grandparents, and best friend Abhishek. See! only his people call him Shubi. So, can you blame the boy when his heart and mind instantly declared Ishan as his person?
But his people can show the love and attention, that are reserved for him, to him only. Not even to each other. And there's no exception, even if the person is his best friend.
Abhishek came a few days later from his grandparents' house and saw Shubman playing in their new neighbour's courtyard with a boy.
Abhishek sprinted towards the house and called, "Aree, Shubi! Tu yaha kya kar raha hai?" He turned towards Ishan and asked curiously, "Aur ye kaun hain?"
Shubman beamed at Abhishek, "Abhi, ye Ishan bhaiya hain. Humse ek saal bade hain aur ye hamare naye pa-par... haan! Paroshi hain!" Shubman then looked at Ishan, "Ishan bhaiya, ye mera best dost hai, Abhi!"
Ishan extended his hand to Abhishek, "Hii Abhi. Mera naam Ishan hai."
Abhishek smiled and shook Ishan's hand, "Hello bhaiya!"
Ishan chuckled and playfully ruffled Abhishek's hair, "Aao Abhi, tum bhi hamare saath khelo."
Abhishek enthusiastically nodded and joined them. But what Ishan and Abhishek didn't notice was a certain someone's glare, digging a hole in Abhishek's head.
