What after That?

Ch 81

One Year Later...

The waves crashed against the shore, loud and restless. Shubman stood facing the vast Mumbai beach, one hand tucked into the pocket of his cargo pants.

A cigarette rested between his fingers.

The wind ruffled through his overgrown hair which used to be always short and sophisticated.

Gone was the clean-shaven college boy everyone knew.

A thick beard framed his jaw now, making him look older. Sharper. Tired.

Life had moved on, but he could never.

His eyes remained fixed on the horizon, expression unreadable.

Slowly, he lifted the cigarette to his lips.

And then—

Crunch.

He bit into it.

Abhishek, who was sprawled dramatically on the sand beside him, He sat up lazily.

"Mujhe sach mein laga tu sutta maar raha hai"

Shubman continued chewing the candy cigarette with unnecessary aggression.

"We decided we'd never smoke or drink."

Abhishek blinked.

"We?"

Shubman finally looked at him.

The expression on his face was so painfully done with life.

"Me and Ishan."

A pause.

"Duh."

Abhishek's mouth slowly formed a long—

"Ooooooh."

Shubman immediately regretted answering him. Next scene that unfolded was Abhishek jumping to his feet and walking over,  now standing beside him.

His face as serious as Shubman.

"Ek aur hai tere paas?"

Shubman turned his head and stared at him.

Just stared.

Sometimes he genuinely wondered why he called this creature to meet him and then voluntarily called him his best friend.

"Abhi."

"Han?"

"Seriously?"

" What? I am stressed too.. you know? "

Shubman sighed and shoved the entire pack of candy cigarettes into Abhishek's hands., Abhishek looked at the pack.

Then at Shubman.

Then immediately stepped forward with open arms.

"Idhar aa."

Shubman placed a palm right on his face and pushed him away.

Abhishek stumbled back.

"Abe!"

He tried again.

Shubman pushed him away again.

"No."

Abhishek looked offended.

"Ek toh emotional support dene aa raha hoon."

"Mat de."

"Le le."

"Nahi."

Abhishek groaned dramatically.

"Ye beard kab tak rakhega tu?"