What after That?

Ch 86.

Ishan's father's eyes remained fixed on Shubman. Then they slowly shifted towards his own son. His face darkened.

The veins on his forehead became visible as anger boiled over.

"to..." He spoke through gritted teeth.

"Ye hai woh."

Ishan's heart stopped beating by now.

"No..." He immediately ran towards Shubman to shield him, to do anything to save him. He knew exactly what was about to happen next. But before he could he heard..

"Bahar leke jao isko!" His father's voice echoed across the courtyard.

Within seconds, four or five cousins rushed forward.

"Bhaiya!" Ishan came forward and tried to block their way.

"Bhaiya, please! Kuch mat kijiye useyy!"

He grabbed his elder brother's arm, trying to stop him, but another cousin pulled him aside while the rest surrounded Shubman.

Ishan's mother hurried towards her husband.

"Suniye... Shaant ho jaiye... ye shaadi ka ghar hai.."

" tum chup raho!! " his husband barked, making her flinch and back away immediately.

The courtyard had erupted into complete chaos, their hands shoving Shubman towards the gate.

He stumbled but regained his balance. Then pushing one of them away Shubman rushed back again.

"Please, uncle!"

His voice cracked.

"Please! wo kabhi khush nahi reh payega! please uncle!"

Two more men grabbed his shoulders. He struggled against them with all his strength.

"Ek minute! please..
Bas meri baat sun lijiye!"

Someone shoved him again but he Still...refused to stop. He broke free once more and almost reached Ishan's father.

"Uncle..." His chest rose and fell violently.

"Main month ka ek lakh kama leta hoon. I can take care of him. Khana bhi bana leta hoon... kabhi uski aankho mein aasun tak nahi aane dunga.. usey saari khushiyan dunga.."

His words became hurried, desperate.

"Aur...Aapka... gulaam banke rahunga.. humesha.. aap jaise kahenge waise hi karunga..

I promise. Bas...

uski shaadi kisi aur se mat karao."

Ishan's father didn't even look at him, His jaw just clenched tighter. He turned towards the cousins of Ishan.

"Koi natak nahi chahiye mujhe."

The grip around Shubman tightened. He was dragged backwards despite resisting with everything he had.

"No!" Ishan tore himself free from the relatives holding him.

"Shubman!"

He ran forward. Ishan stretched out his hand to hold any piece of Shubman.

"Shubman!"

At the same time...

Shubman shoved another cousin away and reached forward too.

"Ish!"

Their fingers were only inches apart. Ishan fought against the hands pulling him back. Shubman fought against the men dragging him away.

Desperately trying to close the distance between them.

They pulled them apart before their hands could meet.