Lately our conversations end like it's the last goodbye
Yeah, one of us gets too drunk and calls about a hundred times
So who you been calling, baby, nobody could take my place
When you're looking at those strangers, hope to God you see my face
~Youngblood
_
_________________________________
Mr.Gill and Mr.Anand were shocked. They never heard Shubman talking like this before.
This was serious now.
The room was dead silent until Mr.Anand broke the ice.
"Sir, we have a meeting now. We have to be there in a minute."
Mr.Gill nodded and stormed outside the room .
Now , It was Shubman and his thoughts left alone in the room.
He was thinking how selfish his father was. He knew his father would do whatever he wanted so there was no point of rebelling. After that conversation with his father Shubman lost his appetite and just went home.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
The whole week for Ishan faded in preparing for his favourite cousin's reception. He was so delighted that his favourite couple had finally tied the knot happily.
[At the party]
When Ishan entered the sprawling palace-like venue, adorned with opulent decor he was starstruck with those rich fabrics, dazzling chandeliers, and floral arrangements fit which were just for royalty.
Guests arrive in their finest attire, a blend of traditional Indian finery and contemporary designer wear could be seen. Women in shimmering sarees and lehengas, men in sherwanis and kurtas, all showcasing their sartorial best. And the fact that even though he didn't know most of the guests personally he could recognise all of them as very famous and prominent figures.
As the party started, some vibrant energy filled the air, with a mix of Bollywood music and traditional folk melodies keeping the guests entertained. Laughter and chatter mingle with the clinking of glasses as guests enjoy an elaborate buffet or a sit-down dinner prepared by renowned chefs.
Live cultural performances like dance troupes and musicians add to the festive atmosphere, showcasing the rich tapestry of Indian traditions.
The bride, resplendent in a heavily embellished lehenga and adorned with exquisite jewelry, took center stage with her groom. They exchanged smiles and greetings with guests, receiving blessings and well wishes.
He was right beside the main stage enjoying his drink, smiling at his dimples and Bhai being the centre of attention. He knew both of them hated attention and were getting the most of that today but they were happy and that's all what mattered.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
[Saturday Morning,Shubman's place]
The sudden ringing of the bell at his door woke Shubman from his dreams. Everyone working for him knew that he was a beast if woken up without his choice. No one could wake him up since that's the only thing he hated except lying. When he opened the door to see who had decided to wake the Satan himself he saw his father's assistant Mr. Anand.
He could not get angry at him since his father's right man personally coming to his place on a weekend morning meant something important.
He was told that if he didn't want his father to appoint him as a company official at the very moment, he should introduce himself as the next hire publicly at least at the business parties.
Before Shubman could even decide how to protest he was told that today he was supposed to attend a business partner's daughter's reception party.
Soon a chocolate brown satin suit which could be considered a tailored perfection arrived. He was told that a black Aston Martin would arrive to drop him to the venue.
At the supposed time, He was ready to attend the party and to be unofficially announced as 'THE GILL'S' heir. As he reached the venue, he knew the moment he stepped out of the car his life wouldn't be the same.
As he put his foot out of the car the man in rich chocolate brown satin catched the light of paparazzi, shimmering with a luxurious sheen.
It draped flawlessly over his frame, tailored to perfection without being constricting. He was practically screaming wealth and power. The number plate of the car saying 'GILLS' was enough for the world to know who this young lad was. And on top of that his father's assistant was accompanying him for the event. The cameras flashed at his face and he had to force smiles for them.
He was told that there would be no media at the event and his face would not be revealed. But here those reporters were doing a full photoshoot for him. He hated this kind of attention.
His life was never the way he wanted. He was a puppet in his father's hands.
With the help of all the bodyguards he finally entered the main area and was fed up with everything.
Suddenly he saw that mysterious figure he saw at both the airports. He felt the urge to be near him and have a talk. He was never a person to initiate a conversation with anyone but this time he desperately needed to talk to him but Shubman didn't know how to initiate.
When he went to the said boy he was talking to an old lady, seemingly one of his relatives. She was asking the boy whose name was apparently Ishan when he came from Italy. This irked Shubman's ears as he found a point to start their conversation.
Suddenly his eyes went on the stage and saw the groom. The groom was his club president at school. But he didn't expect the club president to be the groom.
'World is really small isn't it' though Shubman. First his wifey's diary and now his school president.
Anyways since he and the president had good relations he decided to talk to the groom first.
As the couple came down from the stage to conversate with the guests, the groom recognised his junior. Astonished to see his junior at his reception, he and his beautiful wife went to Shubman. Shubman smiled at the couple and congratulated them. After some casual talk the groom asked Shubman what he was doing these days. In a response Shubman told them he was currently pursuing a degree at xxx university in Italy. Upon hearing that the couple said together their baby was also pursuing a degree there.
"What baby?" Asked Shubman.
"Oh! Mayank's cousin. His name is Ishan" said Prisha.
"Wait lemme just call him here, maybe you can get to know each other."
Ishan came as he was called by his dimples and saw a man of his age standing beside the couple.
As Ishan was walking towards them, Shubman mind was racing with so many thoughts.
'Oh so that boy is real I wasn't hallucinating or stuff. Oh god do I look Good..no! How am I gonna introduce myself to him? He is so beautiful, so pretty.. wait why am I thinking like this for a boy??'
This was the first time the sole heir to Gill associates felt self conscious. From the earliest memories Shubman had in his mind he never ever felt like he had to impress someone or look presentable enough. He never cared how someone interpreted him but this boy was a special and different case.
'He doesn't know for how long I am trying to find him !! Oh god he is near..I feel like my mind and heart are gonna burst! Can I scream???'
Ishan's brother introduced the said man as his junior in school and Ishan was told that both Ishan and him went to the same University.
This brought Ishan's interest in the man and he thought that maybe he could finally make a friend except for the monkey he had. She had many friends and her friend Circle was too big. She would have many plans and Ishan never bothered to ask her to cancel them unless necessary. But no matter how less often they hanged out their bond was unbreakable. Ishan just felt lonely sometimes so he wanted another friend.
"Hi, I am Ishan" that pretty boy said
Shubhman was still trying to organize his thoughts that he stuttered while speaking.....
"h-hi- *clears throat* Heyy I'm Shubman"
After some chats the said man named Shubman and Ishan became friends and decided to spend some of their vacation days in India together. After exchanging contacts Ishan had to leave him. And after having some drinks Shubman also left the place.
To be continued....
__________________________________