POV: Ishaan Kishan.
Ishaan and Shreyas were back home, with Ishaan's family, preparing for the wedding. Everyone was in a happy mood, despite some of the unpleasant reactions their neighbors and relatives gave about the news.
‘ You are always here, aren't you?’
Ishaan, Shreyas and Aditi were on the terrace, enjoying the quiet night with chai and cigarettes.
‘ Where else would I be?’
‘ Maybe..at your own home?’
Aditi narrowed her eyes at Ishaan as she sipped her tea.
‘ Oh, I want to introduce someone to you guys!’ Aditi said in excitement.
‘ Ooooh, did you finally get a boyfriend?’ Shreyas asked, moving away from them to smoke.
‘ Yeah well, I had to…I couldn't spend the rest of my life mourning over Ishaan..’ she said dramatically pretending to wipe her tears.
‘ I'm sorry..’ Ishaan said quietly.
‘ It's okay, I'm over it…’
‘ So..tell us about this mystery man..’ Shreyas asked, sitting down beside them.
‘ We met on a blind date, he's an IPS officer..he's kind and sweet, and funny…’ Aditi looked away dreamily.
‘ Is he real or a fragment of your imagination?’ Ishaan joked.
Aditi pinched the side of his stomach.
‘ Ow!’ Ishaan nudged her away.
‘ He's very real, and he's coming tomorrow to meet you both…he's like a cute little puppy..’
‘ Going to keep him on a leash, aren't you?’ Ishaan smirked.
‘ probably, but it's way too early to reveal my true colors’ Aditi sighed.
‘ What's his name?’
‘ Dhruv Jurel’
‘ We are glad that you are happy…’ Ishaan said softly, pulling on a strand of her hair.
‘ Thank you..and please please be kind to him’ Aditi pleaded.
‘ When…when have we ever been unkind?’ Ishaan scoffed.
‘ Ishaan beta’ Ishaan's mother, who was carrying pancake, interrupted their conversation.
‘ Ji mom'
All the members of Ishaan's family including entered the terrace and settled down with them.
‘ We need to talk’
Ishaan and Shreyas nervously looked at each other.
‘ Is…is everything okay?’
‘ Your mother and I were talking and…I don't think that I can come to the wedding..’
‘ Wha…what? What do you mean?’ Ishaan looked around, panicked.
Raj and his wife sat with a grim look on their face, Ishaan looked at Shreyas and Aditi, who looked as shocked as he was.
‘ We just don't think that it will be okay…’
‘ Dad, did someone say something again? What's going on?’ Ishaan asked as he stood up.
Ishaan's mom and dad exchanged glances with Raj and his wife and burst out laughing. Ishaan stared at them confused, his heart still beating out of control.
‘ Guys, this isn't funny.. What do you mean by you can't make it to the wedding?’
Shreyas pulled on Ishaan's sleeve, and made him sit down. He gently caressed Ishaan's wrist as he held Ishaan's hand to calm him down.
‘ I mean, I don't think I can come to the wedding from your side…because I want to be there as Shreyas’s father..’ Ishaan's father said softly.
Everyone looked at Shreyas, who sat with a blank expression on his face, yet his eyes betrayed grief.
‘ You don't need to…’ he mumbled
‘ Shrey..’ Ishaan tightened his grip on Shreyas's hand.
‘ It's fine..it's fine uncle. You are Ishaan's father, you should stay with him’
‘ Shreyas…ab toh muhje papa Kaho..’
Shreyas let go of Ishaan's hand, covered his face and burst out crying.
Ishaan's father sat besides Shreyas and pulled him into a hug.
‘ I know that…I know that you don't think that you deserve any of this…this love and this happiness, but you do, beta’
‘ I'm sorry that your parents…your parents wronged you…no child should ever have to hear the words that you did…look at me Shreyas..’
Shreyas looked up at Ishaan's father with tear filled eyes.
‘ Give us a chance to be the family that you lost…’
Shreyas started crying harder and hugged him again, burying his face on his shoulder. He can't even remember the amount of times he has prayed for a moment like this, to be back under the shadow of a father figure. To be loved by a kind mother, who was now gently caressing his head.
‘ That's enough crying…what do you think of the idea?’ Ishaan's father asked after they calmed down.
‘ If Ishaan's okay with it…’
‘ Of course I am..’ Ishaan smiled, wiping his tears.
POV: Shubman Gill.
‘ What do you mean??? I can't fly right now?’ Shubman paced around, agitated.
‘ You signed on some contracts and you need to fulfill those commitments. You can't just leave,’ Shubman's manager tried his best to explain.
‘ Yeah I get that…all I'm saying is that, why can't we delay it. I can shoot for those…whatever it is, but on a later date…’
“ Shubman, you know it doesn't work that way…’
Shubman let out a frustrated groan and went to the balcony. He stared at the traffic till his vision blurred. He felt angry, frustrated, sad, all at the same time. Worst of all he felt helpless.
‘ Shubman sir, why are you so desperate to go right now? Are you hoping that seeing you, Ishaan might stop the wedding?’
Shubman looked at Ibrahim, who was putting out a cigarette.
‘ Since when did you start smoking?’
‘ Since I got my heart broken…’
‘ I'm sorry..’
‘ It's fine..well? Answer my question?’
‘ i don't know what I am hoping for ..I just ..I just want to see my Ishu again’
‘ Did you write the letter?’
‘ No…’
‘ Then why?’
‘ I don't…I don't know!’
Shubman slammed his hands on the railings.
‘ You are being incredibly selfish, you know that? Your behavior is hurting everyone around you ..have you ever thought of that? Your mother and sister secretly cry because you are always crying…have you noticed…have you noticed that your father has lost so much weight, because instead of taking care of himself, he's still taking care of you’
Shubman stared at him, shocked and hurt. His lips trembling, tears threatening to fall. He gripped the railings till his knuckles went pale.
‘ You need to understand, Shubman..’
‘ aur bhī dukh haiñ zamāne meñ mohabbat ke sivā
rāhateñ aur bhī haiñ vasl kī rāhat ke sivā’
Shubman let out a whimper, lowered himself to the ground, and quietly sobbed.
‘ I know that it hurts…it hurts like a fucking bitch…but this is what was written..and you should never get sad over god's decree…’
Ibrahim kneeled in front of him and pulled him into a hug.
‘ I just…I just want to see him, Ibrahim’
‘ I know…and you waited one year, you can wait a few more days.’
Shubman nodded and hugged Ibrahim tighter.
Days passed by like an eternity for Shubman, who was finally on his way to Ishaan. He stared at the clouds and thought of a million scenarios. What if Ishaan doesn't want to see him? What if they do meet and Shubman's tongue betrays him? What if Shreyas meets him instead of Ishaan, and he ends up murdering Shreyas? What if Ishaan doesn't accept the letter?
‘ Beta?’ Shubman's father sat beside him.
‘ Are you okay?’
Shubman nodded and rested his head on his shoulder.
‘ Dada, I'm sorry about all the hurt that I'm putting you and the rest of the family through’
‘ no beta ..’ he gently stroked Shubman's fingers.
‘ Do you think we will make it in time?’
‘ let's see’
‘ Dad, mom's calling for you’
Simran sat down beside Shubman after their father left.
‘ How are you feeling?’
‘ Nervous’
‘ Do you want to see Ishaan's photos?’
‘ you need to stop stalking him..’
‘ I'm not stalking, we just didn't block each other’
Simran took the phone from him and scrolled through the photos. A beautiful collection of sweet moments from each event. A photo of Shreyas kissing Ishaan's forehead after the engagement was complete. A couple of family photos from the haldi ceremony. A video of Ishaan dancing on the stage, and Shreyas staring at him, smiling like a fool falling in love all over again. The last photo was of them hugging, while everyone around them clapped.
‘ They never stop touching each other huh’
‘ Ishaan's love language is physical touch..I guess Shreyas likes that as well..’
‘ Ishaan looks really happy’
‘i know…and it sucks that I'm not the one making him happy’
‘ maybe you should try to find your happiness in his happiness’
Shubman stood outside the gates of Ishaan's family farmhouse and gazed at the decorations. The entire house was covered in fairy lights and flowers. People were running here and there, making the last minute decorations, making sure everything was perfect.
‘ Bhai, if you don't have an invitation, I can't let you in," the security guard said for the third time.
Shubman looked away from the house, and went towards him.
‘ Aditi..I'm her friend, you can ask her’
The security man shook his head and asked one of the workers to bring Aditi.
Shubman anxiously waited for her, pacing back and forth till Simran held his hands and asked him to stop.
‘ Is that her?’ Simran asked.
Shubman nervously nodded. Aditi was wearing a gorgeous silver gray lehenga, which complimented her beautiful complexion. She was wearing a silver choker necklace with big jhumkas and a thin waistband.
‘Shubman?’ her eyes widened.
‘ I uh…I want to meet Ishaan'
Aditi bit her lower lip and looked down uncomfortably.
‘ Do you really think it's a good idea?’
‘ please?’ Shubman pleaded.
Aditi flipped her long hair over her shoulder and let out a deep breath.
‘ fine, but just for a few minutes…but only you can come’
‘ I'm coming with him,’ Ibrahim said.
Aditi let out a frustrated groan, she knew that there was no stopping him.
She led them through the gates and through the house. Shubman's heart ached as he saw the simple, yet elegant decorations of white roses, tulips and Lilies. He looked at the wedding favors, wrapped in white lace with a little card which had Ishaan and Shreyas initials in gold.
‘ishaan, someone is here to meet you’ Simran said and opened the door for Shubman to enter.
Shubman nervously gulped, wiped his sweaty hands on his jeans and entered the room with a trembling heart.
The second his eyes caught sight of Ishaan, Shubman forgot how to breathe. The only thing he could hear was the sound of his own heart pounding. Ishaan was a human, yet he looked close to divinity, in an all black knee length sherwani.
‘ Jaan…. Shubman?’ Ishaan's voice sent shivers down Shubman's spine.
‘ Hi Ishu…’ Shubman finally managed to say.
Time stood still for the both of them, as they looked at each other, a million memories running through their minds. A year apart, but love still lingered.
‘ Shubman, why are you here?’ Ishaan's voice trembled.
Shubman slowly walked towards Ishaan and handed him the envelope.
‘ I wanted to give you this…’
Ishaan looked at the envelope and kept it aside, and turned his attention back to Shubman. He was wearing Ishaan's t-shirt, which looked a little short on him.
‘ How have you been?’
‘ I'm alright’ Shubman shrugged, lowering his gaze.
‘ you seem to be doing well in cricket..’
‘ I have to..’
Shubman raised his gaze hesitantly and looked at Ishaan, who stood so close to him, yet was forever going to be apart from him.
‘ faasle aiss bhi honge yeh khabi socha na tha, saamney baitha tha mere aur woh Mera na tha.
‘ Ishu…I ..I'm sorry’ Shubman whimpered.
Shubman could feel an itch on his tongue, but he still wanted to say a few things.
‘ I'm sorry about everything…for being a bad boyfriend, for…for not supporting you…for the…for the lies..I..I'm sorry’ Shubman cried out.
Ishaan's heart broke seeing him cry, his shoulder slouching over, shaking uncontrollably.
‘ I..I forgive you..’
‘ can I ..can I hug you?’
‘ Shubman..’
‘ Please, Ishu…’ he begged.
Ishaan, as usual, lost in front of Shubman's wishes and gently pulled him into a hug. Shubman tightly wrapped his arms around Ishaan's waist and melted into his arms, burying his face on the curve of Ishaan's neck. Ishaan gently rubbed his back, trying to calm him down.
‘ Shubhi…listen to me..’
Ishaan could feel the tears dampen his skin, he felt Shubman's trembling lips against his neck as he responded.
‘ promise me ..you need to promise me that..you will take care of yourself…’
Shubman tightened his grip and nodded without lifting his head.
‘ Shubhi, look at me, please’ he held Shubman's face and turned it towards him.
‘ Look at what you have done to yourself, don't you feel bad for me’ Ishaan gently said, wiping his tears away and correcting his hair.
‘ Shubhi.. promise me that you will take care of yourself, you will eat on time, and spend time with your family friends..’
Shubman nodded.
‘ Promise me, that you will become the best cricketer that India has ever seen..the best that the world has ever seen..’
‘ I promise’
Shubman held Ishaan's hands against his face, trying to memorize his touch, his scent.
‘ Ishaan, you need to get ready…shreyas is here’ Aditi stood near the door.
Shubman's heart broke as he felt Ishaan's hand leave his face. Ishaan asked Aditi for a few minutes.
‘ I have to get ready. .’
Shubman nodded and looked on as he started to retouch his make up. Shubman watched as he corrected his hair, applied a subtle pink lip tint and put on his earrings and to Shubman's dismay, his wedding ring.
The sound of the music got louder as the baraat got closer to the gates. Ishaan went over to the window and smiled as he saw Shreyas and his father dance in the front. The crowd threw red flower petals and money and they entered through the gates and made their way to the doorsteps. Shreyas looked up at the window and sent a flying kiss to Ishaan, making him blush.
Shubman watched the whole interaction, through tear filled eyes, but he felt happy knowing that Ishaan was finally getting the big wedding he has always dreamt of.
‘ Ishu …?’
Ishaan turned around, adjusting the black shawl over his left shoulder and putting it on his arm so the gold embroidered borders could be seen
‘ can I walk you down the stairs…’
‘ Shubhi ..’
‘ It's just down the stairs…I will leave right after ..’
Ishaan tilted his head and stared at Shubman. Maybe this will be the last time they will get to see each other. He nodded and smiled sadly.
Shubman wiped his tears, adjusted his clothes, took a deep breath and held out his hand for Ishaan. Ishaan gently held it and walked behind him, out of the room and down the stairs. Ishaan's eyes couldn't help but look at Shubman. He has walked a million times like this, right behind Shubman, holding his hands. He always thought that he would walk down the aisle with him too, but fate had other plans.
Shreyas stood at the bottom of the stairs, clad in a white sherwani with thread embroidery, layered with a matching plain Anarkali kurta and a beautiful waist piece. His smile immediately disappeared as he saw Shubman holding Ishaan's hands.
‘ What's going on?’ Shreyas muttered.
‘ I'm giving him away to you…please take care of him. If I ever find out..if I ever find out that you hurt him, I will unleash hell on you ..’ Shubman said as he slid Ishaan's hand into Shreyas’s hands.
Shreyas stared at him confused and looked at Ishaan who just tightly gripped his hands.
‘ Goodbye, Ishaan Kishan’ Shubman smiled sadly and kissed his cheeks before leaving.
‘ Use jaana tha, Maine jaane diya
Isse badi wafa aur mein Kiya karta’
POV: Ishaan Kishan
Shreyas looked at Ishaan, who stared sadly, at the closed door.
‘ Jaani? Do you uh…do you still want to get married?’
Shreyas felt his heart beat out of control as he asked the question.
‘ Can you stop asking dumb questions, and go to the mandap?’ Ishaan rolled his eyes.
‘ Baby…I..I just…’
‘ Shreyas Iyer..this is what I want. I want you, you dumb fuck. I want to marry you, as soon as possible…so please go!’ Ishaan pouted.
Shreyas laughed and kissed him.
‘ I cannot wait to be your husband!’
Ishaan stood holding his mother's hand, staring at the cotton candy coloured sky. The walkway to the mandap was decorated with hanging white and pink roses which gently touched Ishaan's head as he nervously walked up to the mandap. The pillars on the mandap were all covered, top to bottom in similar roses, tulips, lilies and baby breaths.
Shreyas held Ishaan's hand as they sat down in front of the fire. Ishaan couldn't help but cry from happiness. Shreyas gently kissed his hands every now and then, to calm him down. Ishaan's heart was so full of love and happiness as they completed one ritual after the other. Shreyas was smiling widely and didn't let go of his hands once.
After the wedding was complete, before they got off the mandap, Ishaan bent down and touched Shreyas’s feet to take his blessings.
‘ Jaani, no!’
‘ I always wanted to do that …’ Ishaan laughed and tried to get off, only to be held back by Shreyas.
‘ What…’
To Ishaan's surprise, Shreyas was now touching his feet.
‘ Shrey!’ he tried to back away.
‘ You are my patidev too’
Ishaan blushed and laughed as they walked down the walkway, the guests threw white flower petals at them. Ishaan looked around in wonder, as the petals danced in the wind, before they fell on the green grass. He looked at Shreyas who was already staring at him. Shreyas gently held his face and pulled him closer.
‘ The people…’ Ishaan said nervously.
‘ let them watch’
Shreyas pressed Ishaan against himself and kissed him deeply. Savoring the taste of cherry from his lip tint. Ishaan wrapped his arms around his neck and kissed him back gently. They heard cheering and whistling from the crowd as they pulled away.
POV: Shubman Gill.
Shubman sat quietly in the car as they made their way back to the airport. No one knew what to say, what to do, so they all sat lost in their own thoughts, watching the vehicles move by.
‘ Dada..’
‘ Haan beta?’
‘ I was looking at this all wrong’
‘ What do you mean?’
‘This whole time I kept thinking that…Mayank..Mayank bound me to him, that…this was..this was a curse. But it isn't. ..’
‘ I am never going to fall in love again..and that's fine. ..Ishaan is my first and my last love. I will always belong to him. Whatever that happened to me…it's a chance for me to redeem myself for all the hurt ache I caused Ishaan’
He turned around to face his father.
‘ Dada, I'm going. ..I'm going to offer my prayers every day, and I'm going to do everything that was asked of me..so that ..so that I can ask for Ishaan in another life…’
‘ I'm going to…I'm going to find my happiness in his happiness, like Simran Di said. I'm going to pray for him..isn't that also a type of love’