The next day Shubman went to the hospital to visit Ishan's family.

When Shubman arrived, his presence filling the room with a palpable energy. Ishan's heart skipped a beat as he watched Shubman exchange warm greetings with his parents, a sense of familiarity and ease evident in their interactions. It struck Ishan how effortlessly Shubman seemed to fit into his family, as if he had always belonged there.

Ishan's mother beamed with joy at Shubman's arrival, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "Shubman, beta, it's been too long since we last saw you," she exclaimed, her voice filled with warmth. "Why didn't you come to visit us in the last three months?"

Shubman's smile faltered slightly at the question, a flicker of guilt crossing his features before he quickly masked it with a reassuring grin. "I'm sorry, Aunty," he replied, his tone apologetic. "I've been caught up with cricket and other commitments. But I promise to visit more often from now on."

Ishan couldn't help but feel a swell of warmth in his heart as he watched Shubman effortlessly charm his way into his mother's heart. It filled him with joy to see Shubman receive the love and affection that he had longed for, especially knowing that Shubman's own mother was no longer alive to provide him with the same warmth.

Ishan found a glimmer of solace in the thought that Shubman was finally getting the maternal love he deserved, even if it came from Ishan's own mother.

As Ishan and Shubman found a moment alone, Ishan couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. "Shubman, why did you go to my family, claiming that I was sending money and gifts?" he asked, his voice tinged with confusion.

Shubman's expression softened with remorse as he met Ishan's gaze. "Ish, I know it was wrong of me to do that," he admitted, his tone earnest. "But I was consumed by guilt, and I wanted to make amends in any way I could. I thought that by ensuring your family was taken care of, I could somehow make up for my mistake."

Ishan's heart softened at Shubman's candid admission, a wave of understanding washing over him. Despite his anger and resentment, he couldn't deny the sincerity in Shubman's words, or the depth of his remorse.

"I want to forgive you, Shubman,But it's not easy for me." Ishan said softly, his voice filled with conviction.

Shubman nodded solemnly, his eyes reflecting a newfound determination. "I swear, Ish," he vowed, his voice unwavering. "I'll do whatever it takes to earn back your trust and make things right."

True to his word, Shubman went above and beyond to support Ishan's family. He arranged for a personal nurse to care for Ishan's father, ensuring that he received the best possible care during his recovery. Despite Ishan's initial disapproval, Shubman insisted on taking Ishan's entire family to his house, citing the need for a change of scenery and a comfortable environment for Ishan's father to recuperate.

"I'm not inviting you, Ishan, so why are you taking a mood?" Shubman teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I'm only inviting your parents and Raj bhaia."

Ishan shot Shubman a  glare.

And so, Ishan and his family temporarily relocated to Shubman's house, where they were welcomed with open arms. Shubman spared no expense in ensuring their comfort, arranging for delicious meals, entertainment, and even hiring a live-in cook to cater to their every need.

Despite the chaos and uncertainty of their situation, Ishan couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Shubman for his unwavering support. It was a far cry from their tumultuous past, and Ishan found himself growing closer to Shubman with each passing day.

Shubman took care of Ishan's family dedicatedly.In morning he will go to practice,Ishan would go to office.

When evening descended and Ishan returned home from work, he would often find Shubman in the kitchen, his sleeves rolled up as he worked alongside Ishan's mother to prepare dinner. The sight never failed to bring a smile to Ishan's face, as he watched Shubman effortlessly navigate the chaos of the kitchen with a skill and finesse that belied his cricketing prowess.

Ishan's relationship with his father hasn’t changed much.His father and him doesn’t talk much,when his father saw him he made a curt nod at Ishan asking him how he have been.But Ishan mostly avoid his fathers room when he is awake.

One evening, as Ishan returned home from work later than usual, he found Shubman in the backyard, engrossed in a grueling practice session with his automatic machine. Dressed in nothing but a pair of half pants and a white t-shirt, Shubman's athletic form glistened with sweat as he focused intently on his training.

Ishan couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration as he watched Shubman's dedication to his craft, his heart swelling at the sight.But his reverie was short-lived, as a stray ball from the machine veered off course, striking Shubman's arm with a resounding thud.

Instinctively, Ishan rushed forward, concern etched on his features as he reached out to assess the damage. "Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice laced with worry as he gently touched Shubman's arm.

Shubman winced slightly at the contact, his eyes meeting Ishan's with a mixture of pain and amusement. "Just a scratch," he replied, his tone casual as he tried to brush off the injury. "Nothing I can't handle."

But Ishan wasn't convinced, his gaze lingering on Shubman's arm with concern. "Let me see," he insisted, his voice firm as he reached for Shubman's hand.

With a playful grin, Shubman obliged, allowing Ishan to examine his arm with exaggerated concern. "See? All better," he teased, his eyes dancing with mischief as he gently guided Ishan's hand to his heart. "Right here."

Ishan's heart skipped a beat at the intimate gesture, his cheeks flushing crimson with embarrassment as he quickly withdrew his hand. "Shubman, stop it," he chided, his voice tinged with mock exasperation. "You're incorrigible."

But Shubman just laughed, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he leaned in closer to Ishan. "Guilty as charged," he replied, his voice husky with desire as he brushed a stray lock of hair from Ishan's forehead. "But you love me anyway."

Ishan's expression remained stoic, his eyes narrowing slightly as he resisted the urge to smile. "Excuse me," he retorted, his tone laced with mock indignation. "Sorry to break your daydream, but I'm this close to breaking up with you."

Shubman feigned shock, his hand flying to his heart in exaggerated dismay. "Oh, come on, Ish," he protested, his voice tinged with amusement. "You can't break up with me. Who else will put up with your terrible hangover when you are jealous and your obsession with spreadsheets?Who would think you sane when you write daily routine on excel."

Ishan rolled his eyes, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips despite his best efforts to remain stern. "Believe me, Shubman," he replied dryly, "finding someone who appreciates my love for Excel is not as difficult as you think."

Shubman chuckled, his laughter mingling with the soft evening breeze as he leaned in closer to Ishan, his gaze softening with genuine affection. "Alright, alright," he conceded, his tone turning more serious. "But in all seriousness, Ish, I'm here for you. No matter what."

Ishan's heart warmed at Shubman's sincerity, a rush of gratitude flooding his senses as he reached out to grasp Shubman's hand in his own. "I know," he murmured, his voice soft with emotion. "And I'm grateful for all the help, Shubman.I hope you know that."

"I don’t want you to be grateful, Ishan," Shubman interjected, his voice low and intense as he moved in closer, their breaths mingling in the space between them. "I want you to want me. I want you to claim me."

Ishan felt a shiver run down his spine as Shubman's words hung in the air, the intensity of his gaze leaving Ishan feeling exposed and vulnerable. "How do you do this every time, Shubman?" he whispered, his voice barely above a breath. "You've ruined me, yet all I can think about is you. I want to unlove you so bad,you have no idea."

Shubman's lips curved into a knowing smile as he stepped even closer, his presence overwhelming Ishan's senses. "My darling," he murmured, his voice filled with tenderness. "You can never unlove me. I'm not only in your heart, but in your soul. And so are you."

Ishan's heart raced as Shubman traced his lips with a gentle touch, his words sending a jolt of electricity through Ishan's veins.

"Give me another chance Ishan,Open to me,Show me your scars.I want to see how many times I hurt you or I should be with you.I want to heal them one by one."

"You're playing a dangerous game, Shubman," Ishan breathed, his voice barely a whisper, as he instinctively backed away.

But Shubman followed, step by deliberate step, until Ishan's retreat was halted by the solid barrier of the wall behind him. "I know," Shubman murmured, his voice low and husky with desire, as he closed the remaining distance between them. "But I can't help it, Ishan. I want you. And I know you want me too, even if you won't admit it."

Ishan's heart hammered in his chest as Shubman loomed closer, the heat of his breath mingling with Ishan's own. "I don't want you to kiss me, Shubman," Ishan protested weakly, even as his body betrayed him, leaning in ever so slightly towards Shubman's irresistible pull.

Shubman's lips brushed against Ishan's ear, sending shivers down his spine as he whispered, "But you secretly wish I would, don't you?" His words hung in the air, a tantalizing invitation that Ishan couldn't ignore.

As Shubman leaned in closer, his lips tantalizingly close to Ishan's, he couldn't resist a mischievous grin. "Is that a bulge I feel, Ishan?" he teased, his voice low and playful, sending a rush of heat to Ishan's cheeks.

Ishan's eyes widened in embarrassment, his cheeks flushing crimson as he stumbled over his words. "Sh-Shubman, that's not—" he stammered, but his protest fell on deaf ears as Shubman continued to close the gap between them.

"Just admit it, Ishan," Shubman murmured, his breath hot against Ishan's skin. "You want this as much as I do."

Ishan's heart pounded in his chest as Shubman's words echoed in his mind. He knew he shouldn't give in, that he couldn't let himself be swayed by Shubman's charm. But as Shubman's lips hovered just inches from his own, Ishan couldn't help but feel the undeniable pull of desire.

For a moment, it felt as though Shubman might indeed kiss him and Ishan's heart raced with a mixture of fear and anticipation. But then, just as quickly as he had closed the distance between them, Shubman pulled back, his gaze searching Ishan's for any sign of discomfort.

"I won't do anything you're not willingly giving, Ishan," Shubman reassured him, his voice soft and sincere. "I respect you too much for that. But know this, my darling—But I'll always be here, waiting for you to finally give in."

With a lingering gaze, Shubman retreated to his room, leaving Ishan standing there, torn between desire and the walls he had built to protect himself.