What are the odds

Part 1- Written by ItsJustHriddey

It would be an understatement to say that Clark was tired; who wouldn’t be after fighting countless supervillains who posed a threat to the very fabric of reality? But now, he could finally take a deep breath and relax because there were no dangers anymore for the near future, at least, a new era of peace seemed to be an uprising. The "Man of Steel" deserved vacation to not only rejuvenate but also to connect with himself, his mind and soul after almost losing himself to darkness. And what would be a better place to do the same if not the land of spirituality and philosophy itself INDIA.

Kartik woke up from a long sleep. After the huge-ass party last night, he was drunk beyond imagination, with the hangover still making him feel weird. He finally got out of the bed to make himself a cup of lemon tea to help with the hangover. After that cup of lemon tea, he felt quite good standing on the balcony and taking in the cold breeze of a December chilly morning in Delhi. He looked at his watch and realized that he has a job interview in less than two hours, so he should hurry.

Clark’s flight landed in Delhi. He planned to stay in Delhi and explore the capital city before heading out to different parts of India, with no return ticket, as for now. He had quite a lot of time on his hands to do whatever the hell wants. Although he had no jetlag because obviously, he is not human but anyway decided to take a nap in his hotel before heading out because there are no villains to fight here, or rather, he hoped so.

Kartik was more than elated as he stepped out of the interview room; he had just bagged the job of his dreams. This called for a celebration, but not in any way a big thing, just him in a bar with a glass of scotch and if he got lucky, maybe he'll get to spend the night with a hot guy because it has been so long since he did it. After his breakup a few months ago, he decided to refrain from any dating to clear his head and focus on his career.

It was evening. Clark decided to get ready and head to the bar for a few drinks. He had decided to stay at the hotel and just drink for today. Clark wore a crisp crimson shirt coupled with black trousers, not the colors superman would usually wear. Kartik also decided that it was time to head out and got ready. He chose to go with blue denim with a black t-shirt and a tan leather jacket because, oh boy, Delhi gets chilly in December at nights.

The bar was an establishment with aesthetics, a rustic vintage interior and dim lighting. Clark sat on one of the empty barstools; anyway, all of them were empty at that moment.

"One Glenfiddich, please, neat," Clark politely asked the bartender, who ever so graciously handed him the drink within the minute.

Kartik chose to come to the bar of Roseate because it was one of his favourite places to chill alone. The bar being extra expensive, was never crowded, and he could enjoy himself in peace.

At first, neither of the two noticed one another even though they were sitting just barely a metres apart, but they were engrossed in their own thoughts. Kartik ordered Chivas regal and slowly started sipping his drink.

He turned his head around to take a look at the surroundings when his eyes caught a gentleman sitting at the bar sipping what looked like scotch, and he couldn’t help but notice the defined features of the man’s face with the crimson shirt tightly hugging his what appeared to be a perfect physique. It was not only Lust or appreciation of looks he felt when he saw him but something more, and then he caught the man looking at him. Kartik quickly turned around, trying to avoid appearing like a creep.

Clark’s eye caught the young gentleman who was actually checking him out, now he was not new to people checking him out, but this particular man looked at him differently. Clark never discussed his sexuality with anyone because, one, it's his business, and second, he never really got involved so seriously with a guy that he felt the need to tell someone. He decided to approach Kartik maybe because of the drinks or, he just felt drawn to him, somehow.

"Hi, enjoying yourself?" Kartik heard a crisp yet soft voice from behind and turned around only to find the person he was ogling at sitting right beside him. At first, he felt like he should run, but he didn’t, because you never know how life turns out to be.

“Umm yes, and you?” Kartik answered with a soft smile.

“I’d say yes, I am Clark and you are?” Clark asked because what else he could first if not the name.

“Kartik,” He replied as he took another sip of his drink.

“You appear nervous, if that’s about you checking me out, then you shouldn’t worry, I didn’t mind,” Clark said, chuckling to ease up the atmosphere.

At the very moment, Kartik wanted to sprint away because it felt embarrassing, but anyway, that would be what cowards do, so he decided to reply, “I mean, how can you expect me not to check out someone like you. I mean, you are HOT. Sorry if I offended you.”

“No, you didn’t, another one?” Clark asked Kartik as both of their glasses were empty, and Kartik nodded in yes.

“Travelling?” Kartik asked Clark as their drinks arrived.

“Yes, a much-needed vacation, I’d say,” Clark replied.

“I can show you around if you’d like? Forgive me if I am being too forward” Kartik said and received in return a chuckle from superman which obviously, he didn’t know.

“I’d like that. Who wouldn’t like a company in a totally strange country?” Clark said, making Kartik smile as their drinks arrived, and they both started drinking, not saying anything but just looking at each other straight into the eyes.

After all, what are the odds that superman might fall deeply in love with this chocolate boy from Delhi? But, you never know what happens because, after all, it's true when they say, Soulmates are made in heaven.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Part 2- Written by Sudharies

Clark geared up with vigour the successive day for a long span of exploration with Kartik and. if he had to be honest, he was actually looking forward to spending time with him. He had intended to unwind in a new place with new acquaintances and, he was caught off guard when he bumped into an attractive guy like him the very first day. Kartik was tall, amiable, bubbly, coupled with a charismatic smile that made him go weak in the knees, hence when he dressed up in a crisp black cotton shirt with beige slacks, he checked himself out in the mirror more than he cared to admit. Upon a text from Kartik, he fastened the shoulder straps of his rucksack and headed down to find him merrily chattering with an old guard in front of the gates as he anticipated his arrival. The moment their eyes met, his face eased up with a broad grin, and together they took off in a cab.

Kartik had a few days break before he joined his new job, so he was thrilled about being an interim tourist guide, especially for a stunner like that. His feelings of attraction were out in the open from the word go. Besides, Clark's nonchalance towards his subtle flirting only intensified it further. He'd some inklings where foreigners would prefer to visit, so he based his interests on spots with rich architectural and historical heritage. They covered India Gate, Qutub Minar, Jumma masjid, Hauz Khaas over the first couple of days. Clark moved like a gazelle amongst the thronging visitors, zippier than an average that it was pretty amusing to watch him swivel around the sculptures, clicking pictures from all angles.

Clark could've never got a better companion or guide, he was convinced of that within his first few hours of sightseeing. Kartik was well versed with the history of the capital city, that he knew where to go, how to go, and he went the extra mile in whatever he partook in. Above all, Kartik knew how to keep him entertained throughout a day, that there was hardly a dull moment. In consequence, there were times when Kartik caught him smiling to himself; he waved solely, stating that travelling makes him happy. 

 Towards the end of an enjoyable day of sightseeing, they decided to round things with a Dhaba meal. They stepped indoors to bask in the visual treat of folk dance with a pulsating rhythm, women in glinting lehengas twirling in high spirits that Kartik indulged along brimming with passion, his body lean and flexible that his steps flowed so much at ease. Clark gawked at him as his hips swayed gracefully in perfect sync to the beat, as though there was an exclusive spotlight on him, absolutely smitten. Once the song ended, Kartik caught his eyes, who sat sipping a glass of bhang, hooked to his every move. With a knowing smirk, Kartik moved back, grabbed the chilly drink himself and chugged down a few gulps as he settled in his seat. 

"Like what you see?" He winked, throwing a teasing smile at Clark, who soberly chortled. Excess bhang led him to such a senseless state that he collapsed and if he sensed Clark carrying him effortlessly back to his hotel room, as though he were featherlight, he brushed it off as an illusion.

On their final day, towards afternoon, Kartik swept drops of moisture spiralling down his brows after hours of walking around the Lodhi Garden, devouring the wonderful Mughal architecture in their lens, he felt a short refreshments break would do good. It always surprised him how Clark, from a significantly colder country, hardly broke a sweat. There was a small chai shop right outside the venue. Kartik stood smiling with all the patience in the world as Clark took awhile to pick a cardamom-chai. Eventually, when the earthen teacups came, he displayed how to blow off the steam and sip the hot beverage as predicted, it tasted wonderful.

Dusk was spreading across the horizon when they called it a day, subsequently on their way back the cars were lined up for a mile on the highway, leading to boredom and droopy eyes. Kartik slumped against him in his sleep, and his head lolled onto his shoulder. An unusual peace washed over him with the warmth radiating from the proximity of his companion. Just when the cab halted in front of Kartik's doorstep, he surged up to the whisper of his name in his ears. He stared at him groggily, his eyes landing on his hands that were wrapped around Clark’s arm, at once the air thick with sexual tension. "Wanna come in?" He posed. Nonetheless, it came as a blow when Clark declined his offer in an uncertain fix and stung by the refusal, he barged off without a second glance. 

Thereupon, Kartik spent an entire month immersed in his work, though he was busy flashes of his time with Clark flitted across his memory at times, despite the cold way it ended. He had no option but to move on with a heavy heart, thence when he received a call from him out of the blue, willing to meet, his chest constricted with an overwhelming elation. Clark had clocked in earlier at the restaurant, and for real, the air got knocked out of his lungs the minute those elevator doors opened, revealing a beautiful Kartik. After the initial pleasantries, there was an uncomfortable pause since Kartik stared around, unsure of how to go from here. That's when Clark took it in his hands.

"So, Kartik, how was your week?" Kartik always liked the way he pronounced his name. 

"Absolutely great. And how was your northwest tour?" Clark smiled at that, as he was expecting this question so that he could turn the tide. 

"It was awfully boring," he grunted, rolling his eyes heavenwards. 

"Why? You enjoyed travelling more than anything, I believe?" 

"I thought I did. But without you, it just wasn't the same. I realized what I enjoyed most was being with you." He took a deep breath, "Would you like to go out on a date with me?" 

"Thought you'd never ask," Kartik beamed, crashing their lips together.

Beta Reader : oye_nakhrewaali