Through The Years - A Shraman SS - Page 2

Originally posted by: akrocks77

Hey!!

Great start ...!

Do continue soon

Originally posted by: vimikrao

It was lovely story

Shravan kissed Sumo aren't they 6 and 8 yrs old😆

Waiting for next one

Age 18

One month.

That's all I get.

One freaking month.

That's the time I have left to spend with my best friend before he is off to London.

This is stupid!

Stupid!

Stupid!

Stupid!

X-X-X-X-X

I had just finished my last exam for 9th standard and was walking towards the school gate, happy because one, the exam went really well and two, the vacations had officially started and I would get more time to spend with Shravan.

Shravan was waiting for me at the school gate, as usual, but what was not usual was the sullen look on his face, which was totally unexpected because my best friend is freaking weird because he legit likes studying and his exams always go well so at the end of the exam he has his megawatt smile on display that seriously makes me want to punch him.

"Hey! Why the long face, Shravan? Did someone say anything to you? Who do I need to punch?" I asked, ready to kick anyone's butt who dared to poke fun at him.

See the thing is Shravan is a nerd through and through and he loves that! He doesn't feel bad when people go around calling him a nerd in school, in fact, he takes pride in that and I love that about him. But with his nerdiness comes a lot of problems, for example, he is the constant target for ridicule by his so-called "popular" classmates who just love to tease him and this stupid friend of mine, listens to what they have to say and then walks away quietly.
It used to happen a lot in the beginning and he never said a word to me but one-day things got a little more heated during lunch break and I came to know about it from one of my friends and when I reached there and saw how they were insulting him, all hell broke loose because I literally punched their "leader" in the face for messing with my best friend which resulted with him receiving a black eye and a bruised face and me with a one-week suspension. When mom and dad got to know about my suspension they were furious with me but when I told them why I got the suspension well, they were mad at me but they definitely had smiles on their faces when they were saying they were disappointed with my behaviour. But from that day on, I was known as the so-called "bully" of the school and anyone and everyone knew not to mess with Suman Tiwari's friends, especially her best friend because even if they looked at him the wrong way I would come after them, consequences be damned.

So when he answered my question, I was in full-on Sumo Wrestler mode before I realized what was happening.

"My dad?"

"Okay, let's go - Wait, what?" I asked realizing what he said. "Why in the world do you want me to punch your dad?"

"Suman..." he sighed and I knew. He always called me Suman when he wanted to tell me something that he knew I wasn't going to like.

"What is it, Shravan?" I asked tensed.

"Dad wants me to go to Oxford University to pursue further studies." He said quietly.

"That's... that's great news, right? I mean, you want to do Law and Oxford has an amazing program with stellar placement. Don't you want it?" I asked not realizing how this could be bad news. I mean yes, my best friend won't be here with me for four years but I'll manage... Somehow.

"The thing is Sumo, I'm leaving after the vacation."

"WHAT?!"

"I'm leaving at the end of the next month."

"But... But that is so soon! Why do you need to go next month? And what about school? What about your 12th? You need to do your 12th, Shravan! You can't just drop this bomb on me! What about me?! What will I do when you won't be around?!" I questioned

"Sumo..." His voice quivered and I knew just from that one word that he was going to break if I didn't keep check of my emotions.

"It's... It's okay, Shravan." I said quietly. "We'll figure it out. We always do, right?"

He nodded his head before turning around and walking out the gate to the familiar path that leads home.

X-X-X-X-X

And that's how we ended here, walking on the sidewalk side-by-side lost in our thoughts, trying to figure out ways to delay his leaving us.

"Sumo..." Shravan calls out to me.

I know what he is trying to do. He is trying to distract from my thoughts, a fact he knows that I am obsessing over. Stupid know-it-all best friend.

"Sumo!" I feel him poke me in the side.

"Ow!" I exclaim in surprise rather than pain. I give a bored glare at him and walk a little faster than him.

"Sumo," he drags the O, singing it while he goes. He had this goofy grin on his face, the one he knew I could never resist and often used it against me when I was mad at him. I shook my head, feigning irritation.

I was not paying attention to where I was walking, focused more on the sidewalk, as I was walking with my head down, so when he lightly pushed me, I lost my balance. It just so happened that I was walking on the side closest to the road, I stumbled onto the street just as a guy on a motorcycle sped around the corner and was coming for me.

I froze, unable to respond to my fight or flight instincts, though, if I had, I really wished not to have fought with the motorcycle. I closed my eyes, bracing for the impact when I felt someone grab and pull me back on the sidewalk so quick that I fell down on the ground, hard.

"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR FREAKING MIND?!" Shravan shouted. "Why the hell didn't you move?!" I turned my head to see him. Lines marred his forehead in worry and he was breathing hard, that was when I realized that he was the one to pull me back.

I opened my mouth to answer him but to my absolute horror, a whimper escaped my lips.

In a second, his face softened and he pulled me into his arms. "Shh..." He shushed me, his one hand stroking my hair softly and the other rubbing up and down my back. It took me a minute but I realized I was shaking from the adrenaline rush.

I pulled away from him, running my hands through my uniform trying to straighten it.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

I nodded and we both stood up. "Thank you for saving me," I said quietly.

"Don't thank me," he said with a pained expression on his face. "It was my fault."

"It was my fault for having lost my balance."

"It's my fault because I pushed you in the first place!" he argued, frustrated.

"Well, it is my fault I was lost in my own world."

"It's my fault, I should have told you the news once we reached home."

"It's my fault - wait a minute, what are we fighting about, again?"

"About whose fault it is that you were almost hospitalized, or probably dead, a minute ago!" he said giving me an exasperated look.

"Okay," I said finally, after much consideration. "This is the stupidest fight we have ever had."

He paused for a minute before laughing and nodding his head in agreement. "You're right, though I still won."

"Yes, Mr Malhotra you won the first prize for the 'Stupidest Fight Award' and 'Pushing Your Friend to Death Award', happy? Shall I get you a medal, a cup or a shield to commemorate this day?" I ask sarcastically, raising one eyebrow in question before turning around and continued walking home, dejected about the outcome in one month.

What is this weird feeling I'm feeling since Shravan told me he was leaving for Oxford? Why am I feeling like I am losing something important?

X-X-X-X-X

We both stood facing each other in his room and I have my arms crossed as a protective mechanism when he walks towards me and backs me gently against the wall. I could feel his breath on my face.

"Look at me," he whispered intently. Even though my face was turned towards him, my eyes were fixed on the floor as if it was the most interesting thing in the room.

"Look at me." his voice was deeper and more insistent when he repeated. When I did, he finally spoke, his eyes glistening with a fiery intensity and he didn't take them off me for a second.

"You think I don't want you?" His brown eyes were brimming with desire as I looked into them for several seconds. He looked at me for a few more moments, his eyes conflicting as he tries to decide something. His eyes cleared from confusion and he shook his head in disbelief before he lowered his mouth and slowly licked my lips before kissing me passionately.

Before I know it, my legs are wrapped around his waist and my hands wrap around his neck. His taste alone is enough to leave me breathless, the movement of his lips against mine is enough to keep me that way. My senses are all over the place and I can't seem to get a grip. All I can do is kiss him back while burying my fingers in his thick hair.

________________________________

I jolt awake, my heart thundering as I realize that it was just a dream... Holy shit! What was that? Why was I dreaming of Shravan kissing me with so much intensity? But most of all, why am I hoping that it was not a dream but a reality? What is happening?

"Suman!" I'm brought out of my thoughts when I hear my mother call me. She comes in the room calling me once more.

"Suman. You are still not awake?! It's 11.30am! Weren't you supposed to be at the Malhotra Mansion at 10 because you wanted to spend the last day with Shravan?"

"Oh shit!" I jerk up sitting on the bed. "Maaa" I whine. "Why didn't you wake me up earlier?" I quickly get out of bed and rush around in my room to grab my clothes before running into the bathroom to have the quickest shower known to mankind.

Suman Tiwari, you are so screwed.

X-X-X-X-X

By the time I rush into the Malhotra's living room, it is almost 1:30 and all of them are sitting at the dining table eating lunch. My eyes quickly scan and find Shravan sitting at his usual place, and judging by his expression I have a lot of making up to do.

"Suman!" I hear Ramnath Uncle call out to me in barely concealed amusement. He raises one eyebrow at me letting me know that Shravan is mad at me and he is enjoying the predicament that I am going to be in because I outed him last week when he was trying to sneak in extra sweets.

Yeah, yeah I know that you know I am screwed and totally enjoying it. I raise my eyebrow back in answer. But don't worry... I'll take care of you after I'm done.

I see that smirk slowly disappearing when he realizes that maybe being happy is not the best for him. Giving a small victorious smile when Nirmala Aunty calls out a stern "Ram" in warning. I make quick work and take my usual seat, beside Shravan and when I see what is for lunch a small appreciative groan leaves my mouth before I can help it.

"Suman Puttar," Lalaji called out laughinly. "Arre kya hua? Tu toh khaane ko vaise delkh rahi hai jaise Bhaisab meethe ko dekhte hai."

A snort escapes us all adults and kids at that statement, while Ramnath Uncle just glares at him.

"Voh Lalaji, actually mein late uthi thi aur jaldi- jaldi mein breakfast nahi kara," I say sheepishly.

"Late uthi thi matlab?" Nirmala Aunty inquires in a worried voice. "Tabiyat toh theek hai na?"

"Haan voh, actually..." I trail off when I feel Shravan's eyes on me. From my peripheral I see his eyebrows pulled and concern shining brightly. "Kal raat ko pata nahi kya hua achanak se sar main bahut dard ho raha tha aur thoda se chakkar bhi aa raha the, toh Ma ne dawai dekar sula diya aur mujhe pata bhi nahi chala ki kab itna time ho gaya." I murmured quietly because I know I am going to be bombared with questions from the whole family any minute.

"Chakkar aa rahe the?!"

"Sar main dard!?"

"Ab tu theek toh hai?!"

"Tu akeli ayi hai na?!"

"Oh SHUSH!" I shout, shutting them all up. "Main bilkul theek hu bas ek-do din se theek se neend nahi aa rahi thi aur kuch nahi. Aur haan main akeli ayi hu, matlab ab puri paltan ko utha kar lau?" I huff, crossing my arms and leaning back on the dining tale chair and staring all of them down.

"Par-"

"Par kuch nahi." I interrupt Ramnath Uncle. "I am absolutely fine. Aur haan, if all of you are done can I please eat? I am dying from this hunger," I say dramatically.

Once everybody is satisfied that I am in fact okay, I quickly plate the biryani and chicken curry that had my mouth watering and quickly spoon the first bite and eat it, a moan escaping me in appreciation of the flavours bursting in my mouth.

"Chal drama band kar." Nirmala Aunty says laughing.

"Drama nahi Aunty, saccha pyaar hai yeh khana." I declared taking another bite.

"Bhukkad." Pushkar retorts.

"Tujhse kam." Kamini Chachi replies quickly, whacking him on the head. I stick my tongue out at him in reply.

As I am about to take the third bite, I feel a small pressure on my knee and realize that Shravan is pressing his knee against mine. The dream I had is still vivid in my mind as I look up at him and raise my eyebrows in question, trying to keep my calm. His eyes swim with the question, asking if I am okay or just said that to pacify his family. I slowly blink to reassure him that I am fine. The worry clears from his eyes, as he gives me a small barely there nod in acknowledgement and goes back to eating his lunch.

X-X-X-X-X

It's a long chapter so scroll down to read more!

After lunch Ramnath Uncle called Shravan in his room because he wanted to talk to him so making myself scarce I am now in his room, face down near the foot of his bed, clutching one of the pillows and covered with his duvet as my dream keeps playing in my mind again and again. I try to make sense of what it meant. I mean, it is Shravan my best friend since childhood and I have never thought of him like that.

But then why did you like that dream so much, Sumo?

Why were you sad when you woke up?

Why did your heart thunder?

Why is your heart beating fast when you think about it?

Why are you short of breath whenever you think about wrapping your legs around Shravan's waist?

What happens to you when you think about burying your fingers in his hair?

"Sumo!" I'm broken out of my thought process when Shravan's booming voice reaches me.

"Huh... Haan? Kya hua?" I ask dazed still in my thoughts.

"Kitni der se bula raha hu tumhe? Are you okay? And why do you look so flushed?" He asks eyes roaming around my face.

I lick my lips to wet them and notice Shravan's eyes move to mouth before he quickly brings them back up. What was that?

"Oh... nothing. Bas burrito ki tarah apne aap ko blanket mein wrap kara hai no thoda garam ho gaya ho gaya with me being hot and all you know," I say nonchalantly.

His brows furrow in doubt when he looks at me. "Are you sure you are okay? Nahi, I mean tum aur hot? Please."

It takes me a minute to register what he said and all but get ready to attack him but then I realize that he is leaving in a few hours and I sit back on the bed with the pillow now on my lap, my sad mood returning like a freight train. He sits beside me on the bed and nudges my shoulder.

"What happened?"

"Nothing."

"Sumo." He called out in a chiding tone.

"Just - I'm sad okay!" I say in a huff raising my hands in frustration. "Is that what you wanted to hear?"

"You're sad? Like really? I thought you would be happy that I am not around to irritate you. I know I am happy that I won't have to see your face anymore."

I don't know why, but my eyes well up with tears and that is how I glare at him. The smirk that was on his face disappeared in an instant replaced by pure and utter panic.

"Fine then!" I get up to walk out of his room when he catches hold of my hand and pulls me back on the bed and puts his left arm around the back of my shoulder and the right one in, squishing me.

"Hey," he says softly, wiping away the tears that had managed to escape. "Why the tears?"

"I don't know," I say honestly, sniffing. "I knew this was going to happen and I thought I was ready for it but what will do without you, Shravan? You've been here since I can remember and now you won't be here. I guess it is just hitting me that you won't be a phone call away anymore."

My head is on his shoulder and his chin is on my head as one hand rubs my back to calm me down.

"You know I am scared of the same thing but more than you could imagine."

"What do you mean?" I pull my head back to sit up straight so that I can look at him properly.

"I'm going away, Sumo. A completely new place, a new world, new friends and all of you will be here in India. I'm scared. How will I adjust to all of that?"

"Okay, listen to me, Shravan Malhotra," I say sternly grabbing his face in between my palms, stirred by the doubt I hear in his voice. " First of all, you will make new friends, even though I am the only best friend you are allowed to have and I swear to God, if you find another best friend, I will personally come there and kill you and second of all you are Shravan, the guy who was always there when I needed you, the guy who was tough enough to listen to people insult him on his face and walk away without a care in the world, the guy who is not ashamed to embrace his nerdiness or flaunt it for that matter. You are an absolutely amazing person and you are going to rock the hell out of Oxford. Are we clear?"

"Yes." He shakes his head up and down like a bobble-head.

"And even though we are not the literal phone call away from each other anymore, you can always call me whenever it gets tough for you there and if anybody troubles you just call me, I don't care what the time is, I will give them a verbal lashing they will remember for the rest of the life. Cool?"

"Cool." He says giving me his mega-watt smile.

X-X-X-X-X

We both spend the rest of the day re-checking his bag and going through the checklist to make sure he has everything and then lounging around in his house, spending time with all the Malhotra Clan and then later on my entire family comes here to spend some time with Shravan.

Since both the families are here, dinner was served buffet style with us kids sitting on the floor, eating our dinner with our back to the sofa and all the oldies on the dining table. It's a bitter-sweet moment for all of us because even though we are happy that Shravan has gotten such a wonderful opportunity we are all going to miss him terribly.

Once again we are back in the seating area, all of us reminiscing about the old days when Shravan gets up to go to his room and brings out the bags.

It's time.

Shravan didn't want all of us at the airport so it is just Ramnath Uncle, Varun Bhaiya, Pushkar and me who are going to the airport with him.

A lot of tears were shed, especially from Nirmala Aunty and Kamini Chachi. Those two cried so much. Shravan took blessings from Nanu and all the other elders. When he walked up to my parents, Dad pulled him in a man-hug of sorts and patted his back all the while sporting a proud smile on his face. Mom pulled him into her infamous bear hug and held onto to him for a minute before caressing his face and kissing his forehead, bidding him goodbye.

____________________________________

We are now in the car, Ramnath Uncle is driving and I sit in the passenger seat because Varun Bhaiya and Pushkar wanted to sit with Shravan in the back. Everybody is quiet, not even the radio is on and you can feel the heavy silence as we reach closer to our destination. Before we know it we are the airport and Shravan is taking out his bags and putting them on the trolley.

"Carry on?" Ramnath Uncle asks.

"Here," Shravan replies, patting the bag.

"Phone?"

"Check."

"Wallet?"

"In the bag."

"Passport and tickets?"

"Here." He says patting his coat.

Ramnath Uncle stares at him for a minute before pulling him into a hug. "I'm so very proud of you, Shravan."

Varun Bhaiya and Pushkar are next, both of them giving him a version of the man-hug before pulling away so as to not get emotional. Guess who is failing miserably?

Shravan walks and stands in front of me, his eyes glassy. "Hey," he whispers, his voice cracking with emotion.

"Hey," I reply, my voice no better than his.

"Miss me?"

"Not at all," I say sniffing once again.

"Don't go around making a new best friend."

"Puh-lease, that was the first thing to do on my agenda."

We both stare at each other for a minute before he grabs me by my arms and pulls me into a bone-crushing hug. We don't know how long we hug for, all I know is that it was too short.

He says bye to us one last time. As he walks to the entrance of the airport, an arm comes around my shoulder and look up to see Ramnath Uncle beside me as he holds me in a side hug as we watch Shravan walk away. Glancing at us one last time before he enters the threshold and disappears from our sight.

X-X-X-X-X-X

Ta-da! Happy New Year, everyone! It feels good to be back to Shraman and to be writing about them once again. I hope you all have enjoyed this Chapter!

As always VOTE & COMMENT!

Until the next chapter...