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Shubman and Ishan attending the event separately just so they don't come off as suspicious. Shubman and Ishan, who are actually married. Not everyone knows, obviously. But it doesn't go amiss how Abhishek drapes his hand around Shubman's arm giving a pointed look at Ishan, daring him to do something about it. Ishan thoroughly unimpressed by his antics, though also just slight bit annoyed because Abhishek should know better than hanging off of his husband like that. Who cares if that's also his bestfriend? Not Ishan!
***
And things definitely don't go amiss when Shubman's name gets called on to receive Cricketer of the Year and Ishan has this big proud smile on his face, already pulling out his phone to capture the moment.
***
Of course, the seating arrangements had them separated far apart. But it's never much effort for Shubman to have someone switch seats with him. And that's how he ends up right beside Ishan, shoulder-to-shoulder. And then nothing mattered. It was just them. Oh God, maybe it wasn't the best idea to be so close to Ishan for him. Because now, anyone with eyes can see the kind of look Shubman had reserved just for the sight of his darling husband. Oh! God bless this lovestruck fool!
***
At one moment as they are sitting together, Shubman has one arm around Ishan's shoulder, keeping him close. That wasn't the part to be most noted, it's normal to do that. But then Shubman's another hand gets too close to the camera panning towards them, giving the audience a full display of the shining silver band on his ring finger. It might seem like just an ordinary accessory to pair the look with. But it's far more significant than that. No, no. This wasn't their wedding band. They both decided to keep those in safe cases fearing losing them. This was a "commitment ring" as Shubman himself liked to it. He had gotten these rings after one of the first matches he played without Ishan by his side after getting into the relationship. It was a difficult week for both of them and there were not enough words shared, not enough communication happening. And so one day he should up at Ishan's place at 2 in the morning, straight from the airport and a small dark blue box i hand.
"This is not just a promise, they are far easier to break. This is me committing to you like I have done years ago to this game." That's what he had said.
And now as the ring glints and shines in front of the camera, he is once again reminded of how lucky must he consider himself not just for the award, but the prize he had already won over beside him.
***
It was not even intentional. A force of habit you can call it even. They were both focused on the stage and almost like a muscle memory Shubman's hand somehow landed up on Ishan's knees. He has done this a million times. He used to do it while travelling in team bus, a harmless gesture. He used to do it even as they were among friends and teammates during hangouts. They do it even now when they get whatever small amount of time to just truly exist around each other. Be it having a nice dinner at their apartment or if they watching a movie or even if they are doing nothing but just sit together. A very harmless gesture that even Ishan doesn't pay much mind to. Until one of the BCCI staff, they both know comes to their table, Leaning in bit too close to Ishan, like he can just whisper whatever it is to Ishan. It was just a simple Congratulations really. But also 2 whole minutes of him saying how much he admires Ishan not only for his game but also his perseverance. Ishan just politely thanked him but Shubman. The lack of space between them had already caused irrevocable damage to his heart. And that when he does it. Firstly removing the hand from the knee in the pretence of adjusting his suit jacket. and then keeping it back on ishan's leg.
Now, higher.
Much higher.
Ishan's breath hitches, not even noticeable but Shubman felt in under his touch and can't help the small smirk forming on his lips.
"Shub?!" Ishan warns but he just looks back with a small smile on his face. Shubman can't wait to go back home to HIS husband. Because of course they will have to leave separately too.