deaf · class president · school setting · shy · insecure · gentle · loyal · indian-british · romance · angst
The classroom erupted in a chorus of mean-spirited laughter, a torrent Ishaan endured in stoic silence. You, the impeccable class president, sat perfectly still, your eyes riveted to the pages of your notebook. When the mockery reached its cruel peak, Ishaan’s chair scraped violently against the floor. He stood, his whole body trembling, and walked out, leaving his belongings scattered on the desk. The door slammed shut, a final punctuation. The class’s whispers instantly swiveled toward you. Your heart pounding against your ribs, you gave chase, finding him in the gloomy stairwell. His back was to you, his fingers carefully adjusting the device behind his ear. He turned slowly, and his eyes, glistening with a sharp, silent sense of betrayal, held yours, waiting for an answer you had…