Suspended in Time

Seated at the elegantly set table, Kao awaited Nil's arrival with an air of anticipation, his features etched with curiosity.

"Nill, where have you been? I've been waiting," he inquired upon Nil's arrival.

Nil, his voice tinged with skepticism, countered, "Don't pretend you were simply waiting. You were lost in a world of your own with that Lava."

Detecting a metaphorical fire in their exchange, Kao remarked casually, "Something is burning; I can smell it," as he leisurely reached to unbutton Nil's shirt. "Let me see."

Pushing Kao's hand away defensively, Nil retorted, "What are you doing? We're in a public place. And jealousy has no part in this, alright. Let's focus on why you summoned me here, and..."

Intrigued by Nil's demeanor, Kao prodded further, "And what?"

With a firm tone, Nil questioned, "Strangerrrr, do you truly value my bracelet more than me?"

Kao, with a nonchalant air, replied, "Yes, any doubts?"

Nil, now with a sharp tone, pressed on, "Then why call me when you could easily summon that bracelet?"

A soft smile graced Kao's lips as he teasingly responded, "Are you suggesting you're envious of your own possessions?"

Nil, dismissive, scoffed, "Jealousy isn't even in the equation."

With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Kao interjected, "Let me see..."

Caught off guard by the sudden turn, Nil stared at him annoyingly.

Before the banter could escalate further, a waiter emerged, presenting a beautifully decorated cake adorned with the proclamation "6 months of Love" at its center.

In the midst of festivity, Nil and Kao stood shoulder to shoulder, the vibrancy of the celebration painting the air with an infectious joy. At the center, a resplendent cake awaited, beckoning to be shared in honor of their accomplishments. As they joined hands to slice the cake, a chorus of laughter and shared delight reverberated through the room, a testament to the bonds they had nurtured.

Amidst the jubilation, Nil turned to Kao with a sparkle in his eye, his voice tinged with reminiscence. "You know, Stranger, when I was unsure about heading to Thailand, I never anticipated finding something as extraordinary as this... If I had known you were waiting, I wouldn't have hesitated to leave Bangladesh behind for 19 years..."

Kao, taken by surprise, chuckled softly. "Hold on, weren't you 18 just moments ago?"

Nil countered playfully, "Well, I can't remain 18 forever, can I?"

Kao sought clarification, "No, I mean your birthday. You never mentioned it."

"How could I? We barely knew each other when I arrived here on February 2nd, and my birthday was on the 18th," Nil explained, attempting to ease the situation.

Kao's expression softened as Nil assured him, "Next year, we'll celebrate together. I promise."

In the midst of their shared moments, Kim's urgent call interrupted the tranquility. Kim's urgency seeped through the phone as Nil took the call.

Kim's voice echoed with insistence, "We need you here as soon as possible. And make sure to inform Kao too."

Curious about Kim's instruction, Nil sought clarification.

"Why do you want me to inform P. Kao?" Nil inquired, a hint of confusion lacing his words.

Kim's response held a knowing tone, "Don't feign ignorance. I'm aware he's with you. His phone is switched off, and let's be honest, it's often the case whenever he's around you."

A subtle smile graced Nil's lips as he ended the call, an unspoken understanding lingering in the air. Turning to Kao, he couldn't help but voice his curiosity, "Do you have your phone on?" Nil inquired.

"Switch off," Kao replied.

"Why?" Nil probed further.

"Because I don't want anything to interrupt our moments," Kao confessed with a soft smile.

"We need to head out. Kim mentioned the studio," Nil informed Kao, filled with a palpable eagerness.

"I detest these interruptions," Kao grumbled, voicing his reluctance.

Despite his reservations, they made their way to the studio, where the entire team awaited. Kim, holding a glass of wine, gathered everyone's attention, expressing gratitude and announcing an upcoming celebration.

"Amidst this incredible journey, united as a family, Nil and Than have been exceptional. P. Kao's compositions have been pure magic. To mark our success, I propose a promotion party in a week's time. I expect all of you to join in this celebration. Thank you for your unwavering dedication," Kim announced, raising his glass in a toast to their collective achievements.

As the applause resonated in the room, Nil, with an air of charm, extended an enchanting invitation to his guests, beckoning them to grace his abode the next day. Each attendee pledged their early arrival, eager to immerse themselves in the warmth of Nil's hospitality.

In a hushed Nil expressed, "Stranger, plz bring Shian and Achara for dinner tomorrow?" Kao admitted, "But Achara is engaged in a camp gardening project tomorrow morning and won't return until a week hence."

Undeterred, Nil, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, suggested, "Ah, then perhaps your mother could join us." Kao, an embodiment of mystery, countered with a subtle disdain, "You know, she harbors no fondness for you. Witnessing her disapproval may cast a shadow over your own sanctuary."

Resilient in his pursuit of conviviality, Nil conceded, "Very well, bring Shian then. I trust there shall be no complications with his presence." Kao responded with a guarded affirmation, "Umm, yes."

Suddenly, the entrance of Than injected a pulse of unpredictability into the scene. "May I offer you a ride?" Than inquired, his demeanor radiating genuine goodwill. However, Kao, his gaze fixed upon Than, interjected with an air of possessiveness, "No need. I shall be the one to escort him. Drive safely, Than."

As Than gracefully exited, Nil turned to Kao, curiosity etched on his features. "Why do you persist in treating Than so strangely? He is a paragon of kindness and politeness," Nil questioned, his eyes searching for understanding. Kao retorted, "And why do you consistently align yourself with.''

Their banter continued an intricate dance of affection and exasperation. "Strangerrrr," Nil's playful exclamation echoed. "Nillllllllll," Kao responded, a word laced with both intrigue and exclamation.

Amidst the tension, Nil, with a gentle touch, teased, "Tumi ekdom impossible (You are Impossible), Stranger." Kao, adorned with a touch of amusement, asked, "Whatt...Tumi...Tumi..."

In a whimsical exchange of affection, Nil, with an endearing pull, remarked, "Tumi ekdom boka (You are dumb)"

Kao, embodying a blend of passion and bewilderment, implored, "Nill, cease your enchanting Bengali banter. Alas, I comprehend it not."

Nil, reveling in the mystery, chuckled, "That's precisely why I employ it."

As they arrived at the entrance to Nil's apartment, tense anticipation hung in the air. Nil's hand hovered over the doorknob, poised to open it, when suddenly, Kao's actions caught him off guard. With a swift movement, Kao pressed him against the wall, the force of it surprising Nil. Before he could react, Kao's lips met Nil's tender lips, a collision of unexpected intimacy. Nil's eyes widened in shock, his mind racing to comprehend the sudden shift. Yet, despite his initial surprise, he found himself unable to resist as Kao's tongue delicately explored his mouth, leaving Nil both bewildered

Whispering with a mixture of caution and desire, Nil gently admonished, 'Strangerrrr, what are you doing? This is a public space. Let's retreat inside.' However, their stolen moment was interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Than.

Apologizing for the inconvenient timing, Than remarked, 'Once again, I seem to have stumbled upon the wrong moment. I'm sorry, guys.'

Quick on his feet, Nil, with a hint of nervousness, reassured, 'No, no, Strann, umm P.Kao was just attending to something, and we've concluded now.' Meanwhile, Kao shot Than a piercing glance, a mix of large-eyed surprise and latent irritation, prompting Than to gracefully withdraw.

Concern etched on his face, Nil confided, 'I told you not to engage in such displays here. How will I face him now?' In response, Kao, still brimming with unresolved emotions.

Meanwhile, Kao scooped Nil into his arms and uttered with unexpected tenderness, 'Our task remains unfinished. Let's attend to it first.' With that, he carried Nil indoors.