[Steel]

Chapter 1: First Threads

The sun dipped low over the city, painting the sky orange as Ishaan leaned against the exit gate, watching Abhi shuffle out with his backpack slung low. 

The kid looked like a lost puppy, head down, avoiding the jeers of passing boys. Ishaan pushed off the wall, his sneakers scuffing the gravel as he fell into step beside him.

"Yo, Abhi, wait up," he called, voice slick with fake warmth. Abhi flinched but stopped, peering up through his bangs. "What do you want, Ishaan?"

"Chill dude, just wanna talk," Ishaan said, slinging an arm around Abhi's shoulders. 

"You're coming over to my place tomorrow, right?" Abhi nodded hesitantly, he'd agreed last week for a group assignment, too scared to say no.

Ishaan grinned, "Good. Then you gotta bring something exciting." 

Abhi raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t you say she cooks well? How about asking her to make something for us?”

“Er… sure, but-”

“What’s your favourite dish of hers?” Ishaan cut in before Abhi could finish.

Abhi scratched his head. “Her paneer curry, I’d say. That’s the best.”

"Oh yeah? Tell her to pack extra," Ishaan said. He didn't give a shit about the food. It was an excuse, a thread to pull her closer. He’d seen her again that morning, dropping Abhi off before heading to work in a navy saree that hugged every curve. His cock throbbed the moment the wind brushed the cloth aside, revealing her navel. He’d had to step behind a tree and adjust himself. She was a tease without even trying.

They walked in silence for a bit, the buzz of autorickshaws and street vendors filling the air.

Ishaan leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low, taunting whisper, "Your mom's too hot to be stuck with a boring old man, you know." 

Abhi squirmed, the words sinking into him like poison. He'd never thought of his mom that way, she was his rock, his safe place.

"Stop talking nonsense Ishaan, my parents are happily married." He mumbled. Ishaan's eyes glinted. 

"Marriage don't mean shit when a guy's got game dumbass." Ishaan clapped him on the back, hard enough to make him stumble as they reached Abhi's street.

"See you tomorrow. Don't forget the food, or I'll come get it myself," He winked and sauntered off, leaving Abhi staring after him.