Acceptance heals everything

Part 72. Tremors Within

When Maya left the room, it was just them.

Rohit badly wanted to ask Virat how he was feeling or something, like anything just to get him to talk. He was about to call his name when he noticed weight on his shoulder.

Virat's head was resting against his shoulder, his eyes were closed. Rohit could feel the tension in the room but he was glad that Virat was seeking some support at least.

"I so wish I could turn back time and return to the normal life which was you being by my side", Rohit heard Virat's low voice, he was glad that at least he said something instead of being silent. The silence scared him.

Rohit held his hand, "Vi, I am by your side, then, now and forever no matter what", he said firmly wanting Virat to believe that.

"Ro, I am sorry- I just never thought someone would do this to you because of me. I am really sorry Ro", Rohit could feel Virat's tears on his shoulder, he wanted to tell him it's not his fault but instead he let him cry.

It was so important for Virat to let his emotions out even if it was crying- it was important. He had hidden so much of it within him for so long, this was much needed.

"I miss myself, I miss us Ro-- I miss my family", said Virat shedding tears on Rohit's shoulder.

Rohit sat there supporting him silently and consoling him in between that it was not his fault and it was okay but Virat was having hard time believing his words which worried Rohit a bit.

______

On the other side KL was worried about Virat, he noticed how silent he was and he also noticed him flinching once or twice to which Jassi calmed him down.

"Where are you lost? Have your lunch", Shreyas said seeing KL lost in thoughts.

Jassi looked at KL who was looking tensed, "What's wrong K?", he asked softly.

"Something is wrong, and I can't understand what it is. Virat Bhai is suddenly flinching at touch again. This happened months ago, but before this— I mean, before the accident— he was normal around everyone; this reaction was didn't exist. Now, suddenly, it's back, and I'm not able to understand what happened recently," KL said worriedly.

Jassi knew what was wrong but he didn't know if he should tell them. Virat had trusted him and had specifically told him not to say anything to KL and Rohit.

Thankfully KL received a call, so he didn't ask any questions to him.

Ash and Jaddu came there but Shreyas noticed how Jassi immediately got up, "I will just check on Rohit bhai and Virat bhai", he left from there saying that.

Shreyas went behind him while Ash and Jaddu were having lunch.

"Jassi what's wrong?", asked Shreyas grabbing his arm and taking him to their room.

"Nothing is wrong Shrey", Jassi said not looking at him.

Shreyas sighed, "Jassi I know there is something which is bothering you— I saw you getting stiff at when KL said about something is wrong with Virat bhai, was it?", he asked.

Jassi took a deep breath and told him everything.

"How could they say that?", Shreyas asked him in disbelief.

"Can you blame them if we are being honest? We can't even imagine how they managed to stay sane without Virat bhai and Rohit bhai, we are talking about them being best friends for more than a decade Shrey— I mean their words are wrong and insensitive but we have to understand from their side as well"

"I know— I understand Jas, but the way Virat bhai's mind is right now, it's in such a fragile state— it would have affected a lot more than we think"

"I know and then he requested me not to tell Rohit bhai and KL anything because they would directly talk to Jaddu bhai and Ash bhai which would make things more complicated"

"But what if you make them understand how Virat bhai heard it as it is very important that they know. They may apologise about it because that would make some progress in Virat bhai's health, it's really important Jas"

Jassi got into thinking that he was right, if things stay hidden-- it would make things worse.

________

"Want to try and eat something Vi? You and I both have to take medications", Rohit said softly breaking the silence.

Virat got up taking support of the bed and freshened up telling KL to bring food for both of them. KL helped Rohit once Virat was done.

"Vi, do you want to meet Anu and Vamika?", Rohit asked softly when they had half of their meal.

He knew it was extremely difficult, beyond anything he could have imagined, but reuniting his best friend with his family was so important to him.

Rohit for a sec caught himself while thinking, Best Friend? or may be ex-best friend.

He was not sure remembering Virat's last conversation about them being friends.

Virat just looked down, not knowing how to answer that.

"Vi, I am asking something", Rohit said again.

Virat looked up and Rohit and Rohit could notice the vulnerability in his eyes, he hadn't seen emotions in his eyes for a very long time; he didn't know whether to feel happy or sad about it.

Before Rohit could ask anything, Virat's phone rang.

Virat washed his hands and answered it, Rohit noticed his face losing going pale all of a sudden.

Virat's phone slipped from his hand as he stared ahead, wide-eyed. "Virat, what happened?" Rohit asked, as he was sitting in front of him.

"I... I can't..." Virat stammered, his breath coming in short gasps. His hand shook uncontrollably.

"Calm down, Virat. Breathe with me," Rohit said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Slow down, it's okay. Just breathe."

But Virat couldn't hear him. His heart raced, his chest tightening as panic overwhelmed him. "I... I can't breathe," he whispered, his eyes darting around the room in panic.

"Virat, look at me! Breathe, slowly..." Rohit urged, his voice firm but filled with concern.

Virat tried a lot, he tried to follow Rohit but everything was getting more and more tough for him to register, his eyes filled with tears registering the panic in his chest.

Rohit tried again, holding Virat's hands, "Hey, hey, it's okay. Just breathe, Virat. I'm here," Rohit said "Look at me. Deep breaths, in and out, slowly."

But Virat's breaths were coming faster, his eyes wide with panic. "I can't... Rohit... I... it's too much," he stammered, his voice barely a whisper, his hands clutching his chest.

But Virat's eyes glazed over as the room began to spin. "I can't... I can't do this," he muttered, his body having no energy to hold on anymore.

"Stay with me, Virat! Just hold on!" Rohit said desperately, trying to keep him steady, but before he could do anything more, Virat's body went limp, slipping into unconsciousness.

"Virat!" Rohit shouted, his voice filled with panic as Virat's body collapsed onto the bed.