MahiRat❤️ Denial's Surrender (Bl)

17. Chapter

Virat sensing the weight of Mahi's unspoken thoughts, shifted his posture slightly turning to face him more directly.

His eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and concern, sought to encourage Mahi to say "Do you want to say something?" he asked.

Mahi's eyes flickered up, meeting Virat's briefly before dropping again. "Yes actually.." he began his voice trailing off. He looked like he was grappling with his own thoughts.

Virat seeing Mahi's hesitation leaned in slightly with an earnest look. "Why are you hesitating? just tell me what you want to say" he urged softly.

Mahi took a deep breath trying to steady his nerves. "I want you to come with me".

Virat's lips pressed into thin line eyes narrowing with curiosity. "To where ?" he asked intrigued.

Mahi avoided Virat's gaze staring at the floor as he nervously fiddled with his shirt's hem. "Will you come with me?" he asked.

Virat's eyes brightened momentarily a spark of excitement flickering across his face. "Are you inviting me on a trip?" he asked, his posture shifting as if ready to spring into action.

Mahi's lips curved into a small, apologetic smile. "No!!! not exactly..."

Virat's excitement dimmed, a hint of disappointment crossing his face. "Then where ?" he asked, his voice a mix of curiosity and resignation.

Mahi took a step closer, meeting Virat's gaze with sincerity. "Ranchi.. will you come with me?" his voice firm with a blend of hope and vulnerability.

Virat's eyes widened as Mahi's words sank in.. his gaze filled with a mix of joy and nostalgia. "Yes.. of course" Virat said, his voice gentle and eager. "It's been so long."

Mahi nodded his smile widening a sense of relief and happiness flooding through him.

Virat's eyebrows were raised in playful curiosity and a teasing smile played at his lips. "Why suddenly do you ask me to come with you?" he asked.. the smirk on his face widening as he awaited Mahi's response.

Mahi met Virat's smirking gaze with a look that was both earnest and slightly apprehensive. "Just.. I thought everything is normal between us now" he said, his voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of vulnerability. "So I thought we could spend some time together."

Virat's expression shifted to a mocking surprise his mouth forming an exaggerated "Oo" as he grinned broadly. "Let me guess! you missed me and that's why you want to spend time together" he teased his voice softened by genuine affection.

Mahi's lips twitched into a shy smile, he rolled his eyes slightly at Virat's playful antics "I.. I'll.. check the tickets" he said, his voice carrying a touch of exasperation mixed with fondness. "Let's go downstairs now."

Virat laughed, the sound was light and carefree. As Mahi turned to leave the room he avoided Virat's gaze momentarily.

They approached the lobby, the rest of the team was beginning to gather and they joined them.

---

At the airport some team members had already departed, meanwhile others lingered waiting for their departure.

The departure board displayed the last few flights to Delhi, Ranchi and Kolkata.

In the waiting lounge, Rahul and Virat sat side by side. Virat's fingers tapped a restless rhythm on his armrest.. Rahul  seemingly more relaxed leafed through a magazine occasionally glancing up at the comings and goings around them.