Courage

12: The Reunion

Dhruv was getting on Rinku's nerves, and Rinku was about to murder him soon. Dev was set to arrive any minute, and Rinku had hoped that meant Dhruv would be relaxed, but no, Dhruv had taken to deep cleaning their home in the middle of the night, constantly worrying about groceries, and tapping his feet annoyingly at any given time. If Rinku didn't know any better, he would think Dhruv was nervous. To top it off, Dev had asked Dhruv to not pick him up at the airport, which Rinku was sure had only added to the anxiety.

Where are you Devdutt, Rinku thought, I hope you get to see Dhruv before I kill him.

Thankfully, the bell rang just then, potentially preventing amicicide. Rinku thought Dhruv would rush to open the door, but his foot tapping had stopped and he was simply staring at the door.

"Automatic nai khulta wo, Dhruvie."

Sensing no reply, Rinku rolled his eyes and opened the door. Devdutt looked as he always did, twinkle in his eyes and limbs too big for his body, but the beaming smile gave an idea as to why Rinku's best friend had fallen hook, line and sinker for this adorable boy in front of him. Devdutt stepped ahead and squeezed Rinku into a hug, picking him up and eliciting a laugh out of him.

"Alright, alright, put me down, you giant!"

"Is this the famous North Indian hospitality? Insulting your guests?"

Before Rinku could answer, a throat cleared behind them. Rinku stepped back to let the two lovebirds meet.

Dhruv had stood up during the interaction, but found his feet had glued themselves to the floor. After all these months, he was still floored by Devdutt's handsomeness. The mischievous eyes and the bright smile were still the same though, and Dhruv was horrified as tears threatened to well up. Before they could roll down his cheeks though, Devdutt had crossed the distance and was grabbing Dhruv into a bone-crushing hug. When Dhruv wound his hands around Dev, Devdutt could feel them shaking. He tightened his hold on Dhruv, putting his nose in Dhruv's hair and inhaling.

God, he had missed this!

They didn't know how long they stood there with their arms tightening each second, but Rinku, on the other hand, was about to bawl his eyes out.

It was so beautiful, just like god's plan, he thought, as he wiped his eyes before they teased him about being a softie. He cleared his throat to avoid the awkwardness of just standing there while Dev and Dhruv hugged it out, and the moment was broken.

Dev and Dhruv seemed reluctant to break their embrace, and their watery smiles as they looked at each other was all the proof Rinku needed.

"So, Devdutt, you want to rest a while? Dhruv's casa e su casa."

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Devdutt thought it would be awkward - with him and Dhruv sharing a room and Rinku with them, but he was worried for nothing. Dhruv had already assured him that Rinku knew and was enthusiastically supportive of them, but he was glad to see it with his own eyes. Rinku teased them affectionately, but gave them their space as well. And Dhruv, well...

Devdutt was floored by Dhruv. To be honest, he had been a lot scared when Dhruv had not said a word about what would happen when they went back home, and he knew Rinku had a lot to do with putting some sense into Dhruv (Dhruv had confessed it himself on the call, saying sorry a thousand times). But Dhruv's enthusiasm over Devdutt coming to visit was genuine. He constantly asked about Dev's eating preferences, things he would like to see, his training schedule, and even invited his dog over (sadly that wasn't possible, but one day, Devdutt hoped). Devdutt had been pumped for the visit, but nothing prepared him for the raw desperation and happiness in Dhruv's eyes when they hugged. It made all the exhaustion of traveling worth it, just to see that beautiful face smile at him like that.