Aadi slid into the driver's seat, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly as he glanced over at Virat. The soft glow of the city lights streamed in through the window, casting gentle shadows across Virat's face. He looked peaceful, yet so fragile, as he lay back, his eyes half-closed, fighting the remnants of the night's haze.
"Vi," Aadi whispered, his voice trembling slightly as the adrenaline from his fight started to wear off. He reached over, brushing his hand gently through Virat's hair, his fingers lingering just long enough to remind Virat he was safe.
Virat stirred slightly, opening his eyes to meet Aadi's concerned gaze. "Aadi..." he murmured, his voice soft and hoarse. "You came..."
"Of course, I came. Always." Aadi's voice was gentle but firm. "I won't ever let them hurt you, Vi. I promise."
Virat blinked, his mind still clouded with confusion. The memories of the night were a blur, but Aadi's presence was grounding, pulling him out of the fog. He could feel the weight of Aadi's protective aura, the way his lover always stood between him and the world.
"I... I should have listened to you," Virat admitted, his voice shaking slightly. "Naman... I didn't know-"
"Shh." Aadi interrupted softly, placing a finger over Virat's lips. "It's over now. You don't have to explain. I'm just glad I got there in time."
Virat swallowed hard, the guilt and fear from the night still lingering. He glanced down at Aadi's hands, noticing the bruises forming on his knuckles. "Your hands... what did you do?"
Aadi let out a soft sigh, looking down at his bruised fists. "Nothing they didn't deserve. Don't worry about it, Vi. I'm fine."
Virat bit his lip, feeling a wave of gratitude mixed with the lingering fear of what had almost happened. He leaned his head against Aadi's shoulder, seeking the comfort he knew only Aadi could provide. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Aadi wrapped an arm around Virat, holding him close. "You don't have to thank me, Vi. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. No one-no one-gets to hurt you."
They sat in silence for a few moments, the tension of the night slowly dissipating as the calm of Aadi's presence enveloped them. Outside, the world continued to move, but in that car, it was just the two of them, safe and together.
Finally, Aadi broke the silence. "Let's go home. You need rest, and I'm not letting you out of my sight for a while."
Virat nodded weakly, exhaustion overtaking him as he closed his eyes. Aadi started the car, his heart still racing with the remnants of anger, but his focus entirely on getting Virat home, where he knew he could protect him.
As the car pulled away from the curb, the world outside blurred into the background. All that mattered was the warmth of Aadi's embrace and the promise that no matter what came next, they would face it together.
As dawn broke over the horizon, a warm glow spilled into Virat’s room, painting the walls with a soft golden hue. Virat stirred awake, blinking against the morning light. But as the remnants of last night’s memories flooded his mind, his heart sank. He recalled the events of the previous evening, the confrontation with Naman that had sent shivers down his spine and the fear that had gripped him, making him feel vulnerable and exposed.
He glanced around the room, searching for Aadi, hoping to find the familiar comfort of his presence. But the bed was empty, and the silence was unsettling. Feeling a wave of anxiety wash over him, Virat threw the covers aside and rushed out of bed, his mind racing with thoughts of betrayal and confusion.
“Aadi! Where are you?” he called out, his voice echoing down the hallway.
The only answer was the faint rustle of leaves outside, and his heart sank further. What if Aadi had changed his mind? What if he couldn’t bear the weight of Virat’s insecurities? The thought made his stomach churn. He hurried down the stairs, the familiar walls of his home now feeling like a maze, filled with shadows of doubt and uncertainty.
