3 Hearts, 1 Home

7. Fears and Love

It was late in the evening when Dev found Karan sitting by the window, looking out at the Mumbai skyline. The usual vibrancy in Karan's eyes was missing, replaced by a distant sadness. The colorful lights of the city glowed faintly in the distance, but it did little to brighten the heaviness in the air.

Dev approached quietly, sitting down beside him. He reached out and took Karan's hand, their fingers intertwining. "Penny for your thoughts?" Dev asked softly, his voice low and steady.

Karan's gaze didn't move from the window, but his fingers tightened around Dev's hand. "I'm just thinking about how different it's going to be without you here," he admitted, his voice barely a whisper. "I should be supporting you but I am pissed as well. But all in all, I don't know what to do without you."

Dev's heart clenched at the vulnerability in Karan's voice. He squeezed his hand gently. "I know I said it can take more than six months but I promise to setup everything within six months. Just six months is all I am asking. And then I will come back running to you both."

Karan finally turned to face him, his eyes shining with emotion. "I know. And I don't want to be the one who holds you back. I want you to succeed. I want you to have everything you've worked so hard for. Then I'll be proudly posting about it on social media and we will promote your franchise and sometimes when we visit Ahmedabad, we will have meals there too. I have thought it all." He paused, his voice cracking. "But six months? I will miss you."

Dev let out a shaky breath, his hand moving to cup Karan's cheek. "I'll miss you every single day," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Karan leaned into Dev's touch, his eyes fluttering closed for a moment as he absorbed the warmth of the gesture. "I will also miss your chai." Karan whispered. "And who will save me from Arjun's wrath? And who will wake me up when I sleep late? Don't say Arjun because he doesn't wake me, he kicks me." His voice trailed off, and a tear slipped down his cheek.

Dev leaned forward, pressing his forehead against Karan's, their breath mingling as they sat in silence for a moment. "I can always call you," Dev murmured. "And I love you too."

Karan smiled faintly through his tears, his eyes meeting Dev's. "I love you," he whispered. "So much. And I don't know if I can handle missing you... even for a day."

"My drama king," Dev smiled softly, his thumb brushing away Karan's tear. "You both should take care of each other."

Karan let out a breath, leaning into Dev's chest, letting the warmth of his partner's arms surround him. "No. You take care of us. Virtually even. And promise me we'll stay connected every second. Even when you go to poop."

"Gross," Dev slapped his cheek lightly, and then his arms tightening around Karan. "Just stay like this for a moment. But quietly."

Karan smiled and closed his eyes leaning in Dev's scent.

Later that night, after Karan had gone to bed, Dev found Arjun in the kitchen, leaning against the counter with a glass of water in his hand. The tension between them was palpable, though not from anger—more from the weight of what lay ahead. Arjun, always the composed one, was clearly struggling with the idea of being without Dev for so long.

"Couldn't sleep?" Dev asked, stepping into the kitchen.

Arjun shook his head, setting his glass down on the counter. "No. Too much on my mind," he admitted, his voice calm but heavy. He glanced up at Dev, his dark eyes searching for something—reassurance, maybe. "I keep thinking about you leaving."

Dev walked over and stood beside him, their arms brushing against one another. "I don't want to leave, Arjun. But you know that."

"I do," Arjun said quietly, his gaze dropping to the floor. "It's just... I can't help but think about how much I'm going to miss you. How much we're both going to miss you."