Unconditional Love

7. Assurance

"Please, Virat Sir," Rohit said again as tears rolled down his cheeks. The first thing Virat did was lock the door so that no one could enter—he didn't want anyone to see Rohit like this.

He sat beside him, gently helping him into a half-lying position, and made him drink some water. He wiped his tears. "Better?" he asked softly, to which Rohit just nodded.

"It's not that I didn't want to answer back," Rohit began slowly after a few minutes of silence. Virat looked at him, patiently waiting for him to share more.

"But?" Virat prompted, sensing there was more to the story.

"But when someone says I'm selfish and a rat, it takes me back to my childhood. Back then, the kids I thought were my friends would call me names like that. It's like everything around me just closes in. I can't breathe, and the echoes get too loud," Rohit said, looking down and nervously fidgeting with his fingers.

"I understand, Rohit. But now, you're not alone here. You've got me and, for that matter, Aman too by your side. So speak up for yourself—I'll always have your back," Virat said, patting his hand reassuringly.

Rohit was overwhelmed by his words. Before he could think, he hugged Virat, surprising him. But he quickly withdrew, remembering the cruel words that had been spoken earlier. Virat seemed to notice his hesitation.

"Don't let those filthy words weigh on you. You're far more worthy than that. You trust me, right?"

Rohit nodded, and Virat felt a sense of relief.

"So trust me when I say this—you're not here because of any favor or obligation. You're here because of your hard work. I've seen how you've contributed to every project. I have my ways of knowing these things. Don't give those words any power over you. Understood?" Virat said gently but firmly.

"Yes, Sir," Rohit replied.

"Take some rest," Virat said.

"But, Sir—what about work?"

"Work isn't going anywhere. You've already covered the urgent tasks. Rest now. I'll wake you up in an hour," Virat assured him. Rohit, already exhausted, dozed off before he could respond.

Virat dimmed the lights, leaving only a table lamp on for himself to work. He covered Rohit with his jacket, chuckling at how Rohit had instinctively snuggled into it. "I need to keep a comforter here now," he thought.

Stepping onto the balcony with a cigarette, Virat couldn't help but replay the incident in his mind. Rohit had stood there frozen, completely shocked by the cruel words spoken to him.

"Why are you so kind, Rohit?" Virat wondered, his thoughts lingering on him.

In the evening:

"Sir, you didn't wake me after an hour! I've been asleep for three hours—oh no!" Rohit exclaimed as he woke up and realized the time. Virat wasn't in the cabin.

He noticed a note on the table and took a sip of water as he read it: "Gone for a meeting. Freshen up, eat something, and work on the file on the table. I need it before 10 PM."

Rohit followed the instructions obediently, diving into the file. It wasn't easy to research—it was one of the more challenging tasks he had faced. All he could hope was to finish it before the deadline.

By 9 PM, Virat returned to the office. After freshening up, he removed his blazer and tie, rolled up his sleeves, and made himself a cup of coffee.

Virat noticed Rohit completely engrossed in the files, surrounded by papers and his laptop.

"Planning to dig a hole in that paper?" Virat teased, sipping his coffee.

Rohit looked up, startled. When he saw Virat, he couldn't help but stare—his boss looked so different. Sleeves rolled up, two buttons undone on his shirt, slightly messy hair... he seemed more relaxed and approachable than the cold professional everyone knew.

Virat snapped his fingers in front of him. "Where are you lost?"

Flustered, Rohit quickly looked down. "No, it's just... there's something complicated in the file I don't understand," he admitted.

"What is it?" Virat asked, walking over with his coffee.

Rohit hesitated, feeling even more nervous as Virat stood by his side and leaned over slightly to look at the laptop screen.

Seeing Rohit fidgeting with his fingers, Virat teased, "Why are you so nervous? It's after office hours, Rohit—chill. I'm not going to eat you."

How do I tell him that him being this close is affecting me? Rohit thought, his heart racing.

Virat, unaware of Rohit's inner turmoil, turned his attention back to the laptop. He took the highlighter from Rohit's hand and marked something.

"Here, look at this other clause," Virat said, moving away. Rohit finally exhaled, feeling some relief.

"Now listen," Virat said, shifting to a professional tone that immediately captured Rohit's attention. He sat across from him and began explaining how to approach the problem.

"Always try to find even a 1% similarity—it can make a big difference," Virat concluded. Rohit nodded, quickly noting down his advice.

Rohit resumed his work while Virat finished his remaining tasks.

"Sir, I've mailed you the report," Rohit informed him after half an hour.

"Okay," Virat said, wrapping up his work. "Pack your things—it's late. Time to go," he instructed, seeing Rohit reach for another file.

"But, Sir—"

Virat shot him a look, cutting him off. Rohit immediately closed the file and began packing.

They entered the elevator together.

"I'll drop you home," Virat said, not wanting Rohit to walk in the late hours.

"Sir, please, I can manage. Your house is in the opposite direction," Rohit protested, but Virat didn't listen.

"Get in the car. You can sit in the front," Virat said firmly, taking the driver's seat.

Rohit sighed and obeyed.

During the drive, Rohit overheard Virat on the phone. "Yes, you reached? Rest well. Stay safe, and keep updating me, Aman. Every little detail. Got it?"

"Is he okay?" Rohit asked after Virat hung up.

"Yes, just managing the new branch opening in Delhi. He tends to get sick after traveling, but he was adamant about going," Virat explained.

Rohit looked out the window as it suddenly began raining.

"Mumbai rains—always unpredictable," Virat murmured.

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