It was evening when Virat woke up again. He noticed that he was covered with a comforter, but as he looked around, Rohit was nowhere to be seen.
Was everything just a dream?
"Ro," he whispered, feeling scared. He thought he was alone.
Virat quickly got up and ran downstairs, only to find Rohit sitting in the living room, watching something. Without hesitation, he rushed over and hugged him tightly.
Rohit, engrossed in the episode, was surprised when Virat suddenly enveloped him in a hug. He noticed how awkwardly Virat was holding him, as Rohit was still sitting on the sofa. So, he gently pulled him onto his lap, with Virat's arms still wrapped around his neck.
Rohit rubbed his back. "Vi?" he called softly and asked, "What happened? Did you have a bad dream?"
"I thought everything that happened was just a dream, and that I was alone. You weren't with me," Virat replied. He didn't understand why he was so scared, as if Rohit being there was merely an illusion of his mind and heart.
"Vi, I am here with you. It's not a dream," Rohit said, assuring him. He didn't know why Virat was so scared, but if he needed reassurance, Rohit was going to give it to him.
They stayed in the hug as long as Virat wanted.
When Virat finally broke the hug, Rohit noticed his eyes and saw the unshed tears.
Rohit gently wiped them away. "I am here with you," he said, reassuring him again. Virat nodded.
Rohit cupped his cheeks and kissed his forehead, giving him all the affection and warmth he needed. He could see how relaxed Virat felt from that simple gesture.
"Let's eat something, otherwise your health will get worse on an empty stomach," Rohit said, caressing his cheek.
"Did you eat?" asked Virat, noticing the time.
"I haven't. Let's have it together. I don't know anything like a full course meal, but I made some soup and salad. We can have that. A light meal will help," Rohit said softly.
Virat sat on the counter, watching Rohit heat the soup and put the dressing on the salad.
"What are you looking at?" Rohit asked, noticing Virat observing him.
"You were watching me yesterday, so I'm doing the same—looking at my favorite person," Virat replied.
"I'm your favorite person?" Rohit asked, raising an eyebrow. He already knew the answer, but hearing it from Virat felt so special.
"Of course, you're my favouritest person," Virat said, grinning happily.
Rohit chuckled at the choice of words. He knew it wasn't a real word, but the amount of love behind Virat's words made it so much more meaningful.
Love? Rohit thought.
"Chale," Rohit said, and Virat got off the counter.
Rohit arranged everything, and Virat sat in front of him. Rohit made sure he ate properly, even though Virat complained about wanting something spicy.
"We'll have it tomorrow, Vi," Rohit said, offering him another bite of salad.
Once they were done, Rohit returned to sit beside Virat, who immediately cuddled up to him.
"I can't get enough of your hugs and cuddles," Virat said, relishing the warmth of the closeness he shared with Rohit.
"So who stopped you? I can be your personal pillow, cuddler, whatever you want. I'm always here for you, Vi," Rohit said softly.
