Rohit lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, as memories of everything that had happened started to replay in his mind.
Flashback:
Rohit woke up suddenly, his sleep interrupted by the sharp ring of his phone. It was the first time it had rung since they'd arrived, and it jolted him awake.
He looked over to see Virat curled up next to him, still asleep, resting his head on Rohit's chest. For a moment, Rohit just watched him, feeling a warmth in his chest. He gently moved Virat onto his side and covered him with the comforter, not wanting to disturb him.
Rohit picked up the phone and walked into the living room, still thinking about Virat.
"Hello?" he answered.
"Remember me, Rohit?" It was Neha's voice, cold and calculating.
Rohit felt a knot form in his stomach. "Hey," he said, trying to sound casual.
"You made a mistake dumping me, Rohit," Neha said smugly.
Rohit frowned. "What do you mean?"
"I have proof against Virat," she said, her voice serious now. "He's involved in some illegal activities. If you want to save him, you need to come meet me."
Rohit felt a rush of panic. "What are you talking about?"
"Don't yell, Rohit," Neha replied, sounding amused. "Check your phone. I've sent you a sample of the proof."
The call ended abruptly. Rohit's heart raced as he opened the message. There was a document attached, marked with an official stamp. It looked legitimate, but he couldn't be sure.
His mind raced. Is this real? He couldn't take any chances. Not with Virat.
"I'm coming," he texted Neha. "Don't do anything."
Her reply was immediate: "Hurry up then."
Rohit stood frozen for a moment, his chest heavy with the weight of what he had to do. He looked back toward the bedroom, where Virat was still sleeping, his face peaceful.
Rohit sat beside him, guilt flooding him as he brushed a strand of hair from Virat's forehead. "Whatever I'm doing, it's for you, Vi. Please forgive me."
Virat's lips curled into a small, lazy smile, and Rohit felt his heart ache. He didn't want to do this, but he had to.
"I'm sorry, Vi. But I have to take this smile away, even if just for now. It's for your future," Rohit whispered, caressing Virat's cheek. He kissed his forehead one last time, then stood up and started packing.
He glanced back at Virat, still sleeping, and whispered, "I'll make it up to you. I promise." Then he left quickly, his heart torn.
At the airport, Rohit saw Virat again, talking to Mahi. Virat looked miserable, his eyes dull, and it made Rohit's chest tighten. Did he even eat today? Rohit wondered.
He wanted to run to him, to pull him into his arms and protect him, but he couldn't. Not now. Not when everything was falling apart.
Rohit watched as Aman, too close to Virat, took his hand and led him away. Rohit's fists clenched at the sight of them together. Why do they have to be so close?
Then he saw Virat lean his head on Aman's shoulder, and before he could stop himself, he shouted, "VIRAT!"
Rohit was relieved they were sharing a room, but things were different now. Virat kept ignoring him, pulling further away, and his performance was slipping. Each day, Virat seemed more distant, more lost.
