"What happened, Cheeku?" Mahi asked gently, entering the room with the team doctor.
"I don't know, Bhai... he just collapsed," Virat said, his voice filled with worry, his eyes fixed on Rohit's still form.
"Don't worry," Mahi reassured him, placing a comforting hand on Virat's shoulder.
The doctor examined Rohit carefully. "He's severely fatigued," he concluded. "It seems he hasn't been eating or sleeping properly. He needs complete rest for at least two to three days."
As the doctor prepared to attach a drip, Virat felt his chest tighten. He turned away, burying his face in Mahi's shoulder.
"Shh, it's okay," Mahi said softly, patting Virat's head, offering comfort.
The doctor finished his work and packed up his kit. "Make sure he gets proper care," he instructed before leaving the room.
Mahi glanced at Virat, who had taken a seat beside Rohit, gently caressing his forehead. "Did something happen, Cheeku?" Mahi asked, his tone probing yet kind.
"I don't know, Bhai," Virat replied honestly, his voice indicating guilt and helplessness.
Mahi nodded, sensing Virat's state seeing Rohit like that. "Then just focus on taking care of him," he said before stepping out of the room, leaving them alone.
As the door closed, Virat turned his attention back to Rohit, his eyes misty. "I'm so sorry, Ro," he whispered, taking Rohit's hand in his. "Because of me, you're in this state."
He held Rohit's hand tightly, as if willing him to feel the apology in his touch, his heart aching with every passing second.
It was nearing nighttime, and Virat had dozed off beside Rohit, his hand tightly holding onto his. He stirred awake when he felt Rohit's slight movements.
"Ro," he called softly, noticing Rohit trying to open his eyes.
"Ro, slowly... take your time," Virat said, his voice calm as he stroked Rohit's forehead to soothe him.
Rohit finally managed to open his eyes, though everything appeared blurry. At first, he thought it was just a dream. Tentatively, he tried to touch Virat's face, only to feel a sharp pain in his hand.
"Ro, please keep your hand still. The saline drip is attached," Virat explained gently, holding Rohit's hand steady to ease his discomfort.
"Vi... you're here?" Rohit asked in a hoarse voice, still processing the warmth of Virat's hold.
"Yes, Ro. I'm here," Virat said reassuringly, adjusting Rohit's hand onto a pillow. "How do you feel?"
"Exhausted," Rohit admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
Virat's expression darkened slightly. "When did you last eat, Rohit? And when did you have a proper night's sleep?" he asked sternly, his tone making Rohit nervous.
"I... uh... wo..." Rohit stammered, his eyes darting nervously under Virat's intense gaze.
Virat let out a soft sigh, his worry overshadowing his frustration. He didn't need to ask the reason for Rohit's neglect— deep down, he already knew.
"I'm sorry," Rohit said quietly, guilt evident in his voice as he glanced at Virat's silent expression.
Virat exhaled, softening his stance. "Once the saline drip is finished, you'll need to wait another half hour before you can eat something. Until then, rest," he instructed, standing up from his seat beside the bed.
"Where are you going?" Rohit asked, his voice laced with concern as he reached out to grab Virat's wrist.
"To the balcony," Virat replied, trying to maintain an even tone.
