Unconditional Love

24. Content

Rohit reached Virat's home, opting not to ring the bell. It was late, and he didn't want to disturb Aman, who was likely asleep. Knowing Aman wasn't well, he texted Virat instead, letting him know he was outside.

Virat opened the door quietly, allowing Rohit in. Without a word, he handed him some clothes and gestured for him to freshen up.

Rohit complied silently, understanding the unspoken comfort between them.

When he returned to the living room, he noticed Virat peeking into Aman's room, ensuring he was covered properly.

Virat kissed Aman's forehead softly before closing the door.

"Is he okay?" Rohit asked in a low voice.

Virat nodded, leading him into the kitchen, where he was heating dinner.

"Why is he clutching that book and soft toy?" Rohit asked curiously.

Virat gave a small smile. "When he's sick, he finds comfort in them. That book and toy were the first gifts I gave him." He took the plates to the balcony, where the night breeze felt soothing.

"Sit, Rohit. I know you haven't eaten. We'll talk after dinner," Virat assured, placing glasses of water on the table.

Dinner was a quiet affair. Virat cleared everything up without letting Rohit help, knowing how tired he must have been.

Afterward, he handed Rohit a cup of coffee and sat beside him.

"Still angry?" Virat asked softly.

"No, the anger is long gone. I was just so worried," Rohit admitted, taking a sip of his coffee.

Virat sighed. "I'm sorry, Ro. I say this on behalf of both of us—but mostly me. Aman didn't even know what was happening. I should've paid attention to my phone, but the thing is—"

"What is it, Virat?" Rohit asked gently.

Virat hesitated, looking out into the city. "Whenever it's about Aman's health, my mind just... blanks. I can't think of anything else. We've never had anyone worrying about us, except each other. This doesn't excuse what happened, but it's how things have always been. I'm sorry for everything, and I'll try to do better... if—"

"If what?" Rohit prompted, sensing his hesitation.

Virat turned away, his voice quieter. "If you still want me in your life. I know Aman is your friend. But I don't know what I am to you. If I'm just your boss, I'll respect that, and things will stay professional."

Virat left Rohit alone to think, retreating to the living room with a book Aman had convinced him to read.

Half an hour later, Rohit entered the living room, finding Virat engrossed in the book. He sat beside him on the couch.

"You okay?" Virat asked, putting the book aside.

Rohit rested his head on Virat's shoulder—a silent but significant gesture. Virat understood. It wasn't just professional anymore.

It would take time for Rohit to overcome the barriers in his mind, but this was a start.

"This won't be easy, right?" Rohit murmured.

"It won't," Virat admitted, "but together, we'll figure it out." He paused. "How about we start by getting to know each other better?"

Rohit nodded against his shoulder, his voice soft. "I just can't lose you."

Virat cupped his cheek gently, wiping away a tear. "You won't. I promise."

Rohit leaned into the comforting warmth of Virat's hand. For the first time in years, he felt truly safe.

"Why don't you get some sleep? It's been a long day," Virat suggested, noticing how tired Rohit looked.

They moved to the bedroom. Rohit lay down, noticing Virat pick up his book again.

"You hardly sleep, Virat," Rohit said, concerned.

Virat smiled faintly. "I know. My schedule's been messed up for so long. Medications haven't helped, so I just... stopped trying."

"Isn't it exhausting?" Rohit asked.

"Sometimes," Virat admitted. "Coffee helps. Now sleep, Ro. I don't want you to be exhausted tomorrow."

Rohit hesitated before holding Virat's hand. The gesture was small but spoke volumes. Virat smiled, covering Rohit with a blanket.

Once Rohit was asleep, Virat checked on Aman and then sat in the living room.

At 4 a.m., Rohit's voice broke the silence. "Virat?"

Virat looked up to see him standing in the doorway, rubbing his eyes sleepily.

"Why are you awake?" Rohit asked, walking over to the couch.

Virat smiled. "Why are you awake?"

"I didn't see you in the room and got worried," Rohit admitted, avoiding eye contact.

Virat placed a hand on his shoulder. "Ro, don't hesitate to show your feelings— whether it's concern, anger, or anything else."

Rohit sat beside him, resting his head on Virat's shoulder and intertwining their fingers. "I've never felt this way with anyone," he whispered.

Virat's heart raced, feeling the same but needing confirmation. "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

"Special, I guess," Rohit replied, his fingers tightening around Virat's.

Virat noticed Rohit drifting off again. "Want to go back to the room?"

Rohit nodded sleepily. As they settled in bed, Rohit hesitated. "Can you hold me like you did that day?"

"Of course, Ro," Virat said, wrapping his arms around him. Rohit rested his head on Virat's chest, finding solace in the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

For the first time in a long while, Virat felt peace as he drifted into sleep. Rohit, noticing the calm on Virat's face, smiled.

"Finally," he thought. He gently kissed Virat's cheek, watching him smile in his sleep.

"I'll always take care of you, just like you do for everyone— especially me and Aman," Rohit whispered, making a silent promise.

Resting his head back on Virat's chest, he drifted off, content and happy.

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double update as some of you asked, now double spam the comments ⭐️