"Vi, we need to eat something. Just try to get up for a bit. I promise, you can lay down afterward," Rohit said softly, sitting beside Virat, who had been silent for hours.
"Okay," Virat replied quietly, his voice barely audible. Rohit nodded and headed downstairs to fetch some coffee and cookies.
When they were both seated by the window, sipping coffee, Virat broke the silence. "Can I ask you something?"
Rohit turned to him. "Of course."
"Don't say 'I promise' for a while," Virat said, keeping his gaze fixed on the cup, looking down. He couldn't bear to see the hurt in Rohit's eyes.
Rohit set his cup aside and gently tilted Virat's chin, making him meet his eyes.
To Virat's surprise, Rohit's expression was calm. "I understand," Rohit said softly. "You don't have to worry about it. I know I've made mistakes, taken decisions in haste. And while my intentions were for you, I can't deny the hurt I caused."
"I'm sorry," Virat murmured, a single tear slipping down his cheek.
Rohit wiped it away. "You don't need to be sorry, Vi. You can't apologize for how you feel," he assured him. "We'll solve everything slowly, okay? Give it time."
"Can you give me a hug?" Virat asked hesitantly.
Rohit smiled at the request. Standing, he pulled Virat into a warm, reassuring embrace. He felt Virat release a deep sigh as he relaxed in his arms.
"I missed you, Ro," Virat whispered, holding him tighter.
"I missed you too, Vi," Rohit said, stroking his hair gently.
"Vi, are you crying?" Rohit asked, feeling Virat's tears soak his shoulder. He noticed Virat trembling in his arms.
"Why did you leave me like that?" Virat whispered, his voice laced with hurt.
"I'm so sorry, Vi. I can't imagine what you went through. Oh god, I'm so sorry," Rohit said, pulling him closer. But before he could say more, Virat's knees gave out, and Rohit quickly caught him.
"Vi? Virat?" Rohit called, gently patting his cheeks.
"Dizzy," Virat mumbled faintly. Rohit helped him to the couch and brought him a glass of water.
"Here, drink this," Rohit said, helping him sip the water. Virat seemed to recover slightly.
"You haven't been taking care of yourself," Rohit said, caressing his cheek and wiping away his tears.
"You weren't here," Virat murmured, his voice heavy with exhaustion.
"I'm here now," Rohit said, taking his hand. "Do you want to try and rest for a while?"
"You won't leave, right?" Virat asked, barely able to keep his eyes open.
"I won't," Rohit promised. He helped Virat to bed, sitting beside him as Virat drifted off to sleep, still clutching his hand.
When Virat woke up, he found the space beside him empty. Memories of abandonment rushed back, and he curled up, trying to suppress the overwhelming thoughts.
Rohit came into the room and froze at the sight of Virat in distress. He rushed over.
"Vi?" Rohit called softly, not wanting to startle him.
Virat looked up, uncertainty clouding his eyes. Rohit felt a pang in his chest. He knew it would take time to ease Virat's fears, but he was determined to do so.
Gently, he removed Virat's hands from his face and pulled him into a comforting embrace, letting Virat's head rest on his chest. "I'm here," Rohit murmured, stroking his hair.
Virat could hear Rohit's steady heartbeat, its rhythm soothing his frayed nerves.
"Sorry... I just..." Virat began.
"Shh, Vi. You don't have to explain," Rohit whispered, caressing his cheek.
"Come on now. Freshen up a little. I've made dinner," Rohit said, hugging him once more before heading downstairs.
When Virat came down, Rohit couldn't help but watch him. His heart ached at how dull Virat's eyes looked and the hoodie he wore, everything was a sign how hurt he was.
"You cooked?" Virat asked, raising a brow. He knew Rohit wasn't exactly skilled in the kitchen.
"Uh... dal and rice. That's about all I could manage," Rohit admitted. "But if you want something else, I-"
"I'm fine with this, Ro," Virat interrupted, stopping his nervous rambling.
As they ate, Virat glanced at Rohit and said quietly, "It feels like home."
Rohit felt a wave of relief wash over him. A smile broke out on his face, and Virat found himself smiling back.
Rohit sat beside Virat, holding a plate. "Can I?" he asked, offering Virat a bite.
Virat accepted, which made Rohit visibly happy. Once they were done, Rohit put on a series to watch.
Virat noticed him lost in thought after a few minutes. "What are you thinking about?" he asked.
"How much of an idiot I've been," Rohit admitted with a sigh.
"What do you mean?" Virat asked, confused.
"You know everything, right? About why I left you?" Rohit asked.
Virat nodded.
"It was because of Neha," Rohit said, his gaze fixed on the screen.
Virat froze, his expression shifting to one of shock.
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