36. Understanding

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"Rohit... shh! Please don't cry," Virat whispered, gently rubbing Rohit's back as he felt his body trembling.

"I'm so sorry, Vi. I can't believe I let this happen," Rohit choked out, guilt overwhelming him. "I trusted her. She was my closest friend, and she wasn't who I thought she was. I was a fool..."

"Rohit, please calm down. It's not your fault," Virat said, his voice steady yet soft, trying to console him.

"Everything just... fell apart. Us being together, I almost lost you, Vi. I lost everything..." Rohit's breathing grew erratic, his words faltering as panic took hold.

Virat broke the hug, alarmed. He quickly rushed to the kitchen and returned with a glass of water. "Ro, look at me," he urged, kneeling in front of him. "Rohit, breathe. Deep breaths, okay?"

Rohit nodded faintly and followed Virat's lead as he demonstrated slow, steady breathing. Virat rubbed his hands gently and coaxed him to sip the water.

After several minutes, Rohit's breathing steadied, and his trembling subsided.

Virat cupped Rohit's cheeks, wiping away the lingering tears. "Are you okay now?" he asked softly.

Rohit nodded, letting out a shaky sigh.

"You scared me," Virat said, caressing his cheek to reassure him.

"I'm scared of losing you," Rohit admitted, his hand covering Virat's as he leaned into the touch.

"That's not going to happen," Virat said firmly, his voice laced with conviction. "No matter what, I'm here."

Rohit's gaze softened, but tears welled up again. "You didn't talk to me for 20 days, Vi. I thought I'd lost you for good."

Virat moved closer, wiping Rohit's tears. "I'm sorry. I know I was at fault, and your reaction was justified," Rohit said, his voice heavy with regret.

"Stop apologizing," Virat said, lifting Rohit's chin so their eyes met. "And stop crying. I can't bear to see you like this."

Rohit took a deep breath and nodded, sipping more water to steady himself.

"Better now?" Virat asked, his tone lightening.

Rohit managed a small smile.

"Hot chocolate?" Virat offered.

"You'll make it?" Rohit asked, as he missed Virat's cooking a lot, his care and everything else.

"Of course. Watch and learn," Virat said teasing him trying to make his mood better, heading to the kitchen.

Rohit followed him, standing beside him as he worked. His gaze never left Virat, and Virat could feel it.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" Virat asked, trying to focus on preparing the drink.

"I can finally look at you now," Rohit said softly, his words making Virat's cheeks flush.

"Pass me the sugar," Virat said, trying to deflect his emotions. As Rohit handed it over, his fingers lingered on Virat's, sending a shiver through him.

"You're such a flirt," Virat mumbled, his cheeks burning. He didn't know why Rohit's actions affected him so much, but it was impossible not to react.

Rohit just smiled, amused by Virat's expressions. He'd missed this-missed him.

"You're still staring, Ro," Virat pointed out, his voice a mix of exasperation and fondness.

"You don't like it?" Rohit asked cautiously, worried he might be overstepping.

Virat saw the doubt flicker in Rohit's eyes and placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "Stop overthinking. I didn't say that," Virat said softly.

Rohit relaxed, letting out a relieved sigh.

They stood by the window, sipping their hot chocolate in comfortable silence. The warmth of the drink and the moment made everything feel lighter, more bearable.

"What's on your mind now?" Virat asked, noticing Rohit lost in thought again.

"Nothing... I'm just really glad we're here together," Rohit said, his happiness evident.

"So am I," Virat replied, taking their empty cups to the kitchen before joining Rohit on the couch.

Rohit shifted closer to Virat, intertwining their hands and rubbing his thumb over Virat's knuckles. The simple gesture calmed Virat, easing the storm of thoughts that often clouded his mind.

"You don't have to hesitate with me," Virat said quietly. "My feelings for you haven't changed. My insecurities have just grown."

Rohit looked at him with a mix of sadness and determination. "I hope I can take those insecurities away soon," he said softly.

Virat leaned his head on Rohit's shoulder, seeking comfort. Rohit wrapped an arm around his waist, pulling him closer. Virat cuddled into him, resting his head on Rohit's chest and wrapping an arm around his stomach.

Rohit pulled a warm blanket over them, and Virat nestled closer, feeling the security of Rohit's presence.

As the warmth of the moment enveloped them, they both drifted off to sleep, holding onto the hope of rebuilding what they had lost- one step at a time.

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