Unconditional Love

28. Clarity

Virat came out of the room after freshening up and saw Rahul Bhai in the kitchen.

"What are you doing, Bhai? You've traveled so much, you should rest," he said.

"You just sit here and, for once, stop worrying about everyone and everything, kid," Rahul Bhai said, continuing to make dinner for them.

Virat just looked at him. "I miss you a lot," he said, his eyes moist.

"I miss you too, kiddo."

Rahul fed him dinner like he used to when Virat was a child. Once done, they sat outside, where Virat rested his head in Rahul Bhai's lap while Rahul sat in a chair.

"So, tell me, who is this boy working so closely with you? The one for whom you punched a client?" Rahul Bhai asked, running his fingers through his hair. He knew there was something about this person, as Virat never allowed anyone into his personal space.

Virat just held his legs. "His name is Rohit. He's been working for us for 8 months. You know, I've never seen such a kind and hardworking person in my life, aside from you. But no offense-he's even more kind than you," he said, making Rahul Bhai smile.

"His kindness attracted you, didn't it?" Rahul Bhai asked, knowing Virat well from childhood. This was the first time Virat was speaking about someone so fondly.

"Not just kindness," Virat replied. "He's just so special. I'm afraid I might hurt him... or maybe I already have, with all this stress," he said, a lone tear falling down his cheek.

"You really care for him and want him in your life?" Rahul Bhai asked, wiping away the tear and caressing Virat's head.

"Yes, but-"

"I know you're afraid, kiddo, but you've got to open up to him. If you really like him, you have to share things with him. He'll understand most of the time without you saying anything, but you can't expect that every time. He's human too. You need to be vocal, or miscommunication will quickly turn into misunderstanding," Rahul Bhai explained.

After half an hour, they went inside.

"Think about what I said, and don't hesitate to call me. I'd love to stay, but I have to leave. My flight is in two hours. Next time, I promise I'll stay longer," Rahul Bhai said, kissing Virat's forehead lovingly. Virat just hugged him, burying his face in his shoulder and shedding some tears.

"I'll miss you," he whispered.

"Me too. Take care, kiddo," Rahul Bhai said, leaving for the airport.

Virat closed the door, feeling a bit better. He cleaned up and sat in the living room near the window, watching the city and the sky.

Half an hour later, Aman had consoled Rohit, and he had stopped crying. Before Aman could say anything, his phone rang.

"Yes, Bhai?" Aman asked, catching Rohit's attention.

"He's with me-I mean, I'm at his apartment. Okay, we're coming," Aman said and hung up the call.

"Freshen up. Virat Bhai called us to his apartment. I'll call a cab; driver uncle went home and Bhai didn't allow to drive," Aman said, to which Rohit washed his face.

They reached Virat's apartment and rang the bell. Virat opened the door and let them in. Aman and Rohit sat in the living room, and Virat handed them cups of coffee. To Rohit's surprise, he sat beside him.

"Firstly, I'm really sorry for snapping at both of you that day. It doesn't make it right to say I was extremely stressed, but I really regret what I said. I didn't mean anything by it... so I'm really sorry," Virat said. They both stayed silent, knowing there was more to come.

"Do you guys forgive me?" Virat asked, hope in his eyes.

"If you let me drive, then I'll think about it," Aman said. Virat immediately replied, "No, it's fine. I don't need your forgiveness, Aman. Driving is a clear no," to which Aman pouted, and Rohit chuckled.

"We know you were stressed. Just don't say those words next time," Rohit said gently. Virat nodded.

Virat got up, taking a deep breath, and turned towards them, leaning against the counter.

"It's only fair that you both know the reason for it. You already know we lost three projects back to back for various reasons, and we're about to lose the fourth one. We don't have time to get into details, and frankly, it's not important," he said.

"Losing three projects in a row has cost me some reputation with the board of directors. I've been given three weeks to recover at least two of the losses. Otherwise-"

"Otherwise, what?" Rohit asked.

"Otherwise, I have to step down as CEO of the company. It's better I do it before they decide to replace me," Virat finished his coffee.

"You could lose everything you've built from the start, Bhai," Aman said worriedly.

"Sadly, that's how it works, kiddo," Virat replied, trying to make him understand.

"Now, instead of thinking about what I could lose, let's focus on how we can manage to cover up this loss. My target is the London project that Rohit has already started working on. We have to focus on that from tomorrow, but only the three of us will work on it," Virat explained.

"Why do you say that?" Rohit asked.

"I feel like someone is leaking information outside, and that could have cost us the fourth project. I've already asked Robert, who is an agent, to inspect. Aman, I'd like you to work with him closely," Virat said, to which Aman nodded.

"Rohit, you and I will work on the London project. If we manage to get it, it could cover the losses of all three projects. We'll work from home, though-I don't want to risk any more information leaking from the office," Virat informed, and Rohit agreed.

"Now, I think it's enough for today. Aman, did you take your medicine?" Virat asked. Aman nodded, feeling sleepy.

"Go to sleep now," Virat said as he got up. Aman went to his room, and Virat followed him.

Virat tucked him in. "I'm sorry, bacha," he said, kissing his forehead.

"I love you, Bhai," Aman said, closing his eyes.

Virat covered him properly, turned off the lights, and closed the door. He saw Rohit cleaning the cups in the living room. Virat picked up the things from the living room and, once done, saw Rohit standing near the kitchen counter. He knew they had to talk.

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