Unconditional Love

42. Away

Next two days, Virat didn't speak with anyone. He only asked about Aman's health. The three of them thought it was due to the presentation.

Virat was getting ready for the office as the board of directors and the client were coming today. Since they were in Delhi, Virat had requested them to visit the Delhi office.

Rohit saw him adjusting his hair and slowly walked over to help him with his tie. "Vi, everything will be fine—you'll get the deal," Rohit said softly, placing his hand on Virat's chest.

Virat looked at him and saw so much trust and love in Rohit's eyes. No matter how much Rohit's words had hurt him, he loved Rohit, and nothing could change that.

Did he just admit to himself that he loved Rohit?

"Vi?" Rohit called, noticing Virat had lost himself in thought. Virat closed his eyes to compose himself and kissed Rohit's forehead lovingly before stepping out of the room.

Virat was about to go directly to the table to grab the files, but Aman's voice stopped him. "Bhai, I've made breakfast. Please have it before you go," Aman said, and Virat could never deny that child's tone, the one that always had a special place with him.

Virat had it silently, then got up to leave, only to be hugged by Aman. "All the best, bhai. I love you the most," he whispered softly. Virat patted his head and hugged him back.

Jassi also wished him luck, and Virat went to the meeting. The three of them weren't allowed in, so they planned to come later.

Virat's meeting and presentation concluded. The deal was likely to be finalized in 2–3 days, and he would know by night if he had secured it. He left the conference room to find the three of them working in the office.

Before they could ask him anything, Rahul, the head of the Board of Directors, called Virat into his cabin.

"What do you think?" Virat asked once they were seated.

"Most likely, you'll get it, but let's wait for the decision," Rahul said, gesturing for him to sit on the couch.

Rahul handed him a glass of water. "What's going on, Virat?" he asked softly. He noticed how silent Virat had become. His face had lost all its color, there were bags under his eyes, and he looked like an emotional mess.

"When are you going back?" Virat asked instead, keeping the glass on the table.

"Tonight, as soon as we get the result," Rahul answered.

"Can I come with you for a few days?" Virat asked, not looking at him, fidgeting with his fingers.

"Sure, kid. Do you want to pack and inform the others? They need to know," Rahul added, saying the last bit purposefully. He knew Virat would try to hide it from them, but it wasn't right.

"It's not you, Virat. You wouldn't want to worry them, right?" he said softly. Virat nodded.

Virat left the cabin and told the three of them to drive home with him. They didn't ask any questions throughout the drive.

"Bhai, did you get it?" Aman asked once they reached home and sat in the living room.

"We'll know by night," Virat answered.

"What is it, Virat?" Rohit asked, sensing there was something Virat wanted to share with them.

"I'll be going to San Francisco for a few days," Virat said, informing them. "You guys take care of yourselves," he added softly.

"Why?" Rohit asked before Aman could speak.

"There's some work," Virat answered.

"Bhai, please. I know you're lying," Aman said, kneeling in front of him. "I'm sorry for whatever I said in my drunken state. I don't even remember. Please, bhai, don't leave me."

"Aman, it's just for a few days. I'll come back. I promise you," Virat said softly, then went to his room to pack.

Rohit followed him while Jassi sat with Aman. "Is it necessary?" Rohit asked in a quiet voice as Virat was packing.

"Yes," Virat replied.

"How will the work manage here?" Rohit asked hesitantly.

"I'll manage it remotely. Don't worry about it," Virat said, folding his clothes.

Virat took his bag, kissed Rohit on the forehead, and went into the living room. He gave Jassi a hug, but Aman just turned his face in Jassi's embrace, not meeting Virat's gaze when he turned to hug him. Virat sighed, knowing Aman was upset.

"Take care of him, please," he said to Rohit and Jassi before leaving the house.

Virat sat in the car that had already arrived for him, wiping away the lone tear that had trickled down his cheek, then reached the hotel where Rahul was staying. Rahul hugged him and let him in.

"Are you sure?" Rahul asked.

Virat shrugged silently, not knowing if he was sure or not. Rahul received a call and excused himself, while Virat went to the balcony for a smoke.

He was worried about Aman more than anything else. He was his kid, and he wanted to help, but everything felt suffocating, and the emptiness had started to overwhelm him. The feeling scared him.

"Virat?" Rahul called, and Virat was pulled into a hug. "You got it, kiddo," Rahul said, patting his head.

Virat hugged him back, feeling a mix of relief and emotion. "Let's leave from here," Virat said, and they left for San Francisco.

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