Unconditional Love

51. In Every Step, With You

"Cheeku," three of them heard a voice from the corridor. As there was only one special room on the floor, it was only them there.

Virat turned and rushed into his arms, shocking Rohit and Jassi.

Rohit didn't even know Virat had a nickname, let alone that Virat was so close to the head of the directors of the company.

"Bhai," they heard Virat's low, teary voice.

"Shh, calm down. I am here now," Rahul bhai said, rubbing his back to console him. Rahul made him sit on the bench, wiping his tears. Rohit handed a glass of water to Rahul, who made Virat drink it like a kid.

It was a surprise to both Rohit and Jassi to see Virat like that. He had always been so strong for them, like a shield, and this side of him was unexpected.

Virat composed himself a bit before telling Rahul bhai what the doctor had said. Rahul bhai listened intently before responding, "He's our strong bacha, don't you worry." His reassuring words seemed to ease some of the tension in Virat.

Virat looked up to see Rohit and Jassi watching them with slight questions on their faces. "This is Rohit, and this is Jasprit," he said, introducing them.

"You mean your Ro and Aman's Jas?" Rahul bhai teased, making the atmosphere a little lighter.

Rahul bhai then leaned in closer to Virat and whispered softly, "You need to let go of the pretense now." He said it gently, knowing it might hurt them, but also recognizing that it was about time Rohit and Jassi knew the truth.

"Hi, I know everything, so—I'm Rahul Dravid. You already know me in a professional capacity, but on a personal level, I am Virat's Rahul bhai and Aman's... and his—umm—well-wisher," Rahul bhai said, pausing slightly to compose himself at the last part.

"No—he is Aman's buddy. It's just that, due to something, Aman doesn't remember him," Virat clarified, holding Rahul bhai's hand firmly.

Their conversation was interrupted by the doctor's arrival. "He's asking for you, Virat. He's very weak, so please try not to stress him," the doctor informed them.

"Bhai, you go inside and be with him—we're here," Jassi said gently. Rohit and Rahul bhai both nodded in agreement, their expressions assuring Virat that everything would be handled.

Virat took a deep breath and walked inside the room.

"I'll meet with the doctor and handle things on that front. You two get the formalities completed so you can sit with Aman without any worries," Rahul bhai instructed.

Rohit and Jassi nodded, ready to follow through with the tasks as they worked together to ease the weight on Virat's shoulders.

Virat entered the room and his heart clenched at the sight of Aman, his little one, his kid so frail and surrounded by wires and machines.

He tried to keep his composure, but the scene made his eyes glisten with unshed tears.

"Dada," Aman's soft, almost inaudible voice broke through his thoughts.

Virat immediately moved to his side, sitting beside him and gently taking his small hand in his own.

"Ha, bacha?" Virat replied softly, his voice filled with care.

"Stomach is paining," Aman said, his tone childlike and laced with discomfort.

"It will be okay soon, bacha, I promise. Just give it some time, okay? You're my strong boy, na?" Virat reassured him, his words tender yet firm. Aman nodded weakly, his exhaustion evident.