Unconditional Love

53. Love, family

Virat quickly changed and freshened up. He checked on Aman, who was now cuddled up with Jassi on the hospital bed, sleeping soundly while Jassi ran his fingers through his hair.

Noticing Rohit resting on the couch nearby, Virat knew he needed the rest. Quietly, he closed the door behind him and stepped out for some fresh air.

"You know, for someone who claims to need fresh air, you sure have a habit of polluting it with the amount of smoking you do," Rahul Bhai commented, watching Virat stand there, staring at the sky while smoking.

"And to top it off, you're doing it right in front of a hospital—truly exasperating habits you've picked up since I went to San Francisco," he added, to which Virat frowned and quickly threw the cigarette away.

Rahul saw him staring at the sky in silence. With a small sigh, he reached out, took Virat's hand, and guided him to sit on the bench beside him.

"Weren't you trying to cut this down for your Ro?" he teased lightly, hoping to ease the tension.

Virat exhaled deeply, running a hand through his hair. "Sometimes, it just feels so out of control, no matter how hard I try... The lack of sleep is making it worse," he admitted, his voice laced with exhaustion.

Rahul Bhai squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Your child is okay, Cheeku. Stop worrying so much," he said gently, hoping to bring him even a little comfort.

"Our child, bhai," Virat corrected him softly, his eyes filled with quiet determination.

Rahul Bhai looked at him, startled for a moment, before Virat continued, "You keep motivating me, consoling me... but why have you given up hope that Aman will never recognize you? Bhai, please have faith," his voice cracked slightly, pleading.

Rahul Bhai held his gaze for a moment before nodding— though it was more for Virat's sake than his own. He didn't want to add to Virat's burdens, didn't want to stress him more. 

Even if deep down, he wasn't sure he had any hope left to hold on to.

"Hey Rohit, come join us," Rahul noticed Rohit standing at a distance, maybe giving them space or waiting to call them.

Virat slid a bit, making space, and Rohit sat beside him. "Aman and Jassi are both sleeping," he informed before Virat could even ask, his voice calm but tired.

Virat nodded, exhaling deeply.

"So tell me, Rohit, how exactly did you crack through this stubborn head here?" Rahul bhai teased, trying to lighten the mood.

His words brought small smiles to both their faces. Virat rolled his eyes, while Rohit chuckled, shaking his head.

"Umm Sir, he is just-- I mean" Rohit said hesitating a bit.

Rahul teased making him at ease, "Must've been one hell of a challenge."

Virat huffed, crossing his arms. "I'm right here, you know?"

"Exactly," Rahul said. "And yet, somehow, Rohit managed to survive you."

Virat pouted at that, making Rahul bhai chuckle as he reached out to pull his cheeks.

Rohit was surprised to see their interaction, he felt happy as well to see Virat like that.

"You guys talk," Rahul said, standing up. "I'll keep an eye on Jassi and Aman—if anything comes up, I'll call you."

Virat gave him a grateful nod as Rahul walked away, leaving him alone with Rohit.

For a moment, neither of them spoke, just sitting there in the quiet night, letting the exhaustion settle between them. 

Rohit reached out, gently intertwining their fingers, giving Virat's hand a reassuring squeeze.

"You okay?" Rohit finally asked, his voice soft.

Virat sighed, "I don't know, Ro. Some days, I feel like I have everything under control, and then others... it just feels like too much, for now-- I just want Aman to be okay", he said feeling worried and exhausted.

Rohit kept his chin on his shoulder, caressing his knuckles with his thumb. "You're not alone in this, Vi. We'll figure it out together, we will take care of Aman and make sure he is okay"

Virat exhaled deeply, closing his eyes for a moment, letting himself find comfort in Rohit's warmth. "I don't know what I'd do without you, baby."

"You don't have to," Rohit murmured. "Because I'm not going anywhere."

"I know, I'm never letting you go—ever," Virat said, pressing a soft kiss on top of Rohit's head, making him blush a little.

"You look so cute when you blush," he added, wrapping an arm around him. Rohit smiled, resting his head against Virat's chest.

Shaking his head with a small chuckle, Rohit hid his face in Virat's chest. "You're impossible," he muttered, though the warmth in his voice betrayed how much he loved moments like these.

Virat tightened his hold around him, resting his chin on Rohit's head. "Only for you," he whispered.

They sat there in comfortable silence, the weight of the past few days pressing down on them, but in each other's arms, it felt just a little easier to breathe.

After a while, Virat glanced down at Rohit, noticing how tired he looked. "We should go back to the room," he murmured gently.

"You should rest, Ro," he added, running his fingers through Rohit's hair. "You barely slept last night."

Rohit hummed in response, his eyes fluttering shut. "Only if you stay like this," he mumbled, already half-asleep.

Virat smiled, pressing another soft kiss to his head. "Always."

Virat led Rohit back to the room where Aman and Jassi were fast asleep, while Rahul Bhai sat nearby, reading a book. 

Guiding Rohit to another couch, Virat settled down, and Rohit lay his head on his lap. Without a word, Virat gently ran his fingers through Rohit's hair, lulling him into much-needed rest.

Rahul Bhai glanced up from his book and smiled at the sight before him. Despite everything—the pain, the uncertainty—there was a quiet completeness in this moment. 

His two kids, with the love of their lives beside them, finding comfort in each other. 

Even in the midst of chaos, there was still love, still family.

_____

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