Unconditional Love

55. Nightmare

It had been three days since Aman was admitted to the hospital.

The crucial two-day treatment was completed, and the worst had passed.

Aman was slowly regaining his strength, though he was still very weak.

He had been drifting in and out of consciousness, waking up only for brief moments before exhaustion pulled him under again.

Aman's fingers twitched slightly before his eyelids fluttered open, his gaze unfocused as he tried to adjust to the dim hospital room.

He blinked slowly, his body feeling too heavy, but as his vision cleared, he saw the one person he had been searching for— Virat.

"Bhai?" His voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper.

Virat was by his side in an instant, his hand immediately wrapping around Aman's. "I'm here, kiddo," he murmured, his voice soft but firm, his thumb gently brushing over Aman's knuckles. "How do you feel?"

Aman tried to smile, but it barely reached his lips. "Sleepy, Tired! I scared you, didn't I?" he mumbled sleepily.

Virat let out a breath, his hold tightening ever so slightly. "You did. And I swear, if you ever do something like this again—"

Aman let out a weak chuckle. "You'll ground me?"

Virat rolled his eyes but his voice was thick with emotion when he spoke. "Worse. I'll make sure you never leave my sight. Ever."

Aman hummed tiredly, the familiar warmth of Virat's presence helping him. "I would love that."

Virat could not help but smile, Aman just held his hand and closed his eyes.

Rahul Bhai, Rohit, and Jassi had taken turns going home to arrange necessities— fresh clothes, food, and anything Aman or Virat might need.

But Virat? He hadn't left the hospital, not even once.

No matter how much Rohit or Rahul Bhai tried to convince him to take a break, to at least step out for some fresh air, he refused.

His world was confined to Aman's hospital room, to the quiet beeping of monitors, the rustle of bedsheets when Aman shifted, and the occasional visit of the nurses checking in.

Rohit watched as Virat sat by Aman's bedside, fingers lightly brushing against his brother's wrist as if to reassure himself that he was still there, still safe.

His eyes were tired, dark circles evident from lack of sleep, yet he refused to rest.

Rohit sighed, walking up behind him, placing a firm yet gentle hand on his shoulder. "Virat, you need to get some rest."

"I'm fine," Virat murmured, not looking away from Aman.

"No, you're not," Rohit countered, kneeling beside him.

"You haven't left this room in three days. You haven't slept properly, barely eaten. If Aman wakes up and sees you like this, he's going to be the one worrying about you."

Virat's jaw clenched, and for a moment, he said nothing.

Rohit could see the exhaustion weighing on him, the stubborn determination that kept him glued to Aman's side.

Rohit softened his tone. "You've done everything you could, Virat. He's out of danger now. You need to take care of yourself too."

Virat finally turned to look at Rohit, his eyes heavy with emotion.

"I can't, Ro. I can't leave him." His voice cracked slightly. "What if something happens?"

Rohit's heart clenched at the vulnerability in Virat's voice.