Unconditional Love

57. Tethered Souls

Virat stirred awake early, his body naturally adjusting to the morning light filtering through the curtains.

His gaze fell on Rohit, still fast asleep beside him, his face relaxed and cuddled to him.

A small smile tugged at Virat's lips as he shifted closer, brushing a few strands of hair away from Rohit's forehead before pressing a gentle kiss there.

Rohit hummed in his sleep but didn't wake, his breathing slow and steady.

Not wanting to disturb him, Virat carefully got out of bed and freshened up before stepping out of the room.

As he made his way downstairs, he noticed movement from the corner of his eye—Rahul Bhai was descending from his room as well, looking just as awake as him.

"Morning," Virat greeted, stuffing his hands into his pockets.

Rahul Bhai gave him a small nod. "Morning. You're up early."

Virat chuckled. "Could say the same for you."

They exchanged a knowing glance before Virat stretched. "Aman didn't eat much last night. I was thinking of making his favorite breakfast. You in?"

Rahul Bhai raised a brow before nodding. "Yeah, let's do it."

Together, they moved into the kitchen, working in comfortable silence.

Virat took charge of the parathas while Rahul Bhai handled the side dishes.

Once everything was ready, they plated the food and poured themselves some coffee before heading to the balcony.

They sat in silence for a moment, sipping their coffee, before Rahul Bhai finally spoke.

"How's Rohit?" he asked, his tone casual but laced with genuine curiosity.

Virat leaned back in his chair, his lips twitching into a soft smile. "He's... everything, you know?" His fingers traced the rim of his coffee mug as he exhaled.

"Loving him feels like breathing— like something I don't have to think about but something I'd struggle without."

Rahul Bhai listened quietly, his eyes thoughtful.

Virat let out a small chuckle. "He keeps me sane. Grounds me when my mind's a mess. And I just—" He shook his head, smiling to himself. "I love him. More than I can ever put into words."

Which also put Virat in thought, that he needs to tell Rohit that he loves him.

Rahul Bhai hummed, a hint of amusement in his expression. "Sounds like he's got you wrapped around his finger."

Virat laughed. "Oh, he absolutely does."

They sipped their coffee in comfortable silence before Virat's gaze turned distant, thoughtful.

"You know... Aman seems calmer when you're around." He glanced at Rahul Bhai, his voice softer now. "I can see it in the way he looks at you, even if he doesn't fully understand it yet."

Rahul Bhai's fingers tightened slightly around his mug, but he remained quiet.

"I think you should stay longer," Virat continued.

"Maybe if you do... those memories, that they are, will come back to him."

After a long pause, Rahul Bhai finally nodded. "Yeah... maybe you're right."

Virat gave him a small, reassuring smile before taking another sip of his coffee.

Rahul Bhai remained silent for a few moments, his gaze fixed on the skyline as he considered Virat's words.