Unconditional Love

59. All the Ways We Stay

A little while later, Jassi got up from the couch and nudged Aman's shoulder.

"Come on, let's go for a walk," he said softly. "Fresh air will be good for you."

Aman gave a little grunt but let Jassi help him up.

As they headed toward the door, Virat stood too, walking over.

"Be careful," he told them, his voice carrying that quiet protectiveness he always had when he was worried.

"Don't go too far. Call me if you need anything."

Jassi nodded. "We'll be fine. Just around the block."

Virat waited until they stepped out, closing the door behind them with a soft click.

When he turned back toward the hall, his eyes immediately found Rohit— still sitting on the couch, but now he seemed even quieter, his thoughts miles away.

Virat's heart tightened at the sight. Without saying anything, he walked over and sat beside him.

The cushion dipped slightly under his weight, drawing Rohit's attention.

Slowly, Rohit looked at him, and in his eyes, Virat saw it clearly—fear.

An unspoken worry he hadn't voiced yet.

Virat didn't ask anything at first.

He just opened his arms, his voice soft and inviting."Come here."

Rohit hesitated for a second, then moved into Virat's embrace, pressing close, his head finding its familiar place against Virat's chest.

He let out a quiet breath as Virat's arms came around him, holding him steady and safe.

One of Virat's hands slid up to Rohit's hair, his fingers combing through gently, soothing.

"Baby," Virat murmured, his lips brushing Rohit's temple. "Talk to me. I'm here."

He felt Rohit's shoulders shift as he exhaled shakily, still gathering the courage to say what was weighing him down.

Rohit stayed quiet for a moment, his head resting on Virat's chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

Then, in a voice so soft Virat almost missed it, Rohit whispered, "Why are they moving away...?"

Virat let out a quiet breath, his fingers threading gently through Rohit's hair again, slow and comforting.

"They need their own space, baby," he murmured.

"Privacy. Time to be themselves... and even we need that."

He smiled faintly, pressing his cheek against Rohit's temple. "Time to just... be us. Spend time with you. Just us."

Rohit's fingers curled a little tighter into Virat's shirt as he spoke again, the rawness in his voice making Virat's heart ache.

"I'm scared," Rohit admitted quietly.

"Scared they'll go away from my life... Jassi and I are still figuring things out... and Aman..." his throat worked around the words, "I just don't want to lose them."

Virat closed his eyes briefly, holding Rohit a little closer before gently lifting his chin with two fingers.

His gaze softened as he looked into Rohit's vulnerable eyes."Baby," he said softly, "they're just a few minutes away."

He smiled reassuringly. "Aman's apartment is nearby. They're not leaving you. None of us are."

His thumb brushed lightly across Rohit's jaw.
"I promise—we're always with you. We're family. Even Jassi... I know lot of it is unsaid, but he's here, not going anywhere. And slowly... everything will be okay."