Unconditional Love

61. Gathering Around Love

As the evening settled in, Rohit and Virat wrapped up their work, closing their laptops and stretching out the stiffness from sitting too long.

Rohit quickly grabbed his phone and opened the grocery app, ordering everything they needed for the dinner.

He was cross-checking the menu they'd decided on with the ingredients they had in the kitchen.

A few minutes later, Aman wandered out of his room, rubbing sleep from his eyes, just as Rohit confirmed the order.

He noticed Rohit's phone screen and the long list of groceries before shifting his gaze curiously.

"Bhai," Aman called, tilting his head, "why's Rohit ordering so much stuff?"

Virat stepped out of their room right then, fresh from a shower, toweling his damp hair.

He smiled when he saw Aman awake and walked over, dropping onto the couch beside him.

"We're inviting Rahul bhai for dinner tonight," Virat explained calmly, draping an arm across the back of the couch. "We're making his favorite dishes."

Aman's eyes widened slightly at the mention, and he was quiet for a minute.

Virat squeezed his shoulder gently, "You okay with that, bacha?" he asked, his voice warm but cautious.

Aman blinked, processing, then slowly nodded.
"Yeah," he said softly. "I... yeah, I think that's good."

There was a little hesitance in his tone, but also a flicker of curiosity.

Aman leaned his head against Virat's shoulder,
"He helped us so much," Aman said softly, his eyes thoughtful. "When I was in the hospital... he was always there. So... it's good we're doing this."

Virat nodded, his hand resting reassuringly on Aman's knee.

"Yeah, he did," Virat agreed quietly.

But he noticed the faraway look in Aman's eyes, the way he seemed to be thinking hard about something.

Aman's brow furrowed slightly, like he was trying to think of a memory that kept slipping away.

"There's just... something about him," Aman mumbled. "Feels familiar. Like I'm missing something."

Virat's heart clenched, but he kept his expression calm, giving Aman a nod.

"No rush," he said gently. "You'll figure it out when you're ready."

Aman gave him a faint smile in return.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

Rohit came from the hallway, already moving toward the door.

"Groceries are here," he announced, rolling up his sleeves in his usual efficient way.

Soon the kitchen was alive with the soft bustle of unpacking and organizing.

Virat and Rohit started laying out ingredients, while Jassi, who had just finished putting away a few things in his room, wandered in.

"Need help?" Jassi offered, glancing between them.

Rohit gave him a warm look, "Yeah, come here," he said, handing him a chopping board.

Virat glanced over at Aman, who was watching them with a pout.

"And you," Virat said, narrowing his eyes playfully, "are going to rest."

Aman crossed his arms stubbornly, "I'll sit on the stool!" he insisted.