Unconditional Love

62. Quiet Place for the Lost

Rahul Bhai arrived right on time.

Virat welcomed him in with a warm smile, taking his bag and setting it aside before leading him to the balcony.

The early evening breeze was cool, and the soft lighting made it feel even more peaceful.

"Make yourself comfortable, Bhai," Virat said, handing him a glass of fresh juice he'd prepared earlier.

Rahul took it with a small nod of thanks, settling back in the chair.

As they sat there, the silence between them was easy, familiar.

After a sip, Rahul looked around and said quietly, "You didn't need to do so much, Virat. I would have been just as happy with a simple meal and your company."

Virat gave a soft chuckle, leaning forward on his elbows. "We wanted to."

He glanced toward the hallway where Rohit had disappeared to check on Aman and Jassi. "Actually... it was Rohit's idea to make all your favourites. He dragged me into the kitchen and made sure we got everything right."

Rahul Bhai's brows lifted, and his lips curved into a smile. "He did, did he?"

Virat nodded, his eyes softening as he recalled the scene. "Yeah. You should've seen him, Bhai. He was bossing me around, instructing Jassi like a pro, and even threatened to ban me from talking if I didn't finish my breakfast before work. They were teasing Aman, laughing... it felt like a family in there."

Rahul's gaze lingered on Virat for a moment, studying him quietly before he said, "I'm glad. I'm so happy to see you like this, Virat."

Virat looked at him with a smile that was a little shy but full of gratitude. "I owe it to you, Bhai. You believed in me when I didn't. You gave me the courage to believe I could build this... a family."

Rahul reached out and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You did this, Virat. I just reminded you of who you were. And now look at you."

Just then, Rohit appeared at the door, giving them both a look that was part amused and part exasperated.

"Are you two getting sentimental out here while I do all the work inside?" he teased.

Virat laughed, standing up. "Coming, coming. Rahul Bhai, ready to be spoiled?"

Rahul chuckled. "I think I already am."

Virat walked back into the kitchen, brushing his fingers along Rohit's arm in passing, giving him a quiet look of reassurance.

They worked side by side for a few minutes, settling the last of the dishes on the table.

Just as they were finishing up, Rahul Bhai stepped in from the balcony.

At the same time, Aman emerged from his room, rubbing his hands together nervously as if trying to shake off an unexplained feeling.

For a moment, the air in the room thickened.

Neither Aman nor Rahul seemed to know why the silence felt so heavy, but it did.

Their eyes locked—Rahul's kind and steady, Aman's wide and uncertain.

Virat's heart jumped into his throat as he quickly stepped to Aman's side, placing a calming hand on his shoulder.

He squeezed lightly, grounding Aman. "It's okay," he murmured.

And then Rahul Bhai, with all his gentle wisdom, broke the silence.

His voice was soft, as if trying to ease the tension,
"How are you now?" he asked Aman, his eyes warm. "Everything okay?"