Unconditional Love

65. A Place Called Ours

After breakfast, Aman had felt a little drained and decided to take a short nap.

Virat and Rohit quietly went about their tasks, letting him rest.

They were waiting for Rahul bhai to arrive, but as time passed, there was no sign of him.

Virat's phone buzzed softly on the table. He picked it up and read the message.

"Something urgent came up. I won't be able to make it today. We'll talk soon."

Virat frowned slightly, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.

Rahul bhai was never one to cancel at the last minute without a serious reason.

But he didn't say anything aloud, slipping the phone into his pocket.

He turned towards Aman, who had just woken up and joined them.

"Rahul bhai couldn't make it today, bacha," Virat said gently. "But he promised he'll come day after tomorrow. Is that okay?"

Aman gave a small nod. "It's okay... we'll see him then."

Jassi, who was sitting nearby, suddenly suggested, "Why don't we go to Aman's apartment for a while? It'll be a nice change. You can show me the place."

Virat looked at Rohit, then back at Aman. "That's a good idea," Virat said with a soft smile. "You two go. Spend some time there."

Aman looked between them. "Aren't you both coming?"

Rohit shook his head, his tone gentle. "No, you guys should have some time alone. We'll be here."

Aman smiled faintly and nodded. He and Jassi gathered their things and left, while Virat and Rohit stood at the door, watching them go.

As soon as they were out of sight, Rohit turned to Virat.

"You think something's up with Rahul bhai?" Rohit asked quietly.

Virat sighed, his jaw tightening. "Maybe. But I'll figure it out."

After Aman and Jassi left, Virat sat quietly on the couch for a while, staring at his phone.

Then he sighed and dialed Rahul bhai's number. It rang, but there was no answer.

He tried again. Still nothing.

Rohit, who was tidying up nearby, noticed.

He came and sat next to Virat, placing a hand on his thigh. "Give him some time," Rohit said gently. "Rahul bhai won't hide things from you without a reason."

Virat exhaled slowly but nodded.

Yet his restlessness was clear.

His leg bounced up and down, his fingers tapped anxiously on his phone.

After a few minutes, he picked up a cigarette from the table and turned it between his fingers.

Before he could light it, Rohit knelt in front of him. His hand covered Virat's, taking the cigarette away gently.

"Don't give in, Virat," Rohit said softly, his eyes steady and kind.

Virat looked at him for a moment, then sighed and let the cigarette go without argument.

Rohit gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.

Rohit stayed kneeling in front of Virat, his hands gently cupping Virat's cheeks. "Look at me," Rohit said softly but firmly. "Focus on me."

Virat's restless gaze finally settled on Rohit's, his breath shaky.

Rohit rested his forehead against Virat's, holding him steady, grounding him.