Unconditional Love

69. In the Time Between

After what felt like hours but was only a short while, Aman's eyelashes fluttered.

His gaze was hazy at first, but then it slowly focused on the person sitting right beside him.

Virat, holding his hand firmly yet gently, eyes fixed on him with deep worry and relief.

A soft rasp left Aman's lips, "Bhai... water..."

At the sound of his voice, everyone stilled.

Jassi immediately sat up straighter, his hand still entwined with Rohit's, while Rohit gave a reassuring squeeze.

Rahul bhai, who had been pacing in the room, stopped mid-step, his eyes flickering toward them, but he didn't move closer, giving Virat space.

Virat's relief was visible as he exhaled slowly. "I'm here, bacha," he murmured.

He quickly grabbed the glass of water from the nearby table, sliding his arm under Aman to help him sit up just a little.

"Small sips," Virat whispered, holding the glass to Aman's lips carefully.

Aman did as told, his throat dry and scratchy, but the water soothed it a little. He took a few sips before pulling back, already feeling drained again.

He let his head fall gently onto Virat's shoulder, eyes closing briefly as he rested against him.

Virat pressed a kiss to Aman's hair, rubbing his back slowly. "You're okay, Aman. We're all right here."

Jassi wiped his eyes with his free hand, quietly exhaling sigh of relief. Rohit put his hand around his shoulder in understanding.

From the side, Rahul bhai watched silently, his hands in his pockets, trying to control the emotion swirling in his chest. Seeing Aman awake and safe was enough for now.

Aman shifted slightly against Virat's shoulder, his voice soft but clear, "I'm hungry..."

Before Virat could respond, both Rohit and Jassi immediately spoke up in unison, "We'll prepare something."

Jassi stood quickly, giving Aman a small smile, and Rohit squeezed Aman's foot gently before following him out of the room toward the kitchen. The quiet promise in their actions made Aman's heart feel lighter for a moment.

As they left, Aman's gaze drifted toward the figure still standing in the hallway—Rahul bhai.

He was watching them, concern etched deep into his face, his hands clenched in his pockets as if grounding himself.

Aman swallowed, then lifted his hand slowly, gesturing toward him. "You can... sit here," he said softly, nodding toward the space beside Virat, close enough to him.

Rahul bhai hesitated for a brief second, as if debating whether he should, but then he took a deep breath, exhaling slowly, and walked over.

He sat down beside Virat, directly across from Aman. His usually composed expression was softer now, but his eyes held a weight Aman had only just begun to understand.

Virat glanced at both of them, giving Aman's hand a gentle squeeze for reassurance, before letting the silence settle. It wasn't uncomfortable, just heavy with things left unsaid—for now.

Aman took a slow breath, his fingers fidgeting with the blanket as he asked softly, "So... you saw my childhood?"

Both Virat and Rahul bhai smiled, their eyes reflecting the warmth of old memories.

Rahul bhai was the one who answered, his tone gentle, "Yes... since you were about three years old. For the first three years, it was just your brother... but then, he had me with him to take care of you."