Unconditional Love

70. All the Time You Need

Jassi quietly stepped out of the room after making sure Aman was deep in sleep, his breathing slow and even.

He found Virat and Rohit still sitting in the living room, the teacups mostly untouched on the table.

Jassi walked over and quietly said, "Bhai... Aman told me he doesn't think he can handle more right now. Maybe for a day or two."

Virat's gaze softened, and he nodded slowly in understanding.

"That's okay," he said quietly.

"Let him breathe. We'll give him all the time he needs." His voice was steady, but Jassi could see the weight behind his words.

Jassi nodded and glanced back toward the room, before walking back in to sit with Aman again.

Rahul Bhai stood after a moment, smoothing down his shirt as he did. "I should go," he said softly, his voice carrying exhaustion but also quiet resolve.

Virat was quick to rise, stepping closer. "Please stay," he asked, his voice almost a request, almost a plea.

Rahul Bhai gave him a gentle, understanding smile. "We all need a break, don't we?" he replied softly. "I'm just a few blocks away. I'll be there whenever you need me."

Virat's shoulders slumped a little at that, but he nodded, stepping forward to hug Rahul Bhai tightly.

Rahul let out a quiet sigh and patted Virat's back before leaving the house, glancing back once as if reassuring himself everything would be alright.

As the door clicked shut behind him, Virat stood there for a moment, staring at the space where Rahul had just been.

Then he turned, catching Rohit watching him quietly from the couch. "I'll just... wrap up some work," Virat murmured, his voice distant but trying to be casual.

Rohit didn't argue.

He knew Virat—when it got too much, Virat needed to do something.

Rohit simply gave a small nod, his expression calm but watchful. "Okay," he said softly. "I'll be here."

Virat gave him a faint, grateful smile before walking toward the study.

Rohit leaned back on the couch, his eyes lingering on the closed door, knowing Virat needed space—but ready to be there the moment he was needed.

As the evening light dimmed through the curtains, Aman and Jassi stood by the door, ready to head back to Aman's apartment.

Jassi slung his bag over his shoulder and said softly, "I'll just get some fresh clothes... and we'll keep things easy tonight."

Aman lingered for a moment, looking at Virat with searching eyes. "If you don't want us to go... we can stay," he offered, his voice quiet.

Virat shook his head gently, stepping forward to cup Aman's cheek.

His thumb brushed softly over his skin, grounding them both. "It's nothing like that, bacha," he said with a small, tired smile.

"You go. Be with Jassi. Take care of yourself, okay? And call me if you need anything." His voice was steady, but there was a softness to it—one that made Aman's chest feel warm and heavy all at once.

Aman nodded slowly and leaned in, wrapping his arms around Virat tightly, like he was holding onto something that had always made him feel safe.

Virat returned the hug, pressing a kiss to Aman's temple before letting them go.

Once Aman and Jassi left, the apartment felt quieter, almost too quiet.