Unconditional Love

73. In the Stillness, We Stay

Rahul Bhai reached Aman's apartment just as the early morning quiet was settling in.

He knocked softly, and within seconds, Jassi opened the door, his expression tight but composed.

"Morning," Jassi greeted, stepping aside to let him in.

Rahul Bhai gave a small nod and entered, his eyes immediately finding Aman in the living room.

The younger one was pacing back and forth, hands fisting at his sides, his bottom lip caught between his teeth.

The tension in the air was thick, the worry practically radiating from him.

Jassi glanced at Rahul Bhai with a quiet sigh. "He's been like this since Virat Bhai stopped picking up his calls and Rohit Bhai stopped responding to the texts," he said softly. "He's worried about Virat Bhai... and he's not calming down."

Rahul Bhai nodded, his expression gentle. He walked up to Aman, placing a firm but careful hand on his shoulder.

Aman paused, though his breathing was still uneven.

"Kiddo," Rahul said quietly, coaxing him to sit on the couch.

Aman sat down slowly, like his body was on autopilot.

Rahul Bhai handed him a glass of water. "Stop stressing," he said in a tone that was more affection than scold. "Drink."

Aman took the glass with slightly trembling fingers and sipped, his throat bobbing as he swallowed.

His eyes lifted, glassy with fear. "Is... is Bhai okay?" he asked, his voice small, almost childlike in its vulnerability.

Rahul Bhai crouched down a little to be at his level. He didn't want to hide anything so he said gently. 

"He's not okay but he will be fine, we will make sure," he reassured firmly. "He had a bad migraine last night. And he's running a fever this morning."

Aman's fingers tightened around the glass, and Rahul Bhai squeezed his shoulder lightly.

"We're going to him now," Rahul said, steady and sure. "But I need you to be calm, Aman."

Aman's lips wobbled for a second before he forced a nod.

Rahul Bhai gave a small, approving smile.

"You know him... if he sees you like this, he won't rest," Rahul added gently.

Aman exhaled shakily, nodding again with a little more strength this time.

"I'll be calm," he whispered. "He... he'll be okay, right?" Rahul Bhai's gaze softened.

"He'll be fine," he promised. "Rohit's there, and we'll be there in a few minutes too."

Jassi came to Aman's side and squeezed his hand. "Come on, baby," he murmured, his voice low and reassuring. "Let's go see him."

Aman finally stood, drawing a deep breath as if bracing himself. Rahul Bhai placed a protective hand on his back as they left the apartment together.

The drive to Virat's house was quiet, but the air in the car felt a little less heavy.

The doorbell rang softly, breaking the stillness of the morning.

Rohit was at the door immediately, opening it to find Rahul Bhai, Aman, and Jassi standing there.

No one spoke loudly—there was an unspoken understanding to keep things quiet.

Rohit stepped aside, letting them in with a tired nod. His eyes were shadowed with worry, but he still managed a small, grateful smile in greeting.