Unconditional Love

74. Always by Your Side

The soft glow of the afternoon sun filtered through the curtains by the time Virat stirred again.

Rohit was instantly alert, having never left his side for long. He sat up straighter, his hand instinctively brushing over Virat's wrist where he'd been holding him.

"Virat?" Rohit's voice was gentle but edged with hope. "Can you hear me?"

Virat's eyes slowly opened, this time more aware than they had been earlier.

They were tired, yes, but clearer. He blinked a few times, adjusting to the light, before turning his gaze toward Rohit. "Hmm..." he hummed softly, throat dry.

Rohit exhaled quietly, relief flooding his features. "Welcome back," he murmured, a small, tired smile tugging at his lips. "You've had us worried."

Virat tried to speak but grimaced instead, his hand coming up weakly to his throat.

Rohit was quick to respond, already grabbing the glass of water he'd kept nearby.

"Here," Rohit said, supporting Virat carefully with one arm while holding the glass to his lips with the other. "Sip slowly."

Virat obeyed, taking small, cautious sips, though his hands trembled slightly when he tried to hold the glass himself. Rohit didn't let him, his hold stayed steady, supporting the weight.

"Easy," Rohit murmured. "No rush."

After a few sips, Virat pulled back slightly and let out a raspy sigh. "Better..." he whispered, voice hoarse but stronger than before.

By then, Aman had noticed the movement from across the room where he sat with Jassi. He was on his feet in seconds, eyes wide. "Bhai..."

Rahul Bhai, who had returned to his spot near the doorway, stepped forward as well.

His usually stern face softened as he saw Virat awake and sitting up. "About time," he said gruffly, but there was unmistakable relief in his tone.

Virat's gaze shifted to him, his lips curving faintly. "Rahul Bhai," he whispered. Rahul sat at his other side and Virat held his hand.

They noticed how Virat sought comfort in Rahul bhai.

Aman stepped forward slowly, hesitant, eyes shining. "Bhai... you scared me," he murmured as he sat at the edge of the bed, careful not to jostle him.

Virat looked at him, his expression softening. "Sorry... kiddo," he said quietly.

Aman shook his head immediately. "No. Just... get better, okay?"

Rahul Bhai crossed his arms but smiled faintly. "Rest. We'll handle things for a while."

Virat looked at each of them—Rohit, Aman, Jassi, Rahul—and exhaled a slow, tired breath. "Okay," he whispered, finally allowing himself to lean back into Rohit's support without any fight.

Rohit pressed a soft kiss to his temple. "Good," he said, voice warm but firm. "Because we're not letting you lift a finger until you're completely fine."

Virat hummed faintly in agreement, his body relaxing just a little more as he rested back.

As Aman, Jassi, and Rahul Bhai quietly left the room to give them space, the room settled into a hushed stillness.

Rohit remained seated beside Virat, his hand resting protectively over Virat's. He thought Virat might drift back to sleep, but instead, he felt the faintest tug at his wrist.

When he glanced down, Virat was already moving closer, his tired eyes seeking something he wasn't voicing.

Slowly, wordlessly, he curled into Rohit's side, resting his head on Rohit's chest with a shaky exhale.