Unconditional Love

75. Quiet and Comfort

The next two days passed slowly, quietly. Virat's fever came down bit by bit, though his exhaustion stayed longer than anyone liked.

But they were all there—tending to him in shifts, making sure he was eating properly, hydrated, and resting.

What stood out the most wasn't how much they cared for him—Virat had always been surrounded by love—but how he clung to Rohit through it all.

Every time Virat stirred awake, his eyes sought out Rohit first.

 If Rohit wasn't right next to him, it was Aman or Jassi who'd murmur, "He's in the kitchen" or "He's coming," and within seconds, Rohit would be back, settling beside him with a steady hand on his shoulder or fingers gently brushing his hair back.

Rahul Bhai noticed it the most. He sat on the couch one evening, watching silently as Rohit coaxed Virat to take another spoonful of soup.

Virat leaned into Rohit like he was gravity itself—his safe space.

The way Rohit looked at him, patient and calm, his thumb occasionally tracing circles on Virat's wrist, made something soft settle in Rahul Bhai's chest.

He nudged Aman with his elbow. Aman glanced at him.

Rahul Bhai just smiled faintly and murmured, "Look at your bhai... finally letting someone take care of him", Aman's expression softened, his eyes lingering on Virat and Rohit.

"About time," Aman whispered.

Of course, that didn't stop Aman from scolding him later.

It was late afternoon, Virat wrapped in a hoodie on the couch, his head resting on Rohit's shoulder while Aman sat cross-legged on the floor in front of them.

"You should've told someone you weren't feeling well days ago," Aman said for the fifth time.

Virat sighed, adjusting his position, but didn't argue this time. Rohit felt the subtle way Virat's fingers curled tighter around his.

"You scared us," Aman added, his voice smaller now.

"I'm sorry," Virat replied quietly. "I'll be careful next time." Aman gave him a look but didn't press further.

Later, it was Rahul Bhai who laid into him—while helping him adjust pillows, no less.

"You're not a machine, kiddo. Next time you run yourself into the ground, I'll drag you out of that office myself." Virat gave him a sheepish look.

Rahul Bhai ruffled his hair like he was still the young child he'd first known,"Let Rohit handle things. That's why he's here."

Virat's gaze flickered toward Rohit, who simply smiled at him, as if to say always.

But it was at night, in the quiet privacy of their room, where Virat truly let himself lean on Rohit.

One evening, after everyone had eaten and Rahul Bhai practically ordered Rohit to go rest with Virat, they retreated into the bedroom. 

Rohit helped him change into a soft t-shirt again, his fingers brushing over Virat's skin with careful tenderness.

Virat stood there quietly, watching Rohit's hands smooth the fabric before Rohit gently cupped his face, "You okay?" Rohit asked.

Virat nodded, then sighed and leaned forward, pressing his forehead to Rohit's shoulder. Rohit just wrapped his arms around him, holding him close.

They stood there for a while like that, until Virat finally murmured, "I hate feeling weak."