Unconditional Love

77. Surprises, Teases & Love

The car ride home was quiet at first, soft music filling the background.

Virat's hand was resting casually on the gearstick, his fingers occasionally brushing Rohit's thigh on purpose.

Every time it happened, Rohit's cheeks turned pinker, and Virat was definitely doing it on purpose now.

"You're awfully quiet," Virat said, glancing at him with a smirk.

"Thinking about how you'll survive a week without me?" He deliberately squeezed Rohit's thigh gently.

Rohit nearly choked on air. "I... what? No! I'm coming with you!" His voice cracked, and Virat chuckled low, the sound sending a shiver down Rohit's spine.

"Hmm," Virat drawled. "Right. You're coming... with me."

The deliberate pause wasn't missed. Rohit turned to stare out the window, ears burning.

They reached home soon after, and as they stepped inside, Virat tossed the car keys on the table.

"Ro, make us some tea," he said over his shoulder. "I'll go shower. Unless you want to join me?" He wiggled his brows teasingly before disappearing into the bathroom.

Rohit nearly dropped the kettle.

By the time Virat returned, toweling his hair, Rohit was sitting on the couch with two steaming mugs of tea.

Virat sat beside him, close enough that their thighs pressed together.

"You happy you're coming to London with me?", Virat asked, voice lower now, fingers tracing circles on Rohit's knee.

Rohit nodded, trying to focus on his tea. "Yeah. I'm glad."

Virat's smile deepened. "Good."

And he let it be, sipping his tea again like his heart wasn't doing backflips over Rohit's shy honesty.

Later, they started packing. Rohit was neatly folding clothes into their bags while Virat sat on the bed with his phone, sending messages.

Group Chat - "Family"

Virat: Don't skip breakfast just because I'm not there, Aman. And no late-night snacking either.

Aman: Bhaiii! I'm not a kid.

Virat: You are. Listen to Jassi.

Jassi: I always listen.

Virat: I know, bacha. But make sure Aman does too. Listen to Rahul bhai office or otherwise.

Aman: Traitor 😤

Rahul Bhai: Stop fussing. We've got this covered. Focus on your trip.

Rohit chuckled softly, shaking his head as he tucked his charger into his bag,"You've turned into a complete dad," he said.

Virat just shook his head at the comment and got Aman's whining text,

Aman: Bhaiii stop worrying! You act like I'm five.

Virat sighed dramatically, "You are five," he muttered.

He typed out another message.

Virat: Leaving at 4 AM. Don't stay up late, or else.

Aman: Or else what? 👀

Virat: You don't want to find out.

Rahul Bhai: They'll behave. You focus on Rohit.

Jassi: Safe flight, bhai! And Rohit bhai 😄