Unconditional Love

79. Quiet Confessions

After they both got freshened up, the villa felt quieter—calmer—but the tension still there between them.

Rohit glanced toward the armchair, where Virat's jacket was carelessly thrown, his tie lying forgotten on the floor nearby.

It told him everything he needed to know about Virat's state earlier.

Virat Kohli, the man who ironed his ties even on off days, who folded his blazers as if they were priceless artifacts... had tossed them aside in panic.

Rohit picked up the tie carefully, smoothing it out before hanging it neatly over the back of a chair.

He folded Virat's jacket with quiet precision, as if it was a way of comforting himself too.

When Virat stepped out of the bathroom, towel-drying his hair, Rohit was already out of the shower and had placed a dinner order.

Virat got a call just then, so they sat through dinner mostly in silence, Virat calming himself with each bite, though Rohit could sense his restlessness.

After they finished eating, Virat set his fork down, exhaled deeply, and finally asked, "Where did you go?"

His voice wasn't accusing—it was soft, almost pleading to understand.

Rohit didn't answer immediately.

Instead, he stood up and reached for Virat's hand, "Come here," he said quietly.

Virat let himself be led to the couch. And that's when he noticed it.

A small box sitting neatly on the table in front of them.

Rohit picked it up, his fingers brushing against the edges as he opened it slowly.

Inside, resting delicately in its paper wrapping, was Virat's favorite pastry.

Rohit glanced at him with an apologetic, nervous little smile.

"I went for this," he said softly. "I... I wanted to get it for you."

Virat stared at the pastry in disbelief. Then back at Rohit.

"You went to get this for me?" His voice was hushed.

Rohit nodded. "I... I got lost on the way back. That's why I got late."

For a moment, Virat didn't say anything.

He just looked at Rohit—truly looked at him—as something warm and heavy settled in his chest.

The fact that Rohit had pushed past his own nerves in a new city... just to get him something he liked... it hit Virat deeper than he expected.

"You're unbelievable," Virat murmured.

Rohit fidgeted, unsure whether he'd done the right thing until Virat cupped his face suddenly, his thumb brushing Rohit's cheek.

"For this... you made me crazy with worry," Virat whispered.

But his eyes were soft. He leaned forward and rested his forehead against Rohit's, "You didn't have to. But you did."

Rohit smiled faintly, "You're worth getting lost for," he replied, his voice a little teasing, a little shy.

Virat chuckled quietly, his lips brushing against Rohit's temple in a feather-light kiss, "You are dangerous when you flirt, you know that?"

"Only for you," Rohit said, his blush giving him away completely.

Virat laughed again, the sound lighter this time.