Unconditional Love

84. Wanderlust and Warm Embraces

They stepped out into the crisp London evening, bundled in their jackets as they strolled side by side down the cobbled streets of the famous London market.

The place was alive with colors, lights strung between stalls, vendors calling out their specials, and the inviting aromas of freshly cooked street food lingering in the air.

Virat's hand found Rohit's almost instantly, their fingers lacing together without a second thought.

Rohit squeezed his hand, his heart full seeing Virat look so relaxed, his usual CEO seriousness replaced with boyish curiosity.

"Alright, baby," Virat said, scanning the stalls, "what's the plan? Shall we try something weird first or delicious first?"

Rohit chuckled. "Let's get weird out of the way first. Then we'll reward ourselves."

Virat grinned. "That's my boy."

They stopped by a stall selling what the vendor promised was the most exotic fusion dish.

Rohit eyed the skewers suspiciously. "What... exactly is this?"

"Don't ask," Virat said, picking one up and offering it to him. "Just trust me."

Rohit raised an eyebrow but took a cautious bite. His eyes widened. "This is... weirdly good?"

"Told you," Virat smirked, taking a bite himself.

They moved on, trying little bites here and there.

Some were absolute hits—crispy churros filled with molten chocolate made Virat hum in satisfaction—while some, like a neon green drink, made Rohit cough dramatically.

"Why did I drink that?!" Rohit groaned, sticking his tongue out as Virat laughed.

"For science," Virat replied cheekily. "Come on, we need photographic evidence."

Rohit pulled out his phone, and they took a few goofy selfies—Rohit making faces, Virat pretending to look scandalized.

They sent a couple to their group chat with Aman and Jassi.

Within seconds, Aman replied with a fire emoji, and Jassi sent back "Stop being so cute"

Virat snorted, shaking his head. "We'll hear from them about this later."

"Totally worth it," Rohit chuckled.

At one point, as they stood by a dessert stall that sold delicate macarons, Virat leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Rohit's cheek right as he was about to snap another picture.

The camera caught Rohit's surprised, shy expression perfectly—his eyes wide, cheeks turning a faint pink.

Virat looked at the photo and grinned. "Saving this one."

Rohit tried to hide his face but ended up laughing, leaning into Virat's side. "You're impossible."

"And you love it," Virat whispered, pressing a kiss to his temple.

They wandered through more stalls, Virat finding a vendor selling his favorite pastries—the same kind Rohit had braved getting lost for.

He bought two and fed Rohit a bite, watching fondly as Rohit's face lit up.

"See?" Virat said. "This is why I love it, it's delicious."

Rohit glanced at him, his heart full. "I've wanted to do this for so long... just walk around like this, try new things, be with someone I love."

Virat's expression softened, and he tightened his grip on Rohit's hand, "We'll do it more. wherever you want to go."

Rohit smiled, his eyes shining. "Promise?"