Unconditional Love

101. Quiet Strength

Virat's sobs slowly began to subside, the gut-wrenching cries tapering off into soft, broken hiccups.

His chest still rose and fell unevenly, as if his body was struggling to catch up with all the emotion he'd just released.

Rohit reached gently for the glass of water Aman had kept nearby, steadying his hands as he lifted it to Virat's lips.

"Slowly... just a sip," he whispered, brushing back the damp strands of hair from Virat's forehead.

Virat obeyed silently, sipping between shaky breaths. His fingers curled weakly around Rohit's wrist for support.

His eyes were red, heavy with exhaustion; his body worn down, physically, emotionally... completely spent.

Rohit said nothing.

He simply held him close, then helped him up with slow, steady hands, supporting his weight against his side.

Together, they walked quietly to their room. Each step was careful, Rohit making sure Virat didn't have to carry anything alone.

Once inside, Rohit gently helped Virat lie down, adjusting the pillows and comforter with the kind of care only he knew how to give.

Virat let out a small exhale as his body touched the mattress, eyes fluttering closed for a moment before opening again.

In a whisper so faint it almost broke Rohit's heart, Virat murmured, "...Can you... call Rahul bhai?"

Rohit nodded, leaning down to press a soft kiss to Virat's forehead before quietly stepping out.

"Bhai," he called gently, voice threaded with the same quiet urgency Virat had used. "He's asking for you."

Rahul bhai entered without a word, feeling the weight of the earlier outburst lingering in the air.

There was a tug of guilt inside him, he hadn't regretted raising his voice, but he knew some truths cut deep before they could heal.

Behind him, Aman, Jassi, and Rohit lingered by the door, allowing the space to belong to the two of them.

Rahul bhai moved to the bed's edge and sat down beside Virat.

As if sensing the comfort he needed, Virat slowly rested his head in Rahul bhai's lap and shut his eyes again, finally allowing himself to let go.

Rahul bhai's hand instinctively began brushing Virat's hair in slow, soothing motions.

Within moments, Virat's breathing evened out and he drifted into sleep—safe, understood, and held.

No apologies were exchanged.

None were needed.

The silence between them said everything.

From the doorway, Aman watched, his throat tight, a single tear escaping down his cheek.

Rohit noticed and gently put an arm around Aman's shoulder, guiding him and Jassi back to the living room.

The next two days passed in a comforting rhythm—quiet, warm, steady.

Aman, Jassi, Rahul bhai, and Rohit took turns caring for Virat, though it never felt like a rotation.

They were simply there.

Around him. With him.

Virat mostly remained silent, his mind still catching up with the weight he'd unloaded.

But his actions spoke volumes—the way he leaned into touches, his hand reaching out without words, his eyes always searching for one person in particular.