Sumit watched as an entire ocean of emotions crossed Rohit’s face in a span of a second but he quickly covered it with his usual mask of indifference and sarcasm. However, it was clear that he was devastated and entirely broken. It was a wonder the man was still standing on his feet. Sumit didn’t know when he learned to read Rohit so well. Frankly, it was a bit scary. Even scarier was his urge to reach out and comfort the man.
Rohit had started to throw the usual hateful nonsense (despite feeling the exact opposite) to anger Sonakshi when she said something that stunned them all. “Rohit, you know it took me 4 months to realize this but finally I did. You are simply not worth it. Not worth my time nor anyone else’s. Our entire relationship was the biggest mistake of my life. I wish I never met you, life would have been so much simpler if I hadn’t.” Sumit watched as Rohit gave her a sarcastic laugh but he could clearly hear the painful screams beneath it. Sonakshi gave Rohit an angry glare and stormed out. Rohit stood still for a few second and then staggered. Sumit immediately reached out and held him by the shoulders.
“You okay?” Rohit nodded and started at the door, lips quivering slightly as he blinked rapidly. “She’s calling everything a mistake. She hates me. I made her hate me. Sumit, I did it. But now it hurts so much.” Sumit watched as all the emotions rushed back onto Rohit’s face and he broke into a sob. Sumit lost his brief hesitation and took the other man into his arms. Without breaking the embrace, he walked him over to the couch and sat them both down. Sumit pulled Rohit closer as he rubbed his hand soothingly on his back while Rohit placed his face in the crook of his neck. Neither truly realizing the intimacy of the moment. Sumit sighed softly as a strange comfort engulfed him. Building a successful career in Mumbai from scratch had forced him to lose touch with emotions so strong. But lately, that changed, mostly because of the man currently in his arms. Seeing his love for Sona, made Sumit want so much more. He kept rubbing his hand over Rohit’s back as he repeated soothing words. They stayed like that for a few minutes.
“You okay?” Rohit nodded and awkwardly pulled away from the hug. He looked down in embarrassment and wiped his eyes with the back of his palm.
“She won’t come back, right?” Sumit didn’t know what to say and he didn’t even know how this question made him feel. Perhaps, not so good.
But he reached out and gave Rohit another hug. “Everything will be fine, trust me.” It was then they both heard a click and a gasp followed by a loud clank. Both men broke out of the embrace and looked at a very angry Sona and a very confused Tulsi. Sona looked at Rohit and then Sumit before storming out once again while Tulsi quickly followed.
Rohit looked at the closed door and sighed. He looked tired and defeated. Sumit got up to leave and almost made it to the door, when something inside stopped him. “To hell with it all.” He walked back, sat down and placed his lips on a dazed Rohit. At first, he was in shock but then Rohit also responded with equal fervor. The kiss was soft and curious but soon they deepened it, feeling emotions entirely alien to both of them pouring out in that one moment. But it felt so right. Peaceful. Breaking the kiss, Sumit rubbed his fingers on Rohit’s stubbled cheek and they both looked at each other for a few seconds before giving each other a sweet chuckle.
Sumit got up to leave (this time for real). “If you happen to be free tonight, you know where to find me.”
“Yes, at Maninder’s house.” Sumit gave him a mock stern look as Rohit gave him a real smile. Sumit felt a strong tug of emotions at that smile. It was worth it all.
Both men spent the rest of the day with a soft smile on their lips and a beautiful twinkle in their eyes.
The End
