"Alright, let's start with the basics. Vritika, I'm Dr. Mehra. Let me take a look at you."

Rohit eased Vritika back onto the pillows. "She's been complaining about her ribs and her arm," he explained quickly. "And she's running a fever. There's also a cut on her forehead—it happened earlier."

Dr. Mehra bent down to examine her. He started with her forehead, inspecting the gash just above her temple.

"This cut isn't too deep," he said, cleaning the wound with antiseptic. "But it's bled quite a bit. I'll dress it now, and you'll need to keep an eye on it for any signs of infection."

As he pulled up her top to check her ribs, Rohit winced at the sight of the dark bruises scattered across her torso. The doctor's fingers pressed lightly against the affected area, making Vritika flinch.

"Her ribs are likely bruised, maybe cracked," the doctor said gravely. "But we'll need imaging to confirm. As for her arm—" He moved to inspect her forearm, where the swelling had worsened. "It's swollen and tender. This could be a fracture. We'll have to take an X-ray."

Rohit clenched his fists. "Can you do it here?"

"Yes,I'll prepare the portable machine downstairs. Bring her down carefully."

Without hesitation, Rohit moved to Vritika's side. "Rits, I'm going to carry you, okay? It'll be quicker and easier this way."

She nodded weakly, her eyes half-closed, trusting him implicitly. With care, Rohit slid one arm under her knees and the other around her back, lifting her effortlessly. She rested her head against his chest.

After what felt like an eternity, Dr. Mehra straightened up, removing his gloves and switching off the X-ray machine. He walked over to Rohit, who had been pacing nervously nearby, his hands resting on his hips as he glanced repeatedly at Vritika.

"Alright," Dr. Mehra began, "the good news is there are no fractures or internal injuries to her ribs. They're badly bruised, which is why she's in so much pain, but rest and the right care will help with that."

Rohit let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. "Thank God," he muttered, glancing at Vritika who was lying on the table.

"However," Dr. Mehra continued, "her left arm does have a small hairline crack in the bone. It's not severe, but she'll need a cast and at least four to six weeks of recovery. It's critical she doesn't strain it during this time."

Rohit's jaw tightened. "Okay. And the fever?"

"Yes," Dr. Mehra said with a nod. "She's running a high fever, likely from the stress and shock of the accident. I'm prescribing a course of antibiotics and some painkillers for the arm and bruising. These will also help with the fever. Make sure she stays hydrated and gets plenty of rest."

He handed Rohit a small bag containing a tube of ointment. "This cream is for the bruises. Apply it gently twice a day. It'll help reduce the swelling and discomfort."

Rohit took the bag. "Got it. Anything else I need to know?"

"She needs to be monitored closely for the next 24 to 48 hours," Dr. Mehra replied. "If the fever doesn't come down or if she starts showing signs of dizziness, nausea, or confusion, call me immediately. I'll arrange for the cast tomorrow. For now, keep her arm immobilized as much as possible."

Rohit nodded "I'll make sure she's taken care of."

"Call me if you need anything," he said to Rohit.

Rohit bent down, scooping Vritika into his arms with care. She let out a small sound, her head lolling against his chest, but didn't wake. Virat followed closely, carrying the bag of medications and the cream the doctor had prescribed.

"She'll be better off at the apartment," Rohit said over his shoulder to Virat. "Someone needs to be with her at all times, and aunty can take care of her better there."

Virat nodded. "I'll follow you. If you need anything, call me."

Rohit didn't answer, his focus solely on getting Vritika into the car. He settled her gently into the passenger seat, buckling her seatbelt as she stirred slightly but didn't wake. Without another word, he got into the driver's seat and started the car.

The drive was quiet, the streets almost deserted at this hour, but Rohit's thoughts were anything but calm. The image of Vritika collapsing earlier played over and over in his mind. What if she hadn't made it? What if something had happened on the way?

His grip on the steering wheel tightened as he glanced at her. The sight both reassured and terrified him. She's okay for now He swallowed hard, forcing himself to focus on the road.

When they reached her apartment, Rohit parked and got out, walking around to her side. He opened the door, leaning down to lift her again. Vritika stirred as he cradled her in his arms, her eyes fluttering open for a brief moment.

"Rohit?" she murmured weakly.

"I'm here," he said softly. "Go back to sleep. You're home now." Her head rested against his chest as she drifted off again. By the time they reached the apartment door, Virat had already knocked.

Vritika's mother opened it immediately. Her eyes widened as she saw her daughter in Rohit's arms.

"What happened?" she demanded, stepping aside to let them in. "Rohit, Veer—what's going on? Why is she like this?"

"Let me get her to bed first, aunty," Rohit said gently, carrying Vritika toward her room. Her mother followed.

"Is she okay? Virat you said there was an accident? Why didn't anyone call me earlier? I was so worried—"

Virat placed a hand on her shoulder. "Maa, we'll explain everything. Let Rohit settle her down first."

In Vritika's room, Rohit carefully laid her down on the bed, adjusting the pillows to support her injuries. When he returned to the living room, Vritika's mother was waiting, her arms crossed. "Now, tell me everything," she said, her voice trembling.

Rohit and Virat exchanged a glance before Rohit spoke. "Maa, I told you earlier naa, ki it wasn't us. But before that when you called and told Vri, she panicked, thinking something had happened to us. She drove all the way to where we were, even though she was injured and running a fever. She got into an accident on the way but didn't stop for treatment because she was too worried about us."

Her mother's face went pale as she listened. "My God, what was she thinking?"

"She wasn't," Virat said softly. "She was just scared. She thought she'd lose us just as you thought you had lost me."

"She's okay now, aunty. The doctor said there was no internal damage, but her arm has a small crack, and she needs rest. Do you mind if I stay with her tonight?"

"Of course, of course. I don't know what I would've done if something had happened to her. I'm just glad she's in good hands."

"Aunty can you bring some food. She needs to take the medicines..."

"I'll bring something, don't worry." She gave Rohit a grateful smile before heading toward the kitchen

Rohit sat down on the bed beside Vritika, his eyes studying her face. Moments later, Vritika's mother returned with a tray carrying a bowl of soup, some toast, and a glass of water.

"Vritika beta. It's time to eat something, darling. You need to take your medicine."

Vritika stirred slightly but she looked groggy and distant. "I'm not hungry, Maa. Just... just let me sleep." She closed her eyes again her body sinking deeper into the comfort of the bed.

"You need to eat, Vritika. Just a little, please."

"I can't... I don't want to, Maa. Just... let me be."

"Rits, enough. You have to eat. No arguments." Rohit's words left no room for protest as he reached for the bowl of soup.

Vritika looked at him, her eyes half-lidded with exhaustion as Rohit held the spoon up , "Open your mouth," he instructed gently. When she hesitated, he raised an eyebrow. "Don't make me force-feed you."

Vritika let out a soft groan. She opened her mouth slowly, taking the spoonful of soup from Rohit's hand. Her body was exhausted, and the warmth of the soup seemed to comfort her even as she barely registered the taste.

"See? That wasn't so bad. Just a little more, okay?"

Vritika gave a small nod, though her eyes were fluttering as sleep threatened to overtake her again. She wanted to resist, but the exhaustion in her body was too much.

"See? Almost done. Now, one last thing. Take your medicine." He picked up the small pill bottle and gently guided it to her hand.

Vritika gave in, swallowing the pill. "Thanks, Rohit," she whispered.

Vritika's mother watched them both. She hadn't realized just how deeply Rohit cared for her daughter until now.

Virat entered the room and also saw it. 

"He is so good to her." He heard his Maa say.

"I know."

"Have you eaten beta? Wait I will prepare a plate for you."

"No Maa, I already ate earlier. Maa, you've been running around all evening. Go get some rest. We'll handle things here."

"But—"

"Maa," Virat interrupted . "Rohit and I are here. Vritika's fine now, and you need to rest. Please."

"Alright. But call me if you need anything."

Vritika began to drift off, Rohit gently shook her shoulder. "Just a moment, Rits. The doctor said you need to apply this cream to your bruises. Let's get it done so you can rest properly."

Vritika groaned softly, reluctant to move. "Okay," she mumbled. With some effort, she pushed herself up, sitting awkwardly against the pillows.

"I'll help you," Rohit offered, already reaching for the tube of cream.

That sentence jerked her awake.

"No!" Vritika said quickly. I'll manage. It's fine, Ro."

Rohit frowned. "Rits—"

"I'll be fine," she insisted, already sliding off the bed. She grabbed the cream and disappeared into the bathroom before he could protest further.

Inside, she leaned against the closed door, taking a deep breath. The sight of her bruised torso earlier had been bad enough. She couldn't bear to let Rohit see her like that again. She had already made him worry so much. If he saw the full extent of her bruises she knew it would only make him feel worse.

Taking a shaky breath, she reached for the hem of her tank top, wincing as she pulled it over her head. The motion tugged painfully at her ribs, and she hissed, biting her lip to stifle the sound. Her reflection in the mirror made her stomach turn. Purple and blue splotches marred her sides and her left arm hung awkwardly in its sling, 

When she tried to unhook her bra, her fingers trembled. The angle was awkward, and every movement sent sharp pangs through her arm and ribs. Just a little more, come on, she told herself, but the clasp refused to budge.

 "Rits? Are you okay in there?"

"I'm fine!" she called back.

"Rits, open the door," Rohit said, his tone firmer this time.

"No, Rohit, Just a minute!" she insisted.

Rohit's jaw tightened. He knew her well enough to recognize when she was putting up a front. Without hesitation, he turned the doorknob and stepped inside.

His gaze landed on her instantly, her back to him as she struggled with the clasp of her bra. The bruises scattered across her ribs and back made him freeze.

"Rohit!" Vritika gasped, trying to cover herself with her free hand. "What are you doing? Get out!"

"Stop, Rits. You're clearly not fine. Let me help."

"I can manage," she said, her voice trembling as she avoided his gaze.

He ignored her protests, stepping behind her. His hands replaced hers and he unhooking the clasp in a matter of seconds. "Why are you so shy suddenly?" he asked softly "There's nothing here I haven't seen, Rits."

She turned slowly to face him. "I've already worried you so much, Ro. I didn't want to... I didn't want you to see me like this. It's already so late and you also have a match tomorrow. If I had managed to keep my head..."

Rohit placed his hands on her shoulder. "Accha? Would you have said the same thing to me if I had been at you place?"

"That's different," she finally mumbled.

"Is it?" he pressed. "Tell me how, Rits. Because from where I'm standing, it's not different at all. If it had been me in your place, you wouldn't have hesitated for a second to be there for me.

"Rohit. I shouldn't have let my fear take over. If I had just stayed calm, none of this—"

"Stop right there, Rits. You can't blame yourself for caring about the people you love. It's not a weakness—it's who you are. And it's why I... why you mean so much to me."

"No," he interrupted, squeezing her shoulders lightly. "No more blaming yourself. Do you know what I thought when I saw you lying there hurt? I didn't think about tomorrow's match or how late it was. I thought about how close I came to losing you. And I never, never want to feel that again, Rits."

Her vision blurred with tears, and she reached up to grip his wrist. "I'm sorry, Rohit. I'm so sorry."

"There's nothing to be sorry for. Just promise me, Rits, that you won't hide from me again. Not your pain, not your fears. If something's wrong, I want to know. I need to know."

She nodded. "Okay. I promise." She got rid of her dirty clothes and threw them in the laundry basket and put on a loose robe.

He released her shoulders and reached for the cream. "Good. Now let's take care of these bruises before you fall asleep standing up."

Rohit squeezed a small amount of cream onto his fingertips and he began applying it to the bruises on Vritika's arms and back. As he worked, his eyes traced the angry purple and blue marks that marred her skin, his chest tightening with every new bruise he uncovered. 

He moved down to her torso, carefully pushing the robe aside to reveal the bruises along her left side on her back. His jaw clenched, and he forced himself to stay calm. He noticed how she winced slightly at the touch, even though he was being as careful as he could.

"Does it hurt too much?" he asked.

"No," she whispered. "It's okay, Ro."

But it wasn't okay. As he worked his way down, he found more bruises on her stomach and thighs—deep, dark marks that told him just how much force her body had endured. He swallowed hard, his hands trembling slightly as he applied the ointment. It was twisting something deep inside him. She had endured all of this, yet her first thought was for him and Virat.

When his hand moved lower, toward her ribs and stomach, she hesitated, instinctively pulling the robe tighter around herself.

"Rits," he said softly. "It's just me."

She swallowed hard, then nodded, letting the fabric fall open slightly. 

He worked with utmost care, his fingers brushing over the darkened skin just beneath her left breast. The bruise there was larger than the others. It was sickly yellow fading into angry purple.

"Tell me how it happened. The accident."

"I don't exactly remember...It all happened so fast, like in a fraction of second. I was in a trance and then I heard a horn. Suddenlt there was a truck right in front of the car and I panicked and just turned left. The car hit a tree trunk and next thing I knew I was thrown into the passenger door."

Rohit forced himself to continue, spreading the ointment gently over the discolored skin. Because all of a sudden, he felt extreme fear in his veins realising how near she had come to... Vritika, alone, scared, and hurt, trapped in that car, inches away from a far worse outcome. He could feel the cold grip of fear tightening around his chest.

 "God, Rits..."

"I know," she whispered.

"But in that moment, I wasn't thinking about myself. I just kept seeing you and Virat."

Rohit's hands stilled, and he looked up at her with anger and anguish. 

"And what about me, Rits? What if I had lost you? What if that tree had been a split second closer, or that truck hadn't stopped in time? Do you even understand what that would have done to me?"

 "I..."

You can't keep doing this, Rits," he said softly. "Your life—you—matter. Not just to me, but to everyone who loves you. You can't put yourself last every time. It's not fair."

Her tears finally spilled over, and she reached up to grip his wrist. "I'm sorry, Ro. I didn't mean to scare you. I just... I didn't want to lose anyone else."

His heart ached at her vulnerability and he gently wiped a tear from her cheek with his thumb. 

"I get it, Rits. I do. But promise me something. Promise me you'll think about yourself too. Because if anything happened to you..." He swallowed hard, unable to finish the thought.

She nodded."I promise."

Rohit leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Good. Now stop scaring the life out of me, alright?"

A faint smile tugged at her lips despite the tears. "I'll try."

"Not good enough," he teased gently, brushing her hair back. "Say it properly."

"I'll stop scaring you," she said with a weak laugh, wiping her eyes. 

"Good. Now shall we go?"

"You go ahead...I will just freshen up a bit."

"Okay, but just give a shout if anything goes wrong alright?"

"Yeah."

Vritika quickly splashed her face with cold water and freshened up. After a few minutes, she emerged from the bathroom. When she walked into the room she was surprised by what she saw. 

Rohit had already taken the time to gather all the blankets from the wardrobe and arranged them neatly on the bed. The entire surface was covered with layers of soft blankets one over the other. 

Her heart melted at his thoughtfulness. 

He looked up at her as she came closer.

"I thought this might help," Rohit said. "I know your body's hurting, and I don't want you to be uncomfortable when you sleep."

Vritika felt a lump form in her throat and felt a rush of emotion surge through her for this man who, despite everything, always put her well-being first. Without a word, she walked towards him and wrapped her good arm around his waist, pulling him into a tight hug.

Rohit froze for a moment but then his arms came up to hold her delicately. He was afraid of hurting her. "Kya hua?"

"Pyaar aa raha hai." Vritika mumbled into his chest.

Rohit chuckled softly. "Pyaar aa raha hai, huh?" he repeated, his voice tinged with warmth and teasing. "Toh aur kya karein, madam? Hum to hamesha yahin hain, pyaar lutwane ke liye."

"Rohit, seriously," she said softly. "Thank you... for everything. You always know how to make me feel better, even when I'm at my worst."

"You don't need to thank me, Rits. You're the most important person in my life. Taking care of you isn't a chore—it's something I want to do. I'd do this a thousand times over if it meant you were okay."

Unable to hold back, Vritika leaned up and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. Rohit blinked, before breaking into a lopsided grin. 

"Kya baat hai! Aaj toh mere din ban gaya," he teased earning a light smack on his arm from her good hand.

"Bas, zyada mat udho."

"Alright, enough of this emotional stuff. He reached over to the nightstand and picked up the glass of water and a couple of pills the doctor had prescribed. "Here, take these. Doctor's orders, remember?"

Vritika rolled her eyes playfully but took the medicine without protest, washing it down with the water he handed her.

"Good," Rohit said, setting the glass aside once she was done. "Now, you rest, okay? I'll be just outside if you need anything."

"You're not staying here?" she asked with disappointment.

"Main kaise...Aunty aur Virat dono bahar hi toh hai." he mumbled.

"Toh?" she pressed, her amusement growing.

"Arey, what will she think of me?"

Vritika couldn't help the soft laugh that escaped her. "Rohit, she already thinks the world of you. You just arranged a mountain of blankets for me and spent the entire evening fussing over my every move. Pretty sure she's planning to adopt you at this point."

"Haan, haan, very funny. But seriously, Rits, I think it's better if I give you some space to rest. You need it."

"I don't want space, Rohit," she admitted quietly. "Not tonight. Stay."

Rohit hesitated "Fine. But if Aunty scolds me in the morning, you're taking full responsibility."

Vritika grinned faintly but her eyelids were already growing heavy. "Deal. Now stop overthinking and come."

He nodded and carefully positioned himself next to her on the bed, making sure not to hurt her in any way. It wasn't long before she had already drifted off to sleep. Rohit did not know when he himself drifted off while admiring her.

When the alarm blared next morning, Rohit let out a low groan, burying his face deeper into the pillow.

He instinctively reached out, patting around in search of the blanket he vaguely remembered pulling over himself during the night. His body protested the mere idea of waking up. So he ignored the alarm and lazily reached out an arm, fumbling blindly across the bed in search of the blanket to pull it over his head.

His fingers met empty air.

"Huh?" he mumbled groggily and glanced around in confusion. That's when his eyes landed on Vritika, curled up snugly on her side, the blanket pulled tightly around her like a cocoon. Every inch of it was draped over her small frame leaving none for him.

"Unbelievable," he muttered under his breath. "Blanket thief"

He rubbed his eyes but then noticed the door opening quietly.

It was Virat. With a jar of water in hand.

Really? At seven in the morning? 

Rohit crossed his arms and watched as Virat crept closer. It was clear Virat hadn't noticed him fully awake yet, too focused on sneaking up like a villain.

When Virat finally looked up, Rohit's piercing glare met his amused one. Virat froze in his tracks like a deer caught in headlights, the grin fading from his face as Rohit's eyes dropped meaningfully to the glass jar and then back to him.

"Really?" Rohit said flatly, his voice low to avoid waking Vritika.

Virat's mouth opened and closed a few times. Finally, he grinned sheepishly. "Well... good morning, Panda. Fancy seeing you awake."

Rohit narrowed his eyes. "Care to explain?"

"I, uh... was just doing you a favour. Like I always do....make sure you don't get late and wake up before the match starts at least."

"So your grand plan was to drench me with cold water while she"—Rohit gestured toward Vritika, still sleeping soundly—"is lying right here? Great thinking, Virat. Top-notch."

Virat blinked and glanced at Vritika. "Oh... I didn't think about that."

"Clearly," Rohit shot back. "Now, put the jar down before I decide to return the favor."

"Okay, okay," Virat said, holding up the jar. "Calm down, you crazy Panda. I'll behave."

Rohit was still watching him like a hawk. "Good. Now, put it down gently and walk away."

Virat took a step forward and before Rohit could react, Virat tipped the jar just enough to scoop a tiny handful of water.

"Virat, don't—" Rohit started, but it was too late.

Virat flung a quick sprinkle of water onto Rohit's face, droplets landing squarely on his cheek and nose.

"Oops," Virat said with a wide grin, backing up toward the door. "Looks like I couldn't resist."

Rohit growled softly, sitting up. "You are so dead, Kohli."

Virat had already darted to the door. "Catch me if you can!" he called.

Rohit wiped his damp face with a scowl, muttering, "Unbelievable," under his breath. He leaned closer to Vritika, pressing the back of his hand gently against her forehead. Her fever had subsided, though not completely gone. He exhaled a quiet sigh of relief. Unable to resist, he pressed a soft kiss to her hairline.

She stirred faintly but didn't wake, her lips parting in a sleepy sigh. Smiling to himself, Rohit stood and grabbed his towel before heading to the bathroom for a quick shower.

The cool water refreshed him, washing away the grogginess of sleep. Emerging from the bathroom with the towel secured around his waist, droplets of water still clinging to his skin, he walked over to the wardrobe and rummaged through hoping to find something to wear.  He was sure Rits had his hoodie or something...

Yep. Got it.

He found his cricket jersey with his name . A grin spread across his face. Rits... You little thief, he thought fondly, remembering how she'd cheekily claimed it the last time he caught her sneaking around his luggage.

Chuckling, Rohit slipped the jersey over his head. As he turned to the bed, his gaze softened. Vritika was still curled up amidst the blankets, her hair a delightful mess and her lips slightly parted in sleep. She looked so peaceful, so utterly adorable, that Rohit found himself rooted in place unable to look away. He reached for his phone. Switching to the camera, he pressed record, the screen framing her tranquil face perfectly.

"Look at her," he whispered into the phone. "Hogging all the blankets. And this, ladies and gentlemen, is the thief who stole my jersey. Caught red-handed, sleeping beauty. This is evidence for when you deny hogging the entire blanket for yourself."

He zoomed in slightly, "Adorable, isn't she? But don't let that fool you. She's trouble, I tell you," he added with a soft laugh and sat on the end of the bed.

He scrolling through his schedules when he felt an arm go around his neck.

"Best of luck for the match." He looked at her and a smile spread across his face as her sleepy voice reached his ears. He held her hand where it was resting on his chest.

"Best of luck se kaam nahi chalega madam."

"Accha?"

"Haan."

Vritika leaned and kissed the side of his neck.

Rohit grinned. "Now that's what I'm talking about. That's the kind of luck I need."

"You don't need luck today. You are playing at Wankhade. It's your favorite. But I won't be there with you."

"But a little extra luck never hurts, right?"

"You better win the match then," she said, her eyes half-lidded as sleep was beginning to pull her under once again.  "I'll be cheering for you, even if I'm not there. Go make me proud."

"Rest up, Rits. I'll see you soon. And when I call you, you better have taken all those medicines." With that, he slowly stood up and made his way to the door. 

He had a match to win and to get back to her quickly. 

******

A/N

Tell me if you liked the chapter and also if you have any requests or a scene. I may write it for you for our fav couple. 

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