WICKETS AND WIDGETS

Heart To Heart

Kabir then traced his fingers up my unburnt arm delicately, as if I were the most fragile thing in the world. A tremor ran through me at his touch, a heat slowly building in my belly. "W-What are you doing?" I managed to stammer out.

He looked up at me, his eyes filled with desire. "Admiring what's mine," he replied huskily.

"And who taught you to say such things, hmm?" I teased, lightly flicking his forehead.

He chuckled softly, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Well, my teammates have been giving me some pointers on being romantic," he confessed, his gaze lingering on my face. "But trust me, when it comes to you, the romance flows naturally."

I cupped his cheek tenderly with one hand, a smile playing on my lips. "Who are you, and where's the innocent guy I used to know?"

"I'm still the same guy," he said with a sigh. "But sometimes, I worry that I won't be able to fulfill all your needs."

Confused, I furrowed my brows. "What needs are you talking about? I don't want anything from you."

He looked at me tenderly. "I said needs, not wants," he clarified. "As a man, you must have certain needs. I'm not sure if I can meet all of them. I'm uncertain about that."

I gave him a serious look, "Are you trying to tell me you're impotent?"

He gasped, "No, not at all. Thankfully, I'm not. It's not about that." He nervously rubbed the back of his neck, struggling to articulate his thoughts. "I just don't always feel like you know, being intimate. Maybe it's because of what I've been through..."

Understanding dawned on me, and I nodded casually. "Hey, it's okay. I'm not in this relationship just for physical intimacy," I reassured him. "If you're not into it, that's fine. It's not a deal-breaker for me. I've got two perfectly good hands, after all." I said with a playful grin.

His cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red. "How do you manage to say such things with such confidence?" he asked, slightly flustered.

I shrugged casually. "I suppose I've always been blunt, and with you," I added with a playful smirk.

"But, like, honestly asking," he whispered with a small voice, "What if I never feel like getting physical? Would you still want to be with me?"

I tousled his hair fondly, "Of course, man. Sex isn't the be-all and end-all of relationships. There's so much more to us than that. If it's not your thing, no worries. We'll figure it out together."

"Thank you," he said sincerely, resting his head gently beside my palm on the bed while sitting close to me. I continued to run my fingers gently through his hair, a gesture of comfort and affection. "I never thought anyone would truly understand," he added softly.

I smiled, feeling a warmth of understanding and care. "I do," I whispered, my touch soothing and reassuring.

He hummed contentedly, his eyes closing as his breathing gradually slowed into a peaceful rhythm. I watched him with affection, grateful for the bond we shared, as he drifted into sleep while still sitting by my bedside.

As he slept peacefully, I couldn't help but admire his gentle nature. How could anyone harm such a kind person? It felt wrong to even think about it. He was genuine and caring, yet carried fears about being judged for small things.

"You don't have to act strong around me," I whispered to him. "You can be yourself, vulnerable and real. I'll always be here for you."

I lay back, exhaustion weighing heavy on my eyelids. Just as I was about to drift into sleep, the door creaked open, and two familiar figures entered the room.

I gasped softly, "Mom," I whispered in disbelief.

She approached me quietly, followed by Riddhi who gave me a knowing nod. I returned it with a grateful glance. I silently mouthed to her, 'How did you know?' She replied with, 'Raghav called me.' I nodded in understanding.

She stood by my bedside, her gaze shifting from Kabir, still deep in slumber, to me. "And who is he?" she asked softly.

I hesitated, not quite ready to disclose our relationship yet. "He's a friend," I replied, keeping it vague.

Mom nodded, her eyes moist as she looked at my burnt arm. "Why does trouble always find its way to you?" she sighed softly.

"Hey, it's not like I go looking for it," I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "These things just happen sometimes."

"I know," she murmured, her voice filled with maternal concern. "It's just hard being so far away and not knowing what's going on with you until you call."

"I get it, Mom," I reassured her gently. "But I'm okay now. Trust me."

"I do," she replied, her tone tinged with worry. "It's the uncertainty of what might happen next that keeps me on edge."

"We can't control everything, Mom," I said, placing a comforting hand on hers. "Sometimes, fate surprises us in good ways too." I glanced at Kabir, sleeping peacefully, before returning my gaze to her.

"I sure hope so," she murmured softly, her eyes reflecting her concern. "Does it hurt a lot?" she asked, her worry palpable.

I shook my head, trying to ease her anxiety. "It's manageable. Dad taught me resilience."

Her smile, tinged with tears, spoke volumes. "You've become so much like him. Carefree and joyful. It's a blessing in this tough world," she said, a mix of pride and nostalgia in her voice.

Feeling a lump in my throat, I chuckled lightly. "Mom, are you trying to make me cry?"

She playfully ruffled my hair, her gaze filled with affection. "Never." She paused for a second before continuing, "Thank you for being my son."

"I wouldn't want it any other way," I replied, gratitude filling my heart for her unwavering love and support.

"I'll let you rest now. We'll catch up when you wake up next," she said softly.

"Sure thing," I responded, "Take care of yourself, and while you're at my place, don't forget to show some love to my dogs. They must be hungry."

"Sure, worrywart," she teased, "I've got the spare keys from Riddhi, by the way."

"You and your girl spy," I joked.

"Jealous much, Idiot?" Riddhi chimed in with a smirk.

"You wish," I shot back.

"Stop bickering, both of you," Mom interjected firmly, her gaze soft yet authoritative. "Let's go, Riddhi."

"Yes, aunty," Riddhi replied, following Mom out of the room with gentle footsteps.

After they left, I leaned in close to Kabir, whispering softly into his ear, "I know you're awake."

He opened his eyes instantly. "How did you know?"

"Well, obviously, nobody can sleep when there are two people talking in the same room," I teased.

He nodded in agreement. "Yeah, that's true."

"Why did you pretend to sleep? My mom wouldn't have bitten you," I said, furrowing my brow.

He shrugged, "I didn't want to accidentally reveal that you're my boyfriend if your mom asked."

"If I could, I would facepalm right now," I chuckled, "Why would you be so eager to tell my mom about us?"

"Because it means everything to me," he replied earnestly, "And because I want the world to know how much you mean to me."

"Well, Kabir," I began, "I wish I could tell my mom, but I don't think she'll understand."

"She loves you; she'll accept anything," he reassured me.

"You don't know that," I said, "Where I come from, people judge you for the smallest things. Same-sex love is a big deal there, and I'm trying to avoid that kind of gossip for as long as possible."

"Trying to avoid what?" a voice interrupted us, and we both tensed.