That's what brothers do

Roots that hold them together

After a hectic day in the gym a warm shower does marvels. thinking this Virat jumped on his bed and started internet surfing when he received a call from his one and only Mahi Bhai. It didn't take him a second to answer the call and yell out "MAHI BHAIIIIIII, how are you? What are you doing? Everything ok? Are you missing me like I'm missing you?" Mahi Bhai couldn't help and chuckle at his little Cheeku and say, "haan baba I'm ok, everything else is ok and I'm missing you." Even a sleeping Virat would notice the change in his Mahi Bhais voice there is something that is bothering him, and he did not hesitate to tell his Bhai what his observations were. "stop lying Bhai there is something that is bothering you and I know you better than I know myself. Please tell me what's wrong" He said with a begging tone worried why his elder brother sounded so low.

Mahi couldn't help but think how much his Cheeku knows him and cares for him. He also knows how much this will affect his little brother, but he has to be the one telling him so taking a deep breath he said "Cheeku I'm going to tell you something and I want you to listen to me calmly and promise me you will not try to convince me to do the contrary". The word confused will be an understatement for what Virat was feeling for the last his Bhai used this tone and made him take promises was when he resigned from his captaincy. The feeling of dread started washing on his face along with realisation. No, it cannot be, please let it not be that, please he begged in his mind. Getting no response from the other side Mahi called out to his brother "Cheeku you there?" this brought Virat out of his thinking bubble and say, "yes Bhai, I'm listening". "Do you promise Cheeku" asked Mahi Bhai. "You don't have to do this Mahi Bhai please" he couldn't continue as Mahi Bhai interrupted him saying "Do you promise Cheeku or not". Realising not having any option Virat agreed.

Mahi Bhai started "I want you to listen to me without interrupting. This has been on my mind for quite a while now. I know this is a hard decision but it's a decision I must take, my time to retire has come. I have given a lot of my time to this game I love but now it's the time where I want to be with my family and watch all my children grow. Be it Ziva, Sammy, Zora, Your baby and all our Kiddos. I have been playing this game for years now and I love every single moment of it. it gave me so many opportunities, chances and most of all it gave me you boys who make me proud every day. You all have made me so proud Bachas and now like a proud father I now want to sit back and enjoy my boys. Watching you guys taking over the reign, breaking all my records, making new history, making me and this country proud. Don't think I'm doing this because of the people's words I'm doing this for myself and us. I know you and all the kiddos will be upset about this and hurt with this but believe me this is for our betterment. I promise bacha I will be with you all every step of your lives like I've always been whether you like it or not. I wanted you to know this first before I tell anyone and officially make an announcement and I want you to support me. I hope you understand where I'm coming from." Virat was lost in the words thinking what his brother was saying it was not making any sense to him. It felt like someone was speaking in a completely different language.

He needed to do something, and it needs to be done soon, he needs to stop his Bhai from making his decision, but he sounded very determined. How is he going to do this? Many thoughts started rushing into Virats mind, many questions yet he had no answers. "Do you have to do this Bhai? Why can't you wait for some time? Maybe till the next world cup I promise we will win. Bhai Please don't leave I need you; we need you; we will be lost without you. Please Bhai at least think about your kiddos they need you." Said Virat trying hard not to cry and let the tears out but he failed miserably. "No Cheeku I have to do this please try to understand Bacha I know it's hard, but you have to be strong for your kiddos. I know without doubt you will win the next world cup and I will be with all of you watching you, supporting you and cheering you." Sighing Mahi Bhai continued as he knew this kid of his is the most stubborn one "and about being lost they have you to lead them. You have already been doing that without me. You have proved to be a great leader and if you don't believe me than look around you Cheeku, have you seen them look at you. If you didn't then let me tell you what I see, I see love, gratitude and the most important thing of them all respect they have for you is nothing compared to what they have for me." Virat couldn't help but protest "No Bhai" but before he could continue Mahi Bhai interrupted him by saying "No Cheeku you listen to me. I'm only retiring from the game, but I will always be with my family, when you need me, when everyone needs me, I will be there." Virat knew nothing can be done to change his mind so he said "waise bhi Ranchi konsa dur hai ajayenge boriya bistar leke apna hi ghar hai." Laughing Mahi Bhai said "waise bhi tum logo ka adha boriya bistar idhar hi hai. Tumlog vase bhi tapak jate ho bhina bhulyaye." That was it Vi was back to his whining self.

Taking a breath of relief Mahi started thinking how to pacify the remaining when he heard Virat say" I think we should tell the boys together before they hear from somewhere else Bhai" knowing what Virat said was right they decided to call Ro first after all he was his first Kiddo. As expected, many threats, arguments and accusations were thrown but Mahi Bhai finally convinced him. Ro asked, "when are you planning on retiring Bhai will you play the IPL and the upcoming series." looking expectedly for he wanted his brother to have a memorable last match. To which Mahi Bhai said, "only the IPL". They tried to convince him to at least play a farewell match, but he didn't budge. Giving up both supported their brother as he sent the email to BCCI notifying them of his retirement. With both his Kiddos at his side they decided to tell everyone about his decision.

The young lads were in their respective homes enjoying a calm afternoon not aware of the storm coming their way. Their phones beeped with a message from their Cheeku Bhaiya consisting of a meeting ID. Thinking that their Cheeku Bhaiya was up for no good they logged in. after greeting each other, pulling each other's legs, complaining and rambling about their boring lockdown life and how it sucks being away from each other the young lads started this meeting. But one of them noticed both his older brothers were abnormally quiet. "Is there something wrong Bhaiya, why are you both quiet" asked Jassi to a gloomy looking Rohirat. Sighing Virat took the lead and said "there is a reason for this meeting. I want you all to listen quietly without any interruption." Nodding towards Ro. Looking at his serious face the boys decided to stay quiet. Getting the clue Ro spoke up "we tried our best, but we couldn't convince him. Sorry boys." Everyone was looking at each other trying to understand what exactly was going on. Looking at their faces Mahi Bhai spoke up "Bachas I want you to know that I love you all and will always be with you all. I have thought about this a lot and I have taken the decision to retire. I want all of you to take on my role and make me proud like you always have." He stopped and looked at their faces. Silence, shock, fear, sadness and many other indescribable emotions showcased on the faces of his young boys. But silence was soon broken with the dam of protests violently gushing out along with a few tears. Luckily, he had his two kiddos who helped him convince the boys explaining everything and demolishing the boy's fears of losing their Mahi Bhai. "whenever you need me you will have me by your side and if there is a day, I'm not by your side than I'm leaving you in the hands of my Kiddos" said Mahi Bhai looking at Virat and Ro.

The boys finally agreed and started telling him how much they will miss him both on field and off field. Suddenly Harry had a realisation and howled on top of his voice "LEAVING THEM IN CHARGE". "Do you have any problem with that" snapped Virat. "No just wondering with Mahi Bhais presence it required 3 people to handle you and Ro after now... " now it was Ro who snapped at him "tut toh bada dhud ka dhula hai." Thus, began the banter. After the call was over well that what Mahi Bhai thought. The boys decided to do something special for their Bhai. It was the morning of 15th August Mahi Bhai woke up and was sipping his tea while watching Ziva playing with the dogs when Sakshi came in and said, "Mahi there are some parcels for you." He looked surprised as he wasn't expecting anything and went in. opening each package, he understood it was his kiddos. Each box contained an ornament which had his picture with them along with a special message engraved at the back. At last there was a big box which consisted of a tree with branches and a glass vase which showed the roots. There were small hooks where he could hang the ornaments. There was a message engraved on the glass "A tree's beauty lies in its branches, but its strength lies in its roots." These simple words had a deep meaning for MSD and the boys for he is the roots that bind them together and make them the team they are. For it's the roots that hold them together. That evening he announced his retirement and took the whole world by surprise.

Hey guys

Are we proud or ARE WE PROUD of our boys. What a match that was.

Hope you guys like it. This was a request.
If you guys want me to write about something I can give it a try

This is my take on Mahi Bhais retirement. Do let me know if you guys like it. Any criticism is good criticism.

Once again thanks AshuICT

Until next time stay safe and wear your masks 😷

Love

Roshnee xx