Next Day:
Mahira's POV:
It was again a CSK match day, which CSK won yet so easily. Every one got batting today. And all of them contributed to the win. We were all very happy and the dressing room was filled with laughter.
And the happiest was Jaddu bhai, 4 catches, 2 wickets. He was just too happy tonight. But one person was missing, Rutu. Idk where he was and I went to find him. And there I found him, sitting alone outside.
"Mahira, kaha ja rahi ho?", Mahi bhai asked me when he saw me going outside.
"Bhai rutu ko kya hua hai?", I asked him, maybe mahi bhai scolded him.
"Aise to I don't know. But shayad apni performance se disappointed hai.", Mahi bhai looked at him with a sad smile.
"Main use bula kar laun?", I wasn't feeling good seeing him sitting all alone, I wanted him to feel good about himself.
"Jao.", Mahi bhai patted my head and I went out. He probably didn't notice that I came or maybe ignored my existence.
"Main baithun?", I motioned to the seat beside him and he just gave me a sad smile. I took it as a yes.
"What happened rutu?", I asked him touching his arm lightly. He just shook his head.
"Don't keep it inside. Letting out emotions is good.", I said trying to sound philosophical.
"Yaar pichle teen matches me 20 bhi nahi cross kar paya.", He spoke it out now . So Mahi bhai was right.
"But you are still winning right, and aaj tumne wo brilliant catch bhi pakda.", I sais trying to assure him.
"It's not that mahi. I am sent down with one of the world's classiest player Faf du plessis to open the game for one of the most successful team of IPL led by the most successful captain of world cricket. This team has amazing players Mahira, and tab bhi ye log mujhe trust karte hai open karne ke liye. And this is how I perform. I seriously feel so disappointed in myself.", He said and I could hear the despair in his voice. He didn't even look up once.
"Rutu, you just said that you are playing under the world's most successful captain, do you remembered how his journey started? 3 matches me singles. Tab IPL bhi nahi hota tha ki you'll get to show your talent atleast somewhere. Ek hi team thi. Indian cricket team. Aur agar wo wahan waise perform karte hote to you know what would have happened. But we all know the story between two run outs right?", I said and he looked at me finally. He was really devastated.
"Atleast you are getting an entire tournament. And you have got a team of match winners who are constantly backing you, because we believe in you Rutu. Agar teen matches se kisika career decide hota to shayad world cricket ko sabse successful captain nahi milta. Agar us ek run out ke basis pe unko judge kar liya jata to shayad humein world ka fastest running between the wickets nahi milta. Be grateful ke you have such an amazing team which is not entirely dependent on your performance. You have got an opponent to explore your style and play according to your comfort. Don't sit here complaining. Get up. Go in. Talk to the dozen of experienced match winners that you have on your team and feel good about the situation you are in.", I spoke all of it in one breath and Rutu was looking at me with a shocked expression. Even I don't know where this adrenaline rush came from all of a sudden. And wow, I should start motivational speaking right?
"Thankyou.", He was looking at me with twinkling eyes.
"You don't need to thank me. As a fan, I trust you in the playing 11 rutu.", He got up with a smile and so did I. And as soon as I got up he engulfed me in a hug which I didn't expect so I was taken aback. But I hugged him back eventually.
"You have no idea how much I neede that.", He said backing off from the hug and looking at me.
"Now go, talk to useful people. I was just lighting up the flame.", I said with a chuckle and we both walked in.
"Mahira. Come here.", I was immediately called by Sonu bhai who was maybe on his phone with someone.
"Han bhai.", I said as I walked up to him.
"Le. Talk to priyanka. Maine ise kabse tumhare bare me bataya hai. And she has been wanting to talk.", He said and handed me the phone.
"Hello bhabhi!", I said very cheerfully as I got the phone.
"Hie!", She reciprocated.
And indeed a night it was again with my CSK family, Priyanka bhabhi was too sweet and she promised to meet as well.
Tonight when I was leaving Mahi bhai came to drop me off to my car. And how special it was for me.
"You to must have met a lot of other people as well?", He asked me on the way.
"Haan.", I shrugged oh so casually.
"Kisise friendship hui achhi wali?", He asked me with the usual msd smile.
"Han. Everyone is nice but achhi wali dosti ekdm to Rishab ke sath hui aur han Ishan and Hardik were really nice.", I recalled my memories of last night. Of the conversation I had with Rishab. It was after really long I spoke to someone like that.
"Rishab is like that. Sabse banti hai uski. Youngest and favourite.", Mahi bhai said with pure adoration in his eyes.
"Mahira. Tumse ek baat puchun?", He asked me very seriously.
"Han mahi bhai.", I turned to him and asked
"Is something going on between Shardul and You?", He asked me and I was taken aback. I was very shocked at the fact that Mahi bhai is asking me this.
"Nothing Mahi bhai. What happened?", Seriously there is nothing going on between us. Why would he ask that.
"I know my kiddos well Mahira, I understand them. Maybe I am wrong, but I have noticed the way he looks at you.", He said.
"Mahi bhai I have no idea. But I can assure you mere side se I feel nothing for him. I just consider him a very good friend.", I clarified.
"I don't have a problem beta. I was just curious.", He said with a smile and ran his hand through my hair.
"Nahi bhai seriously, does he likes me?", I asked him, my turn to be serious.
"I don't know bachcha. Main beech me nahi aa raha. I just wanted to know that's all.", He said. But now I am curious.
"Aapne unse pucha tha kya?", I asked him.
"Nahi baba. Chill. I just casually asked. Mujhe koi problem nahi hai. Achha ladka hai wo I trust him with my sister.", He said making me blush thora sa.
"Mahi bhai!", I said and looked down. He side hugged me and opened the door of my car for me.
"Tension mat lo itni. Chill.", He said before we bid goodbyes and I drove away. And all the way in the car I was thinking of Mahi Bhai's words. Does he really like me? Considering mahi bhai's tactical impulses I don't think his observation can be wrong. But this time, I want it to be wrong.
One more part guys. That's what happens when you don't do what you are supposed to do. And write stories all day😂😂.
Achhe se reviews dena, main padhai compromise karke likh rahi hoon ye.😂🥺
