Mahira's POV:
So as CSK has succeeded qualified for the finals, it was time for the last qualifier, RCB lost yesterday's match and it's down to KKR and DC. And I hope DC makes it, we want a thrilling finale between CSK and DC, and if DC wins tonight, then, whichever side wins the finals, I've already won.
Alia decided to accompany me for today's match, okay I have absolutely no idea about her and Shrey except what Rishab tells me, and according to him they've been spending a lot of time recently, and neither Shrey nor Alia has discussed anything with me and I'm completely fine with it, it's amazing if they can figure things out themselves.
As the match started, and we lost an early wicker of Prithvi, and Stoinis came out to bat after a long period of rest, both him and Shiki bhai wasted a few balls which aren't good for T20 cricket. Shreyas came to bat next, and he was playing okayish, as Shiki bhai was dismissed Rishab came to bat and was dismissed at 6, which is absolutely fine, no one can perform the same everyday. The batting kinda collapsed and DC could only put up a total of 135, which I hoped the bowlers to defend.
As KKR batting started, the openers were on fire, both Gill and Iyer were playing well and built up an amazing partnership of 96 runs which was broken by Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Tripathi and Nitish Rana did the job of a finisher and successfully booked their place in the finals against CSK.
I could see the sadness in Rishu's face and without caring for my work the first thing I did after match was ran to the dressing room, everyone was sitting their with disappointed faces, the post match presentation was yet to happen and soon they'll have to go back on the field for it. No one was saying anything and as someone who doesn't even knows the C of playing cricket I refrained from saying something as well.
"It was an amazing season though!", Shreyas said and I looked at him with an empathetic smile.
"Yes guys, only one team will win, and now we'll see Mahi Bhai lift the trophy without any stress on our shoulders.", Shiki bhai said in an attempt to cheer everyone and it somewhat worked as everyone had a faint smiles on their face even if for a second.
"Why are you so surprisingly quiet?", Asked Ashwin bhai as he looked at me with a smile and I smiled back at him.
"Main bhi wohi soch rahi hoon.", I said and he chuckled. Suddenly someone came from the support staff and said, "Rishab Sir, they are calling you for the post match interview.", He said and Rishu nodded.
"I'll see you after that then.", I said to him and he nodded with a faint smile. I went to the work room and Alia was there too with me.
Everyone's mood was quite normal after the internet session, I guess the grief has settled in. "Rishu kahan hai?", I asked them on coming back as everyone was there in the common room except Shreyas and Rishab.
"Andar room me hai.", Prithvi said and I went inside, Alia followed me too.
As I reached to the room, Rishab and Shreyas were sitting there, shrey had an arm wrapped around rishu's shoulder and Rishu was sitting with his head hung down. Shreyas looked at me and gave a helpless look, I gave him an understanding nod and he got up to leave, Alia too left with him.
I slowly walked up to Rishab and sat beside him, I guess he just needs someone to stay with him, gyaan dene ke liye bohot log hai. His hair was falling on his forehead and I shelved it back up, atleast that much I can do. I ran my fingers through his hair a couple of times and he took a hold of that hand, and finally moved from his place, and rested his head on my shoulder. I kept my head on top of his and we just sat there in silence for a couple of minutes.
