IPL 2023 was an absolute treat to the csk fans. And I am not over the team and the win. I didn't see many writing about them so I thought why not myself. So yeah, writing this for my own comfort and satisfaction.
a/n: because no one would write this and I am (50 days after ipl got over) still not over csk and the team.
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The match against Mumbai had gone incredibly well, and the CSK were happy to have won against the rival MI team yet again this season. They reached their hotel late and by around 2 a.m., almost everyone had gone to their respective rooms.
Mahi was playing snooker with Devon and Moeen. The trio enjoyed themselves and by around 3 a.m., decided to march off to their rooms too.
"Rutu isn't back, is he?" Dev casually put forth, and Moeen nodded.
"I didn't see him in the bus." He said, and Mahi frowned at this. The kid's house was at least two hours away, and he didn't remember him telling he'd be going anywhere.
Before Mahi could ask Dev, he saw Rutu entering the hotel. He decided to go check up on him. "There he is. You two go ahead, I'll have a quick word with him and then sleep."
Dev and Mo knew Mahi was concerned so they nodded and left with a quick "G'night MS!" and "Yeah, bust his ass. Night, Maahi bhaaii."
Mahi couldn't help but smile whenever Dev called him mahi bhai. In his Kiwi accent it always sounded forced and funny but he never said it out.
He walked to the reception and saw Rutu visibly going rigid at the sight of him. He tried to stiffen a smile, lord, the number of times he's seen Virat make that face!
"Rutu," he called mildly as he stopped him.
"Mahi bhai, you aren't sleeping?" Rutu said, trying to sound ultra casual.
"Where were you?" Mahi asked instead, face as emotionless as ever.
Rutu froze. He thought he'd be screwed if he let him know the real answer. So you can't blame this kid for stuttering. "I- actually-"
When they reached Rutu's room, Mahi leaned against the doorframe.
"I was just out.."
"Were you at a club or something?" Mahi asked in a deep quiet tone and Rutu looked at him with shock.
"No! No, bhai," Rutu struggled, giving in to the thought of telling Mahi bhai the truth.
"Okaaay, you know I won't eat your head. You can tell me. Where were you?" Mahi said in a much softer tone.
"Mahi bhai... can we go inside?" Rutu got out, searching for the room card. Mahi looked at him weirdly but obliged, and they went in and Rutu locked the door.
"Uh, Rutu, why do I smell something fishy?"
"Because no one can know! I've a secret." Rutu said and sat close to Mahi.
"First tell me where were you." Mahi said in a no nonsense tone and Rutu sighed.
"I was with a girl."
Rutu watched Mahi very closely, anticipating his reaction. It went from being blank to realisation to suspicion.
"A girl?" Mahi said, lips curling into a sly smile. "What were you doing with a girl until three in the morning!?"
"N-Nothing.. bhai we just.. walked. And talked." Mahi noticed how Rutu's eyes were shining and he understood he was indeed swept off his feet by her.
"I see. What is her name? How long have you been seeing her?" Mahi put an arm round Rutu's shoulders.
"Her name is Utkarsha. I've known her for like seven years but we've been serious for like two years now.." Rutu chirped excitedly.
"Two years!? And you're telling me now! And the others don't even know-"
"I'll tell them soon, bhai. And you know what? We're getting married this June!" Rutu had gone red and Mahi couldn't help but laugh.
"What, really? Congratulations, Rutu! Look at you, my little Rutu, you are so in love." Mahi patted the side of his face gently and smiled. "Introduce me to her soon. And the team. What does she do, by the way?"
"She's a cricketer! She played for the Maharashtra team." He said proudly.
Mahi was impressed. "Match made in heaven, then."
"Yeah. And do you know, Mahi bhai, you're the first one to know this." Rutu side hugged him, and Mahi hugged back. "My little secret with you."
"Honoured." Mahi said teasingly. "I am happy for you, Rutu." He said with all the tenderness in the world and Rutu beamed.
"However, the next time you go out, tell me." Mahi said, switching to a stricter voice.
"Yes. Got it." Rutu immediately replied. "Also, don't tell Dev I told you before I told him."
Mahi laughed.
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