SHE WAS NEVER MINE

10.

"Kab tak ignore karega usse?"

Virat asked Rohit, who was engrossed in packing his kit bag. Rohit didn't bother to meet Virat's gaze because he knew precisely where this conversation was headed.

"Mujhe ignore karle, lekin usse saaf-saaf bol de ke tera intezaar mat kare," Virat said, following Rohit as he continued packing.

"You know how complicated the situation is, is it about Me and Her?" Rohit glanced towards the stands where Ritika was patiently waiting for him, a part of his heart wanted to run to her, hug her.

Is this the first day she's waiting for him after practice?

She faithfully showed up every day, holding onto a glimmer of hope that Rohit might eventually cool down and talk to her. Rohit wasn't angry with her; it was the situation that he cursed the most.

"Ro..." Her voice came from behind, filled with a longing for an apology that wasn't her fault.

"See you in the parking lot," Virat waved his hand at them, granting them some privacy.

"I'm sorry," she said, her gaze fixed on the ground.

"It wasn't your fault, Rits. You know that. Stop blaming yourself for something you aren't responsible for," Rohit reassured her as they walked ahead.

"Maybe I think, if I had tried that day, it might have had a better result," she said.

"Nooo, that day already had the best result. I'm so glad Avi left, because after that, he would have made Anu's life a complete hell for sure. My sister is in a better place now, a safe space," Rohit emphasized.

"Maybe you're right, Avi doesn't deserve Anu at all," Ritika agreed. There was a pause before she spoke again.

"How you doing?"

"I'm fine," Rohit said with a faint smile. "What about you?" he inquired.

"I miss you," the words flowed effortlessly, taking Rohit a moment to fully grasp their significance. After their first date and the preparations for their marriage, they had fallen deeply in love with each other.

But that day had shattered everything - their relationship, friendship, bond, and love.

"Ritika..." The name pained him to say.

"You know we can't go back to what we were. I'm being straightforward here. But if we were to get back together, my sister would have to see your brother, and I don't want to put her in a situation she's not comfortable with. She's already hurt, and I'll do my best to help her heal," Rohit said, every word causing his own heartache. He had waited for her to love him his whole life, and now that she was here, he had to let her go.

"I understand. I can't force you, but no matter what, I'm going to come every day to watch your practice sessions, and you can't stop me. I'll come and watch you play. Is that fine with you?" Ritika said, understanding his perspective. Regardless of the circumstances, she was still Anushka's best friend and didn't want to see her go through that pain again.

As they reached the parking lot, Rohit called out to her.

"We're going to Bengaluru for India A matches, so we won't be practicing here. You can come to see me after that." She gave him a reassuring smile, confident that with time, everything would be fine.

"See you tomorrow, Virat," Rohit waved goodbye as he noticed Virat leaving.

"Kal tera bat leke aana. Roz bhool jata hoon, aur phir mera bat leta hai," Virat earned a death glare from Rohit before he departed. Ritika chuckled at their banter.