Acceptance heals everything

Part 13. Okay

The sun rays hit Rohit's face which caused him to wake up. He saw Mahi in the room. 

Where was Virat? No, No he has to push them away, I cannot think of this. 

"Ro, there's something important I need to discuss with you," Mahi said after Rohit had freshened up with help of Mahi. "We can discuss it over breakfast," he added.

Rohit, who wanted to snap at him that he doesn't want to know anything nor speak to anyone. He just nodded noticing a serious tone Mahi rarely used.

Why he had so little control over his emotion when it comes to the team?

Rohit saw Virat gave the breakfast to Mahi and left the room. 

"Bhai, keep it that way." Rohit said from where he was sitting at the bed. He couldn't help but notice how Virat was learning everything in an instant and it was completely different in him. It was more his friend's comfort than his big brother's comfort.

He didn't how he needed that friend.

"What do you want to talk about?" Rohit asked after a min as he was settled and was having his breakfast. 

Mahi took a deep breath, "Ro, it's that ki we have to be at the practice sessions and ground as the tour is starting. But Virat is gonna be there with you. I am telling this, first don't think I am being insensitive towards you but - "

"I understand bhai, life never stops for anyone. You got to carry on" Rohit said seeing troubled look on Mahi's face that he would cry at any min now. 

"No Ro, life stopped for someone", Mahi thought listening to that. 

"What is the second thing bhai?" asked Rohit breaking Mahi's chain of thoughts. 

"Second, we are gonna come after the match and practice sessions and be with you", said Mahi holding his hand.

"There is no need bhai", Rohit said once he was done with the breakfast. 

Before Mahi could ask him what did he mean, Virat followed by Jaddu, Ash and Bhuvi came in the room. 

"What do you mean Rohit? What are trying to say?", Mahi asked as Virat wrapped up the things keeping it aside. 

Virat put pillows behind his back to make him comfortable, Rohit wanted to just hold his hand and tell him no yell at him to talk with him. But he controlled himself, he had to do what he decided last night. 

"It is not necessary for you to return here. You have requested to see me, and you have seen me. Therefore, this is the end of the matter. I would like you to move on with your lives as you have done for the past twelve months" Rohit stated in a calm voice, maintaining the expression he had mastered throughout the year - 'I do not need you'.

Rohit saw the sad expression on everyone's face except Virat. 

"But Ro - "

"Bhai, this is my final decision", Rohit said firmly.

Jaddu said, "Rohit, this isn't right - we've been looking for you for a year, you can't just shut us out again", and he got really mad and upset.

Bhuvi said, "Yes Rohit," and he joined Jaddu, followed by Ash, who said, "Rohit, please don't do this"

Rohit said, "please don't do this, please don't make me do it, I can't do it anymore", and their faces broke into tears. Mahi was so close to tears that Rohit could barely contain himself.

After a moment of silence, Virat asked, "can we come and see you sometime?', and Rohit said no.

Virat said okay.

Jaddu and the others had just walked out of the room, and Mahi looked at Rohit and walked away. Rohit was relieved that he had managed to push them out.

Virat said, "They need to attend their sessions, so they'll go there. I'll call Ritika and she'll be back soon. As soon as she arrives, I'll leave." Rohit nodded in agreement.

Virat sat on the couch if Rohit needs any help. 

"You didn't go to practice sessions?", Rohit asked after half hour. 

Virat said, "No I didn't", got back in his book he was reading.

"Why?" Rohit asked after 10 mins.

Virat looked at him, "Ritika has arrived, I should leave", he said getting up, putting his phone in the pocket. 

Virat was at the door when he heard, "Virat", it was the first time when Virat heard his name from him since Rohit had allowed him in the room to see him.

"Yes" Virat said turning to face him. 

Rohit hesitantly said, "Take care"

"Sure", Virat said and left the room. 

Upon seeing Virat leave the room, Rohit experienced a sudden surge of emotion. He felt remorseful and guilty for having caused this to them, to Virat.

But this was for the best, yes it is.