One Shots on ICT bonds with Virat

People leave, Memories stay

The team had just clinched the test series victory at home, and the atmosphere was electric with celebration.

Virat had the urge to join in the celebrations with juniors, but Rohit was not there as he had an interview lined up, so he just resigned himself to boredom and drifted off to sleep-it was late anyway.

The following morning, Virat got up from his sleep by the sound of Rohit's hushed conversation with someone.

"I didn't say anything wrong, Papa. You always wanted me to play test cricket," Rohit's voice was gentle yet tensed over the phone.

Virat, now puzzled, wondered why Rohit suddenly sounded so tensed.

"It's not unnecessary pressure, Papa. Trust me, I'm fine," Rohit reassured, ending the call with a goodbye.

"What's going on?", Virat inquired once he had freshened up and sipped his coffee to kick-start his brain.

"It's about the interview I did yesterday. Papa thinks it'll add unnecessary pressure on me," Rohit explained as he sat beside him, playing the video. "It's for my dad. He's always dreamed of me playing test cricket for the country," Virat heard Rohit say in that interview.

"Now, tell me, is that wrong? He's worried that I'm feeling pressured because of him," Rohit sighed, seeking validation.

"It's alright, don't worry. It's your father-- he just cares about you," Virat reassured him. "Yeah, I guess. I'll be back," Rohit nodded and left the room.

Virat empathized with Rohit's feelings but made a concerted effort to maintain control over his own emotions.

Everyone gathered in the team room.

"What's up with you?" Ishan inquired, noticing Shubman's downcast demeanor as he plopped down beside him.

"Ah, just had fight with my father-- not a exact fight though more of argument", Shubman replied, his expression reflecting irritation. His remark piqued the curiosity of everyone in the room.

Ishan pressed further, asking, "What was the fight about?"

"It's just usual how I should not have played that shot, I know but it's just too much sometimes", Shubman complained.

Virat listens intently to Shubman's words, how he was complaining about his father, feeling a bittersweet ache in his heart.

Rohit noticed Virat's facial expression change and then he also remembered morning incident about their conversation when he mentioned about his own father.

He was about to ask if everything was okay but Virat was too lost to pay attention,

Flashback:

Virat, 12-year-old boy, sits on the terrace of his family home with his father.

The golden hues of the setting sun cast a warm glow around them as they engage in a casual yet loving conversation.

"Papa, do you think I could ever play cricket for India?"

Virat's father turned his attention on his son, he said giving a soft smile to him, "Of course, beta! You've got talent, determination, and a love for the game. Anything is possible if you put your mind and heart to it".

Virat got excited at that, "Really? You think I'm good enough?"

Virat's father smiled at his son's excitement and said, "More than good enough, Cheeku. You've got potential. But remember, it's not just about talent. It's about hard work, discipline, and always giving your best"