Frayed bonds

The determination

Virat stepped back at that awkward and curt reply.

He inspected Rohit's face and not being able to help himself asked, "Did you cry?"

Rohit's eyes immediately flashed towards Virat with such anger that he genuinely felt scared.

"Obviously that's what I am doing since weeks now!" Rohit said, laughing.

"Ro listen-" Virat started but Rohit cut him off, "Do you want to curse me more? Call me a burden?" Rohit said, his voice bitter.

Ritika stood up from the bench and went towards Anushka, "Let them talk, we can go to the spa." She said.

Anushka looked at her, with a look saying, 'Are you being for real'. But she was met by an equally teary Ritika.

"This is just you trying to make light of the situation isn't it? Doesn't work with me Ritsy! Let's go, let them talk you and I need a break." Anushka said pulling her inside the hotel.

Rohit and Virat looked at their wives going inside hand in hand and then looked at each other.

Rohit was the first one to look away, "Ro please talk to me." Virat said.

"Talk about what Virat ?" Rohit asked his voice heavy with emotions, "Weren't you the one who said that you wouldn't care a day if I don't talk with you?"

"I am sorry Ro I really am. I can't put in words how sorry I am for whatever rubbish I said!" Virat said.

Rohit raised his eyebrow at Virat, "I know I should have said this long back but I didn't know how to..." Virat said looking down.

"I... I need to go freshen up, we have practice." Rohit said getting up and Virat sighed.

"At least tell me if you are fine or not and since when are you getting those anxiety attacks?" Virat asked, his voice filled with regret.

"Since the day you said I would lose you if I continue to take a stand for my self respect." Rohit said and walked away inside the hotel.

Virat gazed up at the sky, "Will I ever get my best friend back?" He mumbled.

"Yes you will but you'll have to put efforts in it." Someone said and Virat looked back to see Jammy Bhai looking at him intently.

"Huh? What do you mean Bhai?" Virat asked.

"You know Virat, even me and Sourav had a huge fight and stopped talking for months."

Virat's eyes widened, "Really?" He asked in disbelief. Rahul nodded his head.

"But... But it doesn't seem like that seeing you both." Virat said, shocked.

"Did you ever think something like this will happen with both of you? Can anyone say that about you guys?" Rahul asked and regreted it as soon as he saw Virat's expression dropping.

"Sorry cheeku that's besides the point. What I am saying is Sourav had also said some really hurtful words but then he realised and attempted to make up for it." Rahul said.

"He'll um forgive me no like you did?" Virat asked still unsure.

"Are you really guilty for whatever you said?" Rahul asked and Virat nodded.

"Yes bhai I really am sorry for that." Virat said. "Then Ro will for sure forgive you when your sincerity reaches him." Rahul said.

He could see the determination take place in Virat's eyes. Rahul patted his back and said, "I hope you know what you have to do cheeku."

Virar nodded, filled with determination to get is best friend back at any cost.

"Yes jammy bhai I know, thank you bhai talking to you really helped." Virat said sincerely, hugging Rahul.