Virat looked at his side and saw Rohit sleeping peacefully, he couldn't disturb him so he went to the balcony to get some fresh air
He sat down on a near chair and the took out his phone
Virat scrolled through his phone's photo gallery, each image a memory flickering to life. A lump formed in his throat as he landed on a specific picture - a younger Virat, chest puffed out in celebration, locked in a victory hug with Rohit after a triumphant chase. The memory flooded him with a wave of nostalgia
A roaring crowd erupts as a young Virat cracks a six to finish the game, winning it for India
Rohit - We did it, Vi! We chased down 360, we will win every trophy together and celebrate like this..
Rohit takes Virat in a tight hug and Virat hugs him back tightly too
Virat (grinning) - Yes Ro, this is just the beginning
Virat (to himself) - I miss this time so much. Pehle sab kitna accha tha. Back then, we were just teammates, playing for the love of the game. Not captain and vice captain, no media scrutiny, just pure joy.
A sigh escaped his lips. The weight of responsibility felt heavier than ever in that moment. He missed those simpler times, the carefree days
Suddenly, a gentle pat on his shoulder bought him out of his thoughts. He looked up to meet Rohit's gaze, concern etched on his brow.
Rohit - Kya kar raha itni raat ko Vi Couldn't sleep?
Virat: Yeah. Just... lost in some old memories. Couldn't sleep. Tu kya kar raha itni raat ko
Ro - U were not there so I thought to check on you.. he pulled a chair beside Virat and sat near him
Virat (giggling) - Aww, mera panda tune meri liye apni neend khrab ki? Don't worry about me, yaar. Just reminiscing about the good old days.
He playfully pinched Rohit 's cheeks earning a light swat in return.
Ro - I was just checking balcony m kon hai, nhi to main kyu dhundhu tujhe. Mujhe pata hai tu humesha monkey ki tarah idhar udhar karta hai Cheeku rabbit..(Ofc Mr Sharma we believe you 😊)
Virat smiled knowingly. Rohit, knowing his bestie won't accept it but always found a way to show he cared.
They went back to the room settling on the bed
Rohit - Kucch hua tha kya, when u returned u were so stressed
Virat kept his head on Rohit's shoulder- Nothing just usual BCCI drama but it's alright
Before Rohit could ask something, Virat again said - Ab bas KBC mat shuru kar, let me sleep.
Next morning
Virat, shedding his gloomy mood, was back to his usual chirpy self with playful banter or so everyone thought
The team gathered for breakfast in the hotel dining area. Virat and Rohit were already there, engaged in a lively banter.
Virat - So, Mr. Panda, ready to face my bowling in the next practice session?
Rohit (teasingly) - Bowling aati bhi hai tujhe? Phirse slip mat hojana bowling krte krte
Jassi - Rohit bhai aisa mat bolo, Virat bhai is a good bowler
Harry started teasing him - Yeh dekh lo, abhi case start hua nhi lawyer ji pehle hi court pahuch gye... Jassi glared Virat and Rahul was laughing at it
Jaddu - Veer ab to Rohit ko out karna hi padega aaj tujhe
Rohit - Let's see, kon out hota hai
Virat (rolling his eyes): Oh, really? Challenge accepted, Mr. Sharma. Ab to main out karke hi rahunga
Their teammates chuckled at their friendly banter, enjoying the light-hearted moment amidst the tension of the recent match.
Bhuvi, the only sensible one in the team, chimed in - Guys bas hogya. Have your breakfast shaanti se
Virat and Rohit exchanged a knowing look before bursting into laughter, and then giving a sheepish smile
They had their breakfast
After a week
The team gathered in the dressing room after their loss to New Zealand, disappointed.
The crushing defeat to New Zealand had knocked India out of the T20 World Cup, and the weight of disappointment hung heavy in the air.
Virat sat with his head in his hands, the weight of the defeat heavy on his shoulders. Rohit, who knew his best friend needed him kept a hand on his shoulder
Virat stood between the room addressing the team - Guys, the next match against Namibia will be my last T20I match as captain
The news came as a shock to everyone
Rohit, who was putting on his pads, froze mid-action. He looked up at Virat and looked at him. His face crumpled. It wasn't anger. It was the flicker of hurt visible in his eyes
Virat, having braced himself for the initial shock, watched his friend closely.
Rahul who was sitting in a corner looked up at Virat - But why Virat?
Rohit looked up at him in disbelief - Virat... what are you saying?
"Rohit, I know this is sudden, but-"
Sorry for late update guys. Hope you liked it.
Don't forget to vote and comment pls, they are so motivating
Target for the next chapter: 50 votes and 35 comments
