SHE WAS NEVER MINE

21.

Two Days Later

"Mahi Bhai," I called out as he walked out of his room. I was on my way to give him the information about the contact number Harry had passed on to me. It didn't take long for the BCCI headquarters to identify the numbers, but it took them more time to get detailed information when Mahi Bhai requested it.

"Haa baccha," he turned around, hearing me.

"Headquarters emailed the information. The numbers are from South Africa, but they think they're no longer in use. The SIM cards might have been destroyed." I informed him. He nodded, staring down the empty hotel hallway.

"Okay, thank you so much, kiddo." He smiled at me, but I could tell the smile didn't reach his eyes. I made a mental note to talk to Bhabi about why he's been so stressed these past few days.

"No worries, Bhai, anything for you." I smiled back. "Is Bhabi in the room?" I inquired.

"Yeah, go ahead. She might need help picking a dress for today's match. And haa, if she shows you a yellow dress, tell her it looks beautiful on her. If you don't, main to gaya." He chuckled.

"Okay, sir." I nodded and bid him goodbye with a smile.

"Good afternoon, Bhabi!" I greeted her as she welcomed me with her warm smile.

"Arey, kya good hai in this afternoon? I can't even decide what to wear for today's match," she frowned, lying on the bed in frustration. I lay down beside her.

I missed Ritsy.

After the funeral, Virat, Bhai, Bhabi, and I flew down to Jaipur. Ritsy would join us later in the series. Of course, we couldn't expect her to join the team immediately; she needed time at home. Rohit was still there with her, so there was no need to worry, but I hoped things would get easier for her and Avi.

"It's easy for you guys. You just wear your India team jerseys, so you don't have to think about what to wear every other day," she joked. I chuckled, staring at the white ceiling above us.

"Aap bhi jersey pehen lo aaj," I suggested. Her eyes lit up at the idea, and she sat up in excitement.

"That's a great idea, Anushka!" she giggled, and I patted myself proudly. "I'll wear Mahi's t-shirt. Done!" she added. Maybe this was the right moment to talk to her.

"Bhabi," I began, "don't you think Mahi Bhai has been tense these past few days? I feel like something is bothering him." I watched her closely as her shoulders sagged, and her expression mirrored Mahi Bhai's.

"It's nothing, Anushka. You know, the new team, media pressure. it's hard sometimes. Nothing more than that." She waved her hand dismissively.

"Are you sure?" I asked again. She paused for a moment before responding.

"Haa, baba."

"Okay," I said, standing up and bidding her goodbye.

"Where were you, Sharma?" Virat's voice rang through the room as I walked in.

I glanced at him. Nothing had changed, even after he overheard Avi the other day. I didn't know if I should bring it up, but what would I even say? I thought he would ask me eventually, but he never mentioned it. Maybe he wasn't asking because he saw my tears when I left Avi's room. Virat knows me so well-if something affects me deeply, he tries his best not to bring it up again. Sometimes I wonder what I did to deserve someone like him in my life. He just gets me.

"Oyy, kahaan kho gayi?" he waved his hand in front of my face to snap me out of my thoughts.

"Nah, nothing," I murmured. "I went to see Mahi Bhai," I added.