Cricket One Shots- BL

King to the World, Husband to You ft Virat Kohli

Year 2006

A chubby guy with the typical Delhi attitude walked into the Delhi Ranji Trophy camp. His reputation preceded his arrival- the boy was known in the cricket circuit for his sheer talent and will to succeed. There were rumors about how he got selected for all his teams despite his family flatly refusing to "pay up". This was a rarity in Delhi cricket- which also meant that the boy was reallly good at what he does.

Gautam Gambhir took note of the young boy- hardly 17 years of age. He was about to make waves in the U-19 scene, for sure. But he needed to stay on the right path if he was to play for India and have a long career. He thought it was a brotherly affection that he felt for the younger boy.

"Virat, focus. Tu dost banane nahi aaya hai team mein. Keep your head in the game. India khelna hai ki nahi?", Gautam used to keep him in line, each time he felt that Virat was faltering. He had sat him down for a talk before he joined the U-19 world cup camp,"Dekh Virat, the who is who of cricket notices the under-19 world cup. Give it all you have, but also be at  your best behavior. It's okay to be aggressive, but let abusive not be the first tag you earn in your cricket career", Gautam advised his junior."Okay, Gauti bhaiyya. I will do my best, par thoda gaali galoch toh chalta hai na", Virat had said with grin. Gautam had no reasons to worry- Virat captained the team to the title and was on the fast track to the senior team.

The national team call had arrived soon and Gautam was one of the first to call Virat,"Congratulations baccha. I am sure you will make us all proud", Gautam said."Thanks Gauti bhaiyya. Aap rahoge na hamesha, aas pass? Bahut nervous feel kar raha hu. Galti se seniors ko kuch bol diya toh?", he asked. "I will be around to guide you, Virat. Pehla tour thoda sambhal lena- thoda bullying wagera hoga- dil pe mat le lena. Then you will be part of the team", Gautam reassured Virat.

Virat was an instant hit with the team. He fit right in with Yuvraj, Dhoni, Raina and Zaheer. But no matter who was around, he would always seek his Gauti bhai at the end of the day- just to catch up on the day's gossip or ask for some advice. Even when Gautam was not part of the tour or vice versa, their end of the day catch up was a routine.

Gautam had heard rumours of girls being spotted in player rooms- it was normal for them. He too had his moments like that. But hearing Virat's name associated with that rumour tugged at his heart a bit - he attributed it to his protective instinct for the boy whom he had taken under his wings. He mentioned casually in one of their late night conversations about it,"Slow down with the room visits, Virat- you don't want controversies at such an early stage in your career. And for God's sake, please be clear of what you want when you invite someone- you don't want someone to catch some feelings and complicate matters", he advised. Virat nodded attentively, but Gautam understood that he wasn't going to obey any of his instructions.

Then came the string of affairs- models, actresses and other celebrities. Gautam tried his best to dissuade Virat from getting spotted with different women - it was getting him the reputation of being a womaniser and that didn't sit well with Gautam. The discussion had led to one of the biggest arguments that they ever had. "Virat, why are you being spotted with so many women at the same time? You don't respect yourself, at least respect the women you are dating", he had told Virat. "Gauti bhaiyya, I know you are looking out for me, but please let me be. Just because you are not interested in women doesn't mean that I cannot be. I am an adult, I can take care of myself. I would prefer it if you stop commenting on my personal life", Virat said before walking out of Gautam's room.

They didn't talk for a week after that. Virat came and apologised to Gautam after a week and things started normalising. Gautam made it a point to stay clear of personal questions. Even when Virat asked him about his dating life and shared details of his latest girlfriend, Gautam stayed quiet. This went on until one day Virat broke down in front of him,"I fell for her and she used me, bhaiyya. I thought she loved me, but all she needed was the fame. Now she is blackmailing me", Virat said. "Who? How long? Whom did you talk to? I will make it go away, kid. But promise me, you will be more careful", Gautam had told Virat. And go away it did. The board came to the rescue of its next superstar and everything was dealt with. Virat didn't really mend his way after that, but was extremely careful since the incident.