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The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the bustling cricket ground. The Indian team had just finished a grueling practice session, their muscles sore and minds focused. Virat Kohli stood at the edge of the field, watching his teammates with a sense of pride mixed with concern. He felt the weight of expectations pressing down on him like never before, but he was determined to shield his team from the storm brewing outside.
As the players began to disperse, Virat called out, “Chalo, guys! Kal se series shuru ho raha hai. Aaj se thoda rest lena zaroori hai! And don't forget, ice cream ka promise hai!” He grinned, hoping to lighten the mood.
“Sirf ice cream se kya hoga? Aapko khud thoda relax karna chahiye!” Shubman chimed in, a hint of worry lacing his voice.
“Sab theek hai, Shubhi! Tumhare ice cream ka intezaar kar raha hoon. Let's focus on tomorrow's match!” Virat replied, waving off the concern with a smile.
As the team made their way back to the hotel, Virat felt a familiar fatigue settling in. The previous week had been a blur of meetings, interviews, and planning sessions with BCCI. He had been the one to face the brunt of the pressure, deflecting the sharp criticisms from management and online trolls away from his teammates. Every late-night meeting, every harsh word thrown his way, he bore silently.
Later that evening, as the team gathered for dinner, Virat stepped into the kitchen to prepare a hearty meal. Cooking had always been his way of unwinding, and it allowed him to show his love and care for his teammates in a way that felt genuine. He opted for a classic chicken curry with rice, knowing it was a favorite among the boys.
“Virat bhai, aap kabhi khud ka khayal nahi rakhte!” Ishan said as he strolled into the kitchen, an apron thrown over his shoulder. “Aap hi toh hamesha sabka khayal rakhte ho!”
“Bas thoda busy ho gaya hoon, Ishu. Tum logon ke liye toh main kuch bhi kar sakta hoon,” Virat replied, stirring the pot with a smile, but the exhaustion in his eyes didn’t go unnoticed.
“Bhai, aaj toh apne liye bhi kuch banaiye!” Ishan insisted, nudging him playfully. “Aapko khud ka bhi khayal rakhna chahiye!”
Just then, Rohit entered, catching the tail end of the conversation. “Ishu, chhod de, yaar! Virat ko kabhi apne liye nahi sochna aata. Hum sabko pata hai woh kya kar raha hai,” he teased, but his tone carried a hint of concern.
Virat shrugged it off, a light laugh escaping his lips. “Mujhe nahi chhodne wale, bhai! Tumlog ka khayal rakhna mere liye pehle aata hai.”
As dinner was served, the atmosphere was lighthearted. They joked about past matches and shared stories from their childhoods, but underneath the laughter, Virat could feel a strain. He had seen the online comments, the blame placed solely on him, and it hurt to see his friends unknowingly adding to his burdens.
The meal finished, and the team dispersed to the common room to relax. Virat stayed back to clean up, washing dishes while the laughter echoed from the other room. Just as he finished, he heard Hardik’s voice rise above the rest.
“Virat, kuch zaruri hai toh keh do! Tumhe sab kuch akela hi sambhalna hai kya?!” Hardik’s playful tone cut through the air, and the laughter halted for a moment.
Virat stepped into the room, forcing a smile. “Koi baat nahi, Harry. Sab theek hai, yaar. I just want you all to enjoy the game.”
“Phir bhi, kabhi kabhi humein bhi apne khayal rakhna chahiye!” Rohit chimed in, looking at Virat with concern.
“Main theek hoon, guys. Kal ka match focus hai,” Virat assured them, but deep down, he felt the burden of their unawareness.
As the night wore on, Virat returned to his room, the fatigue pulling at him like an anchor. He checked his phone, a barrage of notifications from social media waiting. Comments ranged from supportive to derogatory, but he focused on the former. He had to stay strong, for his teammates, for the fans who believed in him.
As he lay in bed, he reflected on his family back home. His mother’s calls had become infrequent; she worried too much. Bhawna had messaged him, her children asking why he hadn’t visited in a while. He missed them all dearly, but every time he tried to plan a visit, the hectic schedule of the team made it impossible.
Just before drifting off to sleep, a thought nagged at him—he had to show his family how much he cared, even from afar. Perhaps a surprise visit was in order once the series was over. He smiled at the thought, allowing it to chase away the shadows of doubt that lingered.
The night closed in, but in Virat’s heart, a storm brewed, fueled by love, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to his team.
What did you think of this chapter? Are you feeling the camaraderie and the pressure that Virat is under? What are your thoughts on the sacrifices he’s making? Any suggestions for the next chapter?
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