Lost but Not Forgotten

PART 11

Ajinkya felt a rush of panic but masked it with a smile. "He's just a kid, Virat. Kids often look alike, don't they?"

"Maybe," Virat replied, still studying Moksh from a distance. "But there's something about him... something familiar."

Ajinkya swallowed hard. "He's a talented cricketer, that's what matters right now. Let's focus on the training and not dwell on looks."

Virat nodded slowly, still not fully convinced. "Alright, but I wil keep an eye on him. He's got potential."

As they returned to the group, Moksh was now engaging in light-hearted banter with Akaay and the other seniors, fitting in as if he'd been part of the family for years. The laughter resumed, yet in the back of Ajinkya's mind, the weight of the secret loomed larger.

He couldn't shake off the feeling that keeping Moksh's identity hidden was only going to get harder. Especially with Virat's watchful gaze on them. Ajinkya could only hope that the truth would stay buried long enough for Moksh to forge his own path in this world, away from the shadows of the past.

***************

The atmosphere at the practice field buzzed with energy, but miles away, in a cozy living room adorned with cricket memorabilia, a heavy silence hung in the air. Rohit sat on the edge of the couch, fingers fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. The television screen flickered with highlights of the ongoing practice session, but he barely registered the plays. His mind was elsewhere—lost in the thoughts of his son, Moksh.

Ritika entered the room, carrying a tray of snacks. She placed it on the table and settled beside him, a soft smile gracing her lips, but it didn't reach her eyes. "He's going to be just fine, Rohit. You have to trust us," she reassured him, though her voice trembled slightly.

Rohit ran a hand through his hair, frustration and fear swirling within him. "What if they find out? What if they recognize him? I can't—" His voice broke, and he looked away, biting back a wave of panic.

"Breathe," Ritika said softly, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "We've planned everything. Ajinkya knows how to keep his identity safe. Moksh will be fine."

Sammy poked her head in. "Dada, why are you worried? Moksh is gonna be just fine! He'll be the best!" She hopped onto the couch, her childish enthusiasm a stark contrast to the weight of their conversation.

Rohit managed a weak smile for her sake, but deep down, the fear gnawed at him. What if something went wrong? What if Moksh faced the same backlash he had years ago?

Ritika's expression grew serious as she turned to Rohit. "We can't let our fears dictate his future. Moksh deserves this chance to shine. You both do." Her voice wavered, revealing her own concerns. "But we need to keep his identity a secret. If anyone finds out..."

Rohit nodded, understanding the stakes. The pain of his past—the accusations, the isolation—had left deep scars, and now, as he watched his son step into the same world, it felt like history was repeating itself. "What if the team figures it out? The resemblance... it's uncanny."

Sammy, sensing the tension, leaned against Rohit and asked, "Will they be mean to him like they were to you, Dada?

The question hung heavily in the air, echoing the fears he had buried deep inside. "No, sweetheart. They won't be mean. I just need to make sure they don't know who he really is," Rohit said, trying to inject certainty into his voice.

Ritika exchanged a glance with Sammy, who remained blissfully unaware of the complexities surrounding her brother's identity. "We'll support him from afar. We'll be there for him when he needs us. But we have to let him forge his own path," Ritika added, hoping to convince Rohit as much as herself.

"But what if he gets hurt? What if they target him because of me?" Rohit's voice was raw with emotion. "I can't bear to see him suffer like I did."

Ritika shifted closer, wrapping her arms around him. "You're not that man anymore, Rohit. And Moksh is strong—he's your son. He's going to make his own way. We just have to trust him."

As they sat in the heavy silence, Rohit couldn't help but feel the weight of his choices. In the back of his mind, he was haunted by memories of the accusations that had torn his life apart. Every time he closed his eyes, he could see the faces of the people who had doubted him, and now he was afraid those shadows would extend to Moksh

***********

As the practice session continued, the sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows across the cricket field. The sound of bats striking balls and the laughter of players filled the air, but amid it all, one player stood out: Moksh.

With each stroke of the bat, he not only impressed his teammates but also evoked a sense of nostalgia in those who watched him. Jassi and Harry exchanged glances, a shared understanding passing between them as they observed Moksh's movements. There was something eerily familiar about him, not just in looks but in style—a ghost from the past brought to life.

"Do you see it?" Jassi whispered to Harry, who nodded solemnly.

"Yeah, it's like seeing  Bhaiya out there again," Harry replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Jassi cautioned, though he couldn't shake the feeling that Moksh was channeling their long-lost brother.

Meanwhile, Virat stood off to the side, arms crossed as he watched Moksh. Every ball he faced, every shot he executed, drew him in deeper. There was an undeniable connection—something that tugged at his heart. He felt an inexplicable bond with this young boy, a fleeting memory of Rohit resurfacing with each swing of the bat.

As Moksh settled into his stance for another delivery, the field fell silent. The bowler delivered, and with a fluid grace that echoed Rohit's style, Moksh executed a perfectly timed pull shot. The ball soared through the air, a near-perfect replica of Rohit's signature move. Gasps echoed around the field.

Virat immediately made his way towards Moksh who stood shocked when he saw Virat approach him in a hurry "where did you learn a that from?"
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Note- okay on serious note I as an author is giving or atleast trying to give daily updates and keep the plot interesting but the low comments and votes make me really upset.
And now I have reached the decision if the target of the chapter isn't completed I won't be updating ahead...however long it takes
This is a threat or condition but I need assurance that people like to read what I am writing or else there is not point of it!
Thank you
Author
Kavya