Lost but Not Forgotten

PART 13

Yet, as the night wore on, he couldn't shake the feeling that the deeper he got involved with this team, the harder it would be to keep his true identity a secret. The bonds he was forming felt like an intricate tapestry woven with threads of joy and pain.

After dinner, as everyone gathered to chat, Anushka approached Moksh again, her expression serious yet kind. "You remind me a lot of Someone, you know? I can't help but see him in you."

Moksh's heart raced at her words. "I've heard that before. I guess it's just... the coincidence," he said, forcing a smile.

"Don't hesitate to reach out if you ever need anything," she offered, her eyes searching his. "You're part of our family now."

As the evening drew to a close, Moksh felt a strange mix of emotions swirling within him—happiness, gratitude, and an undercurrent of fear. He knew that he had to maintain his cover, but he also felt an undeniable pull towards these people who had unknowingly become a part of his life.

As he left Virat's home that night, the warmth of the gathering lingered in his heart, but so did the weight of the secrets he carried. Moksh had forged connections that felt real, but he knew that with every moment of happiness, he was one step closer to the truth being uncovered. And that thought kept him awake long into the night.

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

The sun rose brightly over the cricket grounds as the team gathered for practice. Excitement buzzed in the air, but an undercurrent of tension simmered beneath the surface. After much persuasion from the BCCI, Mahendra Singh Dhoni had finally agreed to join the team as a mentor for their upcoming tour. The players were eager to learn from the legendary captain, but the atmosphere was tense, particularly between Virat and Mahi.

Both men carried the weight of the past, feeling the echoes of loss since Rohit's departure. They had blamed themselves for the team's struggles, haunted by what-ifs and missed opportunities. Yet, as Mahi walked onto the field, his presence commanded respect, and there was an air of nostalgia surrounding him.

"Alright, team! Let's show what we've got today!" Mahi called, his trademark confidence evident. The players responded with enthusiasm, eager to impress their mentor.

As practice began, Moksh and Akaay were paired up for batting drills. Their chemistry was palpable, reminiscent of the days when Rohit and Virat batted together, full of promise and dreams. Each shot Moksh played reminded Mahi of the young Rohit—his graceful style, the effortless power, and the confidence that radiated from him.

Mahi stood at the edge of the nets, a smile creeping onto his face as he watched the two young batsmen. "They remind me of You and Rohit when they were your age," he commented, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.

At the mention of Rohit, Virat felt a pang in his heart. He had been trying to distance himself from those memories, unwilling to dwell on the past. As he observed Moksh and Akaay, he felt a mix of admiration and a deep sense of loss.

Mahi turned to Virat, his expression questioning. "They have that spark, don't they?" he said, hoping to draw out some camaraderie.

But Virat's response was icy, his voice low and filled with a heavy weight. "He's not what you think he is, Mahi bhai," he replied, his eyes narrowing at Moksh as he continued to bat with Akaay. "He's just Moksh Sharma, not Moksh Rohit Sharma."

Mahi's heart sank at Virat's words. The young boy, so full of potential, had unwittingly become a reminder of everything they had lost. He had seen the same spark in Rohit that he now saw in Moksh, and it shattered him to think that their bond could never be rekindled.

Virat, lost in his thoughts, felt a surge of guilt. He had never meant to come off as cold; it was just that the weight of Rohit's absence was suffocating. "Mahi bhai," he sighed, running a hand through his hair, "I just don't want to get attached. It's too painful."

Mahi's gaze softened, understanding the turmoil in Virat's heart. "I know it's hard, but Moksh deserves a chance. He's just trying to find his place, just like we all did once," Mahi replied gently, wishing to ease the tension between them.

Virat turned away, unwilling to confront the truth. "Whatever he is, he's not Rohit. And I don't want to compare him to anyone," he muttered, trying to shield his heart from the reality that haunted him.

As practice continued, the sounds of bats hitting balls echoed in the air, but Virat's heart was heavy. He couldn't help but feel an unshakeable connection to Moksh, yet the fear of loss loomed over him like a dark cloud.

Meanwhile, Moksh was oblivious to the turmoil around him. He was lost in the joy of batting alongside Akaay, the thrill of connecting with the ball, and the feeling of camaraderie growing within the team. With every stroke, he felt a sense of freedom, unaware of the emotional battles being fought by the men watching him.

Later that day, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the team gathered for a team huddle. Mahi stood in the center, ready to address the group. "Alright, everyone, we have a great opportunity ahead of us. Let's focus on working together and supporting each other. Remember, it's not just about individual brilliance; it's about the team as a whole."

The players nodded, their spirits lifting with Mahi's words. But in the back of Virat's mind, doubt lingered. How could they truly be a team when they were still grappling with the shadows of the past?

As they broke the huddle and dispersed, Mahi approached Virat once more. "I know you're struggling, Virat. It's okay to feel that way," he said softly. "But pushing people away won't heal the wounds."

Virat looked at Mahi, searching for understanding. "I just don't want to go through the pain of losing someone again," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Mahi nodded, feeling the weight of Virat's words. "You won't lose anyone if you allow them in. Moksh deserves to be part of this family, and so do you."

As Mahi walked away, Virat stood rooted to the spot, his heart torn between the fear of vulnerability and the desire for connection. He couldn't help but glance back at Moksh, who was laughing with Akaay, a carefree smile lighting up his face.

And in that moment, Virat realized that maybe, just maybe, opening up his heart wasn't the worst thing he could do. But the journey to trust again would be a long and painful road, one he would have to navigate carefully, for the shadows of the past were still ever-present, whispering fears into his heart

*****

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