Through the Storm

Chapter 2- Beneath the Surface

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The sun was just rising over the horizon when Virat stepped out onto the practice field, a slight breeze ruffling his hair. Today was a big day-another crucial training session, and though he felt a lingering fatigue, he smiled, watching his team gather.

"Alright, guys, ready to push harder today?" His voice was firm but encouraging, the tone of a captain who knew how to bring out the best in his players.

As the team jogged to their positions, Virat noticed Shubman Gill running up beside him, the young player's usual excitement bubbling over. "Bhai, aaj kuch new drills try karne wale hain, right?"

Virat gave him an amused glance, reaching out to ruffle Shubman's hair. "Tum sabse pehle ho jo practice ke liye excited ho! Don't worry, we've got some good ones lined up. And who knows, maybe ice cream again if everyone's on point."

Shubman grinned, nodding eagerly before sprinting off to his spot.

The practice drills began smoothly, the players running through their routines with precision. Virat, as always, was right in the thick of it, making his rounds, correcting stances, offering tips.

He paused next to Ishan Sharma, who was adjusting his grip. "Ishu, thoda loosen up. You're getting tense, and that's messing with your swing."

Ishan blinked up at him, nodding quickly. "Right, bhaiya. Aapka guidance toh hamesha perfect hota hai."

Virat smiled softly, giving him an encouraging pat on the back before moving on.

As the practice session continued, Virat felt a small tug of discomfort in his chest. It wasn't anything alarming, just a fleeting sensation that he quickly brushed off. He had more important things to focus on-like checking in on Bhuvi, who was sitting off to the side, massaging his ankle.

"Sab theek hai, Bhuvi?" Virat asked, concern coloring his tone as he crouched down beside his teammate.

Bhuvi nodded, offering a reassuring smile. "Haan, yaar. Bas thoda sa sprain hai, kuch serious nahi."

"Accha. Thoda rest kar lo, don't push yourself too hard. Match ke liye fit rehna zaroori hai."

The day continued like this, with Virat seamlessly switching between his own practice and his role as a guide for the younger players. Rohit caught his eye a few times, noticing how Virat's energy wasn't quite the same, but it wasn't something anyone else seemed to pick up on.

When practice finally ended, the team gathered around, laughing and joking as they made their way back to the hotel. Virat found himself smiling at their banter, but a quiet fatigue settled in his bones.

Back at the hotel, the usual routine resumed-everyone freshened up, and Virat, of course, headed to the kitchen. Cooking for his team had become something of a ritual, a way to unwind while making sure they were taken care of. Tonight, he decided on pasta again, something simple but filling.

As he stirred the pot, Hardik wandered into the kitchen, leaning casually against the counter. "Caps, tujhe kabhi break lena chahiye. Har waqt sabka dhyaan rakhta hai."

Virat glanced at him, smirking. "Yeh mera break hai, Harry. Tum sab khush ho toh I feel relaxed."

Hardik chuckled but didn't push further, leaving Virat to his thoughts. The kitchen was quiet now, save for the gentle bubbling of the pasta. Virat stood there for a moment, letting the warmth of the room soothe the tension in his muscles.

But in the back of his mind, that brief discomfort from earlier still lingered. He frowned, shaking his head. It was nothing. Just a long day.

Hii everyone!
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