Lost but Not Forgotten

PART 18

Later that week, the Indian cricket team decided to have a relaxed family get-together. It was a much-needed break from the stress and intensity of the series. Everyone, including the families of the players, was invited to join. Sammy, who had come to the stadium earlier to drop off Moksh's lunch, was also invited by Rahul. He had been quite persistent about it, teasing her playfully.

"Come on, Samaira. You're Moksh's sister, and that automatically makes you part of this team," Rahul said with a grin, knowing that Sammy had been trying to avoid mingling too much.

Sammy tried to brush it off. "Rahul sir, I'm really not part of the team... I'm just here for Moksh."

Virat, who had overheard the conversation, joined in, crossing his arms and giving her a gentle but firm smile. "Samaira, you're family. If Moksh is part of this team, so are you. You've been part of this from the beginning, whether you like it or not."

Moksh and Akaay joined the chorus, tugging on her arms, both pleading with puppy-dog eyes. "Please, Didi! We love it when you're with us. It'll be fun, and you'll get to meet everyone properly."

Feeling the weight of their requests, Sammy hesitated but eventually gave in. "Alright, alright... I'll come," she said with a small smile, unable to resist their enthusiasm.

Later that day, back at Ajinkya's house, Sammy was pacing nervously. She was dressed in simple, elegant attire, but her mind was consumed with the thought of hiding her and Moksh's true identities. The family get-together meant she would be surrounded by people who had known her father, who might recognize her resemblance to Rohit. She couldn't afford any slip-ups.

Ajinkya, who had been helping her get ready, noticed her discomfort. "Sammy, are you okay? You've been a little off since you agreed to come to the dinner."

Sammy stopped pacing and glanced at him, her face etched with concern. "I just... I don't know if this is a good idea, Ajinkya Chachu. What if they figure out who we are? I don't want to put Moksh in a difficult position. Dad's already worried enough about us."

Ajinkya placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You're overthinking it, Sammy. Everyone is going to be focused on having a good time. And besides, you've done a great job keeping things under wraps so far. Just be yourself. You're not alone in this."

Moksh, who had been watching quietly from the side, walked up to his sister, sensing her anxiety. "Didi, are you okay? You seem really stressed out."

Sammy quickly composed herself, kneeling down to his level. "I'm fine, Moksh. Just a little nervous about tonight. But don't worry, you're going to have fun, and I'll be with you the whole time."

Moksh gave her a wide smile, his usual carefree attitude shining through. "As long as you're there, I'm not worried about anything. We've got each other."

Sammy couldn't help but smile at his confidence. She ruffled his hair playfully. "That's right, we've got each other. Now, let's go before we're late."

With a final deep breath, Sammy resolved to face the evening head-on. She wouldn't let her fear get the better of her. No matter what, she was there for Moksh, and that was all that mattered.

As Sammy and Moksh reached the party, they were greeted warmly at the door by Virat and Anushka. Anushka, upon seeing Sammy, couldn't hold back her emotions. She immediately pulled Sammy into a tight hug, her voice soft but emotional, "My Sammio, I've missed you so much."

For a brief moment, Sammy felt the surge of emotions as well, the warmth of Anushka's hug bringing back a flood of memories. But she quickly composed herself, stepping back from the embrace, trying to maintain her carefully constructed facade. "I'm not Sammio, Anushka ma'am ... I'm Samaira Sharma. Moksh's sister."

Anushka blinked in surprise, her expression turning to one of shock and confusion. "What are you saying? You're our Sammy—Rohit's daughter! How can you say—"

Before Anushka could continue, Virat, sensing the tension, gently took her by the arm and pulled her aside. "Nush, let's not create a scene right now. We'll talk later, okay?"

Anushka looked worried but nodded reluctantly, allowing Virat to guide her away. Virat then signaled Akaay to stay with Sammy and Moksh, ensuring they were not alone as the party unfolded.

As they walked further inside, the familiarity of the farmhouse surroundings washed over Sammy. Every corner, every piece of furniture held memories of family picnics and gatherings from a time when everything felt normal—when her dad, Virat, and the rest of the team were still one big family.

Moksh, ever observant, noticed the way his sister's gaze lingered on the place. "Didi, why does this place seem so familiar to you? Have you been here before?"

Sammy quickly masked her emotions and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Moksh, don't worry about all that. Right now, you need to focus on your debut match. That's what's important. I'm here for you, okay?"

Moksh hesitated but nodded, sensing his sister's internal conflict but deciding not to push further. He trusted her judgment.

As the evening went on, more of the players and their families started arriving. Jassi, Rahul, Shreyas, and Rishabh's wives joined the gathering, mingling with the guests. They were all introduced to Sammy and Moksh, and each time, there was a moment of connection. Sammy could see the flicker of recognition in their eyes, their curiosity about her resemblance to someone they knew too well.

Sanjana, smiled warmly. "You seem so familiar... like someone we've all met before. Are you related to—"

Before she could finish, Sammy quickly interrupted with a polite but firm response. "No, I'm just Samaira Sharma. Nothing more. Moksh's sister."

The wives exchanged confused glances but respected her words, though the feeling of familiarity lingered in the air. Sammy was cautious, careful to deflect any further questions about her or Moksh's family background, determined not to let anything slip that could jeopardize the secret they were protecting.

As the night continued, Sammy found herself constantly on edge, but she managed to keep her composure, all while ensuring that Moksh enjoyed the evening with his new teammates and Akaay. The get-together, while nostalgic, was also a minefield of hidden emotions and past connections. Sammy knew she had to stay strong for both herself and Moksh, no matter what.

*****
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