Lost but Not Forgotten

PART 22

As the night progressed, the atmosphere was lively with laughter and chatter. Just as Moksh and Akaay were showing off their cricket skills to the group, Rahul stepped into the room with a serious expression.

"Hey everyone, I've got some news," he announced, catching everyone's attention. "Our team doctor is on a personal leave and won't be returning for this series."

A wave of concern swept through the group, especially as it was Moksh and Akaay's debut match coming up.

Shreyas immediately spoke up, "Does anyone know a trustworthy doctor we can call?"

Moksh, excited and eager to help, raised his hand enthusiastically. "My Samaira didi is a certified doctor!"

The room fell silent as all eyes shifted between Moksh and Sammy, who was now feeling the weight of their gazes. Athiya and Devisha turned to her, both surprised. "Why didn't you tell us?" Athiya asked, her brow furrowed with concern.

"I'm here only for Moksh and nothing else," Sammy replied firmly, trying to maintain her boundaries.

Jassi, not one to let this opportunity slip, chimed in, "But we need a temporary doctor until the series starts. Samaira, can you help us out?"

Sammy shook her head vehemently. "I can't.I am sorry" she whispered to herself " Being close to you all puts us at risk of revealing our identities."

Virat, who had been quietly listening, stepped forward. "But Vamika is also joining the team as the new media manager, and soon Ziva will be handling legal matters. We could really use your expertise, Samaira."

She looked at Virat, whose gaze was filled with expectation, and then turned to Mahi, who nodded in agreement. "Please, Samaira. We need you," he urged.

After a moment of inner conflict, she took a deep breath. The idea of getting close to them was intimidating, but she couldn't let them down, especially Moksh. "Okay," she finally said, her voice steady. "I'll help out as the temporary doctor until the series is over."

A wave of relief washed over the group, and the atmosphere lightened again. Moksh beamed at her, and as she looked around at the faces of her friends, a sense of belonging warmed her heart, even if she was still grappling with the weight of her true identity.

"Thank you, Diii !" Moksh exclaimed, pulling her into a quick hug. "You'll be the best doctor ever!"

"Yeah, let's hope I don't have to treat you too often!" she replied with a soft chuckle, easing the tension within her.

As they moved back into the festivities, Sammy felt a mixture of joy and apprehension, knowing that this new role would keep her closer to them but also closer to the danger of her secret being uncovered.

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

The following days were a whirlwind for Sammy as she juggled her new role as the temporary doctor while keeping her identity hidden. She attended team meetings and practices, providing medical advice and first aid when necessary. Each day brought its own challenges, especially when it came to managing her emotions around the players and their families, who were so reminiscent of her past.

During practice sessions, Moksh flourished under the guidance of his teammates, showing promising talent that was starting to turn heads. Sammy often found herself on the sidelines, a mix of pride and concern washing over her as she watched him excel. Every time he performed well, it reminded her of the pressure he was under as Rohit's son, a burden she desperately wanted to protect him from.

One afternoon, during a particularly intense practice, Moksh hit a stunning six that had everyone cheering. Afterward, he came running to Sammy, beaming with excitement.

"Did you see that, Didi? Did you see how I hit it?" he exclaimed.

"I did! You were amazing out there, Moksh!" she responded, her heart swelling with pride. But as she looked around at the other players, she couldn't shake the feeling of vulnerability that came with being so close to the truth.

Later that week, Virat organized a team dinner to celebrate their upcoming match. Sammy was invited, and after a moment of hesitation, she decided to attend. As they gathered around the table, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and camaraderie. She sat next to Vamika, who was buzzing with excitement about her new role, while Moksh was animatedly sharing stories about their practice sessions.

As dinner went on, the topic shifted to Rohit and his absence. The players expressed their admiration for him and shared fond memories. Sammy listened quietly, her heart aching. She could sense the pain in their words, especially from Virat, who remained uncharacteristically quiet.

"He should be here. He would have loved to see how well you guys are playing," Virat said, his voice filled with longing. "I miss him."

The room fell silent, and Sammy felt a lump form in her throat. She wanted to reach out, to tell them everything, but she couldn't risk it. Instead, she offered a comforting smile, her mind racing with thoughts of how to navigate this delicate situation.

After dinner, Sammy found herself outside on the balcony, needing a moment to breathe. The night air was cool, and she leaned against the railing, lost in her thoughts.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps behind her. It was Virat. He joined her at the railing, his expression contemplative. "It's hard to see everyone moving on without Rohit," he admitted.

"Yeah, it must be," she replied softly, keeping her identity concealed. "But he's left a legacy in you all. You're doing great things."

Virat glanced at her, his gaze searching. "You remind me so much of him. I know you say you're not who we think you are, but there's something about you..."

"Virat sir, please," she interrupted gently, her heart racing. "I'm just Samaira Sharma. I'm here for Moksh, and I want to help him succeed."

He nodded, but the sadness in his eyes remained. "I just wish things were different. I wish they were here."

Sammy turned to face him, her heart heavy. "We all do. But we can honor him by continuing to support each other, can't we?"

Virat smiled faintly, grateful for her understanding. They stood in silence, two souls connected by the shared pain of loss and longing.

*****
Okay guys on a serious note do you all not like the story or am I writing it boring cuz low response and reach is me making me loose motivation to continue!!!
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