Lost but Not Forgotten

PART 49

"Rohit..." Mahi's voice was barely a whisper, hoarse and broken.

But Rupesh wasn't done. He twisted the knife deeper, relishing every second. "Yes, Rohit accepted the accusations because I blackmailed him. I told him if he didn't, I'd destroy you, Mahi. And Virat too. Isn't that right?"

Rohit's silence was answer enough. His eyes flickered with pain and guilt, memories of that fateful day crashing over him. The day he was forced to leave India, to be branded a traitor in the eyes of the people he loved most.

Mahi's eyes widened, the weight of the revelation settling heavily on his already weakened frame. And from the shadows, Virat's knees nearly buckled, his mind reeling. All this time... Rohit had been protecting them.

Rupesh's laugh filled the room, echoing off the walls. "How pathetic. You trusted the wrong people, Rohit. And now, look where it's gotten you—on your knees, unable to save anyone."

But Rohit wasn't about to give up. Not now. Not ever. "I'll save him," he growled through gritted teeth. "I'll save them all."

Rupesh raised an eyebrow, amused. "Really? And who's going to save you, Rohit?"

Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the warehouse. Rohit's heart raced as he saw a figure emerge from the shadows—Virat, followed closely by Bhuvi, Ashwin, Jassi, Harry, Shreyas, and the others. Bats drawn, determined looks on their faces, they had come for their brother.

"Rohit isn't alone," Virat said, his voice shaking with barely contained emotion. "Not anymore."

For the first time, Rohit's eyes met Virat's, and in that moment, years of hurt, anger, and guilt were laid bare between them. But there was something else, too—something stronger. A brotherhood that no betrayal, no misunderstanding could break.

"Let him go, Rupesh," Virat commanded, his voice firm, though his hands trembled slightly.

But Rupesh wasn't done yet. His grip on Mahi tightened as he pulled out a knife, pressing it against Dhoni's throat. "Don't come any closer," he hissed, his eyes wild.

Rohit's heart pounded in his chest. No. Not Mahi Bhai.

In that split second, time seemed to slow. Rohit saw everything—the fear in Mahi's eyes, the determination in Virat's stance, the rage in Rupesh's twisted face. And he knew what he had to do.

Without hesitation, Rohit lunged forward, knocking the gunman behind him off balance. Everything happened in a blur. The room erupted in chaos as Virat and the others surged forward, disarming Rupesh's men.

Rohit reached Mahi just as Rupesh raised the knife, slamming into him with all his strength. The two men crashed to the ground, the knife clattering out of Rupesh's hand.

"NO!" Rupesh screamed, struggling against Rohit's grip. "This isn't over!"

But it was. Virat was there, pulling Mahi to safety, his hands shaking as he untied the ropes that bound him.

Rohit stood over Rupesh, his chest heaving, the weight of everything crashing down on him. "It's over, Rupesh. You've lost."

As the police sirens wailed in the distance, Rupesh was dragged away, defeated.

Rohit turned, his eyes meeting Mahi's, who was now conscious but weak. And beside him, Virat stood, his eyes filled with a mixture of regret, relief, and overwhelming gratitude.

"Rohit..." Virat's voice cracked, his heart in his throat. "I'm so sorry."

But Rohit shook his head. "Not now, Virat. We can talk later."

Virat nodded, but his gaze didn't leave Rohit's. They both knew things would never be the same. But maybe—just maybe—they could begin to heal.

And as Rohit helped Mahi stand, the three of them—Rohit, Mahi, and Virat—stood together once more, bound by something far stronger than the pain of the past.

Brotherhood.MAYBE?

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

The atmosphere was filled with relief and joy as Ritika, Moksh, and Sammy rushed to Rohit, hugging him tightly. Their warmth surrounded him, a cocoon of love and comfort, as if trying to heal all the pain and hurt that had built up over the years. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Rohit allowed himself to breathe freely, to feel the weight lift from his shoulders.

The wives had arrived too—Jassi and Harry's concerned faces turning to relief as they saw everyone was safe. The police were busy collecting confessions, handcuffing Rupesh's men, while Virat, Mahi, Rohit, and the rest shared a moment of reunion, of forgiveness. All the anger, guilt, and misunderstandings seemed to melt away as Rohit, ever the protector, forgave them with a heartfelt hug.

"I'm sorry, Rohit," Virat muttered, his voice breaking as he hugged him tightly, finally letting the tears fall.

"I know, Virat. It's over now. We're family," Rohit replied softly, patting Virat's back with a small smile.

But the peace didn't last long.

From the corner of his eye, Rohit saw something that sent a chill down his spine. Rupesh, desperate and furious, had grabbed one of the police officers' revolvers. His eyes were filled with rage as he aimed it directly at Virat.

Everything happened in a flash, too fast for anyone else to react. Rohit's heart leaped into his throat, and in a split second, instinct took over. Without thinking, he lunged forward, pushing Virat out of the way as a deafening gunshot rang out through the air.

"Virat!" Rohit screamed, his voice echoing through the warehouse.

Everyone froze. Time seemed to stop.

Ritika gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. Sammy's eyes widened in horror, clutching Moksh tightly. Mahi, who had just regained his strength, stared in shock. The entire world went silent.

Virat looked down, his hands trembling. They were stained red. Blood. But it wasn't his.

He slowly turned, his heart sinking as he saw Rohit collapsing to the ground. Rohit had taken the bullet.

"No... no, no, no!" Virat's voice cracked as he scrambled to Rohit's side, catching him just before he hit the floor. "Rohit!"
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Guys just few chapter left.