Lost but Not Forgotten

PART 52

The Wankhede Stadium was alive with energy as fans filled every seat, the air thick with anticipation and excitement. It was the ODI World Cup Final of 2055, and the roar of the crowd reverberated through the stands.

In the center of it all stood Akkay Kohli, captain of the Indian team, his eyes fixed on the field with determination. Beside him, Moksh Sharma was on strike, the tension palpable as the scoreboard showed that India needed four runs from the last ball to clinch the prestigious title.

With a deep breath, Moksh prepared himself. The bowler delivered, and Moksh swung his bat with all his might. The ball soared high, rising like the hopes of every Indian fan in the stadium. Time seemed to slow as it flew through the air, a moment suspended in time.

The ball landed just outside the boundary line, and the crowd erupted into a frenzy of cheers. India had done it! They had won the World Cup!

Confetti rained down from above as Moksh paused amidst the celebration, a smile lighting up his face. He glanced down at the bracelet on his wrist, a cherished token of the Legacy created by Rohit Sharma. In that moment, he kissed it softly.

Akkay dashed toward Moksh, engulfing him in a tight embrace. "You did it, buddy!" he exclaimed, laughter and joy mingling in his voice. The two friends shared a moment of pure happiness, the weight of their victory sinking in.

Meanwhile, Sammy and Vamika made their way down to the field, excitement bubbling over as they captured the moment with their cameras. They snapped pictures of the boys, their hearts swelling with pride as they witnessed the triumph of their brothers.

As Akkay took the trophy and walked toward the podium, he passed it to the new players, encouraging them with a smile and walked to the corner where Moksh stood waiting for him. He felt a swell of gratitude, reflecting on the journey that had brought them here.

Once the formalities were over, Akkay and Moksh slipped away to the side, capturing a few more candid photos of their victory, but there were two pairs of eyes in the crowd that were glistening with unshed tears—Mahi and Virat.

The two older players approached the boys, engulfing Sammy and Vamika in warm hugs. "You girls are amazing," Mahi said, his voice filled with emotion as he congratulated them. Moksh and Akkay quickly followed suit, rushing in to embrace Mahi and Virat.

"I did it," Moksh whispered to Virat, his voice barely audible over the din of celebration. "I hope he will be happy after seeing this."

Virat smiled through his tears, nodding in understanding. "He's proud of you, Moksh. You both did it."

Just then, Anushka arrived, her smile radiant but her eyes searching for someone. Sammy looked up at her, curious. "Where's Sakshi, Badi Mumma?" she asked.

"She went to bring her," Anushka replied, glancing around. The excitement in her tone was infectious, but there was also a hint of longing as they all thought of the loved ones who were no longer there to celebrate with them.

Mahi, sensing the bittersweetness in the air, placed a hand on Moksh's shoulder. "I think we should go. He must be waiting," he said softly.

Akkay and Moksh nodded, sharing a look of determination. They picked up the trophy, their hearts beating in unison, and together with their family, they walked out of the stadium, leaving behind the noise of victory for a more personal moment.

As they exited, the memories flooded back—the sacrifices, the love, and the bonds that had shaped them into who they were today. They had not just played for victory but for the ones they had lost, for the legacy of Rohit Sharma, who had inspired them all.