Frayed bonds

Alternate ending (cont)

Jassi and Rahul tackled Rohit and Virat in a hug as soon as they pulled away from each other.

"Bhai are we going to be like before?" Jassi dared to ask the most dreaded question and Rohit looked at a blurry Virat, he wiped his eyes and again looked at Virat who was hugging Rahul like his life depended on it.

But before Rohit could say something he was tackled in a hug by half the kids who were not hugging Virat, and after the hugs were done Virat and Rohit were hoisted on shoulders by their teammates.

They did a victory lap just like that with Rohit holding one corner of the flag and Virat holding one corner, several photos were clicked and everyone was in a state of euphoria but Rohit and Virat felt as if there was an empty space in their hearts.

 ~~~~~~~~~

Now everyone was in the dressing room to freshen up before they went for the presentation ceremony. Vamika, Akaay and Samaira came running in the dressing room with Anushka and Ritika following behind.

Vamika leapt in Rohit's arms and Samaira in Virat's, "Congratulations chachu!" Both of them yelled in unison in their ears.

Akaay, merely a three year old looked up at his elder sisters and pouted, "No one holdsh me." He said stringing the words together.

Rohit bent down and picked him up immediately, "I agree your chachu is a bit old now but never for my favorite niece and nephew." He said and Virat looked at them adoringly.

Anushka nudged Virat and he pecked her, hugging her while still holding Samaira who now jumped down, "I am a big girl now chachu, nine years old." She said proudly.

"Accha accha baba I get it our Sammio is a big girl now." Virat said as he pulled her cheeks making her whine.

Ritika went towards Rohit and Anushka made Vamika and Akaay come down from Rohit's arms.

Ritika caressed Rohit's face and pecked him, "You did it Ro, you finally did it!" She said and Rohit immediately pulled her towards himself, putting his face in the crook of her neck.

Virat also held Anushka's hand tight as she was holding Akaay and couldn't hug right now. As  they went to do their congratulations with the whole team Rohit and Virat were left alone together.

Virat turned to leave but was stopped by a hand on his elbow, he looked back to see Rohit looking down, holding his hand while he had tears in his eyes.

Rohit dropped his hand immediately when Virat turned around, "What happened?" Virat asked cautiously but he stumbled back slightly as Rohit tackled him in a hug.

Virat's eyes widened but he couldn't help but hug Rohit back, this was the first time they were actually hugging after 3-4 years except the on field hug they just shared.

Tears threatened to spill from both their eyes as they clung to each other, this time without any interruptions because everyone was actually waiting for this day and had the sensibility to leave them alone right now.

Virat reluctantly pulled away from the tight grip Rohit had on him, Rohit was still not looking at him when he said, "Sorry."

"Huh?" Virat asked, his eyebrows furrowing. "Sorry for abruptly hugging you." Rohit whispered, afraid that Virat would be offended (????)