RUTURAJ'S POV
I walked over to where Bravo and Simarjeet were laughing together.
"Hey! What's up, guys?" I asked, joining their cheerful conversation. We chatted for a while, then headed to practice.
Later, I found Deepak, who was lost in some activity, and I took the chance to ask him, "Deepak! Do you know when Mahi Bhai is coming?"
Deepak looked at me, amused. "Mahi Bhai's obedient boy, don't you know he's coming next week?"
Honestly, I hadn't known that. But the thought of Mahi Bhai's arrival filled me with excitement-he's the one who always saves me from Deepak's pranks!
A bit later, Flem called everyone over and asked us to form a big circle.
"We have some new players in our team!" he announced. "Meet Rachin Ravindra," he said, introducing Rachin.
Rachin, I couldn't help but notice, looked so much like a younger, beardless version of Jaddu Bhai. The resemblance made me chuckle to myself.
"Everything okay, Ruturaj?" someone asked, noticing.
"Yup!" I replied quickly, trying to hide my grin.
After the introductions, Flem called me aside. He asked for my input on our ideal playing XI for the season, which teams we should prepare for. His question caught me off guard, and I felt a bit awkward-I wasn't used to being asked things like this.
Flem and Hussey had been behaving a bit strangely with me lately. Not in a bad way, just... different. And now this question? Something was up.
---
NEXT WEEK (EVENING)
Mahi Bhai would be arriving at the hotel in about 10-20 minutes. Deepak had something planned for his arrival, and, surprisingly, I was helping him with it. It might sound odd, but I'd do anything for Mahi Bhai.
A group of us-Deepak, Prashant, Raj, Mukesh, and others-waited in the lounge for him. As soon as Mahi Bhai stepped through the entrance, flower petals rained down on him. Deepak handed him a giant welcome card, and I added a big garland.
He looked a bit embarrassed by it all but also happy. We gathered around, talking and asking him about Sakshi Bhabhi, Ziva, and his dogs. The dogs were adorable, though one of them almost bit me the first time I visited his farmhouse-thankfully, Ziva stepped in just in time to introduce us properly.
Eventually, we all headed to our rooms and called it a night.
---
The days flew by, and soon it was March 20-a date that would change my life in ways I never imagined.
I was practicing some batting techniques when I noticed Mahi Bhai approaching. I smiled at him and sat down on the ground beside him. It's our thing-we sit on the ground and talk, just the two of us, about life and cricket.
After a bit of quiet, he suddenly asked, "Captaincy karega?"
It took me a moment to process his words, but as his question sank in, everything made sense. Fleming and Hussey's strange behavior, that unknown feeling I'd been having... it all pointed to this moment.
I looked up at him, smiling. "Of course, Mahi Bhai." He gave a gentle smile, seeming relieved.
"Tomorrow's your photoshoot as captain, so be ready for it," he said with a slight chuckle. But as he spoke, I felt a jolt of fear. What if the fans didn't accept me? What if the team felt disappointed?
I thought about Hardik Bhai's journey and the reactions he'd faced. Then there were Jaddu Bhai and Ajju Bhai, who were both capable leaders. I still remembered how things had gone when Jaddu Bhai was made captain in 2022-it was a tough time for him and the team. What if something similar happened to me?
---
When we gathered for dinner that night, Ajju Bhai noticed I seemed distracted.
"What's wrong, Rutu?" he asked.
"Nothing!" I replied with a smile, trying to hide my nerves.
As everyone finished eating, Mahi Bhai stood up, catching everyone's attention.
"Guys, I have something important to share with all of you," he said, glancing my way.
We all quieted down, sensing this was big. Even the new players, like Rachin and Mitchell, were all ears.
"So... I feel that my duties with CSK are coming to an end-"
"What are you talking about, Mahi Bhai? You can't just leave like that!" Deepak burst out, ignoring Mahi Bhai's attempt to continue. "You promised the fans at least one more season as a gift, and now you're saying it's over?"
Finally, Deepak fell silent, noticing everyone staring at him as Mahi Bhai gave him a firm look.
"Not a word until I'm done, Deepak. Got it?" Mahi Bhai said, his tone cold. Deepak nodded, pretending to zip his lips, which made the rest of us stifle our laughter.
"As I was saying," Mahi Bhai continued, "I feel my duties with CSK are coming to an end... as CAPTAIN."
Tension filled the room. People started murmuring about who might take over. Jaddu Bhai and Ajju Bhai, sitting beside me, were discussing it, which only deepened my fear. It wasn't that they wouldn't support me-they treated me like a younger brother. But still... what if things didn't go well?
"Who'll be the next captain, then?" Tushar asked.
"It's Rutu," Mahi Bhai said, his gaze resting on me. "I've been watching him from day one. He has everything it takes to be a great captain."
The room went silent as everyone turned to look at me. For a moment, my fears felt like they were about to become real-
Then, suddenly, I felt a rush of hugs as a bunch of guys practically tackled me, and I heard Jaddu Bhai laughing in the crowd.
Looking around, I saw Ajju Bhai smiling warmly, and I felt a wave of relief.
Mahi Bhai stood there, watching me with pride. I could sense the weight of his expectations, but I knew he believed in me.
"Guys, let him breathe!" Ajju Bhai joked, noticing my discomfort. "Jaddu, try to act like a senior at least once in your life."
"Come on, Jinks!" Jaddu Bhai whined, making everyone laugh.
"So, you all like the new captain?" Mahi Bhai asked with a grin.
"Of course, Mahi Bhai!" Deepak said, jumping beside me with excitement.
"Rutu! Start practicing handing the trophy to your juniors-it's going to come in handy!" Deepak joked, making everyone laugh even more.
As everyone calmed down, Rachin and Daryl came over, shaking my hand and congratulating me.
"Rutu, be ready for tomorrow's photoshoot. I know you'll make me the proudest," Mahi Bhai said, patting me on the back.
In that moment, surrounded by my teammates' support and Mahi Bhai's belief in me, all my doubts seemed to fade away. I felt ready to take on whatever came next.
