One Shots on ICT bonds with Virat

Unspoken Emotions [Virat-Ash]

The rain fell steadily over the stadium, a soft rhythm that echoed in the quiet dressing room.

The match was delayed, and the players had scattered— some resting, others chatting, and a few silently watching the downpour.

Virat sat alone outside the dressing room, his hands on his knees, gazing at the rain.

It reminded him of his father.

The sound of rain had always been comforting to him, but on days like this, it brought back memories of moments spent with his father, talking about cricket, life, and everything in between- his childhood.

It had been years since he'd passed, but some wounds never truly healed.

And today was the day, he lost him.

Ash hesitated by the door, watching Virat's solitary figure. He had spent all day trying to find the right moment, but none felt perfect.

This wasn't just about cricket; it was about a bond forged over years of shared victories, defeats, and unspoken understanding and the day.

Taking a deep breath, Ash walked over and sat beside Virat.

For a while, neither spoke. The rain continued to pour, and the silence stretched, not uncomfortable but heavy with things unsaid.

"Rain delays, huh?" Ash finally said, his voice soft. "Used to love these as a kid— an excuse to play longer."

Virat's lips turned into a faint smile. "Yeah. Papa and I used to watch matches like this. He'd say rain teaches patience— just like cricket."

Ash looked at him, his heart heavy. "Virat..."

Virat turned his head slightly, sensing the hesitation in Ash's voice.

"I've been trying to find the right moment all day," Ash began, his voice low. "But there's never a good time for this. So, here it is. Today's my last match.", he just released a deep sigh.

The words hung in the air, and for a moment, the only sound was the rain tapping against the glass.

Virat turned to look at Ash, his expression calm yet unreadable. Slowly, he gave a soft smile and reached out, pulling Ash into a warm hug.

Ash froze for a moment, then relaxed, his arms wrapping around Virat.

When Virat pulled back, his first words surprised him. "Are you okay?"

Ash nodded, his throat tight. "Yeah. I am."

Virat smiled again, putting an arm around Ash's shoulder and guiding him to sit down on a nearby bench.

They sat in silence, the sound of rain filling the space between them. But as minutes passed, Ash grew uneasy.

"Say something, yaar," Ash finally said, his voice laced with worry.

Virat shook his head, his expression unreadable. "Not now. After the match."

Ash hesitated but nodded, knowing better than to press him further.

The rain didn't clear, the dark clouds hanging over their heads just as Virat's day not turning more darker.

When Ash entered the room after post match press, he could not help but hug Virat again.

Later, the dressing room was filled with emotions and cheers as a cake was brought out to celebrate Ash's incredible career.

Ash cut the cake amidst chants of his name, and everyone took turns hugging him.

But as the celebrations wound down, one by one, the players left to give Ash his moment.

Virat stayed behind, sitting quietly in a corner.

Ash watched the cake on the table, untouched by Virat, and felt the weight of the day settle over him.

Ash noticed and grabbed a piece of cake, walking over to sit beside him.

"Cheat the diet for me today," Ash said, holding out the piece.

Virat gave a small chuckle and took a bite as Ash fed it to him. Then, in a rare moment of playfulness, he picked up another piece and fed it back to Ash.

Ash laughed softly but then grew serious. "Say something, Virat."

Virat leaned back, his eyes on the ceiling. "I'm not upset with you. I knew— or maybe I should say I kind of expected it. But the day, Ash... This day..."

He paused, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You just took away one more piece of my cricketing heart."

Ash felt his chest tighten, unable to respond. He leaned forward and wrapped Virat in a tight hug, not saying a word because nothing he could say would feel enough.

They stayed like that for a long time, the silence between them speaking volumes.

Eventually, they were joined by others—Jaddu first, followed by Ro along with calls of Jinks, Pujji, Umesh, Ishant, Shami, and Shikhar.

The juniors stayed away, sensing this was a moment meant for those who had walked many miles together.

The group sat together in silence after wishing Ash all the love, right now they just needed each other's presence.

The rain had stopped, but the love inside the room created its own warmth.

Ash looked around at the faces of his teammates—his family—and felt a deep sense of peace.

He had made his decision, and while it hurt, he knew he was leaving on his terms, surrounded by the people who mattered most.

And as the night wore on, Virat's words were still in his mind, thinking how they were the OGs and now only quite a few were there, so Virat's words were more deep given the day it was,

"You just took away one more piece of my cricketing heart."

***

I don't know why I had to write this separately but I had to.

sassy_reads this is specially for you ❤️