Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter - 114

Later that night, post-dinner, Athiya and Anushka decided to have a sleepover. As they set up their bedding, Anushka turned to Virat with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Alright, Virat you're officially kicked out. Go sleep with your work wife Rohit or, I don't know, Rahuliya."

Virat raised his hands in mock surrender, laughing. "Fine, fine. Tu chal, Rahuliya, I'll join you."

Rahul groaned at the nickname, rolling his eyes as he hugged Athiya. "Sleep well, okay?"

Athiya smiled warmly. "You too. And don't irritate him okay. "

Rahul chuckled, "Yeah sure, I irritate him." They laughed as he left with Virat, the sound of the women laughing behind them fading into the quiet of the hallway.

By the time Virat entered Rahul's room, he found him standing on the balcony, staring out into the garden. Below, Meera, Kabir, and Arjun were engaged in an impromptu game of football, their laughter and playful shouts echoing through the stillness of the night. The three of them were rolling on the grass, teasing each other like kids.

Virat leaned against the doorframe, smirking. "Didn't think you'd be stalking your own sister, Rahuliya."

Rahul turned, startled, before rolling his eyes. "What? No. Just... watching."

"Watching. Stalking. Same thing," Virat teased, joining him on the balcony.

Rahul shook his head with a smile, but his expression turned reflective. Without warning, he turned to Virat and pulled him into a tight hug. His voice was soft, laced with emotion. "I can't believe it's been ten years since that maiden Test century, Virat. Do you remember how bad my innings were before that? If it hadn't been for you and Anushka... I don't think I'd have made it. Thank you. For everything."

Virat returned the hug, patting Rahul's back. "Rahuliya, you've earned every single bit of success. The highs, the lows-you've stood through it all. And trust me, I can't wait for the world to see the Rahul I know. The brilliant, unshakable one."

Rahul pulled back, sighing. "The world doesn't feel the same way, though. One good innings, and they're praising me like I'm the second coming of Dravid. Two bad ones, and they're trolling me like I don't deserve to be here. It's exhausting."

Virat placed his hands firmly on Rahul's shoulders, his gaze steady. "Rahul, listen to me. The world doesn't define you. They only see the scorecard; they don't see the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to show up every day. But you and I? We know the journey. And that's what matters."

Rahul met Virat's gaze, his voice dropping. "It's the same for you, Virat. I see what's happening online-people questioning your form, saying you don't have it in you anymore. But they don't know you like I do. No one knows what you've been through. If you believe there's more cricket left in you-and I know you do-that's all that matters. You've come back before, and you'll do it again."

Virat sighed, the weight of the conversation evident in his voice. "I don't know, Rahuliya. Sometimes it feels like I'm running out of time. Like maybe it's time to step back. How long can I keep fighting?"

Rahul's response was immediate. "Until you can, bhaiya. We're all fighting-for our places, for our form, for the love of the game. What makes you think leaving will make it better? Cricket is your love, Virat. You don't give up on love."

Virat chuckled softly, his tension easing. "Yaar, since when did you get so wise?"

Rahul smirked. "Always was. Maybe you just weren't smart enough to see it, Captain."

Virat laughed, his shoulders shaking. "Captain? Rahul, you're forgetting Rohit is the captain now."

Rahul shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "So? No offense to Rohit-he's a great captain. But if MS could always be your captain, why can't you be mine? Virat Kohli, you'll always be my captain."

Virat grinned, pulling Rahul into another hug. His laughter softened into a warm smile, the kind reserved for those rare moments of genuine camaraderie. He ruffled Rahul's hair playfully. "Yaar, you really know how to say the right things when it matters, don't you?"

Rahul smirked, brushing Virat's hand away. "Only because I've learned from the best. Seriously though, Virat, your impact on the game, on us-on me-it's something that doesn't just vanish with time. You stepping back won't stop people from looking up to you, but it might stop you from finding out how much more you have to give."

Virat leaned against the balcony railing, his gaze drifting to the garden again. Meera was now perched on besides Kabir, laughing uncontrollably as Arjun tried to tickle her, causing Kabir to roll back on the ground. The scene was a snapshot of pure joy, a reminder of simpler times amidst the complexities of life.

Virat's smile lingered as he turned back to Rahul. "You know, Rahuliya, sometimes I think about the younger me-the one who walked onto that field with nothing but fire and dreams. Back then, it wasn't about numbers or opinions. It was just... cricket. Pure and simple."

Rahul nodded, his expression mirroring Virat's nostalgia. "It still is, Virat. That's what you've always taught us-to play for the love of the game, not the noise around it. And trust me, that fire? It's still there. You just need to let it burn brighter again."

Virat chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Yaar, when did you get so philosophical? I thought I was supposed to be the mentor here."

Rahul grinned. "Well, even mentors need a pep talk sometimes. Consider this payback for all the times you've picked me up."

Their laughter was interrupted by a sudden shout from the garden.

Virat shook his head, amused. "Looks like they're having the time of their lives down there."

Rahul's gaze softened as he watched his sister. "She deserves it. After everything, seeing her laugh like that... it's worth everything."

Virat rested a hand on Rahul's shoulder. "And that's why you're the brother she needs. Just like you're the kiddo I needed all those years ago-and still do."

Rahul looked at him, a quiet gratitude in his eyes. "We all need each other, Virat. That's how we keep going."

The two stood in silence for a moment, the distant sound of laughter filling the night air. It was a moment of connection, a pause in the chaos, and a reminder of the bonds that carried them through every challenge.

Finally, Virat broke the silence, his tone lighter. "Alright, enough of this emotional stuff. Let’s go sleep or else we'll turn up to the practice late, and Rohit is going to kill us."

Rahul laughed, following him inside. "Alright, but you are patting me to sleep today," he announced, mimicking the tone of a fussy toddler.

Virat chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Vamu was right—you are the big baby."

Rahul grinned, his voice teasing. "Hey, someone’s gotta keep you on your toes. And who else will keep you humble if not me?"

Virat shook his head with a playful smirk. "You’re lucky you’ve got that charm, otherwise, I’d have kicked you out by now."

Rahul looked back at him, "You can never do that Virat, Never."

As they entered the room, the lighthearted banter continued, filling the space with an easy warmth. It was another night of shared moments, unspoken support, and the kind of bond that only time and friendship could create.