The Unknown

Chapter Fourteen

Amir felt a surge of tension as he answered the phone. Without hesitation, he dialed Chotu's number. "Chotu, I've received some alarming news. Arjun has been in a serious accident, and the doctors are predicting it's a major one. We need to get to the hospital immediately."

Chotu was taken aback, "What!?!" In a state of shock, Chotu was in tears by the time they arrived at the hospital. "Sir, why did you bring me here?"

At that moment, Arjun unexpectedly patted Chotu on the back.

Chotu was bewildered,"Is this some kind of prank? Are you...?" Chotu's emotions had him trapped in a whirlwind of anger and happiness that he couldn't express properly.

"Happy birthday, Chotu."

Chotu couldn't contain his mixed emotions: "I'll remember this, you...!"

Arjun then presented him with an iPhone, "I know you have a fondness for electronic gadgets. I thought this would be a perfect gift."

Chotu expressed his gratitude, "Thanks, Arjun. Sir, why did you go along with this man's scheme?"

Amir revealed the truth, "I realized that you've been feeling lonely without Arjun around. It's my plan, actually, executed to perfection by Arjun.

Arjun chimed in, "Yes, sir. Chotu, what else would you like as a birthday gift? It's your day, so tell me." Chotu shared his deepest thoughts, "To be honest, Arjun, this is my first-ever birthday celebration. I don't have anyone to celebrate with, don't know who my parents are, and hardly know anyone apart from you. I grew up in a rather bleak orphanage, and they told me today is my birthday. By some stroke of luck, I ended up in the care of Amir, sir. That's when I became acquainted with you, and you brought a glimmer of light into the darkness of my life. That's more than enough, Arjun. With this glimmer, I can conquer the darkness. You both are the most precious gifts I could ever ask for. I don't need anything else."

Tears flowed freely from Chotu's eyes, and Amir and Arjun provided him with comfort. The three of them gathered for a picture and spent the time joyfully. As they returned to the academy, Chotu went to sleep, his emotions finally settling.

"He really tugged at our heartstrings, sir. I never expected that."

Amir opened up about his feelings,"We are his family, Arjun. Honestly, I see my children in both of you."

Arjun was curious, "You have children, sir?"

Amir disclosed his personal tragedy, "Yes, I did. They were just like both of you. They had this strong desire to watch me play on the cricket field. I had even booked flight tickets for my wife and children to come to Mumbai to see me play. Tragically, they were on a flight that crashed, and all of them perished. I received this news while I was in the middle of a match, but I didn't stop playing. I completed the match as quickly as possible. Later, with Ravi's help, I set up this academy. No matter how accomplished I become in my career, I always miss my family. When I found both of you, I saw my kids in you. You both are my world. My children were just three years old when they passed away. Life is never the same, Arjun. It gives us what we want, but it takes away what we love."

Arjun felt a deep sense of sympathy, "I'm so sorry, sir."

Amir accepted his condolences, "It's alright, Arjun. I've grown accustomed to this reality."

Arjun contemplated, "Three different stories brought the three of us together. Every story ended in tragedy. I suppose that's what life is all about, isn't it?"

Amir agreed, "You're absolutely right, Arjun. How was your last match?"

Arjun replied, "It went well, sir. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next one."

Amir offered some words of caution, "Don't get overly excited, Arjun. Remember, Rashid is the captain, and a captain can influence the team for better or worse. I have a feeling he'll send you in as an opener in the next match."

Arjun realized he needed to prepare mentally, "In that case, I should be mentally prepared."

Amir encouraged him, "Yes, that's a good approach. By the way, when's your next flight?"

Arjun shared his plans, "I'm catching a flight tomorrow morning, sir."

The following morning, Arjun departed for Hyderabad, eager to prepare for his upcoming match.

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C-1: Welcome everyone. The match is about to start we have the both captains here.

(The coin is tossed and Rashid won the toss.)

C-2: Rashid you won the toss. What have you decided?

Rashid: We gonna bat first. Looks like it's a good wicket to bat on. Expecting the outfield to be fast and the dew factor might favour us a bit and the climate is pretty good.

__________

In the dressing room, Rashid addressed Arjun with a change in the batting line-up. "Arjun, there's a change in the batting order. You'll be opening the match today."Arjun responded with confidence: "Yes, I believe I'm prepared."The atmosphere in the dressing room was charged with anticipation as Arjun readied himself for the new challenge.