A Victory which Matters (Dedicated to 27 and 45)

Part 8

"Rohit, Virat is calling you," said Dhawan, not able to think of a better excuse.

Rohit and Shikhar went and joined the group.

"Here he is, Virat," said Dhawan, his lips twitching.

Kohli caught on with Dhawan's idea. It seemed really unfair to him, as no one could speak to Rohit these days without getting snapped at.

So he chose the most harmless topic he could think of--marriage. As he had married only a month ago and Rohit two years ago, it was easy for him to pretend to draw on Rohit's experience. Rohit didn't suspect a thing.

Jadeja and Rahane arrived, talking about something.

The moment Rohit saw Jinks, he started to get up to leave.

Hardik gave Virat a jerk of his head.

"Where are you going?" asked Virat, catching Rohit's arm.

Jinks turned to look at their direction.

Almost before Rohit and Jinks could begin to glare at each other, Hardik pushed a button with all his might.

Virat gasped and stumbled back, as the arm he was holding vanished.

"They're gone...really," whispered Bhuvi in awe.

Hardik gave Ash a triumphant 'I win' sort of look.

Then Bhuvi spoke again.

"How'll we bring them back?"

There was no answer.

"Hardik...you know how to, don't you?" asked Virat, his voice rising slightly.

"I'm--not sure," said Hardik, disconcerted.

"Damn!" Virat's brain started to work furiously.

"We can go to the psychiatrist he got this from," said Ashwin sensibly.

"Look!" cried Hardik suddenly. "We can see inside this! I see them--Rohit and Jinks--"

They all rushed to watch something they wouldn't have believed possible.