True value (A Hardik-Bhuvi Friendship Fanfiction)

Part 3

Later that night, in the team bus, everyone was in a great mood. After all, we'd just flattened our arch rivals, and our chances to the semis had never been brighter.

"There's this place near our hotel called Hawksmoor," said Rahul. "I've got great reviews about it. How about we go there tonight?"

As Rahul could usually be trusted to be well informed about local places, most people, including me, called out, "I'm in."

Bhuvi, who was sitting beside me, said nothing.

"You can come, can't you?" I asked him.

"Actually Pat told me to rest completely for a few days. I don't think I'll risk it."

"We'd better pass Hawksmoor this time," said Virat at once.

"Of course you won't," said Bhuvi sharply. "It's just a hamstring strain, for God's sake, Virat. I'll be fine in two days."

"We can't leave a patient in the hotel alone," drawled Jaddu, sarcastically as usual.

Bhuvi looked at Jaddu. I swear, he just looked; there was no anger in it whatsoever.

"Ok, fine, sorry," said Jaddu.

"But he's right," said Rohit.

I've always envied the bond of the 2013 Champion's Trophy members.

"All of you are going," said Bhuvi firmly.

"Yeah, ok," I said.

Bhuvi had managed to convince everyone (or so he thought). After reaching the hotel and checking in, our team changed and got ready.

I didn't bother, since I had no intention whatsoever of leaving Bhuvi alone.

Rahul looked in.

"What're you still lying here for? Get ready fast!"

"Don't fuss," I told him.

Rahul looked so alarmed that I started laughing. Because, y'know, normally Rahul and I are the ones who take the longest time to choose our clothes and set our hair before going out.

"Are you all right?" he asked anxiously.

"Yeah," I assured him. "Don't tell Bhuvi, but I'm not going."

"What?"

"Why are you this surprised?"

"It's exactly the sort of high class mall you love," said Rahul, winking at me.

I don't know why, but I didn't feel even vaguely tempted.

Then I suddenly realised how much I must have changed in the last year. I would never have turned down the offer to just go and have fun then. I would never have had the sense to hide from everyone that I'm staying back then. I probably wouldn't have cared for an injured friend this much then, either.

Being with the Indian team, with everyone treating each other as family, had made me a completely different person.

But no one had changed me more than my best friend had. When everyone was treating me as an outcast after the KJo show, Bhuvi was always beside me. In fact, I realize now, whenever I've been stupid or reckless, Bhuvi has tried, in his own gentle--and successful--way, to prevent me. Whenever I've been upset, he has been there to cheer me up.

Funny, I've never thought about how much Bhuvi actually means to me earlier.

"You go, Rahul. I'll stay with Bhuvi."