Beginning of The End

ravibhai

one-shot-one-shot-one-shot-one-shot-one-shot-one-shot

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Congratulations bha-"

Before Virat could complete the semi-formal greeting he had rehearsed in his mind for his coach, Ravi bhai reached forward and pulled Virat into an unexpected hug.

"And a big hug there for Ravi Shastri, and Virat Kohli, a wonderful embrace between the two."

For a second Virat froze there, feeling his arms wrapped around his back. "You did well champ." Ravi bhai muttered as he patted his back and Virat found himself smiling wide as he pulled away.

Virat had almost about a million things to tell Ravi bhai that day but when the man stood right in front of him he found his throat tightening and he could barely get a word past his mouth. "Thanks." He managed to say just as Ravi bhai walked away.

Their batting coach, who had seen the short interaction grinned knowingly at Virat. "Don't get all emotional on the old man now, Vi." Virat laughed at his words and shook his head, moving to congratulate Ashwin who was right behind. "Good game today." He said as he gave Ashwin a short side hug.

Bharat Arun sir was next and Virat smiled at him, reaching to hug him tightly. "Congratulations on everything sir." He spoke right from his heart.

They won't be with him anymore.

Virat's heart clenched painfully tight at the thought and he thanked him distractedly, his eyes already searching for Ravi bhai once again.

"They would have seen each other through so much over these last few years."

He was standing near the ropes, talking to Shardul, his arms folded across his chest and his eyes set in a hard stare. The corner of Virat's lips tugged up in a sad smile as he looked at the familiar posture, trying to etch it into his memory forever.

He won't be there for him anymore.

* * *

"You guys as a team have over exceeded my expectations with the way you play." Ravi bhai looked around the room as he said that, his voice booming in the otherwise silent room.

Everyone had his eyes stuck to him, the energy he radiated as he spoke to the team for the last time as their head coach. The man radiated authority, so much so that no one could tear their eyes away from him even though it was nearing twelve.

Everyone sat there, hooked to his words, everyone but one man.

For the first time in his life, Virat could not bring himself to go forward in a team meeting. All he could do was sit there in the corner of the room and look down at his hands.

This wasn't news to any one of them, they had known this for months now. Ravi bhai's tenure had to come to an end, an unfortunate one but not strange or sudden by any means.

And Virat was not someone new to departures. He'd seen his idol taking retirement right in front of him, he'd held himself together when his captain decided to leave the game without telling any of them.

But he'd never felt this hollow.

How was this any different? Virat forced himself to shake these thoughts away and clenched his fists tightly, looking up at Ravi bhai who had finished his speech now and was talking to the other guys.