Best Friends

13. Getting back to the game

Virat sat on the bed resting his head on headboard. His head was throbbing with pain as he was really trying hard to remember the people downstairs who were crying for him.

How important was he? How many people knew him?

The boy crying for him and was inconsolable. That was so emotional and scary at the same time.

He closed his eyes for a moment.

'You have to do this if you wanna save that boy's career'

'He still has what 10 years of his career as fast bowler'

'It's all in your hands, do this or we destroy him'

He opened his eyes in shock.

Rohit who came in the room with water and something to eat saw him pressing his forehead.

Ro- What's wrong? Are you okay?! Is your head aching again?
He asked him passing the water.

Vi- I am tired trying to remember each time I see a person who knows me! And I can't remember a single thing!
He said being frustrated.

Ro- Vi don't stress yourself so much! These are the people who love you. They will understand.. trust me you will remember everything! Just don't loose hope pls!
He said holding Virat's hand.

Vi- Can I hug you?
He asked hesitantly.

Rohit felt upset about how Virat had to ask him this. His Vi would never leave an opportunity to hug him but now..
Ro- Is that even a question to ask?
He composed himself and said softly.

Virat hugged him tightly feeling disoriented.

Rohit hugged him back.
Ro- why don't lay down for sometime. You will feel better.
He said.

Vi- you will be here right?
He asked as he lay down.

Ro- Yes just in the balcony! 
He said softly and Virat dozed off immediately feeling tired.

Mahi- Everything okay?

Rohit- yes bhai, he is just tired. don't worry!

Mahi- Rohit, I hate to break this to you now. But you have to go to practice session, we have matches from tomorrow! You remember?

Ro- I remember, that's one of the reason I came back! But we can't risk news of Virat being back.
It would create chaos!

Mahi- I know!
It was difficult to justify his absence, now it would be more difficult. Even if we give reason that he is back how will he play in the team!

Ro- Do you think that part of memory is still there? Like him playing.. Doctor has anyway said that it's partial memory loss!

Mahi- if we try and his health becomes worse then what we will do?

Ro- If he is okay and not in pain then we can ask him! Atleast practice session we can try!

Mahi- What about the team?

Ro- u know i don't care about them!
He said angrily.

Mahi- I know! But ur anger is not gonna help Virat! Keep it aside for sometime Ro and think sensibly as u have done till now!
New members in team idolise Virat like anything!
If we are planning to get Virat to play then team is going to be involved.

Ro- ya you are right, we will be with him!

Mahi- are Ab and Faf coming? I heard they were assigned as mentors.

Ro- I will ask them and also they can be with Vi if we are not there!

Mahi raised his eyebrows hearing that and couldn't help but chuckle.

Ro- bhaiii
He whined!

Mahi hugged him knowing that Rohit needed it. Rohit buried himself in that warmth.

Ro- how is Jassi? Anushka?
He asked breaking the hug.

Mahi- they are okay! It will take time, even I am still unable to get through it.
He said looking at virat who was looking pale and tired.

After 2 hours,

Rohit, Mahi and Virat were in the car going towards the practice session venue.

Vi- we are going to comeback to your house, right?
He asked Mahi.

Mahi- yes kiddo, don't worry! This is just for 2 hours.
He said softly seeing him a little anxious as they left the farmhouse.

Ro- and Vi don't u stress! Just see if u can play and warm up! If u feel even slight pain then u have tell us okay? Just promise you will do that..

Vi- I will!

They reached the venue! All the teams were practicing together. There was NZ,England, Aus and SA along with India.

Virat got out of the car. Rohit and Mahi by his side. Mahi had strictly instructed no media so thankfully there were no cameras!

Vi- who is he?
He asked pointing at a person who was looking in the same direction.

Ro- he is Steve Smith! He is from Australia. Why?

Vi- nothing! Just asking.

Ab- hey Virat! Hello MS and Rohit. All okay?
He asked.

Before they could answer Indian team came from their dressing room towards the ground.

Ro- Ab i never thought in my life and in my this birth I would ask this! All this is because of this idiot rabbit. But can you take care and be with Virat till I talk to the team!

Ab and Mahi chuckled while Virat was confused.

Ab- I will get my phone!
He went towards his camp.

The whole ICT was freezed on their spot except Jassi and Bhuvi seeing Virat. Bhuvi took them back to dressing room as Mahi signalled him to that.

Vi- where are you going?
He asked holding Rohit's hand, immediately left feeling embarrassed and stupid.

Ro- I will come in 10 mins, yahi hu! Kahi nahi ja raha.

Vi- atleast you stay!
He said to Mahi.

Mahi- Cheeku, u see that group of people!
To which Virat nodded.

Mahi- They are the Indian team members u play with. We have to talk to them as they are also surprised seeing u here.

Vi- they are not going to talk to me as u guys did?

Rohit looked at Mahi for answers.

Mahi- Umm they will also be shocked to know u know the not remembering thing. So let me tell them and then we can start practicing!
We will come in 10-15 mins.

Ab came back and took Virat with him where Faf was sitting.

Mahi- Ro stop looking at them like that!
They are not stealing ur bestie. Come on now!

Ro- it's still normal to feel Jealous right?
He asked looking back at three of them.

Mahi- Ofcourse!
He put his arm around him to which Rohit leaned into!

Maxwell- hey Rohit! Virat is here? Can we meet him?
He asked as he knew something was wrong so better to ask.

Mahi- Umm Maxwell, why don't u gather the guys like who are close to Virat and come to our dressing room!

He nodded and went to gather other guys.

Ro- First let us tell the team to behave infront of others! We can't let the other teams know about the fallout.

Mahi- ya u are right!
He said and they went in the team dressing room.

_______

Hi, here is the next one!

Do tell me how you like it. In Next chapter everyone is going to know! Also the foreign friends of Virat!

Stay tuned!