Best Friends

23. Keep faith

"I really don't know what's going on in his mind, I swear he was gonna tell what more he knows but I dont know what happened suddenly" Marnus said seeing their surprised and angry faces.

"Doesn't matter— I don't trust him anymore" Rohit said, feeling nothing but worried for Virat at that moment.

"Ab, Faf see if you can get more hospital info by any chance because the dates and timelines are not matching" Rohit informed them explaining the same.

Mahi kept his hand on Rohit's shoulder, "You all can rest for now, we will stay with Virat. We will call you once we know more"

They all agreed and left the cafe. Mahi and Rohit went back to the hospital.

Mahi didn't say anything to them about surgery because doctor was yet to confirm if they are performing it or they will take opinion if it will be healed by medicines.

Rohit stood outside the room and saw his best friend, his brother laying there pale with so many wires attached to him.

"What are you thinking Ro?" asked Mahi keeping his hand on his shoulder.

Rohit sighed as lone tear rolled down his cheek, "Why does it always happen that Virat and I fight before something bad happens? Today, we had an argument whatever the reason may be. Last time when he disappeared, prior to that we had a fight and didn't speak to each other. And then I regretted it so badly-- there is no end to it"

"What did you guys fight about?", Mahi asked softly.

Aus, 3rd ODI, 2023:

Another wicket falls and ends the solid partnership between Virat and Rahul.

"Sorry B-Ro couldn't finish it" KL said.

Rohit just patted his back, "Virat is there, he will do it K"

But he didn't know that today was not the day.. after one over Virat got out which fumed Rohit because he was their only hope.

"What did you do? You threw your wicket Virat", said Rohit a little harshly as series was on the line which silenced the whole dugout.

Virat who just walked in was shocked himself.

Rahul bhai sent both of them to empty dressing room to sort it out.

"Umm Ro--", he called in a low voice which was unusual.

Rohit rubbed his forehead, "What Ro-- you handed over the game Virat. After you get out the team's belief and confidence goes down-- can't u see that. It was your responsibility!", he yelled again.

"Then you should have scored runs yourself rather than depending on me. You are the captain, learn to take some responsibility", said Virat, didn't even glance Rohit and left the dressing room.

Rohit himself was so angry to even say something.

They didn't talk the whole time. They lost the series. Rohit regretted shouting at Virat, he went to him but Virat just went ahead with Rahul bhai not sparing a glance to Rohit.

Rohit felt bad at that.

Next morning, Rohit went to Virat's room not seeing him at breakfast table. And he found his room empty.

He was gone.

Back to present,

"Itni choti si baat pe we had fought and not spoken to each other. Result-- we lost each other for more than 6 months", Rohit said looking at Virat through the glass window.

Mahi rubbed his back, "Everything will be fine Ro, just keep faith", he said softly.

"Mahi sir, we got that man. You should come here", Akshay said as he called Mahi.

"Yes we are coming", Mahi said and hanged up the call.

"Ash, Bhuvi can you stay in the hospital for sometime! We will be back in half hour, some urgent work" Mahi called them and informed the same.

"Also— if Virat wakes up and you are allowed to meet him then first see if he recognises you otherwise call Faf and Ab. I am sorry I know this is— not"

"Bhai it's okay we understand, we will call them don't worry. Virat's well being is more important than our feelings" Ash said as he saw Mahi was feeling bad to say all that.

Mahi and Rohit left from there. Before they could leave they saw someone in the cafe along with Smith.

"What's going on Smith? What were you gonna tell them?" The person asked.

"What should I do? They were accusing me and Marnus told me that i should tell them. So I was not thinking anything" smith said being irritated.

"And anyway it's no use of hiding. MS and Rohit will catch that person and know everything. That all this time we knew where Virat was and we didn't even informed anyone" Smith said.

Mahi and Rohit were literally rooted in their place.

"And the fact that we left him" smith completed.

"Virat told us specifically not to say anything to anyone. So don't do anything. It's Virat's call not ours" person replied.

"But how is that helping" Smith said back.

"You have no idea how much they will blame themselves. Specially MS and Rohit, they love Virat a lot but they would not be able to handle this" the person replied.
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"Jinks, Ajju" Mahi and Rohit called in shock.

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Do tell me how the chapter is.