Snippets, Incorrect Quotes and More

Ghosts only I can see... (Cont. from the last part) Ft MS Rhul bhai Dada Sach

"Paaji...." MS trailed off.

Sourav's arm draped over MS's shoulder and he was dragged back to the bed and made to sit rather forcibly.

"It may seem like we are hounding you Mahiya, but it is time you come clean about some things without all those cheeky retorts."

"Dada yaar..."

"Please? If you trust us, that is?"

"Trust?" There was no incredulity in MS's voice but the faintest hint of unsureness marred his voice. "Trust has left my altar a long time back, Dada. The number of people I trust, I can probably count on one hand and not run out of fingers."

"And we do not feature in that list."

"I have never really thought about it, Rahul Bhai, and that is not on you. It is all me."

"Mahiya..."

The pain in his Dada's voice caused long-forgotten feelings to swamp over MS. He reached over and without looking, took Sourav's hand in his own.

"With my career and professional well-being? I trust you completely. With myself? I trust you with my life. All of you. But with whatever goes on in here?" He tapped his head. "I don't think I can. In our cricket world, there are probably only 2 who have the dubious privilege of that and a couple more who would meet the criteria. But otherwise?" MS shrugged. "I don't know, Dada."

"I understand."

"Do you? I do not. You were the reason I got into this career in the first place. How can I not trust you or Rahul Bhai or Paaji with my thoughts?"

"Maybe because while honing you and your skills for the country, we forgot to take into account, you. as an individual?"

"But that was not required."

"No MS. That is not correct. It was very much required. If it were not so, then why did you spend so much time addressing Virat's insecurities, why do you keep supporting Hardik through thick and thin? Jaddu and Rohit; I know how much you have grappled with their issues. I could go on. And not just our Indian players; you have spent time and effort on any youngster you have had your association with. Maybe we failed there. Rahul is right. MS Dhoni took precedence for us over Mahi."

Sachin's words were sharp and they hit home.

"And my Mahiya had to grow up much before his time."

"Dada..." MS was still holding onto Sourav's hand and lifted it to place a kiss of benediction on the back of it. "We do not need to put it into words. It is not something that actually can be, I believe. And I cannot be more thankful...."

"Don't Mahi."

"Rahul Bhai?"

"Don't lessen the impact.  We could have done things a lot better. Then and now."

"You did enough, Bhai. Then and now." MS met the three pairs of concerned eyes and smiled. "I have received enough. I have been blessed enough. And as for what the others feel; well, that is not something that you can control. Nor should you try to. I was overthinking a tad bit too much but I will try to do better."

"You shouldn't have to. I will talk to Viru and..."

"No Paaji. Please." Sachin was standing near the bookcase placed at one end of the bed and MS moved to stand in front of him. "I..." Hesitation stole through him, light as the wisp of gentle air. "I would prefer it if you do not. They have their views. All of them. I will never presume to even think about telling them otherwise. A-And I... Please Paaji. Just a request."