Snippets, Incorrect Quotes and More

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

A hand came up to cup his face and MS leaned into the comfort. "Why just request? You can demand at will, MS... Mahi. When I tried to give India a good... a great Captain, I never conjectured it with you being isolated from your peer group. I always knew of Yuvraj's desire for the Captaincy but I knew that the boy would understand my decision in due course. And he probably would have, had-had it not been for his bout with that wretched disease."

MS saw his anger and distaste being reflected on Sachin's face; that cancer had destroyed a lot.

"And Viru? I expected him to be so much more mature than how he is being and rather without reason. Bhajju; he is one emotional person on and off the field. More often than not, his reactions come and goes before he allows for realization to set in. And..."

"I don't need it, Paaji. For the longest time and more, I have accepted the distance that has crept into my relationships and I recognize that a lot of it would be due to the decisions I took as a Captain. But I cannot say that I have not enjoyed my stint. Both good times and bad makes me smile, even now, when I look back at it all. The rest is collateral reward and damage."

"Why were you stressing out about it?"

MS turned and in a fit of desperate affection pulled an unsuspecting Rahul into a hug.

"Sometimes my mind forces me to question my decisions." Though he mostly spoke the words right next to his Bhai's ear, they remained rather audible in the quiet room. Only the low hum of the air conditioner created a soothing backdrop of white noise. "There is only one thing I will not be able to tolerate; if one fine day I get to hear that you, or Dada, or Paaji hates me for the decision I had taken. If ever such an opportunity arises, just tell me in private. Please?" He chuckled with an edge of desperation. "I do not think that I can take it if an Instagram or Twitter notification pops up and it says.. it says that D-Dhoni was re-responsible for.... Well, don't make me say it?"

"Of course, kiddo. You will never hear that because it ain't true."

MS sneaked a look at Sourav. "Sure? Even you won't?"

"You doubt me, Mahiya?"

"Doubt you? No, Dada. But doubt myself? Totally. I...Just tell me, alright?"

A look was exchanged between the three giants of Indian Cricket and MS could feel that his skepticism was not looked upon favorably by his... his... people.

Yeah. His people. Greater than brothers, much more than friends, and almost as revered as his parents. They were just his people.

"Sorry Dada. I..."

"Stop blabbering and take off your shirt!"

"Huh?"

"Your bloody T-shirt! Don't think that I did not see that inflammation. I will massage in some ointment. It is better for all that you remain away from too many painkillers."

"Oh."

Shedding inhibitions and more, MS made short work of his garment and laid back on the bed. And warm hands rubbed over his sensitive back, raising the pain to the surface. He knew that it would take a while before the actual healing could start.

And Sourav knew it too.

"I love you, Mahiya. Rahul and Sachin too. We love you so much. Professional views aside, you hold such a large part of our hearts, kiddo. Question everything if you wish to but never doubt that, alright?"

Each word took a pruning shear to the thorns raised around that particular compartment in his mind and his mind calmed.

"Sure, Dada? Sure that you will not regret loving this selfish credit stealer?"

The next stroke was deliberately hard and made MS wince.

"I hate when anyone badmouths my boys, especially when they themselves are the culprit. Capice?"

MS muffled a chuckle. "But of course. Love you too, Dada. And you Rahul Bhai and Paaji. Love you all."

Strength comes from accepting and letting go of what cannot be changed and embracing life despite it. And no doubt how many times the past is revisited, there would never be anything new to see. MS will always remain grateful to have been offered to live and to have been granted the opportunity to learn and the moments to grow.

And he would always be beholden for the same.

In every room of our time together there is a box

Of memories we shared.

Now is the time to pack away

With sadness and with care.

A/N - This chapter wrecked me. Though it was nothing too heavy. Don't know why. The night rushes by and there is not much but my reflection to be seen at the window.

Please let me know your views. They are always something precious to me.

Take Care and Thanks.