"what the fuck?", Rohit cursed being furious listening to what Smith said.
Rohit who was there to talk to them as they were shaken up. He heard what smith said and couldn't believe it. Faf and Ab were there with him.
Before Rohit could yell at him again. He stopped hearing 'Ro' and it was none other than Virat who called him Ro.
Rohit turned and saw him standing with support of Mahi.
"What happened?" Rohit asked going towards him.
Virat said tiredly, "I want to go home, please", he was getting so many flashbacks seeing the place that he felt exhausted.
Mahi smiled pulling Virat closer hearing 'home' from him.
"Okay let's go", Rohit turned towards the group and told Smith, "this conversation is not over"
"You take him, I will come", Mahi said informing Rohit. He thought to check in with the team.
Virat turned to Mahi, "aap nahi chal rahe, please chalo", he said like a child. He didn't know why he did that but he felt protected in Mahi's embrace.
Mahi could not deny that request. His Cheeku needed him, nothing more was important at that moment. The team had him for all these months but his Cheeku was alone without even knowing himself.
"Yes I am coming bacha" Mahi said softly, "you sit here, we will pack everything and be back to you in 5 mins, okay?"
"Okay" Virat said and sat on the bench.
Rohit saw Virat was little far from hearing range before he could say something, "Rohit calm down I know you are angry and furious. But let's not deal it like that okay? It's a sensitive issue. Is there a place where we could all talk?", Jos said calming him down.
"You 6 can come to the farmhouse. Faf and Ab you can also join" Mahi said knowing the conversations were really important.
"What about the team?", Rohit asked rubbing his face in frustration.
Mahi kept his hand on his shoulder, "I will talk to them if they are willing to come, they can"
___________
"Are you okay bhaiya?", Jassi asked sitting beside Virat who was waiting for Rohit and Mahi.
Virat looked at him only to see concern and respect in his eyes.
"You don't mind me calling you bhaiya, do you?" Jassi asked hesitantly.
Virat smiled at his innocence, "No I don't you can call me whatever you like"
"What are you thinking bhaiya? You seem stressed" Jassi asked seeing him tired.
Virat sighed, "Just trying to remember this ground and everyone who is connected with me", he said.
"I know bhai it's really difficult for you. But you know Rohit bhai and Mahi bhai have been so worried when they were not able to find you. They wouldn't sleep or eat properly. Rohit Bhaiya visited every place where you two have been when we were on tours. You are really loved bhaiya", Jassi said with so much love that Virat couldn't help but ruffle his hair.
"Thank you" Virat said not knowing what to say anymore.
"Can I ask you something?" Jassi asked hesitantly.
Virat said, "yes sure"
"Can I stay with you? Like because it had been so many months you were not there so you know I want to be close to you" Jassi said.
"Ofcourse" Virat said seeing his innocent face. He could not refuse though he wanted to as he felt so disoriented and upset all the time.
_________
"Ro, kiddo please calm down. I know it's all difficult and confusing at the moment but we will solve it" Mahi said softly seeing him disturbed and angry.
Rohit nodded at that and they went to Virat.
"Are you okay?" Virat asked as Jassi and Mahi went ahead and it was just him and Rohit at that time.
Rohit could not hide it, "No I am not but will be don't worry", he said honestly.
"Don't do anything stupid stuff.. just talk to me if you want to! I don't remember what it is but I can be a good listener" Virat said.
Rohit was surprised regarding the amount of care he was showing, it made him doubt that was there really a memory loss. No no he was overthinking now.
"Where are you lost?" Virat asked clicking his fingers infront of his face.
"Nowhere let's go" Rohit said and they left for the farmhouse.
Virat had dozed off after 5 mins of the drive. His head was on Mahi's shoulder and he was holding his arm tightly.
"He must be really tired seeing everyone" Rohit said seeing him a little pale.
Mahi caressed his head, "everyone is gonna come now, Jassi can ensure that he is resting while we can have the conversations"
"What's wrong Ro? Something else on ur mind?" Mahi asked as he saw Rohit staring Virat.
"I don't know it's just sometimes it feels like he is our Virat and other second he suddenly looks different and distant as if we don't know him at all. I am so confused" Rohit said resting his head on the seat.
Mahi felt bad seeing Rohit so emotionally exhausted. He was too but Rohit looked more affected than anyone else and why not because Virat was the first person Rohit had ever opened up to. He was his best friend.
"Its okay to be confused Ro, the situation is tough but we will get through it", Mahi said keeping his hand on his shoulder in support.
"Do you know Smith is responsible for Virat's condition? He himself confessed that "His car hit Virat"-- can you believe?", Rohit said shocking Mahi.
"WHAT-- ARE YOU SERIOUS?" Mahi yelled to which Virat hissed at the loud voice.
Mahi pressed his forehead which eased that frown and Virat dozed off again.
"Yes, that's why I was so angry. Now they are coming at the farmhouse-- I am gonna see to it that i get to know everything", Rohit said determinedly.
_________
"Tell me you are joking Smudge?" Kane asked softly seeing him still panicked.
Steve sighed, "I am not Kane! I am not.. he had bruises all over his face I couldn't recognise him. I — I can't .. oh god what have I done"
"Were you drunk?" Maxwell asked him.
"Look it's a valid question because if it happened unintentionally then we can't do anything about it but if this is your mistake then I am sorry Rohit and MS are gonna be seriously pissed off" Jos said.
"I don't remember, it was six months back" Smith said burying his head in his hands.
"This is such a mess" Trent said listening to all that.
_________