Helloo!!!! It's been long time! This is completely imaginary of course. And this will have second part too! I'm sorry I'm writing it, I have many chapters under completion, I promise not to make you wait for long time!
Till then i hope you enjoy.
Dialogues- Virat, MS, Sakshi
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MSD'S POV:
"I am tired, Mahi bhai, I can't do this anymore. Mein nahi reh sakta yaha, dum ghoont raha hain mera. Mujhey jaane do bhai, mujhey jaana hoga" I couldn't believe my ears. My Cheeku was saying these words.
"NAI CHEEKU!!! Kya bol raha hain tu-" I tried to explain.
"Nai bhai AAP nahi samaj rahe!! Bohot dard hota hain bhai aur hum kuch nahi kar paa rahe usse acha mein kahi bohot durr chala jaata hu, sab khatam hojaayega phir!!" Virat tiredly said.
I tried to explain to him, "Nahi nahi bache! Tu mujhe bata na, Mahi bhai hain yaha bacha, hum sab solve kardenge! Agar humse na hi paaya toh kisi ki madat lenge! But cheeku please chod ke mat ja! Please durr mat ja! Aur Tu kahi bhi ho mein tere piche aaunga! Hum sab milke solve karte hain cheeku! Sab thik ho jaayega I promise"
Suddenly, Virat got engraged, "Stop with all these lies, please! I beg you, stop it! Aapko samaj kyun nahi aa raha kuch! YOU let them hurt me too, bhaiya! Unconsciously, hi sahi, but you always do! Aap bhi nahi rok paate unhe! So ab please stop all this. There's only so much I can handle! Why are you being so cruel with me? Why!!!" By now, virat was crying.
He came closer to me and held my collars. I thought he was about to pull them, but he just started crying harder, holding on to them.
"Where am I going wrong? Why can't anyone save me? Why didn't you help me? What's wrong with me? Kya aap bhi mujhse nafrat karte ho?? why don't you let me go? I will leave you and this country! So you will be finally free from me! Free from this burden! Free from pain! Just let me leave-"
"VIRAT SHUT UP," I yelled at him
Virat just sobbed, he kept crying so I tried to pacify him again, "Cheeku sun mere Bache, please meri baat sun. Samaj mujhey, please! Mere liye ruk ja please! Mein ladhunga tere liye tujhe bhi pata hain! Bharosa rakh, please, cheeku! Please, please,"
I knew by now I was begging in front of him, but I can't lose him. I can't let him leave. I never realised I was crying, too. Virat came close and hugged me. For some time, neither of us spoke.
After a few moments, he wiped his eyes and then looked at me wiping my tears, he started nodding his head in no, "I always keep hurting you, so what's the point of being here anyways? I'm sorry bhai, ye aap sab ke khushi ke liye karna padega.. but aap don't worry, you'll never see me again. I promise. You won't have to worry about me. "
Saying so he smiled at me and rushed out before I could even react.
Once I realised he was leaving, I tried to move my legs, but it was as if my legs were frozen onto the ground, so I screamed, "VIRAT NO STOP, RUK JA! MERI BAAT SUN! IM SORRY LISTEN TO ME CHEEKU! STAY!! RUK JA!!! HUM SAB SOLVE KAR LETE HAIN! TRUST ME VIRAT BACHE! CHEEKU!! DONT LEAVE ME! CHEEKU PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!"
Suddenly, I heard a huge crash, unable to grasp meaning behind the sound. I screamed and ran when everything turned black. I tried to call for Cheeku, but no one answered! Why is no one answering!!! "CHEEKU??? CHEEKU?? VI BACHA?? BACHA BHAI KO JAWAB DO!!! VIRAT?????"
And I woke up with a gasp, my throat was dry indicating I've been screaming. There it was, again, the very old nightmare I've been getting for ages. My Cheeku is always defeated, ready to leave everything behind, and for some reason, nothing I say makes him stay back or trust me that I will protect him. And if he ever wants to stay, someone pulls him away, like literally pulls him away from me.
I've been getting these nightmares every once in a while since me and Virat got closer, but these days, Infact past 3 months, they've been more frequent than ever... to the point that I sleep in a different room than Sak and Ziva. My therapist told me that along with the therapy, I'll need to talk with Cheeku and live with him for a few weeks, but i couldn't.. i just can't.
The thing is, if he gets even a hint about these nightmares, he'll come running to me and stay with me, to help me, to heal me, which is what i can not do! I can't be the reason he stays away from his family for more than a day! Or he stresses out on his vacations! No! He'll continue to worry even when he's back with his schedule. Which is something I can't afford, and I know he won't say it loud, but if something is bothering him and he's not able to perform, it'll eat him up alive. I can't risk him getting stressed while playing as well! No! That will break him! I'll rather continue being the one who's in pain than let him face anything like that ever again.
Sighing, I got up and sat on my bed. I went to get some water from my bedside table but the water bottle was empty. So tiredly, i got down from the bed carrying my bottle as i looked at the clock, which flashed 12:51 am. I sighed, knowing there's a whole night ahead of me, which I'll have to spend somehow, just wandering here and there or watching some documentary or something. Because sleep? Yeah, that'll be the last thing I'll go back to...
As I stepped out of my room, surprisingly I was blinded by the led lights of our living room which didn't make sense given the fact that it was past bedtime for Ziva, and Sakshi didn't stay awake on school days like today/tomorrow. I readjusted my eyes to the lights as I walked down the hall with my muscle memory. By the time I reached the kitchen, my eyes were somewhat adjusted to the lights, and I opened enough to let me see the purifier.
As I filled my bottle, I could feel my eyes regaining their focus and my body getting back to senses. Nightmares leave you in a haze. Everything seems blurred and white, I'm no stranger to this feeling. But when you start coming back to your senses, you're hyperaware of your surroundings. I could feel like i was being watched. I disregarded my paranoia because the only person who can watch me right now will be Sakshi. I slowly went toward the dining table in the living room and sat down on the chair, calming myself down so as to not get scared or panicked when I would actually look at Sakshi.
Suddenly, I saw tattoed manly hands wearing a platinum ring, almost peaking in my eyesight... I gulped down the lump that was forming in my throat. What kinda sick joke is this? I slowly looked up to see the face, scared of what I might see. If this is still a dream, I can see anything that would be scarier, I am in no state to break down further.
As I looked at the face, I saw Vira- no my Cheeku looking at me. His face was tear-stained, indicating he had cried before, but he had a gentle smile and soft eyes.
Is this a dream or a nightmare or reality? What is happening?
Some time ago-
Virat's POV:
It is Mahi Bhai's birthday the day after tomorrow!!!!!!! Yesss! One of THE best days of the year is coming soon!!!! A few years ago, Harry met Mahi bhai and celebrated his birthday with him at home, and that too when it was covid 😠 I'm still mad at him! BUT bhai still praised me!!!! Which was good because I don't ever wanna do something to disappoint him, so I sacrificed meeting him on his birthday. But now there's no covid, I have a break, and he's at his Ranchi's farmhouse!!! Do you know what this means??
I'M GONNA SURPRISE HIM!!
Yes, and the best part about this surprise is that I'm going to visit him today, spend the whole day with him tomorrow, and be the first one after his family to wish him the day after tomorrow! And no one can stop me and this is a huge secret! I'm gonna call Bhabhi when I reach their home's gate! Anushka and Vami are also joining us, but they're coming here by tomorrow. Now the timing of their arrival is a surprise for me too! But yeah, I just know bhai will be happiest!
I have been planning this whole thing for ages! I've decided to make this birthday one of the happiest memories of us, for him and me too! And even though my presence is the best gift for bhai (hehe, just kidding), I have planned manyyyyyy gifts for him! All of them will reach one by one tomorrow, and a few will reach the day after tomorrow!
Third Person POV:
After making all arrangements and traveling for hours, Virat booked a cab from the Ranchi airport to Bhai's house. As he was about to reach, he called Bhabhi to inform her of his arrival. While he was talking with her, he could hear her surprised voice, but there was subtle fear hidden too, which didn't make sense to him. Deciding that he will check everything once he reaches, he focused back on the roads his Cab was traveling through.
Once he reached the farmhouse, to his surprise Sakshi was already waiting for him outside in the lawn which confirmed his suspicion because 11:45 pm was an odd time for MS to sleep or be busy and let Sakshi out in the lawn ALONE.
He ignored his instincts as he met. She was anxious, and Virat could understand it. So, to ease her anxiousness, Virat asked her to voice her thoughts.
She asked, "Virat umm tum aaj achanak? Kaise? Kuch kaam tha kya? Ya kuch hua? Sab thik hain na-"
This took Virat by surprise. Firstly, she was oddly stiff, almost scared, and protective. Secondly, MS was not in his normal living room space. Thirdly, the whole environment was almost gloomy. Virat tried to clear the confusion about whether his arrival was the problem.
"Bhabhi!! Cmon, man! Bhai toh bhulte hi hain aap bhi? Parso unka birthday hain! So mein aa gaya mostly thode din extra ruk sakta hun but kuch confirm nahi bata sakta! Ek aur surprise hain kal!"
He saw her relax and at the same time sigh defeatedly, "Oh- acha sorry, vo dimaag se jara nikal gaya!"
"Um bhabhi sab thik hain na? Aapke kuch plans the kya? Did I mess them?" Virat asked Sakshi, finally unable to understand this whole situation. To which she replied honestly.
"Arey nai nai! Aisa Kuch nai! Don't worry! Mein bas- vo- i- just-- ha I just got concerned. Kal hi we celebrated the anniversary, so abhi birthday ke plans toh nai hain vaise. Acha chodo! Khana nai kahaya hoga na thikse? I'm making soup for you. Go freshen up, and I'll get it ready for you. Your guest room is already prepared for you as always. Jao jao late hua hain let's sleep jaldi!"
"Aur Bhabi! Mahi Bhai kaha hain??" Virat enquired, unable to hold onto his curiosity.
But he got quick, "He was tired, so he's sleeping,"
Now, the reaction Sakshi gave him did make him more suspicious, but she already seemed tired and looking at her being busy. He agreed, and finally, did as she said previously.
After getting freshen up, Virat came back in the hall to drink his soup. While he was completing his soup, Sakshi was getting ready to sleep as she had to get up early for Ziva. The second Virat kept his bowl in washbasin he head MS' scream "NAHI!"
Virat's blood ran cold as he rushed towards the source of the voice, which, to his surprise, rather than being his and Sakshi's room upstairs, it was guest room opposite to Virat's . Before he could knock on the door, he heard MS scream again, "VIRAT."
Scared, now Virat tried to open it, but unfortunately, it was locked. So he knocked on the door and called out for MS, "Bhai?? Ye door kyun locked hain! Bhai???"
He tried to open the knob of the door again when he felt Sakshi's hand on his shoulders. As Virat looked at her with questions and concern filled in his eyes, she nodded in No and took his hand off the knob. She knew these panicked reactions threw MS off guard and made him feel more vulnerable. But it was obvious, Virat was concerned and moreover confused, so she tried to tell him the pattern with tears in her eyes.
"It's okay,nightmare hain. Thode time mein jara aur screams sunai denge and then he'll wake up. Bas tab tak dil patthar ka banake baithna padega"
Her words shocked him to the core. How long has this been going on? Before Virat could ask her, they heard another scream.
"VIRAT NO STOP RUK JA!"
Virat jumped at that scream as he could feel tears in his eyes as he tried to form sentences for Sakshi. Taking deep breaths, he wiped his eyes and asked sternly, "How long?"
Sakshi looked conflicted. She didn't answer but kept looking at the door. Refusing to take this as an answer, Virat persuaded again.
"How long, bhabhi?? How long has he been having these nightmares? It must be long enough for you three to sleep separately! So tell me, how long! Please"
Hearing the desperation in his voice as he concluded his request, Sakshi slowly whispered, "3 months."
Virat stumbled back as he heard the words. Slowly, he asked, "Daily? Different nightmares?"
He prayed hard, that answer would be sometimes and different nightmares. But unfortunately, he got the answer that he dreaded.
"Daily and almost same nightmare"
Thats when they heard the screams again.
"DONT LEAVE ME CHEEKU!!! CHEEKU!!"
"VIRAT? PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE! VIRAT?" "CHEEKU?"
"VIRAT BACHE TRUST ME!"
Virat's POV:
I stumbled back on my feet. Every scream of Bhai felt like someone was shooting me with a bullet, each word hitting my heart with force. I looked at Bhabi pleading. By now, she was crying, too.
"This is the worst part. Bas thoda time and then he'll wake up. It'll be fine." She tried to reassure me as she was wiping her own tears.
I felt my knees go a week, and I dropped down. I know I should help bhabhi, but I just can't. We heard another scream.
"Virat, please."
Desperation and helpless in his voice broke me as I brought my knees to my chest and apologised to bhabhi, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry for this bhabhi il sorry. Sab meri galti hain! Mujhey- i- fuck. I'm so sorry bhabhi"
She rushed towards me and talked with me sitting besides me, "Nai nai nai Virat!! Please nai! Tumhari koi galti nai hain! Please apne aap ko mat koso! Mahi bhi nahi chahte ye! Please mere liye nai toh apne mahi bhai ke liye hi sahi!"
I looked at her, she was crying as well. I wiped her eyes. But let her cry, I know she has been strong for all these months, she needed to let her emotions out.
Once she calmed down and we heard mahi bhai's screams go down, I held her hand and enquired, "Bhabhi utne months aap sab akele ye handle kar rahe ho-?"
To which she replied as she sniffed, "Nai nai, Mahi therapist se mil rahe hain! Hum akele nahi hain ismein."
"Aur zee??? What about her?" I asked worried about our princess, she's too young to see anyone of this. No one deserves it!
"Our room is now soundproof, so she sleeps there. She has no idea about this. She's thinking Mahi is working in guest room."
I sighed in relief. We both sat silently for a few minutes, as we sat there, we realised probably Bhai woke up.
Bhabhi said, "He probably woke up. He might come out after a few minutes or maybe not. You should go and sleep. "
I looked at her and nodded my head frequently in no. "Nai bhabhi, please nai!"
That's when we heard footsteps, bhai opened the door to his guest room....
Third Person POV;
Virat hastily stood up from his position, and Sakshi joined him. They both were rooted at their place as they observed MS walk through the corridor with his memory and enter the kitchen. Watching MS and looking at his condition broke Virat beyond words can describe.
Virat soon came out of the haze. He wiped his face, he rubbed his hands, and placed them on his eyes, trying to calm them from all the crying. Sleekly, he drank a cup of water, knowing all the crying must have made his voice different. He tried all that he could do to calm himself and make himself presentable, even ironed his t-shirt with his hands and combed his hair with his fingers.
Sakshi silently watched him take all these efforts to make himself seem normal and calm in front of Mahi. A few seconds ago, he was shaking and crying, but now that his bhai is here and he can help his bhai, Virat was doing everything he possibly could to prepare himself. This is why he is Mahi's Cheeku, his bacha. Care, Love, Respect, Trust and Pure urge to protect the other person that she can see in Virat's eyes for his Mahi bhai and Mahi's eyes for his Cheeku is something so so so pure. People might get fooled thinking these two are actual siblings.
MS' therapist had told her that they're trying all that they could, but Virat is Mahi's saving grace here. The level of assurance and belief that Virat can provide by being physically present around MS will be incomparable and that it would do wonders to help free Mahi from his fears. They never talked about this because Sakshi knew Mahi would never want his Cheeku to know that he is in pain, and even Sakshi didn't feel its fair to scare and worry this boy. But again, the universe had other plans.
Sakshi was lost in her thoughts, and Virat was busy trying to make himself look calm and composed when they heard Mahi come back in the living room. MS sat on the dining table and didn't look up. Both Sakshi and Virat understood what that was about. Virat looked at Sakshi, asking for her permission to approach his bhai, to which she softly smiled and nodded yes. In the end, she knew this was best for MS and for Virat as well. Especially now that he knows most of this.
Virat took deep breaths and softly approached his bhai. Not trying to startle him, he just allowed his hands to be in MS' line of vision first. Slowly, he sank down on his knees.
Virat's POV:
I saw Mahi bhai slowly acknowledge my presence and finally look at me. I could see the fear, pain, confusion, and stress on his face. I bet he's confused whether he's awake or still in the nightmare, so I did what we used to do when either of us used to get nightmares while we were in the team.
"Hi Mahi Bhai, mein Virat, aapka cheeku, aapka bacha! Hum aapke Ranchi vale farmhouse mein hain. Mein bas abhi thode time pehle aaya hun. Aur mein yahi hun, aap bhi yahi ho, humare saath sirf Zivu jaan aur Bhabhi hai. Mein aapke saamne baitha hun aur bhabhi mere piche hain right side mein. Aaj ki date 6 July hai and around 1 baje hain abhi."
I introduced myself and gave him details of the present scenario.
MSD'S POV:
The moment Virat started introducing himself, it felt as if someone had cleared the fog, and now my senses were back. I kept staring at him, I couldn't believe he was real, and this was not my nightmare or some dream..
It was as if he understood that it's getting clear for me to see and understand when he softly explained.
"Kal aapka birthday hain mahi bhai, issiliye Aaj mein aapko surprise dene aaya hun. Mein aapke saath parso tak 100% hun uske baad aur jitne din aap chaho utne din rukunga. Mera vacation next month khatam ho raha hain, so bohot time hain humare paas. Mein yahi hun kahi nahi ja raha mein"
H-he is going to stay... that made me scared he'll see me in pain every day, and that would hurt him too. I couldn't understand how to ask him not to stay for a long time, not because I don't want him to.. but because it'll hurt him. I looked at Sakshi, who was equally surprised, but she had an understanding look in her eyes. She saw me looking at her and smiling, coming close to us.
"P-par c-cheeks- woh- woh- ummm voh- hum- i-"
'ahhhh, why is it so hard to form words and coherent sentences?' I groaned, frustrated with myself.
Sakshi and Virat both placed hands on my shoulder, trying to calm me down. Virat spoke up again, "Shh Bhai, it's okay! Like I said, mein yahi hun and bohot time hain humare paas. So aaram se sab discuss karte hain okay?"
I was reluctant to agree because I knew he won't back off from this, which scared me.
That's when Sakshi spoke as she ran her fingers through my hair, "Dekho Mahi, Cheeku yaha aapke birthday ke liye aaya hain. Aur vo bhi Mumbai se travel karke! He did all for you my love! Aur aapko kya lagta hain usney sirf ye ek do gifts aapke liye plan kiya hoga? Nahi, right? He's Virat! Aapke liye kitne gifts la sakta hain aapko pata hain na? Usne itni mehnat ki hain, ye sab plans na jane kitne months se bana raha hain, So don't you think Humein ussey nirash nahi karna chahiye? Aur Ziva bhi toh ussey miss karti hain, so abhi ke liye let's not push him away na, please?"
I looked at Virat, who was giving me starry, hopeful eyes. How can I ever deny him? And then I looked at Sakshi. She had hope hidden in her eyes, too. I knew what these two were trying to do. For the past few months, she has seen a lot, heard a lot, denying her wish would be so wrong. So I finally nodded and agreed.
Third Person POV:
Virat squealed loudly when he saw MS nodding. He clapped his hands and happily asked MS, "Bhai, can I Hug you? Just for a few seconds, I promise!"
By now, MS was well aware and awake from his nightmare. He knew this was real life and not his nightmare. So he stood up from his position and helped Virat to get up. Once they both were standing, MS opened his arms and said, "Aaja."
Virat happily hugged him. Virat looked at Sakshi, and both him and his bhabhi were very emotional. Sakshi knew why Virat was doing this, and Virat knew how important it was for him to stay with his bhai. He gave Sakshi a reassuring nod and blinked his eyes as if telling her, 'Mein hun, sab thik ho jaayega'.
He was about to break the hug, not wanting to overwhelm MS, but MS hugged him tight. He heard MS whispering to him.
"Ruk ja, thodi der aur, bas thodi der"
Virat gulped down a lump forming in his throat as he hugged his bhai back with the same fierceness. He patted MS' head softly and held his brother calmly. Virat reassured his bhai.
"Aapko jitna time chahiye utna time rukunga bhai! I'm here, don't worry. "
For Mahi on the other side, the moment he hugged his Cheeku, he understood why his therapist was so adamant about getting Virat to stay with him. This actually feels so calming. He felt as if no one could hurt him, and no one could hurt his Cheeku either. When Virat was about to break the hug, MS realised he was not ready to leave him yet, so he asked his Cheeku to stay. He felt Virat tighten the hug after that and reassured him.
Being an elder brother was beautiful. The bond he shared with Virat was something MS couldn't trade anything for! When he realised Virat was holding him and giving him strength, it made Mahi tear up. He buried his face in Virat's shoulder and allowed few tears to fall freely. All this while, Virat patiently kept patting MS's back and reassuring him.
After a few moments, MS broke the hug halfway and looked at Sakshi, who was standing behind them. Both Virat and MS looked at each other and then opened their arms to include her in their hug as well. After a few moments, they broke the hug, and Sakshi informed Mahirat that she needed to sleep. Once Sakshi was off to her room, MS asked Virat to sleep, but Virat had other plans.
"Naiiii! Abhi nahi! Sona vona toh hota rahega! Aap meri baat suno! Chalo mein batata hun! Mujhey bohhooooottttt kuch share karna hain! Chalo Chalo chalo"
Saying so Virat pushed MS in his 'dedicated guest room'. Well, it was the guest room that MahiSakshi alloted for Virat. All these days, when MS was getting nightmares, he didn't enter this room, fearing the overwhelming nostalgia that he would get once he entered the room. Virat's guest room had many memories. But today, walking in with Virat felt different. It felt calming.
Virat made MS sit on Bed as he was walking around. The whole time, he was sharing how juniors were troubling him in the team. He animatedly explained MS all that had happened when ICT was staying together and had a break between their series.
"Aur aapko pata hain! Siri na baapre miyaan toh itna jyaada possessive hua hain kya batau! Vo mujhe yuh pakadke baith gaya!" He demonstrated how Siraj had a tight hold on Virat's hand.
"Aur Shubhi ko bolta hain 'Ab leke Dikha bhaiya ko😛' Ye kam nahi tha toh apne Mahan Harry bhaisaab aaye aur harry mujhey yuh khichke bolta hain 'Mein bada hun, mein senior hun, sabse pwhle mein aaya, sabse jyaada haq mera'! Ab batao! Itna possesive meri biwi nahi hain jitna ye log hain! Aur vo gadha Ro ek side mein baithke has raha tha! Usko meine bola Madat kar toh ulta Rahul ko jor se aavaj deke bolta hain 'Rahul! Dekh tere Virat pein Harry apna haq jata raha hain!' Aur phir pata nahi kaha se Rahuliya aake tapak pada! Aur mujhe ghurrne laga! Pakadke baithe hain Miyaan aur Harry aur ghura pura time mujhe jaa raha tha!"
MS laughed at Virat's acting and Juniors antics. This was not new for him. He wholeheartedly believed everyone Virat mentioned can do exactly what Virat said.
"Phir? Phir kya hua?" MS persuaded Virat to tell him further details.
Virat sat in front of MS and exclaimed dramatically, "Phir? Phir kya mahabharat chidd gayi! Vo Tili aur Ish jo humesha Ro ko chipakte hain vo bhi kud gaye usmein! Literally, Mahi bhai, you won't believe! Ye log competition tak karne ke liye tayaar the! Toh meine bhi dimaag lagaya apna aur bola jo Jinks ko 5 minutes mein apne jokes se hasayega vo winner and uske saath mein outing pein jaunga. Aur jab tak vo log jinks ko Hasan ki koshish kar rahe the apna Bhau, Surya vo chupkese baju mein aake bolta hain, 'Agar mein participate karu toh mein 2 minutes mein zhitunga! Par mujhey aur Devisha ko ye VK se jyaada dusre much cooler VK ke saath time spend karna hain, vo milega kya?' Jo dauda dauda ke pita na meine Bhau ko kya batau! Mazza aa gaya!"
MS tried to hide his giggle at Surya's comment. Virat looked at him and wiggled his eyebrows. "Kya? What got you smiling like that?"
MS tried to make straight face as he replied, "Ek galti hui Par Surya se, he should've said only coolest VK ever, because coolest VK toh ek hi hain na, humari princess!"
Virat almost gave MS winning smirk as he heard first half of his Mahi bhai's comment but as Mahi reached the end and Virat realised what MS was implying, he gasped loudly, "Hawwwww Mahi bhai! CHEATER!!! Acha ruko aap, ek hi cooler VK hain kya!"
Saying so he tried to tickle MS which Mahi avoided and escaped from the bed. MS ran through the room with his Cheeku running behind him.
After sometime Virat stopped and said, "Vaise.... jaane do mein bhi kal coolest Dhoni ke saath khelta hun. Aapke saath toh boring hain. Meri nhani si jaan, ye room mujhe ab tak 50 baar ghuma chuki hoti."
MS looked confused for a second but very next moment he realized what Virat said and gave him challenging look, "Acha bache? But bhul mat iss Dhoni ke paas muscles hain"
Saying so he attacked Virat with a pillow. Virat escaped the pillow attack narrowly and then grabbed pillow for himself, Thus began classic Mahirat Pillow attack.
After having fun for sometime, both Virat and MS got tired. Looking at Virat who got tired MS stopped the pillow fight and made Virat lay down on the bed.
"Chal chal bas hua. Ab ye energy kal ke liye rakh! Ziva ab bohot uchal kud karti hain! You need to keep up. Aur bohot time se she's missing you so you'll be busy tomorrow. Rest karle abhi."
"Ha ha kar raha hun lekin aap baitho na yahi! Aapko Vami ka folder dikhana hain!" Virat bribed MS into sitting with him.
MS understood that Virat was trying his best to not let Mahi be alone with his own thoughts. Looking at his grown-up child, MS smiled amd ruffled Virats hair agreeing to his request. Virat sat down on the bed, and MS sat beside him on the bed. Virat started showing Vamika's pictures and videos to MS while explaining back story behind some of them.
After a few minutes, Virat laid down on the bed and kept his head in MS's lap. He was tired, but he kept telling MS different stories and incidents that had happened in the past few months. MS kept the phone on one side and tried to convince Virat.
"Cheeku thak gaya hain na aur kitni baat karega! Kal karte hain baaki sab baatein ab so ja bache! Itna tension mat le, mein thik hun. So ja tu. Mera sleep schedule kharab hain toh tujhe jaane ki jaroorat nahi hain bache! Don't worry! I'm completely fine! Mein TV Dekh lunga. You sleep!"
Virat looked up at MS tiredly and spoke, "Itne months ke baad mile hain mahi bhai, itni baatein toh banti hain! Aur aapki fikar karna MERA haq hain! Aap bhai ho mere! Aapke baremein socha is my duty bhai!"
MS smiled, thinking of all those times his Cheeku behaved like an adorable younger brother and the best moment he behaved like an elder brother. Mahi ran his fingers through Virat's hair, trying to help him catch some sleep.
Virat, who had closed his eyes by now, talked while he was half asleep, "Aapko pata hain, starting mein na after retirement- mein and ro aapko bohot miss karte the... toh na meine idea kya kiya pata hain? I started watching your interviews and videos on my phone. Toh aapko aawaj sunai deti thi and hum bhu OK ho jaate the and aapko bhi bura nahi lagta tga! Par aapko hum phir bhi miss karte hain"
This was actually new information for MS he was amused with his Cheeku's idea. He patted Virats back softly, trying to convey his feelings. MS searched for remote from the side table and started watching TV on mute like he always did.
Suddenly, after a few minutes, Virat's whispered again, "Aur na Mahi bhai, mere liye aap sabse jyaada important ho! Aapke khushi ke liye kuch bhi! You mean so much to me, bhai! Mein aapke bina kya hi karta! I'm so lucky aapke liye bhi mein important hun, kyunki mere liye toh aap sabse important ho!"
Mahi chuckled at Virat's words. Everyone around him always told him that Virat worshiped him like anything which Mahi used to deny always because everyone knew Virat's Idols were Mahi's Sach pa aur Rahul bhai. But today, he realised that by worship, they meant the pure love, respect, and urge to protect that Virat has for Mahi. He softly sighed, patting Virat's head.
"I know, bacha! Aapke Mahi bhai thik hain aap so Jaao okay?" He softly reassured Virat.
After fee minutes Virat was finally asleep. MS looked up to see the clock was already showing 3:45 am, indicating that the majority of the night was over and that SUN will rise within few minutes. He looked at Virat realising that Virat was successful in staying awake with him for majority of the night. He shook his head at this grown-up child sleeping on his lap.
MSD'S POV:
More than those nightmares this is what I feared for. Virat knowing that I'm in pain, he has never handled my pain lightly, like ever. He's first one to take actions and go strict with me when he has to, in order to protect me and keep me safe. Honestly I'm luckiest human to have someone like him in my life.
All my life friends that I made before getting in the cricket were ones who cared the most for me. In my cricketing life few of my friends cared enough for me . But with Virat? This bond we have, it's different. He is my junior, technically he should not care for me now that I'm not in the team or anywhere near national cricket. It shoukd not bother him much. But he genuinely cares, and he knows I genuinely care for him too.
I don't want anything from him, I just want him to be happy, healthy and safe! That's what I always wanted! He understood my intentions and I understood his. Years of constantly being there for each other has brought us to this position.
My mind might play infinite games with me, but I know for my Cheeku, I'm very important! And that he'll never ignore me. Even though I don't want to I know he'll subtlety try many tricks to stay back here. He gave me time today, but he will or probably will not ask for answers, but he will definitely discuss this situation with me.
I don't know how I'm going to deny his request, given the fact that if he was in my position, he would've done same that I'm doing, hiding my pain and if I was in his position, I would've done same that is stating with him even if he denies.
I sighed knowing it's gonna be a long day tomorrow.
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It was getting too long so I had to divide this oneshot into two as well! I hope you don't mind and thank you for your patience.