"Because brothers don't let each other wander in the dark alone."
Rahul didn't know why he was feeling so nervous. Well, F**k nervous. He was feeling absolutely terrified and he has all the good reasons to be terrified.
Rahul was standing in front of Virat's Gurugram Bungalow contemplating whether to enter or not? He knows it's just Virat inside and it'll be all fine. But still, he quite didn't know—how to face his teammates, especially his Captain.
He just can't make himself meet Virat, or look into his gaze and see how disappointed he is in him. He can't meet Virat and see how badly he let his idol down.
Well, Virat wasn't always his idol but then 2013 happened and he couldn't, just couldn't make that almost perfect person his idol. He didn't know what it was but he wanted to be just like Virat.
He wanted to be like Virat Kohli. A batting sensation who represents India in all formats. A player who always has a fixed position in the team. A player no one can keep away from the game.
But it wasn't the only reason Virat become his idol. This wasn't the only reason he wants to be in Virat's company. This wasn't the only reason he listened to Virat as if everything he spoke was the sole truth of life.
It had a lot to do with Virat's behavior too. The arms wrapped around an excited youngster by a superstar like they were some kind of friends. It had to do with how Virat was always there for him. Supporting him. Guiding him. Teaching him. Believing in him. Giving him chances. Hell lot of chances.
And there he goes drowning and killing all the reasons for Virat to believe in him. There he goes letting his down because of a stupid show. God, if he loses Virat somehow because of that KJo.
Then even God can't stop KJO from being a ball, Harry the bowler and he the batsmen who'll hit the ball so many times that the ball can't ever be recognized as a ball.
And then there is Harry, the second reason for his misery. The second reason he was avoiding everyone. It was because he didn't want to talk to anyone else but Harry.
No one but he could understand what he was going through but that stupid insane insaan didn't contact him even once. Harry even disconnected his call every time he tried to call him.
And then there was he avoiding Virat's calls and messages. Even after getting the ban lifted and getting selected in the Indian A team.
Indian A team was another battle for him. He is sure if it wasn't for Manish and Mayank he would have gotten mad or punched someone. The looks, the comments, the back bitching everything was getting too much. He didn't think his nerves could handle them without punching someone and getting banned again.
He didn't know why but when he heard one of his own teammates say: "Rahul is not Virat's friend or anything. He is Virat's chamcha. Look now if Virat dirties his hand for Rahul. Hardik was taken back in the team, I'm sure he doesn't deserve that spot but again we don't know what goes in there and Rahul was squatted away like a fly from milk. He won't get to play for India again. Virat won't allow it. He isn't even in RCB now is he??"
"Yeah, Virat Kohli won't get himself wrapped in controversies because of anyone. He thinks he is above everyone. He is a total jerk that way and hadn't you heard Rohit Sharma hates Rahul anyway. So, poor Rahul is doomed, " another player added laughing nastily.
He knew they made fun of him. He knew they didn't respect him anymore. He knew they hated him. He knew he doesn't deserve the respect and he couldn't let them drag his idol name in the mud with him. Why was Virat getting hate because of him?
And it hurt a little more because of that reason. He just couldn't face Virat after that, he just couldn't. He couldn't even bear to talk to Virat.
And now, here he is standing in front of Virat's home feeling like a bundle of mess and looking absolutely idiotic. Virat has summoned him in his home after the squad was declared and he was in it.
He was back in the blues and he knew Virat fought for him again. Virat wanted him in the team and so he was in the team. And he absolutely didn't know how to meet Virat now.
Gathering his scrambling guts. He knocked on the door, mentally preparing to greet Virat.
"Hey, Virat sorry for ignoring you. I was just not feeling like talking to you but it's not anything personal, alright cap, " yeah, he can absolutely imagine how well that conversation will go. Well, Virat will definitely hit him with a bat if he even dares to say something so stupid.
Rahul was still thinking about what excuse to make. He can't just tell Virat the truth, can he?? Virat will just hate him more if he let the truth out. So, he needs to think about some excuse fast.
How does "my phone was malfunctioning, " sound as an excuse?? He was thinking about all this when the door was opened by Rohit Sharma??
Rahul gulped watching Ro on the door. He thought it'll be Vi. Vi said it'll be only them then how come Ro is here now?
And watching Ro unconsciously the words of those players rang in his mind. Especially, the three words that signified Ro hated him.
Rahul couldn't help but look down, maybe he should leave. Maybe Ro wouldn't appreciate his presence around Vi. After all, everyone knew Rohirat were besties. Maybe Ro doesn't want him intruding.
He was thinking all this while Ro got impatient of standing on the door, "oye, Rahulia come inside already. I need to close this thing too. God knows why that stupid lazy insaan couldn't get the door, "
Rahul just nodded.
Entering tiger's...he means Virat's den. He was feeling like he was in for a very long lecture and maybe some taunts too.
But Ro acted as if everything was fine and the same. Like nothing changed.
"Umm...Ro...I mean Rohit, where is Virat??" Rahul corrected himself in time feeling he lost the right to call Rohit, Ro. After all, only his close friends and brothers get to call him that.
Rahul was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't notice the look that flashed on Ro's face.
"In the kitchen making nimbupani and let me tell you it tastes yuck. There should be some kind of law banning him from the kitchen, " Rohit continued complaining about Virat's cooking skills and Rahul continued listening in a daze.
Not getting, what was wrong with the people around him. Shouldn't Ro despise him?? Shouldn't Rohit be angry and shouting at him? Then why on the whole earth Ro is complaining about Virat?
Why is he acting so familiar?? Why is he acting like this?
Rahul was still lost in thoughts when they reached the living room and Virat was sitting with three glasses. Looking absolutely happy.
"Hey, Moi!!!!" Virat greeted him enthusiastically
And Rahul was too shocked to actually be annoyed. He didn't even notice that Ro had called him Rahuliya!! And now, Virat was calling him with another of his obnoxious nickname.
Rahul didn't know how should he act?? How should he greet Virat?? What should he do??
God! He was feeling worse than the first time he met Virat. At least, at that time he knew to go with the flow. Now, he didn't know what to do. But Virat didn't let him any chance to answer back.
"Oye Ro, I made another glass of Nimbupani for you."
"I'm absolutely not drinking the saline water you're calling Nimbupani. It's an insult to Nimbupani. God, I'm feeling so sorry for poor Nimbupani. He must be feeling really bad." Ro added dramatically looking at the Nimbupani as if someone had done great insult with it.
"You just don't appreciate my talents. Rah, you'll have one right, " Virat asked him shoving Ro away.
Rah didn't know how to say no to Virat. He can't ever do that and especially not now. So, without any qualms, he took the glass from Virat ignoring Rohit's RIP looks.
He took a sip of the drink. It wasn't that bad. He could taste the sourness of lime, there was the salt, the sugar seemed to be totally missing but it was fine.
Not that bad.
"It's yuck, Isn't it?" Ro prompted Rah to say yes.
"No, it's good, " Rah denied than frowned will Ro hate him more now?? He didn't agree with Ro but he can't criticize Virat too.
He was thinking this not noticing he was actually wearing his emotions on the face and his two seniors were having a very serious eye conversation.
A thud from upstairs drew all of their attentions.
Rah looked at Rohirat quizzically.
"Chooha!" Virat said
"Chooha!" Ro-Rah repeated though both for different reasons.
"Yeah, chooha, I was telling Vi to do pest control. He doesn't listen to me ever. He should do a pest control, " Ro covered up the tracks fast giving Vi looks.
Rah didn't understand from when Virat Kohli housed rats but he didn't speak that aloud.
Rohirat were behaving normally around him. They were acting like nothing happened. Like it was one of their past gatherings and this behavior was making Rah feel more uncomfortable, odd, awkward and guilty.
He wanted them to scream at him, yell and accuse him. He wanted them to confront him but it didn't happen. Rohirat were discussing which game to play with him. They were involving him and not excluding him. And this was making him an emotional mess.
He couldn't bear this anymore so he himself let the cat out of the bag.
"I just wanted to stay alone Virat, that's why I wasn't answering anyone's calls. I didn't mean to ignore you." He very much meant to ignore him until Virat will give up on him.
He wanted Virat to hate him, to not fight for him, to leave him be at least this way people won't curse Virat for his mistakes.
But the absolute opposite happened and here he is with Rohirat again. Rohirat who were giving him matching looks that yelled "sure, I believe you, " in a sarcastic way.
"You sure it didn't have anything to do with some " chamcha", " Virat questioned him with arched eyebrows.
And he couldn't help but gape at Virat. He didn't tell anyone then how come Virat know this?? No one knew besides Manish who was also passing by. Did he tell Virat but he told him not too. Just like he stopped Manish from punishing those boys.
Rahul was still gawking at Virat. Thinking what to say now, he didn't want to tell him the truth but...
"Ugh, guys I need to take this call, " stating so Ro excused himself from the room.
Leaving Hulrat to have their heart to heart.
"So, " Virat probed Rahul to be out with his feelings.
"I...I couldn't face you Virat bhaiya. I let you down. I failed you. I don't deserve you as my brother, " Rahul didn't want to sound so broken. He didn't want to let his deepest most broken saddest feelings out but Virat soul seeking look just made him blurt things out.
Things which he would have never confessed to anyone. It was always like this with Virat. The words he didn't want to say, the emotions he generally don't let out. It will come out just like that with a look from Virat.
Rahul was waiting for Virat reaction. He was waiting for Virat to agree on how stupid he really was and how he truly let him down. How he doesn't deserve to his brother anymore? He was waiting for his deepest fear to come true.
He never expected Virat to hit him upside down.
"Ouch, " he yelped rubbing the back of his head as he looked at Virat totally confused.
Virat who was seething in anger and glaring at him.
Okay, now what did he do??
"You stupid being. You're acting more idiotic than a sleepy Rohit. God, how can you even think I don't want you as my little brother? Who let you decide whether I deserve you as my brother or not?? It's my choice, Rahul. And I want you as my brother. You're my brother and nothing can change that not even you, understood" Virat was breathing fire as he finished with his words pointing his fingers towards Rahul.
Rahul who couldn't help but nod hastily. Feeling all light at once. It felt like the gloomy mountain placed on his heart has been suddenly lifted. Virat didn't hate him. Everything was fine now.
He couldn't help but grin while nodding and this fueled Virat to rant more.
"You, don't smile. I'm not finished with you, yet. Why didn't you retort to those senseless beings like I taught you too? They called you chamcha, called Harry unworthy and you let them walk free and unscathed. It's totally unacceptable. You're Virat Kohli's brother where is that aggression??" Now, Virat was all but demanding from Rahul. He took it very personally when someone insults his brothers.
"I can't believe Manish told you that even when I forbid him too, " Rah couldn't help but complain feeling very wronged.
"Well sorry to break this to you, kiddo. He is my best friend before yours and I'm his captain before you too, " Virat informed Rah very smugly enjoying the way, Rahul scowled hearing his words.
He was back in form sure. Well, it was Virat's inbuilt talent of ticking off people in seconds. A talent Virat was very proud of.
"How many best friends do you have btw??" Rahul couldn't help but complain glaring at Virat.
"Many, " Virat replied chuckling merrily
Rahul just huffed in response and Virat laughed more. A comfortable silence between them as Virat looked thoughtful while Rahul pondered if Virat was the right person to ask this question or not? But then, if he can't ask Virat this—he won't be able to ask anyone else too.
"Ugh, Virat bhaiya...do you think Rohit/hates me??" Rah asked Virat very timidly afraid Virat will get offended hearing his words or won't believe him.
"WHAT!!!!" Now, this time much to Rahul's chagrin and Virat's headache. Ro screamed as he stormed in from the spot where he was making the call and stood in front of Rah with both his hands on his hips.
"Now form where will you get that stupid thought in your mind kiddo? Is it because of my Insta harkate?? Believe me, kid, my Insta hates me the most in the whole world. I'm sure it's possessed. Did I speak something which hurt you?? If so, I'm sorry. You know I spend time with this idiot maybe I'm also infected by him, " Ro rambled looking very-very worried and conscious about what made Rahul think he hates him?
Rahul rapidly nodded in negative with Rohit's words and Virat found this really amusing. So, he kept quiet pondering whether should film this or not?
"No, it wasn't you. I...I heard some..." Rahul didn't even get to complete his sentence as Virat loudly cursed from beside him.
Rohit totally ignoring Virat glanced at Rahul.
"Rahul kid listen to me carefully. You're Virat's little brother and so, you're my brother too. You've been my brother from the day Virat adopted you as his brother and I can't ever hate my little brother, and don't listen to those stupid persons, " Rohit assured Rahul discretely stomping on Virat's foot to stop him from cursing anymore.
"You know, you're even one of my fav batting partners. Well, you're better than this idiot at least you don't get me run out. So, I can't hate you"
"I got you run out, " Virat couldn't help but exclaim stupified
"Of course, " Ro said as if it was the most obvious fact on the whole world.
"I can't believe it, " Virat huffed
Rahul laughed. He felt so blessed to be part of a team where people cared so much about every member.
And to be truthful, he kinda missed Rohirat fights.
"Ugh, Rahul will you please get my phone from the room beside stairs. I forgot it there, " Ro asked Rahul in between bickering with Vi.
And Rah nodded and went to get Ro's phone. Entering the room he couldn't see any phone in the room. But there was one Hardik Pandya in the room.
Rahul was really angry with Harry. What kind of bestie did he have?? A bestie that didn't call him neither picked his calls.
Glaring at Harry, he tried to open the door but it had been locked from outside. He shouted for Virat and Rohit to let him out.
But his shouts landed on deaf ears.
Virat and Rohit stood outside the door sipping on their nimbupani's leaning on the door.
Rahul has ceased shouting for them to open the door a few minutes ago and then the commotion had began.
Both the parties had started accusing and angrily yelling at each other.
Punches and grunts soon flowed out the room, along with frustrated yells and reasons.
"You could have called too, you know" they could hear Harry yell followed by an angry bellow from Rahul and punch
"I called you, moron. You rejected my call every f**king time, " Rahul yelled back.
"WHAT"
punch
Scream
And then hushed conversation.
Followed by silence.
And it has been a few minutes since no sound came from the room.
"Do you reckon they managed to kill each other??" Virat asked Ro sipping on his Nimbupani
"Naah, highly maim maybe, " Ro shrugged offhandedly
"So, should I call the ambulance now??" Virat asked Ro taking another sip
"Maybe, "
"Well, I'm a unique elder brother, ain't I??" Virat asked Ro feeling very proud of his idea.
Locking those insolent kids together till they solved their differences.
"Naah, I think every sibling solve their problems by wrestling it out, " Ro corrected Vi
"I think they wanted to hug each other. So, used wrestling as an excuse, " Virat suggested feeling very sure that this might be the case.
"What will Mahi bhai think of our this idea??" Ro questioned Virat.
Virat imagined telling Mahi bhai "oh, Mahi bhai We locked Harul together so that they can punch their differences out. Yeah, both of them are in hospital now. No, they aren't dead, "
"Let's not tell him about this, " Virat told Rohit.
And Rohit agreed quite readily on this.
A little later, rohirat peeked in the room and found Harul sitting on the floor, laughing. It looked like all was forgiven and forgotten.
All misunderstandings were solved.
Harul were let out of the room. They didn't kill each other neither did they highly maim each other.
On being asked what the matter was? They got to know.Someone had blocked Rahul's number on Harry's phone and Harry felt Rahul was angry on him so he didn't call Rahul.
And Rohirat couldn't help but tell those two how stupid they really acted. They can't let anyone destroy the brotherhood.
Both of them were acting really stupid, Rohirat repeated this about a thousand times to them but Rohirat were glad they were back as best friends now.
At least both were not looking like gloomy goth boys anymore. They were kind of tired of those looks.
"For God sake, don't let anyone create such a misunderstanding between you two again, alright. I kind of couldn't sleep properly because of you two, " Rohit complained to the boys very seriously. His sleep was very important.
"Yeah, and please don't go on any such interview shows again. Though, I'm proud you let Karan know his movies are overrated, " Virat praised the boys.
Ro groaned and screeched in Virat's ear. He wasn't supposed to encourage them.
Harul just laughed at their brother's antics. Their brother who planned and plotted to troubleshoot them and solve their differences. Their brothers who always have their back.
Their brothers who help them and then say "what are brothers for??"
And in midst of this Harry realized one thing "you called me chooha" he accused Virat indignantly
Virat laughed
Ro ruffled his hair and told him "now you look like a disheveled chooha, "
Harry pouted, whining about mean brothers.
Rohirat laughed winking at him as they yelled: "what are brothers for??"
Rahul couldn't help but think brothers were the best kind of best friends.
The loved you, irritated you, cared for you, annoyed you, protected you and even fight for you.
And he kind of have the best brothers in the whole planet.
_the end_