When the kids said, half of their wardrobe was missing. They were actually being quite generous, half of their wardrobe wasn't missing. It looked like it had been totally changed with one Hardik Pandya's wardrobe.
There were acid-washed shirts, t-shirts and Kurti's in their wardrobes of vibrant, eye-hurting colours. Rahul was sure, he won't be caught dead wearing those things ever. He'll stay in a bathrobe or worse his sweaty practice attire. He'll even wear his KXIP kit but he won't ever wear those clothes.
Nops, not happening ever.
Unknown to Rahul the same thing was happening with every other player of the team. Harry's clothes were so plain and so, different from his usual tastes that he couldn't help but moan and mope at the loss of his wonderful clothes.
Currently, Rahul was sitting on his bed pondering the next course of his action. He should call the room services and inform them about this disastrous wardrobe, right. He was sure, Harry was somewhat involved in this stint with his heart, kidney and everything. God, his wardrobe was currently screaming styled by Hardik Pandya for god sake.
Okay, how did Harry manage this? Was the question that was bothering Rahul when he heard the doorbell ring. Sighing, he got up thinking what now? Opening the door, he found a covered tray kept in front of his room.
"But...I didn't order anything" A confused Rahul muttered to thin air, taking the tray inside his room for further inspection.
Keeping the tray on the table, Rahul opened the lid and found a note, a note in very familiar writing greeting him with various ladyfinger painting prints surrounding it. Curious, Rahul read the unnamed note.
"Sometimes we should try new styles too. Especially, if we have the right occasion, make the best style for yourself and enjoy a burst of citrusy freshness, and relax. You deserve it,"
Rahul didn't need any name to know this note was written by his Kohlito. He could recognize Virat's handwriting anywhere and suddenly, he didn't found his wardrobe that obnoxious and vile anymore. After all, it was done by his Virat bhai and not a certain Kungfu Pandya. It can't be that bad.
And Virat bhai was right. They should try new styles too. He'll make something out of his new wardrobe. Rahul decided.
The guy who didn't want to be caught dead on those attires suddenly had a 360° stance turnover. But in his defence, all this was done by his Virat bhai and it was enough reason for Rahul to try them on.
Smiling, Rahul poured himself some of the transparent liquid in the glass and took in a sip. The citrusy freshness turned out to be Nimbu Pani. Couldn't Virat directly say so? Rahul thought taking another sip.
But he was feeling quite happy. Virat has surprised him. He looked at his new wardrobe decided to change and go byg a certain Kohlito.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Virat Kohli was having a very peculiar day. He had decided to sleep in today because last night, he had informed the coach that he won't join them for the first practice session. His muscles were sore. He needed a recovery day. The coach had agreed and Virat was ready to make the most of his day.
But again, from when did his lie in plans started succeeding? Early in the morning, a hoard of monkey had appeared in his room demanding Diwali party and sweets. There demands were certain, "bhaiyaaa!! Arrange Diwali party please"
"Bhaiyaa, we are not asking you to arrange phooljhari for us"
"Bhaiyaa, just Kaju barfi and music will do"
"Bhaiya! Aren't we your kids? Won't you do this for us??"
"Forget us, think about Jinks bhaiya, Ash bhaiya, jaddu bhaiya's kids, for them arrange naa"
"Please, bhaiyaaa"
"Bhaiyaaa!! If you can add Rasmalayi too in the list of sweets,"
"Sonpapdi Nahi hogi toh bhi chalega," Nav said offhandedly and Virat wanted to facepalm. God, how'll he arrange a quarantine Diwali party? But did his kids care? No, they think if they ask him, he'll make anything happen.
He had told them, he'll try and they had gone out of his room looking like the party was definitely happening. Now, did he have any option or stuff like that?
No, right. He had to arrange diet Kaju Katli, at least. So, he contacted the hotel staff and asked them if they could make something like this happen in his penthouse or if they could at least give him some decorative material to work with? The hotel staff said, they'll get it arranged.
Feeling delighted Vi decided to bug people. Well, a certain ABD to be truthful. He needed to see his new niece again. Yente De Dellivers. In the last, three days, he had called and seen the little munchkin for over a thousand times. So, he did just that, he called ABD and pestered his brother for hours.
"B!!! You're doing it wrong"
"No, don't...go wash dishes, you big meanie. Lemme look at my angel. Uncle Vi will be her fav cricketer ever,"
"Danny tell this meanie, you agree with me"
"Of course, Virat"
"B!!! Look she winked at me. She loves mee!"
By the time, Virat was done exclaiming and gushing at every little antics of baby Yente. ABD had almost done all the household chores imaginable to mankind, wondering why this mad creature was still ranting? Virat disconnected the call when the hotel staff provided him with decorative things.
But at the same time, a certain DD creature face timed Virat complaining about the woes of Diwali cleaning and Virat with great enthusiasm rubbed in the kids face that he didn't have to do any Diwali cleaning. Well, he is in hotel, his mom can't make him clean a hotel room, can she? Virat decided he was better not knowing the answer of that question instead, he told Dev about his Diwali party arrangement ideas. Dev suggested a brilliant plan (in Virat's eyes) and with help of few little hands on the deck. The Captain arranged a brilliant Diwali gathering.
Currently, Rahul was on his way towards Virat's room in the perfect outfit. Well, it was the perfect outfit, according to him at least. Happy Rahul made his way inside Virat's room and felt a wave of euphoria wash over him finding only Virat in the room. But his wave of euphoria crashed when he noticed Virat on a call.
"Yeah, yeah...I'll send you some. How am I looking?" Rahul heard Virat ask and for a second, just a second he hoped the call was of his Nush's bhabi but that hope did suicide when he heard a giggly childish tone reply in a boasting tone.
"You look great bhaiya!! After all, it was my choice"
And Rahul found himself automatically being very critical of Virat's attire. Virat was wearing a short light blue kurta and white trousers. He was looking okay in Rahul's eyes. Well, Rahul would have done a better job in styling Virat if he was being honest with himself and every time he came to his Virat, why was one or other person chipkuing to his VI? It's ridiculous.
From when did this guy was so in demand? A part of Rahul's brain told him, Virat always have been in demand. He just didn't let them know and now, they couldn't help but notice it.
"And Oh!!! there's a Rahuliyaa behind me!"Virat's sudden merry exclamation of his dreaded name, brought Rahul back to the present.
Rahul couldn't help but scowl hearing Virat's words and then noticing the giggling creature on Virat's screen. Why is that rascal giggling? Rahul couldn't help but glare at the super annoying giggling rascal looking at Virat as if he is the guy who makes the world spin or something. Okay, Rahul himself looks at Virat like he is the guy with stardust but that's beyond the point here.
"Hello Rahuliyaa!! Are you ignoring me? You're early btw?" Virat said, still making faces at Dev.
"hello Rahul bhaiya" Dev waved merrily from the screen.
Rahul just glowered from his place, finding the whole scene very-very irritating. Okay, what was that guy? A toddler or what? Why was Virat giving him so much attention? Why was he constantly in touch with Virat? Why was he looking at Virat like Virat meant the world to him? It wasn't done. It wasn't absolutely done but still, Rahul found himself sulkily greeting the little rascal as he possessively wrapped his arms around Virat. Virat hugged him back equally happily and Rahul was suddenly filled with a very intense desire to stick his tongue out and yell "My brother" at the little rascal but he controlled.
"Veerat, you didn't show me the end result?" Dev demanded impatiently and Rahul really-really was feeling like he should lock the rascal somewhere and what's Veerat? Can't he call bhaiya like a decent young being.
"Patience is the virtue kid" Virat teased, Rahul wanted Virat to disconnect the call immediately.
"Mr Nags can have the virtue, I want to see right now" Dev declared shrugging.
Virat laughed very fondly of the kid.
Rahul mentally decided to gift the insolent little rascal to Mr Nags. Internally, jumping in joy when Virat dragged him with him to whatever that rascal wanted to see. Rahul wasn't at all interested in seeing whatever it was even if Virat was dragging him around like an excited toddler eager to show around his first awesome painting.
Rahul was stupefied when Virat dragged him to one of the spare rooms of the penthouse. Looking at Rahul eagerly, awaiting his reaction. Dev was screaming something. Rahul had already tuned that annoying rascal out. The area was so beautifully decorated with disco lights, food, drinks, music and flower rangoli. It reminded him of home.
"You could've told me. I would have helped," Rahul couldn't help but breathe out, looking at the scene in front of him wide-eyed and then at Virat a little worried, Virat took rest because he wasn't feeling well and then his brother worked all alone to make a Diwali party happen. It wasn't fair.
"Well, I wouldn't have gotten your this reaction then," Virat teased, closing Rahul's a little agape jaw."Secondly, I had lots of help," Virat admitted winking at Dev, who moved his hand through his hair shyly.
Rahul scowled at that over-irritating rascal thinking "What help he had been from the phone screen? What did he do? He must have just bossed around Virat from the screen. Stupid rascal"
"Ab mein inta bhi khas nhi," Dev said bashfully, totally ignoring Rahul's looks, igniting another laugh from Virat. God, must have realized Dev was inches away from getting murdered for Dev's mother intervened at that moment, calling for Dev.
"Okay, Virat, mom's calling. I'll talk to you later. Don't forget to send some sweets to Zamps and I love you," Dev said everything in a single breath and Virat couldn't help but grin a little more at his goofball.
"I love you too Kid!! Yeah, talk to you later," Virat disconnected the call and turned around to face Rahul looking at him with raised brows.
"You never said I love you to me like this" Rahul stated firmly. He hoped somehow Dev misplaces Virat's number and never gets to call him ever again. It would be even better if Dev's phone have a sudden and tragic death.
"you said you weren't a kid" Virat retorted confused.
"But you still call me kiddoliyaa" Rahul stated totally not impressed with Virat's line. Okay, he says many things like don't call me Rahuliya, moi or kiddoliya, does Virat listens? No, then why this discrimination?
"Because you're my kiddoliyaaa, and I love you" Virat admitted, thinking Rahul will feel better hearing a "I love you" and Virat has been telling his kids "I love you's" anyway this time.
"The most??" Rahul demanded feeling very childish for asking this but he needed to hear this. Everyone was sticking to his Virat. He needed to know he was still the most loved kid of his brother, his captain. He needed to hear he was Virat's most beloved kid, no condition applied.
"I love you the most, Moi," Virat replied. "But you know that." Virat said questioningly, searching Rahul's eyes for confirmation. The kid should know by now how much he meant to him, right? Rahul was his first kid, after all. His first little brother. The brother who will always have a special spot in his heart.
After all, Rahul was first kid to unconsciously tug at Virat's heartstrings and naming himself Virat's adopted brother. The kid who stuck to him like a leech and hold onto him with his everything. The first kid to look at Virat as if he was the sole source of light in his life. Rahul was Virat's kid. He was Virat's little brother. He was Virat's priority and no, other kid could change that ever. Virat really thought Rahul knew what Virat felt for Rahul. How special Rahul really was for him?
After all, he was becoming father now but Rahuliya was the first to ignite fatherly feelings in him.
Rahul actually looked away from Virat's searching gaze feeling absolutely happy. He wanted post Virat's words as his Insta post declaring to the world that Virat loved him the most. But he couldn't and he wasn't doing any confessions right now.
Instead, he said very seriously; "You should have asked me for help!"
Virat just rolled his eyes. His kiddoliya won't ever change. This was his way of saying "I love you too"
"Surprise Kid and I've lots of help," Virat winked at Rahul, pointing towards a sheet with baby glittery hand prints on it, pinned on the wall.
At this point, a very-very startled Jinks looked at Radhika absolutely horrified asking "Why is Aaru singing Teri Yaari"
The same question was repeated by Pujji, Ash and Jaddu in their respective rooms. Poor people were totally unaware of the kids session with their Virat chachu and the paintings classes they received from Virat Chachu and Dev Chachu.
Rahul couldn't help but shake his head at his over-excited brother. Who looked absolute gleeful looking at the baby hands print painting and Rahul absolutely didn't want to guess what the painting was about but he really wanted to be part of this decoration group.
But you can't have everything and with the excitement and happiness Virat was showing Rahul everything, hoping and vibrating on his spot any doubt Rahul had about their drifting bonds had been put to rest. For then Rahul was just happy getting some much needed me time with his brother.
"You wanna dance, Rahuliyaa"Virat questioned, suddenly out of blue.
"With you?" Rahul asked.
"No, with my ghost!" Virat rolled his eyes. Why was his kid asking such stupid questions? What's wrong with him? What happened to his wit? Did he gift it to someone in Punjab?
Rahul just looked totally unimpressed with his Virat but started moving around as if an electric current had passed through his body. Grinning, even Virat started moving around dancing like a total lunatic. At this moment, the rest of the ICT gang arrived in Virat's room and Rahul felt very pleased watching his shocked expression being mirrored on the face of every other member of the team.
The RCB kids were the first to get out of their shocked stance as they pounced on Virat yelling "Thank you!!!! We knew it!! LOVE YOU!!!" on top of their voice.
The other's couldn't quite recover from their shock of spotting "Kaju Kattli," "Choclate barfi," "Rasmalayi," around. The shock of their fitness freak captain arranging this stuff was just too much for their souls. Rahul had quite fun recording Harry making a complete fool of himself.
"sweet...Virat impossible, I'm dreaming, Wake me up" Harry had been screaming for half of the night. The other half he had been throwing flowers on random people, dancing madly.
Yeah, Rahul missed being around this crazily mad people and feeling so relaxed. He wasn't at all worried about offending anyone here. He didn't have to thought over his words. One sad look and the whole team would know what to do? well, who to kill was the precise thought in his mind. But What to do works too!!
He couldn't help but roll his eyes watching Monku steal another Kaju Katli from Yuzi's plate.
Shreyas was too busy whining something in Virat's ears to notice Yuzi slowly making all the things disappear from his plate.
Rishu was quite confused between sticking to Virat like a leech and stealing everything from Sanju's plate.
Jassi was trying, keyword being trying to handle Harry while sending Virat and the flowers around the room lovey-dovey eyes.
Kuliya was totally invested in feeding Virat sitting on Virat's lap, much to the chargin of the other kids but it wasn't as if they could make Kuliya move away from Virat.
All in all, the Captain's day in ended as a total merry bash for the rest of the team.
P.S. Yes, all of them were wearing obnoxiously styled clothes and yes, Dev called again. Rahul might have misplaced Virat's phone with Harry's help by then.
~Byeee~