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Rohit: Harry.. bachcha kya hua?

Harry was still looking at Rohit with wide eyes. Rohit gently wiped his tears.

Rohit: Harry.. why are you crying? And kiske bare me baat kar rahe the? Rah ke bare me bol rahe the kya?

Harry: B.. B-Ro woh.. woh..

Rohit: Harry bolo baba.. See I am here na..

Harry hugged him tightly hiding his face in the hug. Rohit was startled seeing him like this. Yes he has seen Harry broken but this much.. never..

Rohit: Harry kiddo.. kya hua hai? Kisi ne kuchh kaha? Tumhara jhagda ho gaya kya?

Virushka came into lobby while being busy in their own banter when their gazes fell on Rohit and Harry. Rohit was rubbing Harry's back with one hand and was wiping his tears with his other hand. Both got worried and almost ran towards them.

Virat: Harry.. Ro.. kya hua?

Rohit broke the hug. Harry was still slightly hiccupping. Anu took the kid in a warm hug. She took out a small water bottle from her bag and made him have some water.

RohiRat were talking in low voice.

Virat: Kya hua isse?

Rohit: Pata nahi Vi. Main jab aya tab yeh bahut ro raha tha. Aur bata bhi nahi raha ki kya hua hai. But I feel Rah se related hai because he said he can't see him like this Jas matlab usko laga Jassi hai to there are high chances ki Rah se related hai.

Virat's heart skipped a beat. Tension quickly plastered on his face. Rohit rubbed his back to calm him.

Anu: Harry.. kiddo tell us kya hua jo tum itna ro rahe ho? We will help you bachcha. Tell us.

Harry looked at them for few seconds but then he decided to tell them everything. He cannot see Rahul punishing himself without any reason. He was about to say something when they all heard Jassi was calling Harry loudly. They all were startled and ran towards the trio's room. When they reached, they saw Rahul was having a nightmare while fully drenched in sweat. Jassi was trying to wake him but he was not able to.

Rahul: Nahi.. Nahi.. leave me..

Virat and Anu both ran towards Rahul. Virat instantly took him in a hug.

Virat: Rah.. bachcha bhaiya hai yahi kuchh nahi hoga. Calm down Rah.

Rohit tried shaking Rahul but it was not working. Anu took out the water bottle and sprinkled water on Rahul's face but it didn't work. Thus she ultimately poured the entire bottle on Rahul's face making him wake up with a jolt. His breathing was heavier. Virat instantly once again took him in a tight hug.

Virat: Rah.. bhaiya hai baba.. bhaiya hai.

Rahul snuggled more into hug. Harry passed towel to Anu and she started drying Rahul's hair. Jassi was watching everything with blank face. He too was affected. He ran from there. Rohit noticed it. He looked at Harry who was looking scared and was looking at Harry without blinking. He took Harry in a side hug rubbing his arm.

Once Rahul was calmed down, he broke the hug with Virat and looked at Virat and Anu.

Rahul (scared): Bhaiya.. Bhabhi.. aap.. aap kab.. kab aye?

Virat: Rah.. why are you scared bachcha? Kuchh hua hai kya?

Rahul shook his head in no looking down. Virushka looked at each other feeling something's fishy. Anu caressed Rahul's hair.

Anu: Rah.. hum bas abhi aaye. You were having nightmare to Jassi called us. How are you feeling now?

Rahul: Better bhabhi..

Virat: Are you feeling weakness Rah?

Rahul looked down but nodded in yes.

Rahul: Thoda sa. Pata nahi kaise. Maine to sara diet follow Kiya tha. (Panicking ) Bhaiya please don't drop me from team. I.. I promise I'll work hard on my fitness.

Virat: Rah.. Rah calm down. And I am not dropping you okay. Calm down bachcha.

Anu: Rah.. ek kam karo change kar lo then take some rest okay.

Rahul nodded in yes and went to change his clothes in washroom. Once done, Virushka made him have some sleep once again but they stayed by his side so that he doesn't get scared.

On the other side, Harry was in Rohit's room and so as Jassi. Rohit was patiently waiting for them to share what is going on but they didn't say anything.

Rohit: Harry.. can you please spill the beans?

Harry: I don't know..

Rohit: And what you don't know?

Harry: Woh Rah..

Jassi: Harry..

Harry realised he was about to say everything. He bit his tongue.

Rohit: Harry speak.

Harry: No B-Ro.. I won't

Rohit: Jassi.. please tell me what's going on?

Jassi: We can't and we won't.

Rohit was now getting irritated. He has been patient enough throughout the afternoon and still he was waiting but now it was irritating him and more than irritation, he was getting worried for the trio. Rahul having nightmare and Harry and Jassi know the reason for the same and still not sharing was something which was making him worried for all three of them. No matter at whichever level they were playing cricket but they are still kids.

Rohit (quite loudly): Will you both tell me the truth or I go and ask Rah by myself?

Jassi and Harry (almost shouted): No

Rohit: So Rah it is right. It's all belongs to him. Now tell me kya hua hai?

Tears collected in Jassi's eyes.

Jassi: It's all because of me. Sab meri wajah se ho raha hai. It's all my fault.

Harry: No Jassi.. isme tumhari koi galati nahi hai

Jassi: Galati hai Harry.. It's all because of me. I.. I have to tell Vi Bhai. Rah.. Rah was having nightmare because of me. I have to tell him. I.. I have to..

Harry: Jassi no..

But Jassi didn't listen to him and ran to his room. When he reached, he found Rahul was sleeping peacefully while Anu and Virat were sitting either side of him and Virat was caressing Rahul's hair and Anu has held Rahul's hand.

Jassi: Vi Bhai..

Virat: Jassi.. yeh kya halat bana rakhi hai? Bikhre baal.. T-shirt bhi uper niche hai..

Jassi: Aap yeh sab chhodo aap meri baat suno na please

Virat: Haan baba. Lekin hua kya hai Jas? Why are you looking hyper?

Jassi: Vi Bhai.. I am sorry. I am so so sorry. Apne mujhe responsibility di thi Rah ki aur yeh sab..

Virat: Hey Jassi.. it's fine okay. It's absolutely fine. Rah gets nightmares but it's not because of you baba.

Jassi: No Vi Bhai.. it's all because of me. You don't know.. it's all because of me.. all because of me..

Rohit and Harry have come there too.

Virat: Ro ho kya gaya hai isko? Jassi.. what are you saying? It's not because of you. Rah ko to tab bhi nightmares aye hai jab woh hum logo se itna connected nahi tha. Please don't blame yourself.

Rahul stirred in his sleep hearing the voices and opened his eyes. He saw Virushka, Harry, Jassi and Rohit were there.

Jassi: No.. you don't know anything

Saying so Jassi went from there.

Virat: Are ho kya gaya hai ise?

Rahul: Bhaiya..

Virat looked at Rahul and helped him in sitting on the bed.

Virat: How are you feeling now? Weakness lag rahi hai abhi bhi?

Rahul shook his head in no

Rahul: I am much better. Aap log aaj hi aye ho rest karo jake.

Anu: Lekin..

Rahul: I am fine bhabhi

Virat: We are not going anywhere. Tum pehle Pani pio chalo..

As Virushka got busy with Rahul, Rohit first went with Harry and they had dinner and then he went to terrace as he knew Jassi would be there.

As soon as Rohit reached terrace, he found Jassi was sitting there being all lost. He has brought food for Jassi and sat beside him.

Rohit: You know we are responsible towards our nation too.. That jersey we wore for each match.. we are responsible towards it. And thus.. we cannot skip our meals. Right??

Jassi sighed. Rohit made him have his food silently. Soon Harry too joined them.

Jassi: How is Rah?

Harry: Vi Bhai aur bhabhi ne usko khana khila diya hai

Jassi sighed. Harry sat beside him and rubbed his arm.

Rohit: Tum dono abhi bhi kuchh nahi bataoge?

Jassi and Harry looked at each other and then looked down.

Rohit: Do you guys know the gravity of the situation? Tum logo ko kya lagta hai ki Vi ko nahi pata ki kuchh hua hai jiski wajah se Rah is looking scared. Even look at both of you.. tum dono bhi kitne dare hue lag rahe ho. Please tell me kya hua hai guys.

Harry: Bata sakte to bata nahi diya hota kya B-Ro..

Harry got tears in his eyes. The pain on the faces of Jassi and Harry was scaring Rohit and it was the main reason he was pressurizing them to tell the truth.

Jassi: Please don't ask B-Ro. Hum apko kuchh bata nahi payenge aur jhooth humse bola nahi jayega

Rohit sighed in defeat. He knew they would have given their word to Rahul else there is no chance Jassi would still hide whatever happened in their absence.

Rohit: Achchha chalo ab dono sone chalo. It's getting late.

Jassi: Rah ko dekhte hue chale?

Rohit: Of course. Come let's go

They were talking while walking.

Jassi: Apne aur Harry ne dinner kiya?

Rohit: Dinner karke hi aaye hai.

They reached at Harry, Jassi and Rahul's room and found him sleeping cuddling to Virat while Virat was still caressing his hair. Anu was there beside Rahul and was just looking at him. Rohit knew she was having her own doubts regarding Rahul which she has not even shared with Virat.

Jassi: So gaya?

Virat: Haan abhi abhi aankh lagi hai. Dar sa gaya hai.

Jassi and Harry looked at each other. Rohit noticed it.

Anu: Tum dono chinta mat karo. Sab theek hai okay. Now go and aaj Ro yeh log tumhare sath so jaye to chalega na?

Rohit: Of course Anu. Yeh bhi koi puchhane ki baat hai. Hum log bas Rah ko dekhne hi aye the. You guys don't worry okay.

Virushka nodded in yes and Rohit, Harry and Jassi went from there once Harry and Jassi changed into their night clothes.

In Rohit's room, Rohit was in washroom and Jassi and Harry were talking in low voice.

Jassi: Should we share?

Harry: I really don't know Jas.

Jassi: Harry we need elders. Even if Rah is comfortable with us lekin agar kisi din woh humse nahi sambhla to? We need someone who can scold him and keep him in control

Harry: I agree Jas but hum Vi Bhai aur bhabhi ko nahi bata sakte woh log sabse pehle khud ko blame karenge. Aur Rah baki logo se itna Comfortable bhi nahi hai

Jassi: Mahi Bhai.. Unke sath woh comfortable hai. We can share with him

Harry: Hmm.. Unki baat waise bhi koi nahi taal payega

Rohit who has come out was listening to their talks.

Rohit: Aisa bhi kya hai jo Mahi Bhai handle kar sakte hai aur hum log nahi?

His sudden entry startled Harry and Jassi.

Harry: Nahi B-Ro.. kuchh nahi

Jassi: Kuchh bhi to nahi..

Harry: Yeah.. good night

Jassi: Good night

Both instantly closed their eyes before Rohit could even wish them back. Rohit sighed and shook his head. He lye down between both his kids and as soon as he layed down, Harry and Jassi hugged him tightly. Rohit smiled and caressed their hair. He could see the worry on their faces.. the fear in their each action.. the urgency and helplessness at the same time in their demeanor.

Rohit (in mind): You have to share Rah.. It's affecting all of us now.

On the next day, Rohit got ready and went to Rahul's room. He found Virushka were sleeping while being in sitting position only and Rahul was sleeping while keeping his head in Virat's lap and Virat's one hand was on Rahul's head.

Rohit sighed and went inside. He gently woke Virat up. They were talking in low voice.

Rohit: Vi.. go and get ready

Virat: No Ro.. Rah is scared. Woh uth jayega

Rohit: Vi.. tum dono ready ho jao. Main hoon yaha tum log aao tab tak okay. I'll take care of him don't worry. Vi aaj se practice start karni hai sab aa bhi gaye hai. Aise me agar tum hi nahi rahoge to kaise chalega

Virat sighed but nodded in yes. He gently placed Rahul's head on the pillow and caressed his hair. He then went to other side and woke Anu up.

Virat: Ro hai yaha tab tak hum ready ho jate hai

Anu looked at Rahul once but then nodded in yes. She and Virat left from there.

Rohit sat beside Rahul and caressed his hair.

Rohit (in mind): Pata nahi Aisa kon sa dard hai jisne tumhe andar se Tod ke rakha hai Rah.. Pata nahi Aisa kya chhupa rahe ho tum ki Jassi aur Harry bhi dare hue hai itna. Unka aisa behaviour.. tumhari yeh halat.. Dara rahi hai mujhe Rah..

The sound of alarm heard which broke Rohit's trance and Rahul's sleep. Rohit quickly turned off the alarm but by that time Rahul has woken up.

Rohit: Good morning Rah..

Rahul: Good morning B-Ro

Rohit: Woh Vi and Anu ready hone gaye hai. Yahi the puri raat.

Rahul: I know B-Ro.

Rohit: How are you feeling now?

Rahul: All fit and fine B-Ro

Rohit gave him a nervous smile. Rohit though wanted to ask him but he was skeptical seeing Rahul's condition. The boy is really very much sensitive.

Rahul has noticed Rohit's efforts to have a conversation. He somewhere knew what Rohit wants but he himself was not in that state of mind. He again felt guilty.

Rahul was about to get up but Rohit spoke.

Rohit: Rah.. main koi help kar doon?

Rahul: Thanks B-Ro but I am fine. Abhi weakness bhi nahi lag rahi. Main ready hoke aaya.

Rohit nodded in yes and Rahul went to washroom to get ready. Virushka came when he was in washroom.

Virat: Rah..

Rohit: Washroom me hai. Ready hone gaya hai

Anu: Theek hai to tab tak main breakfast ka check kar leti hoon and Kuchh healthy bhi banwa leti hoon

She went from there.

Virat: Main baki sabse mil leta hoon and status check kar leta hoon sab ka

Rohit nodded in yes. Once Virushka left, Rohit again sighed and mentally prayed God for a better conversation with Rahul rather than a formal one.

His chain of thoughts was broken by Rahul coming out of the washroom after getting ready. He wore his spacs and was going towards his kit bag when Rohit finally mustering the courage spoke.

Rohit: Rah..

Rahul: Ji..

Rohit: Come here..

Rahul came to him. Rohit made him sit properly on the bed at the support of the headrest and he himself sat beside him. He also half  covered Rahul with duvet. Rahul was quite confused at his antics.

Rohit: Rah.. kya hua tha kal?

Rahul looked at him with shocked expression.

Rohit: Rah.. see.. don't get me wrong. I can see you are scared.. Even Jassi and Harry both are scared. You were having nightmares. Jassi is blaming himself for everything.. Akhir chal kya Raha hai Rah?

Rahul looked down. He clutched the duvet tightly.

Rohit: Rah.. we are your brothers. Hume bilkul achchha nahi lagta jab hamara Chhota bhai aise udaas ho.. dara hua ho.. aur yaha to baat tum teeno ki hai

Rohit caressed Rahul's hair making him flinched at first but then he looked at Rohit who continued caressing his hair.

Rohit: Rah.. I understand ki kabhi kabhi kuchh dard itne bade hote hai ki unko bhul pana .. unse door reh pana possible hi nahi ho pata. I understand tumhare apne reasons honge share na karne ke.. lekin Rah.. dukh to baantane se kam hota hai na. Can't you trust us enough to share your pain?

Rahul looked at other side and pulled his duvet quite more towards him. His action made Rohit realised the gravity of his pain. It was much more than he thought.

Rohit (softly): Rah.. please look at me

Rahul looked at him. His pale face was holding so much of pain and innocence which broke Rohit's heart. All his courage to persuade him for sharing flew away instantly. He felt tongue tight. Rohit gulped down.

Rohit: Rah.. Sambhalo khud ko. Tumhe aise dekh ke har koi dar raha hai. Vi and Anu.. unko samaj nahi aa raha ki aisa kya ho gaya ki unka bachcha itna dar gaya hai. Rah.. maine aaj tak Jassi and Harry dono ko aise dara hua nahi dekha. I asked them a lot but they didn't say anything.

Hearing this Rahul sighed in relief and it was noticed by Rohit.

Rohit: Rah.. I know it's never easy to share the past. And I'll not force you.

Rahul surprised hearing this.

Rohit: Yes Rah. I won't force you to share. Itna puchhane ke baad bhi agar Harry and Jassi dono nahi share kar pa rahe.. tum Vi aur Anu dono ko nahi bata pa rahe to I am sure ki tumhe sahi me time chahiye share karne ke liye.. Lekin Rah you have to keep faith in us. We are family Rah.

Tears collected in Rahul's eyes hearing this.

Rahul: Adat nahi hai B-Ro.. Kabhi.. kabhi kisi se kuchh share karne ki.. ek.. ek fam..

Rahul's voice choked.

Rahul: Ek family ki..

Rohit's own eyes got moist. He rubbed Rahul's back.

Rohit: Phir bhi Rah.. I want to tell you that hum sab hai tumhare sath. Please khud ko akela mat samjo.

Rahul smirked sarcastically.

Rahul: Aaj ho B-Ro. Kal ka kya bharosa?? Sach janne ke baad shayad nahi rahe to?

Rohit: Rah.. you are our brother. Agar koi galati hogi na tumhari to hum log daantege lekin uss galati ko sudharne me help bhi hum hi log karenge. Tumhe age badhne me.. apni galatiyo se sikhne me help karenge.

Rahul remembered how Harry and Jassi both said that they want to help him to fight. He felt overwhelmed.

Rahul: Pakka help karoge na?

Rohit: Haan bachcha kyu nahi karenge?

Rahul remembered his time at the orphanage.

Flashback

Rahul: Bhaiya.. bhaiya aap bacha loge na mujhe..

An elder boy at the orphanage was standing beside him.

Elder boy: Of course Rahul. Come with me.

Rahul went with that boy. It was a dark room.

Rahul: Bhaiya hum yaha kyu aye hai? Mujhe dar lagta hai andhere se.

But there was noone.

Rahul: Bhaiya.. bhaiya..

Suddenly the lights of the room turned on and Rahul was shocked to see the person in front of him.

Rahul instantly took few steps backwards and then turned to go but the door was closed. He banged the door.

Rahul: Bhaiya.. bhaiya.. please kholo.. koi hai please kholo

Flashback ends--

Rohit: Bolo na Rah.. hum kyu help nahi karenge?

Rahul brought back to the reality hearing this.

Rahul: Pani..

Rohit: Haan?? Kya??

Rahul: Pani..

Rohit quickly made him have some water.

Rohit: You okay Rah?

Rahul shook his head in no.

Rohit: I am sorry Rah. I didn't want to hurt you.

Rahul: It's not your fault B-Ro.

Rohit: To kya Jassi..

Rahul: Nahi B-Ro. Aap logo mese kisi ki koi bhi galati nahi hai. It's.. It's all because of me only.

Rohit: No Rah..

Rahul: Yes B-Ro. Aap please Jassi ya Harry ko kuchh mat kaho. Unki koi galati nahi hai. Sach...

Rohit gave an understanding nod. Rahul sighed. Rohit caressed his hair.

Rohit: Achchha tum rest karo thodi der. And always remember that we all are with you okay. Please don't isolate yourself.

Rahul gave him a small smile and nodded in yes.

Rohit: Aur hamesha yaad rakhna Rah ki hum sab hai tumhare sath even if you are at fault.

Rahul nodded in yes. Rohit once again caressed his hair and got up. He was about to leave but stopped and turned towards Rahul.

Rohit: Rah..

Rahul: Ji

Rohit: I know you are closer to Vi and Anu the most. But I also know that you cannot share everything with them because you love them enough to suffer by yourself and don't bother them. But I would like to tell you that agar kabhi aisa lage ki bahut ho raha hai.. nahi saha na raha hai.. lekin tum Vi and Anu se share nahi kar pa rahe.. in that case.. Always remember that I am there for you.. You are my kiddo too Rah. Just remember that okay.. Now have some rest main chalta hoon.

Rohit started leaving but Rahul called him.

Rahul: B-Ro

Rohit: Haan??

Rahul was looking down. Rohit was patiently waiting for him to say.

Rahul: Pa.. Past haunts B-Ro. Sometimes a lot. Utna ki.. ki I ended up having.. having nightmares and.. and attack.

Rohit quickly covered the distance and sat beside him once again and took Rahul in a tight hug.

Rahul: I.. I don't want to bother Bhaiya bhabhi more. They love me so much. They are already doing so much for me.

Rohit: None can get bother when they love someone Rah. Whatever your Bhaiya bhabhi are doing is because they love you.. But I understand how you come here too.. I understand why you felt like that okay. But remember you have another brother who will be with you always okay.. and phir tum Mahi Bhai ke sath sath mere sath bhi shikayat kar sakte ho Vi ki.. and hum dono na milke Vi aur Anu ko tease karenge okay.

A smile came on Rahul's face clearly showing that the weight of the past trauma was lightening from his heart. Rohit continued.

Rohit: Main na tumhe bahut si stories sunaunga Vi aur Anu ke dating phase ki.. phir tum na usko use karna apna kam nikalwane ke liye.

Rahul lightly chuckled hearing this. Rohit felt relieved seeing him in better mood.

Rohit: Now we need to discuss the most important thing

Rahul frowned

Rahul: Woh kya?

Rohit: The codeword

Rahul (confused): Codeword??

Rohit: Yes. Codeword. We need a Codeword so that jab bhi tum yeh bolo to mujhe pata chal jaye ki tumhe mujse kuchh important baat karni hai and I can make myself available if I am busy.

Rahul: Lekin iski kya zaroorat hai?

Rohit: Zaroorat hai. Umm.. Tum na mujhe Bro bol dena B-Ro ke badle.

Rahul: Umm.. but yeh kuchh zyada hi obvious nahi ho jayega?

Rohit: Are obvious hi chahiye so that agar tum bolo to bhi kisi ko pata na chale except me. Understood??

Rahul: Understood.

Rohit: Great. Now come let's go for breakfast.

Rahul nodded in yes and they both got up to go and just then Virat came there.

Virat: Good morning Rah

Rahul: Good morning bhaiya

Virat: How are you feeling now?

Rahul: I am fine bhaiya. Weakness bhi nahi hai and I am excited for the practice session

Virat: That's like my Rahuliya

Rahul scrunched his nose hearing this but it was given no attention by his bhaiya.

Virat: Okay chalo chalo late ho raha hai breakfast ke liye.

Rohit: Hum bas wahi aa rahe the

Virat: Okay cool. Main baki sab ko dekh raha hoon tum log niche pahunch Jana okay??

RoHul: Done

Virat smiled and went from there.

Rahul: I can do anything for this smile B-Ro.

Rohit: So do I Rah..

Rahul: I know. And thank you for THE TALK.

Rohit ruffled his hair. Rahul looked at Rohit with mischievous eyes.

Rahul: Waise B-Ro.. I have a question.

Rohit: Haan puchho na

Rahul: Humne Codeword to bana liya..

Rohit nodded

Rahul: Lekin woh Codeword apko yaad to rahega na..

Rohit: Are yaad kyu nahi rahega?

Rahul: No.. I was just asking considering the memorable history you have with your always remembering everything you know..

Rohit: Oh..

Rahul controlled his laughter and started leaving. Rohit now realised what he said.

Rohit: Abe o kya bola tune..

Rahul started running from there followed by Rohit..

Rohit: Abe o.. Apne aap ko woh samajta hai kya.. main kya woh hoon.. ruk tu.. bhagta kidhar hai..

And the lobby echoed with Rahul's laughter and Rohit's special WOH language

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So that's it for this chapter. Hope you guys like it.

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