A day before IPL Final, 2013.

The fixing fiasco was at its peak. No one had any idea who can or cannot be trusted. There was tremendous pressure on CSK by media and fans. It would be a huge lie to say that players are not affected by it. Media says it's a match-fixing, but then most of the team has to be involved for that. There is a high chance that it is a spot-fixing done by one or two involved but nothing is confirmed.

Currently, Ashwin, Raina, Jaddu are sitting in MS's room watching the news as MS went out a few minutes back.

"IPL fixing scandal is growing bigger with every passing day with big names getting involved in it. As the debate on the involvement of MS Dhoni in fixing is on heat, other big names are also coming out. Is Suresh Raina of CSK involved in the fixing too? Our sources say 'Yes'. According to our sources, Mr.Raina also known as Mr.IPL for his stylish shots have been found with a woman who has contacts with a bookie." Read the newsreader as the breaking news.

Raina went pale as he was sweating heavily from head to toe. Jaddu and Ash were shocked too. They were expecting things to settle down but it is becoming more and more complicated.

"Switch off the T.V. We have enough headaches even without seeing that nonsense." Come MS voice from behind. All turned back startled and saw MS standing at the door. Ash switched off the T.V immediately.

"Mahi...Mahi...yeh sab... Mahi mai..." Raina started stammering going pale with every passing second.

"Kya yaar tu bhi... taking media too seriously. You know that they make a new breaking news every minute right." MS tried to lighten the situation as he went on to hug his best friend.

"What is happening Mahi? Why is all this happening? What was our mistake?" Raina broke down hugging MS as if his life depends on it.

Raina suddenly felt like a fool to think that his name won't be dragged into it just because he hasn't done anything wrong. He should have guessed. He should have been prepared mentally.

"Bas Sonu. This is not the time to break. We have to be strong." MS said in confronting tone still hugging Raina tight. Even in that situation Raina could help but feel warm that Mahi trusted his without a question or explanation.

MS eyes fell on Ash and Jaddu who were standing a few feet away nervously. Jaddu was trying to cover his nervousness, fear with a blank look but MS knows his enough to see the real Jaddu right through his facade. He opens his arm inviting them for a hug and within seconds they ran to him. They stood there in a group hug for minutes trying to gain moral strength from each other.

"It's not just about one match or one IPL season. Big names coming out will make it worse. The impact will be massive. people will lose trust in cricket. DADA, Sachin Paaji, Kapil Paaji everyone's hard work will go in vain." MS said with a sad heavy voice as they settled on the sofa.

"But Bhai...Many of us didn't do anything. You, Sonu Bhai...none of us did anything wrong...then" Jaddu trailed off.

"Who believes us Jaddu. Courts, cases takes too long. By the time verdict is out people forget what the actual issue is." Ash said logically.

"Where did we go wrong? I really can't understand where?" MS signed rubbing his face. It seemed like he wasn't even listening Jaddu-ash conversation.

"Mahi, You know something which we don't know. Don't you?" Raina asked sharply as he observed MS's face. Jaddu and Ash exchanged a confused glance but stayed silent.

"Guru is involved."MS signed after a minute.

"Guru? Son-in-law of our chairman?" Ash asked in shock. They all know him. They met him but...

"Ha... It might be possible that some of the players or many of the players for that matter are also with him." MS said while all three silently try to grasp the new information.

"There is something more. hai na?" Raina asked with his voice shaking a little.

"Sree is also involved," MS said as his voice turned little heavy again.

"Our Sree?" Raina chocked. "You think he can do this?"

"Honestly...I don't know. I just can't understand where we went wrong. Entire Indian cricket will be affected by this." MS voiced his fear. The news of Sreeshath being involved in fixing did shake them up. Other were outsiders but Sree, he was their friend, part of their team, their family.

Only one question was running in Mahi's head 'Where did he go wrong?'. It's not just about CSK anymore. It's about ICT and he being the caption has to take the responsibility for that. The mere thought of failing to carry on the legacy of Indian cricket made him feel suffocated.

"We are in this together Mahi," Raina assured as he side hugged MS. Ash and Jaddu held MS's hand extending their silent support.

"We have to try and give our best tomorrow. If we fail its easy for people to say the match is fixed. We don't know who will actually play for CSK tomorrow but we have to give our best."MS said in little motivating tone.

"Ash, Jaddu be extremely careful. Don't trust anyone blindly. I don't want you both any of this shit. Now try and get some sleep" MS instructed.

MS and Raina settled on the bed. Jaddu occupied the couch while Ash ordered an extra bed for himself. None slept that night until their eyes gave away and darkness consumed them.

Same day evening, MI team room.

The team meeting was going on with full phase. Strategies were discussed. It is confirmed that Sachin won't be playing the final so he was talking to new openers trying to give them his inputs. Ricky pointing is also giving his inputs to all batsman and also Rohit regarding captaincy stuff while Malinga took care of the bowling department. Everyone desperately wanted to win this final.

Rohit was really happy. Leading an Ipl team with so many legends was a dream come true. He doing really well and leading the team into the final was like the cherry on the cake. Though he was a little nervous about the final next day, he was positive. He decided that he would give his 100% and not let the nervousness affect his performance.

"Guys... give me a minute...I have something to say." Ricky pointing said in a louder voice gaining the attention.

"Ok... We all know that previous records and stats are in favour of CSK but situations are not the same. At the moment they are under pressure and Its always a smart move to use opponents weakness in our favour." Ricky stated with a grin.

Rohit a glance towards Sachin and DK frowning. DK has a confused face but Sachin signed as if he understood what was on Ricky mind.

"What are you trying to say, Ricky?" Rohit asked frowning deeply.

"Well simple Rohit. We just have to remind them what they are... fixers. That's enough to break there moral. We have to be careful not to be heard by empires or stump mic." Ricky continued with evil smirk.

Room was in pin-drop silence. Everyone was trying to think and understand what Ricky suggested except Mitchell Jhonson and other Aussies who already liked the idea.

"Nooo" Rohit broke the silence using a tough tone. Sachin gave Rohit an amused glance. He was going to oppose Ricky's suggestion. But now he will wait and see how this kid is going to handle the situation.

"We are not doing any such thing," Rohit repeated. His voice was plain and clear with no hesitation in it.

"We all are like warriors in the war. At the end of the day only winning matters." Ricky preached typical Australian philosophy.

Rohit was about to retort when he noticed Mitchell Jhonson, Aiden Blizzard smirking at each other.

"No one is going to do any such an immoral thing. Winning is important but the path we choose to win is equally important. We will win...because we have the skill and talent to win without any such nasty things. We will win by beating them not by breaking them emotionally. " Rohit declared addressing the entire team in a complete no-nonsense tone.

Sachin's amusement increased by 10 folds now. He knew Rohit for more than 6 years now but never did he saw Rohit giving it back to anyone even on the field and now today...he seems to be in an entirely different league.

Even Rohit didn't from where he got so much confidence. Just 2 things were there in his mind.
1. It is wrong. it would only set the wrong example to young players. and 2. It would only hurt his friends and brothers. He knew it would hurt Jaddu, Ash, Sonu and... Mahi Bhai. The thought of someone trying to insult or break Mahi Bhai is making him fume.

"It's nothing so immoral or nasty as you said Rohit. We are warriors, not engineers to think about paths and routes. For us winning should matter the most. I can do that for you if he being your national captain is stopping you" Mitchell Johnson countered.

"And we are not saying anything which is not true. I have read an article in your own newspaper stating that MS Dhoni is a match-fixer. We are just showing them the mirror." Aiden Blizzard said mockingly before Rohit had a respond to Jhonson.

The moment Rohit registered his words its was like a volcano eruption. Next second he was walking furiously towards Blizzard.

"What did you say? repeat it."Threatened Rohit. In moments Sachin and Ponting came in between them realising that situation is going out of control.

"Stop it at once Rohit." Sachin order as he pulled Rohit away.

"What the hell is this Rohit? I'm your bloody teammate." Blizzard exclaimed fuming.

"Are tu..."Bhaji started but shut his mouth abruptly as he got a deadly glare from Sachin.

"Rohit...This is a team meeting and Aiden, that was an ugly personal attack." Sachin stated.

"Aiden framed the sentence in the wrong way. About emotionally breaking them, It is not ours but their captain's duty see into that issue and he will teach his team to deal with this if he is a potential captain." Ricky said being adamant as now the matter has come on to his ego. Aussie can't take the taste of there own medicine. And Even Ponting can't take it that young Rohit Sharma saying no to him.

"For me not just winning but playing the game in its spirit is important." Rohit said being adamant as well."10 years down the line, you should be remembered as a good human being not just as good cricketer...This is what My Caption taught me and I will stick by my morals."

"Rohit is right. We are opponent's not enemies. We will win beating them not by hurting them." Sachin added as he came and stood beside Rohit as if supporting him.

"If anyone goes any kind of personal attack half of your contract money will be dedicated as fine and I will make sure same happens next year also if you managed to get into Mumbai Indians again," Rohit warned. "And I'm damn serious regarding the fine amount," Rohit added in finality.

"You can't do that Rohit." Ricky fumed.

"I think he can. He is the captain and captain can fine the players as disciplinary actions."Sachin added in a logical tone maintaining a blank look.

Ricky Ponting knows better than going against Sachin in India So he gave up and left the room in anger.

Next day MI won the IPL for the first time. CSK batting order failed miserably. Except for MS's unbeaten 63 no other player crossed 20 runs. Rohit showed his ability in captaincy by using the bowlers effectively. Rohit was extremely happy.

That night when Rohit was returning to his hotel room from the party he decided to drop at Mahi Bhai's room as he had not talked to MS after the match today. In other words, MS hadn't praised him or tell him how good he was yet, so decided to go that done as his celebration feels incomplete without that.

Rohit casual pushed the door of MS's room open to find it locked. "But Bhai doesn't lock his door" He wondered. Rohit did feel like Mahi Bhai was not ok when he saw him in post-match presentation. Though he was smiling and all but something seemed off about it.

Rohit knocked slightly shaking his head. He might just be overthinking.

"Sonu...please yaar Parishan mat kar abhi..." Came MS's tired voice.

"Bhai... it's me... Ro." Rohit said meekly.

"Ro? At this time?" MS said as he opened the after a minute.

"Nothing ...Just...i couldn't sleep. So I just came." Rohit said as he rubbing back of his neck. He definitely don't want to sound self-obsessed by directly asking to praise him.

"You can't sleeping is not something so normal Ro?" MS teased as walked back into the room with Rohit trialling behind him.

"Maybe because I'm too happy today," Rohit said cheekily flashing a wide grin.

"You have to be happy too. You were amazing today Ro. The way you captained not just today but the entire season. I am so proud of you." MS said. Pride in his voice and eyes can't be missed even if you want to.

"Really? Bhai sach bolo... Today when I went to collect the trophy I was so happy but I was nervous too." Rohit said in a childish excitement with his eyes shining.

"This just a beginning. There is much more to come. You are might for big things Ro." MS said smiling.

"Mumma says that too," Rohit added with a wide grin.

"Today...Even Paaji was prising you. He was telling how wonderfully you are managing the dressing room" MS added in a proud tone.

"What more did he say?" Rohit asked looking completely stumped.

"That you are giving the right guidance to youngsters and you are a terrific leader," MS said little taken aback by Rohit's reaction

"Ohh" Rohit signed in relief. He somehow didn't want MahiBhai to know about all the shit.

"Was he supposed to say something else too?" MS enquired raising his eyebrow. It was as if he was challenging Rohit to try and lie.

"Woh...woh kal maine Ricky Pointing sai panga leliya tha." Rohit muttered as he rubbing back of his neck.

"Rohit..." MS stated in a disbelieving tone.

"It wasn't my mistake. Woh galat tha."Rohit defended himself.

"So? You will fight with him? You should have gone and talked to him personally. He is one the legends of the game." MS said disappointed. He had expected Virat to lose control in heat of moment but not Rohit.

"But Bhai...He was provoking people to the sledge. It was unethical. You also say that we should take a stand against wrong I just did that." Rohit said as he explained everything little offended.

"Typical Aussies," MS signed. But he knew that it would have affected him more than he care to admit if something like that happens on field.

"Everything is fine but not your fight with your teammates. Rohit you are a captain, Youngsters learn from you. Losing your control in front of your entire team. He could have complained to BCCI against you If Paaji wasn't there to handle the situation." MS tried to put some sense in Rohit's brain.

"But he was going on a personal attack. How dare he say all that. Aukat kya hai uski?"Rohit fumed again remembering his words.

"Ro...You can't control everyone's mouth. And it doesn't actually matter what people say because...." MS explained.

"People who loves you will trust you not the words said by someone else. I know that." Rohit said cutting MS off. "But I just can't have people talking shit about you. Not in front of me at least." Rohit added sincerely looking down. MS couldn't help but feel loved and lucky. It was like his brain was explaining why it is wrong while his heart was swelling in joy.

"I'm so happy today and you are scolding me," Rohit added as he pulled the perfect puppy face.

MS signed giving up. "Acha...we won't talk about that ok...Tell me something else."

"Bhai...You never lock your door. Aaj kyu?" Rohit asked casually.

"Nothing much...Just usual back pain and little headache...so was thinking to try and get some sleep." MS said half-truth as he rubbed his forehead slightly. He just felt like being alone.

"I will give a massage?" Rohit asked or say stated as he got up from the sofa.

"Are...Nahi Ro...I'm fine. Just some sleep would do." MS objected

"Then sleep. I will give the massage as you sleep." Rohit said stubbornly. MS signed giving in and walk towards the bed to sleep.

"Btw...What are you doing here? Done with party this soon." MS asked as Rohit was pressing his head sitting beside him.

"Are Nahi Bhai...Woh Bajju Paa.. aur unke pranks. Woh Sachin Paaji ki drink mai kuch Vodka- Sodka mila li. Sachin Paaji escaped smartly Aur woh drink...Uss bechara Jasprit Boomrah ne pili. Woh 19 saal ka ladka...woh tho vomiting kar raha tha. I just brought him back to the hotel and I was not in the mood to go back." Rohit said in a complaining tone.

"Yeh Bajju na... Kabhi nahi sudrega... Is that boy fine now?" MS signed.

"Yaa... He is sleeping. Last week he woke me up at 2 in the morning telling that it's already 7 and I'm late. I rushed to the bathroom. Mai pagal ke thara...raat 2 bajhe naha raha tha...aur bahar woh aur DK bait ke has rahe the." Rohit complained again.

MS burst out laughing as he imagined Rohit's cribbing about the whole day.

"Kya Bhai...You are laughing. We have to avenge him in next tour." Rohit winced adding MS into his team.

Rohit continued complaining about all the pranks pulled on him, proudly explaining how he managed to fool DK once, explaining about youngsters in his team and how he thinks that some of them make into Indian team in a year or two...etc...etc...while he pressed MS's head.

MS didn't realise when he drifted into peaceful slumber while listening to that nonsense of Rohit.

That wasn't the end but the beginning of darkest period of his life but who can a person not get through when he has people who stand by him and stand with him...always

Something with I wrote just to push the Idea out of my mind...It was supposed to be Mahiro but couldn't help but add Mahi-Sonu because currently, I'm obsessed with them.

From Mahi sleeping on the floor with Sonu as he wasn't comfortable with sleeping on the bed to Sonu wearing Mahi's test jersey after his abrupt retirement...They are the ultimate friendship goals..

--Siri...