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It's been two days that Rahul and Atharva have given the statement. Virat has informed Anu about Atharva's medical condition.

Arya was trying hard to even talk to Vami alone but she was not allowing him and this time even Sammy was helping her which was making Arya more tensed.

AK and Sana were fighting their own internal battles.. Sana with Rahul and Atharva's cases and AK with Atharva and Vami's issues, Atharva's demand and his own memories. He just wanted to run away from everything to academy and just follow what he was following earlier. The emotions are way too much overwhelming. For Sana, it was not easy to handle both Rahul and Atharva's cases. Atharva's clot was though under control but its effects on Atharva's health were very much visible now. He used to get weakness.. used to feel dizzy and headache a lot than earlier. But his condition was still under control. She was more worried for Rahul as his health was slightly more deteriorating. He was continuously having minor fever and a severe headache. She knew it's because he was overthinking about something or some memory is hindering the recovery or he was worried for Atharva. She couldn't pin point but she was not able to blame him too.

Sana: Itne saalo baad coma se bahar aana uper se Atharva ke bare me pata chalna.. it's not easy to handle. Lekin apko khud ko sambhalna hoga Rah chachu.. sambhalna hoga

She was talking to herself in her cabin looking at the reports of Rahul. She was lost in her thoughts when she got call from Virat. She quickly picked it up.

Sana: Hello Vi Chachu..

Virat: Sana can you please come to Rah's house? Uska fever badh raha hai

Sana: Aayi..

She quickly went to Rahul's house and found everyone was there. She ran to Rahul's room and saw him sleeping with thermometer in his mouth while Athiya was placing cold strips over his forehead. Atharva was massaging his legs. Virat was caressing his hair. Anu was the one who was checking the fever. She took out the thermometer.

Sana: Kitna hai?

Anu: 102

Sana sighed. She checked him.

Athiya (quite scared): Sana..

Sana closer her eyes tightly as she heard her scared voice. She knew her strength was giving up now. She has endured a lot and now it's getting difficult for her to hold.

Sana: He is stressed I guess.

As Sana came, rest all too have followed her in Rahul's room.

Rohit: You guess matlab?

Sana: It's not easy for him to get adjusted with whatever is going on Papa. He is a human too. Itne time ke baad coma se bahar aana.. uske baad rigorous physiotherapy se guzarna.. apne bete ke health problem ko jan ke bhi khud ko sambhalna.. And the trauma of the loss of these many years of his life.. may be not for himself but for his family.. kya yeh sab aise hi handle ho jata hai?

AK: We understand Sana not upto the extent of course kyuki hum log yeh sab sahen nahi kar rahe but thoda bahut.. lekin aise to Cha ki health aur deteriorate ho jayegi

Sana: We need to keep him busy. So that he didn't get much time to dwell into past. We can distract him from all those things.

Jassi: Lekin distraction aisa hona chahiye ki uska man lage

Rohit: I know what should be done.

He was about to say further but everyone's attention got shifted as Rahul woke up.

Sana: Chachu.. kya hai yaar.. dimag ko araam do na thoda

Rahul (low voice): Headache..

Sana (softly): Aapko uske liye medicine Leni hogi aur uske liye khana padega na. To aap lunch karoge? Thoda sa..

Athiya: Please Rah.. thoda kha lo

Rahul could see how much broken she was looking. He instantly nodded in yes not wanting to trouble her more as she has already gone through a lot and she is still going through hell.

Athiya quickly came with masala khichdi which Ritz has prepared specially as per Rahul's taste. She fed him one spoon.

Athiya: Achchha hai na?

Rahul nodded in yes. She made him complete the entire bowl and he ate it without any tantrums.

Virat: Nakhre nahi dikhane aaj?

Rahul closed his eyes and rested his head on the headrest.

Rahul (weakly): Headache

Virat frowned but started massaging his forehead.

Athiya made Rahul have his medicines and he then fell asleep in a while.

AK: Kuchh...

Sana: Ajeeb hai..

AK nodded in yes. Sana sighed and went from there. AK went after her. She was staring at nothing being in the garden.

AK: You okay?

Sana: Chachu khud apni health kharab karne pe tule hue hai lekin main unko dosh bhi nahi de sakti. We can't even imagine what he must be feeling.

Vami who has come after both of them spoke.

Vami: We do understand Sana. At least the guilt if not anything else. We face the guilt the most just like doctors.

Sana: But Di we are used to face it. Chachu too used to face it but cricket field ka guilt and apno ko leke guilt dono alag baatein hai na

Vami: We should motivate him. We have to remind him that he has to focus on what lays ahead

Rest two nodded in yes and they went inside.

It was evening when Rahul woke up and was much better. His fever was gone but he was having weakness. Vami was there with him though Athiya and Virat were there only but he was surprised to see Vami there.

Vami: Hey Cha.. See what I have got.

She show him the plate. A smile came on Rahul's face instantly.

Rahul: Manglore Buns..

Vami: Ab jao fresh hoke aao jaldi se..

He went from there and came after freshening up. Vami sat beside him and fed him with a bun. He too fed her with one of it with his hand.

Rahul: Thank you Vamu

He kissed on her forehead to which Vami kissed on his cheek. She hugged him tightly.

Vami: You know Cha.. I understand.. not fully but I do understand how much guilty you will be feeling. Force me jab hum kisi ko bacha nahi paate na.. we too feel the heaviness of guilt. But we don't have time to grief over it. We have to move on to save others. You too have to move on if not for anyone, but for Chi.

Rahul: I know lekin.. kuchh yaadein.. kuchh thoughts.. pichha nahi chhodte. But you don't worry.. I'll fight

Vami: That's like my Cha. Chalo abhi aap rest karo thoda. Main massage karke deti hoon sar pe. Dekhna mast neend aayegi

She made Rahul sleep like she used to do in her childhood. Well she had literally done it.

Rohit: I have no doubt why Rah is closest to Vami after Vi apart from his family

All chuckled. Vami came out of the room with others except Athiya and Virat. They stayed with him.

Sana: So..

Vami: We got to know ki what is disturbing him.. he said na.. There are some memories.. some thoughts..

Rohit: Oh Sh*t

Sana: What??

Rohit: He said some memories..

The team: Sh*t

The kids were looking at them with confused expression.

Jassi: And I can guess the thought he might have got

Harry: Me too

Jaddu: But he is not wrong in thinking that.

Ash: Jad..

Jaddu: Let's face it guys. We all are fathers and we all can understand this.

Anu: What is it?

Rohit: Anu..

Anu (sternly): Only truth..

Ritz hold Anu's hand in hers and told her everything. Anu was shocked. Tears collected in her eyes.

The kids too were shocked. But everyone forgot that Atharva too was there and he too got to know about everything.

[Yeh Everything kya hai age ayega.. just wait]

Rohit: Rah was telling me ki uske dimag se ek baat nahi ja rahi. Uss din agar woh nahi nikla hota to shayad..

AK: Please Stop chahcu.. age mat bolo.

Anu: We have to tell Vi Ro.

Rohit: It's not my place to say Anu. Rah khud iss baat ko bhulna chahta hai

Harry: But he is way too sensitive to forget this B-Ro. You know this. Even Tia too..

Atharva went to his room. He sat on the bed. He was lost in his own thoughts.

Athiya came to his room with food plate. She caressed his hair breaking his trance

Atharva: Mumma aap.. yaha

Athiya: Niche dinner karne kyu nahi aaye?

Atharva checked the time.

Atharva: Mujhe pata hi nahi chala kab dinner ka time ho gaya mumma..

Athiya: Koi baat nahi. Aaj yahi khalo aur rest karo okay. Chalo muh kholo..

She fed him while he just kept admiring her. Once they were done, Atharva spoke.

Atharva: Mumma.. Can I.. Can I ask you something?

Athiya nodded in yes

Atharva: Mumma.. how did you hold onto the things going on? Itna kuchh hua tha aur ho raha tha.. Papa hoke bhi nahi the apke sath. How did you hold on Mumma?

Athiya cupped his face.

Athiya: Apke Papa nahi the sath me lekin aap to the na beta.

Atharva: Kabhi.. kabhi khayal nahi aaya ki..

Athiya: Sab kuchh chhod doon?

Atharva nodded in yes.

Athiya: I knew I had double responsibilities to fulfil. I am not the one who will run away from the reality Atharva and so as your Papa. Lekin your Papa is too sensitive when it comes to his family and specially..

Atharva: Kids..

Athiya smiled at him. Atharva hold her hands.

Atharva: I promise Mumma. I'll fight.

Athiya kissed on his forehead and went from there.

Rahul's health was much better now so all were quite relieved.

Arya was playing with his food. Vami saw him and came to him and sat in front of him at the window of the hall.

Vami: Kya soch rahe ho? Mujhe manane ka naya tarika?

Arya chuckled

Arya: Are nahi. Tum to abhi apni zid chhodne se rahi. But I was thinking you should give yourself a chance and not take VRS. I have seen Baba going through that pain Vami.

Vami was surprised hearing this

Vami: Jinks Chachu ne early retirement li thi?

Arya: Aap logo ko na rok pane ka dukh unko khelne nahi deta tha theek se. Aur issi ke chalte..

He trailed off as his voice choked. Vami hold his hand.

Arya: You know maine cricket khelne ka faisla bhi issi liye liya tha ki Baba ka adhoora kam.. unki adhoori game.. unka adhoora career pura kar pau.. unko thodi khushi de pau..

Vami: Kisi ne bataya nahi hume iske bare me

Arya smirked sarcastically.

Arya: Hamesha har koi tum jo soch rahi ho wahi bolne nahi aata. Kabhi kabhi samnewala uske man ki baat bhi bolne aa sakta hai. Lekin shayad.. ab woh haq mere paas nahi hai

Saying so he ate little and went from there. For the first time, Vami felt that she was going overboard with her distancing approach with Arya. She herself has asked for friendship but she was not available enough for that relationship. The reason was the thing she was hiding from him but now.. now she has decided that she will tell him everything.. she will tell him the truth..

***********************************
AK was looking at the bats kept there at the corner. They were having SG and MRF stickers. Sana saw him looking at them with quite a longing feeling. She went to him. She put her hand on his shoulder.

Sana: Kya dekh rahe ho?

AK: Yeh wahi bat hai jisko bachane ke liye Atharva wapas uss mall me gaya tha khud ki jaan ko khatre me dal ke. Aur yeh jo baju wala bat hai na woh Papa ka hai jo unhone Rah Cha ko diya tha

Sana: Hmm..

AK again continued looking at them.

Sana: Lelo na hath me itni khujli ho rahi hai bat pakadne ki to..

She tried to joke but AK stiffened. He went from there and came outside in the garden. Sana frowned but followed him and she too came to the garden. She sat beside him keeping some distance between them.

Sana: Kya hua?

AK: You know cricket was my first love.. I.. I wanted to be a cricketer aur aaj.. aaj I have hatred for this game

Sana: AK..

AK cut her.

AK: I was 16 years old..

Flashback

Virat was not well from past two days. He was having fever but the medicine which suits him was not available anywhere and they had to import it from other state . It was a rare thing to happen but as that medicine was very low in demand, its production was also lower in Karnataka. But finally they have got it and it was affecting Virat well and he started doing better

Vami and Akaay were talking in Vami's room.

Akaay: Di.. Papa to ab theek hai na

Vami: Haan Akku. Ab padh chupchap. Exams aane wale hai.

Akaay: But Di.. I want to play the match for the Army school

Vami: You are already there in the team right

Akaay: Lekin practice bhi to lagti hai na

Vami: Akku.. abhi padh le. Practice nahi bigdegi teri I promise okay. And Abhi no more discussion. Papa is resting na. Chalo padho

They studied for a while. Then at the time of practice, Vami took her to ground and he practiced there with Arjun and other team members. Then they came back. Akaay was all excited for the next day which was the match day.

In the match, he scored an unbeaten 75* runs and had 2 catches and 1 run out. He was Man of the Match. But the only thing he didn't know was he has caught the eye of the chief selector of Under 17 team. And he has selected him.

On the next day, Virat was feeling uneasy since the time he woke up. Anu was trying to calm him but there was no change. Akaay and Vami too were trying to distract him but it too didn't help much.

Akaay got a call from Army school and he was informed about the selection. He was very happy and super excited to share the news with his family.

Akaay: Papa.. Mumma.. Di...

He was excitedly shouting and calling them making them all looked at him happily surprised.

Virat: Kya hua? Kuchh zyada hi khush lag rahe ho

Akaay: Baat hi aisi hai Papa..

Anu: Hume bhi to batao

Akaay: Okay.. So presenting you all.. The Great Akaay Kohli.. The New Member of U-17 Indian Cricket Team..

Vami congratulated him. She was so happy for him. But Akaay and Vami were shocked to see Virushka both were shocked and looking at him with expressionless face.

Virat (whispering): No.. no..

Anu: Vi..

Vami & Akaay: Papa..

Virat: No.. no..

Anu: Vi.. calm down..

Virat: No.. aah...

Virat clutched over his heart. The pain was unbearable. Anu, Vami and Akaay were shocked. They quickly took him to hospital when the doctor informed them about the Heart attack.

Akaay: Papa ko heart attack.. lekin yeh sab..

Doctor: He is stressed about something and must have got a huge shock. Blockage was already there and this shock did no good.

Anu was with doctor. Vami went to Akaay who was looking devastated.

Vami: Akku..

Akaay: Meri wajah se hua na?

Vami: Akku it's not you bachcha

Akaay: It's me only..

Vami: It's not you Akku. It's the past we have left behind.

Akaay (confused): Matlab..

Flashback ends--

AK: Di ne mujhe Papa ke cricketer hone ke bare me.. unki aur dadu ki stories ke bare me.. unke aur ICT ke bare me.. Unki extended family ke bare me sab bataya. We didn't have anyone's picture with us aur cricket ka news koi nahi dekhta tha Ghar pe.. to kuchh pata hi nahi tha kya chal raha hai. Mujhe khelne bhi issi liye diya ja raha tha kyuki Papa ko mujhe khush dekh ke Khushi milti thi.

Flashback

Akaay: Di.. sab hamara wait kar rahe honge na. Let's go to them.. let's contact them Di. Hum unse ab contact kyu nahi kar rahe jab woh log hamare itne apne hai?

Vami: Because we left to save them Akku. They have already killed our parents' families. Ab jo koi apne bache hai unko to khatre me nahi dal sakte na. We have already lost one family.. we and specially Mumma and Papa are not ready to loose anyone from their extended family..

Akaay was shocked to the core. He has been craved for the love of grand parents. He didn't voice it out ever but he always used to miss them. He after 16 years of his life came to know his father's real identity.. that he was King Kohli.. The King of Indian Cricket and now the same person was laying down there on the hospital bed because his son was selected in the National U-17 team.. The cricket which was once his life snatched everything from his father.. His real as well as his extended family.. Snatched everything from his mother.. The hate she has got always was not enough that it took away her family too. Now it's only him and Vami and Virat and Batras.

Tears were falling from his eyes but he wiped them hastily and harshly.

Akaay: Bas.. Bahut hua ab. Bahut sahen kar liya Mumma aur Papa ne. I will make sure whoever is behind all this pays for his deeds.

Flashback ends--

AK didn't know tears were falling from his eyes.

AK (broken voice): I hate Cricket. I.. I.. I.. just.. just hate it.

He broke into sobs keeping his head on Sana's shoulder who held him protectively rubbing his back.

Sana: You love cricket AK.. Just like Vi chachu loves. Fark sirf itna hai ki the closure which was needed when it comes to Cricket is neither with you nor with Vi chachu. It's ok to love Cricket AK. You have always loved it and it's really okay to love it baba. But I would suggest you to talk with Chachu once about all this. He knew why you don't like cricket..

AK: I hate it

Sana: No you don't. Your liking has taken back seat bas. But I must say commando uniform suits you

AK looked at him to which she winked.

AK: By any chance, Are you flirting?

Sana: Excuse me..

AK (chuckling): Nahi maine to bas aise hi..

They both chuckled. Sana went from there once again asking him to talk to Virat.

AK: I wish you would have been flirting.

Now realised what he said..

AK: AK.. You are officially mad. Idiot. Kya kya sochta rehta hai pagal.

He too went from there.

Rahul and Athiya both were sleeping. Atharva came there and saw them in deep sleep. He was standing at the door.

Atharva (in mind): I promise Mumma.. Papa.. I'll fight. But by any rare chance.. If I lost the battle, I'll make sure to give you a reason to hold onto.

AK came there as he was checking the security. He went to Atharva and kept his hand on his shoulder.

AK: Kya soch rahe ho?

Atharva: Yahi ki meri demand sahi hain aur main yeh bahut jaldi Mumma Papa ko batane wala hoon

AK: You won't do anything like that Atharva

Atharva: I'll bhaiya. And mujhe koi nahi rok sakta.. Aap bhi nahi

Atharva went from there. AK stood there looking at his retreating figure.

**********************************

It was the next day and Rahul was much better. All had breakfast together and were busy in random talks.

Rohit: Okay guys.. let's watch a match..

Sammy: Lekin abhi kon sa match dekhenge?

Rohit: Wahi jo yaha pe telecast nahi hua tha..

Jassi: Debut match of Atharva and AK??

Rohit: Of course..

Athiya: Lekin telecast nahi hua hai to recording kaha se ayegi?

Rohit: Well there is someone who loves to record and make memories you know

He said looking towards Arjun.

Arjun: Well security reasons ki wajah se telecast nahi kiya tha aur na kisi ko allow Kiya tha itna recording karna but we have kept recording with us for future reference and screening of the criminals. So here we go.. we can watch the match again

All became really happy hearing this but the most excited ones were RahIya and Virushka and it was very much visible on their faces .

Rahul: Tia.. Ath.. Atharva ka debut. I.. I would be able to watch the match

Athiya hold his hand and rubbed his knuckles. She kept her head on his shoulder.

Athiya: Aur yeh hum dono sath me dekhenge. Isse better moment aur kya hoga

Rahul couldn't control and just held her in a side hug pressing a soft kiss on her forehead.

Virushka were already in a side hug but it was Anu who has held Virat.. occasionally kissing on his forehead and on the hold of hers which was holding Virat's hand.

AK was standing at a side with stiffened figure while Vami stood by him holding his hand.. giving him the strength he needed. She knew what cricket meant to him as a kid and as a teenager but after knowing what his parents have gone through, he just left cricket like a person threw a fly away from tea. But the reality is.. He still loves cricket but that love is wounded with the scars their past has given.

Agu hold Harry's arm tightly into his. His face quite tensed. Harry wanted to free himself but one look at him and he knew something is not right. Agu has not said a single word about the sledging he has faced in that match. He just stood there silently. Harry too allowed him to take the comfort.

The match started and all were watching it with so much excitement. AK though didn't want but the excitement was visible in his eyes too.

Now It was Atharva's turn to go on field. RahIya's hold became tighter. Atharva was just playing like Rahul.

Soon enough when the lunch break was there in the natch, they all had lunch together too and the atmosphere was real light after so many days.

As the match resumed, and Agu joined Atharva. They saw Atharva was being sledged a lot but there was sheer calmness on his face.

Virat: Yeh log nahi sudhrenge. Agar main hota na waha to main..

AK: Chill Papa.. Atharva kafi hai unn logo ke liye..

Rahul: Atharva bachcha hai.

Atharva: Are main bachcha nahi hoon.. sab ko main bachcha kyu lagta hoon..

He pouted and all laughed. But then they saw Australians were sledging hard Atharva and at one point Atharva was standing there with his poker face and Agu was angrier than ever. Agu's anger was something they all could see. Agu hid his face in Harry's arm. Harry took him in a hug. Atharva was looking down but sadness on his face was visible and RahIya and Virushka didn't miss the way Agu and Atharva were so desperate to reach the dug out that they ran at the tea break.

Virat: Kya bola tha unn logo ne?

None said anything.

Rahul (softly): Atharva come here..

Atharva came and sat in front of him. Rahul spread his arms to which Atharva just dashed himself into his arms. RahIya both caressed his hair and rubbed his back.

Atharva: They were ugly people. I don't like them.

Rahul kissed on his forehead.

Virat: Kya bola tha unn logo ne?

Rohit: As usual personal attack kar rahe the Vi.. leave them

Virat looked at AK as he knew none was telling the entire truth.

AK: Agu ko Harry chachu aur Chachi ke divorce ko leke bole the..

Agu snuggled more towards Harry who held him protectively.

Harry: Papa hai Agu. Yahi hai okay. Calm down

He said while rubbing his back.

AK: Aur.. Atharva ko..

Virat: Atharva ko kya Akku?

AK looked at Rahul. Rahul held Atharva closer and kissed on his hair while Virat made a fist

Virat: Have they lost it?

Jaddu: What would you expect from Australia Veer?

Yash: Lekin abhi age ka dekhne layak hai. Aap log jo dekhoge na dekhte hi reh jaoge..

It brought some excitement back and the people who were present there chuckled which made the atmosphere lighter.

Ori: Ek minute pause karo.

Rohit paused.

Virat: Kya hua?

Ori: Are aap back story suno. Uske sath dekhoge to maza ayega

Virat: Achchha???

The Juniors: Haan

AK rolled his eyes at their drama.

AK: Drama karwalo inse

Virushka looked at him with raised eyebrows to which he looked at other side.

Virat: Ab to back story Sunni hi padegi. Please do the honours

Ori: Haan to jab Arya got out na, to Ro Chachu asked AK to go but he said uska mood nahi hai

Virushka and RahIya looked at him with are you serious look to which he just shrugged his shoulders. Vami smacked him lightly.

AK: Hath zyada strong ho gaye hai apke. Thoda dheere se mara karo. Badi bahen hone ka rof jadte ho hamesha

Virat: Phir kya hua Ori?

Ori: Phir Agu gaya. Waise to Ro Chachu bahut gussa the AK pe lekin Jaddu chachu ne sambhal liya

Yash: Lekin ab Tea ke baad aaya kahani me twist. As AK sir ne to pehle hi mana kar diya tha ki unka mood nahi hai khelne ka.. to we were sure ki abhi bhi mood nahi hi hoga..

Rohit: And I was about to ask Yash to go but then..

RahIya & Virushka: Then??

Rohit resumed the match.

Rohit: Khud hi dekh lo..

RahIya and Virushka looked at the screen. They saw AK was wearing gloves and was going towards the ground.

Virat: Iska mood ban gaya?

All chuckled and AK rolled his eyes.

Arya: Woh kya hai na Vi chachu.. sari duniya ek taraf aur Atharva ek taraf. Baat jab Atharva ki aati hai to yeh sab kuchh chhod chhad ke sirf ussi ke bare me sochta hai

Atharva: I am special you know Bade Papa.

Atharva boasted and went to AK.

Atharva: Right bhaiya

AK: Anything for you Atharva

Atharva side hugged him. HulRat looked at each other. There was a content smile on their faces seeing their mini version sharing the same bond as them.

Rohit (low voice): You know I sometimes feel jealous of you two. Tum dono ke bete tum dono ke jaisa bond share karte hai. Aur ek meri betiyaan aur iske bachche... Sammy and Vami Arya ke bina Inka guzara nahi hota aur udhar yeh Sana.. khair usko to soch bhi nahi sakte na.. Woh to alag hi planet me hoti hai.

Rahul (low voice but teasing): Haan aur waise bhi Vi Bhai ki honewali Bahu ko unke bachcho ki bahen thodi na bana sakte..

RohiRat looked at him who gave them their cheeky smile and the trio burst into laugh almost startling others.

Anu: Tun teeno apna bromance baad me karo. Abhi match dekhne do

They shifted their focus back on the match. They saw Atharva was giving befitting replies with a smile to the Australians who have sledged him. They saw AK completed his half century and then century. The joy and happiness on Atharva's face was visible enough but still he clapped and jumped here too making others too clapped.

AK: Aur yeh bolta hai yeh bachcha nahi hai..

Atharva (whined): Main bachcha nahi hoon

All laughed.

It was the time when Atharva completed his century. He ran to AK and hugged him tightly hiding his face in the hug. HulRat both sat straighter. It was so nostalgic for them.

Atharva went to Rahul.

Atharva: That one was for you Papa. I love you

Rahul took him in a tight hug kissing his forehead.

Rahul: I love you too Atharva

Athiya: Haan tum dono ek kam karo shaadi kar lo. Mujhe to yaad hi nahi karte jab sath me hote hi

Rahul & Atharva: Don't be a spoil sport Tia...

Athiya smacked both of them together lightly and Rahul took her too in the hug chuckling.

Rahul: I love you too Tia..

He kissed her on her hair. All had a content smile on their faces seeing them happy. Somewhere they have suffered more than many of others.

Virat (teasing): Sana.. by any chance have you given any different medicine to Rah? He has become mushier than before. See kab se dono ko jhappiyaa te pappiyaan mil rahi hengi..

All laughed whereas Rahul chuckled though it was a blushy one

Rahul: Don't be so jealous Vi Bhai.

Virat (teasing): Are nahi sach me Sana.. Do check Haan.. Kahi aisa na ho we got to know about the news of arrival of Junior Athiya or Junior Rah in near future..

Rahul smacked Virat hard this time that too four five times whereas Athiya was blushing hard and rest all were dead with laughter.

Atharva: Waise for the record, I don't mind having chhou sibling

There was a silence for a while hearing this and then Athiya smacked Atharva making rest all again burst into laughter whereas our poor RahIya became their victim.

Virat anyhow controlled his laugh.

Virat: By the way.. How come Atharva is this young? As far as I know, You guys were already planning na. Tia's doctor had told us when we went there for Nushkie's regular check up.

The laughter which was there earlier died instantly. The weight of the question lingering in the air.

Anu: Vi.. chhodo na.. aur aise personal questions kon puchhata hai? It's their choice na. Hume koi puchhega to tum to muh hi Tod doge

Virat: Are baba I know. Yeh to bas I was just over curious. Atharva is only 15 years old Nushkie. It took them 9 years yaar. It's good that their bodies supported specially Tia's. It must have a hard one na.. the pregnancy..

Athiya: It wasn't actually. Atharva has always been our biggest strength and our biggest supporter.

Virat: Glad to know.

Virat put his hand on Rahul's thigh.

Virat: Achchha now you rest for a while okay Rah. We will come later.

Saying so he was about to get up when he felt something fell on his hand. He looked and found tears were falling on his hand. He looked at Rahul who was looking down with jaw tight. Virat quickly sat beside him.

Virat (softly): Rah..

Rahul hid his face in Virat's shoulder.. his body shaking.. letting everyone know he was crying. Athiya was rubbing his back while wiping her own tears. Anu went to her and took her in a hug.

Virat looked at Rohit and asked him what happened to which he just shook his head in no and went from there followed by others except Anu, Athiya and Rahul making Virat frowned.

Virat: Rah.. kya hua bachcha?

Rahul (cracked voice): I.. I am bad bhaiya..

Virat: No Rah..

Rahul: No.. I am.. meri wajah se hi..

Virat: Rah what's troubling you?

Rahul: Bhaiya.. woh..

Flashback

It's been a year since Virushka left with Vami and their unborn child. RahIya were actually planning to start their family once the Asia Cup 2023 was over. They have even met the doctor to first confirm whether they both were physically fit enough or not.

Athiya was continuously travelling with Rahul everywhere during World Cup. They have decided to try after World Cup when they came to know that Rahul was selected for the world cup squad. Everything was so much perfect.. just like a fairy tale and suddenly India lost the Home World Cup.. Virat was accused of match fixing.. Virushka left leaving them all behind..

It took Rahul few months to get in terms with whatever happened and whatever was going on though he was playing cricket but with a mask of pretense.

Once he accepted the reality, he accepted the truth that there must be a valid reason of them for leaving without telling anyone.. But they have to live their life else the sacrifice which Virushka made will go in vain.

Now that things are fine, Rahul also started focusing on his personal life too. Though he was helping Rohit in search but he was giving time to Athiya too.

It's been six months that they were trying but were not successful in conceiving. So they thought to give themselves more time.. they were patient enough.. they thought may be there is some stress or some external problems might be the reason even though they felt it's all very fine but may be subconsciously it wasn't. They went on a vacation to Italy taking a break from everything going on in India.

Athiya was busy in her shooting after they came back. Rahul was busy with the series. They literally didn't get much time after coming back. Once the series was ended, Rahul was at home getting bored so he called Athiya who sounded irritated over the call though she was on her way to home and reached there in next 10 minutes. Rahul saw her and hugged her tightly welcoming her with a gentle soft forehead kiss.

Athiya: Thanks but no thanks.

Rahul: Kya hua?

Athiya: I don't know. I am just so pissed off

She sat on the sofa with a huge pout.

Rahul made her have some water. They sat there in silence for a while but Athiya was looking she would explode at any time.

Rahul: Come.. let's go on a long ride..

Athiya: No na Rah. Bilkul mood nahi hai

Rahul: Are Bhai wahi to banana hai.. meri madam ka mood.. come..

He almost dragged her to the parking lot.

Athiya: I don't want to go in the car

Rahul: Who told you we are going in car?

Athiya (excitedly): Bike.. really??

Rahul: Of course my love. Now let's go..

They wore the helmets and settled on Rahul's bike. Athiya hold him tightly. Rahul suddenly felt his heartbeats rose. Athiya was feeling restless.

Rahul (quite unsure): Umm.. chale?

Athiya thought the restlessness was because of the long day at shoot and nodded in yes. Rahul thought his heartbeats rose because he was going to ride the bike after many days. Both shrugged off their uneasiness and Rahul drove off towards the main road.

As the ride was going on smoothly, the cool breeze was calming them.. allowing them to enjoy the time with each other. The ride was full with their collective jokes and laughter and their endless banters. But as they say, good things last no longer.. similar happened here.

Their laughter turned into shriek when suddenly a truck came from the No Entry zone that too from the wrong side and hit their bike making both of them fall at a distance and the bike was nowhere to be seen as it was crashed into pieces.

The truck was long gone. Both Rahul and Athiya were unconscious. Few people come there and called the ambulance. The people took off the helmet and took them both to a side. Some people took their pictures and started posting on social media and it really went viral in no time. Ambulance and media both reached at the same time and media showed live telecast of RahIya being taken to the hospital.

Rohit was watching news when he saw the news of RahIya's accident. He called Jaddu, Ash and Shrey and they all went to hospital. Jaddu used his contacts and sent media quite away from the hospital. They came to Rahul's ward. He was fine and soon would get consciousness but Athiya was in OT. She was injured more than Rahul. Her leg was fractured too. That's all they knew at that time.

Soon enough Jassi, Harry reached there. Everyone was very much tensed.

Rahul got consciousness and he registered his surroundings. He remembered the accident. He looked here and there but couldn't find Athiya.

Rahul: Tia.. Tia.. I have to find her.

He looked here and there and saw the drip attached to his hand. He removed the drip and with stumbling legs he came to the door making rest all looked at him shocked.

Rohit: Rah...

They all rushed to him and took him to the bed.

Rahul: B-Ro Tia..

Ash went to call doctor.

Rohit: She is here only Rah.. Please calm down.

Rahul: Tia.. I want to meet her. Where is she?

Harry: Rah.. she is here okay

Rahul: Where is she Harry? I want to go to her

Jaddu: Okay.. okay.. we will take you to her but pehle ek baar doctor ko dekh lene do. Rah.. accident case hai. Infection ka khatra zyada hota hai. Just doctor ki permission mil jaye phir chalte hai okay..

He made up something which Rahul agreed as he was so hyper and tensed.. he was not looking for any logic.. anything which can allow him to meet his Tia will be fine for him

The doctor checked him and informed them that his vitals were fine. He just needs some rest.

Rahul: Doctor..

Rahul looked at his name.

Rahul: Dr Viren.. my wife..

Viren sighed and there was a silence for a while.

Rahul: Dr Viren.. Where is she? I want to meet her

Viren: We have shifted her to normal ward. She is unconscious but is fine.

Another doctor came inside making them all frowned.

Viren: She is the one who operated her..

Rahul: Op.. operation??

Doctor: I am Dr Pooja.. Mr Rahul.. your wife has got his leg fractured. So please take care of that and..

Rahul: And..

Viren and Pooja looked at each other. Others were getting scared in anticipation. The heaviness was something they all could feel and was wondering what bad news.

Rahul (quite scared): Wha.. What's that?

Pooja: Mr Rahul.. I am sorry but we had to operate your wife else her life would be at risk. We.. we are really sorry that we couldn't save the baby..

Rahul (shocked): Baby..

......................................................................

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

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