A/N : Series and places are purely fictional.

19th November 2021 -

ICT was gathered in Mumbai for upcoming SA series. They were gonna be in isolation in Mumbai for two days and then travel to SA. Virat was in his and Rohit's room. Rohit was yet to arrive. When Rohit arrived he was very excited to meet Virat because they didn't meet while NZ tour. He was rested for test matches and Virat was rested for the T20s. So they were meeting after the T20 world cup for the first time.

Rohit excitedly opened the door and found Virat sleeping. It was very strange to him because it was afternoon. Rohit saw he was very uncomfortable and not sleeping normally. He shook him awake. Virat blinked and saw Rohit there. As soon as Virat got up, Rohit hugged him tightly. Virat hugged him back.

Rohit said excitedly - "Vi finally we are meeting after so many days .. i have so much to tell you. First let me get freshen up and then we will go to lunch okay"

Virat just smiled and nodded. Rohit frowned at that but let it go for time being. He freshened up and they were going down for lunch. Till they reach the dining room only Rohit was talking and Virat was nodding or just acknowledging it. Rohit found it very strange because it was always the opposite.

Virat and Rohit sat together and Rohit saw Virat was just playing with food. Rohit said then - "Vi eat your food it is not for playing." Jaddu also sat there with them.

Jaddu teasing Rohit - "Vi you will be so happy na we are going SA"

Rohit said immediately - "Why will he be happy .. we are going for the match not to meet anyone"

Jaddu smirking - But when did I say that ?

Rohit said firmly - But u meant that .. Vi u have to be with the team only okay .. u are not allowed to go anywhere or meet AB okay ..

Bhuvi and Jassi who were sitting on the another table which was beside them heard everything. Bhuvi saw how Virat was so upset hearing that. Jassi signaled Bhuvi to make Jaddu and Rohit stop with that topic.

Bhuvi - Enough about SA jaddu and ro

Rohit frowned at that - Bhuvi .. but he should not meet him na ..he will spent time with us .. wont u Vi ?

Virat just got up and left the room. Rohit was shocked about it and was thinking what wrong did he say. Because they have had this type of conversations many times.

Jaddu asked to Rohit - what happened to him ?

Rohit - I dont know he is behaving very different and is unusually silent.

Jassi asked - U dont know bhaiya ?

Rohit - What Jassi ?

Bhuvi said - Rohit .. AB retired from all formats including IPL and he showed him the post which AB posted.

Suddenly Rohit realised what he had done. He shouldn't have said that. Yes he was jealous of Virat and Ab but he knew how important and how close they were to each other. Now Virat would not get to meet him at the IPL. That's the only time they met.

Rohit rushed to their room and found Virat sitting and staring in his phone. When he went closer and saw that was the post of AB's retirement. Rohit sat in front of him and said softly - "I am really sorry Vi .. I didn't know"

Virat said with moist eyes - "Why Ro ? Why he had to do it so early ? He could play for 2-3 years na. Now I am all alone at RCB you know .. I dont know if Yuzi would be there because I dont know how mgmt is thinking regarding the auctions. AB could at least discuss with me once. I am such a failure Ro .. I could not gift him a trophy in return .. 2016 we were so close and 2021 also we were this close to get it. But I failed and now he retired"

Rohit just hugged him while he cried. Rohit broke the hug and said - "Virat I dont why he did that .. but if u ask him or me we will tell the same thing (for a change) .. that u are not failure. 2016 - you gave ur 100% or i should say 200% the way u have batted at that time .. no one can do that .. never .. 2021 also. Please dont think like that. U know even if he is not there at RCB pyhsically I know he will be always by your side to support you."

Virat just asked like a child : Really ?

Rohit smiled at the innocence with which he was asking : Yes Vi .. Now common call and talk to him atleast. saying this Rohit went to dining room to arrange lunch for both of them.

Virat moved to balcony and called Ab. Ab picked it in a second. Ab asked directly - "Biscuit why are u ignoring my calls" .. He just recived silent response.

AB said softly - "Look I know u are upset ... I am sorry Biscuit .. But please understand I just felt that it is the right time. Now I can give time to my family. And u know na I will always be by your side no matter what so please dont be upset."

Virat smiled hearing that last line and said - "Biscotti .. u could atleast inform me na .. but let it b. Dont say sorry please .. i understand and i respect your decision. I know our relation is beyond that. Its just it will feel very weird not having u physically in RCB or while playing. "

AB : "I know Biscuit .. Thanks for understanding. I love you and my heart will be always with RCB"

Virat said softly : Love u too brother .. I know ..RCBian forever. ... saying this he hanged up the call.

When he entered the room he found Rohit sitting with food waiting for him. He just went and hugged him tightly - "Thanks Ro"

Rohit just hugged him back and said - "Chal bahot bhuk lagi hai"

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