"Well, I don't know you but my brothers are mine and no one is ever allowed to hurt them and get away unscathed."

It has been 7 days, 161 hours, 9,660 minutes and 579,600 seconds. Since Virat Kohli has miraculously landed in the past. He didn't know the science behind this yet well, to be truthful he was never good at science.

But he is quite sure, there is no such stuff even in science. Yeah, Virat is sure he hadn't accidentally stepped on some time-traveling machine. The last clear memory was of the bus and if the bus was some time-traveling device then why is he only here?

Where are the others? Where is his Ro? Where is his Gabbar? Where is his Jinks and Jaddu? Why aren't they here? He doesn't know why but he knows he is terribly missing them.

Bhuvi's call has been a saving grace for him. It was the silver lining to his gloomy cloud. He is sure in his entire life, he has never been that happy hearing Bhuvi's voice. He was sure at that moment he could sing and dance out of joy. Bhuvi remembered. He wasn't alone. 

Thank God for such small mercies. He is sure if he was alone. He would have been till now created chaos over the whole world or landed himself in a mental hospital somehow.

But Bhuvi, calm, composed, thoughtful Bhuvi has managed to rein his some not-so-good ideas by talking him down on the phone. Yeah, so maybe Bhuvi is literally saving both of them from landing in a mental institution or God forbid under any crazy scientist as lab rats.

And right now, Virat is literally counting seconds till he can meet Bhuvi again.

To think about his last 7 days, all he can say is that they were eventful.

The second he woke up from his fainting spree. He was sure this is some Hardik Pandya level prank. He was just trying to make himself believe that Ro was acting and maybe Harry had done some kind of makeup or something to make them look like that but No.

Ro, Mahi bhai and Sonu bhai's not so silent talks beside his bedside as he pretends to be "asleep" crashed that hope also.

"So, we are still in 2012 then, " that was his fabulously ridiculous first words after waking up.

No one was impressed.

Everyone gave him "have you totally lost it" look.

And that was the moment when the fact that he was truly in 2012, synced in.

The moment Virat watched a younger and still in the Indian team version of Viru paji or the great Virendra Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, Gautam Gambhir, Irfan Pathan, Vinay Kumar.

All of them were standing in his room. Staring at him and he knew as a youngster he should be fidgeting and acting all uncomfortable and nervous.

But he is Virat Kohli, he has a reputation to maintain. He thinks about his Rahuliya, his Harry, his Rishu, his Shrey, his Jassi, and his Kulcha. What will they think of watching him fidget and nervous?

He has always maintained a warriors front for them and today there will be no difference. Today will be the same. He will hold his ground and look at them.

For he is a leader and he'll always be a leader.

For that moment, for that second Virat again forgot he was in 2012. He wasn't a leader yet. He was just a kid. Just another kid in the team with an uncertain future.

Virat didn't know exactly what the team was expecting from him. He didn't notice the odd looks sent his way. But he clearly noticed the ice-cold fuming anger of Mahi bhai.

Virat had known Mahi Bhai for more than 15 years, now. From 2008 to 2023 and right now. He was well aware of the anger level of Mahi bhai. In the past 15 years, he had become a pro in reading Mahi bhai's emotions.

Yeah, even when Mahi Bhai puts on his poker face or blank emotional face. Virat knows exactly what's going inside Mahi bhai just the way Mahi bhai knows him or maybe used to know him.

So, noticing Mahi bhai was really-really angry. He didn't speak anything or even tried to sprout any more nonsense and obediently listened to the long lecture on punctuality, responsibility, and duty.

Even Viru Pa and Gauti pa pipped in between telling him that he is the Vice-Captain of the team. He has to be more responsible or he'll lose his position.

And it took everything and by everything, he means everything in him to not snap at them and tell them "I've managed trouble makers like Hardik Pandya, Yuzi, Rishabh just fine. I didn't once lose them. I kept them happy and confident of themselves, even in the dark times. So, I think I'm pretty responsible. Thank you very much, "

But they don't know his Harry yet. They don't know his Yuzi, his Yuzi who responsibly said: "I don't mind sitting out if the team is winning." They don't know his kids.

So, he sat silently and listened to their lecture without snapping like he wanted too.

He very sincerely promised Mahi bhai after he was finished that " he won't repeat this ever, "

Still, he got punishment and that was sharing room with Ajinkya Rahane who was quite new to the team. And of course, extra laps on practice.

Virat was happy with the extra laps. He needed to get back his fitness but sharing room with his Jinks yet not his Jinks was the real punishment.

Jinks was so shy and totally uncomfortable around him and Virat felt like he was back with Jassi, Yuzi, Nav, Kul, Rahul when he first met them.

Jinks reminded him of Jassi with every passing second and it didn't feel right. Jinks wasn't supposed to ignite the possessive older brother feeling in him.

Jinks was supposed to be his best friend not little brother. But watching the timid, innocent, always quiet and introvert Jinks, Jinks who locked himself in his room. He couldn't help but feel very protective of him.

Ro wasn't supposed to make him remember Rahuliya every moment. Ro was supposed to be a little senior to him. A senior that became his bestie. But here Ro was reminding him of Rah every moment and all he wanted to do was annoy and irritate and bully him to the end of the world.

But no, both of them were looking at him like he was a figure of authority. He was acting more sensible and responsible than Ro and Jinks. He never-ever imagined that any such day will ever come.

But Ro was also strongly reminding him of Rahuliya after that blasted KWK show. Low on self-confidence. He looked like he totally believed he doesn't deserve the Indian blues. He looked like just waiting for the day when he'll be kicked out from the team.

And Virat couldn't allow it. He absolutely couldn't allow it. Team India without Ro seems like food without salt to Vi. So, here he is hunting down both Ro and Jinks and taking them under his wings.

Working with them, whether they want or not, he doesn't care. He even volunteered to wake up Ro and make sure he didn't forget anything. Virat really doesn't know why he volunteered to this.

Okay, he knows but he doesn't want to admit that he is habitual to be doing all that for Ro and not doing it feels like his day isn't complete. So, he wakes up Ro, pesters him about his belongings.

And drags both Ro and Jinks with him to breakfast, lunch, dinner. He drags them around whether they want to or not. He gives them tips. He knows their techniques so he is doing his team a huge favor and bringing out the hitman hidden inside Ro early.

He knows both of them are totally confused by his antics. They are unable to make any head or leg of the situation but they don't yet remember the promises of friendship they made in the future. So, whether they want or not they'll have to bear with him forever.

And maybe, now he can also wholly influence them to be like him. Who knows miracles do happen? So, maybe he can corrupt Jinks too and make Ro a fitness freak like him.

Oh!! What a wonderful thought.

Leaving his besties aside. Mahi bhai is also bewildered with his antics. Virat couldn't help but greatly enjoy confusing the confusion out of Mahi Bhai.

Mahi bhai couldn't understand how Virat could read him. And Virat knew his Mahi bhai too well to be afraid of him. So, Virat is totally taking liberties with him.

He is whining to him and making himself comfortable in his room. He is hugging his Mahi bhai and sleeping on his lap, totally, ignoring how Mahi bhai will freeze every time.

He knows he just has to repeat it as many times as possible that Mahi bhai again gets habitual to his antics. Mahi bhai looks at him with a fond exasperation now.

But Mahi bhai looked really startled when he barged in his room, one night and bossed Mahi bhai to have his meds for headache.

Virat didn't leave the room until he was sure Mahi took the medicines and then no, matter how much Mahi bhai protested— Virat gave a head massage to Mahi bhai.

From experience, he knew how bad Mahi bhai's headaches could be. So, he put down his feet and without any fear ordered Mahi bhai to sit still. Yeah, he was Virat Kohli he didn't think much about consequences.

But the relaxed smile on Mahi bhai's face was worth it.

And as he knows nothing goes unnoticed around. So, when he heard some junior staff members calling him "Mahi's Chamcha". Yeah, he got the tag in just 7 days. And they felt he was clinging to Mahi bhai to not get dropped.

As if he is ever capable of doing "chamchagiri" that's not his forte. He speaks whatever he wants too and maybe that's why he is the "bad boy" of the game.

He didn't blast off like he would have if he was really the 24-year-old Virat. But no, he knows how to keep his anger in check. It may sound unbelievable but he knows how to behave.

So, instead of talking with the mouth, he let his bat do all the talking.

The first ODI, Gauti bhai got out early and he again batted with Viru paji. The moment he entered the ground the crowd didn't go crazy, there wasn't yells of "VEERAT" all around.

He was so used to that noise that this lukewarm welcome felt unsettling. Well, at least it wasn't the pin-drop silence of world-cup final.

Virat had the uncanny and the most stupid desire to ask the spectators "don't you know my name??". But he didn't instead, he concentrated on the batting.

Batting with Viru paji and like the last time this time also Viru paji got run out at 96.

But this time Virat didn't get caught out at 106. He had learned a lot of lessons from past mistakes. Lessons, he can't forget.

After Viru Pa got out Ro entered. He looked ready to accelerate as it was expected from him. But Virat knowing Ro aced after settling down asked Ro to provide supporting role and rotate the strike.

He was well past his 100 and he could accelerate the innings for both of them. He didn't know what god was listening to his prayers that Ro listened to him and didn't get out cheaply.

Ro took his time and Virat saw a little glimpse of his old Ro again as they took the total score to 314. Giving the world, a little glimpse of the danger Rohirat are capable of being.

What should have been an easy win became a hard-fought victory as they lacked the quality bowling attack. Irfan Pathan was on fire but the others got hit around the ground and even Virat did a little bowling.

Mahi bhai first was going to let Viru pa bowl but Virat threw a mighty tantrum spree to get the ball.

Still, they managed to win by 21 runs.

They managed to win the series by 4-1. He showing a glimpse of why he is called consistent Kohli made three centuries and a half-century in the series.

Getting the player of the series award like last time and also sitting on the bonnet of the car like the last time.

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

Right now, Virat is in his room. Yeah, Mahi bhai handed him back his room.
So, he is in his room feeling absolutely terrible and missing his boys to the sun and moon.

He don't know why but after today's Victory celebration. He is missing his brothers.

Virat couldn't help but ponder whether he is going insane without them or not? For instance yesterday, he was having a very serious chat with Harry on a very Sirius matter, in his mind.

He didn't ever think a day will come where he'll imagine Hardik Pandya and have a talk with him. But here he is, imagining every member of his team having a mental conversation with them.

Yesterday, he was imagining what would have Harry done if he was in his condition?

He won't ever admit it to Harry. Let's the kid have even a bigger head than possible but he is missing him a lot. He is even missing his obnoxious song collection.

He is just missing his boys.The bus rides seems incomplete without them. Hell, his life feels incomplete without those over clingy kids.

Virat is missing Harry and his continuous need of being in the moment. He is missing his Rahuliya giving him "I've got the craziest friends on the whole planet" looks or telling me "Don't you dare" whenever he, by mistake let some of Rahul and Yuzi's friendship stories out.

He is missing his Kulya and Kulya's "everything will be fine" hugs. He is missing his Jassi and Jassi's schedules which they never let him follow thoroughly. He is missing his Shrey and Shrey's relaxing magic tricks and attitude of cheering up the people around.

He is missing his tili following him around teasing and chatting non-stop or just because he needed his bat. 

He is missing his Ro. His Ro, who more often than not will fell asleep in his room with the ruse "It'll be easier this way to wake him up for practice" or "Your room is more peaceful".

And like always the second this statement escapes Ro's lips. One or another kid will bang in the room. They'll bang in and start whining about the most stupidest and illogical things and complain.

And then Ro will complain about " how nobody lets him sleep". Virat is feeling sure, everyone in his team has a very wild flair of theatrics. They could definitely take acting as a second career.

He means just take their resident Kumbhkaran or Hardik Pandya for example.

He is telling you with hundred percent surety Ro was KumbhKaran in last life. And the reason he is irritated every time he is woken up is— in this life, he can't follow his routine of sleeping for 6 months and eating for the remaining six.

That's why he is so grumpy. And he is really missing that Ro who'll throw pillow on his face when he finally succeeded in waking him up.

He didn't think it'll ever happen but here he is missing the most random and stupid things about his boys.

He never thought he'll ever miss the boys stealing his clothes but here he is even missing the boys stealing his jackets and shirts.

Rah borrowed his fav biker jacket and never returned it. Jassi borrowed his"I solemnly swear I'm up to no good," Shirt and forgot to return it. Well, let's not talk about the things Harry and yuzi had nicked out of his wardrobe.
And forget about Ro, Sikhi and Jinks contribution in all this.

God, he is missing them all, a lot. He wants back those moments. He wants those trips and most of all he wants back those people.

"Well, I shouldn't cry over ghosts of pasts or future in his case," Virat thought tiredly.

He pulled out his phone and glared at the object with such great ire. People must have thought that the phone was responsible for every bad thing in Virat's life.

"Should I call Jaddu or Manish??" Virat pondered sourly. Apparently, Bhuvi's parents had gotten suspicious that he had gotten a girlfriend watching him talk with someone regularly at night.

So, he can't call Bhuvi now. Virat again looked at his contact list Jaddu or Manish?? Should he do inky-ponky to decide??

But he hadn't to as his phone lit up with Manish's incoming call.

"Socha aur shaitaan ka call aya, " Virat grinned to himself as he picked the call.

"Yo Moni!! What's up, bro??" Virat spoke gleefully knowing Manish hated this nickname.

"Not again, " he could hear Manish groan and suddenly Virat was feeling perfectly cheery.

"I told you to not call me that, Vii. I really will start calling you Violet then, " Manish tried to threaten Vi feebly.

"You won't dare, Moni" Virat teased nonetheless. He loved annoying people, especially his friends.

"Try me but that's not why I called you, " Manish said, trying to tell Virat the reason he called before Virat could drag him to the lands of random talks.

"How mean Moni, you only remember me when you have a reason, " Virat acted really wounded

And Manish couldn't help but mutter "drama queen" under his breath. Now, without giving Virat any more space to start his wallowing. Manish jumped to the point.

"So, there are these two kids who said they know you but misplaced your number. They want to talk to you." Manish told Virat seriously.

"Ugh, which kids??" Virat asked him confused. He wasn't quite a role model to kids in 2012 if he remembers correctly.

"Some Rahul and Kuldeep, " Manish said remembering the kids who cornered him just now after their college match was over.

"What...What were their full names??" Virat questioned Manish, trying very hard to curb the excitement and nerves.

"KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav, maybe" Manish spoke highly unsure.

"Yeah, I know them. They really must have misplaced my number" Virat didn't care if this was his Rahul or Kulya or not.

But it was Rahul and Kulya nonetheless. He will take the fat chance with them always.

"Oh, okay. I'll give your contact to them. Accha, Vi...I'll talk to you later. I'm still stuck in this function"

"Yeah, sure" Dazed Virat disconnected the call.

Could it be really possible??

Could it be his Kul and Rahuliya??

He didn't know.

He didn't want to get his hopes risen and then watch them come crashing down.

But when after a few minutes, his phone again started ringing with an incoming call.

He couldn't help but pick it with bated breath.

C: hello...ugh, is it, Mr. Kohli??

Virat couldn't help but smirk, always so formal.

V: yes, if you tried to call Virat Kohli then yeah, I'm that Mr. Kohli, only.

C: Virat sir, this is...is Rahuliya

Virat couldn't help but laugh out loud. Definitely his Rahul. He could clearly feel his struggle while uttering his special nickname.

V: Rahuliya, finally you admitted you're Rahuliya. Btw when did I become Sir and Mr. Kohli?

Virat teased happily. He was feeling quite merry.

R: Shut Up, how did we end up here??

V: no idea, Rahuliyaaaa!!!!

K: Virat Bhaiyaaaa

V: Kulyaaa!!

Virat could recognize his Kulya anywhere. Even when his Kulyaa was sobbing with relief.

K+R: I was so scared. I've to do jhadu-pocha. I was back home and a kid. I was in college. We are back in college. How did we end up here?? I'm in my flat, I was in my home. I fainted. I screamed. I thought I died. I thought I'm alone.

Virat couldn't make out head or toes of the gibberish his two brothers were yelling now. He never thought he'll see his two most relaxed, cool and calm kids yelling things over each other.

Kulya and Rah were speaking at the same time. Telling him about their shock, trouble and what not but he couldn't make out anything they were speaking.

He couldn't help but laugh at their mad ramblings. He actually was missing this crazy in his life.

K+R: DON'T LAUGH VIRAT. VIRAT BHAIYA. Do you even realize I've to get my B.Com degree again? God this is horrible. At least, I don't have to do college. You're not helping, Kulyaa.

Well, apparently getting thrown back in time can break the calm of the most calm people too. Who could have guessed that?

~to be continued~