Rahul's pov- 

 Finally we have won the 2023 World cup. My dream is finally fulfilled . The dream of winning this prestigious trophy with my role model. I have always admired Virat since my playing days and today , I can't believe that I am part of that team which won the world cup under Virat's captainship. 

 Virat bhaiya (yeah, I can call him bhaiya in mind. For as far as I'm aware he can't read minds yet. No matter what Kulya believes) and Ro Bhai are so happy. Well, the first time I personally met Virat bhaiya it was in RCB and at that time I fell in love with Vi-ABD bond. It was just surreal. I never thought I ever will have such a bond with anyone.

Then I got selected in the national team and got to witness another series of surreal bonds. They seem to be to good to be true. Bonds that made Vi-ABd bond normal in front of them. The national team had taught me many things about relationships and the true meaning of one for all and all for one. I never thought I'll get big brothers, younger brothers and bestfriends (who acts like annoying twins most of the time) at the same place.

I never thought their will be people who'll understand my moods, my feelings, my nature better than me. But then here am I with a bunch of airheaded idiots who just excel exactly in that department. Even when I don't express my feelings they get it. I don't know how?? For I'm sure they aren't mind readers. No matter what Kulya or Shubh says I won't believe it.

 After being part of ICT, I've gain a new family. A totally crazy family. A family that define all type of goals. I don't think among the seniors I can choose any friendship goal without undermining the other whether it's Rohirat, Vinks, Shikhrat, Ravirat or Ashrat. They have been friendship goals to us (No offense to any other pair out there) but for us as their juniors, as the youngsters they define friendship goals to us.  And after being a part of ICT, I understand and learnt to not take media seriously.

It wasn't an easy journey and yes, Virat in his oh-so brotherly tone told me "I've said this like ages ago, didn't you hear my interview in Aap ki Adalat? I've spoken for the betterment of the world "News walo ki itna nhi suna krte". You should follow my advice and interviews Rahuliyaa."

Yeah, My Virat bhaiya can be quite overbearing but I love him nonetheless.

 Currently, everyone is enjoying . The environment is full of happiness. Harry is pulling me to dance with him on a so called English song. And even I can't deny him today, after all we have just won the world cup. The dream of a billion people is fulfilled today . The dream of seeing their favourite team win . The dream to see Mahi Bhai getting lap of honour .

I've won the first world cup of my life. I couldn't win the u-19 one. And after that the world cup I played, we lost. I can't define that feeling. The uncertain feeling that rises through the depths of my bones and screams in the middle of night "IT's your fault." But finally, I can let that feeling to rest in peace.

I was watching as Jaddu Bhaiya tried his best to make Mahi bhai dance and then their was Virat who looked ready to join Jaddu in this impossible quest. I caught Virat's eyes and he flashed me one of his crazy grins and did some step gesture. I couldn't get at all.

 I have never said this but today I'm saying this " I admire Mahi Bhai a lot. He is Virat's elder brother so in that way he is my elder-elder brother in Virat bhai's language quote Jhesth Bhrata unquote."

God, I don't know why I remember every single word Virat has ever spoken to me?

Suddenly, there was a loud yell. IT felt like someone is yelling directly in my ear.

End of pov.

Rahul woke up abruptly. His phone was still yelling "INDIA LIFT THE WORLD CUP AFTER 28 YEARS" in Ravi sir's voice.

He couldn't help but reminisce the day fondly. The heartbreaking defeat in 2010. The world cup win was like a soothing balm to his burning heart. And on a whim, he had kept the winning commentary by Ravi sir as his ringtone.

The ring tone that was currently blasting in his room. The ringtone that broke his dear sleep.

Sighing and still feeling very sleepy. He picked up the phone, not realizing it's model neither checking the caller Id as he yelled sleepily" Harry , we won the world cup, dude. Lemme, sleep now. And, I know I like hearing this but at least leave me today... After all, we have created a new history today."

 But instead of Harry , he heard his father's stern voice" Haa, aab yeh Baki reh gya tha and yeh, Harry kon hai? Pehle padhai toh karlo fir jitne chaho utne world cup jit Lena. College nhi gye aaj. Proff. Ramkaran ka call aya tha( yes, just this was remaining and who is Harry?Finish your studies first then dream of winning world cup. You didn't go to college today, Proff. Ramkaran called.)" 

Rahul cursed internally. Why was his father mentioning that blastic proff. so early in morning? That Proff. who made his college life hell for he was his father's dear ex-student. A student who reported his college activities to his father. Rahul hated that guy. He was totally his father's chamcha, always rattling on him.

" Dad, we just won worldcup and why should I go to  college? I completed my degree ages ago" said an astonished Rahul, pondering how did anyone manage to drag his father in this prank?

It must be Virat. Harry didn't have that much guts. HE says he feel like a school kid in front of Rahul's father.

 "Ha. Haa, Tumne apni degree sapne me complete ki na. Kitni Baar kha Baar Baar 2011 world cup jitne wala video maat Dekha Karo par tum suno tab na . Aab toh tumhare sapne me bhi whi aane lage h(Yes. Of course , you completed your degree in dreams right. How many times should I tell you, don't watch the world cup winning video on loop. But do you ever listen to me?" his dad asked him coldly.

 "dad , me Sapna nhi .................................." He was saying this but he stopped abruptly. Because uski nazar Apne room par padhi .( Yes, he was so busy in sleeping till then that he didn't even noticed that he was in his old home in Bangalore )And then his eyes went to the calendar hanging on the wall and the calendar read 2012. 

 A a shocked Rahul exclaimed "Dad, I will call you later."

 "ok and yes, don't miss college again," His father warned him sighing angrily as he disconnected the call.

 "Yes, dad I won't " saying this he cut the call.

 " Harry what is this?? I know you guys are pranking me. But I'm telling you all its not a nice prank. Are you listening to me? Harry come out and ...."He was yelling all this while rolling his eyes at his stupid besties.

He was more than 100% sure Virat, Yuzi and Jaddu were part of this prank, when his chain of thoughts was broken by the doorbell ringing. He went to open the door.

He was again stupefied. Mayank was there.

IT's not like Mayank don't come to his house.

But he didn't expect a teenage Mayank outside.

 M: Chal KL , you didn't come for practice today and we will get late for match. 

 K: Practice? What match?

 M: Seriously, I know you don't like that local club but don't make such excuses. Come we need to go or we will be late.

Rahul badly wanted this to be some sort of prank. He pinched himself to see that if he was dreaming.But alas, no , he wasn't dreaming . He has somehow reached 11 years back . So, he has no other option then to be ready and go to this match along with Mayank. 

 And in the meantime, Mayank was thinking what happened to his friend. Why kl is looking so Gloomy, like he isn't well or something like that? He knows Rahul and the son of that club's owner have like Gods and demons level of rivalry. It doesn't help that the owner's son is kind of have body-builder kind of frame and he loves to bully poor lanky Rahul.

IT also kind of doesn't help that Rahul never back off of such fights and the owner's son stealing Rahul's crush isn't helping their situation. He knows and even the whole of their cricket team knows that the guy made that girl his girlfriend just because Rahul had a crush on her.

But they promised to play for the club and now, they can't backout. It isn't like they have many contracts and other chances to play after all. They have to make do now.

 What he didn't knew was that....his best friend wasn't worried about that at all. Rahul didn't even remember the owner's son or his that time crush. Rahul was going through another crisis, right now. His world has suddenly turned upside down and he doesn't have enough idea on how?Rahul was hoping this all to be Hardik Pandya prank but with each passing second and distance covered it felt more like a disillusion to him.

 After some time, they reached the ground. And as always, the owner's son started taunting Rahul and showing off his girlfriend. For few seconds, Rahul couldn't understand what was exactly happening around him. But after few minutes of concentrating hard, he remembered everything. Rahul just rolled his eyes and ignored that idiot.

He just imagined what Virat would have done in his situation and laughed out at the mental image. He could clearly see a WWE match breaking into cricket ground. Rahul's this action infuriated the guy more but Rahul calmly ignored him.

After waiting for sometime, Rahul's turn come.Rahul was already totally pissed off by the time his batting came and those people can't blame him for playing a test match like T-20 match. For his mind was buzzing and all the anger was dousing on the poor ball.

The whole ground was looking at Rahul with their mouth hanging open. The didn't know what happened to their lanky, cool and calm player. On the other hand, Harry, Virat, Jaddu and Yuzi seemed to be lounging in his mind to him. They were chirping in absolutely odd times and all of them were giving him just blood thirsty suggestions. Did he ever mention that he have crazy brothers?

A very grumpy Rahul was batting while bringing a storm of sixes in the ground. Totally, unaware of a pair of eyes fixed on him. A certain someone was watching him with a knowing glint in his eyes. After playing half innings, Rahul decided he doesn't want to play anymore and left for him home. He needed time to think out things. Leaving behind a totally bewildered Mayank.

College, Practice/ matches, Home.

 In this way the days were going. Rahul was going mad day by day by thinking how he reached 11 years back. And moreover, he has to do all types of house chores wasn't actually helping the situation.Poccha lagane se bartaan dhone tak, everything was his damn duty. He even started wondering- how did he really manage all this in past? He wished, he could keep a maid but no he needs to learn all this things to apparently. He couldn't help but curse his luck.

During this time, while watching the on-going Ind vs Sl tour he spotted his Vi. For few seconds, he couldn't help but stare at the screen like he is watching future. But no, when he was sure it was Vi, his Vi, he couldn't help but dance with joy.

Thank god, atl east he won't feel so damn alone and like odd one out, now.

But the major problem was he didn't have Virat's number and getting Virat's number seemed like an impossible task to him. He didn't know any of Virat's friend. Even if he did, they didn't know him so why will they give him Virat's number?

For the next few days, he was plotting a way to get Virat's number. Should he call Virat's manager and demand to talk with Virat?

Why is he thinking like Harry now??

 A few days went like than and his team was playing a club match. He didn't have any high hopes for this match. Hell, he doesn't even remember what happened in this match last time. But when during the match, he spotted Kulya in the opposite team. He couldn't help but perk up. Kulya was here and all Rahul wanted was to walk to him and chat and make friends with Kul right then. For, he knew his Kul.

He didn't pay much mind to the fact that Kul's eyes lit up with recognition just like him. He didn't want to think much on that. 

 In midst of all this, his batting came. He wasn't paying much attention to the bowler as his mind was clouded. He played one-two overs fine but in the third over, a bouncer hit him directly on the helmet.

Rahul couldn't help but feel his head ring like someone banged a plate near his ears. He didn't know what happened but he was sitting on the ground trying to rub away the daze and that's when he heard the yell of "Rah", someone opened his helmet.

IT wasn't his club batting partner. It was kulya looking all worked up. He didn't even pay proper attention as Kul scolded and worried over him at the same time. He just couldn't help but smile. Kul was in opposite team yet crying over him. The bouncer didn't hit hard and from when did being in opposite teams had stopped them from worrying over each other?

"I'm Fine, Kul. Go before your cap drags you away from me," Rah teased standing up with the help of Kulya

"Wait till Virat bhai gets to know about this," Kul reminded him in a way they spoke during their Ipl matches. They get injured while playing against each other. They'll worry and threaten each other with their possessive brothers.

Rahul still remembers the long lecture he got from Virat and Rohit together when he got hit during a match. Virat declared his helmet was bad and Rohit was all "Use my or Vi's helmet next time or tell your management to get good helmets,"

No matter how hard he protested, Rohirat was firm on their stance. His teams next match was with RCB and Virat made Rahul wear RCB helmet. Same happened with Harry once too.

"Who will tell him about this?" Rahul was asking rethorothicaly but Kul's expression spoke volumes.

Rahul groaned though he was more happy as he was sure after this conversation Kul was his Kul.

  So, after the match was over . They made a plan to contact Virat because both of them were sure, this Vi was their Vi.  They mean, why will he intimate boom if he wasn't their Vii? So, Knowing Manish was present in this Club match as a guest and motivational speaker for the young players.They decided to corner Manish. After all, they needed Virat's number.

And Manish definitely have his number. They both were hundred percent sure. After all Manish was under Virat in the U-19 team and they were in RCB together too. So, he definitely should have his number. So, they both cornered Manish smiling as innocently as possible. Together fumbling over words they asked him for their lovely Cheeku bhaiya's number after introducing ourselves to him. There could be a chance he returned too but no, he didn't. Much to our disappointment.

 M: Why do you want Virat's number ? 

KK : Because we misplaced his number. 

M: You know him?? 

KK: We know him.

M: Does he know you guys??

KK: yes

M: I...I've a call to take. I'll talk to you both a bit later.

Manish was totally unaware they followed him and heard him talk with someone. They were ready to take drastic actions to get Vi's number. But before they could let their inner Hardik Pandya out, Manish was done with his call.

So, they returned to their position and stood near the stage looking all innocent.

Manish walked towards them and gave them Virat's number smiling more warmly than before. They beamed back at him. They heard a little part of his speech and then took a U-turn towards an empty spot.

Rahul dialed Vi's number. He could clearly hear both his and Kul's heart beating in anticipation. Calling Virat, Sir and MR. Kohli felt so odd to him. Even Kul was scrunching his nose in displeasure. 

Calling Virat anything beside Virat, vi, Cheeku, Virat Bhaiya, Cheeku Bhaiya felt wrong like totally wrong.

But the real struggle was calling himself Rahuliya and that stupid elder brother of his, had to torment him more. Rahul and Kul couldn't help but rant all their past few days problem to Virat. They didn't care they were yelling over each other. They didn't care that Virat couldn't understand even a single word of theirs, they were just happy ranting all their worries out to Virat.

Like Virat had the solution to all their problems. Virat obviously didn't but he made them feel safe. After all, he was their elder brother and when he promised he will take a flight to Bangalore after the series get over. He'll directly come to them.

They couldn't help but feel that everything will be fine. Specially, Kul he was sure Virat will make everything alright.

Virat told them about Bhuvi and gave them Bhuvi's number. Kul and Rah were even more delighted to know that there were four of them at least. 

It was time to go back so Rah disconnected the call, unhappily. Virat's voice made them feel secure and not so mad but they couldn't talk to Virat whole time.

So, Rah dragged Kul back to his apartment. Kul was absolutely not allowed to go back, leaving him alone in this crazy old world.

Kul made an excuse of staying in an old friend's house to his family.

While all of them pondered on how did they end up here?

What happened?

Their must be a reason but what's that?????

~to be continued~

This part is by our dear Mahiro457