PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY KIND OF HATE TOWARDS THE TEAM OF PLAYERS WILL BE REPORTED AND DELETED.

DATE: 23rd and 24th June 2021.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Arthur Ashe once said "Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome." 

The real ICT fans and everyone very well knew how hard the team had fought in the past 2 years and how Virat Kohli, the captain of the Indian Cricket Team, had worked his arse off to bring the team to where it was right now. From being in the 7th place to being the number 1 test team for 5 consecutive years he got the team a long way. No wonder MS Dhoni was a great captain but Virat gave the Indian Test Team a new and different meaning. The fans will stay by their side, support them no matter how many matches they lose because they (the fans) have seen the struggle the team has put to be where they are. They will support them even if their (the fans) heart breaks along with the teams, they will never back down and leave because they don't know when the team became more than just a cricket team to them. 

They put in their best efforts, gave everything to reach the spot they are at now. The runner up of The World Test Championship, the top 2nd team in the World Test Cricket. That is what hurt them (the team) the most. It was not the first time they had lost after giving their best. it was not the first time they were left heartbroken, in fact it was the 2nd time in two years the team had to face this heartbreak. To make it worse, it was against the same team. One was a semi-final which was their mahi bhai's last World Cup and the other was a final which will probably be the last World Cup their 2013 team will play together. That is what made it worse for the seniors. They knew it that it would be their last Test championship together and they could not win it. 

When Ross Taylor hit the winning runs, Virat's heart dropped. The whole team's heard dropped, the little hope they had shattered. Their dream had shattered. They knew that they had to put a smile on their faces and go ahead. Yes, they were happy for Kane and his team but they also were sad. They were more sad than happy and rightfully so. They had just lost a 2nd ICC tournament in 2 years. To make matters more worse, Virat had to go talk. How cruel was it to call a losing captain first and pick on a wound that is already bleeding? How did they expect him to smile, talk and tell how he is. 

He knew he had to smile, if not for himself, for the people out there who expect him to smile as and move on as if they had not just lost. With great difficulty and pain he and the team went through the proceedings. They saw the New Zealand team lift the mace after they lifted it for 5 consecutive years. No doubt NZ deserved it, they won is fair and square but still it hurt to see the victory. 

Once they were allowed to retreat from the ground and go to their respective dugouts and dressing room there was celebration happening the New Zealand's dressing room whereas in the Indian dressing room, the staff and players were hugging each other, congratulating them, encouraging them, trying to keep the spirits high. Ash and Jaddu were being congratulated for being the highest wicket taker of the WTC and for becoming the number 1 test all-rounder respectively. They were smiling and all but every single soul including themselves knew it was fake. It did not matter in the end. Personal achievements mostly never mattered to them. 

To Ash, Jinkya and Ishant it was probably their last test championship, they almost never play t20i and ODI, so test championship is like World Cup to them. Winning this and getting the title of being the world's first Test Championship winners is all they dreamt from the last 2 years and today their dream, hopes, wishes, wants was destroyed and it broke them in the process too. 

Virat was lost in his own world, blaming himself like he did always whenever he lost. Rohit was drowning in his miseries too just like the rest of them. Rishu was mentally kicking himself for playing that unnecessary shot. Pujara was in guilt was dropping Ross, he thought that by dropping Ross he dropped the Mace too. Jassi was mad at himself for getting out so soon and for bowling so badly. Jaddu was upset for not being there for his team when they needed him, he was blaming himself for the loss too. Ajinkya was sad, upset, mad for giving his wicket away. Shami, despite his great spell was scolding himself for not bowling better. Ashwin was upset too for not batting and bowling well. Ishant too, was blaming himself. Shubman was the same if not worse, it was his first ICC tournament for Team India. 

They all were so lost in their own thoughts that they didn't even realize when they left the dressing room and when they reached their rooms. Their families knew better than disturbing them by asking questions so all they did was try their best to distract them or let them be. The player's with kids and babies tried to concentrate on them and not the loss, some without families decided to try and sleep. It was just the playing 11 who were in the part of the hotel assigned to them. The rest of them decided to go and tour England as they were given a break from quarantine. 

Back in India, when Ross hit the winning shot, millions of heart broke but 3 people were not only heartbroken but they were worried too. They were worried for their younger brothers, their students.

Rahul Dravid, sitting in his living room watching the match was worried for his student who was more like his younger brother Shubman. He had seen Shub from very close to know that he was hurt and was blaming himself. He knew he was broken not only because they lost but because he lost his first ever ICC cup for the senior Indian Cricket Team. He knew that any loss hurt but losing his first ever one hurt the most. Not only for Shubman but for every team player his heart ached. He had seen how hard they trained, how good they were. He had seen Their injuries, their recovery, their setbacks, their setbacks and what not. 

Sourav Ganguly was hurting too. He was hurting for his brother's who lost despite they gave their everything. He had seen it throughout the years. Their struggle, this fights, their comebacks. He had seen the team struggle too. He had seen them winning with ease and he had seen them struggle, fight and win too. He had seen how the selectors, the members, the management and the public doubted the team but he had faith in them. He knew that the team was capable to fight back and come back stronger. 

On the other hand, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who was on a vacation with his family tried his best to keep up with the match. He tried his best not to miss it unless he was forced too due to travelling or technical issues. When he heard the team lost, his heart dropped. He was upset not because they lost but because he knew the efforts every single one put into reaching the finals, he was upset because he knew his team (yes his team...they will always be his team irrespective of whether is has retired or not) would be hurt. He knew they would be blaming themselves for this loss. He knew them too well to believe whatever shit they said about them being okay. He saw beyond those fake smiles and laughs. He was hurting because he wasn't with them to console them. 

Mahi knew that his kiddos, the now senior members of ICT will handle the juniors. He knew that they will hide their own hurt and pain just to make sure the kids are okay and console them. That was what exactly he was worried about more than anything, his kids hiding their pain and not expressing themselves. He knew that all he could do now was to wait as he could not go their immediately due to covid. He found his phone and messaged in the GC where the seniors were there to call him as soon as they can, knowing very well that they wont call him till the juniors were okay, at least a little bit. 

Back in England, Rohit was more than hurt. He was disappointed with himself. Nothing, not even spending time with Ritika and Samaira helped. He just wanted to be alone. When he was on his way to the terrace he heard someone sobbing. Knowing it was someone from the team as no one else other than the ICT were allowed there he went towards the sound only to find Jassi, sitting in his room. He was a mess, he was crying, he was shaking and Rohit knew better than talking. He went and sat next to him, pulling him into himself, letting Jassi sob into his shoulder, cry all the hurt, heartbreak, pain and disappointment out. He was whispering soothing words to Jassi, rubbing his back, trying to calm him down. Not a word was exchanged between them. He held Jassi, keeping his own tears at bay, till he exhausted himself to sleep. He laid him on the bed, covered him with a quilt, kissed him on the forehead and left not before whispering that everything will be alright, if not now, if not today, it will be someday.  

He could not take it anymore, he could not face another person without breaking down so he left to the only place that would give him peace. 

Virat was determined to go and talk to the team, to make sure he makes them feel better even if it is a little bit.  He talked to Anushka which made him feel a lot better, he was thankful she was here with him. With this new found determination he walked towards every juniors room to find them occupied or sleeping. He knew that they were broken too, it was obvious. He spoke to those who were awake knowing that they were pretending to be occupied. He tried his best to assure them it was not their fault. He tried his best to make them feel okay. He went to the ones who were 'sleeping', kissed their foreheads, telling them the same thing he told the rest. 

He told them that they are not a mere team but a family, a family who never give up and move ahead TOGETHER. He assured them that they will get through this together. 

Once he was done with the juniors gang, he went to Rohit's room only to find it locked. He knew this would happen, it was the same every time they lost. He cursed himself and went to the only place he knew Rohit will be there. The Ground. 

He went to the stands, only to Find Rohit sitting there in the last row, his arms on his knees, palms on his face, bent. Virat very well knew his bestfriend, he knew he was trying hard not to break. Virat ran up the stairs, sat next to Ro, put a hand on his shoulders. Rohit flinched at the sudden contact and turned only to see Virat smiling at him, a small smile but he knew the pain hidden behind it. Ro smiled back too, a small painful smile. They both didn't talk anything because no words can express their feelings. Virat pat Rohit's back and pulled him into a hug. Rohit hugged him back with the same force, they both needed that hug. 

Both had tears in their eyes, they both wanted to cry but at the same time they wanted to be strong for the each other. It was when Virat whispered "Its okay Ro, you don't have to keep it in. You can let it out"  that Rohit finally broke down. He cried for all the times they lost an important match, he cried for all the heartbreaks they faced, he cried for all the times he had to their younger brothers breakdown, he cried at their bad luck. Seeing his Ro cry, Virat couldn't help but shed a few tears but he wiped them, hugged Ro a bit tighter, trying to console him but he knew his words were useless. No words could console anyone, not even him. The pain and heartbreak after losing is inevitable, only time can heal them. He kept on trying, whispering encouraging things to Ro. They lost track of time sitting there, trying to get over the pain.

Back in the hotel, the seniors were panicking. None of them had seen or heard from Rohirat for a long time now, which was not unusual from Ro but was unusual from Vi as he always made sure he spoke to them after winning or losing. They were running around finding them as they kind of guessed they would be together, at least that's what they hoped. 

Ash decided to check the stands only to find Virat leaning against the wall with his eyes closed while his hands ran through Ro's hair who was lying on Vi's lap, fast asleep exhausted from all the day and the crying. Sighing in relief, he texted the others that he found them and asked them to come to the stands. He knew that staying together was the best, they would heal better together. 

All of them rushed towards the stands and ran up the stairs, Vi sensed them and gave them a tired smile and moved a bit adjusting his legs. Surprisingly, when Ro felt Virat move, he woke up only to find his brothers there. They all smiled at each other and sat down. None of them spoke. There was silence, which was peaceful. It was all they needed, each other's presence. 

Virat out of no where jumped when he saw a message from Mahi Bhai and video called him immediately. Mahi bhai, to everyone's shock and surprise, received the call immediately. He was smiling warmly at them and everyone reciprocated it. Mahi bhai knew them better than themselves, there was no point or way in hiding their feelings from him. Mahi knew them better and he could read them like a open book. Without waiting further he started speaking.

"Pujji, don't you dare think that we lost because of you. You dropped Ross by mistake, you did not do it intentionally so it is NOT your fault. You tried your best okay? you were the anchor at times and gave your best to play your best. Don't ever feel guilty or blame yourself and think we lost because of you! Understood?" and Pujji nodded, smiling. The Rock, the wall of the current ICT was moved to tears. This is was the reassurance he never knew he needed. 

Mahi bhai continued "Shami, you were at your peak today. If not for you were would probably not be where we were. Your bowling attack was one of the best and do not, at any cost, think you could have done better because you too gave your best, its the same with the bat as well. Its the same with you Ishi. You bowled very well! It was not your fault, you gave your best with the ball and how much ever you could with the bat as well. Ash, you did great too. Bowling, taking key wickets, scoring crucial runs whenever the team needed. Please, don't blame yourselves" and they nodded too. They wanted to protest otherwise but knew better than doing it. 

"Jinks, your 49 in the first innings took the team to where it was and gave the boost it needed after that splendid knock by the opening pair. I know you too mad at yourself because you think you gifted your wicket but you did not. You gave your absolute best. Ro, you gave the team the head start we needed in such difficult condition. You pushed us and gave a awesome start. You were great while fielding too. Don't blame yourself, you did give your best. Jaddu, you once again saved India. You were there when the team needed to the most. You gave your best and more while batting, bowling and fielding. You anchored the innings and the team together. Don't kick yourself and blame yourself. Am I right boys?" for which the whole team nodded their head vigorously. 

"Last but not the least, Virat. From your batting to fielding to captaincy, you gave your best. You did everything you could. You gave your best just like others. Stop blaming yourself thinking that it was because of you we lost the championship, no, it is because of your efforts, the team's efforts, under your captaincy we reached here. So if anything we are here because of you. Put that into your thick skull and understand", to which Rohit added, "Mahi bhai, just tell me to hit him one on his head and I'll do it without hesitating" and Mahi bhai replied "Feel free to Ro, I don't mind" to which Virat whined and pouted. Everyone present there laughed. Mahi bhai was staring at them with a fond smile, he was glad they were laughing even if it was for a short while. 

He saw them bickering, fighting over small things which made him smile. He knew that they will remain his kiddos, his younger brothers irrespective of how old they grow or whatever happens. He finally interrupted them and continued "No matter what the result was today, lets not forget that Team India was the number 1 test team for 5 consecutive years. You guys gave it your all, you put in your 100% efforts. In the past two years, you fought and fought hard, poured your sweat and blood to reach this stage. One loss does NOT wash away that fact and it does not erase your efforts. Yes, today was not your day but the fight you put up  made it tough for the opponents. You might have not won the mace today but in this WTC process you won the hearts of many fans, you made India proud, you gained respect which is what matters at the end of the day. No amount of trophies will add up to the amount of love and respect you get. Me along with billions of people are proud of you. It is not the result but the process that matters.", and the team knew he was right. Like always. Their Mahi bhai can never be wrong. 

With that, they wished him a good night, got up and looked at each other smiling. They hugged, hugged like there was no tomorrow. Their team might have not won trophies but they got a family in the process. A family that will always have each other's back. A family that will stay together forever no matter what and with that thought and a peaceful smile on their faces they walked back towards their rooms jumping on each other's back, laughing.

They knew that this heartbreak will take time to heal but they also knew that together they will overcome anything. With this family, nothing is impossible. With family and time they will heal and there was no doubt in that. 

THE END

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Author's note: I know this is not a great one shot. When I started this I didn't know what I wanted to write or where to go, all I knew was that I wanted to pen whatever came to my mind and this is the end result. Its totally shitty but I am kind of proud of it. Writing this healed me. Thank you for reading this and I am sorry if I offended anyone.