Chapter 4: A New Friend?

What I got is something I have been asking my parents for but they always denied saying I was too small for this.

"Is this for real? This is a Cricket Bat." I was surprised and very happy at the moment. I giggled in front of those three and held it in a batting position.

"You are my best friend from today." I pointed at Virat Kohli who was perplexed at the moment but was too shy to say anything.

"And you noble and elegant people who have come to my humble abode. I will never forget your contribution you have made in the life of this lowly child. Please enjoy the feast to your heart's content. This day is the happiest in my life. Thank you for your generosity." I said while bowing down and giving my respect to both the older siblings.

"You're Wel…Welcome" Both of them were surprised and were unable to come up with words as my over the top gratitude was something no one expected. Not even my parents.

They hurriedly came running up and excused the children and took them away with them.

`I didn't shout out? Did I?` I thought. Well whatever, I got a cricket world. My Excalibur which will help me cut down all the shackles on the path until I go play for India.

I looked down at the bat. It was brand new but there were some dark circular spots on the blade and I understood at once. It has been played with. At least it has got some balls hitting it.

Who else except this cheeky boy. Haha… Cheeky, Chiku. (A/N: Chiku is Virat Kohli's nickname.)

I looked toward Virat who was with his parents. His focus was somewhere else so I stared at him until our eyes met and waved hand with a smile on face.

.....

[Virat Kohli POV]

Today is Friday and I had already asked for a half day from school as Father asked us to attend a birthday party for his friend's son. So Both my sibling and I cycled down the road to home. We got there fast and were ready to head down to their house.

My father forgot to buy a present for the birthday boy. Let's call him X for now as I don't know his name. So my sister suggested that I give him my brand new bat which has only tasted its very first victory against the Paschim Vihar Boys.

"My bat? How can you give him my bat?" I was taken by a surprise when my sister suggested giving my cricket bat to a brat who I don't even know.

"I'll get you another one. We are already late as of yet. I don't have time to get something" My father said and as an innocent obedient boy I had no other choice than to give up. I am already nine this year. I have to enter the adult world soon. I have heard many things like giving up what you like as an adult so I will take my first step today.

Do I resent X as I am being parted away from my bat? Of course. If it wasn't for his birthday.

My mother readily took a wet rag and gave the bat a good wipe. Except for some minor patches it was clean. Well, It was known. I had just played a single match for just three hours.

"Don't worry Virat. I 'll ask your father to get you a new one tomorrow. Okay?" My mother consoled me and as a sweet boy I nodded.

[At MC's house]

Right now my sibling and I have presented him with his gift and opened it right in front of me. I had a tear in my eye but I pulled it back in time. I am a big boy now and soon to be an adult. I can't cry. At least that's what my mom says.

He took out the bat and was very happy. I could see in his eyes the happiness I felt when I got my first bat. Well, I don't feel that bad now.

He got into the regular batting position and he held it perfectly. The ideal batting form. At least the form I learned from seniors.

Was I taken by surprise? No shit. I was surprised. Even I took three to four days to get into the proper stance. I was looking at his position then what happened took me by surprise.

He pointed toward me and said I'll be his best friend from today. I was like `Mister, do we even know each other?` and then he bowed towards my siblings and said something. I don't what but it looked cool. Then his parents came and took us with them.

[A little later]

I was with my parents. I got bored sitting with them and stood up to look around. It's always interesting to investigate other people's houses. I mean, no opening of cupboards or something but just looking around and finding unexpected things in unexpected places makes me feel something. I guess I have some problem in my head.

I was looking around and felt someone was staring into my soul. I looked around to find the culprit and soon found him.

The birthday boy. The birthday boy was staring right into my soul. Our eyes locked onto each other. I don't know how long I can keep looking at him. I feel something for him. A scary vibe.

He waved his hand and smiled creepily towards me. It sent a shiver down my spine.

`Does he know I resented him for taking my bat? Is he like those blood sucking spawns my friends mentioned you encounter if you piss over a plant in night.`

`He is coming toward me? God, what do I do now? Should I just run away? I will die today, for sure today is my end. I should have never pissed over the plant. Why am I so stupid.`

`I wanted to play for India. I wanted to make a name for me.`

"Calm Down, Virat. I will just admit it and promise him to never do it again." I said to myself to calm down and was ready to admit the truth.