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Chapter 3 - Don't Look, Nairuu

Mumbai was awake before sunrise.

The city lights still glowed faintly under the dark blue sky as the Kohli private jet slowly landed.

Inside the cabin, everyone looked exhausted.

Not the tiredness sleep could fix.

The kind that sat deep inside your body after too much grief in too little time.

Anaira sat quietly beside Anushka now, still wrapped inside the oversized hoodie Anushka had made her wear. Her small hands held the stuffed rabbit close against her chest while sleepy eyes stared out the window at the unfamiliar city lights.

Every few minutes she glanced toward Anushka like she needed reassurance that she was still there.

Anushka noticed every single time.

And every single time, she smiled softly or squeezed her hand gently in return.

Virat stood near the front speaking to security again.

His expression had become sharper the closer they got to landing.

Protective.

Focused.

"No direct visuals of the child," he repeated firmly into the phone. "I don't care how crowded it gets."

"Yes sir."

"And where's the second exit route?"

"Prepared already."

Virat nodded once.

Good.

He disconnected the call just as the aircraft finally stopped completely.

Aarav stretched slightly before rubbing tiredly at his face.

Normally he loved coming back to Mumbai.

Usually arrivals felt exciting-crowds, fans, energy.

Today he dreaded stepping outside.

Because he already knew what waited there.

Thousands of cameras.

And now there was a terrified little girl involved too.

The cabin door finally opened.

One of the staff members stepped inside quietly.

"Sir..."

Virat nodded once before turning back toward Anushka and Anaira.

"We'll leave quickly."

Anaira immediately looked nervous again.

"Lots of people?" she whispered.

Virat crouched slightly in front of her.

"Yes. But you don't have to look at anyone."

Anaira nodded slowly.

Then after a second asked very softly, "Will they shout?"

The question physically hurt something inside Anushka.

"Maybe a little," she admitted gently.

Anaira instinctively moved closer against her side.

Virat noticed immediately.

The moment they stepped out of the jet, distant noise already echoed from outside the private terminal.

Even from here they could hear people yelling Virat's name.

Security quickly surrounded them.

Virat walked ahead first, scanning the surroundings automatically.

The terminal doors opened.

And chaos exploded instantly.

Flashes.

Thousands of them.

People screaming.

Reporters yelling over each other.

Fans practically climbing barricades just for one glimpse of Virat Kohli.

"VIRAT!"

"KING KOHLI!"

"ONE PICTURE PLEASE!"

"VIRAT SIR OVER HERE!"

Anaira flinched so hard at the sudden noise that Anushka immediately tightened her arms around her.

"It's okay baby," she whispered quickly.

But Anaira had already buried her face into Anushka's shoulder.

Virat looked back immediately.

One glance at the child's frightened body language and he stepped toward Anushka instantly.

"Give her to me."

Anushka hesitated only for a second before carefully shifting Anaira into Virat's arms.

Because she knew.

In crowds like this, nobody protected better than Virat.

The second Anaira settled against him, she instinctively grabbed onto his hoodie tightly.

Virat adjusted her easily against his chest.

"Hey," he said quietly near her ear. "Don't look there."

Anaira nodded against him immediately.

Her tiny face disappeared completely into his chest.

And suddenly the media frenzy somehow became even louder.

Because the country had never really seen Virat Kohli like this before.

Protective in public, yes.

But this?

Holding a tiny frightened child against his chest while shielding her entire face from cameras like she was something precious?

It softened even the atmosphere slightly.

Still, cameras kept flashing aggressively.

Virat's jaw tightened instantly.

One photographer leaned too close trying to get a picture.

Security pushed him back immediately.

"Sir!" reporters shouted. "Who is the child?"

"Virat sir, is she staying with you?"

"Sir one statement please!"

Virat finally stopped walking for a brief second.

The entire crowd went quieter immediately.

That was the effect he had.

Even chaos paused when Virat Kohli decided to speak.

He held Anaira more securely against himself before looking toward the media calmly.

"Please," he said respectfully, voice tired but firm. "Not right now."

Complete silence.

"My family has gone through something extremely painful."

Anaira tightened her hold on him slightly hearing unfamiliar loud voices nearby.

Virat gently rubbed her back once before continuing.

"My child needs privacy."

The words hit everyone instantly.

My child.

Not niece. Not relative.

My child.

Virat's expression remained calm but unmovable.

"I understand everyone is doing their job. But I'm asking respectfully-please give us space today."

No anger.

No arrogance.

Just a father protecting his child.

And surprisingly, the crowd actually softened slightly afterward.

Security quickly continued moving them toward the cars.

Anaira still hadn't lifted her face once.

Virat could literally feel her tiny heartbeat racing against his chest.

"It's okay Nairuu," he murmured quietly while walking. "Almost done."

The nickname slipped out naturally.

Anaira nodded faintly against him.

Behind them, Aarav walked beside Anushka while glancing around warily at cameras.

For the first time in his life, he genuinely hated media attention.

Usually he ignored it easily.

Today every flash felt invasive.

They finally reached the SUV.

The second Virat sat inside with Anaira still in his arms, the little girl visibly relaxed.

Anushka climbed in beside them immediately.

"It's over," she whispered softly while brushing hair away from Anaira's face.

Only then did Anaira slowly look up.

Her cheeks were flushed from stress.

"You okay?" Aarav asked awkwardly from across the seat.

Anaira nodded automatically.

Then after a pause whispered, "They were very shouty."

Aarav nearly smiled despite himself.

"Yeah," he muttered. "They're always shouty."

Anaira looked at him carefully for a second.

Then quietly asked, "Do they always scream for Papa?"

The entire car went silent.

Papa.

Nobody corrected her immediately because honestly-

none of them were emotionally prepared for it.

Virat looked down at her slightly surprised.

Anaira blinked slowly like she herself hadn't realized what she said.

Then immediately looked nervous.

"I mean-"

But Virat interrupted softly before she could panic.

"Unfortunately, yes."

Aarav snorted quietly at that.

Anaira looked confused for a second before the tiniest smile appeared near her lips.

God.

That tiny smile genuinely changed the atmosphere inside the car.

Anushka felt tears sting her eyes instantly.

The driver finally pulled away from the airport while security vehicles followed closely behind.

Mumbai slowly passed outside the windows.

Anaira watched everything quietly.

Tall buildings. Traffic. Sea links. Huge billboards with Virat's face everywhere.

At one signal, she suddenly pointed softly toward a giant advertisement.

"That's you."

Virat looked outside briefly.

Protein shake campaign.

Right.

Aarav leaned back against his seat with crossed arms.

"You'll see his face everywhere here. Very irritating honestly."

Virat gave him a look.

Anaira stared between them quietly.

Then very seriously whispered to Virat, "You're famous famous."

Aarav laughed under his breath.

Virat shook his head tiredly.

"Something like that."

Anaira looked outside again.

Then after a moment asked innocently, "How many peoples know you?"

Peoples.

The incorrect word came out so naturally that even Anushka smiled weakly.

Virat answered calmly, "A lot."

Anaira seemed to genuinely think about that.

Then suddenly- "Do they know your favorite color too?"

Aarav actually laughed properly this time.

Virat looked mildly offended.

"No?"

Anaira looked relieved.

"Good."

"Why good?" Aarav asked amused.

She hugged the rabbit closer before answering softly, "Because then they know too much."

Silence filled the car for a second.

And once again everyone was reminded-

she was still just a child.

A strangely observant, heartbreakingly innocent child.

The car finally entered the long private road leading toward the Kohli mansion.

Huge security gates opened immediately.

Anaira stared outside wide-eyed now.

The house looked enormous in early morning light.

Big glass windows. Gardens. Fountains. Security everywhere.

Her fingers tightened around the rabbit again.

Anushka noticed immediately.

"Nervous?"

Tiny nod.

Virat looked toward her quietly.

"You don't have to be scared here."

Anaira stayed silent.

Then very softly asked, "Can I still sleep with you if I get bad dreams?"

Anushka immediately held her hand.

"Always."

That seemed to calm her slightly.

The car finally stopped outside the house.

Staff members stood lined near the entrance looking emotional and nervous after hearing everything overnight.

The moment Virat stepped out holding Anaira again, everyone immediately lowered their eyes respectfully.

Nobody asked questions.

Nobody stared too much.

Virat appreciated that silently.

Inside, the house felt strangely different already.

Quieter.

Softer somehow.

Anushka walked beside Virat while Aarav followed behind carrying Anaira's tiny backpack and rabbit because she accidentally left it in the car.

"Nairuu," Aarav called lightly.

Anaira turned immediately.

He held out the rabbit awkwardly.

"You forgot this."

"Oh."

She took it quickly before whispering, "Thank you."

Aarav shrugged casually.

But internally?

Something warm settled strangely inside his chest hearing her tiny voice say his nickname version too.

Because for the first time in his life-

the Kohli house suddenly felt like it had a little sister in it.

As they walked deeper inside the house, Anaira slowed near the huge balcony windows overlooking Mumbai's skyline.

The early morning sunlight had started filling the living room softly now, making everything look calmer than it actually felt.

Anaira stood quietly near the glass, still clutching her rabbit against her chest while looking outside with wide curious eyes.

Then suddenly she pointed toward a massive billboard visible from the balcony.

A new sports campaign poster.

Jasprit Bumrah posing dramatically with a cricket ball in hand.

Anaira stared at it very seriously for a few seconds.

Then softly-

"Why Gumaa so big outside?"

Complete silence.

Aarav turned immediately. "What?"

Anaira pointed again innocently toward the billboard.

"Gumaa."

Virat blinked once before looking toward the billboard.

Then realization hit.

Anushka pressed her lips together instantly trying not to laugh.

Aarav looked genuinely offended on Bumrah's behalf. "Nairuu, that is NOT Gumaa."

Anaira frowned slightly in confusion.

"Them who?"

"HIM," Aarav corrected dramatically. "That is Jasprit Bumrah."

Anaira stared at the billboard again trying very hard.

"Jas...prit..."

Everyone waited seriously.

Then confidently-

"Bumla."

Virat immediately turned away coughing because he started laughing.

Aarav LOST it.

He bent forward laughing so hard he nearly dropped Anaira's tiny backpack.

"BUM- BUM- BUMLa?!"

Even Anushka burst into laughter after what felt like years.

Actual laughter.

Not forced smiles.

Real laughter.

Anaira looked between all of them with huge doe eyes, completely confused why everybody suddenly lost their minds.

"What happened?"

Virat rubbed his face trying to compose himself. "It's Bumrah, baby."

Anaira tried again obediently.

"Bum...la."

Aarav actually sat down on the couch laughing now. "No please don't ever correct this."

Anushka laughed into her hand while gently pulling Anaira closer to her side.

"Nairuu sweetheart, say Bum-rah."

Anaira concentrated so seriously it made it worse.

"Bumwaa."

Virat laughed again instantly.

Aarav pointed toward the billboard dramatically. "Congratulations Jasprit Bumrah, your new official name is Gumaa Bumwaa."

Anaira looked deeply concerned now.

"Did I say wrongfully?"

Wrongfully.

That finished everyone again.

Even Virat properly laughed this time, shoulders shaking while Aarav practically collapsed sideways against the couch.

Anaira stared at them with soft confused eyes before quietly mumbling-

"You all are very laughish peoples."

Silence.

Then louder laughter exploded across the room again.

And for the very first time since Aditi died-

the Kohli house sounded alive again.

The laughter from the balcony moment didn't last long.

It faded slowly, like it didn't quite belong in the same space as everything else that had happened.

Anaira still stood near Anushka, one hand loosely holding her sleeve, the other clutching her stuffed rabbit tightly against her chest. The small smile she had given a few minutes ago was gone now, replaced with that quiet, unsure expression again.

As if she had borrowed happiness for a moment and wasn't sure she was allowed to keep it.

The house was still settling.

Staff moved quietly in the background. Security was stationed outside. Doors were locked, protocols were in place. The media outside the gates had started thinning, but everyone knew they would return the moment anything leaked.

Virat was speaking to someone on the phone near the staircase again, his voice low and controlled.

Aarav stood near the couch, watching Anaira without saying anything.

And Anushka... she stayed close to the child, as if even a few seconds of distance might feel dangerous for her now.

Anaira slowly sat down on the edge of the couch.

Not comfortably.

Carefully.

Like she was testing if the surface would reject her.

Anushka immediately sat beside her.

"You okay, baby?" she asked softly.

Anaira nodded first.

Then stopped.

Then shook her head.

That small change was enough.

Anushka's entire expression shifted instantly.

"What is it?" she asked more gently.

Anaira looked down at her rabbit.

Her fingers tightened around it.

Very quietly, almost like she was afraid of the words themselves-

"Mumma..."

The room changed immediately.

Even Aarav, who had been pretending to look away, went still.

Anushka didn't interrupt.

She just waited.

Anaira's eyes filled slowly, like the emotion had been sitting there waiting for permission.

"She... she was sleeping also," Anaira whispered.

Her voice broke slightly on the last word.

Anushka's hand moved to her back instantly, rubbing gently.

Anaira kept looking down as she spoke.

"I told her I will bring water."

A pause.

Her lips trembled.

"But she didn't wake up."

Her breathing started changing.

Shorter.

Uneven.

Like her body was remembering something it didn't want to.

"I shook her," she added quickly, as if trying to fix something. "I shook her like this-"

Her small hands moved slightly, demonstrating without thinking.

"-but she still didn't wake up."

Anushka closed her eyes for a second.

Aarav looked away sharply, jaw tightening.

Anaira's voice got softer.

"Then people came."

She paused again.

"They took her away."

That sentence hit harder than the others.

Because she said it like it was routine.

Like something that happened often in her world.

Anushka pulled her closer immediately.

"You don't have to go back there in your head," she said softly.

But Anaira didn't stop.

Her eyes were still fixed downward.

"I was hiding," she whispered. "Under table."

Silence filled the room.

Even Virat had stopped speaking on the phone now.

Anaira continued, voice thinner now.

"Mumma said... if Papa gets angry, I should hide quiet."

Her fingers fidgeted with the rabbit's ear.

"So I hid."

A tear finally slipped down her cheek.

Then another.

"I thought she will come and call me."

Her breathing started breaking now.

"But she didn't come."

Anushka immediately pulled her into her arms properly this time.

Anaira didn't resist.

She just broke.

Not loudly at first.

Small sobs.

Then stronger ones.

Her tiny body curled forward as she buried her face into Anushka's shoulder, gripping her hoodie tightly like it was the only stable thing left in the world.

"I waited," she cried quietly. "I waited and waited..."

Her voice cracked completely.

"I called her... but she didn't answer."

Aarav's hands clenched at his sides.

Virat slowly stepped closer now, phone forgotten in his hand.

Anaira's sobs got heavier.

"I was scared," she whispered brokenly. "I thought she is angry with me."

That sentence made Anushka's eyes fill instantly.

"No baby," she said immediately, voice shaking now. "No, never-she was never angry with you."

Anaira shook her head slightly against her shoulder.

"She always says I am good girl," she said through tears. "So why she not wake up?"

That question hung in the air.

Heavy.

Helpless.

A child trying to understand death with logic that doesn't exist.

Anushka held her tighter.

"Sweetheart..."

But she couldn't find words.

Because there were no words for that.

Virat stood a little away now, watching silently.

Even he looked different.

Less controlled.

More human.

Anaira's crying didn't stop.

It built slowly, like everything she had been holding inside finally found a way out.

"I want Mumma," she cried suddenly louder, gripping Anushka's sleeve tightly. "I want her now."

Her voice rose in desperation.

"I want her back."

Anushka pressed her forehead gently against Anaira's hair.

"I know," she whispered brokenly. "I know, baby..."

Aarav slowly sat down on the armrest nearby, unsure what to do with himself.

He wasn't used to seeing grief this close.

Not like this.

Not raw.

Not in a child.

Anaira kept crying, small gasping breaths between words.

"I told her I will be good," she said. "I told her I will eat properly."

Her voice shook.

"I did everything."

Her tiny hands grabbed Anushka's hoodie tighter.

"So why she left me?"

That question finally broke something in Anushka completely.

Tears slipped down her face as she held Anaira closer.

"It's not your fault," she said again and again. "Nothing you did made her leave."

Anaira didn't seem to fully understand.

Because children didn't understand permanence the same way adults did.

For her, absence still felt reversible.

Like if she cried enough, things could be fixed.

Virat slowly crouched down in front of them now.

His voice, when it came, was quieter than usual.

"Nairuu."

The nickname made Anaira look up slightly through tears.

Her face was completely wet now, eyes red, cheeks trembling.

Virat looked at her directly.

"Listen to me."

She sniffled softly.

He continued carefully.

"She is not gone because of you."

Anaira stared at him with those wide, wet eyes.

Still confused.

Still trying.

Virat softened slightly.

"You didn't do anything wrong."

A pause.

"And she loved you a lot."

That sentence made Anaira's lips tremble again.

"She did?" she asked softly.

Virat nodded once.

"Very much."

That was when Anaira broke again.

Not with questions this time.

But with pure grief finally having somewhere to go.

She leaned forward again into Anushka and cried harder than before.

Anushka held her without hesitation.

Virat stayed crouched in front of them, one hand resting lightly on Anaira's back now, steady and grounding.

Aarav watched quietly from the side, something heavy sitting in his chest.

Because for the first time in his life-

he wasn't watching a story.

He was inside it.

And this time, there was no winning.

Only holding on.

Only staying.

Anaira's cries slowly softened after a long while, turning into exhausted hiccups instead of full sobs.

Her body was shaking lightly from tiredness and emotion both.

Anushka gently wiped her face.

"It's okay to cry," she whispered.

Anaira sniffled.

"Will she be sad I am crying?"

That question was so innocent it hurt.

Anushka immediately shook her head.

"No," she said firmly. "She would want you to cry. She would want you to feel it."

Anaira looked down again.

Then quietly asked,

"Can I still talk to her?"

Silence.

Virat answered carefully.

"You can always talk to her in your heart."

Anaira seemed to think about that.

Then nodded slowly.

Like she was accepting something she didn't fully understand yet.

After a while, her crying stopped completely.

Not because she was okay.

But because she was exhausted.

Her small body leaned fully into Anushka now, eyes half closed again.

Still holding the rabbit.

Still holding on.

Aarav finally stood up quietly.

And for once, he didn't say anything sarcastic.

He just looked at Anaira and then at his parents.

And understood something very clearly.

This wasn't temporary.

This was going to change everything.