15|

---

Author’s POV – Evening, Sharma Residence

The living room was lit up again — music, laughter, lights, and the aroma of pizza and fries in the air.

Ahaan’s school friends had started pouring in.Everyone was dressed in half-casual, half-Genz-cool outfits — and the vibe? Birthday + rich kid chaos.

Samaira was quietly sitting on the edge of the couch, dressed in a soft lavender hoodie and jeans, sipping juice slowly.

> She didn’t know many people.And this… wasn’t her comfort zone.

But Ahaan had told her earlier:

> “You don’t have to talk. Just be here. That’s enough.”

She smiled at that.

---

The Problem Arrives – Aka: Vivan Malhotra

Enter Vivan — Gucci-shirt-wearing, overconfident, "dad-is-on-the-board" type guy who thought the world rotated around him.

He eyed Samaira, smirked, then whispered loudly to his friend:

> “Bro… Sharma’s sister looks like she came from a charity event.”

Samaira stiffened. She heard that.

He continued with a mocking chuckle:

> “Are we sure she’s even related to him? Adopted types lagti hai…”

Dead silence hit the room like a bomb.

And then —CRACK.

Ahaan grabbed him by the collar, pushed him against the wall.

> “WHAT. DID. YOU. JUST. SAY?”

Vivan:

> “Whoa chill dude—”

> “SHUT UP!”

Ahaan’s voice boomed. His chest was heaving, fists clenched.

> “You don’t get to talk about my sister like that. You don’t get to even breathe near her, samjha?!”

Everyone stood frozen.

Samaira’s eyes widened — no one had ever… defended her like that. So fiercely. So instantly.

Ritika rushed out hearing the shouting.Rohit followed, voice low and dangerous:

> “Kya ho raha hai yahaan?”

Ahaan’s jaw tightened.

> “This idiot just insulted Samaira. Said she looked like charity and mocked our family.”

Rohit’s face went stone cold.

> “Ritika. Call his parents. He’s leaving. NOW.”

Vivan stammered.

> “Uncle please—”

> “I’m NOT your uncle,” Rohit said with fire in his tone.“Aur meri beti ke baare mein kuch kaha na… toh tere papa ke office mein bhi jaake bataunga main.”

Vivan left. Quietly. Fast.

---

Later That Night – Samaira’s Room

She was sitting on her bed, hugging a small pillow.Ahaan walked in quietly.

> “I scared you?” he asked softly.

She shook her head.

> “No, bhaiya…”

A pause.

> “No one has ever fought for me like that.”

Ahaan sat beside her.

> “No one had to. Kyunki ab tu akeli nahi hai.”

Her eyes filled up, and she suddenly hugged him tight.

> “Aap kabhi chhod ke mat jaana.”

Ahaan rested his chin on her head.

> “Not happening. Tu meri behen hai. Deal sealed.”

Author’s POV – A Night Call Full of Warmth

It had been a day full of emotions.

From overhearing her parents’ soft confessions to watching Ahaan protect her like a real brother, Samaira had felt seen in a way she never had.

But when Ritika softly knocked and handed her a phone, saying,

> “Beta… ek video call hai tumhare liye,”Samaira hadn’t expected her entire world to shift again.

The screen lit up.

“Sakshi Singh Rawat 💬” — it read.

Samaira blinked, confused. Then cautiously answered.

---

Video Call – Connecting…

A stylish woman with sharp eyes and the warmest smile appeared first. She was sitting in a cozy living room, wearing a sweatshirt, her hair tied up.

> “Hi sweetheart. Main Sakshi hoon… Mahi ki biwi,” she said gently.

Samaira sat up straighter in bed, stunned.

> “Sakshi… Sakshi Dhoni?!”

Sakshi laughed.

> “Bilkul. But from now on… only Sakshi maa, okay?”

Tears filled Samaira’s eyes instantly.

> “Sakshi… maa?” she whispered, barely believing it.

Before she could say more, a voice popped from behind:

> “Mummy move! Mujhe dekhna hai!”

The screen shifted and now came a whirlwind of energy.

Ziva Singh Dhoni.15. Bright eyes. French-braided hair. Oversized hoodie. Adorable chaotic energy.

> “HEYOOO SHARMA BABY!!! YOU'RE EVEN CUTER THAN YOUR PHOTOS!”

Samaira blinked.

> “You’ve… seen my photos?”

Ziva rolled her eyes dramatically.

> “Ugh YES. Papa showed me all the clips from the match. You were doing that cute crossed-fingers pose like Ritika aunty while Rohit uncle was batting!”

Samaira turned red instantly.

> “I-I didn’t know people noticed…”

Ziva grinned.

> “Girl, people edited you with sparkles and slow-mo music. You’ve officially entered GenZ Cricket Queen zone. And I APPROVE.”

Samaira giggled, completely at ease now.

> “You’re so cool, Zivuuu diii.”

Ziva paused for a second… and then smiled widely.

> “You just called me Zivuuu di?”

> “Can I?” Samaira asked shyly.

Ziva held up her fingers in a ✌️ pose.

> “Only if I get to call you Sammy Bean.”

They both burst out laughing.

Sakshi shook her head fondly.

> “Samaira… jitna pyaar tumhare liye hai na is family mein… tum soch bhi nahi sakti.”

Samaira suddenly got emotional again.

> “Main… kya main sach mein iss family ka part hoon?”

Sakshi’s voice dropped lovingly.

> “Beta, tum kab se ho… bas ab duniya ko dikhne laga.”

Samaira’s voice cracked.

> “Thank you… Sakshi maa.”

> “Love you, bacha.”

Ziva added,

> “And next time you cry, you FaceTime me. We’ll throw shade and eat chocolate together, okay?”

Samaira nodded furiously, laughing through her tears.

> “Deal, Zivuuu diii!”

---

And just when she thought the night couldn’t get any better…

Sakshi smiled sneakily.

> “Acha listen… someone wants to say hi. He was standing behind us this whole time.”

And that’s when…

MAHENDRA SINGH DHONI walked into frame, waving softly.

> “Hi Samaira.”

Her world stopped.Her voice trembled.

> “Mahi… babaaa?”

MSD smiled.

> “Hmm. Mahi babaa. That sounds perfect.”

Author’s POV – Sharma Residence, Living Room – Early Evening

Doorbell.Once. Not loud, just... respectful.

Samaira was curled up near the bookshelf, drawing something half-heartedly, still in her soft co-ords, hoodie sleeves covering her hands. Ritika, from the kitchen:

> “Beta, zara darwaza dekh lena?”

She yawned, dragging her feet to the door. She opened it—

And time. Just. Stopped.

MS Dhoni.

Grey t-shirt. Calm face. Eyes full of warmth. That legendary “I’m-here-but-I-don’t-need-attention” aura.

Samaira gawked.Absolutely gawked.

> “Aap… aap…” her voice cracked.

> “Mahi babaaa,” he said softly, as if answering her heart.

She froze.

> “Mahi… babaa?” she repeated, teary-eyed.

He smiled kindly, “Haan beta. Samaira ne bulaya aur Mahi naa aaye? Ho sakta hai kya?”

Before she could react —“MAHI BHAIIIIIIIII!”Rohit’s loud, full-volume voice echoed as he came running barefoot from the hallway.

In seconds, Rohit had hugged him tight, full “bhai aagaya” wala hug.

> “Ro,” Mahi said, “ghar mein aa gaya, ab bas chai pila de.”

Just then—“Andar koi welcome nahi karega kya mujhe?”

It was Virat, arms wide, sunglasses pushed on his head, classic grin on his face.

> “Vii chachuuuuuu!” Samaira screamed, this time full energy as she jumped into his arms.

> “Arey re re! Meri jaan, kitni badi ho gayi tu!” he laughed, hugging her close.

" Viii chachuu we met kal hi!"Samaira said facepalming herself.

Virat said"Mai pure 16 GHANTE baad iss ghar mai aaya hu koi izzat hi nhi hai" mockingly hurt

Everybody LAUGHED.

---

Later – Everyone settled

Mahi bhai on one sofa, sipping chai. Rohit next to him. Virat across, legs folded up like a kid. Ritika brought more snacks, and Samaira sat on the carpet right between the three legends — wide-eyed, speechless.

Suddenly she said softly, almost to herself:

> “Puri Indian team ka essence toh iss room mein baitha hai…”

Everyone looked at her.

She blinked once, then continued, eyes shining with raw emotion:

> “Dil –  papa…” she looked at Rohit, who blinked fast, stunned.“Dimaag – Vii chachuuu…” Virat’s jaw dropped in amusement.“Aur soul – Mahi babaaa…” she turned to Dhoni, voice trembling a little.

And the room?Pin drop silence.

Virat looked at Rohit and whispered,

> “Ro... tu abhi roya kya?”

Rohit gave him a look but his eyes were glassy.

Mahi chuckled and gently tapped Samaira’s head.

> “Tu toh sach mein team ki voice banegi ek din.”

> “Mujhe sirf family chahiye babaaa,” she whispered.

Ritika, standing behind, clicked a candid photo.One of those moments destined to become a framed memory.

---

Next part teaser:

Ahaan walks in, sees Mahi and Virat, does a slight bow (samjhdaar kid 😌).Virat teases:

> “Yeh ladka toh pura fashion influencer ban gaya hai. Insta pe iske 50k followers hain kya?”

Rohit:

> “Aur sab girls ke crush list mein top 1.”

Mahi:

> “Main isko Ranchi ke training camp bhejne wala hoon ab.”

Samaira nearly dies laughing. 😂

Author’s POV – Sharma Residence – Same Evening

Samaira was curled up cross-legged on the carpet, cheeks glowing, dimples popping every few seconds as she sat between Rohit, Virat, and Mahi — three men the world worshipped, but for her, they were just home.

Rohit, in his joggers and tee, leaned back with a bowl of snacks on his lap, listening fondly.Virat cracked jokes every two minutes while Mahi just gave silent legendary smiles that said more than words ever could.

The house felt like warmth — too full, too loud, too perfect.

Suddenly…

Ahaan walked in, half-asleep, hoodie messily thrown on, and his eyes landed on the trio in the living room.

He FROZE.

> “You’ve GOT to be kidding me,” he mumbled, stopping dead in his tracks.

Samaira turned to him, eyes sparkling.

> "bhaiyaaa, dekho kaun aaye hain!”

Virat grinned, stretching his arms.

> “Ahaan, tu toh full grown ho gaya re… swag bhi triple ho gaya lagta hai.” 😏

Rohit smirked, shaking his head.

> “Ab tu hi dekh le, Mahi bhai khud ghar aa gaye aur tu hoodie mein aaye ho. Thoda izzat dikhata.”

Ahaan flushed slightly but smiled, walking toward them.

> "Baba, I—I can’t believe you’re here.”

Mahi gave a soft nod.

> “Tumhare papa ne kaha tu talented hai… dekhne aaya hoon asli mein kitna hai.”💀

Samaira giggled, and just to stir things up, she added:

> “Aur girls ka national crush bhi hai yeh.”

Ahaan glared.

> “Samaira!”

> “Kya??” she said innocently, “Mahi babaa ko toh sach pata hona chahiye.”

Virat burst into laughter.Rohit raised an eyebrow with his smug captain face.

> “Beta, iske Insta comments padhe hain? 'Ahaan marry me' se zyada kuch aur hota hi nahi.”

Samaira practically rolled on the floor laughing while Ahaan grabbed a pillow and tried to hide behind it.

Just then, Ritika walked in holding a juice glass.

> “Aur kiski beizzati ho rahi hai?”

Rohit, casually:

> “Mere superstar bete ki, baby.”

Ritika blinked.

> “Ro… did you just say baby in front of your kids?”

> “Haan, toh kya hua? Tu meri baby hi toh hai.”

Ahaan groaned into the pillow.

> “MAIN JA RAHA HOON. I can’t take this anymore.”

Samaira:

> “Arre ruk jao na bhaiyaaa, abhi toh Mahi babaa ne kuch bola bhi nahi!”

Virat added, grinning:

> “Ritsy, tu toh Principal Sharma hai… Ro ko suspend kar de please.”

Mahi, finally, spoke up — calm, firm, legendary as always.

> “Tum sab  circus ho.But pyaara circus.”

Rohit raised his glass.

> “And we’re proud of it.”

---Author’s POV – The Day Everything Fell Quiet

The storm didn’t crash in like thunder.

It came softly—with goodbyes, tired hearts, and a girl’s voice that never rose past a whisper again.

---

Morning – After the Goodbyes

The Sharma residence was unusually still.

After two days of warmth, laughter, teasing, and cricket banter echoing through the halls, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli had left early in the morning. Hugged everyone tightly. Promised to visit again. And walked out the door with the calmness only veterans like them carried.

Samaira stood quietly near the gate, watching the car tail lights disappear.

She looked down at her hands.

> “Papa,” she whispered as Rohit joined her, “Mahi babaa aur Virat chachuu phirse aayenge na?”

Rohit smiled gently, placing a hand on her head.

> “Pakka, laado. Bahut jald.”

She smiled faintly, though her chest felt oddly tight.

---

10:00 AM – Building Pressure

Rohit had shut himself in the study.

Mails. Calls. Selection drama. Sponsor disputes.And the final blow — vile comments online.

People questioning Samaira again. Her looks. Her background. Her being “good enough” to be part of his family.

The pressure had been building since the adoption went public, but today it pushed harder.Even the strongest hearts snap under too much weight.

---

11:15 AM – Her Little Gesture

Meanwhile, upstairs, Samaira had been working since morning.

A sketchbook she’d made with trembling hands—filled with doodles and memories of the last few weeks.Drawings of Ahaan with his cricket gear. Ritika cooking. Herself sitting on the boundary line during Rohit's match.And right at the center—a big smiley face captioned “MY FAMILY ❤️”

She tiptoed down the stairs, holding it tightly.

> “Papa?” she said softly, peeking into the room.

Rohit didn’t look up.

> “Papa, main kuch banayi thi aapke liye… sirf ek minute lagega…”

He was replying to another harsh comment. Another critic. Another rumor.And in the middle of it all—

> “Samaira, not now,” he muttered, voice tight.

She stepped closer, hopeful still.

> “Please papa, ek baar bas—”

> “MAINE BOLA NA SAMAIRA, ABHI NAHI!”

The words hit harder than a slap.

Her small hands froze. Her smile disappeared.

And then… silence.

The sketchbook slipped from her grasp and thudded softly against the floor.

She didn’t cry.

Didn’t say a word.

She just… walked away.

---

The Rest of the Day – Silence Hurts Louder

1:00 PM

Ritika stood by her room door, tray in hand.

> “Laado… kuch kha lo na?”

> “Nahi mumma… bhook nahi hai.”

Her voice didn’t tremble. It was flatter than ever.

Ritika’s heart cracked. She watched the girl who had once hesitated to call her mumma now doing it with ease—yet today, it felt empty.

3:00 PM

Ahaan wandered into the kitchen.

> “Papa kaha hai?”

> “Study mein,” Ritika replied, sighing.

> “Aur Samaira?”

> “Kamre se nikli hi nahi.”

Even Ahaan could feel it now. The tension had settled over the house like thick fog.

---

6:00 PM – A Failed Attempt

Samaira finally came down, slow and quiet, to get water.

Rohit, standing near the dining table, caught sight of her.

> “Samaira,” he tried softly, voice laced with regret.

She didn’t even glance his way.Not a nod. Not a reaction.

She just walked past… like a stranger.

He stood there frozen, unable to move.

---

Author’s Note:

Sometimes the loudest screams are silent.And sometimes, a single sentence spoken in frustration can undo weeks of trust and warmth.

Samaira’s silence wasn't anger.It was heartbreak in its rawest form.

And Rohit?He’d give anything to take those words back.