(Part 6)

(8 Years Ago)

Beneath the vast expanse of green and under a vibrant, exotic blue sky, two teams were deeply engrossed in a cricket match. The stadium resonated with thunderous cheers, an invigorating rhythm energizing everyone present.

Amid the spirited crowd, a group of individuals observed from the VIP section, seated under a shaded area with sturdy rails before them. Gripping the rails with small, eager hands, a young figure leaned forward, his excited red eyes fixed on the match's unfolding drama. Nidou, standing nearby, caught sight of Yasir and approached with a warm smile, raising his hand in greeting.

"Haha, Nidou!" Yasir exclaimed, stepping forward to embrace him. It was a reunion that felt like ages in the making.

Nidou returned the gesture with a hearty pat on Yasir's back.

"It's been so long, hasn't it?" Yasir remarked, a smile lighting his face as he affectionately patted Nidou's arms.

"Yeah, it's been a while," Nidou agreed, "And look at you, from a captain to a head coach now."

"Haha, I could say the same for you, Head Coach Nidou," Yasir laughed. 

As Nidou turned to observe the players on the field, a small smile tugged at his lips. "Not bad," he commented.

Yasir exhaled, shaking his head in disbelief. "Seriously? Is that all you have to say after all the effort I've put in?"

"I'm being serious," Nidou replied, his tone sincere, "You've made Multan Sultans proud."

Yasir glanced at him thoughtfully, "What about you? When will it be your turn to make the Karachi Kings and your mentor proud?"

Nidou nodded with determination, "Soon. Now that I'm back, you'd better watch out. I'm going to hog all the glory." he grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Yasir chuckled, unable to resist the infectious humor. "Haha, I'll be waiting for that." His gaze then drifted to the group accompanying Nidou. Among them were a doctor, a golden-haired teenager and a blue-haired child. "And… who are they?" he inquired curiously.

"Ah…" Nidou turned to the three, a smile softening his expression. "This is Seles, our base's mental doctor and coach. And this here…" He gestured towards the teen, "This is Rauf, the one I've finally managed to recruit for the World Cup."

Yasir's eyes widened in surprise, "Rauf Victor Gondior?! The ace of Britain's juvenile cricket? How on earth did you convince him to join you?"

Nidou gave a sly smirk, "Take a guess."

Yasir stared, utterly stupefied, his mind coming up blank.

Nidou's clever glance only added to his confusion. Finally, Nidou turned his attention to the blue-haired child, his expression softening into one of deep affection. "And this…" he said, his voice tinged with warmth, "is my child."

Yasir froze, his eyes widening further. "Y-your child?" he stammered.

Nidou nodded, his tone both proud and gentle. "Yes, not by blood, but I adopted him." His voice grew quieter, almost a whisper, "There were some… challenges between us, Yasir, but for Rauf to come back with me to Pakistan and for me to prepare for the World Cup, I owe it all to this child."

"Seems like I have a lot on my mind that I feel like telling you. So, will you listen?" Nidou asked with a smile.

Detecting the worry and heaviness in Nidou's words, Yasir nodded solemnly.

As Nidou began recounting how he met Alan and the complications of their relationship, Yasir's first response was: 

"She's a gi-!" Yasir exclaimed, his shock evident, but before he could finish, Nidou gestured him to halt, pressing a finger to his lips. "Hush..." he said softly, his narrowed eyes glinting with their usual slyness. This time, however, there was a triumphant yet gentle warmth in his grin.

Yasir gasped, his words faltering. It had been years since he'd seen Nidou smile like this. A rare, genuine moment of contentment. A surge of joy welled up in Yasir for him, though it was tinged with unease.

"Despite everything that has happened, that child is my world now. I have to give my all as her father," Nidou said, his gaze drifting to the field where the boys celebrated jubilantly after taking a wicket. His eyes then, settled on Alan, who stood before the rails, entranced.

Alan's face lit up with a wide smile, a radiant innocence shining through as he grabbed his small hands around the rails. "A wicket, Seles! Brother! A real one!" Alan exclaimed in excitement, his cheeks glowing with joy.

Seles chuckled, covering his mouth with one hand. "Yes, it is," he replied.

Beside them, Rauf extended his hand toward Alan, "Excited?" he asked.

"Haha! Beyond words!" Alan said, grabbing Rauf's hand tightly, "I wanna play so bad too, brother! I'm so hyped!" he added, practically bouncing with impatience.

Rauf ruffled Alan's hair lightly, a grin spreading across his face. "Soon, Alan. We'll be out there soon enough," he said, looking ahead with confidence. 

Watching from a distance, Nidou smiled warmly.

"But… is this really alright? Letting her play?" Yasir asked hesitantly, his brows furrowed. "Her identity, her future. Are you sure you won't regret this? She's still a child. What if she changes her mind?"

"She won't," Nidou replied firmly, his smile fading, "She gave me a reason to strive, Yasir, but that girl hasn't given up on herself. She won't back down. She'll find her own answers."

Yasir fell silent, sensing the depth of Nidou's belief.

"I adopted her and promised to send her back once she figures out where she belongs," Nidou continued, exhaling deeply, "It's a deal between us, a way to use each other."

Yasir's eyes widened in disbelief, "What…?"

"Yeah," Nidou admitted, his voice quieter but resolute, "She dislikes me, but I love her. I want to nurture her, to see her grow into a strong, beautiful flower. Even if that flower never looks back at the one who cared for it. Until the day she leaves, she is Alan Rex Lorenzo, daughter of Nidou Rex Lorenzo. That's the role I've chosen as her father, and I'll see it through." He paused, his tone growing serious. "So, can you keep this secret for me? Don't tell anyone. Not even Yara."

"Why...?" Yasir asked softly, his voice heavy with emotion. "Why are you putting yourself through this again? What's the point? I really thought you were happy now, that things were finally different. But, my god..." He ran a hand through his hair, struggling to process it all.

"I am happy, Yasir. Truly happy," Nidou said with a sincere smile, "After all, what the head coach told me back then came true. I became the father of a baby girl. I'm the happiest man alive."

With that, Nidou walked over to Alan, Rauf, and Seles. "What's up?" he asked, his voice light as he looked at Alan.

Alan turned to him, his eyes sparkling with joy.

Nidou chuckled as he scooped the child into his arms, lifting him effortlessly.

"H-hey! Don't pick me up! Put me down!" Alan protested, struggling in vain against Nidou's firm grip.

"Rauf! Save me!" Alan called out, but Rauf simply smirked, uninterested in meddling in their usual banters.

Alan then glared at Nidou, his expression defiant.

Nidou, his eyes brimming with mischief, asked, "What's your plan now? Going to pull my hair or bite me again? Or do you have something else up your sleeve?"

Alan frowned in frustration, squirming to escape. "Pfft, haha!" Nidou laughed, holding him tighter.

"Let me go already! Honestly, what are you a gorilla?!" Alan exclaimed.

"Oh, so you're giving up?" Nidou teased.

Alan grumbled, lightly slapping Nidou's shoulder.

Watching them, Seles shook his head with a mix of disbelief and fond amusement.

Alan eventually stopped struggling, his attention drawn back to the match. "Don't just laugh when I hit you. It must hurt…" he muttered.

Nidou blinked, a playful grin spreading across his face. "Oh? Are you finally worried about me, my dear Alain?" he teased.

"Don't call me that," Alan however snapped, his glare sharp.

Nidou's grin softened, and he hummed quietly in response.

Yasir, who had been watching, called out, "Nidou…"

Nidou turned as Alan's gaze shifted to Yasir, clutching Nidou's shirt tightly out of instinct.

"I promise," Yasir said quietly.

"Promise? About what?" Alan thought curiously, his suspicion evident.

"If this is what makes you happy, Nidou, then I truly wish for your happiness," Yasir said, his voice steady. "Even though I'm Yara's brother and know how much you could've meant to us; I'll stand by you as a friend this time."

Nidou smiled thoughtfully, patting Alan's back. Alan, however, swatted Nidou's hand away, his glare sharp. Their silent back-and-forth bickering continued as Yasir spoke.

"Alan," Yasir said, drawing the child's attention.

"Yes?" Alan replied, his expression serious.

"I leave Nidou in your care. Even if things get tough, respect him and take care of him as your guardian," Yasir said.

Alan nodded firmly, his tone, mature beyond his years, "He took me under his wing. It's my duty to take care of him, and I will, for as long as we both live."

Both Yasir and Nidou blinked taken aback as Alan continued, "I'm not someone who accepts favors and tosses them aside. I'm someone who pays them back twofold. So don't worry, mister. I'll take care of old man Nidou."

Alan glanced briefly at Nidou before meeting Yasir's gaze once again, "Even if I find my real family, I won't leave him or Aunt Sairah alone or even forget him," he thought resolutely to himself.

Yasir smiled warmly, stepping closer, "For a child, you have remarkable insight and very well-formed thoughts."

Alan smiled back, "Life and its unpredictable turns teach everyone, even kids like me," he replied thoughtfully, "That's something old man Nidou taught me." he turned to Nidou, who blinked and gave Yasir a small smile.

Yasir chuckled, "As expected of him. Very well then, Alan. I hope you grow up to be a great person someday." he gently ruffled Alan's hair, as Alan nodded in acknowledgment.

Rauf and Seles, gave each other silent looks.