CHAPTER 3 - UNDER THE "TRENT" BRIDGE..BY CHANCE.

4 years ago

mysticaltales11111

@mysticltales111

Hello Everyoneee...

I am back with a long 11k word Update - yes yes...its the First Meet Updateee Guys.

Absolutely Loved writing it Out.

I shall now let you all Dive in Without Further delay.

Please ignore editing/ repetition of common words errors as I have not Proofread.

.........

CHAPTER 3 – UNDER THE "TRENT" BRIDGE....BY CHANCE.

@TRENT BRIDGE, NOTTINGHAM

SAME DAY - 16TH FEB, 9:35 PM

Arnav's POV

It's a Good thing that my Direction sense in terms of roads, ways, routes has always been Awesome, and even though Its been a little more than a year, since I last came here, I am very happy to discover that my head's kind off still able to re-route all the directions that are like my priority /most often visited areas – in Nottingham, and I do not need to turn to Google Maps/or my phone GPS for assistance, as I, continue to Run at a Comfortable pace, taking in the fresh air and the Vibe of being back in the city that's kind off got a very special place in my Heart.

Its still a little chilly around since its mid Feb – so I am also  glad that I have my warm sweatshirt on over my comfortable tracks – amidst my Running Spree right now. Also my face is half covered from my sides – with the Brooding Hoodie of my Sweatshirt (for privacy reasons),and I'v got my phone strapped to my arm in a arm band, for that's where I like to keep my phone safely tucked in when I am running , so that my hands are free to alternate between holding onto my water bottle, and my music is flowing through my headphones, falling into my ears in a rhythmic beat which kind off matches the rhythmic pace of my feet right now.

I love the vibe off Nottinghamshire.(Technically that's the Vintage English name of this City, which is about a 2 hours 30 minutes drive distance from London – but then the shire got knocked off from the regular syllable and everyone came around to calling it just Nottingham, over the Years)

Anyways.

So.

How do I know my routes around here so well?(because Anjali just started studying here in September last year, and I haven't visited since).

Well, I know my ways around here, so very well – because we the Men in Blue kind off come here, very often anyway, sometimes Twice/thrice/four times too in a year – because everytime we are in for a tour to England for a bilateral series, tri-nation tournaments, or ICC Tournaments, we most definitely always have a match scheduled at the Iconic Trent Bridge Cricket Stadium, here in Nottingham. Its like this common venue – for International cricketing fixtures. Infact in the upcoming World Cup, this Summer – a lot of matches in the group stages are scheduled at the Trent Bridge Cricket Stadium. And this Iconic stadium is also the Home ground for Nottingham County Cricket Club. County Cricket (or as we call it in India, domestic cricket), is a really big scene in England. And Why Not?. England's kind off like the birthplace of the game off Cricket.

So I just mentioned in a thought above, how this city's kind off got a very special in my heart. Why? Wana take a Guess?.Ok Hint.Its not just because my sister is studying here in its University's excellently ranked Business School,or that its anyway a gorgeous vintage Englishtown, but its for a reason quite personal in my emotions. Ok – more like in my Cricketing emotions.

Did any one of you Guess it Already?

Yeah?

No?

Ok.

I will tell you all about it anyway.

The central reason why I have a special place in my heart for this City – is because, I played my first ever International Test Match, right here at the Trent Bridge Cricket Stadium, back in the day in the summer of 2011. Its amazing pitch and ground is where – I made my International Test Debut, and it was a monumental moment in time for me back then to be named in the Test Squad as well, along with my legendary seniors for a Bilateral Test Series with England. I still remember, feeling all jittery and nervous on the night before my first test match, because until then I had been able to showcase my talent with the bat in the National ODI and T20 Squads, but that was going to be like my first International Test Debut. It was a big deal for me. And it surely still is like that fond moment of time that I look back at in my cricketing career, because starting from that very point at feeling all nervous and jittery before the first ever International test to the Point of then being handed over the Test Captaincy first – years later to now earning that spot at No 2 in the ICC Test Players Ranking, is a memorable journey for me personally that I have made as a international cricketer in the longest , traditional , format of the Game.

Know what Guys?

Back then in the Summer of 2011, right before my Test Debut – I remember taking this long run starting from our Hotel to the areas, around and Under the Trent Bridge, in order to ease up my jumpy nerves.(Because the Stadium is like right there – in the background vicinity of the Trent Bridge, and I remember jogging around there until Midnight, all by myself because it gets completely deserted around there after 9ish, and I was continuously gazing at the vicinity of the Cricket Stadium amidst my run – listening to just One of my all time Favourite Song in my Playlist on Repeat for multiple times that night,(almost a little over 50 times) - telling myself that I could do this, that I could mentally condition myself to perform in an international series in the longest format of the game as well and by the time we finished playing the 5day test match in the days that followed, I was awarded the Player of the Match for that first ever Test Match, I ever played Internationally. It was a precious moment in Time, indeed.).

So, now, everytime I am in Nottingham, ever after since , I most definitely try to go around the areas under the Trent Bridge, for a run into the Night, all by myself to just relive a little bit of my very own precious nostalgic moments from the cricketing journey I have made to this point.

And I am sure you all have Guessed it but I shall state it anyway that – that's precisely where I am going now too to just relive that little personal nostalgic moment from back then in time and to also just sit by myself on that soothing grass around, and gaze into the waters of the Trent River flowing under the bridge, as I process the fact for Real that maybe I am really heading close towards the time of letting my sister Anjali go, as in – in terms of marriage.

So we had reached Nottingham about a little before 7pm, and Anjali was obviously there waiting for us at our hotel, Hilton in time for our Arrival. The three of us siblings went up to the Suite immediately and we spent some really good time catching up and talking to each other, and as she filled me and Akash in more over about her beau Rahul – it was like I most definitely could spot the happiness on her face and the twinkle in her eye, as she talked about him to Us. She looked so happy, that it really did warm my heart a thousand times more as I realised that she truly is in love with this man. We called in room service for Dinner, and we continued to just talk and be with each other , catch up with Mom Dad and Dadi back at home on video calls respectively until about 920ish, when Anjali started to get nervous text messages and calls from Rahul asking her how was it going with us etc, which led Anjali to feel a sudden gush of love for Rahul and she was all like – " bhai, Akash...ill just get going now and go back to my student accommodation to see him and calm him down, because he really has been fretting about seeing you both for real, specially you bhai, because he is such a big fan of you and is currently also totally intimidated by that and also the image off your scary brother personna...".

I had chuckled at that ofcourse, and then Anjali had also requested me to be a little more gentle in my brotherly interrogations with him tomorrow and I had rest assured her that I will try my best on that for sure, and Akash had assured her that he was going to be all cool and easy as much as he could be too – which made our sister very very happy and both us brothers earned a very warm and beaming relaxed hug from her, before she left. Akash had wanted to catch up on some rest and also get on calls back at home with Payal – so he retired to his room thereafter wishing me good night and I decided to get out and feel in the air of the city and get on with my run to the Trent Bridge.

I look at the time in the Fitness band on my hand – 9:42 PM, I think I should be there in another 7 to 8 minutes. I am loving the vibe off just being on the Run on this route after such a long time.So Even though we had travelled I wasn't tired at all, because my body is used to such hectic travel schedule already, so it kind off has gained the ability to just adapt to it all smoothly.

A couple of minutes later as I am just a couple of minutes away from the vintage arches under the sides off the Trent Bridge and its lush garden and walkway, I realise that this run is really helping me ease my nerves. For my Nerves are obviously jumpy and a little brotherly worry does continue to eat a part of my head – as I hope desperately in my Heart that tomorrow when I meet Rahul, I am able to spot the same intensity of Love shining in his eyes for my sister as I see in her eyes for Him. I am hoping quite hard that he is as sure about her, just as she is about Him.

"bhai..i love him so very much...I knew it in my heart from kind off like the very first time I spoke to him, that theres something special in between of us , in the ways we connected almost instantly. You wont believe this bhai, he was kind off the only Indian or even a general cricket fan on our entire course, who never spoke or pried or asked me overwhelming questions about you – ever. Infact he always kept distance from me, until we got grouped together for a project, and as we got talking and when I got to know how crazy a fan he is about cricket or you...I asked him, how come he never asked me anything about you, because he most surely knew who I was, but he was all like, because I understood from afar by just observing that you were in this awkward overwhelming spot all the time Anjali, and I most definitely didn't want to overwhelm You, and he's never done anything overwhelming to make me feel that he is talking or being around me or being with me, just because I am your sister...he sees me for who I am bhai, he loves me for who I am...and that means the world to me, He really is the one. I just know it in my heart".

Hmmmm.So I am obviously aware that me,being Who I am..does kind of inevitably ends up putting both my siblings into awkward overwhelming spots - at times, when they go about living their lives.And to be honest, her above said words to me with context to Rahul, kind off did make him earn a brownie point in my Head.

A image of Anjali's happy in Love face flashes through my head instantly and I feel my jumpy nerves ease down a little more. Ok so now - all I got to do is be fair and gentle and unbiased in my observations off Rahul tomorrow.

But you know what? Now all of a sudden a thought comes to my mind.A thought that's kind off been triggered by the deep hidden corners of my Heart maybe?.Nonetheless it's a thought that makes me think – how can one be so sure in their hearts when they know that -this person is the One?

I mean does one feel one's Heart ring a Bell in their Head all off a Sudden?

Or does Life send a Sign or a indication in your gut which is supposed to be like a placard directing you into that someones's direction.You know like how the distance boards say.

Distance to Notitngham – 200 Kms.

Does Life flash around a placard in your Gut when you are around the One – giving like a signal alerting you – Beep Beep – Distance to the One Meant for You – 500 Meters???

HAHA.

Crazy off me to just ask that - I know. But I can't help but Wonder. See as a sportsperson, I do rely on my gut instinct a lot when I am playing – taking on some shots and decisions which are also backed by a feeling in the gut along with the rational thoughts of the Mind. But I most definitely haven't experienced any emotional intuition in terms off Romance yet ever. I mean with Pia – it was the attraction that sparked off first which led me to eventually think as a basic liking developed along the way too that maybe this could lead to something concrete.But what I mean to say is – that it was all always rationalised and thought out in my head, which could be perhaps a reason why I never fell in love with her? And well eventually I did thank my heart to be its very own saviour in the nick off time, when I had discovered the cheating.

Anyways.

Who knows how it all works Anyway?

And I also don't think we are supposed to know it too,since that's kind off Like - Life's job description and not Ours.

........

( **Authors note - i am trying to attach the location spot pictures..in here too but it's not happening..will try again...but I have inserted the same location Picture in the cover page Media of this Chapter already..please see that.. the pic as you can spot a branch of a huge tree in the side vicinity that's the tree Arnav is around and Khushi is in the front...please imagine a night setting** 

I am also trying to add some night pictures of the trent bridge below but that's the picture is of the bridge and the lights affect not the exact spot  location where the meeting is going to happen..that location is in the Media cover page picture above the chapter title as it Begins..please see surely and also..just incase the picture of the nightbaffect doesnt get added in here..please google Trent Bride Nottingham at night to just see the light affect around the space before you proceed further.Apologies for the little inconvnience but the pictures are just not getting added )

** Sorryyyy About That**

....

ARNAV POV continues

I pause in my chain of thoughts for I am nearing My Spot which is right ahead in front off the big Tree I am about to walk past in just a second –to reach near the grassy area off the infamous arches of the Trent Bridge. I am pretty much sure that its going to be completely deserted again for its about 950 Pm now.I am also very excited to just sit by myself and relax and bask in the happiness that I feel in my heart when I look back at my Journey.

But I halt in my tracks almost Immediately now, even before I could walk past the Huge Tree – because I realise that I was Wrong.

Wrong.Why?

Because this place is Not Deserted. I mean one would still call it Deserted, but what I mean to say is that it is not completely deserted.For theres one someone right there in front off me, with their back to me – standing exactly in the area which I refer to as My Spot.

I pause my music immediately and I take off my headphone and my Hoodie off my head as I lean sideways into the tree trunk, and fold my arms around my chest as I take a couple of minutes to just observe – the person, who coincidentally happens to be the only person apart from me here – standing right in MY SPOT.(as in the Spot where I spend time sitting by myself – after I finish up on my jogging time around here).And as I narrow my eyes to look closer I realise that this person is a She.( Her figure gives her away obviously)

Why is there a woman in My Spot right now? Why would a woman be here all alone by herself right now??????? As in – why is a Woman here – right when I was thinking a couple of minutes ago – that does life has a way off sending out Signs when you are Near and around The One Meant For You????????????

Ok.

Wait.

RAIZADA – HOLD THE HORSES OFF YOUR THOUGHTS.

That Last Thought is most definetly a thought that's resulted because off – Anjalis happy in love energy has transferred its sparkle dust on my head. Maybe?

I sip on some water from my bottle to Distract myself from the Crazy Thought.

So my presence is obviously concealed because of the help I have with this tree around me and this mysterious Her in front off me is still kind off oblivious to my presence around her. I narrow my eyes even more now as I feel my gut ask me to just silently observe some more and so I decide to follow it through.I narrow my eyes even more to get in the vision , because its kind off Dark around here, with just apart from a couple of street lamps around and the lights from the Trent Bridge falling on the Water below, and the lights from the traffic in transit over the Bridge.

She's starting to stretch her legs behind one by one by pulling it with her hand and holding onto her feet and ankle for a couple of seconds. Just like how we athletes usually stretch after a Long Run.

HOLY COW.

How Freaky a Coincidence is This?

A Coincidence What?

This Woman is literally dressed in the Same Attire As Me right now.

Sports shoes.

Black Tracks.

Deep Navy Blue Hoodie Sweatshirt – and the Hoodie is Up her Head Too.

She's even got a Arm band like mine on her right arm and I spot a wire running through which means shes got some Music Playing in her ears – a reason why she's still probably all lost in her Moment by herself and is oblivious to my Presence.

And I watch in sheer surprise now, and I feel a smile curve up my lips on its own as I see her now complete her stretching schedule and after a couple of minutes – she hops to the side around completely and starts humming to a Tune she's probably listening too in her music and she starts to stride up her feet in a movement like marking her Steps as she goes along and as I am watching and observing closely I can roughly estimate in my head that shes probably marked up her steps in a stride upto a distance of around 22 Yards, before she finally turns around again and Starts to Stride in a Single Leg Hopscotch pattern, hopping her way back to the 22 Yards steps she's marked through her feet, and I watch in sheer amusement as she repeats this pattern about five times to and fro and once she is done with the single leg Hopping Hopscotch pattern – she starts to hop and jump with both her feet in to the invisible marked up steps pausing at every step – and jogging on the spot in a vigorous manner for a couple of minutes.

She's literally Jogging on the Spot at every step she Hops Too - in a Speed as if she's Running a Olympic Marathon. And Once again – she turns around in her Pattern the minute she reaches that 22 Yards Distance Mark.

HOLY COW.

IS THIS THE DAWN OF SERENDIPIDITY OR WHAT?

SURELY FEELS LIKE IT – AS A THOUGHT CONSUMES MY HEAD.

22 Yards – is the Distance of Our Cricket Pitch too.Like the Distance from Stump to Stump!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why is she marking her Distance to 22 Yards???????????

Ok.

Theres something surely Crazy about this Moment, for I feel like I am drawn to this Stranger in a way I cannot explain.

And.

I haven't even seen her Face Yet. Only a little bit off her Side Profile.Because her face is all Hidden by the Brooding Sides of Her Hoodie as she is Proceeding around Her Hopping and Jogging.

And now all of sudden I see her pause in her Pattern Exercise and she sits down in My Spot now , folding her legs in front off her (She's still got her back to me),and she finally flips her Hoodie off her head now, and opens up her hair and Brushes her hand through them, and she turns her head side to side as if she's looking to check and reconfirm that she is the only one around here, which makes me chuckle on reflex in my spot from behind her. I see her flip out her earphones now and I hear her state pretty much to herself – " okk then...since we are still alone here dear music, how about if I indulge in some sing along with you as I gaze into the calming waters of the Trent River right now?? Ok wait...lets not sit and do this...lets sway along the invisible 22 yards...."

Boy.

See.

I was right in my Estimation.

She did mark up her Steps into 22 Yards.

I still can't see her face clearly from afar and now I really am feeling drawn to both her and the Moment. I need to see her Face – maybe strike up a conversation?

And just as I am about to walk up to her from my spot now, I pause in my tracks again immediately as I hear a very familiar tune flow through my ears now and I stay rooted in my spot because I am shocked and surprised to the core as I watch her starting to Sway from side to side walking up on her very own marked up steps again – and she starts to sing the Song Along too.Which Song? The same very song that I heard on repeat a little over 50 times – back in the Summer of 2011, the night before my first International Test Debut.

Dude.

Insane.

THIS IS THE DAWN OF SERENDIPITY INDEED.

HOW FREAKY IS THIS?

HOW IS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE?????

I AM SHOCKED THE HELL OUT OF MY MIND RIGHT NOW.

Her Voice though.Theres Something Soothing About it.And just the way she is Singing one of my Favourite songs of all time- with so much passion in her Voice – kind off makes me feel more Drawn to Her, a thousand times more. She's done singing it one Time Over – as I stand Dazed and Shocked and Rooted to my Spot due to the Craziness of the Moment.

Once she's done , I hear her state to Herself again – "Okkkk thennnnn...lets Repeat singing this beauty out once more...before I go back to listening it all night..."

WAIT.

WHAT?

SHE'S GOING TO LISTEN TO THIS SONG ON REPEAT ALL NIGHT?

Oh which song it is – you wonder?

Go the Distance – by Michael Bolton.

A Mix of her Voice along with a mix off Michael Boltons in the background continues to fall in my ears AGAIN , as she continues to sway along her steps–

I have often dreamed of a far off place
Where a hero's welcome would be waiting for me
Where the crowds would cheer, when they see my face
And a voice keeps saying this is where I'm meant to be

I'll be there someday, I can go the distance
I will find my way..... if I can be strong
I know every mile.... would be worth my while
When I go the distance.... I'll be right where I belong...

Down an unknown road to embrace my fate
Though that road may wander, it will lead me to you
And a thousand years would be worth the wait
It might take a lifetime but somehow I'll see it through

And I won't look back, I can go the distance
And I'll stay on track, no I won't accept defeat
It's an uphill slope
But I won't loose hope, 'till I go the distance
And my journey is complete, oh yeah

But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part
For a hero's strength is measured by his heart, oh

Like a shooting star, I will go the distance
I will search the world, I will face its harms
I don't care how far, I can go the distance
'Till I find my hero's welcome waiting in your arms

I will search the world, I will face its harms
'Till I find my hero's welcome waiting in your arms

( authors note - attaching the Songtrack incase any of you want to listen..its a beautiful no..was a part off movie  Hercules.)

........

ARNAV POV Continues

Once she is done with the Sing Along a Second Time Over – she literally plonks herself back into My Spot, crossing her legs in front off her and she raises her arms up in relaxation stretching it backwards side to side and she states pretty much to herself again – " well...now that feels great isn't it..i am all relaxed now...no need to worry about the crazy day in store for me tomorrow.....oh shoot...its getting late now...",and she pauses in her self talk as her phone rings and she puts it on speaker instantly and I hear a girls peppy voice through the speaker – " khushi...where the hell are you??? why aren't you back yet??? We are all chilling and relaxing playing PS...cmon then...come soon..."

KHUSHI.

Nice Name.

She's an Indian.

I mean – its safe to conclude that Khushi is an Indian name.

Is she a Student or Something????

I hear her chuckle as she says into the phone – " yes Jess...ill be there in a bit...you know I did plan to chill here for a little more...but then...now that you mentioned PS,my love...I most definitely am going to head back soon...the hotels just a 10- 15 minute walk back anyway, and if I jog back..ill be there quicker...see you soonnnn...okk byeee now...",and she hangs up.

THE DAWN OF SERENDIPIDITY CONTINUES.

I LOVE TO PLAY PS TOO.

GUYS THIS IS GETTING WAY TOO INSANE.

I rake my head mentally for the route knowledge I have of Nottingham – there are only two Hotels which are just a ten- 15 minute walk away from here.One Is Hilton which is where I am staying and second is Holiday Inn – on the other side. Like two different paths from these two hotels lead to this location under the Trent Bridge.

Ok.

She's staying in a Hotel.

So most definitely not a Student.

Who is she then?

Is she a Singer? Her voice is really Good?

Or wait – is she like a Runner Athelete?

I see her get up on her feet now and she states to herself again in a loud scolding voice to herself  – " khushi ya...such a fool you are...you come for a run out here, without a bottle of water...shit ya...im getting thirsty now...ok...five minutes run back to the hotel...no worries..."

Ok.

Wait.

I have Water on Me.

Perfect Excuse to Go Up and Strike up a Conversation with Ms.Serendipity.

I just have to see Her Face- Now.

I cant let her leave right now.

I see her starting to walk away as she turns around, adjusting her Hoodie back up her head and I walk up from my spot near tree now as I pace up to her and say , knowing she will hear me because her earphones aren't plugged in her ears yet – " well...you most definitely can have some water off my bottle you know since you are so thirsty..."

I see her halt in her Tracks almost immediately as she registers in my voice and she asks in surprise,not turning around to face me – " holy hell....i wasn't alone around here????????i thought I was...godammit me...".Embarrassment is evident in her voice as she finishes up her sentence.

I chuckle on reflex now as I say offering my water to her from the side – " yes...I know that...I mean I kind off figured that you thought you were alone... well...hey..why don't you sip on some water first...you did do some crazy pattern exercising out there before you got on that singing and swaying spree..."

She asks embarrassment evident in her voice again – " oh hell...you saw all of that too...like all of that....????"

I chuckle as I admit – " yes I did..."

She asks  – " ok...but before I go about to sip on water from a strangers bottle...I want to ask you something and I am going to take your word for it...you aren't  a crazy creepy Crawly burglar lurking around the background observing on its target of robbery..or something right???? Who plans to rob me right now off my phone or my fitness band..dude I am telling you..I have just five pounds on me anyway...so theres not much you can get I  terms of cash...but if you want my phone or fitness band...I'll just hand it to you and run away...if that's what you want...sooo....this is like a offer of truce to you straight away...theres no need for hustle bustle..I'll give you what you want and run away along my way with a lesson learnt that I shouldn't come here when it's going to be deserted from here on.....and I mean...I do have a lot of physical strength..and could most definetly turn around in a second and hit you where it hurts the most...but then like I said...I dont want to get into any hustle bustle becuase I dont want to injure myself..."

Crazy Creepy Crawly Burgular lurking Around in the Background observing on his target off Robbery??????

Ha.ha.ha.

How amusing is this???? I have never been referred to something so creepy in all of my life ever..but then it's highly amusing for me because I realise that yes...the whole context around the Situation with us..could definetly be coming across as Creepy to Her.

I admit taking a deep breathe,sure the amusement was evident in my voice - " well no...I most definetly can assure you that this is your encounter with a through gentleman and not some crazy creepy crawly burgular for sure..I mean cmon..If I wanted to rob you off your phone and fitness band I could have most definetly taken it off you when I had the opportunity to catch you off guard while you were lost in your moments..why would I wait to make my presence obvious?? Creeply crawly Burgulars dont do that Missy..so yes..this is just me being a gentleman and offering you on some help with the water,becuase you are thirsty..."

She states immediately in her next breathe letting out a sigh of relief- " oopppps...I'm sorry.. I didnt think off that..yes you are right...yiu could have caught me off guard if you wanted too....but you understand that I dont mean to offend you or something...just watching out for my very own safety..."

Ha.Ha.Ha.

Ok..this scene from My Life is surely going to go down as an Epic Crazy One Indeed.

I state - " yes yes..ofcourse...I understand..safety is priority offcourse..please be rest assured..you are more than just safe here, in my presence.."

She states with a sigh of relief- " okk then...even though iv already embarrassed the hell out off myself in front of you now...I mean...you did end up witnessing my crazy charade and then Iv also called you as a potential crazy creepy crawly burgular ....when you probably are a helpful gentleman instead...you wouldn't mind if the crazy me drinks up some water off your bottle first, for I most surely am very thirsty..."

I am enjoying the fact that she's still frozen to her spot in sheer...embarrasement right now. I admit amused – " why would I mind Missy...its what i wanted to help you with anyway...i mean..why do you think I offered it to you in the first place...??"

" ok then..I'll help myself with your water then..thank you so very muchhhh....".She doesn't turn around to look up at me yet and just takes the bottle from my hand and I watch from behind as she gulps down on sips of water .My need to see her face now..is kind off reaching its Peak.Once she is done gulping down on my entire water bottle she states ,asking embarrassed again – " oops..sorry...you weren't thirsty were you?? I kinda just gulped it all down..."

I say immediately – " no  I wasnt dont worry about it at all...but you know what I am kind off amused as to how you still wont turn around to look at my face right now...i mean now that you know I am the helpful gentleman...are you going to have a conversation with your back to me right now????"

She states immediately with a embarrassed chuckle – "yes yes..most definetly yes.. well that's because I am embarrassed ofcourse ya...thanks for the water though...Mr.Stranger....."

I say immediately – " trust me...I understand...ok...so I do want to let you in on the reason why I was just observing you from afar... you know what that's one of my favourite songs you were singing to yourself out there??"

Her reply comes in a soft surprised voice – "what????? really??its one of your favourite numbers too?????"

Why can't she just turn around to look at me???

I mean I understand she is embarrassed and stuff but I really need to look at her.Will it be too Rude if I hold onto her arm and make her turn around to come face to face to me – myself? Or Jump up from the Side in front off her knowing she is embarrassed to look at me in the face right now...I mean would both the scenarios be like really Rude or Something????

I admit ,still in conflict over that thought above – " well yes really....and not just that, the reason why I stood rooted to my spot just watching you from afar before that was...also because first thing out – I have never ever in all these years..ever spotted anyone in my spot ..like ever before...literally...like never before...and I was also too shocked and dazed becuase you are kind off also dressed like how I am dressed right now...black tracks..navy blue sweatshirt hoodie, same colour sports shoes..and you also have a arm band to tuck your phone into just like ,i have one on my arm too...infact the only difference between the two of ours outwardly appearance right now is the fact that you have your Hoodie on your head right now and mine is off my head....."

"Waiiiiittttttttt??????????? What?????????????really???? And what do you mean...your spot??" – she asks in a soft surprised tone again.

I admit – " as in, this space under the Trent bridge...on the grass by the river exactly where you were sitting after...it's a space I like to come often too, to just be myself whenever I am visiting Nottingham...and over the years I just refer to it in my head as my spot..."

"ohhhhh..ohkk...I get you...I am sorry I guess? I mean you came here to be by yourself maybe but had to witness my craziness, instead...", she says embarrassment dripping in her voice again.

I answer immediately – " hey no...please don't be sorry at all...and you know what?  Another strange coincidence..hearing you sing that song was like a dejavu for me for real, because I once sat right here on my spot – listening to that very song on repeat atleast a fifty times over.. until about midnight,years ago...like back in the Summer of 2011...."

"What??? What?? What???reallllllllllyyyyyyyyyyyyy???", comes her shocked and dazed and surprised voice.

And I admit – " yup...really....."

She admits with a chuckle – " how strange is this whole crazy coincidental encounter..then??? I mean..for real...i am kind off sure that it couldn't get any more stranger than it already is right now...Mr.Stranger???do you agree??"

I am looming from behind her , leaning a little side ways so that I can see her face from the side a little atleast. But Nope I can't.The Crazy Hoodie off her Sweatshirt is covering up my Side View too now completely.– "yes I know..this is strange indeed...and I do think it cant get any stranger too....but hey.. listen..why won't you look at me now atleast...are you still embarrassed??? ..."

She admits with a chuckle – " yes...still very much embarrassed the hell out of my head..so nope...I am not looking at you Mr Stranger ..."

I ask on reflex– " ok ok fine..alrighty...I get it..but wait...can I ask you something??will you answer me???"

She nods– " yupp ok...I will...as long as you don't ask me to turn around and look at you...". I think she is smiling to herself embarrassed though...you know I can sense a smile in her voice right now.

I ask now instantly,wanting to know the answer to this – " why did you Mark up the distance in your steps to be roughly around 22 Yards?????"

She chuckles fondly as she asks – " you figured that out even?? And do you really want to know for real???"

I admit – " yes..yes..i really want to know..why 22 yards??"

She chuckle as she says – " ok this is getting really stranger now though...but amusing too you know since I have never had a conversation about this with a stranger, and that too a stranger I am too embarrassed to look into the face right now...but hey...you asked me a question about my 22 yards...I most definitely have to answer you...out of the respect and love...that I have for my 22 yards..."

WHAT DOES SHE MEAN?

I ask immediately – " what do you mean?? And why My 22 yards??"

She chuckles – " well that's because I often refer to it as - 22 yards, my love because that's what it is...the distance of 22 yards is kind off like the love of my life...and 22 is also the date I was born...22 august.."

MY HEADS IN A OVERDRIVE.

Did she just say the distance 22 yards is like the love of her Life????

Why????

I ask - "why ?? why would you say that 22 yards is the love of your life??"

She admits with a fond chuckle in her voice – " because 22 yards is the length of the cricket pitch no...that's where you play cricket... Mr Stranger...and you do realise we are kind off in the background off the iconic Trent Bridge Cricket Stadium too..."

WAIT.

WHAT?

WHAT DID SHE JUST SAY?

HOLY HELLL...THIS JUST GOT WAY TOOO STRANGER THAN IT EVER COULD BE.

She most definitely cannot be saying this because she's recognised me for who I am as Captain of the Indian Cricket Team .For she hasn't seen me at all yet and its impossible for her to recognise my voice too in real time right now too because on TV or on Mike..my voice has got a added hymm and weight to it.Everyone in my family and friends circle say so...my voice does have a different node to it in real time. And we are meeting for the first time otherwise in reality – I haven't seen her face yet and she hasn't seen mine. So I am kind off really in a ADDED DAZE right now as she says this to me.

THE DAWN OF SERENDIPITY CONTINUES TO CONSUME MY BEING.

I ask in a dazed voice – " so...you love cricket????"

She says immediately – " oh yes I do...and know what Mr Stranger..22 is also kind of my lucky number...since it matches 22 yards and is also my bday...and also that's why I chose 22 to be the number of my jersey too...I have always played with Jersey No 22..."

PLAY?

PLAY WHAT?

IF SHE SAYS CRICKET RIGHT NOW – ILL HAVE A HEART ATTACK BECAUSE OF THE CRAZINESS OF THE MOMENT IN TIME – INDEED.

I ask in daze again – " play what??what do you play???"

She chuckles now – " Mr Stranger..you really seem to be a little dim at connecting the dots ya....its so obvious in everything I just told you...but I think I need to be more specific to you maybe...so yes...you asked..play what? my love for 22 yards and the cricket pitch obviously means...I play Cricket offcourse.....like Duhhhhh...."

OKKKKKKKKKKK.

THEN.

GUYS.

THIS IS GOING DOWN AS ONE OF THE MOST FREAKIEST COINCIDENTAL ENCOUNTER MOMENT OF MY LIFE RIGHT NOW.

I ask in a dazed voice so as to just reconfirm again – " what did you just sayyyyyy????????"

She says with a chuckle in her voice again – " I said..I play cricket Mr Stranger...and I do so officially..as in professionaly, I am a cricketer..i play for India Women..i mean I am relatively new in the national team..a little over just six months...we are currently on a tour of England right now...the 3rd ODi finished last night right here at the iconic cricket stadium behind us...and we still have t20 series to play...and I am here right now because I thought being here by myself for a while will calm my jittery nerves...and also a moment from yesterday's match will have its sparkling happy affect on me..."

OH MY GOD.

SHE IS A CRICKETER.

INDIA WOMEN.

SHE PLAYSSSSSSSSSSSS PROFESSIONALY FOR INDIA????????????!!!!!!

A MEMROY CLICKS IN.Almost Immediately.

OFFCOURSE.

INDIA WOMEN – THEY WERE SCHEDULED TO BE TOURING ENGLAND IN FEBURARY.

MY BAck of My HEAD IS AWARE.How? Because I had a chat up with Mira Raj their Captain at the BCCI office before we left for the Australia NZ tour months ago, she did brief me up over the fixtures lined up for them.

But to be Honest I am kind off embarrassed to admit that – I wasn't aware of the complete details of their schedule with venue details, dates etc, because I have been so caught up with the NZ and Australia Tour for months and just taking some time off after – that I didn't follow up on developments/progress and results of their Game and Fixtures.

I should Have.

I ask now wanting to know more immediately – " and how did the ODI series go??and what happy moment from last nights match??"

She admits happiness evident in her voice – " well...we clinched the ODI series Mr Stranger, 2 – 1.England won the first match, we won the respective two that followed, and the moment from last night...well I did kind off did receive my first ever Player of the match award in an ODI last night sooo..yeah......"

WHATTTTTTTTT???

HOW MUCH MORE FREAKIER IS THIS?

She got her First player of the Match in an International ODI right here?? I got my first ever player of the match in my International Test Debut right here tooooo.

OK NOW...THIS HAS SURELY CROSSED THE LIMITS OF DAWN OF SERENDIPITY.

THIS IS MORE LIKE THE TIDES OFF SERENDIPITY RIGHT NOW.

I admit now, sure that the admiration was evident in my voice – " wow....that's amazing indeed...many many congratulations to you...I am sure you must be thrilled indeed...the first ever player of the match awards are so very precious aren't they??"

She says , excitement and happiness is evident in her voice – " ohh yes...they are so very precious indeed...you know what.. the only reason I got sleep last night was because I kind off dozed off from exhaustion the minute I lied down on my bed...or else..i surely wouldn't have got any in the excitement....", she finishes with a chuckle.

I chuckle on reflex as I ask – " really?? That exhausted???"

She nods her head – " oh yes Mr Stranger...oh yes...lotta running in between the wickets...quite a bit off it...but in my cricketing defense I had been batting for a long time..."

I ask inquisitve – " really ?? how long??"

She says – " three hours Mr Stranger...kind of like through the innings....i play on No 2..so yeahhhh ...".

Which means she opens alongside Sheena Mathur.My head rakes up now as another memory clicks in. Wait Wait Wait..is she the player Mira was mentioning about to Rohan and Me at the BCCI office months ago during our chat up where in she spoke about the upcoming fixtures. I remember She did say something like - "ASR..Rohan..we have got an excellent young opener alongside Sheena now, you should just see her Hit her Sixes...we'v started calling her Our Little Hit Girl in the Dressing room"

Is she the Little HitGirl??

And I am just about to ask her the same, if she is the one with the Nickname the Little HitGirl, when I hear her chuckle as she states – " you know what I have to admit...as strange as this is...its still kind off continues to amuse me as I am...having a conversation with my back to a Stranger...I mean its been amusing from the very start ofcourse, but its getting even more funny now, because im starting to get amazed over how much at ease I am at now...in this weird scenario.....and well it's also strangely strange that I am able to talk to you so easily even though I haven't even seen your face yet...so see I anyway chatter and jabber a lot..but what I mean is if never had a conversation this long with my back to someone..for mostly I like to see the person in their face during my conversations..."

I admit sure she could sense the grin in my voice – "and well..you gotta beleive that iv never been in a conversation for these many minutes with someone with their backs to me for real..and its also likewise in the latter..as in...I feel very much at ease in this weird situation...and  I do want to talk to you for a couple of minutes more if that's ok?and please also know that I most definetly want to see your face too...its you who won't turn around to look at me..Iv been  kind off fighting the urge to just turn you around or jump up straight in front of you for a while now...but I'm not doing any of the above becuase I dont want to come across as rude..since I know you are consumed with embarrassment right now..."

Oh Man -  she most surely will get the Shock off Her Life as she Turns around to Look at Meee.

I am biting back my grin, fighting the Urge to Jump up in front off Her - Again.

She states - " thats really very kind off you to be considerate over how embarrassed I am right now..thanks..and well yes..I am ok to talk for a couple of minutes more...but..", she pauses and immediately puts her one hand up to her side shaking her finger in a No – No gesture – " however it's still nope on that since..I'm still too embarrassed so...yes...not happeneing..I am telling you ya...I am not turning around..."

Ok.

This One.She's really Captivating and Adorable.

I cant FREAKING beleive this.As in..I haven't even seen her face Yet and I am so Drawn to Her.

What is even Happening Right now? I have no THOUGHTFUL logic to Support it.

It's just Strangely Biazzare.

But Strangely Biazzare in a Very Good Way - Indeed.

In a Stangely Bizzarw but a Precious Bizzare kind off WAY - Too.

But Like really though?How is it Possible for me to feel so Drawn and Connected to both the Moment and Her, when I havent even seen her Yet. AND She also doesnt even know my Name Yet!!!

I admit now , hoping that this will make her turn around – " well SO..how about this...I am hoping that this will make you turn around...what if I tell you I love the 22 yards too...as in I love cricket too...its also kind off like the love of my life too....so see...i just told you that we have another thing in common then...wont you still turn around??cmon atleast now....just...look at me..."

She hasn't turned around but asks , curiosity evident in her voice – " really??? You love cricket too??you say it's the love of your life too??? So you watch the matches then surely too????but wait?? Do you watch our matches too? As in like the womens team??",and her shoulders droop a little as she states with a sigh – " well I am guessing you don't because then you would know the result of the ODI series we just played no??so..i guess..you are only interested in watching the men's games perhaps..well...its ok..i understand you know...I get it...i mean cmon,we are all aware about the dominant love of patriarchy in the world of cricket..."

SHOOT.

I KNOW WHAT SHE MEANS BY THAT.

AS IN WHY SHE SAID THAT.

ITS SOMETHING THAT I FEEL IS VERY UNFAIR TOO – PERSONALLY.

I state on reflex in an apologetic tone – " I' m sorry...as in please know that personally I think its really unfair too...because it's the same game...and I do keep a tap on India Women's progress too...but I'v just been caught up in my hectic work profile...so I haven't been able to keep a tap off your fixtures and game developments off late.."

She states In a comforting tone as she shrugs her shoulders – " why are you saying sorry ya...please don't be sorry...I understand.."

I ask immediately – " it must be overwhelming right though?? the gender bias? how does everyone in the current team take this??"

She sighs but her voice Is relaxed as she shrugs – " well...to be honest...it does get overwhelming ya sometimes Mr Stranger but we don't let it deter our spirit trying to keep as much as focus on our game and performance which is the key, and honestly things are improving and getting better for us and we have full conviction that's its only going to improve from here on as long as we continue to perform with the bat....we have faith Mr Stranger....and on a personal level..its like I love the game..period...and in the end it all narrows down to that..hence we all go on determined and positively, observing our amazing Men in Blue and their game very closely so that we can learn and adapt from it as much as we can....why look at things sourly when you can twist your perception to look at it as a learning curve instead...because our Mens team do have so much experience and exposure too..so why not observe and learn instead??? You know sometimes injustice watch repeat telecast of our mens team matches and observe their shot taking techniques..depending on how the ball swings..you know like spin vs speed....and also we all have our list of inspirations from the men's team...and you know what...to be honest...personally i just want to play ya be it domestic or international..just give me a bat and ball and my 22 yards and I am sorted...", she finishes with a loving chuckle.

Ok.

Everything she Just Said...Hits a Mark within my Head and Heart almost Immediately.Thats really an amazing way of going around embracing and working your way around the current Gender Disparity in Our Sport so that it doesnt pulls ones spirit down and helps one keep their focus on the love for the Game.

She clearly is a great sportsperson in the Making and very very passionate about Cricket - Indeed.

And.

Now.

I also want to know all about her Inspiration List from the Men in Blue Team.

Kind off Curious...to know..If my name in it??

I hope It Is.

Guys.

I am surprised to find myself already crazily Hoping that My Name is in her Inspirational List.

What's wrong with me?????

But before I get to asking her about that list..I need to tell her I admire her spirit of sportsmanship. I admit my admiration and respect for her rising manifolds and I am sure its evident in my voice too – "so everything you just said..really makes me respect and admire you a lot right now...it reflects the fact that you are a sporting person and have a great spirit for sportsmanship which is the mark off a  integral sportsperson indeed....."and she says warmly ,her voice softening – " thank you for that Mr Stranger....you really are very very kind..." , and I ask immediately my inquisitiveness rising because I need to know – " for womens domestic in India...which state and zone do you play for???"

And please know - If she says Delhi and North Zone, then the TIDE OF SERENDIPIDITY WILL  TURN INTO A MASSIVE WAVE -because I played for Delhi and North Zone respectively too, in my Domestic Days.

Something in MY Gut tells me that she is going to say Delhi and North Zone.

And right She says – " Delhi, and North Zone respectively..."

HOLY FREAKING HELL.

GUYS.

DO YOU SEE HOW INSANELY FREAKISHLY COINCIDENTAL THINGS OUR IN BETWEEN OF US ???

And How did I even have the Gur Hunch for her answer right before she said it?? And I was Right about it Too.

INSANE.

I ask NOW – " so remember how you mentioned you all have your inspirational list from the Men in Blue team...so..do you have one too?? Will you tell me about it???"

She chuckles immediately as she states – "ofcourse I have one ya...but why do you want to know?? Ok lemme guess.. You want to know if any of my inspirational cricketing heros from our mens team matches the players you are a fan off too??"

I bite back my grin - " oh yes..that's precisely why..I want to know..."

She states shrugging her shoulders in a relaxed way - " Ok fine I promise to tell you all about my list if you tell me simultaneously as I state their names ...if you are a fan of then too."

OK.

THIS IS GOING TO BE FUN.

OK SCRATCH THAT.

This is Already FUN.

Like Funner - or More like The Funnest. PERHAPS.

I Dont think that's an official word from the Oxford dictionary though.

I also...just cant wait to see the Look on her Face when she Sees Me.

Actually it's me who just cant wait to see Her too from a while now.But now it's like my itch to see her in the face its crossing the Peak to Pinnacle.

Oh wait.Hold On.Shes waiting for me to answer.
I bite back my grin as I say – " ok...fine..deal..i promise i will tell you if I am a fan of the players you mention from your list...too..tell me now..cmon...shoot...."

She asks amused - " pakka se ? Like you have to tell me simultaneously ok as I go along my list..I'll tell you all about my top 5 inspirational players from the current men in blue team.."

I grin to myself and answer - " yes pakka se...I promise..I will tell you simultaneously...."

I cant wait to Know her List.

She better get on with it Now.

"Ok then..we gotta deal happening here Mr Stranger..I'll just get on with my List then..."

" yes please...get on with it...".I answer,please know it's crazy that my insides are churning up in anticipation.I have never ever wanted to be on anyone's Inspirational List - This Bad.

She picks up her hand to her side as she says pointing out her Index finger in a Number 1 – " okkkk....soooo...at NO 1 on that List would be Skipper ASR or as to how I sometimes like to refer to him in my Head...Skipper Blue...you know duhhh since he leads the Men in Blue...and I'm pretty much sure you are a fan off him too...I mean who isnt?? His entire cricketing journey is so awe inspiring from domestic to under 19 to vice captaincy to then test Captaincy and to now leading the men in blue in all formats and also dude..look at his individual player rankings in the ICC table..no 1 in ODI..No 2 in Test and in top ten in t20 ranking too..what a remarkable feat ya...you know what..I watch and observe his game a lot..you know since he opens in the Test format too for India..I'm a big fan actually big would be an understatement more like a colossal fan....so cmon then tell me are you a fan off him too?? I am pretty much sure you are..and...also on that note...do you  know Skipper Blue made his INTERNATIONAL Test Debut in this very stadium...right behind us...."

Okkkkk.Then.Guys.

My Insides Grin and I am beyond just Elated to Dicover that I am on that  No 1.Spot ...on her Inspirational List.

Feels REALLY Good.

Like Really really Good.

But.Now

I am also biting back my Grin and holding onto my Laugh with great Difficulty.

I am just seconds away from bursting out into Giggles and Laughter.

Why?

FIRST THING OUT - I am really enjoying myself...over How Maximumly  Bizzareeee this Situation has Gotten..she surely is going to get the Shock off her Life as she Sees me Now.

Also.NO ONES EVER CALLED ME SKIPPER BLUE.

I LIKE THE SOUND OF THAT.

And Now I just feel the Need to tell her that shes been talking to Skipper Blue all this while.

Just can't wait to see the Expression on her face now.

I say immediately biting back a chuckle with great difficulty again - " ofcourse yes...Skipper..ASR..or as you mentioned Skipper Blue....hes on my player fan list too...I'm such a big fan and I am obviously aware that he made his test debut right here too...but you know what..I also know a fun fact about him that i think you dont know...and I want to let you in on it right now..since you know he is no 1 on your inspiration list ,its only fair..."

She asks inquisitive - " really you know a fun fact that I dont know...??? What fun fact???please tell me..."

I say,knowing that these words will immediately give my identity away to her - " actually it's not a fun fact...its like a secret...do you know this place where we are standing right now is kind off like His Spot...why? Becuase he was so very nervous before his first ever international test debut and that's why the night before the match, he came right here to this very spot...and jogged around gazing up at the vicinity of the stadium mentally conditioning himself with self belief and motivation to gear himself to perform in the longest format of the game too...and guess what...he also listened to Michael Boltons - Go the Distance..on repeat a little over fifty times that night too...that night in the Summer of 2011..."

She says instantly puzzled- " wait what?????? This is like his spot too?? And wait...How do you know such a personal detail??? And didnt you say that this is your spot..and you heard Michael boltons Go the Distance right here on repeat a fifty times over too on a night back in the summer of 2011....how do you....ohhh hell...wait...wait..wait...." , and she pauses in her words immediately as I sense her shoulder and all of her Freeze now in front off me and she asks her voice in a daze shock - " wait wait wait...come again...as in...what did you just say???? ".

Ok that's it.

I cant hold on any longer.

I think I have been Patient - Enough.

I need to see her Face and the Expressions on it Right Now.

The dimmed lights from the Lamp posts around and the gazing fleeting lights from the Traffic over the Trent Bridge and the lights reflection off the Blue lights from the Bridge over the waters to our side - will be Like Enough Light Setting to atleast let her Recognise me For Real...and give me the Opportunity to see her Face.

Shes also Still Frozen and Rooted to Her Spot in front off me in a Pin DROP silence right now.

Literally in a Pin Drop Frozen Silence.

I chuckle to myself from behind her and I move up from behind her from the sides and standing in front off her now as I admit with a grin up my face - " well I know such a personal detail...because I am Him....Skipper ASR..or you know what..I like the Sound of Skipper Blue better....do you know no ones ever called me Skipper Blue..."

THE EXPRESSION OF DAZE..SHOCK...AND OVERHEELMING SUPRPRISE SWIMS THROUGH HER EYES ALMOST INSTANTLY AS SHE TAKES IN THE SIGHT OFF ME IN FRONT OF HER RIGHT NOW.

I know How?

Because I have literally never Seen - Eyes as Expressive as Hers..Ever.

Shes truly got the Most Expressive Eyes.

They Talk in a language off their Own and I am very Surprised to discover that I can comprehend the Language they talk In.

She's Freaking Freaked Out Right now as her Eyes continue to widen even more now...more like to the size of cups and saucers or rather to the size of the maroon cricketing ball we play matches with as she continues to Gape and Gaze at me in a Shocked state..Frozen to her Spot Like a Statue.

I am way beyond just Captivated as I take in the opportunity of the Silence shes Statued in and Gaze at her keeping my eyes locked with Hers.

Why? Because I cant beleive I am finally seeing her Face now.

You all know iv been wanting too see it For A While Now.

And instantly I know...that it's a Face...I'm never going to Forget not just because it's so FREAKING Innocently and strikingly Beautiful..but also because off the transparent play off expressions on every inch off her face right Now.

Her eyes are Talking.

So is her Face.

Her Face is Literally Talking to Me...too.

Its telling me that SHE's STILL Totally IN STATUE SHOCK/DAZED/HAZED.MODE - UNABLE TO PROCESS THE REALITY OFF  ME BEING IN FRONT OF HER RIGHT NOW.

Her open hair are peeking out messily from the sides off  that Brooding Hoodie that continues to Cover Up her Head. And  Her cheeks are still a little flush red from all that Intense Pattern Exercising..and maybe add a flush of Mountains of Shock and Embarrasement to it Now - Too.

I cant seem to pull my eyes away from Hers.

I dont know why though.

So I continue looking into her Eyes in silence too...Hypnotised by the Crazyily Insane Moment.

A couple of minutes later...as shes still Statued /Dazed and Shocked...the only reaction she displays is a Blink of her Eye...which is followed by a flutter of many more adorable blinks as if shes re-checking up on the Vision off me being in front off her - for Real.

I chuckle on reflex now as I fold my arms across my chest amused and enchanted and I state - " you dont need to blink thousand times to reanalyse your vision...its me...for real...ok how about I introduce myself formally...hi...I am Arnav Singh Raizada...and I am a cricketer too...you play for India Womens..I play for India Men...", I finish with a chuckle.

And to my surprise I see many overwhelmed expressions flow through her eyes instantly as she still continues to stands in front of me in a dazed silence and just as i am about to comprehend her expressions...she just Blinks again and takes three steps backward and turns around on her heel and starts to walk away from me.

WAITTTTTTTTT!!!

WHATTTTTT???????????

DID SHE JUST WALK AWAY FROM ME?????

WHYYYY???

WHY IS SHE WALKING AWAY FROM MEE??

I dont give it a second thought and I walk up or rather pace up behind her immediately and my hand reaches out on it's own accord and I catch hold of her hand by her wrist as I ask - " why are you walking away Khushi??? That's your name right?? I mean I heard you talking to your friend over the phone.."

She whispers softly - " yes..my name is Khushi...".Thank God she halted in her tracks becuase of my hold on her hand right now and is not trying to sprint away from me and I ask again - " why are you walking away Khushi..."

She Stammers softly - " I am sorry...as in...I..I.. ....as..in..i didnt anticipate running into you this way ever...ASR...I am sorry..i didnt mean to offend you...as being rude or something as in...oh hell...I called you..a potential crazy creepy crawly burgular too..holy shit ya...I am...so very...sorry Sir....."

I chuckle because her Nervousness is  way too Adorable and enchanting right now, and I state instantly - " please..dont you ever call me Sir Again alright...I'm no Sir to you...we are both cricketers.."

She stammers - " I meant....it more like out of Respect..you are my senior...and a legend of indian cricket...Skipper Blue...."

I chuckle as I jump up from behind her to stand in front off her again as I say, looking into her nervous eyes again - " Skipper Blue...I told you..I like the sound of that.. from you...no ones ever called me that before...so you call me Skipper Blue if you want..dont put all that nonsensical Sir business in there please???"

She nods her head a ten times over in a Daze that's really camping up on the Adorable Meter and she  takes in a deep breathe and her shoulders relax a little and she plonks out her hand out for a shake and I grin and shake it instantly and she states - " hello Skipper Blue...I think it'll be really rude if I dont introduce myself to you...I am Khushi..I play for India Women..at No 2...I'm a right handed batswomen...they categorise me as a batting all rounder...my jersey no is 22...and I am a big fan off your game indeed...your cricketing journey is so very inspirational to me...I.. I..." and she pauses in her adorable rant and she shoots me another nervous smile, taking her hand out of mine now - " ohh shoot...you already know all about what I just said.. dont you.. god..I'm just rambling in my nervousness now...before I make a bigger fool out of myself now in front of you...ill take your leave now...skipper blue..it was really nice to meet you...bye...I wish you have a good night...." and she turns around in her heel and starts to sprint away from me again.

I dont like the sight of her walking away from me.

Why?

I dont know.

Yet.

I am trying to figure this out.

I think I dont like the fact that my Cricketing Identity has overwhelmed And Overpowered the Serendipity off the Moments in between of Us - before she knew who I was.

I call out on relfex pacing up behind her a little,my feet acting up on their own accord - " how about If we just chill and talk here on my spot...and maybe you can tell me all about your memorable moments from your match last night...and I'll tell you all about my iconic moments off the matches I have played here..surely starting from the match where in I made my Test Debut..and I am not talking about the moments/ milestones the score run figures/ the stats that are there for the public to look up online..how about we talk about the cricketing emotions we as players have gone through...during those matches???"

She halts in her tracks again and she turns around to look at me in a dazed surprise as she asks in disbelief- " you want to talk to me right now???"

I admit nodding my head - " yea...pretty much...I want too..I hope you want to..too...can we just talk more for a bit? If that's ok with you??"

She nods her head again in a surprised Daze, her eyes blinking again adorably and she gives me a nervous smile which does seem a little more relaxed right now as she states biting back a grin now,as our eyes lock - " I only have one match tale to tall about though...its you who has got tons to talk about no....and I think...I do want to know all about your iconic moments from your matches right here... ", she gestures with her thumb pointing back to the vicinity of the trent bridge cricketing stadium behind us.

And just like that I burst out Laughing into giggles...over the display off ray of transparent expressions on her Face.

My laughter has always been contagious - I know.

She starts to laugh now too - shes still very nervous and Embarraded though.

Oh I can most surely see through That.

Just Like I can see through the Thought - that's just consumed my head right now.

Thought what?

I dont think I'll  be able to get the Image off her Innocent Precious Laughter and Sparkling Strikingly expressive Eyes - out of my Mind.

Is this My Life Sending me a  CLEAR Cut Signage right  now????

I dont know Yet.

Maybe I'll just have to spend more time with her - to Figure out the workings around that Perhaps.

And Spend Time - I Would.

I MOST DEFINETLY WOULD.

..................

TADAAAAAA!!!

OK GUYSSSS...I am so so so eager to know what you all think of the first Meet of Skipper Blue + Our Little Hit Girl.

Serendipity Much?????

Haha!!

Just had to make them meet by chance first..before the Default Encounters set in!! FOR ONE CHANCED ROLL OF DICE HAS A POWER OFF A MASSIVE UPPERCUT SIXER NO????

HAHA.

thanks guys for all the Love and Support as always.

Next Update : In a Day or Two...will be from Khushis POV as this Chanced Encounter Continues..

Also...for everyone who is also reading up on Chaotic 2.0..please know...I will be writing this plot out this week to build it up to a certain point before I switch to writing 4/5 back to back updates of Chaotic 2.0

Thanks guys for all the Love and Support as Always.

Much Love

Prachi