CHAPTER 31.1 – THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE 'FLICKERING' SPOTLIGHT

4 years ago

mysticaltales11111

@mysticltales111

Helloooo everyoneeeee

So I am here with the First Update for HW2.0 - this week.

Its about 13K words everyoneee.

Please Note – We are Now 34 More Days, forward into the Story!!

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This is the First Draft. Please definitely ignore editing/common repition of words errors etc – since I have not proofread.

Also.

A big Shout out to all the Real Life Women Cricketers out there who participated in the Women's championship league for the teams Supernova – Velocity and Trailblaizersss in Dubai !! Trailblazersss won the Title! Lets Hope for a Full Fledged IPL for them, from next year on – this was an amazing Step Up – for Sureee!!!!!

Also, yes this is the First Draft. Please definitely ignore editing/common repition of words errors etc – since I have not proofread.

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CHAPTER 31.1 – THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE 'FLICKERING' SPOTLIGHT

ONE MONTH FOUR DAYS LATER

21st SEPTEMBER, 2019

AT SIDDHI – Gupta Mansion –

7PM

Sagar Gupta grins to himself happily as he keeps his eyes glued to his I-Pad, re-watching the sports news video bytes from earlier this morning.

He had Two Reasons to keep his eyes Glued to the Screen, re-watching these bytes.

First reason. It really was after a Long Time that India Women's Cricket Team was surrounded by media at the Departure Terminals at IGI – as they left for their Limited Over's International Tour to South Africa, this morning. His heart was consumed in immense joy once again, as he saw his little girl getting off the bus, grinning alongside the rest of the team – as Mira and Harpreet (respective Captains ODI's & T20's and their Head Coaches), interacted with the Media and discussing with them that how they were all vouching the unit for a successful tour. And he couldn't help but smile once more as he spotted his daughter, Sheena and Jess, and Harpreet answer a couple of questions brief and quick that were directed at them personally, as journalists asked them how they were still feeling all fresh after their successful run as players at the Kia Super League Tournament.

It is right then that he sees his wife enter His Study all smiling and she goes onto stand behind Sagar happily as she keeps a hand on his shoulder and says grinning – " just knew it that I would find you right here Sagar, watching the sports news bytes from this morning....even though you'v seen this a hundred times already.."

Sagar pats his wife's hand all happily on his shoulder, beaming – " ofcourse Nisha, it isn't everyday that the women's unit, gets a media coverage before their departure for an international tour. Are you seeing this Nisha?? Just look at our little girl in there, just look at that excitement on her face leaving for this tour to South Africa with the rest of the national unit...she's been so so excited for this, we both know that..i am so sure it's going to be a brilliant learning experience for her, just like the Kia was.."

Nisha grins as she hugs her husband from behind – " and well she is technically our little girl Sagar and always will be...but a lot of people in the country now call her India's Little Hit Girl too Sagar..as all our girls did India extremely proud in the Kia League...Western Storm won the League and Khushi and Sheena ended up being the top two highest run scorers from their team collectively, their opening partnership lighting up the tournament and they also ended up being in the Top 5 run scorers in the entire tournament...and Surrey Stars the team, Harpreet and Jess played for ended up third in the league as well...so so proud of not just Khushi but all our girls...their collective performance in the league has really triggered a spotlight on India Women..."

Sagar looks back his wife happily and gets up and walks to the mantle in his study where he had asked Khushi, to display her medals and player of the matches trophies from the Kia(she had won Three Player of the Matches in the Kia) and he says proudly, touching her awards, with love – " I know right?? I still can't believe this Nisha, my little girl scored 600 runs in her first international league tournament, ever...and mind you this is me getting goosebumps again as I recall that game of her's with six sixes in a row, ten in the innings and 110 not out.."

Nisha grins happily as she walks up to him and touches her daughter's trophy and awards too alongside her husband and says now placing her head on his shoulder, lovingly – " it often feels like it was just yesterday that the little her at 10 walked up to us and told us – Mom, dad..i love swimming but I think Its cricket that's going to be it for me..i love the game...it's what I am going to play.i love hitting Sixes..i am going to play for India one day.."and she pauses as she feels happiness consume her heart – " and here she is today, at 21...in the process of living her dreams..i can't explain the joy I feel within for her Sagar..for we know how passionate she is about her game..." and Sagar grins and side hugs his wife happily – " well yes, it does feel like this moment was just something that happened yesterday indeed Mrs Gupta..."and he turns to look at his wife and says beaming in pride – " and you know what makes me feel even more proud as a father today? It's now she's dealing with all this spotlight up online that's come on her..she's been quite mature and sorted through it.. just taking it at its face value and keeping it at an arms distance not letting it affect her head beyond a measure...she's adapting to it well.."

Nisha nods in agreement – " she surely is...and Well the spotlight was inevitable Sagar, after that brilliant knock of hers and I think she was a little nervous about it at first as Mira and Ravi posted her video up and the next morning, remember how Rahul and me woke her up with the call – that there's this insane amount of buzz online as everyone started to comment on Ravi and Mira's Insta wanting to know, more about her as the video kind off went viral online and on whatsapp eventually...and well it was in no time that a lot of people looked her up online on the BCCI's website in the national women squad information and the next thing we know that there are articles about her and the rest of the girls performance in the Kia going up on all national dailies sports sections, online..almost every second third day since then until the tournament finished, and not just that there are certain reporters who'v started to cover up all of India's women in cricket as well be it domestic or international since then and when these four arrived back in India after Kia, their collective and individual statements to the Media in that live conference from BCCI'S head office, thanking them for this wonderful opportunity as well, also helped trigger the much needed attention to women's cricket scene in the country.." and she pauses and now extends her hand out to touch Khushi's winning medal from the Western Storm team and says softly – " you know what Sagar, today I am happy and content about this, not only as a mother but more so as a woman remember when there was a time when our little girl used to get bullied by all those boys in the school, for choosing to keep playing cricket, irrespective of the numerous number of times they would tell her, it's a man's game..sport is a man's world..and she would come back home conflicted and vulnerable and rush into my arms and ask why did gender have to be the defining factor in sport?"

Sagar sidehugs his wife, happily feeling only appreciation take over his heart for how amazing his wife was as a mother to their two children – " ofcourse Nisha, I remember..and you would always tell her that only her dreams had to be her defining factors, never what these bullies say. How could I ever forget that vulnerable phase Khushi went through and how you always counselled her and guided her to follow her dreams irrespective of what the world says..."

Nisha smiles as she hugs Sagar back a little as she says – " and I know I would like to earn some mommy points in here, but no Sagar it wasn't just me..it was us...it was you who also guided her with the fact that it isn't just about focusing on the fact that Cricket is a Man's world and where patriarchy has been ever so dominant...you made her see the importance of focusing on the focal point of equality that eventually both the genders need each other to coexist peacefully, and she could not let disappointment over the dominant love for patriarchy crush her dreams ever and that bit from you actually helped her through the disappointment she's faced because of the gender angle so that it didn't result into some kind of biased prejudice against the other gender..because prejudice isn't healthy obviously mentally...so yes Mr Gupta I could say that we both did our bits and Rahul ofcourse, remember how he would always tell her, hey junior who told you that only men can play cricket..look at me I am a boy but I surely cannot play as good as you and have no talent for cricket. I can't even hit a six like you or make that even a four for that matter, so you must always remember my junior that talent has no gender...you must do what you want to do..nonetheless...always"

Sagar nods happily and hugs Nisha and she hugs him back and continues softly – "so it really wasn't just me Sagar...it was all of us in some ways or the other also to be fair enough we must also say that this also includes all our near friends and family relatives for they were always supportive towards Khushi and weren't judgemental or condescending towards her career choices and the ones who even had their doubts were kind enough to keep it to themselves.."

Sagar grins to that – " and that was all because they knew how fiercely protective you are of your children Nisha..they knew you aren't the one who is going to take snide remarks towards her kids easily, and would like to give it back always with a lot of grace and love but you did always give it back..."

Nisha winks – " ofcourse Sagar..and why must not I remind anyone who is being snide that the matter isn't really like any of their business anyway..i mean I have always been very clear that what my children choose to do dream and pursue in their lives is totally their business and their choices...my children will always be my children no matter what they choose to do...my love for them isn't subject to disclaimers...I haven't given birth to robots after all, they are humans with their own dreams and lives and journeys..."

Sagar nods and smiles – " indeed...bache toh hamare bache rahenge...hamesha...(indeed our children will always be our children no matter what)also...no wonder Khushi was so emotional when she got back home after the tournament from UK, going on her thank you and gratitude spree to us all almost every day..."

Nisha holds onto her husband's hand and hands him ,their daughters medal – " Yes ofcourse...And to just see her today as being a part of the process, which has brought some sort of a spotlight to our women in cricket and sport in genral,just feels amazing within for me as a woman, as well Sagar..as in remember how I told you that Ranjana was telling me that shivi was saying that in the entire women's training cricket camp in Jaipur , the one shivi is attending...this attention coming to women's cricket now is surely a ray of positivity for all the young girls out there who dream to make career in the sport..."

Sagar clutches on the medal lovingly and winks at his wife – " well it feels amazing for me too Mrs Gupta because I know how much this means to our little girl...and Shivi surely is very dedicated herself now and focussed as well...I wont be surprised if we see her playing alongside the playing 11 with Khushi in the coming years..that would surely make Ranjana and Hridhaan very happy as well.."

Nisha nods happily – " oh yes if that actually happens..i think Ranjana and me will be taking the first seats in the crowd to watch our daughters kill it on the 22 yards together...Hridhaan is a very good brother as well...he almost reminds me of how encouraging and supportive Rahul has been towards Khushi on this aspect...always helps no Sagar.."

Sagar nods and smiles – " oh yes surely helps greatly...I do quite enjoy the bond that our children have Nisha amongst themselves..one of the blessings of god surely.."

Nisha nods – " surely indeed..."

Sagar continues with a happy sigh – " and like I mentioned earlier another thing that makes my heart beam in pride right now is the fact that Khushi's genuinely more keen on having more spotlight on the women in cricket rather than just on herself as an individual, as her father I was only but proud when I heard her say to us all, last night – that the External Spotlight was never going to define her game...for she was always going to keep her focus on her Internal Spotlight for that was what mattered to her in the long run...that inner spotlight being her love for her game..it felt amazing to just hear her say...yeh external spotlight ka kya hai dad..aaj hai kal nai hai..aise temporary cheezon se toh long term commitment nahi define karsakte na....mere sapne hai...mujhe hi unke peeche jaana haina..koi dekhe ya na dekhe..aaj dekh rahe hai...hosakta hai kal phir bhool jaye..main toh apni inner spotlight kabhi nai bhool sakti.. "(eng trans: it felt amazing to just hear her say..dad,i am well aware that this external spotlight is flickering in nature..it's there today and isn't there tomorrow..so why must something temporary like this define my long term commitment behind my dreams..it never really will..these are my dreams it's me who is going to go after them and chase them, whether anyone see's /appreciates or not...its today that people are seeing...its probable that they will forget all about it tomorrow...its upto me to keep my Inner Spotlight – Lit UP all the time, no matter what)

Nisha nods with a grin – " well yes that from her did feel amazing Sagar...I was in awe for a minute.."

Sagar sighs happily – "you were in awe..i had goosebumps Nisha..almost made me feel like when did my little girl grow up so fast though..why do they grow up so fast Nisha??"

Nisha nods with another grin – "I wish I had the answer to that Sagar..but I guess its just the cycle of life, that they just do.."

Sagar nods says with a sincere smile – " and I think her being so sorted about this entire Spotlight does have something to do with the fact as to how closely she's been able to observe the flickering nature of this spotlight with regards to the men in blue and ASR...you know as in we'v all obviously seen this happen to the unit before but now since we are so close with the Raizada's we are all aware of the emotional background of it all as well...as in I am sure that Anjali and Rahul must have given a brief up to Khushi about the way ASRs been wading his way around this bit...they've all had a to face so much mentally in these last couple of months...and he's held his nerve and spirit in a way that beyond just commendable Nisha...and I am sure Anjali and Rahul talked about that to Khushi eventually...on that note I am going to tell the same to Arnav and Abhimanyu tonight, once more that I really commend the way with which he has waded his way through all that had been happening since the world cup loss.."

Nisha smiles now – " I know what you mean and I think so too...am also going to tell the same to Reva again tonight and I also think this is the exact spot where I remind you Mr Gupta that you need to finish getting ready so that we can leave on time for the family dinner with them all..i was just on phone with Reva uptil five minutes ago and I did tell her that we will all be on time, Rahul and Anjali will be here as well in a couple of minutes since I told them ill be in the study with you...so please do not delay..."

Sagar grins and asks now – " how are the preps for Rahul + Anjalis new room coming along Nisha...I mean our sons room is too masculine..definetly gotta have that toned down into neutral as per anjali's wishes before the wedding..."

Nisha nods and grins – " yes yes...that and also more wardrobe space...why do you think I asked Anjali to come over after lunch today, so that I could take her inputs in on the same...we are almost done with putting all our ideas together..you don't worry about that Sagar...I just need to remind you again that you need to hurry up and get to getting ready..quickly.."

Sagar grins and nods and walks back to his Study table and picks up his tab and switches on the sports bytes again and says grinning ,taking his seat back - " well yes thank you very much for the reminder again....and I promise I will get to that in a couple of minutes but not before I also see the video byte of the warm welcome our Men in Blue received this afternoon at the IGI..they deserve it too Nisha after all this insane backlash for the couple of months, and just look at how they all have answered with their bat..specially Arnav..he not only stayed silent and strong through the entire backlash but also through that debacle about where people were talking about removing him as Skipper....and he's come out shining through as the winner through it all...for its his bat and leadership that has talked on the field irrespective of what was going on in the background and how...he's shot upto the No 1 position from his previous no 2 spot in the ICC test rankings as well now...and is still currently leading on no 1 in the ICC ODI ranking as well and in the top 10 in the ICC t20 rankings too...and not just that..look at how he's led India to a clean victory in West Indies this time around despite the hate and the wrath that he was facing up in the eyes of the public...he stood tall and determined by his role as Skipper and performed it to the T with dedication nonetheless... i am so happy for him and the full unit..cmon then..watch with me Nisha..look at the grace with which Arnav is addressing the media..so humble and grounded..."

It is right then they hear Rahul and Anjali step into the study and Rahul says grinning holding onto Anjali's hand – " indeed Dad...that's ASR for us all...always grounded and humble...there's absolutely no gloat in ASR's tone with being like oh you all were bashing us and we proved with our bat nonetheless instead he is thanking all the fans who have always stood by the unit be it highs or lows.... I mean if I were in his place I would have gloated about it at least a tad bit little, with a playful remark here and there....i even texted him that..."

Anjali nudges Rahul happily with her arm - "yeahhh right...but bhai has seen this swing through the high's and low so many times prior as well na Rahul but yes although this was a very tough phase, I think he's kind of adapted to it and built some kind off immunity to it all in the sense that he'd rather have his bat and game speak and answer for itself..."

Sagar grins happily as he says- " which is probably the wisest thing to do indeed, beta..cmon you all...lets watch this together for a couple of minutes and then I gotta go get ready and the two of you give your mum company in the meanwhile.."

Nisha, Anjali and Rahul nod happily and walks up to join Sagar as they resume seeing the video of The Men in Blue and Arnav – being received all warmly at the IGI this afternoon.

So this was the second reason as to Why – Sagar Gupta had been holding onto his iPad all happily.

The Men in Blue had arrived this afternoon at 2pm from a very successful West Indies tour where-in they won the test series against WI taking the lead 3-2 in a series that is a part of the World Test Championships, and not just that they clinched the T20 and ODI series with 3 wins to themselves too.

Arnav had also received the Player of the Series in both Test and ODI 5 match series and Rohan had received the player of the Series in T20 5 match series , and it was also India's collective performance as a unit on field in all aspects batting, bowling and fielding that had once again garnered a lot of positive appreciation, which had silenced the Collective Haters on it's own accord.And with the shift in the ICC ratings and Arnav shifting to the No 1 spot (due to his excleelnt performance in the last two tests )from his previous no 2 in the ICC test rankings, had also silenced all the Haters who were attacking him personally up on Social Media for a little while and the ones who still chose to rebuke him and the team were now facing one on ones in online comments with the Men in Blue – ardent fanhood who stood by them nonetheless. The Men in Blue including their Skipper hadn't let the backlash mess with their Head, and they weren't ever going to , because it was more important for them to just continue to focus on doing their Jobs in national sporting duty with dedication and hard work – nonetheless.

Sagar says now minutes later as they all finish watching the video– " ah the curious case of the flickering spotlight everyone...I am so glad that Khushi has understood the complexities of it all...well in time...for this way it can never really mess up her head...."and he looks at Anjali and Rahul and says with a smile – " I am pretty sure that the two of you spoke about Arnav's way of handling things, through all of this in bits to her...which is what cemented her learning on the same perhaps?"

Rahul nods – " ofcourse Dad...you know id always want Junior to be prepared for everything.."

Anjali nods and smiles and admits sincerely – " but to be honest Dad, we didn't really need to say much to prep her in the head...she's pretty sorted about it all herself..." and she looks at her phone and says – "there's still time to her landing in Cape Town tonight...I miss her so much already..even mom and dadi said they were going to miss her at dinner tonight.."

Nisha finally says to Sagar, now as Anjali mentioned about the dinner – "alrighty Mr Gupta you need to get going to get ready so that we don't get late..."

Sagar grins and nods and finally makes his way out of his study up to his room – to get ready, which was not going to take him long because he was always very quick in that bit of his routine anyway.

Meanwhile, as Sagar leaves – Nisha finally takes her seat on the sofa and Anjali and Rahul sit in front of her and Anjali rolls her eyes at Rahul playfully as she looks at Nisha and says now – " Mum...just look at him, he is back to frowning the minute Dad was out of sight..you tell him no...I am tired of explaining him that he needs to stop getting so worked up about this Mr Stranger's identity..we must trust Khushi on this...since that what she asked us to do even before she left this time..she told us he makes her happy right...isn't that what matters.."

Nisha sighs as she sips a glass of water. She knew that her son has obviously been worried about this bit since last night. Because Khushi got the two of them together last evening before Sagar arrived at home and got Anjali up on the conference call and confided in them that she wanted to tell the three of them about a very important development at her personal end, before she was leaving for this tour to South Africa. And this development that has obviously got her son worked up and worried is the fact that his little Junior was now Dating – Mr.Stranger.

Actually as a mother she didn't know whether to Sigh or Smile, because she knew her son was a protective brother and at the same time, she understood that it was natural for her daughter to also explore her feelings around Dating and being with the one she liked. Liking someone and feeling emotions for them was only but a natural experience and part and parcel of Life.

Nisha says smilingly – " khushi's happiness matters Rahul...its priority always..."

Rahul nods at Anjali and his mother as he says biting back his sigh now– " yes that obviously matters anj and mom...but this is perpetually like an online romance most of the time, alright? Long distance and virtual stuff , this is exactly what I am so concerned about as well as in..what if he hurts her...what if he is just fooling around with her on one side and on the other end, probably cheating on her by two timing her with someone else in real time...and my junior won't even be able to catch him up on it, why so? Because she's so naïve and innocent, it's her first time dating afterall..."

Anjali sighs as she says – " Rahul...this isn't fair alright, you don't know much about their equation and I think its rude to be this judgemental..you just need to relax a little..."

Nisha rolls her eyes ta her son and she says handing him a glass of water – " okkkk stop...this is exactly where you need to stop on these thoughts beta and c'mon lets just admit it..this isn't you being judgemental but downright presumptuous, and as much as I totally a understand that its your brotherly worry coming upfront...I do want you to respect your sister's decision on this and like Anjali said just trust her..and maybe also just focus on being happy for her..."

Rahul admits sighing looking at Anjali and his mother – " I trust Junior obviously...and I am happy for her...don't misunderstand me please mum..."and he scowls and adds sipping the water – " its this Mr. Stranger I don't really trust...I am telling you Mom...junior is falling for him way too hard, it was in her eyes when she spoke to us about him...what if she gets hurt on the matters of the heart??you know those wounds take a lot of time to heal..."

Nisha smiles calmly as she says – " and is it right for you to expect your sister to not go with her emotions only because you want to protect her??you want to stop her from having her own experiences because you are scared that she will get hurt?? How fair is this beta??"

Rahul sighs as he keeps the glass of water back on the center table – " it isn't right obviously..Mum...I know that..i know I sound like am in some crazy possessive brother mode right now..."

Nisha says smiling calmly now, wanting to make her son understand this bit clearly – " Rahul, you should be happy just like I am that Khushi confided in us about this in the first place...she wants us to be updated about every aspect of her life eventually which is also what matters, or you'd rather have her not tell you about these things...she most surely wont if you continue to react so possessively...that is the reason why she won't talk about it to your dad yet...we know he is going to go into a different zone if he were to find out..we don't need you to react like her mini dad right now..please...just relax....alright?? she will be okay...Khushi will be okay..let's trust her and more importantly give her that freedom of choice when it comes to the one she wants to date for now...this is a normal part and parcel of life..we all go through it...then why not her..."

Anjali nods and rubs Rahuls arm lovingly – " exactly Rahul..Mum's right..you just need to relax....alright?"

Rahul sighs as he says – " well I know the two of you are right on this...I do need to relax.."and he brushes his hand through his hair as he says – " okay...once Junior lands in Cape Town I am going to text her that I want her happiness obviously but at the same time I also do want her to be cautious for its long distance for her mostly....i think just saying this out to her again will make me feel all better about this..."

Nisha and Anjali exchange an amusing smile as they say in unison – " okay Rahul do that if it makes you feel any better.."

Rahul looks at his mother – " Mom...can you believe this? Junior is dating?? My junior?"

Nisha grins as she admits happily – " I know right...you both are just growing up at the speed of light...and well to be honest, I also can't believe that you are going to get married in a couple of months my son.."and that makes Rahul and Anjali chuckle obviously.

Nisha gestures Anjali to come sit next to her now and Anjali does so happily and Nisha sidehugs Anjali as she says – " and I can't wait for these months to pass because iv been dying to have Anjali home already...love you beta"

Anjali grins happily as she sidehugs Nisha back and says – "love you too mum...I was telling mom back at home, that its because of you, Khushi and Dad..that I don't even feel like I'll be shifting homes at all...you make me feel like so much of Home..always.."

Nisha kisses Anjali's head happily – " and that's because this is your Home as well beta you are just like Khushi to me...and I mean it.."

The sight in front of him obviously warms Rahul heart , and he walks up to them both and group hugs them happily – as he decided to shift his focus aside from the worry that was consuming his heart for his sister with regards to Mr Stranger and her Dating.

Maybe, Anjali and his mother were right – he just needed to stop worrying and wish her happiness in his heart.

The three of them now go on to talk a little more about Khushi's gaming schedule and some other casual stuff as they await Sagar's arrival.

And it is right then a thought Strikes Rahul's Mind – maybe he needed to talk to ASR about lending him one of his old heavy bats, later after dinner tonight.

You know – Just In Case – this Mr Stranger ever hurt his Junior – he'd have to be aptly equipped to beat him up all black and Blue with the Heaviest Cricketing Bat.

He chuckled at the next thought that came to his head – automatically though. The Thought that - It really was Too Bad , that he didn't have any Cricket Bats lounging around in his closet.(He knew his Junior was not going to lend him – Her's, for the same purpose surely, which WAS why he had to turn to ASR for Help)

He was sure ASR would understand his plight. He was a Brother too – after all.

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TWO HOURS THIRTY MINUTES LATER – @ RIHAEE

10: 00 PM

ARNAV'S POV

I cannot even begin to tell you all about how much I am missing my Sparkle, right now.

Why so?

Because we are all here at Home, (all as in, us all and Sagar uncle, Nisha aunty and Rahul) - having a joint family dinner – and it's only Her – who isn't here.I quickly smile at everyone around me on the table as we are all finishing up on desert and quickly peek into my phone under the table to drop my Sparkle – a text about the same. The text I know she will read when she lands in Cape Town. It really was a bummer for us both to have our timings cross this way though – as in I landed back in India today after our WI this afternoon and she left with the India Women unit for the tour to South Africa this morning as well, so not only did we miss any chances of seeing each other but also missed being in the same time zone. She was in fact enroute to Dubai by the time I landed back in India. We obviously got on our calls and texts as she landed in Dubai for that layover( it was an hour after I had reached home and finished an early lunch with everyone)- and were in constant touch on text until it was time for her to take off from Dubai for Cape Town which was around 3PM IST, and since Dubai to Cape town is a direct ten hour flight – she is expected to land in Cape town at around 1am - IST.

I am sure she is going to grin a lot as she reads these texts from me guys. Why so? Because I am literally copying her words back to her. Words that she texted me around about a week ago, when everyone was over at her place for Dinner and I was the only one missing, amongst the group.

It finish texting her and I place my phone back on the table upside down, and I spot Rahul deep in thought with a frown up his face as he is finished up his Desert – already? I gesture to ask him silently by raising my eyebrows as to what was up with him?( Actually everyone this is me being supercheeky – because I think I already know what is up with him. Sparkle's obviously talked to him and Nisha aunty and my dear sister Anjali yesterday about dating her Mr Stranger and I am well aware about how he was consumed with a stunned silence at first and a possesive brotherly after, as he expressed his concerns out to Khushi)

He shrugs his shoulders now and gestures back to me silently that he would talk about this later with me.

I nod back at him.

It is right then I hear Mom say smiling to Nisha aunty – " and I am obviously missing our little hit girl..so much right now..."

COPY THAT MOM.

SO IS YOUR SON.

Dadi nods as well – " exactly Nisha beta...so am i..."

COPY THAT DADI.

SO IS YOUR GRANDSON.

I see Akash biting back his grin with great difficulty as he exchanges a brief look with me as I gesture him to resumes eating his desert – so that he does not break into laughter on the table in front of everyone – obviously.

He nods and resumes.

So do I.

Anjali grins and says – " last week, we missed bhai at dinner and this week we are all missing Khushi...its just the way their schedule's clahed...such a pity..."

COPY THAT DEAR SISTER.

SUCH A PITY – INDEED.

I say now after finishing up the last bite of desert, deciding to have some momentarily fun with Akash for I know he's going to have a lot of trouble masking his expression up– " well yes to that Anjali...its a pity indeed for everyone I surely would have liked to congratulate India's little hit girl on that phenomenal performance in the Kia, in person..also I am sure the India women unit is going to have a very successful South Africa tour...because their unit right now is very balanced indeed..and Khushi and Sheena have been doing a wonderful job as opener's..they are surely going into the tour all fresh with that momentum as batting partners as well..."

Akash gapes at me with narrowed eyes, in a way that no one else can spot and only I can and he shakes his head in a – YOU ARE UNBELEIVABLE BHAI – LOOK.

I BITE BACK MY SMILE.(And I gesture him to continue eating his Desert to use that as a cover in the process. He gestures to me that hes already done with eating his share. I obviously gesture him back to take on some more. He shrugs at me with narrowed mischievous eyes and follows my suggestion- nonetheless.)

Rahul grins to that immediately as he says to me – " thank you arnav you'v always been so supportive of women's cricket..i am sure Junior would have liked to congratulate you for the amazing West Indies tour in person too.."

Sagar uncles nods and grins – "I agree with you son she surely would have liked to congratulate you in person for that.." and he looks at me and smiles – " and I know I told you already ASR, but I do need to tell you that I really commend the way you handled the media this morning...the unit and your game has silenced the haters in the best way possible, for sure beta....i was telling Nisha prior to us leaving for here tonight...that one can easily say that such is the curious case of the flickering spotlight for sure...."

I smile at him and I say – " thank you so much uncle...and I am sure we all will agree with you on that too...a curious case of the flickering spotlight is...quite flickering indeed..."

We all share a warm laugh now and Sagar uncle says grin– " indeed, and I am so glad that Khushi is picking up on this well in time too...she's kind of prepped in her head for both the sides off it..."

Dad chips in happily, admiration evident in his voice – " oh yes she surely is prepped...way to prepped Sagar, she was telling Reva and me, just last week that abhi uncle, reva aunty I know there are lot of comments on Mira's di's profile as people are asking her to ask me to join up on Insta..but no no no I am surely not falling for this social media trap right now...its going to consume too much of my energy and I just need to focus on my game right now and not fall for these temporary distractions...because I know very well that that's what they are.. temporary and flickering in nature...so I do have to say this Sagar..that its commendable how khushi is handling this from an arms distance.."

WHOSE HEART IS BEAMING IN IMMENSE PRIDE EVERYONE?

I MEAN I AM SURE – Khushi's family's is too.

BUT SO IS MINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dadi grins and says now to us all – " aur waise bhi yeh duniya kya hai..yeh toh inka nazariya badalta rehta hai hamare bachon ki taraf kyuni unke liye woh sirf khiladi hai...hamara toh wahi rahega..chahe woh jeete ya haarein..kyunki hamare liye toh hamara parivaar hai..hamare bachein hain..."(And anyway like I always say what's with this world, they keep changing their views and comments on our children depending on whether they lose or win games, because for the world they are just sports players...for us they are our children, our family and our love for them will always be the same.)

Everyone beams and nods at Dadi and I go up to her from my seat now and hug her, thanking her for her wonderful support and she says patting my cheek lovingly – " beta..you just keeping doing your hard work that's all...just focus on drawing the bigger line of determination and positivity always...that's the best way to shorten the line of hate and negativity..always...no energy wasted and eventually hard work always pays off in some way or the other...may not pay in terms of win all the time...but will surely do so in terms of your experience...that's exactly what matters at the end of the day like I always say...."and I nod at her in an instant understanding and hug her back happily and she says looking at the elders – " Reva, abhi, sagar and Nisha...c'mon now that we have all finished dinner, let's get talking about the wedding preparations...so much is yet left to discuss...lets also decide one common date as to when we want to start talking it out to the relatives who will be joining in on the destination wedding, because they do have to prepare for the same right?"

The elders nod and they immediately get into a collective discussion and I give a look at Akash, Anjali and Rahul that we must all excuse ourselves and leave our parents to talk out the rest of the nitties and gritties.

They nod at me in unison, and we all excuse ourselves and make our way towards our chilling space – which was usually the outdoor patio on our floor.

GODAMMIT.

I MISS MY SPARKLE MORE THAN ANYTHING IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD RIGHT NOW.

I Look at the time on my phone.

There's still Two hours Thirty Minutes to her Landing time.

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

About thirty minutes later, as we are all just chatting up casually and in my head and heart I have been going crazy missing My Sparkle(so much so that I have left her about twenty texts about just stating the same to her) – I spot Rahul getting zoned out with a worried expression on his face all of a sudden again and Akash has spotted it as well this time around and he asks now – " ok then Rahul, you need to talk to us...what's worrying you so much?? You'v been zoning out with this worried expression on your face ever since dinner..."

OK BROTHER.

YOU ASKED FOR TROUBLE FOR YOURSELF.

FOR I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT RAHUL MIGHT JUST SAY AND YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE A HARD TIME – MASKING YOUR FACE.

AGAIN.

Anjali rolls her eyes playfully as she says with her head into her phone(she had picked it up about two minutes ago to check something out) – " oh no Rahul...not again...really???i thought you were over this after discussing out with Mum..but apparently not.."

(Anjali has started calling Sagar uncle and Nisha aunty – Mum and Dad, just like Rahul does. Makes us all quite happy actually because those words for them came out of her mouth so organically and naturally one fine day, that it only spoke volumes about how comfortable she is with them already for they literally dote on her , as much as they dote on Khushi – actually)

Rahul shrugs at us as he says to Anjali – "I know Anj..but to be honest I think I will a lot more sorted about this once I talk this out with Akash and Arnav, anj...they are brothers afterall...they surely will understand where all my worry is coming from..??

Anjali nods and it is right then she says gesturing Rahul to just hold on with her head dipped into her phone now as she says, biting back a sigh – " oh boy....Khushi isn't going to like this one...she's surely going to read this one as she lands.."

THAT OBVIOUSLY CATCHES MY ATTENTION.

MY EARS GET EXTRA ATTENTIVE ON THEIR OWN ACCORD.

I gesture Akash to ask on first , because I did have a mask of Casual pretence to still hold up in front of Rahul and Anjali for now but before Akash could ask Anjali as tow hat she was talking about, we hear Rahul ask Anjali – " whats up? Anj? What won't Junior like??"

Anjali hands Rahul her phone now as she snuggles into Rahul's side and says telling us all – " there's this fresh article up on Delhi Mirror's online app in the sports section...one covering up our India Women's departure to SA this morning, which I am sure Khushi is going to be happy about, because the coverage is on the whole unit...but.."

And before wither Akash or me could ask what that But was about, or I could peek into My Phone to check this bit of it Online, Rahul says now shaking his head – " oh yes, you are right about this indeed...Junior isn't surely going to like the second bit that's written...I know her take on this in and out...she's going to go on a scowling spree and be all like, what do my looks have to come in the picture now? why can't they just focus on Cricket and our gaming bits..."

Akash asks now, inquisitve – " what's the article about??"

Anjali sighs – " the title of the article is – Meet Five of Our Prettiest Indian women cricketers from the national unit. They'v listed and segregated top 5 on the basis of their striking looks now. They'v got – Khushi in there on 1 with India's Little Hit Girl in brackets – and they'v written a brief line on her about how she came under the much- needed spotlight in the country with her exceptional performance in the Kia Super League alongside Sheena for their team Western Storm and is also an Opener for India, alongside our star operner Sheena. Also Sheena is on No 2 of that list, followed by Jess on spot 3 and then there's Vedika and Harleen on spot 4 and 5 respectively but apart from the first line introduction about saying what role they play in the Indian national unit, the article isn't really talking about how well there performances have been individually for the national unit in the last year, and it's just focusing on highlighting their striking looks...and as much as we all know Khushi, that is surely going to piss her off a little bit.."

A LITTLE BIT?

NOPE.

DEAR SISTER – as much as I know My Sparkle, she's going to get all Royally Pissed – for Sure, and say exactly what Rahul was saying. She will not enjoy the fact that her looks are being Highlighted – in here.

Anjali asks now, narrowing her eyebrows – " but dude? Seriously? Did they ever do a feature on most handsome male cricketers in the country as well? Or is this just stemming out of a mere habbit and stereotypical practice of just giving more importance to the physical appearance of a female, over her work...???" and she dips her head back into her phone saying – " Wait wait..let me just google it..i think they did do something like this on the men in blue unit as well sometime ago before the world cup, but I didn't pay much attention to it..."and she looks up at us a minute later and says shrugging – " yup..they have...surely have with the title our countries hottest male cricketers..and bhai you are definitely on no 1 on that list as they have written..you really are one of our hottest cricketers which was also why half the nation is still shipping you with glamourous Pia Chopra...and followed by rohan on no 2, then in comes in Cap on no 3, Shiv at no 4 and ravi at no 5..."and she keeps her phone aside now and says shrugging – " oh I guess im just going to tell Khushi that it can't really be helped as to what these media people write about anyone once the spotlight comes on...I think she will be okay to know that they aren't just singling out only the females on the basis of their looks...theyv done that too our men too.."

OH YES - THEY HAVE.

GODAMMIT – THE MEDIA.

THEY CAN HOUND YOU LEFT, RIGHT AND CENTER ABOUT ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING.

OBVIOUSLY.

Akash is the only one who is biting back his smile now as he asks – " okkk so you mean anj, that according to that list by the Pappz in Delhi Mirror...we have bhai on no 1 on that list off most hottest cricketers and Khushi on no 1 on the meet our Prettiest Female cricketers list... ??"

Anjali nods – " yup akash...that's what it is..."

MY CHEEKY LITTLE BR0THER.

Akash says shrugging his shoulders, amused – " well this is interesting you know...for well technically we all know both of these no 1's on the list..right bhai??" and he gives me a playful wink from the side.

I gesture him to stop being so cheeky in front of Rahul right now – whose anyway got his head back dipped into his phone, probably reading up on the article again.

And now because he's got a similar frown on his face in a deep thoughtful silence, Akash asks him immediately – " ok the same frown is back on your face Rahul...whats up? Lets get talking about that now.." and he picks up a glass of water for a drink.

Rahul keeps his phone aside and scowls now looking at us both – " well I am sure, I know one person who is really going to be happy about my sister being listed out in this prettiest cricketer's list...I am sure this Mr Stranger is smiling and grinning to himself reading up this bit off it..as well...this is what I'v been so worked up about Arnav and Akash..my junior is now officially dating someone whom she refers to us as her Mr Stranger, and mind you she literally gives away nothing about his identity to us at all...us as in to me, anj and mom...dad obviously doesn't know yet...for if he knows he's going to freak out a thousand times more than me obviously...."

OK THEN.

GUYS.

HOW DO I MASK UP MY CHEEKY EXPRESSION – that was almost beginning to make its way up to my Face?????

Akash obviously chokes on his sip of water at that and I get around to patting his back, using up the moment to mask my expression and gesture him to mask his as well.

Anjali and Rahul in unison – " akash you ok??"

I nod innocently as I say – " yes yes..he is okay...absolutely okay..Rahul...don't worry..."and I ask now carefully keeping a check on my tone making sure its uber casual – " so you are worried because you know absolutely know nothing about who your junior is dating, Rahul? Is that what this is about??"

Akash clears his voice now and asks – " or is it something else?? I mean...c'mon its normal for Khushi to explore dating, Rahul..."

Anjali sighs – " exactly...my thoughts exactly Akash...but he is getting so worked up not just because of the former bit...as in..."

Rahul sighs as he leans back in his seat – " I am worried also because she's technically gotten into a long distance/online romance scenario when shes actually got no heads about this dating bit prior..as in its the first time shes being with someone, and that too long distance, virtual connection...not only do I know anything about this boy..but more than that I am worried that what if he is taking my sister for a ride on one end and probably just cheating up on her with someone else in real time...because lets just admit...we all know how its so difficult to stick to being loyal in long distance relationships, that involves a great deal of commitment and dedication to just one person...and I absolutely have my doubts about Mr stranger on this too....what if he ends up hurting my Junior big time?? My precious junior is so naïve and innocent when it comes to all this, so gullible and trusting – trust me guys she wouldn't even be able to figure out his infidelity just incase if he is cheating up on her anyway..and she's freaking into him a lot already...I could see it in her eyes when she was talking about him....she's into him emotionally way to emotionally and what if he isn't????you both understand what I mean don't you??"

Akash nods and resumes to sip his water for a bit, as he side gestures me to say something first and he will follow suit.

OK. Then.

Guys.

I GET WHERE RAHUL IS COMING FROM – OBVIOUSLY.

I am a Brother after all.

I nod at him silently, and I say now taking a deep breathe – " Rahul..i get you..obviously...because I am a brother too..and your worry is justified to an extent, I mean I was equally worried about Anjali, until I met you...but look at this, this way - what If this Mr Stranger is actually emotionally into Khushi as well? What if their equation is on a different meaningful tangent altogether...that's also a possibility right??"

Anjali nods in an agreement instantly and says – " exactly bhai..exactly...this is what I have been telling him...because khushi did tell us that he makes her really happy and she is really happy to be with him right now..infact happier than she's ever been...so we must trust her on this and just be happy for her na...she'll tell us who he is when the time comes...surely..."

THAT OBVIOUSLY MAKES MY HEART ALL WARM AND FUZZY.

I LOVE YOU – SPARKLE.

I nod as I say – " I am sure , Khushi will talk to you about who he is when she is ready to Rahul...and I think one of the reasons as to why she is delaying it because she's so worried about your reaction..."

WHICH IS WHAT I AM A LITTLE WORRIED ABOUT TOO RIGHT NOW GUYS – looking at him so concerned in front of me. For I am now doubly sure, that my past with Pia is going to haunt Rahul when Khushi and Me come to light.

Anjali turns to Rahul and rubs his arm lovingly soothing his worry – "theres no point in being this worried Rahul once again I am telling you..if you continue to react this way and be so doubtful about him, you are just going to end up working Khushi up and feed in doubts into her head...as it is long distance isn't easy Rahul and Khushi doesn't surely need to have her uber possessive brother feed in any insecurities or doubts in her head about the same as well...and I know you don't mean to do this because a part of you is happy for her...but your worry will transfer the vibe of the doubt eventually...you really need to figure your head around this Rahul..."

Akash nods and says now supportingly to Rahul – "yes Rahul...anjali is right...look why don't you just focus on what bhai just implied as in there is a possibility that this Mr Stranger really wants to be with Junior no matter what, which could be one of the reasons why he is investing so much of his time into long distance as well right?? look to be honest just as bhai said until we met you, we were worried about Anjali too, but then we didn't let that overshadow the fact that we were also happy that she's happy with the one she's chosen to be with..."

Rahul sighs as he gets up and starts to walk up and pace in front of us right now and says, brushing hand through his hair worriedly and then his face – " yes...I guess you all are right...i just don't know why am I being so paranoid about this...I do respect Junior's privacy and freedom on this bit...I just need to figure out a way to be able to get this fact down my head that junior's all grown up now..she's 21..its only natural for her to date as well...I just need some time maybe..." and Anjali, me and Akash nod in unison as we say – " exactly Rahul...time is what you need to digest this bit...take your time..."

He nods at us, rubbing his hand over his face – " yes indeed..with some more time I will get more relaxed about this.."and right as I take in sigh of relief, Rahul looks up at me straight direct and he says in a matter of fact tone – " but you know just incase, this Mr Stranger ends up hurting my Junior and I spot a tear in her eye because of him...I need to be prepped up with a heavy bat in my closet so that I can hunt him down and beat him black and blue after...which is why I wanted to ask you ASR...you wont mind lending me any of your old bats from your closet..any heavy one the one you don't use????because its only obvious that Junior is not going to let me use her bat to thrash up this man ever...and your bats will be heavier than hers anyway..."

WAIT.

WHAT?????????????

GUYSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DID HE JUST ASK ME THAT TO MY FACE????????????????

I knew that he'd mentioned this to My Sparkle earlier but just hearing him say this to my face – right now is Insanely Amusing as well and I can't help it anymore as I burst into an instant Fit of Laughter on reflex.

Akash joins me in obviously as he can't stop roaring in laughter too now and I look at him and he looks at me and we continue laughing – Insanely – as Anjali joins us too and Rahul looks us at all perplexed as he says chuckling a little to himself at the sight of the three of us laughing oblivious to the reason why Akash and me were in splits and he says, shrugging his shoulders – " yea yea..laugh...you all laugh at me all you want...I know...im probably coming across as a crazy brother for sure....which ofcourse is surely amusing from the other side off it..."

I get off my seat now and I hug Rahul in a embrace, my heart going out to his worry and I say pausing in between my laugh – " ok sure...if it makes you feel any better...I will lend you one of my oldest heaviest bat for sure Rahul..stock it up with you..you know just in case you need to keep it handy for Mr Strangers thrashing..on that note..you can totally call Akash and me on to join in you on the thrashing if this Mr Stranger ever hurts Khushi and she cries..because of him ever..we are family afterall.."

Rahul hugs me back happily as he says – " thank you ASR.."

But the whole scene ends up making Akash break into another fit of laughter again in his seat all over again and it's so freaking infectious that we all burst into a joint laughter again and Anjali rolls her eyes in between her laugh as she says – " just wait..until Khushi hears this..she wont believe that you actually asked bhai for his bat , Rahul...shes going to be like you embarrassed me in front of ASR bhai.."

Oh Man.

I CAN'T HELP BUT LAUGH LIKE A RIOT NOW.

ALSO – THESE TWO ARE SURELY GOING TO KILL ME AND AKASH – WHEN THEY COME TO KNOW.

Akash gives me a similar look now as he pauses on his laugh as I gesture him to divert the topic now and he nods and says now – " ok then rahul its done..you take one of bhai's old bats with you on the way back today itself alright??now quit your worry.."

Rahul nods as he pauses in his laugh – " I will try harder too.."

Anjali exclaims happily – " okk now..im just so happy that I heard Rahul say that and the look on his face does tell me that he is going to try harder for sure..."and she pauses and comes and hugs me – "im just so happy that you are going to be home for a bit bhai in these ten days break that you all have before you get back to prepping up for Zimbave coming in to India for their tour...and now you can just relax and enjoy the festive celebrations of Rohan's wedding starting early next week..."

I nod as I hug my sister back happily – " yes...to that and Akash and me also need to sit and get on with some more logistics and planning for your wedding preps too Anj...,"and I look at Rahul now as I say with a heartfelt smile – " thank you for making my sister so happy Rahul...."

And I send out a silent promise to Him. Your Junior Happiness shall always be my priority too – Rahul.Always.

Rahul chuckles happily and winks at me playfully– " no worries ASR...you know she is the love of my life and I am crazy about her anyway and to be honest she makes me the happiest man on this planet anyway.."and that makes Anjali stick out her tongue at Rahul playfully too as she goes onto Akash next.

And I bite back my Smile as I say out silently. Hopefully I will be telling the same back to you one day soon Rahul – in person and not in my Head - That you have nothing to worry about for your sister is the Love of my life too and I am crazy about her beyond measure and she makes me feel like the Happiest man on the planet – as well too.

My Eyes fall on the Time again, as I feel my Heart yearn once more to get connected to My Sparkle.

I groan.

Why?

Because I am still going to have to wait – another 100 minutes or so to hear from her.

For that was the Time Remaining to her Landing.

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

120 MINUTES LATER – ARNAV'S ROOM

ARNAV'S POV CONTINUES

I don't really have like a Dislike for Flight Delays on most of the occasions.

But On Some Occasions – I obviously Do.Specially when those occasions involve some delays in the Flights – My Sparkle in On. Then – I just Hate the Flight Delay's.

Khushi's flight's landing was delayed about 20 minutes or so due to traffic congestion at the airport in Cape Town, and I have just been lying down in bed keeping my eyes open like a hawk all up on the Sky Scanner App tracking her flight and I am also switching in between just re-reading all our text conversations from earlier today so that my heart can bask in the feel off her – nonetheless.(Everyone left around 45 minutes ago and after a little chat up with Mom, Dad, Dadi, Akash and Anjali after , I eventually came up to my room about thirty minutes ago – as everyone retired to sleep)

But it's a good thing that the Sky Scanner app tells me that her flight is now just two minutes away from expected landing time.

I now flip to the secret folder in my phone where in I keep and Store our pictures and some more off my Sparkle's photos that I ask her to keep sharing with me on and off. On that note – we don't really have like many pictures together just about ten to twelve of them – because we are so lost in our moments when we are together that we don't really end up snapping many pictures, of just the two of us together. And now that I am browsing through the pictures of US – that I do have, I obviously feel myself ache and miss her a lot more. Its been a while since we'v met in person(a little over two months now) and its going to be a SIMILAR while until we meet again, for sure.(a little over two months more to go to that, because of the way our schedules are placed for the rest of the year)

The Only consoling factor to my Heart right now is the fact that – we are at least half past that timeline – at Least.

I touch my phones screen lovingly as I continue to browse through My Sparkle's pictures and it is right then that my phone beeps with her Text On Whatsapp.

MY HEART LEAPS WITH JOY AS I SWITCH TO WHATSAPP AT THE SPEED OF SOUND.

Her : uffffffffffffffff yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa my love.....i ABSOLUTELY HATE FLIGHT DELAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please tell me you haven't fallen off to sleep waiting up for my text. Its 130 am in India now and you surely must be tired because of the long travel back to India today as well and the busy day with everyone at home after. I Just landed...like just just...like literally I switched off flight mode the minute the first tiny miny wheel touched the run way, and you won't believe this thike...I'v literally been feeling a tad bit guilty where in my insides kept praying – oh god let Arnav not fall of too sleep in wait...please keep him awake waiting for my msg – only because I haven't spoken to you in ten Hours and I have missed you terribly ofcourseeeeeeeeeeeeeeee as always like I do when either of us are in these long haul flights.(heartssssssssss) acha now pls reply jaldi se and tell me, you are awake na?????????????? and whilst I await your reply this is me now scrolling up to read the rest of your texts that youv left me while iv been in the flight...I obviously just wanted to msg you jaldi se pehle in the hope to catch you up awake...(hearts)

I chuckle to myself as I read that.

Me : I am awake – Sparkle.Obviously. you know very well I wasn't going to get any sleep without talking to you first or to see that your flights landed all safe. And guess what? I just figured I hate flight delays too – specially when it comes to the flights you are on my love.Was just looking up at the pictures of you and us stocked up in my secret folder and soothing my heart in the process of waiting for your text.You have no idea how much I missed you though surely a lot more than you did, because with everyone at dinner tonight all I could think about was you obviously...I am sure you can figure that out reading my series of texts to you...how was the flight?

My phone beeps in forty seconds.

Her : oh yes I surely can figure that bit out.....just finished reading them all...i love theseeee texts from you as alwayssss my Stranger...it just bombards my heart with so much love and ache for you at the same time though!!!!!! (heartssss) I still can't believe how we missed being in the same time zone by a fraction of hours toooo...alsooo So not fair yaaaaa love..i couldn't even see our or your picturessss in my secret folder thike? Coz everyone from the team has just been around one another in the flight since as it is we all were catching up withing the national unit after like ages naaa like literally none of us slept in the flight because we were anyway going to need to tire ourselves out so that we adjust to the SA time zone and fall too sleep the minute we reach the hotel so that we wake up all fresh tomorrow morning – for you know how net practice starts tomorrow afternoon only for we have the first match in two days. And yes the flight was good overall.On that Note the view of landing into Cape Town at night looked absolutely stunning to my eyes as well...still taxi-eing on the Runway.Able to text since its Jess next to me now, who is busy texting Vikram as well..(wink emoticons)

I grin as I quickly type.

Me : I know exactly what you mean by that last bit...Cape Town is beautiful Sparkle. I do really like it there since we tour to SA so often too...its great you had a good time catching up with everyone in the flight..on that note it wasn't only me who was missing you at Dinner..mom was, dadi was too, even dad...anjali and akash as well...your parents and Rahul too obviously ok wait...I should just say that everyone was missing You..collectively...but I was the one who was topping that list for sure...

Her : just like how I was topping that list of missing you last week...when it was all of us together and only you weren't there...now you know exactly how I was feeling don't you????????

Me : oh yessss Sparkle..now I know for sure..

Her : acha listen tell me something...was my crazy possessive superbro okay though? You know how He's been in a crazy daze about my dating news...I wonder if he was getting all worked up about it in front of you all as well...

I chuckle as I read that.

Me : oh he surely was getting way too worked up!! And please don't you ask me this out on chat Sparkle.

Her : why??????????

Me : because I want to tell you all about it over the video callll..obviously...I do not want to miss seeing your expression and reaction to this bit Sparkle..

Her : ok then My love..thike ill wait for the details then...are you sure you will be okay to wait up though? Will take me an hour at the least by the time I am able to reach the hotel and get on a video call..arent you like tired??

Me : no worries at all Sparkle...not really tired much to be honest also its just going to be a couple of days break now anyway right? So will wake up late in the morning anyway...are you getting off the plane now??

Her : no not really yet...still waiting for the plane to get parked into the gate right now...i think should be getting off in a couple of minutes..some congestion on the runway as some planes need to take off ..

And just as I am writing a reply to her, my phone beeps with Khushi's text again.

Her : Ok guess what?????????? HOLY FREAKING HELL.I am so freaking royally pissed right now..over what Jess just showed me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Actually so is she!!!!! Like what the hell yaaaaaaaaaaaa??? I am TOTALLY Scowling* Inifinity now.

I smile as I read that. Guys – I am sure Jess has shared the snapshot of the Pretty Cricketers – article.

Me : I know exactly what you are talking about Sparkle. The Prettiest national cricketers article right????

Her : you saw kya??????????????

I answer honestly : Yes i  did.we all did Sparkle. Anjali spotted it first and just like me , even Anjali and Rahul anticipated your reaction well in advance as well. Anjali did say that you aren't going to like it. I just knew that you are going to Scowl* infinity – the minute you would spot it yourself...

Her : exactlyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!! Ok I need to give you that double PHD already though on this love....like I am so royally pissed...why do they have to write about my looks??? Why are they highlighting my striking features? They should highlight the beautiful pictures of our gorgeous bats na...my bat is soooo gorgeous, and its what I play with..so inko uski photo daalni chahiye..naki mere face ki jo waise bhi helmet ke peeche hota hai....uff ya Arnav..yeh kya hai yaa..mujhe yeh sab looks pe attention nai chahiye.....(eng trans :my bat is what I play with na they should put my gorgeous bats pictures for its what I play with and not my face's which is ayway hidden behind the helmet..uff ya Arnav..what is all this..i don't want all this attention to my looks)...

I take a deep breath as I type.

Me : Sparkle..i know my love..i know exactly what you are feeling..i understand..

Her : I know you understand...like you know na anyway I'm still getting used to this being under the scanner bit...everyone at home thinks that iv been quite sorted through this whole bit but they don't know na that's all because of you...like I give full credit to you for guiding me through this bit ya love... and obviously like a part of me also knows that I cannot help what people will write now in these articles..for such is the case of this flickering spotlight..but its still something that I could adapt too uptil now for it was all about my game but now what's all this highlight beauty and bits ....this is what is making me feel overwhelmed ...as in now what next? Are they going to get interested in digging up what i do in my personal life???

Me : you know how it is Sparkle...like you said such is the case of this flickering spotlight...we can't really help it sweetheart..just gotta wade ourselves around it..and we will..

Her : I know ya...we obviously will...just help me naaaaa on this..will you pleaseeee??? I do not like to feel irritated..you know me..and its like I am feeling so irritated right now..as am reading this..as in just a one liner intro about cricket and rest is all about my looks..why??????? like whyyyy??? Ufffffff I am so so irritated..Ufffff uffff uffffff..or wait just make that UFFFFFFFFF* infinity

I chuckle fondly.

Can totally imagine her scrunching her nose up adorably right Now.

Me : ofcourseee I will help Sparkle...I am right here for you...know what? Lets talk about this aram se when you are back in the hotel okay?and if you are scrunching up your nose all adorably right now..then okay..but if you are scowling then Please just Wipe that scowl off in the meanwhile though? You know I don't like it...

Her : yes...okay...I will wipe the scowl off...but continue scruchinging up my nose because I know that you love..but acha haan na on a serious note let's just talk about this bit when I reach the hotel ...you will anyway get half of what I want to say even before I can say it......thank you so much for ...acha wait..i know I should not say thank you or you will get mad at me for thanking you for being there...haina?

I chuckle.

Me : oh yes ofcourse Sparkle. You know that I will get mad if you thank me right now obviously.or do you want me to start off with my thank you rant?

Her : I love youuuuuuuuuuuuuu......(hearts)

Me : I love you too Sparkle more than I can ever express..

Her : me tooooooo..... acha listen we'v finally parked at the aerobridge..going to get off now....please just wait up for me thike? I will text you in a while as and when I can..i think I will be able to text as we get on the bus to make our way to the hotel...do want to hurry up the immigrations and everything anyway...

Me : ok then Sparkleee...no worries..am totally waiting up..going to see our pictures in the meanwhile...on that note you need to send me some more pictures of yourself too..

Her : okk yes pakka see I will...acha until we text again my love..just unbuckled my seatbelt getting up to take my stuff..

I smile as I get off Whtsapp now because I know if I text her back she will text me back with a - uffff love..dont reply na abhi..or you know I will keep chatting with you – and I now resume my attention to My Sparkle's pictures in my phone.

My Hand goes onto touch my screen lovingly on it's own accord.

Don't you worry Sparkle. I am sure you will be able to get your ways around this Flickering Spotlight bit – feeling as smooth as possible about it in your Headspace.

How am I so sure?

Because I am going to make sure that I am right there by your side to see through that bit off it – Myself.

OBVIOUSLY.

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TADAAAAA!!!!!

How was the Update Guysssss?? Would be eager to know all your thoughts on the same.

Next Update : Shall now be on Thursday/Friday Evening.

Also Super Important – Please note, there shall be only Two Updates this week.Only one more this week and after posting that Up – the next update will come after a week from that day . I am taking like a little off as the Festivities are also beginning from Friday on. Will resume– in the usual three Updates in a Week – schedule – after.

Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support.

Much Love.

Always.

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