CHAPTER 37.1 – THE CALM

3 years ago

mysticaltales11111

@mysticltales111

Helloooo everyoneeeee..

Here i am with the next update And its Medium Length – around 6.5k words for I needed this Chapter to be the Stand Alone before the next Chapter Comes In.

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 37.1 – THE CALM

TEN DAYS LATER

3RD JANUARY, 2020 – NEW DELHI

Night – 11:30 PM

Arnav's POV

Guys.

I can't stop Grinning – even though I am reading this for like the Hundredth Time.Or wait – to be fair enough – make that a Thousandth- Time – perhaps?

Reading What??

My Sparkle's – first ever – Exclusive Tele - Interview Coverage Ofcourse .It's all over the Internet at the moment along with the rest of the India women's players interviews as well. They'v all been in in the Trend – as they netizens would Say!

So - Remember how she had scheduled to speak to those reporters from the Hindu Times after our return from Gstaad?Yeah?And I had advised her to go ahead with the telephonic interview for her first time – so that she could easily conceal her nervousness if any question steered to Personal matters – so that bit of it actually happened just a couple of days ago on the 30th of December – as in My Sparkle gave her first ever exclusive tele interview on the 30th and the coverage of it went live – all over in the dailiy's app + online portals+ in the papers the next day on the 31st morning – which was the last day of 2019.

And I cannot even begin to tell you all – how proud I am off her – for pulling this off so smoothly, because I knew exactly how nervous she was right? - before the interview. Actually I think it will be fair enough to include a minor correction in there – it isn't just me who is so proud of her actually for taking this step and embracing this – but her entire family + my entire family + our close friends too.

And ofcourse – as you all know – that My Sparkle is a brilliant learner, she actually was really able to steer away those couple of questions that were directed towards her personal life like I had advised her she could and luckily the reporters that were taking her interview didn't pry further once she stated that she wasn't comfortable addressing any personal life questions with regards to Hridhaan or anything else for that matter and then they stuck to professional grounds – and Khushi stuck to only talking about her professional journey uptill this point – starting from her training to be cricketer from a young age as she was determined to go after what she wanted to be and chase her dreams – then about her experience in Domestic+ International+ Foreign League's set ups – eventually.

And we are all so extremely proud that when she was asked about the psychological obstacles she had faced in her professional journey till now - she also brought in the highlight towards all that bullying(for choosing to be a sportswoman)+ unnecessary judgements &biases and condescending mockery that not only she but almost every member on the women's team be it domestic/international has had to face in some way or the other which surely needed one to continue channelising their inner grit and determination nonethelss. She also thanked her family and close ones for their unconditional love and support and belief in her – bringing out to Highlight one of the Core beliefs her family instilled in her long ago – and that being the fact that – TALENT HAS NO GENDER.And she firmly stated that not only Sport - Be it in any aspect of career/professions – in her opinion - the biological genetic pool of an individual should not be used as a platform for any sort of a discrimination & biases(even though that's mostly what the current practises are ) – and it's this mindset that needs to shift and evolve through empowerment where in the general stereo-typing of jobs/professions/talent for not just women but all genders– needs to stop being Separated into Two different Set Columns – for just Like Talent – Dreams had No Gender too.

Also yes guys - in the interview - she was asked about why she didn't ever talk about the family relations brewing in the background with Our family prior–before it coming to light as the Wedding of our siblings went through , and she put her reasons forward(which you all are already aware off) in such a calm and sorted manner – and then asked the reporters to go with the next question – reminding them that she did not want to talk about personal/family matters at all.And this bit off it – has been very brilliantly covered through subtle words by the reporters in the article – that has come across in a way yet again – that the LittleHitGirl – strongly believes in her talent with the bat to do the talking on her behalf rather than her talking out words about any connections due to family developments etc in the background.

And its needless to say – Her quoted words off – " Talent & Dreams Have No Gender" – have obviously been Highlighted in Bold in the Coverage and have pretty much been the Talk of the Online Town too. I mean yes – there are obvious speculations still with regards to her personal space – but now that all of the team members from India Women interviews have gone live one by one with exclusive coverage on their professional journey's – the much needed buzz and light on Women in Cricket within our country has begun quite significantly.

And I am really really Happy for the entire Unit – obviously.( I have texted both Mira & Harpreet – the Captain's the same too) - apart from being super duper proud of My Sparkle

I am Freaking Proud*Infinity.

I am right on that thought when my phone beeps with a message on Whtsapp.

Its Her – obviously.

Her : basss bass...only three more minutes my love...walking to you...see you soooonnnn(hearts) can't freaking wait......as usual...

I grin as I read that.

Me : Sparkle...hurry up..please...because I haven't seen you all day prior because we were both caught up with practice all day and then you had to group with everyone from the team in order to discuss about that campaign shoot tomorrow – with the Hindu Times.

I tap send.

Her : I knowww my love..but listen na...its because of this bit that I could actually stay over at Jess's na today my love and we re able to sneak out for a little drive time out today..(hearts) acha now see you in just two minutes thike???????????

I chuckle as I keep my phone aside now and return to tapping my hands on my Wheel. I am sure you all have guessed that I am currently awaiting for My Sparkle to join me in outside Jess's gated community for our little drive time.And just incase if you all wondering – why are we actually meeting this way today when we surely could have met at home because now everyone mostly knows right???? Well – that bit is only because – ever since we returned from Gstaad, I have obviously had Mom make a zillion excuses at the drop of the hat to have my Sparkle over at home for some reason or the other or me and akash have gone over to visit Sagar uncle and Nisha aunty – and we'v had our exclusive time out here and there on the days after our return from Gstaad, for sure.

But.

We also need to not overdo it right – or Sagar uncle will suspect something right?. And at the moment – Nisha aunty is in the middle of her backwork with conditioning him with the fact that Khushi was now seeing someone seriously as planned prior – and he's kind of been in shocked daze ever since – just by knowing that.(Which is why we all had to be in a collective pretend mode on the New Years Eve Dinner + Cozy Celebration of Just US all at Home too ). He's surely having a difficult time digesting the – Dating- bit in for he's kind of asked this off My Sparkle everyday with daze on his face starting from our time in Gstaad – ten days ago .He's asked her questions like –

1 - " khushi beta...your mom tells me you are seeing someone?? Is this true?? Are you really seeing someone????? I told her – this isn't a thing to joke about with me Nisha..i mean..my little girl is dating?? Seriously????so you tell me beta..is this true? Or your mom is just taking my case?"

2 - "do you really like this man you are with Khushi?? Are you sure?? that you have deep feelings for him? Could be just mere infactuation too perhaps for it happens all the time??"

3 - "khushi..are you seriously dating someone?????"

4 - "khushi...when did you grow up this fast...that you are now dating someone seriously??damm the time for always ticking..why can't it pause?"

5 -"khushi..okay tell me something...are you happy though beta? As in your happiness is obviously my priority ..so I really hope you are...even though the Daddy in me still cannot believe that you are dating someone seriously..."

The list is quite a bit actually – but I hope you all get the Hint.

Hmmmm.

Guys.

I think it was really Wise of us all to not drop it all out on Sagar Uncle.For he surely needs the Time to Process this.

I am right on that thought when I hear a knock on the tinted window glass of my car and I lean forward and open the door for My Sparkle in a second grinning as I say with a wink – " there you aree...finally...,"and she grins at me lacing her hand with mine (the one I had held out to her)and gets in and she says clutching onto it tight and kissing on it too as she closes the door shut – "finallyyyy..yessss..love..,"and her eyes twinkle happily as they lock with mine and I add with another playful wink as I start the engine to the car – "And I need to fine you Sparkle..you said two minutes..but I think you are a minute late.."

Khushi chuckles at that happily as she says rolling her eyes at me playfully gesturing me to begin driving and I do so too clutching on her hand tight over the automatic gear box – " you na...just need reasons to fine me..aur waise bhi the one minute delay was not my fault thike?for while I walking to you..i slowed down in my pace because I did want to finish reading that killer exclusive interview of yours plus also see a little snippet of your live chat with the reporters along with Cap, Rohan Sir, Ravi, Shiv, Yuvaan from two days ago..you know the bit where in you talked with so much conviction about how you went about mentally conditioning yourself after the world cup loss and your captaincy controversy and especially the bit about the Sun Never Really Setting is like my favoriteeeeeeeeeest bit as usual and...like I am so glad as how you all talked about coming out of the worldcup loss mid-year and how it was so important as a unit to just focus on your strengths and be positive and have faith and conviction...so that you could bounce back stronger ....infact all of yours live chat is in the trend on Cricbuzz+ so many more online apps revolving around cricket.."

I chuckle as I ask with a wink – " really Sparkle?? is that what you were reading and seeing again?? haven't you read it like a hundred times already???and seen that live chat a hundred times too??"

Khushi chuckles at that as she sticks her tongue out to me playfully – " ohh yes...and I have read and seen not just a hundred but like a thousand times atleast thike? not just hundred...what can I do ya?? My empowering inspirational skipper blue..is also looking uber hot in that live chat na.."

I chuckle as I admit now – "and while I was waiting for to come...I kind of upped you though for I think I read the exclusive coverage of your tele-interview a thousand+ 1 times..."

Khushi's eyes widen at that emotionally as she asks – " What??? you were reading it again???"

I nod at her and kiss her hand and I admit continuing to drive – "and I do need to say this again Sparkle..that I am so so proud of you at handling this smoothly...by doing your bit with your team..in bringing more light to women in our sport in the country + also highlighting the domestic talent pool..infact now with the Hindu Times Campaign starting tomorrow with the focus on trying to lessen the gender - biasness in Sport with you all first..i am sure its going to be a great initiative for all the women sportspersons in the country, the current and the future..."

Khushi nods at that with a heartfelt smile as she says – "well radha and Nikhil as the reporters who took most of our interviews na..they did tell Mira di + Harpreet di that they were starting with this campaign with us all first because we are scheduled to leave on our tour na..but they surely are going to run this campaign for over three months or so highlighting women sportspersons from all across the nation in various field of sports..,"and it is right then she pauses and clutches onto my hand tight as we near a red light and I turn to look at her after I pull the break and I kiss on her hand and ask, understanding what her silent clutch on my hand meant – " nervous ho?? Because its your first photoshoot tomorrow?"

Khushi nods as she says softly locking her gaze with mine – "yes ya love..i am ofcourse nervous...as in...on the telephone it was easier for me to evade personal questions because I was on other side of the line but now tomorrow at the campaigns photoshoot – its like reporters will be right there...and yes even though I am feeling confident that I will be able to evade personal stuff by distracting and drawing attention to another question or topic since my full team will be there with me as per your guidance...but still thoda nervous hona toh banta haina??,"she finishes with a adorable pout.

I nod at her at that as I kiss her hand again and wink at her playfully – " about time I give you that world cup for adorableness...Sparkle...and yes thoda nervous hona banta hai..remember I told you how nervous I was before my first photoshoot like professionally in full jersey get up with the full team..all those years ago...so yes what you are feeling is totally natural indeed...," I finish with another kiss on her hand as the signal turns green and I begin to drive.

Khushi kisses on my hand now and she says softly –" also...remember how I told you this on that day itself..but I do have to tell you this again arnav...that somehow this feeling of calm is growing on me a little...as in you know with respect to the calmness I am feeing withing after talking about my professional journey in the media in the sense that now that collectively our unit has spoken about it one by one..it really does feel good within to think that even if a glimpse of my talk about my professional journey empowers any little girl out there to let go of her inhibitions about what the world wants and chase what she wants and dreams instead..than it will make me really happy within if my words are able to trigger even minute thought about this.....like see I just feel.. now even though all the personal speculations haven't stopped...and probably will not and arent going too...but I just feel that I just really really need to keep my focus with regards to the media bit to the part where in I know it can be used as a tool to probably make a difference in thoughts/mindsets positively...perhaps?? like if I just look at this way na..i do feel better about it within...I really do...like there's this sense of calm too with respect too this too as in yes, I am nervous still thoda but I think I want to make a conscious decision to look at the constructive side..."

I nod at her at that lovingly as I say – " exactly..sparkle...just focus on this bit..for that's all that matters...look as I always say..there are two sides to a coin...and media also is a double edged sword..but as long as we make that conscious effort to look at the brighter/positive/constructive side of the things at times like media interviews – we will be okay..will be able to get our messages across in a calmer sorted way ,"and I pause as I kiss her hand again –" and you will be okay tomorrow too my love..trust me..on that...look you are faring really well with regards to this alright??and in my eyes – you have nothing to be worried about at all..."

Khushi says softly clutching on my hand tight – "and sabsa bada wala thank you*infinity ..toh I have to say to you na baba for that..for if it hadn't been for your subtle empowering support to me on this..i'd have never be able to come around this way.."

I chuckle at that as I look at her sideways momentarily and wink at her – " bada wala thank you*infinity bolna hai mujhe??"(you wana say a big thank you to me)

She nods happily.

I clutch on her hand tight as I say with a wink looking at her sideways– " then all you need to do is...just tell me how much you miss sleeping in my arms and our ravage mode too...you know since ever since we returned from Gstaad – that's all I can think about before I sleep – obviously and I miss having you in my arms insane...wait..how about we go back darling?"

Khushi blushes at that a little as she whacks my arms playfully and says – " ufff...you na...wana pull my leg while driving also...drive karo na aap...aage dekho..mujhe nai.."( you please drive ok...look in the front..not at me...)

I chuckle at that as I ask looking back on the road mischeviously faking hurt – " oh so you mean you do not miss sleeping in my arms or our ravage mode Sparkle??"

Khushi chuckles as she kisses on my hand – " uff na...you know na very well I do...I told you last night also...and lets shift to talking this bit later na...as in I will tell you all about how much I miss that bit later thike? like pakkas se..but pehle you listen to this now...,"and I nod with a playful wink – " okkk as long as you will tell me about this bit later Sparkle..i am all ok..now go on..tell me what is it??"

Khushi says – happiness plus excitement evident in her voice – "you know another reason why I wanted us to go to the dhaba tonight too? As in I only got to know this at 7pm today and wanted to tell you like in real face to face too.."

I ask grinning – " okay that twinkle in your eye tells me you are really happy about this Sparkle..what is it??"

She nods and says excitedly –" oh yes I am....really super duper excited...Madan ka phone aaya tha at 7pm(madan called at 7pm)..and he was literally in happy tears as he told me that he got a 90 percent in his exams that were done before the Xmas Break...he even sent me a picture of his report card...ill show you once you stop driving..love..i am so so so happy for him...he Is like super bright...but I have to take a little bit of his class tonight...which is why we are going there..."

I grin at that on reflex – " wow..sparkle...that's amazing.."

Guys – remember? Madan is our server from this Dhaba.The one whose education + educationsal tools &resources - My Sparkle is sponsoring now – allowing me to only chip in a bit – the one she even gifted my signed bat for Diwali.

I ask now as a thought returns to my head – "but sparkle..didnt he like stop working the night shift? After you started sponsoring his education???so how will he be there at the Dhaba?"

Khushi nods with a little shrug folding her arms across her chest– "exactly na..that's why we are going because apparently in this holiday break he resumed working in the nights at the dhaba because one of the servers from the dhaba had to return to his village for a fortnight thike?and the owner called him in for help for that while..because he is so reliable and trustworthy..and I want to take his class on this..that if he is scoring so well in his exams..he could have just spent that time studying further as well or just relaxing ..maybe...he's only 15 na love...like why is he returning to that bondage of child labour..."

I grin at that as I kiss on my Sparkle's hand – " okay yes...take his class than for sure Sparkle...,"and she nods at me happily and we continue talking our hearts out like we always do as we drive to Our Dhaba – spot – holding onto each other's hand – all tight.

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20 Minutes Later

Arnav's POV Continues

I bite back on my grin with great difficulty hidden behind the newspaper(As usual) as I hear Madan (our server)say to Khushi whose taking his class by telling him she shall not place our usual order to him today –" aree didi...gusaa mat ho na...woh toh boss ne emergency mein bula liya nai toh maine kaam kabka chod diya hai aur sirf padhta hoon main....aapko toh pata hai.."(aree didi..please don't be angry...this toh boss called me in emergency or you know iv stopped working and have been studying full on..you know only)"

I hear Khushi say in a little grumpy tone – " madan...maine bola na..tumko order nai dungi aaj main...tum kisi aur ko bhejo...thike?"( madan I am telling you I am not giving you the order from our car today..send someone else..)

I hear Madan say now trying to change the topic – "areee but didi...aap itne time baad aaye ho aaj..or wahh wah didi..aaj toh Mr.India bhi aaye hain aapke saath...kiten dino baad inse milna hua..helloo bhaiya...Mr India...hello to you...kaise ho aap..thik thaak sab?"(are but didi you have come after so long today and wow didi..today Mr India has also come with you after so many days..hello to you mr India..how are you doing? Hope all well)

I bite back my laughter Now – at the Mr.India Reference – with great difficulty obviously.

I mask my voice all deep as I say from behind – " haan main bilkul thik hoon madan..tum kaise ho.."( yes I am doing well madan..how are you doing??")

I hear Madan say now –" mr India...abhi tak toh main bilkul thik tha..par lagta hai ab nahi hun..dekho na didi baat nai kar rahi..gusse se dekh rahi hai..aur gussa bhi hai.."( Mr India..i was fine till now..but not now..see how didi is angry with me..not talking to me...)

I add now sincerely in my deep masked voice – " Madan...didi sahi toh gussa ho rahi hai..tum kitne intelligent ho padhai mein...90 percent marks laye ho..chutiyon main thoda aur padhlete..ya araam karte.."( Madan..didi is getting angry rightly..for you are so intelligent..and have scored 90 percent..you could have studied more in the holiday or rested..)

Khushi says now in a matter of fact tone – " wahi toh...aaj isko order nahi denge hum"(that's what we will not give him our order today)

Madan says now in an sincere apologetic tone – " acha didi..sorry..agli baar se pakka nahi kaam karunga raat ko...ab aap gussa ho toh mujhe bilkul acha nahi lag raha..aap toh meri didi ho na"( okay didi..i am sorry..from next time I will not work at night..i promise...now that you are angry I am not liking it at all...you are my didi right?)

And just like I am anticipating – his sincere apologetic tone melts my Sparkle's grumpy tone as I hear her ask him now – " pakka se promise kar madan...agli baar nahi karega aise....chahe koi bhi bulaye...15 saal ka hai tu..main tere boss ki complain kardi na..toh jail jayega woh..child labour hai yeh..tu bass padh na.."( pakka you promise madan...you wont do the night job like this ever again..even if the boss calls..you are just 15...if I complain about him to the police he will get jailed for this is child labour...you please focus on your studies..)

The sincere compassion in her voice – obviously makes my Heart Glow.

Madan says now sincerely –" pakka didi..i will not work..aap abhi complain mat karna please??"( I promise didi..i will not work..you please don't complain right now)

Khushi adds now, I could sense the smile in her voice – " acha thike..last chance..."

I hear Madan ask – " ab order le aun aapka aur Mr India ka??"( should I get your and Mr.India's order now)

I hear Khushi add now – " haan thike,..le aa...ab order toh tujhe pata hi hai..chai bass garam garam lana..hamesha ki tarah"( yes okay...do get the order now..you know only what we want..do get the tea pipping hot like always...)

I hear Madan say now – " yes didi..main leke aata hun 10 minute mein..par use pehle ek baat bolun aapko didi??"(yes didi..i will get your order super fast in ten minutes..but before I go can I tell you something didi??")

Khushi asks – " haan..please..bolo..madan.."

I hear Madan say now sincerely – " didi..aapka woh interview aaya hai na aapki photo ke saath naye saal se pehle...aur aapki puri team ka..woh pata hai maine apni choti behen ko padhke sunaya hindi mein...10 saal hi hai..woh bhi kabi kabi mere bat ke saath khelti hai aise hi..par koi bhi gaon mein ladkiyon ko zyada khelne nai deta kehte hai..govt school mein padha rahe hai wahi badi baat hai..ghar ke kaam sikho...par aap sabka interview sunne ke baad – choti ne mujhse pucha – bhaiya iska matlab main bhi toh khel sakti hun na...isme bura kya hai...aur phir main toh gaon mein waise hi sabko bata diya ki aap hi mere didi ho jo mujhe padha rahe ho..toh maine sabko panchayat mein jaake bola..soch badlo apni..ladkiyaan kuch bhi kar sakti hai....ab khelne se toh mat roko..kya pata kaun kahan nikal jaaye....aur mere sab doston ne bhi saath diya mera..aur ab kuch choti ladikyon ne bhi himat karke apni team bana li hai gaon mein....ab kyunki woh abhi choti hai toh gaon wale zyada kuch nai bol rahe..aur meri choti bahut khush hai apne chote se bat se khelke maine leke diya usko ek chota bat...toh thank you didi..aapko..aur aapki puri team ko bhi..aur aapne jo bola na bilkul sahi bola..ab pratibha aur sapno ka toh koi gender nahi..."(didi..your interview came na that day before new years along with the rest of your teams – I read it out to my younger sister in hindi she is just 10..she loves to play with the ball and bat at times with the smaller ones ofcourse..but no one in the village lets the girls play much as they say – the fact that we are getting you all to study in the govt school that is only a big thing- you girls just stay at home and learn homely stuff...but after listening to all of your interviews she asked me – that brother does that mean is it okay for me also to play if I want too??whats bad in this?? And then I even told all my people in the village that you are the one who is sponsoring my education and we must change our thinking...girls surely can do anything too atleast let them play you never know who may reach where...and now some of the little girls around my younger sisters age have now taken a little charge and made their own team also...and because they are so young only 10/11 right now the elders in the village are letting it pass...and now my little sister is very happy playing with her little bat that I got her...so thank you to you didi and your full team, infact what you said was completely right..that talent and dreams have no gender....)

I clutch on My Sparkle's hand lovingly for I know this would have moved her precious heart immensely and I hear her say sincerely in an overwhelmed voice– " khush haina woh? Choti?Toh badiya hai.. Tum bhi bas usko khelne dena...kabhi kabhi apne saath bhi khila liya kar.."(She's happy na? than that's all that matters? You also just let her play and make her play with you some time too)

I hear Madan say now happily – " haan didi...khilaunga...aur aapko pata hai kya aapne woh jo ASR ka sign kiya hua bat diya haina mujhe Diwali pe...woh toh jaadu ka bat nikla..abhi Sunday ko hi maine 10 chauke mere usse.."(haan didi..dont worry I will make her play with me too..and you know what didi..that bat you gave me which was signed by ASR turned to be magic..for I just hit 10 – fours with it on Sunday in the village match..)

Khushi clutches on my hand happily now and I clutch on hers with the free hand that wasn't holding the newspaper upfront my face and she asks happily – " sach mein? Madan??10 chauke???? Are wahhh..aur hosakta hai woh jaadu wala bat ho..kyunki ASR ke sign jo hai uspe.."( really Madan...10 fours? That's amazing – and its possible that it's a magical bat for it has ASR's sign on it..)

I ask now inquisitive in my deep masked voice – " koi video hai tumhare pass Madan? Apne chauko ka? Toh apni didi ko bhejo tum.."( you have a video of your fours Madan? Then send it to your didi..pleaseeee)

He says – " haan haina Mr India..video hai...6 chauko ka hai..mere choti ne hi liya hai...aapko bhejta hun didi..aur ab main jaake aapka order bhi lata hun...,"(yes yes Mr India..i have a video of maybe 6 of my shots...my sister only took it..i will send it to you didi...and I will also go get that order)

And Khushi nods at him and he walks back to the Dhaba to get us the Order and I finally pull back the newspaper from my face and My Sparkle immediately hugs onto me tight from the side leaping forward as she says immediately – " I have decided something...arnav..."

I kiss on her head lovingly – " decided what Sparkle??"

Khushi says now looking up at me intently – " didn't you hear how Madan said that in his village they think it's a huge thing to even make girls study...and I am sure it's also partially because of monetary reasons too..i am totally going to sponsor the education of all the girls in that village no matter what stage...I know there are many many such villages in our country...but I'd like to atleast start with one...because education can be that light of hope and empowerment through which the girls in the village can probably let go of their inhibitions and stand up for what they want...I mean..until now they are just told they don't have another way out...and education and exposure to knowledge will help them see – that they are so so so many possibilities out there...right???????"

My Precious Adorable Sparkle.

I cup her face lovingly as I kiss her forhead – " Sparkle...I agree with you on this completely for sure...,"and she adds now with a heartfelt smile – "ok I need to find someone..who will help me manage all of this in secrecy just like you handle and manage all your social work in secrecy arnav and also I just do want to do this my way..and also be in constant touch with the girls over their educational progress just like I am with Madan...like now I'm thinking ill ask Dad, Mom, bhai on help for this..as in to help me just find someone trustworthy from our company maybe..who can help me with the execution in secrecy and everything...."

I caress her cheek lovingly – " and I am sure Sagar uncle and Nisha aunty and Rahul+ anj are only going to be superproud of you for this..just like I am...,"and she smiles and adds – " don't look at me that way thike? for I know..,"and she pauses herself as we lean in together for a brief intense kiss.

About two minutes later – her phone beeps and she pulls apart saying – " uff you are with me...who is texting me now..is it Jess??,"and she looks into her phone and says grinning – " oh wait..its Madan..he has sent his playing video.."

And I ask now inquisitive – " really?? show me??,"and My Sparkle nods excited as she downloads the video on her Whtsapp and puts her phone in the center so that we both can see and as we take the sight off him playing and hitting his fours – we both look at one another happily as we say in unison – " he's bloody good...really freaking good...,"and right then a idea clicks my head as I add now continuing to look at the rest of the video looking in – " Sparkle...Coach Khanna...in dwarka...rohan did mention him once...he's the one who coaches a lot of underprivileged for free....im thinking lets ask Madan to go to him Sparkle for a month or so and Dwarka is only 30-40 minutes away from his village on the outskirts...if he says he is interested...then rohan knows Coach Khanna we can inform him we are sending a candidate in and maybe after a couple of months if he shows good progress and grit to take play seriously and we'v heard what coach Khanna has to say about his gaming ability...we can actually get him under proper intense training as in we will sponsor him on that too...what say Sparkle??"

Khushi grins at that immediately and hugs me tight as she says – " that would be amazing....love..i mean...lets totally throw this idea too him..and lets see what he says to that...I am sure he will be on for this and I while tell him now...you just focus on study and play..atleast that way he wont even think about working the nights...oh yes..this will be amazing,"she adds further in a Happy – Glee – her eyes Twinkling.

I kiss her Head happily at that and hug her closer and I whisper now softly, emotions returning to overwhelm me – " I am going to miss you so much Sparkle...so very freaking much..dammit...."

I say the Same now – because I am scheduled to Depart with my Team tomorrow night – for New Zealand for 3ODI's + 3T20's + 3 Tests in a month long tour and My Sparkle leaves for Australia for the Tri Nation series day after morning – as well.

And ofcourse ,parting again – after all the Wonderful precious time we had together in these days - is coming along with a Ache+ Longing Now.

She hugs me all tighter as she whispers – " don't..na...just don't talk about leaving right now na..please..i mean you are leaving tomorrow night love and me day after morning..for our respective tours..but please...don't talk about it abhi na..pleasseee?? kal baat karle?(can we talk about this tomorrow) When it's time for you to go?? Like after that early dinner at your place that Reva aunty has arranged for us all...before your departure to the airport?"

I pull back from her hug now and cup her face lovingly and caress her cheeks – " thike..we will talk about it tomorrow...and Sparkle even though I am going to miss you insane...I'm surely going to be the most excited for our tours to end too..for after which – once Sagar uncle is out of his dazed shocked mode – we might actually have our in house - roka go through,"and I pause because I now want to make the emotional her smile I ask again with a playful wink– " tell me again..did he really ask you the very same questions all over again for the thousandth time this morning too before you left for practice???"

Khushi's eyes well up a little on reflex happily as she nods with a heartfelt smile – " oh yes he did..but Mom says...he will be okay by the time we return from our respective tours Arnav..so yes...my fingers are crossed...totally..."

I grin at that as I say with a wink – " and by then my ring will be all ready too..Sparkle.."

Khushi narrows her eyes at me adorably and pouts as she says – " oh there you go again..and this time I know you have reva aunty and anj with you on this...like I told reva aunty also the other day not to let you go overboa..,"and I obviously do not let her complete her sentence as I cup her face, pull her closer and close my lips over hers in an intense brief kiss and three minutes later as I pull back I add with a flick of a finger on her adorable nose – " shhh..shh..you sparkle..hone wali biwi ho tum meri..ring..meri marzi ki honewali hai..atleast ispe no more discussions...please?"( shh shh..you Sparkle..you are going to be my wife soon Sparkle and the ring is surely going to be off my choice, please no more discussions on this please??")

Khushi grins as she caresses my cheek pouting adorably yet again – " only because you said..hone wali biwi ho tum meri so intently thike..arnav(that I am going to be your wife again in that intense tone of yours)...dear heart is saying to let this go..."

I chuckle as I say – " exactly , I agree with dear heart on this..let this go..please??and how about you actually get to enacting the look of daze on Sagar uncles face from his questioning to you before you left for practice this morning? You did promise that you will enact out to me..Sparkle..now don't you back out on it...now come on..get on with it..before Madan comes with the order..."

Khushi nods as she says grinning mischeviously – "well yes..i did promise you that..so let me get on with it...ok...you won't believe how mom was biting back her grin though at breakfast and even bhai and anj couldn't stop laughing about it when I told them a while ago on the video call..ok...so..let me begin..so..here it goes.. Dad walks up to the dining table at breakfast and pulls out his chair and he looks at me all dazed and clueless and asks –,"and she continues to enact it all out to me adorably in her dramatic mode and whilst she is at it – we both are holding onto each other's hand all laced tight– and sharing warm laughs obviously.

And I can only feel my Heart get Consumed with that priceless feeling of Calm and Contentment – as always!

The Feeling of this Intense Calm within the Heart– is surely – a Priceless Emotion.

And I was Grateful Beyond Infinity – to be Feeling it in my Being – Indeed.

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TADAAAAA!!!!!

Also yes – I don't know if anyone of anticipated this – but the reason why this Chapter is Called The Calm – is because – Next Chapter Title is – The Storm/Stormed!

You know how like the Deep sea is usually at the calmest before the High Tides Set In????All I can say for now guys before the next Update comes in – is get your seatbelts on guys – for we are now headed into the Complete Emotional Overwhelming Rollercoaster – Leg of the FF. And yes...Before you all get worried – No Separation Ever – obviously – like I would never do that to my Stranger and Sparkle !!!! But yes – a Storm is coming Up – for Sure!!!

Next Update : Will try to Give One Tomorrow Night

Once again - I wish you all the best of the Holiday season ahead with your loved ones be it real time/virtual. Stay Safe Everyoneeeeeeeeeee!!

Alsooo yesss –I have finally gotten around to making my writing handle on Insta. Using it for Daily interactions – quotes – snippets etc. Would love to connect with you all on it too.

You can find me On Instagram – by Clicking on the Link Below.

https://www.instagram.com/mysticaltales11111/

Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support.

Much Love.

Always.

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