CHAPTER 41.3 – 'YOU' & 'US'

3 years ago

mysticaltales11111

@mysticltales111

Helloooo everyoneeeee..

So here I am with the First Update of the week. And its about medium- long Length – around 7.8k words.

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 41.3 – 'YOU' & 'US'

SEVEN DAYS LATER

DELHI, INDIA

12TH FEB, 2020

8:30PM @ SIDDHI( GUPTA MANSION)

Nisha smiles to herself, as she steps out of Khushi's room closing the door shut. As a mother, she was beyond just relieved and content over the fact that – Her Little Girl was finally home with them for the duration of the next three and a half vulnerable months of her bed rest.

They had all just reached home around 90 minutes ago – after all those hectic hours of long transit from Sydney to Delhi.

She pauses in her tracks suddenly as she sees Anjali and Rahul walking up to Khushi's room and she asks them – " all relaxed and freshened kids??".

They nod in unison and ask– " yes Mum..we were just coming by to see Junior..,"and Rahul adds further – " Mum..is Junior resting? As in is she asleep??given that you are walking out her room at the moment..."

Anjali smiles – "yes, Mum..in fact that's why we were coming over too..so that you could just freshen up and relax a little for you and Dad have been by Junior's side ever since we reached home.."

Nisha gives them a heartfelt smile – " Khushi asked her beloved Daddy to just relax and freshen up about ten minutes ago as she woke up from the little nap and I too nudged him to carry on...but...no Rahul, Anj...she is not resting in the sense your junior is just freshening up and changing into a fresh pair of tracksuit and Lila Didi is with her...you know how Khushi has always been so dear to her..she says..Nisha Bhabhi you don't worry at all..I will be by Khushi beta's side 24*7..I will also sleep in her room only..you know just in case she needs any assistance in the night..."

Anjali smiles – " yes Mum..I know what you mean..infact KP bhaiya(another of the household's loyal staff) was just telling me that Lila Didi couldn't stop her happy tears while she was awaiting our return..I mean we all know how she was too shaken and worried over Junior's injury too.. "

Rahul nods fondly too – " only natural ya Anj..I mean Lila Didi has been with us for over a decade now, when she came in Junior was just a little over 11.."

Lila Didi – was one of the loyal home staff at the Gupta's and had been with the family for more than a Decade.

Nisha nods with a heartfelt smile – " yes kids..so Lila is helping her sponge and freshen up for I didn't allow Khushi to exert immediately as we had just reached home right? just lying down straight for these 90 minutes and catching up on a power nap was important for her as in the long haul travel has been hectic enough for her back..," and she pauses and adds with a sigh – " well I do think I will suggest her to take that painkiller tonight..you know just in case..."

Rahul asks concerned – " wait..mum..is she in pain? As in did she say that she was like in a state of pain beyond the threshold she has now become used too? I mean the doctors did say that the long haul travel can lead to some exertion right?? although yes on that note we do have to commended the excellent medical services of the air ambulance nurses...nonetheless..."

Nisha sighs as she admits – "yes to the latter for sure Rahul beta..for they helped us expedite the formalities after at the airport too.. do remember to give in good feedback...,"and she pauses and Rahul nods at her in acknowledgement of the same and she adds further with a sigh – "well Khushi didn't say that she was in extra pain or something beta..but I am her mother right? I can read her eyes..she surely is a little uncomfortable because off the same..but then I guess the sleep tonight will help her surely, she should be feeling better tomorrow. I am also having our Dr.Suneel(family's general physician) come in first thing tomorrow morning to just check up on her..you know because I think it's just better to have him monitor her overall whilst she is on bed rest for all these months..."

Anjali and Rahul nod in unison at that and Anj says – " yes..Mum..that would be great actually, in fact the two of us were also just discussing the same..,"and she pauses and narrows her eyes at Nisha who was the second motherly figure in her life and she asks – " but..wait..Mum..whilst we were walking to Junior's room and you stepped out smiling to yourself...I just thought that your heartfelt smile did not reach your eyes like it usually does..all okay with you??"

Rahul narrows his eyes at his mother as he listens to Anjali pointing that out too and he adds putting his arm around his mother's shoulders – "Mum..see..I thought that too..but then I thought maybe you are just worried for Junior like generally.."

Nisha sighs as she gestures Rahul + Anjali to walk with her to her room now and they all begin to do that and she says – " well..I am okay...actually just a tad bit deep in thought.."

Rahul and Anjali ask in unison – " deep in thought over what Mum..??"

Nisha sighs – "over the discussion your Mausa(uncle) is having with Sagar right now..I mean your Masi and him called obviously to check on Khushi generally and they spoke to her too for a bit but then after that part of it, he wanted to talk to Sagar and he got into a little discussion...with regards to his opinions over this entire scenario with Khushi...which was I nudged Sagar to have the remainder of his conversation away from Khushi...,"and she pauses and adds – " I mean I do not want to add more Khushi's worries right now.."

Anjali sighs as she nods – " Yup..Mum..you are right about that..I mean no matter how positive Junior is trying to stay, we all know that this staying put on bed is frustrating her too..which is only natural ofcourse...but wait..what was this discussion about exactly??"

Rahul asks puzzled too – "exactly my point Mum..thanks Anj for voicing it out for me.. like mausaji never talks out of line..he loves Junior insane like us all...so what is it that's got you deep in thought and worried now Mum??"

Nisha sighs as she answers – "something on the lines off how we should encourage Khushi to just think of a back-up plan for her career nonetheless...as in...everyone in the family knows na beta that she has only been focused on cricket.."

Rahul asks zapped and dazed – " wait..what?? why would he say such a thing in the first place.."

Anjali asks zapped too – " exactly..why?? why even suggest this? When they all clearly know what cricket is too Junior and how this whole scene off just not being able to play for the next so many months is taxing her emotionally already..."

Nisha nods as she explains – "kids..as much as I got the hunch off it..i think he means well...his intentions aren't wrong...I think he was implying towards a scenario where in what if in the future an injury can be bad enough to rule out play forever..then what??your Masi has seen something like that happening to me right?? so yeah..I think they are just concerned and worried..."

Rahul sighs – "ohh god ya Anj..Mum...Junior surely doesn't need this thought at the moment..so its good that you asked Dad to step out to talk the rest..I mean let's just thank the fact that as off now .....nothing of such sort has happened...."

Anjali nods – " know what Rahul, Mum? let's just ask Dad what the entire discussion was about?? Now that we are minutes away from your room anyway..Mum.."

Nisha nods at that and they all get in and they spot a deep in thought Sagar pacing in the living area of the room and Nisha walks upto him immediately as she asks rubbing on his arm lovingly – "Sagar..you okay??"

Sagar nods at her – " yes yes..okay..Nisha.."

Rahul asks – " Dad..are you still deep in thought? Over what Mausaji said??Mum just told us.."

Sagar shakes his head in a negative as he gestures Nisha that he will fill her in on the rest of the talk in private and Nisha nods in acknowledgement on the gesture and Sagar says to Rahul +Anjali – " no Rahul, Anj...I am not in thought over the same...and he was just expressing his opinions out of worry and concern, that bit off it I could easily catch on...,"and he pauses and just shrugs his shoulders and adds – " anyways I do not want to talk about that bit right now amongst ourselves...for we have just reached home with Khushi...,"and he pauses and says to Nisha further – " come on Nisha...we are all changed and freshened up, you too hurry up and do the same so that we can all lounge in Khushi's room over dinner together...,"and he pauses and looks at Anj to ask – " Arnav and Akash will be here soon too right? as per the plan??"

Anjali nods grinning – "well yes Dad...Bhai and Akash should be here any minute soon...I mean we all know he was so bummed out that only two of us were allowed to travel in the air ambulance with Junior..and me and Mom took that spot alongside her all the way here...and then of course Junior coaxed him into going home first to just change and freshen up too...so yeah...I think he will be here like super soon...Mom, Dad, and Dadi will come in tomorrow though...since Junior did coax Mom and Dad into catching up on some rest and relaxation time ..."

Nisha nods and grins and adds– " I know Anj, which is fair too for we have all returned home after 17 days...,"and she pauses and sighs happily in relief – " well I do have to thank Arnav again for coming up with this brilliant solution in the first place..."

Sagar grins at that – " Copy that Mrs Gupta..and we will thank him again collectively once he comes..for sure..again.."

Anjali chuckles to that – " oh Dad..please...just how many times will you say that to Bhai...you very well know what his reaction is going to be yet again.."

Sagar and Nisha share a happy chuckle at that as they say – " oh yes...we know that for sure beta..but still..,"and Sagar pauses and adds with a heartfelt smile – " but to be honest beta..it moves and warms my heart immense to see Arnav and Khushi together..I mean after just observing on them closely for the last whole week too in the hospital back in Sydney, a part of me does feel like – they are already so deeply committed to one another emotionally anyway, that it's almost like as if they were married to one another already...so maybe their wedding towards the latter part of this year is just like a religious formality..,"and he pauses and adds feeling very content within as a father – " I mean ..just the way he cares, loves and understands my little girl..brings me so much happiness within..he knows how to handle her through and through with patience and love...he just accepts her for who she is as is...."

Rahul nods at that feeling a happy overwhelmed feeling take over his heart too – " Yes Dad...I know exactly what you mean...you know when I first found out about that somewhere within the back of my head I would think to myself at times that what if the age difference in between Junior and Arnav can be like a issue of concern at times..but turns out...I had nothing to worry about at all.."

Anjali nods beaming happily – " and that's because Rahul...bhai knows Junior through and through right? he doesn't expect her to think or act from his perspective ever..he wants her to stay true to herself and he greatly respects her growth at it's own steady pace as an individual too..he loves her as is..and the same goes for Junior..."

Nisha nods happily at them all as she says – " and I am delighted to say that I am proud of all my kids, not just Arnav and Khushi but you too Rahul and Anjali for we have both keenly observed how you too are very flexible towards respecting the other's individuality...too.."

Rahul grins as he side hugs Anjali to himself – " what can I say Mum..we'v learnt it from you all I guess..I mean Junior and me have surely observed you two over years and Anj and Arnav, and Akash have seen Reva aunty and Abhi Uncle...you all define love and respect for us to another tangent as partners altogether...aapne hi toh sikhaya hai ki kissi se behad pyaar karne ka matlab apne aap ko bhul jaana nahi hota..kisii se pyaar karne ka matlab yeh hai..ki jisse bhi pyaar karo..usse uski individuality ke saath accept karo dil se..usse apne hisaab se badalne ki koshish na karo ...bass ek dusre se battein karte raho..ek doosre ko samajhte chalo....phir zindagi ke safar pe differences tang nai karenge......" ( for you all have taught us that loving someone wholeheartedly and sincerely does not mean that you forget your own self in the process but instead it means that love the one you do as is, for who they are accepting their individuality truly from the heart never trying to manipulate them into change as per your whims and fancies..just keep talking to each other...keep trying to make that effort to understand one another..for then the differences in opinions down the time in Life won't seem like a trouble at all...)

Anjali nods and adds overwhelmed hugging onto Rahul– " exactly...Mum...Mom and Dad have always said the same too..."

Sagar nods looking at Nisha grinning - " and trust me anj beta..only because off Abhi and Reva bhabhi...I have no hangups and worries about seeing Khushi off so young..for I know she will just be stepping into another Home.."

Anjali nods and grins – " just like I have Dad.."

Nisha and Sagar gesture Rahul and Anjali to come in for a group hug and they do. Sagar adds further his heart all overwhelmed – " I cannot begin to tell you all.. how relieved and content I am feeling over the thought that we are all finally Home with Khushi...I cannot put the feeling to words..."

Nisha, Rahul, Anjali nod in an overwhelmed acknowledgement of the same and they say in unison smiling – " it's the same for us all too...,"and they all return to the Mini family group hug, each of them feeling beyond just content over the fact that – they were all – finally – Home.

That their Khushi was Home Too.

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100 Minutes Later

Arnav POV

Sagar Dad nods at me as he says with a heartfelt smile and wink– " ok then Mr Stranger, I shall now leave you for some alone time with my little girl, for I guess that's exactly what you'v been hoping for ever since you came in.."

I wink back at him happily at that as I add – " well Sagar Dad..I cannot deny that ofcourse...but nonetheless I love hanging out with you all too and you know that..also as much as I know you love pulling my leg by calling me Mr Stranger..I love the sound of Arnav beta more from you..,"and I pause and I add looking at Nisha Mom – "from you too Nisha Mom.. also yes...the dinner was great..really enjoyed it.."

Nisha Mom nods at me happily as she says – " thank you beta..,"and she nudges onto Sagar Dad – " come on Sagar...let's go now...give them some alone time..."

Sagar Dad nods at that happily.

And they both pat on my arm lovingly and start walking down the corridor ahead of Khushi's room to head to theirs.

Akash, Rahul and Anj walk out from behind me – coming out of Khushi's room too now and they add grinning in unison – " ok then...Junior is surely awaiting for you to join her back in..she did just get a call as we were stepping out too.."

I nod at them at that happily and Rahul hugs me suddenly and he says the underlying brotherly emotion evident in his voice – " I am glad that Junior has You..Arnav.."

I hug him back happily and I say – "and I am glad I have her too Rahul...also I am equally glad that Anj has You.."

And we all share a warm chuckle at that and Anjali says now holding onto Rahul's arm – " come on Rahul...give my brother some alone time with your sister now..,"and she pauses and winks at me – " bhai..akash, me and Rahul are just chilling in our room for a bit now..we won't come by to disturb you two..don't you worry..for we know we have troubled you enough by not giving you a second alone with Junior alone until now..."

Akash chuckles as he adds faking a sincere tone – " yes bhai..don't you worry...if Rahul tries to find some excuse to be around Junior for the next one hour or so than you just be rest assured that your siblings shall corner him and stop him.."

I nod at the three of them happily once more at that and I watch them Leave. The smile on each of their faces spoke volumes about how content each of them were feeling within at finally being Home with My Sparkle – after all these days.

Just as I am about to slide the door shut to Khushi's room – I see Lila didi (who has decided to be by Khushi's side 24*7 for assistance) walking out with a couple of bottles of water in hand and I say to her politely – " didi..aap bhi khana khalo abhi..main hun yahan khushi ke saath..."( didi..you also eat your dinner in the meanwhile and then come..I am here with Khushi until then..)

She nods at me politely and makes her way out too.

I close the Door Shut.

Finally.

I have some alone time with My Sparkle.

I mean – Guys – ever since we left the Hospital in Sydney beginning our transit for Home, I haven't had any alone time with her at all. Because she was travelling in the air ambulance with Nisha Mom and Anjali and they had like separate set of formalities to go through during travel apart from the general passenger planes at both departure in Sydney and arrival, here in Delhi. And then even though I wanted to come straight here with Rahul and Sagar Dad – Khushi coaxed me into going home on the account that she was going to catch on some sleep and rest once home and asked me to use that time to just freshen up before I could join them all for dinner here with Akash.And ever since Akash and me arrived her 95 minutes ago – we all have been camping by in Khushi's room in a full fledged family scene.

So Yeah.

I just can't wait to be with her for a while as Just Us. Also because I only have the remainder of tonight and tomorrow to spend some quality time by her side, before I am scheduled to re-join my cricketing duties besides my Squad.(As per the promise made to My Sparkle)

I take a deep breathe and make my way back through the living area in her room to the bedside of the motor-red Hospital cot that Rahul and Sagar Dad had installed by the side of her usual bed so that it was easier for her to wedge up and down in position without much physical exertion.

But the minute I take in the sight of my Sparkle with her one full hand rested across her forehead over her eyes and a line of tear trailing down her cheek – worry and concern return to engulf me as I stride my way to her side faster and I sit on the side of the bed that was empty next to her and I touch her hand (that was on her forhead gently) ask worried – " Sparkle...what's wrong??why is this line of tear trailing down your cheek..??"

And to my relief she pulls her hand away off her forhead instantly and gives me a heartfelt smile through her tears as she says – " uff ya..love..this line of tear is like a line of tear out of happiness..thike??I am just super moved at the moment ya.. acha..guess...guess..what happened??"

I wipe the line of tear away gently off her cheek and I ask locing my gaze with her's cupping her right cheek lovingly – " please don't ask me to go on a guessing spree right now Sparkle..you only tell me.."

Khushi nods happily as she says – " thike..I will only tell you...so I had a message on whtsapp from Madan..he must have messaged while we were all having dinner..I saw it as you walked Mom and Dad out and everyone else was also starting to leave..so basically he was asking – didi..are you back? The news up online tells me that you are back in India..that you arrived later this evening..please call me once whenever you are free..I want to talk to you and wish you well...so as everyone was heading out I called him na..he started crying first..telling me how worried he had been..and how he and Choti and everyone in the village had been praying for my well being and then he said something like – didi jab se appko chot lagi hai na tab se maine decide kiya ki bhagwan bass aapko thik karde to main wahi karunga jo aap chahete ho...aur main tab se sirf padhai kar raha hun aur khel raha hoon..coach sir bhi aaj meri batting practice se bahut khushi the...aap dekhna didi..aapko main kuch banke dikhaunga..aap bas thik ho jao..jaldi se.."( didi..ever since you were injured I have been praying to god daily and have decided in my heart that I will only do what you guided me to do from here on for sure and I have only been studying and playing ever since, even Coach Sir was very happy with my batting performance today...you see Didi..I will work very hard and make something out of my Life didi for your sake..you please just get well soon)

I smile at that Moved.

Immensely Moved.

I know My Sparkle has made such a difference in Madan's life with her kindness and compassion and more so – with her time too in every little way that she can.

I totally understand why he is so Moved and Driven at the moment.

I rub on Khushi's right cheek tenderly – " acha..this is amazing news Sparkle...and knowing you, I am sure you must have answered him something like – Madan..tu meri chinta mat kar..main thik ho jaungi..bass padh aur khel..kuch bana hai tujhe zindagi mein...par mere liye nahi...sirf apne liye..aur choti ke liye..aur apne pure parivaar ke liye.." (because I know you so well Sparkle – I am sure you must have answered him with something like, Madan you please don't worry much about me for I will be fine soon..you just focus on playing and studying for you most surely have to make something out of your life, but not for my sake but for your very own sake and for your little sister and the sake of your family..)

Khushi's eyes widen at that a little as she shakes her head at me adorably – " aapp naaa...uff..."( you...na...uff...)

I chuckle at that as I kiss her forhead – " yahi kaha na tumne usse..Sparkle??" ( this is exactly what you told him right?? Sparkle??"

Khushi nods at me happily and she says – " yes..exactly...like ditto..like you just guessed it word to word..ya not fair thike??"

I chuckle as I caress her left cheek with my other hand too holding her face in my hands tenderly and I say – " I know you na...Sparkle...which is how I can also exactly notice the fact that you are a tad bit uncomfortable too right now..you ar ein pain love..and I know that...your dear eyes tell me that very easily even though you are trying to mask it from us all...look Sparkle..if the back's paining beyond the threshold of you can bear then please take that painkiller darling...I know that you'v been trying to do without them for the last one week specially but still sweetheart..the long haul transit has surely caused in some exertion nonetheless right..."

Khushi's eyes well up with that further and she says softly – " well to be honest..I was thinking..to take that painkiller in ten minutes or so..anyway..love.."

I kiss her forehead – " why not take it now love?? if the pains causing so much discomfort..you don't need to torture yourself with it beyond a certain point love..the doctors did say you can easily take upto three tablets in a day for this first month right and you'v just been taking one...for the last whole week..."

Khushi sighs and nods – " okay...yes..I think I will take one now..itself.."

Wait.

What?

She agreed?

Just Like That?

For in this last one week everytime I have tried to coax her into having another painkiller when she's looked uncomfortable she always says – " uff ya love..don't worry...I can bear it..I have to get used to it..to that threshold of pain..now how many painkiller will I keep popping into my systems..."

So that means – I read it right. She is quite uncomfortable. The tablet needs to get into her System – Now.

I keep my sincere penetrating locked on her vulnerable face as I get up from her side and take in the tablet from the side table and help her take in the same by drinking up some water too.

Once she was done – I pull my hand back from behind her neck and keep the glass of water aside and she adjusts her head back on the pillow and closes her eyes shut momentarily.

Ok.

Something's Not Right.

I take both her hands in mine and kiss on them lovingly and I ask softly – " what's wrong Sparkle..??"

She whispers softly in a voice that was almost trembling – " kuch nai hua..love...kuch bhi toh nai hua..."( nothing's wrong love..nothing is wrong at all..)

I kiss on her hand again – " really?Sparkle?? once again..are you trying to hold back on your tears in front of mee??"

Khushi nods keeping her hand back across her forehad covering her eyes up – " I don't want to cry ya..love..I don't want too...I don't want but...,"and she pauses sighs – "god this is embarrassing..for the first time ever..I don't know if I want to voice this out too you..."

Her Tone.

Its way too Vulnerable.

It aches me within.

Immense.

I kiss her hand again lovingly again and I ask softly – " I want to lie down next to you...Sparkle?? Can I??"

Khushi nods with her hand still over her forehead over her eyes.

I adjust myself next to her and wedge up on my elbow and I bend forward and kiss her nose – " please...talk to me ..love...you don't need to be embarrassed about anything at all..it's me.."

Khushi nods and sighs and admits in her vulnerable and trembling voice – " I feel frustrated..so so frustrated as in dear mind can't help but feel so so frustrated within at so many tangents – like at least on this one....I do just want to be able to just feel like I can be by myself in the washroom or atleast shower at the least on my own...even if I haave to be sitting on a chair in the shower cabinet..but nope..am not allowed...I hate that I need help in there too like everytime..like in the washroom while sitting up ...plus I'v just had to make a do with all this body sponging for all this while now..and I somewhat feel disgusted within... I mean I haven't showered in days love...like Lila Didi used to help me in dress up and stuff when I was like 11....I hate this ya...love...."

I pull her gently in my loving embrace and I hug her close and I whisper kissing her shoulder – "Sparkle...I understand love...I understand...it's going to be okay soon love...it's going to be okay...your back needs the time to heal..okay??"

Khushi whispers softly wrapping her arms around my neck in that similar vulnerable voice – " I know..it needs that time..but ..,"and all of a sudden she pauses and loosens her grip around my neck and touches my shoulder trying to push me away – "you know what?? now that I just said it aloud Skipper Blue..you just move away from me thike? I mean I haven't like showered in days...don't hug me..."

Is she Mad?

Has she Lost it?

I hug her back instantly ofcouse.

Gently.

But I Hold her Close – Tight and Snug.

And I kiss her ear lovingly – " shut you up...Sparkle...shut you up..don't you push me away..."

And just as I do that – Khushi breaks down in my arms and she clutches onto my tee over my heart and buries her head in my chest and keeps crying.

I let her vent it out for a Minute or So obviously as I just hold her close and then it strikes me.

There's surely something more at the back of her Head.

I kiss on her head lovingly as I ask – " kuch aur baat bhi haina? Sparkle??"(there's something more in there too right?? isn't it??)

Khushi nods clutching onto my tee in her fist.

I say immediately – "knew it..freaking knew it..what is it??"

Khushi continues to sob brokenly in my arms as she asks – " khel paaungi na main?? Phir se??(will I be able to play again??) I have never been out of playing for this long and what if after six months by the time I recover and am allowed to play...dear mind goes into like a brain freeze moment and am unable to pick up my bat at all..just what if I can never play again??"

OH GODAMMIT.

I kiss her shoulder lovingly in support.

I pull back instantly from the warm hug and wipe her aching tears off her cheeks and whisper softly holding her face gently in my hands – " shhh you...Sparkle...what are you even saying dammit?? Do not let your mind go there alright?? look love...I understand that its natural for these fears to play on your mind right now given the vulnerability you are fighting within...but no..you cannot let these thoughts weigh you down...ofcourse you will play again love...like I am dead sure of that...won't you ask me why ?? why I am so sure??you won't go into a brain freeze moment for sure when you pick up your bat months from now..."

Khushi locks her tearful gaze with mine as she asks – " how is it that you are so sure ya love?? this is natural as in it could happen to anyone right??like when you don't play for that long??"

I nod at that but I admit sincerely – " yes I know Sparkle...that this could happen to anyone..but I am dead sure that this won't happen to you ever because as much as I know you...I can technically anyway say that the blood in your veins is kind of blue...you live cricket meri jaan...it flows naturally to you so so naturally...so I am most dead sure that the first ball you take on after months will fly into the air for a sixer for sure in your killer little hit girl style...indeed..."

Khushi gestures me to come in for a hug immediately and I do hug her tight and she continues to vent out her fears in my arm through her tears for two more minutes and she whispers softly after– " I hope so love...I desperately hope so..but to be honest love...at the moment I have these thoughts within...that I have never really ever thought of a back up plan in my life ever...as in that I have been so focussed on just cricket that I never sort of accommodated any levy in my head for the thought that what if a situation in life arises that I cannot play again...as in what if my health doesn't allow...as in I am going to recover from this injury eventually that I know..but our sport or any sport for that matter is prone to injuries right? so what if ever a situation arises that I cannot play again..tab kya? Do you think that I must think of a back up plan for myself in my head nonetheless?? You know just in case??"

Ok.

Wait.

Now that she put it that way – to be Honest – even I have never ever thought off a Back Up Plan, like ever.

I pull back from hugging her and I admit sincerely – " Sparkle...to be honest..you know I have never thought off a back up plan ever too..."

Khushi nods as she says adjusting her head back in the pillows as she wipes her tears – " I know love..I know...that's what I was thinking..that we just take things for granted sometimes no..I mean I always thought that I could just go on doing my thing...without ever thinking of any other possibility in my head..but now.."

I keep my finger on her lips as I ask puzzled – " shh..shh..Sparkle..first you tell me..how did this thought even get triggered in the first place??"

Khushi whispers softly – " dad was talking mausaji..thike?? I think this was what the discussion was about...as in after talking to me he just wanted to talk to Dad and I got the gist of it well in time even though Mom then gestured Dad to go talk on the other side...but please don't tell them thike?? I mean in front of Mom I just

pretended that I didn't hear anything at all...I mean I know mausaji means well and was just expressing his concerns about the same...but it just had me thinking na...and ever since then dear mind has just been on an overdrive...as in...I live and breathe cricket, right? I never for once thought if not this than what???should I think off a back up love??"

UGGHH MAUSAJI.

REALLY?

WAS THIS THE TIME TO DISCUSS THIS?

I MEAN – I KNOW YOU MEAN WELL – BECAUSE YOU LOVE KHUSHI INSANE.

BUT STILL.

GUYS – I HAVE MET HIM OBVIOUSLY RIGHT? – Over Rahul and Anj's wedding festivities , so yes I don't doubt his intentions at all. I just don't think he had his timing right!

I sigh as I brush my hand over Khushi's forehead lovingly – " what does Dear Heart say? Haan? Do you feel like you want to think off a back up for Real Sparkle??"

Khushi nods – " well dear heart says that there is no harm in safeguarding oneself right? as in keeping a Plan B in place isn't like a bad thing but I just need to think this through..as of now..I just feel lost..because I have simply no clue ya...,"and she sighs and adds – " I will just take time to think this through nonetheless.."

I kiss her forehead again – " ok then Sparkle...listen to what the heart says alright? but then don't let the frustration overwhelm you na? I mean even if you are thinking of Plan B think of a Plan B that will make you happy within..."

Khushi nods at that and sighs – " I know...but now dear mind is all like overworking and being all like I shall now have Plan B, C, D , E, F, G in place too...give me some time K..I will figure this out..,"and she pauses and chuckles in a way that was almost sad and adds longingly – " oh god ya...my neurons are in shock I guess..they didn't ever think they would have to process this through..in the first place.."

I bend forward and kiss her forehead again as I ask softly – " what can I do love?? please tell me?? what can I do at the moment to make you feel better??"

Khushi opens her arms out to me as she gives me a sad smile – " just hug me again..please...hold me closer..."

I do.

I do Just That Obviously.

Five – Seven Minutes later of me just holding onto her in my arms and brushing on her hair lovingly in a Silence that wasn't really silent at all for she was just venting out the rest of her low frustrated vulnerable vibe and I was just trying to sooth her with my loving vibe in the process, she says softly kissing on my shoulder – " thank you..love...for coaxing me into coming home...too..."

I kiss on her head – " feels good doesn't it Sparkle??"

Khushi nods – " it does love..it does....it feels good*infinity indeed love...,"and she pauses and adds – " but I am so glad that everyone is going to be resuming work from tomorrow as per like normally and also Reva Mom and Abhi Dad...I am going to tell them to only come by in the evenings...like after their day stuff is done..."

I brush her arm tenderly – " ofcourse Sparkle...we promised you..didnt we?? We will keep our promise for sure...,"and she whispers softly now against my heart – " love...aap..please..kal sara din yahin aajana mere pass...(please you be here with me all day tomorrow alright??), for day after you will,"and she pauses.

I know – why she Paused.

Obviously.

Intense Emotions have returned to engulf both of Us.

I pull back from holding her close and I wedge up on my elbow against the pillow and just caress her cheek lovingly sure that she could read every bit of the intense emotion in my eyes – " ofcourse Sparkle...I will be right here..by your side all day tomorrow..."

Khushi kisses my hand lovingly and gives me a heartfelt smile – " exactly what I need before my Skipper Blue returns to his pitch duties...,"and she pauses and adds giving me another comforting smile – " don't worry much about me thike? abhi toh just aise hi I got like all emotional and vulnerable..but I am sure that I will figure out a way to deal with these and frustrations eventually...and I will be okay...from day after tomorrow...I am going to start studying all day too...then everyone is there with me na...also this weekend Jess and some more of my team mates might come over to see me when they return from Chandigarh, plus Payal, Noor, Sachi Maam, Samaira will come in day after evening too...plus Ranjana aunty and Shivi will come in over the weekend too..."

Guys – Hridhaan and Vikram are going to be in Sydney for a little while more as per their earlier schedule.

I nod at her at that and lace my hand through hers tight – " yes I know Sparkle...I spoke to Hridhaan and Vikram when we landed right?Hridhaan did fill me in on Shivi and aunty's plan...too and ofcouse I am aware of the Payal, Noor, Sachi Maam and Samira's plan too...,"and I pause and I admit sincerely – " why do you think that I was so keen on you just being Home Sparkle..for I knew that it isn't just family but our close friends too will also make sure in my absence that you are doing more than just okay too..."

Khushi nods at me emotionally as she says – " Smarty fox..Mr.Skipper Blue...toh now just you don't worry about me at all thike? you just play love...just play.."

I nod at her in the acknowledgement of my promise again – " I will Sparkle...for sure..and not just on my behalf but on yours too..."

Khushi nods at me overwhelmed and we both again and now I just need to desperately make her smile on a lighter note so I add now – " and I don't know if this crossed your mind love...but it's going to be the 13th of Feb..as in it is a pity that I have to leave on Valentines Day but it isn't that day I am quite concerned about...just a few days from now on the 16th..its going to be a full Year to me meeting you for the very first time...can you imagine? A year's gone by already??"

That makes Khushi wrap her arms around my neck even more tightly as she whispers softly – " oh my god...yes...yes ..yes...yes...love...,"and she pulls back and adds now her eyes twinkling in happiness – "Arnav...it's going to be a year to that night we first met..under the trent bridge by chance and I actually misunderstood you to be a creepy crawly burglar...remember??"

I nod at her lovingly and I admit – " and only I know how I was holding onto m laughter at that point in time..Sparkle..I mean just no one had ever called me that ever before.."

Khushi narrows her eyes at me happily as she says – " oh please..thike?? you can't blame me love..I mean do I need to remind you the circumstances...?? And also you cheeky thing..you surelyw ere having the time of your life taking my case on further the minute I told you I play for India Women..as in you most surely knew that I was going to be gobsmacked the hell out of my mind the minute I would see you..."

I chuckle at that happily ofcourse and I kiss her head – " I plead guilty, your honour...I was obviously having the time of my life...indeed...."

Khushi whacks my arm playfully – " ohh I was so shaken and frazzled thike???like frazzled*infinity indeed..."

And I admit honestly – " and I was beyond just bedazzled and smitten Sparkle...bedazzled*smitten*infinity indeed...,"and I brush my hand over her hair lovingly as I add further – " but to be honest love...it doesn't feel like it's just going to be year...it feels like I'v known you for a long long time.."

Khushi caresses my cheek too as she says looking sincerely – " I know...it feels like I have known you for a long long time too love.."

And just like that we both lean in to kiss each other – intensely, emotionally and vulnerably and I whisper into her lips five minutes later – " I will miss you insane love..when I'll be gone..promise me you will take care...and promise me that you won't ever hold back your tears in front of me...cry as many times as you want to alright?? but in front of me..alright??"

Khushi clutches on my collar and she whispers back kissing the side of my lips– " uff ya..i have no plans on becoming a cry baby thike?? but thike love..whenever I will feel like crying...I promise to do so in front of you...and I will miss you too ..so so so much...,"and she pauses and adds – " I think I should say this more often even though you have prohibited me from saying these words...but thank you love..for just being You – I honestly need to say this out louder..thank you for everything..just about everything...for loving me the way you do, for understanding me the way you do...for handling me the way you do...and mostly for Just Being You..."

I pull back and I look into her eyes and I admit – " well then in that case..i think I need to say this too...thank you for just Being You too Sparkle...thank you for being the light of my Life...thank you for being My Sparkle..."

And Just as I say that to Her – Khushi's eyes light up and twinkle and she says pouting adorably– " oh my god...dear mind got it...I figured it out love...I figured it out..the perfect way to deal with my frustrations and lows....like my bulb just lit up..."

I chuckle at that adorable pout up her face as I rub my thumb on her lower lip tenderly – " ahaan? really? what idea did your bulb light up with now Sparkle??"

Khushi grins as she says – " The idea of Gratitude.Love...gratitude.. I am genuinely going to start keeping like a gratitude journal and everytime I start to feel like frustrated or low...I am going to shift my focus to recording all the things that I am indeed extremely greateful for...I mean I don't say that it will like vanish my frustrations like magic..but I think it will give me the exact conviction and belief within to just keep pulling through positively...and guess what love? even though I can't like write from my straight down position in bed much..i surely can take down audio notes na...."

I grin at that on reflex – " well tell dear mind that – that is a wonderful idea indeed...love..."

Khushi cups my face lovingly now as she caresses my cheek lovingly – " and know this love... every single day of the recordings in my audio gratitude journal...I shall thank god for blessing me with You...indeed...like just how can I ever thank my destiny enough for having me stationed in your spot by the Trent Bridge on that night of 16th Feb..I mean we would have met anyway love..because of Superbro and Anj but then now that I look back at it love...I am super glad that we met the way we did...My Stranger...just how can I not thank God everyday for You haan?? Just How??"

Godammit Her.

I kiss her – Immediately.

Very Intensely, Vulnerably and Emotionally and Deeply Too.

And I whisper into her lips about five minutes later taking a little pause – "and I am glad love..that my destiny had me walk to the Trent bridge that day too..for I wouldn't ever change a dime of a second about how we first met too love...and you know what? I had a truce with God you know Sparkle...I told him that I would never ask him for anything ever again if he just blessed me with your life being out of critical danger that day...so know this Love...I thank him each day too...for Yo..,"and before I could complete the word – YOU, Khushi closed her lips over mine for an intense, vulnerable, deep, emotional kiss yet again.

And I think – at the moment – the way we were emotionally and vulnerably kissing each other , she's totally Thanking God for Me again and I am totally Thanking God for Her again.

Or Maybe – We were just both Thanking God – For US.

Yeah.

That would be a Better way To Depict This Vulnerable Moment in between of us.

Could we ever Thank God enough for - US?

NAH.

I DON'T THINK SO.

WE COULD NEVER EVER – THANK HIM ENOUGH.

INDEED.

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

.........

TADAAAA.

Also yes – after this Chapter from here on – we shall now be taking little leaps throughout the next months of Sparkle's recovery.

Next Chapter : Guys, this week it shall be only Two Updates unlike the Usual Three in the Week. So after this one I shall be able to give only one more Update this week and I shall try to post it Up by Friday evening for sure. If Not Friday evening then Sat for Sure!

Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support.

Much Love.

Always.

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