CHAPTER 43.2 – MY BEGINNING...MIDDLE..AND END.

3 years ago

mysticaltales11111

@mysticltales111

Helloooo everyoneeeee..

I hope you'v all had a wonderful week!

So yes – here I am as promised with the Second Update of the Week on Saturday And its about medium- long length – around 10.5k words.

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

And I shall now let you Dive In – without further Delay.

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CHAPTER 43.2 – MY BEGINNING...MIDDLE..AND END.

5:45 PM – New Delhi

Arnav's POV

Guys.

Technically – I know I should start with the pleasantries but please forgive me for I most surely cannot. And to be honest – as much as I would like to – I am not in the state of mind to give you all like a glimpse into the last 45 days gone by from my end.

A little birdie tells me that you all have a brief idea about it nonetheless.

As in you all are most surely aware that I just finished playing the First Test with Bangladesh about 50 minutes ago, just like I am aware that you all already have a heads up about the fact that today was also My Sparkle's final scan at the Hospital.

Please note that I would have indulged in a little happy toast – toasting to our win from a while ago and my celebratory mood would have continued from the pitch + post-match presentations if only I hadn't come face to face with the news I had in the dressing room – the minute I had switched on my phone.

You see guys – while I was on my way to the dressing room – I was kind of anticipating in my head with a lot of fluttery excitement that I would come face to face with the news /calls and texts of the news of My Sparkle's back being all healed for good (the news I have been dying to hear for months now) – but instead all of my celebratory mood/excitement has been displaced by immense worry – as I first read Anjali's text telling me that the scan started a little late which was why theres wasn't any news yet and that she would text me the minute she knew anything or had met Khushi. And I got another text from her five minutes telling me that - the Doctors are kind of not happy with Khushi's final scan and that they were all still with the Doc in the middle of the consultation.

And this was enough to switch my Immense worry Mode obviously pacing around the dressing room in dismay in a corner while everyone was busy celebrating, until Ravi, Cap and Rohan got a glimpse of my nervousness and I took them aside to fill them up on the same briefly and they all helped me calm down and advised me to be just patient and wait for more News.

I tried – ofcourse.

Only to fail yet again.

For by the time we had boarded the team bus back for the Hotel – I had received Anj's text stating that they were headed back for Home and on the whole – the doctor has just stated that he cannot state that her back has completely healed for apparently some bits of internal spasm was kind of evident in her back still in the scan and all of this technically kind of relates to just one thing – and that is the fact that they have advised her to continue with her bed rest for another three weeks before they will repeat a CT Scan. And this development clearly pushes back all of Khushi's physio and rehab plans by another three weeks which has obviously bummed her out insane and also has worried us all.

My Sparkle's beyond just devasted. She's been emotionally overwhelmed on another level all together and the only thing she texted me after getting in the car was – Arnav..love...Come Home...love..please...come home..I know I am asking you to wade away from the very promise I took from you..but at the moment I just need to see you even if its for a while..for I am way too disturbed love..I mean I did exactly what the doctors advised me too didn't I?? I followed it all down to the T like not even exerting extra for a minutest of a second and yet the scans say I need to be on bed for another three weeks. I have to wait for another three weeks more to attempt to walk on my feet love...just when will I walk again on my own ...just when...????

This text from her had worried me immense obviously and I had sent her a warm, loving, comforting text in return instantly too telling her that I was coming to her for sure. I also had texts from everyone else in the family group by that time pretty much worried about the same. Infact Mom, Dad, Akash, Dadi everyone was headed to Khushi's too the minute they had gotten the heads up as well.

So.

Yeah.

That is exactly where I am at the moment – in the car – headed towards her home for we are still in Delhi and the rest of the evening after finishing the First Test match after five days of gruelling test cricket - was scheduled to be free anyway.

The Hotel where we all stay during matches in Delhi is scheduled just ten minutes away from the Firoz Shah Kotla Stadium and the minute we reached the Hotel – and everyone was heading up to relax and stuff I had a quick chat up with Coach sir that I was headed Home for a while because my Dadi wasn't well and would be back after Dinner later tonight.

Rohan, Ravi, Cap obviously knew the personal details and my reasons for the same and even though they were all quite concerned for Sparkle too - I just asked them all to stay back to be with the Unit at the Hotel. Dad had also sent Verma Uncle to pick me up half way through. I took the hotel's private cab service half way because I did not want to get delayed and once I reached the mid- point in between Chhatarpur and Connaught place – I hopped into My Car.

I look out the window. The Directions tell me that still another 20 minutes plus to reach Khushi's. Also there is a lot of traffic. I sigh as I say to uncle – " Uncle..saara traffic aaj hi hona tha??"( uncle..why did all the traffic have to be out on the roads today itself)

Uncle nods – " I know beta...but don't worry..it should clear soon..another 30 minutes maximum..."

Godaamit.

Another 30 Minutes to see My Sparkle. I mean – guys- she won't even speak to me on the phone over a voice call at the moment for she texted: Love..if I hear your voice...I will just cry...I'd rather just cry in your arms instead..like in person..knowing that I can..knowing that you are like right here in Delhi...

I fight another sigh.

Even though I know I have to be strong for My Sparkle – at the moment I can't help but feel dejected for her nonetheless. As in – I totally understand why she is feeling all devastated about the same the way she is.It's Only Natural for her to feel so. I

know how excited and nervous she was this morning right??She was so excited thinking that she might be allowed to attempt to stand on her feet by herself today and maybe walk a few steps too!!

And not just that – she had planned it all out in her head – her timelines – she wanted to get into intense rehab for the next couple of months starting in a week from now so that she could play by the first week of August and have a full whole month of practice time in hand in front of the team and selectors before they announced the World Cup Squad.

And Now it seems – all of that – is going to be Pushed Back.

Godammit.

She's handled this so amazingly till now and I am so proud of her for that. Maybe that's exactly what I need to be motivating her with yet again for a little while more.

I dish out my phone restlessly – head to Whtsapp and text her.

Me : Sparkle..please..dammit..just pick up the phone..and talk to me just once..I need to hear your voice to know if you are okay..

My phone beeps with her reply in ten seconds.

Her : I will be okay once you are here Arnav..I told you na..i will breakdown if I hear your voice at the moment..please...I just need to see you..how much more time??

Me : another 25 minutes more love...I can't help but curse the traffic situation at the moment..look..just don't cry..please...as in cry once I am with you...but not right now...ok? its only a matter of time darling..you went through four months and you'v faired so brilliantly so just three more weeks love...just three more weeks...you will be okay...alright??

Her: ........................................

Me : Sparkle...please...do not go.............. on me right now...

Her : I am doing better than what I was at the hospital ya...just all emotional..its natural na??

Me : ofcourse my love..its more than just natural...I understand..we all do...

Her : I know...Abhi Dad, Reva Mom, Dadi, Akash are here already too and everyone's just being all loving and supportive reassuring me that I will get there and its only a matter of some more time maybe...but...but...I am so sorry for this though thike?? I mean I am sure you were so happy after the win na love..and now this...iv worried you again haven't I??

Me : what the hell dammit Sparkle? Don't you dare dammit...don't you freaking dare say that to me right now..

Her : I am just superglad you were scheduled to be in Delhi today ya love..I mean if I had my scans two days later you would have been in Chennai playing the 2nd Test and I wouldn't have been able to see you..because jo bhi hai..i wouldn't have let you leave the match in progress..

Me : I know Sparkle..and I swear to all of our cricketing gods above that I am so freaking glad about the same that I am in Delhi too.Thank God for that – Indeed.

Her : Come soon..please...

Me : I am...should I fly the car?

Her : please do..please...

Me : Sparkle..

And just as I tap send to that – I get another message in my whatsapp chat window from Anj.

Anjali : Oh god bhai...its not even been an hour since we left the hospital and someone's already posted the news up online that the Little Hit girl was seen leaving the hospital with her family and she wasn't spotted walking on her own two feet but was spotted using assistance for the same which means that she hasn't fully recovered yet.Now there are talks about – is the Little Hit Girl's dream to play the World Cup later this year - over already? Will she heal and be ready to play in time to cut the WC squad??

Whatttttttttt?

I reply to Anjali : godammit Anj....this online media grapevine continues to stun and me more and more by the day.. freaking unbelievable Anj...please make sure Khushi doesn't see this..ok? I should be reaching in twenty. I am on chat with her on the other end too.

Anjali : oh yes bhai..we will contain this from Junior. All of us are worked up because of this for sure though. Rahul is fuming already.Come soon – okay?

And just as I am switching my chat window back to Khushi's – her text comes in with a snapshot of the online buzz Anjali just mentioned.

I fight back another sigh.

Me : Sparkle...don't you dare pay any heed to all of this nonsense alright? you know what? I am freaking confident that you are going to play the WC squad alright?

Her : sach mein? Like for real? You think I can chase this dream of mine just in time?

Me : ofcourse you can my love...you do know that the ICC has an extended deadline and allows squad changes and inclusions until one week before the WC actually begins because they obviously accommodate for last minute injuries and stuff..so even if it's a three- week delay...you still have time..love..you still have the time...

Her : I love you...Skipper Blue...

Me : I love you too Sparkle..

Her : how much more time?

I look out.

Me : another fifteen minutes...maybe?

Her : okay...acha..Reva Mom has just come to my room by my side..i will be with her now thike? aap aajao...ok??

I sigh as I lock my phone back and look out at the line of traffic ahead of us before a Red Light.

About time – I had a word with Superman I Guess? I mean – we do have the Love for Blue – in common anyway!

I am sure I can coax him into lending me his Flying Cape for moment's like these?

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20 Minutes Later

Arnav's POV Continues

I am delighted to report that the hectic gruelling day of test cricket out on the field has not tampered my ability to run at the speed of light at the moment for I am totally channelising Usain Bolt's running avatar yet again. Started channelising it the minute I got off my car at Siddhi(Gupta Mansion) which was two minutes ago.

I am also aware that the home staff would have already informed everyone up in Khushi's room about my arrival just like they immediately informed me as I stepped in through the main gates that – everyone was up huddled together in Khushi's room at the moment and were waiting for my arrival (Everyone includes both our families)

I increase my pace automatically as I see the door to her room now and just as I reach it and am about to slide it open – Anj opens it through from the other end and gives me a small smile as she says – " i knew it...bhai...that you'd be here any second now...for I definitely anticipated you running your way here..."

I give her a small smile with a nod pausing in my tracks sure that she could surely read the worry + the overwhelmed emotion in my eyes. I also needed to pause to take a couple of deep breathes to just steady up my edgy worried nerves too because I know My Sparkle is in a dejected state of emotions already and if she spots me feeling all low too – it's not going to help her feel better which is what my focus always is – irrespective of what I am feeling within. I was going to deal with my inner turmoil later or just alongside with her. But I surely needed to be in a calmer and composed state.

I ask looking at Anj channelising all my calm through the hurdles of worry – " Anj..how's she? Has she cried a lot????"

Anj nods sincerely her own face twitched in part concern – " yup bhai...only natural na...I mean you know how badly she was waiting for this day ,"and she pauses as I nod at her with a sigh and she gives me a side-hug rubbing on my arm and smiles again sincerely gesturing me to come on in and she whispers softly to ask – " you okay bhai??"

I nod at her as I answer softly – " I surely will be now..now that I am here...and I will make sure she is okay too.."

Anjali nods at me in an instant understanding.

And just as we do get in and we close the door to Khushi's room shut and walk in – I see both our parents, Rahul and Akash and Dadi huddled around Khushi's hospital bed in her room and they all look up at me and I am surprised to not find my Sparkle in bed like I expected her too and I ask immediately walking up to hug Dadi and greet her first and then both our Mom's– " Sparkle?? where's Khushi everyone??"

Anjali goes on to sit beside a deep in thought Rahul on Khushi's bed.(The normal one). I nod at him and so does he in a sincere silence in acknowledgement of the gesture.

Akash exchanges a subtle silent nod with me too.

Ok.

These two are really serious in their thoughts at the moment – which could only mean that My Sparkle surely has been pretty dejected.

Nisha Mom hugs me from the side as she says softly – " she's just in the washroom beta..Lila didi is with her..."

Mom adds hugging me back – " she wanted to wash her face beta..she said even though Arnav knows I have been crying buckets I do not want him to spot me that way the minute he'd enter my room.."

I sigh as I add honestly – " god..Mom's you have no idea how long the ride here seemed..,"and I pause to just rub my hands over my face with a dejected sigh as I admit a second later looking at everyone and keeping my hands on my waist – "but I am glad..I was here in Delhi today...I mean I most surely didn't see this coming..but anyway...I'm just glad to be here now.."

Nisha Mom smiles at me warmly – " ill have your coffee sent up beta in a while and a snack too..I am sure you are tired after the hectic day.."

I nod at her and kiss her forhead.

Mom beams at me happily. She loves the sight of me and Nisha Mom bonding.

I walk over to hug our Dad's next and Sagar Dad pats on my arm gently as he says – " she was waiting for you...and now that you are here...we will leave you with her for a bit Arnav beta..,"and he pauses and adds with a small smile – " congratulations on the wonderful win beta...nothing beats the good old charm of test cricket...you do know that all of us along with Khushi were watching you live until she was asked to stepped in the MRI.."

I nod at him sincerely – " yes Sagar Dad..I know...I had a string of texts from her prior..thank you so much for the wishes..but to be honest...all my celebratory mood shifted gears..obviously," and Dad pats my other arm from the other side sincerely too and adds – " I knew it that you'd want to come home too the minute you knew what the doctor's said beta..which was why I had Verma leave to pick you up the minute we had news.."

I nod at him too and he gestures me to continue channelising my composed self.

Dadi says now with a sigh – " chalo...now let us all go out..and give Arnav some time with Khushi..."

Rahul , Akash and Anj nod in unison as they add – " yes..come on..everyone let us do that..,"and Akash hugs me for a second and adds – "Bhai...I am sure you'll be going to the hotel later at night...so just be with Junior until then alright??"

I nod at him and hug him back and whisper in his ears – " Akash..everyone seems to be super worried..please assure them once out that it's only a matter of some more time...I mean we are all confident that My Sparkle will be okay right??the longest aching duration is over..Its just 21 more days.."

Akash nods at me – " yes bhai...don't worry..I will talk to everyone..you just be with Junior k??"

I nod back at him and everyone gives me a sincere nod and makes their way out of Khushi's room and for a moment I am obviously a little worried by Rahul's deep in thought silence as he's walking out and I gesture to Anj silently to just talk to him and ask him to be strong for his Junior and she nods at me back in acknowledgement of the same.

Once everyone's left – I just sit on Khushi's hospital bed fighting my very own dejected sigh and I distract myself by drinking a glass of water in the meanwhile awaiting for My Sparkle to come back from the washroom.

It is right then I hear her soft voice fall into my ears from afar within her closet and washroom space – " Arnav..aagaye aap??(you are here) I will be with you in a minute..thike?"

I keep the glass aside on the table immediately and straighten up in my spot as I answer back – " yes Sparkle..I am here..tum thik ho?(you okay?)..take your time to walk back with Lila Didi's assiatance.. ok??please..don't rush alright?? all slow and steady like the doctor advised alright??"

The only reason as to why I haven't walked in to her is because – Lila Didi is with her. Khushi's gets all embarrassed with regards to any PDA in front of Lila Didi.And I am obviously going to embrace her in my arms immediately – the minute I see her.So I am going to try my best to be patient and wait for Lila didi to leave the room and then engulf her in my arms lovingly once she tucked back in bed.

I hear her answer back in an overwhelmed emotional tone now – " sorry...sorry...so so so soorryy....maine tang kar diya na phir se..I mean you were so happy after the win probably and now I have just worried you..immense..yet again...sorry ya..Skipper Blue..now only if these scan results were in my control..."

I answer back from my spot sure that she could sense the underlying emotion in my voice – " are you crazy Sparkle?shut you up..."

She answers back softly her voice nearing me – " you know what love? the minute I got out of the MRI I asked the sister for the result of the match...congratulations on the win love..I caught up on your post-match interview on the way back....you were amazing as usual..."

I say instantly – " ok that's it...I don't have any patience left in me anymore..is it okay if I come in to help you walk over with assistance?? Lila Didi is there with you I know...but..."

"Come on in..Arnav....please..don't worry about her..,"she answers back softly.

I walk into her closet space immediately at a fast pace and as I step in – our eyes lock in an overwhelmed eyelock immediately and I am surprised to see her seated on the futon near her dresser space but the other way round as in facing not the mirror of her dresser but the passage way and I walk over to her immediately and I cup her face worriedly and I ask – " Sparkle?? why are you seated here all of a sudden? Weren't you coming out?? Did the back hurt on your way out that you stopped for a bit?? Answer me dammit..please...,"and I pause to just kneel down in front of her and hug her hard to myself.

She hugs me back instantly but just stays silent.

I brush her hair tenderly – " please Sparkle...godammit..say something at all...??"

Khushi whispers softly lacing her hand in my hair and brushing them softly – " I missed you..I missed you so much..as in I know its just been aa week since I last saw you..when you left to recollect with the unit..after the break...but still...,"and she pauses and tightens her arms around my neck – " I am so glad...I waded away from my pact right now thike? as in I just thought to myself..we'v been so diligent with it..thoda se levy I can take when I most need it...and I really needed it obviously..I needed to see you right now..I just needed too..."

I pull back and kiss her forhead lovingly locking my emotional gaze with hers and I answer sincerely – " please know this Sparkle..even if you wouldn't have asked...I would have come here today anyway...after knowing what the doctors had said alright??? for I know....,"and I pause not wanting to say the rest out in words for the words are exchanged in a silent understanding in between of us anyway and I wedge my words around as I say rubbing on her lovingly in support– " don't you worry at all okay?? This extra rest is going to help you more...for sure...love..I mean you'v crossed the major timeline already alright?? like four months are over...120 days...whats this 20 days more rest in comparison to the 120 days gone by...just a mere fraction darling...it will be okay alright?? I mean you'v come this far..and if the doctors are advising to be extra cautitious for a bit..it's for the best I think? I mean..why rush things when we'v waited so long already? We can't give up before the last lap right Sparkle?? like imagine..this is you..playing and batting till the last over of the innings be it the 19th or the 49th..and you'd obviously want to stick safely to the crease and finish the game yourself for our side right and probably hit a sixer for the win??"

Khushi nods at me and gives me an overwhelmed emotional smile as she cups my face and kisses my forhead – " uff..ya..look at you..you just always know what to say to me....and now that you put it that way...I think..I feel a lot better already..,"and she gestures me to hug her hard.

I do and I whisper – "always..i'd always know what you need to hear at a point in time love...just like I know that at the moment...you just want me to hold you tight for a bit..."

She whispers hugging me tighter – "yes...Arnav...that is exactly what I want for sure..although I am feeling a little bad for making you kneel down this way after a hard long day of physical play..."

I chuckle at the fondly as I kiss her head – " as if..you don't know that my knees are capable of taking on much more..."

She chuckles at that softly and kisses my ear softly – " I love you..."

And right then a thought strikes me and I pull back to ask puzzled – " wait..where is Lila didi?? Wasn't she supposed to be here with you??

Khushi cups my right cheek lovingly as she answers softly – "she's in the washroom..helping me settle in my night clothes that have just come back from the laundry baba...she'll be out in a couple of minutes..,"and although her answer puzzles me a little I let my puzzlement slip as she gestures me to come in for a warm hug again and I engulf her into my arms immediately and she tightens her hold around my neck again and whispers into my ears softly – " sorry...sorry..I am so sorry...I mean now that I have seen the underlying worry in your eyes my love...please note that dear mind and heart are kind off feeling guilty for putting you through this in the first place..thike??sorry *infinity meri jaan..but I couldn't help it na..."

I pull back again as I say in a scolding tone before kissing her forhead lovingly – " shut you up..dammit..whats up with you uttering this nonsense again??"

Khushi locks her gaze with mine as she says – "acha..listen..leave that..will you help me with another tee from my cupboard there please?? I think ill just change out of this one??"

I nod at her immediately of course and walk over to slide her cupboard open and I ask going through her piles of casual tee-s – " which one do you want Sparkle?? I mean which colour??"

And I am surprised to hear her voice from closer up behind me but then I guess Lila didi's walked out the washroom to assist her so I do not turn back and continue going through her tee's – " get me your blue one na love..the one I sneaked away from you back in Switzerland on one of the nights and never gave it back to you..it's right there...second from the top on the right side...that full pile is of all your tee-s only that I'v sneaked away at some point or the other"

I smile to myself as I spot the tee immediately and I say pulling it out – " well I love my tees on you anyway Sparkle...Lila Didi...aapko pata hai..kitni saari meri t-shirts hai iske pass??"(Lila Didi..do you know..she has so many of tee's with her)

I hear Khushi chuckle softly a little now as she asks getting closer up behind me – " are you complaining about the same my love? and that..to Lila Didi??"

I chuckle at that just as I am about to turn around to hand the tee to her – " haha..as if...maybe..Lila Didi sides me often now doesn't she..haina didi?"

And I am beyond just surprised as I feel her arms wrap around my waist from the back as she hugs me from behind all tight and whispers softly – " haha..as if..indeed my love..for no point in complaining to her about the same thike?? coz..she is not here anyway...."

That from her puzzles me immense and I turn around instantly as I ask – " whattt do you mean Sparkle?? then how did you just??,"and the words stay put in my throat as I do not spot Lila Didi around for real and the tee falls off my hands on its own accord as my hands act on their own accord to hold Khushi by her shoulders puzzled and dazed – " Sparkle..wait..what???? if Lila didi isn't here to assist you?? how did you just walk up to me???"

I see Khushi's eyes well up immediately as she gives me a heartfelt smile and adds stepping back on her feet two steps back and then she steps back forward two steps into me – " like this...see...I mean I just walked just like we all usually do...,"and she finally breaks into a grin as her eyes well up more as she takes another step closer into me as she whisper's softly – " Arnav...I...I...,"and I see a string of overwhelmed tears leave her eyes as she just repeats the pattern to me – yet again.

I am sure that my Eyes – Have Popped out of My Sockets at the Moment as I continue to see the sight of MY Sparkle, standing on her feet by herself and taking these steps backwards and then close up into me.

I continue to stay rooted -Frozen in my Spot pretty much like a Live -Wax Statued Version of the statues they have in Madamme Tussad's in a perpetual daze taking it all in.

Wait.

Is this Happening for Real?

Like is My Sparkle on her feet for Real?

Or is it Just My Imagination playing with my Head yet again?

I think she guesses what's on my mind due to my dazed expressions that she's surely seen before since this isn't the first time – she's lead me to rethink what I am seeing and she gives me a mischievous grin now through her welled up eyes nodding in an overwhelmed silence gesturing to me that she is really walking on her own and she takes a little round on both her feet by herself next and then walks three back and then three steps forward towards a statued-into – dazed – me – yet again – repeating the same pattern!

HAPPINESS.

OR NO WAIT.

HAPPINESS ISNT THE RIGHT WORD SURELY!

EUPHORIA IS.

SHEER EUPHORIA starts to flow into my being on its own accord.

Guys.

My Sparkle – is standing in front of me on her own Feet after Four Freaking Long Months!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Correction to that.

4 Months 4 Days.

=124 Days

= 2,976 Hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I Can't Freaking Believe This.

How???

Didn't they say that the Doctors said that her back hadn't healed completely???

Or Maybe Not.

I continue to stare at her in a perpetual happy daze as I ask to reconfirm for once observing her frame for any flinch of pain – "Sparkle...did you just walk towards me by yourself again?like you'v just repeated this step back and step forward pattern in front of me for the third time right? and there's no flinch of pain too either time?? And you even twirled around on your feet?? Did you just walk?? Like are you just walking..in front of me for real...for god forbid if this is just my imagination with its tricks on me...I....,"and the words stay put in my mouth as she steps in closer immediately and wraps her arms around my neck and closes her lips over mine – instantly for a deep kiss.

Yup.

This Time around- she ceases the moment to nudge my words back in my mouth.

I kiss her back- hard and emotional- obviously.

And I continue to do so for about five more minutes engulfing her frame into mine gently unable to believe for Real that this is her standing within the circle of my arms all by herself after a timeframe that's felt like an Eternity! And as she continues to kiss me back as deeply too – it finally sinks and cements in my being that this is all happening for Real.

Indeed.

Emotions.

Raw Emotions take over as I feel a trail of happy tears leave my eyes too which she wipes away with her thumbs as her right hand had come to cup my cheek three minutes into our kiss and she whispers softly into my lips pausing on our intense kiss – " sorry..this is what I am sorry about...thike?? like now you know na??I am sorry for worrying you so much for an added hour my love...but I just wanted you to see me stand today..like with your very own eyes...I mean...I...I...wanted to see the look on your face when you would see me...like I didn't want you to hear about this from anyone else...at all...you understand what I mean don't you???you aren't mad at me na??please don't be mad at me thike???please...,"and she starts to kiss me again all deeply.

My Hands go up gently on her spine caressing her back all the way gently on it's own accord as I say first in between our haggered mingling breathes – " and you'd be mad to think if there were any other emotion apart from sheer euphoria on my mind right now..Sparkle...,"and I pause to ask emotions creating a havoc on me – "tell me dammit...it's all healed right?? Your back Sparkle?? is that what the scans showed for Real???you can walk now and resume your normal movements...and everyone in our families already know obviously and have seen you do so too and they just played along with you because you probably wanted to surprise me???"

"yes love...yes...that's exactly what it is..please don't be mad at them thike?? they just played along..infact the only reasoni asked Superbro to stay all silent in thought was because I only doubted him to blow my cover...,"she answers and begins to kiss me again.

BRILLIANT ACTORS OUR FAMILIES ARE.

MAYBE – WE ALL HAVE A COLLECTIVE FUTURE IN THEATRE!

I ask in between consuming her upper lip into my lower one – "never mind the charade Sparkle..tell me...what did the doctors say ..please??"

" For now.. I am allowed to walk and resume my normal movements but they'v asked me to take it easy for these first five days and then I have to meet the doctors again in five days from now for another round off final check up physically before I leave for Bangalore for my physio and rehab as per the prior planned scheduled in like 8 days from now...,"she answers by kissing the side of my lips and fisting my collar into her fist and keeping her forehead on mine. She adds the next second – " finally love..finally...I can walk to you...I can stand in front of you...I can...I can....,"and she hugs me hard immediately and she says – " finally...l am not bed ridden anymore..I am not...bed ridden any more...,"and she beings to sob in my arms.

But I know these are Happy Tears – obviously.

I understand.

I hug her hard into me as happy overwhelmed tears leave my eyes too and after three- four minute long emotional vulnerable silent hug – I finally pull back and I wipe the happy tears off her cheek with my thumbs as I say locking my emotional gaze with her's – " kaha tha na maine? Bilkul thik hone wali ho tum..Sparkle...kaha tha na??"( I told you right Sparkle?? I told you right that you will be absolutely fine..didn't i??")

Khushi nods at me and she wipes the happy tears off my cheeks – " haan kaha tha aapne...your faith and belief all this while helped me have faith too na love...and look that day is finally here..."

I kiss her forhead emotionally as I say – " I love you....I love you so so so much,"and before she can answer me back - I whisk her up in my arms and I add walking us back to the room – " and I am sure you do not want to lie down again on the hospital bed Sparkle..so I shall lay you back on your bed this time around...and you better start filling me in on everything alright??"

Khushi nods at me lovingly as she rests her head on my shoulder – overwhelmed and she kisses my neck gently – " ofcourse love...I can't wait to talk to you about it all..or to tell you all about how i actually felt when they asked me to stand and walk for the first time..or what I felt when I walked first without a fumble..or how I surprised everyone at the hospital too...as in I had the sister reel me in to the doctors cabin from the other route..and Mom..Dad..Superbro..Anj..had no clue about it at all..until they..,"and she begins to fill me in on it all bit by bit as I settle her on bed gently and she sits up and gestures me to sit next to her too.

THANK YOU GOD.

THANK YOU FOR BLESSING ME WITH ALL THAT I'D BEEN PRAYING FOR!

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

3 Hours 25 Minutes Later

10:00 PM

Khushi's Room

Arnav's POV Continues

Guysssssssssss!!!!!!!!

I can't help but smile to myself at the moment.

Ok Wait.

Actually to be honest guys – I am grinning quite the Bit – as in you know like on the maximum notch on the Grinning Meter. I can actually see my very own grinning reflection in My Sparkle's dresser mirror and call me crazy but – just the sight of my grinning reflection back at me at the moment is surely making me want to grin a lot more. However – I don't think it's possible for the muscles around my lips and cheeks to co-operate anymore.

I am so Happy.

For a Countless Number of Reasons.

Obviously.

The Euphoric State of Bliss continues to consume my Being.

So – the reason as to why I am grinning this way right now is because we just finished a very happy dinner with everyone – everyone as in both our parents, Dadi, Anj, Rahul, Akash, Hridhaan and Shivi( for they are staying over during their short two day visit in Delhi) during which the elders kind off decided the Date of Our Roka – Finally!

Yeah.

Like- Finally!!

Wait.

I will tell you all about it.

I mean – you will surely catch onto it soon anyway.

I hear the happy humming sound of My Sparkle humming to our favourite – Go The Distance - fall into my ears and I say out loud sure that she was going to hear me – " hey you..Sparkle..hurry up please?? or even better...let me in..I don't mind stepping in ,"I finish with the added chuckle.

She's obviously gone into change into her night wear the minute we got in here two minutes ago after spending some good time with everyone and now everyone's just left us alone to spend some quality time with one another for a couple of hours before I leave back for the Hotel by Midnight.

Her happy voice comes through – " haha...yes yes...I know love...you'd be more than happy...but I am done already..,"and with that I see her washroom door slide open immediately and I wink at her happily as I spot her wearing my blue tee (that I had picked out for her prior) over her pj's and I step forward to lace my hand into hers and I pull her closer into my frame by holding onto her waist gently from the other end as I admit sincerely – " I can't...I just can't get enough of the sight of you standing in front of me Sparkle..I just can't.."

Khushi nods at me grinning and she kisses my hand grinning and then hugs me hard – " I know...love...I understand...oh my god...love..can you believe it...our roka date is finally fixed?????? Like you know that was the part reason I was humming to myself so happily.."

I chuckle at that kissing her shoulder briefly and I pull back – " yes I know..my love...,"and I kiss her forhead lovingly and I ask as we begin to walk back hand in hand towards her room – "what is the other reason for that happy humming Sparkle??does it have something to do with the bit where in towards the end of chilling time eith everyone you gestured to me silently from across the room that you had something very exciting to fill me on??"

Khushi nods happily and she says, her eye glinting in happiness – " yes...yes...it has everything to do with that..,"and she pauses and says – " but love...before I get to telling you all about it...is it okay if we walk over to the living area on the other end and just sit over my couch and talk? I mean I haven't sat there for months...and it feels good to even think that I can walk there now.."

I nod at her happily but I say cautitously kissing her forehead for a moment – " I know Sparkle...I know...lets go there..but love..this is the first day..and I do not want you to exert too much..remember how they asked you to take it easy for the first five days...so we shall walk slowly..and not sprint there..alright?as in you'v been walking around with a little more pace than you should today.. you'v already spent a couple of hours sitting and walking around downstairs with everyone too..."

Khushi winks at me happily as she says rolling her eyes mischeviously – " yes...thike..okay...Your Majesty of My Cardio Cells..let us walk there slowly thike??"

I nod at her happily and I hold her hand in mine and we walk over to the other side of her room and get seated on the couch comfortably and I help her with the cushions obviously so that she is able to keep her posture straight while sitting as per the doctor's advice.

Khushi laces her hand into mine and kisses on it as I sit upfront of her and lean my elbow on the edge of the backrest of the sofa and I ask now curious – " okay...shoot....tell me what the other reason for all that happy humming is Sparkle??"

Khushi folds her hands in front of me dramatically and super adorably as she says in a gesture thanking god – " like thank you thank you..thank you..God...you have no idea how much I have waited to hear this too thike?? Skipper Blue..so..hear..me ou.."

Oops.

I just had to kiss her briefly in between for the adorable expression up her face totally got to me!

Khushi kisses me back briefly and she brushes my cheek tenderly two minutes later and whispers back into my lips – " look at you cheating as always..I mean...now...I'm also on the verge of forgetting what was on my mind ya..."

We share a happy chuckle and I kiss her nose – " apologies my love...but I couldn't help it...alright??,"and I kiss her cheek again as I say – " ok alright...promise...I will try to not distract you until you'v finished telling me about this..."

Khushi nods and she says happily excited – " ok..thike..now listen na baba...like oh my god...you won't freaking believe this thike?? what was Shivi telling me towards the end of dinner time...like it seems that Hridhaan met this girl at the Gurgaon Polo Club this afternoon..and her name is Kudrat and she is a fellow Polo player from the Sydney Polo Club..and they freaking hit it off..as in Shivi told me that they were kind of talking quite a bit during the refreshments time after and guess what..what is the cherry on the cake??"

I grin automatically delighted by this piece of News too. I mean you all know that both Khushi and Me want true Happiess for Hridhaan – obviously.

Now I understand why she is so excited! I am too – Now.

I ask gaping at her in glee – " really?? is this for real?? Hridhaan hit it off with someone?? And whats the cherry on the cake Sparkle??"

Khushi nods happily as she says exciteldly clapping her hands – " it's that she as in Kudrat is scheduled to visit Jaipur like next week like a full whole week of practice matches thike?? like before these players from Sydney decide which clubs they want to go ahead with formal affliation and stuff...I mean...just imagine...and what if she actually chooses to affiliate with the Jaipur Polo Club?? I mean..that would be awesome wouldn't it Skipper Blue??"

I grin happily as I kiss her forhead – " ofcourse Sparkle...that would be freaking awesome..indeed..I mean..if Hridhaan has finally met someone he is actually interested to get to know more..than..no one is actually more happy than us at the moment for sure..not even him probably"

Khushi chuckles – " yup...not even him..as in yes..he is definetly intrested to know her more for like sure pakka se...like I told you na they hit it off..so here is what Shivi told me..listen..,"and she goes on to fill me in over everything Shivi has told her and five minutes later once she is done she says in a matter of fact tone – " also...while I was changing..i got into a quick chat with Jess thike? Vikram's literally told her the same too as in that Hridhaan and Kudrat really were talking quite a bit...so yeahhhh...yipppeeeeeeee....,"And she pauses to do a Bhangra gesture with her hands as she says – " just wait...just wait..till I tease him insane over this tomorrow morning...over breakfast...haha...what fun it shall be..."

I chuckle at that happily and shift in closer into her kiss her forhead – " that would be fun indeed.."

She nods at me happily and gestures me to come in for a hug and I do so too and she whispers softly now – " if I actually see Hridhaan moving on for real – it will really help me feel more light within on that ground...you know what I mean don't you love??"

I hug her closer and kiss her shoulder – " yes...Sparkle..I know..I know exactly what you mean...,"and I pull back from our hug and cup her face lovingly – " don't worry Sparkle...it was only a matter of time..he needed that time to just heal within emotionally before moving on genuinely right??

Khushi nods happily.

I wink at her happily – " promise me...for sure that you are going to tease the hell out of him tomorrow morning on my behalf too for ill be gone...right??"

That narrows down her grin and her eyes get welled up emotionally and she cups my face lovingly and she says softly – " I can't wait..for the 6th of August already..."

6th of August.

Is the Day or our Roka – everyone!

I admit sincerely sure that she could read the underlying emotion in my voice – "neither can I Sparkle...I mean...it's like what still 65 days more from now...but I understand why Sagar Dad played this mischievous trick of pushing our Roka to the 6th of August.."

Khushi nods all emotional – " yes because he thinks that the Roka incentive has worked so well for me in terms of my recovery that it will make me give my rehab and physio my all in my time in Bangalore...I just had a hunch he'd say that anyway..but not just because of me but also because you are scheduled to return from the ICC Champion trophy tour by then too for the little week break before the Asia Cup begins...,"and she pauses and adds softly – " I am going to tell myself everyday of my time in Bangalore by myself..that I need to be able to pick up my bat and play for sure..before I see you next...Arnav....,"and her eyes well up on their own accord as she whispers softly kissing on my hand – " I will miss you...I am going to miss you so much...it's going to be a little while until we see each other again now..isnt it..love?? another reasons as to why I just had to see you for these couple of hours today itself..for I'll be heading to..,"and she pauses and just hugs me hard.

She shouldn't have said That.

Not Now.

Not right Now.

She shouldn't have brought up the bit that we are now going to see each other in the first week of August after my return from UK!

Because as per out promise made to Sparkle – we were all now going to let her take on her physio and rehab all by herself! She is scheduled to leave for Bangalore in a week from now when I will be in the middle of my cricketing tour and will be in Kolkata at that point in time. Rahul, Anj, Sagar Dad and Nisha Mom are planning to go see her off.

I hug her hard into myself for a couple of moments before pulling up and I cup her face tenderly and kiss her immediately.

She kisses me back way too vulnerably and emotionally too and I whisper into her lips five minutes later in the middle of our deep kiss as we catch on a little breathe – " no..please...Sparkle...godammit..can we not talk about that right now please?? I still have a couple of hours with you..before I leave back to the hotel by Midnight.."

Khushi keeps her forhead on mine as she says vulnerably and softly– " thike...love..let us not talk about that bit off it abhi..but you understand na love...don't you? now its really important for me to take things on by just myself..."

I nod in a silent overwhelmed understanding.

I whisper back fisting my hand into her hair – " I know Sparkle...I know...look we promised you didn't we? We are going to keep it up.."

Khushi crushes my cheek and she says – " just like I also know that the other reason why you aren't that worked up about me being all alone in Bangalore is that you surely have many ways to keep a tap on my progress at the NCA apart from knowing it all from just me too..isn't it?? I mean Skipper Blue...that's you being totally uber smart in here...you'v prepped up some inside sources ...haven't you??"

Oops.

She caught me.

I admit with a happy chuckle opening my eyes to look into her – " oops...Sparkle...I plead guilty your honour...,"and I add lovingly caressing her cheeks – " but I figured out a source indirectly..ok..don't worry no one will know about us..until we officially announce our wedding...Samaira's cousin is one of the physios on the NCA's team too..so yeah...Samaira's going to keep all the tap on for me..with no one suspecting..at all..."

Khushi chuckles to that fondly as she says – " knew it..I just freaking knew it that you are going to have things worked out your ways too otherwise...but pakka se promise thike Arnav...no cheating from now on alright?? you will only see me now once I tell you..that Arnav my love...I can pick up my bat and play for real...thike??"

I fight back a sigh but I nod at her in promise.

She hugs me hard and whispers softly brushing her hand in my hair – " I just thought of something?? what do you think of this love? I mean if you think its okay..ill talk about it to Superbro, Anj, mom and dad tomorrow..."

I pull back and ask curious – " what is it Sparkle??"

Khushi says giving me a heartfelt smile – " you know we are planning to get married in the first week of November? So I was thinking how does the day 7th of November sound to you for the wedding as in it's the total of our Jersey No's as in 2+1+2+2 so maybe if we can ask the elders to plan a two three day celebration in between the 5-7th November...I mean if this sounds okay to you..then maybe Mom and Reva Mom can start to discuss and plan??"

I hug her back instantly – " perfect..7th of November..is perfect...can't bloody wait...dammit...."

Khushi whispers softly wrapping her arms around my neck tighter– "I know.... neither can I...love..neither can I...."

I hug her tighter – " you please...just take care of yourself when you are all by yourself in Bangalore love..at the NCA I mean...just promise me that...please..."

Khushi pulls me from our intense and emotional hug and she keeps her fingers on my lips and locks her emotional gaze with mine – " I promise you..love..pakka se..I will take care...but I thought we weren't going to talk about this right now na??"

I nod at her overwhelmed and she nods back me and kisses me instantly way too deeply and I whisper back into her lips five minutes later as a thought strikes my head – " Sparkle...australia mein shaadi kare??( Sparkle..shall we get married in Australia??)"

That surprises Khushi as she opens her eyes to meet mine and she asks – " kya?? What did you just say??"

I grin at her happily – " I mean...the ICC T20 world cup for you all ends on 2nd November with the final right? so I was thinking you will be in Australia anyway..so we might as well get married there...I also desperately need to over-write the last memory of our time in Australia too right..."

Khushi nods at me happily – " ok...yes...love...now that you put it this way..I think..that would be amazing..I mean then Australia wouldn't only be the country where in I was massively injured...I would also rememver it fondly as the spot where we got married...thike..done...whether I play the World Cup or not love...let us get married...in Australia...I mean just in case I am not able to make it to the squad...I will at least be visiting to watch my team play...and hopefully see them play the finals too..."

I grin at her happily as I say reassuringly – " you will play the World Cup meri jaan..you will...for sure..."

Khushi rubs my cheek lovingly – " thank you for all your faith and conviction my love..."

I wink at her as I say – " and promise me one thing Sparkle...if my words actually come true which I just know they will...you will allow me to come see you play the world cup matches live once we all travel there...I mean come on...about time..you let me come into the stadium to see you play live dammit...you are going to be my wife very soon..."

Khushi chuckles at that happily as she says giving me a high-five as a promise – " done...deal...thike? this is fair enough...that is if your words come true Skipper Blue.."

I hug her into myself again as I whisper softly my eyes falling on the clock nearing 1040 pm – " if only I hadn't mentioned it to Coach sir that I'd be back later tonight itself...godaamit...Sparkle..."

Khushi pulls back and kisses my hand giving me a happy wink – " oohh look it isn't me whose having to leave by Midnight today...for a change its you....Mr.Stranger"

I chuckle at that getting the inference to our memory she was hinting to and I say with a happy wink too – " you do know I can call Ravi, Rohan and Cap and ask them to cover up until the morning...as in..i can stay right here with you..until then..."

Khushi kisses my forehead warmly – " I'd love that ofcourse love...but...no...you are Skipper...and I know you should be at the hotel with everyone planning and strategizing for the next Test...I anyway took a little levy already by asking you to come by today...no I won't cheat too much thike...aap chale jaana..we have another 75 minutes or so right?? ill just make the most of that..,"and with that she snuggles back into my embrace and kisses me hard and deep.

I take over – obviously and do not let her dominate our heated embrace as much as she's duelling for it and just as I feel her tucking my tee out and begin to pull it out – I fight my very own raging desire with great difficulty as I pause on kissing her madly and admit softly against her lips – " Sparkle...don't..don't edge me on further..please...for it will make me want to ravage you hard and bad insanely and I am scared...as in a little nervous..because you'v only been allowed to resume normal activities and movements today...and I do not want to risk hurting your back or vulnerable muscles in anyway love...for you know once I surrender to my passion for you..things get rough in between of us..."

Khushi lets out a disappointing sigh as she kisses the side of my lips – " Arnav..I am okay..thike???? don't worry...please..."

I open my eyes to look into her disappointed ones sure that she could read the disappointment in my eyes too and I admit sincerely caressing her cheek lovingly – " meri jaan...nothing tops your health at the moment...please....you have to take it easy for these five days..any sudden movement right now can cause you a jerk..and no...I am not risking that..."

Khushi pouts adorably in disappointment - " uff...ya...godaamit..."

And I kiss her back immediately as I whisper consuming her lower lip into my upper one – " but I am going to kiss you...all I want...until then..alright? and caress you gently too...don't ask me to stop kissing you..until its time for me to leave...alright? lets talk the rest fo what we have to later...on the phone..over text...alright??"

Khushi fists her hands into my hair tight – " yeah...I'd like that...dear heart and mind would like that too...but...I just have to say one thing...before I get lost into ArnavLand...as in I have to give you something...I prepped this up for you...as in it's nothing huge...but..still...I want to give it to you now..."

I pull back as I ask curiosity getting the better off me – " you want to give me something Sparkle??"

She nods and me and gets up slowly from the couch now and walks towards her bedside and I follow obviously just loving the sight of her on her feet and I take out my phone to capture the simple yet momumental moment in a video in my phone and as I see her dish through her bedside drawer she asks looking up grinning – " love...are you really just taking a video off me walking and doing my normal activities by myself??"

I nod with a happy chuckle as I say – " ofcourse Sparkle...you know I'v been loving the sight...might as well have it on record in real time..."

Khushi rolls her eyes at me lovingly – " as if I don't know that you are going to ask Superbro, Anj and even Mom and Dad to have plenty of my videos doing normal stuff sent to you over this next week at home before I leave for Bangalore..."

I chuckle at that as I say – " well I am proud of the fact that you know me in and out my Love...,"and I switch off the video as Khushi gestures me to come sit next to her on the bed and I do now.

She hands me a strip of what looks like small mini stickers with the words – Begginning.Middle.End – written on it in various rows.

I look at her puzzled unable to understand the underlying meaning behind this and I ask locking my gaze with her's – " Sparkle...what does this mean??"

Khushi rests her head on my shoulder lovingly and she says lacing her hand in mine and kissing on It – "a little gesture from my end to express my gratitude to you for letting me feel that youv'v been playing on my behalf too for all these months my love...as in just that sight off you playing..and knowing that you are doing so on my behalf too has surely helped me in the ways I cannot explain thike?? its always made me feel so much closer to my game even though I was on bed...so these stickers are for all your bats...I mean they are very little in terms of their fond and visibilitu..but sturdy enough like the 3M sticker types.. put them near and around your handle where only you can see them thike?? you know just like how you'v written a code for me on my bat and I replicated it on all others??"

I nod at her instantly as I say – " okay Sparkle..I will do that...but apologies my love...you do need to explain the context of the words you'v chosen...I mean there's surely a hidden meaning in there..but I can't seem to get my head around it.."

Khushi cups my face lovingly as she gives me a heartfelt smile – " ahaa...really? Smarty Skipper Blue isn't able to figure it out??"

I gape at her puzzled – " Sparkle...please...come on...tell me..we are running short on time...already..."

Khushi nods and she takes our laced hands and places it over her heart as she says – " acha..thike..I will only tell you...,"and she pauses and her eyes well up emotionally as she whispers locking her gaze with mine - " you consume me in the ways Dear Heart and Mind can never really explain completely na love...but yes...they'd like to say this to you right now...that... that's who you are to me for real thike...as in the book of Love in my Life – only you are my Beginning and middle and end...and only you will always be my beginning, middle and end...which is why I want you to stick these words all over your bats my love..so that everytime your eyes fall on either of them during a tense moment of the game...they remind you off me..."

Godammit Her.

The Things She Makes Me Feel.

Just when I think it's impossible for her to strike a deeper chord within me. She Does exactly just that.

I kiss her hard immediately shifting her gently back into the bed and getting aside her to continue kissing her emotionally and I whisper into her lips several heated minutes later – " You are My beginning, middle and end too Sparkle...you know that don't you?? Only You...for I have/will/always will think of you the minute the word Love comes into my Mind..the synonym for Love in my Life is you....only You...you consume me in the ways I can never ever put into words too...you know that don't you??"

Khushi nods at me vulnerably as she whispers caressing my lips – " I know.....,"and just like that we both lean in to kiss each other madly and deeply.

Yeah Right.

Beginning.

Middle.

And End.

That's exactly what we are fated to be for one another when it comes to Love – Indeed.

I just knew it a lot sooner than she did though – even though she voiced it to me this way first!

Ha!

Maybe – Ill just gloat it about to her later yet again that the very day I first met her somewhere deep within my gut I knew that she was meant to be My Beginning, Middle and End. It was her who took some time to get around to realising it.

Yeah Right – Ill surely Gloat about it later to her on Text.

For Now – I was just going to Kiss and Caress Her Insane and take all her breathes Away!

Indeed.

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

Authors Note - Attaching a Little Soft Number I Came across to match the theme of the Chapter! DO especially listen to the Lyrics after 2min :25 seconds for sure guys- it's an adorable song ...really wanted to include it here before the Valentines tomorrow😉❤

I am unable to insert the Youtube video here - have included a Snapshot of this Song!