TAKE 10 - Orchestra

3 years ago

mysticaltales11111

@mysticltales111

Hellooooo Guysssssssss....

Hope you and your family all are Safe and Sound amidst the rising Covid Tsunami in India. Stay in and Stay Safe – Guysss!!🙏🙏🙏🙏

So Yup here I am with the next update off HW3.0.😉😉😉🤗🤗❤❤

Word Count – Medium – Long Length – 8.1K Words.✍✍👩‍💻👩‍💻

Taking some hours off to just Write this Out finally has truly been my Respite in taking my Mind Off – Everything Covid! And I truly hope – that you are able to experience some distraction and entertainment through the Story Too🤗❤🙏

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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 all dive in without Further Delay.

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TAKE 10 – Orchestra

Same Day – 5th March, 2019

Hyatt Regency, Birmingham

11:00 PM @ The Business Centre on the Club Floor

Arnav's POV

The staff member at the Reception Desk of the business centre on this club floor,shoots me a smile and a nod as he spots me – "Good Evening Sir. I hope you are having a good day??"

I smile back at him pausing in my tracks by the reception desk with my Tablet clutched all snug in my hand, my eyes reading his name on the name tag up on his coat – "Good Evening to you too James. You just got in for your shift I guess – which is why I wana say – I hope you have a good shift."

He shoots me a puzzled smile – "wait...Sir...you just walked in – how did you know that I just came in for my shift??"

I grin – "Because of the way you said – Good Evening - James. For if you were leaving and were done for the night you'd say – Having a Good night Sir? Which tells me that your day is far from getting over – which is why it's still evening for you??"

He smiles – "well yes to that Sir – I got the night shift cover at the desk here given that we are open 24*7.."

I smile at him at that – "alrighty, have a good shift James. I am sure you have been doing the same and will continue to do a great job,"and I pat on my Tablet as I add – " So...I am rushing in to get some work done...much crowd in there??"

He shakes his head in a No with a warm smile – "thank you Sir and No there's no one in there now– there were about three people who just left about ten minutes ago – but right now – it would just be you.."

My Insides Grin. Exactly what I wanted.

I nod at him and am about to make my way in when he asks – "Sir, can I say something??"

I pause in my tracks and look back at him and nod.

He grins – "I love cricket. And even though you play for India – I admire the way you bowl. It was such a great game today, going down to that last wire. Happy that we won though. Sorry for the close loss at your end..."

I smile at that on reflex – "thank you James. And yes, it was a great game of cricket at the end of the day. We enjoyed ourselves and the experience – no matter what the result. Also, how about you don't call me Sir? ASR would do..."

He smiles and nods at that – "alright ASR, let me know if you need anything?"

I smile – "I will..."

And I make my way in – giving him another polite nod – heading straight to the little cabin in the corner which has been, my go-to spot every time – I'v caught up with Khushi here, whenever we haven't been able to step out in the last ten days.

I close the door shut and walk over to take my seat on the chair and place my tablet on the table. I Duck out my phone – immediately after as I text her biting back my excited grin.

Me : Khushi. I am here. At the exact spot where we'v been catching up.

And I wait for her reply.

Finally.

I am going to get to be with Just Her.

I mean – yeah, I loved stealing glances at her subtly from across all throughout our time over Dinner given that she was in my line of vision – over dinner celebration with England's support unit. And even though it was so much Fun given that I caught her stealing glances at me subtly too and we did get into a chat in the middle as well – I surely just couldn't wait for the time to pass through.

Plus the fact that her Mum wanted them both to finish winding up first, after dinner - given that we all are leaving tomorrow – did add a lot more to my impatient jitters for it meant that it ended up pushing -Our- catching up bit further down. I did use the time on my hands to finish winding up too though.

I look at phone screen impatiently – waiting for her to reply. The Insta DM tells me – that she hasn't seen the text yet. I end up saying out loud pretty much to myself while staring over my phone screen – "Khushi.Where are you godammit? See the text soon.please?"

And I can't help but chuckle at my very own impatient self too after!

Godammit – Meee. But I can't help it alright?

This Woman has got me going Nuts for Her.And I like the fact that I am going nuts for Her. I am so freaking into her. Obviously. I cannot even begin to tell you all – how amazing it's been for me – to get to know her more closely in the last ten days. Like - there isn't a thing about her that I don't like. The more I am getting to know her – the more drawn I continue to feel towards her. And the way we get each other is a Bonus – Jackpot – obviously. I haven't been to Vegas in a long time but on a personal note, I feel like that's exactly where, I am chilling – given the way my insides continue to feel as if they've been claiming back to back jackpots at the Slot Machine station.

And – it's like yeah – we are great friends; we are getting closer as we spend all this amazing time together. But now I just feel the impatient part of my head be like – Godammit.I want more.So much more.

Especially after last night.

Damm those freaking bus (again) to halt at its stop the very second, I was seconds away from kissing her. I'v been cursing the wheels of bus in my head over and over for breaking my moment – obviously.

And call me crazy or dramatic guys – but seriously – in that moment as I was leaning in to kiss her – it was as if I had been cast under a crazy Hypnosis. The only explanation for the sound off Imaginary Violin voices – I heard in my head? Oh wait. I shouldn't Lie. It wasn't just the Violin. Or the Harp. Or the Cello. It was a Full-Fledged Freaking Orchestra.

Yeah.

You heard me Right.

And that's a First.

Legit.

First.

For Never have I ever – experienced imaginary Orchestra voices popping in my head – in full swing and volume – around a woman ever. Never around Roohi too. Which only relates to one thing – that I am falling for Khushi super hard and in the emotional magnetic ways that I have never fallen for anyone ever – and that too this fast. But damm me – if I don't stay true to what I feel and begin to make that bit off it more obvious. I am so glad she wants to talk about it too. I do wana make my intentions clear – I want to tell her that I want more. Put the ball in her court to see how she reacts?

I am right on that thought when my phone screen lights up with her message.

Her : Arnav..so sorry just saw your message. Just got chatting up with Mum after we finished winding up. Had put the phone on charge.I'll be there in 20 minutes? given that Mum and me are in the middle of a conversation. See you super soon.

I grin as I read that.

Me : Okay no worries. I am right here – Khushi. Come soon though.

Her: Soon it Is!

Okay!

Gotta find something to keep my head busy for the next 20 minutes! My eyes fall on my tablet. It's good that I carry it for cover to the Business Centre – you know so that I fit the bill to be coming across as someone whose absorbed in work – late at night?

And - I know exactly what I wana do.

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

A While Later

Arnav's POV Continues

I continue to look up my screen all impressed by the shot I just witnessed as I ring up Ved.He picks up in an instant and I say – " Ved – turn on your tab now.."

He asks puzzled – "now? why??"

I answer – "because you gotta check out the highlights of Bangladesh tour of Pakistan right now. They just finished playing the first T20 tonight too– and Pakistan clinched the win again. What an amazing game! And they also clean sweeped Bangladesh in the ODI series winning it 3 -0! And remember their no 3 position player that we ran into near the Nets before the ICC Champions Trophy final back then? Raahil Khan. He's performed freaking brilliantly again. He's getting better by the day..plus after you catch up on this...check out the updates on NZ vs WI tour too...some amazing performances in their again..."

Ok. Now you all know what is that I'v been upto in all this time waiting for Khushi. Catching up on all the all the highlights of the other ongoing cricket series/games/and their results in all the other countries as of now. It's always good to keep ourselves updated with the gaming performances in our game - all around the world.

Ved answers – "okay...let's see this then.," and he pauses – "wait..why don't you come over? We can watch it together?"

I cover up instantly – "so I am the business centre right now – because I got to reply to a ton of emails – Aman and Akash have bombarded my inbox with – to keep me in the loop. Plus I've just finished watching it all...you carry on..."

Ved chuckles – " alright..no worries..but why are you in the business center? You could have just done that in your room? Who uses the Business Centre these days? Brother??"

I chuckle to that – "yeah – but if I stay put in my room. I'd just sleep given that my bed would be right there. You know how these business emails sometimes tend to bore me after a certain point..."

He insists – " okay..I get it brother...but I know somethings up with you? okay? Given the increase in your wish of wandering around disguised and alone on late evenings on these last so many days. When will you talk to us about it? the fact that you haven't already is strange this time around.."

I grin to myself – "okay...yes...something is up. For sure. Let's say – I will talk about it soon?"

Ved – " ok brother – you get back to your business emails and let me watch these highlights..."

We hang up finally and just as I am about to resume the playback on my screen to finish watching the last two minutes of the gaming highlights in between of Pakistan Vs Bangladesh's T20 this evening - I hear Khushi's voice up behind me – " hey you...Arnav...so sorry...did I keep you waiting much??"

I ditch my screen to turn to look at her instantly and I grin locking my gaze with hers – " hey...you...finally...."

She grins as she hops up to the chair opposite mine and places her tablet on the table too and she states grinning again as we both end up wheeling our chairs closer towards the other – "sorry again Arnav. Just got caught up with Mum....she's going to sleep now....I told her I have some work to catch up on and given that I wouldn't want to disturb her with keeping the lights on – I am heading out to the business centre...plus am so glad it's just us in here though..."

I wink at her happily bending forward to hold onto her wrist on reflex taking her hand in mine – "Yeah. But I am even more glad because you are finally here..."

She clutches on my hand back as she asks her gaze searching my face earnestly– "okay...wait...you seem okay..for sure...you are okay right?? I was kinda worried..for you..on my way here..,"and her forehead lines up in momentary worry.

I look at her puzzled – "what do you mean?? I am all okay for sure. What would be wrong with me Khushi...??,"and I wink at her – "but yes – I like that look of concern for me up your forehead though. Makes me feel good. Oh wait honest correction to that...super good..."

She shoots me a knowing look rolling her eyes playfully – "oh don't joke for once...please...Arnav...,"and she leans forward and clutches on my hand again and says with so much concern shining on her face – "I am talking about all that hate and wrath in comments up your official Insta Handle Arnav, especially on that one picture you put up with your team-mates after dinner – tonight. Those comments like – oh we lost the test match because of him today and look at him chilling around with that relaxed smile up his face etc.Shameful. I spotted it all on my way here – plus those other nonsensical memes – making a mockery of the disappointment on your face after you lost your wicket. I mean - yeah, it was a close game. You were on the crease – just five runs away from victory.But all the distasteful comments blaming just you for the loss – is freaking crazy. Downright disgusting. The social media trolling our players experience here after a loss is like not even one percent of what you all do. I mean on one end I also know that could be because no one can beat India and the fans in their passion for cricket but still I can't help but feel so angry over all this digs and jibes people are taking at you behind hidden usernames..so yeah you tell me first...right very now... are you okay?for sure??"

I bite back my grin. Why? Because this bit from her tells me that she truly is beginning to Care for me Immense too – you know if she's feeling all angry over the usual social media trolls targeted at me(which does not bother me at all) - this time around??

She gapes at me – "why are you biting back your grin Arnav??"

I chuckle and admit honestly– "because I am enjoying the shades of your concern Khushi...obviously. Its making me feel super good...again..."

She narrows her eyes at me again – "stop chuckling Arnav. You think this is funny? No – it isn't. I am serious. I am worried...ok? please don't joke about this...I really want to know if you are okay.."

I smile at that as I get up and pull her by the hand and we both walk up to this little two seater sofa up against the wall and I plonk at it and make her sit next to me as I answer honestly – "Khushi...I am okay? Alright? to be honest – I don't even read those hateful comments usually. None of us in the team do.I a'int got any hard drive space within my neurons to store any Hate trollers in my head.."

She asks shooting me a concerned look yet again – "really??for sure??"

I nod and explain – " yup...really...we'v all become so immune to it over time given the situation in the online trolling world outside and the emotion and passion attached with our game! It's just how the emotion is for our game back at home – you win one day – it's all heaps and praises - you lose on the other – you are bound to get thrashed to the dumps. So it's up to us as to how we handle it right?? I do not let it play with my head at all. Its what everyone in the unit does too. We keep our focus on what's in our control – which is our hard work, commitment and focus towards our game...nonetheless. Wins and losses keep coming and going Khushi...it's the gaming experience through it all that stays with you forever...."

She sighs at that in part relief as she shoots me a knowing look – " ahaann....okay...so it means – that you've already built yourself a cool bridge off counter thoughts in your mind to help adapt to the situation?"

I wink at her- "copy...that..."

She sighs in relief again and gives me that little smile – "so just checking again... I don't have to worry about this..."

I shake my head in a No – biting back my grin again – " Not at all.And to be honest it is my disguised profile that I stay more logged into these days on Instagram anyway right?," I finish with a wink.

She chuckles at that – " yeah..yeah..."

I grin – " yeah...really..to be honest – I didn't even check on my official Insta handle for the last two hours or more – it's the last thing on my mind right now..."

She smiles at that and eyes my tablet screen in far vision all wedged up on the table on its cover which acts like its stand too – " I am glad about that plus...actually when I stepped in and saw you engrossed in your tab...I just thought - what if you were in the middle off checking all the hateful stuff out??"

I chuckle at that on reflex and hold her by the hand and walk us up to my screen on table and take my seat on the chair and gesture her to stand up close behind me as I gesture to the screen – "really? is that what you thought I was doing.. Khushi? Actually, why don't you see for yourself that I wasn't doing any of that at all. Infact, I was just catching up on the gaming highlights of the T20 game in between of Pakistan and Bangladesh from earlier tonight ..."

I hear her say softly now, surprise evident in her tone – "wait? Is that what you were watching for real??"

I turn back to look at her and I nod – "yup – I also like to keep myself updated with the performances in our game all around the world – Khushi...but given that you are here now – I'll just watch the last couple minutes of it – later..,"and as I am about to turn it off – she says instantly zoning into a deep thought pulling up the other chair a little behind me – " no..please...it's just a couple of minutes left right? why don't you finish watching it?? ill watch it with you too..."

I ask to reconfirm – "are you sure??"

She nods and as she gestures me to resume playback – I finally do and as we both continue to see the batsmen up on screen for Pakistan smash – 4 Four's back to back to clinch the 16 runs needed in the last over for Pakistan to win – I end up saying on reflex – " Khushi.....this one...he's really good you know...his name is Raahil Khan... he bats at No 3 for Pakistan..I was just telling Ved to catch up on his game and performance this tour – he's been brilliant...I mean even though we mostly play Pakistan in the ICC tournaments – I'v always enjoyed watching their unit play. They are a strong side – given that they did beat us in that ICC Champions trophy final...plus... I remember catching up with Raahil with Ved once..before that final – after Nets...he's nice....super grounded..also know what?even though he is the son of the President of the PCB – he has no airs about it at all – in fact he even talked about it to Ved and me – that he wants to make his own way in the game – irrespective of his Abbu being the big cricketing name and legend that he is in their country...."and I pause the screen as they show the pictures from the family stand – " see that's his Abbu..there... cheering for him...look at that happiness on his face...he can't seem to contain it all...,"and I hear Khushi's soft shaken voice ask – " okay..I get it now..so...that's..his Abbu..then? the president of the PCB??,"and she moves forward to resume playback and I look at her instantly because of the sudden change in her tone and I spot her zoning out deep in thought – with her eyes glued to the screen and her face all pale.

Why has she paled this way?

I pause on the screen again and twist my wheeled chair to face her as I ask clutching on her hand – "Khushi?? What's wrong? You okay? You've paled??"

She looks at me now as she states nervously covering up her paled expression – " sorry...did I???No...I was just stunned by those amazing boundaries...that's all..," and she leans forward and presses the playback again – " come on...lets watch this last bit of their celebrations too..his Abbu seems to be more stoked...for sure..as if he was the one to hit the winning runs...it could also mean that they enjoy a great relationship as father and child..right??"

I nod at her puzzled and we get on with watching it and a minute later – once the highlights come to an end , I finally close the tablet and turn to face Khushi.I pull her chair closer up to me as my hand covers hers on its own accord again as I ask – " did you just flip the switch on me?? remember – you said - you are not going to do that around me Khushi??"

Khushi smiles at that nervously – "yes I know I did say that Arnav...and no..please I am not flipping switch alright??,"and it is right then it hits me as I ask – "wait..wait...I get it...a tender moment of a father celebrating his child probably reminded you off not knowing your....??,"and I pause because I know she will understand the bit I am trying to imply.

She nods at that as she sighs – " yeah. Kind off...Arnav..,"and I shoot her an apologetic smile pulling her into a side hug– "I am sorry...I didn't want to sombre up your mood..."

She side hugs me back and shoots me a little smile looking up at me sideways – " don't worry...am okay. Plus...why are you sorry? It's not like it's your fault," and she asks curiously next settling back into her chair – " anyway leave that... you tell me this – for yes I am curious to know what your conversation with this batsmen up on the screen was then – Raahil Khan right?? I mean given that India Vs Pak gaming rivalry is the hot topic media loves....I am curious to know...is that what it's like off field too??"

I grin at that naturally reliving my memories of cordial interaction with their unit – "oh no – not at all – all this gaming wars/rivalry bit is all that is media hype and pressure only – and of course it's all very high in momentum in the gaming fans in both our countries given the passion for our game..."

She nods at that asks next inquisitive – "so tell me – what's it like off field??"

I answer honestly – " pretty normal and casual Khushi... like even on field for either sides its just like any other game of cricket and we've always been cordial with one another off field, or when we bump into one another after...it's the spirit of the game that shines through. Sport does that you know? becomes that one bonding factor – and we all do have that one thing in common – which is our love for cricket right...,"and she nods at that and I begin to fill her in over that episode where in Ved and me had bumped into Raahil with one of his team-mates – back in the day.

And once I am done with all of that I end it up with a casual grin – " so yeah..now you know how cool and calm it is otherwise in reality – plus like I said... this chap was super friendly..kinda cool...infact Ved and me also asked him to get us - his Abbu's autograph given that...Rehaan Khan's.... one of senior legends from across the cricketing world we are both fans off you know from the olden days. Ved still looks up at his old videos of batting you know? and I do look up at his bowling too – given that even though he was more of a batsman he did indulge in bowling off-break spin on some occasions which is my bowling style as well. He was a batting all-rounder – I am a bowling all-rounder but the very fact that he was an all-rounder on the whole for the Pakistan unit back in the day continues to be a commendable feat for in those days to have all-rounders was pretty rare.We only had a very few others in the Asian subcontinent anyway which included a couple of our senior legends/and some of Sri Lankan legends too but that list wasn't long – so yeah I think its commendable that he was one of them. Raahil is surely is looking out to develop himself on those lines too given that he also plays off-break spin with the ball at times...."

Khushi looks at me inquisitive at that as she asks – " ahaannn...really? so what did he say when you asked him for his Abbu's autograph? Did he say he'd get it for you??"

I chuckle happily at the memory – " yes...he did say – that the next ICC tournament we meet – he'd keep it handy for us both...he was all like – ji janab's why not? Abbu would be glad to put his signatures on the pictures of bats and balls for you two.."

Khushi states with a little smile – " wait...I think I get this – you surely asked for his autograph on the picture of a ball and Ved probably wanted one on the picture of the bat??"

I nod at that with a grin – " Bingo.also know what Khushi? We have so many dressing room tales that we'v heard from our senior legends over all the fun times they'v had with the Pakistan unit on tournaments from back in the day..and guess what apart from the love of cricket – the love of biryanis has always been a common factor too..."

She chuckles at that – " really??"

I grin – " of course – who doesn't love a good old biryani?"

She winks – " yeah...we both do too..,"and we end up sharing a light high five at that and I ask – "wana go sit back on the sofa??or okay here? Also you want anything to drink? I could get us that coffee from the vending machine out in the middle...??"

She nods at that and smiles – "yup – I'd like that coffee. But how about I get us both that – today??"

I nod at her and she gets off her seat and shoots me another smile – " be back in two.."

I wink at her playfully – "longest two minutes ever..."

She chuckles at that and leaves and I walk upto sit on the sofa comfortably. A couple of minutes later – I spot her wedging the door open with her side with the cups of take away instant coffee in her hand and I walk up to help her instantly as I say – " there...give me one..."

She nods and we take our cups and sit ourselves comfortably back on the two-seater sofa – facing one another and I say taking a sip of my coffee– " so guess what? Ved asked me again – as to what was up with me? you know given my frequent escapades out and alone into the city...over the last ten days..."

Khushi chuckles at that taking a sip of her coffee too – "ahaaan..and what did you say??"

I admit honestly – " I told him that yeah – somethings been up...and that I'd talk to them about it soon. So...I'v been dying too talk to them about you.I just wana know if you are comfortable with it though..."

She pauses on her sip in the middle in surprise as she asks – " wait...you wana talk to your team-mates and friends about me??"

I reach out to hold her hand lacing my left hand with her free left hand on reflex as I state sincerely locking my gaze with hers – " ofcourse...I want too – Khushi...but I wanted to check with you prior because I do care that you do not feel odd about this in your head given your work situation right now...although I assure you – there's nothing to worry at all. They are all mature and cool. Plus, I wana talk about it to the five of my mates – I am closest too."

She smiles – "that would be Raunak, Sameer, Ved, Cap and Daksh.."

I nod at her. I liked the way she remembered details about me at the back of her head.

She nods at me clutching on my our laced hands back – " yeah okay...you can talk to them about me if you want to Arnav..,"and she admits biting back her smile taking a sip of her coffee – " also just so you know...Jack and Brian finally know that it's you – I've been getting to know and have been spending all the time with...all these days...I told Maya and Sarah to fill them in...I got frantic calls from them after dinner though – you know they are like bros to me, they were just worried and protective.Brian was all like – what happened to that resolution of staying away from cricketers – Khushi?? Jack seconded him..."

I grin at that wanting to know more– "really? and what did you say to that.."

She chuckles taking a sip of her coffee – "I just stated the truth.."

I lock my gaze with hers – " and what's this truth that you stated?"

She groans at me – " Arnav. You know, what it is..."

I clutch on her hand as I wink at her – " what if I wana hear it..."

She rolls her eyes at that and says – " okay...fine...give me two minutes...let me finish my coffee at least..you will get us both talking and it will get cold and then you will crib about it getting cold given that you love it piping hot....."

I nod at her happily and we just continue to dunk down our coffee for the next couple of minutes in a comfortable silence – while keeping our eyes locked with one anothers. I didn't let go of her hand too. She didn't let go of mine.

Once we are done I take her cup from her hand and place both of ours aside on the table and I shoot her a mischievous wink again – "okay...now that coffee's done... go on then...tell me...but..wait...give me that hand back again...I like to hold it in mine..while we talk...and you know that..."

She smiles at that as I lace our left hands back together again and she says – " yeah...I know..."

I ask locking my gaze with hers – " do you like the feel off it Khushi ? off our hands laced together this way? Before you answer – know mine. I most certainly do like the feel off it and given that you do not pull your hand away on moments like this but clutch on mine back is a sort of communication back to me – that you like it too – but I just wana hear it from you – nonetheless....so tell me ..do you like it??"

She smiles at that – " yeah I do...,"and she asks now with a playful wink – " so ...wana know what I told Brian and Jack?"

I nod happily and she continues – " okay..so hear it then...I said – that resolution of staying away from cricketers is all tossed outta the park..for sure..given that you smashed it out with your bat yourself...your bat being the bit about you being so cool and the ways in which we get each other and connect...so yeah..the bottom line is ...I just asked them not to worry..."

I grin as I admit – " I love the sound of that resolution getting tossed outta the park Khushi.."

She chuckles – " ofcourse you love it. You were the one to smash it outta the park that way anyway right? I mean – why just why Arnav??"

I ask, amused – " why what Khushi??"

She answers with a warm smile – " just why are you so awesome and cool again? I keep asking the same to you – I know plus I keep asking myself that over and over too you know...."

I love the Sound of That.

This is the exact window – I was looking for.

I pull her closer by the hand making her shift in towards me a little and I shift up closer to her too as I ask brushing a loose strand outta her hair back in its place behind her ear, sure that she could sense the sincerity of my gaze as its locked with hers – "and I keep asking myself over and over that what's this super-power you have – that continues to amaze me over and over...??"

She asks puzzled but does not pull her gaze away – " huh??what super-power?"

I admit clutching on our gripped and laced hands together again– " this super power to clean bowl the stumps in my being – over and over again...Khushi? And what's crazy is the bit – I don't mind you knocking my stumps out this way – I like the fact that you are.I mean on field – I like to be the one taking wickets. I like to be the one clean-bowling the batsmen on crease. But in here – in between of us - why does it feel like – you are the wicket taker – haan?? why does it feel like – I don't mind you taking my wicket at all. Infact I just feel like I wana celebrate, you knocking over my stumps this way..."

She clutches on our hands back and asks softly her gaze searching mine – " you feel that way??"

I nod sincerely – " tell me if my eyes tell you otherwise. You know I am into you. Don't you? You do know that this isn't about us getting to know each other on accounts of being friends anymore...I mean you surely caught on to that curse I let out under my breathe when the bus screeched to its halt last night. Didn't you??"

She chuckles softly and nods at that but she stays silent with her deep in thought gaze continuing to search and hold mine intently. And I say instantly cupping her right cheek with my right hand – " Look...Khushi...I want more...okay?I wana be with you...and I am okay if you wana think this through – for I do not want to rush you in your head at all. But this is just me making my intentions clear. For No – I do not want to be just friends with you eventually. I do not wana be Friend-Zoned. I want to explore this magnetic connection in between of us – to see where it takes us – as Us. I just want you to know that whenever you think you are ready to step into being with someone again – I'd like to be the first in line. Like – yeah – this is me calling shotgun to that spot?? Okay??think of this as a well in advance application? Ok? Just stating it clearly again - the bottom line of this application states that – I am into you.Immense. I wana be with you. I wana date you. I want more. So Much more.Whenever you are ready..."

She chuckles at that and she asks softly – " ahaan? really? you wana be the first in line with this application haan??"

I nod sincerely snoozing down the impatient part of my head that wants me to kiss her Bad and Hard, right very now – " totally...consider my application at your own pace though alright....??"

She chuckles at that and she cups my right cheek with her right hand too – "ahaan? noted that. And what's the bit the impatient part of your head was trying to say to you right now?? the bit that you just snoozed in your head..."

I grin – " you figured??"

She grins – " I did..given that I'v gotten to know you so well too – Arnav. So tell me what does the impatient part of your head wana say??"

I try to put it across in a different way – " it wants to say – even though I mean no rush but feel free to fast track that application – you know just in case the thought off it seems appealing to your head??"

She chuckles at that and she says – " okay...point noted...the impatient part of your head wants to know if a fast track stamp is possible??"

I wink at her – " yeah..totally...and now that we are talking about it – you tell me - does the sound off fast tracking this application of mine sound appealing to your head..Khushi? I mean is there any scope of a fast-track stamp at all? For all I ...,"and I pause.

She keeps her gaze locked with mine – "all I what??"

I ask – " you wana know??

She nods.

I say honestly – " all I wana do – is - damm those freaking bus wheels again..,"and my thumbs acts up on its own accord as it begins to brush her lower lip in a slow caress – " I can't stop thinking about the bit that I was a second away from feeling your lips undermine Khushi...or I am just seconds away from doing that again...for I swear all I wana do is kiss you – so freaking bad – right now.Bad.Hard.And Deep..."

There.

I said it.

I also haven't stopped caressing her lower lip. I am not going to for the look in her eyes as she takes it all in – stumps me over – for even though she hasn't said it out loud yet – her eyes are talking back to me.

Also, all that crazy electricity is back to engulf the air in between of us.

She brushes her thumb over my lower lip too caressing mine slowly just like I was caressing hers as she whispers keeping her intent gaze locked with mine - " did you not catch over the curse I let out under my breathe when the bus pulled its wheels to a halt last night too...Arnav??what if – I say - I feel like – I want more too – yeah we are great friends and are getting closer that way too but yeah that's not the status a part of my head is content with – because hell yeah ever since last night - I can't stop thinking about kissing you too...all I want to do right now is kiss you bad , hard and deep too - godammit you, what have you done to me dammit..Arnav...you'v clean bowled my guarded stumps too and I let you do it. A part of me wants to celebrate you knocking over my stumps too. Hell Yeah...I want more too.. dammit...so much more...,"and with that she laces her hands through my hair like mine were laced with hers and she keeps her forehead on mine and closes her eyes.

Bingo.

The Orchestra – Returns within the walls of My Head.In full Volume + Swing. Ahaan? So this is how amazing it feels to have the you are into – be as into you too – and at the same freaking time?

Freaking Awesome Man.

I lace my hand through her hair tighter as I lean in closer so that our lips were just a couple of inches away from one another – "really?? can you say that again? please???

And all of a sudden her eyes flash open and I spot so much conflict in them as she states locking her gaze with mine – " all of what I said is true Arnav...I mean it..you know I do...but...at the same time...as much as...I wana forget about everything and kiss you right now, be kissed by you, jump into being with you..there's something I want to talk to you about first...before we actually get there. And I need some time to prep myself to get this out to you, for yeah basically it's the bit I was dumped over but given that it is such a strong emotional truth of who I am – I do not want to push talking about it too long. Please know that the only reason I am not sealing my lips overs yours just now is because I just feel soo..,"and she pauses as she says nervously- "what are those words I wana use dammit? see...all this close proximity with you and feeling your breathe over mine has freaking ceased my ability to think straight..."

My Heart Swells and Goes out to her at the same time.I do get where she is coming from. She wants to open up to me with regards to that personal emotional baggage in order to protect herself this time around.And given that Rob was such a jackass about whatever this was – surely has her worried over my eventual reaction.

I know exactly what I need to do.

I kiss her forehead sincerely – " a tad bit insecured? Vulnerable?..are those the words you are looking for Khushi????"

She nods and looks into my eyes- " yes..I feel a tad bit insecured and vulnerable okay..but please don't misunderstand me Arnav... this isn't me drawing assumptions about your reaction/ or comparing our situation with my past at all. Please...I do not want you to misunderstand me..."

I affirm her with a nod – "I am not misunderstanding you – Khushi..."

She sighs in relief and explains further – "also I am sure you'v perceived the bit that I have been subtly trying to convey to you in all these days in some way or the other. "

I grin – " oh you mean those little gestures that you'v been using to convey to me that I am not your Rebound. That you see me for who I am..."

She smiles and nods at that- " yeah. And I want to make it clear once again...that it's you.. Arnav...that I want so much more from and be with...ok??," and she leans forward to kiss my cheek- "but are you okay to give me some time to get myself prepped to talk to you about what I want to...first??"

I kiss her cheek sincerely – "what does this tell you...Khushi??"

She brushes her hand through the nape of my neck kissing my other cheek again and she says after – " I don't know.I am not very good with perceptions. You are. Or maybe I can sense it anyway but it's just that I wana hear you say it so that I know in my head – you'v understood what I wanted to convey and I haven't failed in getting that communication across from my end..."

I cup her face sincerely as I admit caressing her cheeks – "I am here alright? Take your time. Ok? I don't want to rush you Khushi. But hell yeah – that does not change the fact that I am super glad that we had this talk for at least we both know we are on the same page..for now..it's good to know where we are currently and where is it that we are probably heading right??"

She nods and smiles- "yeah...talking about the direction honestly is cool...I am so glad we had this talk..Arnav...I am super glad that we are on the same page too....god...I feel so light after finally getting this out to you...like I did want to be clear to you about what I've been feeling for sure. I didn't want to shell up around you with regards to this. For because it's you. It's different. You are different. Everything that I feel because of you – is Different. And New."

Hell Yeah.

The Orchestra Party in my Head continues. Another couple of Orchestra's just barged in to join in the party at its banquet hall, which just magically expanded in its space.

I wink at her playfully- "love the sound of that..also.. will you please...say it again though?"

She chuckles – "which bit??"

I grin – " I'd be pushing my luck if I say - all of it. But for starters – you can start with telling me I ain't the only one whose dying to kiss you – again..I mean..just keep telling me that until we actually kiss..please..you know like an incentive that will help me snooze that impatient side of my head..."

She chuckles at that – "look at you being cheeky again...wana hear it so that you can give me that smug side rakish grin of yours??"

I give her the exact side grin– " of course..."

She chuckles – "yeah...okay..I'll say it more often...only because that grins grown on me. I am dying to kiss you too..okay? Bad.Hard and Deep..."

I grin as I caress her cheek with the back of my knuckles – " also I am keen to know your take on this - now that we've actually talked this bit out loud.Do you also think that this intense electric vibe in between us might just get more voltage to it??"

She smiles nervously - "yeah...I think the same," and she pouts adorably – " godammit - it's going to be so difficult to resist you.."

I admit grinning - " Copy freaking that. You are freaking irrestible to my eye too anyway..,"and I pause as I state kissing her cheek for now – "okay..fine....no worries....alrighty..let's do this...let's drive each other nuts..I mean you are already driving me nuts anyway given that I have this constant Full Fledged Orchestra flowing within the walls of my Head since last night..".

She gapes at me amused – " Wait..what??"

I grin – " Yup..you heard me right..and it isn't just the violins. Or the Harps or the cello – it's a full bloody orchestra...ok??"

She breaks into a little laugh at that as she asks- "ahaan... really?? Context please?"

I admit biting back my smile – " so when I was leaning in to kiss you last night. That was what I felt.Wana try telling me about what did you feel..in that moment Khushi??"

She narrows her eyes at me playfully – " you do know that I know that this you wana try telling me... is the trick you use towards my mind to get me talking...at times...with regards to things you wana know this very nanosecond..."

I chuckle and wink at her – " yeah..but there's no harm in trying my luck right? given that it would feel like that personal slot machine Jackpot at Vegas...if it works.."

She chuckles at that and rolls her eyes playfully – " godammit you..alrighty...I will tell you...in that moment last night..or even just now while your lips were hovering so close to mine - I felt I was hit by four back to back Long Island Iced Teas.Ok? All bottoms up..You are like that Human Version off Long Island Ice Tea -k?"

I grin at her as I get up from my spot in momentary glee and surprise – "wait... what?? is that what it felt like? Long Island Ice Tea...is your favourite..you'v told me that...so does that mean I am racing to your favourites too????," and she bursts into a happy laugh at that given the play of excited gleeful expressions up my face and whispers in splits – "how about I answer that later...I can't stop laughing right now?? you make me feel so happy and light when you crack me up this way..Arnav...come here you..sit next to me..first...hold my hand...,"and with that she holds my hand and makes me sit back next to her and I grin – " yeah...I know...Mom does say I always was inquisitive with regards to the role of a clown whenever we visited the Circus back in the day..." and with that that pauses on her laughter a little as she asks her eye glinting happily- " ahaan really????"

I nod at her grinning as I say – " really...I could fill you in about that now? or late tomorrow when we go for that walk by the Trent Bridge at Nottingham..if you wana listen to that bit off how I actually did dress up as a clown at a fancy dress competition back in school when I was six...first...I won...by the way..I put up a really funny act that day....," and as our eyes lock again we both exchange a happy lighthearted vibe and break into another round off happy laughter – together as she just pulls me in for a Happy Hug and I just hold onto her - Snug.

YUP.

GUYS.

Goner Alert.

I just realised there's something more sweeter than those Joyous Tunes of Full Fledged Imaginary Orchestra's in my Head. A sound /tune that my mind/ ears would fancy so much more than the sounds off all the Awesome Orchestra's in the world combined.

Which Sound/Tune??

The precious sound and tune of Khushi's carefree + gleeful – Laughter.

Ofcourse.

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TADAAAAAA!!

How was That Guysssssssss?? Would be eager to know your take and feedback on this update of Orchestra. I hope you all enjoyed reading this for I loved writing it out for sure!!!

Next Update : Tomorrow Night

Until Then – Please take care and Stay Indoors and Safe guys!!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Thanks, Guys, for all the Support and your Precious Time to my Work!

Much Love

Always

❤

Prachi

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