TAKE 17 - Coconut & Marshmallows

3 years ago

mysticaltales11111

@mysticltales111

Hellooooo Guysssssssss....

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So Yup here I am with the next update.

Word Count – Medium Length - 6K 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 17 – Coconut & Marshmallows

TAKE 17 – Coconut & Marshmallows

5 days Later

3rd April,2019 – London

Lord's Cricket Ground

8:55PM

Khushi's POV

Yes.

Freaking.

Yessssssssssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Guys.

I am so freaking Happy right now.Oh Wait. Honest Correction needed in there for I am not just Happy. I am Euphoric. Simply Euphoric.I was transported into the very state of Elated Euphoria within - the very second – that cover drive – off Ved's bat – hit the boundary ropes in a successful Four leading the Umpire to signal the same and confirm – India's victory in this 2nd T20 of the Series – and I spotted Arnav rush to the field in sheer glee along with the rest of his team – to bask in the celebrations – five minutes ago.

And the Euphoria within me has only deepened more as I continue to take in the sight off Arnav on field right now. He's freaking stoked in sheer glee just like the rest of their unit – given that it was kind off important for India to win this game to keep their chances of winning the T20 series alive because we – as in our England unit – won the first T20 game at Old Trafford in Manchester on 1st(two days ago) – by 3 wickets in a nail biting thriller – that went to the last ball of the game. For the winning one run for us – had come on the very last ball – then.

So – if we had won this one too – the fate of the T20 series would have been sealed.We would have clinched it 2-0 with just one more game to go! But – guys – call me a gaming traitor if you want – but I can't help but say this out in my head right now.

Say what?

For Christs Sake – I am so freaking glad that we didn't win this one too – obviously!!

And that - They Wonnnnnnnnnnnn!

They freaking won!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok.

So just a context into the current game - India chased the mammoth target off 190 runs to victory in 19 Overs with six balls still remaining and this victory of theirs is huge too given that they won by Nine Wickets.

Yup.

You read that right guy's. Their top order batsmen – that would be Sameer, Raunak and Ved – finished the job for the unit with still 6 balls remaining. Sameer and Raunak put up a brilliant opening partnership off 80 runs to start with. It was freaking explosive -their batting. They were 80- 1 in just 8 freaking overs. Sameer was being the aggressive one first in that partnership for he literally fired up an explosive – 50 runs in that number. Raunak was steadying him on the other end by alternating in between playing some boundaries in the middle too. And given that the opening partnership had put them in such a great position – it was like when Ved came in to bat – things just got even more super entertaining from there on – given the way Raunak and Ved decided to go about their game today.They both just finished – Not Out at level scores of 70 each too!(A reason – why everyone from their unit including My Arnav – still won't stop jumping on top of the Two in Glee.)

Ahh. The sight of his happiness right now continues to warm my Heart – immense and has got me scuba diving deeper into the State of Euphoria too.So much so – that all a part of me wants to do is break into some – crazy Hip-Hop moves right now.

But then – I can't.

Given the situation around me – (again). Everyone in our dug out is obviously bummed. And this time – around – Mum finally knows that I am having a hard time keeping up this pretend mode of disappointed calm – on my face – like everyone else in our support unit too. I share a quick eye lock with Mum from across the side as she is in the middle of conversation with Dawson sir – and I gesture to her subtly that I am heading in into that little room inside – wherein we always get our little admin office laid out – when at the Lords.

Mum nods at me in acknowledgement of the same and I sidehug Stacy as she continues to groan in disappointment and make my way in telling her that I am headed in to finish up on my work on my tab.

I make my way in – in a rush – biting back my smile with great difficulty and a couple of minutes later as I step into the little room because I do get want to get into a little gleeful dance – I just pause to recheck if it's me alone for sure – or if there is anyone around me.

And the very minute I turn to look at the door – I spot Mum there smiling to herself amused as she says – " go on..Hun...do it...go on with that gleeful dance that you want to do...but for heaven's sake – close the door – while you are at it – will you??techinally you work for the opposite side right now,"and with that she closes the door and walks in.

I shoot her a sheepish smile as I walk to hug her instantly – "Sorry Mum....I know you are bummed – given that this was an opportunity for us to seal the T20 series too – but then...I can't help but feel this way because of Arnav...T20's anyway such a merciless format for bowlers given that batters go hard on them from the very go and given that he's still bowled at a decent economy according to T20's figures in both these matches and taken 5 wickets too – 2 in the first game and 3 in todays – I was totally rooting for India to win.Also Arnav's had a good T20 series individually given that he also scored a quick power 40 runs in the first T20 and he did not get to bat today but he took 3 wickets this game too and – yes – I know if we would have clinched this too – he would surely be bummed momentarily for the team/unit on the whole and once again – and he wouldn't even feel like celebrating his personal milestones in his head. I know him right – his gaming energies always stay tuned in with his Units.So please...forgive me...for not feeling the same way..as everyone else in our unit right now..."

Mum chuckles at that as she kisses my head and then pulls me back and says – " well given that I am not the actual one whose playing on field out there – I'd say – yes Hun – you are totally forgiven for feeling this way...I know...I know..I get it...your hearts found its home in him – you love him - its only obvious you are Team India in your heart..,"and she pauses and says with a wink – " go on...do your gleeful dance in front of me..atleast.."

I chuckle at that happily and do get into a Little Gleeful dance – finally. Mum's totally biting back on her grin at that and once I am done – I hug her hard again as I admit to her – " I love to see him happy...Mum...I just love that smile/grin on his face...it means so much to me..."

Mum hugs me back and she says – "I understand...Hun.."

And I pull back now excited as a thought returns to my head and I ask her straight – " okay...Mum..so I was wanting to ask you this – you know that Maya's planned something for us all at her place in a while. So I was thinking – what if I use all this while as the post-match presentation goes on to finish my work and have Sir approve the same before we leave here so that I am all done with the work bit at my end because I was thinking – I wana head to Maya's from here straight away to catch up with everyone before Arnav comes there..this okay right??the bit that I don't come to the hotel in the team bus right now??It's already 9 pm...everyone's expecting us to reach Maya's only by 1030 though – and I do think Arnav will be able to make it there by then only..but I really wana go in prior...it's a just a casual late dinner thing she's planned for us all...but I wana see if I can help her with that..."

Maya's parents are out of town.They are visiting some cousins in Birmingham right now. Which is why Maya was so keen on having this get together at her place tonight.

Mum nods – " yeah should be okay Hun...that's not a problem at all...as long as you are done with all your work...before time..."

I smile and nod and I feel like I am in two minds again to ask Mum this next bit.Its something that struck my mind in the middle of the game but I cannot act on this without discussing it with Mum – first obviously.

Mum narrows her eyes at me amused – " go on...Hun...ask me what you want to...please? I know that look..."

I chuckle and I hold her hand and just jump to it – " okay..so.. Mum...I wana take Arnav home...as in....we are just seven minutes' walk away from Maya's so I was thinking – later on – after – if I can just take him home for a bit – I do want to show him around Home – before..he...,"and I pause as my vulnerable emotions return to engulf me and Mum completes the sentence for me – " leaves...is that what you were wanting to add?."

I nod at her gulping down my overwhelming emotions – "exactly...Mum...he's leaving in what three days from now so..can I??given that we will be so close to home anyway...only if you are okay with it though?? I know I never had Rob come over..prior...but...you know...with Arnav everything's different...I feel like I wana show him where I live before he leaves...is that okay?Mum?,"and I pause as Mum hugs me and she answers – " it's our Home -Hun...you don't have to ask me for permission - if you wana show the love of your life around it – K?but tell me hun – are you okay? How are you holding up at the thought of him leaving – now that its just a couple of days left..just your tone right now was extremely vulnerable there for a second.."

I hug her hard back and I admit – "I am holding up okay..Mum...given that Arnav and me – made that deal with one another to not talk about his leaving until the very last day – so yeah for the sake of our deal – I think I am trying my best to be like a tough Coconut about the same on the outside – although yes within – I do feel like a gooey emotional marshmallow – every time the thought strikes..."

Mum pulls back now and sighs in momentary worry – " I understand hun...I do...but tell me something...do you not wana tell him how you feel before he leaves??? Do you not wana tell him you are in love with him??don't you think it will help you feel secured in your heart if you have this talk with him before he leaves..."

Oh Mum. You have no idea how badly I wana confess my love to Him. I have been fighting the urge to just say it all out since that very day – – since the very moment – I made love to him for the very first time. If only you knew – that every single time – I'v made love to him on these last four nights too – that's exactly the bit I have controlled on blurting out to him in our intense moments.That I am in Love with him so bad and deep.

I sigh as I admit – " I want to...Mum..but am scared...Mum...so scared..of overwhelming him with my heavy duty emotions – yes...one things clear we both are on the same page of wanting this relationship in between of us – being that version of the Whirwind that lasts – but – I don't know why...I am still scared. I do not wana overwhelm him ...I can't risk it...like what if he isn't in Love with me yet? I mean – I think he's heading there – maybe?I have no qualms in confessing first... but here's the catch in my head... if I confess first – I don't want him to think that I am putting some unnecessary emotional pressure on him to say the words back to me too – I want him to say it – when he feels like it in his heart and not because of the emotional pressure of me confessing first – K? you get me..right?"

Mum nods in acknowledgement – " yeah...I do. I understand what you mean...Hun."

I hug her hard as I say – "Okay...now..I am totally going to get back to work Mum..because I do wana get this done..fast..."

Mum pulls back from the hug and she kisses my heads and gives me knowing smile and look and then walks out the door – and I head to the chair behind the desk and switch on my Tab.

I think she most surely knew – that work was exactly what I needed to distract myself with – in the moment. It was going to help me switch back into feeling like a Composed Coconut momentarily.

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A While Later

In the Dressing Room

Arnav's POV

I reach out for my phone hurriedly and turn it on. I do continue to also participate in the crazy celebrations in the Dressing Room – side by side though.A victory as huge as this one – always thrills us all to the Core. Obviously!And given that it still gives us a chance at the Series – makes it more Sweet.

I can't wait to talk to Khushi too.

I am sure I am going to have tons of texts from her to go through already.Just like I am also sure that there surely must be a reason at her end – for not lounging and chilling in the common area outside the dressing room this time around as we walked back after the post-match -presentation.

My phone lights up.

I head to WhatsApp immediately.

And as expected – I have a ton of messages waiting from her to be read. I go through them – first immediately – grinning like an idiot as usual as the happy celebratory mode in the dressing room also continues to add to my Euphoria.

Just as I am about to reply to her now – after finishing reading her last congratulatory text – my phone beeps with her text's first.

Her : Hey...you...my hunk..I figured you'd be online by now...so I thought before you finish reading my previous line of texts I might as well text you to apologize - first. I am so sorry baby that I wasn't able to lounge around the common area to see you the very minute you stepped back in today but that's only because I am kind off working towards a bigger picture here – which is finishing up on all my work beforehand – so that I can head to Maya's straight from here and get set to welcome you there – along with everyone else beforehand. I ain't going back to the Hotel in the team bus today..will head out straight from here...and you come as soon as you can - k? anyway we had planned to head out separately right? So..tell me...quick...Am I forgiven..for the same?

I bite back my grin.

Me : Oh yes you are my fiore.....you know you are...and guess what I surely knew that there must be a reason at your end which is why I didn't spot you.And yes I will surely be there as soon as I can – K? I'v already given heads up to Ved, Raunak, Sameer, Cap and Daksh that I will not be joining in the afterparty tonight.And yes – don't worry baby – I will surely pass on your congratulations to them too like you mentioned in your previous texts.

Her : oh yes...please do that baby...okay listen...let me get off text now..I still have to finish up this last bit off my work – K? ill text you after? As I get set to leave? K? also you surely must have calls and texts from everyone back at home – right??gotten back to them yet??

I smile.

Me : just about to do that darling...but I surely wont be able to get back to them on a call right now – given the crazy noise around me..will just text them..first.

Her : great..okayy...so..i'll get off now – my hunk...see you soon at Maya's. I am so freaking excited.So are they.

Me : So am I...and you know that...(winks)

And with that I finally get off text with her and move to the family group to get onto a little chat with everyone – grinning like an Idiot – my insides consumed in Sheer Euphoria.

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A While Later

10:07 PM – At The Hotel

Alice presses the button to the Elevator and waits for it to arrive. She'd just finished freshening up quick in her room(As they arrived at the Hotel twenty minutes ago) and was on her way to join the rest off the support unit in the team room – for a late dinner.While in wait for the elevator – she quickly goes through her text with Khushi which came a while ago informing her that she had safely reached Maya's.

She quickly texts back with a message now saying : That's great Hun. You all have fun. I am just heading down to dinner.

Her phone beeps with Khushi's reply instantly.

Khushi : that's great Mum. Eat well. I will see you later. I will come back in the night – for sure. Might just be the middle of the night – though – K?

Alice : Alrighty Hun.Getting into the Elevator now.

The elevator opens and she steps in and smiles to herself. She couldn't deny the fact that the sight off her baby Glowing in so much Happiness+ Euphoria this way- all because of ASR – was definitely something that was overshadowing the natural worry that was also consuming her mother's heart – somewhere in there. She could only hope in her heart that these two would be able to cope up with the Distance angle that's was going to wedge in - in between of them – in days from now.

It is right very then she feels the elevator halt at the floor – two floors below hers and the doors open and she is surprised to spot Arnav standing there on the other side of the door.She presses the button to hold the doors open on reflex as she hears him answering into his phone with his frame turned sideways– " yes..my fiore...I am leaving now...just waiting for the elevator to arrive..ill see you there in twenty then? Yes...I am taking the cab..,"and Alice hears him pause as he lets out a warm chuckle – " yeah...you know..its me whose more impatient to see you baby...right?see you there.."

Alice smiles.The warmth in his tone – that she'd caught onto touched her heart. Immediately.She just knew it in her gut that he was in the middle of the talk with her daughter. In these last five days ever since – Khushi had told her about Arnav – Alice had exchanged a couple of polite smiles with him here and there from afar in acknowledgement of his polite warm nods and sincere smiles – but given that she hadn't really gotten the chance to talk to him yet alone – she could fairly say that – this was probably Chance's way of sending that very chance her way – now.

Arnav keeps his phone back into his denims and adjusts his Cap on his head unable to control his excitement at heading out to catch up with Khushi and just as he finally turns to step into the elevator- he is caught by sheer surprise as he spots – Dr Alice – standing in there all alone – pressing the button to hold the doors open for him – with a genuine smile curved up her lips.He was happy and glad at this sudden chance of bumping into just Her – now that she was finally alone without any of her medical assistants by her side.

He shoots her warm polite smile as he steps in and says taking his stand on the opposite side – " helloooo....Maam...I am sorry that you had to hold that button to keep the doors open..for me...."

The Elevator doors shut and Alice shoots him a warm smile back as she says – "helloooo....dont worry about it..I only held it open for some seconds....and yes...ASR...congratulations on the teams win.....also..wait...can you not call me Maam – though?? I don't fancy the sound off it..much..."

Arnav smiles at that happily as he says – "thank you for that Maam... but Maam.. if you do not fancy the sound off Maam... can I call you...Mrs.J..then?given that I know that's what Maya and Sarah also call you that...at times fondly??"

Alice shoots him a warm smile as she says nodding in acknowledgement – " yeah...Mrs.J sounds better...you could call me that when we are in alone for sure..so...you headed to Maya's then? You were on phone with Khushi right..now...right??"

Arnav nods happily and he says – "yes..I was..,"and he asks her – "wait.. Mrs.J – you tell me - it is going to take me twenty minutes to get there right? Or longer??because that's the heads up I just gave Khushi – I wouldn't want to keep her/everyone else waiting...longer.."

Alice smiles at that on reflex.The twinkle of excitement in his eye with just the way he took Khushi's name with so much affection did not miss her eye. She answers – "twenty minutes should be good ASR – or maximum – twenty -five...."

Arnav nods with a grin – "cool...ill just text her the additional five minutes buffer after we step out...also Mrs.J...can you please call me Arnav? ASR is for the professional world on the outside – you are Khushi's Mum...I'd be very happy if you called me that.."

Alice smiles at that in acknowledgement too – " alrightyy..Arnav..I could do that...,"and it is right very then she eyes the number of floors on the screen of the elevator.They still had half way down to go and it is right very then she hears Arnav say suddenly in a soft sincere whisper – " I want you to know that...I am not just fooling around with Khushi or something...Mrs J...you are her Mum...its upto me to give you the assurance on the same too....please know...I am very serious about Khushi..in my emotions....this is it for me...she is it for me..She's the one...its either going to be her or No One for me...ever...period..."

That startles and surprises and stuns Alice completely as she looks at Arnav instantly - dazed. She was not expecting to hear what she just did – at all.But yeah – she was Stoked at everything she just heard. She asks to reconfirm sure that he could sense the stunned surprise daze in her tone too just like he could read it on her face – "did you just say everything that you just did...Arnav??"

Arnav nods sincerely.

Alice asks in sheer stunned surprise again – " just confirming...did you just say to me...this is it for you - that my daughter..Khushi...she is It for you??,"and she hears him answer instantly in a go as if there was no doubt in his head at all as he nods at her sincerely – his eyes mirroring intense emotion – " yes she is it for me..Mrs J...you heard me right the very first time...and all of that also means that - I am in love with your daughter..Mrs J...I love Khushi....very deeply...and even though I haven't yet gotten around to admit the same to her – I think I want you to know the same...prior...because you are aware that we'v been spending so much time together undercover and as a Mum you surely must be worried somewhere in there deep down after everything she's been through with Rob...so from where I see it – I think its upto me as the man in your daughter's life to assure you of my intentions too – which is exactly what I am doing by talking about this to you first - I do not plan to disappear from your daughter's life ever.....Mrs J......"

That surprises and stuns Alice to the core even more.For a second she was stumped, dazed, astonished into a happy statue. She didn't know how to react.For due to some amusing doing of Fate – it turned out that she was the only one who knew how both Arnav and Khushi felt for one another – even though they hadn't confessed to one another yet.

She took a couple of seconds to observe in the sincerity on his face and frame right now.There was no way that – that bit off it could miss her eye.She could also see a lot of deep love shining in his eyes for her daughter just like she had spotted shining in her daughters eyes for him.She asks him the very same thing that she had asked her daughter a short while ago in privacy – totally stunned and surprised still after taking a couple of seconds to compose her dazed self - "If that's how sure you are about her Arnav...don't you want to tell her how you feel??? You really mean everything you just said – don't you?,"and she pauses and smiles amused at her very own self and adds next immediately in a matter of fact tone– " bloody hell you mean it – there's no way you'd come up to a girls Mum and declare your intentions in the very first alone encounter.....otherwise..."

Arnav chuckles at that almost sadly – " of course I mean it Mrs J......I mean it with all my heart....it's crazy isn't it? How sometimes the one you deeply love is not the very first one to actually hear it...I mean...all my close friends know how I feel....already...I do plan to tell the same to my parents when I meet them..when I head back home in days from now...but to be honest...as much as I am dying to confess my feelings to Khushi...I feel like I gotta hold on...I am scared..about overwhelming her with my heavy duty emotions – she's got so much going on already right?? With that upcoming visit to her Dad's hometown soon too – I don't know if she would be ready to hear this right now...I do not want to put her under any sort of an emotional pressure that makes her feel like I want her to realize and ponder over something she probably needs some more time for within....but yeah that doesn't change the bit that I am hoping desperately in my being that she's probably heading to that destination of Love I'v already checked into – will you wish me luck on the same though Mrs.J?? that I am able to make your daughter feel the same way for me...eventually?"

Alice chuckles at that on reflex – " you really want me to wish you luck – on the same Arnav?" Oh you have no idea boy – how much my daughter loves you already. I wish I could be that catalyst to get the two of you confess to one another soon.But I can't be. Because I know this is a significant confession that needs to come organically between the two of you.And it probably will happen – when it's meant to .She adds in her head silently.She also was moved and happy over the discovery that each of their reasons for not confessing to the other was kind off the same too.But as a mother – it felt good to know that her daughter wasn't the only one spinning in deep emotion for this man.He was too.

Arnav nods biting back his smile – "yeah – I want you to wish me luck.."

Alice grins – " all the best to you...Arnav.."

Arnav adds sincerely with another innocent smile – " also.. maybe...if you could also send in a prayer and wish from your end for me too...will you hope and pray for me too?? I wana make her the Happiest in the whole wide world – Mrs J...now and always...please hope...that she'd let me do the same... now and always too...please pray that she'll have me by her side..forever..."

Alice smiles at that on reflex - again.

How could she not?

She was deeply touched by that display of sincerity in his tone right now and the conviction with which he was talking right now– yet again.She answers honestly as the elevator finally reaches its destination – "yeah... I will...I'll hope and pray for you Arnav.." Just like I hope and pray that you have it in your heart to let your love power you through to sticking by my daughter's side when you find out the truth about her father – she adds in her heart – silently.

Arnav grins at that happily as he says – " thank you Mrs.J..so I am obviously going to tell Khushi that we bumped into one another but the fact that I talked to you about how I feel for her remains a secret in between us... doesn't it? Until I confess to her? I really wana be the one to tell her how I feel...eventually..."

Alice nods immediately at that – " yes Arnav...I understand...don't worry about it..at all...,"and as the elevator doors finally open Arnav grins back at her happily as he says with a polite nod – " great... thanks a ton ..I will just tell Khushi we exchanged general pleasantries and congratulations then..?"

Alice nods and smiles – "yes..do that...I will maintain the same stand.." Because I do want her to hear what you feel for her from You too – Boy.It probably will be one of the happiest moments of my daughter's life...which is why it is so important for it to come through You - she adds further in her head silently.

Arnav nods grinning – "super..you rock Mrs J...ill head out now...gotta rush to M's...thank you..for everything once again..."

Alice nods and she watches him leave happily adjusting his cap on his head.

She also couldn't help but smile and grin to herself as she stepped out the elevator. Yeah – now she knew what her daughter meant by the bit that this boy was different. That he had that power to touch the chord almost – instantly. Because right now – in this sudden chanced encounter – just like that – out of the blue - he'd just very successfully struck a chord within her mother's heart too.

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In the Cab

Arnav's POV

I adjust my Cap and Mask snug on my face again as the Cab begins its ride towards West Acton. I hailed the Cab from the curb down our Hotel and I will be getting off a couple of blocks prior to Maya's and then will be walking my way there – all for the sake of the secrecy cover obviously.

I bite back my happy grin as I dish out my phone and text Khushi.

Immediately.

Me : hey..you my baby...just got into the cab and guess what? I bumped into your Mum in the elevator. It was just us.

I tap send.My phone beeps almost instantly

Her : oh my god – really?Arnav? How did it go??

I bite back my chuckle. Guys - In a way I am so relieved that I bumped into Dr Alice and reassured her off my intentions – in person. Yeah. I think I dropped a Surprise bomb on her out of the blue with saying – I am in love with your daughter – but to be honest in that moment all I cared about was the bit of giving her the comfort in her mother's head and heart with the knowledge that I wasn't just sleeping/fooling around with her daughter. I think – I might have succeeded in the same. Yup she was surprised and stunned and dazed for sure – but the warm smile she gave me as I walked out told me that I had been successful in getting my point and intention across.

Phone beeps.

Her : Arnav...for christs sake..tell me..how did it go with Mum? I mean given that I haven't been able to dish out an encounter for just the three of us – with all the hectic stuff that had been happening in these days around Mum given some of those spasms and injuries with a couple of our players etc. I can't believe I freaking missed it.

I grin as I read it.

Me : to be honest..baby.. I am glad it was just your Mum and Me...I think I might have been successful in leaving a good impression.Like a very good impression which is kind off a mix of being sincere and cool at the same time.(wink emoticon)

Her : aahaa? Really? You are a charmer, aren't you? Trust you to execute that. But cmon tell me – what did you guys talk about??"

Oops.Sorry Baby.Gotta keep up the cover – for now.

Me : So... We just exchanged general pleasantries + she congratulated me. I called her Maam. She didn't want me too.So I asked her if I could call her Mrs J – like Maya and Sarah do at times...and she said – yes to that...and then we talked a little more...she obviously knew I was headed to Maya's right? Just casual. But good. Very Good.

Her : okay...that feels great – I think I'd like the sound of Mrs J from you for Mum too..Arnav..

Me : Can you attach – My – to that – please...you know it I love the sound of My Arnav...from you...

Her : My Arnav...

Me : Dammmm you woman. Wait till I see you. Come to open the door for me – K? I need to steal a quick kiss – first.

Her: ahaan? Really?

Me : You doubt that?

Her : I don't...actually.But only if you come sooner though.Whats taking this Cab so long? Why aren't you here already Arnav????Come soon please...

I smile as I look out the passing traffic.

Me : Be there as soon as I can baby.. I love the bit that it Isn't just me who is impatient – right now..though..

Her : Arnav...please...just..please....come super-soon – K? what if this Isn't just about me being impatient right now?

Ok wait.Somethings up with Her.Can just sense it through her words

Me : my baby..what's wrong??what is this about?

Her : Nothings wrong...

Me : you do know you fail miserably at flipping the switch on me on text too... baby – it doesn't work around me anymore...why do you even try?tell me..what's up?

Her : what if this is more about just feeling the need to see you around me supersoon – so that I can just bask in the feeling off you being here...and just feel like - like you are still here. Dammit..whats up is the bit that Time is freaking passing right? I wana freaking freeze it Arnav. And I can't. Which Just Freaking Sucks Royally. Brian, Jack, Sarah, Maya – they won't stop talking about how they can't wait to meet you obviously but that also just got them talking about the last game at the Oval day after being that decider thrilling game again and as happy and stoked I am for you professionally to see you get into playing that last decider game of the T20 series. I can't help but feel so vulnerable at the same time too Arnav for that is the last game of your tour.You leave the next day. I wana freeze time for a while until you get to that point of playing your last game here Arnav..but I can't....obviously.I hate that I can't.

That shortens the length of my smile behind my mask. I do not even want to think about this.

Me : Baby...please...don't....we talked about this..right?We aren't going to talk about my leaving until the very last day. Please don't...remind me of the same...please?we still have a couple of days to go..

Her : I don't want to remind you off the same Arnav. I do not even wana remind myself of the same.But when it comes in my face nonetheless – I can't really help it Arnav. To be honest – ever since your game finished tonight – I'v kinda just been making that conscious effort to go back to feeling like a composed coconut on the outside even though on the inside – I am totally feeling like an emotional gooey marshmallow at the mere thought that it's going to be the 4th of April in 90 minutes. Call me crazy..but I am totally swinging in between Coconuts & Marshmallows in my being within – for real.Its just that I am just going to miss you so much...when you leave..

Godammit.Now she got me feeling vulnerable – again.

Me : And I am going to miss you so much too – My Fiore. More than you will ever know...but...Khushi..baby..please...don't do this to me right now ? I am just not even ready to process the bit of me leaving yet. Please dump this thought back into the recycle bin of your mind for the remainder of my time here...just like I have...lets deal with it later – when its finally time? Please? I know it's crazy that I am asking us to push dealing with a matter given that I like to address matters in my head always – but turns out – parting from you in real time – isn't a matter I'd ever be ready to address prior than when its finally time. Look – we are excited to catch up with everyone – right? Lets focus on that?Cheer up – baby- please...

Her : okay...ill try...once again...only for you...I will try..K?Yeah...I think I just gotta focus on feeling happy with the bit that you are finally just minutes away from meeting everyone...come soon ..please? am waiting..also..rushing now..to rejoin everyone...we are getting the BBQ on heat to get the preps going..you will be here in ten minutes maximum I guess? Am sure you must be hungry too, right? I wana keep your grilled chicken ready in time.

My heart swells.I look around the passing traffic. I confirm the same with the cab driver.

Me : yes I should be there in ten minutes ...darling...just confirmed the same with the cab driver.

Her : longest ten minutes ever...

I smile as I read that.

Me : that's my line baby...

Her : I stole it...no problem..right?

I smile to myself.You stole my heart – My Empress.Ofcourse I wouldn't mind you stealing my Line.

Me : nah..never a problem...my fiore...

Her : good...okay phone back in my pocket now after I tap send to this....

I sigh as I screen-lock my phone and lean my head back into the head-rest.Leaving from here is going to hurt me/ butcher me - so much.Which is why I'v just left it to process it in the moment – in which I have no other option but to soak the emotion in.

Godammit.

I close my eyes.I still have about eight-nine minutes until I reach.I think I am going to need a – couple of minutes – power nap to just reboot my very own head.

Into what?

Into feeling like that version off a Composed Coconut too – Ofcourse!

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

TADAAAAAA!!

How was That Guysssssssss??

Next Update: – Tomorrow Night.

I'll see you soon guys.

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

❤