TAKE 20 - The 'Band-Aid' Bridge

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 with the next update off HW3.0!!

So Seatbelts On – My Dear Readers. I'v compiled this into One Long Update – trying to depict it as an Intense roller-coaster Ride through various emotional loops in every way possible – through my words. Winks.

Also yes – Some steamy Romance+ Mature content in there too in the flow of the scenes.

Word Count – Long in Length - 12K 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🤗❤🙏

‍💻

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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Copyright Notice :

The Moral Right of the Author has been asserted. All Rights Reserved. This Story is published subject to the condition that it shall not be reproduced or transmitted/distributed in whole or in part, in any manner, whether in electronic or in hard copy, without the written consent of the author, and any infringement of this is a violation of Copyright Law.

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Disclaimer:

This Story/ Written Series is a work of Fiction.All characters are fictitious.Any resemblance to a person living or dead is purely coincidental. The depiction off fictitious characters through their cross - cultural backgrounds is also a work of pure fiction. I respect all faiths, cultures, communities with its rich diversities, equally.I mean no offence or hurt to anyones sentiments through my work in any way whatsoever.

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TAKE 20 – The 'Band-Aid' Bridge

Same Night – 5th April, 2019

11:15 PM

Arnav's Room

Khushi continued to kiss Arnav slowly and deeply holding onto him close, clutching onto him tight in the hope that their deep kiss right now was going to help her soothe him a little.

She'd just stepped into his room – two minutes ago and this time around she did not just leap into his arms instantly. She also pulled him in for a deep kiss – almost immediately.

Why?

Because - She knew he had probably been feeling a little mad at her for suggesting and coaxing him into attending the afterparty with his unit for about thirty -forty minutes at least. They-d all arrived at the Hotel at 10:30 PM and Arnav was keen on spending every second of the remainder of the time with Khushi. And Khushi had adorably coaxed him(on text) into attending the – Afterparty with his unit for a little while because he had such a strong hand and role to play in the victory tonight and she felt like she could not ask him not to celebrate that. Also because on her end – even though she had composed herself into a Coconut on the front for the remainder of the time in the Stands – once she was in the Hotel – she just felt like she needed the little time to just hug her Mum and cry out her vulnerabilities a little more in her arms – first before seeing Arnav in the hope that it would help her feel better and she would not end up crying out Niagara Falls in front off him. It obviously did help her feel better. It was also right then – she had received Arnav's text on her phone telling her that the Cake Cutting and Champagne bit was now over in the Afterparty – which meant that he was headed to his room. She then made her way there almost immediately.

Khushi whispers into his lips now to ask in a soft whisper – "are you still mad at me..Arnav?? I am sorry baby...I just wanted you to give your professional moment it's due..for a little bit too.... ,"and with that she doesn't wait for him to answer as she continues to kiss him deeply. She was glad that even though he was probably mad at her for this – that he was at least kissing her back with intense emotion right now.

Arnav clutches on her hair urgently at that and he pins her against the wall of his room – all the time keeping his lips infused with hers deep. Even though everything within him was very upset with the bit that forty minutes of his precious remainder time with Khushi did get consumed elsewhere – he was not mad at her. More so just upset with himself. He whispers into her lips honestly not wanting to pause on kissing her – holding her extremely close – " nahh...I am not mad at you..my fiore...I don't think I can ever be. I am just mad or rather..just upset with myself...."

Khushi wraps her right leg around his waist immediately at that as she asks in a soft whimper into his lips – " huh?? Why? Why are you mad at yourself..baby??"

Arnav adjusts her leg around his waist from the right more snug as he whispers vulnerably into her lips – " because...I let you convince me to step into that freaking Afterparty...even if it was for a bit...all I wanted was to spend every second of the remainder of my time with you...you are my Afterparty dammit...you are the only one I wanted to celebrate the moment with almost immediately..and instead...I ended up spending 40 minutes in there – my heart was not in it...not at all..which is why I just came up the minute the cake cutting and champagne popping was done...why..just why did I let you convince me? dammit??,"and he continues to kiss her deep – not having the heart to stop – too.

Khushi continues to kiss him deeply and slowly for the next two minutes and after she pulls up reluctantly and cups his face tenderly as she whispers opening her eyes – " okay...you do know...that... does kind off relate into the bit that - you are mad at me for this...Arnav..."

Arnav whispers sincerely keeping his forehead on hers– " use the word..upset..will you baby? I don't think I like the use of the words -mad at you – Khushi..,"and with that he finally opens his eyes to look into hers intently. And the minute he does look into her eyes – it hits him. Her Vulnerability. He could now – finally see shades off it. He hadn't been able to prior – given that the minute he had opened the door to her – Khushi had leaped into his arms – closed the door shut behind them – herself in a rush and pulled him urgently for a deep kiss. The moment happened so fast that he hadn't even got a clear look at her face and after he had just been lost into consuming her lips with his.

He cups her face tenderly now and lets out a curse at himself almost immediately next and Khushi instantly shoves a finger on his lips as she states – " heyy...stop...now...why are you cursing yourself..don't.. please..??"

Arnav caresses her cheek as he asks keeping his intent gaze locked with hers – " you'v been crying...haven't you?? all this while I was in the Afterparty...you'v just been crying your freaking eyes out.."

Khushi closes her eyes instantly at that. Shoot. She'd thought shed washed her face and eyes hard enough before rushing out to see him. Clearly Not. She whispers softly – " huh??what??no...not...really..."

Arnav says his tone taut, emotional- " do not close your eyes to me...right now...please...open them...Khushi.."

His Tone. It worked its trick on Khushi – almost instantly. She opens her eyes to him and Arnav whispers sincerely looking back into them intensely – " I cursed myself..because...I didn't spot this the very minute you entered.......,"and with that he pauses to lean forward to kiss her eyes one by one.

Khushi clutches on his arm as she whispers honestly a line of tear making its way down her eyes on its own accord because of the intense emotional vibe of his kiss over her eyes right now – " I didn't want to cry it out in front of you..Arnav...I know it would make you feel worse...I am just still so vulnerable at the thought off you leaving tomorrow morning. Also because...,"and she pauses.

Arnav hugs her instantly now as he asks kissing her head – " also..because??"

Khushi whispers clutching onto his jersey over his heart – " because we finally have to get around to talking about this...too? right? as to how we are going to figure our way around..the distance bit – given that our homes are technically in different countries Arnav..as in when you go back home after a tour..you'd go back to India..baby...and I'd be here...look...all I wana say is that I wana figure this distance bit out for us......as smoothly as possible...I am ready to do just about anything for you...the reason why I am feeling this vulnerable continuously right now..is maybe..just because...we haven't figured out our direction with regards to this yet given that we wanted to push this conversation to this last day...but I think once we set our direction...I'd feel a lot sorted...I guess? I just want you to know first...that I wana give it my all to work this through for us...like my very all...once again...I am saying this...for you..there isn't anything I wouldn't do...ever..we just have to figure the how's out Arnav...we will...right?? I mean if I were to say it in your words... we just have to figure out a way to get around to building this bridge of counter thoughts...in our minds...."

Arnav feels his heart swell with Love for her and he pulls her up at that and kisses her head sincerely and admits brushing a couple of her hair strands out of her forehead – "of course we will..darling...my fiore...we will figure out how to build this bridge through...I think you are right...once we set our direction...I think we both will feel a lot better..and yes...I wana give it my all to work this through for us..Khushi...like my very all too...as smooth as possible.. you know that don't you?,"and as Khushi nods with a little smile - he wipes the trail of tears off her cheeks at that and he whispers with a playful wink wanting to make her smile now – " you know what's like that orchestra to my ears right now though???"

Khushi asks softly kissing his cheek shooting him a little smile – "what??"

Arnav winks – "the bit where in..you said...for me..you'd do just about anything...ofcourse..and also the bit about us being at the same page about giving It our all for one another...through this.."

Khushi chuckles at that as she winks back through her emotions – " I so knew you were going to say that..baby.."

Arnav leans in closer to her lips again – " ahaan??"

Khushi nods and she caresses his lips – "are you still upset with me though? for coaxing you to step into the Afterparty??"

Arnav shakes his head in a No instantly caressing her lips – " not anymore...Khushi...are you crazy? How can you even think I'd be upset at all about the same – after knowing – you'v probably spent all that spent venting out your vulnerabilities...Mrs.J was there right?with you?? or you were on the phone with M or S or Brian/Jack...I just hope you weren't alone..."

Khushi nods reassuring him with a little smile – " Mum was there..she...held me tight...she understood...where I am coming from...I mean...yeah...as much as I always knew this was going to come in between of us...eventually...it still hurts right...the thought of being away from you in real time..does hurt..baby..but then...I also know only we can soothe each other through this...eventually....because only we know and understand the dynamics of our relationship in its complete magnitude....because we live if. Right??"

Arnav nods at her at that kissing her cheek and after that he keeps his forhead on hers and sighs – " yeah...I know exactly what you mean...Khushi..for yeah as much as leaving hurts....only you are the one...who can be the Band-Aid to my hurt of being away from you...my only..Band-Aid...the one and only Band-Aid...I'd ever need.."

Khushi chuckles at that on reflex as she asks – " did you just call me your one and only Band-Aid..Arnav??"

Arnav winks – " yeah..I did...you like...or superlike the sound off it??"

Khushi winks wrapping her arms around his neck – " ill say – I love it..only after you give me more of a context baby...I mean..I understood where you are coming from...but looks like...I just wana hear you say it..."

Arnav chuckles as he caresses her cheek with his knuckles – " ahaaan? Really ?? okay...ill get on with it...A band-aid because it is often the first thing you seal a minor cut with after the little first aid process it over...in order to protect the cut from worsening and help it heal right?although yes...the hurt of being away from you in real time is anything but minor its more like a major cut within – but given that – this was the first word that came to my mind...I just went with that...so I think us figuring our way out through this as in our direction...would be like that first aid process..and then...eventually...once we come to a conclusive decision...and seal it through mutually...it will be you and everything that I feel for you that will work like that exact band-aid over the cut – to keep me going – until I see you again...eventually..."

Khushi whispers now loving the sound of that from him – " and I love the sound of that which is why I am stealing your words again...Arnav...you are the only Band-Aid I'd ever need to help seal and protect all my hurt of being away from you in real time – too baby..,"and it is right then an idea strikes her head and she shoots Arnav a grin as she takes him by the hand to the study in his room – makes him sit on the chair suddenly and she picks out the notepad and begins to Doodle out a Bridge at the speed of light.

Arnav gapes at her in part amusement and puzzlement as he states admiring the speed at which Khushi was doodling out the bridge on the piece of paper and he states – " dammm...you are freaking good..at this..baby..look at the speed with which you work the pencil...you do know...I always sucked at ART..but wait..I never asked you this prior.. that doesn't put you off..though?right? the fact that I could only ever draw one single sketch of the mountain with a house around it and some trees and two kids playing the ball – in all of my middle school life – and after.."

Khushi looks at him sideways as she states with a playful wink – "ahaan...how about you answer this first..,"and she looks back at the sheet of paper and continues her Doodle – " does it put you off that I don't know how to rightly swing the bat or the ball...or the bit that I don't' even yet know – all the exact detailed differences in between all the different cricket balls used in international cricket... so..tell me...does that put you off my hunk??"

Arnav chuckles at that as he states – " ofcourse not...,"and Khushi looks at him and winks – " there you go...now you have my answer too...your limited skills with Art do not put me off at all baby...,"and they share a warm laugh and with that Arnav pulls Khushi lovingly in his lap and wraps his hands snug around her waist and he peeks his head from the side as he says – " I want to hold you this way..while you finish that...K?? I just love to see you draw...I know you are upto something..."

Khushi grins at him as she looks at him sideways again – " two minutes...k? just two minutes..."

Arnav nods puzzled and just kisses her shoulder basking in the sight off her working up the pencil in quick expert strokes on the paper.

Once she finishes drawing the Doodle of the Bridge – Khushi instantly writes the words – The Band-Aid Bridge - Under it and she shoves the Notepad in Arnav's hand and states happily – " there you go baby..a fresh..raw...sketch..of The Band-Aid Bridge...given that its what we are going to build in our minds to tackle this hurdle of distance right? and given that we are on the same page that only we can be each other Band-Aid's to this hurt of distance – its only fair we call it – The Band-Aid – Bridge..I know..we still have to figure the how-s off it out...and we will...together...but...you tell me..first...you how do you like the sound of the name for this bri..d.......,"and the rest of the letters stay put in her mouth as Arnav instantly seals her lips with his in a crushing deep kiss. For Arnav knew that his kiss right now would also be the exact answer to her question. Hell yeah. He loved the sound off it in his head already. He loved it – immense. Just the fact that she was so eager in her head to work on this with him – for him - had riled him up – again.Not just emotionally.But passionately too. Everytime she'd been stumping him with immense emotion off late – he'd just felt that innate primitive need to just bury himself in her already.

He keeps the notepad aside safely on the desk and turns Khushi around in his arms and picks her up by the waist and makes her sit on the desk as he looms over her and bends his head forward to kiss her hard, wild and intense again as he whispers into her lips – " you got your answer..right??,"his hands tucking on her England's support unit Jersey out of her denims – urgently.

Khushi tucks on his India's playing Jersey off him too urgently as she whispers into his lips – " yeah..I did...you love the sound off it..don't you...so much so..that all you care about is being in me..right very now...which is so good...because...momentarily...I think..it's what I want too..,"and they both continue to kiss each other wildly for the next two minutes.

After which they both pause on kissing madly momentarily to help flip each other's tee's out and Arnav instantly steps forward and begins to trail down urgent passionate kisses down the sides of her neck making her moan and whimper in the process as he whispers to ask in ear – also unclasping her upper intimate wear in a jiff and tugging it aside but he does not touch her torso yet – " tell me that..you want me to touch you..Khushi...tell me that you want me to have my intense ways with you..now..the fact that you want me as much has always meant so much to me...it freaking drives me wilder for you...the fact that you make me feel like...you want me as much...."

Khushi entangles her one hand into his hair and pulls him up to make him look into her eyes now intensely as she takes his other hand and places it snug over one of her curves herself as she whispers tightening her legs around waist pulling him closer and snug – "touch me...please...Arnav..I want your hands on me...over me..all of..me...freaking now...I need you in me too baby...my body tells you that doesn't it...too?touch me intimately...and you will know..what I mean..."

Arnav nods keeping his dark with desire gaze burning into hers as he begins to caress her curves sensuously loving the play of passion in Khushi's eyes as she kept them locked with hers – " yeah...it does..so do your eyes...your curves are talking back to me..fiore..lets find out what the precious rest of you..has to say to that..."

And with that he immediately and gently lays her flat back on the desk first and pulls her denims off her in a jiffy – all the while keeping his intent gaze locked with hers making Khushi shiver and heat up at the same time and the very next second as he is about to claim her curves with his lips wild and his hands are about to touch her intimately – the phone on the desk next to them – buzzes of in a shrill – pulling them both out of their intense passionate stuper.

They both send out a curse at the same time and Khushi wedges up her elbows on the desk as she whispers because the ringer keeps shrilling – " go on..take it...Arnav...."

Arnav groans disappointed and he picks up the phone instantly and once he hears what Ved has to say on the other end – he just bites back his sigh in momentary disappointment as he answers – " yeah..Ved...okay..see you all in five then??,"and he puts down the phone and looks at Khushi's puzzled face and leans forward and kisses her head and says – " remember how you texted me prior..before I went into the afterparty that you wana wish Ved, Raunak, Sameer, Daksh and Cap- all congratulations for the series win and a proper bye..in private..too..before we left??"

Khushi nods instantly and Arnav says – " yup..so that was Ved telling me that – they'v all figured out a way to that..they think they can get outta the party for fifteen..for sure..,"and Khushi's eyes widen adorably as it sinks in – " so wait...are they coming up here?? Like now??"

Arnav chuckles because of the adorable expression up Khushi's face – " yea..they..are...in five...bad timing...isn't it though??,"and he rakes his eyes all over the almost bare her – sensuously at that as his hands caress her stomach – " just when I was about to drive you wild...you know what your moans do to me..fiore.."

Khushi shivers at the sound of his words + the sight off his heated gaze again and gets off the desk now and winks at him playfully picking up on her tee and putting it on in a jiffy – " yeah...I know...but...baby...don't look at me like that...right now..k?.later..ok?i need to freshen up..head in..wash my face..a zillion freaking times..over.....I cannot let any of them...see me flushing so furiously...k?"

Arnav chuckles at that and he picks up her denims and hands it to her himself – " okay...I get it..here you..go.."

Khushi takes her denims from his head and leans forward to kiss his cheek as she whispers into his ear playfully – " in a way...I think its good...we had the little interruption baby...or you'd just end up driving me wild with passion...all night...and I wouldn't be able to think straight to talk about the how-s of our Band-Aid-Bridge..so know what? here's the thing – the minute they leave...how about we get to that bit of it first...because once we start to have our wild ways with one another – it would be morning right here...and to be on the safe side off the bit that we actually keep our hands off one another – I will help you wind up and pack while we talk things through...K?you still need to wind up baby..although yes..should I tell you a secret? I wouldn't mind you missing that flight at all...," she finishes with an adorable chuckle and runs into the washroom after.

And Arnav can't help but smile to himself – at that first – before he bites back his sigh as he admits into his head. Yeah.My Love...For the first time ever...I wouldn't mind...missing that Flight at all Too..

And he picks on a bottle of water with a bittersweet smile up his lips as his hands caress the paper on which Khushi had just drawn the Doodle and he walks up to tuck the notepad in safely with his stuff and then walks back sipping on his water and picks up his jersey and puts it back on and then continues to sip down some more water – lost in Khushi's thoughts - letting the H20 calm down his riled up – insides – down.

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Fifteen Minutes Later

Arnav bites back his happy chuckle as he watches Khushi(whom he had tucked to his side)snug on the sofa in the seating area in his room - narrate to his closest friends(who were all seated around) – how she was having a hard time in the stands tonight as usual biting back on her grins and expressions – after their victory tonight.

Everyone had arrived to his room – about ten minutes ago – and after general pleasantries and congratulates – they'd just been catching up casually.

It really did warm his heart to see Khushi gel with them so comfortably with him – every single time.

Once she's almost done – he hears her say with an amused chuckle – " so yup...now you all know...how difficult it was for me...I mean..in a way...I am glad my little work time stint in England's support unit is over..for now...I can whole heartedly..cheer for you all without any worries....Mum's all cool about it....," and she exchanges a warm smile with Arnav again at that and she adds looking at all – "once again...everyone...I just wanted to wish you all congratulations for the wonderful victory tonight...Ved...congratulations once again for the player of the match tonight...Raunak...congratulations on the player of the series once again...Daksh..those three wickets you took tonight..were..absolutely stunner as always...Sameer and Cap...you have no clue what I had to do to mask my groan when the two of you lost your wickets...I am so happy for all of you...also..thank you all for stepping out of your afterparty for a bit..I really wanted to wish you all in person given that you all leave tomorrow...too...and because of the situation at my end...I couldn't be there..."

Ved, Raunak, Sameer, Daksh and Cap – thank Khushi for the same and exchange a warm smile with one another at the sight of Arnav holding her snug to his side all this while stealing side glances at her affectionately while she was talking to them. They had never seen their friend – Happier. Infact they had never seen him this head over heels in Love.

And given that they had caught up with Khushi on a couple of occasions with Arnav already on this tour – they all kind of agreed – that it did feel like – this time around Arnav had found someone – who was surely running near and around the same page as him in the workshop of the Feels. The happy twinkle in Khushi's eyes as she looked at him – did not miss their eye – obviously.

They all decide in subtle gestures to tease Arnav - a little.He had been scowling very hard at the Afterparty. Which was utterly amusing to their eyes – even though they knew his reason for the same.

Ved gestures Cap to begin first.

He does.

Cap says now biting back on his grin – " so...Khushi..here's something...I think you should know....the very minute I saw Arnav scowling deep in thought – while they were pulling the cake trolley in a while ago at the afterparty...I told Ved...he has no interest in the afterparty here...he'd rather dash off this afterparty...the very next second..."

Khushi chuckles at that as she looks at Arnav and states mischievously – " really? you were scowling??I thought you were just...upset.."

Arnav nods at that playfully and narrows his eyes at Cap happily – " yeah..go on then...Skip..gang up on me like you all always do..when it comes to this....tell her..tell her all about it...,"and he looks at Khushi and he admits with a wink – " I was just royally upset which I guess relates into the bit..that I was scowling bad......I told you...I wanted to be with you.."

Khushi chuckles at that and snuggles into his side happily – again.

Raunak adds now biting back his chuckle – "wait..here...this... Scowling would be the understatement. Khushi...Rishi asked him to pop the champagne after...he gave him the taut look that almost scared him...and poor Rishi came to me after saying – bhai..did I say something I shouldn't have? I only asked ASR to pop the champagne because he hit the winning sixer tonight...,"and he pauses and adds grinning – "it took me three whole minutes to calm Rishi's momentary worry down....hes new and youngest in the squad right..so he was all worried..what if he's just offended one of his fav seniors... "

Khushi chuckles at that as she places a kiss on Arnav's cheek and Arnav says now chuckling himself – "well in my defence...I did tell him..that my royally upset mood had nothing to do with him...on my way out..boys.."

Sameer adds now smiling – " yeah...we know...given that Rishi came to me after saying...bach gaya bhai...main...,"and he adds now – " also know what..he was totally just scowling on the way back on the team bus..too..and I think it had everybit to do with the bit that he didn't spot your teambus leaving around ours – given that he missed the chance to see you.."

Khushi chuckles at that happily as she kisses Arnav's hand – " yeahh..but that was because...our bus just left earlier than yours...tonight.."

Daksh adds with a playful wink next– " and that is also another reason why he entered the afterparty scowling too – he didn't spot you in the reception...as always..otherwise..all through the tour...how much has he made us all lounge around common areas...he was on text with you right then..he did tell us...you headed up with your Mum first...but all the while...that royally upset scowl did not leave his face..."

Ved nods joining in the fun banter and tease of his dear friend and he states – " exactly...I had to remind him..brother..we won the match tonight..you were the one to hit the winning runs...we are heading back home with Two Series...win...."

Khushi chuckles at that and she states embarrassed looking at Arnav– " okay...seriously...Arnav...now I am a tad bit embarrassed over coaxing you to head to the afterparty even if it was for a little while...for real.."

Arnav chuckles and he kisses her head and whispers in her ear – " don't worry about it..Khushi...we talked about it.already....right?"

Khushi nods and she looks at all and states mischeviously – " but thank you so much for telling me this...you all..."

Ved says now being his grounded fun self – " no worries...Khushi...we love to take his case...you know that by now..don't you?okay..boys...I have a doubt that I need to clear with Khushi right here...given how she said..she's all team India..now...,"and he looks at Khushi playfully and asks – "but tell us something Khushi..now that we are all headed into the IPL – whom are you going to support? I mean you do know..we all play for different teams..right??"

That makes all of them share a warm laugh and Khushi smiles sheepishly as she looks at Ved – " Ved...no..seriously...you just put me in the spot with that..."

Ved chuckles – " oh come on Khushi...you surely gotta answer..remember how I also leaked all details to you about how restless Arnav was in those two days after meeting you for the first time – only because you had jolted off on him..."

Raunak and Sameer nod playfully – " yup...you surely gotta answer.."

Daksh chuckles – "also on that note tell me – whose wickets did you applaud more on tonight.....mine..or Arnav's...given that we both got...3.."

Arnav winks at that as he says – " Mine...ofcourse...Daksh...,"and he states looking at his friends – " boys..can we not trouble her with this..please?"

Cap grins – "shall we ..or shall we not??ofcourse we shall..."

Khushi chuckles at that sheepishly as she states holding onto Arnav's hand– " okay...I will answer that...but no offence..Ved...Sameer...Raunak...Daksh...I gotta say...Chennai on that given that Arnav plays for Chennai with Cap right...but yes...I shall root for each of your respective teams as equally after...like no 2.."

Arnav shares a happy high-five with Cap at that.

Ved chuckles at that – " you mean – you'll root for Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi together – after Chennai..that's like half the number of franchises in the IPL...Khushi..."

Raunak chuckles and adds playfully – " okay...no worries...we get the point..."

They all share a warm chuckle at that happily and it is right then Raunak's phone beeps with Rishi's text and he says to all – " okay..boys..we need to head back to the afterparty..for everyone's...wondering where we all dashed off too.."

They all get up at that and Cap states – " you all head back – I am going to sleep..I know you all will crash to sleep on the flight..and I don't get deep sleep in transit.."

Ved adds – "yeah..ill head back up in 20 minutes too..,"and he looks at Arnav and adds in support – " don't worry brother..anyone asks me where you are...ill just continue to tell them that you crashed off to sleep because of that headache..."

Arnav nods at Ved happily and they all continue with a little happy chatter amidst themselves as Arnav and Khushi finally see them off and Khushi warmly wishes everyone Bye – and a Safe Journey back Home – once again.

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

The minute they close the door shut – Arnav pins Khushi to the door again and he admits kissing her head – " I love the way..you are comfortable around them...baby.."

Khushi wraps her hands around Arnav's neck lovingly as she admits – " well I think that's more credit to each of them for being so grounded, warm and friendly..too ..Arnav...I mean from the very first time I met them...they'v just been so warm..and wonderful..remember how I was a little nervous when you first talked about introducing me to them informally..weeks ago.."

Arnav chuckles at that as he nods – " yup...and I was so glad that I felt your vibe easen within the first five minutes naturally..after...,"and he admits with an added wink – "and by now you most surely know that we are also a bunch of crazy pranksters......"

Khushi chuckles at that – " yeah..now..I know..,"and the next very second as she spots Arnav leaning in to kiss her – and she instantly puts her finger on his lips as she whispers – " no...remember...we gotta keep our hands and lips off each others baby...just for a little while more...while I help you wind up..and we talk about our Band-Aid Bridge...,"and she takes Arnav by the hand into his room towards his wardrobe and states a bittersweet smile curving her lips as her eyes well up a little in emotion too – "so...I think this would be the first step of the first aid...right baby? If I help you pack. It'll just make the acceptance of the situation...easier...I guess??"

Arnav nods and he pulls her into a crushing hug kissing her head – " yeah...it will..."

Khushi kisses him over his heart as she whispers – " lets..begin...then baby...its 12 : 30 Am already..."

Arnav nods and he pulls her up and kisses her head again and he states – " yes..let's begin..Khushi and while..we are at it..let's talk about what we have on each of our minds – with regards to the inputs we need to put into our bridge...it's our bridge..Our – Band-Aid – Bridge..."

Khushi nods as she kisses his cheek – " Ours...it is..."

And they get on with winding Arnav's stuff up – together.

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

Forty Minutes Later

Arnav shuts the zip off his last bigger suitcase and watches Khushi shut the zip of his cabin bag now too and he instantly lifts the suitcase off the bed and keeps it on the floor and watches Khushi do the same with his cabin bag and they now wheel it together to the side to join the rest of his luggage all packed up in one area – along with his cricketing kits. They had spent the last forty minutes through packing – talking about it all – mostly. He says now looking at his stuff all set – " there...you go...my...fiore..all done...I just have my usual backpack to wind up with my travel documents etc..but that I always take care off just before departure..."

Khushi smiles at him at that. She was beginning to feel so much sorted out now within now that they had finally discussed the majority bits of their direction ahead. She's just about to say something when Arnav pulls her into a warm hug again engulfing her in his arms as he asks – "feel better now?? now that we've talked things through??"

Khushi nods as she holds him close – " yes...for sure...what about you??"

Arnav kisses her head again lovingly – " copy that..baby...I mean I am so glad that we are on the same page with regards to keeping our communication as supreme priority now that we are parting in real time...for that is the key...to this bridge baby...or more like a founding stone..."

Khushi pulls up at that and smiles and says clutching onto his arm – " I know ...Arnav..which is why I think our idea about leaving each other texts/voice notes for the other to catch up on throughout each of our days at our ends will also help us sail through the time difference..bit...,"and she adds with a playful wink – "you....just be ready to receive a bunch of voice notes from me baby..because..I'v always felt that voice notes have their own charm to it too..I mean in the voice note – you can feel my voice...my tone..right?? please leave me voice notes too as and when you can...K?I'd love that..."

Arnav nods and he whispers – "yes I will...all of that along with us calling each other/video calling...on every opportunity we can at each of our ends....should help us sail through our long distance..also...remember..the most vital thing again...baby...we just gotta trust one another..on this..K??we gotta trust one another hard...we gotta have faith in this intense vibe in here..in between of us...K?,"he gestures to the both of them and he admits sincerely again looking deep into her eyes – " Just for the record..I gotta say this again... I will never break your trust Khushi..never...no matter where I am in the world...for me...its only You...in here...,"he takes her hand and places it over his heart.

Khushi nods in intense emotional acknowledgment of the same and she clutches on his jersey over his heart and she whispers back intently cupping his cheek – " it's the same for me...k? I would bever break your trust too...Arnav...never...k??"

Arnav nods and takes both her hands in his and kisses them – " I know..baby..I know...and you must always remember...that even though they usually say – that distance makes the heart grow fonder...the only distance I can see through and cope in between of us is this physical one...not an emotional one..ever...K? I don't want any emotional distance in between of us..ever...I want no emotional space in here...Khushi...I mean sometimes long distance runs into trouble because of that because..the physical distance begins to transcend into emotions...please...know... I am always going to be there for you darling...always....you are my priority...in my emotions in every way....this..,"he gestures in between of them again – " Us...is my priority...I wana nurture this through and through with all that I got in here..,"he states keeping her hand over his heart - again.

Khushi nods instantly at that and she whispers locking her emotional gaze with his – "me too....,"and she admits honestly – " I don't think I have it in me to even think about any sort of an emotional space from you...Arnav...I just...cann...o..t...even...think the same...which is why...I...I...," and words stay put in her mouth as Arnav hugs her emotionally hard into himself again and whispers – " good...good...this is freaking good...this is orchestra to my ears yet again..."

And they both just hug each other intently and hard all tight and snug basking in the feel of one another. Even though the vibe in between of them was extremely emotional right now – it was a vibe that was a lot more secure in their beings .Khushi was really glad their Band-Aid Bridge was beginning to make it so much easier in her head and heart. Now she just felt like – she needed to think of this one last bit in her head to make it all fit as that perfect pathway across – even more emoothly.She had put her neurons at work already. She was waiting for them to come with an idea first so that she could discuss this with Arnav too – face to face.

It is right then she feels Arnav pull her up from the hug as he states – "Oh...wait..this bit just struck me Khushi....I got this one bit to ask you..before I seal my lips overs yours now and forget about anything else..for the next couple of hours......"

Khushi nods and asks – " okay then....what is it??,"and Arnav surprises her by taking her by the hand towards the locker in his room smiling and he states grinning – " so...I need to show you something...wait..I mean...I need to check with you on something....."

Khushi looks at him puzzled and she nods – " okay..what is it?,"and the minute she sees Arnav work up the locker and take out her Map of the Thorpe Park she had handed to him on the very first day they had met – she asks grinning on reflex– " wait...you'v been keeping this in the safety locker??"

Arnav nods grinning – " of course...my fiore...it was the first thing of yours....that you handed to me...you don't want this back. Right? I mean..I wana check if I can take this with me...this is like a precious souvenir in my being..you know. Very precious..."

Khushi nods at him happily as she states – " yes...please...keep it...ofcourse I don't want it back...Arnav...you know.... I know..the Thorpe Park by the back of my hand anyway...,"and they share a happy chuckle at that and Arnav quickly places the map in happily and it is right then he hears her say in a soft whisper – " so...there have been a couple of times just about a couple......I have wondered...what would I be doing right now..in the present..if say...I hadn't bumped into you in the ways I did...that day...Arnav...for...now..it's like...I cannot even imagine what life would be like...not knowing you..can you?? as in...can you even for a second...imagine your life...without knowing me...now...? Arnav?? I can't...I most surely..can't....I cannot imagine my life without you in it..anymore....can you? ever? even for a second??"

That from Khushi in that uber vulnerable tone of hers overwhelms Arnav completely as his smile shortens on its own accord and he shuts the locker and turns around to face Khushi and pulls her closer in by her arms and states his very own voice extremely vulnerable looking deep and intently into her eyes – "you did not just ask me that..Khushi.....dammit..."

Khushi insists driven by her very own other secret vulnerability. She was still keeping the truth about her Dad from him - afterall. His answer to this bit would help her feel more comfortable and secure in her being yet again like that conversation about being the Whirlwind that Lasts – did in that moment in time. " I did...Please...answer me...Arnav...please..."

Arnav states stepping back gaping at her in puzzled dismay– " you already...know the freaking answer to this dammit...Khushi..."

Khushi steps forward into him – " maybe..I do...but what if I wana hear you say it..."

Arnav pulls her by the arm closer into him instantly and snakes his hand into her hair clutching it in his fist as he whispers taut and intense – " do not...ask me...to freaking..even ...for a second....imagine...my ...life...without...you ...in..it...ever...freaking...again....you get that...Khushi??? Do not freaking ask me to imagine a scenario even for a second – where in – we wouldn't have met...I mean ..why even wonder..and ponder..over something that's changed for good – Khushi...we'v met...we'v connected....we are together....we are one..right? we are us...right?? dammit..damm you...why even say this to me..dammit...I am saying this again..so get this straight in your mind...k? there is just no Undoing You – in My being...dammit...."

Khushi nods feeling her heart leap up in Joy.This from him reassured at her to a great extent in her heart that he wouldn't have it in him to just walk away from her – like just like that – after. It wouldn't be easy for him to pull away. She whispers now snaking her hand into his hair too clutching it into a fist – " good...very good...because there is just No Undoing you – in my being...too...dammit....,"and with that they both stare deep into one another's intense gaze for the next thirty seconds after which they lean in together at the same time to kiss one another mad and wild with their hands beginning to caress each other everywhere.

And just like that in an moment as electrically intense and passionately potent as this – an Idea finally strikes Khushi's mind that makes that last bit click in her head and heart and she feels herself lighten a lot more within and she whispers into Arnav's lips reluctant to pull away – " baby...I do want to keep kissing you...I want you...but...I need to talk..this one last..thing...that was on my mind...I just figured it all out....hear me..out...I feel so much more lighter now...I am sure...you will too...once you hear me...this..will make parting in real time seem like a cakewalk..baby...like think of this as the sealing step to our bridge...think off this like that potent adhesive to that very Band-aid..."

That intrigues Arnav instantly and he pulls back reluctantly from their heated kiss and he places his forehead on Khushi's and asks – " what is this bit that will make parting in real time – seem like a Cakewalk..baby?? I am sorry...I do not agree with you on this...nothing about parting from you in real time can ever seem like a cakewalk for me...."

Khushi winks at him playfully now as she asks – " ahaan? really?? how about you hear me first??"

Arnav nods and says observing her happy facial expressions – " what is it that's made you so happy..My fiore??"

Khushi whispers instantly now cupping his face urgently after kissing the side of his lips - first – " I am going to visit you baby...Once a month....no matter which part of the world you are in...I will come to you....I know you are bound by your professional duties to cricket and will be touring around a lot right..and a lot of your schedule is going to be fixed and those things aren't going to be in your hands to change or work your way around...so...I say...now...that I will do whatever I can at my end here...to make sure...that I come see you...every month...even if it's just for a day...or a two days...I will make it happen.....for my weekends are always going to be free off work/or study...look....no matter how much I have to travel..even if I have to travel across the globe for more than 24 hours to see you even for – a couple of Hours or a Day..it's going to be freaking worth it......,"and she pauses to take a quick breathe and continues in her excited rant – "after I return from my visit to Dad's hometown...ill rejoin work...at my previous digital marketing firm...I'll save up for my travel to you...I was saving these last two years for my masters right?? and I achieved that well in time..by working overtime...all the freaking time....i'll just do it again....and maybe..I'll also just get another part time job...so that I can double up on my savings enough to keep coming to you...after I start my masters too...my weekends will always be free anyway...like even if I am working...or studying...all I need is probably to take a Monday off – once a month..fly to you on Saturday...we spend the any and every time that we can together accommodating for your playing/training schedules too on those two days...and I return Monday...all that's going to matter is that I get to see you ..every month...come what may....look all I wana say is that you play your cricket..k? don't worry about hopping over here..for I will hop over to you...ill just work my ass off...if that's what it takes...but I will make it happen....so tell me baby...how do you like the sound of this??"

Arnav gapes at Khushi speechless and stunned in immense emotion again for he was extremely moved and touched by everything she had just said and he cups her face and caresses her cheeks urgently with his thumbs and asks – " you wana freaking give up on your well earned holiday break of months? Only because you wana save up for all this travel to come see me....where I am every month??"

Khushi nods urgently caressing his face as excited – " yeah...I do...you are priority in my emotions too..baby...now imagine..if we both were to part every single time with the knowledge that we are going to see each other again...within the next thirty days nonetheless...won't it make the temporary parting..seem like a cakewalk??"

Arnav admits sincerely – " I love the sound of this Khushi..baby...I do...know what...let's do this..whenever I can in between breaks...I will come to you too.....I was anyway thinking off the same...but its good if we can make this happen...for one another...like once a month...atleast....but please...hear me out...I do not want you to give up on your break or save up for this Khushi.....let..me...arrange this for us...as in...when on times I can't come see you...I will manage and arrange for you to.....,"and he pauses because he sees Khushi's eyes flash with immediate discomfort as she states stepping back out of his arms– "no...please... don't say it...I know what it is ...that you are suggesting...don't..say a word further...please...no...Arnav....I didn't say the workings of how I am going to get around to this.... because I want your financial help on this or something Arnav...I don't want it...please....I take great pride in the fact that I can earn something for myself if I set my head to it...I didn't wana take Mum's help for my masters too dammit.........I was and am intrinsically passionate about my education which is why it was so important for me within to just earn my way to it...I am intrinsically passionate about you too dammit...if I wana be with you once a month...see you once a month...I wana freaking earn my means too it... for myself...every single time...so please...never say that or suggest that to me ever again...It makes me uncomfortable......Look...I wana achieve this...for Us...on my own...dammit...it was you who taught me this right...why this constant You Vs Me...Tally or Battle in the head...you gotta understand..baby...if I wana do this...I wana do it for Us...that's it...you do get me right?? as to where I am coming from??"

Arnav sighs and nods at that and he pulls her by the hand into an instant hug again and states kissing her head – " I do get you...Khushi...and I am sorry if my suggestion made you feel uncomfortable for even a second there..that was not my intention at all baby...it just came out in the flow...of what I was feeling...K?? I do respect the fact that you wana do this for US...and I have immense faith in you – that you are going to pull it off...not for a second...do I doubt that..K?get that clear..please?? you know that don't you?? I would never wana do or say anything that could hurt your inner achiever pride..."

Khushi hugs him back hard as she whispers – " yeah...I know you just said it in the flow...I guess...which is why I stopped you...to let you know my take on it...instantly...I know you didn't wana hurt me...or my inner achiever pride..."

Arnav holds her close and snug as he rethinks everything Khushi just said and he admits now feeling so much more lighter too – " well...to be honest..baby...the thought off seeing you every single month...does make it so much better in my head..and heart...maybe not a cakewalk...still...but yeah..a lot better....,"and he admits now with a chuckle – "infact...know what?I have so much faith and confidence in your inner drive...that in my head...I'm already imagining you flying in to see me on two weekends..of the month...at times....."

Khushi chuckles at that in his arms and she pulls back and winks at him – " really????hopeful for more...as always...aren't we??"

Arnav winks – "when It comes to you...always..."

Khushi snuggles back into his arms at that all tight as she whispers – " I love the sound of that...Arnav...,"and she just hugs him closer and whispers – "okay.... now that we are sorted with regards to our Band-Aid Bridge of counter thoughts in our heads...I think I just wana spend the rest of the hours in your arms...telling you how much I am actually going to miss you until I see you again...I mean..now I feel like I can express it as a emotion of longing towards you for you to just know...I am going to miss you so much Arnav..so so much...so bad....and that's only natural....."

Arnav tucks her chin up at that and he whispers his eyes twinkling in bittersweet emotions too just like hers – " and I am going to miss you so so much...so bad and deep too...my fiore...which again is only natural....,"and with that he asks leaning in closely dangerously towards Khushi's lips – " you wana say anything more..baby? for when I kiss you now...all I wana hear is your moans wrapped up in my name and wild passion for me...fill this room....over and over again..."

Khushi wraps her arms around his neck mischievously – " ahaan?is that what you want??for real? Like now? right very now??

Arnav states impatiently as he pins her against the nearest wardrobe given that they were still around the little closet in his room near the locker and locks his heated gaze with hers – " yeah...now...dammit...Khushi......"and with that he picks her up by the waist and she wraps her legs around his waist and he states – " right very...now...I am afraid...I don't have the patience in me to carry you to bed..baby...I'm sure you can sense that every inch of me is aching to bury myself in you...right here...or maximum I could just get you comfortably rested on that carpet floor....godaammit...I need to devour you..baby..now..in my usual intense ways...."

Khushi winks as she takes off her Tee first and then tugs his off too as she eyes the carpet floor beginning to torment and tease Arnav with passionate touches all over his Torso – " well...that carpet floor does look extremely comfortable...Arnav...I have no qualms in confirming the..sam..,"and before the letter – E of the word Same could leave her mouth – she feels Arnav's lips close over hers in a wild kiss as his hands claim her torso immediately yanking her intimate upper wear away in a jiffy as he picks her up in his arms and lays her down on the carpet floor and kisses her deep first as his hands act on their mission to get her all bare urgently.

And once she was all bare and pinned under him heaving in anticipation looking into his eyes with a passion so potent he whispers caressing her lips urgently – " on moments like these...when you look at me...like this...Khushi...you make me forget my very name...in my head..ripping my head off all sanity..which is why I love to hear my name off your lips in moans over and over...it drives me freaking wild....call me...your Arnav...dammit...say..it...My Arnav..."

Khushi whispers taking one of his hands placing it on her left curve near her heart snug herself – " My Arna...,"and no – she could not get the letter V of his name out because his lips had claimed her wildly again in a mad kiss – his hands having a urgent wild time with her torso too before his lips displaced his hands on her torso as wildly as his hands began their passionate expedition on all over her in deep urgent caresses.

And Arnav did exactly what he wanted too! He devoured her. In his usual intense ways. Every inch off her over and over before he buried himself in her and began making raw, deep, love to her like a mad man possessed loving the way Khushi was mirroring his passion for her – as always.

There was nothing gentle or sensuous about their Union at the moment. It was raw – rough – and passionate – fuelled by their innate primitive desire and love for one another.

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

Two More Hours Later

Nearing 3:30 AM

Arnav kissed Khushi's shoulder lovingly and he asks tightening his hold on her waist from behind hugging her close - "baby...you awake??"

They were lying down in bed – snuggling into one another – bare and intimate after spending the last two hours in each other's arms – succumbing and drowning in their raw and wild passion for one another together – many times over. For the last fifteen minutes – they'd just been silently snuggling and spooning into one another's frame intensely – just basking in the silent vibe of one another – holding onto the other all close and tight – just like they did every other night after. They usually also dozed off to sleep into each other's arms this way – spending the initial couple of hours in sleep all snug in each other arms only turning away from one another during deep sleep after and even then, their feet would still find its ways to entwin with one another's.

Khushi whispers now kissing on Arnav's hand – "yes baby...I am awake..."

But she does not turn around to face him yet because she was loving the way he was holding onto her snug this way with his head rested on her shoulder from behind.She absolutely loved spooning and cuddling with him – after – intimately – this way always. It had a very intense intimate vibe and a deep emotional effect on her too. These moments with him were very sacred to her being. She had never snuggled this way for hours all bare with any man other than Arnav - prior. Just like he hadn't done the same with anyone else prior too. They both knew that. It was something they had expressed to each other – the very first time – they'd felt themselves naturally want to snuggle and spoon into the other for hours - after. Khushi was just in the middle of thinking and soaking in the fact yet again – that she was going to miss every little thing about Arnav so very much until she saw him again and also the bits that despite feeling so sorted practically in her head and heart with regards to sending him off in real time for now – she had just realised that she was still not ready to face one thing with her eyes yet. What thing? The sight of him walking away. That sight off him leaving.

Arnav holds her closer and snug all possessively kissing her shoulder again before he whispers into her ear lovingly – " good...that...you are awake..my lady...I just wanted you to know...yet again...that...I love the feel of you...in my arms..this way....."

Khushi fights her bittersweet sigh now as she admits tightening his grip on her waist with her own hand even more possessively– "I know...and so do I..."

Arnav kisses her ear from behind again as he asks sensing her through as always – " I wana know what's on your mind right now my fiore...if you wana talk about it..."

Khushi whispers softly – "yeah...I want to...,"and with that she finally turns around in his arms and rests her head in the crook of his shoulder and Arnav looks down at her intensely locking their gaze emotionally and he kisses her head and brushes her hair lovingly – "go on then...tell me...baby..."

Khushi closes her eyes loving the feel of him entwining his feet with hers immediately in an interlinked cross after her shift in position under the duvet cover. She whispers snuggling in closer to him – "so...I am just thinking....that..I am going to miss you so much Arnav...it's going to be so difficult to get any sleep for these first couple of nights..without your arms around me...I'v become so used to you..to Us falling to sleep this way.....You'v become a Habbit...Arnav...My Favourite..Habbit....,"and she adds with a bittersweet wink – " yeah...you might be right...the inner achiever in me might just figure out a way to travel to you twice a month...very soon.."

Arnav smiles at that and he tucks her chin up to make her look at him and he asks grinning – "And...the orchestra continues in my head....Khushi...at the sound of that...,"and he adds with another playful bittersweet wink himself – " also...just reconfirming...again.. you did just call me...your favourite habbit right?? I ain't imagining this..?"

Khushi smiles at that as she caresses his cheek – " yeah...I did call you that..you are not imagining it..baby.....you like??"

Arnav kisses on her hand – " I love..,"and with that he just begins to caress her cheek over as gently too and he admits sincerely – " I was thinking the very same...Khushi...as to how am I going to be able to sleep for these couple of nights without you in my arms..and yes...you'v become my favourit-est habbit too... I mean ofcourse I had to add the -est – superlative to your word in context.."

Khushi chuckles and asks caressing his cheek in tender caresses too – "ahaan?? really??"

Arnav nods and he kisses her hand again and it is right very then he hears Khushi whisper vulnerably - " I wana say something...Arnav..but I don't want you to get mad at me for this...oh..wait...you don't like the sound of the word mad..I mean...upset...I just wana try to make you understand this bit without making you upset...it might come across as silly and absurd..but..."

Arnav laces his hand into her hair all snug as he whispers placing a finger on her lips immediately – "good on you that you were quick with the correction on that word..quickly...darling...,"and he kisses her head – " go on...say it...please...,"and he locks his intent gaze with hers and Khushi admits all emotional – " So...Even though practically within my head and heart...I am in a better headspace..now..so much more sorted at the thought of you leaving in hours from now...after everything we'v discussed...it turns out...there's still one thing...I am not ready to face yet Arnav...like in reality in front of my eyes..as in...I know it will happen in the back of my head...but I don't think I have it in me to see..it..happening in front of me..for real...and that is the sight of watching you leave...Arnav...I cannot see you leave...like I just cannot watch you roll out our luggage and leave in front of my eyes...which is why...I wanted to talk to you about this...I wana leave here..from the Hotel...prior to you leaving...just a couple of hours prior..like maybe around 7 or something...ill just head outta here...straight home...Mum will be coming later..she'll get my stuff...will this be okay for you baby? If I just leave prior? I just don't have it in me..to see you..leave...maybe...I won't have it in me..ever...too...maybe..i'll just always wana leave..first...might come across as silly or absurd to you...but....look...I ..I...,"and she pauses as she searches Arnav's face and gaze for any hurt/discomfort as she asks to reconfirm again – " would this be okay??"

Arnav kisses her head sincerely first. The emotional vulnerability wrapped up in truckloads of insecurity and those shades of restlessness +fear in her eyes right now did not miss his eye. He looks back into her eyes intently and he asks – "before I answer that...would it be okay...if I ask..why?? Khushi?? Why can you not see me leave??"

Khushi whispers burying her head into his neck – "I can't baby...I just..can't...because..the sight of you walking away even in a normal moment of time....kind off..just......makes me feel like a freaking empty fridge..momentarily...it shoves me into cold storage mode within...K??and it just butchers me.....yeah...I have your memories to restore me back into feeling all warm and fuzzy after...eventually...but...I hate that feeling off feeling like a cold storage...within...you got to understand this...Arnav...I cannot see you leave..for it...just messes me...up?k?,"and she pauses and just hugs him tight not knowing how to word it out to him further because this was not his fault. It was not that he had failed in his efforts to make her feel secured about them in her being at all.She was secured – to a great extent. It was just that the truth of her reality on vulnerable moments like these – had the power to often overshadow that security.

Arnav hugs her hard close nonetheless but he fights back his dejected sigh. He had a gut feeling as to what this could be about. His gut told him that - deep down she probably still feared that he'd walk away like Rob did – when she would talk to him about that personal emotional baggage. Did he think that - all his efforts to offer her emotional security had gone Futile? No. Not at all. He would never misunderstand her intentions at that – after everything they had worked out amongst themselves.In his head he was kind off connecting the dots that - It wasn't that she wasn't secure about them.She was just probably being haunted by an insecurity which had its root dug way too deep within? An insecurity which he probably knew – he could only uproot – once and for all - with his deep Confession of Love.

Every inch of his being right now was dying to confess to her. Yes – that was exactly what he wanted to do.As he held her close right now feeling her vibe all vulnerable in his arms waiting for his answer is nervous anticipation – all a part of him wanted to do was pin her under him – enter her intimately and tell her how much he loved her.To just look into her eyes and tell her how deeply he loved her. Over and Over.To just tell her – he wouldn't ever give up on her – ever. No matter what this baggage was. That he'd share it with her. And yet – he swallowed all of his thoughts and his words right back in. Why? Because just like that in this vulnerable moment of time – he finally knew. He finally knew the moment he wanted to declare his Love to her. And as fate would have it - that moment was not meant to be - Now. He'd have to wait for that moment to come to him organically. For that moment would be – when she would finally talk to him about the emotional baggage she was still holding back on.For in this intense moment off time - his gut told him that the only way he could take care of that insecurity and the restless fear within Khushi's heart for good – was to uproot it once and for all with his potent and intense confession of Love – at the very moment she probably anticipated/feared in her head – to be the moment he'd probably walk away.

Yeah.

That was exactly how he wanted to go about it.

He hears Khushi ask softly in his ear all nervous with her head still buried in his neck – " baby...won't you say..something?? anything at all??You'v just been silent and deep in thought for the last couple of minutes... Are you upset with me for this??don't be upset please...I do not wana upset you...that is not my intention at all...okay...know..what?? ill stay...I will leave...only after you get on your team bus...k?? its okay...ill let that cold storage feeling take over for a bit...ill just soothe my heart with your memories after on my way back home...."

Arnav gulps down his intense emotions at that again for just the way she said that to him right now made him fall head over heels in love with her again. He knew exactly what he wanted to say to the love of his life – right now.

He finally turns sideways and cups her cheek tenderly and makes her look at him as he whispers – " 7a.m....you leave prior baby...at around 7:00 am...K? because guess what after listening to everything you just said – I'v just been thinking that I don't think I'd have it in me too leave from here or anywhere around – if you'd be right around me nearby...nope...I wouldn't be able to walk away too...then...ask me why??or wait...don't ask...ill just say it...because walking away from you...in real time..finally...would make me feel like an empty freaking suitcase too....momentarily...I don't think it's something I wana feel too...I wana leave here..feeling like a happy warm suitcase filled with just your thoughts and our moments...so it's totally okay...if you wana head out prior..I understand...K? it works..not only for you...but me too..."

Khushi feels relief gush through her at that sincere tone of his and she hugs him hard all instantly falling in love with him for the zillionth time again as she states – " godammit...you...the things you make me feel Arnav...,"and she adds with a bittersweet chuckle – " but we are quite crazy in our heads baby...I mean...look at how we related this out to one another...cold storage...empty suitcase..."

Arnav chuckles at that and he pulls up and kisses her head – " as long as...we understand...the magnitude of what we wana convey...to one another...that's all that matters...doesn't it??"

Khushi nods at that sincerely and she instantly feels Arnav lean forward whispering nearing her lips – "but baby...given that..you wana leave a couple of hours prior...it's only fair...that you accommodate for a little adjustment...to sleep...how about I don't let either off us get any...until the time you leave...I'll sleep in transit..."

Khushi whispers wrapping her arms around his neck loving the way his hands had already begun to caress her back and backcurves all slowly and sensuously and deeply – " and I have the day off...so ill just catch up on sleep once you are in the flight too...Arna..,"and the letter of V of his name gets lost in a loud moan/whimper as she feels his fingers beginning to caress and enter her intimately as his lips claim her lips simultaneously in a slow, sensuous and emotional kiss again.

This moment as Arnav was kissing her slowly and sensuously with his hands exploring her deeply and intimately again – wasn't wild and rushed at all. It was raw and potent yes and yet it was slow and sensuous loaded with immense emotion at the same time.Because this was his way of voicing out the unsaid to her over and over yet again. He was loving the way she was responding to him in theores of passion yet again as he explored her deep and he hears her whisper urgently into his lips now in whimpers – " Arn...a..v...pl..s...bab..y...,"and she is unable to complete her words yet again as a tide of passion overtakes.

Arnav pauses in his ministrations momentarily and he asks his other hand reaching out for protection already knowing what she wanted and yet he asks into her lips with a sensuous smile – " please..what..Khushi????"

Khushi pulls away from their sensuous kiss and as she watches him dawn protection she bites back her sensuous smile as she whispers honestly – " I want you...in me...now...,"and this time around before Arnav could pin her back under him and enter her intimately – Khushi surprised him by shoving him around on his back instantly as she acted on her impulse and straddled him from the top and took all of the intimate him in her – herself – leaning forward at the same time lacing both their hands together and instead of just kissing him deep this time around – she just kept her eyes intently locked with his. His dark with passion steely look as they began to move together in slow and sensuous rhythms told her told her silently – that he wasn't going to let her get away with having their union her way – until the edge this time around.

And Khushi was right in her gut – Indeed.

For five – six heated minutes later – she finally felt Arnav turn her around and pin her under him impatiently all the while staying joint with her – as his lips claimed hers again in a deep sensuous kiss and his hands took her legs and wrapped it around his waist edging her to lift her up more so that he could feel himself in her all the way as close as humanly possible.

And as their bodies merged into one another this time around –slowly and sensuously – their lips continued to duel one another's too in the same rhythm and their hands continued to feel one another as intimately as possible too – their voices were lost into one another's in the form off strings and trails of passionate shudders.

Their Love- Making – wasn't just slow – and sensuous – or poignant or emotional right now. It was all of that plus it was loaded with a Bittersweet vibe too.

A Bittersweet Vibe – that mirrored that momentary Ache – of Parting from one another – in great magnitude.

And so - Many Heated minutes once again extended into a couple of intense passionate hours in each other's arms until around 7 Am. Until it was Time for Khushi to bid him bye with an Intense Bittersweet Deep Kiss lingering on his lips and a hard hug to express her Unsaid with bittersweet tears swimming in her eyes – as their eyes locked after – and before the very second – she turned and walked away.

And Arnav let her go after that lingering deep bittersweet kiss and a hard intense hug - watching her walk away first - only because he loved her so deep.

But Did Khushi leave Alone? Ofcourse Not. She took Arnav's heart with her.Just like when Arnav's time to leave finally came around later in the next couple of hours with his unit on the morning of 6th of April,2019 – he didn't leave Alone too.He took Khushi's heart with him.

Which was Good.Very Good.Why?

Because that is exactly how Arnav and Khushi's bittersweet parting in real time – for the very first time – was fated to be.It was fated to be Engulfed in those Bittersweet Burning flames of the Hangover of their Gloriously Intense and Passionate – Love for one another – that was still technically basking ,budding and growing in the intense magnitude off – The Unsaid.

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TADAAAAAA!!

How was That Guysssssssss?? Did you all enjoy reading this update on the theme of The Band-Aid Bridge???? Do you all feel that the title of this Chapter was Apt for its development in the story??Did you all enjoy the flow of scenes, their conversations? The Dialogues? Their emotions??(Winks)

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

❤

Prachi

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