TAKE 21.1 - It Doesn't Feel Right

3 years ago

mysticaltales11111

@mysticltales111

Hellooooo Guysssssssss....

Hope you and your family all are Safe and Sound 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Okiess – So Yes. This Chapter totally had to stand out on its Own. And yes – do not let the Title worry you at all. You will get the gist as to why I titled it as this – as you read on..;-)

Word Count – Medium in 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🤗❤🙏

Will be Eager to know your feedback on the Same!

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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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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 21.1 – It Doesn't Feel Right

Same Night – 8th April, 2019

London – UK

Khushi's Home

UK Time – 10:00 PM

Khushi's POV

Oops.

Guys – technically I think there should be a part within my heart that should be feeling a little guilty for keeping Arnav awake until about 2:30 AM his time – for that is the time at his end right now – given that it's 10:00 PM for me here in London – and we'v just spent the last 90 minutes again (after I finished Dinner with Mum) – since around 8:30 PM my time – on our Video Call – again – just talking and staring at each other happily.

But.

Call me crazy or selfish in this moment of time – I kind off am not guilty about keeping him up till this point at all. What can I do guys? I can just never have enough off Him. Period. And that is not my fault. Who told him to be such a Darling? Like - Who told him to be this Addictive? Like if it were upto me – I'd just be stuck on phone with him all the time on the other end. (A wish I am coping up with – by sending him my numerous Voice Notes – over and over in our chats – anyway)

Oh – and just in case you are wondering – where - Mi Amore is right now and why am I not talking to him and giving you this peekaboo into my head? It's because he just excused himself to freshen up – leaving his phone stacked against the pillows at his end. He didn't let me cut our call and asked me to lounge on our video call in wait for these couple of minutes.

I hear his happy gleeful voice fall in my ears now even though his vision hasn't filled up my screen again – " hey....you...my fiore....I am back..."

I chuckle – "Arnav...baby...I can't see you yet...I mean I think you are walking back to your bed from across but come into the frame fast..please?? Need to see you."

He chuckles at that and I see him plonk himself back on his bed as he rests his hand casually above his head. He picks the phone back up in his other hand and that very second I spot some droplets of water around his eyes – I say now on reflex – "oh wait...did you just wash your eyes too?? given that its already 2:30 am for you??"

He grins – "yeah...I did. But that's only because I still wana talk to you a little more while baby...I can never have enough time with you...period...you'v just got me addicted..insane," he finishes with a playful wink.

I chuckle at that as I curl up my knees and rest my chin on it with the phone in my other hand – " well to be honest..it was the same explanation I was giving to myself in my head while you were away right now...because I didn't wana feel guilty for keeping you up...but I guess now..I am feeling a tad bit guilty..anyway..."

Arnav grins and winks – "How about you cut the guilt out and say the exact bit you were thinking in your head..while I was away baby??"

I chuckle and narrow my eyes at him playfully – " ahaan? you really wana hear me say it all loud??"

He nods excited – " ofcourse...."

I grin as I admit – "I can just never have enough of you too okay? Period. For that is not my fault. Like who told you to be such a Darling? Who told you to be this Addictive??"

We share a warm chuckle at that and I spot his chuckle getting converted into a little yawn that he fights immediately and I say now touching the screen lovingly – " ohh Arnav..looks like your body really needs to sleep now...yeah...as much as I wana be with you still...I think...we should hang up...only because it's getting really late at your end..."

Arnav sighs as he touches the screen – " hey...no...what if I don't wana hang up..Fiore??,"and I see him fight another yawn immediately.

I narrow my eyes at him – " yeahhhh...I know...you don't want too...but I think it's only fair that I say now – that we must – because anyway you have this little break at home – after forever that's allowing you to take it easy...otherwise..it's like your schedules so jammpacked always..,"and I pause as I spot him fighting and trying to gulp down another yawn – "don't..Arnav...don't just fight your yawn alright? let's hang up..baby"

Arnav groans reluctant and pulls up his most innocent adorable look at me – "Let's Not...please...okay...give me five..let's hang up in five minutes...k?"

I sigh shooting him my narrowed eyes look that Say exactly what my words do too – "ofcourse I cannot say no to that look now...my hunk...you know that don't you?"

Arnav winks through another yawn – "I know...baby...okayy..so tell me what do you plan to do after we hang up now??"

I say now grinning – " just the usual baby...I do wana chat up with Mum for a bit...then maybe...I'll work on some doodles and sketches...and yes I also have to get couple of those graphics ready for M's business page on Instagram...so just all of that...and after when it's time to hit the bed ...i'll just go through our chats and your voice notes from all day prior – so that sleep comes to me peaceful and content...and yes...yes...before you say it to me...I will say it to you first...do not worry My Arnav...you will surely have a string of voice notes from me in the duration off after we hang up and before I sleep...so that you can hear those first thing in the morning at your end when you wake up...k??"

He grins – " I loveee those...because that's what makes my mornings wonderful the very second I open my eyes and pick up the phone...Fiore...the sound of your voice...it's the second best alternative to not seeing you next to me..."

I grin at that – "you are driving me crazier for you by the day...Arnav..stop..ok??"

He chuckles – " I won't stop..baby...I never said that I will...because that's exactly what I wana do to you – okay? To drive you crazier by the day for me...only fair...that I return the favour...my Fiore.."

I chuckle – " okayyyyy...alrighty...don't stop...ever...k? for I don't wana stop too..."

We share a warm chuckle at that and I spot Arnav fighting back another yawn now and I say assertively now – "okay...baby...you really need to sleep now...lets hang up? You know I cannot hang up on you just like that...we always..say..our momentary bye-s together..on video call..."

He sighs now and states reluctantly – "alrightyyy...khushi...yes...okay...I think sleep is beginning to take over...I might crash to it the minute I close my eyes...,"and he says lying down in bed adjusting his duvet on him – "meet you in my dreams...k?"

I grin as I send him a flying kiss – "always...,"and he sends me one too and we finally share an intense eyelock for ten seconds before we bid each other bye for the day and hang up.

I lean my head back into my pillows – closing my eyes – as Arnav's thoughts continue to consume me and a happy – content – lingering smile curves up my lips on its own accord – too.

It is right very then – the phone buzzes in my hand with S's call. I pick it up instantly and I say happily – "S...whts up? And yes..know this...M and me are totally accompanying you to the airport tomorrow...for sure...let Brian whine...for privacy..."

Sarah chuckles at that as she says excited – " haha...that he surely will..but it's ok..but K...wait...up...let me add..Brian..M..and Jack on the call too...I got some exciting news to share...."

I say puzzled – " okay..."

And a minute later as she does adds everyone to the call and after we are done with momentary Hello's on the group call – Sarah says excited – " okayyy guys...guess what? given that I had been fretting at the back of my head over this...' that none of your EVisa's have arrived in your email...yet...I just thought...just like I do every day...why not...track each of your application's status on their official website...and guess what? I have amazing news...for I am looking back at my screen that's just told me – that the EVisa for Pakistan has been approved for each of you...I think given that its middle of the night there now...it will probably just arrive officially in your mailboxes once the embassy opens tomorrow morning...either ways....I am so excited about this....now I can finally head to my job knowing for sure that I will see you guys there soon too...after...."

I feel a part of my Insides sigh in relief instantly just as I hear that.But....

I hear Brian's excited voice come through – "that's great news S – which means I only have to worry about being a couple of days apart from you now...for sure..."

Maya says excited – "and I can finally begin to pack...S..thank you for checking this up for us...again.."

Jack adds all geared up too – " I got my camera's ready...guys...let's do this trip...it's going to be awesome...or wait...make that..wait..for it...legendary...,"and we all share a chuckle at that. Jack uses this very famous line off Barney Stinson from How I Met Your Mother – sometimes given that he's such a fan of the Series.

And just the very next second they all pause as they ask me in sudden unison – " K – you there?? why the silence ? We thought you'd be happy, relieved and excited??

I admit now getting up my bed – " yeahh..guys...of course I am happy ,relieved and excited about this....just heading to Mum to tell her about the same...,"and we continue with our casual chatter until I reach Mum's study which is where she is – right now. Once I reach the door – I tell them all that I'll just catch up with them all tomorrow and hang up for now.

And the very next second I lean up against the wall adjacent to Mum's study and – I take a couple of deep breathes – conflicted.

Yup.

It's true.

As happy and relieved I am about my E-visa status being confirmed for that allows me to go on with my trip to Lahore as planned.At the moment – I can't help but feel conflicted because – that Haunting feeling has returned. The feeling that's been gnawing my insides in some corner of my mind and being for the last three days especially ever since Arnav left. Arnav thinks it's just been the momentary worry because my EVisa hadn't arrived yet which is why he kept comforting me about the same everytime he picked up on the shade of my worry. But – No. This worry isn't/wasn't just about that. It's all about that Feeling. The feeling that just doesn't feel right. I'd just been dumping it out given that I still didn't have any news on My Visa status. But given that – that bit of it is final now – I can't seem to dump this freaking feeling Out. It's returned to freaking Consume me – Claw me – Worry me. Insane.

Dammit.

Wait.

I am sure you all wana know what it is about and you all will catch onto it – as I step in to talk to Mum about this.

Yup.

Her comforting, loving support and her guidance on this is exactly what I need – right now.

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In Alice's Study

Alice finishes reading the document in hand and is about to pick up the next research paper stacked in front of her on her table – taking a sip off her hot chocolate

Alice finishes reading the document in hand and is about to pick up the next research paper stacked in front of her on her table – taking a sip off her hot chocolate. She also had an upcoming medical conference on Sports Physiotherapy in Nottingham in a couple of days from now – where in medical experts from all over the country were gathering in a medical conclave.

It is right very then – she hears a couple of knocks on her door and her daughter's voice from behind the door as she asks – "Mum...can I come in??"

Alice smiles to herself as she states gulping down the sip off her Hot Chocolate shifting the research papers aside from her front – "Hun... don't I always tell you...you don't need to ever knock on my door...just come on in...baby..."

She watches the door swing open almost immediately as her daughter steps in. But the frowned-up lines on her forehead along with her worried vibe instantly worry up Alice too as she asks straightening up in her seat first before she gets up to walk up to Khushi – "Khushi...what's wrong hun?? You seem extremely worried about something? which was the look I was not anticipating on your face right now at all..given that you did say when we finished dinner that you are going to spend the next couple of hours with Arnav on the video call....wait...is Arnav okay? Everything okay with you two??"

Khushi sighs at that as she states – "yes Mum...Arnav's okay...everything's okay with us...he's sleeping now...it's just that..,"and she pauses as she walks up to that little cocooned seating by the window and plonks herself on it with a thump and she states – " S called...Mum..she checked up on all of our's Evisa Status...for Pakistan...it's approved..,"and she continues to fill her Mum about this development.

A couple of minutes later – as Alice hears all of that in – she walks up to her daughter puzzled and takes a seat next to her and asks – "but...Hun...isn't this what you were waiting for? I mean the fact that the EVisa hadn't turned up till now was making you nervous too...right? so what's the worry now Hun? What's making you so nervous??,"and she pauses as she states – "wait...before...you answer that..have a couple of sips of my hot cocoa...there's nothing more comforting that hot chocolate on moments like these...,"and she walks over and picks up her Cup and hands the same back to Khushi who takes it from her Mum's hand all lost deep in thought and she begins to take the remainder of her Mum's hot chocolate down. Once she was done – Alice takes the empty cup from Khushi's hand and places it back on the table and walks upto Khushi and clutches on her daughter's hand in support gesturing her to go on now.

Khushi nods at that and fights a sigh within as she leans her head to the side of the wall next to her as she turns her frame and head a little sideways to look at her Mum in the eye and she whispers keeping a hand over her heart – "what's worrying me Mum...is the bit...that now that I know the status of my EVisa finally – that feeling's returned. That haunting nagging feeling within in my being...that just doesn't feel right...in here...at all...."

Alice asks puzzled still as she clutches on Khushi's hand in support again – "what doesn't feel right in your heart Hun....??"

Khushi clutches on her Mums hand back and she admits honestly and sincerely – "Jetting off to Lahore without telling Arnav about it...doesn't feel right..Mum..... as in...without being honest to him about the details of my go to location – it just doesn't feel right...in here...for now that those moments are coming closer...a part of me feels like....that even though prior...I thought I could keep this up in secrecy from him....now...there's a strong part off me that's also beginning to feel like wanting to tell him those exact details about my travel plans......but then...that's where the conflict comes in again..Mum..for this feeling also worries me and makes me nervous...like I am so nervous and worried because it's like if I tell him I am headed to Lahore...a lot of chained conversations will open up....and ...and....then...ill just end up telling him the truth about it all....but I'v also just got a mini suitcase of his memories uptil now Mum...I need freaking a million trunks off those..more......to keep me warm and going...after..you know...just...incase...if he walks away....,"and she sighs and looks at her Mum – " Mum...I need so many more memories..so much more time...I really feel like keeping the truth undercover for longer...but then at the same time....I can't help but be consumed by this nagging feeling that just does not feel right within over not telling Arnav where I am actually headed too...once I actually head there...in reality...Mum...honesty and transparency is such a huge factor in between of us...and even though I am keeping this from him... it's like Arnav never even asks..he just understands...he's happy with knowing how much I tell him..for now....but that's what Mum... I am just going to feel really guilty...if I don't tell him where is it I am headed too..for real when it's actually happening....ughhhh..Mum...I feel like all my rainbows and happy Sunlight feeling within has been momentarily taken over by that dark cloud off restless fear...of losing him...yet again... you get what I mean Mum don't you?? I just love him so much Mum...so deep...I am just caught in between two spectrums...and it also does hurt a zillion times more within to keep this all from him given that he is so understanding about the same anyway...."

Alice nods and smiles as she pulls her daughter into a sidehug immediately and begins to brush her hair tenderly in support thinking to herself - He loves you to my Hun. Only you don't know it yet. And she says now sincerely – " Khushi....hun.....I do get you..and to be honest to you...I was kinda expecting you to come to me with this eventually...before you finally left......"

Khushi looks at her sideways puzzled – "you were??"

Alice nods shooting her a reassuring smile – " yup..baby..I just knew it...you'd have the feeling of keeping the details from him nag you within immense...once those moments would finally come closer..."

Khushi sighs and nods at that and she continues – " yeah...so now you know...on one end..I just wana be selfish when it comes to him...and on the other end...the guilt of it..is eating me too...Mum....guide me on this..Mum...please? What should I do??"

Alice kisses Khushi's head – "Khushi...hun...do you know..often at times...the sun tends to shine at its brightest after the black clouds disappear...so does that mean that it's a good thing from the Sun's point of view that those black clouds came by momentarily??? I think yes....most definetly...yes..."

Khushi smiles sadly at her Mum – "Mum...my insides are consumed in conflict and worry...right now..I can't seem to think straight through what you just said...,"and she pauses suddenly as she remembers Arnav's way – " Mum...you gotta pound coin on you...in here...??"

Alice nods and smiles – "yeah I do..."

Khushi sighs – "hand it to me please...I need to toss it...I wana see what my heart says to this...in a flip of a second too...Arnav taught me this bit...I told you remember,"and she pauses as she sees her Mum nod and grin as she states walking upto pick up the pound coin from her pencil stand – " this boy is in you..all over..isn't he??,"and she walks back to Khushi with the pound coin in her hand.

Khushi takes the pound coin from her Mum's hand as she states – " oh yes..Mum...he is...in here...all over...into every freaking corner and biological cell of my being....which is why this is so conflicting..within...,"and she hands the coin to her Mum back again – " go on...you toss it for me Mum..last time I had Arnav toss it...you do it this time around...let's see what is it that I strongly feel within..in that fraction of a second..."

Alice smiles and nods and tosses the coin immediately and once the coin is in the air – she hears Khushi whisper softly her eyes welling up a little – " I wana tell him that I am headed to Lahore...Mum...I do not want to leave him wondering on that...anymore...I mean ...yeah..he's such a darling...he doesn't ask..but I am sure..he wonders..I don't want to ...make him wonder...anymore..."

Alice grins at that as she sits next to Khushi instantly again and clutches on her hand in support – "then go on baby...tell him...tell him that it's Lahore..where you are headed..."

Khushi sighs as she wipes a tear outta the corner of her eye that had made its way out on reflex – "and what about all those other chained up conversations that might open up then Mum...I mean..what if? This triggers it all? and then what if...he just walks away???? Do I wana feel like a freaking cold storage already?? Oh no..,"and she buries her head in her hands and begins to sob – " on that note – I don't think I'd never be ready to feel like that cold storage..anyway...Mum..why is this so hard? Why did it have to be this way? Am I going to be doomed even before I have basked in the bloom within for long??"

Alice fights back on her own Mommy angst for her little girl right now and makes Khushi look up at her and she wipes her daughters tear away first and she kisses her head in support as she states holding onto both her hands – " and what if that doom you fear so much never arrives??? Honey...what if...he doesn't..walk away baby?? Why not think off that possibility for once?? Like all concretely...in your head...look..I just need to say this again... the way things shaped up in my life...or in your dad's...is not your fault at all honey...it never was...I am sure Arnav will understand that..,"and she adds cryptically further without giving the intensity of Arnav's feelings away – "look...all I am saying is that...as much as I know off him from you..it just makes me wana believe in his feelings...so why do you let the restless fear get the better of you on moments like these... honey? You know he feels for you quite strongly, right?? you surely...know he won't have it in him to just walk away...just channelise that thought...will you please??,"and she pulls Khushi into a warm hug again – "all of this was never your fault baby...never..."

Khushi hugs her Mum at that hard as she states – " yes..Mum...I know that....I know..it isn't my fault...but the truth remains right Mum? I am the illegitimate daughter of an Ex- cricketer from Pakistan who is the current president of the Pakistan Cricket Board too...and..and...,"and she pauses because just as she says this bit out loud to her Mum in this vulnerable moment off time - a sudden painful horrific thought enters into her head and she begins to cry and sob even more profusely in her Mother's arms as she states in between fountains of tears – " oh..no...oh..no...Mum....oh...no...."

Alice holds onto Khushi extremely worried now. This wasn't a normal meltdown like she had – experienced – when Arnav was leaving. This bit off her daughter crying this way in her arms right now was surely backed by something else. She asks now brushing her hair over and over – " Khushi..baby...please...talk...you are scaring me....do you want some water??"

Khushi whispers fighting back her sobs in the middle of her meltdown – " yup..some water would be good Mum..,"and she watches her Mum fill her a glass immediately and Khushi gulps it down over and states tears still masking her cheeks – " all this while...I was just so scared of him walking away...Mum...that this never kind off occurred to me....and now that it has...it's horrified me...like...say...if I were to believe the possibility of what you just said...like what if Arnav doesn't walk away...then....what is my truth going to do to him?????????? My truth...Mum...do you think it can destroy...Arnav professionally then? He's an Indian cricketer Mum. India is a different society from England. Dad's from Pakistan – which again is a different culture and society all together.And we know the sensitive dynamics in play in between those two neighbouring countries. Cricket's a freaking religion in India...a sport that's seen with so much passion...cricketers are watched like hawks...one loss or one step or statement gone wrong publically...it's like...the online world/media back in India doesn't spare them.......and here.... everything about my truth could be a freaking massive scandal to him professionally say...if it were to ever see the light of the day...oh Mum...I would never want to be the cause of professional doom to him..Mum...like ever...I obviously do not want to be the cause of any sort of doom for the only man I have and will ever love.....oh Mum....I..I...,"and she pauses and just hugs her mother again all tight and continues to sob.

Alice hugs Khushi harder this time around and she states two intense minutes later, after holding her tight and close in support – " baby...shhh...relax...please...k? I think this is exactly where I remind you....that....no one knows...first thing out..except for our inner trusted circle...we'v kept this undercover for years...for decades..honey...the only other person apart from our immediate circle who knows about this is Rob...and the fact that he hasn't ratted this out to a single soul yet...confirms it to me...that he won't...too....soo...you got absolutely nothing to worry about...Khushi...hun...please...stop..crying this way...your head's just magnifying all your fears...right now...don't let it take over...please??"

Khushi feels relieved at that reminder momentarily and her mother's comforting words and she just hugs her Mum tighter and whispers on reflex as her head and heart go into a crazy emotional overdrive– "yes okay....I will not magnify my fears this way...I will try to shift focus....but Mum...we will continue to keep this undercover...k? we just have to Mum??Uptil now...it's been undercover for your sake..for Dad's.maybe....but now...its gotta stay undercover from the public eye...for Arnav's sake too... Like for sure...super sure.....so...while I am in Lahore...I will just see Dad from afar on that final of the PSL and just get his autograph maybe... as a fan in that meet and greet the PCB has arranged with the winning team...after the final...and then...I'd just visit and see and feel the places where he has grown up after in the week as planned...but yes...those are all the steps I will ever take closer to knowing him within my head...I just won't take any steps closer than that..ever Mum...he anyway doesn't know about me...and you know prior now that I have at times wondered about his reaction over the same...but guess what Mum...I just realised...that...I don't want Dad to ever know...now...I just don't want him to ever know about my existence in all of my life....say...if this were to now potentially cost me – Arnav's well-being on the other end in anyway....I will do everything on my end that I can..to protect the truth from coming to light publicly in order to protect Arnav from the scandal my existence potentially is – in the eyes of the society he lives in...because...yeah...it would just kill me straight Mum..if he were to face any negative repercussions due to me..ever....,"and she begins to sob the remainder of her emotions out as she whispers over and over to her Mum – " ill protect him...ill protect Arnav with everything I got....Dad should never know...let Dad just never know...let the truth forever be hidden within us...like the secret that it has been for all these years...the secret that we entrust only a few very close people with..we will guard this...I will guard this...for Arnav's sake now..I will freaking guard this even more..."

Alice hugs Khushi closer for the next five minutes or so just letting her vent out her tears – her very own heart – getting engulfed in bittersweet emotion at the same time along with motherly angst. She wasn't surprised by the intensity with which her daughter loved Arnav. She was just immensely moved by everything she had just heard. It also reminded her – of her very own – state of the heart from all those years ago. A reason – why she always kept Khushi a secret was this too right? She didn't want to cause chaos in Rehaan's settled life/or the society in which he lived. History was repeating itself in strange twisted ways. Oh Yes – it was. But in her heart, she still had hope that Arnav would have it in his heart to understand – that none of this was Khushi's fault ever.

Alice whispers now fighting back her own tears as she states to her daughter reassuringly – "We will guard this honey..we will keep it undercover as we have been for sure. You have my support. But for once because I need to say this out loud to you...if this were to ever come out and see the light of the day...please know..that..I don't care if the world out there - looks at us with scandalous eyes...ok? they don't even know us...so they might like to belittle us by terming your existence as a scandal..baby...but know and cement this in your heart – once again – right very now.... that the reason for your existence...was nothing ...but pure love...ok? in that moment of time...your Dad and me were loving one another...I'v not hidden your existence from my world here...because I feared it being a scandal to me...ever....it could never be that to me...okay??you know that don't you??your existence is not/can never be a scandal to me...Hun...you'r my little girl...the one whose the centre of my whole wide world...."

Khushi hugs on her mother tight as she whispers taking strength from her embrace– " yeah..Mum...I know...you'v kept it undercover because even though for you its always been different in your head and heart.... the truth could be a potential massive scandal for Dad too at his end...and once again..today...I exactly understand...the magnitude...behind your actions...on the same...because...now...all for Arnav's sake...I wana do the very same... he's at the peak of his career right now...he's got such a long way to go...I only want well for him Mum...now and always...."

Alice finally pulls Khushi up from her hug as she whispers – " and why am I not surprised by that intensity of your Love for him – hun? You are my daughter after all aren't you? Your grandparents will agree that we the Jones's girls have a freaking intense way of loving...once we feel the emotions claw us and consume us...,"and she wipes Khushi's trail of tears away and she asks lovingly – " will you smile if I change the topic to Arnav??"

Khushi does smile a little through her tears a little at that as she says – "maybe..."

Alice asks now kissing Khushi's head acting on her motherly impulse – "so what do wana do now honey? You are going to tell Arnav about heading to Lahore or not??"

Khushi takes a deep breathe at that as she answers keeping a hand on her heart for its final decision – " I wana tell him Mum...and say..if that were to lead to chained conversations...then I'll see to it..in that moment of time...I mean..I can probably also just pause at the bit telling him that Dad was from Lahore...right??"

Alice nods now and she states deep in thought – "okay...but either way...is that a conversation you wana do over the video call anyway?"

Khushi wipes the remainder of her tears at that as she asks puzzled – " Mum..what do you mean??"

Alice bites back her smile as she states honestly – "well as far as my knowledge on the same goes...the fast-track E-Visa for India can come in two days...it's just got a higher visa fee..that's all...which shouldn't be a problem...so I suggest...why not make a stop over to see him in person and tell him where you are headed..after... honey? I mean..Pakistan and India are neighbours afterall...you are headed to the Asian subcontinent..anyway....look...you guys anyway got the refundable ticket for that flight to Lahore...jdirectly from here...why not accommodate a little change in travel plans...why not stop over in India..for a bit??see Arnav..prior? just apply for that Indian E-visa before you sleep tonight...I'll help you...,"and she adds to herself silently. I think seeing Arnav once again in real time is exactly what you need before heading to Pakistan too – Honey.

Even amidst all the emotional turmoil she was in – this suggestion of stopping over at India for a bit before heading to Pakistan – from her Mum - had that immediate power to make Khushi's heart light up in momentary joy as she states gaping at her Mum overwhelmed with happiness – "wait...wait...Mum...what did you just say?? Can this be possible? For real? Like can I make this work? Can I make a short...stopover in India? Before heading to Pakistan??"

Alice grins and winks picking up her tab as she goes through the Flight connections online quickly too – " oh yes...honey...you can...that is if you file in your online application..right very now...so that the Indian embassy sees it first thing tomorrow morning...baby...so...you wana reach Lahore by the 14th right? at all costs?? Right?? I suggest – take a flight out here to India first...on 11th night...reach there...12th afternoon...spend all the while you can... with Arnav..and head out on the 13th morning on this flight connection from India via Dubai...that will take you to Lahore on the 14th...either ways......just in time...for that PSL final at the Gaddafi stadium on the 15th...as you'v planned prior....all this needs is some planning with the flying...that's all....which..we can totally figure out..."

Khushi hugs her Mom hard at that instantly as she states in momentary glee – " oh my god...Mum......,"and she pulls back excited – "wait..wait...wait...Mum...I need to talk to Brian, Jack and M about this too...I mean...I know Arnav will be in Mumbai on the 12th..he reaches there ..11th evening in preparations for the IPL at his end...he'll actually be at the hotel and not at his condo pad that he otherwise uses for stay there at times...during his ad shoots etc that happen on breaks.He talked about where that condo pad of his is in Mumbai to me prior in one of our conversations – know what Mum? I can check if they got an AirBnB in that apartment building of something...I could totally surprise the daylights out of his head with this....Mum...for the hotel wouldn't be a wise choice in India – given the crazy public scrutiny around cricketers when they are actually in India....,"and she continues to add excited as the possibility of the same sinks in and that leads her to wipe every drop of her tear as she takes out her phone and says to Mum – " Mum...give me...five..minutes...ill just work this...out with Brian, M, Jack too...I'll just get them on the group call...be back in five Mum...you are the best....no wait...make that freaking bestest.....for shoving this idea into my head....,"and with that Khushi quickly calls up friends on the group call kissing her Mum on the cheek and dashes out her study excited in complete glee - forgetting all about the emotional turmoil that had clawed her – her heart basking in the momentary happiness and joy of seeing the love of her life - again. Already.Even if it was just for a couple of hours.

And Alice smiles to herself at that sight of Khushi dashing out in glee - as a bittersweet tear leaves her eye on its own accord.She walks back to her chair in the study and dishes out her own phone and opens up her secret folder that held a couple of old pictures of Rehaan and Her – the pictures whole old and worn hardcopies she'd tucked in to a safety locker and had just snapped a couple of shots through the camera in her phone by holding onto the other picture in reality in her hand on the other side.

She smiles sadly at the – Younger and Madly in Love version off – herself and Rehaan hugging and holding onto each other tight and she touches the screen lovingly as bittersweet tears continue to leave her eyes on their own accord too – and she whispers softly - talking to his picture like she often did on vulnerable moments in privacy. " I just hope – the one our daughter loves – doesn't give up on her in reality once our truth comes out to him - Rehaan. I just hope the love that he talked about to me with so much conviction once - helps him understand that one underlying truth. The truth that none of this was her fault. That her existence was not/could not ever just be a mere scandal.It was Love. Yeah – a shade of Love that probably couldn't reach its eventual conclusive – destination – in our lives. But that cannot take away the significance of the potent emotional moment or the fact that - it was still Love."

She wipes her bittersweet tears now and takes a couple of deep breathes and closes her phone and begins to look up the arrangements for her daughter to fly in to India first – on her tablet. And as she gets working on that she states to herself again in a soft whisper – " I am sending my baby to your door right now...ASR...only because I know that this conversation of heading to Lahore may be that exact trigger for her to open her heart to you...with both... the truth and the intensity with which she loves you....and I have faith...that there probably was a lot more hidden power to the intensity of the emotions I saw shining in your eyes for my daughter in the elevator that day. I have faith that you wouldn't just walk away. And incase you don't walk away - your support and love over this whole situation is exactly what she'd need to power her through her days ahead as she steps her foot into the country that was/is her Dad's Home... I really hope you...Stand with my baby – Arnav - holding her hand tight..now..and always,"and with that she closes her eyes and her mother's Heart puts in a silent potent wish and prayer. I hope my faith comes shining through this all. I really hope that the clouds of restless fear off losing the one she loves(because of her parent's realities) - vanish from my Daughter's life once and for all and that Her heart is blessed with a Sunlight so bright – that even during the periods of partial rains – that state would only result in a Rainbow. A Happy Radiating Rainbow filled only with various natural colours and shades off – Unconditional Love.

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TADAAAAAA!!

How was That Guysssssssss?? Did you all enjoy reading this update on the theme of – It Doesn't Feel Right???? I mean now that you all know the development that feeling actually lead too – what's your take on it??;-)

Next Update: Tomorrow

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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