TAKE 26 - JITTERS

3 years ago

mysticaltales11111

@mysticltales111

Hellooooo Guysssssssss....

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

So Yesssssssssss - here I am with the next update off HW3.0 - for this week. It's a shorter update given that I totally wanted it to stand out on its own - as I resumed the writing to set the tone for the next Update in line in the Story!

Word Count -Short in Length - 5K Words.✍✍👩‍💻👩‍💻

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

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

And I shall now let you all dive in without Further Delay.
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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 anyone's sentiments through my work in any way whatsoever.

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TAKE 26 - Jitters

Jitters.

We'v all felt them - at some point in our lives.

And you know what's interesting? It's totally the bit that just like almost every state of emotion we humans experience - the state off Jitters too can be experienced and felt - with them being driven by a range of emotions/moments in our lives.

There are some that make us a living example off rollercoaster of nerves - making us all edgy in anticipation before a big event/moment in our lives.Then there will be some that will be just in the shade of plain nervousness triggered by wonder of how things will turn out to be. Then at times - there are some that are felt due to being driven by our own emotional insecurities and vulnerabilities. Then at times - there are some that are just experienced out of a state of sheer Happiness and Glee.

And then - there are also some Jitters that feel like a very state off wonder in the first place given that one often feels surprised when they are in the middle of experiencing the shade off Jitters that they probably thought they never would. Which shade off Jitters? The Jitters that also feel Peaceful in their state. Why? Because as nervous as the state makes us - there's something soothing about those peaceful jitters too, because they are often felt at the very onset off a process that is destined to be like a closure to a feeling/moment - that's been a part of angst and longing - in our lives.

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15th April, 2019

6:00 PM

Lahore, Pakistan

- At the Hotel - In his Room

Raahil checked everything through his cricketing kit all excited and nervous. Actually, to say that he'd been experiencing excited jitters since morning would be an understatement - Indeed. He'd always felt this way - before a finale off a big game until he reached the stadium for play. For then - it would be the zeal to perform and the gaming focus that would take over completely. But before that happened - he did always allow himself to bask in the nervy -excited jitters that he experienced as a sportsperson during all the build-up to the Big Game - Per say. He had a soft corner for these experiences too.

And today was a Big Game. Indeed. It was the finale off the Pakistan Super League. His - Lahore team was playing the Karachi team in the finale tonight at the Gadaffi Stadium. They were all set to depart for the stadium in 30 minutes with their respective teams.The match was scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM. The toss would be executed at 7:30PM. (He obviously stayed at the Hotel with his team-mates during an ongoing official tournament even when in Lahore. It was the protocol followed by all players)

He pauses in ruffling through his cricketing kit as he hears a knock on the door and walks upto open it smiling - already knowing that it will be Noor at the door. The minute he opens the door and takes in the sight off grinning Noor he states - " aaiye...Noor..aaiye...aap hi ka intezaar ho raha tha..."(Come on in Noor...I was waiting for you only..)

Noor winks at him happily and she nods but she doesn't step in immediately and breaks into giggles - instead. That surprises Raahil - obviously and he asks puzzled - " huh?? Kya hua??"(huh?? What's up??"

And it is right very then he sees his Abbu lean in from the other side around his door as he states happily - " hua yeh..beta...ki ab hume pata chal gaya..ki sirf Noor beti ka hi intezaar ho raha tha...hamara nahi.."( the bit's that's happened is that beta that now I know...that you were only waiting to see Noor and not me..)

Raahil grins at his Abbu all surprised. He'd thought he'd catch up with him at the Stadium in a brief meeting before the match. And he was also sure that his Abbu could read the shades of happiness on his face.He states now - " nai abbu...aisi koi baat nai hai...aur yeh aapko pata hai...aaiyee..aap dono andar aa jaiyeee(no abbu...its nothing like that..and you know that..please come on in...you two...)...I just thought I'll catch up with you at the stadium before the match...but you making a stop here all the way ..is a pleasant surprise that's made me very happy..."

Rehaan grins and he nods at Noor happily as they step in and Raahil closes the door shut and Rehaan instantly pulls his son into a happy empowering hug as he says - " well...right now...I am standing in front off you as your Abbu...beta and not the official president off the PCB who will be seated alongside the officials from the board watching the final tonight....all the best to you son..all the very best...don't worry about the result..just play your heart out like you always do..."

Raahil just hugs on his Abbu happily - in two minds about admitting another reason of his nervy jitters to him. Noor watches them beaming in happiness too. The sight of the father-son's empowering close bond always did warm her heart. She says now biting back her grin - " Abbu...you know what? Raahil's also been experiencing all these nervy jitters since morning...because well..its obvious that the expectation pressures to perform are high on his shoulders given that you are the one - who actually incepted and brought PSL to life in the first place in 2016..and it's the first time - that Lahore has reached the finals too..."

Rehaan pulls back from hugging Raahil at that as he asks his son - " really? son?? Is that a reason too??,"and he gestures them all to walk to the seating area in Raahil's room and once they have all taken their seats - Raahil admits with a sheepish nod - " yes Abbu...it is a part reason but trust me..you have nothing to worry though....,"and he eyes his loving fiancée - " and trust Noor to give it away to you...when I was in two minds to talk to you about it..."

Noor chuckles happily at that as she looks at Rehaan and says - " Abbu...see...now you only talk to him and reassure him that he should not worry about this angle at all...I have been doing the same..hasn't worked completely..which is why..I have to ask you for help here..I just want Raahil to step on field today without being weighed down in anyway...,"and she pauses as her phone rings and she states - " Azlan bhaijaan is calling - well everyone is all set to head to the stadium at home too right?? ill just take this call...Abbu...aap please..Raahil ko samjhayen..(Abbu...you please talk to Raahil about this...while I am on this call)

Raahils heart warms at that as his eyes lock subtly and lovingly with Noor's as she steps out off his room to take her call.And once she'd stepped out - he hears his Abbu say reassuringly - " and once again on moments like these...I have to say son...that I would never want the elements off who I am ..what I do now or...what I did in cricket in my career before for our country...weigh you down or make you nervous at all...and especially not at the onset off a moment as big as this one tonight..it's your first final at the PSL son..I just want you to enjoy yourself out there on the field while you are at giving it your all too...you know I realised it much later in life from gaming experiences that always worrying about the result takes the very essence of enjoying one's passion on field...on so many occasions...so...I wouldn't want you to fall for the very same...especially not on my accord...your journey has always been your's beta...and I know you'v always been strongly driven by that..so tell me...please...how can I help you ease your jitters today?"

Raahil nods in an instant understanding as he states - " I know...Abbu...I know...but to be honest...these nervous jitters are only natural to experience maybe because I have known your work on this so closely right? as in I know what PSL is to you...its been your dream...the one you planned and executed in our country after observing on how league franchise's tournaments across the world have helped countries discover so much talent and give the domestic pool as much opportunity to come under the eye before they have even begun playing for the national squad....so..maybe...it's also just about a son wanting to make his Abbu proud tonight..by performing at his best in the finale of the tournament that has been his Abbu's dream..."

Rehaan smiles at that.He understood where his son was coming from right now given that he had always seen him work so closely and passionately with regards to the PSL too. It had always been Rehaan's usual habbit to be in touch personally with smaller local cricketing boards in various cities across the country - in the hope - that with every league - the domestic pool off the country continued to benefit from the opportunity to both polish and showcase their gaming talents for the world to see. The commercial success of the League had always been secondary for Rehaan. His primary motive had always been the development and continuous evolvement of Pakistan Cricket - a motive which everyone on the board knew and respected which was also why everyone on the board had always been off a unianimous decision to have Rehaan be the head and lead face of the PCB.

But in a moment like this - Rehaan knew exactly what to say to his beloved son. He says now reassuringly - "and I know I don't say it often...but I most surely would like to say this now... I am proud of you either ways beta....whether you contribute to your team's win tonight or not....just watching you go about playing your game..makes me relive my days son...and that's what matters more to me emotionally...highs and lows in a gaming career will come and go..what will always remain are the memories you'v made on field in your emotions...so just enjoy your game tonight to the fullest son....look...I told you after your successful performance during Bangladesh's tour right? that you have been improving and evolving in your own game immense...and the fact that you can assess/identify your gaps in techniques and improvise on them by working hard on it...has always been your strength..and it will continue to be so...as long as you wana keep learning and evolving in terms off the game you love....so please know that...I am already beaming in immense pride because off you beta...you have nothing to be nervous about...infact I am going to be the one whose going to get gaming jitters along with the crowd at the Gadaffi stadium tonight..for sure...I mean...you can call up your Amina Khala and ask her...I couldn't sip on my evening chai in peace..at all...that's how excited the father in me...is...."

Raahil smiles at that and just hearing the above said words from his Abbu somewhat eases his nervy jitters about expectations and he asks with a wink - " really Abbu? You couldn't have your evening chai in peace at all??"

Rehaan chuckles and admits - " oh yes I couldn't...,"and he gestures to his phone - " you want me to ring up Amina Khala? I'll put her on speaker..you can ask her the same...straight away.."

They share a warm laugh at that and Raahil says the next thing on his mind almost instantly - " so...Abbu...you know just in case...if we do win..tonight...say what? will you gift your son..something??"

Rehaan shoots his son a knowing look at that. He knew exactly where he was going with that. He had been prying him on and off for the last couple of months in order to get the name and identity of Alice out from his mouth. But he hadn't succeeded in getting him to talk which was why he probably wanted to use this occasion as a walkway through to that. Rehaan shakes his head shooting Raahil a little smile and says - " Raahil...ill gift you anything you'd ask for no matter you win or losse..expect for the bit you'v been trying to pry out of me consistently for months..anything...but that...okay??"

Raahil groans at that. He thought he'd be able to use the situation in context to his advantage. Apparently not. His Abbu knew him too well. He admits now with a dejected sigh - " and I can't believe that you are yet not ready to talk to me about..who it was...ABBU...I mean she was the love of your life...right?? atleast tell me who it was...now...I'v been at it for months.."

Rehaan shakes his head in a No again and admits - " sorry son...I can't..because you will then begin to insist me to seek out closure...and trust me when I say this...the reason why I am not talking about who she is...is because I am staying put to the wish of the one I have truly loved too...for when we parted back in the day..she literally sweared with a emotional intensity so potent that she never wanted to see me again...she asked me for one favour when we parted which is to never come face to face in front off her ever...again...in this Life...so...this is me..just keeping up with that...just like I have all these years.."

Raahil groans - " oh Abbu but that was literally what 25 years ago...c'mon...you cant be serious about this..,"and he pauses as Noor steps back in and he quickly goes on to explain the context to Noor - dejectedly again. She was obviously aware off all his failed attempts to get the truth out of his Abbu in the past couple of months.

Noor takes her seat next to Raahil as she rubs his arm in support and gives Rehaan a comforting smile as she says - " and I have faith...Raahil...that Abbu will talk to us about it one day...himself...okay? Lets just be patient..and give him time...and in the meanwhile keep pushing our luck every now and then to push Ammi's last wish through...too...,"and she adds with a loving smile - " Abbu...now I know what Ammi meant when she told Raahil that the wish she was asking was going to be hard one to execute..she probably knew..how difficult it was going to be to get you to talk about the mystrious her from your past..."

Rehaan nods at that with a sad smile - " yes...Gazala knew it all..,"and he says now wanting to make his son cheer up - " okay..anyways what do you two think Gazala is upto in the heavens above right now anyway? I totally think she is getting set to cheer on Raahil with her garam chai set in her hand..what do the two of you think??"

That makes both Raahil and Noor smile warmly and they say in unison - " we think the same abbu...,"and Raahil adds lovingly - " also with her favourite biscuits to go with it.."

They all share a warm smile at that again and Noor adds now - " okay...given that we still have fifteen minutes..before Raahil leaves...how about this? How about we cheer to Ammi with some Chai and her favourite biscuits too???"

They all exchange another heartfelt nod at that - and begin to do just that and relive the happy moments with Gazala - until it was time for Raahil to leave for another Big Game tonight - at the very stadium - he began his journey from as a young ball boy!

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Simultaneously

At Khushi's Hotel - Lahore

Guys.

Is this happening for Real?

Or I am in the middle of a Dream???

Am I really in the middle off dressing up in Lahore team's jersey right now - almost all set to head out to Gadaffi stadium in a bit and see Abbu live in front off my eyes for the every first time - even if it's from afar????

Feels freaking Surreal.

You know what? I think ill just pinch my very own self to reconfirm the same given that it's just me in my room right now.

Ok Then.

It's confirmed.

This is not a Dream.It is happening for Real. I look back at my very own reflection in the mirror - affirming the same back to me.Crazy that I had to pinch my very own self to affirm the same though?

But - I am sure you all understand.I mean- you all surely know what this moment means to me right??? It's as monumental as the height of Mt Everest - within.

But you know what's strange? As nervous as I am right now with everything within me being consumed in nervy jitters and anxiousness - there's something strangely peaceful within - amidst that mix of emotional jitters too. To be honest - I'v been feeling this sense of calm and peace through my nerves ever since we landed in Lahore yesterday. I mean just to feel that I am finally in the zone that's been Abbu's home for the first time in 24 plus years off my life - feels all soothing within. Plus given that now - I am actually just about minutes away from experiencing a moment I have been dreaming about all my life - a moment that is now going to serve as a closure to all that biological angst and longing in some ways atleast - a lot of my nervy jitters are beginning to feel a lot more calmer and sorted.

And ofcourse - all this peacefulness amidst my jitters has everything to do with the ways Arnav and M, S, Jack, Brian and Mum are supporting me through this. It's like they are my emotional rocks right now - through this. I was just on text with Mum ten minutes ago too.

On that note - guys - I can't still believe the fact that while I was on the flight - Arnav rang up Mum and said everything that he did. I mean - this man - is freaking unbelievable!! Like just when I think I cannot fall in love with him deeper than I already have - I do. I mean I have no words to express the emotion I felt as I read Mum's texts on landing informing me the same. I mean just look at this MaskCapDude - - I mean not only has he hit the bull's eye in my being in every way possible - he just goes about impressing Mum - left, right and centre.

Phone beeps.

It must be Arnav. He must have gotten back into his room now. He was en-route to the Hotel after an intense training session with his Chennai squad.

I am right. I bite back my happy grin as I walk back to sit on my bed.

Him : hey you..fiore...just reached the hotel...rushing up..should be in my room in four minutes. Let's videocall then baby? I do wana be with you exclusively given that it's actually now nearing the time for you to be heading out to Gadaffi stadium.

Me : okay baby...but I am sure that everyone on the team was gathering up for some evening snack too right?? after this intense training session you all had?? You should have eaten a little first...maybe? I mean...I still have so much time until we leave...

I tap send and wait for his reply. It comes after two minutes.(He was probably in the elevator up to his room)

Him : no way am I going to be able to eat a snack right now Fiore...and you know that...okay...just got out on my floor...rushing to my room as I am typing this...videocalling you in 60 seconds..

I grin as I read that and plonk back comfortably on the bed and wait for my phone to buzz with Arnav's call. The minute it does - I swipe up grinning and I say - " hey you...baby.."

Arnav grins back instantly and I see him rushing to plonk himself on the sofa at his end and he states - "hey you...fiore...,"and he adds after his intense gaze has searched and scanned my face completely for a bit - " okay...thank god...that you do seem a lot more relaxed that I presumed you would be fiore...I mean...I know you'v been feeling this sense of calm ever since yesterday and all day prior...since morning...but...I just had this feeling...that..given that you are actually nearing the time to see your Abbu from afar..you'd be a lot more jittery...but...you'v got this genuine calm smile on your face baby...like hell...it surely seems that I am more nervous for you right now..."

I chuckle at that and I admit - " yeah I can see that given that your forhead is lined up in momentary worry even after that intense scan you x-rayed my face with Arnav....okay..wait.. how about you munch one of your protein bars at the least? I mean you'v had such a gruelling session my love... And we can keep talking while you are at it..k??c'mon please...see I also have a cup off coffee ready by my side which I am going to sip on..whilst we talk..I prepped it up about five minutes ago..was just waiting for you..."

Arnav nods at that - " ok then fiore..let me just get a hold on my protein bar...but tell me seriously...are you okay? No extremely edgy last minute turmoils?? Right??," and I watch him get up to get his snack and once he takes a bite into it and sits back on his sofa - I lock my gaze with his and I admit sincerely sipping on my coffee - " well ofcourse I am nervous Arnav...you know that I am...I mean that bit off it is only natural right? for once I step into the Gadaffi stadium in a shortwhile from now...I have no idea what is it that I am going to feel for real given that this moment is surely coming my way for the first time in my life...but yes...yet...I am feeling all sorted through my nervous anticipation because...this feels like the bit off me finally taking the step for myself that had been a long time coming...I mean...right now...to be honest... I totally feel like that Wound that is being taken care off with medical aid - and in its very own molecular intelligence - it knows that it's going to be Okay. That it's going to heal and regenerate itself - eventually with due course of time.I think all that matters more right now is the bit that I have taken that step off nursing a closure on my wound with what seems like some sort off a medical assistance emotionally..you know how you feel like this sense off reassurance within through the nervousness when you feel like you are doing all that you finally can..for one's self with regards to a specific context?? You understand what I mean..right baby??

Arnav nods sincerely as he gulps down a bite and he says - "yes..I do...Khushi...I really do..and yes...it's totally been a step that's been a long time coming for sure...which is why it probably feels the way it does??but know what I am freaking clean bowled as how to well you are coping up with this whole thing fiore...and I am sure that you are going to fare really well from here on too....and you know that I am with you anyway right? like maybe not in physicality..but yes I am right there by your side..okay??"

I nod at him lovingly and I say sincerely locking my gaze with his - " I know you are...Arnav...and I think you also know that a part reason why I feel this sorted right now is because off you too - because of the subtle yet powerful ways..in which...you'v got my back on this...just like M, S, Jack, Brian and Mum"

Arnav smiles warmly at that and he says - " and I will always have your back..fiore...always..also technically guess what...I might just have my eyes on you tonight baby...I mean...I might just spot you in the crowd...because I told Cap and everyone on the team that ill just be dining in my room tonight and not join them for dinner or PS after..because...I am going to watch the PSL final live too...as in as and when it streams up live on the Sony Liv app.."

I gape at him in glee at that as I ask - " Wait...what??you are going to tune in to watch the finals live too??"

Arnav grins - " ofcourse..my love...did you actually think that I'd miss on taking advantage of a platform that can make me feel like I am with you in those vulnerable moments nonetheless....so yup..guess what? I am totally hoping that the TV camera's angle around you all in some shots at the least..."

I chuckle at that lovingly and I state after gulping down a sip of my coffee - " ahaan?? okay how about this? You know maybe I should think about holding out some crazy placards in the support of Lahore team?? Or just plain go beserk in a crazy fan mode??You know how they do focus on people who'v got a lot of placards and stuff and are going crazy in celebrations...at times..."

We share a warm chuckle at that and Arnav answers lovingly - "yes... do that baby...also know what? the Lahore jersey looks pretty kool on you Fiore..."

I grin and wink - " maybe...but in my humble opinion..nothing beats the charm off your jersey on me my love...what would your opinion on the same be??"

Arnav places a hand over his heart mischievously and dramatically as he states - " you know you got my consensus on that my lady..."

We share a warm chuckle again and he asks now his gaze softening emotionally - " come on then..talk to me about all the remainder shades off nervousness...Khushi...now...I mean lets see if we can help ease the nervy jitters a little bit more.."

I whisper on reflex now brushing a hand over my face - " to be honest love...this does feel a tad bit surreal...you know I pinched myself to check if I were in the middle of a dream..before your text came...I mean..all of this does feel like a dream...you being there by my side through it all come what may...me...finally being here in Lahore...just a little while away from seeing Abbu with my very own eyes for the first time...I mean come to think off it..usually and normally kids...do get a look on their dads in real time from the very onset off their coming on into the world as babies/toddlers like in those first phases off their lives..and...somewhere within...I do feel that I might just feel like a baby emotionally on that accord when I see Abbu...like a little toddler version off myself clad in my 24 year old body feeling all excited emotionally at seeing her Daddy across?? You know what I mean..don't you??"

Arnav nods in sincere understanding and he whispers lovingly - "yes...I do...come on fiore..take it all out...take all those thoughts off anticipation out to me..now..."

And just as I hear that from him in his tone backed with sincere love - I do just that. I pour out all off my jittery nervy anticipatory thoughts out to the man I deeply love.

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25 Minutes Later

Khushi POV Continues

I finish sipping on the last sip off my coffee that I had savoured slowly all through my talk with Arnav right now and as we'v neared the end off that vulnerable discussion once again and he's only been asrock solid supportive and loving through it all - I only feel all lighter within and I say now locking my gaze with Arnav's - "godaamit you...mi amore... I love you baby...so much...I mean..I don't even know what else to say to you right now..."

Arnav grins - "and I love you...Khushi...also on that note..don't say..anything..else fiore ..I mean I am totally kool with you wanting to say you love me..all the time......you know I'd do anything to just that from you over and over.....,"he adds with a mischievous dramatic wink.

Okay!Trust him to make me chuckle right now with that. I nod happily and just as I am about to answer him - I hear the extension on my room's landline buzz and I say looking at the time - " oh shoot...its 6:35 PM already... it must be M, S, Brian and Jack...we do need to head out soon...now..in like five minutes...let me take this.."

Arnav nods.

And once I pick the phone up and hear what S had to say - I assure her that ill be ready to step out in five too and hang up quickly after.

Arnav nods now given that he heard me talk anyway - "okay then..fiore..I know you gotta rush now..also I am sure..Mrs J is going to wana talk to you too..before you head out...she probably would have texted you that...so I'll hang up now..k??? Just text me when you are in the cab and everything - k? I told you - I am like right here - k??"

I nod at him and as I spot Mum's text on Whatsapp pop up I narrow my eyes at Arnav - " Wait...Mum just dropped me the same text...are you two like connected on text to check up on me together now????"

Arnav grins at that - " ofcourse we are...baby...come on then...you get set going now..."

I nod and shoot him a flying kiss which he happily acts to have caught on his side and we share another significant intense eyelock before we finally hang up.

I quickly ring up Mum and given that she is in the middle of her work day - we chat up on audio call and because I can sense her motherly concern oozing in her tone right now yet again I just focus on reassuring her about the state of my mind and heart - lovingly - before we finally hang up - five minutes later.

And just as I do hang up with Mum - I hear knocks on my door and given that I know its going to be M, S, Brian and Jack - I take deep breathes as I sling my bag over myself and get set and ready to step out - to come face to face with the moments that were surely going to be defining within for me - in so many ways.

I am going to do this.

Finally.

I am going to see Abbu in real time!!

And as the significance off what I am about to do for myself now sinks in for one last time over before I open my door - I can't help but feel consumed with those natural Jitters - for a bit - again.Those natural Jitters that were nervy, jumpy and yet very peaceful at the same time - Indeed.

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TADAAAAAA!!

How was That Guysssssssss???Do you all feel that its only natural for Khushi to feel the return off these Natural Jitters every now and then - given that this is actually such a monumental step for her within????????

Also guys - have I ever had Hit Wicket series without Fawad Khan in it?? 😉😉😉😉🤗🤗🤗😜😜😜so yes..i don't know how many off you noticed - Noor mentioning her Azlaan bhaijaan in there subtly.

Introducing our very own Fawad Khan as Azlaan Junaid in this story! He is Noor's eldest first cousin as in her father's elder brother's eldest son. They are super close as a family and they all also live together in a huge joint family setting!

They are super close as a family and they all also live together in a huge joint family setting!