Take 26.1 - The Waves Of Biological Emotion

3 years ago

mysticaltales11111

@mysticltales111

Hellooooo Guysssssssss....

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

So yes - here I am with the next update for HW3.o this week! Yup - the only other update for this week - but I hope the length of the same makes up for it all. I just couldn't split this one - guys given the emotional significance of the moment for it all had to flow as One! You will know what I mean as you read the Update!🤗🤗🤗👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻

Word Count -Super long in length - 12.5K 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 26.1 - The Waves of Biological Emotion

Technically, just like it is for India - it is Field Hockey which is the national sport for Pakistan - and is also one of the top ranked sports in terms of popularity in the country. Other sports that enjoy immense popularity in the country would be that off Cricket, Squash,Tennis, Polo and even traditional Kabbadi.

However, it is a known fact that when it comes to sporting spectacles and fan frenzy and gaming popularity - the sporting enthusiasts in Pakistan love their Cricket immense. It is undoubtedly the most popular games/sport in the country and the buzz and the fan frenzy around the game is mostly on an all-time high within the gaming fans and cricketing communities in the country. Which is why it was obvious that the domestic franchise league tournament off PSL was welcomed with open arms by the cricketing fans in the country from its very onset in 2016!

And just like it had been every year towards the conclusion of the tournament - the excitement this year too - was at an all-time high for the epic clash in between the Karachi vs Lahore team in the Final at the Gadaffi stadium - the surroundings off which were already buzzing with gaming enthusiasts coming out to support their beloved teams in great numbers!

It was going to be an exciting cricketing night for all with the Lahore fans rooting for their team to win their first ever PSL title and the Karachi team fans rooting for their team to Retain and Win the PSL title (again)- like they did last year!!

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On The Way to the Gadaffi Stadium

Khushi continued to look around - outside the window of the car she was in - soaking in the surroundings off her Abbu's hometown. Jack was driving upfront with Brian next to him and Sarah and Maya were with her in the backseat. Usually - when the five off them went on trips - they always rented out cars for self-drive given that it gave them the flexibility to explore things and locations at their own pace, time and convenience and privacy. Most of them had international driving license anyways so they often just took turns to drive.( In their travel iternary - they'd kept today as a relaxing- settle in day for the first half given that the second half off the day was going to be emotionally monumental for Khushi. Their touring and exploring around Lahore was scheduled to begin tomorrow)

Khushi was also on text with Arnav - as usual - on and off in between - as the casual chatter amidst the friends continued given that they all were keen on listening to Sarah's work experience in the day gone prior to this moment. M, S, Brian and Jack - were also keener on keeping up with the casual chatter because they knew that it was going to help Khushi feel a lot more relaxed through her shades off nervousness now that they were finally just a few minutes away from the Gadaffi stadium.

Jack looked at the Google Maps upfront and he says now keeping his feet firmly on the brake off the car he was driving given that they were on a red light - " K - google maps says that we are only just six - seven minutes away from the Stadium.."

Khushi smiles at that from behind - " thank you Jack..for the heads up...,"and she pauses as she spots M, S, Brian shoot her concerned looks for a second and she states reassuring them all - " guys...I told you all everything right? I really am feeling quite sorted and calm about this even amidst the nervousness...plus I have you all with me right?? and Arnav and Mum too on like the other side off my phone?? so trust me when I say this...I just know it that I am going to be okay...it's going to be emotional within...yes...but I think I am ready to handle this..."

Sarah hugs Khushi to her side (she was seated in the middle) - " we got you babe..and just in case you feel like you are not able to handle the moment when you are actually in the middle of living it...just let us know..k? we will drive back...with you...k?"

Maya reaches out to clutch on Khushi's hand too - " exactly...my point...as well...we will only stay as long as you are comfortable...K.."

Khushi nods and pulls her soul sisters into a closer hug and she states - " and just the fact that I am not alone in this and you all are here with me..continues to give me continuous strength...guys..how can I ever thank god enough for you all?"

Brian says sincerely now turning back to look at the girls - "oh come on - K...do not start with that..right now..k? we'v had each other's backs since kindergarten...it's our thing..it's what we do for one another..."

They all share a warm nod at that and as the signal turns green - Jack begins to drive again - and Khushi just clutches on Maya's and Sarah's hand back just like they'd clutched hers in powerful support in the moment of time.

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Near the VIP Parking Lot - Gadaffi Stadium

Azlaan answers into his Bluetooth piece - " yes..Noor...I am there...almost there.. just pulling into the parking lot...you do know that the stadium is extremely crowded tonight?? There's obviously a lot of traffic around.."

And he hears his dearest cousin answer into the phone animatedly - " I know bhaijaan...I know..which is why I was a little upset when you told me that you'll get a little late in joining us because of your last minute meeting at the hotel...see if you would have come with us all..well in time..you wouldn't have faced this last minute traffic issue and ...okay..now tell me ..are you actually just minutes away from parking at the lot? Or are you just saying that so that I stop eating your head up on the same??also..you do know that you have to pull into the VIP parking lot..right? don't go to the main one..they are right next to one another...oh wait...you know what bhaijaan? I will just come out through to you..first..and get you here up with me to our stand..."

Azlaan chuckles at that as he presses the honk on his wheel and waits for the car upfront off him to move and answers - " Noor...you do know that this is not my first time coming to the Gadaffi stadium..right? you definitely do not need to come out of the stands and pavilion to help me see my way through....or remind me off the close proximities of the various parking lots."

He hears Noor pacing in her steps on the other side as her tone fastens through the reply as she says - " okay okay....yes bhaijaan...was just reminding you the same incase your head was too clouded with being workaholic still....anyways... guess what I am already half way down the stairs anyway given that I want to make sure that I get you up with me without any further delay...I can't risk you getting busy on some last minute call again...it's almost just ten minute to toss...Ayaan and Azhar bhaijaan are already beginning to get set in their gaming modes...you are the only one whose been missing amidst the four of us..."

Azlaan grins lovingly to himself at that.Noor was the apple of all their eyes given that she was the only cousin sister in their immediate joint family at home. He had two younger brothers(twins) as siblings - Ayaan and Azhaar - both of them just a year apart from him. Not only were they all extremely protective over Noor as elder brothers - they also doted on her immense and encouraged and empowered her to live her dreams which is why they also supported her immense in her very own entrepreneurial journey as jewellry designer and the three brothers in the Junaid Family - Azlaan, Ayaan and Azhar managed the family hotel business along with their father and Noor's father.

He answers now chuckling - " okay Noor...I should have known that there is no point stopping you given that you will be here anyway to take me by the hand...given how excited you are for Raahil tonight.." (As her brother - he was the happiest that Noor had found true love in Raahil. He was a gem off a person)

As he continues to slowly get his car further across he hears Noor answer - " and you know I am beyond just excited bhaijaan...Raahil ka first PSL final hai.(it's his first PSL final) and he's played so brilliantly this tournament..the last couple of months have just been so amazing for him game wise...ofcourse meri excitement ke aaj toh aap andazze bhi nai laga sakte...(ofcourse you cannot even guess the boundaries of my excitement today..)"

He answers on reflex looking out the windshield of his car - " I know that and you do know that we are all so excited too...also yes...I am delighted to tell you that I am almost just pulling across the curb into the VIP Parking Lot..now,"and just as he amps up the accelelator to pull through- he's taken by surprise as someone just tried to dash through in front off the car with their attention into their phone - and given that he was also pulling through at the same time - he did end up hitting the person in a little bump that does push her into a little fall on impact - towards the side.

Azlaan states immediately into the phone - " ohh no...Noor...I'v bumped into someone..wait..I need to check up on her...I'll just call you back..,"and he hears Noor say into the phone - " what??????? oh no...bhaijaan...,"and he just quickly hangs up and stops the engine off his car giving a damm to the fact that there were still a couple of cars lined up behind him and he just instantly rushes out the door from his driving seat upfront as he states instantly - " I am so sorry..about that...are you hurt???,"and he pauses because he is immediately taken aback by a pair off pretty mysterious eyes looking back at him as the woman gets up on her feet instantly and adjusts her sling bag across herself and just brushes on her scrapped elbow as she answers wiping the little dust off her denims and Lahore jersey all the while also checking up for any damage on her phone - " not much...all's kool...and I am sorry too...actually I think this is more off my doing given that I was in such a rush to cross to the other side to join my friends who are already headed into the pavilion...and I was also busy in my phone after I hung up on this call...so I wasn't really careful of the surroundings.......,"and she pauses Azlaan observes her scan her phone for any damage yet again and hears her sigh in relief as she looks up at him and states sincerely - " all's okay...look...I am just so sorry for trying to dash past your car that way..."

Azlaan answers sincerely - " well...I was on a call too..so I think that's where my attention was..I should have been more careful...,"and as he observes her elbow scrap beginning to bleed a little he states instantly concerned - " either ways...look...your elbow is bleeding..let me help you with some first aid ...".(He was feeling a tad bit guilty that he had literally just bumped someone with his car and moreso because she was being all polite about it and taking the shared responsibility about the same without making any hue and cry /or scene over the same - given that she totally could do the very same as well - in this moment of time.)

Azlaan sees her look towards her scrapped elbow for a second and she states sincerely rubbing on the sides examining it yet again- " oh no...I wouldn't want to bother you with that...also...it's not much...just a scrap...ill just wash it off as I head in..,"and it is right then Azlaan hears the honking behind his car increase and the woman says - " okay...I think ill just rush now...you do need to get your car moving..,"and even before he could say anything to that - he sees Noor pacing up to him from across as she calls out - " bhaijaan wait...I am here...,"and she pauses once she's paced upto the woman upfront(who was busy in tucking in her phone in her sling bag safely)and he hears Noor say first to him and then the woman - " bhaijaan you park the car first...I'll be here...hey...are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere else??and bhaijaan.. maybe after as you are done parking...aap apni first aid kit bhi saath le aayein...inki thodi madad karna munasif hoga...(just help me...with that little first -aid kit you always keep stocked in your dashboard..bhaijaan...it will only be fair to help her out with that...)"

Azlaan nods instantly and begins to get behind the wheel shooting the woman another apologetic nod and for a moment he thought he spotted this woman freeze in her otherwise normal frame - as she finally looked up from shoving her phone in her bag and came face to face with his sister - Noor.

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Khushi was both zapped and shaken and statued to her spot as she finally looked up from tucking in her phone in her bag and - when she suddenly came face to face with a familiar face that she'd often spotted online next to her step-brother. The face of his fiancée - Noor.She couldn't believe that the kind, friendly supportive voice she's just heard fall in her ears - was that off Noor's.

Khushi had heard Noor say what she did - obviously but for a moment right now as she took her sight in - she was completely frozen into Cluelessness. Cluelessness over how to react to this.She also wanted to do her best to cover up her face and eyes from giving any expressions away. It was a good thing that her flip the switch still worked around the rest.

She hears Noor say again as she shoots her a polite smile gesturing her to get to the side - "we are so sorry about this...but...you must allow us as in bhaijaan and me to help you with some first-aid..please??"

Khushi swallows the shades off her momentary shock with great difficulty and she answers politely as the two of them do move to the side so that the cars can head in - " no worries..at all...I am okay...I should just head in..now...my friends would be waiting..,"and she pauses as she thinks off the ways to get out of this situation hurriedly - also mentally cursing herself in the process for rushing across the side this way and bumping into Noor's bhaijaan's car(out of all the people in Lahore) in the ways she did. Upon arrival to the Gadaffi - she'd just asked M, S, Jack and Brian to head in first and had stayed out for a talk with Arnav who'd wanted to have a little talk with her before she headed in finally.She was in the middle of texting her Mum after - while rushing across to the stadium's pavilion.

She hears Noor anwer politely in a friendly tone as she insists - " hey...no...please...see...bhaijaan is almost on his way here to us.."

Khushi shoots Noor a nervous smile at that as she answers - "thank you so much...you are very kind...but I assure you..this scrap is nothing at all...and to be honest it was my fault that I dashed out that way in front off your bhaijaan's car anyway....thank you for your kindness once again..it's just that I am in a rush to get in my stand in the pavilion to join my friends......,"and she hears Noor answer in a genuinely friendly tone with a nod - " okay...I understand...how about this? You atleast allow us to help you with some band-aids..maybe??bhaijaan's almost here...see we are both dressed in Lahore's jersey which means that we are rooting for the same team to win..right? so for the sake off that gaming coincidence - you must take some off those band-aids at the least..."

Khushi nods politely at that not knowing how to say No to that - so she answers with a courteous smile - "alrighty then...maybe...ill just take some of those band-aids...,"and she pauses to observe Noor gesturing her Bhaijaan to hurry up and once he was in front off them Noor quickly takes the band-aids from his hand and passes them to Khushi as she states - " here...take these..please....are you sure you don't need anything else?? Some antiseptic ointment maybe? We got some right here??"

Khushi nods and takes the band-aid and thankfully for her - her phone buzzes with Maya's call right very then and she states in a rush to the two nervously - " yes..I am sure...thank you so very much for this yet again...you are both very kind...but my friend' calling to probably check what's taking me this long...so I'll just rush in now...,"and she nods the two politely again and dashes off across at the speed of light - picking M's phone - informing her that she'd just be in - in a couple of minutes.

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Azlaan watches the woman dash away at the speed of light - and he looks at Noor and states sincerely as they begin to walk back to his car to stock the first aid kit back in - " I am just glad she wasn't hurt much Noor...funny how she wouldn't take more help from us on that...I mean..she surely could have used some antiseptic on that..."

Noor nods - " I know...bhaijaan..but I guess she was just in a rush...,"and as her own phone buzzes with her Ammi's text message now and she states after reading it in a rush- " uff...bhaijaan...Ammi is calling now..come on..let us..rush up..now....its four minutes to toss...

Azlaan nods and the two of them get set to head in too - with some parts off the back of his head still momentarily intrigued by those pair off mysterious eyes.

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In the Washroom Closest to their Stand Pavilion

Khushi's POV

M gapes at me in a dazed shock as she asks in a whisper watching me wash up my elbow scrap - " you ran into whom K?????????? are you serious about this????"

I nod at her - parts of me still working on processing the crazy coincidence of what just happed moments ago.I'd obviously just filled them up + Brian and Jack about all of that the minute I'd rushed upto them near our pavilion. Jack and Brian are probably still shocked about this on the out too - as M , and S just gestured me to get into the washroom quickly to wash off and then band-aid my elbow scrap!

Sarah gapes at me from the other side as she whispers in my ear - " you did say ...Noor Junaid..right babe? the one Raahil is engaged too???"

I nod at her yet again and I whisper - " yeahhhh S...you all heard me right...I mean I can't believe this...out of all the people in Lahore...it had to be her bhaijaan behind that wheel...crazy..,"and I admit sincerely closing the tap up next - " but to her credit - she's very polite and kind..,"and the minute I dry the scrap with the tissue - M and S quickly work up the band-aids and seat two-three of them across it from the opposite sides and M says now with a puzzled look up her face - " well...it is crazy that the little encounter totally needed you to mask up your shock in the ways you did - K..."

I nod and whisper with a sigh now - " yeah...was a little practice I guess girls...I mean I do have to keep my expressions masked as much as we step into our stand anyway - even though nothing within will be silent at all..."

Sarah nods and hugs me from the side - " babe...you are faring brilliantly so far...k??"

I nod at the two and it is right then that my phone buzzes with Arnav's call.(So I'd obviously texted him about all in a rush too)

I gesture to the girls that it's Arnav and they nod at me and I quickly pick up and I hear Arnav's say in concerned rush - " fiore..you okay dammit? just a elbow scap right? nothing more in terms off injury? Wait..did you hit your head on the ground or something??if yes..just take deep breathes..ask M and S to flash their fingers up in front off you and see if you can just process it all without haze...wait...ill just...tell you a couple of more techniques...to check this through..."

My heart warms up at that. How could it not?

I whisper softly keeping my hand on my mouth - " baby...I am okay...trust me....it was just a elbow scrap..nothing more...alright? also even that's been band-aid and sealed now...please...relax..."

I hear him sigh on the other end as he says - " I should have been there freaking dammit...I shouldn't have let you talk me out off it...I mean...this has just begun and you ran into Noor by chance already..must have been a shock..fiore...I should have been there by your side to hold your hand through it all...."

I smile to myself at that as I answer - "and you are here..my love...you are...,"and as I see M and S gesture me that it's time to head into the stands as it would be Toss time soon - I whisper urgently - " okay baby...I need to rush now...into the stand...ill text you in a bit - k?"

I hear Arnav answer - " okay fiore...just take care...please???"and I affirm and reassure him the same and we hang up.And I just gesture to M and S that we were good to go!

We all exchange a silent meaningful nod with one another as some more people step into the washroom - and we get out the washroom and join Jack and Brian and we begin to make our way to our Stand with Jack and Brian shooting me powerful supportive nods too. (Jack and Brain had been successful in getting us all the tickets to the stand closest to the VIP Stands - so that it could also help me get a closer look at Abbu across - in real time)

Oh Godammit.

Guys.

This is it.

I am just freaking a couple off steps away from our Stand! And for a second I just pause in my steps - given that my feel all nervy jitters consume me again!

I think - a part of me still needs to soak in the bit that I am actually doing this!

I take deep breathes in to steady those nerves and think off Arnav and Mum's loving faces too in my head along with gazing at my dearest friends who were looking down at me lovingly as they had paused in their steps too alongside me.

They obviously knew - where I was coming from - right now. I think I realise once again - that the best thing about throwing one's self in tricky waters with their dearest friends was - they'd support you through it all silently - understanding it all - you know just like lifeboats did? The core bit being that - they would do their best to help you keep wading through it all!

Okay. Then.

I can do this.

I will do this.

I nod at them all subtly again and they nod at me back and we begin to descend our way into our stand - finally - and I just warn myself to get ready to be prepared for impact off emotions that I knew were going to consume me the very second I laid my eyes on Abbu for the very first time in real time. I mean I just knew I'd sort out and compose my emotions about it all eventually but that bit would only be the second step.I knew very well that just about nothing could save me from the onslaught off the impact off those intense emotions/ longing - at the very first sight off Abbu. It was only natural. I am only human - afterall.

Also - the entire stand around us right now is jammpacked and is buzzing with gaming excitement and I hear Jack and Brian from behind us gesturing M, S and me to head on inwards into the row - towards our seats now. We follow through and we take our respective seats in the first row off our stand (Jack and Brian arranged for the first row given that it will help get me a clearer view across)

I station myself put in the first far end seat in the row which is right first in proximity with the stand balcony and turn a little towards M who sits herself next to me and then S and Brian and Jack follow. I also closed my eyes for a second as I did that to just take deep breathes within again.The crowd around us begins to cheer and hoot crazily suddenly and I hear Maya whisper in my ears - " K - it's toss time..the captains are heading out to the mainfield..."

I whisper still keeping my eyes closed as I continue to take deep breathes - " I figured that bit..M...I did...,"and I feel her lean in closer into my frame as she whispers her voice all caught up in emotion too - " also...open your eyes - K...I see him....and not just on the screen upfront where in they are focusing on the PCB officials in a talk...if you will just open your eyes and turn a little diagonal - you will see him upfront and across too....."(Him was Abbu in context - I understood ofcourse)

I feel my insides freeze in immense emotion now.

She does?

She can see Abbu??

Did she just say what she did?

Am I just a little diagonal shift of my body away from seeing Abbu in real time for the very first time???????

Probably yes - given that I can feel M and S's hands subtly close over mine in support. (It's a good thing that everyone else around in the stand is going crazy in cricketing fan frenzy)

Ok.

This is it.

I am going to open my eyes now and turn around to see Abbu - For Real.

I open my eyes in a flash now and I find Maya, Sarah, Jack and Brian look at me in sincere powerful support at me yet again as they also give the sublte nod that they can see Abbu in real too - and I soak in mountains off strength from - Jack and Brian's supportive gesture+ Maya and Sarah's rock solid clutch on my hand right now and from the imaginary sight off Arnav and Mum's smiling and loving face in my imagination - and I finally turn around diagonally and look up front.

AND JUST AS I DO - I SEE HIM.

ABBU.

MY DADDY.

IN REAL TIME.IN FRONT OFF ME - RIGHT UPFRONT AND ACROSS - FOR REAL!

AND Just as I continue to soak in the sight off him in front off me for Real - I feel my right hand act on its own accord as it unclutches itself from M and S's grip aside and make its way to clutch itself momentarily over my Heart as emotional vulnerable tears do make their way towards pooling at the back off my eyes - that Blurrs my Vision off Abbu - momentarily.

I quickly bat my eyes and use the tissue that M just handed to me silently and wipe those tears outa the corner of my eye and just look up at Abbu again.

Guys.

I do have to say this. Pictures/Videobytes etc do not do My Daddy's personality any justice at all. I mean - that dynamic aura around his impressive personality - surely comes across so much more in real time as I just continue to soak in the sight off him happily engrossed in conversations with the executives and officials of the PCB seated next to him and I spot him grinning and gesturing everyone to pay their attention to the ground as the Toss - happens!

I hear M whisper in my ears subtly that Lahore team has won the toss and will be Bowling first. But to be honest - no part off my head is tuned into its cricket fan gaming moment at all right now - for everything within me is tuned into that Little Child Mode - as I keep my gaze fixed on my Daddy!

AND - DO I HAVE THE WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE MONUMENTAL EMOTION THAT CONTINUES TO CONSUME AND ENGULFS ALL OF ME RIGHT NOW???

Not really.

I mean - what words can ONE use to depict the emotional ache and vulnerability off the moment off a child seeing their father across in front of her for the very first time in the 24 years plus of her life??????????

All I can say is that I am being washed over by massive waves of biological emotion/longing - over and over as my heart guides me to not take my gaze away from Abbu's Frame at all. He seems so happy as he's clapping excitedly with all - given that Lahore's won the toss which only tells me that he's so close to Raahil in his father-son equation and the return of that emotion obviously comes with its shades of longing within.

I add in my head silently swimming through these massive waves of Biological Emotion. Daddy - Look. I am here. I am your little girl.I came to see you.I finally gathered up all my strength and courage to do the same. As emotional as I am right now - I feel so very happy and at peace to finally see you in front off me! I know you don't know about me and that's the way destiny and fate has planned out things in this Life - but please know that I'v always wished you well - ever since I found out about you. You will always be in my prayers - Daddy! I just can't believe I am actually seeing you in front off me right now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

M silently hands me a water bottle now and I gulp some sips down - keeping my eyes on Abbu - still! Everyone around me is getting set to witness the final live!

But am I?

Nah.

I am just going to keep focusing on the sight off Abbu celebrating his gaming excitement for Raahil tonight - so that after I can just peacefully align the emotion in my heart that My Daddy is a wonderful supportive parent to his son - just like Mum has been to me!!!

My phone beeps in my hand. It's Arnav.

Him : I know..Fiore...I know...you must have caught a glimpse of your Abbu in real time by now given that I am watching it live on TV. The toss just went through and they are obviously focusing on the surroundings around after...I saw him up to TV too...are you okay baby? I know you must be feeling so much emotion...right now...only obvious...and natural too...I do not wana disturb you in the middle of your emotional moment obviously love...but I just have to know for once..if you okay? Is it too hard? Do you feel like you wana stay? Or leave?

Jeez.

This Man.

How can I not love him in the ways I do.

I quickly text him back.

Me : I am okay...my hunk...yes I am okay...extremely emotional and vulnerable within right now as I see Abbu across...but I think I'll be okay to see this through till the end off the night...afterall this is my one and only chance to soak in the sight off him across....I love you baby....

Him : and I love you fiore...I am right here..k? am free only as you know..just in my room watching the game live with you...although I know your focus isn't going to be on the game though...text me if you need - k? we'd ofcourse talk about it all I detail..later tonight...

Me : yes we will...also...I am just about to text Mum that I am okay too baby...I know she'll be worried....in the back of her head...

Him : yes..do that fiore...

I get on with texting Mum.

And once am done - I exchange a little smile through my emotional vulnerable emotions with Maya, Sarah, Jack and Brian!

Why do I have a little smile curved up my lips?

Because as I turn to soak in the sight off Abbu grinning across - I can't help but admit within that as raw, vulnerable and emotional this moment is in the heart off my inner child - its also beginning to feel peaceful in the heart off the adult me.

How could it Not feel peaceful too when I was finally in the middle of living a moment - I'd been longing to feel all my Life??????

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UK - In the Middle of Her Work Day

Alice splashes her face a couple of times over so that the redness in her emotional eyes right now - eased down.She-d obviously felt all emotional after reading her little girl's text from three minutes ago which is why she'd just excused herself from the middle of work - for a couple of moments in private.

She adds now in her head silently as she soaks in her vulnerable reflection in the mirror - as she dries her face. She's there - Rehaan. Our little girl is there around you right now.She's seen you for the first time in her life and I can only imagine how emotional she must be feeling right now but I am glad she said that she's doing okay through it all. So glad about that.

And with that she finally takes deep breathes and gets out to continue with the rest of her work day.Once again - work was going to give her the exact distraction she needed through her very own emotions - right now - too!

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

Three Hours Later - Nearing 11:00 PM

In the Stands off the Gadaffi Stadium

The Gaming atmosphere in the stadium was quite tense with gaming intensity given that the game had gone into the final over and the Lahore team had just lost another wicket on the last ball off the over.

The Karachi team had scored a daunting 190 - 6 in their 20 overs! And the Lahore team at the moment was 180 - 6 in their 19 overs - however the saving grace for all Lahore team fans in the ground was that atleast one of their openers - Raahil Khan was still put at the crease. He'd be fantastic in the calculative chase and was currently batting on 70* not out. The pressure for the win was obviously - riding on his shoulders giving that he had been set on crease - since the second innings began.

And now everyone in the crowd was just waiting with bated breathes - to see the final over unfold!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

In the Officals VIP Box

Rehaan drank a couple of sips to calm his fatherly excitement down within as he continued to be in conversation with his collegues from the board. Even though - right now - he was watching on as the President off the PCB - in the last over gaming tention - he couldn't help but allow the father in him to overtake within. He was extremely proud off the way - Raahil had paced his innings tonight in this high-run calculative chase for the Team - Indeed.

He now hears his Vice-President - Abraar Mirza(they'd known each other for a long time) say to him with a knowing look as he finishes gulping down water - " Ji janab...I understand that the fatherly emotions are on the brim off taking over...right now..aren't they??"

Rehaan nods with a grin and answers - " yes Abrar...my friend...you know if Raahil actually manages to pull this off for Lahore team tonight..its going to mean so much to him.."

Abrar nods in an instant understanding with a grin and then gestures him that the final over was beginning to get bowled and Rehaan tunes in all of his attention on field all consumed in the gaming intensity of the moment - too!

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

In the VIP Family Box for Player's families that was next to the Official's VIP box

Noor clutches on her Azlaan Bhaijaan's arm as she burries her face in his shoulder and asks - " uff ya bhaijaan...I can't see this...tell me..did he complete the double? Or is he run out? I mean there was no second run there at all...I don't know why Raahil took this risk at this point...ya allah..just let him be safe in his crease..."

Azlaan chuckles at that and even before he could answer Noor - he hears his younger twin siblings Ayaan and Azhar say in unison to her from next to him - " you couldn't sense the second run Noor...because you buried your face in bhaijaan's arm in so much worry a tad bit early...there was a misfiled at mid-on - which means that Raahil could successfully complete the second run - look up..see for yourself...we are just 8 runs away from victory...all we need is 8 runs in 5 balls...."

Noor looks up instantly now on the field upfront and she sighs in relief grinning - " yes...yes...yes...,"And she looks at the grinning faces of her brothers + her Ammi and Abbu behind her + her Khala's and their families + some beaming excited faces off extended relatives from Raahil's family as they all chatted away happily with one another in the moment and she states now in a - shh - gesture lovingly - " uffo...aap sab..please...ab yeh sab last minute baatien..jitne ke baad karlen?Raahil ko winning shot maarne dijiye...phir kar li jiyega jitni baatein karni hai..."( you all please stay silent and focus on the game for now...please shift these last minute talks to the moment after the win...let Raahil hit the winning shot and then we will talk and celebrate as much)

The elders share a warm chuckle at the nervy excitement of Noor in front of them and Azlaan teases his sister by nudging her in the arm - " Noor...If we all agree to you...then promise us..poore mahine..tumhare haath ki dawat chalegi ghar pe.."(that you will treat us all at home..for a full month)

Noor grins and states to all happily - " ji haan...bilkul...mera wayada..raha...,"and she gestures everyone to return their attention to the field upfront and they all do so in the gaming excitement too as the next ball gets bowled on and the minute they all spot - Raahil hit a square cut in a successful 4 - and the crowd around the stadium erupts in celebration amidst Lahore fans - Noor begins to wave the Lahore Team flag gleefully too and the very next minute as the next ball gets bowled and Raahil hits another square cut in a successful four - smahing the winning runs and taking his Side too Victory in the PSL final tonight - Noor's happiness and excitement knows no bounds as she says to all around her excited as she begins to hug everyone happily - " jeet gaye....hum jeet gayeeee(We won...we won)"

And once she's greeted and celebrated with everyone around her and she continues to take In the sight of the stadium going beserk in celebrations and crackers light up the sky - she does pause in to take the happy side off Abbu across in the VIP Officials box who was beaming in so much happiness and joy as everyone from the PCB board was now probably congratulating him for another successful completion of the PSL and also this years one being uber sweet given that it had been his son - who'd shined immensely in his performance tonight.

Noor hugs onto her Ammi and Abbu now in happiness taking in the sight off Raahil going crazy in celebrations with his team-mates on field too and she says to them - "Ammi...Abbu...see...how...happy Abbu is in the VIP box across ...if only he could be here with us all right now...to savour in the moment....,"and she hears them lovingly assure her in unison that the celebrations had only just begun and they would all be celebrating this moment as one big family - indeed.

Azlaan grins at his sister from across as he says - " chalo ji...ab toh hum sab ki...ek mahine ki dawat pakki.."( great...that now a party for us all at home is now assured for all off us)

And with that - all of Raahil's near and dear ones share a happy warm chuckle amidst them all - as they continue to celebrate amidst them all and watch Raahil celebrate with his team!

They all knew the significance off the moment to him - right very now.

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

A Shortwhile Later - from their Stand

Khushi's POV

I feel my eyes well up again on their own accord as I take in the sight up front on the field and all blown up on the screen right now - for it feels like that even though so much off me within still is consumed in my very own vulnerable emotions( exactly like it had been from the very onset I saw Abbu - for all these hours ) - somewhere in the dep corners of my heart - I feel like - I simply understand.

Understand what?

The emotion - Raahil is fighting right now within - on field as Abbu is being called upon to give him the player of the match award - during the official post-match/tournament presentation.

The overwhelmed emotions in Raahil's eyes are so very obvious right now as he his beaming in sheer happiness too. They are obviously just blowing the moment over and over on screen too.

Plus guys - to be honest - even though I had most of my gaze fixated on Abbu during the game - I couldn't help but feel my very own gaming nerves get worked up during the last over given that outstanding game Raahil played tonight and the every second - Raahil hit the winning shot and I spotted Abbu springing up from his seat in sheer glee and euphoric celebration - I kind off did feel an imaginary longing tug on my heart. Say if Abbu ever knew about me - would he have also celebrated this way in the significant moments/achievements in my Life??? But then I obviously swam my way through the intense emotion as I began to take peace from the sight off him celebrating for Raahil- that maybe yes - the answer to that longing would maybe be yes - in some parallel universe at the least where in - Abbu celebrated my existence as his child.

I hear Maya whisper now in my ears - " okay...I do think Raahil is way too overwhlemed right now..K..."

I whisper honestly as I continue to take in the sight off Abbu beaming in happiness and glee as he is stepping towards Raahil with the award now - " I know M....anybody can see that...and I understand...its only an epic moment for a child to be awarded by their parent for an achievement...I mean..remember how I was in tears when I had Mum hand me my graduation degree in just private...again....and this...surely feels epic for Raahil within..."

Maya nods and we hear and see the stadium begin to root and cheer again around us - as Raahil is finally handed the award from Abbu and even though its obvious that he is probably fighting the urge to hug Abbu right now - we are all pleasantly surprised to see Raahil sticking to an official congratulatory handshake with ABBU as the President off PCB awarding him the award right now.

I can't help but smile at that. Guys - somewhere deep within - right now I do feel this crazy DNA connection with Raahil too in the moment. Even amidst my emotional turmoil within right now as spotting Abbu pose happily with Raahil after giving him the award - I feel all happy for my half-brother within.

I truly Do.

I feel S hand me another tissue from my right side and I take it surprised as I ask wiping a couple of tears from the corner of my eyes - " okay..S when did you pop up here from next to M??"

Sarah whispers hugging me to her side - " just a second ago...you okay babe??its been an intense couple of hours for you..."

I nod at her sincerely and M asks - " you wana stay K? or you wana leave? I think after the post match presentation - they'll announce about the meet and greet session with the winning team..as you know..we have passes to that...."

Brian and Jack walk up to stand in front off me right now too as they lean against the railing and shoot me supportive glance as they lean in to whisper - " yeah..we have passes K - but we will only head there..if you say you are ready for more tonight...its obvious to us that everything within you for all these hours has been flooded with so much emotion+ longing perhaps??take a couple of moments to think this through?"

I nod at them as I shift my gaze on the field again - as the post-match presentation continues and the Lahore team is now being awarded the trophy and on the other side of the screen - I see the happy exhilarated faces of Noor and their extended families in the family box!

Do I want to do this further - tonight?

Probably - Yeah.

Why?

Because even through this emotional turmoil - I know that this could be probably my one and only chance(in this life) to be in closer proximity around Raahil and Abbu - at the same time.

It was obvious that I was going to grab it.

I'd deal with the emotions - eventually - after!

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

30 Minutes Later

In the Hall on the Ground Floor - Where the Meet and Greet with the Winning Team was arranged

Khushi's POV Continues

Ok!

So here we are guys - just seconds away from stepping into the Hall for the Meet and Greet. As in right now the gates of the Hall are shut at the ground officials are just checking on all off our passes as we'v lined up in this que to get in for the meet and greet.

It's almost nearing to Midnight now and I say to S now whose standing in front of me tapping her feet impatiently - " S...I know you are probably exhausted given that you'v had a long day at work too and have an early morning shoot to prep for tomorrow as well...but I promise this won't be long..,"And that from me obviously makes her turn around as she gapes at me and states with a wink - " and what if it's me whose going to take all the time - in this meet and greet with the players - K??"

I chuckle at that and I hear M say from behind in a whisper - " I think - they are probably going to open the doors soon.."

And I answer - " yeah..I hope so too..,"and Brian says - " yeah..me too...I think every one in the que right now is hoping the same..."

Jack suggests now - " Brian..how about we go check up with the officials upfront? They'v just scanned and finished checking the meet and greet passes.."

Brian nods and the two of them get on with doing just that!

I really hope they do open the doors soon too - given that I also know its getting late for Arnav back in India and he won't sleep until he's spoken to me. I am obviously also aware that he has a morning training session tomorrow!( He's just waiting up for me now. I know because we'v been on text as usual too!)

It is right then Brian and Jack come on back to join us and Brian says - " two minutes..guys..they are opening it up.."

Jack adds - "and unlike we presumed...they are going to let us all get in together and not in limited batches...I think the players are obviously eager to celebrate amidst themselves and their families too..."

We all exchange a nod and fall into our casual chatter - which I know everyone is on about right now - to help easen me within - yet again and two minutes later as the gates of the hall begin to open up - and we all begin go step in and I exchange a silent gesture with M, S, Jack and Brian to reconfirm our plan. The plan that was too just casually chat up with all the players first before getting upto Raahil!

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

Fifteen Minutes Later

Noor exhanges a happy grin with Azlaan as she states - " thank you bhaijaan for accompanying me in officially barging in on this fan meet and greet...I mean...I can't believe I only got to catch up with Raahil for those two minutes - which anyway went by with everyone congratulating him...atleast this way ill just get to hover around him..."

Mostly everyone else in their families - the elders + Ayaan and Azhar had proceeded to the Hotel already where in celebrations would continue for all - after.

Azlaan chuckles at that as he answers - " you know I could never say to the look with which you asked me to accompany you to barge in here...Noor.."

Noor winks happily - " I know bhaijaan...which was why I used it.."

And as they get into the hall now - they spot a lot of fan interactions - autograph signing - selfie sessions going on with the Lahore team and Noor immediately spots Raahil upfront at the backend off the hall - in the same with a group too and she nudges to her bhaijaan - " bhaijaan you have a paper and pen on you? let me also ask Raahil for his autograph tonight??"

Azlaan grins and nods - " well I surely think I do have a pen on me sister...and a tissue in another pocket..or maybe...you can just use my hankerchief...for the same??"

Noor nods and they share a warm chuckle at that and just as they are about to head upto Raahil - Azlaan pauses in his step because he thinks he spotted that same woman from earlier tonight across the other side busy in a group chatter with Javed - (the other opener for Lahore) in a fan encounter with a group of people he presumed would be her group of friends.

He gestures Noor to pause in her tracks and he asks gesturing upfront - " Noor...it's her.up front there with her group of friends??????isnt it?? the one I bumped into with my car near the parking lot??"

Noor follows the line of vision her bhaijaan was gesturing towards and she nods as she takes in the familiar sight off her - " yes bhaijaan...you are right...its her...well I am glad that she at least used those band-aids to take care off her elbow scrap??"

Azlaan nods as he observes her from afar - " yeah...I am glad about that too...on that note ..Noor...did we get what her name was?? No..right? It just sinks in..that we didn't even get her name..."

That makes Noor look at Azlaan mischeviously as she turns around to face him completely and gapes at him. Her eldest cousin brother - had turned into more off a massive workaholic after his broken engagement with his ex - Zehra(six months ago).To hear him imply now after what felt like ages that he was interested to know a girls name made Noor feel quite gleeful about the situation. She says now eyeing the woman across- "well..well..well..she is really pretty bhaijaan...yes...she is...wait..so are you just implying that you want to know her name now?? like do you want me to go up to her and strike a conversation?a ask her - her name -and more details?? Like does she live here in Lahore? Etc etc?? well guess what - I could do that anyway..,"and even before Azlaan could answer to that - he sees Noor turn around mischeviously and hop towards the woman in group with her friends.

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

Khushi's POV

Just as we finish this meet and greet with Javed and are about to head towards Raahil now finally - I feel a tap on my shoulder suddenly which makes me turn around on reflex and I feel sheer surprise go through me yet again - as I spot her standing in front of me right now with the friendly polite grin up her lips as she says - " helloo again...."

Her - who?

Noor Junaid.(Raahil's fiancée)

Shoot.

Guys.

It's really Her. Why is she in this meet and greet anyway? I mean - I sure she's met everyone on the team prior - right??

Nonetheless I shoot her a polite smile as I answer - " hello again.."

She pops her hand out for a shake instantly as she says - " Noor...my name's Noor..."

And I answer politely - " hi Noor...I am khushi.."

She looks at my elbow concerned - " you okay right?? just spotted you here as I walked in so thought I'd check up on you...."

I nod and I shrug casually - " yeah...I am okay...as you can see your band-aids..helped...,"And it is right then I spot her brother join in from behind as he shoots me a polite smile and says - " and I am glad they helped...,"and he pops his hand out for a shake - " hi...I am Azlaan..."

I nod at him politely too as I answer - " hello..Azlaan..I am Khushi..,"and thankfully it is right then M, S, Brian and Jack surround me too and I just explain casually them the context of who these two were as casually as I could and then politely introduce them all and after the general introductions of names and handshakes and stuff - I hear Noor ask me - " so ...you live here Khushi? Are you from Lahore??"

I shake my head in a No - " no Noor..all of us live in London actually..we are just here on a holiday visiting your beautiful city..accompanying Sarah on her work assignment here too.."

Noor nods interested - " interesting...,"and she falls into an instant comfortable chatter with Sarah about her ongoing work assignment just like her brother Azlaan has now fallen into a gaming conversation about how great the match was - with Brian and Jack.

Oh great! They are so kind, polite, and friendly right now that it's impossible for either of us - to pull away from these casual conversations. After five minutes or so I hear Noor ask us excited - " so guys - have you caught up with everyone on the team in the meet and greet? Did you all meet Raahil already too?"

Sarah answers - " yeah we'v met everyone mostly..were just about to head to meet Raahil..."

Noor grins at that and she says - " great....which means..I caught up with you all just in time...he's my fiancée...actually...come on then...ill introduce you guys to him..myself...we were on our way to him anyway..."

Oh wait.

Did she just say that? She'd introduce us all to Raahil?????

Yup.She did.She's serious about this given that she's gestured us all to join her up to walk up to Raahil now whose just had the fan group around him clear too and just as I near him now with everyone in the group alongside - I feel myself being hit by another biologically emotional wave within as I try the bestest I can to mask up my expressions right now too!

Noor's happily introducing us all now and I see M, S, Jack and Brian politely greet and congratulate him for the win and the wonderful performance tonight too and the very next second - as she finally introduces me to Raahil - I gather all my strength within as I shoot him a polite nervous taking out my hand to him for a shake in congratulations as I say - " congratulations...on the win tonight...that was a wonderful game...a big fan of your game..."

Raahil shakes my hand back happily as he answers politely and friendly just like he answered, M, S, Jack and Brian - " thank you so much for your lovely wishes Khushi - all of you coming out in our support in the crowd tonight was a major boost to us all...,"and I nod at him politely back as Brian and Jack silently understand my emotional turmoil within and take over to drive the gaming conversation along with Maya and Sarah and I just listen on keenly - soaking in the happy sight off Raahil - being so grounded, friendly and polite to us all too.

Oh Boy.

Tides of emotion begin to rage over and over as I feel my eyes well up on their own accord right now amidst this encounter with him. If only he knew - that we were bonded in DNA in deep ways.

Minutes later as he's finished signing us autographs - Noor asks us all - " wait..guys..do you all want me to click a picture of you all with him..."

Maya nods as she answers on my silent accord again - " yeah we'd like that...for sure.."

Noor gestures us all to fall into a circle around as Maya gives her her phone and her brother offers to click another pic for us through Brian's phone politely as they ask to begin to pose with Raahil now and M, S, Jack and Brian obviously just gave me the opportunity to stand next to him and I pose with them all - happy and content within through the emotional waves off getting my very first picture clicked with my half brother.

And I don't know maybe it's the sensitivity of the moment that's stumped me right now but the very second we finish posing with Raahil - I end up smiling at him on reflex as I say - " so...I do need to say this to you...to be honest...I am a big fan of your father's game too - I mean...your abbu...Rehaan Khan...was my dad's all time favourite back in the day...actually my partner is a big fan off him too ...."

Raahil shoots me a grin at that as he says - " really???? to be honest - my Abbu's one of my all time favourite all rounder too...he's obviously the reason I started playing...,"and he pauses as he states suddenly shooting a warm smile to Noor - " oh look..Noor..don't I always say Abbu's got such a long life...I mean we were just talking about him and he just stepped in with Abrar uncle...upfront..."

I FREEZE WITHIN.

WAIT.

WHAT??????????????????????????

DID RAAHIL JUST SAY THAT?

IS ABBU HERE? IN THIS HALL RIGHT NOW???????

I turn around instantly with M, S, Jack and Brian as we manage to cover up all our expressions - my heart simply not knowing from where was it getting all this strength right now - in this moment off time.

Raahil was right.

It is Abbu.

He's just walking through with the Vice President of the PCB - congratulating all the players upfront again.

Even though my feet stay frozen to my spot - I hear Noor say cheerfully now - " know what Raahil? Let me just go upto Abbu and tell him that someone here is also still a big fan of his game...itll make him happy to know that his game is still remembered from fans all over the world during the dawn of new age cricket too..."

And just like that out of nowhere I hear myself blurt out on reflex to Raahil - that part of my inner child heart wanting to lep up onthis opportunity to see Abbu up and even closer in front off me for this first and last time - " is it possible for me to just get your Abbu's autograph too...maybe?????

Raahil nods happily at that as he says - "sure.... yeah..Khushi...he'd love that...won't he Noor??he'd be more than happy too....,"and Noor answers cheerfully - " we will be back with Abbu...,"and we all watch Noor and Azlaan head towards Abbu.

HOLY COW!

GUYS!!

WAIT.

I JUST SAID THAT OUT LOUD ON REFLEX IN FLUKE - WITH A PART OF ME THINKING THAT THE ANSWER TO THAT WOULD HAVE COME AS A - No/I don't know - maybe??????????????

I gulp down my emotions now as Maya, Sarah, Jack, Brian shoot me subtle concerned looks now and I just nod at them subtly - to relay to them that I can't believe this is happening to me!

That I am probably just minutes away from shaking hands with Abbu under the pretext of being his Fan.

I compose my emotionally raging insides with great difficulty as Maya, Sarah, Brian and Jack fall into a casual chatter with Raahil again to help me ease my nerves and compose myself within for the next intense couple of minutes in this situation!

I just focus on taking deep breathes within and close my eyes for a second looking down on my feet remembering Mum and Arnav and a second later - I open my eyes to just look back casually and just as I take in the sight off Abbu walking up to us all with Noor by his side and her brother staying behind in conversation with the VP of the PCB with some more players and fans around - I feel all of that inner child within me sprout back to take over my Heart.

My eyes are on the verge of weeling up. How can they not? When I am seeing walk up closer to where I am - for the every first time - cluelessly oblivious to our biological connection!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I take strength from M, and S's subtle way of supporting me in the situation with them clutching on my arm on either sides amidst this chatter with Raahil.

Relax Khushi.

Just Realx.

You can do this!!!!

This is your first and last chance to have a talk with your ABBU! Go on - you can pull through this under fan pretext just like you pulled it off with Raahil.

Arnav and Mum's face revolves in front off my eyes yet again and I think its fate'd doing right now totally for just when I was imaginarily imagining Mum's smiling face in my head - we all hear Abbu's polite and deep cheerful voice behind us as he says - " and who is it here in this group that still remembers my game?Noor just told me the same..."

That would be Me.Abbu.Meee. Your Daughter.

I gulp the storm of emotions within now and I turn around now to face Abbu gathering all my guts and strength within and I shoot him a polite smile as I answer - " that would be me...Sir....,"and I offer my hand out in a shake - " a big fan of your game still Sir...my dad was too....my partner is too..."

Abbu grins at me instantly and shakes my hand and the minute I feel his hand in mine for the very first time and my eyes lock with his kind and friendly ones under fan pretext- I feel a tsunami of intense biological emotions flood me within all over - and I control my tears with great difficulty as he answers - " thank you...so much...for sharing that information with me...it absolutely delights me to know...that tonight..when my son's been the star of the show - someone wants this old man's autograph too...."

And that makes Raahil chuckle and smile happily as he says - " Abbu...cmon...you aren't old...you do know...you still play the square cut better than me...."

Abbu chuckles happily at that looking at Raahil and I pause on shaking Abbu's hand - letting it go - finally - in this heartbreakingly poignant moment of time as I say trying to steady my quivering with emotion voice - " you are still a legend sir..your game is too....,"and I offer him my pen and little pocket notebook which I'd kept handy for all the autographs.

Abbu grins at me as he takes the pocket notebook in his hand and he states -" and you ...young lady are very kind to still call my game and me a legend...whats your name??what do I address this autograph with...given that I still beleive in going with my old school method off assigning a good wish for a fan..."

I gulp down another bout of emotion as I look at him straight and answer - " Khushi...Sir...my name is Khushi..."

And I am surprised to spot him pausing on writing my pocket notebook at that as he looks up at me again and asks surprised - " khushi..did you just say that your name is Khushi????"

I nod - " yes Sir..."

I observe Noor and Raahil smiling down at Abbu as he exchanges a warm gesture and smile with them and then looks at me again as he says - " you know what Khushi?? You'v got a lovely name...I love that name of yours...so much so...if I'd have had a daughter...I would have named her the very same..."

Holyyyyyyyyyyyy Cowwwwwwwwww!!

Am I imaging this????????????

Did Abbu just say that???????????? Did I just hear him say that??? I exchange a sublte look with M, S, Brian and Jack to confirm the same. They nod at me in reassurance that I did hear it for Real.

Ok.

I wasn't prepared for the magnitude of back to back emotional tsunami's within.

Momentarily - I feel like I am drowning in vulnerability and emotion now as I once again - control the waterfall of my tears with great difficulty. I know Abbu - I know. Mum knew the same right? She took care off that bit of your wish for you - which is why she named me - Khushi.

I just manage to smile at Abbu somehow as I answer- " thank you sir for that wonderful compliment on my name....,"and Abbu smiles at me again and begins to sign off in my pocket notebook totally oblivious to the tsunami of vulnerability he'd triggered in me with his words - unknowingly.

Once he's done with signing my autograph and because I'd been taking strength from remembering Arnav's face again and I fondly remember he'd love to have Abbu's autograph too - I say on reflex - " sir...if you wouldn't mind...could you sign another one...for my partner...he's a big fan of your game too....you could just put in his initial - A - in the beginning..."

Abbu nods politely - " sure..Khushi...I could do that..,"And he turns the page in my pocket notebook and proceeds with signing a autograph for Arnav.

There you go Mi Amore. I got you my Abbu's autograph!!!!

Thankfully in that very moment off time as Abbu is done with signing in my pocket notebook and he hands it back to me politely - Sarah, Maya, Brian and Jack fall into a little casual chatter with him too under fan pretext - giving me a couple of minutes to just soak the moment and feel of Abbu around - for Real.

I am just gazing at him starstruck right now - guys from the side. I mean to anyone else on the outside I probably just come across as a big fan! But you all know what this is about don't you??? This is about - that little kid in me soaking in the very first and last opportunity to store the memory of the feel off her father's presence around her!!

And I swear to you all five minutes later - as I hear Noor ask us again if we all wanted a combine picture with both Abbu and Raahil - I do end up thanking her over and over in my head - silently!

I mean - who would have thought??? I'd get to experience a moment like this ever? where in I could snap a picture with both Abbu and Raahil in one frame????????????????!!!!!!!!!

Thankfully Maya, Brian, Sarah and Jack nod more enthusiastically than me to cover up for my enthusiastic actions and they all give me that opportunity to stand next to Abbu this time as Noor snaps a picture of us - in one frame!!

My Heart's Breaking within and yet sticking itself up on so many levels. It's breaking because I probably might be the only unlucky daughter whose snapping her very first picture with her father under pretentious fan pretext mode right now and lucky too at the same time given that I am able to pull this off with him being all clueless about it because he is a public figure plus it's also stitching all that heartbreak too at the same time because deep down in my heart I also know that it's this moment that's going to help me in so many ways later as I work towards closure in the coming week!!

Noor finishes snapping a picture of us all - and I just gesture to M, S, Brian and Jack after subtly that we were good to head out now. It was also because I just felt like I needed to rush to the nearest washroom and hug - S and M and cry it out a little. Finally let those tears flow. The Tears I'd been holding onto with great difficulty! I also feel like - I cannot take anymore steps closer to Abbu than the ones I just did - ever again - for Mum's and Arnav's sake too!

M, S, Brian and Jack nod at me - and two minutes later after some casual concluding fan chatter - we all politely bid bye to both Raahil, Abbu and Noor - before we all finally head out!

Once we were out off the hall - I feel Jack hold my arm instantly as he says - " are you sure - K? you wana leave now? I mean you could totally go on with some more minutes of conversation with them...theyv only been so kind and polite..."

I gulp down my emotions as I answer sincerely in a whisper as Arnav's face flashes in front off my eyes again and I exchange a knowing look with S, M and Brian - " yes Jack I am sure...we need to leave now...for I will not take any more steps towards him....and you all know why...I won't budge on that..this was it..this is only how far I want go with this....."

Jack sighs at that and both Brian and him nod at me and I gesture M and S to come alongside me to the washroom upfront and just as we do get into the washroom(thankful that it was just us in here) and M locks it up and rushes upto me- I finally pull both M and S into a tight hug - instantly as they hold me hard too!

And I Cry.

I Cry Out the Waves off Biological Emotion that had been raging and consuming me all this while - emotionally.

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MEANWHILE

Mumbai - India - Nearing 12:45 AM

Arnav's POV

Guys.

I am obviously pacing around in my room in shades of natural worry with my eyes glued to my ohone in my hand again as I wait for Khushi's text. I mean ofcourse we'v been on text on and off through out - but I haven't heard from her after she stepped into the Meet and Greet bit!

And I am worried as hell right now - because - I obviously know how monumentally vulnerable those hours in the stands at the Gadaffii were for her - tonight!

Ok.

Wait.

I am going to text her again - upfront - the only reason why I haven't yet is because I didn't want to disrupt her moments in the meet and greet!

But my impatience within wins yet again as I sit on my bed restless - and begin to write out a text to her.But before I can complete writing my text and tapping send to it - pops in Khushi's message up in our chat on Whtsapp.

Her : Just got into the car baby...on our way to the Hotel...now...so sorry couldn't text you earlier than this...

I type back at the speed off light.

Me : godammit fiore...are you crazy? Don't you freaking dare apologize for the latter - k? the impatient me was anyway in the middle of texting you right now...tell me first right very now...are you okay???? How did the meet and greet with Raahil go??

Phone beeps. Wait. I was expecting a message! But she's just shared a group picture of them all with Raahil right now and she's right next to him.

Oh Boy.

This must have been so freaking hard for her in the moment!

I type the very same to her : godammit..fiore...I can only imagine the emotions you went through in this moment of time baby....

And as I am waiting for her reply again - Pop comes in another picture. And the second I take the sight off her - standing right next to her Abbu in one frame - I feel my very own insides freeze in intense emotion and worry!

Hell what?????????????????

She met her Abbu that up and close??????

Godammit Fiore. I should have freaking been there with her! Dammit - I know what this must have done to her emotionally within! And she probably still doesn't have the words to say it all out to me right now given that she'd probably still be crying it out in the car in M and S's arms - on her way back - right now which is why she's just shared these pictures with me to relate the same.She knows - ill figure it Out.

I type now at the speed of light : I know that you are crying right now in M and S's arms right now still dammit Fiore...I can't beelive you met your Abbu this way all up and close...how must you have felt in the moment Fiore???

Phone beeps.

Her : ill tell you all about it baby..ofcourse I will...when I am back in my room at the hotel...and yes I am crying buts that's only because its important for me to let the emotions flow too...right? but don't worry...M, S, Brian and Jack are here right? theyv been so rock solid in their support tonight just like you and Mum have been.also guess what? there's something else you won't believe...Arnav..

And before I can even ask her the same in pops in another two pictures - and I feel my mouth drop open on its own accord in a daze as I take in the sight off her Abbu's autograph addressed to her in one and then to me in another as - A - with Khushi's written words under in the Caption of the Photo - I got you Abbu's autograph too Baby whilst I got one for myself!

Whattttttttttttttttttttt??????????

Is she crazy? That was just a joke from my end - I can't believe she actually pulled this up for me in a moment that was already so vulnerable for her.

I type back quick.

Me : Khushi..dammit...that was a joke baby..I can't believe you executed the same out in a moment that was already so vulnerable for you fiore...you didn't have to do this at all...I am sick worried just thinking how you pulled through..

Her : I know I didn't have too...baby..I just wanted too...k?its was anyway like you were with me throughout tonight alright? I constantly took strength from the vision of your smiling face too when you were not with me on text....now don't be worried baby...please...ill talk to you about it all..k...? if there's anyone I wana bare all my vulnerability right now is to you - too - love. I will only talk to Mum after - I'v spoken to you. There's no point worrying her more - emotionally right now. She's been having an emotional day - already. I will tell her about it all obviously but yeah - I don't wana cry it out in front off her...just give me twenty mins baby...ill call you..

Me : okay alright...I understand...I am waiting...just call me the minute you are alone....fiore..

Her : I love you Arnav...

Me : I love you too fiore...

Dammm!

Guys.

I can't even imagine what she must be going through - right now! I know she's been hit by a massive tsunami of biological emotions and longing tonight - and its totally natural for her to experience all the range of emotions that she has/is!

But one thing I am sure off - nonetheless.Sure of what?

That I'd be dammed if I let my Fiore get drowned under the waves off vulnerability right now. I'd never let any freaking wave off overwhelming emotion take her down with it.Ever.

Period.

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TADAAAAAA!!

How was That Guysssssssss??? Emotional Much?? Some of the scenes were super emotional for me to write - I actually teared up so much in between! Will be eager to know all of your's reaction to this much awaited update and scenes and moment that followed!!

Next Update: Tuesday/Wednesday Night

So yup - 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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysticaltales11111/

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