TAKE 28 – The Pedestrian Crossing

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 for HW3.o this week! Please Note – We Are Now – 67 Days Forward into the Story which means theres been a Leap of 2 months+ 7 days in the Story!

Word Count – Short-Medium– 6.5K 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🤗❤🙏

Will be Eager to know your feedback on the Same!

Thank you so very much guys* Infinity for all your Support to my Work till now! It truly means so much to me!🤗🤗🤗🤗✍✍✍👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻

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 28 – The Pedestrian Crossing

Two Months + 7 Days Later

27 July, 2019

London – United Kingdom

Friday – 5:00 PM

Khushi's POV

Guys.

It's only fair that I start with this – given the context of the gleeful weather situation within my Head and Heart.

Start with what? If you must wonder?

It's common phrase that most of us – most surely – use – every now and then as a hectic work week nears its conclusion. The Phrase that goes on and about with the magical words that say – Thank God, It's Friday!

Ha!

Don't laugh – guys – it's exactly what I'v been telling to myself over and over as I stepped into this elevator to make my way down and out from my workplace – about 60 seconds ago. Please note – that the only reason I am not jumping like a high jump athlete in excitement right now is because I do have a couple of my work colleagues around in this elevator who are all happily discussing pretty much the same.As to how they are just glad – most of us- finished our delegated work for the day – just in time – to step out at 5:00PM sharp today!!!! Although – I am pretty sure that it's just me who's literally zinging up into a massive high jump with regards to the same context within the walls of my head and heart.

Oh Wait.

The Elevators hit the ground floor! Is there a way that I can just high-jump my way out amidst the crowd in here without seeming like a crazy nutcase?

Nah.

Probably Not.

Calm down Khushi. Calm Down.

You are still – well – within the boundaries of your workplace. How about you control all your excitement for just a little bit more? About – one minute – more?

Hmm.

Safe decision. It's only apt that I fall into this casual professional chatter with my colleagues as we all head our way out. I keep at it – quite diligently with a professional grin up my lips - until we all reach the main exit – and begin to take our steps towards our respective ways after bidding each other a cordial – Goodbye with the usual enjoy the weekend– See you on Monday – drill. Although – oops – I think I made an error with that. I'v taken an off day on Monday.

Anyways.

Let's Head Out.

Oh Boy!!!!!!!!!

Guys – another bonus to the already Fantabulous Friday. I was just about to reach for my handy umbrella out of my handbag, given that the weather forecast was surely signalling towards rain at this time of the hour. But I am beyond just glad to discover that for once – our English Weather Forecast hasn't been upto the mark – for it is not raining at all. It's a fairly cloudy evening. With a pleasant breeze. But yup – there are no signs of the skies pouring out. Yet. And all of that = into the bit – that I can actually just enjoy my walk as usual towards the tube station – this evening????

Or maybe I should just be honest in stating – that my walk might come across as a happy hopping spree to some – for sure – given the way I just hopped my step out of my workplace – onto the busy city streets of Central London.

Soooo – I am sure you all have guessed that – there surely is another reason in the context of my Zingy Mood right now and it isn't just because I'v got off work on time today and it's Friday! Ha! C'mon guys – you know me well? Any guesses as to what it could be related to???? There is obviously another element at work in here that gotten me to feel all super zingy in glee and terming this Friday to be like all Fantabulous already.

Ha.

Yup.

I am assuming that some of you have guessed it right!

It's related to Arnav. Obviously. And just in case some of you are wondering why is it that I haven't texted/called Arnav yet – because it's the first thing I do as a I get off work usually – it's because – he's on the flight right now – enroute to where?????

HERE.

London.

HAAAA!

GUYS.

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!

YOU READ THAT RIGHT.

ARNAV'S VISITING.Again. (He lands at Heathrow at 730pm in just about 150 minutes from now. And he is scheduled to leave on Tuesday early morning. Which is why I took the Monday off. And – yup – even though its just like three days for us – this month as well (just like it was 3-4 days in the month of June as well when he visited) – we are both quite excited about it – obviously. Three days over – with one another is like a freaking JACKPOT for Us!

Okay.Okay. I know it's only fair that I begin to give a brief glimpse into the couple of months gone by. Anyways – I am in the middle of this walk back amidst the busy hustle bustle of the city – just soaking in the pleasant evening breeze – I think I could totally go into a brief flashback mode.

So Yup – lets begin. I obviously returned from Chennai on the 21st May – as scheduled feeling a lot more relaxed and rejuvenated – not only because Arnav and me spent some amazing time together during the rest of the stay – but also because we were both just so glad that the entire angle with regards to Rob had been sorted.I think – that bit – surely put us both a lot more at ease.I returned and resumed work as usual on my Monday morning here and Arnav went back to his game training and everything in preparation for the IPL final on the 28thMay in India. The final was played in between Mumbai and Chennai team – and the game was a thrilling one for it went into a superover – but Mumbai team won it over eventually.It was natural for Arnav to feel a little disappointed along with the rest of team momentarily but they were all kool through it all – the very next day – given that they enjoyed the tournament so much – game wise – nonetheless.

So yes – after this Arnav did have about ten days break and he went straight home first – spent a couple of days with his family and then as it neared the weekend in his break schedule – he flew in here for a visit in the first week of June. I'd taken a couple of days off then too until he left on Tuesday afternoon.And yes --- he stayed at Home. As Planned.And oh boy – let me not even get started in the ways – Mum and Arnav continued to bond during his stay at home in June. I mean – Mum totally pushed me in the backseat for those days. Yup. That was exactly how closely both Mum and Arnav bonded. Not that I am complaining. I'd be crazy too. Even the mere memory of it all – gives me happy + zappy goosebumps. So basically it was like - during his visit&stay - Arnav was the frontrunner with regards to everything at home. He'd help Mum cook our breakfasts, dinners, etc. He'd help us in all our houselhold chores. He bonded with M, S, Brian and Jack over a dinner get together at home in usual friendly close ways, the difference this time being – that it was totally as if Arnav was the Host. And not the guest. Like literally – guys – even when I look back into the vibe of that moment too – it fuzzles and warms up all of my being to a great extent. It was obviously extremely moving for both Mum and me – to experience the feel of Arnav living in our home – as if it were like – his too.Anyways you all get the drill don't you?All in all - We spent most of our time in June during his visit – just chilling at home with one another.

And you know what was the amusing bit? Although he had adjusted his suitcase/luggage/stuff into the guest room on the ground floor – he was obviously not sleeping in there. Because after Mum would crash off to sleep – he's just hop his way up the staircase to my room so that we could spent our night together. And ofcourse Mum had an inkling about the same anyway – so it was like – on the day he was leaving – Mum was like to him biting back on her grin – " Arnav – the next time you visit – you don't need to adjust your stuff in the guest room if you don't wish too. I know you were anyway living half the time out of Khushi's. You Might as well – check into her room straight away the next time" And that from her obviously made Arnav grin mischievously as he looked at me straight(after thanking Mum happily) and winked and voiced the words – " There you go Fiore. I told you – Mrs J knew I was anyway living in your room.No point the guest room formality the next time. So the next time I visit – just keep a couple of shelves free in your wardrobe – for me to use.."

On that Note – I have already done that you know – guys. Kept a couple of the shelves in my wardrobe free and ready for him to use this time around. Took care of that well in time – last night.

Ok.Wait. Only fair that I complete with the flashback glimpse before returning my attention to the present day.

So yup – Arnav left then after his brief visit on 5th June and things resumed for me as normally as I kept my focus and dedication towards -- Arnav +Work+ My Animation Art(that I keep working on as passionately side by side)+ Home+ My Close Friends. Arnav returned to his national cricketing pitch duties as the Men in Blue geared up for Bangladesh coming in for a short tour for 3ODI+ 3T20's.(India won both the series – 2- 1 – and Arnav performed brilliantly on an individual level too). After this tour – Arnav didn't have much of a break except for a weekend break because they were all set to train and leave for about 32 days tour to South Africa which was a series off 5ODI's + 5T20's.( India won the T20 series – 3-2 and South Africa won the ODI series 3-2) And Arnav's just returned home with the squad on the 22nd. He did have another eight days off. He's spent the first four days with his Family at home and is visiting me on this weekend – again – before he recollects with the national squad again in hardcore preparation for the upcoming – ASIA CUP TOURNAMENT – starting mid – August.

So yup – otherwise most of the usual has been up all this while. The only thing that is the icing on top of all this usual is the bit – that – Arnav and Me – are getting freaking more solidly – cemented into each other with every passing second. There's so much magic and peace in that you know?In living each day with the knowledge and the feel that the one you soulfully love – is atuned into your energies as much as you – even though he is technically living his life across the globe+ timezones. There are still times – when I can't believe that I'v been blessed with Arnav and Our Love in the ways I am. In those moments – I just go back to re-reading our daily texts(which our insanely long In length) or listening to our voice notes/revisiting all our memories/ or I speak to Arnav on a call – and it all sinks right back in. That I am living this Blessed Love for real.

Oh wait – I forgot to mention a bit – guys - do note – that I most surely had plans to travel into South Africa for a weekend – one day stay too – given that technically it had already been a little over a month and a half to us meeting last – but then I did have some last minute work assignment come up at work in that week prior and I could not take the Friday off given that we had a presentation for a very important business client. I was freaking royally upset that my plan to travel to Arnav had been see-sawed but Arnav soothed me through it all as he kept reminding me that he was anyway going to visit after the SA tour and the bit that technically we are anyway keeping up with our pact of seeing each other every month, the only diff this time being that we met in the beginning of June and this time it would be end of July! He handled me with all of that and his sweet words that followed - obviously.

But yes – guys – this is the first time that I will be meeting him like after 52 dayssss! Now you all know why I am zinging in this much excitement??? Right??????? I swear guys – I am going to freaking jump up on him the minute he rings the doorbell at home – this time around.

He lands in like 140 minutes from now and he should be home by like 845pm – just in time for Dinner. The plan is to reach back home by 6 today so that I can begin to prep us our favourite meal.(I'v already prepped up the pre-work for the same). On that note – I never thought I'd ever love cooking up a dish as much as I love to do it for Arnav and Us on some occasions – maybe it's because of the ways in which he eats it down as if it were the most sumptuous meal he ever ate?

Oh wait.

Guys.

Gotta pause on the One on one as it's M calling.

I pick up instantly and hear her chirpy voice buzz through – " K...I am sure you can't keep your excitement down right now given that its just about a couple of hours to Arnav's landing – but I just had to ring you up now to tell you that Jack and me will come in to see you both tomm..k? not this evening? We both think its only fair to give the two of you some privacy first..given that you are meeting after a while...,"she finished with a soft chuckle.

I chuckle at that – " very funny M..are you sure though?? Arnav's as excited to catch up with you two though...anyway it's just us...given that Mum's in Sri Lanka on the tour with the England squad and Brian flew in to Dubai this morning too – to visit S on the second half of her work assignment with the production house for the Netflix original..given that her work schedule is a long one this time around.....listen....you come over as planned prior? K? or wait...how about you both join us for dinner?"

I hear Maya ask happily – "are you dishing up the Shepherd's Pie again for dinner– K??"

I grin as I take in the buzy surroundings around me as I continue to walk on the sidelane – " yes M....you know it's his favourite...hands down...."

Maya chuckles – " and I would love to have it too..however save me some....the two off you catch up with one another...ill taste some..tomm afternoon...how about this? Jack and me will join you both in for brunch? He's off tomm and I am taking a day off pottery too because the entire week has anyway been so hectic as you know...but...yeah...you two lovebirds enjoy...tonight?k? we will catch up tomm...you back from work yet?"

I answer fondly – " just walking to the tube station...and...stop teasing me – M. Like...look whose talking – its you and Jack who are the lovebirds actually.."

We share a warm laugh at that and continue to chatter for a bit as I ask her how the work day with her pottery went at her end. She's been working on a new collection off late that's kept her handsfull.

About a couple of minutes later – we finally hang up – and I pause in my footsteps to just leave Arnav a couple of overly excited – gleeful – texts which I know he will read up on the minute he lands.

Once I am done with that and briefly tracking up on his flight– happy to have my screen tell me that its enroute as per time - I push my phone back into my bag and resume my walk towards the Pedestrian crossing that I now need to crossover to head to the tube station on the other side.

And just like that – I pause in my footsteps again.

Why?

To just soak in the sight off the busy buzz gathering around the crossing already in far vision ahead with everyone kind off consumed in their very own bubbles as they head back – Home – in the rush hour. Arnav's right. Sometimes - It's fascinating to just pause and watch on these daily activities. Because on those times – you might discover something – extraordinary in the ordinary.

And you know what did I just realise?? It's the bit that given that we are all exclusive pedestrians in the individual journeys of our lives – the pedestrian crossing – can often act like that familiar bridge that we often build for ourselves within in order to get from one point to the other in our heads with regards to our issues/point of concerns. And the other common thing that we must take care off? Just like the road rules say – that there's a specific signal on for the pedestrians to cross that halts the rest of the traffic around - within our very own minds – we probably have to do pretty much the same while crossing our very own bridges/pedestrian crossings in our heads and hearts. We just gotta press the Mute button to all the extra Hustle/Bustle/Noise/rush hour traffic from the outside world coming in the forms of worldly expectations, assumptions, judgments, presumptions, worry about the reaction from the outside etc - in our mind – keeping your sole focus on the bit – that this Crossing is exclusively for you to cross with undivided focus, attention and honesty towards your inner- self?

Yup.

Guys.

That's me pointing this out. Not Arnav. Just see how much his perceptive self has rubbed on me too???? He's freaking in every molecular inch off me. I mean I can't believe I just had this thought right now. Wait – till I tell him – after. I am sure he'd gape at me momentarily surprised given that often its me who loves to listen to his perceptions on little things.His happy grinning face revolves imaginarily in front off my eyes again – and I take a deep relaxed breathe and resume my steps again.

Just some more time Baby. Some more. I am going to freaking take your breath away after.

The earlier crowd around the pedestrian crossing junction on my way has already crossed over obviously – and it's a fresh crowd that's huddling up around it now as I near the same. Thankfully – the timer around the signal confirms it to me that I wouldn't have to wait long to get across given that some of the pedestrians around have already pressed the button that works as a call button for us pedestrians when we need to cross over – during the rush traffic hour.

OK just about a minute more and the signal should buzz around green for us to cross-over. It is right very then when I spot a woman's figure on the further end of this crowd (I can only see her back)– all engrossed into her screen as she's typing into it fast with her attention completely off the road signals - and she's just freaking stepped off onto the road when the signal to cross – hasn't yet lit up.

Holy Hell.

She might just get freaking hit. Its rush hour. I look around me urgently – and spot almost everyone in this huddled up crowd either busy in their phones or too busy in small talk with one another to even notice that this one person has stepped off onto the road with their head dipped in their phone.

Ok – Chuck Everyone.

I need to act on quick now as I spot her head a little further in her steps and I also spot a red double decker bus on its way from the other side.

I act on accord now and step over a little off the crossing and immediately catch her by her arm and pull her back a little catching her immediate attention off guard as she finally looks up in daze over the sudden action and the bus literally dashes past us both and I say rushed – " careful...please...you could have been hit freaking real hard right now....the signal isn't green yet...I think your attention was preoccupied into your phone which was why you didn't notice the same...perhaps????,"and the very second I finish saying that after pulling us both back on safely onto the side in a jiffy too – I pause in sheer surprise – all stunned - as she finally turns from her sideframe to face me and whispers in daze gaping after the bus/traffic that had dazed pat us – " oh god...thank you so much...you literally just saved my life...I think...no minus the think...you did just save my life..I would have been in a serious hit otherwise....,"and she shoots me a puzzled smile as she states – " wait...wait...we'v met before haven't we???oh yes....ofcourse we have...... You are.....,"and she pauses as she flicks her fingers in a snap – " Khushi...right???????,"and she pauses as a couple of people from around us that probably took notice of me pulling her back in a jerk begin to ask her if she was okay – side by side shooting me polite smiles with a nod of acknowledgement as if stating – It was good that atleast one of us was mindful about the surroundings. You saved someone from a massive accident.

So Why did I pause?

Because like I hinted prior - everything within me is momentarily stumped in surprise over the familiar face I find myself looking back into right now – obviously. A face that I could not – Not Recognise.

I shoot everyone in the crowd around a polite nod back and hear her confirm to everyone that she was fine and as the signal turns green – everyone around in the huddle finally makes there way across – leaving just the stumped me and the puzzled smiling – her – standing face to face on the sidelines yet again.

Oh Christ.

What's just freaking happened????? Whom have I run into unexpectedly in the streets of London right now????

Am I imagining this????

Is Noor Junaid really standing in front off me right now???? Did I really just save – Noor Junaid – by chance??????

She shoots me another one of her puzzled smiles now as she asks again – " Khushi...right?? you are Khushi....I remember...I know you...we met before...in Lahore...at the Gaddafi stadium...a couple of months ago...remember?????I am Noor...,"and she begins to give me a recall of our prior meet in Lahore.

Oh yes.

Ofcourse I remember you Noor. You are my half-brother's fiancé. How could I not remember? But I just don't just know how to react right now. I literally can't freaking seem to move.(Guys please note – I was somewhat prepared for a chance encounter with her in the coming month going foreward – you know just incase I did visit Arnav during the Asia Cup in the UAE depending upon how the tournament went for India. And given that it's Asia CUP – its obvious that the gaming contingent from Pakistan would be there too. In my head I was somewhat prepped for a chance encounter with Noor then you know just in case she visited Raahil there too. But this – sudden encounter – out of the blue right now – on the streets of my city – is something I was most surely not expecting at all. Do excuse me for my stunned stuper – guys)

A couple of minutes later - I hear her finish narrating the recall of our prior meet in a rush and she asks me yet again if I remembered it all – I finally instruct myself to defreeze out of shock within as I finally say – " yeah...yes...I remember it all...ofcourse....Noor.....I was just momentarily surprised...bumping into you here....in London...,"and just as I finish that I spot her pale in her face suddenly and she instantly puts a hand to her temple as if she were dizzy which makes me hold onto her arm on reflex as I ask steadying her and walking her to the little wall corner around the block of a showroom so that she can lean against the wall in support – " Noor....hey...are you okay?? You seem dizzy...."

I can't walk away from her right now – obviously. Even though in some parts off my head are warning me to just mark my distance – but maybe it will be wise to get to doing that after helping her through first for humanity's sake. She really looks pale and dizzy to my eye – right now.

Noor nods taking support from my grip on her arm as she says softly leaning her back into the wall for support– " yeah...I am okay...I get dizzy when I skip on my meals...and I literally haven't eaten anything in the last 8 hours after a quick breakfast at 8am...I was just so occupied in my work here and around...infact that was exactly what I was being schooled over by Raahil on text on the other end...when I stepped onto the road accidentally...,"and she finally opens her tired eyes to look at me with a thankful gaze and she states – " thank you Khushi for helping me..in that moment on the road..and now too... I seriously would have been badly injured if it weren't for you...then..,"she clutches on my hand – in a polite friendly way.

I shoot her a polite smile as I say – "don't thank me please...Noor...you helped me in a similar moment back in Lahore...now...didn't you?? so I think...we are all even stevens...,"and as I spot her face paling a little more in her face as she gets dizzy again – I instantly had out the Evian water bottle from my handbag first as I say - "okay...you seriously need to have some water to drink first...and then maybe..get some food in your system on priority??? Given that you haven't eaten all day..literally...."

She takes my water and begins to sip on it and nods at me briefly after taking a couple of sips and I look up across a little further ahead and spot a familiar café that I'v visited in the past and I say – " okay...so ..there's this café 100 meters up ahead...amazing quiches to snack up on and the scones are a delicacy as well...they brew up some killer coffee too....would that work for you? I could help walk you there ...Noor..."

Noor smiles a little at that with a nod and hands me my bottle back as she says – " yeah...sounds good...I just need to eat anything right now...I think it's safe to trust your recommendation..Khushi..."

I nod at her and just hold her by the arm gently as we begin to walk up to the café now ( you know just incase she feels faint) and I ask on reflex as the inquisitiveness gets the better off me – " so....you ..here...in London...Noor...how come??"

Noor explains softly – " for work...actually...so I run this chain of jewelry stores in Pakistan + a couple of stores in the middle east..I am aiming to expand here in the UK now...I'v just been in back to back work meetings..discussing our new line of sleek platinum/diamond jewellery that can be worn casually as well with some of the the boutique jewellery stores that do source out products from other designers as well... in and here around Central London...because its only obvious to seek expansion through that angle of retail first...and if our products do well...I could look forward to opening up an exclusive store here....we arrived...two days ago...it was a rushed business schedule...infact the only reason why today has been so packed is because I had tons of back to back meetings lined up for the day – because we leave tonight...have a late night flight back...all the work has been sorted....."

I nod politely taking that in – " okay...that's great...all the best to you Noor for the business...and I guess its fair that its time to focus on the bit you forgot amidst it all... which would be eating...,"and with that she nods and smiles at me warmly as I open the Café door for her and gesture her to get in and I ask on reflex – " also...you mentioned. We? which means you are not visiting alone?

What if Raahil was here?No not possible. He's out on a cricket tour in Zimbave - right now.(That's what the Online Media update on Pakistan Cricket - Says)

She answers as we steps in – " we as in Azlaan bhaijaan and me..."

Oh. Her Bhaijaan. The one I had bumped into – prior at the parking lot at Gaddafi.

I answer – " okay..."

She continues to give me the context – "he's here for work too...our family's in the hospitality business...we are looking to acquire this brand chain of bed and breakfasts here in London...he's actually busy in his last meeting for the day...not very far away from here...I was supposed to head to him...,"and she pauses suddenly taking in the scent of food around and grins back at me – " okay...now that I am in here...my body's hit with a reminder which says - I am starving...hands down...,"

We share a natural warm chuckle at that on reflex and she states just enjoying the aroma in the air – "okay....this place already smells delicious...Khushi...you come here often??"

I answer on reflex with a polite smile– " at times...on my way back from work...I do fancy their scones and quiches quite a bit...and like I said..the coffee is good too...."

She nods at that and asks suddenly next – " so...you are staying right Khushi? I mean...why don't you join me for a little snack over coffee??don't say no...Please?? cmon...you just saved me on the road...you need to let me thank you for the same...over a little bite...??until Azlaan bhaijaan arrives...??ill just text him to come see me...here...once he is done..."

Okay.

How do I say no to that??Especially when she asked me in that polite friendly way???Also I think the biological angle in my heart just nudged me to make sure that my half-brother's love was all fit after eating and not dizzy before stepping out of this café in my city. The biological emotion in me overrules momentarily. I think I could stay until her bhaijaan arrives.

I nod finally – " okay...I could stay for a shortwhile...until your bhaijaan arrives.....so shall we place the order then??"

She nods and we begin to order up.

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

Twenty-Five Minutes Later

Khushi's POV Continues

I am so glad that Noor's gotten the much- needed snack in her system which has restored her back to her normal self.

So – we'v spent the last 20 minutes – chatting up on the usual stuff over this snack. She's obviously had a snack that would work as a fuller meal and I have just snacked up on some scones and coffee. Its crazy how normal and comfortable it feels to be around her in the moment- though. She's asked me how the rest of my trip in Lahore was. I briefly summed it to her – that we loved our stay – obviously as we chatted up on the touristy elements in her gorgeous hometown.She asked me about my work after and I briefly highlighted it all to her and summed up my animation dream – eventually. Then we got talking about London. Just basic usual – day to day – stuff.

Hmmm.

But given that she does look all okay now – I think its time to get going and mark my distance.

My eyes fall on the entrance of the cafe door as I sip the last sip off my coffee now and she catches on the gesture and asks – "do you need to go now..Khushi??"

I nod politely – " yeah..Noor...I do need to head home now....."

She nods and smiles – " I understand...but hey...it was great catching up with you khushi..."

I nod politely and smile – "it was great catching up with you too Noor..and I am glad you feel well now..."

She grins at that taking the last bite of her quiche too – "the wonders a meal can do to your blood sugar...and yes...Khushi.. we should be in touch you know? the next time I visit London...lets catch up..."

Oops.

I don't know how to evade my way out of that. I can't just bluntly say – being in touch – with you – is a No – No for me Noor. No matter how nice and friendly you are.

Thankfully her phone buzzes and saves me from answering that and allows me to get away with a polite subtle nod to that last bit from her as she gestures me to give her a second to take the call and I nod again and she picks it up and she says into the phone – " Raahil....good that you called...I was going to call you in a bit...also...now that I am all okay...I think it's safe that I fill you in – i almost had an accident scare while we were on text...but guess what? khushi saved me...remember khushi? The one whose a big fan of Abbu's game too? we bumped into her in Lahore at the Gaddaffi Stadium....yeah...her...ahaan...and given that I was dizzy after because of not eating all day....she suggested me the nearest place I could get a delicious snack immediately...yes...I am with her....,"and she pauses and looks at me and smiles – " Raahil conveys his thank you...Khushi...for saving me on the road...,"and I nod at her politely and she continues to fill Raahil in.

Oh Boy.

Another unexpected turn of events. I was not expecting Noor to play messenger with Raahil's thank you to me – obviously.

But for a second – I can't help but smile as I listen to her talking to Raahil right now. It almost reminds me off the fond vibe – that engulfs me when I fill in Arnav about anything and everything down to the T.

I hear her hang up quickly in a couple of minutes after – promising Raahil that she'd never be careless about her meal timings/around the road ever again and that she'd call him back later – and as I gesture to her that I need to get going now she asks – " okay..Khushi..beofre you go..how about you help me with one last thing??"

I ask puzzled – " sure? what last thing??"

Noor grins – "what do you think? Will the man behind the counter think I am crazy for wanting to pack up his quiches in an ice box and carry some back with me to Lahore??? It won't go bad until tomorrow morning right?? its so...delicious..I am sure he wouldn't give his recipe away which only leaves me with the option of carrying a take away..."

I chuckle at that on reflex as I answer – " well I am sure he wouldn't think you are crazy Noor...I am positive that he'd take that as a compliment instead...why don't you try asking??"

Noor nods happily and I stand up now from the chair and she stands up too to greet me bye in a friendly sidehug – and just as we are in the middle of that – we both hear her Azlaan bhaijaan's voice behind us as he states in rushed relief – " Noor....what a relief...now that I have seen you well...I can finally relax...,"and with that he pulls Noor into a big brother hug instantly and shoots me a polite friendly smile as he says – " thank you Khushi...for helping my sister...out on the road today.."

I smile back at him politely – " no worries......"

I hear him say to Noor now still hugging her protectively to his side –" I wrapped up my meeting in a rush when your text came Noor and headed here first thing out...you have no idea how worried I was...I wouldn't be at ease until I saw you...why didn't you eat all day when you know your blood sugar drops significantly when you skip meals? I was at work too..right? but I ate..Noor...."

Noor shoots me a sheepish look as she says – " excuse my bhaijaan's big brother mode...Khushi...he's always like that..when it comes to me..."

I nod at her with a sincere smile -" well...now that your bhaijaan is here...ill take my leave now...Noor...all the best for your work and everything...k?"

She nods at that – "thank you khushi...all the best to you too for everything...,"and with that I just finally shoot both her and her Azlaan bhaijaan a polite nod one last time – before I finally make my way out the Café.

And the minute I step out – I take a couple of deep breathes to just steady my jumpy nerves – superglad that Raahil's call+ Azlaan's entry after distracted Noor from furthering up on the let's be in touch bit. Close save - out off that. For I surely wouldn't have enjoyed cutting her off abruptly with that. She's really nice.

Anyways.

Time to head home and fall into my plan off keeping up my distance from everything that is linked to Abbu. I resume my walk towards the familiar pedestrian crossing – and a couple of minutes later - as I cross the pedestrian crossing now safely with the crowd around me – a little smile does curve up my lips on its own accord – nonetheless.

Why?

For the biological element within my being still seems to be superglad over the bit that I was able to help my half-brother's love in a little way at the least today. Raahil really loves Noor – I guess and its obvious that any harm on her would have hurt him.And even though technically – he is destined to live in a world oblivious of our biological connection – I am pretty sure that I'd always wish for that smile up his face to be a permanent feature in his Life.

So what - If - The Pedestrian's Crossings in our Life are never meant to overlap/cross one another's – biologically? There's surely that one element of a True heartfelt Wish/Prayer - that has the power to fly across any crossing/borders in the world – nonetheless.Right?

And as you all know – I'v always silently wished them well in my heart.

I just always have.

I just always – Will.

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TADAAAAAA!!

How was That Guysssssssss????? Did any of you anticipate Khushi bumping into Noor again this way???? For Now. Obviously theres going to be another encounter supersoon – I am sure you all caught onto the hint about the upcoming ASIA CUP in there...winks.....😉😉

Next Update: Wednesday Night Mostly.(Will try my bestest for Friday. Incase not up by Friday night then Saturday surely)

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

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