TAKE 29.1 - The Tunnel of Endless Ease

3 years ago

mysticaltales11111

@mysticltales111

Hellooooo Guysssssssss....

So yes – here I am with the next for HW3.o this week!

Word Count – Medium- Long in length–8. 7K Words.✍✍👩‍💻👩‍💻

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

‍💻

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

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 29.1 – The Tunnel of Endless Ease

Same Day – Hours Later

Nearing to Midnight

Raizada Mansion – New Delhi, India

In the Guest Room

Khushi's POV

I chuckle happily as I see Mum chuckling happily on the other end on our video call as she asks – " khushi..hun...did you just ask me what you did?"

I nod happily.

She grins – " alright..alright...hun...then yes...just for a second...I'd let you use the context off your coined nickname for me right now...c'mon then...out with it now..."

So guys – I'v been on the video call with Mum for the last ten minutes.I'v almost briefed her over everything – through my day here with Arnav's family ever since I arrived. Before speaking to her – I was on a combined call with M, S, Brian and Jack too.( On that note – I know I have to give you all a glimpse into that bit too and I will surely get around to it after speaking to Mum)

So briefly – lets get back to the present moment before we get into the Glimpse mode – okay?

I grin and I say now – " okay so Mum..the reason why I wanted to use my very own coined nickname for you in context was...that for real..at the moment...I feel like I am the Alice in Wonderland who is literally spiralling her way down this tunnel of endless ease...like that's how freaking comfortable I have been here...at Arnav's home...or around his family...like I already gave you a glimpse of it all..Mum...it's like...they are so wonderful...their happy vibe...the way they welcomed me with open arms...all the while after...it literally doesn't feel like that it's my first day here with them..like...at all...christ...do you remember how freaking nervous I was Mum prior? Turns out for real...that there was no need to be...,"and I sigh happily shaking my head as I lean back into the sofa I was seated at – " and that smile on your face tells me Mum that you feel all relaxed to now...don't you? I know you were a tad bit nervous about how'd it go..here...as well..."

Mum nods at that in happy relief – " yes baby...I am beyond just relieved now...to hear you talk about your time with them...it was obvious for me to worry prior too...right? but now that you seem to have hit it off...with Arnav's family ...I feel like...I am going to sleep with a peaceful grin up my face tonight...indeed..."

We share a happy chuckle at that and I admit on reflex to Mum next – " Mum..to be honest...the way they just call me beta..so fondly...it touches a deep chord within...specially when I hear it come from Arnav's Dad...I mean...Arjun uncle...is fab...,"and my eyes well up a little on their own accord as I continue - "Mum...you know I am healing with regards to Abbu...I am doing so much better now...but after spending just a day around Arnav's family...it's like now I feel like...maybe...knowing Arnav's dad will help me heal further...you know....what I mean don't you?? you know how knowing uncles as in M, S, Brian, Jack's dad's,have helped me through the childhood subtly...I just feel that knowing Arjun uncle now...will help me too in the present day today.."

Mum nods lovingly as her eyes well up as well – " yes baby...I know...exactly what you mean..and do you know that Arnav texted the same to me when you landed? That he was hoping that finally meeting his Dad would help you heal more on the context...of never knowing your Abbu..personally..."

Oh My.

Did he really text Mum that??I should have freaking known that My Baby was going to perceive the deep angle behind it all even before I could live it.

I smile and answer – "seems like he really was right about this..too..Mum...I am sure I don't have to say it out loud to him though...like I am sure he has observed it in my vibe all day...we were around everyone mostly...just kept texting each other in between on and off because it wasn't possible for us to get time for one on one...much..."

Mum smiles – " I am sure he has caught onto that Hun...he reads you like an open book..."

I grin – " and I am glad he does...Mum..."

Mum grins – "also know what Hun? I think he's more nervous than me/you in wait for your work development...I mean I know..you might hear from the team about the feedback on your proposal when the work week begins on Monday in London or when you return to work on Tuesday morning....and I am patiently waiting for the same..but Arnav's been quite impatient about it...in anticipation...he texted me that too..."

I chuckle at that – " oh yes he is Mum...he surely is more impatient than me/you to know the feedback on my idea...and yes he did tell me that he messaged you this bit..thoguh...."

(Guys – remember – my idea about that suggestion for the section off content for digital sports daily?? So - I had been working on it extensively for the last two weeks and I finally submitted my idea/proposal in by Friday morning at work.(Yesterday) The deadline for idea/feedback submissions was today actually but given that my plan to travel to Delhi was fixed – I planned on submitting it all – a day prior. )

I had Planned/skecthed it all extensively like I had discussed in the idea with Arnav as you all had heard – the only minor change being the bit that when I finally submitted it – I titled the animated comic strip volumes with the name – 'Aiding the Yards')

Mum says now grinning – " I told him though...that I am as impatient as him too hun just trying to pretend to be patient about it...you know its moved me immense that you took inspiration from anecdotes of my life too – to begin your work on this Hun..."

( Guys - Mum – S- M – Brian – Jack loved the idea too just like Arnav did. They have all been quite excited about it all too)

I smile – " oh come on Mum...you know you are my hero...don't you??"

Mum nods happily and we share an emotional smile.

It is right then I remember something important next – " okay ...okay...wait...Mum..listen up...amidst all my filling you up on the day + our usual chatter...I just forgot to mention that Raima Aunty + Arjun uncle did say over dinner that they like wana video call with you too...they said that they'd like to speak to you as soon as possible..and catch up generally...so if you are comfortable...how about tomorrow sometime? Whenever you are free?? Oh wait...but there's that T20 match tomorrow at your end...so...maybe after that??"

Mum asks happily surprised now – " really? hun? They wana catch up?"

I nod grinning – " yup Mum...so you okay with this?"

Mum grins – " you bet...hun...I am more than just okay...I would love to catch up with them..but maybe...after the match here...its going to be a long day tomorrow...until then..i do have to oversee the last minute physio sessions in the morning/late afternoon...etc..you know the drill...."

I nod at that – " ohkayy..alrighty... Mum...but...I am so excited for you too catch up with Raima aunty and Arjun uncle...,"and Mum and me continue to chatter for another five minutes – before I finally wish her a good nights sleep and she does the same after teasing me that she surely knows that I am not going to get any sleep soon anyway – and we finally hang up – after sharing a warm chuckle.

Just as I hang up my phone buzzes with Arnav's text.

Him : Baby...I swear...my twin's just turned my enemy right now! I have no cluse what sadistic pleasure he is getting out off holding me in this business conversation at this time of the hour when he surely knows that I have somewhere else to be...give me ten mins more...love...ill be with you soon...supersoon..

I smile as I read that.

Me : alrighty baby...take your time...I am right here...across the room...

I tap send.

Him : Damm do not remind me the same my lady...or I will flash my way through to you already...on that note...the cheeky grin on Akash's face right now tells me that he's doing this on purpose...oh you bet he is...

I chuckle.

Me : maybe that's a part of it too – but I am sure – there was the other work angle to it too...okay love..don't text me now...finish up with your work soon...so that I can see you faster??

Him : on it baby...on it...

I chuckle and keep my phone aside and look around the guest room I am staying at – for these two days – and soak in the happy vibe/aura that radiates through it – just like the happy aura that engulf's every nook and corner of Arnav's home.

So guys – after we all finished late dinner and catching up – and everyone retired to their rooms – Akash had received some business email that he mentioned needed urgent discussion with Arnav because it was regarding one of his investments that he was managing for him.

Oh Wait.

I do have to rewind it all a little right? to give you all the glimpse?And I guess given that there's still time until Arnav arrives – I might as well reminisces about it all in my head happily too.

So Yup – following the warm welcome that made me vulnerable and emotional – Arnav and me – joint the rest of his immediate family for lunch. And I just have to say this – that it was definitely hands down like one of the most amazing meals of my life. Not just because of the fact that the food was yummm or that Raima aunty had hand cooked me delicious jalebi's – it was freaking hands down amazing – because of the happiness in the air + the Level of Ease that was consuming my insides all through out.

I swear to you all – just like – Arnav – his Mum, Dad, Akash, Payal, Di, Jiju – are so freaking awesome and grounded, warm and friendly – like just freaking downright amazing. It's like there's this instant warmth in their vibe that it connects and touches a deep chord within. The jovial+ comfortable familial bond in between them all – fuzzed up my heart too. One look at them – and you know – they are a close-knit unit – just like I had always heard from Arnav but today to like witness it upfront in real time – was just so amazing too.

So - We spent the lunch time – amidst happy chatter. The icing on the cake for me + to Arnav's adorable dismay was the bit that – each of his family members spent the most of lunch time teasing Arnav's case/teasing him left right centre – on our angle – right there in front off me. They filled me up on every little thing too that they'd observed. From Arnav's impatience in wait for my textz/calls at times/ him doubting the signals/ his happy stride whenever he walked away to talk to me in private – etc etc – they literally did not filter anything and I was freaking loving it obviously. Like down to the freaking T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I mean Arnav always is vocal about how crazy he is about me but just to hear his family say it out to me through the things they had picked up on – just made me feel all gooey within like a happy marshmallow – this time around!!!!!!!!!!!!

How could it not – guys? Infact – to be honest – I was pretty sure that Arnav was faking his adorable dismay too. He was totally loving the bit that I was hearing this from them too.(His happy gaze as it locked with me from across told me the same – obviously.)

So after lunch – Anjali Di, Jiju, Akash, Payal and Arnav just showed me around the house and I loved that I was finally seeing Arnav's home in real time too.(Do note – that at this point – Arnav tried his best to get some privacy for us – when they showed me around his room but it didn't work for us obviously given that Di, Jiju, Akash and Payal – made sure that they kept troubling him with that – by surrounding me all throughout)

But nonetheless – Arnav knew through my loving gaze and my vocal words as I did voice to him in front of all that there was this different peace I was feeling within at finally seeing his space at his home – for Real.

So after that bit – once I got around to settling in – in the guest room – Arnav once again thought that he'd be able to get us some alone time – but he wasn't successful again – for Di and Payal were with me in this room through that bit and Akash, Jiju dragged him out to the family living area after – where we were all to get together to catch up – after.

We got on with that and spent the most of the evening doing that in happy casual chatters. Even though they already know so much about me through Arnav – Arjun Uncle, Raima aunty, Akash, Payal, Di and Jiju did get into individual one on one conversations with me to just know more about me with regards to work, studying, my love for animation, my usual likes, dislikes, Mum, my friends, granma, grampa – etc etc – and even though I know so much about them too through Arnav anyway – I obviously talked about the same/their interests in their context with them too. Arnav was obviously an active part of it all – the only bit he was disappointed was that – he still wasn't getting the chance to sit next to me for Raima aunty, or Payal, or Anjali Di/Akash/Jiju or Arjun uncle were always in that seat next to me – all through out tea and snacks time after too.

I absolutely loved to catch up with Payal and Di and know more about their work, daily routines, too and Payal also filled me up on the twin mischiefs tales of Arnav and Akash. We teased the two about them – obviously with everyone else siding with us too! Arnav obviously gave the look back to me that said silently – Wait...till I get back at you for this Fiore...and I obviously gave him a happy cheeky wink in reply.

Okay so by this point it was almost post 630PM and just when Arnav started to get cheeky on text to ask me sneak out with him so that we could atleast kiss one another – Akash announced that it was now going to be the time of their Family Dumb Charades Game.

That got me crazily excited because I'd obviously heard tales about these family games from Arnav right? so I was eager to actually play it with them all – obviously. I somehow coaxed Arnav into shifting our sneaking out to later then.

Arjun uncle, Akash, Anjali di and me were on one team and Arnav, raima aunty, Payal, Jiju were on the other team. We had the time of our lives – competing against one another playfully in the game so much so that our Dumb Charades time went on for two full hours and ended up in a tie among both our teams on points – and the best part of it all was the bit once again – how naturally at ease I was amidst it all. As if – I really was just meant to be a part of their inner circle at Home. That's how heart-warming the whole bit was!!!!!!!

Happy Dinner followed next which once again was filled with contexts of conversations of interests from everyone's lives + cricket + Arnav's upcoming Asia Cup tour – and – after dinner - Anjali Di announced that it was now time to show me – another fun gaming side off them all through their usual card game of Three Card Poker – that they often played during get togethers amidst themselves or at Diwali.

And here's the bit that touched me the most emotionally yet again guys – that given that even though I am aware of the rules of three card poker – I am not like a pro at playing or something – so just when Arnav said that I'd be in his team for this first time and we'd play together – Arjun Uncle mentioned – that he'd like to me to be on his team for the first bit too! Arnav wasn't going to say no to that obviously – so yes – I actually did team up with Arjun uncle all through out the mini three card poker card party session – as he taught me the ways they go about playing it usually.

I was loving it hands down to the bit. Just being a part of it all + having chances and moments to bond with Arnav's Dad!!It just freaking felt like Magic within. When Arjun uncle was teaching me about certain rules/ seated next to me/during our team up on Dumb Charades – I almost imagined – probably this was what it would have felt like having Abbu next to me in similar moments. The imagination bought a bout of vulnerability within on and off - obviously. But the shades of the vulnerability were happy in their vibe.

So Yup – That was how the time flew – until about 1115PM when Di, Jiju and Payal left for the night and the rest of us began to retire to our rooms. Once - Raima aunty and Arjun uncle left for their room - Akash asked Arnav to step aside with him into that last minute business discussion and I just made my here to the guest room to quickly freshen up, shower and change for the night and whilst waiting for some alone time with Arnav now – I got onto the calls with everyone back home – as you all already know.

Yuppppppp.

So, I am sure now you all know/understand what I mean by the bit that I actually feel like Alice in Wonderland – spiralling down the Tunnel of Endless Ease – don't you? Everyone's only exuded so much warmth and love all this while – on the very first day – that I just feel so freaking blessed – within – right now.

Blissfully Blessed to Have met Arnav's Family – Finally!

I am right on that thought when my phone buzzes with Arnav's text.

Him : I will be at the door in thirty seconds baby.

I leap up the Sofa in sheer glee and excitement obviously now and race to the door to fling it open and it is right very then – my eyes lock with Arnav's impatient ones – as he steps right in – and closes the door shut behind us and before I can even say a word out loud - he pushes me to the adjacent wall and cages me in his arms and closes his lips over mine – for an urgent deep kiss.

Damm Him.

I kiss him back as urgently and passionately – ofcourse – because a part of me had been aching as much as him to do so too – all day ever since I'd met him at the gate. He's trying to dominate our heated embrace impatiently and I am not letting him take over – completely which leads to an intense tug of war between our lips as we begin to caress one another madly – impatiently too.

About ten heated minutes later into just kissing each other wildly and caressing one another possessively and urgently by the door -Arnav whispers into my lips – " finally...godammit...baby...you have no idea...how much I'v been dying to do this all freaking day...a pity that you didn't side with me to sneak out prior baby...now you gotta freaking make up for it all night....I mean...I can't freaking believe this...for heaven's sake...youv been home for hours and I'v had to wait until Midnight to kiss you, touch you...dammit...,"and he pauses and continues to kiss me hard.

I whisper into his lips amidst our kiss – " I know..baby...I know..."

He whispers back – " I told Akash as he tried to comically delay my getting here after our work discussion was over that I was going to freaking get back at him for this – by making sure that he got no moment of privacy with Payal the next time she was visiting.."

I chuckle into his lips – " ahaan? did you now? did it work?"

He whispers back – " nah – given that he mischievously reminded me that I am away so much anyway that he's get his way eventually...which means fiore...that they'd all be upto surrounding you all day tomorrow too – which means...now and tonight is what I have to have my ways with you dammit...why didn't you sneak out with me baby? Prior? All day? I was freaking aching to touch you...seeing you bond with everyone finally has created an emotional havoc on my fiore..."

I answer back hoarsely into his lips – " I know baby...I know....i understand...but I just couldn't sneak out Mi Amore...it wasn't that I didn't want too...I was just loving the feel of being with and around your family so much too...I simply love it here baby...at your home....it's truly like as if I am in a zone of endless ease...it feels that freaking serene..."

Arnav pauses on kissing me bad at that and cups my face urgently at that and because I know he'd have just opened his eyes to me – I open my eyes to him too now and our eyes lock intensely and emotionally and he caresses my cheek possessively and says intently – " say that again...fiore...will you please? say that...you love it here...say that you are in a zone of endless ease..."

I do so obviously – keeping my intense emotional gaze locked with his and he kisses me hard and bad immediately after for about five more minutes and then he pulls back again to pause as he fixes my messed up hair a little now tucking them behind my ear and asks – " Fiore....come to my room with me? please? its right across..thank god Mom had your stuff settled in to this guest room on my floor...I'v dreamt of freaking making love to you in my room...for ages now....you know that...right??everyones asleep...Akash is too..we will sneak back in here..in wee hours of the morning....maybe??"

My arms flare up with goosebumps as I hear that and I ask caressing his cheek – " are you sure baby? What if anyone notices? It'll be embarrassing..then? although yes...the idea of being with you in your space that iv seen on video calls all this while does thrill me...though.."

That makes Arnav shoot me that mischievous smug side grin that I love as he caresses my cheek – " no one will notice...I promise you darling...let me make my dream come true baby...? I wana freaking make love to you all night...in every corner of my room too...I know...you love the sound of that...too..."

I smile on reflex – " you know I gotta a thing for that smug side grin of yours don't you baby? When have I ever been able to evade the charm of that haan??"

Arnav kisses me hard almost instantly for a couple of minutes and then asks into my lips breathing from my heaving breathe – " so shall me make a move then baby? I can't wait..dammit...you know I can't.."

I pull back from our kiss and as we open our eyes to look into one another's lit with passionate voltage ones – I nod – " yeah..okay...baby...let's go..."

He takes my hand and we walk our way swiftly and silently into his room across and once in – he shuts the door close – and pins me against the door almost immediately and takes my lips with his in an scorching kiss yet again and we impatiently begin to do exactly what he'd said we would.

We make raw and deep love to one another - over and over – in the corners of his room – like he had dreamed off. He consumes every inch of my being/soul into him yet again - leaving me with no other option but to succumb/surrender to him and the familiar tides of our electric passion over and over – just like I consumed every inch off his being/soul into me – leaving him with no option but to succumb and surrender himself to me - too.

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Next Day – Sunday

12:30 PM – in the Afternoon

At The Open Lounge Area – Outdoors – Raizada Mansion

Arnav's POV

I love Sundays at Home. Immense. It's like a well-known fact. Everyone who knows me knows that – that whenever we are on a break/days before the start of a tour/campaign – there's nothing that I love more than a relaxing Sunday at home with my family.

It freaking charges and rejuvenates me up.

And I am sure I will not need to give more context of reason into the statement below - That this Sunday at Home right now was totally topping the charts in my book of Fav Sundays at Home!! – Totally because My Fiore is Here.

Obviously.

So you know the bit that she said last night – that riled me up way too emotionally ? About how she felt like she was in a zone of endless ease here at home with everyone?? Yeah? So, I think it's only fair that I borrow that line of hers momentarily – as I happily gaze at the sight of Khushi in deep conversation with Dad, Mom, Di across – the table. (Please note – that I think I should be given full marks for pretending to be deep in conversation with Akash, Payal and Jiju too who are seated to my sides – right now as we all are lounging together sipping on our respective hot coffees and tea's after finishing a late Sunday brunch. Jiju, Di and Payal joint us all around 11 am at home – this morning.)

Godammit Her.

She says she's in a Zone of endless ease????

Then maybe I should say that I am in a freaking sky of endless ease right now – as my heart continues to fuzz and warm up at the sight of her bonding with everyone – just like it had been fuzzing all day yesterday too.

It is right then she looks my way almost as if she could feel me stealing glances at her while sipping on my coffee and our eyes lock briefly from across – conveying a zillion silent emotion to one another, before she returns her attention to the conversation with them. (I am sure - She knows exactly what this moment is doing to me emotionally – off seeing her deep in conversation with Mom/Dad/Di – about their respective medical experiences over time. Just like I am sure that she knows that I am going to express all of my emotions to her in insane, raw, passionate ways later tonight – when we are alone in my room. Just like I did last night until the wee hours of the morning)

Ok.

I need to switch caffeine with some water right now?

Because just the mere memory of being with her in my room last night just like I had been dreaming for all these months – freaking makes me want her bad again.

Jeez.

I most definitely feel like I need to steal a kiss at the least?

I am right on that thought as I spot Jiju leaving the chair to receive a call and I hear Akash nudge me in my arm from the side as he teases – " mere bhai...want my help to steal a couple of minutes with Khushi? Given that we'v all surrounded her since morning too today???"

I shoot him a look sideways as I whisper – " you are going to help me Akash? And not gang up on me to add to my further dismay??"

Akash winks – " well brother...to be honest...I think I had my fair share of troubling you all day yesterday...I am ready to help you...for real..no kidding...I am serious..see...no mischievous glint up my eye...at all..."

I grin – " now you are back to being my twin...brother...so yes...help me...I do need at least five- ten mins with her..."

Akash winks – " on it brother – I am just going to have Payal help me on this too...lets distract Mom and Dad from their talks and then maybe the four of us can head in for a bit...you take your ten mins then brother.."

OKayy.

Now I understand how he's being the helpful imp right now. He wants some time with Payal too.

I grin mischeviously – " you do know that I know you are only being the helpful imp right now because you want some time with Payal too..."

Akash chuckles – " you help me...I help you brother.."

I grin – " that's what twins are for...Akash...go on then..let's do this..."

We share a quick nod – at that – and it is right then I spot Khushi stealing a glance my way as she raises her eyebrow to ask me what all my whispering with Akash was about?

Do I text her the same this time around? Nah. I just shoot her a smug grin that surely relays to her that I was just upto something. The something she'd find out very soon.

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Fifteen Mins Later

In One of the Cozy Reading/Study Rooms on the Ground Floor

Arnav POV Continues

Who has the Best Twin Brother in the whole wide world?

I do.

Guys – Akash and Payal – actually helped Khushi and me steal a couple of minutes – as Mom/Di got distracted in winding up after our late brunch outside and as Dad got a call as well – we took the exact moment to just head in for a bit in a group – but we parted ways the minute we stepped indoors. Akash just took Payal by her hand to privacy and I took My Fiore by her hand and pulled her into this cozy reading/study room on the ground floor and closed the door shut – much to her nervous surprise as she began to ask me – " baby..what..are...you...upto???,"and the rest of the words stayed put in her mouth as I gave her answer by closing my lips on her's almost immediately while pinning her against the wall and caging her in my arms yet again.

Thankfully – she's as lost as me in the moment and is kissing me back as wildly.

She shouldn't actually do that right now given that it's riling me up immense. I wana make her freaking moan and whimper and succumb and surrender to me right very now.

I voice the same into her lips now boldly and she whispers back hoarsely – " baby...don't..tempt me..right now...with that...please...we gotta head out soon...right?? I am sure Di..will come in around soon..to look out for not just us but Akash and Payal too....we surely..do not have the time to head up...to make love..."

I pause on kissing her wild and I cup her and I grin – " yeah baby...you are right about the latter maybe..we might not have the time to make love...but I am sure that I have the time to drive you wild...don't you freaking blame me for this dammit..who told you to kiss me back as wildly right now fiore? Now you'd freaking riled me up...,"and I wink at her and begin to pull her tee half way up as my hands begin their exclusive ministrations on her curves.

Khushi gapes at me mischievously as she states – " oh so its my fault now..is it baby? You know I cannot let you dominate our kisses completely...you know I love to duel and take over too...oh..Ar..n..a..v...da..mm...y..ou...,"she whispers in a moan almost instantly as my hands find their way to her bare curves through her intimate garment and cup her gorgeous curve and taut and alive peak in between my hands – every bit of me delighted to feel them come alive for me already.

As I bend my head forward on reflex to claim her curves passionately – she moans my name yet again and I lose it. My hands and lips take over and begin to have their intense ways with her torso for a couple of minutes before they move to her intimacy.

I had planned to drive her wild.Right?

I do indulge in doing just that – devotedly.

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

Twenty – Five - Minutes Later

Back on the Patio with Everyone

Arnav POV Continues

I bite back my chuckle now as I spot Khushi sipping on the last bit of her lemonade now as we are all back to our respective spots and have resumed our respective conversations with everyone and as our eyes lock briefly - she shoots me the look that tells me – You have no idea how difficult it is for me to take my mind off what transpired in between of us – a shortwhile ago – Arnav.

I shoot her a smug grin as I pick out my phone to text her.

Me : another glass of lemonade for you Fiore?? Or just one to compose up your flushed nerves would do?? On that note - I can't take my mind off your moans too – though.

I tap send and resume my casual conversation with Jiju, Akash, and Payal as Jiju is filling us up in on what's the latest developments in the business field of private charter airlines.

My eyes are on the phone – though. I spot Khushi fidgeting with her phone underneath the table in the middle of her talk with Mom/Dad/Di and I bite back my smile again.

Her : stop it...baby..please...you will make me blush..and yes..one glass of lemonade has done the trick...just you wait...Arnav..baby..just you wait..wait..till I get back at you for this later tonight...then we will see..?

I bite back my chuckle at that and it is also right very then that we hear Khushi's phone buzz instantly.

She looks at her phone puzzled instantly and then looks at me straight for a second before she says to all – " it's my immediate boss...calling...which is strange..given that its probably just a little over 830 am in London and that too Sunday morning...she's never called me on a weekend ever before.."

Mom and Dad say instantly before I can – " go on then Khushi beta...take the call..could be something important..."

Khushi nods at them and then at us all briefly before she locks her nervous gaze with mine for two seconds as she steps aside to take the call.

I shoot her a reassuring smile in a gesture asking her not to worry about it and she nods at me back and steps further aside towards the garden as she continues to talk over the phone and the rest of us resume our conversations.

My Minds on Khushi though.

I have a gut feel that this could be about her idea/proposal about -Aiding the Yards - that she'd just submitted in at work on Friday before flying in here.

Okay.

Now I am nervous for her too. I really hope – that its Cindy(her immediate boss) giving her some informal positive feedback. I mean I'v seen how hard she's freaking toiled and worked on this for the last two weeks to put the extensive proposal together? Right?

I'v seen it too. You know the final draft of her proposal – she obviously shared it with me before she submitted it in and I think its freaking fantastic. In fact a part of my head – cannot freaking wait to see those comics come through to life through the animation details Khushi has planned.

Hmmm.

Okay.

My Impatience is winning over – given that its been about seven minutes since Khushi has been away on the call and I can't seem to wait anymore to know what's happening.

I gesture to everyone that I'll just be back after checking up on Khushi and they nod at me and I immediately make my way over to the little glass greenhouse in our garden that Khushi had stepped into during the call. And the very second I step in – I hear Khushi say into the phone excited – " ahaan...alright....okay...Cindy...I get back..tomorrow night..so...yes..let's...discuss..this..in detail..on Tuesday...maybe?? Yes..yes...ill sure have something more to add to it by then...like an added rough idea in my head....thank you so much for the heads up...yeah..,"and she turns around casually at that to spot me standing there in my – grinning avatar – as I gesture her to come into an immediate sidehug – while she continues to wind up her call.

Hell Yeah.

I hug her tight in glee.I am super stoked for her.

I can already sense that she's got some positive feedback!

Once she finally hangs up – I tuck her chin up excited as I ask – " say it dammit..tell me what did she say? They liked your idea? Didn't they baby???"

Khushi nods excited now as she says her eyes glinting in glee – " yes...yes...baby...Cindy said that she has received informal feedback from the management that they freaking loved my idea....they wana have a thorough discussion with me over the same once I am back...they wana take this through...they wana make the section happen for the digital sports daily....baby....oh my god...Arnav..can you believe this dammit? Aiding the yards - might just come to life...through animation...for real...pinch me baby...this gotta be a dream..."

I kiss her briefly instead on the side of her lips happily – " isn't a dream baby...I told you dammit...fiore...that this idea of yours was killer...so proud of you darling...,"and I just hug her tight feeling all of my nervousness for her wash away too – as I sigh in happy relief.

She hugs me back hard and then looks up and grins and nods – " look at you...with that sigh of happy relief....baby..the fact that you were more nervous than me about this...moves me still....,"and she pauses and adds – " but...baby..there's more to that feedback...as in...Cindy relayed the message...that the management feels like they want me to add like more to this idea...as in..she said that they don't just want to run this animated section to run with fresh comic strips twice a week...they want fresh updates...like for six days in a week...which...is exactly what they are also going to talk about Tuesday morning at work......so now...I just gotta add more to this...I told Cindy I'd think off something more to add to it all by Tuesday morning...."

I grin at that and I cup her face excited – " Khushi...that's fantastic news baby...,"and I just hug her hard in glee again and kiss her head ten times over.

I am so freaking happy for her right now! And while I am in the middle of holding her tight – Khushi suddenly pulls up and her eyes are twinkling excitedly as she states her eyes widening in glee – " oh christ....baby...I think I got it...the further extension of this idea..that I think I'd want to add more to this....oh my god...I think my bulb just freaking lit again...will you hear me out??? Give me your fresh take on this...k??,"she says as she now begins to pace around the greenhouse excitedly.

I fold my arms happily and I say – " shoot baby...I am all ears..."

Khushi continues to pace around excitedly as she says now locking her gleeful gaze with mine – " baby...to be honest..i do think ..running the comic strips on the same theme of Aiding the Yards like six times a week will make the theme become monotonous pretty soon...so hear me out...I think I wana propose that I run the animated comic strips on different themes instead like just twice a week to one theme...and all of these themes are going to be freaking interlinked too...to cricket..ofcourse...so hear this...while twice a week I can run something on the concept of Aiding the Yards weaving out comic tales from the perspective of various supporting units – I know the exact themes I want to add onto these comic volumes – there's a couple of them that's come to my mind...baby..."

Okay.

She's caught my intrigue yet again with her creative excitement.

I ask excited myself – " go on then...Khushi...tell me...what's freaking lit your mind?"

Khushi grins – " Chasing The Yards...Living the Yards and After the Yards.....as in...baby...I think I could also get in players perspective in here..but from a different angle as in...from what is unknown...from what goes on behind the scenes in their lives...the..commitment...the grit...the hard work in the background that often goes unseen....so....in the Comic volume of Chasing the Yards I'd like to weave out comic tales on the anecdotes of lives off players from our county/domestic cricket talking about their journey as to how they'v been chasing there dreams since their younger days to make it to the national squad eventually...so that fits in the theme of Chasing The Yards and will also highlight the unseen moments from county/domestic cricket both mens and women's...Then when we come to Living the Yards...I could create comic tales from the anecdotes of lives of national players who'v sustained themselves at international playing level in the three formats of the game over time...like..for example for India...you, Ved, Cap, the rest of the men in blue whose contracted with the BCCI be the players whose like literally living the yards right?? travelling/playing so much cricket throughout the calendar year/... so that's what I mean...I could weave in tales from the lives of players under contract with the England Cricket Board talking about their unseen journey in the background as they Live the Yards....and actually one could often combine and interlink these volumes of Chasing/Living the yards too with time down the line as that theme can be weaved together too eventually + in the volume titled After the Yards – I could highlight anecdotes from the lives of senior players who have actually retired from all forms of cricket and the unseen bits as to how they go about their life in their respective second innings taking on their perspective towards the game after they have stepped back.....so all in all...this entire...animated series...can run on four different comic themes....Aiding the Yards....Chasing the Yards...Living the Yards...and After the Yards...and baby...this applies to both the men/women's cricket – ofcourse....so now tell me...how does this sound? Should I suggest this as an add on element????itll be crazy amount of work to like sketch the added proposals now but I just feel that now that I thought of this..it just all fits in together...like seamlessly...like a wholesome...concept....what say??and oh my god...as I say this out loud to you...I get another hunch...that maybe if they like this concept...I can take this down further eventually to football too WITH SIMILAR CONCEPT as in which is the other sport extremely popular in England right...the only difference being that I'd then title those comic volumes under the names – Aiding The Goals, Chasing the Goals, Living the Goals, After the Goals...because well in football they play to score goals right? baby?? So now tell me....how does this added bit sound?????????,"and she finally pauses in her excited stuper and searches my face for reaction.

OH FREAKING MY.

DID I JUST HEAR WHAT I DID????

SHE'S FREAKING AWESOMEEEE!

THIS SOUNDS FREAKING AMAZING ALREADY. I LOVE THE WAY SHE CONNECTED THE THEME TO FOOTBALL AS WELL. That's a sport probably more popular than cricket in England – to be honest.

HOW DID SHE EVEN WEAVE THIS UP IN A COUPLE OF MINUTE's?

I gape at Khushi as my jaw opens up stunned happily as I say – " how baby? How did you freaking even weave this all up in those couple of minutes Fiore?????this is freaking fantastic...from the creative juices of your brain...yet again love...yup...godammit...you are right...this does fit into a wholesome and seamless idea indeed....bloody brilliant baby...and the bit about extending it to football sounds brilliant too – given that Englands a huge hub for club/franchise leagues in football too...,"and I walk over to her and pull her in an excited hug immediately – " ask your company to help you copyright these titles as you begin rolling out the animation..love...this has to go down under your very name...you discuss this with them on Tuesday okay? As far as my business sense tells me ...they'd help you with the process as long as you assure them that you'd reserve them with exclusive circulation rights...as in that...you only publish this..through just their sports daily.....so on the whole...you asked for my feed back right? now you know my feedback now...I freaking love it...fiore...I just love it...."

Khushi looks up at me excited now as she asks her eyes welling up in glee – " Arnav...you aren't being biased right baby??"

I kiss her head – " no Khushi dammit...I am not being biased love...its really awesome..okay....how about this...why not discuss this everyone here roughly too Fiore – to know their instant feedback love?? you will then know - what I mean...I am freaking telling you....it clicks...your idea...freaking clicks seamlessly into one...indeed....."

Khushi shoots me a nervous excited smile thinking this through– " okay...yes...lets do this...they already do know roughly about the proposal I'd submitted before coming here...at work..because...I talked about it yesterday...so yeah..maybe..it will be kool to just shoot this out at them..and know what they have to say????"

I grin and nod at her and pull her into a tight hug briefly and then take her by the hand out of the greenhouse towards all.

Oh Yup.

Once again – you bet – that I am more excited for my Fiore – than even she is – right now about this whole concept she came up with!!

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

A Shortwhile Later

Khushi's POV

I look at the excited grins on the faces of Raima Aunty, Arjun uncle, Payal, Akash, Ravi Jiju and Anjali di – as I finish talking about my idea to all roughly.Arnav's been hugging me his side – happily – all throughout – listening me repeat my idea to all.

Okay.

The grin up their faces now tells me that the idea did click with them too and just as I am about to ask everyone what they actually think off it – Raima aunty, Anjali Di and Payal shoot up from their spots and gesture me to come in for a group hug towards them and I do so happily almost instantly sharing a happy grin with Arnav – and Raima aunty says first – " Khushi..beta...this is an amazing idea from you indeed.....what say Dr Raizada?"

Di and Payal affirm the same to me happily and the very second next Arjun uncle congratulates me for the idea too as he states walking up to hug me to his side as well – " indeed...Dr Raizada....Khushi beta..its going to be really creative to get these themes to life through good old animation...I also second Arnav's opinion on the bit...that you must ask your company for assistance with the copyright...as well..."

My Heart Swells at that as Akash, Ravi jiju second Arjun uncle's opinion too and congratulate me for the idea as well.

Okay!

Okay!

I can't freaking believe this – they actually love my idea for real – Arnav was not being biased about it for Real.

I grin and thank everyone for their lovely support exchanging heartwarming glances with Arnav throughout and it is right then Akash asks – " but tell us..Khushi...how did you actually think off these add ons in an instant???"

I grin at that.

Any guess on that guys?

The inspiration behind the add on idea/theme is Mi Amore – obviously and his perceptions.

I admit now sincerely to all looking at Arnav, my love – " well to be honest Akash...as you all know the insipiration behind Aiding the Yards was Mum.....but...I gotta give the insipiration for the idea of these adds on's to your twin....he was just so happy for me in the moment...hearing the positive feedback from my workplace about the initial idea..and while he was hugging me amidst our happy stuper – it just clicked within...given that I'v often heard so much from him about what goes behind the scenes right? heard so much about his perceptions...about what often misses the eye...as to what no one see's ...so I though why not bring in an animated angle from players perspective but from the unseen/unknown/untold bit....and then just as that clicked in the various segments of the separation of the themes clicked in....I just felt like I wana bring various stages of a cricketer's/players life through animation too – Chase, Live, After - ....,"And I pause sharing an intense eyelock with Arnav for I am sure he understood that the after bit theme – came about in my head – while thinking off ABBU too and he nods at me subtly in understanding and he walks up to me and kisses my head fondly again – "and the bit that this could eventually connect to football too...is wonderful prospect...isn't it everyone?? I mean we all know how huge football is in England..."

Arjun Uncle nods at that excited – " indeed..son..indeed...I love this...where is that dhol beat again Akash? Hear me out Khushi beta...as I say this out to you right very now...this will be a huge hit once it's out digitally..."

Raima aunty nods – " Just believe in your conviction khushi beta..and you will see exactly what your uncle means...by that...we definetly believe in your talent...and passion...we are excited to see you take this through...."

Payal, Anjali di, Ravi Jiju and Akash second the same to me gleefully and just as Akash begins to tease me again– about how was it possible for me to get inspired by his twin in a flash of a second – I just sincerely answer him that – his twin was indeed my guiding inspiration about so much in life ever since I'd met him.

We all share a warm smile at that and as Arnav continues to hug me emotionally sideways and Akash continues to pull his leg again – momentarily - vulnerable emotions consume me yet again and I find my self spiralling down that endless tunnel off endless ease around them all.

A couple of minutes later - I gesture to Arnav that I'd make this quick trip to the washroom and be back and he nods at me happily and continues to discuss my idea/concept and its potential with everyone – excitedly.

Guys.

It's moved me immense to see everyone's heart-warming reaction to my professional idea. I mean Arnav's always been so supportive but to see his family extend the same support out to me on this context too right now – just freaking warms me up – on another level.

I mean this positive, empowering, supportive reaction – is something that I'd usually expect out of Mum/Arnav/S/M/Brian/Jack – but to actually experience Arnav's family relaying the same to me right now – has also instantly pushed my vulnerable emotional buttons too – which is why I walked over to the washroom to take these couple of minutes to think my gut intuition through - for just like that in this simple yet moving moment of time – I now feel like – I wana tell Arnav's family the truth about my secret.

Now.

Today.

I feel like I wana tell them about Abbu – myself!!

I feel like I do not want to hide it from them. I have to tell them before I leave tomorrow.

I also feel like I do not want to put Arnav in an awkward spot by him talking about it to them.

I have to be the one to do this.

Alone.

I have to be the one to tell Arnav's family about my parent's truth and that too in Arnav's ansence.(You know just in case there is an adverse reaction from any of them – I do not want Arnav to be the centre of the crossfire of it all)

I step into the powder room and wash my face a couple of times with cold water – to just think this through in my heart again.

Did I really want to do this?

Yes. I did.

I wana take this bit on by the Horns myself too. I wana face my nervousness over Arnav's family's reaction to my secret.Once and for all. And I'd only know how would it go – once I talked about it to them. And - I surely gotta do this alone. For Myself. For Him.For Us.

Just like I have been Myself around them – over this while – I have to be honest to them about my truth too from the very get go- I guess? I do not want them to feel like that I intentionally kept them in the dark until later.

Hmmmm.

I splash my face a couple of times over as I plan this through in my head – Now.

It's a good thing that Arnav has that brief video conference with the entire Men in Blue unit (whose leaving for the ASIA CUP to the UAE tomorrow) - at around 5pm this evening – and he'd be busy in his study for atleast about thirty minutes or so with that.

Yup.

That time window - would be the right time to talk to everyone else in Arnav's immediate family – about Abbu.

Indeed.

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

TADAAAAAA!!

How was That Guysssssssss?????????? Haha! No shoes at me for stopping at that kind off Cliffhanger please!! Just had to ya for the build up..winks....what do you all think off the moments through the Update? Also the extended bit off Khushi's professional idea of Aiding the Yards, Chasing the Yards, Living the Yards, After the Yards???😁🤗

Next Update: Tuesday/Wednesday Night Mostly.

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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