TAKE 31 – The 'Ripple' Effect

3 years ago

mysticaltales11111

@mysticltales111

Hellooooo Guysssssssss....

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

Word Count –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 31 – The 'Ripple' Effect

I am sure we have all spotted this very common sight at some point in our lives. What sight? The sight of Ripples in a stand-still water pool/body that come on to movement on reflex the very second some object is thrown in it. I surely have often spotted people indulging in this little act. Sitting silently around a lakeside/ small water body, throwing small pebbles into it to just observe how far their throw actually goes and as to how many – Ripple's – this very action from their end results in the water. And then at times – when I have indulged in the very act myself – I found myself wondering that this simple naturistic – Ripple Effect – in the water – is just another testimony to the bit that the very popular Newton's law of physics does exist in almost simplest of the phenomenon's in nature/ life.That to every action there shall be an equal and opposite reaction.

And then I wonder – that perhaps – the very same Newton's Law of physics can imply to our emotions too isn't it? For sometimes, some moments happen out of the blue in such a way that it is impossible to ignore their developments/ or the Emotional Ripple's they otherwise cause in our mind and heart on impact.

So - Maybe Newton should have clarified this in the very get go as well that not just the nature's elements/physics phenomenon's abide by this law – we the Humans – being the emotional beings that we are – often find ourselves giving in to it too!

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22 DAYS LATER

7th September, 2019

Abu Dabhi, UAE
@ SHEIKH Zayed Cricket STADIUM

3:00 PM

Khushi's POV

GUYS!

It really is crazy in a good way when you feel certain moments in life come to a full circle in a super peaceful way. I say this from experience obviously. For as of now, in this very moment of time, I truly feel as if - Life has come a full circle with regards to Abbu in so many ways. This time around, when I am literally just minutes away from seeing him in real time - I only feel sheer happiness in my being!! You know the happiness that acts like an added Life bonus?

Yeah!
Just like that!

I have come to embrace the bit that these moments in Life from here on whenever I will get to see Abbu are going to be like that added bonus of happiness in my head and heart. I mean- I am getting to see him in real time? Again? Isn't that bit like a very blessing in the first place?

So why not just cherish these moment as that precious blessing???

Yup!

That is exactly what I am going to do here on!

So- I am sure you all have guessed that I am with S, M, Jack, Brian right now as we make our way upto our stands to see this semi-final in between of Bangladesh vs Pakistan live. It's going to be toss time – in like five minutes from now and then the game will begin at around 330 PM – UAE Time.

It is a bummer that Arnav,my love wasn't able to make it here with us given that he is all busy with the team India squads in the strategy meetings etc in the line up to the final in a couple of days from now. He was cribbing about it adorably this morning though as to how he so wanted to accompany us to the stands. I calmed him down with a deep kiss obviously and directed his attention to the bit that he couldn't escape his team commitments come what may – especially not when it's just like literally a couple of days away from the Final.( On that note – to be honest – guys – I do think my throats all sore from cheering up for India yesterday from the stands in Dubai – that I won't be able to scream my lungs out too much in support of Raahil today. I mean it's obvious that I am going to be in an excited fan zone mode – but maybe I won't just exert my vocal chords too much – you know just to save them from crashing out on me! I do need to keep them ready for the Final on 10th. Also yes – guys – a little birdie tells me that you all have already got a brief glimpse into the days gone by so I shall just stick to the present. And as of today – it's my second day – out of this six day trip planned to UAE. I am also working side by side as much as I can – creating my animated content on my digital gadgets. Thank God for technology! I mean its letting me work from anywhere – as of now!)

Also wait guys, know what? This time around-Before the start of the ASIA Cup- My Mask Cap Dude chilled in his disguise -at the Ferrari World here in Abu Dhabi and screamed his gaming nerves/excitement out! Was such a bummer I missed that time with him in person though in real and was able to just catch up with him on it virtually. We do plan to visit the theme park together some other time surely. Infact guess what – off late – Arnav's and mine – bucket list includes the list of all the theme parks that we want to eventually travel to – together – in our life – you know just like in the mode of a continuous ode to the moment/surrounding – where in we first met?????

Oops.

Here I go again. Steering away in my thoughts.

So – let's get back to the Present.

I fight back an amused smile now as I spot M, S, Jack and Brian pause in their steps now upfront as they all shoot me a collective concerned look – stepping into our stand.

I smile on reflex as I ask- "do you guys spot him, already?," and I pace up in my steps to step into our already buzzing in excitement stand too. They nod at me simultaneously.

I grin and answer in a hushed whisper, my eyes looking ahead in far vision to spot Abbu – " see guys, c'mon you all know there is nothing to worry at all alright??I am grinning now, aren't I??"

M and S sidehug me at that warmly and Jack and Brian follow suit as they smile and they all say collectively – " we are so glad that you are grinning this time around – K and that we spot no angst in your body language at all.."

I nod at that in affirmation of the same keeping my hand over my heart – " that'a because I can only feel Ripple's of peace in my being right now guys...I mean...I am going to get these bonus moments to see him/them from afar right?? what more can I ask more????? I just feel like that I now wana look more on the bit that I am so very lucky that I can do this in the first place...just soak in moments off him/them in real time...from afar...like this..."

My friends gather me in a group hug again!

Guys – I swear to you all – I continue to thank Christ for them like every nanosecond indeed.

Oh by the way, just so you know I am also dressed in Pakistan's national jersey with Raahil's name and number on it. My dear half brother - has no idea obviously! He would never know.There are also a lot of people in the stands supporting his jerseys – even M and S, Jack and Brian are – so its like I can totally get away with cheering for my half – sibling this way again – with him being totally oblivious to it all.

Also yes – I do spot Noor + her Azlaan bhaijaan + some more cousins in the family box upfront(as their faces are being blown up on screen) – but its not like I am going to run into them again! Fate is surely not going to give me these coincidences like all the time anyway – right??

I do smile on reflex as I catch the sight off the excited expression on Noor's face right now. It toally reminds me of my excitement from the stands yesterday watching – Arnav on field – as usual.

Anyways - so now - Maya gestures everyone to take their seats and I do so too - keeping my calm + happy gaze fixated on Abbu.

Hello Abbu! We meet again. Under pretext and from afar- but yes we meet again!Look- daddy- your little girl isn't crying in angst this time around as she sees you. No angsty tears pooling her eyes, no heaviness in the heart.She is smiling instead.She is going to treasure this moments from here on.

On that note – Abbu - you do age like fine wine! You are looking way too dapper in your suit. Guys – he truly is getting handsomer by the day! Mum agrees. I mean she always has a little sad smile up her lips as she says that to me after spotting some latest picture of him online!!

I take out my phone on reflex now and zoom in to get a picture of him across all smiling and deep in conversation alongside some of PCB offcials + Bangladesh cricket board officials. And once I am done with that -I just gaze happily at the picture as I shove my phone to M to my side and say- " M, I think Mum is right....I mean... as much as I used to say my smile is on her, I think she is correct in her assumption that I have got some glimpse of Daddy's grin in mine, what say M??"

M gapes at me in surprise but she nods lovingly and whispers – "Indeed-K-you have his grin,"and S adds from my side kissing my head- "and you also have his eye's babe..,"and she hugs me hard – " I am so glad we had the morning shoot today too like yesterday for I wouldn't have wanted to miss these two days at the stadium for anything in the world babe.."

I nod at her and hug her back – " and I am so glad about that too..we would have missed you immense otherwise...Brian would have whined..tons.."

We all share a warm laugh at that and Jack now jumps to get on his seat next to Maya's – lacing her hand with his – " and I would have whined tons if M didn't get on the plane with us..just in time too..."

Maya kisses his hand lovingly and mischeviously as she rolls her eyes – " and that is the precise reason why I made sure to squeeze in time ..or else he wouldn't spare me.."( They are going super strong in their relationship too)

We all share a happy laugh yet again and I grin in glee and I find Brian and Jack affirming the same to me with comforting smiles now that I do have a shade of Abbu's reflection in my eyes too.I wink at them all as I say now - " alrighty....given that we are all on the same page as that... let's see if Arnav thinks the same too guys.."

They nod at me grinning and fall into casual chatter as I share the picture with Arnav and ask him the same on text.

But even before, I can tap send to my text to him - his text pops up on Whtsapp.

Him: Hey you baby, whats up? Reached the stands? I am assuming you must have? I was waiting for your text...fiore...but then I gave up on being patient and texted you first instead in your moment...How are we feeling baby?.

I grin as I read that and I tap send to my previous text with Abbu's picture and wait for his reply. It comes in ten seconds.

Him: Oh yes fiore, you surely have shades of your Abbu's smile and his eyes as well! I agree with everyone on this. And this bit from you also tells me – that you are doing okay?

Me : yes baby..I am doing more than just okay! I am all smiles literally. Wait up – let me send you a selfie to relay the same to you.

I gesture everyone to get in a collective group selfie and once I am done clicking it – I share it with Arnav quickly.

Him : Alrighty...baby...thank you for sharing this gorgeous selfie! But this just makes me wana groan again that I am missing in there with you all. On a lighter note Fiore...I just had a thought...say what if Pakistan wins the game today..and they meet us in the final...which jersey are you going to sport then? on the 10th? The one with my name and playing number on it...or Raahils??

I chuckle as I read that.

Trust him to bring this up. I mean in the previous match with Pakistan – I was catching it up on screen right? So to be honest – I was like all trying to be neutral and stuff – but then when Arnav was the one to claim Raahil's wicket in that match and I did catch up that amused satisfactory grin up his lips on TV after – I so knew he was going to get cheeky with me on this eventually. On that note – I did groan on reflex a little for in my head for Raahil for he did get off to a good start but then I was also elated for Arnav given that Raahil was his first wicket in that match vs Pakistan. He got 5 wickets that match. Their entire top/middle order.

But boy! To Be honest – given that I do want Pakistan to win today anyway – I think I am steering towards this tricky situation – anyway.

A Text from Arnav distracts me in my thoughts.

Him : still confused/conflicted about what to answer to this..Fiore??

I grin.

Me : not really baby. I'd obviously have your jersey on – alright? but maybe – ill just be just like a neutral viewer/fan then? you know how like Mum manages to be neutral in gaming situations around her??

I tap send.

Him : oh so you mean you won't mind me taking Raahil's wicket again...now? won't you Fiore? He was gutted when he fell to my spin..the other day...given that he otherwise plays spin so well and also bowls the very same as a batting all rounder....

I smile.

Me : exactly...to the latter...he was so gutted...alrighty baby..listen...its toss time..now..let me focus on the field now? okay? Are you about to step into another round off team meeting now??

Him : alrighty fiore...you enjoy the game..and yes I am about to step into the meeting...in a minute...Raunak, Sameer, Ved, Cap – all say Hi! I will text you after?

Me : give me hello's to them too baby...yes do that then Mi Amore..

Him : I still go nuts everytime you say that Fiore..

I smile.

Me : Just like I still go nuts eveytime you call me Fiore...baby...

It is right then M gestures me that the Skipper's are now heading onto the field on toss and I immediately tuck my phone back in my handbag and shift my attention on field.

I can see Abbu grinning in anticipation too upfront and I just gear up in my heart – to look forward to watch him cheer on for Raahil tonight too from afar as I bask in imaginary peace reminding myself over and over – that just maybe – If Abbu ever knew about me – he would have cheered for me this way too!

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Hours Later

11:00 PM in the Night – At the Stadium

Khushi's POV Continues

Okay!

I think the expression on my face pretty much match the nervy expressions of every Pakistan team fan right now+ the expressions of the team players friends/family from the family box. For Boy – the game's come to this thrilling edging point.

Wait Up.

I guess it's only fair that I pause to give a brief gaming highlights so that you all know the context.

So – basically – Bangladesh had won the toss and had chosen to bat. They made about 309 runs in their 49 overs for Pakistan bowlers managed to bowl them out before the last over was played at their end in the first innings. Now obviously given that 310 for the win is still a high target in an ODI match – it was obvious that Pakistan players were hoping for a great start – which they indeed did get – as the openers did a brilliant job to put a 100 run partnership in between them for no loss of wickets at all in 17 overs. Raahil's been playing a stupendous innings – infact he is still batting right now – in this chase! He also completed his amazing century which he built on slowly and steadily after their was a quick loss of wickets in th middle .

The fact that he is still batting on 112 not out is the good news to us all. But the thrilling edge of the seat bit is that – Pakistan is 288 runs/8 wickets and there's just 2 overs left to go as in they still need 22 runs to win in 12 balls. But as long as Raahil is still there on the crease – there is still hope!

I am so hoping that the winning runs comes from his bat – for he has played an amazing innings tonight. The pride that I have spotted on Abbu's face all through out his batting – says it all – too.

But yes – I think right now – even Abbu is as nervous as most of us gaming fans. Even Noor is. Her nervous face along with Azlaan's nervous one was just zoomed up alongside some more family members of the Pakistan players on screen but I can easily say that Abbu is trying to keep a calm smile up his face right now.

Sarah nudges me into the arm as she says in a whisper – " okay...then...babe...the second last over begins...I am so nervous..right now...for real...the reaction in the Bangladesh fans in our stands is the opposite ofcourse...they are hoping Raahil would get out this ball..."

I look around our stand and observe the same and before I can say anything – M says in a hush – " let them hope the very same...S...but I think he's going to pace this smartly...here comes the ball...he's on strike..."

And we all sigh in relief as we spot Raahil hit the ball towards Mid off comfortably and run for a single and given that there is a misfeild..the runners...sneak in another run too!

Oh Yay!

20 runs needed in 11 balls.

Raahil's back on strike.

I look up to spot Abbu nodding in relief on screen.

And we all watch with bated breathes – as Raahil calculatively manages to get doubles on the next four balls too and continues to retain strike. He does not hit the last ball of the over for a run because he probably wants to retain the strike for the next/last over!!!

Pakistan – 298/8 – 49 overs.

12 runs needed in 6 balls.

Oh its surely doable!

I lace my nervy palms together as the first ball of the last over gets bowled.

Jack groans – " oh he can just manage to take in a single now...oh boy..he is gutted...but he did the right thing..it was too risky to risk a run out with a double...no worries....5 balls 11 runs..all Mirza needs to do is take a single and get Raahil back on strike...for the next 4 balls...we know he can hit the boundaries..."

We exchange a nervous nod.

Brian says to us all – " alrighty..here comes the next ball.."

We all groan on reflex as we see Mirza mistime the shot ball for a mishit sixer – that goes way too high – and we all know that – it shall be a comfortable catch out for the Bangladesh team mid - field. It indeed is.

We all groan!

Crap.

Mirza's out! 299/9 – 11 runs in 4 balls.

Which also means it's the tail ended bowler coming in to join Raahil now and he shall take strike and not Raahil. Exactly what Bangladesh wanted.

Brian says to us all – " okay..in comes in the last player for Pakistan and I think Raahil's rightly guiding him to just take a single somehow and rotate the strike.."

I nod nervously in a whisper to all – " and rightly so...as long as he gets the strike...I know..he can do this....he can finish the game...look at how amazing his innings was tonight..."

And we all watch nervously as the next ball gets bowled in – but to our collective dismay – the last batsman for Pakistan gets instantly clean bowled by the killer yorker delivery – resulting in Pakistan being bowled out for 299 in 49.3 overs with Raahil remaining stranded on the other end at 123 not out!!!

Oh Crap!

The Look on his face as he slumps to his knees in sheer dismay!

He's gutted! Beyond just gutted! He can't believe what just happened to Him+ the Team!

The Bangladesh fans in our stand go beserk cheering and the distraught faces of the Pakistan supporters now begin to make their way up on the screen with the drones and camera's capturing the victory celebrations of Bangladesh team/fans + the dejected look on the fans of the Pakistan team.

I fight back my dejection for Raahil too as I slump back in my seat and eye the screen again as it begins to roll up to the family box- Noor's got tears in her eyes as she's side hugging Azlaan and I can clearly figure out that she's royally bummed for Raahil as well. Only obvious. Right very then as the camera zooms up to the board officials box(to get their reactions up on the big screen) – I spot – Abbu smiling calmly in the most sportsmanlike way and clapping for the Pakistan team – nonetheless – as he congratulates the officials from the Bangladesh cricket board – that were sitting by his side.

There surely is no disappointment on his face right now – even momentarily. Just the Ripple's of peaceful sportsmanlike calm.

And just this very sight of him – right now – has moved me immense again. I mean earlier back in Lahore – I saw him celebrating Raahil's victory in glee – right? But this moment right now just subtly tells me – that Abbu is perhaps going to be more supportive towards the team/Raahil in this heartbreaking defeat?????( Just like Mum is the super supporting parent to me in my lows???)

Bittersweet tears now pool up my eyes on reflex. Bittersweet – yes. But in a peaceful way still. So happy to just sense again that - You are an empowering parent – Abbu. Just like Mum is.

And my phone beeps too.

It's Arnav.

Him : Oh man...what a thriller of a game it was..fiore...I am gutted for Raahil too...he played the innings of his life nonetheless....I mean to go 123 not out ..in a big game as this one...is huge...I know you must be upset...but don't worry...he will cope up and use this defeat as a learning curve...we all eventually learn to do the same....after...

Me : I know baby...I am sure...noor and abbu will see him through it...but I can't help but feel dejected for him though...are you seeing the look on his face right now as he's finally got up on his feet and taken off his helmet???

Him : Yes I am Fiore...we are all watching it live still...in Cap's room..Ved and Cap have already begun their strategic discussions about us playing Bangladesh in the finals now. We played them(Bangladesh) last in the finals too in the previous edition fiore...

Maya, Sarah, Jack and Brian are discussing if we should leave? And not stay until the end of presentations! I nod in agreement – as I look out for last visions off Abbu upfront+ Raahil's dejected frame as he gets off field.

Me : I know baby...okay...so update..we will be leaving in five now...not staying for the end of presentations and stuff...

Him : okay... Fiore...You are still about an hours drive away from your Air BNB....lets be on text as usual once you get in the car..k? ill see you at the apartment..later..will come once you all reach...come soon baby..

Me : okay love..see you soonish...

Just as I tap send to that – I finally get up from my seat and we all begin to head our way out – but not before I steal another glance up at Abbu upfront.

He was still smiling – calmly. And the bit makes me smile a little too on reflex. Why? For no matter the result- I was beyond just proud of the way my half – brother played his game today. And because I might never get to say that to his face in person – I just add the latter out loud in my head.

Silently.

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The Next Day

8th September – At the Dubai Mall

Early Evening – 5:00 PM

@Noor's Jewellery Boutique - @ Her Backend Office

Noor clutches Raahil's hand back in support yet again as she says – "Raahil...please...there you go..being hard on yourself in your thoughts again...over that single run...I mean...what's the fault of your hot tea in all of this haan? see..it's getting cold...and you don't like it cold..."

Last night's defeat in the game had been heartbreaking for Raahil on a personal front. He had been way too disturbed after. He was being hard on himself over and over – for that single he took in the last over – scolding himself mentally with thoughts like – What if I hadn't taken the single? What if I had just retained strike in that moment?

Even though his Abbu + Noor + Azlaan and the rest of family/friends + the rest of his team mates – had been only supportive in the heartbreaking defeat – he was technically still having a hard time getting over it. He felt like he had let himself/his country/his Abbu down in a game that was crucial on an international front for everyone back home, the cricketing fans had been rooting for the India vs Pakistan final in the Asia Cup this year – and because of this defeat last night – all there hopes and dreams had been crushed – along with his/his teammates.

Noor knew that Raahil was going to need some more time to digest the loss – but given that everyone from the Pakistan unit was in Abu Dabhi – she had used the time after lunch to have him drive down with her to Dubai with the excuse that she had some work to oversee at her jewellry boutique store at the Dubai Mall. But at the back of her head and heart – the main motive was to just get Raahil's mind/heart diverted/distracted.

Raahil had been sitting across of Noor in her office as they drank their respective tea's and even though his mind was still caught up in the low's, he now stops playing with the handle of the tea cup and takes a sip of his tea and shoots Noor a little smile – " you are right about that Noor...I do not like my tea cold...might as well have it hot...,"and he clutches her hand back – " also...I know you purposely dished out work here...Noor...so that you get my mind off the loss...you wanted to distract me...right??"

Noor nods and smiles at him in support – " well...yes...to that...so tell me...is it working??"

Raahil smiles through his gaming ache – " a little maybe??"

Noor sips her tea and take his other free hand in both of her's keeping the cup of tea aside as she says in support – " remember what Abbu said last night Raahil? Yes your one gaming dream wasn't fulfilled last night..but so what...here's that fascinating things about dreams right? you just move on..and see...another one for yourself..maybe???"

Raahil smiles at that on reflex. His Abbu had been only supportive and empowering just like he always is – in his lows.He says now – " I wana see another gaming dream Noor..and maybe I will get around to it..after the aching blurr of this loss settles down in my eyes...maybe???"

Noor clutches on his hand harder in support – " you will be okay...alright? no...you didn't let yourself/or anyone down last night Raahil...infact...you played the innings of your life..."

Raahil sighs – " but for a losing cause...Noor..."

Noor insists – " so what? it was for a national cause...still...right?? please..don't be so hard on yourself..."

Raahil nods and just as he is about to answer Noor – they hear a knock on the door to Noor's cabin and Noor looks up as she says – " come on in..."

She see's her store manager Fatima step in with a smile as she says – " sorry to disturb you..Maam..but there's something I need to ask you..."

Noor nods as Raahil continues to sip his tea – "yes Fatima..tell me.."

Fatima explains – "so we have this customer in the front end..you really likes the bracelet you asked to be put aside...as you came in a while ago..because you liked the piece for your Ammi..and wanted to gift it to her...I had told Mahira to put the bracelet off shelf the very second you liked it..but she got busy with attending to a customer, so she couldn't really put it away...and now..we have a customer whose taken a liking to it..I just told her... that this piece is booked...she asked me to check if we have another one of the same...in stock....so I just thought I should check with you...what should I do? Should I just say that we don't have similar piece in stock and have her choose from the others???"

Noor asks opening up her laptop – " that's the only one piece right? as far as I remember our inventory stock...I guess...that is the only one...,"and she looks at Raahil – " Raahil...I really liked the piece for Ammi...but I hate to say no to a customer too....what to do??"

Raahil insists warmly – " do what you think is right...Noor..."

Noor sips on her tea puzzled momentarily.

Fatima observes her boss's confusion and she says with a warm smile – " no worries Maam..I will just tell Ms..Khushi...that we don't have another piece in stock..she's a polite/friendly customer...I am sure..she wouldn't take offence..."

That immediately catches Noor's attention as she asks keeping her cup down – " Ms...Khushi? Did you say??"

Fatima nods and as gut guides her too – Noor instantly opens up her desktop to look through the coverage security cctv of the boutique and the very second – she spots the familiar frame of Khushi in the camera footage alongside a person she assumes would be her friend – she smiles on reflex as she says to Raahil – " Raahil...what a coincidence...its her...Khushi...the one we met in Lahore..at the Gaddafi stadium...the one who was Abbu's fan too??remember?? the one who also saved my life on the road..in London??? Remember?,"and she instantly looks at Fatima as she says – " Fatima...I know her...I will be out in a second...okay??"

Fatima smiles and nods and takes her leave.

Noor says instantly – " Raahil...ill be back in two...only fair that I go say hello..now that I know it's her.."

Raahil nods and smiles – " only fair...yes..Noor..and on that note..i think I wana thank her in person for saving you on the road the last time...I will come with you.."

Noor gestures to him to conintue having his tea – " oh you you're your tea...ill get her here..for a little chat then after the sale goes through for them...okay??"

Raahil nods warmly and continues to sip his tea and watches Noor take her leave – grinning.

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

Khushi's POV

I look at Brian as he continues to complete his purchase with the showroom executive and I add hopefully – eyeing the backend office area – the manager had gone into – " Brian...I really hope they do have a same piece...of that bracelet...I really loved the piece for Mum..her birthday is coming up soon...and I really wana gift her this...what do you think? Will they have another piece of the same??"

Brian grins – " yes..K...I am sure..they will have another of the same..."

I nod hopefully and I say to him now with a mischevious wink – " so what then? are you going to propose to S..like tonight itself? Oh yes...please do...Brain...pretty please..."

Brian chuckles at that and whispers – " not tonight Khushi...the nighe before we all leave back for London...given that S still has to stay on here for a coupel of weeks on her assignmenet...I mean..if anything this little long distance has made me think...hey..why am I not putting a ring on that finger...I love.."

I chuckle at that – happily.

So guys – just a brief context – we all spent most of the first half of the day catering to our works online – as in Maya was working on her creative posts with her pottery, Jack was getting some of his wildlife photographs in tuned to be sent into some wildlife magazines, S was out to work on the shoot – Brian was attending his business mails, work calls/ - I was working on my animated content for the series and Arnav was obviously busy with his hectic training scheduled for the day. He's still caught up in an evening training session post lunch too – in prepration for the final. So yes - Post lunch at our end was when – we all just decided to come into the Dubai mall to chill and shop around a bit. And we were all having an amazing time – and about a shortwhile ago – Brian texts me that he needed my help with something important + that he needed Jack and Maya to keep Sarah distracted during this bit. I obviously arranged for the same and then Brian surprises me with the revelation that he wanted to buy a ring to propose S! It took me my all – to not jump up like an excited monkey in the middle of the mall – as we walked our way to this jewellry boutique he'd wanted to get the ring from.

So yes – here we are – and whilst he was picking out the ring for S – I just really liked this bracelet piece for Mum.

Now I am really hoping that it is available for me to purchase.

I am right on that thought as I hear a cheerful voice behind me – " hello...Khushi...we meet again...and I am beyond just glad that we do..."

Oh Wait Guys.

It's Noor.

Yes.

It's her – indeed.

How's she here?

I gape at her in surprise now as she comes in for a friendly side hug and I ask sidehugging her back sure that she could sense the shade of surprise in my tone – "hello... Noor...you ...here??what a surprise.."

Noor grins – " surprise indeed...Khushi...so remember how I told you...I run this jewelley brand...so this boutique just happens to be mine...I got one international store...here at the Dubai mall and the other at Abu Dabhi..as well...was here for work..."

Oh Yes.

Now I remember. But its a crazy coincidence how Brian chose this very boutique to get into. I mean before we were stepping in – I surely had no clue that this was her jewellry boutique.

I nod at her now politely and go on to introduce Brian to her again and it surprises me that she recognises him too from the time at Gadaffi and they fall into a casual chatter and Brain goes onto compliment the jewellery collection in the store. Just as he does that – I follow suit – because hey – to be fair – the collection is amazing.

Noor smiles in acknowledgement of the same as she says now – " thank you so much for the compliment on the collection guys...and I am glad...you all liked a piece that you'd want to take home.."

Brian nods and grins and I add now politely looking out towards the store manager who just seems to be busy with another customer now – " umm..so..actually Noor...I am just waiting to hear from the store manager about this bracelet I'd like to buy..."

Noor grins now as she states – " I know...Khushi...so about that...just because I figured it's you...I say...that bracelet is all your's to take home...I was planning to gift it to my ammi on my return back to Pakistan...but then..the staff forgot to take it off shelf I guess...but you please go ahead and purchase this...ill just take something else for her instead...and yes...I must say...great choice..."

Wait ...What? She was going to take this for her mum too? And now she is letting me take it? That's really kind of her.

I insist now politely – " Noor...that's really sweet of you...but if you'v already had this in your mind...ill just pick something else out for my Mum...I was looking to get this for her bday...but I am sure..i can pick another design..."

Noor grins and shakes her head – " wow...you were taking this for your mother too?"

I nod – " yes...and I am sure..I can pick another..."

Noor insists as she gestures the manager to bring the piece to her – " and I am sure I want you to have it...Khushi...you saved my life..once remember...this is just a thank you...again.."

I am about to insist on finding another when Brian chips in with a warm smile – " go then ..Khushi..take it...Noor's positive she wants you to have it...,"and he pauses giving me the look – She's being really polite about this -Don't say No.

I nod now smiling – " okay..then...ill take this..."

Noor grins – " great..and let me handle this purchase for you..,"And to my surprise she begins to ring up the purchase herself for me – instead of her staff.

Okay.

There's always something extremely warm about her vibe. I mentally thank Christ that Raahil has her as his partner in Life as Brian and Noor also continue with casual chatter about everything Dubai – in the meanwhile.

Five minutes later – once we are done – Brian and me nod at Noor collectively in a gesture to bid bye and Noor says warmly – " wait...Khushi...you have five minutes...I'd like to talk to you about something...would you join me in my cabin please??"

Ok.

Now I am puzzled.

What could this be about?

And I don't know how to say – No – to that without coming across as rude.

I nod puzzled – " oh...okay...alright...yeah...I could join you in for five mins...I guess.."

Brian says narrowing his eyes puzzled – " no worries...you go on ..K...ill just lounge here..and browse through the amazing collection again.."

I nod at him – thanking him silently for staying back out here – and follow Noor – who also simultaneously gestures me to join her in towards the backend.

Once we'v stepped into the backend office zone and before I can ask Noor as to what this was about – she opens the door to her office and says – " so ...this is about my fiancée...wanting to thank you in person...for saving my life the other day on the road...Khushi..."

Oh.

I stop in my tracks.

Wait.

Correction in there.

I freeze.

Literally freeze – taking in the sight of Raahil upfront – sitting all casually against the chair upfront opposite the work station as he says warmly getting up from his spot - " hello Khushi..."

Oh My Christ.

How did this happen again??????????

I take deep breathes. You surely can't back out now Khushi. You got to take the conversation forward as swiftly as possible and then leave.

I compose myself as I shoot him a polite smile and step into Noors cabin behind her as she closes the door shut and gestures me to take another chair parallel, which I do – " hello...Raahil....and before you say anything to thank me over that incident with Noor on the road in London...I'd like to say...please don't...I am glad I was there in that moment...of time..."

Raahil smiles warmly – " and I was beyond just glad about it too..Allah ka shukar hai...(thank Allah)...that you were there in that moment of time...to save the love of my life...please let me thank you for the same though....you have no idea...what a big favour you did..for me...that day...,"and he looks warmly at Noor and adds affectionately – " I cant see her injured...I can see no harm on her ever...I just don't know how to function without her..."

I smile at that warmly on reflex – as Noor's eyes well up happily and she pats her eyelids dramatically as she adds to Raahil mischeviously – " raahil...you want to make me cry? My mascara today...unfortunately..is not waterproof..."

We all end up sharing a warm chuckle at that on reflex.

Wait.

Why am I so comfortable in this out of the blue moment?

I shouldn't be right?

But strangely – I am.

I remind myself that I do need to get out of here in a hurry now and I say to Raahil – " oh..and I just wanted to congratulate you for the brilliant game yesterday Raahil....it was a good match...you played well...."

Noor asks – " you saw the match? Like live? Or on TV?"

Well. I think I can do away with not telling them the truth that I was in the stadium – sporting my half siblings cricketing jersey. So I cover up - " on TV...I am just a cricket fan..in general...as you know..."

Raahil smiles almost sadly now and nods – " thank you Khushi...but it was for a losing cause...my gaming dream about playing the Asia CUP final against India...has been momentarily shattered...for sure.."

I end up saying on reflex remembering what Mum always says to me about dreams – " yes...but know what? My Mum always says this to me...in my lows...that there's a fascinating this about dreams isn't there? that you can often just begin to visualise a new one...so what if one dream didnt get its culmination...the next one surely will..."

Raahil shoots me a puzzled smile as he exchanges a surprised look with Noor as they gape at me collectively and Raahil adds smiling now – " you know what's so strange Khushi? I just had my Abbu tell me those very same words last night??? Its crazy how you just said the very same thing..literally...word..for word....your Mum says the same to you???"

Oh Boy.

Didn't see that coming.

Was this something that Mum relayed to Abbu back in the day in one of his moments?????????? Too bad I don't have more information on that. But what I do know is that I need to get out of here – quickly now.

I cover up with a polite smile – " yes..she does....anyways...so...my friend...Brian is waiting outside...so ill just get going now??"

Noor insists – " are you sure? Khushi? Why not you and Brain join us for another cup of tea..??"

Raahil insists the very same warmly but I somehow manage to politely decline the offer using my group of friends as an excuse – as I get up to take my leave.

Noor nods and gets up to sidehug me warmly bidding me bye for now and I do the very same and politely shake hands with Raahil congratulating him for his game again – before I finally take my leave.

Once I am out of there – I pace up to Brian immediately as he asks ina whisper – " okay?? K??"

I nod rushed – " yes..brian...Raahil was in there...he wanted to thank me in person for saving Noor the last time...come on lets get out of here...ill fill you in on it all...,"and we quickly begin to get out of there and I just hurriedly fill him up on it all.

Two minutes later once we are - Ten steps away from the jewellery boutique – I reach out for my phone from my backpocket to quickly leave Arnav texts about everything that just happened.

And that is exactly when I pause in my tracks.

My Phone.

It's missing from my backpocket. It was in there when we walked to the backoffice.

Oh Crap?

Did it fall out when I sat on that chair in Noor's cabin?

I look at Brian – " Brian...my phone...it's not here...I think it slipped out on the chair in Noor's cabin...ill just be back...in a jiffy.."

Brian nods – " no worries..K...ill wait up.."

It is right then his phone also buzzes with S's call and I say – " no Brian...you head to everyone or else S will wonder why we were gone so long...hide the ring in one of your other shopping bags K? I don't want you to spoil your surprise now..we don't want S to start on her guessing games...now do we? Ill join you all in five?"

Brian asks to reconfirm – "are you sure? K?"

I nod – " yes...sure...I just gotta go in and get my phone..that's all..."

He nods and continues to walk ahead and I head my way back in to Noor's store.

Thankfully – the manager recognises me instantly and I fill her in and request her to check for my phone from the inside but it is right thent – a group of customers walked in behind me that also needed attention – and she says to me – " Ms Khushi...Noor Maam knows you personally...I am sure she wouldn't object to you going in to check for the same in person...I just gotta attend to these customers...would that be okay??"

Oh Boy.

Gotta see Raahil again.

I take deep breathes.

No biggie – Khushi.

You can do this!

I nod at the manager now politely and gesture her to get back to attending the customers and I walk in towards the backoffice quickly and just as I am about to knock on Noor's door even though it was a little open – I hear her warm voice come through – "Okay...Raahil...see..here's the plan...given that you are smiling a little now...how about this? We shop a little? Head back to Abu Dabhi just in time for dinner..and..then have Abbu join us in..for the same? And I promise you..we will eat what you want tonight?so tell me...what are your taste buds in the mood of haan??"

I smile at that on reflex. How could I Not?

I am about to knock again as I hear Raahil's voice now – " okay..thats a good plan Noor...well...now that you asked...I'd love a good old Shepherd's Pie..Noor...given that we both enjoy the taste of it...immense...but it's such a pity that Abbu won't accompany us in eating the same...its crazy though isn't it? that he hasn't had the dish in the last 25 plus years...remember everytime we ask him to eat the same...he says the same to us???"

THAT MAKES ME FREEZE IN MY SPOT – ALMOST INSTANTLY.

JUST WHAT DID I HEAR???

ABBU REALLY HASN'T HAD SHEPHERD'S PIE IN THE LAST 25 plus YEARS????

MY EYES WELL UP ON REFLEX.

Oh Mum – I have an answer to that question you often wondered about – in the most twisted of the ways!!

And whilst I am still frozen to my spot in shock and surprise – I hear Raahil's voice fall in my ears again as he sighs – " know what Noor? Now that I think off it...I am pretty sure...Abbu not having a Shepherd's Pie in 25 years surely has got something to do with the memory of the one he once loved/or perhaps still loves so deeply...you know the one he was with in the past before Ammi...the one he refuses to talk to me about till today...the one whose name he refuses to tell me...no matter how many time's I have asked him...."

WAAITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!

WHHHHAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT??????????

WHAT DID RAAHIL JUST SAY???????????

WHAT AM I HEARING??????????????

GUYS.

I KNOW ITS FREAKING RUDE TO EAVESDROP BUT I FREAKING CANNOT MOVE IN MY SPOT RIGHT NOW!!

WHAT IS RAAHIL IMPLYING???? DID HE REALLY SAY – WHAT HE JUST DID????????????????

In my shaken state – I now hear Noor's soft voice fall in my ears – " yeah...I think you are right Raahil..this surely has something to do with her...you wana try asking him the same tonight again??"

OKAY.

MY HEADS IN AN OVERDRIVE. My EARS ARE IN A STATE OF MOMENTARILY SHOCK+ DISBELEIF.

I hear Raahil sigh – " yeah...ill try again..tonight...just like I have been for months...since Feburary of this year...Allah knows Noor...how badly I am waiting for him to open up to me about this...Ammi opened up to me about everything on her end before her passing right? how they were never the love of each other's life...Abbu...knows...that I now know everything...that both my parents have always been in love with another in their heart – and that their marriage was an arranged convenience just for the sake of the elders in the family/ companionship...he knows that I know that Ammi had always been in love with the one she was with ...prior...just like she knew..and now I know..that...Abbu has always only loved one person with all his heart....and still probably does..in his twisted ways...which is why I fail to understand...why won't he just tell me who it is? Just her name...so that I can work on Ammi's last wish of having him meet the one he was with prior..atleast once...now...in the present day today...so that Abbu can finally get some closure....I know he hasn't forgotten her...Noor...I just  know it..he still thinks of her...just the other day before this tour..at home.. I saw him hide some old photographs in his drawer as I walked into his study...I am suure...he was looking at her pictures..and then just talking about it to Ammi's photoframe after...maybe?? Now that I know it all...it just aches me so much that I am so helpless about this...if only Abbu would talk to me...tell me who it was....i'd just seek her out...myself...why?? Just Why won't Abbu talk to me..Noor?? I know...I have asked this off you a zillion times...over all these months..and you have no answer to this...usually...."

HOLYYYYYYYYYY FREAKINGGGGG CHRISTTTTTTT!

I CLUTCH MY HEART ON REFLEX AS TEARS CONTINUE TO LEAVE MY EYES IN CONTINUOUS DISBELEIF.

I can't Move.

HOW CAN I ? WHEN THE RIPPLE'S OF THE TRUTH THAT I JUST HEARD HAVE SHAKEN MY BEING THE WAY THEY HAVE?????????

Just WHAT AM I HEARING???????????JUST WHAT DID I HEAR????

ABBU HAS ALWAYS BEEN IN LOVE WITH MUM? HE COULD NEVER MOVE ON IN THE MATTERS OF THE HEART IN ITS TRUE SENSE? HIS MAARIAGE WITH Raahil's ammi was just out of arranged companionship?And Not Love? It had never been love on either of their ends all along for all those yearss????

As waterfall of tears continue to leave my eyes I hear Noor's soft voice fall in my ears now – " maybe...I do have an answer to that today...Raahil...maybe he never talks about it to you/anyone..till today...because talking about it out loud will make that pent up hurt in his heart more real? of the tale of heartbreak? He also surely believes that the one he had loved is surely living a settled life out there...all we know was that she never wanted to see him again right? the break up was bad..right???like emotionally exhausting for either...I guess...so Abbu probably thinks...why go in front of her now..and bring out caskets of past in her present...I mean..who knows...how life shaped out for her right? she might be in a happy marriage with her husband, family, children...so maybe that's what's got Abbu keeping it all in..still..."

OH YES.

Noor.

The break up was bad. Very Bad!

If only Abbu knew that Mum never moved On. If Only Mum knew that Abbu never moved on in the matters of the heart for real. That he always remembered her. Always Loved Her. Only Her!!!!!!!!!!! He probably still does.

I hear Raahil sigh further – " yeah...I get that..Noor..but that's the point...how do I get him on heal on this regard then?its about time..don't you think? How many more years to this ache? he won't talk to me?? how is keeping it all in...going to help?????? He's just taking solace in nursing that one deep heartbreak...wound..as a wound...how will he ever heal then???? Can I help my Abbu ever heal?????"

AND JUST AS I HEAR THAT FROM RAAHIL – MY HEART AND MIND BURSTS IN EMOTION LIKE NEVER BEFORE – AS MUM'S Face/ her HEARTBREAK/ACHE/LONGING OVER ALL THESE YEARS CONTINUES TO HAMMER ITSELF IN MY BEING.

Everything inside of me is shaking, tremoring emotionally – in a way – I really cannot explain in words!

And yet – I STAND FROZEN IN MY SPOT – UNABLE TO GET MY SELF TO REACT PHYSICALLY OR MAKE A MOVE TO EVEN LEAVE!!

How??

Just how do I get myself to move???????

HOW CAN I NOT BE THE VERSION OF THE FROZEN STATUE THAT I AM RIGHT NOW – given that everything that I just heard – continues to just sink in over and over - resulting in nothing but massive raw, emotional, vulnerable – RIPPLE'S – in my being – over and over again!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

TADAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

How was that guys???????????????? Sheer Shock Dhamaka for Khushi...right?

Okay! Okay! No shoes at me for just stopping there!!!! I just had to yaaa for the dramatic affect????!!! (Winks)😜😜😜

Next Update : Take 31.1 – CrossRoads – (I will try my best to post by Monday night)

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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