Take 31.1 - CrossRoads

3 years ago

mysticaltales11111

@mysticltales111

Hellooooo Guysssssssss....

So yes - here I am with the next update for HW3.o

So excited to be putting this up on schedule! I just loved writing the scenes out - Immense!

Word Count -Long in length -9.5K Words.✍✍👩‍💻👩‍💻

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

‍💻

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

Take 31.1 - CrossRoads

Same Day - 8th September, 2019

Same Day - 8th September, 2019

Dubai, UAE

Two Hour 45 Minutes Later

Nearing 8:00 PM

At the AirBNB Apartment

Arnav's POV

I continue to pace around the living room impatiently and helplessly, waiting for my phone to give me the comfort I seeked desperately in the moment as I ask M, S, Jack, Brian once again(who are as helpless as me right now staring back into their phones) - "guys... please tell me that atleast one of you is able to reach Khushi?? Please tell me that she's atleast responded to any of your messages, given that my phone and whtsapp tell me that she still hasn't even seen any of my frantic messages that I have left to her in the last couple of hours...she probably perhaps hasn't even seen the list of my missed calls..."

Maya, Sarah, Jack, Brian - shake their head at me nervously and worriedly as they say in unison - " Nope...Arnav..none of our phones have beeped with her call/ text yet..nor has she seen any of our messages...too..and she would obviously respond to you first...as well..."

Godammit.

Guys.

To be honest - I am kind off freaking out on a zone I can't really explain.

Why?

Because none of us have been able to reach Khushi after 5:15 PM this evening. All we know from Brian was that she walked back into Noor's jewellery store(wherein she bought Mrs J her b'day gift) to get her phone back. He did fill us up over her brief encounter with Raahil in there as well and as to how she wanted to text me about the very same in that instant which was why she reached out for her phone and found it missing in the first place.

But that's the thing that's got me going crazy!

Even though My Fiore intended to text me in that moment of time. She didn't. I haven't had a single text/call from her at all for all these hours. In fact, the very second - I reached for my phone after intense practice/training sessions all day at around 6pm - I texted her first thing out and when the message did not deliver - I rang her up instantly but the call did not get connected and instead I came face to face with M's worried text asking me to ring her up the minute my training was over.

I did - obviously. Only to come face to face with the helplessly worrying news - that - none of them knew where Khushi went off too - all of a sudden. They had all been waiting for her to return to the group at Dubai Mall - but then when she didn't join them all until 530 pm nor did she text/call either of them - Brian even went back to check for her at the Jewellery store - where in the manager informed him - that Khushi had left the store after she helped her get her phone back.

And the bit that they hadn't been able to spot her/get in touch with her had everyone freaking out immense too. After searching for her for a while there - they all came back to the apartment they are staying at in the hope of spotting her here - but when they didn't - M obviously texted me all worried and frantic.

And ever since that moment in time - I have been feeling like a wreck within in so much worry that I cannot put it in words - for I have been trying to reach her non - stop - and I haven't been able too just like everyone.

I also came straight here to the apartment rather than going back to the Hotel with everyone after practice plus on my way here along with the time I have been here - I'v even called Mom, Dad, Akash, Di to check with them incase Khushi had called them in the last two hours plus - because well she's been in regular touch with my family now - and I just was desperately hoping that maybe just maybe she got into the regular routine chat with them that she does usually everyday - before her battery died out on her or something.

But in my head - I also knew that this is my Heart just making up excuses to relieve my soul.

In some parts of my mind and gut - I know there's no way - My Fiore would get into a call/msg with anyone at home - without texting/returning my calls.

Godammit.

I check my phone again in sheer desperation. My texts haven't yet delivered. Which means only one thing again - Her Phone is Switched Off - right now.

Why?

She's never freaking done this before.Ever!( The only one time was for that surprise..but that is different. You all know what I mean don't you???? Khushi's never zoned out on me/or M, S, Jack, Brian this way collectively like - ever!)

And the fact that she has - zoned off this way - just continues to kill and wreck me within.Obviously.

Baby. Fiore. Where are you??????

My gut tells me somethings happened. Something surely has happened at your end in those minutes interval whilst you were alone.

But what??????????????

Just what could happen?????????

I sigh dejected - as I spot M, S, Brian and Jack worry the same amongst themselves over and over too and Maya says now her face paling in extreme worry- " wait...guys...should we..maybe just check around the near hospitals or something? I mean what if she stepped out the mall? And god forbid... something happened???like an accident...or something?? we know Khushi right? she'd never ghost out this way on any of us..ever...not us...not Arnav..especially.."

I PALE.

MY INSIDES CRASH.

OR DIE WOULD BE THE RIGHT WORD.

I shake my head in a negative refusing to comprehend that possibility now - " No M...no...I cannot comprehend that very possibility even for a second...alright? do not imply that ..please?? nothings happened to My Fiore..she's just roaming around there...and her phone's battery died out on her...that's all...she'll be back...here...soon...she will text us/call us the very second she is able too.."

ITS CRAZY HOW I AM NOT USUALLY FRIENDS WITH DENIAL. BUT RIGHT NOW - DENIAL is MY LEGIT BEST FRIEND.

Sarah sighs exchanging a look with M, Jack and Brian- " Arnav...we know you don't wana comprehend this...but what if...M is right..what if..something happened..."

And I end up stating out pretty loud in an assertive tone with the aim to just comfort my very own mind/soul - " nothing's happened....S..M...Jack ...Brian...I mean atleast in terms of injury....please...let us not get our heads to go there...alright??yes....something has happened...indeed....but it is not an injury/accident or something....,"and I take my seat dejected on the sofa.

Brian takes his seat next to me as he pats my shoulder in support - " we hope...you are right..Arnav...but then...yes..I am sure..something else has surely happened...for her to do this...she's never gone missing on us before..this way.."

Jack insists sighing - "she'd always leave a text/voice note at the least???,"and he asks Brian again for the zillionth time - " are you sure..she was okay after that brief encounter with Raahil and Noor..Brian??"

Brian nods and goes on to explain the whole bit to us again just like he's done probably a thousand times - already.

It is right then M's phone also buzzes with Mrs J call. I had a missed call from her too - five minutes ago - which I didn't return yet. For the first time ever - it just felt like - I didn't know what to say to her. Maya picks up the phone now and puts it up on speaker gesturing to us all that she is going too and we hear Mrs J voice come out - " Hun...Maya...is Khushi with you? I am trying to get through to her...but I am not able to reach her...I tried calling Arnav too...but he didn't take my call either...is everything okay???"

I gesture M from across to not relay anything to Mrs J. No point. She'll just get insanely worried. M covers up as she assures Mrs J that we are all together at the apartment and Khushi's just with me in private and that she would ask her to ring her back soon. That relieves Mrs J - thankfully and Maya hangs up on the call sighing as she states to us all - " I hate to lie to her about this...guys..."

Sarah chips in now trying to desperately reach Khushi yet again - " we gotta do something...please...we gotta look for her...how long can we keep waiting...helplessly this way...M, Brian, Jack, Arnav..."

Well.

She is right about that.

I sigh dejected - " I know...S...you are right...but it kills me to say this out loud...that right now...for the first time ever...I don't know..where to begin looking for my Fiore...,"and I bury my head in my hands in sheer dismay.

Jack sighs - " lets wait around here...for just five more minutes then? in case our phone's don't beep with her text/call in five...we go out and begin to look for her..okay?and M's right...maybe we should begin with the nearest hospital around the Dubai mall??"

Everyone nods in unison exchanging worried helpless gazes. I give in - nodding in sheer - dejection too - gaping at me phone like a hawk.

Khushi.

Baby.

Please.

Just freaking text, me back.

Just call me back.

Please.

Dammit.

Please.

Where are you dammit? Where are you??????????????

It is right very then - my phone beeps in my hand.And the very second - I spot - Khushi's text on whatsapp now - I feel like - My Soul's come back to Life.My faith in God finds its instant restoration yet again.My face lights up in relief on it's own accord as I open up my phone saying to everyone taking a hushed breathe of relief in a rush- " guys...it's khushi...she's just texted me..."

Everyone sighs in momentary relief collectively.And I head to my Whtsapp to see her text.

Her : Sorry. Baby. Arnav...I am...So So So sorry for just zoning out and away for all these hours.... Are you mad much? I am sure you are. But probably not as mad as worried you + M, S, Jack, Brian must be right now. I am so so so sorry..baby..I just switched on my phone and saw all your texts/missed calls...all other texts from M, S, Brian and Jack too...Mum's called too...a couple of times....

I sigh in relief - yet again - reading that from her - for just the fact that she is online right now - finally - gives some solace to my otherwise jittery heart. I give the context of her text to all simultaneously as I reply to her at the speed of light.

Me : Fiore...baby..thank god...you messaged...let's talk about all of that later...first you tell me...you are okay?? Right???? where have you been all this while?? You aren't injured right???thats all I need to know first...'

And just as I tap send to that my patience runs out and I call her.

And to my shock yet again - she cuts my call.

What The?

What's happening?

I gape at M, S, Jack, Brian as I say puzzled - " she just cut my call...something's surely not right in here...guys..."

Phone beeps.

Her : can't talk right now baby. Give me 30-40 minutes. I will be back to the apartment by then. Can we talk then...baby? Please??

Okay. She's scaring the hell out of me right now with this. She wants to be left alone right now. Clearly. But why? Never has it happened that she doesn't want to talk to me too about an issue in that moment of time.

Me : Khushi....baby...what's happened? You know I am freaking out here..right? we all are..atleast give me a clue...I can clearly sense that you wana be alone for a little while more maybe? Right now?? and maybe you'v just been caught up in some turmoil by yourself...all this while...but what is it baby? No cover up's in between of us fiore..remember...it's me...love...it's me...you promised...no cover up's ever...come what may...

Her : yes...Arnav...I won't cover up when I see you...love...I promise...but please...just give me this little while more.....alone...I will explain it all...when I see you...I am okay...please don't worry...k? I am not injured or something..

I sigh as I look at M, S, Jack and Brian and fill them up - " she still needs some time alone..guys...that's exactly what it's about...for all these hours...but she's okay otherwise..she says..she will be here in 30-40 minutes..."

Maya, Sarah, Jack and Brian exchange puzzled yet relieved looks with one another as they say in unison - " alright...guess..we will just have to wait and see what the matter is..then...but thank god..she's okay.."

I nod at that - " yeah..thank god for that...I can finally breathe..."

Sarah smiles - " some coffe for us all then? finally?"

We all exchange a nod.

I text Khushi.

Me : okay...fiore...take your time..alright? but just take care please? and...come soon to me...after..k?

Her : yes I will...Arnav..where else will I go if not for your arms..after a moment like this..eventually...

I sigh in worry again.

Me : Khushi..baby..what's eating you up right now?something surely is...give me a little headsup..at the least...sorry for pushing you..yet again...but I can't help it...I love you dammit...and to know that you are out there..by yourself...right now..going through whatever it is that has bothered you this way...is killing me...wrecking me...you know it is.

Her : I know it is...but I don't know how to explain it all on text/or on call baby...ill be there...with you...in a little bit...I promise...please have your evening coffe/snack that I am sure you missed out on...I mean...I am anticipating that you didn't eat/drink anything at all..after training...because of all this worry for me...I am sorry for that...once again... okay?baby? I'll explain. Tell everyone....I will explain it all...once I am there...don't be mad at me..please?

I sigh as I read that.

Me : alrighty baby..I get it...k? ill wait...as patiently as I can...just take care...k?and I am not mad...now that I have heard from you and can sense that something major is up in here...and you will tell us all about it in a bit...reminder though - where ever you are - just take care...

Her : I will take care...I love you baby..

Me : I love you...Fiore...come soon..

And as I finally tap send to that - I momentarily lean back into the sofa in relief exchanging puzzled yet relieved glances with Jack, Brian - as my lungs and heart begin with its normal functionality on reflex.

We just exchange another silent nod - before we walk into the kitchen to join M and S - in finally dishing out some piping hot cups of coffee's for us all.For only Caffeine can save me for the remaining jitterness whilst I wait for Khushi to arrive.The same goes for S, M , Jack, Brian - too.

My mind/heart/soul is all wandering lost in Khushi's thoughts obviously though.Something major is up in here.

And I can't help but wonder - Just what it could be?

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Meanwhile - Simultaneously - Old Dubai

On an Abra(Traditional Arab Boat) wading it's way across the Dubai Creek

Khushi's POV

I had to be Alone.

I needed to be Alone.

Just a couple of seconds after in that very moment of time - as I finally managed to defreeze - I realised that I just needed to be by myself to just reconcile my thoughts/ ripple's of vulnerable emotions.

I did not have the courage to step into Noor's cabin then - obviously - after everything I had heard. I could not see Raahil/Noor in that moment of time. I just felt like an emotional mess myself within. I felt like I had to sort my thoughts out first? So - I somehow just wiped my tears- composed my self with great difficulty and walked out into the showroom and asked the manager to help me get my phone instead. Thankfully, she was too preoccupied to notice/question anything and helped me with the same eventually as I waited outside patiently.

Once she handed me- my phone - I practically raced out of Dubai Mall at the speed of light - getting myself into a Taxi - and asking the polite old gentleman behind the wheel to take me round and round the roads. I had also purposely switched off my phone.Why? Because for the first time ever - I had felt everything within me shaken to such a core - that I did not even know how to word - or text/speak a word out to anyone. Or Even Arnav - in that moment of time.

The polite old gentleman - in the cab - had been perceptive enough to notice that I was monumentally disturbed by something given that - the waterfall of tears had begun to ooze out my eyes the very second I was in the Cab and after about just seven minutes into the ride - he had asked me if I had wanted to head to somewhere peaceful that could help me in my moment.

I had nodded - ofcourse.

And then - he just drove me all the way - to the lanes of Old Dubai by the old Dubai Creek - where in his grandchildren operated this Abra(traditional Arab boat) across the waters - and just politely offered that I could have the boat ride in private across the waters - to and fro - as many times as I wanted.

Alone.

I took up his kind offer - immeditaley - ofcourse.

And ever since then - I have just been going to and fro on this Abra from the same spot to the other across the creek over and over - just gazing out at the waterbody/the ripples of water beneath - surroundings around.

His kind gesture towards me in that moment of time once again restored my faith in the bit - that a little act of kindness - can indeed help someone having a hard time in the most significant way.

I knew Arnav would be worried.I knew S, M, Jack and Brian would be freaking out too. But I just felt like I had to do this for myself.

Nontheless.

I am glad I had that little text chat with him about two minutes ago though. I was able to do that - after - I finally felt like I could switch on my phone and reconnect to everyone - after these couple of silent emotional hours to myself.

It's crazy isn't it? How sometimes certain - Revelations - come to your door in such a way - that they just basically consume every neuron of your system in the stunned shock of it all????? That for a second - everything freezes. Everything Ceases. Everything comes to a StandStill.

I am still processing everything I had heard as it continues to sink in over and over and maybe the very reason for all my stunned turmoil right now is the bit - that I find myself on the edge of this CrossRoad and for the first time ever - even the toss of the imaginary coin isn't able to help me figure out - which way to Go.

I wipe the continuous trail of tears off my cheek gazing around at the lights of life in Old Dubai on either side of the creek - as the night breeze works its way through my hair - and my hands remain clutched around the bracelet I had just bought for Mum.(Like it has stayed clutched around it - all this while)

Whats the context of this emotional CrossRoad in front of me if you must wonder?

It's the bit that - on one side - all a part of me wants to do - ever since I heard everything I did - is to just ring up Mum and tell her about it all. Put an end to her ache/pain within - that she harbours thinking that Abbu had literally forgotten about her existence over time. But then - I also know - that when one's so used to harbouring a wound within for decades - all one wants to do is - protect it with denial - feeling too vulnerable about it all at the sudden thought of possibility of an open confrontation. And I know Mum don't I?? I know that latter bit is exactly what she will spiral into eventually. Just like Abbu has been doing the very same at his end all this while. He's probably feels very vulnerable at the mere thought of seeing Mum again. In reality. Just like Mum Does. Which means - that the only way I might have to act on this - in the first bit - is without keeping Mum in the loop. I also hate to keep something as huge as this from her obviously.

And then on the other hand - there's Arnav.My Love. The one I swore to protect from the affects of my secret. I promised the same to his family too right? They'v only been so loving towards me. How can I risk Arnav's well being in here? If I take steps towards having Mum meet Abbu again - means - it will lead to the truth coming out eventually - and then what happens to Arnav? Will I end up destroying him? professionally? I know he doesn't care. But I do. I love him so much. I'd just hate to be the one to cause him any harm. Ever. You all know that.And then there's Abbu too - to think about. What happens to Abbu if the secret of his illegitimate daughter's existence comes out in front of the world? What happens to Raahil? These fears (With regards to Abbu's well being in context)are the very ones that have also kept Mum silent all these years - right??

But.

Mum.

My Mum.

My Alice in Wonderland.

She's ached so much within all this years. In her heart.And all Alone. How can I not do this for her?? How can I not feel like walking upto Noor/Raahil myself - and telling them the truth now??????

Yeah.

That's also what a part of me wants to do too.

Oh Christ.

Never had I imagined that I'd find myself on a CrossRoads as tricky as this one. I take the course on for Mum. I can be at the risk of hurting Arnav/Abbu. And if take the course of silence- I'd just hate myself- for doing this to Mum in the first place. I can't freaking go back and unhear what I did in my mind. I cannot undo - everything I heard in my being too.

What do I do??

Just what do I do?????????????????????

Abbu's face also flashes in front of my eyes now and for a second I am reminded of all that underlying ache/angst in Raahil's voice while he was talking about things on Abbu's end.

My heart's breaking for Abbu too. For both my parents. Immense.

I close my eyes and fresh tears ooze out.

It is right then I hear the polite gentleman's voice come closer next to me. The old man who was behind the cab wheel I took. He had boarded the Abra on this previous round - sitting on the far edge - as his grandson drove us to the other side. He says now offering me the bottle of water - " you mind if I sit here? And offer you some water? You have been crying for a while now...young lady...its surely exhausted you??"

I nod and take the bottle from his hand and sip on some water now - thanking him for the same.

He asks kindly - " you are my grandson's age..almost...he talks to me about his troubles...you can too...I am stranger I know..but maybe that helps?"

I smile a little at that on reflex. Only natural that I remember the time I had spoken to Arnav as my MaskCap Dude because of this similar context back in time - when we first met.

I whisper now on reflex - " I am just at a CrossRoads right now..personally...emotionally...a very difficult one...uncle...and I don't know which way to go.....it involves the people I love...so much....I fear hurting one because of the other...."

The old man smiles now warmly as he says - "and I won't ask you for more on the context...given that it seems too personal...but I will say this...to you...young lady...here's the trick about CrossRoads in the mind...the mind often says ...you gotta chose one way to go...that it often forgets the other possibility..."

I ask momentarily puzzled - "what other possibility??"

He smiles warmly - " the possibility off not chosing..at all...right now...just turn around in your head...and go around the crossroad until it seems more familiar to deal with...here's the trick...just in your head...tell yourself...it's not necessary to travel the road down straight all the time..at that very point...right?sometimes..going around the croassroad helps too...you know...and while you are circling around it...you might discover another route that takes you around..to your destination...eventually...."

Ok.

That does sink in to some extent given that he's worded this out of his Life's experience/mind's wisdom.

Is there really another way that I can see this through??

The kind old man smiles at me warmly again as he says now taking in the puzzled conflicted expression on my face - "we often fear a crossroads...young lady..this is exactly where in my Life...I just remind myself of my favourite words/poem by Khalil Gibran...ill give you a brief context....of it....a smaller waterbody as this creek/or a river reaches a crossroad often too...at some point...too....young lady...it must choose...to continue flowing as this...or merge into a larger waterbody eventually...it's all about perspective eventually...a river will always stay a river if it feels it will get lost in the seas/ocean and it will never enter it...but a river will become the sea/ocean...if it realises that maybe it was always about becoming/culminating into what it was destined to be a part off..."

It Hits. This reference Hits.

Ofcourse I have read this bit prior. It's one of Arnav's favourite set of words too.My love's the deep perceptive one interested in philosophy/anthropology etc - right?

I stay silent and lost deep in thought and the old man continues warmly - " so....young lady...if you tell yourself...you are lost in front of this CrossRoads - you will always feel conflicted and tattered..and fear taking it on eventually...but if you tell yourself that maybe..this was the exact CrossRoad..life was leading you towards all this while..anyway...this was exactly what you were travelling towards....you will be able to accept it sooner...that it is just a phase/a road...that is meant to be dealt with...eventually..there is always a way...young lady...you just have to look close enough..."

And just like that - as I hear him say that to me - and everything Arnav's often said to me whilst he was supporting me through the initial bit with regards to Abbu+ our deep philosophical/perceptions discussion over all this time - makes its way back to my head. It sinks and cements in my being - yet again.

Maybe - this was what my Fate was leading me towards all this while? Anyway?This was exactly what I was destined to travel towards anyway?Which basically means - that there's no way I can escape/evade this CrossRoads at all. I just need to figure out a way to go around this - and give my some time to soak things through. I also gotta stop fearing it first - I guess?

I nod at him in a deep silence as

I clutch Mum's bracelet in my hand yet again and a second later - I thank him for everything - with all my heart.

He smiles at me warmly and nods at me politely and then makes his way back to join his grandson in casual chatter - leaving me to gaze - at the Ripples of Water - underneath the Abra - again.

I know I gotta let go of the Fear of the worst.

First.

I just gotta let go.

It's what I have to begin with before I Dive into the Center of this CrossRoad - taking it on.

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About 40 minutes later

At the AirBnb Apartment

The very second - Maya, Jack, Sarah, Brian and Arnav - hear the sound of the click on the door to the apartment - they all get up from their seats in the living area and rush to the door - knowing that it was going to be Khushi. Arnav manages to be the first one to reach the door - obviously.

And the very second the door opens and they all see - Khushi stepping in with her face pale/exhausted and her eyes bloodshot red - wiping a fresh tear outta the corner of her eye - Arnav feels like his heart is trembling immense ache and he instantly reaches out to pull her in a hug first - engulfing her in his arms - snug - in a pin drop silence - just kissing her head over and over - brushing her hair tenderly in the process.At the moment - he was just glad that his Fiore was back in his arms. Safe and Sound. She was monumentally disturbed. Yes. He could see that/sense that - now - yet again. But now he felt a lot more sorted within emotionally to address the matter - given that the feel of her in his arms was working like a magical balm on all his jitters.

Maya, Sarah, Jack and Brian just hug each other in relief too - as they see - Khushi surrender her disturbed self into Arnav's arms almost instantly holding onto him hard and snug in a deep silence.

Arnav's warm embrace/arms - were exactly what Khushi needed too - first thing out - now that she finally felt that she was ready to talk about it all - to everyone. That was why she was finally clinging onto him hard in this deep silence. His subtle kisses on her head over and over + the brush of his hand over her head - a subtle reminder to her yet again - that no matter what - he would always be there for her. Khushi whispers now, her voice shaking - " I am sorry..baby..so sorry...for this...yet again...I kno.w....I...s..c..a..red...the..hell...out...of you...all...but I just had to be alone...to recollect my thoughts...fi..rst..."

Arnav just hugs Khushi harder back at that as he whispers kissing her head again - " shhh...shh...baby...please...no...don't apologize..whats more important is that you are finally here...don't say a word of sorry..again...k? we understand....,"and he just hugs her snug hard again.

She clings onto him in an intense emotional silence too.

About two minutes later - as Arnav and Khushi - continue to just hug each other in that deep intense emotional silence - Maya and Sarah finally whisper walking in from behind to hug Khushi too - " K...you want some water first? You do look like a wreck.....right now..."

Arnav nods at Maya and Sarah and gestures to them silently that he'd be the one to get His Fiore the water and he just kisses her head in silent support yet again - as fresh tears ooze out Khushi's eyes as Maya, Sarah, hug her hard first before Jack and Brian silently join in on the group hug.

Arnav walks back to Khushi with a glass of water and she nods taking it and once she's done gulping it down - she just places her handbag on the floor and leaps forward to seek the solace of Arnav's arms again - and Arnav just holds her to his side snug as he asks in a whisper kissing her head again - " you wana eat something first? Fiore?"

Khushi whispers shaking her head - " no baby...I don't want to eat..I wana talk to you all first...I won't be able to get a bite through my system..without having this out off my system to you all...lets sit...first...I just wana tell you all everything..."

Arnav exchanges an instant nod with everyone and he holds Khushi snug to his side as they all walk back to the living room. Sarah and Brian take their seat on one parallel two seater sofa. Jack and Maya on the one opposite and Arnav and Khushi take their seat on the two seater sofa in the center - and Arnav silently laces his hand with Khushi's tight - holding her snug to his side - and kisses her head again.

And just as Khushi feels that powerful emotional kiss from Arnav on her head again - she finally whispers to all - " I just found out today...that...Abbu...never...ever...had...a Shepherd's Pie ever again...I mean..in all these years...he just never had the dish again..."

That surprises everyone instantly as they exchange puzzled glances amidst themselves and before Arnav or M, S, Jack and Brian can ask Khushi as to how she even got to know this - they hear Khushi say in a soft whisper - " he never forgot Mum...never...Abbu's arranged marriage with Raahil's ammi was just a formal arranagement...they never could be the love of each other's life..his ammi..never loved Abbu that way too....she knew...Abbu has only loved Mum in its truest sense all his life...he probably still does...he's been nursing the wound off their uncompleted story/heartbreak all this while too just like Mum has been...he just never came in front off her ever again..because she'd once told him she never wanted to see him again...not because he forgot about her existence over time...he didn't forget Mum...Arnav...M, S, Brian, Jack...he never did forget her...he proba..b..ly...sti..ll....lo..ves...he..r..o..n..ly..her...how cruel has destiny been to my parents...how unfortunate that they'v both lived with so much ache in their hearts...all thi..s...while....all...t..he..se...years.....,"and just as she finishes saying that out loud - she burries her head into Arnav's shoulder as vulnerable sobs take over yet again.

SILENCE.

THERE IS ONLY A STUNNED PIN DROP SILENCE IN THE ROOM AS Khushi's words echo in everyone's ears.

They couldn't believe what they'd just heard.

Maya and Sarah's eyes well up on reflex as they clutch onto Jack and Brian's arm all tight - in stunned emotional shock.

Arnav felt his insides get clean bowled - emotionally - so much so that he felt like a frozen statue himself in the moment - holding onto Khushi as she let go of her fresh sobs in his arms.

Given that Jack and Brian spot - Maya, Sarah and Arnav statuing in momentary shock - they both are the first ones to ask in unison in dazed shock+ surprise - " K...how did you even discover this?? What happened??"

Khushi clutches on Arnav's tee tight over his heart and Arnav finally instructs himself to react as he holds her snugger into his side and kisses her head and asks in a soft whisper - " fiore...baby...where?how?did you find this out???"

Khushi pulls up from Arnavs arms and shares an emotional eyelock with him as he wipes the trail of her tears and she finally looks at everyone leaning back into the sofa as she whispers - " there I was..walking to Noor's office to get my phone...and just...as I was about to knock...I overheard the two...,"and with that she honestly begins to tell everyone - everything - word for word - as to what she heard and how she felt all shaken emotionally. Arnav hears it all in a stunned silence just like everyone just holding onto Khushi tight. He knew in that moment of time - that was what she needed the most - his silent loving vibe - doing it's subtle bit in the moment - as she talked about it all.

Five minutes later - once Khushi is done telling them about the first bit - she also goes on to honestly tell them - how she felt she just had to be alone for a bit to just soak it all through and how the kind old man behind the taxi wheel had helped her get to the Old Dubai Creek where in she'd just spent hours - on the Abra going - to and fro - deep in thought.

Once she is done with telling everyone all of that she adds now in a broken whisper to all exchanging a powerful emotional eyelock with Arnav first - " I know I got to take on this CrossRoad that I find myself at...but how? How do I take it on?? On one side all I wana do is call up Mum and tell her about it all..but then..,"and she pauses and goes on to explain all her reasons for the conflicted turmoil with regards to her Mum's /Abbu's respective denials with regards to this + all the fears about what the thruth could do to her Abbu - and then she pauses just clutching on her heart hard whispering - " and then...there's all of that..plu..s..th..ere...is... also ...the...bit...th..at..,"and she pauses in an intense silence knowing that M, S, Brian and Jack would get the inference that she also has to think about Arnav in all of this right. In that moment of time - Khushi didn't want to say it loud in front of Arnav.She didn't know how too.So she just buried her head in her hands now - rubbing it over her face.

And just like that - His Fiore's subtle gesture of pausing on that - there is also the bit - and intense silence after in the moment - tells Arnav everything that His Fiore was probably not wanting to word it out to him or everyone loud in the moment. For when did Arnav not understand his Fiore's unsaid? He figured almost instantly - that she was worried about his professional angle in here.And probably had been all this while. He couldn't for a second believe that this was also the angle playing on Khushi's head - right now.He'd thought he'd taken care of that bit initially while confessing his love to her. Clearly Not.He could easily sense and realise now - that this bit had probably not stopped revolving around his Fiore's mind.

And the realisation aches him immense. Obviously.

He instantly acts on his gut and cups Khushi's face lovingly now making him look into her eyes as he asks softly his heart going out to her - " fiore...please tell me that this crossroad...hasn't got you worried this way because of me in here too...I can sense why you paused the way you did...just now...I can sense it...but please tell me...that what I just sensed is wrong...are you seriously worried about me in here? Are you crazy baby? Why?? The only bit that you should be worried about or think about is your parents right now and this unfortunate situation with the fate keeping them apart this way all this while+ the bit that you'v had to suffer in all of this..all this freaking while..as an innocent child...don't you dare...even for once have your head go to ...my angle in here..alright?? I told you didn't i? quite clearly...dammit...I don't freaking care...about the consequences.."

Khushi gapes at Arnav helplessly as she holds onto his wrist and states broken, confessing her conflict out to him now in the open - " how could you dammit? Arnav...please..just take back this bit..of what you just said....dammit...how could you even say...that I should not think off you..in here...how can my heart not be conflicted....don't you know how deeply I love you baby? I'd hate it..downright...just hate it...if my truth were to harm/destroy you in anyway....professionally...how would I live with myself then? knowing that I was the probable reason for any stall/scandal in your roaring professional career...."

Maya, Sarah, Jack and Brian exchange silent moving looks amidts themselves.Each had a lot to say in - but they knew they also needed to let Khushi and Arnav have their moment. They always knew that the very second Arnav would sense this himself - he would derail Khushi off this angle of worry himself. They exchange further glances and just watch on - in an intense emotional silence.

And just as Arnav actually hears Khushi say that out loud to him right now - he looks at her in partial disbelief before he gapes at everyone around in disbelief as well as he asks them all - his head connecting the dots - " so...I reckon...you all knew? Didn't you? you all knew this was what was also playing on my Fiore's mind for all these months? Am I the part reason that she never took any further step towards her Abbu no matter how much I have been bringing it up subtly every now and then - and she uses Mrs J..reasons as a cover up....tell me..dammit...,"and he looks at Khushi and asks again - "Fiore...baby...please...tell me...this is not what it is about...please..."

Khushi closes her eyes in a conflicted silence as fresh tears ooze out. She knew she didn't need to say anything. The cat was out of the bag in front of Arnav. He had sensed it all.

And just as the gravity of Khushi's intense vulnerable silence seeps in through Arnav he feels his very own ache deepen within cutting through his heart as she cups Khushi's face lovingly again and caresses her cheeks tenderly even though she had her eyes shut to him and whispers emotionally - " don't close your eyes to me right now..fiore...dammit...don't...open then..."

Khushi does - and she whispers cupping his face lovingly - " I am sorry...I can't let you convince me to not think of you in this...Arnav...I can't...I lov..e...you...don't you understand...it..woul..d...break..me...to be the reason of harm to you...Arna..v..."

And Arnav states staring back deep and intently into Khushi's eyes knowing exactly what he had to say to her to get her to stop worrying about this - "and it would freaking break me...kill me...wreck me...to think...even for a second...that you are fighting all this inner turmoil..because of me dammit...know what? if this is because of me...and my professional career...I swear to you Fiore...I won't freaking step on the field again...I won't freaking play...ill retire...from everything cricket..right freaking now...I told you dammit...its just a freaking part of my life...not my whole life..its what I have to give up on anyway one day....but how can I ever give up on you/your happiness...Khushi...."

Maya and Sarah are about to react instantly to that but Brian and Jack gesture them to keep silent and let them be knowing that this was Arnav trying to see through Khushi's conflict - his way.

Maya and Sarah - keep on their silence with great difficulty.

Khushi gapes at Arnav in sheer shock at that as she hugs him hard stating almost instantly - " nooooooooooooo.....nooooo....Arnav...don't...you freaking say..that..ever again...please?? no...I'd never allow this...."

Arnav hugs her back but sticks to his point stubbornly - " then stop...fearing the worse for me dammit...Khushi...the choice is yours...either you do this...or I do this..for us once and for all...I'll just leave cricket..dammit...then you won't have anything to worry about on my end...right??"

Khushi sobs down in his arms at that as she whispers broken - " no..n..o...p..lea...se...don't say that...ple..ase...are..you...crazy??"

And Arnav knew he had pushed her over the edge with that and so he pulls her up and cups her face lovingly and continues intensely - "and.....are you crazy baby? Khushi ...listen to me...once and for all...and I am saying this in all my mindfulness....don't worry about me...please??"

Khushi whispers broken - " and how can I not..??"

Arnav kisses her hand - " because I know...I will be able to handle anything..and everything ...as long as you are there...holding my hand..by my side...k? I have faith...you know I am all for leap of faith's...baby...we will see things as is when they come dammit...lets just not fear the reality based on assumptions anymore please??? just look at how much damage this has already done to Mrs J..and your Abbu emotionally...and you too...."

Maya finally chips in now - "and K...wait..hear this out..look...we make always make sure that this comes out but remains under cover..maybe? I mean that way...you won't have to worry about it affecting Arnav/Abbu.."

Sarah suggests instantly too - " thank god babe...you voiced out exactly what I wanted to...my point exactly..what if..the truth comes out in front of only the needed members...and yet stays under cover...from the public..eventually....that way...no one will be affected...and we will also know...how this shapes up...but that would be possible..only after you address the freaking elephant in the room...right???????"

Brian and Jack immediately back Sarah and Maya on this too and just as Arnav hears them all say that he says to Khushi - " there you go baby....we are all on the same page with this then...this has been my point too..remember I once talked about it to you in private...what if...you think off atleast addressing it this way...we will tackle one thing at a time...fiore..."

Khushi gapes at Maya, Sarah, Brian and Jack and Arnav as she asks - " you all really think so that this way is possible? That I address this bit and eventually it will always stay low and undercover?? What if...it blows out of proportion...one day...then what? haan? my very existence will become the reason for Abbu and maybe even Arnav's downfall...professionally..and even Raahil's maybe? Then how am I going to live with myself...haan???"

Sarah now walks up to Khushi side and so does Maya and S says - " babe..that just means...that we just gotta work really hard to keep it under cover...nonetheless...k?but how is pushing the entire matter under the carpet going to help anymore....your Abbu needs to know...babe.."

Jack chips in further - "and you are right Khushi...as much as we all know Mrs J...its best to do this...without her knowledge first..we give her a option to spiral into denial..she will...she will emotionally convince us all to just let the matter be.."

Brian adds next - " exactly...as much as we have always been open to her...I think its fair that you take this matter in your hands...first...K...the best thing is..don't give either of them the option to seek refuge in the wound/denial/avoid confrontation in the present...you take this on..."

Sarah adds - " exactly...Brian is right...you talk about this with...Raahil and Noor..first maybe? They said..they wana help him heal on this right? and you wana help Mrs J heal..so then whats the issue? From where we see it..the goal is the freaking same..."

Khushi looks at everyone as her head/heart now begins to go in an overdrive listening to them all and she just burries her head in her hands yet again- soaking it all through.

Arnav understands what this was about - obviously - and he now gestures to Sarah/Brian to hand him a coin and they do and he lovingly makes Khushi look up at him - and then he kneels down in front of her and states - " for once...I don't want you think of me..or any other worse scenario in here...fiore...just think of one question...do you or do you not want to help your parents heal on this regard in their heart???? look what they do will eventually be up to them...but do you not want to be trigger of the possibility..given that you know now that you can be?? Baby? Just ask yourself that...do you want Mrs J and your Abbu to come face to face - to atleast come out in the open about the truth...the complete..truth?????? I am tossing the coin..baby..and you will be honest in here..to yourself..k? just don't think about anything else at all...please?? for my sake..."

Khushi whispers holding onto her heart - all exhausted from the emotional turmoil already - " okay....ill try...baby..ill try to be brutally honest ..about the answer to that one question...only..."

Arnav nods and he flips the coin and once the coin is in the air - Khushi whispers brushing her hands over face - " I wana help them..heal...I wana help Mum heal...I have to tell Raahil/Noor about her myself..theyv been waiting to know about her..for months...from Abbu....i have to tell Mum that..Abbu never forgot about her...eventually...or maybe..she needs to hear Abbu say it to her...she needs to hear it too....I do want this...for my parents...dammit...I do..."

Arnav sighs in relief at that and so does everyone else and Arnav finally hugs Khushi hard - taking his place next to her as he whispers kissing her head - " that's it then..fiore...you know what to do now...you know exactly how to take the first step on this crossroad...now...look..baby..,"he pauses to cup her face sincerely again and just looks deep and sure into her eyes - " the only thing that you should be thinking off right now..is how to get your Abbu and Mrs J to talk to one another...and before that how to take this up to Raahil/Noor...okay?it's about time due..dammit...this truth about you being his daughter needs to see the light of the day...in front of them all..at the least....who knows what will happen..after and when..dammit...you just gotta get let go of the fear..that..this could lead to the worse...of it all....and just dive in....you know what baby?i will say this again..sometimes the best way to take on a freaking crossroad is to just dive in with all your heart - and take that leap of faith....I am with you on this..fiore...we all are with you on this..baby..."

Sarah, Maya, Brian and Jack affirm the same to Khushi sincerely - " yes..we all are....with you...K...always..."

And just as Khushi hears that from everyone - she hugs onto Arnav hard as she whispers clutching onto his tee - "but what if...my taking this leap of faith..today...harms you after...baby???????"

Arnav kisses her head lovingly - " then we will just find another solution/ spot to dive into another step for ourselves hand in hand..fiore...we will take another leap of faith together...to whatever..life has in store..for us..then...darling...as long as we are together...we can tackle..anything...everything...right? we make our own submarine's remember??together..always??"

Khushi finally feels the weight of some conflict lift her heart as she assures him - " yes..yes...together..always...,"and she admits - " I knew..i gotta begin with letting go off the fear of worse..first..."

Arnav hugs his Fiore closer at that and whispers in support - " you will be okay...baby...everything will be okay...I am right here..to make sure..of that..right? where am I going haan?"

Sarah exchanges a knowing look with M, Brian and Jack as she says to all suddenly - "and guess what? I have the perfect way...out..lets look up Noor on Instagram and message her that Khushi wants to meet her tomorrow...in Abu Dabhi...lets do this...now...like face to face...whilst they are still here in the UAE...lets not push it..further..."

Maya seconds Sarah - " yes...normally...I suggest that we think things through...but I agree with S that we gotta be impulsive...on this..."

Arnav chips in - " that's a very good idea...girls.."

Khushi looks up at everyone as she says - " wait...wait...no...how do we do that out of the blue? Like suddenly??"

Brian and Jack reach out to pick up Khushi's phone from the center table now and fling it to Maya and Sarah as they say in unison - " M, S will do it for you instead...K...if that's what it's going to take us...to push you on this..right now..,"And Brian adds to Sarah in a rush - " go on sweetheart...head to K's insta...look up Noor..and DM her..she will recognise Khushi..from the picture...."

Khushi says instantly - " wait..wait...Babe..S...hold on...lets think this through...five more minutes..maybe??"

And Arnav sides with everyone else on this as he says to Sarah - " S...let us know when you are done with sending the text and keep fiore's phone in your hand..until Noor replies to this..."

Khushi gapes at Arnav at that as she says - " baby...are you serious?this is happening too fast..."

Arnav looks into Khushi's eyes - " sometimes..some revelations need to be handled like a whirlwind too...baby....you didn't close your heart to the whirlwind of emotions I caused in your being..right? then just trust me..trust us...and don't close your heart/mind to this too..."

And before Khushi can even say anything to that - she hears Sarah say tapping on her phone screen - " there you go babe...I sent a simple text to her on the DM about wanting to meet up tomorrow in Abu Dabi...I also made up a valid context - I told her that this is about you also working on digital animation content on cricketers/supporting units for a sports daily in London..and you were looking out to know if she could help you connect with someone in the supporting unit in the Pakistan to start with as a research work - so that you are able to dish out tales of diversity...eventually...with time down the line..."

Arnav grins at Sarah at that - " that's a bloody brilliant..context S...and it's the truth too..,"he finishes with a wink at Khushi.

Maya seconds him happily. Brian and Jack follow suit and for a second - Khushi can't help but smile through her tears - thanking Christ - for her loved ones - over and over - as she hugs onto Arnav from the side.

And right then they all hear Sarah say looking at Khushi's phone - "oh great..that was quick..she was online I guess...Noor replied..she says...she would love to catch up ...however..yes..she's also saying that they just planned over dinner to head to Oman for a couple of days so that Raahil gets a little time off from the loss and they leave tomorrow morning but they return to Abu Dabi on the 11th morning..so she is asking if you are good to meet on the 11th..afternoon?ofcourse I am going to say yes to that...,"and Sarah pretty much handles the rest through Khushi's phone - herself.

And for a second Khushi sighs in relief as she hears that for two reasons. First that would give her atleast a couple of days in her head and heart to prep herself to take this Leap of Faith - addressing the truth - and second - this also meant that she wouldn't have Arnav worry about the emotional consequences of this on her end - before his Asia Cup Final. The India vs Bangladesh final was on the 10th. So maybe - 11th afternoon - would be the better time to address this???

Arnav kisses on Khushi's cheek lovingly at that as he asks - " sighing in relief...are we Fiore? Given that you'd now have to address this after my game??"

Khushi nods honestly and silently and just hugs him hard - back and they all hear Sarah say now as she finally hands Khushi's phone back to her to read the Conversation on Insta through - " there you go babe...all set..the date...the time..."

Khushi goes through her phone and the chat and to her surprise - she feels Arnav instantly pick her up in his arms now as he says - " alrighty..everyone...now that we'v sorted this bit out...how about..we address the crossroads with regards to all this rumbling hunger in our stomachs...I am sure...we all need to eat...lets order in....and we will be back soon to join you all in a bit..."

Everyone nods at one another and shares a warm chuckle and Khushi gapes at Arnav sheepishly at that as she asks amused wiping the remaining exhausted trail of her tears - "did you just pick me up in your lap this way baby?? Again?? wasn't it enough of embarrasement for me last night? That you carried me this way to the room..in front of all..."

Arnav winks as he walks them in towards the privacy of Khushi's room - " oh yes I did...just do that...again..fiore...and are we embarrassed? Nah? I don't think so...you are smiling through your tears..which means...that you liked it...just like you liked it last night.."

Khushi admits softly - " I loved it....,"and it is right very then Arnav puts her down on her feet - as they step into the room - and he closes the door to the room shut and instantly seals his lips over her's in a deep emotional kiss - caging her in the circle of his arms.

He took over the duel in between their lips in a way that was familiarly stormy and emotional. He wasn't saying anything into her lips through words - technically - but Khushi knew. She knew that this was him telling her through his Lips yet again - that No matter what hurdle/what Crossroads Life shoved her way - he'd always be there with her - through it all - hand in hand.

And so about five minutes later into the deep emotional vulnerable kiss - Khushi whispers the promise back into his lips - "I will be there with you too....through...every hurdle..through...every CrossRoad...by your side...holding your hand tight...now..and always..."

Arnav opens his emotional gaze to meet Khushi's emotional ones at that and Khushi whispers cupping his face - " we will be able to make our bridges..through all of this..right baby??"

Arnav nods cupping her face lovingly at that - " we will..always...we will figure it all out along the way...as and when..needed...fiore...like we always do..."

Khushi keeps her forhead on his as she whispers now clutching onto his collar - " perhaps...you are right..baby? perhaps the only mode of transportation I have across this CrossRoads..is that leap of faith....i will prep myself for this...baby...and I will take it...for Mum's sake...I will...no matter how much strength it takes off me within to go bear the truth out in the open in front of Noor/Raahil..,"and just as she says that - Arnav kisses her deep and emotional - yet again.

He'd be dammed if he didn't allow his lips to take over to implay exactly what he wanted to imply to his Fiore over and over right now.

That he'd be there. That No matter how deep the leap was - he'd have His Fiore's back!

Now.

And

Always.

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