Take 41.3 - Harnessing the Rains

2 years ago

mysticaltales11111

@mysticltales111

Hellooooo Guysssssssss....

So - Here I am with the next update for the week as promised on Friday Night for HW3.0!!!

Word Count – Medium in length – 6.8K 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 41.3 – Harnessing the Rains

36 More Hours Later

Baharian – 8 AM

Azlaan and Akash collectively share a groan as Azlaan places his hand at the touch point – getting his hand outta the pool as they look up at Jack who was grinning down at them nonetheless as he claims – " sorry boys....Arnav and Raahil win the relay again...,"And that obviously makes Arnav and Raahil share a massive high five in the lane – right next to the two in the swimming pool as they begin to celebrate their momentary victory yet again.

The boys were in the middle off racing to and fro-s in the pool since the last 30 minutes – this morning. Azlaan , Akash+ Jack would team up for a relay with two being on one team and the other one alternating in between being the race refree – and ofcourse Raahil and Arnav the two athletes had mutually decided to just team up together. It was needless to say that Arnav and Raahil had won all the relay races till now which they were grouping into the round of Two Laps – obviously given that there were two particpants.

The momentary celebrations going on in between of Raahil+ Arnav make Azlaan and Akash sigh in momentary defeat as they look at one another pointing out collectively – "wait..wait..Jack...why are you grinning like a monkey in here..you are the refree which means that you are supposed to be the neutral one in here...also fair reminder buddy..,"Azlaan continues – " the last race I refreed – you and Akash lost from these two...,"And Akash adds in to that next snapping his fingers – " exactly...my point Jack..and when I was the refree...you and Azlaan lost to these too two..but I was totally being the neutral refree too even though that's my twin in there..."

Arnav and Raahil exchange a knowing mischevious wink as the look at the three – " sore losers...aren't they? I mean...why can't our refree celebrate our victory...brothers?? "

That makes them all share a warm chuckle now amidst themselves and Akash+Azlaan roll their eyes nonetheless at the two as they look at one another and then state out a point again as all of them began to just laze in the water – " wait...now that we think of it..its kinda our fault..i mean..the teams aren't balanced enough to begin with..i mean...we were racing against two professional athlestes in here...teamed up together...ofcourse...they were going to win..."

Jack nods at that as he lets off his refree role for a bit and then slam dunks himself into the pool as well and then comes out of it and states to all – " rightly said...Azlaan...Akash...we got the pairing wrong to begin with..lets split these two from racing together..now..."

That makes Raahil+ Arnav chuckle together as they both state collectively to the three – " Well...to be honest...you all lost on all occasions..because you already believed prior...that you would..."

And they both high five again – before Arnav swins lazily to swing his arm across his Twins shoulder as he says – " just like I always say brother...it all begins with the belief...,"And they both share a find chuckle as they see Raahil swim up to Azlaan next and nudge him playfully – " sorry...Bhaijaan...apologies..that for not letting go of my competitive spirit even for a bit in there..."

Azlaan grins as he says – " I am glad..you didn't...,"And the five of them – fall into a happy casual chatter – about how lovely the morning was – and how amazing it was to begin the day with some good swimming sessions.

The last 36 hours – needless to say were quite eventful emotionally for everyone – gathered up in the holiday home in Baharain. After Alice's arrival that night – and dinner after – the two mother's had obviously got some alone time with Khushi as planned between them and talked it all out with her in great detail and by the time they'd finished – the determined , dorted, emotional resolve they'd spotted in Khushi's eyes told the two – that she'd understood exactly what they wanted her to understand and she was going to be working on it all within – in a determined resolute manner. Also by the end of the night – Alice had convinced – Raima+Arnav+ Akash+ Payal to stay at the holiday home only until they were all there.

The next day that followed – was spent with everyone spending some quality time together in order to get to know one another more.Apart from the casual time spent - Arnav spent a lot of time with Rehaan + Raahil talking about how he grew up watching his game + so many game details +techniques etc given that all three of them were all rounders technically and bowled the similar spin action too. Akash+ Azlaan spent a lot of time with one another understanding how they each worked and went around execution in their respective business models. Noor+ Khushi+ Payal+ Raima+ Alice also continued to bond in close ways simultaneously and just watching everyone around – eager to spend time towards knowing one another – also moved Arnav+ Khushi so much in their hearts they both also knew – that even though they'd all come together due to a circumstance that wasn't quite favourable on the outside – but looking inwardly – they all also agreed that this time out – just really was a blessing in disguise – laying the founding stones of the roots of sincere bonds – in between their loved ones on either sides.

Then with Maya+ Jack's arrival late afternoon – the next day – things also got a lot more merrier! Infact Brian and Sarah also wanted to like fly in but given that theyw ere ont heir honeymoon half across the glove still – Khushi told them not to worry about it because she reallyw as okay – promising that they'd all keep them in the loop of everything going on – here! And she had – obviously. Later in the evening – everyone had also sat together collectively in the living room – with Rehaan + Raahil + Noor – collectively admitting the scenario of Farah being the one to leak the news to the media and all the developments back in Lahore as this had been revealed to them. Everyone was shocked – ofcourse.Azlaan was having a hard time digesting this – given that he'd also known Farah closely and always looked at her fondly as his little sister too! Everyone at Arnav's end+ Arnav+Alice+ Khushi – were also collectively quite shocked over the revelation but they were all quite glad that Rehaan+Raahil + Noor had talked to them openly about it. The conversations that followed next was – about Raahil also admitting to all – what the internal tide at the PCB was – giving every detail about what Abrar Uncle had told them – which only led everyone to have a mature open communication about the upcoming scenario – upfront.The dinner time last evening also went on with honest open discussions about all the scenarios on the outside – because it wasn't like they wanted to turn a blind eye to it altogether. They were all on the same page that instead they had to work out ways – and support each other – and help each other navigate through these upcoming tricky water's + forcasted turbulence.Then the conversations casually tapered towards – discussing Arnav+ Khushi's upcoming wedding plans too!

And this morning – while the boys were busy in the swim race time – Noor+ Khushi+ Payal+ Alice+ Raima+ Maya were busy with their strolls around the green lush estate before they were all to gather for a collective breakfast by the pool at 830am. Infact – Rehaan had been watching the boys race one another too and he was the refree prior but then because he had a call scheduled with Abrar (because Lahore was ahead in time) – he'd made his way in and it was then the boys had gotten down to the idea of relay racing in the pool instead of the individual laps!

In the present moment now – as – the boys close in on their casual chatter in the pool and Jack suggests that they all split Raahil+ Arnav in the relay this time around- Azlaan + Akash admit mischeviously – " oh no...no...no...Jack...we are done..with the racing...have'nt we already lost enough to these two...I mean..even before..in the individual races...they were tying for the win..we were coming in 2nd, 3rd and 4th after...so guess what...we are heading for a quick sauna before everyone gathers up for breakfast..."

Jack grins at that as he says snapping his fingers – " good idea...mate..i don't think I wana lose again as well..so come on then..lets head to that sauna..."

And as the three of them begin to get outta the pool now – Raahil+ Arnav share a happy chuckle amongst themselves as they call out to the three behind them – " ahaa...look at them backing out....already...,"and Raahil winks at Arnav as he says – " which means they just believed we were going to win again..,"and the two share another high-five at that as Akash+ Azlaan+ Jack mischeviously gesture with their hands raised to the side – surrendering their defeat and they head their way in.

Five minutes later- as Arnav and Raahil were in the middle off indulging in some slow backfloat – they hear Rehaan's voice up close in on behind them as he asks – " wait...why do I see just the two of you now? Raahil?Arnav? when I walked out there were five of you??"

That makes them both straighten up in the water as they look at Rehaan collectively and admit with a grin – " they chickened out...because we defeated them in relay's back to back..."

That makes Rehaan grin – " really??,"And Raahil quickly goes on to fill in Rehaan on the same – and four minutes later before the boys could ask him how the call with Abrar uncle went – Rehaan adds smiling now resuming his refree role – enjoying the sight of Raahil+ Arnav bonding casually+ Carefree this way – " alright then..how about I pit you both against just each other this time around...get set...lets see the two of race then...is it going to be a tie this time around as well? Oh come on boys...atleast one of you win...straight out...Arnav I am counting on you..to beat my son...and Raahil I am counting on you to beat Arnav...,"And with that Arnav+ Raahil collectively share a competitive knowing look and leap right into their – freestyle laps.

Three minutes later - as they swim back on the second lap – and finish in the tie again – they both leap out placing their hand on the ledge upfront exclaiming to another – " did we just tie again??,"and Raahil looks up for Rehaan in the hope to reconfirm – " Abbu...oops...did we just tie again???"

And as he spots Rehaan busy on a call instead – by the outdoor seating around – with his expressions all calm in a staunch silence as he was nodding – he looks at Arnav instantly to see if he'd picked on the moment too. Arnav obviously had and that makes the two share another knowing look as they begin to get outta the pool with the intention to make Rehaan talk about that call with Abrar Uncle+ the call now.

As Rehaan hangs up with a different sort of a calm taking over him now – he sees Arnav and Raahil walk up to him wrapping towels around themselves as they ask collectively – " is everything okay??"

Before Rehaan could even say anything to that he hears Raahil add now as he takes a seat on the chair across of him – " Abbu...you had us race so that we wouldn't ask you how the call with Abrar uncle went? Right???"

He hears Arnav chip in next shooting him a knowing look - " you wanted to distract us...Sir?? Not going to work..clearly...we want to know...whats up??"

Rehaan nods at the two now and he places his phone calmly on the sidetable next to him now and looks upfront straight at Raahil+ Arnav and he says – " so...the idea was not to distract you both from asking me about this...for I was going to talk to you about it anyway...but the idea..was to just enjoy seeing you race...for a bit..again...it brought me immense joy...did you two tie again??,"he asks with a fond smile.

Raahil sighs at that – " Abbu...you are evading the point again..please??"

Arnav insists calmly – " he is right...you are doing just that Sir..and we won't let you..."

Rehaan admits now sincerely nodding that calm within doing wonders at helping his resolve cement – " so...as you all know..that call with Abrar on and off was about him giving me live updates about what was happening at the ongoing board meeting at the PCB headquarters back in Lahore...right now...and well...the call right now...just ten seconds ago..was also from Abrar...for the boards asked him to convey their final decision to me...they are giving me an hours time..to announce my decision of stepping down myself...or they'd go live with the public release about the same..in an hours time..."

Raahil+ Arnav exchange a knowing sigh at that and Raahil asks first – " and what did you ask Abrar uncle to convey...Abbu??"

Rehaan admits now to the two – " exactly the bit I had decided all along son...I told him to tell them...that I am not going to announce my own step down..because from where I see it I'v done no wrong...iv told him to tell them...that they have every right to announce my sacking...themselves...in any form of public statement they deem feet....so yes..its happening...and given that I am not going to announce it from my end...I think in 60 minutes from now...the PCB would relase their official statement about the same...,"and he pauses to look at Raahil as he admits with a calm smile – " they are also going to announce that its only fair that you don't face the consquences of my personal events in the past...raahil...your position stays put in the national team..as it is.."

Raahil sighs at that – " ask them to take that away as well Abbu...you know...what...I feel like...I just don't simply care anymore..."

Rehaan says to that calmly – " but I care..son...the chapter of my contribution to Pakistan Cricket directly has come to an end...but yours is till in its nascent stages son...you have a long way to go..."

Arnav swallows a gulp at that thinking of Khushi but admits sincerely to Raahil first – "Sir...is right about that...Raahil...you have a long way to go...indeed...and its relief to hear that as well...I am sure...Khushi+ Noor+Mum infact all of us are going to feel the same....,"and he looks at Rehaan up straight now as he admits sincerely – " you did the right thing Sir...I said this to you yesterday and I say this to you again...you did the right thing...in believing in your stand+ backing it till the end of it all...everything that you said in that conference most surely hit home here...in my heart...just like I know it did in a lot of hearts...but unfortunately...the mind + the worldly ways...intervene with its cunning ways...nonetheless..I want you to know sir...that I really respect you for believing in yourself...against all odds...we are with you in this...we all are...I just wanted to say that out loud again to you.."

Rehaan nods at that exchanging a knowing calm look with Arnav and then Raahil – " thank you so much Arnav..for your support...I know you mean it...down to the very T...not just you..everyone in your family too....,"and somehow as Arnav nods at that in acknowledgement - it is the sincere respect that Rehaan sees shining in his eyes for him that touches a deep chord within which also hits him with a sudden realization out of the blue and now he ends up biting his smile on reflex as he says to Arnav looking at him straight in the eye – " anyways...lets brush this news of my sacking aside for a bit...now...we do have a more serious matter to discuss in here...I just realized..."

That makes Raahil and Arnav exchange a puzzled knowing look as they ask in unison their eyes wide – " we do???????" (They both obviously couldn't believe what was more important than this – up for discussion in the moment – obviously)

Rehaan nods though simply channelizing his most amused smile as he says now – " oh yes...we most surely do...and the matter of discussion is...that you...Arnav...boy...why are you still calling me Sir?? Huh??? I just realized...that you still have been at that...Sir...thing..all this while...why?????"

And Arnav ends up admitting on reflex – " well...Sir...tahts just like out of respect...I mean...youv been a legend of our game..that I'v looked upto...plus you are like Fiore's Abbu...so I just was following the line of respect...my heart was guiding me too..."

Rehaan nods at that and exchanges a knowing grin with Raahil now (Who had already sensed what his Abbu was upto now and so he just gets his camera on record now(subtly) – so that he could save the video for his Aapa instead and he hears his Abbu continue with a grin now – " I hear you boy..and I do understand where you are coming from...but...isn't this like unfair now? I mean I know you just met me a couple of days ago and you have a thicker bond with Al already...but you call Al Mum..Khushi's already calling your Mom and Dad as that as well...and if you still continue to call me Sir...that would be extremely partial from my point of view...boy..as in as if you plan on being extremely partial towards just Alice..."

That makes Arnav bite back a sheepish smile as he admits sincerely so caught up in the moment that he didn't realise that Raahil was recording this – " well...so...Sir...my intention is not to be partial with Mum at all...it's just that...,"and he pauses as he hears Rehaan add with another grin and shrug – " see...there you go boy...you call Al Mum so easily...come on then...give it a try too...I don't like the sound of sir from you...you are going to marry my daughter in just four more months down the line...how about you begin practicing addressing me..as exactly as she does...Abbu...call me Abbu...go on..give it a try..."

The very second Arnav hears that coming from Rehaan – he feels like he'd edged up to space in one of the high speed rollercoasters in surprise+ stumped happiness on the moment that for a second he's just gone all speechless in a daze for a bit his expressions being the perfect box office scene for Raahil to get on record biting back his chuckle and it is only when Arnav spots Raahil+ Rehaan exchange a warm chuckle looking at the dazed him he relaises he was on record and so he looks at Raahil now sheepishly with a effort to find his dazed voice back – " wait..when did you even get this on record...raahil??"

Raahil winks at Arnav as he says – " well just in time...I would say...cmon you know its fair...I had to get this for Aapa..she'd kill me..or else...so c'mon..then ...go on say it...please?? Give it a try...see..Abbu is waiting so patiently....."

And at that Arnav looks at Rehaan who was smiling down at him and for a second as he remembers the flow into the bit he couldn't help but feel his heart get stumped in emotion too. The man had just been informed that in an hour from now – the PCB was going to announce his renewal and yet all he wanted to discuss was – about getting him to call him Abbu in just moments after??? So how could he not feel his gut wanting to give in too and so he says with a fond smile now – " Abbu...so how do you wana go about this though?? As in do you want Raahil to show this video to Khushi prior? Or lets stump her in a surprise over breakfast..as in lets let her listen to me calling you Abbu...in real time...first...and then maybe show her the video...raahil's got on??"

Rehaan grins at that happily elated to finally hear Arnav call him Abbu too – " I love the sound of that plan boy...I do...,"and at that he finally gets up his spot and gestures both Arnav and Raahil to come to either of his sides and they both do exchanging a happy grin – in a gesture in a side hug – displaying their solid support to him in the moment nonetheless which only made Rehaan feel all the more calm in his being within.

The Reality had come down on him with its Rains – bit was he going to let it wash over his competitive fighter spirit – within? Nah. Not at all. Instead he was determined that he was going to use that very rainwater to harness into productive energy to help construct the very beginning – of a new chapter in his Life's Innings!

The Time to Turn the Page – had Indeed – Arrived.

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Meanwhile – INDIA – at the BCCI Office – PR Department

11:30 AM

Radha looks into her phone as it beeps with a text. She bites back a sigh as she reads what's written. The entire PR department was anyway in the middle of a monthly review meeting in the board room with Vikram Sir. She says now looking up at all – " Apologies Varun...to just pause you on what you were saying...but given that this news is just in...I think we better look at it..."

Vikram Sir asks shooting Radha a knowing look as she exchanges a sigh sort of a eyelock with Nikhil across – " oh...so you mean the verdict is in...I mean we all know the PCB had sat down for the official board meeting discussing the future off Rehaan Khan's tenure as the head...this morning..."

Radha nods at that and looks at the eager faces of all as she explains – " yes...sir..the verdict is in...THE PCB's has just issued an official press release that in lieu of the recent personal developments triggering the scandalous tide in the minds of the public back in the country...in the best interest of the sport in the nation going forward and – they'v decided to appoint as Javed Hussain who was their treasurer as the PCB head here on..."

That surprises Vikram and all momentarily as Nikhil asks on behalf of all – " what??? Javed Hussain is the PCB head now??Not Mr.Abrar whose been the deputy for a while??????"

Radha nods and explains looking into her phone – " exactly..i got this text from a journo friend..and iv just opened the articles popping up online...Mr.Abrar stays deputy.....also...news is that he was the first choice of PCB to step in as head but he's declined the position which is why it went to Javed Hussain who was the next best alternative at the moment...its quite the roaring breaking news of the hour..."

Vikram nods taking that in – " I wonder why Abrar let the position go...could it be because of personal loyalties I guess...the two men are known to be as close as family in personal space perhaps..??anyways...any thing on Raahil Khan in there? His future in the national team??"

Radha adds – " yes sir..there is...apparently the PCB has decided that Raahil continue in his spot as is as they did mention it wouldn't be fair to have the son bear the brunt of his father's actions...they are saying that they are rightly serving the consequences to the one who ethically asked for it in the first place...as in remember sir how Rehaan Khan said it out loud in that statement of his that..serve the consequences to my plate and I will accept it...so yeah...I think it was more of a power ego battle within the board then...anywhich ways...they'v sacked him...in a way that they'd like to term as subtle but it really isn't..also theres this article saying that apparently rumours are that the PCB asked him to step down..but when he didn't budge from his stand for he felt he did nothing wrong in taking the public stand he did dealing true to his father's heart...so then...they went ahead with their very own public release then...its all a freaking rage all over...Sir...not only in the media across the border..but the entire cricketing fraternity on the international front...people are already taking sides...some are saying...he deserved a better + respectful way of removal given the decades of contribution to Pakistan cricket..and while on the other end..some are saying...he got exactly what he asked for in that public statements...so ya..beasically another very public tug of war in terms of the reaction..."

Vikram sighs at that in a casual shrug looking at all – " Well that tug of war is going to continue for sure...as we all know...any statements from rehaan khan on this though..yet??"

Nikhil bites back a smile now looking into his phone – his respect now kind of folding mountain folds for the EX-PCB head as he says – " just this fresh piece of byte coming in..sir...Rehaan Khan's only public statement after this says..oh wait..Sir...its an audio byte..some news channel in Pakistan just got him on a call live and its gone viral in two minutes of it coming live – wait..ill just play it..," and as he does – everyone in the board room hear the calm and composed voice of Rehaan Khan fill in their ears –

" I'd like to thank the PCB for giving me the opportunity to lead the board uptil this very point. I look back at the journey fondly. Its been a great journey full of cherished memories – Indeed. Perhaps – its about time to tune into a new chapter in my life's innings this time around...but before I do so...professionally...on the very onset...of turning that very page around... I'd also like to take this moment to express gratitude to the PCB + every member on the board again for all their support throughout my journey until this very point. I also have only immense gratitude in my heart for their decision to keep the brunt of the consequences limited to me. Us Khan's – including myself and my son have always felt deeply for our national cricket and while my opportunity to serve it directly has come to an end..it is perhaps destined to continue nonetheless..through my son. May Pakistan Cricket continue to Rise and Shine. I wish the very dynamic, enterprising Javed Hussain all the best as he takes on as the next PCB head. May Allah be with him..."

They all hear the reporter on the other line ask him next – " a piece of advice for the new head coming on in Janab? He's been the treasurer at the board with you...you have worked with him in the professional sphere for a long time...he's an ex colleague of yours...there's surely something you'd like to say to him then??"

And they all hear Rehaan Khan's calm and composed voice come through with a fond undertone chuckle in it – " Which is why...my only piece of good old jolly advice to him would be – to just keep ordering the biryani from the Old Bazar that we always do for lunch - on the days off those intense round of board room meetings and discussions –for it serves as the right catalyst to keep us all fuelled and going...why if you wonder? For you see..because...its our collective favourite...our taste buds fancy the taste of it quite significantly...."

Everyone in the board room bites back a chuckle at that as they look at one another and they hear the reporter ask – " Is that all? You'd like to say Janab??"

And they all hear Rehaan's calm voice come through again – " Yes...that is all...I would like to say...thank you..,"and with that as the audio byte comes to an end – Nikhil looks up at all and share a look with a smiling Radha as he asks all – " can you all believe it..the PCB just sacks him publically...and he not only gets back at them in the most gentlemanly savage way by expressing gratitude and all that he said + he puts in the reminder for some apparently sumptuous chicken biryani they all enjoy... in there??????????"

Radha chuckles at that – " exactly........its almost as if...he's reached the point in his headspace that he's brushed his sacking aside like a fly off his shoulder... that was as savage as it could be..in the most gentlemanly way...like you said...Nikhil...but I do wonder how..sumptuous... this biryani tastes..though??"

Vikram grins at that as well on reflex – "Crickets a gentleman's game afterall..as they say... well..gotta appreciate the man..he was always gutsy that one...which is why from where I see it..I think him not leading the PCB might be a setback that they will come to realise with time down the line...,"And he looks at everyone whose got their heads into their phones catching up on the news of the hour and so he himself says to Radha now – " Radha...do us all a favour will you? Turn on the screen here up in the boardroom..we might as well..indulge in watching the news of the hour collectively..before we resume work...because I see...that no one will be able to talk work...until they'v had their share off information load on the same..."

Radha nods at that and as everyone continues to hustle and buzz and talk in the room – she finally switches on the screen and they all continue to watch the Hungama up on the News again. And for a second she couldn't help but wonder and think about how was Khushi Jones – dealing with this piece of news right now!

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Simultaneously – In Baharain

Khushi continued to splash water on her face back-to-back - for two main reasons. First being the bit that even though she'd anticipated over breakfast(a shortwhile ago) that Abbu was going to be super calm and composed when the PCB actually went live with their public release announcement – she hadn't anticipated the extent+ depth of that very calm reflecting from him – when that actually happened.

At breakfast infact – the more of a highlight for Abbu had been her shocked+ happily stumped expression over hearing Arnav address him as Abbu – infact Abbu went all gaga in giggles over her widened eyes as she gaped at the grinning – Raahil+ Rehaan+Arnav in that moment with everyone else on the table looking as happily surprised as well as she'd groaned to all – " I can't believe I missed the moment you asked him to call you...Abbu...Abbu..,"And she was even more pleasantly stumped just like everyone else on the table when Raahil showed her the video of the moment – as she exchanged happy gleeful eyelocks with Arnav from across. It was after this bit that Raahil had then gone on to tell everyone about the final call – Abbu had received and even though that did affect everyones mood momentarily – it was Abbu who reminded everyone that it was perhaps time to toast a goodbye to the chapter that was and look on to the new pages coming up!

It was just as they all made their way in after breakfast - that Noor announced all to take their seats in the entertainment room as she got the screen on sighing that the PCb had indeed released their statement. And as they all sat together – and took the flashing news in+ all the Hungama that it was churning up on every tangent – they had all looked collectively at Rehaan to observe him for reaction. But when Alice only saw him shooting her a calm smile from across – she knew she had nothing to worry about. And it was just after hearing the news – rehaan had infact announced to all that he'd let the screen be on but simultaneously he'd prefer challenging Arnav to play chess with him again!(Given that the two had played a couple of games – yesterday as well)

And it was this very bit that had zapped and shocked – Khushi+ Noor+Raahil+Azlaan+Raima+Akash+Payal+ Maya+ jack the most – for they couldn't believe what they'd just heard obviously! It was Alice who helped Rehaan get the chess board instead though – with Arnav just walking on exchanging a calm smile with Khushi from across with a subtle look of that eye that said – Your Abbu is a rockstar Fiore. Don't you worry about Him.

And it was the sight off Abbu calmly laying down his chess pieces while Arnav did the same – with the news flashing up ahead on the screen – as they soon began to play – that kind off led to Khushi to excuse herself to the nearest washroom with the wish to splash her face with some cold water.

It wasn't that she was crazily disturbed or something about this development this time around.For after all that she'd realized off late within in the last couple of days + with the talks with both her mother figures about them enlightening her with the food for thought about the Life of the Lotus(A couple of nights ago) + the last 36 hours spent in complete harmony with the ones she cared for and loved immense – she felt like she'd be the fool in here – if she let this whole debacle over tide through her mission on composure once again. Mum+ Raima Mom both were right or so she thinks again splashing the water on her face again. There were going to be muddly puddles on every nook and corner – it was up to her to fight her way upto her Bloom!

And Fight she would! She most definetly would! So The second reason – why she continued to splash water over her face right now was – that with every splash – her resolve about the idea within with regards to shielding Arnav(As much as she could) from this impact – continued to strengthen. Infact she'd already begun working up on the idea.The only two people she'd discussed this for now were M and S to begin with and they were like totally onboard with her on this and were even pitching in research and support that was needed to solidify the context around her solution. Infact now – with all that had happened to Abbu – this very public removal from his term – Khushi only felt like she had to give everything to her idea so that it worked in her favour – indeed! She finishes with the splashing the water spree on her face finally – and it is as she closes the tap – another thought just comes right in which moves her daughters heart immense.

She burries her head in the towel to wipe her face as she whispers to herself now – " oh Abbu...I think I know the added reason...behind the depth of your calm..."

It is also right then she hears M's voice from the out along with Payal+ Noor's as they ask – " Khushi...you okay?? You'v been in there for a while..."

Khushi takes a deep breath and opens the door to the girls and this time around as she steps out she asks smiling calmly - " did Mom + Mum send you all to check on me??"

Noor grins - "nahh..aapa..they surely knew you'd be okay..it was Arnav bhaijaan who gestured me to get on with that.."

Payal grins – " he gestured me too...you know..Akash was all like pausing in between his chatter with Azlaan+Raahil+Jack...you know him..his senses so atuned with Khushi's ..his attention wont be back with him complete until she returns..even if that means...he'd risk losing a couple of pawns in the game of chess with uncle..."

Khushi chuckles at that as she asks already imagining the expressions on the face of the love of her life – " really?? Did he lose a pawn already??"

Maya grins and adds now pointing her fingers – " three already...babe..."

Khushi admits to the girls now gesturing them to come in for a group hug and once they do she says – " I am okay...I really am..i mena especially after the Mom's talk with me that day...Its like I know I gotta channelize my way up through every muddly puddle...coming up..its just that I wasn't expecting Abbu to dish out the chess board just then though....,"And she pauses to ask – " wait...is Mum rooting for Abbu this time ?or Arnav?? Given that Abbu sulked playfully all evening yesterday that she was rooting for Arnav instead of him..in their game yesterday.."

Noor smiles – " aapa..given the situation...right now..she's totally rooting for Abbu..obviously...arnav bhaijaan surely doesn't mind..we guessing.."

Payal grins – " oh ofcourse he doesn't.."

Maya adds – " exactly.."

Khushi continues – " so it was like I'v just been so stumped with the depth of Abbu's calm that I was just like in there by myself telling my reflection that if Abbu can harness the freaking thunderous rain of reality in such a prodictive way that he's already planning out his next professional avenues in his head thinking this to be an opportunity to do all that he couldn't all these years – I just feel like...he's inspired me yet again in so many deep ways...I mean I was out there thinking...of that little audio byte statement...he gave...and his composure while he was at it..given that we could all see him on the phone upfront...that this is just him showing me through an example...of how...to always find yourself a way...which strengthens my resolve further...and then I also realized another possible reason ro the depth of his calm..."

That makes everyone look up at her as they ask in unison – " which could be??"

Khushi admits with a sigh – " I am sure..he thinks..in his head+ heart that him not being the active PCB head anymore – might just make things easier for me...when ...Arnav and me eventually come to light in terms of the puclic reaction back in India...I mean..there's still going to be a tsunami of hate...but I am sure he thinks it could have been double the hate tsunami for us if he was the active head..i guess..,"And she pauses for she spots Noor's expression immediately give her away and given that Khushi has come to read her well she asks – "  I am right??aren't I Noor??Did Abbu already mention the same to you and Raahil???"

Noor nods and admits sincerely – " he did aapa...like last night itself...for just when we all retired and you were with Raima aunty+Alice aunty+ Akash+ Payal + Arnav bhaijaan for a bit...we went to talk to him about what time his schedule call with Abrar uncle was this morning and everything..and then eventually he just admitted this very bit out to us..he thinks its another silver lining in here..aapa..this whole situation around his sacking...for you like personally.....for Arnav bhaijaan too..for he feels like ....if he's not the active head at the PCB...the tide of Consequences coming Arnav bhaijaans way professionally might be like tapered to some..extent....just like he thinks it's a silver lining that Raahil continues as is and its just him bearing all this brunt..."

Maya admits with a deep in thought nod – " well to be honest K...unfortunately...I think...he may be right...about this...on both those accords...Raahil+ yours and Arnav's"

Khushi sighs and exchanges a knowing look with Payal now as Payal says – " yeah..maya...uncle may be right...but its just so sad that its come to this...we are all so glad for raahil..but he's still not smiling much though...Raima aunty and Azlaan are with him – talking him through it..."

And that makes Khushi say to everyone as she takes a determined deep breath to steady and cement her resolve within – " come on then girl's..lets go in...I wana talk to Raahil first up as well...I gotta be the one to also tell him right very now - that as Abbu's kids now...we most surely need to learn this bit from him...and not only learn but literally figure out ways to execute the very same for us over and over at the step off every hurdle....that when...Life rains its reality thunder down on you...you don't freaking let it drown you...instead...you build yourself the most efficient mindset dam within your mind...so that you can harness that very freaking rainwater from its stores to help generate the positive energy + power needed to steer things forward...your way..."

And as they all collectively nod at her at that – Khushi finally shares another knowing smile with Noor+ Payal+ Maya as they all make their way back in to join everyone – her resolve now cementing into her roots a million times over!

Yes. Now - The Reality with its Thunderous Rains was surely going to be an ongoing weather forecast around her but Khushi Jones – was going to be dammed – if she let any of those worldly thunders get to her emotionally or hit her like whips - ever again! She'd work on building that Dam in her mind and when the time was right and the moment came – she knew she'd be able to Harness the Forecasted Rains in efficient productive ways! She most surely believed in her heart that her mind had the power to do so and now that she had set her mind to it – all she had to do was stay committed on her course!!

She couldn't stop the world from playing their calculative mind games – right?? But that didn't mean – she couldn't get ready to Play Some calculative mindgames with the world – too! For like they always say – It takes two to clap – which means the actions of the world at large would never result in the noise of the clap they seeked – if she didn't raise her hand in tandem to match them – giving them the reaction they anticipated!

Oh But - Raise her hand – Khushi Jones - most definetly would! Just not in the direction of reaction – the world seeked from her – though. She'd raise it in the direction – her mind+ heart deemed fit – for she felt like that would be her very own ode to her inner journey up, onwards and out to her – State of Continuous Bloom – here On!!

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TADAAAAAAAA!

How was That Guysssssssss ?????????? I really hope you all enjoyed reading this update + with its various scene flows on the theme of Harnessing the Rains...I simply loved..writing it down...so very much....!!

Next Update : Monday Night

See you next week with the next update – guys!

Thanks, Guys, for all the Support and your Precious Time to my Work!

Much Love & Gratitude

Always

❤

Prachi

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