Take 43 - The Elephant and My Queen

2 years ago

mysticaltales11111

@mysticltales111

Hellooooo Guysssssssss....

I hope you and your loved ones all are doing well and keeping safe and healthy!!

So - YUP - Here I am with the next update for the week for HW3.0!

Word Count – Medium in length - 6.4K Words.✍✍

me on this fictional journey....🤗🤗🤗🤗✍✍✍👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻

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 43 – The Elephant and My Queen

55 More Days Later

Mumbai, India – 22nd May, 2020

@A Pizza Eatery near Nariman Point

Khushi's POV

Guyssssss.

You all know what? I think I never really admitted this ever before – but I surely got to at this occasion that Mumbai has started to grow on me quite a bit you know. I mean – in the last one year over as I'v travelled here on occasions to meet up with Arnav several times – its like the zingy vibe+ never say never/never giveup/keep moving on- kind off vibe it all in the air around this city really just has a profound impact on me every time I am here. Or perhaps – this time I finally got around to starting with admitting this very fact to begin with – because well – the stretch of all these months has just been so profound for me within – right???? – on similar lines which is why even though this time around – I sit in this Pizza Eatery near Nariman Point – waiting for my lunch meeting to begin and I pretty much have a lot of people around gazing at me curiously with looks like whats she doing here bit still – all I can focus on is reflecting over how the vibes of this city otherwise continues to grow on me.

I pause on my thought as my phone beeps with a text. It's her informing me that she is running five minutes late.

Hmmmmmmmmmmm.

Okay then! That means – I do have some time to give you all a context into what is it that I am doing here in the first place.

And just because it's fun I gotta begin with the usual – Any Guesses??? Guys??

Ha!

Alrighty! I shall drive straight right in then. So given its 55 days later = which technically means that I am here for ONE Main big personal reason and that is the reason related to Arnav – My Love – obviously.

The Chennai team plays Mumbai in another IPL finale tomorrow night at the Wankhede and I am obviously here to support Mi Amore play &swing that platinum cricketing arm of his.(He's been at his fabulous, enthralling gaming self and once again just like most of the cricketing fandom here in India – I'v been left in awe of his all-rounder performances throughout the tournament !! And I am completely delighted to also report that the proposal he'd sent in to the Human Library Organisation HQ in Denmark – before IPL began at his end for him was received really well at their end. They are really keen to meet up with him in person to discuss things further – infact that meet is also already fixed and scheduled between Arnav+Akash+ some of their representatives who were scheduled to visit London in the first week of June and given that Arnav+ Akash are already going to be in London during that time as well ( just days before our wedding) – it just worked out smoother to have the meeting scheduled in London then at their end! Like I'v just been so excited for him on this accord as well ever since things actually began to shape up for him on this. Like I am so positive that it is finally going to go through for him!! Thank Christ for that!)

Also to be fair enough guys – I gotta admit that another professional context got added to this personal visit one on its own accord while I was headed here yesterday – anyway. It was like it all fell into place on its own. And what's this professional context I am talking about? It's a one on one – in person meeting with Radha(The PR executive of the BCCI I'v been in touch with and working with closely for all these months). For as it happened – she was headed here too – to watch the final and given that we anyway did have some work discussions to catch up on because they wanted to fill me in on the fresh ideas lined up for content for their end with regards to the IPL etc and performance of Indian players+ some upcoming players from the domestic circuit here in India who'd performed brilliantly in the Ranji Trophy tournament along with the bit that we anyway hadn't like met in person before – she somehow initiated the bit that we meet up one on one – finally.

And at the back of my head – I instantly agreed because it also felt like that finally meeting her in person would probably help me serve my purpose after within a couple of days in terms of easy connection etc – because well – if you all have noticed the date – Arnav and Me are like just two weeks away from getting married too right?????????? And I know just like you all do – that the very moment he holds my hand tight and walks out around the public here in India – its going to go on beserk on another level.(A Tidal Wave - I am totally prepped to head on with my kool inner surfboard this time around though). Anyway you all get the hint don't you? I most surely think that meeting Radha in person now – might just help me in my cause later when I get my plan into action about shielding Arnav from any possible gaming setback professionally here in India!

I am right on that thought when my phone beeps with Arnav's text and we fall into one of our usual loving chats for a couple of minutes.(He's in the middle of team meetings back to back since morning given the final – tomorrow – obviously)

Also on that note – both the Mumbai team+ Chennai team are staying at the Trident – Nariman Point which is nearby as they always do during the IPL – but just like we all did the very first time we came here – M+ S+ Brian+ Jack and me are staying at the Airbnb in the building where Arnav has his studio. To be honest – it also works wonders that most of these gaming finale's are around weekends for that makes it easier for M, S, Jack and Brian to hop on the plane with me on moments like these.

Also yes guys – the only reason why Mum isn't here this time around is the bit that she is busy with the last minute wedding preparations with grandpa + Grams+ her closest friends(M, S, Brian, Jack's parents) and her work with the county cricket season back in England) before she also takes the personal time off in the first week of June as we near our wedding!

And on that very note – do not even get me started on how excited Abbu+ Raahil+ Noor are back in Lahore gearing up for the wedding as well. I mean – Abbu like gets all emotional all the time as the days are nearing talking about it all with Mum and Noor+ Raahil get all exhilarated in excitement too. And guys – it also delights me to report that all three of them as in Abbu+ Noor+ Raahil are just acing the days of their lives as well. As in Abbu's been up and about doing his amazing work back in Lahore which continues to gear up more and more – and his humanitarian work on the other side with his NGO's also continues to scale up so much so that back in Lahore – some people(public) have also began to think bits like that their reaction towards Abbu over it all was way too harsh etc! I mean given that its finally four months down the line to that bit – I think time has helped people beginning to digest the bits of it better!

And - Raahil's been killing it with the bat after the PSL in the next of Pakistan's bilateral international series too! And Noor's also finally made up her mind to open like a full-fledged exclusive retail store back in London as well apart from just retailing to the usual jewellery stores she'd collaborated with there!

And well – the same goes for Raima Mom,Arjun Dad+ Akash+ Anjali di+ Jiju as well for they'v been completely absorbed in gearing up for the wedding preps too – given that for them all its like a lot of packing and preps for – as hinted prior Arnav and me are tying the knot in a countryside wedding setting scheduled back in the UK!(More on that – later)

Why?

Because - Radha's texted.

She's here!

I turn around in my seat to look at the entrance with a smile curved up my lips? Why? Because after all this while – I am kind off excited to finally meet her – obviously. She's always been so comforting and friendly and supportive in all our meetings up online more so especially after the debacle in January – so I just got this feeling within that we are going to have a very comfortable first meet – obviously!

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Radha steps in through the revolving door at the Pizza eatery near Nariman point where she was scheduled to meet up for a lunch meeting with Khushi Jones.And in her head – momentarily – she was kind of gutted for running late on her and making her wait for in her mind she'd been so excited to finally meet up with Khushi in person as well.

The very second she steps in – she spots Khushi instantly as she's seated on a two seater table near a large open window through which the moisty Mumbai day breeze continues to make its way in. She spots Khushi grinning back at her in recognition almost instantly as she waves her hand at her.

Radha smiles or rather grins back almost instantly and gestures to Khushi across that she would be by her side in a second. She quickly tells the staff at the entrance that she already has someone waiting for her and then makes her way in adjusting her laptop bag string on her shoulder excited! And as she heads in her smile shortens on its own accord on reflex as she realises that a lot of people in the eatery were just curiously eyeing Khushi with a roll of the eye as well+ hushing+ buzzing amongst themselves and for a second she thinks to herself – Oh My God. People. Get over it for Real.Its been over four months since the secret of her parentage came out the world!! Are you going to continue gazing at her as if she were an alien – forever?

Also – it is right very then her smile returns to the size of the grin prior for the very next second she realises after observing on Khushi's light+ carefree body language as she smiled back at her happily nonetheless - that revolving/hovering gazes be dammed – Khushi Jones truly seemed to be unaffected by it all – for Real. As if she had a Fortress running its wall high up in her mind to shield her from it all – for good!

Once she finally nears Khushi – Radha spots her get up from her chair on reflex and they both greet one another in a casual friendly sidehug as they both end up saying on reflex – " hey you....finally....we get to meet in person..."

That makes them both share a warm chuckle as well and Khushi instantly gestures Radha to take her seat and she does so grinning and Khushi asks with a knowing grin looking at her watch – " okay..so given that its lunch time..I gotta ask first..hungry much? Shall we order in first Radha??"

Radha nods at that instantly admitting with a gesture to her stomach – " well...I am famished...for sure...so lets order to begin with ..for sure..Khushi.."

Khushi nods and smiles and they both gesture a staff member to come on in to quickly take their order and once they were done placing that about three-four minutes later – Radha finally leans back in her chair and says with a relieved smile observing on Khushi's relaxed frame again – " and I just gotta say this...given that it feels so good to observe this in person...I am so glad Khushi that these hovering eyes/hushes/buzzes from around seem to have no power/or affect over you...at all...I'd say...that's the way to go at it..girl..."

That makes Khushi chuckle momentarily as she looks around the eatery and spots a couple of curious gazes stationed right at herself+ Radha as they hustle and murmur amongst themselves and she just smiles back at them normally which surprises the onlookers before they look away and Khushi returns her attention to Radha who was watching her on grinning as she explains with a casual shrug of her shoulder – " thank you Radha...for that..also...ofcourse...I am super immune to all of this by now...Radha...like...it doesn't affect me a dime anymore...infact to be honest..my visit to Lahore for the PSL final kind off just amplified the workings of my inner shields a lot more helping me getting accustomed to being a lot more immune to it than I already was..,"and she looks around for a brief second and adds normally sipping on her water next – " plus...I guess..they are all probably just wondering what is Rehaan Khan's daughter doing here in Mumbai right now etc etc...who is it that I am meeting etc etc...the why's...etc etc...either ways..what they think or assume is neither my concern nor my business...and...I am sure...now that they'v spotted you given that you are known as one of the PR executives in BCCI for a while..they'd assume it would be for work purporses..."

Radha grins at that and admits with a sincere nod looking around– "and once again...I am so very glad to hear the former...Khushi...,"and she looks around at the gazes and admits next – " yup...I think I spot a flicker of recognition in their eyes for me...they most surely reckon you are here for work.."

Khushi winks playfully next leaning towards Radha – " which is true anyway..."( Partly - she adds silently in her head!), and she continues now – " so...anyway...you tell me how'v you been doing Radha? Like you know generally? I mean – how about we begin talking work in a bit – because well it is the first time we are meeting..i'd obviously like to indulge in usual chit chat with you...for the first time...off screen..."

That makes Radha smile back at Khushi warmly on reflex and the two of them fall into a comfortable chatter around Khushi's transit to Mumbai+ Radha's from Delhi to Mumbai etc etc! And Radha can't help but notice over and over – how lighthearted and relaxed Khushi was in the moment – even though the gazes in the eatery around continued to hover her way over and over! And it was then Radha realised for the first time in person(and not online+ or through observation through screen)- that Khushi Jones had indeed become an expert at turning a Blind Eye+ Tone Deaf Ear+ to the worldly gossip trailing around her!

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90 minutes Later

Radha and Khushi have finished discussing everything work + their lunch and as they both finally shut down their respective gadgets and Khushi shoves her tablet in her bag and Radha shoves her laptop in her bag – Radha asks Khushi grinning – " so what say Khushi? are you up for some desert? They do have amazing brownies in here.."

Khushi bites back her smile at that as she admits – " well...even though I am stuffed...given the food was so yumm..i think it would be sin to say no to a heavenly brownie..waiting to be relished off their kitchen's baking counters don't you think Radha...but lets share one instead..if you okay with it...I surely wont be able to gump it all down..??"

Radha grins at that – " my thoughts exactly...Khushi...so lets share one..,"and the two of them go on to order the same – after which Radha looks back at Khushi and says happily – "well..I am quite impressed...with how much work we got done Khushi...this afternoon...and ofcourse more so over..how much we chatted otherwise...as well...you are kool company you know Khushi Jones..."

Khushi chuckles at that and nods – "and I could say the same for you Radha..for sure...and on that prior point..yup...I am so glad we got all the work done that we actually did...honest point though...I didn't think we'd have been able to go over all of those points of discussions...but am so glad...we did..for now I have further clarity from your team's end over all that you want me to dish out next.."

Radha nods and grins – " and given that you'v always been point on time with having the content ready on schedule...am pretty sure that this time around as well...we have nothing to worry about the timing..."

Khushi nods – "ofcourse you don't..Radha...I will have it all ready in time...k?"

Radha nods and asks next on reflex – " so you coming to the final tomorrow??"

Khushi nods on reflex not wanting to lie to Radha – " yes...indeed I am...Radha with my friends..coz I just thought it would help me work wise...I mean..given you do want me to do something fresh on whoever is awarded the player of the tournament as well right.."

Radha nods at that and adds – " yup...infact..you know what Khushi??,"and she pauses as her eyes spot someone walking towards a table across of them and she leans in to whisper to Khushi – " wait..wait...is it her? Let me see closer...oh yes it is..."

That makes Khushi ask puzzled – " whose presence is it that's made you pause Radha in between of what you were saying??"

Radha admits grinning subtly looking back at Khushi and away from the scne upfront not wanting her looking to be too obvious – " Roohi Arora's...Khushi...I am sure you'v heard of her...I mean she's amazing singer...plus...not only I love listening to her music...guess what...a couple of years ago...the buzzing news in the background was...that she was dating ASR from our Indian unit for quite a bit..but then given that they never actually talked about it in the out..the buzz eventually died down...but the grapevine stories continue...many assume..they just broke up..or something...but most of us are sure...they were dating for sure..."

That from Radha catches Khushi's attention obviously for even though she'd seen Roohi's pics float up online on so many occasions – she'd never really seen her in person! And to finally spot her in Mumbai in real time – seemed such a coincidence now – when technically Arnav+ Her were just days away from getting married. And so she looks back on reflex and takes in the sight of Roohi Arora with a couple of her friends with her as they get seated to eat and she can't help but bite back her smile within – as she remembers how she once had the green monster flames of jealousy imaginary dump some honey around her near a bee -hive! And even thought just the return of the thought in her head+ the sight of Roohi near and around – makes want to text Arnav immediately biting back her grin – she somehow manages to conceal her expressions in front of Radha with great difficulty as she shifts back in her position in her chair and looks back at Radha and admits casually – " yup....you are right...Radha...it is her...so tell me more about this grapevine story trail though...I mean the shreds of it that remain...do you also think she was really dating ASR..??,"and she pauses as their brownie arrives!

And as she hears Radha nod at that and fill her in over it all as they also eat the brownie– Khushi bites back her smile within with great difficulty yet again – she was obviously stocking up on this so that Arnav+ Her could have a fun chat over it all later tonight – in private! And it is right then she hears Radha add towards the end of it all as they finish eating up too – " anyways...so now you know...but looks like..she's the past...and to be honest Khushi..a part of me is glad..never really shipped her much with ASR though...I mean could be because he's one of our players along with Ved – I'v got like a permanent crush on...majorly because he's the total kind+ polite+ friendly gentleman with like no air around him....i mean...you'v taken his interview once so you would know...right Khushi?? the man's just so grounded....and well...also ...so so very hot...,"she finishes with a mischevious chuckle completely oblivious to the bit that she was admitting that to Arnav's fiancée at the moment!

That makes Khushi break into a chuckle on reflex as she asks her eyes open wide – " wait...wait...what?? what did you say? You got this permanent crush on ASR??"

Radha admits grinning – " yeah...I do..and Ved too..come on...you gotta agree with the bits I just said...in reference to ASR though...."

Khushi admits biting back her smile with great difficulty yet again – " well...yeah..I gotta agree on those observations for sure...

Radha continues completely oblivious to the fun bit of the moment – " and well.....now we all know Ved's got Maahi...plus...despite the crushing bit on our players..this heart of mine is a goner for Niks..anyway...so lets just say...I secretly do hope...that whoever ASR ends up with eventually...is the one who is meant for him..for good...like I told you...we all know from the grapevine trail..he's never been the flirtatious/ too many flings kinda guy – which makes us all assume...that whenever he does settle...it shall be for good...for he's the sincere serious types...personally...on the matters of the heart...I guess.."

Oh Boy. You have no idea – how accurate you are about that Radha!Khushi thinks within with love gushing through her heart for Arnav as admits biting back her smile with great difficulty yet again – " ahaann....i see...well on that note...only fair that I take a moment to wish him well..in my head..as well...he's a nice bloke...the interview with him was indeed a comforting cakewalk not just for me but my entire content team involved...indeed.."

Radha nods grinning – " it was right? told ya..the man's got a heart of gold..or so they say.."

Khushi admits within biting back her smile. Make that a Heart of Rare Platinum...Radha..

And she hears Radha say next – " on that note Khushi – you know what was it that I was saying before I spotted Roohi...it was the bit that...I am also totally rooting for ASR to get the player of the tournament award given he's been beyond fab in his game this IPL...so guess what...in case that actually happens...you might just be interviewing him for content..super soon as well.."

Khushi admits innocently – " yeah..you are right...about that possibility indeed...Radha....lets hope..he bags that award then?,"before she turns around to sneak a look at Roohi behind again! The envious territorial part of head being like – Good for you Roohi that I'v finally seen you in person in real – after iv come a long way ahead within+ my deep soulful love for Arnav having matured in superstrong soulful ways that theres no place for envy over his past in my heart or head anymore – or else – if not honey – I'd surely have atleast dropped a glass of water on your dress if you were to come across my path prior to this moment in Time. Accidenatlly Ofcourse! – she adds grinning in her imagination!

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Several Hours Later

The Same Night – Arnav's Studio

Nearing Midnight

Arnav's POV

I pull away from kissing Fiore reluctantly now because hell yeah – if I continue kissing her as hard and deep as I am right now and if she continues to respond back in the similar ways – I might just end up making love to her again and every inch of me will want to ravish her all over – for many minutes to come if not hours. And to be honest guys – there are only one reason why I am pausing on kissing Fiore right now though. One being the one – that we'v just finished making raw and deep love to one another back to back over just ten minutes ago and I do not want to tire her out/ or risk her sleeping in my arms - before I have her talk to me about the super important bit that I finally want to discuss out with her in the open – before the night ends on us!

She pauses on kissing me as well reluctantly as she whispers into my lips shoving her hands into my hair tight – " ohh godammit...you...you'v literally just legit turned me into being completely unsatiable human of the highest order when it comes to us making love...baby...don't stop...please...I already want you again...oh you know I do...,"and she begins to kiss me deeply again.

I push her back into my bed and pillows and kiss her briefly chuckling back into her lips unable to resist the moment of her bare self already coming alive again under me – "ahaan? really?? I thought that unsatiable human of the highest order was me though fiore..."

She chuckles back tightening her legs around my waist making me groan on impact – " oh just make that the both of us...baby..."

I grin into her lips – " noted, sealed and done...fiore..,"and I pull back reluctantly again and just hold her arms down to her sides on the pillow on either sides of it in order to stop her from driving me wild with her caresses – " however...apologies...fiore...I am only pausing because I got something on my mind that I wana discuss about..and I feel if we end up making love again...you'r just going to crash to sleep in my arms soon after..."

That makes her smile a little as she shoots me a knowing look – " uh -oh...and that look on your face tells me baby that by the talk bit...you mean... you are about to address that elephant in the room in between of us that I have guarded in secrecy for all these months...from you...right??with regards to the plan I have been dishing out in background??and the look on your face also tells me right now that...theres no way that you'd let me guard it for some more days in secrecy...right??"

I nod grinning as I flicker her nose – " exactly...my baby...you read me right...I mean...you do know...I hate secrets in between of us anyway..but given that I knew this was insanely important for you to like prep on by yourself perhaps...I didn't probe in...,"And I caress her cheek lovingly and admit sincerely looking back deep into her eyes – " and to be honest fiore...I feel like I really want to know what is it that you'v been thinking on these lines...before I play the IPL Final tomorrow...it will help me feel a lot lighter within...I mean...you do know...that...I...I...,"and I pause only because she covers my lips with her hands her eyes welling up a little as she says – " shhh...no...no..don't say that..please...baby...I know what you want to say...but just don't say it...I know in your mind you feel like this might just be the last IPL final you play...and I know somehow you are all prepped and ready for it all ready to let go...but here me..Arnav...no...this...is surely not going to be the last IPL league you play....I am going to make sure of that...just like I am sure...that the previous international bilateral series for India was not the last one you ever played...alright...its not going to be goodbye to cricket baby...for you...ill freaking make sure of that with all I have??????????,"and the shining conviction in her eyes as she says this freaking bowls me over as I nod caressing her cheeks with my knuckles – " talk to me...please? then? tell me...whats the context that's got this ray of conviction radiating through your eyes..fiore..."

Khushi nods after a couple of seconds deep in thought as she whispers – " yeah...lets talk about it...baby...because now that I think of this...I do want you to play your final...knowing what I have cooked up in my mind..all these months...I do feel it might put things in perspective for you differently which might help you feel a lot lighter...for sure..."

I nod.

She nods and we exchange a warm smile as she whispers next locking her emotional gaze with mine – " how about...you let me outta your arms then...baby..for there's no way...we can get any talking done in here...in bed....wrapped into one another all bare.."

We share a chuckle at that and finally get apart and as I get aside and put on my tracks and spot her slipping on one of my tees running her hands through her open messed up hair all naturally – I am surprised as she suddenly sits back on the bed and puts her hand in her face and her shoulders begin to shake in slight sobs..

What the?

Why is she crying?

I walk over to her instantly now and kneel down in front of her as I hold onto her wrist lovingly – " fiore...baby..what's up???,"And I sigh in relief as she pulls her hands down and I spot tears of happiness gushing down her eyes instead as she begins to bat her hands near her lashes and whispers – " oh baby...these are like tears of glee...in a way...like euphoria...and they just came as a memory returned...remember the first time I was here last here...I was so scared over telling you the truth over Abbu..i was stokcing up on your tees thinking you'd walk away...and from there...to like at this point...I am just so happily overwhelmed...as the realisation strikes over again...over how far we have come...together..."

That makes me cup her gorgeous face on reflex as I nod – and we share an intense silent moment reliving the memory of that day/moment in between of us before I lean in to kiss her forehead and pull her into my arms hugging her hard as I whisper kissing her head again – "and I am looking forward to an eternity of you walking by my side...Fiore....you know I can't wait for these last two weeks to pass...until I say my vows to you at the altar..."

She hugs me back as hard as she whispers – " I know...baby..and I cant wait...either...,"and pulls back and exclaims happily wiping the trail of her happy tears – " alrighty...its time for me to uncover the secret planning...but do not ask me to uncover up my written vows to you..until D day – okay baby? I mean..don't you pull that innocent look up at me again.."

Our vows for our D-Day for our white wedding are obviously a secret in between of us.

I grin shooting her the exact look she referred and loves – " you mean...this look.."

She grins and kisses my cheeks – " Exactly..this one...oh dammit you..let me get outta the circle of your arms..before...I kiss you again..,"and with that we share another happy chuckle and walk out into the kitchenette – hand in hand!

I begin to prep us both some coffee for our chat and she pours herself some warm water prior with a dash of lemon and honey in it which makes her bite a chuckle again and I grin eyeing her working up our coffees – " still imagining...that it truly was a missed opportunity that you didn't actually drop some honey on Roohi this afternoon..baby??"

I am obviously aware of it all guys – her lunch meeting with Radha and how she'd spotted Roohi there and everything!

She chuckles at that and rolls her eyes dramatically – " I know right..baby...like I gotta admit theres some part in my head be like...oh khushi...you could have atleast gone ahead and droped that glass of water...accidentally ofcourse..."

We share a chuckle at that again and I pull her into a brief intense side hug kissing her head and she eyes me now mischeviously and says – " guess what though baby? Theres something..i didn't tell you prior though coz I didn't want to like miss the look on your face and that is the bit...that news is...you and Ved are like Radha's permanent player crush from the team..."

My eyes widen on reflex at that as I ask sure that she got the expression she didn't want to miss because of the surprise I feel at that – " wait...what??did she like say that to your face baby?and wait...how did you not laugh out loud at that though??"

That makes her chuckle as she admits pointing sideways – " oh christ..dont you even ask how difficult it was keeping a straight face at that...and yes..she did...tell that to me...like to my face.."

I grin – " didn't you tell her...you got me taken...baby...long ago.."

She grins at that – " she will find out...soon enough...,"and she narrows her eyes in thought – " wait...do you think she'll be mad at me for this though? that I acted totally clueless about it this afternoon??"

I admit handing her – her cup of coffee and taking mine – " I guess...she will understand..eventually.."

Khushi smiles – " yup..she will..,"And as we walk hand in hand to the sofa now I say – " okay...so how about you will me in on this bit that you missed out..and then we get started towards addressing the elephant in the closet in between of us..."

Khushi Nods.

I nod.

And we begin talking – taking our seats with our hands laced together. And about after initial seven minutes – of her filling me over the rest lighthearted stuff over lunch with Radha and how she feels her meeting her in person will also help her cause to help me – I finally ask keeping my cup aside – " alrightyy baby...out with it..then...I really need to know...whats been cooking up between M, S, brian and Jack and you...on this..."

Khushi nods now sincerely and keeps her cup aside and holds both my hand in hers as she whispers – " okay baby..this is it..the moment of truth..promise..me you will hear me out completely though...so its like...I'v cooked up a mind game..which is exactly what it is...a mind game strategy which I most surely know..neither you will ever act on in reality and nor will I ever like ask you too..because your heart wont ever agree on it anyway...but that bit is just for us to know...for the world out there...we gotta like jump in with this mind game though...for it will act like an exact shield we need for you professionally....so for starters...like I am saying...promise..me...do not misunderstand my intentions in here ok? like I am never going to even suggest you act on it like in reality...and yet I just feel that..just the very thought that you might in the other's minds...will be enough to serve our purpose...infact....its like you don't even have to like utter this out of your mouth to anyone..ever...I will...in front of Radha+ her boss – the PR head at the BCCI when the time comes....I am telling you baby...iv come to realise over all these months...that mind games do also work through a two way street..but sometimes they can be all like one way – if you plan your words carefully enough on worldly matters......."

Okay! Now I am puzzled and intrigued on another level! What has she planned??

I ask impatient kissing on her hand – " oh you know...I'd never misunderstand you fiore...come on then..out with it..."

She nods and dishes out her phone first and begins to talk – first slowly – revealing step by step of it all t o me simultaneously showing me the research she got ready to like back her case on this accord – and as I take it in – and listen it all and my neurons begins to comprehend it all – I FEEL FREAKING CLEAN BOWLED IN MY BEING ALL OVER AGAIN!

WHY?

CAUSE – HELL YEAH – to be honest – legit honest – I literally could have never thought of this bit that she has for me – myself! Like the very idea of this would have never freaking struck mem – ever! And as she continues to go on and fill me in and I listen with my neurons clicking in my brain that yes this might really be the mindgame that works in my favour – I feel transported back to a moment of playing chess with Abbu and how he'd once given me a check- mate having trapped me with – The Elephant+ Queen – on either sides! ( My knowledge from reading immense tells me that – Elephants symbolically are often heavily assocated with wisdom as well in parts of Asia and Africa)and at the moment as I hear My Queen talk about her plan I can't help but feel proud over how cleverly yet wisely she has planned what she has!!

Dammmmmmmmmm! Guys!

In chess as the rules go – The Queen has the power to make the variety of moves only she can and the King can only move one step at the time and if the damm king's got his Queen in and around in cover – he surely got nothing to worry about!( And that is exactly how I feel in the moment too – all chill and light within)

And if the Queen decides to take an attacking role and heads straight right in towards the opponent king's house with the elephant backing her – moved carefully and planted strategically in place just in time – with the aim to check-mate – the Opponents King- That poor King on the other end will surely be trapped within his own House – leading to an ultimate – Check and Mate!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh Man – I am sure you all are eager to know what this plan of her's is and I surely would have revealed some more on that if I didn't feel the urge/need to take My Queen's lips into a ravishing kiss- take over me intensely – on reflex making me act on it by pulling her by the nape of her neck up and close as I close my lips over hers in a fierce silent duel – letting her know – through my lips that she totally had just clean bowled me with this and that I was obviously going to be with her – in the subtle yet vital role of the pawn she'd strategically chalked out for me to play amidst all of this!!!!!!!

Oh wait – you all don't have to match much longer to know – given that I totally intend to board the flight to Delhi after the IPL with her by my side with our hands laced all tight – in just two days from now - anyway!

Bring it On World!

WE ARE SO READY TO EXECUTE A CHECK-MATE – MOVE – IN OUR STYLE – THIS TIME AROUND!

Will we achieve what she has set out too? We don't really know the answer to that yet – for that only Time will tell but atleast – we will know that we gave it all the bestest shot we could – with our mind moves/strategies back – in collision – Head On!

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

TADAAAAAAAA!

How was That Guysssssssss ?????????? I really hope you all enjoyed reading this update!

Next Update : Monday Night

See you soon with the next update in the coming week – guys!

Until Then – Please take care and have a wonderful weekend 🙏🙏🙏🙏

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

Much Love & Gratitude

Always

❤

Prachi