ARSHI FF : HIT WICKET MY HEART 2.0 - EPILOGUE1.0.Pg 44(8/7/2021)*Compl - Page 17

Awesome glad the news lick will divert

Helloooo everyoneeeee..

So here I am with the Third Update of the week.

Apologies first thing out for the delay in time and it coming at 130 am in the Night – for the update turned out to be a little longer than I expected and iv been on a writing spree all day almost to finish it up tonight for once the scenes started flowing in my head.. I just had to etch it out as is.

Its about 18K words.

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

Also yes – A Tad Bit Mature Content in there for Sure

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CHAPTER 34.2 – CHECKING INTO THE SWISS ALPS

In the Meanwhile- Same Day – 18th December – 2019

@ New Delhi – One of the Popular Dailies – HeadOffice

5:30 PM (India is 4hours thirty minutes Ahead of Swiss Time – so in Switzerland right now – it's 1PM)

Natraj Anand – who was the head of the department of Sport Reporting at a popular national daily – the Hindu Times – was deep in conversation with his chief assistant & sport reporter Radha Singh in one of the meeting rooms, discussing the articles to be covered in throughout the next ten days off line up until the New Year Set in and major sporting events in the country or international resumed in full swing – because now that it was that time of the year which was kind off equal to the Holiday season and family time for mostly all – they just needed to work on framing reports and articles on the year Gone By – in terms off the Major Sporting Developments on aspects of the variety of sports played in the country.

He says to Radha now as they were nearly finished with their discussions – " ok so radha...you got it clear right? get the respective reporters in charge for sporting developments covering, football, hockey, badminton, tennis, table tennis, athletics, gymnastics, weightlifting, shooting, polo, and kabbadi to start working on their features...I do want to see their first drafts of the plans lined up on my table by day after morning – and I need their plans to chalk out how they are going to go about to portraying the sporting developments of the year gone in terms of a series of 6/7 articles until the new year sets in – in terms of these respective sports and also have about just 3/4 articles set aside for the players that have outshined this year in terms of their performance...okay??"

Radha nods instantly – " yes sir...got it..".She had been working in with Natraj for a long time and they shared a great working rapport.

Natraj nods again and say's – " and once you are done with getting everyone started on their respective features – I want you to get started on your brief ups on cricket... I am sure Nikhil is already on with his plans about briefing out the year gone by for the Men in Blue..he's most surely going to chart out the the highs and low's they'v faced this year and obviously do a exclusive feature on how our Captain ASR..sailed through the brunt after the world cup loss with regards to the debate around his captaincy and has only come out shining in terms of not just leading to victories in all the international tours after but has also been acing his individual performances in the tournaments.. he's also going to chalk out a feature on our vice Rohan, Cap- D, Ravi, Yuvaan, Shiv,Singh and a couple of more bowlers..his articles line up is quite extensive..."

Radha nods and says happily– " oh yes its surely is extensive sir..and he is on with his plans in his head about it already..although I did ask him if he was going to let me chip in with that exclusive on ASR...for you know I am such a huge fan..."

Natraj nods - " well the two of you are a team radha so you can work things out internally...I just need the job done..also now... I want you to specially chart out India Women's progress in terms of Crciket this year Radha...just make sure to put it all out together greatly Radha...our women in blue have been extraordinary this year and specially right now there is a lot of buzz going on with regards to the fresh contract list also being listed out..you did have that bit of it covered in a really good feature as well...but now we definitely need to capitalise on the buzz...highlight their performances....etch it out greatly...with complete focus on the entire current national squad plus the squad heading out for the Tri nation series in Jan...I want full history, and geography how these players gaming journey all squeezed into brief highlights..also most importantly try reaching out some star performers for exclusive one on one bytes....and most definetly give it your best shot at getting a one on one with Sheena, Harpreet, Mira and Vedika the wicket keeper, and their new middle order strength Jessica and ofcourse their new star opener performer alongside Sheena...the little hit girl..khushi..i want a one on one with her for sure..."

Radha nods enthusiastically as she says grinning – "yes Sir...I will get on with it all for sure...about time that our women's unit get the highlight they also deserve...it's the least we can do to not come across as a daily which is only is interested to focus on the dominant love for patriarchy in terms of sports and more so cricket specially...also on that note...I think I'd be able to do pretty much all of that you mentioned sir...and I might even be able to get in touch with Mira/Harpreet/vedika and even Sheena or Jessica for a little one on one..but i do not think...that I will be able to get in touch with the little hit girl...she's really the more conservative one with regards to the media limelight and everything...I mean I am pretty sure of in my assumptions about that.."

Natraj nods as he says intrigue evident in his voice– " yes I know what you mean ...for with all that has been happening around her off late – I was kind of expecting her to sign up on social media and probably express things out or just say anything at all...whether the rumours with regards to her personal life have any truth in it all...but no she's just been awfully silent...not even a tiny whisper from her end..i do wonder why obviously..."

Radha nods – " yup...awfully silent is the right word Sir..for as you just mentioned there's been no reaction from her at all...not even like a one liner..through any portal at all...I think the dormant facebook account she had..she's kind of shut it out too..she's totally off the grid that way....I mean we'v helped the entertainment department do up so many features with regards to our national star polo player Hridhaan and her consistently as well..but still..nothing from either of their ends on this...I mean we did dish out some more stuff online just a while ago as well..when the pics of them heading together out for a holiday with their families came out on social media...and its not just us but Delhi times and a couple of more dailies taking keen interest in this story...but I don't think she will want to talk at all...not just to us..but to any of the dailies...i guess delhi times might just probably be having the exact same discussion as us right now in their meeting rooms... "

Natraj nods as he says – " well I know that...for Delhi times is most surely keen on being the first ones to dish out stuff on the new potential sporty It couple...I mean they are always trying to take a lead on these matters now aren't they...they also took the lead on pretty/handsome cricketers articles and they were also the first ones to talk about ASR and Pia too remember?? Infact they still keep dishing articles about them getting back out..even though ASR's subtle actions have made it completely clear ..that there's no truth in that for sure....."

Radha nods – " well yes...ofcouse they were the first ones...we followed suit eventually...but yup..they do look at these things from a little gossipy angle for sure Natraj..,"and she shrugs and says – " an interesting romantic link up always helps the readership no Sir..i mean as much as I sometimes myself do not understand the dynamics..but looks like this bit really sparks interest and clicks up on our portals up online..."

Natraj nods and says – " well it most surely does Spark interest..and why will it not Radha..which is why this entire scenario around the little hit girl really intrigues me as well you know...because..as much as I can perceive from the experience I have gained by working in the media field for the last two decades...she seems to be one of those who does not want that sort of attention to their personal space and doesn't probably care a dime about the buzz/attention up online...which is kind of refreshing yet mysterious in its own way..for I mean we have seen a fair share of people who do enjoy it and would go to lengths to actually garner the publicity.."

Radha nods grinning – " oh yes sir..i agree with you on that..we'v seen so much off that..which is why I kind off am very drawn to the mystery of the situation around as well..as in..i want to probe in surely..but then..she's totally does seem to be off the grid on that.."

Natraj nods folding his arms and leaning back in his chair – "which is how its safe to assume she probably is not a fan of the spotlight at her personal life at all...and I think not just me but everyone out there whose been reading up about this up online..would be feeling drawn in to know more.. you know that theory... how you always want to know whats in that hidden box or behind closed doors..,". Radha nods with a knowing grin – " exactly sir...just the thought of that bit of it somehow ignites some sort of a mystery and enigma in the mind for sure....."

Natraj adds with a grin – "which Is why we need to continue making the efforts to get through to her nontheless..i do want a one on one with the little hit girl for sure..do try your best to get through Radha..."

Radha nods – " I will try my best sir..i surely will... I am sure Nikhil won't mind helping me out on this...as in...you know how everyone in the office knows how he's turned into her huge fan off late..ever since she hit those six sixes in a row at Kia and has been briallint in the international ODI and T20 performances off later after ...he was literally the happiest when he saw her contract grade getting stepped up the other day...also I think I do have to add this..it's not just her performance he is smitten with...he also is a tad bit smitten about how pretty she is for sure as well..he says she's his latest cricketing crush from India woman..and when I pull his leg about it..he looks at me grinning and says – if you can crush on ASR then why can't I crush on the little hit girl...it's a free country Radha..."

Natraj nods with a knowing smile – " yes..i know that..it is a free country indeed...,"and they do share a warm laugh.

Right then they hear a knock on the door and they call out for the person to enter and they see Nikhil on the door with a look of puzzlement and inquisitiveness on his face backed by a smile as well and he asks – " can I come in?? wouldn't have disturbed if it wasn't urgent..,"and Radha and Natraj nod – " come on in Nikhil...in fact we were just talking about you..."

Nikhil enters grinning and shuts the door and walks in – " really were you now?did you tell sir that I am going to present my brief ups much earlier than you partner...".As hinted earlier Nikhil and Radha worked as partners in sport reporting with aspects to Cricket.

Radha rolls her eyes at him – " well we will see about that Niks..anyway..no it wasn't that what I was telling Sir..i was just telling him how you much you fancy the little hit girl...,"she finishes with a wink.

Nikhil grins at that as he says – " oh please...Radha..you are just jealous that she's my crush and you aren't..,"and he looks at Natraj sir whom they both had a good and friendly rapport with - " sir..you do know this one's been trying to date me for a year now.."

Radha rolls her eyes at him – " haa..in your dreams Niks.."

Natraj was used to their banter but he says now – " okay stop it you too...can we talk about what Nikhil wanted to say..i can hear you too banter over this after that bit over coffee..alright??"

Radha and Nikhil nod and she looks at Nikhil all inquisitive.

Nikhil asks – " well...sir...I mean we are totally going to work on our features with regards to professional performances of the cricketing unit in terms of cricket both men and women and everything...but right now I do need your permission to take the lead over the entertainment department to write this bit off it out myself..."

Natraj asks – " write out what?"

Radha asks narrowing out her eyes – " is this about the little hit girl??"

Nikhil nods – " ofcourse it is...what else has been raging around online since afternoon...Radha.."

Radha rolls her eyes grinning – " knew it.."

Nikhil looks at Natraj now and asks – " sir have you seen the stuff up online since afternoon with regards to khushi and the polo star hridhaan?"

Natraj nods – " kind off Nikhil..i mean I did run my eye through the stuff up online in the app about her and hriddhan this afternoon..but do you want me to see it again..."

Nikhil gestures a No with a Shake of his Head and he says – " no sir...radha..but what I want the two of you to see is this...this firecrackling information just came up online about twenty minutes ago..but delhi times has taken a lead and written about this on their online platforms already...and we need to follow suit..and you need to allow me to take over..."

Natraj and Radha ask in unison – " see what??"

Nikhil lays down his phone flat on the table with his Instagram open and says out loud deeply intrigued – "the other bit of what had probably been happening in background related to the little hit girl...you know radha..now you will have your answer to the curiosity about where was ASR travelling to with his family and friends..they aren't going just for a holiday...but for his sister Anjali's wedding...and guess who is she getting married too...Little Hit Girl's elder brother Rahul...in a private and cozy destination wedding in Gstaad, Switzerland...that's where they are all headed too...the group pic of hridhaan and Khushi posted by his sister was most surely from their train ride to Gstaad, which is where the rest of the family and freinds entrouge with ASR is also obviously headed now....."

Radha says all shocked and surprised immediately – " waitttttttttttttt??????????? What???????????????????????? ASR's sister is marrying little hit girl's brother???????????how was this even a secret for so longgggggggggggggggg????????? I mean if this wedding is happening now surely things would be happening in the background since months......."

Nikhil nods – " oh yes she is...most definetly is...Ravi just posted up about his travel deets on Insta story live and the reason for the same...we all know he is super close with ASR...he is dating his cousin noor...I mean..they are all there...rohan with his wife and his sister who is dating ASR's younger brother as well...then there's cap d with his wife there...they are all so thick with ASR in their equation there's no chance they'd miss his sisters wedding...I mean we do know how much ASR priorities his family and he's super protective when it comes to them..he always has been that way....and hear this bit off it out..guess what...I did get a little talk with Mira – India womens ODI captain.."

Natraj and Radha ask in unison – " you did?? What did she say??and we both know she is the ODI captain..you didn't have to state that bit out to us..."

Nikhil explains with a grin– "alright..it just came out in the flow..as in I know you both know..anyways...so..when I asked her if anyone in the women's national unit knew about this bit prior..she immediately said no with so much conviction that I could clearly make out that this wasn't her denying it as a potential cover up or something...she was genuinely sounding very surprised herself ..she did say that they were all surprised in the unit for...khushi never mentioned it to anyoneee...she literally never talked about it....at all to anyone....she surely could have...but she didn't...ever...neither in the domestic unit or the national...."

Natraj hears all of this and he says deep in thought – " interesting..very very intriguing...this bit kind of triggers up more mystery around Khushi surely..as in..she surely was aware of this development since quite a bit..and she could have totally talked about it..but if she never did..it just surely cements my perception that she is not a dime bit interested to garner any sort off personal attention just to herself..."

Nikhil nods as he says – " exactly sir..my point...I mean from the little chat I did have with Mira Raj..it did seem that they are all so fond of her and now after knowing this they all more so strongly believe that she isn't the kinds to gloat about connections in the background to just garner personal attention....Mira did say that they all greatly respect her for the sportsperson she is..and also added that just like them all..her focus in vision has always been the towards development and progress of women's cricket in general,"and he pauses and adds grinning looking at a deep in thought Natraj and Radha – " listen...she's different this one..i am telling you both...and this is what I want to write about...as in Delhi times and all the rest are going to focus on this information from just the gossipy angle..and if we let the entertainment section cover it up..it will come across as just gossip from our end too....but I want to right about this angle...and maybe also try to get through to her to get on a one on one with her to inquire about the same...what was the reason behind not wanting to talk about a potential solid family connect with the Captain of the Indian Cricket Team until this point when it had to come to light anyway???????? I mean its ASR's sister her brother is marrying afterall..."

Natraj nods as he says – " hmmm...you have a fair point..nikhil..go ahead..take this on....ok? ill talk to the head at the entertainment department...,"and he asks Radha – " what's your take on this Radha??"

Radha nods with a smile - " well I think Niks is right..there's surely more than what meets the eye...I mean...yes lets totally cover it up this way..niks can we do it together???"

Nikhil nods – " oh yes partner we can..."

Natraj gets a call on his phone and he excuses himself out of the meeting room and says before picking up the call – " okayyy...on with it...you two...on with it...get in touch with Mira...or Sheena.. or harpreet or vedika..anyone of the team whose more active up on social media and request them to put you through to the little hit girl as soon as possible as well..i don't know how you do it...but I want this...,"and then he leaves.

Radha and Nikhil nod at one another.

Radha nudges Nikhil aside in his arm playfully – " well good for you Niks..i mean what if you actually get to speak to her.. I mean I most surely remember what a fan girl moment it was for me when I first interviewed ASR for a sport byte years ago..."

Nikhil winks at her – " good for me indeed...."

Radha rolls her eyes at her - "but also too bad for you though Niks...I mean she isn't single surely.."

Nikhil snorts at her – " yeah right you just had to remind me that right now..didn't you??"

Radha chuckles – "ofcourse..Niks..for hridhaan and her have something going on for sure..their families are uber close and now If he is on with her and her family even for the cozy private destination wedding of her brother..only means that somethings surely cooking in between our nations one some hotshot polo player and india's little hit girl for sure..and on that note they do look crackling good together anyway...and now its not just that... she and her family is also now somewhat related to Captain ASR...my my...this enigma around her personal space surely got a hell more interesting for sure...I mean I am hell intrigued...probably as much as you.."

Nikhil says grinning – " oh no..you most surely cannot be more intrigued than me Radha...for sure...anyway also guess what I see this latter bit of the info taking over the earlier buzz up online for sure...Ravi's timing about this post is surely going to derail the attention of Hridhaan and Her – for a while..."

Radha nods in agreement – " I think so too Niks...I think so too..."

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Hours Later

Meanwhile 4 : 00 PM – Switzerland – on the Train about to Reach Gstaad

Arnav's POV

Guys.

Ofcourse My Sparkle was right.

Bang On – Freaking Right.

Leaking out the news right now in our style subtly about Anjali + Rahul's wedding – is serving out as a perfect Distraction from the buzz around Khushi & Hridhaan. For since the last three hours ever since Ravi posted the details out on his Insta on my request – the Buzz online has been about how our Siblings are tying the Knot and how we are all headed to Gstaad right now – with mostly everyone wondering as to how was it that we managed to keep it a Secret uptil this point in time, and isn't just that actually – Ravi has also shown me how everyone up in the netizen world is somewhat getting more intrigued towards My Sparkle's personal space, many wondering as to why she never talked about this bit of it out to anyone – when she surely could.

And it's a good thing that amidst all that I have read up online – I can only see a lot of comments stating – that they genuinely think that The Little Hit Girl is not interested to garner personal attention by gloating about connections, for she surely could have done it all for publicity if she wanted long ago which is also why she's just been so silent about the whole situation around Hridhaan and her's link up as well maybe.

Well I am glad – that mostly all of them have got onto that bit of it right.

But to be Honest to You all.

I am also tad bit worried for My Sparkle right now.

Why so?

Because obviously I know and understand the media dynamics from prior experience – and I had anticipated well in my head that there was a possibility that a lot more attention was going to come towards her personal space nonetheless, and even though she did say she's better equipped in her head to handle this – I know when the flow of it actually comes through nonetheless – it's obviously a tad bit overwhelming.And I was right in my worry guys – because My Sparkle has been feeling a tad bit overwhelmed about how reproters from various dailies have now started to bombard Sheena/Mira/Harpreet/Vedika/harleen's – DM's on Insta asking them to put her in touch with either her or Jess for a one on one and they'v all obviously been conveying the same to Khushi and Jess on Whatsapp – and I am sure you all can anticipate this bit – that My Sparkle's just been requesting them to divert this topic/ignoring it for now and not share any of their private details for now.

I know – she Does Not Want a One of One with any of these Reporters.

And I am kind of worried that the Flow of it all – is eventually going to Push her towards it – maybe?

I was on text with her a while ago and she was telling me how she's just been talking to Sheena/Mira/Harpreet about the same in details on and off while everyone's just been settling into the Hotel.She's also filled in Sheena about her reasons for why she wanted to keep it all a secret until now – obviously and Sheena's conveyed it out further to everyone in the national squad as well. They do respect her reasons and since they all know her well – none of them would ever doubt her sincerity.

But Guys – I know my Sparkle is feeling a tad bit guilty that she's caused so much trouble to her teammates with regards to this as in with regards evading the media/reporters on her behalf.

Hmmmm.

I think I really need to think of a way of prepping her for the same subtly without coming across as Dominant/Pushy. I need to help her prep for the same that she could totally evade personal queries with the reporters cleverly and just stick to talking about the professional bits. Right now she is too scared about the whole one on one with Reporters because she thinks they are going to barge into her personal space with questions and she might not be able to handle it cautiously on the spot in the moment.

I obviously know her at the Back of my Hand. That's no news to you all Surely.

I do want to text her – now.

I nod and smile at everyone around me as I get up to make my way out of the carriage to stand near the windows there to look out the view – for we are just about 30 minutes away from Gstaad and this was around the time she had texted me as well from the familiar spot a while ago – just from another train though.

And while I am on my way out - I do hear Akash and Anjali continuing to talk to Rohan, Samaira, Noor, Ravi, Cap, Sachi Maam about Rahul and Khushi -filling them in about the Gupta siblings – which is only making everyone get more excited to meet them..and they are also talking about how their Junior is more than glad to have the distraction shift to the truth rather than just focus on some rumours .I can't help but grin to myself inwardly like an Idiot – in glee obviously. I am also so excited to have my close friends finally meet up – the love of my Life.

Finally.

The rest of our family relatives are all busy amidst their happy conversations as well.

Just as I step out the carriage doors and go upto the window and lean against the side and am about to text Sparkle.

My phone beeps.

It's Her.

Her : skipper blue..

I sigh as I read that.

I know she needs to talk to me right now.She's surely feeling a tad bit overwhelmed.

Me : and I was just about to text you Sparkle...and you messaged...bang on telepathy as usual...

Her : I need to talk to you love...in my room abhi..everyone's going to get all together to welcome you all anyway na...are you with everyone? Is there a way we can talk??

I ring her up instantly.

She picks up in a ring and I say immediately into the phone – " hey you..sparkle...guess what? I am exactly calling you from the same spot on the train..you called me from before your arrival into gstaad..."

She asks - "aha...really?are you now?". I could sense a little smile in her voice.

I say immediately – " oh yesss..you were right Sparkle..the view is spectacular and I miss you more than anything in the world right now...us being here together would have been epically perfect indeed..."

She sighs and says immediately into the phone overwhelmed emotions evident in her voice – "Arnav.. come soon...please..."

I ask now lovingly – " kya hua Sparkle???are you feeling a tad bit guilty about having your team mates evade the media reporters on your behalf??i know you are relieved that the news has served the purpose of distraction towards this as you wanted..but now as the flow is coming through after...you'r obviously a tad bit overwhelmed..."

She sighs, vulnerability evident in her voice – " pata haina aapko..you know already...I knew it you would know...ofcourse I am feeling shit guilty about this....was just talking to sheena di love...jess was here too..she just left to her room to just freshen up and think things through...sheena di was obviously telling us how her DM's are being bombarded nonetheless no matter how much she's trying to evade it...same's with mira di/Harpreet di/vedika/harleen..."

Oh My Precious Sparkle. You have the most tender and inncocent heart – which is one of the reasons as to why I have still kept the Filter On – and haven't told you about Hridhaan being in love with you. Guys - She gets way too affected if she feels she's caused inconvenience or hurt to anyone in anyway knowingly or unknowingly even. I just don't have it in me to tell her this bit yet.

I say lovingly – " sparkle...don't this to yourself alright? don't you go on a guilt trip about this okay??they surely understand don't they?"

She sighs – " yes they do love..they are all being so supportive and understanding..but why do I feel like I am asking them for too much perhaps??? i mean they are surely helping me evade things for now...because iv told sheena di atleast that I am ..,"and she paused.

I say quickly filling in her sentence– " you told her that you are not ready for a one on one yet with any reporter..."

She sighs – " yup...as usual you know me...she was also saying that a couple of reporters from hindu times have messaged her saying that they are not interested in posting only gossip targeting my personal space or something..they do want a one on one with me as they do want to write about my professional journey as well...but...I just feel so scared and worried thinking what if its like some media trap...as in...they'll probably start with talking about my professional journey but will eventually divert to my personal space..nonetheless...and then I won't know how to answer them back tactfully...as in...what if I fumble then..kya karun main..."

I smile a little as I say – " do whatever your heart says..Sparkle...follow that through...ok? and then everything will fall into place eventually..k? tell me what does your heart say?"

She answers softly – " it says that It does know I cannot have them as in my teammates handle this on my behalf for like superlong...I think I need to prep myself for this na..i mean kab tak will I be able to push it...dear mind is all like getting geared up to prep up for the same now...but I feel like I need some time...as in..i can't do this immediate atleast...dear heart and mind are all like...they need you to help me prep for this as well love...only you can..you know only you can...as in you know when its like talking during a post match presentation or even to media reprters in a group with the rest of my team taking on a couple of questions its different..and I can handle that all of that..but all this exclusive one on one bit is what is worrying me a atd bit little...I just don't know yet if I can handle it smoothly na...you get what I mean don't you?????"

I say immediately now smiling– " and will you tell dear heart and mind that – that was exactly what I was thinking about to myself before your text came..that I need to help you do the same without coming across as being dominant/pushy Sparkle...I obviously don't want you to feel that I am pushing you towards something you aren't ready for..so I am kind of smiling to myself now that you brought it up yourself.."

She says now a little hint of smile back in her voice – " okkkayy then...skipper blue...super bonus points noted down for you...like with infinite compound interest and everything....like I just love the way you know me at the back of your hand ya and look at you being your Mr kind yorker self always wanting to be subtle in your ways of getting me to see and understand things at my own pace..you know this bit about you makes me fall in love with you all over again..don't you..."

I chuckle a little at that and I say next immediately – " Sparkle...yes..i know that...and hey..look..coming back to the main point again...there are a lot of ways through which you can simply choose to ignore talking about your personal life In a one on one with reporters on telecalls or video calls alright??i am right here for you..always...we will get you prepped..and I know you need some time for the same..then take a couple of days Sparkle to think this through and prep yourself...you know what? I have an idea? That will buy you some time..wana hear it?"

She says immediately – " oh yes pleaseeeeeeeee love..."

I say next – " ask Sheena for help to buy you some time..ask her to convey it to the reporters that as of now you are caught up with family and personal commitments and please request them to give you some time to get back to them as and when you are a little free...that's all...and just leave it as a open window..for now..say something like you'll get in touch once you are back to India or something..."

She says with a sigh of relief evident in her voice next – " oh yesss love...I think I can totally have sheena di convey this na..like this way atleast they won't continue to hound and chase down my teammates with answers with regards to me..."

I grin - " exactly..."

She says now all excited – " exactly...thank youuu so much love..as always....im totally going to do this..buying myself sometime by takingg advantage of the fact that we are out of country on a family occasion can work perfect..for now...likeee you na skipper blue..are simplyyy the best my love..."

I grin as I ask now – " feeling better Sparkle???," knowing her answer in my heart already.

She chuckles and says – " oh you surely know I am...I bet you already know I am...,"and she sighs happily and says now – " achaaaaa..now that this bit off that nagging guilt is out of my head..i do just want to say this yaa....in a total dramatic animated voice...just you imagine the excited expressions on my face as I am looking out the window to my room at the snow covered view around me...or know what ill just send you a grinning picture after..."

I grin as I add – " I'd love that grinning picture for sure..Sparkle..tell me what do you want to say??"

She says happily in a louder excited tone – glee all back in her voice – " areeee what else will I want to say????? But love...ohh god..i can't wait ya...like these last minutes until I see you are killing me as usual likeeeeeeeee comeeeeeeeee soonnn you have no freaking idea how beautiful and gorgeous the view out of my room is...also on that note Skipper blue..please commit to giving me bonus points first thike..then only I shall tell you this bit.."

I chuckle happily – " ok then sparkle...bonus points committed...cmon now tell me..."

She says excited – " guess what did I manage to do?? I mean I did think I'd tell let this bit a mini surprise for you..but then no no I cant keep this bit in abhi..need to tell you thike...I was helping mom look through the final room allotment for you all as well na...since she wants everything set in place all room keys ready for you all on arrival...so I kind of managed to have your room kind of near to mine..."

Ahaaaa.

I am sure the grin on my face right now could beat the length and strech of the River Nile , which is the longest river in the world and I say happily –" oh really? did you now??infinite bonus pints to you in that case my love..."

She chuckles happily – "as in not like near near like next to one anothers or something but more like...see...ill explain...they do have like some rooms in the tower area of the hotel na..like where in its like cozy rooms within the apace of this vintage spiral tower k? and there are only four rooms on this side...I had two allotted to Jess and me and the rest two allotted to you and Akash – you know since only the four of us know..about our equation..so yeah..we wont have to worry much about being spotted sneaking around my love...I mean the rest of the guests are all around nearby only..but still this way we get a little privacy as well,"

I grin happily – " I love the sound of this Sparkle...love it so much already.."

She adds now – " achaaa now come soon na jaldi se thike? oh wait...Mom's calling I think is getting ready set to get into the arrival area since you are all set to arrive in twenty minutes now...acha ab ill see you soon.....ill just see what's Mom's saying k?then I'll be quickly talking to sheena di as well..i do want to tell her about my intent on buying myself some time before you all arrive so that she can handle it at her end and everyone else is also saved the trouble at their end with regards to this.."

I grin – " ok then Sparkle..do that for sure...i shall see you in a couple of minutes from now.."

She says all excited – " couple of minutes it is....yippee....,"and we hang up next and I walk back into the carriage now – with a satisfied content grin up my face.

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

About Twenty- Five Minutes Later – At the Hotel

450PM – Swiss Time

Arnav hides his grin with great difficulty now as he finally takes the steps into the Hotel's reception through its revolving circular doors alongside Ravi, Noor, Cap, Sachi, Rohan, Samaira, Akash and Payal. The rest of his family and relatives entrouge had already made their way in as well about ten minutes ago. And he knew that everyone at Khushi's side of the family was busy welcoming them all at the moment, and his Sparkle as well would be busy in doing just that.

The Hotel had arranged the quick picks ups for them all from their end from the station and it was just quick 5 minute drive anyway – and it was by chance that the Ten-Seater Sleek Cab that he was in with along with the rest of the group was the last one to arrive at the hotel. He infact already had texts from Khushi that she was totally going to deduct some points from his stock for being the last one to arrive. But inwardly he was glad about it in a way – because now that he was finally reaching with his close friends – he knew that Khushi would be a little free to just mingle in and talk to everyone for a while longer because she would have already greeted and met the rest of his family relatives.

And just as they all get through the revolving door – Arnav pauses in his chain of thoughts – as he comes face to face with the sight of different groups from both their sides of the families down the hallway and lounge around the reception now happily greeting, meeting and mingling with one another and as his eyes quickly search the crowd for his Sparkle and he spots his Sparkle – deep in conversation with Anjali, his Bua , his cousin Masi's alongside his mother and Dadi, and Nisha aunty,and ranjana aunty and Jess as well. His heart obviously warms at the sight. He also spotted his father, Sagar uncle, Rahul, Hridhaan,Hridhaans father, Vikram right there in another group talking and greeting some more fellow guests and relatives from their end.

Akash says now as they all wade their trolleys down the little walk way to the hallway near the reception – " okkk I love the sight of all this happy mingling going on already...c'mon everyone let's get on in.."

Ravi, Noor, Cap, Sachi,Rohan, Samira, Payal all nod at one another happily and they all start to make their way through and it is right then Arnav spots Rahul and Sagar look up first to spot them all heading towards them and he sees Rahul step aside to gesture to Anjali, his mom, khushi in the group next to him that Arnav was here with everyone as well.

That obviously makes Khushi look up instantly towards the entrance walkway amidst the group and as her eye locks with Arnav's from across for a second – she bites back her grin with great difficulty as she gives him a subtle gesture of – FINALLY, through her eyes which she was sure he would catch on.

Arnav obviously catches onto the gesture that Khushi had subtly sent to him from across the hall and he gestures the same back to her biting back his grin with great difficulty as well.And it is right then he also notices Khushi's eyes fall on everyone around him, Rohan, samaira, Cap, Sachi, Ravi , Noor – and he chuckles inwardly as he does spot her eyes flicker a little nervousness immediately.

Anjali, Rahul and both their parents and Dadi now start to walk towards them all and Khushi follows them nervously as well pulling Jess's hand to join in as well – unable to actually believe that she was now minutes away from being introduced to Ravi, Rohan, Cap as well formally as a cricketer. The last they met them in that afterparty after the IPL win in May – was totally under the pretext as general fans.

Next,Arnav and Khushi watch happily in silence from their spots as they see both their parents, Rahul, Anjali, Dadi – first meet and greet and welcome everyone warmly and about three four minutes later just as Sagar and Rahul also finish greeting Rohan, Cap, Ravi – Rahul says in a collective fan zone moment for a second – " well to be honest, I'd like to take the credit of being the most dazed fan right now Cap, ravi, Rohan..but I can't..i honestly can't..so I'd take the no 3 spot happily for no 2 spot surely goes to Dad.."

That makes everyone laugh happily amidst themselves.

Sagar chips in happily – " thank you for that my son ..also I'd like to take the no 1 spot as well..but then I guess to be fair enough I too surely can't...ill have to be happy with the no 2 spot for sure.."

That makes everyone around them break into a breezy warm laugh again and Arnav hearts glows as he gestures Khushi subtly to step upfront now as she was still standing in a little daze rooted to her spot right next to Jess behind Nisha aunty. Khushi gestures him back to give her a couple of seconds more with her eyes silently for she was still in perpetual Daze.

Anjali says now grinning – " oh yes..i know what you mean Dad and Rahul..but we all know there's someone else in right around us who is kind of statued in a perpetual daze right now...who takes that NO 1 spot...,"and she hugs on Sachi, Samaira , noor , Payal in a group hug and explains happily – "its our junior ofcourse...she was as dazed and stunned when she met Bhai for the first time...but I think by the look on Jess's face as well I'd say they'd be collectively sharing the no 1 spot at the moment.."

Jess and Khushi nod at Anjali nervously – smiling as they agree to that bit instantly.

Cap bites back his grin with great difficulty now as he says leaning sideways to look at Khushi and Jess – " and I think I'd like to take this moment to say...that it's been us whose been so eager to finally meet our two cricketers from our woman in blue unit..."

Ravi nods and says – " true that cap...I mean.."

Rohan grins – " true that indeed...eager would be an understatement indeed..for the last we all casally met at the afterparty met we did not know that the two of you were cricketers..and now we do know.."

Akash is watching on the scene happily with a grin up his face standing in between all – his mother,father,Anjali, dadi, Nisha, Sagar,Rahul – all doing the same as well for they all just wanted to take in Khushi's expressions.And only Akash knew out of the lot that , this was the only reason as to why his brother was also just enjoying the moment in silence as well.

And now finally Khushi steps forward alongside Jess and says with a nervous smile up her face, putting her hand out for a shake to Cap at first because of his seniority sure that each and everyone of her loved and near dear ones and Arnav could read up her excited exhilarated expressions up her face– " hellooo Cap...I am khushi...as you already know I play for india women..at no 2...as sheena di's opening partner..please excuse me for being so dazed up behind in my very own fan moment...I mean...I cannot even begin to tell you how much I look upto you...I am a huge fan..a hugeeeeeeeee one obviously , "and Cap grins back at her happily shaking her hand and says – " well I could say the same little hit girl...we are all a huge fan of your game too....,"and he looks back at Rohan, Ravi, and Arnav biting back his smile with great difficulty so that it does not come across as cheeky – " I mean boys...how many times have we discussed about her ability to hit sixes in the dressing room...and also how Jessica strengthens their middle order nicely..the two of you have been amazing..."

Khushi smiles nervously as she says now exchanging a subtle happy glance with Arnav – " sir..please...this is you being so kind....i mean...thank you so much sir..,"and as Jess goes onto greet Cap in a similar fan dazed moment and Khushi shakes hand with Rohan next and says happily and nervously – " rohan sir...iv been watching you hit your pull shots since forever....and once again I can only say that I am in a completely fan dazed moment for sure to finally introduce myself to you as a fellow cricketer...."

Rohan shakes on Khushi's hand happily and he says – " thank you khushi..but seriously I think at some points I have observed that your technique with the pull shots is kind of even more accurate than mine, in the sense there's no risk of that catch out..so maybe you can let me in on that...also those switch hits and reverse hits..i could never pull of those sixes with that much accuracy minus the risk factor of catch outs at long off...your shots always fly outta the park...and I just have to say this right now..that your six sixes in a row at Kia...were commendable..indeed...just like all your knocks after...you have amazing potential to a long way ahead..we all believe that..iv asked Arnav and Akash to pass on that message to you through Anjali a number of times...I m sure you would have received them??"

Khushi says now nervously smiling and grinning, exchanging a subtle look with Arnav who was biting back his mischevious grins – " thank you so much rohan sir..i mean..coming from you..its an honour for me..indeed...and yes ASR, Akash, Anjali all of them have been very polite and kind in letting me know this from your end..,"and she moves on to shake hands with Ravi next so that Jess could chat up with Rohan for a little as well and she says looking at him – " okay...iv practiced all my bowling in the nets as I do bowl sometimes..trying to match up your action Ravi..your pace, your line and length...I am a huge fan ya..,"and she now looks at them all and says – " not just me and jess infact everyone of us back in the team is a huge fan..."

Arnav was loving the scene unfold in front of his eyes – and he was taking every bit of the expression on his Sparkle's face in.And as Jess finishes greeting Rohan he hears Ravi ask Khushi grinning shaking her hand as well – " thank you Khushi..but first you tell me this..i mean iv been waiting to ask you this myself forever...how did you even pull those six sixes off in a row..i mean the delivers were good actually not bad at all...this question has haunted my mind for a long time..i mean iv often had this thought that what if I bowl to you in the nets..a good delivery..will you actually crack it out of the park as well...I did ask Arnav and Rohan if we could all have a combined nets session with India women just to know this bit off it...but it couldn't be worked out because of our different schedules...so maybe if someone will hand me a while ball here..and you have your bat..i'd totally like to bowl to you..."

That makes everyone laugh amongst themselves and Khushi shoots a sheepish look at Ravi and she says – " well I guess I do have a couple of white balls with me Ravi..since I always carry them around by default in my luggage..but no bat ya...I didn't carry my cricketing kit..i am sure none of us did..."

Ravi grins and says – "what a pity that is.."

Arnav chips in softly and innocently – " a pity indeed..Ravi..."

Jess goes on to greet Ravi next – and Khushi finally moves aside to meet and greet Payal, Sachi, Samaira and Noor in warm hugs and she can't stop grinning as they all greet her all warmly and lovingly.

Noor chips in now happily pulling back from Khushi's warm side hug with playful wink– " Khushi..please you most surely have to hit Ravi's balls out of the park one day atleast...let him have the answer to his question in your killer style...like trust me..he wont stop wondering the same.."

Samaira chips in happily as well – "well I am glad to finally meet India's little hit girl..i mean I am so proud of your game..out hit man's right on that..you have amaazing hitting potential khushi..allow me to photograph you one day.."

Payal says smiling – " and Noor ,me, samiara, sachi maam we all have been dying to meet you since forever khushi..i'd keep telling that to akash..and I am so glad we all finally meet now..."

Sachi says happily – " copy that Payal..copy that.."

Khushi starts to laugh and meet and mingle with Payal, Sachi, Samaira and Noor and Arnav can only beam happily within at the sight.

Khushi gestures Jess to come join in and meet Payal, Sachi, Samaira, and Noor too and Jess is only moved by how warmly they greet her too and it is right then they all hear Shivi's dazed voice as she says softly- " mom, dad, bhai, Vikram, jess,khushi...pinch me will you please??? is It really Ravi, Cap, Rohan in front of me....i mean Ravi and ASR I have met the two of you prior long ago...but Rohan sir and Cap...oh my god..."

Khushi and Jess chuckle at that and Khushi finally steps towards Shivi and ruffles her hair happily – " okay everyone I think shivi also shares the spot with jess and me for that no 1 dazed fan spot..."and she explains to all – " she's training to be a cricketer too...."

And just as everyone joins in the rest of the introductions and Shivi meets them all as well and Hridhaan and Vikram also step forward to introduce themselves to all finally – the rest of the relatives from the Guptas side also start to meet and greet ASR and the rest of the men in blue as Anjali and Rahul take care of the intro's.

Khushi and Arnav can only exchange subtle glances amidst themselves that gestured each other that – that maybe – the two of them might have to wait until much later to get some alone time, because there was no way they could escape out amidst everyone right now.

And it is right then they hear both their mothers Reva and Nisha add that everyone move to the private high tea arranged for all first since it was 5am and carry on the meet and greet and mingling session there and everyone can move onto settle in their rooms after as everything was set for them. And as everyone starts to make their way there - Arnav and Khushi exchange another silent look with one other with confirmed belief about the same.

What Belief?

The fact that they might just have to be in their Channel 2 mode – until later tonight.

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

Hours Later – 7:40 PM

At The Bar lounge at the Hotel where the Dinner Get together was Arranged for the Night

Authors Note : please imagine a night casual party setting and snow all around outside in the vicinity light up with the lighting of the Hotel

A

rnav's POV

Guys.

Guess what?

I surely think I can be awarded an Oscar for Patience right now.

Why so?

Because I have been more than just patient ever since we reached here at the Hotel – Obviously.

I mean you all saw how it was so busy for us all at the arrival right? amidst our families meet and greet and everything??? That Khushi and me could only exchange subtle glances. Yup. So that similar scene kind of continued into the High Tea after as well – and Khushi was surrounded by everyone from my side of the family on and off specially Sachi maam, Noor, samaira, payal and Jess and shivi all the time that she couldn't even reply to my texts at all. She was only shooting me subtle apologetic loving glances about the same when no one was looking – from across the hall. And well I was kind off surrounded by everyone too – so ofcourse I understood the situation and obviously gestured her to not worry about it much. As crazy as this seemed – it was kind of fun too because it felt so good as always for us both to experience that our eyes can understand exactly what we want to convey to each other silently.

Sometimes I do think – we have come around to nurturing a silent language of our own.

Anyways.

So – after the High tea was over and around 6pm when we all decided to finally check in the room and relax...Khushi and me planned to sneak to meet with Jess's help for a couple of minutes – but even that plan of ours did not work out for just as I was heading to Khushi's room to meet her – Jess texted me that – Noor, Samaira, Payal, Anjali and Sachi Maam had come by to Khushi's room because they did want to ask her in private how she was doing with the whole scenario raging up online since afternoon and by the time they left her room – at around 645ish PM – Khushi and me got on a call and she was all like – "Arnav..we are all supposed to be down at the bar lounge for the get together by 730 na...I think..let's shift our alone time to later tonight...because I do need to get ready jaldi se ..,"and I obviously did understand the situation and agreed to it also and I was so glad that I told her that I also didn't think I could stop kissing her like a mad man possessed for about an hour or so once I finally got some alone time with her anyway. So it was better not to rush our intimate moments and hence we mutually decided to shift our alone time to later.

But Now – it feels like I am on the verge of losing my patience.

For its 7:40 PM now and mostly all of us have already gathered here at the bar lounge and the evenings get together has already begun with us starting with dinner and light snacks – and I am surrounded by Rahul, Cap, Ravi, Akash, Rohan, Vikram and Hridhaan and a couple of Rahul and Akash's friends as well - as we are discussing about Cricket and Polo on and off and a couple of our relatives from either side are also joining in our conversations - yet in my mind as I am casually sipping on my scotch – I can only subtly have my eyes fall on the entrance of the bar lounge over and over again.

Why so?

Because – my Sparkle isn't here yet.

Obviously.

Why is she taking so Long? As in – everyone is already here – what's up with her? I think only Jess and Her and Shivi are yet to join in the gathering yet.

I smile and nod at everyone as I quickly dish out my phone and pretend to go through it casually and I text her.

Me : Sparkle...where are you????????its 740 PM. I need to see you dammit – even if its on Channel 2. I am afraid I am running out of patience. Hurry up will you please?

My phone beeps.

Her : love..i will be there in three minutes na...Jess, Me and shivi are just making our way down..also the little delay happened at my end only as in you know na how all dressing up and everything isn't like my forte..so it takes me a while when I get around to it...also stupid silly me..i messed up my eye make up while putting it on thike? as in with the liner and everything...so I totally had to redo it again....and Jess was obviously helping me out to fix it up obviously..because I did tell the make up artist that I'd take her help only on the wedding day for I want her to focus on Anjali and the rest in our families who wanted the services obviously...as in you know theyv managed to arrange four make up artists collectively na..so...yeah..apologies for getting delayed love..but you wont understand thike...it's a girl thing...(sticky tongue emoticon)

I smile as I read that.

Me : ofcourse I understand Sparkle. on that note – I still can't believe you haven't shown me the pictures of the outfits you'd be wearing when you'v had me send you pictures of all of mine..like how unfair is that..

Her : haha..well you remember skipper blue..you did say you plan to redeem some massive points for this unfairness in our alone time...so you can't complain then thike?also I didn't share the pics with you..because I wanted you to see me like live na baba...you know so that I can exactly see the look on your face...acha I am seeing you in two – taking the elevator down..but don't you stare much okay?

I chuckle as I read that inwardly and return my attention to the conversation the rest of the group was now having sipping on my scotch casually – one corner of my eye was still stuck to the entrance obviously.

And it is right then as I am sipping on my Scotch – I spot my Sparkle enter in with Jess and Shivi and I feel like I am going to instantly choke on my drink – because of how one look at her has taken my Breathe away instantly.

.....

Authors Note : Khushi in the below black western Outfit for the casual get together - with Black Winter Stockings on and matching black Stiletos as well.

Anjalis Outfit : Since she is the bride - hers is indo western formal

......

Arnav POV Continues

Correction.

I don't feel like I am going to Choke on my Drink a Little.

I do choke – a tad bit little – very subtly - which I cover up with a little cough instantly as I see her eyes scanning the room and she instantly finds my gaze from across just as I was in the middle of the little subtle choke – and her eyes – give me that – mischevious look for a second before she walks up to meet and join Anjali/ Samaira /Sachi Maam/Noor/Payal alongside Shivi and Jess and then about a couple of minutes starts to move around and greet the rest of the elder guests as well from both our families.

Ok.

I need to text her.

Again.

I gesture to everyone that I was just going to refill my scotch with some more ice and that I will be back in a couple of minutes and I make my way to the bar – writing a urgent text to my Sparkle.

Me : how can you even ask me to not stare dammit? Sparkle? just look at you....just freaking look at you...I swear I feel like my breathes hitched a tad bit little..godammit you...I am going to stare as much as I want..period.

My phone beeps in five seconds.

Her: loveeeeeeeeeeeeddddddddddddddddd the expression in your eyes my love....i caught onto that little subtle choke with the scotch Skipper Blue..i totally did catch onto that...ohh no..please na love...you promised remember??? No staring much..pretty please...

Me : ok..fine..then give me the levy to nullify that previous promise for a while...if you do not want me to stare than I am going to have to go back to resorting to being cheeky on text..

I gesture the bartender to add some more ice to my scotch as I take a seat on the bar stool momentarily. I look at the crowd scanning my eyes. She's busy talking to Bua and Masi again and I bite back my smile as she subtly shifts her phone to the side to reply as Noor and Anjali are taking the lead on saying something.

Her : acha baba thike...you can be as cheeky as you want on text my love..just don't stare too much..though...ill make up for this later...tonight...pakka se wala promise...

I grin as I read that.

Me : it's a done deal dammit. You have no idea how much I am fighting the urge to just haul you up in my arms and lock us up to privacy and ravage you insane...lets see if you can guess what I'd like to start with..

Her : there you go..ya love..started being uber cheeky...uff ufff...I am fighting a blush obviously..and ofcourse I can guess thike..but I tone tell you that bit off it on text...also...looks like I am going to drink up some wine now to help me get through the dinner get together and your sweet torture on text...(heartssssssssssssssssssssss)

I bite back my chuckle.

Me : I am at the bar love as you can see Sparkle..shall I walk up to you with a glass of red wine????? You know I totally can...

Her : hawwwwwwwwwwwwwwww..........naiiiiiiiiiiiii thike..............ill help myself Skipper Blue..... in a while...ufff you naaaaaaaaa...

Me : I could totally also wrap my arms around your waist pull you all snug up close into me and caress and kiss you insane right here right now..you know that don't you?

Her : (a range of blushing emoticons)

I chuckle to myself as I walk back to join the rest of the group I was chilling with sipping on my scotch happily as I catch the sight of My Sparkle sip on a little water from the glass of water in Anjali's hand.

Damm You – Sparkle.

Two can play the Game – My Love.

Guys.

Guess What?

I am totally going Drive Her Insane.

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

The rest of the Dinner gathering amidst everyone goes on all smoothly and happily with relatives and guests from both the sides mixing and mingling with each other nicely with everyone showering their blessings at the – couple to wed and the atmosphere is all filled with love, laughter, joy and happiness as everyone also continues to plan out in groups as to how they were going to indulge in some leisure activities during the day the next day before the engegemnet and dinner ceremony in the evening later.

And as happy as Arnav and Khushi were to see their immediate family circles mix up so well – they also couldn't wait for the time to tick itself by to later on in the night – so that they could be Alone.

But that was thing about them -they knew how to make all their Waiting bits fun as always and that is why they continued to chat with each other discreetly throughout nonetheless – knowing very well that this bit off their time on Channel 2 was only adding Fuel to the Fire that was going to go Flaming Up tonight in between of them – when they were finally alone.

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

Hours Later -

Later At Night – 1:30 AM – Khushi's ROOM

Khushi picked up her phone as it beeped. She knew for sure it was Arnav and as she read his text that he was going to reach her room in two minutes, she quickly replied with a string of Hearts and a one liner saying that's she was waiting for him – anyway and put her phone back aside on charge.

She looked around at the setting she had created around and – she couldn't help but smile to herself cheekily. Oh she knew – she was going to surprise the snowlights out of Arnav's head as well. And she also knew that – she had been intoxicated by the whole ambience of being in the magical Snowy Swiss Alps + The Affect of One and a Half Glass of Red Wine she had consumed throughout the dinner get together + the way Arnav had been teasing her on text nonetheless throughout Dinner and all of the three combined affects had actually led her to create this setting in the first place – so that she could finally just be all relaxed in his arms with her hand laced in his and just soak in the events of the day otherwise as well.

She couldn't wait to See the Look on His Face.

Ohhh The Fun.

And she now quickly makes her way to the door of her room, in anticipation of Arnav's arrival any second and the excitement gets the better of her as she swishes the door open nonetheless and just as she looks upfront – she can't help but grin as she comes face to face with Arnav's grinning face with his hand mid-air in the position of a knock almost about to knock her door. He was in his black sweatshirt and trackpants all changed for the night as well.He winks at her mischievously as he says – " hey you..Sparkle...looks like you had an intuition about me being at your door already..,"and he rakes his penetrating gaze through her up and down again – as intense desire for her returns to take over his being.He had been fighting it since the very minute he had seen her step into the dinner get together looking the way she was to His Eyes.

Khushi winks back at him playfully and she pulls him by the hand in instantly as she says softly – " well I guess you are right about that Skipper Blue..,"and they both instantly close the door back together with one of their hands and lock it up instantly together – and they both lean in at the same time to fuse their lips with one another's almost instantly and begin to kiss madly and deeply like they always do.

Well – the time out in pretend mode ever since late evening and throughout the time at Dinner and after amidst everyone in the pretend mode of Channel 2 had totally riled them both for one another greatly. And now that they were finally alone – all they actually cared about was taking each other's breathe away.

Arnav instantly picks up Khushi by her waist as her legs go around his wait as usual on reflex and he runs his hands in urgent deep caresses over the back of her thighs as he whispers into her lips taking her lower lips into his hard and bad – " godaamit you...Sparkle...I was the happiest when the dinner get together was nearing its end..and everyone decided to retire..."

Khushi tries to dominate over his lips as she whispers now hoarsely – " nahh dammit...I was the happiest thike...for I'd finally have some time with you...ahh finally...,"and Arnav says immediately fisting his hand in her hair – " okk lets agree that we were both the happiest..,"and Khushi nods immediately and they both resume kissing each other madly staying all snugly close and wrapped up into one another by the door itself. They didn't want to even waste time moving around until they had kissed each other madly for many many heated minutes.

About fifteen minutes and several deep heated hard french kisses later and Arnav continuing to caress and feel Khushi all over in intense ways over the Dress he had been dying to take off her , he says urgently into her lips and mingled breathes – "you have no idea how badly I was wishing you hadn't changed out of this outfit yet Sparkle....while I was making my way here...I wana take this off you myself...I am dying to take this off you..this was the guess you didn't take..i mean on text..this was what I meant..this is obviously what I wanted to get started with...as well..."

Khushi clutches on his collar into fist as she instantly whispers back hoarsely taking his upper lip into hers – " ofcourse I know that...Skipper blue..your eyes were talking to me in a language my dear eyes could easily understand... it's a good thing I know you so well na...which is why I knew you'd want me to keep it on until we were alone..which is why I didn't change na...because I know very well...that you'd want to take this off me yourself...I obviously can't wait for you to take it off me dammit,"and she begins to kiss him back deeply loving the feel of his urgent hands over her thighs and the back of her legs.

Arnav loses his patience as he hears that from her and he tugs up her bodycon dress up her frame from behind and caresses her backcurves deeply and the minute he hears her let out a intense moan into his lips – he whispers back hoarsely – " im going to freaking yank your stockings off first Sparkle...I can't help it...they'v been like a tease to my eye all evening...I don't know if my yanking hard will result in a rip though...do you mind if I actually come across as that desperate..and maybe if you are okay with it..let me just freaking rip these damm things off.."

Khushi instantly breaks her lips away from his for a second and she asks mischeviously kissing his ear lovingly– " ahaaa?? Really?? you are so impatient to have your hands on my bare skin Skipper Blue..so much so that you'd like to rip my damm stocking off??,"and she does not wait for him to reply back as she tightens her legs around his waist, clinging onto him tightly and immediately starts to kiss him deeply.

Arnav instantly whispers back caressing her backcurves even harder next – " I'd like to do that for sure..can I Sparkle?"

She moans into his lips as she whispers, feeling extremely thrilled by their intense desire for one another – " oh I wouldn't mind at all Arnav...I obviously have packed myself a pair of more than just one warm black winter stockings right???"

And the next thing she feels is Arnav yanking down on her stockings all hard and urgent from her waist down from behind so much so that she does hear a sound of a little tear which she anyway doesn't care a damm about because all she cares about is the feel of Arnav's hands on her partly bare curves caressing her all deep without any major barriers and she could only rock on him a little and also kiss him back all deeply and pour in all her intense emotions into his lips that were coming out in the form of his name,moans and whimpers into his lips.

After kissing and caressing her insane like a mad man possessed for about fifteen more minutes – Arnav instantly carries her wrapped all snugly into him to the bed and then lays her on it urgently and breaks apart from kissing her madly and takes about just two seconds to pull Khushi's stockings off completely off her legs(he had nudged them halfway till her knees only earlier) and just as he is about to get on top of her to kiss her madly and begin to torture her with his intense caresses before taking the dress of her eventually – he sees Khushi lean up on her elbows as she puts her hand to his chest gesturing him to Stop.

His intense love for takes over momentarily as he cups her face tenderly with one hand and asks next sure she could sense the worry in his voice – " Sparkle..you okay???? Do you want me to stop? You know I will..if that's what you want..."

Khushi grins and winks at him mischievously as she says kissing his hand lovingly – " I love the way you get so immediately concerned about me love....,"and to his surprise she gets up from the bed and he stands too puzzled and she holds both his hands in hers and whispers softly looking into his eyes – "i...I...Arnav..,"and she instantly tip toes on her feet as she kisses him briefly for a second and then pulls back and wraps her hands around his neck lovingly as she says – " I did not gesture you to stop...because I want you to like stop ya...am I crazyyy or what??? iv been dying for these moments with you my love...I gestured you to stop..because I have to be all fair and square in my compound interest redemption na baba..."

Arnav sighs in relief and he immediately tucks her chin up and consumes her lips into his and he whispers a minute later of kissing her brief and intense– " you had me nuts worried for a second..but the look in your eyes right now tells me something..you are upto something arent you? what is it?"

Khushi chuckles at that and she instantly whispers softly kissing him at the side of his lips – " I have a surprise for you love...actually make it like a surprise moment for US both..since..this is surely going to one of our first moments together...,"and before he could ask her anything next – Arnav feels Khushi take him by the hand towards the bath in her room and she opens up the double doors instantly and he is beyond just surprised to come face to face with the sight of the Bathtub all filled with water and foamed up and there was also a Bottle of Red Wine with Two Glasses on the Tub's ledge Awaiting and he sees Khushi give him an adorably innocent look as she pouts at him and says – "well you know I do enjoy a hot water soak in the bathtub once in a while skipper blue..do you enjoy a soak in the tub too?? Or is it just the sauna you fancy??,"she finished with another innocent look.
.....

Authors Note : Please imagine the Setting in the Below bath Area

.......

Arnav looks at his Sparkle grinning his eyes glinting mischievously as he whispers hoarsely – " oh I fancy a lot more than just a sauna Sparkle...and honestly I have to say this.. well done Sparkle...also you get a lot of bonus points for this Setting for sure..my love..."

Khushi chuckles mischeviously as she pulls Arnav further into the centrally heated bathroom and they both close the double doors shut again together and she says stepping backwards a little mischievously step by step rolling her eyes at him with shaking her pointy finger at him – " ohh do I now...yipppeee.. I shall give the credit of the trigger for this setting to the pretend mode of Chanel 2 that wev been in since you arrived here + those one and a half glasses of red wine that I had over dinner + all your shameless teasing on text my love...,"and she instantly twirls around in happiness with her hands around and says in glee – " look...look...the love of my life has turned me insane....and I have absolutely no qualms in admitting it to him...."

Arnav leaps forward now immediately and holds her by the arm stopping her in her happy twirling and pulls her closer into his frame urgently and wraps his one arm around her waist and another of his free hands fists her open hair into a messy bunch and he asks sincerely – " you aren't drunk are you Sparkle?? I mean I would never want you to regret a moment with me at all...so just in case if this is just the alcohol talking...I need to know..as in I do need to check with you if this is what you want for sure..."

Khushi tip toes on her feet and kisses him all deep and urgent – love taking over her heart at his tenderness and care for her as always and she clutches her hand into his hair all tight and whispers in between haggered breathes – " I am not drunk...love...I am slightly tipsy..thats all..but I am in my complete senses...I know what I want alright...and right now all I want is this moment with you...all soaked up into the hot water foamed up tub with your arms around me sipping on some wine and looking out at the far lit snow around us...and ofcourse yes you can ravage me all you want love...ravage me all you want maybe with jus your hands at first in the tub and then your lips can do whatever they want too after...,"and she instantly tugs his black sweatshirt up a little in a signal for him to know that she was sure of what she wanted yet again and whispers hoarsely – " but let's just us both be dressed where we need to be as we were previously...as in you know what I mean don't you love??"

Hearing that bit off her and in that reassuring tone was all the signal Arnav needed and that subtle tug on his sweatshirt from her – was more than enough to trigger him to take the lead on. He instantly pulls apart now away from the kiss and yanks his sweatshirt off himself and pulls Khushi by the hand into him and instantly turns her around so that he is now hugging her from behind and he instantly wraps his one hand intensely around her waist pulling her back into his frame intimately and with the other hand he careeses her arm gently and then shoves her open hair to one side and kisses her ear softly and says in a hoarse whisper – " you know that you are in for some massive trouble now..don't you Sparkle????,"and he instantly pulls down the zipper of her black dress down half way next in a rush and snaps her brassaire off too and instantly snakes his one hand inwards from behind to caress and touch her waist and midriff possessively at first and then his hands make their way upto caress her precious curve deeply – loving the way she had her head rested on his shoulder and was heaving a little in his arms all intensely affected just like Him as she moans out a reply – " ahaan...I know...I am in trouble love...but looks like a win win to me...since I wanted this trouble na...,"and right then she pauses and lets out another heaving moan as his caress on her curve deepens and his fingers start to play with her taut and alive peak for him.

And Arnav did not have it in him to wait longer and he instantly takes off the remainder of Khushi's dress and her braissaire of her in a jiffy so that she is just in one of her intimate wears now and then takes off his trackpants too glad that he had his decent sized boxers on for he knew that would help Khushi feel more comfortable and he picks her up instantly in his arms and places her gently into the Tub first and sees her adjust herself at the backend of the tub at one side and then follows suit stepping in gently and takes his seat on the opposite side of the tub and asks next touching the wine bottle, their gaze locking in an intense eyelock from across – " care for some wine right now Sparkle??"

She nods at him instantly and he goes onto pour a half glass for both of them for he obviously did not want Khushi to get drunk and not remember their moments and he hands her one glass and Khushi takes it now from his hand and she says with a grin – " a toast to us..love"

Arnav nods and says grinning – " a toast to us love..,"and they both then take a sip of their respective wines immediately and next they entangle their legs into one another's in the center of the tub under the warm water and foam continuing sipping their wines while looking at each other intently in an electric eyelock.

About seven aching silent moments later which weren't actually silent for their eyes were doing all the intense passionate talking nonetheless- Khushi takes the last sip of her wine now and fights back a little frown.

Arnav takes the last sip of his wine too and at seeing his Sparkle fight up an adorable frown he asks softly – " and what is that frown for Sparkle???"

Khushi locks her gaze with his and admits honestly finishing up her wine – " oh I do not want to sit like opposite you ya...as in I want to be near you Arnav..and now I am just wondering if we can both manage to fit in on one side or something..since well the tub does have its space constraints na..."

Arnav bites back his chuckle at that as he says locking his intent gaze with hers and he keeps his empty glass aside on the ledge and holds out his other free hand to her– " godaamit...you Sparkle...just what I had on my mind...come here will you please sweetheart??maybe we can squeeze in together if you sit upfront of me within the circle of my arms.."

Khushi nods at him happily and places her empty wine glass on the side of the ledge too and then wades her way across the tub on her knees instantly and once she was near him – Arnav instantly wraps his arm snugly around her waist again to help her sit all snug in front off him and Khushi snuggles back into his frame all comfortably and clutches his hand on her waist tight and Arnav asks kissng her shoulder softly by shoving a little bit of the foam aside – " feels good??"

Khushi nods as she rests her head on his shoulder feeling all content – " ahannn feels sooo sooo good..."

Arnav kisses her shoulder lovingly again – " and I always want you to feel that way with me Sparkle..always...you know that don't you???"

Khushi nods and she whispers caressing his hands gently and then laces her hand into his – " I know that ofcourse My Stranger... but as in wait..no it's not just good as in.. it was good at first when I was across you Skipper blue...but now it's just perfect...perfect * infinity,"and she closes her eyes and whispers softly adjusting her head on his shoulder even more comfortably loving the way his hands were caressing her waist gently and possessively as well – " I'v been dreaming about just holding your hand this way...all day...it's exactly what I needed to soak in the events of the eventful day... I mean so much happened ya love...I mean the amazing transit time here..then the chaos up online first...coping up with that..i mean I am so glad sheena di managed to buy me that time out...I mean your suggestion worked ya love...all of them literally told all the reporters that were getting in touch with them non stop that I'd probably be ready to give a one on one..after I was back to India.."

Arnav kisses her earlobe gently whispering softly – "and I am so proud of you for wanting to get started to prep your head for this Sparkle..."

Khushi asks shifting her head to his other shoulder snuggling into him closer with her eyes closed loving the feel of the warm water and his loving arms and gentle tender caresses continue to soothen her nerves and she asks honestly softly playing with their hands laced together and caressing his arms gently too – " give me an honest opinion love..tell me what do you think? Should i actually come out and talk about my professional journey out in the open?"

Arnav kisses her shoulder gently and says – " well Sparkle.. to be all fair and square I do think you do need to bring your professional journey out to light yourself too my love...I mean it's going to have a different impact when it comes from you directly obviously...its going to inspire so many girls out there who want to play cricket..look at how much shivi and her friends look up to you already...there's something about you, your smile, your tone that touches a chord straight within...and no this is not me being biased...at all...you have this amazing warm and compassionate personality love...we all know that...so I think you should talk it out yourself too...and apart from that to be honest...,"he pauses to kiss her cheek lovingly as they continue to soak up the intensity of the moment all snug up close in the bath tub together just caressing each other gently and talking.

Somehow the organic switch from their intense ravage mode to this slow and sensual moment building up the intensity in between them was somewhat very electric.

Khushi now brings his hand up to her lips to kiss on it softly first and then she takes his hand and places it back over her one curve gesturing him to continue with his tender loving caress and adjusts her head back all snug against his shoulder and asks softly – " and to be honest..what ???"

Arnav says honestly kissing her ear softly again – " and I think the intrigue around your personal space has increased a lot more my love..so I am sure even if it's a professional one on one..they surely will try to act cheeky to get answers out of you..."

Khushi sighs as she clutches on his hand tight – " that's exactly what I am worried about na love..."

Arnav clutches back her hand in support – " I know but still...you cannot shut the constructive side of it out na Sparkle because of the fear about the other...we just need to help you build your guard around the same so that no one can coax you into letting out anything personal until you don't feel you are ready to talk it out loud...."

Khushi asks softly, kissing his hand again before guiding it herself for him to caress her other uppercurve gently – " do you honestly think ill be able to manage this through smooth love? as in..will I be able to do this? I won't fumble..?"

Arnav kisses her shoulder lovingly – " ofcourse...you will be able to do this for sure Sparkle..you wont fumble...and even if you do..thats okay too...youll learn how to wade through it all that way...just remember no one can force you to talk about your personal life out into the public sparkle..until you are ready..."

Khushi sighs – " I know...you are right...I know I am going to be able to get through this...eventually..hopefully yes by the time we get back because I do not want them do start hounding everyone on the team again...,"and she looks up sideways at Arnav and says lovingly – " thank you so muchhhhh my love...for everything..i wouldn't know what to do without you..you are my calm love..you are..,"and she immediately leans in to kiss Arnav intensely on his lips.

Arnav cups her face lovingly and kisses Khushi all deep and tender and slow this time and whispers back minutes later into her lips – " you never have to do without me...Sparkle..never.."

And he pulls back from the kiss and winks at her mischeviously – " also to be honest I am a tad bit confused if those couple of our group pictures that Ravi's posted up on his insta from the get together at dinner are going to serve as a distraction off you and hridhaan or add up more intrigue to your personal space, sparkle? I think its going to be a little bit of both.."

Khushi chuckles at that as she says honestly – " well to be honest I am a little confused about that too..could be a little bit of both..i mean Hridhaan is there In a coupleof those pics but he just made sure to stand at the far end of the group away from me and waise bhi..,"she pauses.

Arnav asks lovingly tucking her chin up to make her look into his eyes – "waise bhi what Sparkle??"

Khushi looks into his eyes and admit honestly – " waise bhi I was feeling so torn up when I saw Shivi run some pics through Hridhaan eyes before posting up on her insta..i mean I was feeling like...that now even if I go out and say that theres nothing in between him and me – and not talk about my personal life...I just think people who want to believe it will just keep talking about nonetheless right??i can't do anything about that na.."

Arnav nods and says – " well I do agree with you on that sparkle..people will believe what they want to anyway.."

Khushi cups his face tenderly - " its so strange at times to think about worldy perceptions though isn't it..i mean to have us being crosslinked out there though as in people just won't stop talking about hridhaan and me and about you and Pia when coming to the truth...only we know how crazily in love are we with one another...,"and she kisses him all deep next and whispers opening her eyes two minutes later – " one day..they will all know...one day...my love.."

Arnav nods kissing her forhead next – " one day for sure Sparkle...who cares about all this cross linking anyway...we are secured in our hearts and that's what matters..thats the priority..."

Khushi nods and kisses his cheek lovingly picking up some foam to rub on his shoulder now lovingly and she asks grinning – "acha now lets chuck talking about all of that...tell me wasn't it like amazing* infinity to see everyone mix up so well?"

Arnav leans forward kisses her on the side of the neck softly and rubs some foam sensually down her neck next– " it surely was amazing Sparkle..."

Khushi winks at him and says playfully putting some foam on his cheek and nose– " and like you already know and have perceived by my expressions it was so epic for me to meet Cap, Rohan sir and Ravi ya..and oh my god..like payal, noor, samaira, sachi maam, are like so so so amazing...I mean did you see the way we hit it off? I mean we totally hit it off ya...like how glad I am about that..."

Arnav chuckles at that and puts some foam up her cheek next – " oh yes I am so glad about that...Sparkle..."

Khushi kisses his cheek next lovingly – "like I can totally see us all bonding greatly here on..."

Arnav kisses Khushi's cheek lovingly next too – " copy that my love...copy that..."

Khushi now instantly turns around and gets on top of Arnav straddling him which does end up in some water splashing out of the tub making them both share a warm intimate laugh for a second and she says softly keeping her forhead on his as she feels Arnav adjust her on himself more snugly by wrapping his arm around her waist possessively – "I love you...Arnav...I love you so much..more than I will able to say out loud perhaps and dear heart and mind agree in unison that it is kind off crazy that I wont be able put it into words how much because I anyway talk soooo mu..,"and the words stay put in her throat as Arnav's tugged on her nape of the neck by lacing his hands into her hair as his lips close over hers urgently in an intense heated deep Kiss which now turns way to Scorching Hot as they both let their lips fight and duel for dominance over the other and none of them surrender and Arnav continues to also continues to caress the bare her madly everywhere now and Khushi feels like she's drowning into a pool of intense passion for him and right next she feels like she wants to say this out loud to him she whispers softly into his lips, loving the way how the two of them had now grown accustomed to talking out words into each other lips while still continuing to kiss madly – " I told you..last time...I would gather up the guts to muster out what I feel as and when we are in our moments..i want to start with saying this...for today to your face love..,"and she instantly open hers eyes to look into Arnav's intent ones and whispers – "when you caress me all over this madly..i swear to god I feel like as if every bit of me comes alive..i love your touch Arnav...I love the way you touch me everyone..your very touch, tender, possesive, urgent, rushed, loving, just your every touch has the power to drive me to the edge of insanity perhaps..for I instantly feel so surprised by the tide of passions within me..i mean..i didn't know they existed in the ways they do..but everytime in our intimate moments...I just experience a feeling of my passion that I want to embrace as in..its a part of my feelings for you right...I don't want to shy away from embracing it ever...,"and before Arnav could say anything to that she immediately closes her lips over his and starts to kiss him all deep and hard again – surprising him with the way she successfully did not let him take over the kiss and dominated his lips this time around no matter how much he tried and so for a little while he let her take over completely as he started to make her rock on him intensely in the meanwhile as well.

Minutes later he feels her tug his head aside like he usually does to her and starts to trail down kisses on his neck urgently shovingly the foam aside with urgent hands and Arnav finally fists his hands back into her hair and makes her look at him as he says – " sparkle...don't...you are going to drive me not insane but wild if you continue to do this.."

Khushi clutches on his hair tight like he was clutching onto hers – " what if I want to drive you wild???? Skipper blue??? Because that's exactly what I feel to right now..all wild with passion..and crazy...I might not be feeling all ready for the final act per say love...but still that doesn't mean I cant have this intimate moments with you right?...but if its going to be too torturous for you love..then I get it ofcourse...and..i..i...I am sorry that I feel like I need more time to get around to us making love in its real sense...god I cant help but wonder at times you must feel like I am all like testing your patience all the time na..with all my needing time on things...I keep saying I need time for this...or for that...a part of me does wonder at times...doesn't it kind of like piss you off??please tell me honestly if it does..do you think at times that our age difference is a hassle for you on these regards Arnav?"

Arnav looks at her all riled up and a rad bit angry too as if she had lost her mind and he immediately yanks her by the nape of her neck closer into him and asks sure she could sense the disbelief in his voice – " what the f**** did you just ask me Sparkle???are you even listening to yourself...I love you dammit..thats not a freaking joke... don't you know how much I love you??? how could you even think in any damm corner of your head that id be pissed off ? or think of our age difference as some sort of a hassle on these reagrds?"

Khushi gulps down her nervousness a little at his little flash of angry glare and she says instantly cupping his face lovingly – " I know you love me way too much Arnav...which is why I am afraid that you wont ever tell me these things because of the thought of hurting me or something...but trust me I won't get hurt if you actually do tell me that it does piss you off in anyway..at times..."

Arnav feels like he's had it and he asks his tone taut – " you wwant to know if it pissed me off for real??"

Khushi nods at him sincerely and to her surprise the next thing she feels is Arnav plucking her in his arms out and taking the both out of the bath tub and he instantly walks to the shower cabinet and places her on the ground and yanks open the hot water rain shower above them so that the spray of water wipes off the foam off them immediately and he wraps his hand around her waist and pulls the almost bare her into the almost bare him and just locks his intense gaze with her by tugging her open hair to one aside – sure she could sense the tautness in his body language.

And Khushi can only look at Arnav all puzzled as the water continues to run the foam of them and she asks softly as her head starts to wade its way out of the puzzlement as she cups his face – " Arnav...ok I think you are angry..that I asked you this in the first place...is that what it is??"

Arnav immediately shuts the rain shower for they were both now completely clean off all soap and he instantly pins her to the wall of the shower cabinet with both her hands on wither of her sides and says tautly – " you want to know whats pissed me off right?? then know the fact that you asked me this in the first place..is what has pissed me off royally...which should give you the prior you seek...our age difference can never be a hassle to me dammit..just about nothing about you can ever be a hassle to me dammit..."

Khushi bites her lips nervously as she whispers looking into his intense taut eyes and she asks trying to soothe his anger – " am I the only crazy one here..or do you also feel that the intensity from your pissed off anger at me right now is kind off adding a lot more electric vibe in between us right now...as in Arnav...my love...I think the crackling vibe in between of us right now is turning me insane* infinity..its so freaking sexy...i want to kiss y..," and before she could complete her word she was kissed again all hard and deep this time around with a tinge of anger in it as well and just when she thought he was going to kiss her longer and deeper – he breaks apart and he walks out the shower cabinet and brings back a towel to her holding onto the other in his hand as well and Arnav says looking at her intently – " well you are right about that Sparkle..which means you are not the only crazy one here...and now I need to ravage you hard and bad..and for that I want you to be in the comfort of the bed..which is why you have two minutes to dry yourself up and wrap this towel around yourself...and be out...ill step out to dry myself.."

Khushi bites back her smile now as she takes the towel from his hand and says locking her eyes with his intently as well – " I don't need two minute love..ill be out in 60 seconds...,"and she watches him nod tautly and get out the door.

Khushi dries herself quickly and she instantly changes into a pair of fresh dry boyshorts on and then uses some of her make up remover wipes to get most of it off at the speed of light – thankfully she had already settled in some of her stuff in the bath area prior. And now leaving just those boyshorts on she wraps the towel around herself feeling all exhilarated and nervous and walks out the bath door and just as she sees Arnav standing all barechested with his trackpants on sipping on a glass of water she asks adorably and innocently walking upto him knowing he wont be able to resist the adorable look on her face right now – " love..can I have a glass of water please??? I mean its so hot in here na baba..i mean so crazy of me so feel this hot when I am wrapped up in only a towel...and technically when its all snow outside as well.."

Arnav narrows his eyes at her because he knew what exactly was she trying to do - as he says filling her a glass of water nonetheless – " the central heating could also have a part to play Khushi..."

Khushi sips on the water and says keeping the glass aside on the table after downing it down – coming up with the most innocent adorable expression she could – " oh really? skipper blue ?? is it???? I thought it's the crackling intensity of your tad bit still angry at me eyes that had the affect going on..you know since you called me Khushi at the moment and not Sparkle..i can safely say you are a little angry still.."

Arnav narrows his eyes at her again and says stepping forward into her – " don't you look at me so adorably right now Sparkle...don't you freaking dare...just what did you freaking ask me in there? if anything about you pisses me off? If you baring yourself out to me honestly about needing time on these intimate things pisses me off????"

Khushi bites on her lips again as she steps closer into him wrapping her arms around his neck – " skipper blue..did I ever tell you at times...when you like this thoda thoda angry na..you are like all irrestible and super hot to my eyes..,"and she pouts at him adorably next and shoves her semi wet hair aside to one side and places her hand on her waist – "okkk that's didnr work completely then how about this... remember how you once asked me on text..if I am only dressed in a towel ????"

Arnav snugs his hand around her waist possesively– " don't you remind me of that right now Sparkle???"

Khushi pouts adorably again knowing it was driving him over the edge and cups his face – " why Skipper blue? Does it want to make you feel like yanking this towel of me?? instantly?"

Arnav keeps his eyes locked with her intensely – " you know very well iv been fighting the urge to do just that since the minute you stepped out sparkle..."

Khushi says sincerely next kissing his forhead – " im sorry...thike? id didn't know my asking you this would rile and anger you this way arnav..im sorry....its just that I was momentarily concerned what if..what if...what I am ok with regards to our physical equation at the moment wasn't like enough for you or something..i was genuinely worried...I didn't mean it like in a way to make you feel that I think that your emotions for me aren't priority..for I know they are...buy I.. just...needed to ask once again na.,"

Arnav instantly shoves both his hands in her hair and tugs on her head closer intensely – " don't you ever think that what we have physically isn't enough for me alright???don't you ever think that ever freaking again...Sparkle"

Khushi nods as she whispers – " I won't..pakka see...,"and she winks at him adorably next and asks – " acha now that I can see this thoda thoda anger melting away...tell me this toh atleast honestly..did you ever think about it? you know yanking just the towel off me too???oh just so you know...I most definetly want you too..take this off me..yourself too...."

And just like she had anticipated Arnav picked her up in his arms and walked to the bed and placed her on it and got on top her and pinned both her hands in a hold above her head and yanked the towel off her urgently and he immediately kissed her all hard and deep too and and began to caress her all over – intensely and possessively and he whispers into her lips his hands going to play with her curves intensely – " now I guess its time to show you...and remind you Sparkle..that you are the core of it all for me...legs around me sparkle..pleaseee"

And Khushi can only moan and whimper into his lips as they continue to kiss and she happily obliges by wrapping her legs around his waist again and Arnav asks breaking his lips away from hers and yanking her head aside to trail a line of heated kisses down her neckline – "you can surely feel what I want you too am I right Sparkle??"

Khushi nods as she clutches her hand into his hair and whispers softly – " oh yes..i can..."

He yanks her head to the other side and trails aline of kisses down the other side of her neck too – " and what do you understand by what you feel dammit???you better answer.."

Khushi whispers – " I can feel that you want me insane dammit..."

Arnav cups her face intensely now for a second and whispers softly – " get this damm thing straight into your head once and for all sparkle again...you are the only one on all of this planet earth I'd ever want...you are what I need...everything about you is more than enough for me..more than enough...do you understand this??? Voice it back to me dammit...do you????"

Khushi eyes well up with happy emotion as she whispers – " yes I do...I totally do???"

Arnav grins now as he asks – " so now as your little redeeming punishment Sparkle from earlier on from that day at home and today too...I am going to take my own sweet time in ravaging you hard and bad over and over....fair enough??"

Khushi smiles as she says – "totally fair enough..skipper blue totally...,"and they both lean into kiss each other together madly again and he begins to have his intense ways with her and Khushi was Lost – in Him or Herself – she didn't know. She thought it was safe to say that she was just Lost in Maze of Love – Emotion- Intense electric Passion and Desire – all at Once.

Many heated minutes later as Arnav continues to caress Khushi intensely all over the bare her and his lips are in the middle of having their intense heated ways with her upper curves, he feels Khushi tug on his hair pulling him up to her and Arnav looks at her and she whispers softly cupping his face – " I want to say something...arnav.."

Arnav nods at her intensely kissing her hand and whispers playing with her peaks and curves – " go on I am listening..i just need to keep loving your curves side by side...I told you..id never have enough of them..."

Khushi feels his lips close around a taut peak immediately again and she whimpers and moans and says softly – " I don't think ill ever have enough of you too ever arnav...as in...I don't think id ever have enough of the way you love me be it physical or emotional....and at the same time everything about you is more than enough for me too...just more than enough for me too...not just for now...but for a long long time that probably transcends the description of forever..."

That makes Arnav look up at her instantly as he cups her face lovingly and intensely and asks – " will you say that last bit again Sparkle..will you pleaseee???"

Khushi does.

And Arnav whispers now grinning – " say goodbye to sleep Sparkle...for I most surely am not letting you get any tonight..."

Khushi whispers as she immediately takes him by surprise and turns him around and straddles him now and keeps his forhead on his – " goodbye dear sleep..goodbye it is...,"and they immediately begin to kiss, caress and torture each other with the aching friction in between their lower bodies.

And that was how – Stranger and Sparkle – spent the rest of their first night in the Swiss Alps loving each other in their own intense ways until the wee hours of the morning until the clock struck 6am – and after as exhaustion took over they finally slept all cocooned and entangled and snuggled into one another with a peaceful smile on their faces – Indeed.

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TADAAAAA!!!!!

How was the Update Guysssss?? Would be eager to know all your thoughts on the same as always.

What did you all think of the mixed bag of emotions + shades of electric passion for one another by the end of the update????? I mean I totally wanted to include these little depictions in their scenes at this point to express the growing depth and intensity of their Bond. I hope that came across to you all.

Next Update : Tuesday Night .

Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support.

Much Love.

Always.

The pictures look so fabulous. Makes you want to go there.

Arnav is a goner seeing his sparkle in that black outfit.

Helloooo everyoneeeee..

So here I am with the first Update of the week. Its about 9.5K Words.

Will be eager to know what you all think as alwaysssss!!!!

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

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All Rights Reserved® mysticaltales11111

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CHAPTER 35.1 – Swiss Alps & Us

Next Day on 19th December – Le Grand Bellvue (The Hotel)

7:15PM

Khushi's Room

Magical.

Simply Magical.

Guys – Please Note – I literally Feel like I am in the Middle of Some Magical Fairytale Land – for Real.( I mean I totally have to give it all the Travel Bloggers out there – who'v written about Gstaad, being this Magical Wonderland in the Winter – specially)

And I swear to all of My Cricketing Gods above – that Dear Heart & Mind have obviously come to a conclusion that this bit of me feeling like I am in the Middle of Magical Fairytale Land – has more to do with Arnav that what it has to do with this amazing gorgeous wonderous location of nature – we are In. As in they have mutually decided that the fact that Arnav is here with me kind of contributes more to 90% of that Fairytale Feeling – obviously.

Dear Mind and Heart Chip in dreamily. Dear K – Correction.Don't you please report our status's differently – I think we are pretty sure that we came to the conclusion that Arnav being here with you -contributes about 95% to that Fairytale Feeling.Not 90%. Its Ninety-Five – spelling out in Letters – Again.

I chuckle at that obviously. Oops..sorry dear Insides. 95% It Is.

Dear Heart and Mind say in collective Unison with a Grin.Well it's a good thing you agreed to the error so quickly K, and corrected it too or else we were totally in the mood to remind you about the intense intimate time the two of you spent together last night? Or how you slept all entangled and cocooned into one another cozily after– or how the two of you couldn't keep your hands off each other the minute you woke up this morning? And spent the first thirty minutes of the morning – In Your Intense Ravagae Mode??? Or how the two of you Sneaked around in the afternoon as well for those twenty intense minutes of kissing each other Madly after Lunch?We are infact were all set to totally go into a Flashback Mode to flash the memories of the same back in your Head K – you know just incase you hadn't agreed to that little error in reporting in your end. But hey wait – how about we go into it – Nonthelesss?

I grin to myself looking in the mirror in front of me as I am just in the middle of getting Ready.Also, I fan my flushed face for its heating Up obviously. Oh No – Dear Insides – please do not got into flashback flashes right now as in the two of you have already been at it like super dreamily all day anyway. Like do you even know how difficult was it for me to keep a straight innocent pretend face of Channel 2 throughout the rest of the day – as we were with everyone???? Like dear mind and heart – what was up with that? You couldn't stop making me think about it at all -Like ALL DAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!! You literally had the Intense Flashback Mode playing on Repeat in the back of my head anyway – all day starting from the breakfast time with everyone.

Dear Mind and Heart blush and Flush and say smiling dreamily. Oops....sorry about that K. But we can't help it alright?? I mean how can you even expect us to not bask in the memories of the intense intimate moments with Arnav last night or earlier this morning/afternoom. Likeeeeeeeee dude...its totally like the two of your's doing anyway – you know giving us so much Intensity of insane passion to just soak in and absorb.Now deal with the consequences – obviously. Period.

I chuckle at that.Well ofcourse I know that Dear Heart and Mind – I know exactly what you mean.I mean it often feels like Arnav and me together are like what petrol/fuel is to Fire – I mean that's how intense and flaming out moments get.Like I totally get that and its only obvious for you to Dream as well. But still ya – c'mon that does not mean that you guys don't cooperate with me ya...as in its so difficult to hold onto Channel 2 when all I can think about is US – otherwise right???

Dear Heart chips in all chuckling now. Well -K – I know that but then Arnav and you seem to be enjoying it nonetheless right – continuing with your hidden romance through subtle intense eyelocks, silent gestures and ofcourse not to forget the very cheeky chatting as well.So don't you reprimand us now for this – as in even after the late breakfast with the elders and everything – when You,SuperBro,Anjali, Jess, Shivi, Hridhaan,Vikram, Arnav, Akash, Payal, Cap, Sachi maam, Rohan, Samaira, Ravi, Noor – went out in a cozy group for a little exploration and stroll in and around the Hotel's vicinity into the Snow outside – all the two of you could do was continue texting each other crazily all the while – pretending to be all undercover within the group.

Aheemmm.

Ok Guys.

So.

Before I get back to answer Dear Heart on that – Its only fair to give you all a brief glimpse into the day prior to this moment in time. So as you have already got the hint – just a little while after breakfast with the elders and everyone finished around 1130AM – most of the elders on both the sides decided to use the most of the day for just relaxing at the Hotel for we had all just travelled yesterday right so most of them wanted to take it easy today and just engage in wine/cheese tasting arranged at the hotel for us all or spend the rest of their time mixing and catching up with one another. And our parents were also like uber busy amongst themselves making sure everything was going smooth according to the plan for the engagement + dinner party tonight..k? So then obviously most of us in the younger group decided to just step out a little within the vicinity of the Hotel and lounge around and explore and bask in the wintery feel as well.So then yeah – that's what we all did in a Group. We all as in – as dear Heart Hinted - Me,Arnav,SuperBro,Anjali, Jess, Shivi, Hridhaan,Vikram, Akash, Payal, Cap, Sachi maam, Rohan Sir, Samaira, Ravi, Noor – and ofcourse even though Arnav and me were in our pretend mode we were really enjoying the moment of just being around each other nonetheless. ( and I am obviously delighted to also report that – all of us had a Blast as a Group – as in as we all have hit it off collectively or on individual terms as well so it really was a delight to just hang out with everyone. We all explored the snowy outdoors of our Hotel – in slow paced long strolls chatting about anything and everything with one another in a group – it was Amazing. Like – I cant even begin to tell you all how grounded and friendly Rohan Sir, Cap and Ravi have been with everyone. Just obviously makes us all respect them so much more)

......
Authors Note - Please imagine Stranger and Sparkle dressed in the winter wear below while hanging out with the Group outside in the Snow around within the Hotels vicinity.

Imagine the below pic in Day Setting

Sparkle's Look

Mr Strangers Look

.....

Khushi POV continues

Also yes guys - a couple of Akash's and Superbro and Anjali's friends went out of the Hotel to explore the Cozy Village Town after breakfast and joint us all back in – for the Lunch Gathering with everyone including all the elders and family relatives .And after lunch – well ahemm ahemm – as dear heart mind and heart already hinted – Arnav and me did manage to sneak out for a bit in my room with Jess's help and did spend about twenty minutes or so madly kissing and caressing each other.And as much as we were hoping for some more alone time at that time – we couldn't really continue to sneak around for longer at that point – because Jess ,me and Shivi were scheduled to catch up with Anjali, Samaira, Payal ,Noor, Sachi Maam in Anjali's suite – for just some exclusive Girl Time Out. And at that point obviously the rest of the boys were also catching up with one another until we all collectively joint in the Elders for the High Tea time like yesterday.And we all made our way to our respective rooms at around 615Pm to just relax for a while and then start to get ready for the Engagement + Dinner Party and as much as we wanted – Arnav and me couldn't sneak out for some time at the moment after because Arnav and Akash stayed back with Abhi Uncle, Reva aunty, Mom and Dad for a while – after the High Tea finished to just help co-ordinate some last minute stuff out for the function tonight – which is going to take place in the Hotel's Banquet itself.

So Yup – here I am now guys – in the Middle of Getting Ready as in just putting on my outfit – and Jess is going to be here in about five minutes for we are going to do like Make Up and Stuff together.

I do give my attention back to Dear Heart and Mind Now. So See now dear heart and Mind – this was what I meant - since I am in the middle of dressing up in this Gown for the Engagement Right??? I do want you to cooperate with me a little and not go on flashing dear eyes with images of Arnav's hands caressing me all over – please??? like You know Arnav is going to get mad and impatient if I get late at stepping into the Banquet Hall..right?????Hence if not for me then for the sake of Your Majesty of your Cardio Cells – dear Heart.Please co-operate.

Dear Mind and Heart sigh in unsion. Well okay – K. we shall try our best too cooperate..alright? But only for You, and also to be honest it's also because we are kind of impatient to see the Look on his Face as he sees you Tonightttttt....K.

I finish Zipping my Gown Up from the Side now and look at myself in the Mirrior and Smile.

Guys – I have never ever like Dressed in anything like this Formal and Dressy ever before as in for in another family functions and festivities I always do stick to not very heavy Indian/Indo-western/Western wear – because that's what I am mostly comfortable with – but ofcourse since this time it's SuperBro's Wedding – Mom went like all out when she took me shopping, and everytime I tried to choose a lighter outfit – she'd be like – Khushi its's your brother's wedding – you are the sister of the groom - just let me have my way in chosing atleast some of your outfits this time around.And then I just couldn't say No to her and she went total into her = LetsDressMyDaughter – Mode as if I was never going to let her take the lead in chosing outfits for me ever again. Haha. Well – technically we did end up choosing my together anyway, as in she obviously did want me to enjoy wearing these outfits naaa that's why?

I am right on that thought when my phone beeps.

It's Arnav ofcourse.

Him : Hey you Sparkle...just a reminder to you, don't you please get late in stepping into the banquet hall tonight.You know I can't wait to see you already again.

I grin as I quickly reply walking out into the room and sit on the bed.

Me : well I know that Skipper Blue...but what if I do get a little late? As in you know na I cant dress up in a hurry anyway...im slow at make up...if only I could swing the eyeliner and make up brushes as quick as I swing my bat..but know what I am getting better at it anyway..and definetly by the end of these next couple of wedding functions ..ill surely be more improved at that too...(winksssssssssssss)

Him : well if you get late- Sparkle. You are going to have to pay up for it later tonight and the redemption might just take longer than what it took last night.

I smile and flush and blush.

Me : what if I don't mind paying up? I mean I might just come late on purpose now Skipper Blueeeeeeeeeee(winksssssssssss)

Him : don't you dare tease me right now dammit. Just be quick – alright? don't be Late please?

Me : achaaaa thike...ill try to hurry...but then you need to stop texting me na then my love...so that I can actually get ready..like im already wearing my outfit though..

Him : ok...so you mean I shouldn't text you back..?

Me : oh yes..my love...that's precisely what I mean..ravage kisses until then my love..

Him : ravage kisses my love..

Me : uuffffff...arreeee you replied na baba...you texted back..dont reply na or we will get on chatting..(do not reply now and you too get ready quick thike?? dear eyes can't wait to feast on You too)

I chuckle and I finally put my phone aside on the side table and it is right then I hear the knock on my door and I walk over to open it and see Jess standing there all dressed in her outfit too with her make up kits in hand and she walks in and I close the door instantly and she literally whistles and winks at me as she says turning around to grin at me cheekily– " look at you...Khushi...Mr Stranger is going to faint tonight..ohh yes..he most surely will..."

I chuckle at that as I say sticking out my tongue at her playfully – " I could say the same for Vikram though...I mean..look at you Jess.."

And just like that we both look at one another and burst into a happy laughter and she says happily as we walk up to the desk and she stations her make up kits there – " god khhushi...we are so used to seeing each other in our sporty avatars – that being this decked up is surely feeling a tad bit strange..."

I grin at her – " I know what you mean ya Jess...I mean this is all Mom's doing ya...as you already know the nitti gritties of that.."

She chuckles and nods and pulls me into an instant hug and asks next softly – " but before we start to get ready or get busy with the moment around..i do want to ask you if you are okay?? And if skipper blue is okay too...As in ever since Ravi posted those few group pictures of us all together from last night and some from earlier during the day as well from our time out in the snow strolling around – everything about your private space continues to be a wilder buzz up online now back in India... I mean the news about Anjali marrying superbro is surely an distraction but still there are some dailies who won't stop talking/posting about Hridhaan and you too...we'v been so busy all day..didn't get to check on one on one with you...I obviously have too..."

I sigh as I hug her momentarily to take in the comfort of her hug.She obviously is like my bestest friend of all time na.She gets me totally. I say now pulling back – " yes I am okay...Skipper blue is okay too..i think i am past all of this ya as in with regards to the Hridhaan matter atleast.. it doesn't worry Arnav at all from the very beginning and has now stopped bothering me much too...the rest bit of it..im working on coping up for sure...anyway..you tell me you okay?? Vikram?"

Guys - there are Speculations about Vikram and Jess too now – quite a bit.

Jess nods and smiles – " yes yes we are okay?? Our speculations are true anyway..i spoke to mom and dad and he spoke to his family...they are all kool and calm and not bothered by the wordly noise..so all kool that way...,"and she adds gesturing us to start getting on to get ready as well – "its such a good thing that Sheena di helped us buy some time na Khushi..with regards to the one on one with the reporters until we get back to India..."

I nod at her as I say, starting to prep my face up with some moisturiser first – " oh yes Jess...as in but you tell me you are heading back on the 23rd with Vikram so that you can head home to Goa straight for Xmas...do you feel like you will be ready to give a one on one by then or maybe after xmas??"

Jess looks at me as she starts to open up her kits – " totally after Xmas ya khushi...you know how it's a huge family time for us all back in Goa...I think I might just get my head prepped up for it all by then..maybe around the 27th or something..most of everyone of the team are talking to the Hindu times team only na..so they'd have covered the rest of their articles by then too..."

I nod – " yeahhh..i know what you mean Jess...as in I'm getting back on the 28th and am thinking of giving a tele one on one only after that..i need that time to mentally be ready to evade all personal questions..as in even though Sheena di did say that atleast those reporters from hindu times the ones she gave her one on one to today were quite decent and all professional so I think it's safer to just go through them in the first one on one's just like the rest of the team...but still with regards to everything that has been happening around me off late I need to have my guards up nonetheless na..which is also why I am thinking that its going to be like a telephonic interview for sure you know so that just in case any questions make me uncomfortable I can hang up and blame the signal after ...this is also another one of Arnav's idea only ya"

Jess nods and grins and winks at me– " oh yes...Skipper Blue and his amazing idea ya .."

I chuckle at that happily as I say – " he's been so amazing ya Jess..like you are for one who knows my dil ka haal...you only tell me ya..how can I not fall in love with him deeper by the minute???ooh the things he makes me feel ya..are beyond heavenly..like just when I think I can't feel anything deeper I do...and I know you also understand..because finally the love bug has come to bite you as well na...im so happy for Vikram and you ..ya..."

Jess chuckles to that as she says – "thank you dear bestie...and yes I surely understand....i mean khushi seriously I am so grateful to have a man in my life that genuinely respects the dynamics of my profession this much ya..like he accepts me and loves me for who I am ..never thought I'd feel the emotions I feel too...,"and now she says in a matter of fact tone putting both her hands up in the air dramatically – " ok know what Khushi?? I got it..lets not worry about anything going on in the outside world right now? like lets chuck out all the worry completely....dekhlenge jo hoga..as of now let's just make it a point to shut the worldly dynamics and enjoy this amazing winter wonderland.with the love of our lives..i mean we'v had a kickass gruelling year ya...we surely deserve this time out by ourselves and celebrate our contract renewal...alongside the fact that its superbro's weddingggg...like finally...know what...we can do this..we can shut the worry out..."

I high five her happily as I say – " oh totally...we can do this...let's do this Jess..let's damm shut the worry out...,"and we hug each other happily next for a second.

Right then we hear another knock on the door and Jess says grinning – " must be our dear Shivi..."

I nod at her happily and go onto open the door grinning to see Shivi standing there all smiles and she says – " whoaaaaaaaaaaa look at you Khushi...soooo gorgeous....,"and I grin at her as I say – " and I could say the same shivani singh rajput..that friend of yours back home from the polo club.. what's his name...Jess..,"I wink playfully walking back in closing the door – "ahaaaa..nivesh...isn't it?"

Jess says now grinning – "Nivesh it is..he's surely going to be staring at your pictures tonight..Shivi.."

Shivi laughs at that as he says – " arreee you two na...stop teasing me with that idiot nivesh..hes just my friend..anyway..do you even think I can date ever..i mean..bhai will go all out on his horseback and chase the poor fellow down...ill save the boys the trouble....,"and she adds sighing dramatically next – "anyway the point of the matter right now is...more like.. just why can't I wear my sports shoes under my outfit ya??? Khushi , Jess?? How are the two of you managing to wear all these heels ya??????????i mean what if I totally wear my sneaker's..."

We chuckle at that happily and look at each other in unison – " ohhh what if the three of us actually do that...,"and we burst into a happy laughter next and right then the extension in my room buzzes and I walk around to take it.Its Mom asking me – if we are all ready and everything for they all almost are . I quickly tell her that we will be there on time – and hang up next – and I say to Jess and Shivi – " c'mon guys..we need to like get ready jaldi jaldi now..have to go meet Anj also na after in her suite..then only will we go down na..."

They both nod at me and we all resume to get ready now for I most definitely did want to be down in the Banquet Hall quick as well – even though I'd love to tease Mr.Stranger a little by making him wait to see me. The Issue is that Dear Eyes+ Heart+ Mind won't let me go on the Teasing Bit Na – because they'v been dying to See him too Na?

Oh I most surely need to Make another latest version of My Self Disclaimer- Crazy_About-You-Statement for Sure.

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

Authors Note - Inserting the Banquet Hall's Pictures for the Ambience Feel

A photo booth Area for the Couple

Stage Area

LIGHTING AT THE Stage Area around Engagement

Now for the Looks

Akash's Look

And Yes Ofcourseee Now - Stranger and Sparkles Look

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ARNAV POV

120 Minutes Later

9:15 PM _- in the Middle of the Engagement and Dinner Party

ARNAV POV

Guys.

Apologies well in Advance.

Why? You may ask?

I'll dive into it Straight Away.

Apologies – because I am falling short on Two Things. Those two things being - Words + All of My Literal Knowledge of Adjectives.

I mean surely – at the moment there are no expressions or words that I can use appropriately to voice out to you all – the things I'v been feeling within ever since – my eyes fell on My Sparkle – the minute she entered the banquet hall – about Ninety Minutes Ago.

All I can say for now is that – my breathes didn't just Hitch on me like yesterday – I can surely say that I think I almost forgot to Breathe for those first couple of seconds.

Yup.

My Lungs forgot all about their Vital Job Description in those moments – as my eyes locked with her's subtly yet intensely from across as she gave me a Nervous Mischievous Look before returning to wade her way into the crowd and meet and greet everyone.

My Adorable Cheeky Sparkle.

She knows exactly what I was feeling obviously. She knows the exact impact she's had on me. Also, I obviously haven't been able to take my eyes off her. I mean I am trying my best to Not Stare shamelessly when I think no one is looking – but I don't think I am succeeding much which means that I am staring Shamelessly when I think no one is looking.

We are in the engagement + Dinner function and I think the engagement ceremony is going to take place in some twenty minutes from now. Right now everyone's just enjoying the ambience and chatting and enjoying the subtle Jazz Music in the Background.

I am standing in a group with Rohan, Samaira, Akash, Payal , Ravi and Noor, Cap and Sachi maam, couple of Rahul&Anj& Akash's friends – and as my eyes scan the banquet I can totally see Rahul&Anjali busy mixing in with the relatives aside both our parents and Dadi – and somehow my Bua + Mami and Khushi's cousin Masi's have Khushi/Jess/Shivi cornered in some conversation. I mean what's up with them? Like they'v been doing this since breakfast – specially bua and mami – everytime they see Khushi come in – they gesture her to come up straight to them forst for a little chat. I mean it makes me really happy that they are growing so fond of her – but the issue is when they are around Her – I am prohibited from texting my Sparkle.

I can't wait for them to step aside from Her so that I can return to texting her – obviously.Anyways – as my eyes fall on around - I do also spot Hridhaan and Vikram deep in conversation with his parents and a couple more of my relatives and it is right then Noor and Sachi Maam ask me something and I return my attention to them and we continue talking and so does the rest of the group.

The server comes to us all with some glasses of Wine and some of us help ourselves and I do so too and just as I take the first sip of my wine – I feel like I shouldn't have.

Ok.

Wrong choice of drink at the moment Raizada.It's surely reminding me of my intimate moments with My Sparkle from last night or earlier today and because of the setting I am in – I obviously cannot go into the Zone of Mentally Undressing the Damm Gown off Her, already.

Or.

Maybe I Can – if I make a little excuse to go by the Bar yet again under the pretext of changing my drink and take a few minutes to just stand there and stare at her relentlessly.

Yup.

Let's do that in a couple of minutes so that it comes across as Casual.

About five minutes later – I finally do excuse myself from my group of friends that were like my extended family and make my way to the Bar area set up in the Banquet and request the Bartender to hand me a Scotch instead – and while I am waiting for him to do so – I turn around to look at My Sparkle.

Fair Correction to that.

Not Look.

Stare.

And right then – as if she can feel my gaze on her intuitively I see her glance around the banquet with searching gaze until she finally catches me staring at her and her eyes show me that subtle flicker of nervous emotional excitement which she masks the next second as Bua asks her something and she returns her attention to her.

I bite back my chuckle with great difficulty obviously and pick up my drink – which was now ready and sip on it and continue to stare.

I know she can sense it.

Two minutes later – My Phone Beeps.

Its Her – Obviously.Can totally spot her fiddling with her phone in her hand.

Her : Pleaseee Stop...love..pleasee...

I grin.

Ahaa.

Time to be Cheeky.

Me : Stop what? Sparkle? what did I do?also please note that you yourself texted me ok? so you can't prohibit me from texting you when you are around Bua anymore.

Her : ohh pleaseee Skipper Blue..i most surely can..thike? this is just a one odd time out....and pleaseeee don't you act all innocent my love...I can sense you intense gaze on me..anyway thike?you know I can sense it all the way..

Me : I know you can sense it Sparkle which is why I'v been staring so relentlessly for the last four minutes or so - also apologies my love..but I texted you the minute you walked in that I won't be able to take my eyes off you tonight. I am just keeping up with my word.

Her : I love that...you know I love that..but its making me a little nervous...I mean what if I start giggling in front of your Mami,Bua and my Masi's ?acha not texting back now...please...it will come off as rude...please my love...cooperate na...

Me : what do I get Sparkle? you know just in case I decide to cooperate..

Her : whatever you want my love....

Me : ok..here is it then.. I want You and all my time after alone with just you and you know that...we are surely going to have that later tonight...but what I want is for you to not change or take that Gown off until I come to your room okay?

Her : whyyyyy????????? You wana take it off yourself????

Me : you most surely knowww I do want to do just that Sparkle. also please note – I was kind off in the middle of doing just that – Mentally – before you texted.

Her : ohhhhh goshhhhhhhhhhhh...you na....uff ufff......acha baad mein message karti hun thike??before bua gets a little peek-a-bo into my phone.

I chuckle as I read and dish my phone back into my blazer pocket and turn around to ask for some more ice in my Scotch. If you all haven't figured out – I like my Scotch – Totally Iced with Cubes filled to the Top of the Glass. Most people don't prefer it that way since it somewhat dilutes the flavour of the malt – but somehow I do prefer it that way. Also – my alcohol intake is anyway always restricted to special social occasions or gatherings like these – for Health and Fitness purposes obviously. And I don't OverDo it as well.

Right then I hear Hridhaan's voice next to me as he asks – " you mind if I join you ASR? I most surely need a drink..,"

I grin at him as I say – " sure..pleasee...,"and he nods at me grinning and asks the bartender to serve him the same scotch I was having – with a lot of ice cubes filled in it as well.

Ok.Then.

A couple of similarities in Here.

Not Only do we Love and have Lost out hearts to the same precious Girl .Apparently, we also have similar taste and style when it comes to Scotch.

I bite back my chuckle with a sip of my drink – obviously.

Well over time – you all know I have somewhat grown very accustomed and comfortable of Hridhaan, because of the thorough gentleman that he is. And in the last two days – as we'v spent some time out collectively in a group – I have also figured that we do get along too.

He looks at me grinning once his drink is served to him and we both cheer's automatically and he says – " and I thought I was amongst the rare few who prefers to have their scotch filled with ice...apparently not..."

I smile at that as I say – " It surely is a thing in common in between of us Hridhaan..,"and I ask inquisitive next trying to sound casual about it – " anways...why did you say you most surely need a drink though Hridhaan? All okay?"

Guys - Why do I feel like his needing a Drink right now– has everything to do with My Sparkle.

He shrugs and sips his drink casually and says – " well...yes all okay...just..some stuff I am coping up with on a personal note..thats all about it ASR.."

I sip my drink and I lean casually on my elbow sideways.Ok so - Even though I already know the answer to this – I want to have the conversation I am going to next - with him.Because the last I spoke to him I was on the other side of the phone as Mr Stranger – and at the moment I am in front of him as ASR and he has no clue that I am Mr Stranger. This isn't me being Cheeky guys – this is about me genuinely feeling bad for him to be caught up in between Khushi and Me. I want to know how he Is holding Up. I ask next immediately sipping on my scotch – " you like her...don't you?? you really like Khushi??and she's with someone-else..and in a very happy space with that one someone she calls her Mr Stranger..and you are happy for her obviously and yet just trying to figure your way of coping with it in your head...is this what this is about?????"

Hridhaan looks at me a tad bit surprised and asks – " you noticed????"

I nod as I admit cryptically sipping my drink – " well yes...there's something about the way you were looking at her when those initial pictures went viral...when I saw them first out I figured...that you do like her, but since I do know from Akash and Anjali and also Rahul that she's very happy with her Mr Stranger..so yeah..it wasn't difficult to read the situation after eventually..,"and I resume to sip my drink.

Hridhaan nods and he gives me a little smile – " well yes..sometimes the knack of reading into situations does come into play...,"and I nod at him and he nods back at me again and takes a sip of his drink – "also yes...you are right about what you read of the situation as well ASR...that is exactly what it is about..."

I ask on reflex next wanting to know how he was holding up – " how are you dealing with it? do you feel like you are over it..as in your unrequited emotions for Khushi..,"and I pause to sip my drink again.

Thank God for Scotch for being my Cover at the Moment. Its saving me from having my face give too much away and come across as all Cool and Casual.

He sighs in silence deep in thought and takes a sip of his scotch and says next – "I think I could rightly use the phrase – work in -progress – on the same regards ASR...I am not over it completely..getting there bit by bit...."

Oh Boy.

Work In Progress – Still. Don't really blame him again actually – I know My Sparkle has her way of tiptoeing her way deep into the Mind and Heart.

I nod at him as I say – " the work in progress sounds like its been tough on you perhaps??"

Hridhaan nods and says after sipping another sip – " kind off...as I would have gotten over it sooner if my unrequited emotions were just restricted to the word – Like...though...."

I ask again cautiously – and this time around as ASR and not Mr Stranger – " okayyy..so I figure...you are in love with her perhaps?"

He Nods silently and I do see him turn sideways to look at My Sparkle within the crowd for a second.

Ok – this is Strange.

What is Strange?

What I just felt. Ideally I could or should be feeling really uber possesive and Jealous because of the way he just stole a glance at the love of my life all longingly. But strangely enough I am not feeling even a tad bit of that prior envy from earlier months at all – instead – I am just feeling really bad * infinity for him right Now, because I can sense the poignancy and longing in the vibe around him.The Work In Progress is hurting Him on pa personal note – obviously.

I am thinking of what to say to him and take a second to sip my drink and I see him fight back a sigh with another sip of his drink and says next with a genuine sincere smile– " I am happy for her...I truly am...very happy for her..her Mr Stranger is a good man...iv spoken to him one off on the phone..could sense the sincerity in his tone...but then no matter how happy I am for her..i do also have to be fair enough to myself to accept the fact that it does suck to be madly in love with someone who will never ever look at you that way...or more so..it also sucks that you will never be able to voice it too out too...you just gotta cope up with it in your head nonetheless... which is exactly what I am trying to do..."

I say instantly – " well I know what you mean...you are only human...i'm sorry for your situation Hridhaan...I hope you feel more sorted soon...and be able to move on..."

He smiles a little at me at that – " I will..it's just a matter of time perhaps..iv been working on it which is why I used the words n progress for it's a process right? also has to happen organically ..at its own pace only then will it do me good.."

I nod at him, taking a sip of my drink – " you are right about that..for sure Hridhaan..you can't rush these things....for then they return to sneak their way back in...letting go of the one you love happily takes a lot of strength and courage and you most definetly need to give yourself that time...once again..im sorry for your situation...Hridhaan..i truly am..".

He gives me a little smile taking another sip of his drink and says – " thank you so much...but know what..honestly....now that we are talking about this..i'd say ...its somewhat strange that I should be feeling sorry for myself for being caught up in this situation as I am trying to cope up...but strangely ..i am not sorry about one thing though..."

I ask as he gestures me to cheer with our drink again and we do– " which is??"

He says after taking a sip – "I am not sorry for having felt what I did though...I mean it's not going to ever happen or work out.. that's another story altogether...but why feel sorry for feeling love? right?i gotta be fair enough to accept what I felt... also I don't think I want to look at the emotion of Love.. with the grapes are sour mindset.."

I nod at him on reflex as I say honestly with a smile – " you are a good man Hridhaan...that's a kool way of looking at it..im sure that helps?"

He nods with another smile – " it surely does..makes me feel it's also okay to just pause for a while to relish my emotions in the form of vintage wine...or maybe at the moment I should say scotch..instead.."

We share a warm laugh next on reflex sipping on our respective scotches and I ask next wanting to know his answer to this – " don't you ever want her to know?? I figure she's probably still clueless about what you feel perhaps???"

Hridhaan shakes his head in a No instantly – " yup...she is clueless...as in she just thinks for me she is just a very good family friend..because that's who I am to her...and also because of our mothers being such great friends...and then Shivi and ofcourse Jess and Vikram's equation...we do end being around each other so much and we are great friends too...but I'd rather have it that way as well as in...I don't ever want her to know..."

I ask on reflex kepping my galss aside, all inquisitive– " why so??"

He says keeping the glass aside as well for a second – " three reasons – first....she's going to beat herself up for it if she knows...feeling all guilty for hurting me unknowingly or something...when she's truly got no hand in this anyway..like she's never led me on..always maintained that line of friendship and genuine respect..she's always been honest to me about having someone else in her life...so I don't want her to go on some guilt trip which technically will only weigh her innocent heart down...second reason...is a little selfish..as in I always want to see her happy...and just incase if she ever went on that guilt trip..I would just hate to see her go on it ..i can't see her cry over it..tear outa her eye is a damm dagger to my heart..which is why I termed this reason to be selfish.."

Oh Boy.

Guys – He Really does loves My Sparkle truly.

I ask on reflex – "and the third reason?"

He gives me a small smile and continues – "and the third reason and very important – I know she is very happy in her space right? why would I tell her what I feel? It could come across as crossing the line perhaps..and I would never do that...I never cross the line..i am very particular about my rules and ethics...ASR..be it at my sport or matters of the heart...and I'd just about never cross the line..."

I nod as I say – " fair enough...I understand...I totally do..and I respect your point of view..i surely do..."

He says next – " I just hope her Mr Stranger doesn't tell her about it though..."

I ask making it come across as a surprise – " he knows??"

He nods – " yeahh...I had this conversation with him one off right...I wanted to seek his apology when the rumours first started and our pics went viral online...and I guess he kind of figured it out because how worried I sounded at that moment on the phone and asked me the same..and it was kind of right then I had figured out that it was love that I felt as well ..so I couldn't deny..it...but I guess since he hasn't told her yet means it's something he is going to keep to himself for her sake too – as in –that's my take on it.. he surely knows her a lot better than me...he surely knows its going to disturb her insanely if she were to know...."

Well yes – You are Right About That – Hridhaan.

I sip my drink as I say – " okayyy..i get it.."

I see him steal another look at My Sparkle and he says fondly – " she's such a wonderful person ASR..so compassionate..so warm..and honest..and straightforward..so freaking precious..and as it is I hate what's happening up online with her – because of our rumoured link up...I would hate to cause her any more disturbance in anyway...what I feel is my problem..not her's at all...so its better if this remains a secret...but...,"he pauses and says a second after – "you all are also like a family now..i hope you won't hint this out to her..ASR..."

Ok.

Guys.

Now I am caught Up.

Keeping the Filter On Longer from My Sparkle is going to be difficult obviously.As it is guarding this until this point was making me feel a tad bit guilty because I was evading from our promissory summons – but I also know it's what I got to do at the moment for Khushi's sake. I say now shaking my head – " no no..i assure you I won't...ok wait let's put it this way..i like my rules and ethics too hridhaan and as ASR - I most surely assure you that I wont hint it out to her.."

ASR Won't – Maybe Mr Stranger will in the near future if a situation arises perhaps? or my Sparkle picks it up on her own? And talks to me about it????????Then – I'd surely have to tell Her. And I am obviously aware that she's going to be Mad at me for Keeping This from her for this long – but then I also know I'd be able to make her understand my reasons for the same when the time comes.

Hridhaan nods at me and smiles – " thank you so much...ASR..."

I ask next – " also..surely Vikram knows..since he is your best friend but I figure he is keeping this bit of it from Jess too perhaps? because well im also aware through Anjali that Jess and Khushi are really thick in their equation..."

He nods at me at that as we both take the next couple sips of our drinks and he says after – " yup...that's true...Vikram obviously knows...but he's keeping it from Jess for the same reason..for if Jess knows..then khushi will know..anyways you mind if I ask you something personal??"

I shake my head as I smile – " oh no...I don't mind at all Hridhaan...go on...ask me.."

Buddy – Only if you knew that out personal lives are way too entwined anyway.

He asks grinning – inquisitive – " I mean..enough about my one sided unrequited emotions...lets talk about you...I have a hunch that...you are seeing someone else now aren't you? I mean I do have a hint on that since we'v been hanging out in a collective group in the last two days ...so that kind of makes me think that it's a strange thing that rumours about you and Pia wont still stop...for there's absolutely no truth to that as well..?"

I nod my head in an instant – " oh yes ..not at all..there's no truth to those rumours at all....and yes you did catch onto the situation right too...I am seeing someone else I really love hridhaan..and we are really happy together..i'm just very protective about it..because of how I'm still bearing so much brunt from my very public past..."

Hridhaan smiles – " thats great ASR...all the best to you and your special someone...hopefully we will get to meet her sooner or later.."

Oh Boy.

What do I say to That?

I grin – " sooner or later..most definetly yes..."

Hridhaan asks next – " and how does she take this whole situation with your past with pia still being one of the raging rumours.."

I smile a little on reflex at that as I say – " she's okay with it...she surely understands me in way that's really special...also trusts me and has immense faith in what we have nurtured emotionally over time....the only reason why we are not yet talking about it loud..because she's always been a very private person coming to her personal space...and she..just..."

Hridhaan nods in an understanding as he says – " and she just probably needs some time to get prepped up with the thought coming out to the world as your partner... perhaps???because of the spotlight and the public scrutiny involved by default.."

I nod at him instantly with a grin – " yes...that's exactly what it is...,"and I do pat his arm on reflex in a supporting buddy gesture as I say next – " it was good that you joint me for a drink..Hridhaan...its good that we talked..we should catch up often.."

Hridhaan grins as he pats my arm too – " and I'd totally say the same ASR...also yes...guess what..i think I am going to be NZ/Australia in Jan – through to beginning March...both Vikram and Me for we have some international club affliations that we are going to be seeing through for our domestic clubs..with the Auckland Polo Club and Sydney Polo Club..i was just discussing that out with Dad and Mom and him..the developments just budded out for us this afternoon..so yeah..i guess we can surely catch up when we are in NZ too...for you all will be touring there as well..in Jan.."

I grin at that – " yes lets surely do that...,"and I ask next – "will you be in Australia when the India Women are at the latter stage of their Tri Nation series??"

Hridhaan smiles a little – " nahh...I wish that matched my schedule..for then Shivi would have surely joined us in in watching the matches live and cheering them on...but we are mostly scheduled to head to Australia after..we will be in NZ first...,"and he pauses and says next with another fond smile – " do you know ASR..the first time I met Khushi...she was playing this domestic match out alright..and I'd gone to pick up Shivi..and the last couple of shots she played..i did really think to myself that she fires up her cover drive as good the one you do...im sure you already do know this but just gotta tell you again just like shivi...khushi is like one of your biggest fans of all time..."

Oh Boy – I obviously know exactly what you are Talking about Hridhaan.

I say nonetheless again sipping my drink – " I know..she is...she's often told me that...,"and I ask next – " the fondness in your voice as you just talked about the moment you first met her..means its one of your happy memories..nontheless..?"

Hridhaan nods with a geunine – " oh yes...it surely is...one of my fondest memories indeed.."

Copy that again Buddy – My First Meet with my Sparkle is obviously one of my Fondest Memoriess toooo.

Hridhaan grins and nods and we both cheer to our almost empty glasses now and it is right then we hear My Sparkle's voice close up behind as she asks softly – " Hridhaan...ASR..is everything okay????

Guys I think she probably spotted us deep in conversation and couldn't help but wonder what we were talking about.

Hridhaan and me both nod at her instantly with a smile and her eyes lock with mine intensely in a little curiosity for a second and she masks it up with a nervous smile next and looks at Hridhaan and me back to back and asks – "what are the two of you talking about so seriously ya...like all deep in conversation..pata hai so many times we all tried to catch the two of yours attention from afar with gestures to have you two come towards the stage..but then when the two of you seemed so engrossed in your talks I thought let me come here and call the two of you over....cmon the engagement ceremony is about to begin we all need to head to the stage now..everyones gathering up..also what was this intriguing context of your conversation ya...?"and she pauses and asks the bartender to help her with a glass of water.

Luckily Hridhaan and Me both say in unsion – " Cricket and POLo...what else Khushi???,"and I see her shoot us both a nervous smile as she nods and says with a adorable nervous smile – " I thought so too you know..i was telling Jess that maybe the of you are discussing your bats and mallets or something..,"and she then casually picks up the glass of water and sips it down and then looks at us both and says locking her nervous gaze with mine for a nanosecond again – " ill see you both at the stage then? Chaloo chalo...Everyone's gathering up front..."

We both nod at her and she gives us both a polite smile again and then walks away towards the stage – and Hridhaan and me nod at one another – his nod comes as a thank you – my nod goes as a – don't worry about it and we both take the last sip of our scotch and then make our way towards the Stage.

Another Point in Common.

We just covered up the truth – to protect the precious One - we both Love – from knowing the truth yet again.

And as we are making our way to the stage now and the rest of my friends also join in and then the general chatter begins – another thought returns to my Head.

What thought?

The thought that my conversations with Hridhaan weren't the only things I was keeping within the walls of my heart from My Sparkle. I was also keeping another very significant fact from her – the fact that how I was kind of fighting the urge to put a Ring on Her Finger – myself.

And the fact that I was going to see Rahul& Anjali getting engaged with my Sparkle right upfront of me this time around – is surely going to also make me think a lot about it in the Moment.

Only Natural.

I distract myself by returning my attention to what Ravi and Noor are saying.

Right then my phone beeps.

Its Her - obviously

Her : uffff ufff naaaa skipper blue..thoda jaldi aajaaiye na aaappppp...seeee we are all on the stage already...stop talking to ravi and noor abhi na..like pleaseee come fast thike...what ya..first you are all busy talking about bats and mallets with hridhaan now again you are walking to the stage dheere dheere...like just you come fast....finally you will be a little upfront of me na so that I can also stare at you without making it so obvious...like you have been at it all this while ya..i couldn't na..because of how I was surrounded with the elders so much..also oh I just have to say this again..how are you allowed to look this hot though??? as in...you are not allowed to look this hot thike????

I grin as I read that obiously.

I type subtly as I continue to talk to Ravi and Noor, and Rohan and Samaira, as we are making our way down the hall.

Me : oh really?? why am I not allowed to look this hot Sparkle?also look who is talking??just you wait tonight..

Her : very funny thike...how about I give you the answer to your this question later on in private tonight????? Also..just you wait tonight...too...(winks and hearts)

Me : Sparkle...what if I want to know the answer right out now???

Her : arreee abhi nai na...baad mein..pakka see..also yes I know you stick to your drinks limit na..so please save one drink for me..as in so that we can raise another toast to just US again..later tonight...or wait...I think itll be apt to say...so that we can raise the toast to both the Swiss Alps and US...(winks and heartsssssssssssssssssssssss)

I grin as I read that.

Me : To Swiss Alps and US..for sure Sparkle..ill reserve a drink for our time alone..my love..dont you worry about it all...

It is right then we have neared the stage and I walk up alongside Akash first as he wraps his hands around my shoulder happily and I hug him sideways and he says – " bhai just look at Anj..she looks so happy...im sure you want to hug her first..you go on first..ill follow after...,"and I say grinning – " cmon lets both us brothers engulf iher in a hug first...,"and he nods at me happily and we join our beaming families and our Bride and Groom to be – for their engagement.

And as we had planned we walk past Dadi, Mom , Dad, first and embrace Anjali in a happy , warm – brotherly hug which makes everyone hoot and clap around us a little and Mom says cheerfully – " abhi...go on...you too..join your sons...,"and I instantly hear Dad say – " wait on sons..im joining in..reva you better snap this even though the photographer is already at it..i want this picture instantly...,"and I hear Mom say happily – " yes yes..surely abhi...,"and Dad join in our group hug too and Anjali is only hugging us all happily all silent with happy emotions .

We pull back about twent seconds later and Dad kisses Anjali's head happily first and he just stays silent all stumped with emotion next and both us brothers ask the question on his behalf with a grin – " readyyy bridieyyy??"

Anjali hugs us back all happily and she says – " oh yes bhai..akash..dad...totally..ready...".She's beaming with Happiness and Joy at the Moment and that surely does warm all our Hearts immensely.

Akash and me side hug Rahul next and he says with a heartfelt smile – " about time I put a ring on her finger finally..ASR..Akash..what say??"

We grin at him as we say – " oh yes about time indeed..."

Sagar uncle says all impatient now – " Nisha, khushi...hurry up na..cmon up here with the ring tray..,"

Guys - I can totally spot My Sparkle biting back her mischievous grin with innocence as she's stealing glances at me with widened sparkling eyes on and off as she's standing a little behind towards the corner – talking to Nisha aunty and Jess and also adding up some rose petals to the ring tray in her hand and I hear Nisha aunty say – " ohoo Sagar..thirty seconds give us no..."

Sagar uncle says all grinning – " look look everyone is already all set at Anj's end..know what? ill go stand next to Anjali beta only..waise bhi..now she's like my daughter too anyway..."

That makes us all share a warm laugh and Rahul says grinning – " Junior...hurry up..or else dad will actually trade sides..not that I mind actually..," he finishes with a happy wink at Anjali who beams at him happily.

Khushi says happily from behind as she's fiddling with some flowers on the ring tray – " yes yes I know Dad can totally do that..just ten seconds now superbro...thike..,"

Godaamit Her.

Just Why Does she Have to Be So Adorableee like all the Freaking Time?

I so wish I could go down on my one Knee in front of her right here – right Now.

But once again – I gulp down my intense emotions and make my way back to join Mom, Dad, Akash, Dadi and the rest of our close intimate circle that had come up to the stage for the ring ceremony.

It's Ok Raizada.

Its just a matter of Time.

For one day – you'd be Marrying the Love of your Life – for Sure.And you'd obviously start with putting a Ring on Her Finger Too.

And Guys - Maybe that would be the time to Tell Rahul – the words he just voiced to Me.

Oh Yes.

I would surely tell him, then – About Time I put a Ring on your Junior's finger – Rahul.

Yup.

Those would be My Exact Words too – Indeed.

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Authors Note - Anjalis Engagement Ring

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TADAAAAA!!!!!

How was the Update Guysssss?? Would be eager to know all your thoughts on the same. Alsooo guysss what do you think of the Scene in between Hridhaan and Arnav?? I mean I most surely loveeddddddd writing it Out..so much...both are such thorough gentlemen naa..(winkssssssss).

Also I hope the added pictures and media – helped enhance the Reading Experience.

Next Update : Shall now be on Thursday Evening.

Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support.

Much Love.

Always.

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where do you get these fabulous party settings from? They are awesome.

Our guy is getting ready to put the ring on too. The surroundings are doing their magic.

Helloooo everyoneeeee..

Here witht he next update..It's a Cozy Intense Small Update of about 5.2 k words since as I wrote this bit out – I totally wanted it to stand out on its Own.

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

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Copyright Disclaimer :

Text Copyright©mysticaltales11111™2020

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All Rights Reserved® mysticaltales11111

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CHAPTER 35.2 – OUR KISSES IN THE SNOW

NEXT DAY – 20TH December, 2020

At A Resturant at A Ski Resort – Gstaad – 1:00 PM

ARNAV'S POV

Guys.

I think My Sparkle is right in her thought that I am most surely going to be the One – who is more probable to make her laugh out loud amidst all and blow up the Cover of our Channel 2,first - as in at least in front of our group of Close Friends.

Why do I say the same?

Because yet again – I am biting back my Grin with great difficulty amidst everyone – as I see my Sparkle – Fight a Yawn all adorably yet again as she walks back to the table with the piping cup of Hot chocolate in her hands and takes her seat in between Jess and Anjali again to join back the group on the opposite side of the table from where I am seated and her eyes totally lock with mine for a nanosecond from across in a look which told me– Yeah right Skipper Blue..don't you please bite back your grin that way at Seeing me Yawn, my love...please cover your grin up with the piping hot cup of caffine in your Hands. I totally do just that next – obviously. I am sure the reglection of smile on the black coffee in my cup would look like as if My Coffee was smiling back at me at the moment.

Ok So.

Why am I fighting back my mischievous grin at seeing her Yawn anyway? If you all must wonder?

Because obviously I am the one to blame – for her not getting much sleep last night. Haha. Actually guys – to be honest – I most definitely did not let either of us get any sleep until 5am in the Morning. I couldn't help it alright, for by the time we actually got together alone in her room after the Function was over – I was so overwhelmed with my intense deep emotions that had consumed me through out the engagement feel around us that I just had to Ravage her over and over again – for hours, last night. And I obviously did not have it in me to wait to postpone feeling the feel of her trembling in my arms which is why I started My Ravage Mode - the second I stepped into her room – and totally did not let her utter a word out of her mouth as I kissed her way too emotionally instantly and I was more than happy to have her reciprocate the intensity of it all obviously. And since she did keep her promise of keeping that Gown On until we were alone – I most delightfully took the liberty of taking it off her first too after which I hawled her up my shoulder momentarily before placing her on the bed urgently so that me, my hands and my lips could begin to have my intense ways with her instantly and I made sure we did not stop for Hours until about 5am when she finally slept off exhausted cocooned in my arms snug with her head placed in the crook of my arm near my shoulder and her one palm placed over my heart – and I was a tad bit mesmerised at the sight of her sleeping all snug close into me which is why I took a while to just bask in the sight of her that way before sleep took over me too.

And Wait – I think its only fair that I also give out a brief glimpse into the setting around us at the moment as well.

Ok – Lets start with this - I mean I can totally list this out on Record, that this time out here out in the Swiss Alps on like a family holiday+ Anjali's wedding with all of my close family+ friends+ my precious Sparkle – is surely doing Wonders to me in so many infinite ways. I mean – apart from just enjoying the family time out with everyone and my intense moments with My Sparkle and all of that being extremely emotionally monumental moments for me as well – I do feel like I am feeling Relaxed within on another Level altogether.All Happy and at Peace – and I am obviously cherishing the memories of it all down to the T – for the Relaxation Mode is exactly what I want to indulge in completely before I step into The New Years – which is all jamm packed with our hectic cricketing schedule. It's the same for My Sparkle. Same for Most of Us.

So at the moment – we are at this Restaurant at this amazing Ski Resort. We had planned it out during the day yesterday that – since the time out during the day today was a little free too because the Sangeet+Cocktail function was only going to be starting at 730PM tonight – so most of us would just explore this amazing SKI Resort during the day – as suggested by the Hotel's concierge .And we had obviously left the Hotel after an early breakfast so that we could take the Cable Car up into the Snow Capped Mountains.( Most of the elders have stayed back at the Hotel and are using the day to explore the village Town which is closer in vicinity to the Hotel. And it's the 16 of us in a Group – that have come up here out to the Ski resort.16 of us as in – Me, My Sparkle, Anjali, Rahul, Akash, Payal, Rohan, Samaira, Ravi, Noor, Cap, Sachi Maam, Jess, Vikram, Hridhaan and Shivi)

......
Authors Note - Including Pics of the Ambience and Stranger and Sparkle Look

They took the Red Closed Cabin Car into the Mountains as you can see in the Picture collage at the bottom right side Below.

A little close up of the Outdoor Space Seating where everyone is seated

They will Shift Indoors for Lunch

Now for Strangers and Sparkle's Look

.

....

Arnav POV Continues

So, as I mentioned earlier we took this amazing closed Cable Car up into the Mountains and I am delighted to report that I was only glad about the fact that My Sparkle made sure to come stand right opposite me amidst out group so that I could steal glances at her as much as I wanted and she could do the same all through our gorgeous ride up Here.So yes, we did arrive here at around 11PM and have just been hanging out around in the Snow and chilling out – but none of us are really Skiing though.

As in Me, Sparkle, Jess, Cap, Rohan and Ravi anyway most definitely cannot SKI because in our contracts with the BCCI there is a very Strong Clause that as professional players for the country we must not engage in some potential dangerous outdoor sports that they have listed out which could result in any sort of an injury or something. Actually Ski-ing was not on that Potential Dangerous Outdoor Sport List listed out in the BCCI's contract until about 2013. They included it in then – after the devastating accident that happened with Star Formula One Racer's of all time- The 7 Time World Champion – Michael Schumacher while Ski-ing. (On that Note – I have always been and always will be an ardent fan of The Man.He is a Legend in the History of Formula One and the news of his accident back then in my younger days in 2013 had definitely disturbed me for a while..and it still does when I think off it.As of now they do say that he is under intense medical home care at his house hear in Gland, Switzerland)

Anyways so, since Hridhaan and Vikram have similar clauses too so then – since half of us in the group couldn't Ski anyway, everyone else was also decided to not indulge in it this time around since no one also wanted sore muscles in the middle of the wedding festivities.But nonetheless – even though we are not Skiing, we are all absolutely enjoying the breathtaking Views and the Ambience for sure, and about fifteen minutes ago we all just came by to just sit in a huge group on the outward seating lounge of this restaurant and have been sipping on some hot drinks and everything , chatting, chilling, catching up , etc etc. We are going to have our lunch here as well and will only head back down to Gstaad, at around 330PM.

I pause in my thoughts – because this time around – I fight a Yawn which my Sparkle catches on instantly from across and she shoots me that mischevious nanosecond look again and covers it up with a sip of her hot chocolate instantly as she resumes her attention to the group conversation with Anjali, Jess, Shivi, Rahul, Payal, Akash, Noor, Sachi Maam for they were all sitting closer to her end.And I return my attention to the group conversation around me with Hridhaan, Rohan, Vikram, Cap, Ravi, Samaira.

But Wait.

Guys.

I need to text her for she just fought another subtle yawn again and I most definitely need to ask her that how can she be so adorable to my eye..even when she is fighting back a Yawn?

I dish out My Phone and open up my good old Whatsapp and as my one ear is obviously leaned into the conversation in the group – I type out a quick text to her quickly.

Me : hey you...Sparkle...tell me something..just how can you be so damm freaking adorable even when you are fighting back yawns????

She's obviously also spotted me fidgeting with my phone and she picks her's up instantly from the table and keeps it loomed to the side under the table.

Her : Skipper Blue...oh please c'mon...sach mein? Are you saying that You find my yawns adorable too now..????

Me : well I most certainly do Sparkle. You look way to adorable to my eye even while Yawning. Period. I could totally Kiss You – right here – right Now.

Her : you naaaa....uffffffffffff...always like totally biased when it comes to me...also whose fault is it that we are both yawning so much anyway Skipper Blueeeeeeeeeeeeee??????????(hearts)

Me : Mine...totally Mine. I please guilty – your honour.(winkssssssssssss)

Her : Mineeeeeeeeeeeeeee toooooo...I plead guilty too Your Najesty of my Cardio Cells.(heartssssssss)acha ek baat bolun? I mean I just had this thought right now as I was listening to bhai and Anjali tell us about their holiday itenary details after..

Me : haan..bolon na Sparkle...

Her : all of a sudden I feel like super weird that I haven't gifted superbro and anj anything ya as in from my end as in like a wedding gift thike...then I was thinking what should I gift them..what could I gift them...and bammm it hit me....i thought of the perfect gift...wana know what it is?i obviously want to discuss this with you..

I smile as I read that.

Me : obviously..i want to know what it is..Sparkle..

Her : US. As in – I was thinking that what if – the next day after the wedding – before superbro and anj leave for their holiday – I want to tell them about US...my love....as in I totally think my bhai and Bhabhi will be the happiest with this as their wedding gift from not just my end but our end. I want Superbro to know you are Mr Stranger. I just suddently feel like I can't hide it longer from him...or from Anj....what say my love??? are you up for this?????????

Whatttttttttttttttttttttttt?????????

What did she just writeeeeeeeeeeeee???????

Guys - My Heart Surely Stops in Happiness as I Read That.

Is she crazy or what?

Writing this out to me on Text amidst everyone – I most surely need to Kiss her.

Now.

Me : that's it. I need to freaking Kiss You right Now.

Her : I reckon your answer is Yes – then Skipper Blue...you are surely up for this...(heartsssssssssssss) also ofcourse you can't kiss me right now thike??????we are with everyone yaaaa... baad mein..baad mein..pakka se...

Me : you bet I am...you freaking bet I am...also apologies Sparkle – I cannot cooperate at the moment. I need to kiss you right Now. I want to Kiss You right Now.

Her : sachi? Serious ho????? Abhi kaise??? Just how am I going to get off from the middle of the conversation yaaaaaaaa?

Me : just tell them you need to talk to Mr Stranger for ten minutes or so..excuse yourself...head up to the terrace area of this lodge and ill come up three four minute later on the pretext of talking to my special someone on the phone...

Her : ohhhhhooo ..yaaa...superbro will all be like...junior you can talk to your mr stranger later..enjoy time with everyone...

Me : sparkle please dammit?

Her : achaaa thike na baba..i mean now that you said it..i think I want to kiss you too...give me a minute...ill take Jess's help on this..we will excuse ourselves to the washroom inside and then I will tell her that I am going to catch up with you for a bit..she can come back here and tell everyone that I got a call or something..superbro wont tell her anything then na...

I smile.

Me : 100 Bonus Points to You – my love.

I see her gesture to Jess to come in with her and I spot Jess nodding at her in a subtle gesture and they both head in now.

Her : uffffffffffff see I am heading now thike.....you na...will surely get me killed one day thike..now come fast...jaldi thike????

That wipes the Grin off my Face.

Why the F*** did she have to use the word Killed in There? I know she didn't mean it in its literal sense. But I have been way too overhwhelmed emotionally since last night – it freaking riles me up.

I lock up my phone and I wait for three minutes to pass as I return my attention to everyone and continue to sip on my coffee.

Three minutes later I keep down my coffee cup and say to everyone around me that I gotta make some calls and excuse myself.

Only Cap and Akash on the table understand where I was heading too obviously, for they had noticed Khushi leave too. I see them both biting back their grins with great difficulty as I head out inwards and on my way towards Khushi – I run into Jess and she grins at me quickly and says – " ill make sure no one from our end leaves the table for ten minutes..Skipper Blue??"

I grin at her on reflex – " make that fifteen minutes..will you please Jess?"

She Nods happily and I increase the pace of my footsteps on reflex.

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

KHUSHI'S POV

At the Terrace Meeting Point – (which Luckily was Deserted)

Guyssssssssss.

Arnav is surely going to get me Killed amidst this Hide and Seek yaaaa..as In I can't believe I just sneaked out amidst our entire group right now to just Kiss Him too. I mean I totally had to give In to the moment na all because – My Dear Lips suddenly decided to Hurrah and edge me On.

Dear Lips sigh dreamily. Thank You – K.Just when we were wondering we were going to have to wait hours to feel Arnav's lips fuse with us again.

Dear Heart and Mind chip in dreamily as well. Well well well... we do love the idea of sneaking around a little to Kiss Arnav amidst this Ambienceeee – K. I mean sighhhhh* infinity..whats taking him this long though..youv been waiting here for the last three minutes later. Text him – K.Cmonnnnnn...Hurrryyyyyyyyyyyy – we are short on patience Now.

I look at my phone.

Ok.

Yes.

Lets text him.

Me : Areeeeeeeeeeeeeeee love..im here...exactly where you asked me to be..aap kahan ho??

And just as I am about to tap send I feel myself being spun around and I can only smile and grin at Arnav as he takes my hand instantly and walks us both quickly into the space beside the Hut into a corner and before I can even say anything next – I feel him pin me instantly to the wall of the hut and his lips close on mine urgently and he starts to kiss me all deep, bad, urgent and hard as his gloved hands come to rest on my cheeks as usual as he cups them.

Oh Boy.

Yesssssssss.

Dear Lips are in Heaven – Alreadyyyyyyyyy!!

I instantly wrap my hands around his neck all tight and start to kiss him back all deep too and it's right then I sense some sort of a worry in the emotions he was pouring in his intense Kiss into my lips and I can't help but wonder what's this Worry about?

I would have asked – if he'd let me fuse my lips away.

He isn't letting me – obviously.

But I need to Know.

I cup his cheek with my gloved hand next tenderly and in between this intense loaded with worry kiss from his end – I ask into his lips – " whats wrong loveeee??? What do I feel so much worry in your vibe right now???????"

Arnav breaks his lips away from mine now and he opens his eyes and I am surprised to see his eyes all bloodshot with emotion. As in – I think I'v spotted them all welled up and bloodshot.

Oh My God.

Dear Mind and Heart wonder in unison.Something's wrong with him - K???? Ask Now. Hurry UP.

I ask worried next immediately cupping his face tenderly – " arnav...what's wrong?????????????? Why are your eyes welled up?????? Sab toh thik tha na..until you aksed me to cup up..ek dum se yeh k...,"and I am not able to complete my sentence as usual because I am kissed all hard again – immediately.

I kiss him back all worried too now for about two minutes or so but I pull back from his lips after and I ask clutching onto his collar opening my eyes to look into his bloodshot ones yet again– " pleaseeeee....Arnav...kya huaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa? Don't do this to me please...aap bolo na.."

Arnav instantly hugs me to himself all hard and he says next in a tone all gruff and heavy with emotion – " don't you freaking dare..ever...just about ever...write the words - Killed – to me in any reference Sparkle..don't you freaking dare do that...do you understandddddddd?????????????? Do you freaking understand??? I told you beforeee on that night when you came to meet me on a road trip from Taunton to Manchester after our world cup loss ..and im saying this again...just about nothing can ever happen to you Sparkle...just about nothing ever can..."

I do feel a gush of relief wash over me instantly followed by a tsanumi of intense emotions too and I hug him back all tight too and I whisper softly – " I didn't mean it that way love..it was just in another reference...as in..."

He pulls back instantly and cups my face and says his bloodshot with emotion gaze locking with mine – " I don't care what the reference was dammit...you are never going to say those words to me ever again...just promise me that..please?? promise me godammit..right here..right now..your pakka se wala promise...,"and he pulls me back into a tight hug again instantly and I hug him back all tight as I whisper clutching onto his Jacket – " achaaa..thike...promise...pakka se wala..ill never ever say those words to you ever again...,"and now because I am super emotional too all of a sudden I say hugging him tighter – " just about nothing can ever happen to you too thike....just about nothing ever can...."

And we both instantly pull apart and lean in to kiss each other madly and deeply and very emotionally too and just like that the Minus Temperature from the Snow Around us seems to kind of Loose its Impact as I feel my body starting to heat up at the intensity of the Moment as we continue to deepen and roughen our prolonged deep intense french kiss.

About five minutes later I finally consume his lower lip into mine and clutch onto his collar and pull away my lips from his and I say my hands going on to wipe the overwhelmed ttwo lone tears that had made its way into the corners of both his eyes – "please...nai...I can't see your eyes welled up..arnav..i can't...pakka promise na...I will never say those words again...,"and I pause and ask – " kuch aur bhi hai kya? Is there anything elseeeeeeeeeee at all????,"and when he shakes his head in a N0 – I lean up on my toes to kiss his two lone tears away and then I clutch onto his collar with both my hands and lean in to kiss him again all deep again and he dominates our duel instantly again and about two minutes later just as I can finally feel his vibe relaxxxx as I continue to caress his cheek to make him feel all relaxed – I finally pull back from kissing him and ask next - " app thike ho ab??"

He nods at me instantly and gives me a heartfelt smile and cups my face and keeps his forhead on mine – " godaamiiittt...you...the things you make me feel......"

I snuggle into his arms all happily now – " copy that skipper blue...copy that...,"and I pull back and ask smiling mischeviously now – " acha ab bolo na..hows my wedding gift wala idea? I mean don't you think Superbro and Anj will love ittttttttttttttttt?????"

He chuckles at that now a little finally and says caressing my cheek with his gloved hands and I lean my cheek into his palm– " I think they will love it for sure Sparkle....they will love it for sure...but guess what..its me who loves it more...."

I chuckle at that happily and I say keeping my eyes locked with his intense ones– " well I figured that out..then acha im thinking what's your reaction going to be to this then...im thinking...im going to ask Mom to tell Dad that I am seeing someone now..as in you know how he is the only one who is still oblivious to me dating finally...I'm thinking...thoda idea ill give him as well...like for starter's...with him I most definetly have to start with that you know na he's going to like overreact and everything totally...soo I am thinking..of asking mom to hint him the same after the wedding that I am dating someone seriously..as in after we'v told superbro and anj about us for real..,"and I see his eyes swim with the intensity of emotions so deep that it stumps me a little and I ask softly my own eyes welling up with emotion as well – "is that okay???or is that not okay? Love? my dear eyes are all welled up emotion now na I can't seem to rightly read what your eyes are trying to tell me..."

Arnav's pins my hands to either of my sides now caging both my hands in his and lacing his finger through mine as he clutches on it hard and kisses me briefly but all intense and deep and he whispers in between our mingled and haggered breathes into my lips about two minutes later– "okay???? That would be bloody okay..okay*infinity Sparkle...dammit..you..godaamit you...,"and just as we resume to kiss all emotionally again I hear my heart say to me.Hey – K. Tell him now. Tell him about those intense vulnerable thoughts that I was going through while we were on the way up her in the cable car.You thought of telling him this later in privacy but I want you to say it out loud Now.NOW – K.NOW.

I listen to my dear heart obviously and act on impulse as I whisper into his lips all emotional honestly – "i..need..to..say..something...now..like right now,"and he whispers – " two minutes..dammit..sparkle..just let me take your breathe away first dammit....,"and he take both my lips into his again and I whisper hoarsely after 30 seconds feeling all vulnerable within now– "arnav please...listen to me....pleaseee,"and I think its my vulnerable tone that makes him pull back and he asks now cupping my face worriedly – " why are your eyes all welled up now Sparkle???"

I clutch onto his wrist and I look away from his intense gaze down now as I admit my vulnerable intense thoughts honestly – " nahi...ho raha...mujhse aur nahi ho raha(I can't do it..i can't do this anymore)..i don't think ill be able to hold onto this..this way longer...,"and he instantly tucks my chin up and makes me look into his eyes as he asks worriedly – "what can't you do anymore???? sparkle???what can't you hold onto this way longer..,"and I admit honestly clutching onto his collar and look into his eyes – " keeping up with Channel 2 arnav...nahi ho raha mujhse...I mean as much as a thrill our hidden romance gives me ...today..when we were making our way up her in the cable car with the group and all the couples around were happily standing by one another holding hands or just sidehugging each other and enjoying the view...I just felt dear heart get stumped with so much emotion thike? like I so strongly wanted to do that too...I wanted to hold your hand all tight in front of everyone..i wanted to snuggle into your side..while enjoying the view...its just had me thinking that maybe...maybe..,"and I pause and I bury my face into my hands all stumped with emotion. And because stupid silly Charlie chaplin me is so emotional I haven't been able to read Arnav's expression again.

Arnav instantly pulls my hands away from my face and he tucks my chin up again and this time around I am surprised to see his eyes welled up again and he asks softly– " maybeee what???maybe what Sparkleeee???"

I say honestly wiping an overhwehlmed tear outta the corner of my eye– "maybe if we can atleast tell our close circle of friends about us at the least too as In so that atleast when we are around them we can be ourselves as in now that I have met everyone..i just feel like they will totally understand why we want to guard this from the outside world...they will understand na??????as in atleast the all 14 of them downstairs...will surely understand right????????????"

Arnav nods as an overhwhelmed happy tear comes to the corner of his again – " oh yes they will understand...all 14 of them surely will understand Sparkle..."

I wipe his happy tear out with my gloved hand and I ask – " also theres a probability they might help us guard it from the outside world as well na.."

He nods and wipes a happy overwhelmed tear outta the corner of my eye as well – " yes that's there too...that probability is there too...,"and I wipe another one of his happy tears outta his left eye as I say honestly – " thike...done then...the day after the wedding...lets tell everyone of our friends atleast...all 14 of them below..."

Arnav hugs me all happily hard and I cling onto him all tight and I add next whispering into his heart softly – "also..ek aur baat... then I was thinking..what if after a month or so...what if we tell our parents also about us...as in after when you are back from NZ and I am back from Australia..by end jan...unko bhi bata dein? That way atleast we wont have to pretend anymore within our inside circle na Arnav...I just feel like I am ready to talk out loud to our inside circle atleast love...are you ready too?????????"

And I close my eyes and clutch onto his Sweater over his Heart all Tight – everything inside of me hoping all Desperately that he says – YES. That he say's he is ready too talk about me to Reva Aunty , Abhi Uncle and Dadi too.

OHHHH GODDDDD.

ARNAV.

PLEASE.

HURRY UP AND ANSWER ME DAMMIT.

It is right then I feel his arms engulf me into his frame all tighter and he whispers kissing my Head – " I am more than just ready Sparkle...more than freaking ready to talk to Mom, dad, dadi, about you....you'v freaking stumped me with so much emotion...right now that I just don't know what to s...,"and because dear Heart has leaped upto the Sky in the YO_YO of Joy I instantly tiptoe on my toes now and close my lips over his instantly and begin to kiss him very very emotionally – all slow and sensous like he did in some of our vulnerable intimate moments with each other last night.

And just as he had deepened our slow and insanely sensuous kiss – and I am beginning to get lost in the Whirpools of ArnavLand - I feel my phone buzz in my pocket – and it pulls me back into the setting as I pull back from his lips reluctantly and I whisper hoarsely with my eyes closed – " I hate that I'd have to take that Arnav...could be Jess...im pretty sure we'v been out here for more than fifteen minutes....."

He kisses he side of my Lips – " I hate that you'd have to take it too Sparkle...but take it...,"and I pick up the phone instantly as Arnav sidehugs me all happily and I hear Jess say – " Khushi...come fast you two..we are all heading indoors into the restaurant for lunch as well...everyone is wondering where the two of you are...iv covered up yet again saying that you are probably on the phone with Mr Stranger and Cap and Akash covered up the same for Skipper Blue as well...on the accord that maybe his someone special was free to talk for a while too at the moment because of long distance and everything..."

I instantly answer hugging Arnav – " okkkayyy...ill be down..in two minutes...ill come down pehle...will ask Arnav to come after..."

Jess whispers in a rush – " haan kool...come fast...,"and we hang Up.

I instantly cup Arnavs face next and I say locking my intent gaze with his– " gotta go now love..bass kuch din aur this channel 2 ..then atleast in front of our friends and family..itll be US as is...thike??"

Arnav kisses my forhead next and asks grinning next – " thike...or id rather say..pakka se promise to that Sparkle..."

I chuckle happily as I kiss his cheek lovingly – " im so glad you asked me to sneak out love..I so loved our kisses in the snow..."

He hugs me instantly – " I loved them more than what you did Sparkle...."

I chuckle and pull back - " areee we both loved them equally thike? lets come to that consensus?k?"

He nods and winks at me – " okay..common consensus done.."

I ask next as he caresses my cheeks all tenderly – " ab main jaaun??"(shall I go now)

He whispers – " naiii..mat jao..please...mat jao..abhi nai..give me a minute to kiss you again..please?"

I nod at him emotionally and We lean in to kiss each other instantly all intensely and emotionally again for about a minute or so and he whispers after kissing my nose – " ab jaoo...ill join down in five.."(now you can go..)

I nod at him happily and I kiss his cheek and immediately rush my way down next – all exhilarated and excited and Happy – with my Dear Heart and Mind – continuously leaping upto the YO_YO clouds in Joy over and over Again – obviously.

And I hear My Heart sigh in Unison.Ahhhhh – Dear Mind – Please have the memory up – of Our these Intense emotional moments and Kisses in the Snow – playing on repeat for a while – K???

Dear Mind grins all happily. Request Noted and Processed – Dear Heart.

Dear Heart grins. Start with the Playback now will you please already then?

Dear Mind grins and Nods.

And even though I conceal my expressions a little upfront as I am nearing our group all busy in the happy chatter – Our Kisses in the Snow – are all I can obviously think about at the back of my Head – Indeed.

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

TADAAAAA!!!!!

How was the Update Guysssss?? Would be eager to know all your thoughts on the same.

Also I hope the added pictures and media – helped enhance the Reading Experience.

Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support.

Much Love.

Always.

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

Both are now mentally ready to disclose their relationship to the family. Thats a big step for them.

Helloooo everyoneeeee..

So here I am with the next Update of the week.

Will be eager to know what you all think as alwaysssss!!!!

-

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

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CHAPTER 35.3 – YOU KNOW I CAN'T TAKE FILTERs & YET?

Meanwhile – Same Day – India

(India is Four Hours 30 Minutes Ahead of Switzerland – so back in Swiss – everyone is enjoying the Sangeet+Cocktail Function since its 830pm there)

1:00 AM in the Night - IST

Nikhil Mehra continues to browse through the latest Story Updates on Instagram on his phone–that Ravi had just posted giving a little glimpse into the wedding function of ASR's – sister and Little Hit Girl's Brother that was happening at the moment in Gstaad. But since no picture of the one that had caught his interest – had come up on the Story yet – he browsed back to the Stories on Ravi's feed from earlier on the Day in which he had posted some pics of the full group pictures of about 16 people in attendance – hanging out on what looked like some Ski Resort up there in the Snow Capped Mountains and also just a couple of happy pictures with the Bride and Groom to be.

The pictures that had been coming up giving brief glimpses had anyway gone viral to – being pretty much the talk of the online town because of the presence of the cricketing stars from the Men in Blue and some of them with their respective partners - ASR, Cap, Rohan, Ravi + added with the budding sporting individuals from India Woman - The Little Hit Girl+ Jessica Rego, and Indian Polo Stars Hridhaan + Vikram.

He zoomed in closer on the group picture once again – and as he perceived in the picture of Khushi – hugging onto Hridhaan's Singh Rajput's younger sister – Shivani in the picture to her side along with Jessica Rego on the other – he was kind of getting really sure himself that what Radha has been saying to him allt his while – was True. There surely was something brewing up in between of Hridhaan and Khushi for sure.

He is right on that thought when his tablet rings with a video call from Radha.

He picks it up instantly to see her grinning face come into the screen and she asks him straight, grinning – " hello Niks...well..since your head's still dipped in your phone..which means I am sure you are still hawking on to Ravi's Insta feed – waiting for him to post something with the little hit girl in it..."

Nikhil chuckles at that as he says keeping his phone aside for a second – " well yes to that..and I am sure its not just me who is waiting...you are also waiting for a glimpse of ASR..now aren't you?"

Radha chuckles – " Well yes to that as well..but honestly ya Niks..i don't blame you for crushing on little hit girl so bad at the moment..i mean..she's been looking gorgeous in all the pictures that have come through..until now...."

Nikhil winks at her with a sad sigh – " ohh yesss Radha...gorgeous indeed..but sadly enough...hridhaan singh Rajput seems to have shotgunned her for himself...,"and he pauses and adds back to grinning – " but nonetheless none of that is kind of taking away from my excitement of finally getting on that tele interview with her soon when she is back....thank you for having me join you on this one Radha..also yes...I do have to say that I did go through the articles you'v covered up till now in interviews with Sheena, Mira, Harpreet...they are brilliant...totally inspirational..exactly what we need to bring to light for sure..so that it can be a source of dream to so many girls out there who want to chose sports professionally...and are held back by societal or family pressures..."

Radha chuckles at that and she says – "I know what you mean...thank you partner...I totally second that...ok listen that was also why I called...as in...iv also gone through the articles youv prepared the rough draft of till now..the interviews with the rest of the men in blue available at the moment..and its obviously bang on to Niks...good job too you..as well..now hear this...,"and she pauses and says –"also...ill be interviewing Vedika and Harleen tomorrow and a couple more players day after...also yes another development..i spoke to Sheena on text a while back and she did say that Jessica might be able to give us a one on one after Xmas around the 27th and maybe Khushi is ready to connect on a tele interview to talk about her professional journey on the 30th..they will give us a confirmed time for the call once they are back..khushi I guess is only returning with her family on the 28th.."

Nikhil nods – " yes...I guess the families are returning later....because I do have a heads up from ASR's PR manager that he will be available for his one on one with me on the 29th...so im just going to cover up the rest of the team till then and also Cap, Rohan and Ravi's managers told me that they are returning earlier though..on the 24th so ill cover them up on those days after Xmas..the 26, or 27.."

Radha nods- " that sounds like a good plan Niks..as of now it just seems they are all just enjoying some good time out..its been a hectic year for the men in blue and a turning point for India women as well...and hey also...the whole setting of the wedding does look very awesome..na?? I mean the pictures from the engagaement last night were amazing then...even the ones coming up now..."

Nikhil nods and says now inquisitive picking up his phone– " well yes to that for sure but know what Radha..,"and right then as he does spot a latest story feed on Ravi's feed and he says grinning – " okk something's finally up with her in the picture..as in it's a 30 second feed of everyone dancing in a group together...,"and he adds grinning – " well she is looking gorgeous yet again..or wait..maybe stunning would be the right word Radha..,"and he hears Radha ask instantly all curious – " is ASR in the video too.."

Nikhil nods and sees Radha pick up her phone to check the feed out – " yes he is..but on the other side...with his brother Akash and Payal, Rohan and Samaira..its Shivani, Jessica, Hridhaan, and Vikram around Khushi mostly with the bride and groom dancing all happily in the center and their parents are in the background as well...surely looks like a happy moment..."

Radha nods grinning – " well it surely does...and yes she does look gorgeous but iv got my eyes on ASR mostly..niks..anyways Iisten to this..while I was writing out the article features on Harpreet, Mira and Sheena right today..i just had this idea..what if we convince Natraj sir to let us do something like a full on campaign with the entire India women unit before they head out on the 5th of Jan for the tri nation series...as in you know something like an initiative from Hindu times..in public interest....trying to bridge the gender bias in sport..we can start with India women and runt his campaign over three months or so and slowly have all other sportswomen of the country from different sports also come in after..how does this sound??"

Nikhil grins at that as he shifts his phone aside – " now you are talking partner..radha this sounds great..lets pitch this to Natraj Sir first thing tomorrow???"

Radha grins – " lets do that..although I am sure the reason why youa re smiling so much is because you think if this campaign goes through...youll finally get to meet the little hit girl.."

Nikhil chuckles as he says winks – " well what can I say..you do know me well partner...,"and radha grins back at him – " ofcourse I do..okay now bye..see you at work tomorrow.."

Nikhil nods – " see you at work Radha.,"and they hang up and he picks up his phone again to check out the latest little video that had come out again – and even though he wasn't the one to only give preference to outward appearances over the rest – at the moment he did think that Delhi Times – was right in outing the Little Hit Girl in that list of the Pretty female Cricketer's for Sure.

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

***Authors Note – I am attaching pictures of the Ambience of the Sangeet and the Looks – Please imagine everyone having a Gala Time – all fun and Merry full of love and laughter – in the Sangeet and Cocktail function.

Now for Their Looks

And Yes – The little Group Dancing Snippet – that Ravi posted up on Insta is of everyone Dancing impromptu to the Peppy Number Below – Gallan Godiyan from Dil Dhadakne Do. I am inserting the Video of the Same. Ravi just posted up a little snippet – imagine a familiar party celebration setting of the same with the group on the full number – just it isn't happening on a Yatch but a banquet hall in Gstaad amidst the decorations as show in the pictures.( Alsoooo yes please imagine – Rahul and Khushi as the brother sister duo taking the lead instead of Ranvir and Priyanka in the video and right around them instead of Farhan Akhtar please imagine – Anjali/akash/arnav/noor – and also the rest of the Group – and also yes instead of Anil Kapoor and his wife – please imagine both the parents as in Reva+ Abhi and Sagar+Nisha dancing and enjoyinggggg)

Sorry Guys - Youtube Link not getting inserted in Here!

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

Hours Later

At Le Grand BellVue – Gstaad – 1:00 AM

Reva and Abhimanyu Raizada's Room

Abhimanyu walks out the bathroom all changed and relaxed for the night and just as he sees his beloved wife – pacing all around up and down in the room a little nervously but with a lot of confusion up her face he asks now taking his seat on the bed – " Reva...what are you frowning about??? The function went so well...we all had a blast..or are your feet aching from all the crazy dancing ??,"he finishes with a playful wink.

Reva pauses in pacing and she rolls her eyes at her husband as she says – " oh no abhi...im not that old alright..as in I know..my daughter is getting married and everything but still....and yes the function went so well...indeed...we all had such a blast.."

That makes them both share a happy smile and Abhimanyu gestures her to come sit next to him and she does and he puts his arm around her shoulder again – " then what is it Reva?? Are you getting alle motional again now that the wedding is just two days ago? Then let me tell you..so am i..."

Reva smiles at that and she says – " obviously yes abhi..i am emotional..but this isn't about that alright..,"and she gets up off the bed and looks at him and states her confusion out right there – " abhi...hear me out..i did observe this yesterday alright in the engagement function..but then I thought maybe I'm reading too much into it because of my hearts longing..so I made sure to keep my eye out for observation in tonights function too..and I am pretty sure I observed our elder son...finding every chance that he could to steal glances at Khushi..when he thought no one was looking...all the time....like all the time....which is exactly what I am so confused about..he's seeing someone else right? why would he be stealing glances at Khushi...I mean if only he wasn't seeing anyone else..i'd be more than happy with this situation..but at the moment..im just so confused..."

Abhimanyu looks at Reva puzzled with a confused smile – " whatttt???? Reallyyyy????????????,"and he says shrugging - " reva..cmon..it maybe just be like out of defaulted situation of the wedding celebrations..ok....."

Reva puts a hand on her waist – " I am his mother aren't i?????? I am telling you abhi there's something about the way I caught him looking at her....there was emotion in his eyes...like an emotion I haven't really ever seen before...,"

Abhimanyu says puzzled again – " really? are you sure reva? Or maybe you are rightly just imaging the scenario because of how much you want Khushi for Arnav...ok tell me something ..did you spot Khushi looking back at him??"

Reva says instantly – " not really as in I was busy too na..i didn't catch onto that much...but I most definetly spotted your son...I mean to be honest I forgot to observe on Khushi..i was just too busy in noticing our son....why would he be looking at her with so much emotion in his eyes when he's technically seeing someone else..."

Abhimanyu nods puzzled and says – " well that would be for Arnav to tell us maybe...Reva...im a little confused myself...now.."

Reva nods and says in a matter of fact tone – " and our will tell us about this now itself...he will be here in a couple of minutes..i called him for a little talk.."

Abhi asks instantly – " what??? you called him to talk at this time of the night reva..at almost 1 am? You know the kids have been hanging out in Rahul's suite after the function...why would you disturb him right now...we surely can talk to him in the morning??"

Reva nods – " well yes..but I couldn't wait alright...I messaged him about five minutes ago to ask him if he was okay to come to talk to us for a bit...and he said yes ofcourse...because as much as I respect his private space.. I do want to question him on this Abhi...I mean as much as I also want khushi for him...I don't think its right for him to start feeling something for any other person when he is technically dating someone – else...it wont do him good to feel conflicted in his emotions..i want to understand what's on his mind...he's our son abhi...what if he is going through some emotional mess within on a personal level...if we wont help him out of this then who will??????????as it is that whole mess of the past with Pia keeps coming back to haunt him...we know him na abhi..he is a emotional person deep down.."

Abhimanyu nods as he says deep in thought– " well you are right about that..ok..now that Arnav is coming anyway...lets talk to him straight out..."

Reva nods and it is right then they hear a knock on their door and she walks straight up to open it.

Arnav see's his mother open the door instantly just as he had knocked and he smiles and asks instantly walking in – " mom..all okay?? Is there anything you need to discuss with regards to the mehendi function lined up tomorrow? Both me and akash have checked it out with the event planners...everything is on as per the plan..,"and he sees his father gesture him to take the seat on the chair opposite to the sofa in the room he had just walked to seat himself on.

Reva closes the door and walks right back in and joins her husband sitting on the sofa and says – " well no son..it isn't about anj's wedding festivities..i know all of that is in place...and set..."

Arnav looks at his parents puzzled next – as he anyway was wondering on his way here as to why would his mother text him so late in the night to come out for a talk anyway. He was just chilling with everyone in the group in Rahul's suite after the function- when her text had come about five minutes ago.He asks now instantly – " this isn't about that? then what is this about Mom, dad? Whats up??i know you wouldn't call me here this way so late..if it wasn't something urgent.."

Abhimanyu nods and he says now – " yes son its urgent for sure..and that is because it is about you...,"and he gestures Reva to go sit on the chair closer to Arnav's next before talking this out with him.

Arnav looks at them puzzled – " huh?? About me???,"and he sees his mother getting up with a worried expression on her face now and she takes her seat in the chair next to him pulls it a little closer and she leans forward to hold his hand and she says now – " yes son..its about you...I am so worried for you at the moment...beta and we most surely need to talk to you...I would never want any emotional conflict ever weighing your heart down ever..."

Arnav leans forward in his chair too and he clutches his mother's hand reassuringly – " Mom...mujhe kya hua hai..i am okay..absolutely okay..never been better actually...why are you worried? What emotional conflict are you talking about??"

Abhimanyu sighs as he adds now – " son you know we respect your personal space more than anything...but you tell us..you are seeing someone very seriously now arent you? I mean we surely have a hint from akash and Anjali about the same???"

Arnav nods instantly in reflex absolutely having no qualms in admitting this out straight after the conversation he had had with his Sparkle earlier in the day – " yes dad...you are right about that..i am seeing someone very seriously indeed......"

Reva asks – " are you in love with her???? Your special someone??"

Arnav nods instantly – " yes...I am in love with her Mom...very deeply in love indeed...infact I was going to talk to you about it soon..anyway...but now that you brought this up..i don't want to evade the conversation...."

Reva sighs and says now kissing her sons hand worried – " beta...which is why I am so so so worried..because here on one side you are saying you are deeply in love with the one you are seeing and there on the other side I thought I spotted you stealing way too many glances at Khushi tonight and even yesterday when you thought no one was looking...and I am your mother..i noticed the emotion in your eyes alright? so don't you deny that...what's on your mind beta????????"

Arnav's eyes widen at that surprised for he most surely was sure that he was being very secretive in his staring.Apparently Not – if his very own mother caught onto it.And now he feels so puzzled and amused because he is thinking of what to say, and he is right on that thought when he hears his mother sigh and clutch on his hand and say – " beta...I want to know...if you are okay? Feeling something for someone else while you also feel like you love someone else is surely going to lead to some sort of a conflict within in right..i mean...only if you werent seeing anyone else right now..i'd be the happiest with what I had noticed..but at the moment I am just worried and confused..."

That surprises Arnav instantly as he asks biting back his grin – " wait???????? What?????????????? what do you mean by you would be the happiest mom?????"

Reva looks at her husband and sighs and says – "abhi..fill him up na..on this...im too worried for him at the moment.."

Abhimanyu says nodding – " well son...to be honest to you...off late...or wait not like off late..since the last couple of months both your mother and me have kind of observed how there are so many similarities in between of khushi and you ...and she wishes..actually we both do have this strong notion that maybe..khushi could be a very suitable partner for you anyway...I mean you both have similar lifestyles...a lot of your beleifs match..and then we are already so close with the Gupta's with Anjali marrying Rahul we are one family anyway.. its obviously made your mother's heart hope that she could matchmake you with Khushi....i mean we would love to have her in the family standing beside you..and we'v discussed this upteen number of times amongst ourselves but then we never talked to you because we didn't want you to think that we were crossing the line into your privacy since you were already seeing someone...."

That onbiously surprises the hell out of Arnav's mind and he bites back his grin with great difficulty now as he asks surprised and dazed taking it all in – " wait wait..wait....whattttttttttt?????? just what did you just say dad??????????,"and he looks at his mother and asks innocently biting back his mischevious grin – "mom...is this true? What dad says is true? Do you really think Khushi could be a potential perfect partner for me????and you have discussed this upteen number of times..."

Reva nods worried and disturbed still – " yes beta...ofcourse lagta hai...I definetly feel the same..and yes I have said this out loud to your dad so many times..look....iv observed Khushi and known her so closely in these last couple of months and iv grown way too fond of her..shes way too dear to me already..in my heart it just feels like maybe she is exactly what you need in your life..it feels like she could most surely light up your life...well to be honest...if it were upto me...I'd be playing cupid and matchmaker in between you two since months...would have probably already talked to Nisha and Sagar too...but then...," she pauses and says holding his hand again - " but its your life beta...it isn't about what I want..or what we want..its about what you want...right?"

Ok. Now – the disturbed worried look on his Mother's face definetly made Arnav feel like he couldn't hold onto the truth any longer and he knew his Sparkle wanted this anyway too – she wanted them to tell their parents in a month from now – but now the situation was such that he just couldn't walk out of it. He bites back his mischevious grin – with the plan to give his parents – which seemed like would be like the Happiest news to them and he says now innocently deep in thought – " hmmmmm...mom...you are my mother...so obviously you would know as well...okay...hear me out..what if I say that off late...I think I'v also been feeling what you feel...maybe...khushi is exactly what I need in my life....and I completely agree that what you noticed was also right..as In I was most surely stealing glances at her when I thought no one was looking..."

Reva looks at Abhi puzzled and Abhimanyu looks at her puzzled and they both look at Arnav puzzled and they ask in a puzzled confusion – " but...arent you seeing someone elseeeeeee sonnn???????"

And Arnav finally bursts into a fit of giggles immediately at seeing the distraught expression on his parents faces and he leans forward and hugs his mother for a second and then pulls back still laughing and Reva asks confused – " ok...abhi...sach mein hamare bete ko kuch hogaya haina(something is surely wrong with our son)..why is he laughing this way????"

Abhimanyu shoots her a confused worried look to now and Arnav finally pauses on his laughter holding onto his stomach a little and he finally asks looking at his parents – "you want to know why I am laughing??"

They nod at him puzzled.

He holds onto his mother hand and walks them both to the sofa to where his father was seated and gestures his mother to get on the seat now and Reva does so puzzled and Arnav finally kneels in front of them pausing on his giggles and he holds both his parents hands into his and he says finally looking at them sincerely – " im laughing my mind out mom..dad...because...woh khushi hi to hai..as in my special some one .....its her only..khushi.... we have been together since end of April officialy as a couple...she is my special someone...."

That shocks and surprises the nightlights out of Reva and Abhimanyu's mind and Reva feels like she's onto a daze of another level unable to digest this out of happiness and she puts her hand on Arnavs shoulders instantly as she asks sure that he could read the overwhelmed happy emotions on her face – " kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa? Whattttttttt?? What did you just sayyyyy????????? Your special someone is khushi????? Our khushi? As in rahul's junior khushi? Sagar and nisha's daughter..our little hit girlll??????? Khushi?????"

Abhimanyu's expressions are also completely dazed and surprised as he looks at Reva in a happy disbelief and then at Arnav again and asks – " arnav...did you just say what we heard...please reconfirm before both your mom and me faint in a collective happinesss....."

Arnav nods happily sure his parents could now read the happy emotions in his eyes and he puts his head into his mother's lap and admits – " mom, dad....yes...its her...Khushi...its always been Khushi..she struck a chord deep within my heart ever since I first met her on that night by chance under the trent bridge by chance...mom...bahut pyaar karta hun mein usko(I love her wway too deeply)...and I am so lucky that she feels the same...she makes me the happiest man on this planet mom..dad..she truly makes me feel the love I had never thought I would ever experience..."

Reva looks in a overwhelmed happy daze at Abhimanyu, unable to still process the information that their son was telling them – for until a while ago the possibility of this happening had seemed like afar etched dream to her and now to hear Arnav tell them that this was exactly what was happening in the background as well – had surely overwhelmed Abhimanyu and Reva way too happily and Reva asks a little puzzled brushing her hand through her sons hair lovingly – " but beta...the two of you have always been so formal in front of us all...how have you been keeping this up and why???"

Arnav looks up now and bites back his grin and says – " Mom..we had to keep this a secret for khushi's sake obviously...you know how it is..also because she is so young its natural for Sagar uncle to freak out a little...also I wanted to build a bond with him because obviously my very public past with pia wasn't going to go down well with any father if they hadn't known me on a personal note for a while...,"

Abhimanyu nods – " well yes...I get what you mean son..but wait..you did say you met her under the trent bridge by chance? What does that mean?did you not meet her for the first time when Anjali and Rahul introduced you two to each other in Nottingham???"

Arnav shakes his head now happily – " oh nooo...when I first met her.. it totally felt like a fortunate stroke of serendipity indeed..and the next day ehen anj actually introduced her to me as Rahul's sister..i couldn't believe my luck...,"and he now continues to give his parents a brief highlights of how they met prior an hit it off had been in touch ever since..and that he eventually confessed to her by the nd of April and they had been together ever since and he also goes onto explain the various reasons as to why they just wanted to keep it undercover and Abhimanyu and Reva hear him put patiently and minutes later Arnav finishes with – " And Mom infact...just this afternoon Khushi and me decided that we would talk to you all in Jan atleast as in tell you all about us so that we didn't have to pretend in front of our inside circle atleast...,"and he goes onto fill them over what they had planned and Reva asks in dazeeee again after listening to it all – " I can't believe Akash was also in with the two of you on all this pretend time...beta.,"and she now hugs Arnav way happily as she says in glee – " tahnk you thank you thank you beta...thank yiu for telling us this right now...I cant tell you how happy I am son..."

Abhimanyu joins in on them on the hug as he adds smiling – " how happy we both are for you son...,"and Arnav hugs his parents happily too and Reva pulls back as she asks – " but wait..what now?????? arnav beta...im dying to hug khushi...and tell her that I am so happy...but please don't you ask me to prtend as if I don't know still..its going to be so difficult for me...."

Arnav looks at his mother apologetically as he says - " mom thoda pretend aapko karna padega(mom you will have to pretend a little) since Sagar uncle and Nisha aunty don't know yet..also we need to tell Rahul and Anjali first...its our wedding gift to them.."

Abhimanyu grins now – " this is the perfect gift for us too son....perfect.."

Reva says excited next – " acha ok..ill pretend..but you tell me are you both very serious??? As in..do I think that maybe..in the future you will both be ready to formalise things or something????," and she looks at Abhimanyu excited as she says – " abhi...if it were upto me..i'd have their roka done tomorrow only.."

Arnav chuckles at that as he says honestly askinghis parents to take their seat back next and he says – " mom, dad... if it were upto me..id have gone down on my one knee in front of khushi yesterday at the engagement ceremony itself...and I am more than ready to marry her on the drop of a hat..but mom..dad..i think ill have to wait to formalise things...as in..she needs time..i am 28 now...but she's just 21 mom..im sure getting their daughter married at 21 is also not on Sagar uncle and Nisha auntys mind...right? remember how dad freaked out momentarily at the thought of Anjali getting married at 25???"

Abhimanyu nods and he says next deep in thought – " well yes son..you are right about that..," and he looks at Reva and says – " reva we have to be very careful about this..as in we most definitely need to be patient...Arnav is right...for khushi's sake..we have to be.."

Reva nods as she says – " ohhh yes...I understand..well im just happy that the two of you are going to be talking out soon about it to Sagar,Nisha and rahul will soon know too...maybe until then I can just be happy over the fact that I am now going to be a part in this secret anyway..but can I atleast acknowledge this in front of Khushi like in secrecy..??????"

Arnav says now – " mom..dont do naything until I signal you too alright? im going to talk to khushi in a ehile..im in two minds if I should tell her about our this conversation at the moment..she was so excited to tell Rahul and Anjali first..maybe I will tell her after we tell Rahul and Anjali and you can acknowledge after..."

Reva nods and she hugs Arnav again happily and she says – " I am so so so happy for you beta...," but she now pulls his ear lovingly and says – " but beta..if you don't want your bua or mami to catch onto this too like I did...you better be subtle in your staring...alright???????"

Arnav chuckles happily at that and nods sheepishly and says – " yesss..ill be subtle mom...,"and abhimanyu chuckles at the sight too and he says happily – " reva..you do know you are just pulling the ears of the captain of the Indian cricket team like you would when he was his eight year old self breaking the windows of the house by smashing balls with his bat into our windows left right and center all the time...."

They all share a happy laugh at that and Reva hugs Arnav happily and says – " mera lie toh mera beta rahega na...hamesha..hota rahe captain Indian cricket team ka(but he will always be my son..so what if he is the captain of the Indian cricket team)"

Arnav hugs Reva happily as he says – " yes mom..ill always be your son..no matter what..."

Reva hugs him too and then looks at Abhi and says – " im so happy right now abhi..my heart could burst..anjali is getting married..akash is happy with payal..his roka also we are planning to do around Holi now...and now Arnav and Khushi..what more can I ask God for...,"and abhimanyu nods at her and says happily – " yes Reva..i know..exactly what you mean..."

Reva getsures Arnav to come into a group hug again and he does so very Happily – content and happy with the fact that he had just shared the most important news of his life with his parents for the happiness that he could see shining on their faces was Priceless to his eyes – Indeed.

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

Meanwhile – in Khushi's ROOM

1:45 AM

Khushi's POV

Ahhhhhhhhh.

Guysssssssssssssssssssss.

I am most surelyyy going to be wearing My Sneakers under my mehendi outfit tomorrow yaa...as in all this intense Dancing in my heels has surely left my dear feet feeling all soreeee at the moment.

I am in the middle of applying some moisturiser on the areas which feel like a little sore on my feet – as I am waiting for Arnav – obviously. We were all hanging and chilling in Bhai's suite after the function when Reva aunty called him over for a little talk about forty five minutes ago.He did text me as he left that he would come back soon and meet me here in privacy obviously straight out. I am in two minds whether to text him again or not as in what If they are busy talking still or something???Because he hasn't replied to my earlier text yet – which I sent him about twenty minutes ago to tell him that we all retired for the night as well and I am in the room now.

Also guys – yes know what? I am still in my formal outfit that I had on for the Sangeet+ Cocktail function – all because Arnav obviously wanted to take this off me tonight as well and he made that very clear on text during the function just like yesterday and even though everyone had changed and then caught up in bhai's suite after the function including Arnav too – I kind of just didn't change and told everyone that I was only like super comfortable in my outfit and would do so later – and this obviously made Arnav bite back his grin – insane. Also thankfully – Jess accompanied me and continued to be in the formal outfit too.

On that Note – Jess was also complaining of her feet being all Sore from all the dancing in the Heels and since this cooling moisturiser seems to be helping me I think ill just go over to her room to give it to her as well and also give her – her charger that she left here in my room whilst we were getting ready and she had her phone up on charge.

Yeah.

Lets do that quickly until Arnav texts/comes over.

I pick up her charger outta the plug and hold the moisturiser bottle In my hand and walk out my room all bare feet on the cozy carpeted floor and make my way down the carpeted spiral staircase on this Tower area of the Hotel to head down to Jess's room.

Guys since this is a Tower Block and there are these cozy four rooms on every spiral form of a floor - Jess's room is below mine and Arnav is below's hers and then its Akash's.

I am all happily humming as I am making my way to Jess room – I mean the peppy energy from the Sangeet+ Cocktail is still lingering on.And just as I near her room – I kind of hear her angry voice come through now as I do spot the door a little open too – " Vikram..what the hell..how could you just keep such a huge thing from me??? tell meee???"

I hear Vikram voice – " Jess...cmon...just hear me out..first..please.."

Ok.

I pause in my tracks outside the door beside the wall.

Wrong Timing.

I guess ill just go back up – its obviously rude to eaves drop on a couple in the middle of their moments. Jess will talk to me about this tomorrow herself maybe – as in just incase Vikram and her have a little fight or something.

And just as I am about to make my way back I hear Jess's angry voice come through again – " whats there to listen Vikram..tell me..what reason do you have for hiding the fact from me that Hridhaan is madly in love with Khushi haan????? As in if I hadn't heard you and hridhaan talking about it in the middle of the party as you asked him hoe he was holding up..i would have never freaking known...do you have any idea how difficult it was for me to put a straight face in front of Khushi until now...because I obviously wanted to hear you out first..."

I FREEZE – INSTANTLY – IN MY TRACKS.

WHAT DID I JUST HEAR???????????

DID I HEAR JESS RIGHT?

HRIDHAAN IS IN LOVE WITH MEEEEEEEEEEE????????????????????

I hear Vikrams rushed voice come through – " this is exactly why I wasn't telling you jess..look you cannot tell Khushi all right...we all know her...she is going to get way to disturbed..she will take it on herself as if she's hurt Hrihdaan unknowingly..."

I continue to stay frozen in my spot as my Dear eyes now well up on their own Accord as well.

Dear Heart /Mind/Ears/Eyes – Did I Just Hear them right???????

I get no reply from my Insides because they are stunned and shaken and too shocked. A Line of tears leave my eyes on reflex.

And I feel so disturbed all of a Sudden for sure.

Did I ever do something to lead Hridhaan on – unknowningly or something?

Did I ever????????????

I hear Jess say all rushed too – " what the hell ya Vikram..you know I wont be able to keep such a huge thing from her...she needs to know..."

Tears leave my eyes Now on their own reflex. I hate to be the cause of hurt to anyone be it unknowingly or unintentionally and hearing this at the moment makes me feel like – Shit Guilty and Disturbed for it feels like I'v surely caused Hridhaan a lot of hurt unknowingly.

I hear Vikram's voice next - " really Jess? Whats the point though? why do you want to tell her when you know she wont be able to handle it without feeling guilty in the process...or disturbed...know what even if you want to tell her..atleast postpone it to happen after the wedding..do you want to spoil her mood now in the middle of her brothers wedding festivities??shes been having too much on her plate anyway..she doesn't need this right now...you know that..."

I hear Jess sigh – " well yes...vikram you are right about that...but I will tell her...for sure..but maybe after we are back to India...okay??"

Its right then it Hits me.

Arnav.

I need to tell him about this.

He needs to know this right now.

I need to talk to him.

I can't keep this from him – obviously.I promised him – No Filters right? I most definitely could not keep something as huge as this from Him.

I wipe my tears hurriedly sure that my face was all pale and disturbed and I rush away from Jess's floor and make my way down the spiral carpeted floor next towards Arnav's floor just hoping he is heading back here too. I am sure there's no one else going to be here near our block too at this point in time – Only Akash is there on the ground floor of this Tower.

As I am rushing down the stairs – I'm only wiping my tears continuously feeling all disturbed and worried not just for Hridhaan but also over the fact how was Arnav going to react to this. I mean I don't know how would I react if Arnav told me that he knew someone else close in his friend circle – who loved him.

I mean I know he trusts me – Insanely.

But Still.

It is right then just as I am getting of the last step onto Arnav's cornered spiral floor – I see him smiling to himself as he's making his way up the staircase as well from below to his room and he spots me instantly and his smile gets wiped off as he's seen me crying proufusely and he's instantly by my side as he cups my face and asks worriedly – " Sparkle....whats wrong??? Why are you crying this way???, "and he wipes my tears away and says worriedly – "I was just coming up to you..was just about to text you too dammit...talk to me please..."

And I can't stop crying as I clutch onto his wrist and I say brokenly sure he could sense the disturbance in my voice – " I ..was..coming to fin..d...you...arnav..i..."

And Arnav instantly takes my hand now and walks the dazed me alongside him to his room upfront quick opens it up and I walk in behind him all dazed and shocked not knowing how to word this out to him even though I want too and he closes the door shut instantly and engulfs me into an instant hug and asks worriedly brushing my hair at the back of my head – "Sparkle...please dammit..talk to me..dont cry this way all silently dazed...whats wrong??????? Don't do this to me pleaseeeee...."

I just hug him hard as I say clutching onto his sweatshirt in my fist over his heart with my eyes shut letting it all out in a rush – " I just overheard jess and Vikram talking...th..eyy...d..o..nt...k..no..ww...that I h..ea..rd..them..or something....but....,"and he tightens his hold on me and asks worried – " but what? what did you hear Sparkle?????"

I hug him harder and I say , feeling fresh tears ooze out my eyes – "I heard th..at...hri...dha...an is in love wi..th me...arn...av..and I a..m cryi..ng ..thi..s w..ay...because I feel like all shit... guilty and ...disturbed about the same obviously....."

I feel Arnav sigh as he hugs me harder and he kisses my head softly and he whispers – " godammit...I never wanted you to find this out this way Sparkle.....i knew it was going to disturb you insanely..."

Wait.

What??????????????????????????

What exactly does he mean by that??????

Why does he not sound like Shocked or Surprisedddddddddddddd?????

Did he just say – what he did????????????

Did he just say – "Godammit...I never wanted you to find this out this way Sparkle.....i knew it was going to disturb you insanely..."

Which could only Mean One Thing – That He Knewwwwwwwwww.

He Kneww and He didn't Tell Me????????

I hear Dear Heart and Mind say in a Stunned Disbelief Conclusion too – Yes..K....we guess he knew...he totally knew..Ouchh.That.but we think he did this for your own good..you know he can't see you disturbed..he knew you would be..

Yes I know that dear Insides.But still – I can't help what I feel at the Moment. And you know I feel – Hurt.

I feel myself freeze again on reflex – and this time around for the first time – within the circle of Arnav's arms - in not a good way. I feel so hurt and shaken and way too disturbed at the moment as I process this possibility in over and over again – that He Knew and he Didn't tell Me.

What Happened to Our - NO Filters? – Bit of our Promissory Summon?????????

I pull back instantly now and I look into his worried eyes and ask to reconfirm all shaken - hoping desperately that he'd say No – and all this Hurt that I was feeling at the moment would go away – " you knew????????????????? Arnav??? You knew about this?????? Why does it feel like you aren't shocked or surprised because you knew?????????????,"and the instant worried look with a dash of guilt that engulfs his eyes tell me that I was right in my presumption and I step back now in my footsteps from him as I say in part disbelief again – " you knew..you most surely knew...and you did not tell me???????? you hid this from me???? and how do you even know this????????????"

Arnav instantly leaps forward and is about to pull me in his arms again but I gesture him to stop at the moment as I ask shaken in disbeleif – " answer me please...I need to know...since when do you even know this? And how????"

Even though I am crying profusely I can see the shock go through his eyes as I don't let him hug me at the moment and just as he is about to say something - I instantly feel a fresh ounce of tears leave my eyes and I feel the need of wanting to just be alone for a while to compose my self through, and I say shaken now -stepping back backwards towards the door– " I need to go...I need to go right now...," and I turn around in my steps instantly and open the door to his room which he shuts back by leaping his arm forward instantly and instantly hugs me from behind wrapping his arms around my waist tight all possessively and he whispers rushed andd urgently all worried – " no...dammit....you aren't going anywhere...Sparkle...I can't let you walk out right now..please... not before you hear me out..please...meri baat suno.."

And I clutch onto his arms around me and whisper brokenly through my tears all honestly – " I will...I will hear you out obviously Arnav..b..u..t...ju..st no..t righ...t now...I need so..mmee..timm..ee maybe about thirty minutes or so to..justt..t..o..co..mpo..se myself...for at the moment as all of my insides are in a state of collective shut down I don't know what do I feel more ..gu..ilt beca..use I have probab..ly caused hridhaan so much hurt unknowing..ly or hurt over the fact...that you knew...and you didn't tell me...,"and I turn around for a second to look at his worried face and I was sure that he could see the hurt in my eyes and I whisper brokenly – " give me time to process the fact that...you hid something this huge from me...despite know...ing..that I can't take any filters in between of us and yet..yo..u.....,"and before he could even say anything next or stop me from staying put in my spot – I take channelise the athlectic self that I was and turn around – open the door to his room in a swish and run out and up towards my room at the speed of light – as tears continue to leave my eyes.

For even though a part of me knows that he probably hid this from me for my own Good – I can't help but feel all this Hurt as I Digest/Process the Fact that – He knows very Well that I can't stand any Filters in between of US and Yet?

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TADAAAAA!!!!!

How was the Update Guysssss?? Wink wink..

Also I hope the added pictures and media regarding the Sangeet – helped enhance the Reading Experience Nonetheless.

Next Update : Tomorrow .

Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support as alwayssssssssssssssssss.

Much Love.

Always.

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