ARSHI FF - HIT WICKET MY HEART 3.0 - Take 44-Pg.51(10.5.22) - Page 12

Hellooooo Guysssssssss....

Hope you and your family all are Safe and Sound amidst the rising Covid Tsunami in India. Stay in and Stay Safe – Guysss!!🙏🙏🙏🙏

So Yup here I am with the next update off HW3.0...and the first update off the week😉😉😉🤗🤗❤❤

Word Count – Medium–Length - 6.3K Words.✍✍👩‍💻👩‍💻

And yes – once again – I want to dedicate this Update to my Love for the Sport. 🏏🏏🏏🏏🏏It's Hit Wicket guys – I obviously am going to write our some intense gaming moments in between.So - I welcome you all to witness the final T20 decider match of the Tour – through my Words!! I hope you all able to feel the gaming thrill through. I really enjoyed penning out my imagination of this particular match. Also tried my best to capture the thrill in my words by going back forth in between commentary and live game on pitch – this time around.So I hope you all enjoy it!!!!!!!!!!!

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

‍💻

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

And I shall now let you all dive in without Further Delay.

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TAKE 19 – Smashed

Two More Days Later

5th April, 2019

8:30 PM – At the Oval, London

The Final T20 Match, which is also the Decider and the last game of India in its long tour of England is currently underway at the Oval – London.The Stadium is jamm packed with cricketing fans not only in support of England but also India. It could be aptly said – that the percentage of India Vs England fans in the crowd was – 50:50. Every cricket fan in England who was not present in the stadium was glued to their respective screens otherwise – just like every Indian cricket fan and enthusiast along with the players friends and families was still wide awake in India even though it was nearing 1:00 AM in the night for them(due to the time difference) – watching the game upon screen for the conclusive result of the Series with just one thing on their Mind. Which off the two teams was going to walk away with winning – Two Series Out of the Three – on this Bilateral International Tour – in between of India and England??

Precontext : Today - England had won the Toss and chose to Bat first. And they had managed to put up a daunting score off 224/8 wickets in their 20 overs. India's bowlers had taken regular wickets in intervals but then England had answered back competitively with the bat in the form of pivotal partnerships. India's ace pacer (Daksh) had clinched – 3 wickets. Another one of India's Vintage pacer – Sherma had clinched – 2 wickets. And India's premier bowling all-rounder – ASR- with his lethal mix of spin+ pace – had managed to clinch 3 wickets too. But these were just the wicket figures. Given the merciless hitting T20 format of the game – each of these bowlers along with the rest of the bowlers in the unit had been hit away for runs too. The England unit had swung their bats hard today – given that they were fighting for more than just the Win – at their home ground. They wanted to clinch the T20 series - Bad. It would be a good way for them to finish the Tour with 2 Series Win in the Limited overs format – both ODI's and T20's.

But – that's what makes the gaming contest more fun – isn't it? When Two Teams – want that Win – as Bad – totally driven by their passion and commitment to their game. And this undying passionate spirit of cricket once again – was the factor that was the driving force behind the thrilling game spectacle that was underway right now on the field.

For Even though the score had been daunting on the score-board to chase down in the decider game – India had come padded to the crease with the positive conviction that they could chase the 225 runs to victory – Indeed. For it was always that belief that mattered. That belief that the game was never over until it's actually over until that last very ball - as guided by their Coaches, and Skipper in the Pep talk before the second innings began. This was It – for India too. They had won the Test Series to start with but they had lost out in nail biting thrilling games in the ODI series. For them as a unit – it was also about giving it their very best and very all on the field today.

And that was the very mission – they had been/have been in the middle of executing off in the field as a unit. They had started well in the Powerplay with both their openers Sameer and Raunak taking turns on either ends to power and fire India to the exact start they needed. India's score to start with was 40 runs in 4 overs. However, the first setback for them came immediately then as Sameer fell to a brilliant stumping by the England wicket keeper in the very next ball. India's score then was – 40/1 – in 4.1 overs.

Raunak had scored – 20 runs too till that point.Sameer had just lost his wicket after scoring 20 runs too. In came in – India's deputy(Vice -Captain) – Ved next. His determined, focussed and positively aggressively approach along with Raunak in steering the innings through – kind off steered and cemented the Innings positively for India – as they built a partnership together that was starting to worry England on the other end.

Raunak and Ved batted brilliantly for a partnership stand off about 100 runs in which Raunak had contributed about 40 more runs from his end and Ved had contributed about 60 runs. India was looking pretty much in control of the innings at that point as they were 140/1 – in 12 overs.

Runboard until that Point was –

Sameer – 20 runs – Out

Raunak – 60 runs - Batting

Ved – 60 runs- Batting

However, the setback for the Indian unit in the game came in the very next over as England's ace pacer clinched wickets of both Raunak, Yuvaan and Ved in the next three balls in some killer reverse swings delivery's. Raunak lost his wicket first after which Yuvaan went in to Bat.Yuvaan got clean bowled in the very first delivery. In went in Captain Dev next and he took a successful single to start with and just when everyone in the stands was in the hope of seeing Skipper and his Deputy play in tandem – Ved lost his wicket in a catch out at Long Off.So as India lost three wickets back-to-back in that over - all of a sudden – all of India's fans in the stadium – went all silent and Hush in their Momentum for they could obviously sense by England's thrill and happiness in the moment that – they had managed to steer themselves back in the game.

Scoreboard for India then – 142/4 in 13 Overs.They were still 83 runs away from victory with 42 balls remaining.The required run rate – almost double. Which also meant that India could not afford to risk picking their foot up from the run accelerator mode too.They had to keep scoring steadily yet aggressively.

Which was exactly what Captain Dev and their young new promising batsmen – Rishi did in the next two overs. Cap anchored Rishi on the other end and kept on rotating in the strike – just edging on Rishi to play fearlessly and freely with his natural game – a strategy which worked for Rishi immense in his mind because of the way his Skipper had shown faith in him game in such a crucial point of the match. Off fired – Rishi's bat – in the next two overs – along with a couple of singles and boundaries with his Skipper. Rishi had already fired 3 fours and 2 sixes – in the mere 8 balls he had faced – and had scored 26 runs in just 8 balls. Cap was steadying in through slowly by rotating the strike and had fired a boundary for 4 through too. He was on 8 runs. Rishi on 26 runs – by the end off the 15th over – pushing India's total too – 176/4 – 15 overs.

India still needed – 49 runs to win in 30 balls– which is why it could be aptly said that the situation in the Gaming Scene on the 22 Yards at the Oval London – once again – was completely taut and tense – for either of the sides, given that it could still be anybody's game – still. India still had some fire hitting power to come in the form of their bowling all-rounder ASR next – but England's consistency in death bowling had also been commendable throughout.

The gaming tension and nerves had consumed not only the England players on field at the moment or their support team and fans in the pavilion – but also the playing squad of the Indian team in the Dug Outs plus their support units/fans.

Either way – for the Sport of Cricket – it could be rightly said that – The NailBiting Thriller Game was On and How!!!For Everyone at the Oval(who was off the ground) was on the edge of their seats in sheer gaming anticipation – Indeed.

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

Few Minutes Later

In The Dug Out

Arnav's POV

"Dropppp It...Droppppppppppppppp...it...,"are the words that leave each off our's mouth instantly in our dug out as we eye the ball flying towards – Long On – off Rishi's bat as he fired out a potential Sixer.

We are all – also on our feet – all consumed in immense gaming momentum.

Only obvious.

It's a freaking important moment in the game for us. Rishi has been playing with such great momentum. We just finished the strategic timeout. Cap had called for it in the middle as in at the point of 15.3 Overs – after two singles and another Four of Rishi's bat taking his score upto 31 in just the 10 balls he had faced.

Our score then was – 182/4 – still 43 runs away from victory. We obviously wanted Rishi to keep going. It was what we all discussed in the time-out too. But unfortunately – the fact that the bowler on the other end took his pace off the delivery ended up taking Rishi by surprise for he seems to have mistimed that hit – straight into the hands of the fielder at Long On.

We all groan in disappointment as the Umpire signals Out – Now - after checking up on the screen for a Clean Catch. I rotate my bat in my hand and adjust my helmet on my Head – snug – and get my gloves all fixed in snug too. I go in Next to join Cap – and I was obviously waiting in the dugout – all padded Up. But given that Cap is on the non-striker's end – I will have to head to the batter's crease.

We are now – 182/5 in 15.4 overs. (43 runs to win in 26 balls)

Ved pats my arm now as he says nodding determined and positive – "go on then..brother..it's on you and Cap now...you noticed what their pacer did out there didn't you? He took his pace off from fast to medium – to surprise Rishi trapping him into mistiming it...it's a good thing you can think from the bowlers head too...you know exactly what to do...let's do this..brother...we can do this...all the best..I am counting on you to smash those balls off...."

I nod at him determined – "yes...we can do it..Ved...thanks brother for the belief...I will give it my all...,"and I pat his arm and I spot Daksh padding up next now in the side-line and he nods at me determined too.

And I begin to walk my way across and I cross Rishi whose walking back dejected and disappointed with himself with his head bent down and I pause on reflex in my stride ahead and I pat his arm and hug him as I say – " Chin up..brother...you did yourself and us - proud with that fire..power...31 runs...in 10 balls ...it was exactly what we needed...."

He's one of the youngest in our squads and I obviously know what moments like these can do to one's morale when one's just starting out. He pats my arm and pulls back and gives me a little smile – "see it through for us ASR...mere bhai...please...along with Skip..or else...I won't get any sleep tonight...that shot was my bad..I mistimed it...his sudden change in pace got the better off me..."

I nod at him and pat his arm – "you did your best Rishi...that's what matters...don't worry...I will give it my all."

Rishi pats my arm and we share a determined smile and I walk ahead to join Cap – determined – rotating my bat in my hand and hopping on my feet in the process.

Once I near the pitch – Cap comes up to me adjusting his helmet snug and he says deep in thought – "the bowler knows you bowl medium pace..brother...and probably know how to tackle it too with the bat...he won't be shooting that out at you next..for sure..."

I nod at Cap adjusting my helmet snug as I study the bowlers body language from across as he is in conversation with his Skipper and I say to Cap now after a couple of seconds backing my gut – " my thoughts exactly..Skip...he won't bowl me the cutter..I think...he's going to go in for the paced bouncers or swingers at the fast pace for the next couple of deliveries...Skip...my gut tells me that...I think I am going to just block and defend him for the next two balls..he's been dangerous for us...given that he got all three of our wickets in that over ...prior.... it's his last over..let's just bowl him out...I know it will be a waste of 1 or 2 balls...but I would not want to risk mistiming/mishitting the bouncer leading to a catch out..again...not at this point...what say Skip? Either I block or defend this first delivery. Or I do a single...but I do need atleast one delivery to see and gauge the pace with which he's going to bowl at me..."

Skip nods determined and we punch our gloves – " yes...let's bowl him out...defend...this next one for sure then see how you wana go about the next...either ways...keep your wicket..intact...and just focus on your task at hand..brother...they might sledge you from around..don't fall for it...k?we just gotta go hard at them...nonetheless...no other choice at the moment...we still have those 43 runs to chase..we have to keep smashing those balls towards the boundaries..on and off...just take these two balls..if you need...to get yourself ready..to grab the bulls by its horns – after...you can do this...we can do this...we will do this..."

I nod at him and grin all positive and determined – "thank you Skip..we can do this...indeed..let's do this..together..," and we share a fist pump again and I get back to the Crease at Strikers End and take my Stance and get set to face the first ball my way channelising my Focus – Determined.

Yup.

Cap is right. We gotta go hard back – at them – nonetheless. For we have no other choice/option – at the moment – Indeed.

I just gotta block this one delivery to just acclimatize myself on the pitch and get set to Smash and Swing my Bat after.

Was I ready to Grab the Gaming Bull by its Horns?

Hell Yeah.

I was.

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A Couple of Minutes Later

Commentator 1 – "It'ssss a Sixxxx! Oh Yes – It Is! There's no doubt on that one.A gutsy shot to fire up on the very second ball to be faced for the day and that too off the pacer whose got 4 wickets out of the five India's lost tonight – until this point.A Cheeky Bold Shot – Indeed. Blimey...Goodness Me...I told you mate..it can never be over for India..until the man with the platinum arm ASR is out on the crease with his Skipper."

Commentator 2 - "That was a mind-boggling Sixer indeed. The beauty of successful uppercuts never fails to amaze me mate. Anyways – ladies and gentleman – there we go ASR has just fired his first Six on the second ball he faced today...India is now 188/5 in 16 overs. 37 runs away from Victory. The bowlers absolutely gutted himself though.He can't believe the end of his amazingly controlled spell – landed with a Sixer for India. He should have known that ASR read the trick of the pace and line through his bouncer in the previous delivery which is why he defended it – first resulting in a Dot. Why try the same fast pace with the swinger again? He should have gone in for the good old yorker – aiming for his Stumps instead – in my opinion. Either way what's done is done – the equation is not going to change. India needs 37 runs in 24 balls.Possible for them??"

Commentator 1 – "Well anything is possible to my head for India - until those two are there on the crease right now – in my opinion.How often have we seen ASR partner with his Skipper to take India home to victory through troubled waters – a reason why these two are so strong in that middle/lower order for India. England's worried. They know what these two can do. They absolutely need to take one of these wickets if they want any chance at Victory tonight.."

Commentator 2 – "Yes...indeed...wait..the bowlers getting set to ball...Last four overs and we still don't know whose going to win...I bloody love the thrill of this game.."

Commentator 1 – "And I couldn't agree more..."

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On Pitch – Towards the End of the Next Over

Arnav's POV

I walk up to Cap a tad bit worried as I ask – "what do you think Cap? were you safe??"

Cap shakes his head in a No disappointed – "no brother...I think my foot was just a nano inch away from the crease...he's stumped me...successfully..."

I take a deep breath and I pat his arm in support – " and this is one of those rare occasions I hope – you are wrong Skip..let's wait for them to roll and check on screen.."

So as the over changed – Cap had to face the next bowler from the other end. We'd taken a successful double in the first ball after which Cap had just fired up two killer drives back-to-back in 4's. In the first three balls of the over we had managed to score 10 runs for the team. But the fourth ball the bowler bowled – caught Cap by surprise as he stepped out of the crease with the aim of timing his shot prior. But the ball went to the hands of the England Wicket Keeper and he just leaped in with his Stumping – even though Cap was uber fast with his reflexes to get his foot back in.

I really Hope – he's got his Foot In.

Nope.

He hasn't though.

The Umpire's just signalled - OUT. Caps out on his 20 runs.

The Crowd in the stadium with the England Fans erupts. I just Mute – Mode the Sound off from around in my head – as usual. It's what we all do – either way – in the middle of the game in a vital moment always so that it does not play with our focus.

Skip sighs now as he takes off his helmet – "can't believe I fell to a Stumping..I love it when I pull off a Stumping..and I simply hate it when I fall for it myself.."

198/6 in 16.4 Overs. (We still need 27 runs to win in 20 balls)

I pat his arm in support as I say – " Skip..c'mon...don't...be harsh on yourself..."

He nods and pats my arm – " yeah...I gotta credit him for pulling it off in a jiffy...anyways...you got to take this through brother...Daksh will come in next to join you – ask him to take that single if possible..and then you take another single before the over ends so that you face the first ball of the next over..."

I nod at Skip – " yes..Skip...will give it my best..."

He nods and walks away and I take a second to readjust my Helmet on my Head. I have just faced two balls until this point. Thank God – one of them landed in the stands in a Six.

I readjust my gloves on hand and walk upto Daksh as he's headed to the other side and he nods at me determined – "either defend..or a single.."

I nod at him and I study the body language of the bowler again.It's a really good thing on moments like these that bowling's the first love of my Life for it lets me dive into and perceive the game from the other side(bowler's) point of view. I whisper backing my gut again – "he is changing his run up.. I think he wants to trap you LBW Daksh...do not fall for it...manipulate your footwork..k?"

He nods and we pump fist our gloves and head back to our respective creases.

As anticipated – the bowler bowls the next ball in with the aim to trap Daksh in an LBW but given that he was ready in his head to tackle the position he quickly manages his footwork accordingly and fires a quick shot nearby too mid -off and calls for a single.

I run as fast as I can – Obviously.

Once I make it back to the Crease at the Strikers end successfully – I gesture a Thumbs Up back to Daksh – keeping my eye on the Task up Ahead.

26 runs away from Victory. In 19 balls.

Yeah.

We could do this.

We will do This.

It's time to grab the Gaming Bulls – by its Horns.

Oh Yes it – Is. And I'd be dammed if I let this opportunity go.

But we need to see our way around it Strategically. I will only go for the boundaries when I am comfortable with our position in the game.

Which is why I just hit the next ball in a comfortable single and cross my way across to the Crease – Determined and Positive.

200/6 – in 17 Overs

25 runs needed to win in 18 Balls.

Daksh walks up to me now in the little pause in between as the over changes and he says patting my arm – "it's still going to be express pace from the other end..Arnav..just knew it their Skip is going to send him in right now...it's his last over too...he's been commendable in the death for England..as always..."

I nod at him as I observe the England Skipper hand in the ball to their other vintage pacer for this third last over. I whisper – " I know...we need to score..still Daksh...no dots..let's aim for doubles... let's not hit boundaries...either ways we just need to keep that scoreboard ticking...lets just run hard – hit the ball enough to get us those cheeky runs in between....even if we get Eight runs this over it will be good...we can pull off 17 in the last Two Overs.."

Daksh nods at me and we punch our gloves again and I get set to Play – On Crease.

Bring It ON.

I want to play this Over steadily with singles and doubles so that the opposition thinks that's exactly how I aim to see the game through in the penultimate over after!They will probably also bring a couple off fielders in from the boundaries after picking on this tactic in the hope for quick run outs or catch outs in the 30-yards circle of mid off's.

Which would be Good.Very Good.

Why? Because that's exactly what I want.

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A Couple of Minutes Later – By the End of the Over

Commentator 1 – "What a brilliant move by the India bowlers. They knew they couldn't risk boundaries this over which is why they aimed for those doubles and singles to keep the Scoreboard running for them. There you go ladies and gentleman – gaming tactics and strategy on full display on field right now. Gotta appreciate both the sides for holding onto their calm - nonetheless. India's scored 3 doubles and 2 singles this over. And one was a Dot. They are 208/6 in 18 overs.They need 17 runs in the next 12 balls. ASR is batting on 13 out of the 6 balls he's faced and Daksh is on 3..."

Commentator 2 – " Everyone in the Indian dug out is hopeful because they have the exact situation they wanted. They wanted ASR to cross over on the last ball so that he would face the first ball of the penultimate over. England's worried. All they want desperately is – ASR's wicket. Are they going to get it tonight? Or is ASR going to smash those balls through to victory for his team tonight? Let's see...the bowlers is getting in to ball the next ball."

Commentator 1 – " Blimeyyyyyyyyy!! Did ASR just pull off the most adacious switch hit sixer straight into the Stands??? Oh yes – he did. The Umpire signals a Six!The Indian fans in the crowds have gone beserk in celebration.Whats just happened? Just like that in the matter of a ball – India is now 11 runs away from victory.For that victory is needed in 11 balls.A very very comfortable equation. Is it slipping out of England's hand? Oh, I think it is..."

The commentator chatter for the next couple of minute continues until the next ball gets bowled in.ASR hits it again

Commentator 2 – "Ohhhh – there he goes again – the very same – audacious switch-hit sixer again – at the very same spot in the Stands. The Indian fans are on their feet in glee and they should be for given the way this man just hit those two back to back sixes – it could very well be over in the next ball for all they need is 5 runs in 10 balls.His mate – Daksh is having the time of his life on the other end smiling to himself. He has the best seat in the house. I reckon that's what he's telling ASR in the mid pitch talk right now. ASR is on 26 runs outta the 8 balls he's faced...Is he going to wait? Or is he going to Hit it through again?? and finish it off it Style??"

And just as they see the next ball get rolled In.

Commentator 1 – " Looks like its going to be the latter. For yes ladies and gentleman – ASR finishes things off for India in Style with that Sixer - Yes...Oh Yes. He Does.The Umpire signals 6! That was an audacious helicopter shot which is the signature of his Skipper.Bloody Brilliant. ASR's ecstatic.Absolutely thrilled with himself for pulling this off for his side tonight. He rightly should be.He finishes 32 runs not Out in 9 balls. 4 sixes.3 Doubles and Just Two singles.How commendable was the fire-power? Celebrations begin for India on the field as the players run out in sheer glee.I think ASR might just get toppled Over.Oh yes he is! Most of his team is on top of him – I wonder how he is breathing though?"

Commentator 2 – "A well-deserved celebration for the Indian unit indeed. Well but one's gotta feel gutted for England at the same time too.Mid Innings - They surely felt that 224 was enough. But it wasn't meant to be! India's ASR has sneaked a victory for his side out of the blue.In one moment – England thought he was going to keep aiming for doubles and singles to see the penultimate over through strategically again.The very second the England Skipper called in the fielders in and around the 30 yards to stop those in the hope of a run out or catch out at Mid Off's – ASR surprised them by smashing the ball in the Air straight into the stands – three times Over! Yeah.Smashed would be the right word.ASR's got the Indian fans/his team/ all pumped up and going beserk in celebrations cheering for that Smashing Victory! India clinches the T20 series with that. They go back home – with the Test and the T20 Series Win from this Long Tour of England that has been a thrilling spectacle off Nailbiting – Cricket...Indeed...."

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Twenty Minutes after the Game is Over

9:30 PM in the Stands

Khushi's POV

I fight back my Happy Tears with great difficulty yet again as I take in the sight off Arnav finishing off his little byte at the post match/series presentation in his usual grounded jovial mode.He's been awarded the – Game Changer of the Match Award – for his performance tonight! Given that he also took 3 wickets prior in the first innings and a couple of catch outs too! The post-match/series presentation continues.Arnav's just walked back to join the rest of his Team.The Happiness on his face right now is my Bliss.

Sheer Bliss.

Oops.

Again.

Everyone in our Unit – is absolutely Gutted. Though.

Only Obvious.

But Guys – do not even ask me – how my Heart was pumping in gaming tension – all throughout the last bits of the game ever since the very second Arnav went in to bat tonight. It was like my heart was contesting for High Jump – Olympics within my being in nerve-wrecking anticipation. And of course, given that everyone around me(except for Mum) was just hoping for him to get OUT otherwise – was what was adding more to my jitters!! I mean - You all saw – right? The game was such a thriller. Arnav totally surprised everyone with those back to back – three massive – Sixes.Everyone in the unit around me wouldn't stop groaning in disappointment – saying things like - Damm.Not ASR again.Why is he such a Game Changer etc etc.

Ofcourse it was crazy difficult for me to hold onto my Grin within then. I mean – if only I could tell them – that he isn't just a Game Changer. He's like a Super Catalyst that works as Life Changer too! Haha!

Anyways – So – do not even ask me – what's it taken off me – to cover up all that adrenaline rush within me after he smashed the winning Sixer though – for I surely have no words to relate the same.

But - guys know what? Ever since Arnav actually hit that winning sixer – I think – I'v totally spotted Mum biting back on her smile a couple of times too. Like she's totally pretending to be in that sombre gaming disappointed mood too! I think – deep down within - she is really happy for Arnav! Her casual conversation with Arnav the other day in the elevator seems to have totally put her on ASR's fan bus – for sure.

I bite back my chuckle now with great difficulty as I spot her giving me the look that says.Hun – I am trying to bite my smile here. Do not look at me like that – from across – right now.

I look away from her instantly.

Oh My God – Guyssssssssss- If Only – I could break into a Happy Dance standing amidst my support unit – like the rest of the Indian fans in the stadium right now!! Or wait – how about I get into it – nonetheless within the privacy of the washroom?

Yeah - that would be the Perfect Cover! I think there's still a couple of minutes until the post-series presentation finishes. India's victory lap around the stadium will only start after. I totally will be able to get back by then.

I gesture to Stace that I will be heading to the washroom and she nods.

On my way out – I bump into Mike as he's got his head dipped into the Work Phone and Tablet. (He returned this evening – prior to the game – in time for the Final Decider Match– and obviously I handed over everything back to him in these last couple of hours – which is why today – I actually had no work to focus on during the Game. I just enjoyed it as a spectator from the support unit dug out – because both Dawson Sir and Mike insisted that I still be here – tonight with the unit – given that I had filled in for Mike all this while.)

He looks up instantly and says patting my arm in gratitude – "once again Khushi – I owe you big time for this. If it hadn't been for you..."

I nod at him politely as the realisation immediately returns again – that this Tour was Now Over. It had been haunting me all throughout ever since the game began tonight – of course but I just forgot all about it in the Gaming Thrill and Happiness for Arnav over his amazing performance and India's victory.Now the realisation is back to clutch me tight. I pull up my best composed face and I answer politely – "Mike...please...don't thank me...ok? infact I should thank you – because I really did learn a lot work wise in the process – K?ill just see you in five? I need to freshen up??"

He nods at me and I rush to the washroom holding onto composure within.

Once I am in the privacy of my Stall – I do break into a little dance – but my twirl could only last about thirty seconds for this time around – I did have bittersweet tears consuming my eyes too which kind off blurred my vision and made me pause in my moment - momentarily.

Why?

Because as happy as I am for the love off my life professionally for ending this tour with a Bang for himself - Smashing his team to victory tonight – I can't help but feel my Insides feel this vulnerable – personally as it all just sinks in again.

The Date.

The Time.

The situation.

And every inch of me within personally just – begins to feel SMASHED on a different tangent altogether

This Tour is Over.

Finally - Over.

I wipe my line of tears that have now rolled down my cheeks on their own accord as I pick out my phone from my pocket.

Its 9:30 PM.

He leaves the Hotel tomorrow at 10 AM.

All I have – is a little over 12 Hours. Technically.

I dump my phone back in my pocket. Vulnerable emotions overtake and engulf me again and I bury my head in my hands as I lean back against the bathroom stall - fighting back my bittersweet sobs with great difficulty. I do wana be as discreet about my personal - meltdown.

Yeah. A personal – meltdown is exactly what I am in the middle off right now. For I can't seem to stop crying.I am crying. Hard. And not just lines of Tears. Fountains off It.

Or wait – make that Waterfalls Off it.

Or wait - maybe Niagara Falls would be a better aspect of analogy?

Either way - I think I just wana let the vulnerability flow. I'd rather cry about this in private than pull Arnav down with my Niagra Falls of Tears. I am going to try to be as Composed as I can about this in front off him. For I know seeing me vulnerable is going to make it worse for Him.

Yup– It's better to just Cry it Out here for a little while after which I'd just have to wash my face hard and head back in back into the Stands – acting like a Coconut.

Why back into the Stands?

Because even though everything within me personally feels–Smashed – right now – I do not want to miss the happy sight off the love of my Life – engaging in his Victory Laps with the Indian Flag and the trophy celebrations with his unit – tonight.

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Twenty-Five Minutes Later

On the Ground

ARNAV's POV

I bite back my happy chuckle as I finally stand up on my feet as we all finish the crazy in victory glee – posing with the Trophy photoshoot. I had lounged around the front on the ground with half the boys.

Raunak stands up at the same time as me too and we pull each other into a happy hug again and he says – " we won...we did it...we won...we..won..."

I chuckle at that as I say – " Raunak we are done with the victory lap and all the celebrations and we also just finished posing with the Trophy – you also got the player of the series award...given that you got the maximum runs this T20 series...has it not sunk in still??"

Raunak winks at me happily at that and he says – " ofcourse its sunk in mere bhai– I just can't stop stating it in glee over and over..."

We share a happy laugh at that and it is right then I feel Rishi jump at me from behind to my left side as he says in glee – "ASR...mere..bhai...thank you ...thank you...bacha liya aaj aapne...nai toh..mujhe...neend..hi...nai..aati...."( ASR...my bhai...you saved it for us...or else I wouldn't have been able to sleep tonight for sure...)

I grin – " bhai..ko thank you bolta hai??"( did you just thank your brother??)

He chuckles at that happily and says – " kya bataun...bhai..kya...achi neend aane wali hai aaj toh mujhe...aur wait...let's not sleep at all...full on party karenge...aur phir kal flight mein so jaayenge...waise bhi subah 10 baje toh nikalna hi haina airport ke liye"( what should I tell you brother? I am going to get some amazing sleep tonight. Or wait..lets not sleep at all..lets party all night and just catch up on sleep on the flight back – tomorrow. Anyways we have to leave the hotel at 10:00 am tomorrow morning to head to the airport.)

That from Him – freezes everything within Me – now that the tides off gaming excitement have settled to its Shore.

Yup.

It does.

It Totally Does.

I want to grin back and smile. I wana share a warm chuckle with Raunak and Rishi. But I Can't. Because it Hits. It finally hits that the moment I have been dumping at the back of my head personally- pushing it to the last very minute – is finally almost here at my Door to Face.

I am Leaving.

Tomorrow.

I probably just got about 12 hours with Khushi.

Dammit.

I think I might have Paled. Into a White Sheet that's just been washed fresh with the Popular Detergent – Tide!

Rishi asks puzzled – " bhai...aapko kya hua?ekdum se??chehre ka rang kyun utar gaya?"(bhai..what happened to you?? why have you paled??)

There you Go.

I have Paled.

Raunak shoots me a supportive smile. He knows what's it about obviously. I cover up with great difficulty now as I say to Rishi – " nothing...Rishi...ill just head back to the dressing room to freshen up first ??"

Rishi nods at me puzzled and I exchange a look with Raunak and he nods back in support and I gesture them both to get back to posing for a couple of informal pictures with the rest of the boys in smaller groups as they were still celebrating and once they nod at me and get to that - I finally begin to make my walk back to the dressing room picking up my – Game Changer of the Match Award in my hand from the side – feeling extremely vulnerable within.

Professionally – I had probably just ended this gaming tour of England with the exact Bang – I wanted to. But personally – now – as the realisation returns to engulf me that this tour was officially over - everything within me – was just starting to feel – SMASHED.

Yeah.That would be the Apt Word.

Everything within me personally– was - JUST - ROYALLY - FREAKING – SMASHED!!

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

TADAAAAAA!!

How was That Guysssssssss??

Next Update: Monday Night.

I'll see you soon guys.

Until Then – Please take care and Stay Indoors and Safe guys!!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏

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

Much Love

Always

❤

Prachi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysticaltales11111/

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Hellooooo Guysssssssss....

Hope you and your family all are Safe and Sound amidst the rising Covid Tsunami in India. Stay in and Stay Safe – Guysss!!🙏🙏🙏🙏

So Yup here I with the next update off HW3.0!!

So Seatbelts On – My Dear Readers. I'v compiled this into One Long Update – trying to depict it as an Intense roller-coaster Ride through various emotional loops in every way possible – through my words. Winks.

Also yes – Some steamy Romance+ Mature content in there too in the flow of the scenes.

Word Count – Long in Length - 12K Words.✍✍👩‍💻👩‍💻

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

‍💻

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

And I shall now let you all dive in without Further Delay.

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Copyright Notice :

Text Copyright©mysticaltales11111™2020

The Moral Right of the Author has been asserted. All Rights Reserved. This Story is published subject to the condition that it shall not be reproduced or transmitted/distributed in whole or in part, in any manner, whether in electronic or in hard copy, without the written consent of the author, and any infringement of this is a violation of Copyright Law.

All Rights Reserved® mysticaltales11111

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Disclaimer:

This Story/ Written Series is a work of Fiction.All characters are fictitious.Any resemblance to a person living or dead is purely coincidental. The depiction off fictitious characters through their cross - cultural backgrounds is also a work of pure fiction. I respect all faiths, cultures, communities with its rich diversities, equally.I mean no offence or hurt to anyones sentiments through my work in any way whatsoever.

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TAKE 20 – The 'Band-Aid' Bridge

Same Night – 5th April, 2019

11:15 PM

Arnav's Room

Khushi continued to kiss Arnav slowly and deeply holding onto him close, clutching onto him tight in the hope that their deep kiss right now was going to help her soothe him a little.

She'd just stepped into his room – two minutes ago and this time around she did not just leap into his arms instantly. She also pulled him in for a deep kiss – almost immediately.

Why?

Because - She knew he had probably been feeling a little mad at her for suggesting and coaxing him into attending the afterparty with his unit for about thirty -forty minutes at least. They-d all arrived at the Hotel at 10:30 PM and Arnav was keen on spending every second of the remainder of the time with Khushi. And Khushi had adorably coaxed him(on text) into attending the – Afterparty with his unit for a little while because he had such a strong hand and role to play in the victory tonight and she felt like she could not ask him not to celebrate that. Also because on her end – even though she had composed herself into a Coconut on the front for the remainder of the time in the Stands – once she was in the Hotel – she just felt like she needed the little time to just hug her Mum and cry out her vulnerabilities a little more in her arms – first before seeing Arnav in the hope that it would help her feel better and she would not end up crying out Niagara Falls in front off him. It obviously did help her feel better. It was also right then – she had received Arnav's text on her phone telling her that the Cake Cutting and Champagne bit was now over in the Afterparty – which meant that he was headed to his room. She then made her way there almost immediately.

Khushi whispers into his lips now to ask in a soft whisper – "are you still mad at me..Arnav?? I am sorry baby...I just wanted you to give your professional moment it's due..for a little bit too.... ,"and with that she doesn't wait for him to answer as she continues to kiss him deeply. She was glad that even though he was probably mad at her for this – that he was at least kissing her back with intense emotion right now.

Arnav clutches on her hair urgently at that and he pins her against the wall of his room – all the time keeping his lips infused with hers deep. Even though everything within him was very upset with the bit that forty minutes of his precious remainder time with Khushi did get consumed elsewhere – he was not mad at her. More so just upset with himself. He whispers into her lips honestly not wanting to pause on kissing her – holding her extremely close – " nahh...I am not mad at you..my fiore...I don't think I can ever be. I am just mad or rather..just upset with myself...."

Khushi wraps her right leg around his waist immediately at that as she asks in a soft whimper into his lips – " huh?? Why? Why are you mad at yourself..baby??"

Arnav adjusts her leg around his waist from the right more snug as he whispers vulnerably into her lips – " because...I let you convince me to step into that freaking Afterparty...even if it was for a bit...all I wanted was to spend every second of the remainder of my time with you...you are my Afterparty dammit...you are the only one I wanted to celebrate the moment with almost immediately..and instead...I ended up spending 40 minutes in there – my heart was not in it...not at all..which is why I just came up the minute the cake cutting and champagne popping was done...why..just why did I let you convince me? dammit??,"and he continues to kiss her deep – not having the heart to stop – too.

Khushi continues to kiss him deeply and slowly for the next two minutes and after she pulls up reluctantly and cups his face tenderly as she whispers opening her eyes – " okay...you do know...that... does kind off relate into the bit that - you are mad at me for this...Arnav..."

Arnav whispers sincerely keeping his forehead on hers– " use the word..upset..will you baby? I don't think I like the use of the words -mad at you – Khushi..,"and with that he finally opens his eyes to look into hers intently. And the minute he does look into her eyes – it hits him. Her Vulnerability. He could now – finally see shades off it. He hadn't been able to prior – given that the minute he had opened the door to her – Khushi had leaped into his arms – closed the door shut behind them – herself in a rush and pulled him urgently for a deep kiss. The moment happened so fast that he hadn't even got a clear look at her face and after he had just been lost into consuming her lips with his.

He cups her face tenderly now and lets out a curse at himself almost immediately next and Khushi instantly shoves a finger on his lips as she states – " heyy...stop...now...why are you cursing yourself..don't.. please..??"

Arnav caresses her cheek as he asks keeping his intent gaze locked with hers – " you'v been crying...haven't you?? all this while I was in the Afterparty...you'v just been crying your freaking eyes out.."

Khushi closes her eyes instantly at that. Shoot. She'd thought shed washed her face and eyes hard enough before rushing out to see him. Clearly Not. She whispers softly – " huh??what??no...not...really..."

Arnav says his tone taut, emotional- " do not close your eyes to me...right now...please...open them...Khushi.."

His Tone. It worked its trick on Khushi – almost instantly. She opens her eyes to him and Arnav whispers sincerely looking back into them intensely – " I cursed myself..because...I didn't spot this the very minute you entered.......,"and with that he pauses to lean forward to kiss her eyes one by one.

Khushi clutches on his arm as she whispers honestly a line of tear making its way down her eyes on its own accord because of the intense emotional vibe of his kiss over her eyes right now – " I didn't want to cry it out in front of you..Arnav...I know it would make you feel worse...I am just still so vulnerable at the thought off you leaving tomorrow morning. Also because...,"and she pauses.

Arnav hugs her instantly now as he asks kissing her head – " also..because??"

Khushi whispers clutching onto his jersey over his heart – " because we finally have to get around to talking about this...too? right? as to how we are going to figure our way around..the distance bit – given that our homes are technically in different countries Arnav..as in when you go back home after a tour..you'd go back to India..baby...and I'd be here...look...all I wana say is that I wana figure this distance bit out for us......as smoothly as possible...I am ready to do just about anything for you...the reason why I am feeling this vulnerable continuously right now..is maybe..just because...we haven't figured out our direction with regards to this yet given that we wanted to push this conversation to this last day...but I think once we set our direction...I'd feel a lot sorted...I guess? I just want you to know first...that I wana give it my all to work this through for us...like my very all...once again...I am saying this...for you..there isn't anything I wouldn't do...ever..we just have to figure the how's out Arnav...we will...right?? I mean if I were to say it in your words... we just have to figure out a way to get around to building this bridge of counter thoughts...in our minds...."

Arnav feels his heart swell with Love for her and he pulls her up at that and kisses her head sincerely and admits brushing a couple of her hair strands out of her forehead – "of course we will..darling...my fiore...we will figure out how to build this bridge through...I think you are right...once we set our direction...I think we both will feel a lot better..and yes...I wana give it my all to work this through for us..Khushi...like my very all too...as smooth as possible.. you know that don't you?,"and as Khushi nods with a little smile - he wipes the trail of tears off her cheeks at that and he whispers with a playful wink wanting to make her smile now – " you know what's like that orchestra to my ears right now though???"

Khushi asks softly kissing his cheek shooting him a little smile – "what??"

Arnav winks – "the bit where in..you said...for me..you'd do just about anything...ofcourse..and also the bit about us being at the same page about giving It our all for one another...through this.."

Khushi chuckles at that as she winks back through her emotions – " I so knew you were going to say that..baby.."

Arnav leans in closer to her lips again – " ahaan??"

Khushi nods and she caresses his lips – "are you still upset with me though? for coaxing you to step into the Afterparty??"

Arnav shakes his head in a No instantly caressing her lips – " not anymore...Khushi...are you crazy? How can you even think I'd be upset at all about the same – after knowing – you'v probably spent all that spent venting out your vulnerabilities...Mrs.J was there right?with you?? or you were on the phone with M or S or Brian/Jack...I just hope you weren't alone..."

Khushi nods reassuring him with a little smile – " Mum was there..she...held me tight...she understood...where I am coming from...I mean...yeah...as much as I always knew this was going to come in between of us...eventually...it still hurts right...the thought of being away from you in real time..does hurt..baby..but then...I also know only we can soothe each other through this...eventually....because only we know and understand the dynamics of our relationship in its complete magnitude....because we live if. Right??"

Arnav nods at her at that kissing her cheek and after that he keeps his forhead on hers and sighs – " yeah...I know exactly what you mean...Khushi..for yeah as much as leaving hurts....only you are the one...who can be the Band-Aid to my hurt of being away from you...my only..Band-Aid...the one and only Band-Aid...I'd ever need.."

Khushi chuckles at that on reflex as she asks – " did you just call me your one and only Band-Aid..Arnav??"

Arnav winks – " yeah..I did...you like...or superlike the sound off it??"

Khushi winks wrapping her arms around his neck – " ill say – I love it..only after you give me more of a context baby...I mean..I understood where you are coming from...but looks like...I just wana hear you say it..."

Arnav chuckles as he caresses her cheek with his knuckles – " ahaaan? Really ?? okay...ill get on with it...A band-aid because it is often the first thing you seal a minor cut with after the little first aid process it over...in order to protect the cut from worsening and help it heal right?although yes...the hurt of being away from you in real time is anything but minor its more like a major cut within – but given that – this was the first word that came to my mind...I just went with that...so I think us figuring our way out through this as in our direction...would be like that first aid process..and then...eventually...once we come to a conclusive decision...and seal it through mutually...it will be you and everything that I feel for you that will work like that exact band-aid over the cut – to keep me going – until I see you again...eventually..."

Khushi whispers now loving the sound of that from him – " and I love the sound of that which is why I am stealing your words again...Arnav...you are the only Band-Aid I'd ever need to help seal and protect all my hurt of being away from you in real time – too baby..,"and it is right then an idea strikes her head and she shoots Arnav a grin as she takes him by the hand to the study in his room – makes him sit on the chair suddenly and she picks out the notepad and begins to Doodle out a Bridge at the speed of light.

Arnav gapes at her in part amusement and puzzlement as he states admiring the speed at which Khushi was doodling out the bridge on the piece of paper and he states – " dammm...you are freaking good..at this..baby..look at the speed with which you work the pencil...you do know...I always sucked at ART..but wait..I never asked you this prior.. that doesn't put you off..though?right? the fact that I could only ever draw one single sketch of the mountain with a house around it and some trees and two kids playing the ball – in all of my middle school life – and after.."

Khushi looks at him sideways as she states with a playful wink – "ahaan...how about you answer this first..,"and she looks back at the sheet of paper and continues her Doodle – " does it put you off that I don't know how to rightly swing the bat or the ball...or the bit that I don't' even yet know – all the exact detailed differences in between all the different cricket balls used in international cricket... so..tell me...does that put you off my hunk??"

Arnav chuckles at that as he states – " ofcourse not...,"and Khushi looks at him and winks – " there you go...now you have my answer too...your limited skills with Art do not put me off at all baby...,"and they share a warm laugh and with that Arnav pulls Khushi lovingly in his lap and wraps his hands snug around her waist and he peeks his head from the side as he says – " I want to hold you this way..while you finish that...K?? I just love to see you draw...I know you are upto something..."

Khushi grins at him as she looks at him sideways again – " two minutes...k? just two minutes..."

Arnav nods puzzled and just kisses her shoulder basking in the sight off her working up the pencil in quick expert strokes on the paper.

Once she finishes drawing the Doodle of the Bridge – Khushi instantly writes the words – The Band-Aid Bridge - Under it and she shoves the Notepad in Arnav's hand and states happily – " there you go baby..a fresh..raw...sketch..of The Band-Aid Bridge...given that its what we are going to build in our minds to tackle this hurdle of distance right? and given that we are on the same page that only we can be each other Band-Aid's to this hurt of distance – its only fair we call it – The Band-Aid – Bridge..I know..we still have to figure the how-s off it out...and we will...together...but...you tell me..first...you how do you like the sound of the name for this bri..d.......,"and the rest of the letters stay put in her mouth as Arnav instantly seals her lips with his in a crushing deep kiss. For Arnav knew that his kiss right now would also be the exact answer to her question. Hell yeah. He loved the sound off it in his head already. He loved it – immense. Just the fact that she was so eager in her head to work on this with him – for him - had riled him up – again.Not just emotionally.But passionately too. Everytime she'd been stumping him with immense emotion off late – he'd just felt that innate primitive need to just bury himself in her already.

He keeps the notepad aside safely on the desk and turns Khushi around in his arms and picks her up by the waist and makes her sit on the desk as he looms over her and bends his head forward to kiss her hard, wild and intense again as he whispers into her lips – " you got your answer..right??,"his hands tucking on her England's support unit Jersey out of her denims – urgently.

Khushi tucks on his India's playing Jersey off him too urgently as she whispers into his lips – " yeah..I did...you love the sound off it..don't you...so much so..that all you care about is being in me..right very now...which is so good...because...momentarily...I think..it's what I want too..,"and they both continue to kiss each other wildly for the next two minutes.

After which they both pause on kissing madly momentarily to help flip each other's tee's out and Arnav instantly steps forward and begins to trail down urgent passionate kisses down the sides of her neck making her moan and whimper in the process as he whispers to ask in ear – also unclasping her upper intimate wear in a jiff and tugging it aside but he does not touch her torso yet – " tell me that..you want me to touch you..Khushi...tell me that you want me to have my intense ways with you..now..the fact that you want me as much has always meant so much to me...it freaking drives me wilder for you...the fact that you make me feel like...you want me as much...."

Khushi entangles her one hand into his hair and pulls him up to make him look into her eyes now intensely as she takes his other hand and places it snug over one of her curves herself as she whispers tightening her legs around waist pulling him closer and snug – "touch me...please...Arnav..I want your hands on me...over me..all of..me...freaking now...I need you in me too baby...my body tells you that doesn't it...too?touch me intimately...and you will know..what I mean..."

Arnav nods keeping his dark with desire gaze burning into hers as he begins to caress her curves sensuously loving the play of passion in Khushi's eyes as she kept them locked with hers – " yeah...it does..so do your eyes...your curves are talking back to me..fiore..lets find out what the precious rest of you..has to say to that..."

And with that he immediately and gently lays her flat back on the desk first and pulls her denims off her in a jiffy – all the while keeping his intent gaze locked with hers making Khushi shiver and heat up at the same time and the very next second as he is about to claim her curves with his lips wild and his hands are about to touch her intimately – the phone on the desk next to them – buzzes of in a shrill – pulling them both out of their intense passionate stuper.

They both send out a curse at the same time and Khushi wedges up her elbows on the desk as she whispers because the ringer keeps shrilling – " go on..take it...Arnav...."

Arnav groans disappointed and he picks up the phone instantly and once he hears what Ved has to say on the other end – he just bites back his sigh in momentary disappointment as he answers – " yeah..Ved...okay..see you all in five then??,"and he puts down the phone and looks at Khushi's puzzled face and leans forward and kisses her head and says – " remember how you texted me prior..before I went into the afterparty that you wana wish Ved, Raunak, Sameer, Daksh and Cap- all congratulations for the series win and a proper bye..in private..too..before we left??"

Khushi nods instantly and Arnav says – " yup..so that was Ved telling me that – they'v all figured out a way to that..they think they can get outta the party for fifteen..for sure..,"and Khushi's eyes widen adorably as it sinks in – " so wait...are they coming up here?? Like now??"

Arnav chuckles because of the adorable expression up Khushi's face – " yea..they..are...in five...bad timing...isn't it though??,"and he rakes his eyes all over the almost bare her – sensuously at that as his hands caress her stomach – " just when I was about to drive you wild...you know what your moans do to me..fiore.."

Khushi shivers at the sound of his words + the sight off his heated gaze again and gets off the desk now and winks at him playfully picking up on her tee and putting it on in a jiffy – " yeah...I know...but...baby...don't look at me like that...right now..k?.later..ok?i need to freshen up..head in..wash my face..a zillion freaking times..over.....I cannot let any of them...see me flushing so furiously...k?"

Arnav chuckles at that and he picks up her denims and hands it to her himself – " okay...I get it..here you..go.."

Khushi takes her denims from his head and leans forward to kiss his cheek as she whispers into his ear playfully – " in a way...I think its good...we had the little interruption baby...or you'd just end up driving me wild with passion...all night...and I wouldn't be able to think straight to talk about the how-s of our Band-Aid-Bridge..so know what? here's the thing – the minute they leave...how about we get to that bit of it first...because once we start to have our wild ways with one another – it would be morning right here...and to be on the safe side off the bit that we actually keep our hands off one another – I will help you wind up and pack while we talk things through...K?you still need to wind up baby..although yes..should I tell you a secret? I wouldn't mind you missing that flight at all...," she finishes with an adorable chuckle and runs into the washroom after.

And Arnav can't help but smile to himself – at that first – before he bites back his sigh as he admits into his head. Yeah.My Love...For the first time ever...I wouldn't mind...missing that Flight at all Too..

And he picks on a bottle of water with a bittersweet smile up his lips as his hands caress the paper on which Khushi had just drawn the Doodle and he walks up to tuck the notepad in safely with his stuff and then walks back sipping on his water and picks up his jersey and puts it back on and then continues to sip down some more water – lost in Khushi's thoughts - letting the H20 calm down his riled up – insides – down.

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

Fifteen Minutes Later

Arnav bites back his happy chuckle as he watches Khushi(whom he had tucked to his side)snug on the sofa in the seating area in his room - narrate to his closest friends(who were all seated around) – how she was having a hard time in the stands tonight as usual biting back on her grins and expressions – after their victory tonight.

Everyone had arrived to his room – about ten minutes ago – and after general pleasantries and congratulates – they'd just been catching up casually.

It really did warm his heart to see Khushi gel with them so comfortably with him – every single time.

Once she's almost done – he hears her say with an amused chuckle – " so yup...now you all know...how difficult it was for me...I mean..in a way...I am glad my little work time stint in England's support unit is over..for now...I can whole heartedly..cheer for you all without any worries....Mum's all cool about it....," and she exchanges a warm smile with Arnav again at that and she adds looking at all – "once again...everyone...I just wanted to wish you all congratulations for the wonderful victory tonight...Ved...congratulations once again for the player of the match tonight...Raunak...congratulations on the player of the series once again...Daksh..those three wickets you took tonight..were..absolutely stunner as always...Sameer and Cap...you have no clue what I had to do to mask my groan when the two of you lost your wickets...I am so happy for all of you...also..thank you all for stepping out of your afterparty for a bit..I really wanted to wish you all in person given that you all leave tomorrow...too...and because of the situation at my end...I couldn't be there..."

Ved, Raunak, Sameer, Daksh and Cap – thank Khushi for the same and exchange a warm smile with one another at the sight of Arnav holding her snug to his side all this while stealing side glances at her affectionately while she was talking to them. They had never seen their friend – Happier. Infact they had never seen him this head over heels in Love.

And given that they had caught up with Khushi on a couple of occasions with Arnav already on this tour – they all kind of agreed – that it did feel like – this time around Arnav had found someone – who was surely running near and around the same page as him in the workshop of the Feels. The happy twinkle in Khushi's eyes as she looked at him – did not miss their eye – obviously.

They all decide in subtle gestures to tease Arnav - a little.He had been scowling very hard at the Afterparty. Which was utterly amusing to their eyes – even though they knew his reason for the same.

Ved gestures Cap to begin first.

He does.

Cap says now biting back on his grin – " so...Khushi..here's something...I think you should know....the very minute I saw Arnav scowling deep in thought – while they were pulling the cake trolley in a while ago at the afterparty...I told Ved...he has no interest in the afterparty here...he'd rather dash off this afterparty...the very next second..."

Khushi chuckles at that as she looks at Arnav and states mischievously – " really? you were scowling??I thought you were just...upset.."

Arnav nods at that playfully and narrows his eyes at Cap happily – " yeah..go on then...Skip..gang up on me like you all always do..when it comes to this....tell her..tell her all about it...,"and he looks at Khushi and he admits with a wink – " I was just royally upset which I guess relates into the bit..that I was scowling bad......I told you...I wanted to be with you.."

Khushi chuckles at that and snuggles into his side happily – again.

Raunak adds now biting back his chuckle – "wait..here...this... Scowling would be the understatement. Khushi...Rishi asked him to pop the champagne after...he gave him the taut look that almost scared him...and poor Rishi came to me after saying – bhai..did I say something I shouldn't have? I only asked ASR to pop the champagne because he hit the winning sixer tonight...,"and he pauses and adds grinning – "it took me three whole minutes to calm Rishi's momentary worry down....hes new and youngest in the squad right..so he was all worried..what if he's just offended one of his fav seniors... "

Khushi chuckles at that as she places a kiss on Arnav's cheek and Arnav says now chuckling himself – "well in my defence...I did tell him..that my royally upset mood had nothing to do with him...on my way out..boys.."

Sameer adds now smiling – " yeah...we know...given that Rishi came to me after saying...bach gaya bhai...main...,"and he adds now – " also know what..he was totally just scowling on the way back on the team bus..too..and I think it had everybit to do with the bit that he didn't spot your teambus leaving around ours – given that he missed the chance to see you.."

Khushi chuckles at that happily as she kisses Arnav's hand – " yeahh..but that was because...our bus just left earlier than yours...tonight.."

Daksh adds with a playful wink next– " and that is also another reason why he entered the afterparty scowling too – he didn't spot you in the reception...as always..otherwise..all through the tour...how much has he made us all lounge around common areas...he was on text with you right then..he did tell us...you headed up with your Mum first...but all the while...that royally upset scowl did not leave his face..."

Ved nods joining in the fun banter and tease of his dear friend and he states – " exactly...I had to remind him..brother..we won the match tonight..you were the one to hit the winning runs...we are heading back home with Two Series...win...."

Khushi chuckles at that and she states embarrassed looking at Arnav– " okay...seriously...Arnav...now I am a tad bit embarrassed over coaxing you to head to the afterparty even if it was for a little while...for real.."

Arnav chuckles and he kisses her head and whispers in her ear – " don't worry about it..Khushi...we talked about it.already....right?"

Khushi nods and she looks at all and states mischeviously – " but thank you so much for telling me this...you all..."

Ved says now being his grounded fun self – " no worries...Khushi...we love to take his case...you know that by now..don't you?okay..boys...I have a doubt that I need to clear with Khushi right here...given how she said..she's all team India..now...,"and he looks at Khushi playfully and asks – "but tell us something Khushi..now that we are all headed into the IPL – whom are you going to support? I mean you do know..we all play for different teams..right??"

That makes all of them share a warm laugh and Khushi smiles sheepishly as she looks at Ved – " Ved...no..seriously...you just put me in the spot with that..."

Ved chuckles – " oh come on Khushi...you surely gotta answer..remember how I also leaked all details to you about how restless Arnav was in those two days after meeting you for the first time – only because you had jolted off on him..."

Raunak and Sameer nod playfully – " yup...you surely gotta answer.."

Daksh chuckles – "also on that note tell me – whose wickets did you applaud more on tonight.....mine..or Arnav's...given that we both got...3.."

Arnav winks at that as he says – " Mine...ofcourse...Daksh...,"and he states looking at his friends – " boys..can we not trouble her with this..please?"

Cap grins – "shall we ..or shall we not??ofcourse we shall..."

Khushi chuckles at that sheepishly as she states holding onto Arnav's hand– " okay...I will answer that...but no offence..Ved...Sameer...Raunak...Daksh...I gotta say...Chennai on that given that Arnav plays for Chennai with Cap right...but yes...I shall root for each of your respective teams as equally after...like no 2.."

Arnav shares a happy high-five with Cap at that.

Ved chuckles at that – " you mean – you'll root for Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi together – after Chennai..that's like half the number of franchises in the IPL...Khushi..."

Raunak chuckles and adds playfully – " okay...no worries...we get the point..."

They all share a warm chuckle at that happily and it is right then Raunak's phone beeps with Rishi's text and he says to all – " okay..boys..we need to head back to the afterparty..for everyone's...wondering where we all dashed off too.."

They all get up at that and Cap states – " you all head back – I am going to sleep..I know you all will crash to sleep on the flight..and I don't get deep sleep in transit.."

Ved adds – "yeah..ill head back up in 20 minutes too..,"and he looks at Arnav and adds in support – " don't worry brother..anyone asks me where you are...ill just continue to tell them that you crashed off to sleep because of that headache..."

Arnav nods at Ved happily and they all continue with a little happy chatter amidst themselves as Arnav and Khushi finally see them off and Khushi warmly wishes everyone Bye – and a Safe Journey back Home – once again.

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

The minute they close the door shut – Arnav pins Khushi to the door again and he admits kissing her head – " I love the way..you are comfortable around them...baby.."

Khushi wraps her hands around Arnav's neck lovingly as she admits – " well I think that's more credit to each of them for being so grounded, warm and friendly..too ..Arnav...I mean from the very first time I met them...they'v just been so warm..and wonderful..remember how I was a little nervous when you first talked about introducing me to them informally..weeks ago.."

Arnav chuckles at that as he nods – " yup...and I was so glad that I felt your vibe easen within the first five minutes naturally..after...,"and he admits with an added wink – "and by now you most surely know that we are also a bunch of crazy pranksters......"

Khushi chuckles at that – " yeah..now..I know..,"and the next very second as she spots Arnav leaning in to kiss her – and she instantly puts her finger on his lips as she whispers – " no...remember...we gotta keep our hands and lips off each others baby...just for a little while more...while I help you wind up..and we talk about our Band-Aid Bridge...,"and she takes Arnav by the hand into his room towards his wardrobe and states a bittersweet smile curving her lips as her eyes well up a little in emotion too – "so...I think this would be the first step of the first aid...right baby? If I help you pack. It'll just make the acceptance of the situation...easier...I guess??"

Arnav nods and he pulls her into a crushing hug kissing her head – " yeah...it will..."

Khushi kisses him over his heart as she whispers – " lets..begin...then baby...its 12 : 30 Am already..."

Arnav nods and he pulls her up and kisses her head again and he states – " yes..let's begin..Khushi and while..we are at it..let's talk about what we have on each of our minds – with regards to the inputs we need to put into our bridge...it's our bridge..Our – Band-Aid – Bridge..."

Khushi nods as she kisses his cheek – " Ours...it is..."

And they get on with winding Arnav's stuff up – together.

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

Forty Minutes Later

Arnav shuts the zip off his last bigger suitcase and watches Khushi shut the zip of his cabin bag now too and he instantly lifts the suitcase off the bed and keeps it on the floor and watches Khushi do the same with his cabin bag and they now wheel it together to the side to join the rest of his luggage all packed up in one area – along with his cricketing kits. They had spent the last forty minutes through packing – talking about it all – mostly. He says now looking at his stuff all set – " there...you go...my...fiore..all done...I just have my usual backpack to wind up with my travel documents etc..but that I always take care off just before departure..."

Khushi smiles at him at that. She was beginning to feel so much sorted out now within now that they had finally discussed the majority bits of their direction ahead. She's just about to say something when Arnav pulls her into a warm hug again engulfing her in his arms as he asks – "feel better now?? now that we've talked things through??"

Khushi nods as she holds him close – " yes...for sure...what about you??"

Arnav kisses her head again lovingly – " copy that..baby...I mean I am so glad that we are on the same page with regards to keeping our communication as supreme priority now that we are parting in real time...for that is the key...to this bridge baby...or more like a founding stone..."

Khushi pulls up at that and smiles and says clutching onto his arm – " I know ...Arnav..which is why I think our idea about leaving each other texts/voice notes for the other to catch up on throughout each of our days at our ends will also help us sail through the time difference..bit...,"and she adds with a playful wink – "you....just be ready to receive a bunch of voice notes from me baby..because..I'v always felt that voice notes have their own charm to it too..I mean in the voice note – you can feel my voice...my tone..right?? please leave me voice notes too as and when you can...K?I'd love that..."

Arnav nods and he whispers – "yes I will...all of that along with us calling each other/video calling...on every opportunity we can at each of our ends....should help us sail through our long distance..also...remember..the most vital thing again...baby...we just gotta trust one another..on this..K??we gotta trust one another hard...we gotta have faith in this intense vibe in here..in between of us...K?,"he gestures to the both of them and he admits sincerely again looking deep into her eyes – " Just for the record..I gotta say this again... I will never break your trust Khushi..never...no matter where I am in the world...for me...its only You...in here...,"he takes her hand and places it over his heart.

Khushi nods in intense emotional acknowledgment of the same and she clutches on his jersey over his heart and she whispers back intently cupping his cheek – " it's the same for me...k? I would bever break your trust too...Arnav...never...k??"

Arnav nods and takes both her hands in his and kisses them – " I know..baby..I know...and you must always remember...that even though they usually say – that distance makes the heart grow fonder...the only distance I can see through and cope in between of us is this physical one...not an emotional one..ever...K? I don't want any emotional distance in between of us..ever...I want no emotional space in here...Khushi...I mean sometimes long distance runs into trouble because of that because..the physical distance begins to transcend into emotions...please...know... I am always going to be there for you darling...always....you are my priority...in my emotions in every way....this..,"he gestures in between of them again – " Us...is my priority...I wana nurture this through and through with all that I got in here..,"he states keeping her hand over his heart - again.

Khushi nods instantly at that and she whispers locking her emotional gaze with his – "me too....,"and she admits honestly – " I don't think I have it in me to even think about any sort of an emotional space from you...Arnav...I just...cann...o..t...even...think the same...which is why...I...I...," and words stay put in her mouth as Arnav hugs her emotionally hard into himself again and whispers – " good...good...this is freaking good...this is orchestra to my ears yet again..."

And they both just hug each other intently and hard all tight and snug basking in the feel of one another. Even though the vibe in between of them was extremely emotional right now – it was a vibe that was a lot more secure in their beings .Khushi was really glad their Band-Aid Bridge was beginning to make it so much easier in her head and heart. Now she just felt like – she needed to think of this one last bit in her head to make it all fit as that perfect pathway across – even more emoothly.She had put her neurons at work already. She was waiting for them to come with an idea first so that she could discuss this with Arnav too – face to face.

It is right then she feels Arnav pull her up from the hug as he states – "Oh...wait..this bit just struck me Khushi....I got this one bit to ask you..before I seal my lips overs yours now and forget about anything else..for the next couple of hours......"

Khushi nods and asks – " okay then....what is it??,"and Arnav surprises her by taking her by the hand towards the locker in his room smiling and he states grinning – " so...I need to show you something...wait..I mean...I need to check with you on something....."

Khushi looks at him puzzled and she nods – " okay..what is it?,"and the minute she sees Arnav work up the locker and take out her Map of the Thorpe Park she had handed to him on the very first day they had met – she asks grinning on reflex– " wait...you'v been keeping this in the safety locker??"

Arnav nods grinning – " of course...my fiore...it was the first thing of yours....that you handed to me...you don't want this back. Right? I mean..I wana check if I can take this with me...this is like a precious souvenir in my being..you know. Very precious..."

Khushi nods at him happily as she states – " yes...please...keep it...ofcourse I don't want it back...Arnav...you know.... I know..the Thorpe Park by the back of my hand anyway...,"and they share a happy chuckle at that and Arnav quickly places the map in happily and it is right then he hears her say in a soft whisper – " so...there have been a couple of times just about a couple......I have wondered...what would I be doing right now..in the present..if say...I hadn't bumped into you in the ways I did...that day...Arnav...for...now..it's like...I cannot even imagine what life would be like...not knowing you..can you?? as in...can you even for a second...imagine your life...without knowing me...now...? Arnav?? I can't...I most surely..can't....I cannot imagine my life without you in it..anymore....can you? ever? even for a second??"

That from Khushi in that uber vulnerable tone of hers overwhelms Arnav completely as his smile shortens on its own accord and he shuts the locker and turns around to face Khushi and pulls her closer in by her arms and states his very own voice extremely vulnerable looking deep and intently into her eyes – "you did not just ask me that..Khushi.....dammit..."

Khushi insists driven by her very own other secret vulnerability. She was still keeping the truth about her Dad from him - afterall. His answer to this bit would help her feel more comfortable and secure in her being yet again like that conversation about being the Whirlwind that Lasts – did in that moment in time. " I did...Please...answer me...Arnav...please..."

Arnav states stepping back gaping at her in puzzled dismay– " you already...know the freaking answer to this dammit...Khushi..."

Khushi steps forward into him – " maybe..I do...but what if I wana hear you say it..."

Arnav pulls her by the arm closer into him instantly and snakes his hand into her hair clutching it in his fist as he whispers taut and intense – " do not...ask me...to freaking..even ...for a second....imagine...my ...life...without...you ...in..it...ever...freaking...again....you get that...Khushi??? Do not freaking ask me to imagine a scenario even for a second – where in – we wouldn't have met...I mean ..why even wonder..and ponder..over something that's changed for good – Khushi...we'v met...we'v connected....we are together....we are one..right? we are us...right?? dammit..damm you...why even say this to me..dammit...I am saying this again..so get this straight in your mind...k? there is just no Undoing You – in My being...dammit...."

Khushi nods feeling her heart leap up in Joy.This from him reassured at her to a great extent in her heart that he wouldn't have it in him to just walk away from her – like just like that – after. It wouldn't be easy for him to pull away. She whispers now snaking her hand into his hair too clutching it into a fist – " good...very good...because there is just No Undoing you – in my being...too...dammit....,"and with that they both stare deep into one another's intense gaze for the next thirty seconds after which they lean in together at the same time to kiss one another mad and wild with their hands beginning to caress each other everywhere.

And just like that in an moment as electrically intense and passionately potent as this – an Idea finally strikes Khushi's mind that makes that last bit click in her head and heart and she feels herself lighten a lot more within and she whispers into Arnav's lips reluctant to pull away – " baby...I do want to keep kissing you...I want you...but...I need to talk..this one last..thing...that was on my mind...I just figured it all out....hear me..out...I feel so much more lighter now...I am sure...you will too...once you hear me...this..will make parting in real time seem like a cakewalk..baby...like think of this as the sealing step to our bridge...think off this like that potent adhesive to that very Band-aid..."

That intrigues Arnav instantly and he pulls back reluctantly from their heated kiss and he places his forehead on Khushi's and asks – " what is this bit that will make parting in real time – seem like a Cakewalk..baby?? I am sorry...I do not agree with you on this...nothing about parting from you in real time can ever seem like a cakewalk for me...."

Khushi winks at him playfully now as she asks – " ahaan? really?? how about you hear me first??"

Arnav nods and says observing her happy facial expressions – " what is it that's made you so happy..My fiore??"

Khushi whispers instantly now cupping his face urgently after kissing the side of his lips - first – " I am going to visit you baby...Once a month....no matter which part of the world you are in...I will come to you....I know you are bound by your professional duties to cricket and will be touring around a lot right..and a lot of your schedule is going to be fixed and those things aren't going to be in your hands to change or work your way around...so...I say...now...that I will do whatever I can at my end here...to make sure...that I come see you...every month...even if it's just for a day...or a two days...I will make it happen.....for my weekends are always going to be free off work/or study...look....no matter how much I have to travel..even if I have to travel across the globe for more than 24 hours to see you even for – a couple of Hours or a Day..it's going to be freaking worth it......,"and she pauses to take a quick breathe and continues in her excited rant – "after I return from my visit to Dad's hometown...ill rejoin work...at my previous digital marketing firm...I'll save up for my travel to you...I was saving these last two years for my masters right?? and I achieved that well in time..by working overtime...all the freaking time....i'll just do it again....and maybe..I'll also just get another part time job...so that I can double up on my savings enough to keep coming to you...after I start my masters too...my weekends will always be free anyway...like even if I am working...or studying...all I need is probably to take a Monday off – once a month..fly to you on Saturday...we spend the any and every time that we can together accommodating for your playing/training schedules too on those two days...and I return Monday...all that's going to matter is that I get to see you ..every month...come what may....look all I wana say is that you play your cricket..k? don't worry about hopping over here..for I will hop over to you...ill just work my ass off...if that's what it takes...but I will make it happen....so tell me baby...how do you like the sound of this??"

Arnav gapes at Khushi speechless and stunned in immense emotion again for he was extremely moved and touched by everything she had just said and he cups her face and caresses her cheeks urgently with his thumbs and asks – " you wana freaking give up on your well earned holiday break of months? Only because you wana save up for all this travel to come see me....where I am every month??"

Khushi nods urgently caressing his face as excited – " yeah...I do...you are priority in my emotions too..baby...now imagine..if we both were to part every single time with the knowledge that we are going to see each other again...within the next thirty days nonetheless...won't it make the temporary parting..seem like a cakewalk??"

Arnav admits sincerely – " I love the sound of this Khushi..baby...I do...know what...let's do this..whenever I can in between breaks...I will come to you too.....I was anyway thinking off the same...but its good if we can make this happen...for one another...like once a month...atleast....but please...hear me out...I do not want you to give up on your break or save up for this Khushi.....let..me...arrange this for us...as in...when on times I can't come see you...I will manage and arrange for you to.....,"and he pauses because he sees Khushi's eyes flash with immediate discomfort as she states stepping back out of his arms– "no...please... don't say it...I know what it is ...that you are suggesting...don't..say a word further...please...no...Arnav....I didn't say the workings of how I am going to get around to this.... because I want your financial help on this or something Arnav...I don't want it...please....I take great pride in the fact that I can earn something for myself if I set my head to it...I didn't wana take Mum's help for my masters too dammit.........I was and am intrinsically passionate about my education which is why it was so important for me within to just earn my way to it...I am intrinsically passionate about you too dammit...if I wana be with you once a month...see you once a month...I wana freaking earn my means too it... for myself...every single time...so please...never say that or suggest that to me ever again...It makes me uncomfortable......Look...I wana achieve this...for Us...on my own...dammit...it was you who taught me this right...why this constant You Vs Me...Tally or Battle in the head...you gotta understand..baby...if I wana do this...I wana do it for Us...that's it...you do get me right?? as to where I am coming from??"

Arnav sighs and nods at that and he pulls her by the hand into an instant hug again and states kissing her head – " I do get you...Khushi...and I am sorry if my suggestion made you feel uncomfortable for even a second there..that was not my intention at all baby...it just came out in the flow...of what I was feeling...K?? I do respect the fact that you wana do this for US...and I have immense faith in you – that you are going to pull it off...not for a second...do I doubt that..K?get that clear..please?? you know that don't you?? I would never wana do or say anything that could hurt your inner achiever pride..."

Khushi hugs him back hard as she whispers – " yeah...I know you just said it in the flow...I guess...which is why I stopped you...to let you know my take on it...instantly...I know you didn't wana hurt me...or my inner achiever pride..."

Arnav holds her close and snug as he rethinks everything Khushi just said and he admits now feeling so much more lighter too – " well...to be honest..baby...the thought off seeing you every single month...does make it so much better in my head..and heart...maybe not a cakewalk...still...but yeah..a lot better....,"and he admits now with a chuckle – "infact...know what?I have so much faith and confidence in your inner drive...that in my head...I'm already imagining you flying in to see me on two weekends..of the month...at times....."

Khushi chuckles at that in his arms and she pulls back and winks at him – " really????hopeful for more...as always...aren't we??"

Arnav winks – "when It comes to you...always..."

Khushi snuggles back into his arms at that all tight as she whispers – " I love the sound of that...Arnav...,"and she just hugs him closer and whispers – "okay.... now that we are sorted with regards to our Band-Aid Bridge of counter thoughts in our heads...I think I just wana spend the rest of the hours in your arms...telling you how much I am actually going to miss you until I see you again...I mean..now I feel like I can express it as a emotion of longing towards you for you to just know...I am going to miss you so much Arnav..so so much...so bad....and that's only natural....."

Arnav tucks her chin up at that and he whispers his eyes twinkling in bittersweet emotions too just like hers – " and I am going to miss you so so much...so bad and deep too...my fiore...which again is only natural....,"and with that he asks leaning in closely dangerously towards Khushi's lips – " you wana say anything more..baby? for when I kiss you now...all I wana hear is your moans wrapped up in my name and wild passion for me...fill this room....over and over again..."

Khushi wraps her arms around his neck mischievously – " ahaan?is that what you want??for real? Like now? right very now??

Arnav states impatiently as he pins her against the nearest wardrobe given that they were still around the little closet in his room near the locker and locks his heated gaze with hers – " yeah...now...dammit...Khushi......"and with that he picks her up by the waist and she wraps her legs around his waist and he states – " right very...now...I am afraid...I don't have the patience in me to carry you to bed..baby...I'm sure you can sense that every inch of me is aching to bury myself in you...right here...or maximum I could just get you comfortably rested on that carpet floor....godaammit...I need to devour you..baby..now..in my usual intense ways...."

Khushi winks as she takes off her Tee first and then tugs his off too as she eyes the carpet floor beginning to torment and tease Arnav with passionate touches all over his Torso – " well...that carpet floor does look extremely comfortable...Arnav...I have no qualms in confirming the..sam..,"and before the letter – E of the word Same could leave her mouth – she feels Arnav's lips close over hers in a wild kiss as his hands claim her torso immediately yanking her intimate upper wear away in a jiffy as he picks her up in his arms and lays her down on the carpet floor and kisses her deep first as his hands act on their mission to get her all bare urgently.

And once she was all bare and pinned under him heaving in anticipation looking into his eyes with a passion so potent he whispers caressing her lips urgently – " on moments like these...when you look at me...like this...Khushi...you make me forget my very name...in my head..ripping my head off all sanity..which is why I love to hear my name off your lips in moans over and over...it drives me freaking wild....call me...your Arnav...dammit...say..it...My Arnav..."

Khushi whispers taking one of his hands placing it on her left curve near her heart snug herself – " My Arna...,"and no – she could not get the letter V of his name out because his lips had claimed her wildly again in a mad kiss – his hands having a urgent wild time with her torso too before his lips displaced his hands on her torso as wildly as his hands began their passionate expedition on all over her in deep urgent caresses.

And Arnav did exactly what he wanted too! He devoured her. In his usual intense ways. Every inch off her over and over before he buried himself in her and began making raw, deep, love to her like a mad man possessed loving the way Khushi was mirroring his passion for her – as always.

There was nothing gentle or sensuous about their Union at the moment. It was raw – rough – and passionate – fuelled by their innate primitive desire and love for one another.

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

Two More Hours Later

Nearing 3:30 AM

Arnav kissed Khushi's shoulder lovingly and he asks tightening his hold on her waist from behind hugging her close - "baby...you awake??"

They were lying down in bed – snuggling into one another – bare and intimate after spending the last two hours in each other's arms – succumbing and drowning in their raw and wild passion for one another together – many times over. For the last fifteen minutes – they'd just been silently snuggling and spooning into one another's frame intensely – just basking in the silent vibe of one another – holding onto the other all close and tight – just like they did every other night after. They usually also dozed off to sleep into each other's arms this way – spending the initial couple of hours in sleep all snug in each other arms only turning away from one another during deep sleep after and even then, their feet would still find its ways to entwin with one another's.

Khushi whispers now kissing on Arnav's hand – "yes baby...I am awake..."

But she does not turn around to face him yet because she was loving the way he was holding onto her snug this way with his head rested on her shoulder from behind.She absolutely loved spooning and cuddling with him – after – intimately – this way always. It had a very intense intimate vibe and a deep emotional effect on her too. These moments with him were very sacred to her being. She had never snuggled this way for hours all bare with any man other than Arnav - prior. Just like he hadn't done the same with anyone else prior too. They both knew that. It was something they had expressed to each other – the very first time – they'd felt themselves naturally want to snuggle and spoon into the other for hours - after. Khushi was just in the middle of thinking and soaking in the fact yet again – that she was going to miss every little thing about Arnav so very much until she saw him again and also the bits that despite feeling so sorted practically in her head and heart with regards to sending him off in real time for now – she had just realised that she was still not ready to face one thing with her eyes yet. What thing? The sight of him walking away. That sight off him leaving.

Arnav holds her closer and snug all possessively kissing her shoulder again before he whispers into her ear lovingly – " good...that...you are awake..my lady...I just wanted you to know...yet again...that...I love the feel of you...in my arms..this way....."

Khushi fights her bittersweet sigh now as she admits tightening his grip on her waist with her own hand even more possessively– "I know...and so do I..."

Arnav kisses her ear from behind again as he asks sensing her through as always – " I wana know what's on your mind right now my fiore...if you wana talk about it..."

Khushi whispers softly – "yeah...I want to...,"and with that she finally turns around in his arms and rests her head in the crook of his shoulder and Arnav looks down at her intensely locking their gaze emotionally and he kisses her head and brushes her hair lovingly – "go on then...tell me...baby..."

Khushi closes her eyes loving the feel of him entwining his feet with hers immediately in an interlinked cross after her shift in position under the duvet cover. She whispers snuggling in closer to him – "so...I am just thinking....that..I am going to miss you so much Arnav...it's going to be so difficult to get any sleep for these first couple of nights..without your arms around me...I'v become so used to you..to Us falling to sleep this way.....You'v become a Habbit...Arnav...My Favourite..Habbit....,"and she adds with a bittersweet wink – " yeah...you might be right...the inner achiever in me might just figure out a way to travel to you twice a month...very soon.."

Arnav smiles at that and he tucks her chin up to make her look at him and he asks grinning – "And...the orchestra continues in my head....Khushi...at the sound of that...,"and he adds with another playful bittersweet wink himself – " also...just reconfirming...again.. you did just call me...your favourite habbit right?? I ain't imagining this..?"

Khushi smiles at that as she caresses his cheek – " yeah...I did call you that..you are not imagining it..baby.....you like??"

Arnav kisses on her hand – " I love..,"and with that he just begins to caress her cheek over as gently too and he admits sincerely – " I was thinking the very same...Khushi...as to how am I going to be able to sleep for these couple of nights without you in my arms..and yes...you'v become my favourit-est habbit too... I mean ofcourse I had to add the -est – superlative to your word in context.."

Khushi chuckles and asks caressing his cheek in tender caresses too – "ahaan?? really??"

Arnav nods and he kisses her hand again and it is right very then he hears Khushi whisper vulnerably - " I wana say something...Arnav..but I don't want you to get mad at me for this...oh..wait...you don't like the sound of the word mad..I mean...upset...I just wana try to make you understand this bit without making you upset...it might come across as silly and absurd..but..."

Arnav laces his hand into her hair all snug as he whispers placing a finger on her lips immediately – "good on you that you were quick with the correction on that word..quickly...darling...,"and he kisses her head – " go on...say it...please...,"and he locks his intent gaze with hers and Khushi admits all emotional – " So...Even though practically within my head and heart...I am in a better headspace..now..so much more sorted at the thought of you leaving in hours from now...after everything we'v discussed...it turns out...there's still one thing...I am not ready to face yet Arnav...like in reality in front of my eyes..as in...I know it will happen in the back of my head...but I don't think I have it in me to see..it..happening in front of me..for real...and that is the sight of watching you leave...Arnav...I cannot see you leave...like I just cannot watch you roll out our luggage and leave in front of my eyes...which is why...I wanted to talk to you about this...I wana leave here..from the Hotel...prior to you leaving...just a couple of hours prior..like maybe around 7 or something...ill just head outta here...straight home...Mum will be coming later..she'll get my stuff...will this be okay for you baby? If I just leave prior? I just don't have it in me..to see you..leave...maybe...I won't have it in me..ever...too...maybe..i'll just always wana leave..first...might come across as silly or absurd to you...but....look...I ..I...,"and she pauses as she searches Arnav's face and gaze for any hurt/discomfort as she asks to reconfirm again – " would this be okay??"

Arnav kisses her head sincerely first. The emotional vulnerability wrapped up in truckloads of insecurity and those shades of restlessness +fear in her eyes right now did not miss his eye. He looks back into her eyes intently and he asks – "before I answer that...would it be okay...if I ask..why?? Khushi?? Why can you not see me leave??"

Khushi whispers burying her head into his neck – "I can't baby...I just..can't...because..the sight of you walking away even in a normal moment of time....kind off..just......makes me feel like a freaking empty fridge..momentarily...it shoves me into cold storage mode within...K??and it just butchers me.....yeah...I have your memories to restore me back into feeling all warm and fuzzy after...eventually...but...I hate that feeling off feeling like a cold storage...within...you got to understand this...Arnav...I cannot see you leave..for it...just messes me...up?k?,"and she pauses and just hugs him tight not knowing how to word it out to him further because this was not his fault. It was not that he had failed in his efforts to make her feel secured about them in her being at all.She was secured – to a great extent. It was just that the truth of her reality on vulnerable moments like these – had the power to often overshadow that security.

Arnav hugs her hard close nonetheless but he fights back his dejected sigh. He had a gut feeling as to what this could be about. His gut told him that - deep down she probably still feared that he'd walk away like Rob did – when she would talk to him about that personal emotional baggage. Did he think that - all his efforts to offer her emotional security had gone Futile? No. Not at all. He would never misunderstand her intentions at that – after everything they had worked out amongst themselves.In his head he was kind off connecting the dots that - It wasn't that she wasn't secure about them.She was just probably being haunted by an insecurity which had its root dug way too deep within? An insecurity which he probably knew – he could only uproot – once and for all - with his deep Confession of Love.

Every inch of his being right now was dying to confess to her. Yes – that was exactly what he wanted to do.As he held her close right now feeling her vibe all vulnerable in his arms waiting for his answer is nervous anticipation – all a part of him wanted to do was pin her under him – enter her intimately and tell her how much he loved her.To just look into her eyes and tell her how deeply he loved her. Over and Over.To just tell her – he wouldn't ever give up on her – ever. No matter what this baggage was. That he'd share it with her. And yet – he swallowed all of his thoughts and his words right back in. Why? Because just like that in this vulnerable moment of time – he finally knew. He finally knew the moment he wanted to declare his Love to her. And as fate would have it - that moment was not meant to be - Now. He'd have to wait for that moment to come to him organically. For that moment would be – when she would finally talk to him about the emotional baggage she was still holding back on.For in this intense moment off time - his gut told him that the only way he could take care of that insecurity and the restless fear within Khushi's heart for good – was to uproot it once and for all with his potent and intense confession of Love – at the very moment she probably anticipated/feared in her head – to be the moment he'd probably walk away.

Yeah.

That was exactly how he wanted to go about it.

He hears Khushi ask softly in his ear all nervous with her head still buried in his neck – " baby...won't you say..something?? anything at all??You'v just been silent and deep in thought for the last couple of minutes... Are you upset with me for this??don't be upset please...I do not wana upset you...that is not my intention at all...okay...know..what?? ill stay...I will leave...only after you get on your team bus...k?? its okay...ill let that cold storage feeling take over for a bit...ill just soothe my heart with your memories after on my way back home...."

Arnav gulps down his intense emotions at that again for just the way she said that to him right now made him fall head over heels in love with her again. He knew exactly what he wanted to say to the love of his life – right now.

He finally turns sideways and cups her cheek tenderly and makes her look at him as he whispers – " 7a.m....you leave prior baby...at around 7:00 am...K? because guess what after listening to everything you just said – I'v just been thinking that I don't think I'd have it in me too leave from here or anywhere around – if you'd be right around me nearby...nope...I wouldn't be able to walk away too...then...ask me why??or wait...don't ask...ill just say it...because walking away from you...in real time..finally...would make me feel like an empty freaking suitcase too....momentarily...I don't think it's something I wana feel too...I wana leave here..feeling like a happy warm suitcase filled with just your thoughts and our moments...so it's totally okay...if you wana head out prior..I understand...K? it works..not only for you...but me too..."

Khushi feels relief gush through her at that sincere tone of his and she hugs him hard all instantly falling in love with him for the zillionth time again as she states – " godammit...you...the things you make me feel Arnav...,"and she adds with a bittersweet chuckle – " but we are quite crazy in our heads baby...I mean...look at how we related this out to one another...cold storage...empty suitcase..."

Arnav chuckles at that and he pulls up and kisses her head – " as long as...we understand...the magnitude of what we wana convey...to one another...that's all that matters...doesn't it??"

Khushi nods at that sincerely and she instantly feels Arnav lean forward whispering nearing her lips – "but baby...given that..you wana leave a couple of hours prior...it's only fair...that you accommodate for a little adjustment...to sleep...how about I don't let either off us get any...until the time you leave...I'll sleep in transit..."

Khushi whispers wrapping her arms around his neck loving the way his hands had already begun to caress her back and backcurves all slowly and sensuously and deeply – " and I have the day off...so ill just catch up on sleep once you are in the flight too...Arna..,"and the letter of V of his name gets lost in a loud moan/whimper as she feels his fingers beginning to caress and enter her intimately as his lips claim her lips simultaneously in a slow, sensuous and emotional kiss again.

This moment as Arnav was kissing her slowly and sensuously with his hands exploring her deeply and intimately again – wasn't wild and rushed at all. It was raw and potent yes and yet it was slow and sensuous loaded with immense emotion at the same time.Because this was his way of voicing out the unsaid to her over and over yet again. He was loving the way she was responding to him in theores of passion yet again as he explored her deep and he hears her whisper urgently into his lips now in whimpers – " Arn...a..v...pl..s...bab..y...,"and she is unable to complete her words yet again as a tide of passion overtakes.

Arnav pauses in his ministrations momentarily and he asks his other hand reaching out for protection already knowing what she wanted and yet he asks into her lips with a sensuous smile – " please..what..Khushi????"

Khushi pulls away from their sensuous kiss and as she watches him dawn protection she bites back her sensuous smile as she whispers honestly – " I want you...in me...now...,"and this time around before Arnav could pin her back under him and enter her intimately – Khushi surprised him by shoving him around on his back instantly as she acted on her impulse and straddled him from the top and took all of the intimate him in her – herself – leaning forward at the same time lacing both their hands together and instead of just kissing him deep this time around – she just kept her eyes intently locked with his. His dark with passion steely look as they began to move together in slow and sensuous rhythms told her told her silently – that he wasn't going to let her get away with having their union her way – until the edge this time around.

And Khushi was right in her gut – Indeed.

For five – six heated minutes later – she finally felt Arnav turn her around and pin her under him impatiently all the while staying joint with her – as his lips claimed hers again in a deep sensuous kiss and his hands took her legs and wrapped it around his waist edging her to lift her up more so that he could feel himself in her all the way as close as humanly possible.

And as their bodies merged into one another this time around –slowly and sensuously – their lips continued to duel one another's too in the same rhythm and their hands continued to feel one another as intimately as possible too – their voices were lost into one another's in the form off strings and trails of passionate shudders.

Their Love- Making – wasn't just slow – and sensuous – or poignant or emotional right now. It was all of that plus it was loaded with a Bittersweet vibe too.

A Bittersweet Vibe – that mirrored that momentary Ache – of Parting from one another – in great magnitude.

And so - Many Heated minutes once again extended into a couple of intense passionate hours in each other's arms until around 7 Am. Until it was Time for Khushi to bid him bye with an Intense Bittersweet Deep Kiss lingering on his lips and a hard hug to express her Unsaid with bittersweet tears swimming in her eyes – as their eyes locked after – and before the very second – she turned and walked away.

And Arnav let her go after that lingering deep bittersweet kiss and a hard intense hug - watching her walk away first - only because he loved her so deep.

But Did Khushi leave Alone? Ofcourse Not. She took Arnav's heart with her.Just like when Arnav's time to leave finally came around later in the next couple of hours with his unit on the morning of 6th of April,2019 – he didn't leave Alone too.He took Khushi's heart with him.

Which was Good.Very Good.Why?

Because that is exactly how Arnav and Khushi's bittersweet parting in real time – for the very first time – was fated to be.It was fated to be Engulfed in those Bittersweet Burning flames of the Hangover of their Gloriously Intense and Passionate – Love for one another – that was still technically basking ,budding and growing in the intense magnitude off – The Unsaid.

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TADAAAAAA!!

How was That Guysssssssss?? Did you all enjoy reading this update on the theme of The Band-Aid Bridge???? Do you all feel that the title of this Chapter was Apt for its development in the story??Did you all enjoy the flow of scenes, their conversations? The Dialogues? Their emotions??(Winks)

Next Update: Tomorrow Night

I'll see you soon guys.

Until Then – Please take care and Stay Indoors and Safe guys!!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏

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

Much Love

Always

❤

Prachi

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I am a newbie. This is awesome. Do update 😍

TAKE 19 – Smashed

The big game is on. The tensions are running high.

Arnav gets an award for his performance. Khushi can not even openly rejoice.

He is heading back home soon. When will they meet up again?

TAKE 20 – The 'Band-Aid' Bridge

His suitcase is all packed up and the goodbye moment is coming.

She is planning to meet up every month. Hope she can.

Hellooooo Guysssssssss....

I am here with the next update of HW3.0!

Hope you and your family all are Safe and Sound 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Word Count – Medium in Length – 7K Words.✍✍👩‍💻👩‍💻

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

‍💻

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

And I shall now let you all dive in without Further Delay.

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Copyright Notice :

Text Copyright©mysticaltales11111™2020

The Moral Right of the Author has been asserted. All Rights Reserved. This Story is published subject to the condition that it shall not be reproduced or transmitted/distributed in whole or in part, in any manner, whether in electronic or in hard copy, without the written consent of the author, and any infringement of this is a violation of Copyright Law.

All Rights Reserved® mysticaltales11111

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Disclaimer:

This Story/ Written Series is a work of Fiction.All characters are fictitious.Any resemblance to a person living or dead is purely coincidental. The depiction off fictitious characters through their cross - cultural backgrounds is also a work of pure fiction. I respect all faiths, cultures, communities with its rich diversities, equally.I mean no offence or hurt to anyones sentiments through my work in any way whatsoever.

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TAKE 21 – Mi Familia

3 Days Later

8th April , 2019

Raizada Mansion – Chhatarpur, New Delhi

10:00 PM – Indian Standard Time

The atmosphere at the Raizada Mansion was a celebratory one tonight - filled with happiness, laughter and love – like it mostly always is – given that the family members had always enjoyed a very close knit, warm and loving bond. They accepted each other in their truest sense, allowing each member within their close-knit unit the freedom to grow out into their very own independent version of themselves within their heart and mind. Each other's private space was always respected, their mind, thoughts, viewpoints, given their respected due by being heard out. Of course, as a close-knit family unit – they each had always been concerned about the well-being off the other, but at the same time they also believed that – that Familial concern and Love cannot be used as a tool to ever interfere and begin to dictate the course of another's family member's feelings or Lives.

Even as their three children were growing up – Arjun and Raima Singh Raizada made sure to always treat them as little – yes - but different human beings who were each unique in their own ways - blessed with the power to think and feel uniquely within the capacity of their very own little minds/hearts. They had also been honest to their children as they began to grow up through adolescence – that just like they all as kids were growing up – they – as parents were growing up too – and taking their familial bond through the various stages in Life – was going to be a constant partnership on both ends. A partnership that's primary aim was to thrive and believe in nurturing their family's bond with honesty, compassion, and above all the warmth of the good old – Love – always allowing the other individual to fly in the direction their wings wanted to take them.

So – it could be rightly said that - The Raizada's just believed in accepting the other for who they were with deep familial love backing their hearts and minds– which is why they were all just happily – Growing Up and Evolving – together.

So – what was so special about this happy occasion tonight?

It was the bit – that finally – after a long time – they were all in the middle of some quality family time with one another with all of the immediate family members present which would be – Arjun + Raima + Anjali+ Ravi(Anjali's husband) + Arnav and Akash. Arnav had only just returned home on the 6th night from his long tour and he was to leave for Mumbai on 11th evening too – which had only given him about 5 nights and 6 days at home on this little break. Raima, Arjun and Anjali (The three doctors whose schedule mostly always fluctuated due to medical emergencies at either ends) – finally had this late evening free tonight – which is why they had arranged for this last-minute family dinner together. Akash and Ravi had cancelled a couple of their last minute business meetings/conference calls after 7:30pm so that they could just be completely present in the moment too with everyone. So ever since 8:00 PM tonight – they were all just in the middle of spending some good family time together.

They'd all just finished the various courses of dinner and all throughout the happy conversations in between them all ranged in between medical schedules, hospitals, businesses, cricket etc. Everyone was also alternating every now and then in between in taking turns to take both Arnav and Akash's case every time they looked into their phone or got into a little chat with their respective partners on the other end – which would be Payal and Khushi.

As dinner finished - Raima had finally suggested that they all shift to the adjoining living room to carry on with the rest of their happy chatter whilst they all munched on some Dessert.

Arnav was the only one who had just voiced that he was skipping dessert because of the strict ways in which he watched his Diet and the dinner tonight had been a cheat meal - already. Raima and Anjali are in the middle of convincing him to eat a couple of bites of Kheer – at the least which was anyway devoid of traditional sugar and was made with Stevia instead – keeping his preferences in mind.

Arnav groans as he states to his mother and sister now – " Mom...Di...please..don't look at me like that...you know I can't say No to that look on either of your faces..."

Raima winks at Anjali happily as she states – "which is the exact reason why I am pulling it up on you son."

Arnav looks at Akash(His Twin) and Ravi (His Jiju)and his father exchanging a happy high five and chuckle at that and he states narrowing his eyes at them playfully – " Akash...Jiju...Dad..the three of you seem to be enjoying this quite a bit..right??"

Akash chuckles – " ofcourse..mere Bhai..for once I am saved from Mom overdozing me on her Kheer..I mean given that you are mostly away... it is your turn today..."

Ravi and Arjun add chuckling – "our reasons exactly...finally we will only eat ..the limited portion...we actually want to indulge in..it's good that our wives have you as their target in the moment..Arnav..."

Raima and Anjali gape at their husbands respectively amused as they state – " ohh really??? we know you are going to eat various portions anyway given that you both love Kheer..,"and Raima adds playfully – " Dr Raizada...do I need to remind you...that its me who's actually the one stopping you from binging on that third bowl.."

Anjali winks at Ravi from across – "And I always stop you from binging on your fourth bowl...Ravi..."

They all share a happy laugh at that and Raima gestures Arnav lovingly – " cmon..son...just a little serving won't harm...think of this as our very own little celebration over your wonderful performance on the tour....I mean we are all so happy for you...professionally and personally...son, "she finishes with a playful wink.

Anjali nods at him too lovingly.

Arnav groans as he finally takes the bowl from his mother's hand and states – " alrightyyy...I cannot say No – to that now...given the way you just added..personally...in their Mom..."

Raima chuckles – " knew it...,"and she finally takes her seat next to her husband and begins to munch on her Kheer too and watches Anjali do the same next to Ravi lovingly and Arjun finally says now – " such a pity that Payal couldn't make it tonight...given that she had to head out of town for that guest lecture...Akash...you better tell her..that we all missed her.."

Akash nods happily – " yeah..Dad..I will..."

Raima winks at Akash – " but Dr Raizada...I am sure..its Akash whose been missing her more..anyway...,"and with that Anjali, Ravi and Arnav join in taking his case a little.

After a couple of minutes - Akash gapes at them all and finally looks at his parents, his sister and Jiju as he reminds them cheekily – " Mom..Dad...Di...Jiju...you'v been taking my case for the last two years okay?ever since Payal and me have been steady..how about we all finally turn our complete attention to my dear brother – again..he's the one who still hasn't even shown us Khushi's picture or a picture of them..just look at him biting back his smile all cheekily...right now...munching on his Kheer...innocently...as if..he has no idea...what I am talking about...we are all supposed to gang up on him..now remember?finally that we are all together..until now he was all like...ill show her ...picture to you all..when we are together...once and for all...??I mean..how much have I been coaxing him on the same ever since he's returned...that I am the twin...mere bhai...show me atleast..."

Raima adds now with a wink playfully and dramatically– " exactly...Akash...and how much have I been coaxing him too...that I am your... mother the one who got her stomach cut to bring you to life...show me atleast...but No...he wanted to show it to us all together...he didn't want either of us missing..."

Arnav gapes at his mother amused – " Mom...seriously...why a Neurosurgeon?? You should have been in theatre..I give you full points for your dramatics yet again...like always.."

Raima winks at her son – "thank you for that beta...but c'mon...Akash is right..get talking now..why do you think I wanted all of us to get together tonight...I haven't been able to sleep well for the last three nights out of curiosity..."

Arjun adds happily winking at his wife – "yes...I vouch for that son..true story..she almost was fighting her urge to peekaboo into your phone..she obviously stopped herself with great difficulty..given that she prioritizes each of your privacy immense...but for the first time ever she was having a hard time keeping up with that rule and belief of her's..am I right...Dr Raizada...??"

Raima grins – " exactly...Dr Raizada...,"and she kisses her husband's cheek lovingly – " but...do not do this to me Arjun...you cannot give my secrets..away...I mean why tell Arnav that I was fighting my urge to play Sherlock Holmes with his phone? haan??"

Arnav winks – " Mom...you do know...its Dad's favourite hobby to give your secrets away to us..."

Akash adds happily – "just like yours is too give Dad's secrets away to us..vice versa..."

They all share a happy warm chuckle at that.

Ravi grins and adds winking at Anjali– "and yes that's the exact reason why Anjali and me were so excited too on our way here ."

Anjali winks – " ofcourse..husband...I can't wait to see..this woman...whose caught my brother's head and heart this way...I mean haven't we all seen the way he is smiling to himself everytime he looked into his phone over dinner during his chats with Khushi....c'mon – I am sure..we all agree on this bit...that we'v never seen him this happy...with a girl...like ever....,"and she looks at Arnav now – " c'mon on then...brother..Akash is right...you did tell us earlier..that you would get to showing us a picture after dinner and dessert etc...and now we are in the middle of doing just that...so ya...we are all ganged up on you now...we wana see a picture now...like right very now....do not keep us in further suspense..."

Arnav chuckles now as he finishes taking the last bite of his Kheer and states leaning forward to place the bowl back on the table – "yes...Mi familia..I will get to that..super soon...in the next ten seconds or so..,"and he winks at Akash as he states – " thank you brother..for divulging everyone's attention back to taking my case...for now...just you wait...we are also not going to spare you... after.."

Akash chuckles as he leans back into the sofa comfortably – " I have no problem with that brother...as long as we finally get this out of you first..."

Arnav nods happily and he finally gets up from his spot and walks over to turn on the Smart TV in the room and he says grinning – "okay...so there are two reasons why I wanted to shift showing you a picture of Khushi or some of our pictures..first was...because I wanted to show it to you all together...on the bigger screennn...". Earlier this evening - He'd made a different folder of all their candid casual pics of Khushi and him - that he'd wanted to show to his Family – now.

Anjali asks curious – "and what is the second reason??"

Arnav states grinning – "the second reason being the bit that I wana talk to you all about something together...before I get around to showing you the pictures..."

Anjali narrows her eyes grinning – "ooh...I am excited. Does that have anything to do with the bit that we already picked up on? That how you've never been happier??"

Arnav nods happily. So, he-d first wanted to tell them all together – how deeply in Love he was with Khushi before getting on with sharing the pictures.

Raima narrows her eyes shooting him her Mommy's perceptive look – " or...wait...does that have everything to do with the bit...how you'v never been this Happier...because...you are finally in Love...my son...you love her don't you?? which is exactly what you wana state and declare to us before you show us – the pictures??"

Arnav groans at that amused holding his hands up to his sides dramatically – " Mom...seriously....this was supposed to be my dramatic...declaration...you stole my lines..."

Akash chuckles amused – " she..stole...mine too..remember?? when I wanted to tell you all – I was in love with Payal.."

Anjali nods amused – " well...sorry little brother...I gotta second that..she stole my line too...when I was about to tell her about your Jiju...so let's just admit that – that's our mother's thing..she senses..us..through and through..."

Raima grins happily – " exactly...my children..I take great pride in the fact that I can sense the magnitude of each of yours happiness and its probable reason..,"And she winks at Arnav – " how could you even think for a second – that the happy sprint and jump in your footsteps as you'v been heading to your room telling me that you gotta catch up with Khushi in all these days, or your happy carefree whistling while you were headed to do just that or that effortless grin as you look into your phone...would miss my eye beta...your face has always been expressive my son...and I am your mother...I got my sixth sense tuned with you since the umbilical chord days... I got my stomach cut to bring you to life....remember..."

Arnav chuckles happily as he states placing his hands on his waist – " Dad...seriously..let's get Mom enrolled into theatre..about time...."

Arjun adds grinning – " well..to be honest...it didn't miss my eye too Arnav...just last night...I told your mother...pyaar mein pad gaya hai hamara beta(that our son is in Love)..Dr Raizada.."

Arnav grins and gapes at his father – "really Dad??"

Arjun nods.

Akash adds grinning – " didn't miss my eye too actually...told Mom and Dad over breakfast this morning...before you came in brother...that finally..the Love bug has bite you too..."

Arnav chuckles at that dramatically – " Damm...and here I thought I was trying to be discreet about my happy expressions...clearly not...,"and he asks mischeviously to all – " but wait...everyone..do you all think that Aman would have picked on this too? given that I'v spent the last couple of days with just him at Home – in Dad's study catching up on all the business bit that he and Akash – needed me to catch up on.."

Akash winks playfully – " mere bhai..don't worry..about that...Aman surely knows you'v been happy...but he surely hasn't caught onto the real reason...he thinks its probably because of the amazing business returns on your investments.."

They all share a happy laugh at that yet again.

Arnav continues with a happy sigh – " ok...great...so...anyway...now that you all have spotted it all...please know...that...all those happy expressions has everything to do with the bit..that we are just being able to make our long distance work..so smoothly....obviously...I mean it's just that these three days apart have given me even more confidence and contentment over that yeah...we are going to make it work..wonderfully...we are going to be totally okay....,"and he looks at everyone as he states – " anyway...keeping that aside for now...now that the cat is out of the bag..already..even before I could say it...I think...I just wana say it out loud to you all nonetheless...I am in love...my dear family...I am in love... deep....I love Khushi...truly...She is it..for me...its either going to be her..or no one..."

Raima gets up now from her spot and walks up to hug her son – "and I am so happy for you son...really,"And she kisses his head and asks curious – " please..show..me a picture....I am dying...to see her..."

Anjali walks up to hug Arnav too and she asks in happy anticipation – " also..brother...tell me...what about Khushi...do you think you both are on the same page ??"

Arnav smiles as he answers – "well I think she's surely headed exactly where I already am...yeah...we haven't confessed to each other yet...but...let's just say that there's enough said and the intense vibe of the unsaid in between us that gives me the security that she's surely heading there too..."

Anjali and Raima hug him happily at that from either side relieved at knowing this. They obviously didn't want Arnav to ever be hurt again on the matters of the heart. They knew deep down – he was an emotional man.The break up with Roohi had been a setback for him prior, but a one he could handle because he was never in love with her. And here – they could already see how deeply he was into Khushi – so coming from the love off a mothers/elder sister's heart – they were both happy with what they'd just heard.

Arjun, Akash, Ravi – walk up one by one next to just hug and congratulate Arnav too. They knew the magnitude of the happiness in one's heart given that they had been blessed with it too in their personal spheres.

After hugging each of his family members happily – Arnav finally remembers a thought in his head and he gestures them all to take their seats and he takes his seat on the chair he was seated on momentarily prior and states – "so...everyone...there's just something more...I just remembered...I wana say..before I get to showing you our pictures..."

Everyone Nods.

Arjun states curious – " Go on..son...please...or I should enroll you into dramatics for all this suspense building.."

Everyone shares a warm laugh at that and Arnav finally looks sincerely at the faces of all his immediate family members as he says – "so given that I feel in my gut that Khushi is headed exactly where I am on the workshop of the feels...and that I have faith that no distance can ever be big enough for us to not bridge smoothly...I want you all to know....that....I am very serious...when I said..this is it..for me...as in...I mean it with all my heart...I am serious...about...spending the rest of my life with her as my partner..which basically means that I have every intention...to make her a part of this..,"he gestures to them all as a group – " our family...eventually...so...I have something that I wana tell you all..."

Raima nods supportively – " go on..son..tell us..what is it..."

So does everyone else.

Arnav states sincerely – " so I wana say this out – so that I can just check in with you all that we are on the same page...although I think I already know your answer..but still...you are my family..and I love you all...and my gut tells me that I have nothing to worry about..given that I know you all through and through...but...still just hearing it back out loud from each of you is going to give me comfort...so I just wana say that the fact that I live in a different country or am from a different faith and culture surely is no issue for Khushi or her Mum...that I know...so its kind off the same for me too... the fact that she's born and brought up in another country or that– she is from a different faith and culture is something that doesn't bother me at all...I am totally kool with it...infact I am totally kool if she wants to keep practicing her faith..after...as well...she's free to do what she wants...I hope the idea of the same..is kool with you all too...she's surely going to be one of us..some day..and whenever that day comes...I want her to feel that she has that freedom to keep the essence of her identity that has been what it is..until now...look all I am saying is that..I love her for who she is...deep..as...is...for the human she is...no conditions attached...I don't/wouldn't..want..her to change a dime about herself out of any sort of compulsion just because we practice a different culture and faith at our home...so...you all kool with this right??"

Raima smiles at that lovingly as she states exchanging a reassuring smile with Arjun – "and what do you think our answer would be to that my son??"

Arnav smiles – "well...my gut tells me that it would be...that you are all kool with this..because you two were the very ones to teach us all from the very beginning Mom..Dad...that we must always extend our compassion and faith towards the very essence of humanity...irrespective of our cultural differences.."

Arjun smiles at that as he says – "exactly son....and it's our very profession that instils that very belief back to us each day..."

Raima nods – "every minute....."

Anjali smiles reassuringly – "every second..."

Raima adds – "for as doctors.....when we enter the Hospital/the OT/ The OPD's...only one thing matters...that is our service to humanity above all..irrespective of our cultural differences...the only history of the patient we are interested to know honestly..is their medical one...how different they are from us culturally..doesn't even matter to us...and each day over years.. professionally we lived and continue to live through this very essence...so it's only obvious that this very bit has transcended into our hearts and beliefs personally too..beta..."

Anjali nods reassuringly – "indeed... all that matters is our service that revolves in between life and death...we work to save and heal lives..don't we brother? Irrespective of these worldly differences...and it is these sensitive moments that has taught us/continues to teach us so much...about our faith in humanity...so I am sure you already knew our very answer to the same...even before you asked us this..."

Arjun smiles and adds reassuringly – "look..son...yes...we take great pride in being who we are culturally..but..that does not take away the essence and significance or respect towards other faiths and cultures in our minds and hearts....all the cultures and faiths around the world...are beautiful in their very own way..it's just a subject that is deeply personal...to each their own...and we just strongly believe in that freedom of choice too...so be rest assured son..we are going to focus on Khushi..for the human she is...primarily in priority..oh wait...,"and he adds with a playful wink – " I mean...even if she were an alien..I'd just focus on the bit that my son is in love with her and that your happiness lies with her...,"and he winks again and continues to add more playfully – " but..wait..just checking? Is she an alien? If yes? From which planet? Mars? Or even further down?? Oohh – how kool would that be Dr Raima Raizada...I mean..we could then learn more about the physiological evolutions and the medical history about aliens...you know if we were to have one as a part of our family...,"he finishes with a final playful wink at his wife.

That makes everyone share a warm laugh and Arnav adds with a happy relieved wink – " don't push your luck Dad..you haven't gotten that lucky yet to write a book on the Discovery of Alien's and their physiological evolutions and existence...Khushi is Human...most surely..human...,"and he adds with an added happy relieved smile – " and yeah...I kind of knew di...what you all were going to say..actually...but I just wanted to talk about this out loud..the reassurance feels kool and content within..."

Ravi adds grinning now – " okay Arnav..but...now that Dad said it...Dad's seriously got me wishing that Khushi was an alien though...I mean..it would be fun to have that kind of diversity in the family...,"and he pauses and adds with a reassuring smile too – "Jokes..apart...Arnav..seriously...brother...you got nothing to worry about on that note...k? this just means...that we'd eventually just celebrate each of our cultures as enthusiastically...and learn the essence of our cultural diversities..."

Akash grins and adds reassuringly – " a possibility..which totally rocks...mere..bhai...don't you worry at all...I totally agree with Jiju...its going to be funner to celebrate each of our cultures enthusiastically.."

Arnav winks at his twin– " my dear twin...just so you know...funner..isnt really a word..now is it..Di??Mom??Dad??Jiju??"

Akash chuckles at that – "very funny...ask Ved..it surely is in his dictionary..that's where I picked it up from..."

Arnav winks – " yup...you are right..I keep saying that to him all the time too..."

They all share another warm happy laughter.

Raima groans finally getting all impatient as she takes her son by the hand makes him stand and schools him into getting up to be by the TV screen – "cmon...my son..now... can you get on with showing us the picture of the one human..you'v fallen madly in love with...the human..you want to bring home and make a part of our family...eventually...."

Arnav nods happily and he finally gets the screen mirroring option working on his phone and he states dramatically going to the folder on his phone – " wait..for it..Mi Familia...now you shall see up on screen...within the very next second...the picture...of the love of my life...first...I am going to show a couple of candid pictures of just Her...and then ill roll onto Us..."

Raima grins – " son..lets join those theatre classes together..."

Everyone chuckles at that and Arnav finally taps open the folder and – gets Khushi's one candid picture up on screen – in which she's totally grinning with the cup of coffee in her hand.(Its from a moment of one of Their late night talking sessions)

And the very minute – Khushi's grinning picture finally comes up alit in front off everyone – Raima exclaims in glee – "Khushi's got such a beautiful gorgeous...smile...son...."

Anjali grins - " and such pretty eyes..."

Arnav grins and smacks his finger playfully at his family – " she does right..that smile on her face..and the twinkle in her eye...lights up my life..Mom...Di..."

Raima chuckles at that – " go on then..son..show us more..."

Arnav moves to the next picture of Khushi dressed in her England Support unit jersey. (It was a happy selfie she's once shared with him)

Akash winks playfully from across at his twin now after seeing this second picture – " mere bhai..Khushi is really beautiful yaar...but...tell me something...tere chakkar mein kaise padh gayi...bhai......"( but how did she fall for you again??)

Arjun adds grinning next – " wahi toh...Akash..main bhi yahi soch raha hun...itni pyaari ladki..iske chaakar mein kaise pad gayi...mera yeh wala beta toh shave bhi nahi karta hai mahino mahino tak..."( that's what son...I was also thinking the same thing..such a lovely girl...how did she fall for him...I mean..this son of mine doesn't even shave for months)

Ravi grins and adds – " my thoughts exactly...Dad..just tell us Arnav...how long has it been since you and Ved have gone clean shaven..."

Arnav groans amused at his family – " please...Jiju...do you all even know...how many people are a fan of this look rugged bearded look of Ved and Me..."

Anjali winks – " yeah yeah...don't tell us...brother...we know...how many girls swoon over this look of yours and Ved's in your respective fan clubs..."

Arnav winks – " thanks di...and jiju...wait..now I shall get to a picture of Us maybe first...let's see..if you all agree...on the bit whether we compliment each other..we totally do...alright??"

And with that he moves to the next candid picture of Them on Screen – in which he had Khushi sidehugged into his side and they were both smiling – their eyes twinkling in immense happiness holding onto one another as both were dawned in his Indian Jersey.(Arnav was wearing his and Khushi was wearing the one he often wore to nets and practice.She'd eventually sneaked it off him.)

And the minute everyone sees that picture – they feel each of their heart warm at the sight and Raima says – " ohh yes...son...that's a such a lovely picture...you both totally compliment one another...,"And she gapes at her husband, son and son in law amused – " dare you three tease him on the same..alright??"

Arjun, Akash and Ravi nod happily.

Anjali sighs happily as she states perceiving the happiness on Khushi's face too in the picture – " yup...Mom's right...this is such a happy picture..brother...I think you are also right about...her heading to the same page as you...on the feels...come on...go on next..please..."

And Arnav continues. He continues showing his loving family – the pictures he'd stored in this specific folder all the while his heart beaming in immense happiness as his family members continued to smile warmly at the sight of the photos – his very own heart warming up immense over and over at seeing the happy pictures of Them – again.

How could it Not?

She was his Human afterall. Just like He was Her's.

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

One Hour Later

11:15 PM

Arnav's POV

Guys.

Mom was right. I do seem to have an added spring in my sprint + a happy hymm or a whistle on my lips everytime I'm headed to towards my room with the parting words to them saying – " Okay..Mom..Dad...Akash..I will see you all in the morning...given that I need to catch up with Khushi now..for a bit..."

Yup.

For that's exactly what I said to them – as we see-d Di and Jiju off – five minutes ago and I made my way up in that exact same happy mode.(Yup. All of them spent the last one hour – taking my case though mischeviously)

On that note – ofcourse - they all caught onto me being madly in Love – before I could even declare it to them.Actually to be honest guys – I am super glad that they did because I take great comfort in the bit that we share such a close knit bond as a Family and they can understand me and see me through.

I can never thank god ever enough for blessing me with them. My Family. Mi Familia.(Which is Spanish for the same) Or wait. Should I just say – Mi Maravillosa Familia? which would relate to My Wonderful Family in English.

Either ways – you all get that I am only eternally grateful to God for them – right? I mean – just the happiness for me on their faces as they saw pictures of Khushi and me – together – along with their unconditional support on the other bit I discussed with them - means so much to me.

Indeed.

Yeah Guys.Wait. I know – I know. It was quite impulsive off me to discuss the bit I did with them already given that I haven't even confessed my Love to Khushi yet. But I couldn't help it alright? For ever since I'v reached Home – all I can imagine is differ visualisations of her at Home with my Family! Of Us Living together as Partners – eventually! I mean – Yeah. I gotta hold onto some patience gears in reality – but in Imagination – I am totally allowed to be as Impatient as I wana be and succumb to building my Castle of Happy Dreams with her – right?

Yup.

So that bit was surely a result of my Impatient Imagination – obviously.

So - Now that I am nearing my room – I plug out my earpods ( which I keep handy all the time in my pockets now given Khushi's love off sending me voice notes) - and plug them in my ears for my Whtsapp tells me that I have a couple of voice notes awaiting to be heard from the Love of my Life.Its 11:15 Pm for us means it is 6:45PM for Khushi.We did get into a little chat as she reached home at around her time – 5:30 PM from M's - while I had just finished Dinner with everyone and we'd shifted to the living room for Dessert.

I grin to myself as I press play to the Audio Note that came – Forty-Five – Minutes Ago.

Her – " Hey..baby...I think you are going to be in the middle of Dessert and chilling and catching up time with everyone! But I sooo had to leave you this voice note to let you know – that guess what is it that Mum and me are cooking for ourselves for dinner tonight? Our favourite Shepherds Pie.Baby – I kinda feel bad I couldn't take you to my favourite spot for the same while you were here. No worries. Next time – for sure. Or even better – I'll just make one for you when I see you next...k?? Okayy...now you continue to enjoy your time with everyone..as I get on my apron to help out Mum in our cooking session. Speak soon baby..Muah..."

I grin as I enter my room. Khushi was right. These voice notes do have a different charm to it altogether. It just helps me feel her voice – her tone. Feels so much better than just texts – for sure.

I sit on the sofa now as I press play to the next voice note that came about fifteen minutes ago.

Her - " Hey...you..my hunk...so guess what...all the preps almost done...I think I might get free in twenty...for we will only eat after 8 right? which will be like 12:30 Am for you..."

I chuckle happily. I press play on the next voice note from around seven minutes ago.

Her - " okiesss...phewww...all set and done...cooking time with Mum is always so much fun...baby..sooo...yup...I am just headed to my room now..for a bit...let me know when you are free...my hunk..we will catch up....hope its going great with your Di and Jiju over dessert too... can't wait to hear all about it..."

Oh Yes. It went Great – Darling.

I am just about to send her a voice note back that I am free to connect when a new voice note pops up.

I press play immediately.

Her crazily excited voice spills through – " oh my god...Arnav...you so have to know this....I mean...I just gotta a call as soon as I sent you that last voice note...okkkway...wait...I gotta tell you this face to face...so not telling you now..ill wait until you are free...."

I chuckle at that and I send her a voice note back – " Khushi...baby...free to connect now...just entered my room two minutes ago...was listening to your voice notes..from....prior..."

And the minute the voice note reaches her – I call her up on the video call immediately.

She picks up in an instant and her happy gleeful face fills up my screen as she pouts adorably – " Arnavvv....you didn't even let me listen to your voice note..."

I wink at her – " that's because...I couldn't wait for another second to see you after I heard that last voice note baby...look at that excitement on your face...come on...out with it...tell me...."

Khushi chuckles happily – " okay...given that I am so excited about this...ill dive straight in...so...guess what? that was the HR from my previous digital marketing firm...remember they told me theyd get back to me in a day or so – after I went to see them at the office yesterday in the hope to rejoin...so they called? And guess what? not only are they keen to offer me my previous role...they also asked me if I'd be kool to work on art and digital online graphics for digital marketing off one of the business verticals they'd just acquired...plus...if I'd be ready to take it...they want to hand over double the volume of business accounts...for me to oversee in terms of digital marketing given that the business traffic coming up the firms way is scaling up and they were looking out to hiring a couple of people anyway...which is why the HR was all like...I had given her a call and went in to see her at the right time....so yup...its final...I am joining them back..its fixed..like done...I am just so glad that they were understanding about me still needing time till the 23rd given that I will be able to officially join them on that day because I return from Dad's hometown on the 21st.....and not just that guess what the icing on the cake is...I told the HR just now that I was ready to handle as much as truckloads of work volume...assuring her that they wouldn't need to hire more people...and she was all like – alrighty if that's case Ms Jones – I'll try to see if we can amp up your prior remuneration package...Oh my god...Arnav...if this happens...it's going to be freaking great....right?? "

I grin happily – " ofcourseee baby...this is amazing news...I am so proud of you...you are freaking fabulous fiore......and..,"and she gestures me to pause adorably.

Khushi chuckles and nods excited – " thank you Arnav...and..wait...pause...because I want to ask you this..first too...given that I went on with my excited rant first...you tell me now.....how did it go with everyone? After dinner?"

I chuckle as I wink at her jumping straight to the bit I couldn't wait to talk about her too – " it went great darling..infact guess what? I finally got around to showing them a picture of You and US.."

She obviously knows how everyone was after me about the same – ever since I reached Home.

Her eyes widen in excited anticipation – " ahaan? really? what did they say??"

I wink at her – " Mom..and Di..couldnt stop...awing in happiness...and Akash, Dad and Jiju couldn't believe it that you fell for me...given my brooded beard look..baby..."

She groans adorably and jumps to my defence almost immediately at that – " what?? hey..no...did you tell them that your variations in looks can never be like a factor for me.. just like I know its the same for you...but wait...nonetheless...I hope you told them that I have a thing for this look of yours anyway.. just like I'd have a thing for just about any physical version off you..??,"she finishes with a warm sincere smile.

My heart glows and bulbs up in a superhigh voltage at that as if I were the one who had just invented the Manmade Lights.I nod happily – " I did for sure baby ..after..when they were teasing me.."

She chuckles and says – " okay..so go on..tell me about it at all at your end...you already know how my day was...also its getting late for you..baby...why not head up to your loft and relax and lie down??"

I nod at her at that and begin to head up the spiral stairs into the Lofted area in my room where my Sleeping zone is. She says happily – " just gotta say this again – even though I said it to you the very first day you videocalled from your room – this whole bit of having a library area in your room..under your sleeping loft – is so You..Arnav....given your love for Reading..."

I grin and wink – "it is right??when I wanted this done..the interior person couldn't believe it..that I wanted a Library here below instead of like a gaming zone.. I told you that tale right?"

She nods excited and says – " yes you did..but I wouldn't mind hearing it again...buf later.. so..now come on..shoot...I wana hear you talk..first.. about everything from now....I mean your family's reaction to our pictures..etc...etc.. give me details baby..."

I nod and I begin to fill her on everything – apart from the bits of my declaration of Love for her to my family and my talk with them in that context for now.

I could be as impatient in my Imagination but in reality I had to tune things accordingly to the one I loved too – right?

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

45 Minutes Later

Arnav POV Continues

I adjust my head comfortably against my pillow which is all propelled up against the headrest.

We'v just spent the last 45 minutes talking about our days( again)and this time with all its minutest details in it like we love too and Khushi's in the middle of sipping some water right now as she eyes her tablet next to her on the bed – with her brows twitched in a frown.

Ofcourse I know what this is about. Her E-Visa that she needs to visit her Dad's hometown because its in a different country – hasn't yet arrived into her mailbox. Her entire plan ahead depends on that obviously. Yeah – I might not know all the details yet but that isn't going to stop me from comforting her about the same right now.

I ask now – " still worried..about...that Visa status baby? Relax..you did say the E-Visa sometimes takes a week right? it'll come...in time...okay??Even M's/Brians and Jacks hasn't come yet..it isn't just you....also..S is all set to leave tomm as per her schedule right?"

She shoots me a happy sigh and a smile – " yeahh..she is...S is all set..."

I smile - " I am going to drop her an all the best text..baby.."

She nods - " that should make her smile..baby.."

I nod and I say again sincerely- " Khushi..please...my darling...don't worry about the Evisa..K??"

She sighs and gives me a little smile - " and only...you..can be the one..to comfort me about this with all your heart baby...even though you do not know...all the details yet...why? Just why are you so freaking awesome??"

I grin and wink at her – " well looks like I just am...and that bit isn't going to change...k? just cut that frown of your forehead please?? I don't like the sight off it.."

She grins now as she states with a sigh – " okay...ill try not to worry about it..I will shift my focus..back to you....,"and she adds with a mischevious glint back in her eye immeditaely now – " how about you tell me...why you don't like the sight of my frown...again...maybe that will help me...dunk and stash it away.."

I grin at that as I say on reflex – " because you are My Human baby...the one who God has created custom – made – Just for Me...ofcourse I do not like the sight of you frowning...and specially not...when...I am physically away from you...because I can't hug you..hold you close...or even kiss you..right??"

Her eyes well up a little at that happily – " did you just call me – My Human...Arnav? So naturally??"

I nod and wink - "superlike the sound off it?"

She grins – " love the sound off it..also.....because I like to refer to you as that in my head too at times you know..."

I gape at her amused – " and you tell me that now...but alright...better late than never..."

She chuckles – " ahaan? really?"

I nod and she whispers locking her gaze with mine on screen – " everything about you – seems to be custom made for me too – baby...,"and she lies down on her one pillow now turns to the side hugging another as she adjusts the phone screen the other stack of pillows.

I grin and wink at her – " damm those...lucky...pillows..."

She winks at me – " wana switch places with my pillow??"

I wink – " you know I am dying too..."

She smiles touching the screen – " I am dying too – too..."

I admit – " also..the sight of you in your room right now as always baby...is creating a havoc on my senses....reminding me off the moments I spent with you..in there..."

She smiles - "I know...its the same for me too...its what keeps me warm...all the time..when I am in here..by myself...those memories make me feel like you are still here...in some way...actually you are anyway in everyway...because you are always...in here...right??,"she gestures to her heart.

My heart swells at that as I place a hand over my heart too – " just like you are always in here too baby.."

Our eyes lock at that – Intensely and we end up blurting out at the same time about twenty seconds later – " I miss you so much....baby..."

We share a warm chuckle at that and she asks – " are you sleepy much Arnav? Its getting late for you..I hope not though...I do wana spend all my time talking to you until Mum calls me for dinner...and after too if your are awake for a bit atleast..."

I smile at that happily – " well given that I am on my break I do plan to get up later in the morning anyway for I start work with Aman only by Noon.. fiore...so yeah..while you are at dinner – I'd just read or something..and we will surely catch up after again...k??"

She smiles happily and touches the screen – " that soundsss great....I am just so glad we are making this work..smoothly...baby...I mean it's been just three days away..and as much as I miss you bad...the way we are keeping up with this..feels so so good and comforting within...indeed..."

I grin at her as I touch the screen lovingly too – " I know..I couldn't be happier about that too..."

And as we continue talking now – My Impatient Imagination begins to go on an Imagining spree yet again with its happy visualisation.

And what do I imagine?

The vision of Khushi in here – right next to me – in my room at my Home – ofcourse.That she-d be here by my side one day and how I am not going to freaking let her get any sleep all night when she finally Is.

Don't call me crazy guys! Khushi has become a very important member of Mi Familia – in my Head, Heart and Soul – alright?

Yup.

She has.She most surely has become a very important member of My Family within my Being. There could never be any doubts about that – Ever – Indeed.

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

TADAAAAAA!!

How was That Guysssssssss?? Did you all enjoy reading this update on the theme of Mi Familia????

I'll see you soon guys.

Until Then – Please take care and Stay Indoors and Safe guys!!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏

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

Much Love

Always

❤

Prachi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysticaltales11111/

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The house has such a modern look and feel. Very classy.