ARSHI FF - HIT WICKET MY HEART 3.0 - Take 44-Pg.51(10.5.22) - Page 13

Arnav wants to tell his family about Khushi and how he is in love.

Mom beat him to it. Moms always know first.

His parents are very accepting with Khushi being from a different culture and faith.

Superb so cool parents don’t mind her

Hellooooo Guysssssssss....

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

Okiess – So Yes. This Chapter totally had to stand out on its Own. And yes – do not let the Title worry you at all. You will get the gist as to why I titled it as this – as you read on..;-)

Word Count – Medium in Length – 6K 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🤗❤🙏

Will be Eager to know your feedback on the Same!

‍💻

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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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 21.1 – It Doesn't Feel Right

Same Night – 8th April, 2019

London – UK

Khushi's Home

UK Time – 10:00 PM

Khushi's POV

Oops.

Guys – technically I think there should be a part within my heart that should be feeling a little guilty for keeping Arnav awake until about 2:30 AM his time – for that is the time at his end right now – given that it's 10:00 PM for me here in London – and we'v just spent the last 90 minutes again (after I finished Dinner with Mum) – since around 8:30 PM my time – on our Video Call – again – just talking and staring at each other happily.

But.

Call me crazy or selfish in this moment of time – I kind off am not guilty about keeping him up till this point at all. What can I do guys? I can just never have enough off Him. Period. And that is not my fault. Who told him to be such a Darling? Like - Who told him to be this Addictive? Like if it were upto me – I'd just be stuck on phone with him all the time on the other end. (A wish I am coping up with – by sending him my numerous Voice Notes – over and over in our chats – anyway)

Oh – and just in case you are wondering – where - Mi Amore is right now and why am I not talking to him and giving you this peekaboo into my head? It's because he just excused himself to freshen up – leaving his phone stacked against the pillows at his end. He didn't let me cut our call and asked me to lounge on our video call in wait for these couple of minutes.

I hear his happy gleeful voice fall in my ears now even though his vision hasn't filled up my screen again – " hey....you...my fiore....I am back..."

I chuckle – "Arnav...baby...I can't see you yet...I mean I think you are walking back to your bed from across but come into the frame fast..please?? Need to see you."

He chuckles at that and I see him plonk himself back on his bed as he rests his hand casually above his head. He picks the phone back up in his other hand and that very second I spot some droplets of water around his eyes – I say now on reflex – "oh wait...did you just wash your eyes too?? given that its already 2:30 am for you??"

He grins – "yeah...I did. But that's only because I still wana talk to you a little more while baby...I can never have enough time with you...period...you'v just got me addicted..insane," he finishes with a playful wink.

I chuckle at that as I curl up my knees and rest my chin on it with the phone in my other hand – " well to be honest..it was the same explanation I was giving to myself in my head while you were away right now...because I didn't wana feel guilty for keeping you up...but I guess now..I am feeling a tad bit guilty..anyway..."

Arnav grins and winks – "How about you cut the guilt out and say the exact bit you were thinking in your head..while I was away baby??"

I chuckle and narrow my eyes at him playfully – " ahaan? you really wana hear me say it all loud??"

He nods excited – " ofcourse...."

I grin as I admit – "I can just never have enough of you too okay? Period. For that is not my fault. Like who told you to be such a Darling? Who told you to be this Addictive??"

We share a warm chuckle at that and I spot his chuckle getting converted into a little yawn that he fights immediately and I say now touching the screen lovingly – " ohh Arnav..looks like your body really needs to sleep now...yeah...as much as I wana be with you still...I think...we should hang up...only because it's getting really late at your end..."

Arnav sighs as he touches the screen – " hey...no...what if I don't wana hang up..Fiore??,"and I see him fight another yawn immediately.

I narrow my eyes at him – " yeahhhh...I know...you don't want too...but I think it's only fair that I say now – that we must – because anyway you have this little break at home – after forever that's allowing you to take it easy...otherwise..it's like your schedules so jammpacked always..,"and I pause as I spot him fighting and trying to gulp down another yawn – "don't..Arnav...don't just fight your yawn alright? let's hang up..baby"

Arnav groans reluctant and pulls up his most innocent adorable look at me – "Let's Not...please...okay...give me five..let's hang up in five minutes...k?"

I sigh shooting him my narrowed eyes look that Say exactly what my words do too – "ofcourse I cannot say no to that look now...my hunk...you know that don't you?"

Arnav winks through another yawn – "I know...baby...okayy..so tell me what do you plan to do after we hang up now??"

I say now grinning – " just the usual baby...I do wana chat up with Mum for a bit...then maybe...I'll work on some doodles and sketches...and yes I also have to get couple of those graphics ready for M's business page on Instagram...so just all of that...and after when it's time to hit the bed ...i'll just go through our chats and your voice notes from all day prior – so that sleep comes to me peaceful and content...and yes...yes...before you say it to me...I will say it to you first...do not worry My Arnav...you will surely have a string of voice notes from me in the duration off after we hang up and before I sleep...so that you can hear those first thing in the morning at your end when you wake up...k??"

He grins – " I loveee those...because that's what makes my mornings wonderful the very second I open my eyes and pick up the phone...Fiore...the sound of your voice...it's the second best alternative to not seeing you next to me..."

I grin at that – "you are driving me crazier for you by the day...Arnav..stop..ok??"

He chuckles – " I won't stop..baby...I never said that I will...because that's exactly what I wana do to you – okay? To drive you crazier by the day for me...only fair...that I return the favour...my Fiore.."

I chuckle – " okayyyyy...alrighty...don't stop...ever...k? for I don't wana stop too..."

We share a warm chuckle at that and I spot Arnav fighting back another yawn now and I say assertively now – "okay...baby...you really need to sleep now...lets hang up? You know I cannot hang up on you just like that...we always..say..our momentary bye-s together..on video call..."

He sighs now and states reluctantly – "alrightyyy...khushi...yes...okay...I think sleep is beginning to take over...I might crash to it the minute I close my eyes...,"and he says lying down in bed adjusting his duvet on him – "meet you in my dreams...k?"

I grin as I send him a flying kiss – "always...,"and he sends me one too and we finally share an intense eyelock for ten seconds before we bid each other bye for the day and hang up.

I lean my head back into my pillows – closing my eyes – as Arnav's thoughts continue to consume me and a happy – content – lingering smile curves up my lips on its own accord – too.

It is right very then – the phone buzzes in my hand with S's call. I pick it up instantly and I say happily – "S...whts up? And yes..know this...M and me are totally accompanying you to the airport tomorrow...for sure...let Brian whine...for privacy..."

Sarah chuckles at that as she says excited – " haha...that he surely will..but it's ok..but K...wait...up...let me add..Brian..M..and Jack on the call too...I got some exciting news to share...."

I say puzzled – " okay..."

And a minute later as she does adds everyone to the call and after we are done with momentary Hello's on the group call – Sarah says excited – " okayyy guys...guess what? given that I had been fretting at the back of my head over this...' that none of your EVisa's have arrived in your email...yet...I just thought...just like I do every day...why not...track each of your application's status on their official website...and guess what? I have amazing news...for I am looking back at my screen that's just told me – that the EVisa for Pakistan has been approved for each of you...I think given that its middle of the night there now...it will probably just arrive officially in your mailboxes once the embassy opens tomorrow morning...either ways....I am so excited about this....now I can finally head to my job knowing for sure that I will see you guys there soon too...after...."

I feel a part of my Insides sigh in relief instantly just as I hear that.But....

I hear Brian's excited voice come through – "that's great news S – which means I only have to worry about being a couple of days apart from you now...for sure..."

Maya says excited – "and I can finally begin to pack...S..thank you for checking this up for us...again.."

Jack adds all geared up too – " I got my camera's ready...guys...let's do this trip...it's going to be awesome...or wait...make that..wait..for it...legendary...,"and we all share a chuckle at that. Jack uses this very famous line off Barney Stinson from How I Met Your Mother – sometimes given that he's such a fan of the Series.

And just the very next second they all pause as they ask me in sudden unison – " K – you there?? why the silence ? We thought you'd be happy, relieved and excited??

I admit now getting up my bed – " yeahh..guys...of course I am happy ,relieved and excited about this....just heading to Mum to tell her about the same...,"and we continue with our casual chatter until I reach Mum's study which is where she is – right now. Once I reach the door – I tell them all that I'll just catch up with them all tomorrow and hang up for now.

And the very next second I lean up against the wall adjacent to Mum's study and – I take a couple of deep breathes – conflicted.

Yup.

It's true.

As happy and relieved I am about my E-visa status being confirmed for that allows me to go on with my trip to Lahore as planned.At the moment – I can't help but feel conflicted because – that Haunting feeling has returned. The feeling that's been gnawing my insides in some corner of my mind and being for the last three days especially ever since Arnav left. Arnav thinks it's just been the momentary worry because my EVisa hadn't arrived yet which is why he kept comforting me about the same everytime he picked up on the shade of my worry. But – No. This worry isn't/wasn't just about that. It's all about that Feeling. The feeling that just doesn't feel right. I'd just been dumping it out given that I still didn't have any news on My Visa status. But given that – that bit of it is final now – I can't seem to dump this freaking feeling Out. It's returned to freaking Consume me – Claw me – Worry me. Insane.

Dammit.

Wait.

I am sure you all wana know what it is about and you all will catch onto it – as I step in to talk to Mum about this.

Yup.

Her comforting, loving support and her guidance on this is exactly what I need – right now.

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In Alice's Study

Alice finishes reading the document in hand and is about to pick up the next research paper stacked in front of her on her table – taking a sip off her hot chocolate. She also had an upcoming medical conference on Sports Physiotherapy in Nottingham in a couple of days from now – where in medical experts from all over the country were gathering in a medical conclave.

It is right very then – she hears a couple of knocks on her door and her daughter's voice from behind the door as she asks – "Mum...can I come in??"

Alice smiles to herself as she states gulping down the sip off her Hot Chocolate shifting the research papers aside from her front – "Hun... don't I always tell you...you don't need to ever knock on my door...just come on in...baby..."

She watches the door swing open almost immediately as her daughter steps in. But the frowned-up lines on her forehead along with her worried vibe instantly worry up Alice too as she asks straightening up in her seat first before she gets up to walk up to Khushi – "Khushi...what's wrong hun?? You seem extremely worried about something? which was the look I was not anticipating on your face right now at all..given that you did say when we finished dinner that you are going to spend the next couple of hours with Arnav on the video call....wait...is Arnav okay? Everything okay with you two??"

Khushi sighs at that as she states – "yes Mum...Arnav's okay...everything's okay with us...he's sleeping now...it's just that..,"and she pauses as she walks up to that little cocooned seating by the window and plonks herself on it with a thump and she states – " S called...Mum..she checked up on all of our's Evisa Status...for Pakistan...it's approved..,"and she continues to fill her Mum about this development.

A couple of minutes later – as Alice hears all of that in – she walks up to her daughter puzzled and takes a seat next to her and asks – "but...Hun...isn't this what you were waiting for? I mean the fact that the EVisa hadn't turned up till now was making you nervous too...right? so what's the worry now Hun? What's making you so nervous??,"and she pauses as she states – "wait...before...you answer that..have a couple of sips of my hot cocoa...there's nothing more comforting that hot chocolate on moments like these...,"and she walks over and picks up her Cup and hands the same back to Khushi who takes it from her Mum's hand all lost deep in thought and she begins to take the remainder of her Mum's hot chocolate down. Once she was done – Alice takes the empty cup from Khushi's hand and places it back on the table and walks upto Khushi and clutches on her daughter's hand in support gesturing her to go on now.

Khushi nods at that and fights a sigh within as she leans her head to the side of the wall next to her as she turns her frame and head a little sideways to look at her Mum in the eye and she whispers keeping a hand over her heart – "what's worrying me Mum...is the bit...that now that I know the status of my EVisa finally – that feeling's returned. That haunting nagging feeling within in my being...that just doesn't feel right...in here...at all...."

Alice asks puzzled still as she clutches on Khushi's hand in support again – "what doesn't feel right in your heart Hun....??"

Khushi clutches on her Mums hand back and she admits honestly and sincerely – "Jetting off to Lahore without telling Arnav about it...doesn't feel right..Mum..... as in...without being honest to him about the details of my go to location – it just doesn't feel right...in here...for now that those moments are coming closer...a part of me feels like....that even though prior...I thought I could keep this up in secrecy from him....now...there's a strong part off me that's also beginning to feel like wanting to tell him those exact details about my travel plans......but then...that's where the conflict comes in again..Mum..for this feeling also worries me and makes me nervous...like I am so nervous and worried because it's like if I tell him I am headed to Lahore...a lot of chained conversations will open up....and ...and....then...ill just end up telling him the truth about it all....but I'v also just got a mini suitcase of his memories uptil now Mum...I need freaking a million trunks off those..more......to keep me warm and going...after..you know...just...incase...if he walks away....,"and she sighs and looks at her Mum – " Mum...I need so many more memories..so much more time...I really feel like keeping the truth undercover for longer...but then at the same time....I can't help but be consumed by this nagging feeling that just does not feel right within over not telling Arnav where I am actually headed too...once I actually head there...in reality...Mum...honesty and transparency is such a huge factor in between of us...and even though I am keeping this from him... it's like Arnav never even asks..he just understands...he's happy with knowing how much I tell him..for now....but that's what Mum... I am just going to feel really guilty...if I don't tell him where is it I am headed too..for real when it's actually happening....ughhhh..Mum...I feel like all my rainbows and happy Sunlight feeling within has been momentarily taken over by that dark cloud off restless fear...of losing him...yet again... you get what I mean Mum don't you?? I just love him so much Mum...so deep...I am just caught in between two spectrums...and it also does hurt a zillion times more within to keep this all from him given that he is so understanding about the same anyway...."

Alice nods and smiles as she pulls her daughter into a sidehug immediately and begins to brush her hair tenderly in support thinking to herself - He loves you to my Hun. Only you don't know it yet. And she says now sincerely – " Khushi....hun.....I do get you..and to be honest to you...I was kinda expecting you to come to me with this eventually...before you finally left......"

Khushi looks at her sideways puzzled – "you were??"

Alice nods shooting her a reassuring smile – " yup..baby..I just knew it...you'd have the feeling of keeping the details from him nag you within immense...once those moments would finally come closer..."

Khushi sighs and nods at that and she continues – " yeah...so now you know...on one end..I just wana be selfish when it comes to him...and on the other end...the guilt of it..is eating me too...Mum....guide me on this..Mum...please? What should I do??"

Alice kisses Khushi's head – "Khushi...hun...do you know..often at times...the sun tends to shine at its brightest after the black clouds disappear...so does that mean that it's a good thing from the Sun's point of view that those black clouds came by momentarily??? I think yes....most definetly...yes..."

Khushi smiles sadly at her Mum – "Mum...my insides are consumed in conflict and worry...right now..I can't seem to think straight through what you just said...,"and she pauses suddenly as she remembers Arnav's way – " Mum...you gotta pound coin on you...in here...??"

Alice nods and smiles – "yeah I do..."

Khushi sighs – "hand it to me please...I need to toss it...I wana see what my heart says to this...in a flip of a second too...Arnav taught me this bit...I told you remember,"and she pauses as she sees her Mum nod and grin as she states walking upto pick up the pound coin from her pencil stand – " this boy is in you..all over..isn't he??,"and she walks back to Khushi with the pound coin in her hand.

Khushi takes the pound coin from her Mum's hand as she states – " oh yes..Mum...he is...in here...all over...into every freaking corner and biological cell of my being....which is why this is so conflicting..within...,"and she hands the coin to her Mum back again – " go on...you toss it for me Mum..last time I had Arnav toss it...you do it this time around...let's see what is it that I strongly feel within..in that fraction of a second..."

Alice smiles and nods and tosses the coin immediately and once the coin is in the air – she hears Khushi whisper softly her eyes welling up a little – " I wana tell him that I am headed to Lahore...Mum...I do not want to leave him wondering on that...anymore...I mean ...yeah..he's such a darling...he doesn't ask..but I am sure..he wonders..I don't want to ...make him wonder...anymore..."

Alice grins at that as she sits next to Khushi instantly again and clutches on her hand in support – "then go on baby...tell him...tell him that it's Lahore..where you are headed..."

Khushi sighs as she wipes a tear outta the corner of her eye that had made its way out on reflex – "and what about all those other chained up conversations that might open up then Mum...I mean..what if? This triggers it all? and then what if...he just walks away???? Do I wana feel like a freaking cold storage already?? Oh no..,"and she buries her head in her hands and begins to sob – " on that note – I don't think I'd never be ready to feel like that cold storage..anyway...Mum..why is this so hard? Why did it have to be this way? Am I going to be doomed even before I have basked in the bloom within for long??"

Alice fights back on her own Mommy angst for her little girl right now and makes Khushi look up at her and she wipes her daughters tear away first and she kisses her head in support as she states holding onto both her hands – " and what if that doom you fear so much never arrives??? Honey...what if...he doesn't..walk away baby?? Why not think off that possibility for once?? Like all concretely...in your head...look..I just need to say this again... the way things shaped up in my life...or in your dad's...is not your fault at all honey...it never was...I am sure Arnav will understand that..,"and she adds cryptically further without giving the intensity of Arnav's feelings away – "look...all I am saying is that...as much as I know off him from you..it just makes me wana believe in his feelings...so why do you let the restless fear get the better of you on moments like these... honey? You know he feels for you quite strongly, right?? you surely...know he won't have it in him to just walk away...just channelise that thought...will you please??,"and she pulls Khushi into a warm hug again – "all of this was never your fault baby...never..."

Khushi hugs her Mum at that hard as she states – " yes..Mum...I know that....I know..it isn't my fault...but the truth remains right Mum? I am the illegitimate daughter of an Ex- cricketer from Pakistan who is the current president of the Pakistan Cricket Board too...and..and...,"and she pauses because just as she says this bit out loud to her Mum in this vulnerable moment off time - a sudden painful horrific thought enters into her head and she begins to cry and sob even more profusely in her Mother's arms as she states in between fountains of tears – " oh..no...oh..no...Mum....oh...no...."

Alice holds onto Khushi extremely worried now. This wasn't a normal meltdown like she had – experienced – when Arnav was leaving. This bit off her daughter crying this way in her arms right now was surely backed by something else. She asks now brushing her hair over and over – " Khushi..baby...please...talk...you are scaring me....do you want some water??"

Khushi whispers fighting back her sobs in the middle of her meltdown – " yup..some water would be good Mum..,"and she watches her Mum fill her a glass immediately and Khushi gulps it down over and states tears still masking her cheeks – " all this while...I was just so scared of him walking away...Mum...that this never kind off occurred to me....and now that it has...it's horrified me...like...say...if I were to believe the possibility of what you just said...like what if Arnav doesn't walk away...then....what is my truth going to do to him?????????? My truth...Mum...do you think it can destroy...Arnav professionally then? He's an Indian cricketer Mum. India is a different society from England. Dad's from Pakistan – which again is a different culture and society all together.And we know the sensitive dynamics in play in between those two neighbouring countries. Cricket's a freaking religion in India...a sport that's seen with so much passion...cricketers are watched like hawks...one loss or one step or statement gone wrong publically...it's like...the online world/media back in India doesn't spare them.......and here.... everything about my truth could be a freaking massive scandal to him professionally say...if it were to ever see the light of the day...oh Mum...I would never want to be the cause of professional doom to him..Mum...like ever...I obviously do not want to be the cause of any sort of doom for the only man I have and will ever love.....oh Mum....I..I...,"and she pauses and just hugs her mother again all tight and continues to sob.

Alice hugs Khushi harder this time around and she states two intense minutes later, after holding her tight and close in support – " baby...shhh...relax...please...k? I think this is exactly where I remind you....that....no one knows...first thing out..except for our inner trusted circle...we'v kept this undercover for years...for decades..honey...the only other person apart from our immediate circle who knows about this is Rob...and the fact that he hasn't ratted this out to a single soul yet...confirms it to me...that he won't...too....soo...you got absolutely nothing to worry about...Khushi...hun...please...stop..crying this way...your head's just magnifying all your fears...right now...don't let it take over...please??"

Khushi feels relieved at that reminder momentarily and her mother's comforting words and she just hugs her Mum tighter and whispers on reflex as her head and heart go into a crazy emotional overdrive– "yes okay....I will not magnify my fears this way...I will try to shift focus....but Mum...we will continue to keep this undercover...k? we just have to Mum??Uptil now...it's been undercover for your sake..for Dad's.maybe....but now...its gotta stay undercover from the public eye...for Arnav's sake too... Like for sure...super sure.....so...while I am in Lahore...I will just see Dad from afar on that final of the PSL and just get his autograph maybe... as a fan in that meet and greet the PCB has arranged with the winning team...after the final...and then...I'd just visit and see and feel the places where he has grown up after in the week as planned...but yes...those are all the steps I will ever take closer to knowing him within my head...I just won't take any steps closer than that..ever Mum...he anyway doesn't know about me...and you know prior now that I have at times wondered about his reaction over the same...but guess what Mum...I just realised...that...I don't want Dad to ever know...now...I just don't want him to ever know about my existence in all of my life....say...if this were to now potentially cost me – Arnav's well-being on the other end in anyway....I will do everything on my end that I can..to protect the truth from coming to light publicly in order to protect Arnav from the scandal my existence potentially is – in the eyes of the society he lives in...because...yeah...it would just kill me straight Mum..if he were to face any negative repercussions due to me..ever....,"and she begins to sob the remainder of her emotions out as she whispers over and over to her Mum – " ill protect him...ill protect Arnav with everything I got....Dad should never know...let Dad just never know...let the truth forever be hidden within us...like the secret that it has been for all these years...the secret that we entrust only a few very close people with..we will guard this...I will guard this...for Arnav's sake now..I will freaking guard this even more..."

Alice hugs Khushi closer for the next five minutes or so just letting her vent out her tears – her very own heart – getting engulfed in bittersweet emotion at the same time along with motherly angst. She wasn't surprised by the intensity with which her daughter loved Arnav. She was just immensely moved by everything she had just heard. It also reminded her – of her very own – state of the heart from all those years ago. A reason – why she always kept Khushi a secret was this too right? She didn't want to cause chaos in Rehaan's settled life/or the society in which he lived. History was repeating itself in strange twisted ways. Oh Yes – it was. But in her heart, she still had hope that Arnav would have it in his heart to understand – that none of this was Khushi's fault ever.

Alice whispers now fighting back her own tears as she states to her daughter reassuringly – "We will guard this honey..we will keep it undercover as we have been for sure. You have my support. But for once because I need to say this out loud to you...if this were to ever come out and see the light of the day...please know..that..I don't care if the world out there - looks at us with scandalous eyes...ok? they don't even know us...so they might like to belittle us by terming your existence as a scandal..baby...but know and cement this in your heart – once again – right very now.... that the reason for your existence...was nothing ...but pure love...ok? in that moment of time...your Dad and me were loving one another...I'v not hidden your existence from my world here...because I feared it being a scandal to me...ever....it could never be that to me...okay??you know that don't you??your existence is not/can never be a scandal to me...Hun...you'r my little girl...the one whose the centre of my whole wide world...."

Khushi hugs on her mother tight as she whispers taking strength from her embrace– " yeah..Mum...I know...you'v kept it undercover because even though for you its always been different in your head and heart.... the truth could be a potential massive scandal for Dad too at his end...and once again..today...I exactly understand...the magnitude...behind your actions...on the same...because...now...all for Arnav's sake...I wana do the very same... he's at the peak of his career right now...he's got such a long way to go...I only want well for him Mum...now and always...."

Alice finally pulls Khushi up from her hug as she whispers – " and why am I not surprised by that intensity of your Love for him – hun? You are my daughter after all aren't you? Your grandparents will agree that we the Jones's girls have a freaking intense way of loving...once we feel the emotions claw us and consume us...,"and she wipes Khushi's trail of tears away and she asks lovingly – " will you smile if I change the topic to Arnav??"

Khushi does smile a little through her tears a little at that as she says – "maybe..."

Alice asks now kissing Khushi's head acting on her motherly impulse – "so what do wana do now honey? You are going to tell Arnav about heading to Lahore or not??"

Khushi takes a deep breathe at that as she answers keeping a hand on her heart for its final decision – " I wana tell him Mum...and say..if that were to lead to chained conversations...then I'll see to it..in that moment of time...I mean..I can probably also just pause at the bit telling him that Dad was from Lahore...right??"

Alice nods now and she states deep in thought – "okay...but either way...is that a conversation you wana do over the video call anyway?"

Khushi wipes the remainder of her tears at that as she asks puzzled – " Mum..what do you mean??"

Alice bites back her smile as she states honestly – "well as far as my knowledge on the same goes...the fast-track E-Visa for India can come in two days...it's just got a higher visa fee..that's all...which shouldn't be a problem...so I suggest...why not make a stop over to see him in person and tell him where you are headed..after... honey? I mean..Pakistan and India are neighbours afterall...you are headed to the Asian subcontinent..anyway....look...you guys anyway got the refundable ticket for that flight to Lahore...jdirectly from here...why not accommodate a little change in travel plans...why not stop over in India..for a bit??see Arnav..prior? just apply for that Indian E-visa before you sleep tonight...I'll help you...,"and she adds to herself silently. I think seeing Arnav once again in real time is exactly what you need before heading to Pakistan too – Honey.

Even amidst all the emotional turmoil she was in – this suggestion of stopping over at India for a bit before heading to Pakistan – from her Mum - had that immediate power to make Khushi's heart light up in momentary joy as she states gaping at her Mum overwhelmed with happiness – "wait...wait...Mum...what did you just say?? Can this be possible? For real? Like can I make this work? Can I make a short...stopover in India? Before heading to Pakistan??"

Alice grins and winks picking up her tab as she goes through the Flight connections online quickly too – " oh yes...honey...you can...that is if you file in your online application..right very now...so that the Indian embassy sees it first thing tomorrow morning...baby...so...you wana reach Lahore by the 14th right? at all costs?? Right?? I suggest – take a flight out here to India first...on 11th night...reach there...12th afternoon...spend all the while you can... with Arnav..and head out on the 13th morning on this flight connection from India via Dubai...that will take you to Lahore on the 14th...either ways......just in time...for that PSL final at the Gaddafi stadium on the 15th...as you'v planned prior....all this needs is some planning with the flying...that's all....which..we can totally figure out..."

Khushi hugs her Mom hard at that instantly as she states in momentary glee – " oh my god...Mum......,"and she pulls back excited – "wait..wait...wait...Mum...I need to talk to Brian, Jack and M about this too...I mean...I know Arnav will be in Mumbai on the 12th..he reaches there ..11th evening in preparations for the IPL at his end...he'll actually be at the hotel and not at his condo pad that he otherwise uses for stay there at times...during his ad shoots etc that happen on breaks.He talked about where that condo pad of his is in Mumbai to me prior in one of our conversations – know what Mum? I can check if they got an AirBnB in that apartment building of something...I could totally surprise the daylights out of his head with this....Mum...for the hotel wouldn't be a wise choice in India – given the crazy public scrutiny around cricketers when they are actually in India....,"and she continues to add excited as the possibility of the same sinks in and that leads her to wipe every drop of her tear as she takes out her phone and says to Mum – " Mum...give me...five..minutes...ill just work this...out with Brian, M, Jack too...I'll just get them on the group call...be back in five Mum...you are the best....no wait...make that freaking bestest.....for shoving this idea into my head....,"and with that Khushi quickly calls up friends on the group call kissing her Mum on the cheek and dashes out her study excited in complete glee - forgetting all about the emotional turmoil that had clawed her – her heart basking in the momentary happiness and joy of seeing the love of her life - again. Already.Even if it was just for a couple of hours.

And Alice smiles to herself at that sight of Khushi dashing out in glee - as a bittersweet tear leaves her eye on its own accord.She walks back to her chair in the study and dishes out her own phone and opens up her secret folder that held a couple of old pictures of Rehaan and Her – the pictures whole old and worn hardcopies she'd tucked in to a safety locker and had just snapped a couple of shots through the camera in her phone by holding onto the other picture in reality in her hand on the other side.

She smiles sadly at the – Younger and Madly in Love version off – herself and Rehaan hugging and holding onto each other tight and she touches the screen lovingly as bittersweet tears continue to leave her eyes on their own accord too – and she whispers softly - talking to his picture like she often did on vulnerable moments in privacy. " I just hope – the one our daughter loves – doesn't give up on her in reality once our truth comes out to him - Rehaan. I just hope the love that he talked about to me with so much conviction once - helps him understand that one underlying truth. The truth that none of this was her fault. That her existence was not/could not ever just be a mere scandal.It was Love. Yeah – a shade of Love that probably couldn't reach its eventual conclusive – destination – in our lives. But that cannot take away the significance of the potent emotional moment or the fact that - it was still Love."

She wipes her bittersweet tears now and takes a couple of deep breathes and closes her phone and begins to look up the arrangements for her daughter to fly in to India first – on her tablet. And as she gets working on that she states to herself again in a soft whisper – " I am sending my baby to your door right now...ASR...only because I know that this conversation of heading to Lahore may be that exact trigger for her to open her heart to you...with both... the truth and the intensity with which she loves you....and I have faith...that there probably was a lot more hidden power to the intensity of the emotions I saw shining in your eyes for my daughter in the elevator that day. I have faith that you wouldn't just walk away. And incase you don't walk away - your support and love over this whole situation is exactly what she'd need to power her through her days ahead as she steps her foot into the country that was/is her Dad's Home... I really hope you...Stand with my baby – Arnav - holding her hand tight..now..and always,"and with that she closes her eyes and her mother's Heart puts in a silent potent wish and prayer. I hope my faith comes shining through this all. I really hope that the clouds of restless fear off losing the one she loves(because of her parent's realities) - vanish from my Daughter's life once and for all and that Her heart is blessed with a Sunlight so bright – that even during the periods of partial rains – that state would only result in a Rainbow. A Happy Radiating Rainbow filled only with various natural colours and shades off – Unconditional Love.

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TADAAAAAA!!

How was That Guysssssssss?? Did you all enjoy reading this update on the theme of – It Doesn't Feel Right???? I mean now that you all know the development that feeling actually lead too – what's your take on it??;-)

Next Update: Tomorrow

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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Awesome I hope she should tell him first about her dad

She is feeling the burden of not telling the whole story to Arnav. She should tell him.

She is right about the possible huge scandal over the issue.

She is going to go see him first. And tell him in person.

Hellooooo Guysssssssss....

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

So Yup here I am with the next update.

Word Count - Medium Length - 6.7K 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 22 - The Restless Salt & Sour Candy

Three Days Later

12th April, 2019

Mumbai - Trident, Nariman Point

9:00 AM

Arnav's POV

Guys.

Ideally - I should start with the Morning pleasantries given that it's a new day and its 9:00 am in the Morning here at my end. But please accept my sincere apologies. For I most surely cannot start with that. Not when I have been feeling like that version of the Freaking Restless Salt - that sits on the shelf restless in hope to get some magical power that will help it - talk - out to the Chef cooking upfront and around (whose somehow forgotten to add it to the savoury recipe being executed) and put in a voice reminder that says - "hey Chef..It's me. The good old Salt in here.You forgot to Add me in there - in your recipe. Yeah. You probably think you added me given that you'v been multitasking your way around. But nope. You didn't. Pay heed to my reminder - will you please? Or your food might not be as delicious to taste without me in it. Don't blame me then - that I did not remind you. I am trying here. Okay..okay...I know I am not going to magically get some vocal chords in here so yeah - I'll just have to wait in here restlessly - hoping that you'd figure this bit out on your own. Apparently, that's the only bit the good old mute restless salt jar can do in such a situation"

Yeah.

I would have laughed in my very own head for even coming up with that from Good Old Salt's point of view - if only I wasn't too occupied in empathizing with that Restless Salt Box - in the moment. I mean I totally get what that poor salt box would be feeling sitting restless in hope and wait on the kitchen shelf?

Why?

Because - I am totally in the middle of the feeling - that's somewhat similar to the Restless Salt's above-mentioned momentary paradox. The only difference is that given that I am a human - I am not just sitting statue-d restlessly in hope and wait. I am channelising all of my restlessness right now - into this massive run on the treadmill in the gymnasium of our Hotel - as if I were in the mission to cross the speed of sound and transcend into the classification off what physicists would term as - Supersonic speed.

Ok.

Wait.

I obviously cannot be running on the Treadmill in Supersonic speed technically given that the treadmill comes with speed restraints on that meter. But anyway - I am sure you all get the gist of what I'v been trying to Imply - right? The bottom line is that - I am just trying to vent out all of my restlessness through this fast-paced run on the machine in the hope that it helps me feel better - because I obviously do not like to feel this way.

So.

Why am I feeling all of this in the first place?

It's totally because for the first time ever - I woke up this morning to find my Whtsapp chat with Khushi - devoid of any usual messages/or voice notes that she usually leaves me after we hang up and until she sleeps.

So yes - we were on our usual video call until about 2:00 am my time which would be like 930PM at her end and she did say that she's going to keep sending me those usual texts and voice notes as we hung up until she sleeps in the next three hours at her end. But that's the point. She hasn't. And Yeah. Its driving me nuts that technically I haven't heard from her in the last - Seven Hours at all.Like not even a single message or a voice note. Which is just absurd and crazy because it's like she always say's she could never miss out on these like ever. She always says - that she cannot sleep at all - until she's left me her string of voice messages to check on my end first thing in the morning. It's what makes my mornings - Wonderful.And given that I haven't got any of those texts/voice notes to hear this morning - I can aptly say that there seems to be nothing wonderful - personally - about this morning at all.

And on top of that, another reason why I am feeling this Restless right now is because off the added bit - that the messages and texts that I'v sent to her after I woke up nonetheless - haven't delivered.Maybe she put her phone to flight mode as she slept? Which is also absurd - because she's never done that till this point too.She also likes to read my messages at her end as she wakes up. Plus I know its freaking 4am in England right now which surely means that she would be sleeping.So all I can do is - Just wait - for Khushi to wake Up.

So Yeah. Now - you all know why I'v been totally empathizing with that Restless Salt Box - don't you?

Anyways.

Despite the Restlessness - in my heart - I just know that there's no chance she wouldn't message/call me - the minute she is up. Just like in my heart - I also know - that as strange and crazy this feels in my gut - I am sure - Khushi's got some reason for the same. She probably just got busy helping out Mrs.J with her packing as she's supposed to head out for a couple of days for the medical conference and she probably left her phone on charge in her room - and then crashed off to sleep in her Mums room? Yeah. This could be a probably scenario. I remind myself again. It's what I'v been telling myself ever since I woke up to just ease my way through this restlessness.

But wait.

I push - Stop - on the Treadmill suddenly and the belt comes to a halt just like my feet do at the same time - as a thought dawns on me - puzzling me even more.

Why didn't my texts/messages deliver to her - then? if say she probably had left her phone casually in her room on charge?

I pick up my phone to just check again - if they had delivered. You know incase there was signal issue at her end - until this point?

Nope.

My texts still haven't delivered.

Dammit.

Khushi - What's up - Baby?

I pick up my hand towel and rub the beads of sweat off my face as I dump my phone back into the little stand on the treadmill.

Guys. I think it's just better that I resume my run. I am about to press start on the treadmill again when I hear Cap's voice from up and closer behind me as he hops on to the treadmill next to me and asks amused - "are you really going to begin your crazy run again brother??? Aren't you done already? You usually do not spend more than 30 minutes on that intensive cardio.And you'v already spent - the last 40 minutes at it..you didn't even do your slow warm up through pace like you do usually on the treadmill... today...you just jumped to high speed running straight away...plus you just scowled to yourself restlessly looking into your phone? so that makes me wana ask ...,"and he leans towards and asks in a subtle whisper - " all okay with the love of your life?,"and with that he gets his treadmill on and begins the slow walk up on it - first.

I can't help but chuckle at that a little as I switch on my treadmill and begin with a slow warm up this time around too and I sigh and admit sure that he could sense my restlessness - " yup...all's okay with her..Skip...it's just that I haven't heard from her as per the usual in between of us ever since we hung up last night...and it's just feeling strange...it's not the usual her...to not leave me texts/voice notes to wake up too...something must have come up at her end I guess? She's surely asleep right now..I guess..i'll just have to wait for her to wake up...that's all..."

Cap grins and chuckles at that - "it's a good thing that half our team-mates in our Chennai squad are yet to arrive later this evening and we only begin regrouping and Nets tomorrow after 9:00 am - for just incase if we had nets today given that mood of yours this morning - I am sure that you'd surely rip the side nets off with either a hard shot of your bat or a killer swing off your ball..."

We share a warm chuckle at that on reflex and I sigh as I admit eyeing my phone again as we continue our slow walk on the treadmill now - " yeahh...maybe...you are right Cap...you know me..I am not friends with feeling any sort of restlessness..."

Cap nods and grins - " I know...brother...but don't worry...like you said...I am sure something must have come up at her end..everything was okay when you last talked to her right??"

I nod as I rethink about our usual happy time over the video call last night - " yeah..Cap..everything was more than just okay...it was wonderful.."

Cap smiles - "and it will be all wonderful..again......once you're your phone beeps..brother...am sure.."

I nod and smile a little on reflex - " yeah..it will be..am sure of that too..."

Cap grins - "so how about we find something for you to distract yourself with..so that the next couple of hours pass by a lot more easy? I am totally planning to hit the pool for a swim in a bit..and then our usual breakfast with the unit that's arrived with us last evening?"

So - just a brief context. Some of us from our Chennai unit arrived in - Mumbai - last evening. Some will just arrive later today. We have the next three days after to just regroup and practice as we have our first match (which is also the first match of the IPL) here - at the Wankhede against the Mumbai team on the 16th night.(Given that our teams played the final last year)

I nod at Cap now as I state eyeing my phone - " yeah...Skip..let's totally do just all of that...for yeah...I am going to need all the distraction...indeed..."

He grins and winks and adds in a playful whisper gesturing to me - " I got you distracted brother..don't worry..but just to be honest, it's kinda amusing to see you watch your phone like a hawk right now.."

I chuckle at that on reflex - "really? that obvious? That I'v been eyeing it like a hawk?"

Cap chuckles - "kind off - or maybe it's just also the bit that I know you well...brother."

And we share a warm chuckle at that and we continue with our casual chatter as Cap begins to amp up his running speed on the treadmill bit by bit.

I follow suit - obviously.

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Meanwhile - In the Flight - Enroute from London to Mumbai

Khushi's POV

Time to Destination: 5 hours

I scowl at those words looking back at me from the little screen up in front of me - right now.

Godammit.

Five More Freaking Hours Still.

Ugh.

Ugh.

Only four hours have passed ever since our flight to Mumbai took off at around 1:00 am UK Time - and its freaking feeling like Ages already. Maybe also because - I haven't been able to get any sleep even though most of the flight cabin around me is sleeping as the lights all dim (given that its technically like 5am in the morning for us). We only land in Mumbai - our time - 10:00 Am which is Indian Time = 2:30 PM.

Jack's asleep in the aisle seat in my line.M's gone to the washroom to freshen up. Brian's sleep in the aisle seat in the middle row - next to Jack.

So why have'nt I been able to get any sleep? It's totally because I haven't been able to text/leave Arnav any of my voice notes/texts as usual before I sleep. I basically haven't been in touch with him after we hung up on our video call at my time 9:30PM. Two reasons. One being the bit that I anyway got super consumed in all the last-minute stuff and winding up and leaving home etc the minute we hung up because as it is - it was uber difficult for me to keep normal straight face during the video call - gulping down my excitement about my travel to him.

Second being the bit - that ever since we all got into the cab and left home for Heathrow at our time 9:50PM - M - kinda enacted her best friend jurisdiction and hijacked my freaking phone. Because she was all like - " K - I know..if you are going to have your phone in your hands..you are totally going to blurt out to Arnav on text or a voice note that you are en-route to Mumbai to see him once we get to the airport for sure in excitement and you will ruin your very own surprise for him - last minute. Anyway you'v had such a hard time holding up on this in your stomach from him in the last three days...so..now on until we reach Mumbai...your phone's going to stay on flight mode - tucked away in my handbag all safe...k?"

And the only reason I complied and co-operated with her in that moment was because I just felt she was right indeed. Because yup - you all have no idea what's it taken off me to keep this bit off stopping over to see him - from Arnav for Real.

It's obviously been insanely difficult and I really did think that I could be at the risk of sending him an over excited voice note from Heathrow stating - " hey guess what baby? I am at Heathrow right now? Why? Because I am flying in to see you....SURPRISEEEEE...."

Hmm.And a part of my head that's planned this as a Surprise - totally did not want to end up doing that in my excitement of course.

But - anyways - all of this - has made me realise one thing for sure - which is that I don't think I can ever do Surprises when it comes to Arnav - again. I mean - No. For Sure. Why? Because never again can I imagine feeling like what I am feeling right now. Like that version of a Sour Punk/Sour Bomb Candy - sulking and scolwing at the very thought off being cut away from him for a bit only because off the Surprise element.

Yeah.

You read those right - guys.

For - Ofcourse - I'v been feeling like a freaking Sour Punk/Sour bomb within my head given the situation because - in my heart - it's just like - I know it that Arnav's going to be crazily puzzled by all of this. That I haven't left him any texts/voice notes from my end for him to wake up too - at all. He knows it's my thing. He knows I can't get any sleep without doing the same - which is so true - given that I'v been like the Wide Awake Wee Willlie Winkie - on this entire flight uptil now - staring at the flight map - as if all my staring was going to make me land in Mumbai - faster - as if this wasn't a good old normal British Airways flight but Aladdin's magic carpet taking me to Mumbai right now!!!!!!!!

Ughhhh.

Dear Mr. Pilot - Can you fly the plane faster? Or better how about you let me into the Cockpit and fly the same for you - Instead?

I end up biting back on my chuckle at that as I lean forward to pick up my bottle to sip on some water. I also spot M - making her way back to her spot in the middle seat next to me - right very then - fighting back her yawn. (She'd been sleeping prior)

Once she settles in she whispers cheekily and softly - "K - are you really not going to sleep at all??c'mon we still got a little over five hours left to the flight..."

I groan and narrow my eyes at her as I point my finger to the screen - "correction to that M. Not a little over five hours. A Little under five hours. 4 hours 55 minutes to be precise..."

She chuckles at that as she states all amused by my turmoil - "and look at you eyeing that flight map like a hawk..."

I groan and add in a whisper to her again - " M...I know you find this amusing...but it's really not funny Ok? I mean now that I think off it - I really shouldn't have let you hijack my phone at all. I mean - look at how restless I have been feeling because I wasn't able to leave my usual texts/voice notes to Arnav and I know him okay? He's surely up by now given that its around 9:30 am in India right now and he surely must be wondering - about the same - too...k? I mean - I just know it in my gut that he'd be getting a tad bit restless over this and what's worse is that we still got all these freaking hours to go. And as more time passes and it gets time for me to wake up according to England time - he's going to begin to feel even more restless - thinking why is it that I am not getting in touch with him like I do usually the very freaking minute I wake up..ughhhhh...new rule M...this is the first and the very last time I am surprising him - k? I mean next time I am heading to see him - I am going to tell him in advance. Let us both feel gleefully excited about this in our heads and hearts from prior. I mean - that way atleast I can keep leaving him my texts until I board the flight, right???and feel all at peace within after. I am telling you...I so cannot take all this nervous anticipation in the flight ever again..k? like literally....It's crazy that I'v just been feeling like a freaking Sour Candy..."

Maya chuckles at that as she winks - "I can see that for sure K. But just because it's fun...I wana ask..which one of your favourite sour candy's you feel like in the moment?? The Sour Punk or the Sour Bomb??"

I chuckle at that on reflex - "a little bit of both...,"and I sigh as I look up at the screen again.

Maya rubs my arm in support - " Yeah..K...I understand...but given that you are still thinking of a Candy be it a sour one...it means....you do know it's all going to end up feeling all sweet by the end of it right? that's what Candies do..they feel sweet eventually?? It's totally kool if you wana do..no surprises from next time...but this time..given that you'v kept this from him till now..just see it through ..K...."

I nod smiling a little on reflex at that as I keep a hand over my heart - "yeah...I know.... I know...I know what you mean..the look on his face is going to be freaking priceless...which is just going to feel so sweet...eventually..."

Maya adds grinning in a whisper now - "exactly...so given that you agree that you wana see this surprize bit through - do not kill me for not handing you your phone when we land in Mumbai. As in I will hand you your phone but only after we reach our AirBnB - because I know after all this while of jittery wait - you'd just wana video call him and I don't think the airport is going to be a space that would give you any privacy - k? anyway our location of stay is just 15 minutes away from the airport, right??and I am sure you wana clear customs and the other formalities faster too?"

Well - she does have a Point.

I do wana clear through all of those formalities faster so that I can reach the AirBnb apartment we are putting up for a day in the apartment building - Arnav's condo pad is - as fast as possible. We are anyway pushed tight on schedule. We are supposed to leave for the airport again at 8 am tomorrow - as in the 13th morning.

I sigh at that - " yeah...I do wana get through all of that faster..M...fine...as you suggest...give me my phone only when we reach our location - k?"

Maya grins and says - "and how about you try getting some sleep now?? or else you are not going to feel fresh one we land in Mumbai...you'll feel all tired..and exhausted..."

Well - she did just make a fair point again.

I sigh and nod at her at that as I say - " alrighty M...I will try to get some sleep...only because yeah..I do wana feel recharged by the time we land..."

Maya nods and she adjusts her blanket over herself and closes her eyes to sleep. I follow suit - now as I adjust my head to the side comfortably over my travel neck - pillow - and close my eyes and think off the happy grin on Arnav's face - by the end of this.

Yup.

That's the only visual that's going to help me get some sleep - through this entire Sour Candy feeling ordeal - obviously. For even in my imagination - the very sight of that vision - is just way too Sweet.

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

Hours Later

3:45 PM - India

Trident - Nariman Point

Arnav's Room

Arnav's POV

Akash states reassuringly - "mere bhai...just relax...everything is, okay? Alright? nothing's wrong - k? something is just surely up at Khushi's end that she's occupied with...that's all...stop..worrying..."

I gape at my twin as I pick up my phone and flash it over to him in front of the screen of my tablet that I was using to video call him momentarily my tone consumed in immense worry nonetheless - "How can I not freaking worry Akash? It's freaking 3:45 PM our time..which means it's almost around over 11:30 am in London...Khushi always wakes up by this time...always....and it isn't that I haven't freaking called her every hour since it turned 8:30 am for her....but all my efforts to get in touch with her have gone in vain...her phone's never been out of reach for this freaking long dammit...I haven't been able to get through to her since last night dammit....and now I am just worried freaking sick...because yeah - as crazy as it sounds....somehow I am not able to reach Brian, M, S or Jack on text or call too??this is just crazy...I have freaking no way of finding out if everything is okay with the love of my life right now dammit.....for this is so not her....at all...I just know....this is so not her..."

Akash sighs and says in support - "yeah...I know what you mean Bhai..but look worrying is not going to help you... right now?? just keep your calm..and wait...k? I am sure she will get in touch with you the very minute she can..."

I sigh as I admit dejected - "yeah...that's exactly what I have been doing since morning..mere bhai...waiting....and all this ache to see my phone light up with her text or a call.. it's freaking driving me crazy...also guess what? I just freaking made a note to self...I need to ask Khushi for Mrs.J number first thing out the minute I hear from her...because she's the only one whose contact info I don't have yet...or else I would have freaking called her by now...to know...if everything's okay..."

Akash nods reassuringly - "yeah do that brother...get Mrs.J number for sure...but calm down..mere..bhai..?? drink up some water? Too bad that all the amusements parks in Mumbai are so far off from Nariman point - or else I would have asked you to head to your rollercoasters to deal with all your worry..,"he finishes with a wink - and I know exactly why he did that - to remind me of the very moment I first met Khushi and to make me feel some sort of a relief through this puzzling ordeal. He's succeeded - of course.

I smile a little at that as I say - " yeah... given that's its almost 4pm now...too bad I fail the cut for spending a day disguised in the amusement parks given that they'd all be heading to closure by the time I reach anyway..,"and we share a warm chuckle at that and I drink up some water now from next to me and I state after taking a couple of calming breathes as I look at the picture of my brother all suited up in his business attire in his cabin back at office - "okay...I'll hang up now..Akash...I know you got your meetings...thank you for hearing my worry out...it's just that I'v kinda bugged Skip all day with it already...and Raunak and Daksh too ever since they arrived here at Noon as well...."

Akash chuckles - "do not say thank you to me..mere bhai...in Mom's words..we are tuned in to be there for one another since the umblical chord days...remember??"

We share a happy warm chuckle at that again and we hang up after a couple of minutes.

Once I do - I just lean my head back in my pillows and close my eyes.

Khushi. Baby. My Fiore.

Where are you - Dammit? You are okay and safe right??? Nothing has happened - right?

Guys.

I swear I am not feeling like the freaking restless salt jar anymore. All I am feeling like is the person all set to eat my favourite savoury recipe - but I can't gulp it down- because there's no salt in it. Because personally - in the recipe within my heart right now - just not hearing from Khushi for all these hours - exactly feels like the Saltless Dish. Tasteless/ Lacking and devoid of all flavour.

Oh.

Holy Crap.

Wait.

My Fiore hasn't been in an accident or something right????????????????

No.

Nooo.

Godammit - NOOO!

I shoot up straight in my bed right now as my Insides get clutched with raw fear. I scroll through my phone - helplessly.Godammit - there surely has to be some way that I can get in touch with Mrs.J.

I am right in the middle of all this truckloads of worry and fear - feeling all dead within - when I finally spot my phone beeping with Khushi's text.

Her: Arnav...baby...sorry...sorry...I am so so so so so so so so so so so so so so sorryyyyyyyy for not connecting for all these hours...just got your string of missed calls and worried texts...so...I was just caught up with something..that I wana tell you about now...like right very now...texting you the minute I could........are you free to connect? Like I wana video call you right very now - but are you alone? Or with everyone from the unit?????

Okaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.

Thank God.

I sigh in Instant relief.

My Insides that felt all collectively dead for those dreadful couple of seconds - just came back to Life.

She's Okay.

My Khushi is Okay. She was just caught up with something like I had anticipated.

I am about to reply when my phone buzzes with her video call anyway.

I swipe up the Green Button instantly pushing my head back into my pillows against the headrest overwhelmed with so many different emotions all at once and the very next minute as I see her face fill up my screen and our eyes lock - my heart finally begins to beat in extended shades of sheer relief and even before I can say anything to her - Khushi says in an instant rush all worried keeping her nervous gaze locked with mine - " Arnav..sorry...I couldn't wait for your reply...I just had to go by my hunch which is why I just video called you straight baby...I am so sorry...so so so sorry....for this...for not being able to connect to you all day prior....are you upset with me?? ohh yeah...I most surely know you are...probably...please forgive me...baby..please???"

I rub a hand over my face as I sigh again in relief first and I keep that very hand over my heart as I say first because I need to know and hear this from her first - "Baby...you...tell me...first...you are, okay?? Right?? as in you are safe...and alright...nothing's happened...to you...you haven't been in any accident.... or something right??? are you hurt??"

Khushi shakes her head nervously as she states instantly - " yes...Arnav.....I am okay...alright..completely fine...I haven't been in any accident...,"and her eyes well up a little at that as she asks all emotional and vulnerable - " oh my god - is that what was worrying you??"

I sigh and nod as I admit brushing my hand over the screen just basking in the sight off her over and over finally - "thank god...you are okay....,"and I take deep breathes now as I brush my other hand over my face again - " yeah...fiore...this accident thought that just came a couple of seconds prior...before your call came....and I swear to God..the very freaking thought...killed me... Khushi...baby...just the sight of you right now has brought my dead insides to life...you have no idea..how freaking worried I was...all day prior...I know...you surely must have a reason at your end...like I knew that in my heart..but baby...please...if possible...do not..just freaking do not ever do this to me ever again..say...if you are going to be busy somewhere for hours...just drop me a single text to just let me know...only so that I don't feel like a wreck in worry...please...and it was only obvious for me to feel this way because not being in touch with me for all these hours - is so not you too - I mean - you'v only stayed out of touch in the time you sleep and you always keep me updated about everything else up at your end with a little text before or after in the hours you'v been occupied otherwise......so given that you hadn't done the same since all this while...just wrecked me with truckloads of worry..dammit... "

Khushi nods instantly and she says biting back on her smile now as she pulls up an adorable look up her face and flips her hair open outta the band they were tied into and brushes her hand through them taking a seat - " I really wrecked you with worry...... didn't I??"

I nod at her - still not amused at all right now and I am pretty sure she can sense the sincerity in my tone right now - " yeah...you did..baby...and it's not funny..Fiore.....don't bite back on your smile right now and pull that adorable look up your face..please???"

She bites her lip to control biting on her smile(again) and she says - " ahaan??? okay...I won't do that...but will it help you feel better if I say I was nothing but a version of a big freaking sour candy myself all this while...because I couldn't connect to you...I swear...to you...Arnav...It took me quite a while to get the little sleep that I did get all...,"and before I can even say anything to that she states - " yeah...anyway...I do agree with everything you just said prior...I kindaa made this decision in my head in context to that anyway...already"

I ask puzzled - "what decision??"

She smiles a little at that as she states - " I'll tell you about that later...but first I gotta tell you this...I totally got nine minutes delayed in getting in touch with you right now baby...and that's all because of crazy traffic......"

I gape at her puzzled still - "huh??? What do you mean?? did you forget your phone at home or something?? you had to rush somewhere last night? It took you a while to get back home right now??? Wait...is Mrs J okay???,"and it is only right then I begin to notice that I have never spotted the surrounding of the room she is in right now ever before and so I ask - " wait..where are you baby?this isn't home or M's...I know S has left for her job...is this place...Jacks? Or Brian's???

Khushi says instantly - " so I'll answer the first bit first...don't worry...Arnav..Mum's okay...and about the latter soooo....,"and she pauses and as she begins to bite an amusing smile up her lips again - and I state on reflex - " Khushi...baby...what's so funny??"

She gapes at me amused as she states shrugging her shoulders - "What's funny is the bit baby...that now I actually know that you were always right about all this traffic issue in Bombay just like it is in any other Metro in the world...I mean..remember...how we were discussing the same on text...just yesterday?? on your way to your hotel...?????"

Wait.

Why is she even saying that right now??

I say instantly sure that she could sense my puzzlement - " Khushi...baby...is this the time to talk the about the issues off Bombay traffic?????? Are you for real? I'v been dying to know what's been up at your end and you take the topic to the traffic of Mumbai...that we were stuck in for a while yesterday..."

Khushi nods and smiles even though she can totally sense the puzzled perplexity on my face and she says biting back on her smile again - "yes...baby...that's because..this is the exact time to talk about Bombay traffic... I mean...because.... it took us exact nine minutes extra to get to Worli from the International airport...I mean google map did state that it's going to be a freaking 15-minute ride away when we stepped out of the airport - but was it? No...it was freaking 24 minutes...on the whole...for us....and us as in M, Me, Jack and Brian....but anyways despite that I think we are all pretty happy that ...we made this stopover here in India for a bit...before heading out for our holiday further...down...tomorrow ...sometimes these last minute decisions end up being the best ..now...don't they???,"she finishes with a playful wink.

WAIT.

HOLYYY FREAKINGGGGGGGGGGGGGG WHAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTT???????????????????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

WHAT DID SHE JUST SAY????????????????????

WHAT DID SHE JUST IMPLY???????????

Did She just Imply she is in Worli right now??? Like Here Bombay??????????????????????????????She made this Stopover in Bombay today??????????

I SHOOT UP FROM MY POSITION IN BED AS IF I WERE A FRESHLY LAUNCHED ROCKET FROM NASA'S BASE STATION and I gape at her frazzled, dazed, amazed, astonished, stunned, and stupefied as I ask my voice trembling in momentary euphoria over the possibilty - " khushi..baby..what do you mean?? are you joking about this??? Please...don't kid me with this....."

And I see Khushi get up from the spot she was seated in the room as she bites back her crazy grin now and turns around in her spot so that she is still in the selfie vision and shoves the curtains behind her in the screen as she says - " why would I joke/or kid you about being in Worli, Mumbai..baby...when that's actually where I am right now....see...see for youself...my hunk..isn't this the freaking amazing view of the Arabian sea...outta the very building that you got your Condo Pad in - at Worli...."

I am still gaping at her and the screen all shocked, surprised frazzled, dazed, amazed, astonished, stunned, and stupefied as I say on reflex taking the sight in - sheer bliss and euphoria beginning to consume my tone - " yes...it is...this totally looks like that...but wait...Khushi...baby...,"and I pause as my hand goes over my forhead on reflex and my facial features get consumed in this priceless awestruck daze(that mirrors the expressions off all those adjectives mentioned above and their respective synonyms combined) as it sinks in that there's a huge possibility that she is really here in Bombay for real and I ask - " are you for real? or am I imagining this Khushi??????????you are in Bombay...you are freaking Bombay right now....???????????????you came to Bombay?????whennn??? what time???????whatt the??? I can't freaking believe this....you are in Bombay baby...??????????godammit...freaking...you...!!!!"

Khushi finally breaks into a happy chuckle as she states - " godammit...you...baby....that priceless surprised expression up your face right now....Arnav...so freaking worth it all....too bad I couldn't wait to see it in real time...I mean I can totally say that your impatience has rubbed on me ...and not just that...I did have to video call you first anyway...because I had no idea how else to get you to Worli from the hotel right now..baby...without making you feel suspicious about it...for then...my element would have been lost.....so.....anyways...to answer you my hunk......yes...I am in Bombay....I landed at 2:30 PM...your time...then immigration, customs, luggage etc etc...took us about a little while...and then ofcourse that ride...to our Air BNB appt in your building....M hijacked my phone baby..the minute we left for Heathrow last night....because she was all like I'd end up blurting out my surprise to you in all my excitement from Heathrow...she knew right that I had a freaking hard time concealing this plan from you in the last three days anyway...,"and she pauses at that as she states adorably - " shoot...wait...I forgot to say....SURPRISEEEEEE....Baby...,"and she does a happy twirl at that and she gapes at me after as she states chuckling - " look at you...still...statued in that priceless daze..baby...oh... yes...I am here..for Real...Arnav...I came to Bombay...Arnav...and that's only cause...I so badly wanted to see you again..already...even if it was for a little while....so...now you know...why I was out of touch for all this while baby...because....I was just en-route to you in real time...,"and she winks and asks next grinning mischeviously - " so...are you gonna come to me as soon as possible or not now..Arnav...or are you going to still stand statued in that priceless daze....not that I mind given that its such a sweet freaking sight...but....please come soon Arnav......"

HOLYYYY YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!

IT ALL JUST SINKS IN.

FREAKING.

THIS IS HAPPENING FOR REAL.

SHE'S HERE IN BOMBAYYY - RIGHT NOW.

Godammit Her.

This Woman.

She's just killed me with this - yet again.

SHE FREAKING CAME.

SHE CAME ALL THE WAY TO SEE ME - IN MUMBAI - RIGHT NOW.

I step back in my steps gleefully now still stumped to the Eiffel Tower of Euphoria as I begin to gather up my wallet etc fast dumping it in my denims excited as I instruct my voicebox to function and I finally answer grinning like a freaking Chimpanzee - "twenty five minutes - I am coming to you baby...give me twenty five minutes...that's all the time it should take me at this time of the day....Khushi...fiore....you are my crazy woman...you just killed me with this...dammit.... you could have atleast given me an headsup from the airport baby...I would have rushed to Worli already...that way..we would have reached at the same time..."

Khushi chuckles and states pouting adorably - "I know..but I wanted to get on the video call with you in complete privacy my hunk...I couldn't miss your expressions...ofcourse...also M only just gave me my phone as we stepped into our AirBNB apartment like five minutes ago and I dashed into the nearest room and locked it and called you straight...,"and she states holding onto her stomach now - " okay...Arnav..come soon...I am waiting..k? I really also need to use the washroom now....given that I didn't after landing...in my rush to get outta the airport and just reach here...."

I chuckle at that as I say on reflex getting my keycard as I begin to dash out now - " okay...okay..do that..Khushi..baby...but you know....where my condo pad is right??"

She nods excited - "yup...just two floors above our AirBNB..Arnav...you have no idea how excited when we got the booking availability on this one up online...."

I grin at that - " I wana freaking know everything once I am there...k? you cheeky little thing...just you wait....but first...I am texting you the punch in code that will unlock my Condo pad to you...go there...k?and wait for me there....k? because yeah...I am going to freaking need some privacy with just you...the very minute I see you...you know that don't you?????I will meet and greet - M, Jack, and Brian after - tell them that..please??"

Khushi chuckles and nods - " okayyy...I will..dont worry..they will understand...okay...ill head to your pad then..after freshening up...k? you just come soon now...Arnav...I can't wait to jump into your arms already..."

I wink at her - "and I cannot wait to haul you up in my arms..my woman...hanging up now..so that I can rush to you..k? ill text you from the cab??k??"

Khushi nods excited and she send me a flying kiss and a come soon gesture and with that we finally hang up - and I dash out my room and down the corridor at a - SuperSonic Speed - this time around.

Or wait. Make that the speed at which those NASA Space Rockets initially head into Space off their very launch pad!!!!!!!!!For yup - that's exactly how crazily excited I am at the moment!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who has the power to make me feel like a Restless Salt Jar in the morning and a Tastless Dish in the Afternoon and the Happy Excited Rocket headed to Space - all in the span off less than 24 hours????????????

Only - The Love of my Life.My Fiore.My Human.My Woman.

Indeed.

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

TADAAAAAA!!

How was That Guysssssssss?? Okkkkayyyy _ No shoes at me for Stopping there...k? haha...guys this bit totally just had to fall into Oneee!!

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

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

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