ARSHI FF - HIT WICKET MY HEART 3.0 - Take 44-Pg.51(10.5.22) - Page 20

Superb analogy again glad she was able to save her

Hellooooo Guysssssssss....

So yes – here I am with the next for HW3.o this week!

Word Count – Medium- Long in length– 7.2K Words.✍✍👩‍💻👩‍💻

Also yes– its surely got Mature Scenes in there in the flow of the Update as well.

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 anyone's sentiments through my work in any way whatsoever.

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TAKE 28.1 – Infinite+ Nth

Same Day

A Couple of Hours Later

9:00PM

Arnav's POV

Ok.

Guys.

Seriously.

Why do these last couple of minutes until I am to see my Fiore in reality seem like a freaking lifetime???????????? These last couple of minutes surely freaking have some problem with me. And you all know that. It's not the first time that I am stating the above statement anyway.

As if the freaking ten-minute delay on the Runway + the longer time than usual to get through immigrations + luggage collection at Heathrow due to it being busy at it's peak – hadn't tested my already running on minus reserve power – patience enough!!!!!!

Anyways.

Thank God that all that bloody wait time to finally seeing my Fiore – after an aching 52 days gap is going to be over in like a freaking minute – as I observe the cab driver – pull onto the curb around my second home.(Khushi's Home)

So, in my head – I like to refer to Khushi's place as my second home now – because especially after my last visit here – that's what it began to feel like within as well, for every inch of the vibe behind those walls – made me feel so much at ease and welcomed – as if it were a place that I had otherwise been living most of my life.

I do have to give a lot of credit to My Fiore's love and Mrs. J's warmth towards me for this – indeed. I mean not just Khushi but Mrs.J too totally welcomed me into their zone with open arms that it obviously had touched/ touches a deep cord within. And given that you all know that I am high on perceptions – I do give a lot of weightage to the unsaid as well. The vibe with which Mrs J has opened up her home to me – only relays the subtle gesture to me – that she really continues to trust me deeper with Khushi by every passing day. And that fact continues to be like freaking JACKPOT to me – because its extremely important for me to have Mrs J at peace in her heart as well.

I am right on that thought when my phone beeps.

It's My Fiore.

Obviously.

The only other person on this whole wide planet whose as impatient as me right now.

Her : Arnav..baby...how much more time???? I can't freaking wait...you did say like five minutes..about five minutes ago...I am going nuts here in wait...yup...I am already freaking standing with the door wide open..peeking out....I don't even freaking have it in me to wait for you to walk in through the gates or to wait for you to ring the doorbell....come soon...my love...am just freaking dying here... to leap into your arms...

I grin as I read that.

Me : You can't be dying more than me fiore...and I will be with you in a minute now...am about to ask the cab driver to halt at that spot 100 meters prior from your home..as usual...am coming baby...I say...keep that door open...and...watch me race to you...in less than a minute...

Her : longest minute ever..baby...

I ask the Cab driver to bring the cab to the halt now – and – take care of the fare at the speed of light and once I am done with that – I jump out and get my medium size – suitcase out of the boot+ my handy backpack at lightening speed too and begin to race my way home – while wheeling my luggage in tow – behind me too.

Do I care if I am coming across as a crazy weirdo rushed person right now?(Weirdo because of my usual Mask+ Cap get up)

Nah.

Ofcourse not.

All I care about rushing to My Fiore at the fastest freaking speed – possible – right now.

And about thirty seconds later – as I near her gate – and catch a glimpse of her waving at me excitedly at the door and our eyes lock from across – some sort off a supersonic avatar consumes my feet – and I rush towards her – superfast.

Super Duper Fast.

And So does She.

Khushi runs her way out the doorstep – excitedly – and I ditch my suitcase and backpack to the porch's walkway in a freaking nanosecond and we both literally leap forward towards one another's arms at the same time – and hug each other close and tight.

Finally.

After – 52 – aching – days.

My Fiore is in my arms.

I'v engulfed her in my arms possessively and she's just snuggled right back as – as tight and close.

I kiss her head lovingly while continuing to hug her tight – " Godammit...you..I missed you....so..much...so freaking much...baby...and I know you did mention that you are okay...on text...but tell me...now...first...are you okay baby? I know the sudden encounter with Noor totally caught you offguard...this evening..."

(Khushi had left me texts and voice notes – about this development prior itself. I caught onto it all after I'd landed. Obviously. And now that I am with her – I just need to hear it from her in person again – to snooze the worry corner in my head in this context for now)

Khushi whispers snuggling into me harder as she places a soft kiss over my heart holding onto me tight – " yeah...I am okay...baby...totally okay...I was okay after ranting it all out to you through my texts/voice notes and then M,S, Brian and Jack after...and then you made sure off the same after you landed too right as we connected.....but...yeah...I was okay...until a minute back...and....now...I am more than just okay...actually perfect....given that you are finally here.......you are crazy baby...I told you prior...you are freaking crazy..I shouldn't have let you comfort me for not making to South Africa...I should have just ditched work...I should have just come to you then..dammit....because now..that you are finally here...it hits me again..it freaking hits...me...too...so freaking hard....over how much I'v missed you in real time...over all this while too...I swear to Christ...I am never going over the 30 day limit ever freaking again....like ever...baby...don't you freaking ask me too...just don't you freaking ask me too....,"and she pauses as I feel her break into little emotional sobs in my arms.

I hug her harder for a second and pull back next to cup her face lovingly and wipe her emotional tears away sincerely as I nod – " yes...okay...don't ever let me talk you out of crossing that 30 days limit ever again too ..fiore...because guess..what...it's pained me as much..baby...you know it did...and I realise just about how much even more now...after finally feeling you...in my arms....and...yes....thank god...you are okay fiore...yup I can see that you are...I can see that you are not troubled by any of that right now...you are just feeling emotional right now...right? because I am finally here..."

Khushi nods at that – all emotional - and fresh tears pool up her eyes - I just wipe them off before they fall out of both her eyes and I say lovingly – " now..now...fiore...come..on...stop crying baby...stop crying...see...I am home...now..."

Khushi smiles at that on reflex as she states caressing my arms with both her hands taking deep breathes to steady her emotions – " I love that you are home Arnav...finally...and you know...I love it..when you call home...home..baby..."

I wink at her – "just love??"

She chuckles – "super love..,"and she hands me her hand as she states – " come on..let's get you in....I wouldn't mind kissing you as mindlessly on the porch though baby...it's just that I really can't kiss you with that mask on...My MaskCap Dude...come on then..come on in...so that I can finally take your breathe away..."

I wink – "oh yeah...lets see who takes away whose breathe...first...baby...."

We share a warm chuckle at that and finally get in. The very second all of my luggage is wheeled into the foyer and Khushi closes the door shut – I drop my backpack on the floor too along with my Mask+ Cap and cage her against the main door – and close my lips over her's in an urgent, mindless, starving – deep kiss.

Yup.

I'v begun to freaking kiss her as if I were starved and my hands have begun to begin their familiar wild caresses all over her. Because yup – right now – that's exactly what I am. Starved + Passionately parched. Just for Her. Just like she is too. She's kissing me back as mindlessly and urgently as if she were as passionately parched for me too which is obviously driving me crazy so much so that all a part of me wants to do right now is reach for my backpack – haul the protection in my hands – and make wild and deep love to her – right very here – by the door.

I need her.

I need to be in her.

Now.

I wana feel being as physically close to her as humanly possible.

Now.

I whisper the same into her lips boldly while continuing to kiss her wild, bad and hard - taking full advantage of the point – that its just us in here right now given that Mrs J is away.

Khushi moans my name into my lips now as she hears that from me and begins to caress me urgently too as she jumps up and wraps her legs around my waist on reflex – driving me wilder – on impact. I know exactly what that moan + gesture mean. She wants me too.As impatiently. But it's going to be a freaking thrilling to hear her say it to me. I'v never really made love to her by the doorway ever. I'v always kept on with the patience reserve until I could carry her to the bed, couch, etc. But this time around – I don't think I can keep up with that.I fist my hand in her hair now – not depriving my lips of the feel of hers as I continue to kiss her and ask hoarsely into her lips – " I know exactly what that whimper means...fiore...but how about you say it loud to me..baby....you okay with this right?? say if I freaking bury myself in you right very now...by the door..."

Khushi whimpers my name again as she begins to tug my tee out – " yes...yes...freaking yes...baby...that's exactly what I want...like right now...I need you...Arn..a...v..oh..no...don't...st..op...,"and she pauses and groans because I'v put her down on her feet for a second to reach for my backpack to equip myself with exactly what I need – shooting her a mischevious wink as I say – " only stopping to equip us with exactly what we need...fiore...," and she winks at me mischeviously back and stays put by the door and begins to tug her tee out.

I say on reflex gesturing her to stop – " do not deprive me the pleasure...darling...," and she pauses and grins and in a second after pocketing the protection in the backpocket of my denims – I return to her and take her tee of her in a second and kiss her mindlessly again. Within an impatient second – she's got my tee off me too and jumps up in my arms and laces her legs around my waist again.

I pause on kissing her only because I want to treat my eyes with the satisfaction of basking in the sight off her after all this while.It's also driving me wilder – given that she's heaving heavy and shivering under my heated gaze on her as my one hand's begun to caress her hard over her intimate wear not taking it off her yet.

Khushi locks her heated gaze with mine and begins to caress my torso as deep too.

Too Bad – Fiore.

I am not patient enough to let you have your ways with me first.I whisper winking at her continuing to caress her deep beginning to take her garment off her curves slowly – "looks like one of us has too many clothes on the torso baby...tsk tsk...how unfair is that..."

Khushi whispers wrapping her legs around me snugger - " I know..baby...how unfair is that...but I am sure...you are going to take care of that in a second.."

I wink – "make that a nanosecond..fiore..."

And Yup.

Its taken even less than a nanosecond for me to get her torso bare now as I throw her intimate wear aside and my lips displace my hands almost immediately – exploring her curves and pebbled peaks – hard.

I can never have enough of them.

Or off her on the whole.

Period.

She knows that.

She's tugging on my hair wildly and moaning and whimpering my name over and over – all the while leaning behind and sideways – giving me all the exclusive acess I need – to drive her insane.

I would have continued to just have my intense ways with her torso for hours + devoured her intimately too – if I didn't feel the need to bury myself in her – take over. I pause on my intense ministrations on her torso and sensuously kiss my way up her neck before cupping her face urgent and possessive as I whisper leaning in to kiss the side of her lips before locking my burning intense gaze with her's – " now...baby...now...I need to be in you...freaking now...we can go slow and sensuous after....right now...my freaking need for you...is primitive, raw and urgent...."

Khushi cups my face intensely as she whispers back her eye glinting in raw passion too – " well guess...what....Mi Amore...so is mine...we are on the same page...we always have been...we always...will...b...e..."

Godammit.

Her.

Do I let her get another word out?

Obviously Not.

I kiss her back almost immediately before we both work in accordance to get us both bare enough – and once we'r done with that – I just bury myself in her urgently as she adjusts herself in accordance caged and cradled up in my arms – and I begin to make raw and deep love to her as the passionate duel in between our lips to take each other's breathes away continues as well.

She whispers in a moan into my lips – " godammit..baby...I missed you..so m...uch...love...so frea...king much...I love it whe...n you are so frea...king impat....ient when it comes to me...Arnav...I frea...king love it..."

I whisper hoarsely into her lips urgently – " oh you love it baby...huh? And I freaking love to make you shudder for me...say it...again...say it again...dammit...say..it...you love it when I freaking loose myself in you dammit...say it..."

She does. In a soft – filled with passion- whimper

That from her drives me further off the edge of insanity as I consume her lips with mine in a wild heated french kiss – almost immediately and my body continues to consume her – in wild – passionate – uncontrolled, raw love making rhythms.

It's a bloody good thing that My Fiore loves my impatient streak as much as she loves me.

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Twenty Minutes Later

Arnav's POV Continues

I kiss on Khushi's head lovingly as she snuggles in closer into my arms as we lay together on the carpet floor at the foyer entrance – totally consumed in the intense and peaceful vibe in between of us right now as we finished making wild love to one another – about five minutes ago. I ask – " okay...baby??"

She whispers kissing on my hand – " perfect...Arnav..just perfect...,"and she leans up on her elbow and shoots me a mischevious wink – " just so you know...baby...I'd never ever...imagined..making love..by the doorway at home..."

I wink at that – "you mean...that plus the carpet floor of the foyer too..fiore...given that we tumbled onto it eventually..."

She chuckles at that and kisses my cheek – " yeah...that too...."

And just as I am about to pull her in for another deep kiss – her phone buzzes in on us and she puts her index finger on my lips reluctantly – " oops...that's Mum baby...you know iv got that diff ringtone for her..she's surely calling into check...if her fav person..has reached home..."

I grin at that as I watch her reach for her phone from her sprawled on the floor – denims. " Her favourite person on the planet is you fiore...I'm happy with that second spot..."

She winks playfully – " oh please...baby...given that Mum was royally upset that she wouldn't be home this time around over your visit...I'd say..you are on your way to displace my first fav position..,"and she finally picks up the phone lying back into my arms adjusting her head in the crook of it and says into it – " Yes...Mum....Arnav's home...don't you worry...,"and she pauses as she states adorably – " yup...okay Mum...putting you up...on speaker..."

And just as she does that I hear Mrs.J's fond tone outta her phone as she asks – " Arnav...welcome home....how was the flight son??"

I kiss Khushi's head holding onto her phone now as she snuggles into my arms. She loves it when Mrs J calls me son. I love it too.

I answer – " Flight was great..Mrs J...but given that there was a five minute delay at landing as well...I feel like I am quite determined to seek my very own pilots license now..."

We all share a warm laugh at that and after a couple of minutes more of casual chatter – Mrs. J says – " okay...then....i just called to welcome you son...I am sure you are in the middle of dinner now...enjoy your time with one another...ill ring up later...then.."

Khushi and me bid her bye for now collectively and once we hang up – Khushi looks at me mischeviously as she states blushing – " if only Mum knew that we were not in the middle of dinner at all..baby..."

I chuckle at that and pull Khushi in for a deep kiss almost immediately – again. She responds as passionately obviously and I loose it. I pin her back underneath me almost instantly and begin to caress her intimacy intimately making her writhe under me as she whispers into my lips – " oh baby...wha...t...abou..t...di..nner????"

I kiss my way sensuously down her throat and stomach – " a few minutes delay won't harm baby...I need to devour you..now...first...don't you want me too?? I missed making you writher under me baby..I missed watching you writhe under me...during my deep intimate exploration of you..."

She shudders in passionate surrender as her intense gaze locks with mine and her body adjusts itself on reflex to give me all the exclusive access I need.

I devour her bad - almost instantly – obviously for about five seven intense minutes – for I finally end up making urgent love to her again.

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Fifteen Minutes Later

Khushi whispers now as we lie down on the carpet floor still holding onto one another– " okay...please note...love...I do not want to leave your arms right now Arnav...but baby...lets get to dinner now...I know you didn't eat much on the flight right...your Shepherd's Pie is waiting..."

I kiss her head happily as I do hear my stomach rumble with hunger at the mention of one off my fav dish in the world.Her – Shepherd's Pie.I admit the same to her grinning down at her next.And once we'v shared another warm chuckle at that , we finally nod at one another and begin to get up and pull our clothes back up to head to the kitchen. And even though I already know the answer I ask again – " my shelves in your room are...ready...right...baby??i'd like to settle in and unpack....after dinner...."

Khushi locks her intent emotional gaze with mine and she whispers – " more than just ready...baby...more than just ready....infact not only in the room...even in my bath...I'v made space for all your stuff..Arna..."

She couldn't complete saying my name because I pulled her in for an instant deep kiss almost immediately. Deep but brief. Couldn't help it.

I just had too kiss her again – at that.

About two minutes later – Khushi whispers into my lips caressing my right cheek – " stop kissing me this way..right now...baby...or we'd just end up on the floor again...we do need to get to dinner...love..."

I pause and I cup her face and make my bold intention very clear – " alrighty baby..fair...enough...and...you better eat up well too fiore...you are going to need all the energy for what I have in store for us...after....

She blushes and nods and grins at that.

And I fall in love with My Woman for the Infinte+ Nth – number of time.Again.

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One Hour Later – In the Kitchen

Khushi's POV

Every bit of me continues to be consumed in a lovestruck awe – still – as I steal another glance at Arnav in the middle of our casual chatter – amidst the winding up spree – after dinner.

Actually to be fair enough – I have been in that lovestruck+ awed zone all through out dinner too. How could I not be?? Given that – the sight off Arnav feasting on my Shepherd's Pie (and this time around with no baggage of worry in the background just like it was the last time he visited) – just shoved me into the lovestruck mode – on its own accord.

And to be honest – all thanks to him – I think we both overate due to the vibe of our happy stuper at finally being with one another for the next three days. The plan is to just stay at home and spend quality time with one another – obviously. M and Jack will come over to join us in on and off. But that's pretty much it.We obviously want to reserve most of our time – exclusively for ourselves.

I am distracted in my thoughts momentarily as I see Arnav playfully shove the kitchen wipe back in its drawer now and he takes the one from my hand too for we'v finished winding up and he ducks it back in its dedicated drawer and closes it shut then looks at me straight and winks – " Fiore...what's with that awe-d look that you'v kept giving me on and off through our winding up spree..is it because I let you in with my plan on treating you with a kickass breakfast in bed tomm??"

I step up closer to him and take his hand into mine and kiss it softly as I admit after – " well yeah......its all your fault..obviously baby...you'v ducked me into that awe-d lovestruck zone again...because of that bit too....but know..this..again...like I said..whatever we are going to do at home here in the next three days we will do it together...be it cooking, usual chores....but...I do wana admit another bit because of which I am emotionally awe-struck right now baby.....and technically it might look like a little thing but I am telling you it just freaking moves me immense to see you live here and remember everything around the house at the back of your hand. I don't even freaking need to remind you over what goes where – around here – and that just makes me very emotional and vulnerable...okay?"

Arnav smiles at that and pulls me into his arms for an instant warm hug and kisses my head after – " well...why would I need reminder to where the things are at home baby? You know I call it that because it anyway feels like..iv been living here...since..a long time...,"and he pauses and suddenly pulls back from our warm snuggle and tucks my chin up and states – " okay...wait...before I kiss you and make love to you insane...fiore...I just remembered that I needed to remind you about that one thing...you texted me earlier about from work this morning before I boarded...the bit/the idea that you were so excited about...but you didn't relay it out to me on text because you said that you wana see my reaction to it upfront..."

Oh Yeah.

Hell.

I totally forgot about this bit – guys – in the middle of all the excitement of Arnav arriving and then the later bit in the evening bumping into Noor and everything.

Ofcourse he remembered. He always remembers – everything – I say.

So this is about just a random idea I had at work this morning that got the animator in me excited. And now that Arnav brought it up – my emotional state is taken over by professional excitement and I just have to rant my idea out in front off him first. Wait – you will all know what it is – as you hear me talk to him.

I grin excitedly now and take him by the hand around the blue sofa near by and gesture him to sit upfront on it and he does so grinning and states – " ok then...Khushi...baby...you do know I love to see your eyes sparkling in excitement that way...right?? what is it that's totally gotten you excited instantly?? Come on...out with it...."

I pace up in front of him nervously + excitedly as I state first pointing my index finger at him – " ok baby...I am going to talk to you about this...like right now...but you promise me...you are going to give me your honest take on it...no biasness...alright??? you are the first one I wanted to talk about this too...actually...haven't even spoken to M and S, or Mum even..when technically...the credit for the seed of this thought goes to S..."

Arnav asks inquisitive – " okay...alright...baby...I promise...honest take..indeed...but come on...sit here next to me please? or will you keep pacing upfront??"

I nod grinning and walk up and take my seat next to him and he turns to face me sideways and I hold both his hands in mine as I begin – " okay...baby..remember how I told you that the founders of our company were like looking out for a couple of acquisitions within the media field in order to diversify their business portfolio ??"

Arnav nods.

I continue – " so yup..this morning the minute we reach work and sign in at 830 am....we get the news that a couple of those acquisitions have gone through successfully for the company...and one of them caught my interest....so... the interesting bit is the bit that one of those acquisitions has been off an digital sports online daily – alright? and the new management which would be the management at our company is now looking out to completely revamp – because see this online sports daily was anyway having a low traffic prior..wasnt doing very well...etc..which is why the previous owners just wanted to shell it off...but our management sees quite the potential in the daily's digital circulation and reach here in the UK – because when it started off initially about six years ago – it did do really well for a couple of years – but then the content didn't have anything refreshing/differentiating onto it and this digital sports daily just got lost in the crowd of already overcrowded online sports news and media handles.....,"and I pause for just a second to ask Arnav – " you with me on this pre-context right baby??"

Arnav nods happily and kisses my hand – " yes my love...go on...you have my undivided attention...as always...."

I continue excited as my idea consumes my head now – " okay...so this morning..our bosses were all like – they are keen on feedback and suggestions from within various departments in the company like within our current workforce – as to how different segments of the digital sports daily can be revamped...I mean they obviously are going to get media professionals on board for the entire revamp...but they said that they are open to feedback/suggestions/creative ideas from us to..."

Arnav nods now snapping his fingers taking in my gleeful expression – "I get it now baby...and you have an idea that you want to suggest in the same context..."

I nod grinning – " yeah...baby...you have no idea how excited the animator in me has been ever since this idea struck me...but then...I ofcourse wanted yours, M, S, Jack, brian's, Mum's feedback on it first – before I can even think of sending this in to the company as like a formal suggestion..."

Arnav nods kissing my head – " go then baby...tell me..what is it??"

I lock my happy gaze with his – " so remember baby..how S has always been after my life to like do something with regards to like a webtoon and stuff...but I'd always tell her...I'd think about it later..eventually...after my masters..etc..etc...or when an idea for a story would come...so basically this idea of mine..isn't like a webtoon...it's like a good old animated comic strip instead...that could be run as a part off a segment like twice a week or something...on the theme off what actually goes on and about in the lives of the medical+ other supporting units of local county cricket sporting units in the country + our national cricket team here in England...I'v seen Mum and her team through the years right...I have so many moments that can be intriguing tales.....I mean everyone always highlights what can be seen on screen with regards to all of you players and your gaming lives etc right? or maximum – some peekaboo here and there into the dressing rooms/ video bytes....i mean...it's mostly from players point of view.... so I was thinking why not suggest that someone begin to highlight the story of what goes like behind the scenes in the sporting cricket world/ like literally from the eye of someone seeing it from the backstage in the supporting unit – in terms of both – how the stories in their lives shape up – as they keep themselves dedicated to their job + as to how they perceive the life of the sport + players on field from the backstage + as to how they perceive the moments in between the team + players in the dressing rooms..after....like everyone always highlights the glitz, glamour, success that can be seen....why not highlight the amount of backwork/ teamwork – that goes behind it all...not just in the form of video bytes this time around...but in the form of an actual ongoing comic tale.....in a fun, quirky, yet meaningful way....."and I pause in my rant to just catch on a breathe and gesture Arnav to remain silent for just about the next couple of minutes because I want to get this out to him too and he was about to say something – " baby wait...there's more...hear this out...this ongoing story will come out like bit by bit in animated comic strips featuring different moments/days in routine life, the challenges, the hardwork, and the drill - as in through the eyes of the various people in the supporting units– like some comic strips could be from the eyes of the medics/physio – some from the eyes of the coaches/ some from the eyes off the groundsmen too who work tirelessly to get the front stage ready...but the bottom line is that it has to be in animation because no one has used that form of storytelling art+ graphics to this angle yet...infact I feel like I want to design this through animation myself...for in my heart...it also feels like it can be like my very own ode to Mum too....and I am thinking I'd like to call it something like..The Tales of the Aiding Yards...you know because Aiding is a synonym for support/supporting..and well in cricket..the pitch is often termed to 22 yards anyway....so..now you tell me baby..what do you think off this??? Should I pitch this idea in???????," I finally finish in an excited rush now searching Arnav's face for reactions.

Ok.

Wait

He's grinning so freaking wide already! Which does tell me that he probably liked my idea – but I need to hear it from him.

I groan – " baby..stop gaping and grinning at me now..please??? will you???? tell me dammit...what do you think off this?? And give me an honest take...do you think this theme has potential????"

Arnav pulls me into a tight hug almost instantly now and kisses my head five times over as he states – " brilliant baby...this theme is freaking brilliant...fiore...from where I see it...it surely has potential...just pitch the idea in baby...don't worry too much about the result...just back your conviction in your pitch..dammit....this is outstanding....fiore..."

I pull back from hugging him hard as I ask him for another reconfirmation – " really? baby? You think so? I should do this?? I mean...right now its just a rough thought...I'm obviously going to sit down, brainstorm, pitch in a proper plan along with the animation theme, scheme of it all...."

Arnav shoots up from the sofa now and paces up in front of me excited – " hell yeah...yes....I am freaking sure....you should do this..fiore...and guess what? I am sure – M, S, Jack, Brian, and Mrs J are going to back this up too...,"and he leans forward and holds my shoulders – " Khushi..this is amazing...for real...I mean it...baby..."

I admit now sighing in relief and joy – " okay..okay...I think I wana plan this through then baby...you know also because I have to stop working full time from September end anyway once my masters begin...but this is something that I could still continue to work on like simultaneously as an animator – and this can also be that avenue where I can practice what I am learning in my masters henceforth in its literal sense right?????????"

Arnav nods excited – "exactly my point...Fiore...come on then...tell me...tell me every other thing that you'v thought off on this accord...even if It is random..doesn't have to be structured in front of me..."

I chuckle – " oh come on love...I still have to streamline so many thoughts in my head...but okay..yes..given that I do not have to lay it front of you structured – I think I wana discuss a couple more things on this..."

He nods grinning and gestures me to go on and I do.

And as I talk about it all to him and he continues to encourage, support and empower me lovingly – as always – I can only fall in love with My Man for the Infinite + Nth time over again.

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

Three More Hours Later

Late into the Night

2:30 AM

Khushi's Room

Arnav's POV

I chuckle to myself as the memory of my Fiore – still stealing glances at me in awe – as I was settling into her room – makes its way back into my head.So, we came up to her room – a couple of hours ago , after an eventual long chat over coffee as I basically nudged her to just explore everybit off her professional idea right there in front of me and just jot it down roughly in her notes – so that it remains safely put for her to look back at when she begins working on it – after I leave.

Guys.

On that note - I am so freaking proud of her. I mean – I truly think her idea's got great potential. In fact, in my head – I am pretty sure that I am just going to keep nudging Khushi towards this – come what may. And just in case the company doesn't decide to take it on now as a segment in the revamped digital sport daily – I do plan to encourage her to do this for herself nonetheless like through making an online blog and stuff.

So yes – just to give a brief context – after we came up to her room – around 11:30pm – I obviously didn't have it in me to settle in first. I shifted that to later. I ravished and made love to her – for hours first. Exquisitely and Extensively like the devoted passionate lover version of myself. I only began settling in after – like at around 2 am which was just a shortwhile ago and I just stepped in her washroom to freshen up about five minutes ago.

I really hope that I do not find My Empress dozed off to sleep on the bed already – given that our raw and deep back to back – love making has surely exhausted her a tad bit little. I did catch her yawning a little adorably as she put on just one of my tee's and snuggled and lied into bed gesturing me to be back soon – as I stepped into freshen up.

Why do I hope the same?

Because - I most surely do not want to sleep just yet. I just wana hold her tight and snug in my arms and listen to her talk – have us talk – and maybe make slow and sweet love to her one more time – before we finally sleep.

I finish freshening up now and wash my face and hands at the speed of light and I do grin to myself in glee as I catch a glimpse on all of my travel toiletries settled on a shared shelf in her washroom.

Know what guys?

I guess I'll just leave my stuff put here – so that it reminds Khushi every single time as she steps in – that I love living here with her too.

Yup.

Raizada.

That would be a kool thing to do. You surely know how to drill your essence through your woman in any little way.

I bite back my very own happy smug grin and voice the same out loud as I step out the washroom now – a part of me anticipating – to spot Khushi smiling back at me – through a yawn at hearing that.

But.

I am obviously surprised when I spot Khushi pacing around nervously in front of her bed – instead and as she's heard what I said – she's smiled back at me obviously – but very nervously – as she whispers – " yeah..baby..i'd love that...I'd love to see your stuff in there with mine..here on...obviously..,"and she begins to fidget with her hair nervously breaking her eye lock from mine to look at her feet for a second.

Ok.

What's up?

She was all okay when I headed in.

I stride to her at the speed of light and hug her close as I ask on reflex – " Khushi...baby...what's up? Something on your mind????"

She nods and clutches on my arm and whispers softly – " yes baby..something is...something very important that just popped up into my head and heart about five minutes ago as you stepped in to freshen up..and ever since...I'v just been pacing around her nervously waiting for you to come out so that I can talk to you about it...and see...what you have to say...to this..."

I pull up from hugging her now and cup her face on reflex – "what is it baby?"

She whispers softly now her nervous gaze locking with my puzzled one – " I feel like I really wana meet them..baby..."

I ask puzzled still caressing her cheeks sincerely – " huh??"

She explains nervously – " your family..Arnav...as in your parents...your siblings...I just had this thought grip my heart...spontaneously..as I re-processed the sight of you settling in here in my room with me....as in...you'v met Mum...my closest to kin friends...you know them all...yup...you have full plans to even meet my grandparents next visit....I know I'v met your close friends too...but I haven't really met your family yet right? or your siblings? I really wana meet them baby...so tell me...are you okay with this? Say if I say that I wana probably make a short one and a half day trip to Delhi on that weekend before you leave for the Asia Cup in maybe like two weeks from now so that I can meet up your family? Introduce myself to them as the woman who is madly in love with their son/brother? I feel like I wana reassure them too baby in person...in real time.......I just really wana tell your Mum and Dad...that I'd love you to bits...now and always...too....."

WAITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT.

WHATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT????????

DID MY FIORE JUST SAY THAT??????

Helllll Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.She did Raizada!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay! Guys ! Seriously – she still has no idea that I was freaking dreaming this through on my flight here. How I really just wanted to take her home to meet everyone. To just see her at home in Delhi too. But then I didn't relay it to her on text after – because I didn't want to overwhelm her with it at that time – wanting to see her through the bit off bumping into Noor – first.And then we just got too caught up in our moments as we met.

And I can't freaking believe – I'v just heard her suggest the same to me right now.

EUPHORIA ALERT!!

ORCHESTRA ALERT!!

SUPER JACKPOT ALRET!!

SHE'S SMASHED ME UPTO HEAVEN.

I see Khushi step behind from the circle of my arms nervously now as she asks again softly her already nervous gaze peaking on nervousness now – " baby...why are you silent?? Again?? don't do this to me dammit...please...you know it scares me...why aren't you saying anything???are you not going to say anything?? Arnav????????"

Oh Crap.

I WAS SILENT AGAIN NOW WASN'T I???

I can't help it guys – when she all of a sudden freaking stumps me with so much emotion – my voicebox crashes on me in glee.

I pull her into an instant hard hug almost immediately instructing my voice box to find its restart button and I admit sure that she could now sense the euphoria in my tone – " you freaking smashed me up to heaven for a bit baby...which was why I was freaking zoned out in inner glee...godammit you...ofcourse...I want this...I want to take you home to everyone...I want you to meet everyone one...too...they are dying to meet you anway...because I talk about you so much at home to all....its like they already know you through me...so yes...baby...yes...I'd simply love it for you to come over home..before I jet off to UAE for the Asia Cup...baby...I'd superlove it dammit...fiore...infact I was daydreaming about this on the flight here dammit...."

I feel Khushi hug me back in instant relief at that as the vibe off a fresh/gush/wave of love consumes the air in between of us and she asks hugging me tight – " what?? are you for real baby? Did you really think this prior??? On the flight? Here?,"and she pulls back and kisses my cheek – " come on then...out with it...tell me about this.."

I just pull her back into a happy hug and relay the same to her holding onto her tight and snug and once I am done – a couple of minutes later – she pulls back and her eyes are welled up happily and I think so are mine as she cups my face in her hands and caresses my cheeks emotionally – slowly - and says – " okay..so it's done then baby...this time around...I am going to see you even quicker...fair enough that I wedge in a day trip in two weeks this time around...in order to make up for this torturous 52 day ga..,"and I do not let her complete saying the work – Gap – obviously as I consume her lips with mine in a deep emotionally vulnerable kiss.

YUP.

No words are needed in between of us as she begins to kiss me back as emotionally almost immediately and I pick her up in my arms and she wraps her legs around my waist snug and I carry us to bed.

Yup.

We are both way too emotionally moved right now!

She knows that all I wana do now is bury and loose myself in her. Just like I know that's exactly what she want's too.So I am going to do just that obviously.I am going to let the vibe of slow+ sensuous+ emotional+ vulnerable – be the driving vibe+ rhythm of our intense love-making this time around.

And I also know that while I look into her eyes – as I make love to her right now – I am going to fall in Love with her – Infinte+ Nth – time – over again.Just Like I know – she will fall in love with me for Infinite+Nth – time - over again too.

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

TADAAAAAA!!

How was That Guysssssssss??????????

Next Update: Tuesday/Wednesday Night.

So yup - 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....

So yes – here I am with the next for HW3.o this week!

We are now Seventeen More Days Forward into the Story! And once I wrote this bit – I totally wanted it to stand out on its own.

Word Count – Medium- Long 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🤗❤🙏

W‍💻

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

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Please bring it to my Notice by Messaging me on Wattpad, where in my username is - mysticaltales11111 - if you read this Story on any other platform, apart from Wattpad/ India Forums.

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Disclaimer:

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

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TAKE 29 – Open Arms

Seventeen More Days Later

13th August, 2019

New Delhi, India

Raizada Mansion – 1:00 PM In the Afternoon

Arnav's POV

Guys.

I would have started with the bit that the goner in Love me is technically like the version of an over excited buzzing bee consumed in immense excitement.

But I most surely cannot begin with just that – you know to be fair – to the situation and context – around me right now.

Why? If you may ask?

It's totally because – It isn't just – Me – who is the version of an over-excited buzzing bee right now – my entire immediate family at home seems to have joint me in the momentary role-play of the same. (My entire immediate family at home as in - Mom, Dad, Akash, Payal, Di and Jiju).

Actually to be vey precise now that I retake the observation of the buzzing situation around me at home – right now – I think it's fair to say that we the Raizada's technically do resemble a full on buzzing in excitement bee hive – buzzing around its natural habitat.

Haaaaa!

Yup!

Guys.

You read that right!

Also - do not term me crazy just yet – everyone! I am sure you all understand that I simply can't refrain from making crazy excited comparisons at the moment – given that My Fiore is on her way home - here.

To be more precise – she is just about fifteen minutes away from Home right now!!!!!!!!!!!! (Was on text with her until Mrs J call came on Khushi's end – until about two minutes ago)

Yup.

Sooooo - You read that right – too.

Khushi is coming home for the very first time – dammit – how could I not be this worked up????? How could everyone in my family not be this worked up?? They'v been dying to meet the love of my life for what seems like ages now to them. Infact, if you were to ask my dramatic Mom – about the very same – she'd state – in her full-on dramatic avatar – the word Ages is an understatement in the context son.

So – Guys – I am beyond just delighted to report that Mom, Dad, Di, Jiju,Akash and Payal – have been so excited ever since I told them about Khushi's final plan(last week) to visit us (this weekend before my departure to the UAE on Monday with my unit for the ASIA CUP) – they obviously worked things around their buzy schedules so that we could all finally have this weekend for some exclusive get together time. It's Saturday today – and Mom, Dad, Di actually worked for longer hours in their OPD's in the last three days until the evenings so that they could manage to take the time post Noon – off today. They obviously had their usual surgery schedules/rounds in the early morning today. They wrapped up all their medical duties just in time and reached back home around an hour ago. Akash and Jiju obviously took a day off from their business day. And given that I totally wanted Payal to be here too – I was glad that she had the weekend free from any outstation guest lectures and stuff!! ( I mean yes – Akash and her are technically not married yet – but she is a part of our family. She has been ever since Akash told us he's in love with her. Actually their alliance is pretty much fixed anyway even though the formalities of it haven't been executed yet – because both the parents are otherwise so comfortable around one another and are completely aware of the equation. Mom and Dad just like Payal's parents know that its only a matter of time until Payal and Akash tie the knot. In fact, they even wish each other over the same that the day comes soon for them – whenever they get around to taking Akash and Payal's case collectively. Payal's always been so comfortable with us all that just like Akash – she also addresses me as Mere Bhai sometimes and refers to Di and Jiju as that too like we do and even calls Mom and Dad as that too. And the warmth in the equation obviously makes my twin Akash a happy man within. And given that he's always talked to me about it – I am now overly impatient to experience the very same for myself as well. You know just so bask in the sight off my parents/family – around Khushi and vice-versa!!

So anyways – back to the present moment – you all get the hint don't you? as to how it's just – HOUSE FULL at Home today and we all collectively can't wait for My Fiore to arrive!

Mom+ Payal + Di are overseeing the smooth arrangements for our family lunch which will begin soon after Khushi arrives.(Mom's obviously had our staff at home dish up all of Khushi's favourite Indian Dishes and given that she just arrived from the Hospital about an hour ago – she dashed in – to prep up for Khushi's fav Indian dessert – Jalebi – pretty much herself. She was all like – "Son, I do want to handmake Khushi her fav Indian desert at the least". So yup – she is engrossed in seeing through that bit + the rest of the arrangements. Akash + Dad+ Jiju were just with me in this living room until about five minute ago – until they all got some last minute work calls that they had to take care off. They obviously want to be done with all of that before Khushi arrives. On that note – I think they most surely must have finished up their calls. I think they must be lounging around in Dad's study right now – collectively making plans to gang up on me and take my case in front of Khushi – now that she'd finally be here!!!

Yup.

I can totally imagine them – doing just that – right now. Which is why they haven't yet walked back in???

My Phone buzzes.

I leap at it excited thinking it would be My Fiore informing me that the last minute traffic finally cleared up – but my grin dies as I see Aman(My business manager's) name flashing instead but I take the call and as I hear him begin to discuss about an investment business decision (that Akash and me had been discussing on last night)– that requires me to take the next round off funding call for one of the start-up's I'd invested in as an angel investor and as to what we had decided about the same + then also refer to get in for a quick discussion to discuss my schedule+ free dates post the ASIA CUP for some latest enquiries about ad-shoots/brand endorsements - I take a deep breathe as I remind him - " Aman...remember what I told you yesterday? that I am going to take no call after Noon today? But okay since you say this is so urgent and you got your timing right for if you'd called me ten mins after ..I would have shifted this to later...but...okay...I got five minutes......ill discuss this through...for Akash and me have a collective decision ready about the former...I but mind you...do not call me with anything after this? Aright? I am going to be busy in a personal commitment all day after...."

I can't help but smile as he sighs in relief and answers me that thank god he made the call just in time and we get on with our work discussions and a part of me is glad for the momentary distraction for all this last minute wait was also testing my impatient nerves as usual. I tell him about my decision to go in with the next flux of funding into the business organisation concerned given that the returns have been better than what we had anticipated and I hear him happily second our decision as we fall into further brief discussions.

Five minutes once we are done with our work/free dates discussions and I am done with deciding on the brand endorsements ad/schedules that I could make room for after ASIA CUP– I instruct Aman to take the day off at his end and enjoy his weekend too. I remind him that – I am all for WorkLife Balance. I don't want him to toil himself over the weekened. Work can begin again when the Monday arrives! He assures me that he will get on with doing just that after taking care of a couple of these last calls on his end with regards to everything we have discussed and I wish him a good weekend ahead and after he does the same - we finally hang up.

OKKKKK.

Seven minutes gone into that discussion.I look at the time on my phone. So maybe just eight minutes until My Fiore arrives? Khushi hasn't texted again yet which probably means that she is still on the call with Mrs J who is still in Sri Lanka for the England tour.

Oh Godammit MY IMPATIENT NERVES.

( On that note – Guys - I had full plans to go receive Khushi at the IGI myself actually but she talked me out of it on account of our privacy cover for now and was insisting that she'd just cab it home – but I coaxed her out of that latter idea obviously. I sent Verma Uncle to pick her up – instead. He's been with us in the family for years)

Hmmmm.

Wait.

On that note – Maybe I should go and wait by the entrance gate itself? Like now??? Instead of pacing around like an excited nut in this adjoining living room – near the entrance of our home – inside.

Ha! Amazing Raizada! That is an amazing idea!!

(Guys - I obviously want to be the first one to see her the very second the car pulls in through the gates – even if its just for a couple of minutes – because after that I am super sure that we are both going to be consumed in the happy vibe of finally meeting my family – together – for the very first time)

I begin to head my way out grinning to myself happily with that thought in my head when I finally spot Akash, Jiju and Dad walk back into the living room and Akash winks at me playfully after looking at his phone for time and states – " kahan chale? Mere bhai?(where are you off to mere bhai?? Are you going to stand by the gate already????"

Haaaa! Ofcourse my twin can read my excited gestures like an open book right now.

I eye him happily as I remind him – "Akash...remember how you went to pick up Payal when she was visiting home for the first time??? Given that I couldn't do that because of the privacy cover...its only fair that I wait for Khushi by the gate...she'd be here in five minutes at the most..."

Jiju puts on a mischevious grin and looks at his phone exchanging a happy knowing grin with Dad– " no Arnav..i think it woule be longer than that because my google maps tells me that theres insane amount of traffic around the DLF enclave too???"

WAIT?

WHAT??????

IS HE FOR REAL?

I HATE THE TRAFFIC OF DELHI.

PERIOD.

IT POPS OUT OF NO FREAKING WHERE – LIKE – ANYWHERE!!

I groan in disappointment now – " wait...what???? jiju? Are you sure???wait..up...let me just check on this...oh godammit me..should have freaking just gone to airport...myself..."

And just as I am about to scan my phone – Dad, Akash and Jiju break into a happy laugh and Dad immediately walks up to me and hugs me from the side and adds amidst his laugh – " on that note now that I think of it son...you could have gone to the airport for sure...probably waited for Khushi in the car...but if you would have done that...we would have missed seeing the epic moment of you this worked up amidst the wait for her arrival...just the look of disappointment up your face cracked us up right now...Raima is missing this..."

Oh Boy.

Knew it. They just had to take my case again.

I hug Dad happily though from the side and gape at Jiju and Akash who are still laughing and I ask amidst chuckles now – " okay...so...I am sure that bit about the google map traffic update was a hoax jiju...are the three of you going to do this to me all the while in front of Khushi too??? for real?"

Akash grins – " ofcourse mere bhai...finally...we'v got the chance too...we shall exploit it to the fullest..."

Jiju winks – " a moment I have been dying to experience...just like your Di.."

Dad shrugs in a happy stuper too gesturing to me that he's all in with them too and I nod happily at them in surrender as I say – " alrighty...okay...you all take my case as much as you want...but I am telling you...refrain from enacting out my impatient gestures that you'v observed on and off in context with wait for Khushi's calls/or texts – k??"

And just as I finish saying that I hear Di and Payal say in unison as they walk I alongside Mom excited to join us all in the living room – " well...well...well...they obviously do not have the permission to do that Arnav...because...that bit is something we have reserved...to execute...just you wait...we are going to tell Khushi everything..."

I groan in disbelief - " Di...Payall....cmon..."

Di grins – " wait till I tell her how you begin doubting the Vodafone tower signals/wifi connection at home/4g whenever her texts gets a litte delayed in between your chats..."

Payal winks – " and wait till I tell her – that I'v caught you grinning into your phone just gazing at a picture of you two like a million times already..."

Mom chips in siding with them too – " and wait...till I tell her about the extra bounce in your pace whenever you head to you room to talk to her...in privacy..."

I groan in an amused disbelief at all as they all share a happy laugh at my expressions. But then I guess – I do not the mind the context.Let my Fiore hear from my family – for a change – how crazy I am about her.The imaginary thought of her exquisite smile at knowing and hearing the very same from my family makes it's way to my head – and it adds onto my excitement which eventually makes me grin and join in our happy family banter and they all continue to take my case.

About three minutes later – Mom finally states to all– " okayyy then...how about we pause on taking Arnav's case for a bit so that he can check with Khushi...how much more time until she arrives?I can't seem to contain my excitement too...son...text Khushi..."

Dad nods and grins – " or maybe ill just check up with Verma...too..."

I nod and begin to text Khushi all the while grinning in glee.

How could I not?

When I could see the happy faces of my family – awaiting to welcome – My Fiore – this way – with warm Open Arms.

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

Five Minutes Later

Khushi's POV

Guys.

I swear to all my Insides are a freaking cocktail of nervousness and excitement – both right now! I mean I am just a couple of minutes away from meeting Arnav's family for the very first time!!!

I obviously want to just be Myself – around them but given that I do have these last minte goosebumps making their way up my arms – I can't help but remind myself not to goof up amidst the nerviness of it all.

I take deep breathes to steady my jumpy nerves – imagining Arnav's warm hug around me – in my head – for a second. I remind myself – that this is Arnav's family. I'v known them through him anyway. There's nothing to worry about. All will be well. I just need to go with the flow of it all. That's all.

I am right on that thought as I feel the car come to a halt and I open my eyes and lean my head up from the headrest that I was relaxing into for these last couple of minutes. I find myself looking at Huge Regal White Front Gates now and I ask Verma Uncle on reflex – " Uncle...are we here?? Is this Arnav's home??"

(Verma Uncle's has been so friendly and nice throughout the drive from the airport too)

He nods and smiles – " yes we are..."

I ask puzzled on reflex straightening up in my seat – " okay...so do I get off here? Is that why you stopped here???"

He chuckles – " no Khushi...I stopped here...because...well...you will know in just a second..."

I gape at him puzzled and while I am in the middle of figuring that out in my head within the period of the next second – I spot Arnav striding out of the mini gate towards the side of this Huge One – as he paces his way up to the Car and Verma Uncle gets out the Car – grinning.

Oh Damm.

My Baby.

He was waiting right here for me by the gate?for Real? I thought he had bee joking about it on text.

Our eyes lock now excited as I open the door from my side on reflex and before I can act on my plan to jump out the car – he gestures to me gleefully that he wants to slide in next to me – so I just move up in my seat grinning and watch him hop in and close the car door shut and I leap forward to his side and so does he pulling me in his arms almost instantly all snug as Arnav whispers kissing my head – " welcome home..baby...I just had to be the first one to see you...right?"

I hug him back hard to the side as I close my eyes channelising the warmth of his embrace to work on my jumpy nerves – "are you crazy baby? Were you here by the gate for real? I thought you were kidding up on text.."

He chuckles and kisses my head again hugging me tighter – " I never kid on these matters fiore....you know that...I had to hug you too first...right?given that I know in a couple of minutes from now...my family is going to surround you...they'd shun me away from your side...almost instantly that's how excited theyv been to meet you baby...."

I chuckle at that and hug him harder – " really????????? ,"and I pause as I admit immediately snuggling into him closer – " I am excited too baby...but a tad bit nervous too...I want them to like me...obviously...am just a tiny bit worried...like...what if I mess up amidst up nervousness though??I talked about it to Mum, M, S, jack and Brian too..."

Arnav pulls back at that and cups my face lovingly and locks his sincere loving gaze with mine – "ahaan? is that what you were caught up on the phone for longer fiore?"

I nod – taking power from his loving gaze. I swear to you all – at times when I look into his loving eyes and our gazes lock this way – I literally feel as if we were the only two people stranded on a freaking planet and everything else around me continues to haze and faze.

Just Like my Nervousness is – right now.

Arnav caresses my cheek lovingly – " they love you already baby...given that they know I love you Khushi...and how happy you make me feel...so I assure you my fiore...you have absolutely nothing to be worried or nervous about...at all...like...at freaking..all..."

I kiss his hand lovingly and chuckle on reflex – " really? nothing to worry about at freaking all...???????"

Arnav nods and grins – " yup...my love...copy that...,"and he pulls me into a snug side hug again.

I hold onto him too – " okay baby...,"and I pull up next on reflex to remind him something – "so...promise me one thing though...Arnav...do not stare at me shamelessly...k? while I am with everyone??? I mean this is my first time meeting them all...you do know that – that is exactly where my attention will be...right??"

Arnav nod and winks and tucks my chin lovingly – " yes baby..i know...am all kool with that provided you make up for having your attention diverted off me later....tonight.....when I have you all to my self....alone...I am sneaking in to the guest room to be with you...period...but you know that already...don't you?"

I gape at him at that with an amused smile – " Arnav..gosh....baby..is this the time to remind me the context..."

Arnav grins mischeviously – " yes this is the exact time...to do the same fiore...if it can help ease up your nerves...last minute...look...I understand...k? but trust me...baby...the very second you will see the grinning faces of my family you will know exactly what I mean.."

I grin and hug him from the side all tight – " okay....just hold me this way for a second more baby...then I think I'd be good to head in..."

He does – ofcourse and I final feel all of my nerves ease and he asks next lacing his hand through mine all tight surely feeling my vibe all relaxed now – " so ...ready love?? Should I ask Verma Uncle to pull in now..fiore??everyone's waiting in by the entrance inside...."

I nod and I straighten up in my seat – holding onto his hand tight.

YUP.

I was more than just ready to finally meet – Arnav's Family!!!

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Meanwhile Simultaneously

The very minute – Arnav had walked out towards the main gate anticipating his Khushi's arrival in a couple of minutes – everyone else had obviously gotten together at the foyer of the main entrance to their home – collectively. They just couldn't wait to finally catch a glimpse of Khushi with Arnav in one frame in real time. Yes, they had seen plenty of pictures – heard so much about Khushi from Arnav over all these months – and all of that had totally worked up as a build up of immense excitement in each of their hearts within – towards this very moment.

Raima,Arjun Raizada, Akash, Payal, Anjali, Ravi - couldn't just wait to catch of a glimpse off the vibe in between of Arnav with Khushi in real time, for they had literally never seen Arnav this happy – in a relationship prior. They knew - Khushi was his peace as much as she was his exhilaration – personally.

Akash, Payal, Anjali and Ravi -couldn't wait to tease the hell out of Arnav too in front of Khushi given that the mischevious self he was – he'd often done the very some to the two couples in the past. It was now their turn to return the mischievous favour.

And beyond everything – Raima and Arjun Raizada – couldn't wait for Khushi to arrive – because they'd obviously had been blessed to witness their chidren experience love and peace personaly and they finally had a face to attach to the love of Arnav's life. They were eager to make Khushi feel – as welcome at home – first and make their intention about initiating a bond with her from the very get set go just like they had initiated with Payal and Ravi in the past.

Raima asks impatiently now opening the main frontal gate within and peeking out – " okay..thats it...I just don't have it in me to wait around here longer...let me atleast see for myself if Arnav's dashed out the gate for that would mean...Khushi has arrived on the out right...??"

Everyone shares a warm chuckle at that amongst themselves and Arjun steps out behind his wife joining her immediately as he states playfully to his children behind – " please note...kids...this is exactly where time gives me the opportunity to prove the point that I keep harping to you all anyway....that Arnav's impatient streak totally has a lot to do with your Mom's doing...not mine at all...don't I say...it's a miracle that she's able to switch in between patient reserves/impatience in between our personal and professional lives...am I right? or am I wrong?? Dr Raizada??,"he asks lacing his arms around his wife's shoulder lovingly – joining in in looking upfront towards the main gate.

That from Arjun earns him a playful smack up his arms from his wife obviously as she states looking back at her children happily – " and please note..kids...that this is exactly where I let Dr Raizada...get away with this...because I am just too happy to indulge in any banter with him right now...because...I'v just spotted Arnav dash out the mini gate – which means...that Khushi is finally here...."

That makes everyone share a warm and excited chuckle amongst themselves as they all surround Arjun and Raima stepping out the foyer into the front entrance – grinning.

Akash winks as he asks all – " what say everyone? Do you think bhai will bowl one of his killer deliveries in my face...say if ..i decided to barge out on his couple of minutes with Khushi...like..right very now??"

That earns him a nudge from Payal immediately as she holds onto his arm lovingly to stop him – " Akash....please...I know...you are eager to trouble him...but how about you hold on for these last coupel of minutes...right? Di, Jiju?Mom ? Dad? He surely knows we are going to surround Khushi the very minute we see her...let them be..also...given that I look back at what I was feeling before I first met you all...its safe to presume that Khushi would be feeling a little nervous too...just let them ease things out...first?"

Akash groans at that as he gapes at the love of his life – " and why is it that you always make a fair point Payal?"

Raima, Arjun, Anjali and Ravi – second – Payal's thought almost immediately which makes Akash groan playfully again as he says to all – " and why do you all always have to side with her..over me????"

Payal grins and winks at Akash tugging his arm – " oh so you mean to say ...we are on different sides? Is it now Akash?,"and she fakes a sad look – " I thought we were on the same side..."

That makes Akash pull her into a side hug almost immediately as he says – " oh don't pull that look on me..Payal...you know what I mean??"

They all share a warm chuckle and Anjali asks impatiently now tapping her feet – "say what? given that we do not want to barge in on them..how about I call Arnav? Remind him...that we are waiting here....oh I just cant wait to greet Khushi...,"and she looks at her Mom to reconfirm – " oh wait..Mom...is the guest room ready?"

Raima grins and nods – " more than just ready..beta...,"and they all fall into a happy casual chatter – waiting for the car to pull in through the gates.

About two minutes later as they finally spot the main gate opening in and Verma Uncle driving in the car through the driveway porch now towards the enterance – they all grin at one another in glee – as they catch a glimpse of Khushi next to Arnav's side in the backseat.

Arjun says grinning – " okay everyone...I was saving this for the last...I know..exactly what I want to say to Khushi...the very second..i greet her..."

Raima narrows her eyes at her husband playfully – " Dr Raizada...are you going to ask her how she fell for Arnav – despite his brooding beard look?"

Arjun grins – " on point...Dr Raizada...bang on point..."

Akash grins at his Dad playfully – " Dad..I am joining you in on that..okay??"

Ravi chips in grinning – " me too...."

The three men exchange a happy thumbs up and Raima, Payal , and Anjali exchange a happy roll of a eye at that and they all finally divert their attention towards the car now pulling upfront and they step forward towards the car – excited – as it finally comes to a halt.

Meanwhile – in the car - as Khushi took in the sight of the grinning faces of Arnav's family members as the car pulled in closer and then came to a halt – she looks at Arnav sideways happily as she says – " baby...you were freaking right...just the smile on their faces from afar...makes me feel so welcome already..."

That makes Arnav kiss his Fiore oh her head lovingly as he winks – " told you...darling..."

Khushi nods – " come on then..lets head out...look...they are all coming forward too..."

Arnav and Khushi share a happy nod at that and they finally begin to step out and the very second they do and Khushi smiles at everyone politely first – Arnav laces his hand back with his Fiore's all tight and states happily to all - " there you go..Mi Familia..here she is...the love of my life...Mom...where's the drumroll?,"he finishes with a wink and states then – " oh wait...my bad that I forgot to ask you to arrange for the dhol.."

That makes everyone share a warm laugh amongst themselves – and Raima states playfully – " okay son...you had your mins.....step aside now..we will do our own intro-s...k?"

Arnav nods – happily – soaking in every bit of the moment that he'd been aching to experience.

Khushi gestures to Arnav to let go of her hand momentarily so that she can begin to meet and greet everyone and at the same time – Raima steps forward first gesturing Khushi to come into a side hug almost immediately as she states further shaking her head playfully at her son again – " And Yes beta...our bad that we missed on the dhol...for this special occasion of Khushi coming home...for the very first time...calls for the drum rolls indeed..,"And she looks at Khushi lovingly as she says – " finally Khushi...we meet you...you have no idea..how much I have been waiting too...we'v heard so much about you from Arnav anyway ...it feels like we know you already..."

That makes Arjun interput with an Ahemm from behind as he states - "correction Dr Raizada...how could you use the I instead of the We..,"and he gestures to Khushi – " Khushi...beta...please know...she speaks on behalf of both of us..."

Khushi nods at Arnav's Dad – grinning – every bit within her moving way too emotionally too – as she is at loss of words - momentarily. For Arnav's father had just addressed her as Beta – so naturally. She exchanges an emotional side glance with Arnav – who instantly understands – what Khushi was feeling within. His eyes mirror back pure love to his Fiore in the subtle emotional second.

Raima looks back at her husband playfully – " Dr Raizada...wait up for your turn will you please? it's my turn first...,"and she sidehugs Khushi – " so glad that you are finally here..Khushi..."

Khushi feels the warm loving vibe exuding from Raima's side hug frame do its trick almost immediately as she grins and beams at her happily and sidehugs her too and instructs her emotional voicebox to refunction – " hello Raima aunty...I assure you the feeling is mutual...I'v been waiting to meet you all too...I am so glad that I could finally make it..."

Anjali finally loses on her impatience as she joins in her Mom from the other end and says – " Khushi...I am Anjali...I just had to jump upfront...come on...Mom...let me greet Khushi now,"and she instantly pulls Khushi in another warm side hug.

Khushi sidehugs her too – "ofcourse Anjali di...I recognised you in an instant...how could I not? Arnav talks so much about you.."

Payal joins in upfront now as she and Khushi sidehug and meet and greet too – and Payal then playfully says to Khushi in a whisper – " Khushi we must...get some time off alone....so that I can fill you in on some mischief these twin brothers pulled off as kids...alright??"

Khushi nods happily at that eyeing Arnav grinning up behind her gesturing her with a raise of a eyebrow – as if to ask her what all that whispering was about and – Khushi just winks back at him playfully.

Arjun finally steps forward now gesturing Akash and Ravi to join him too as he taps his wife's shoulder lovingly and states – " Excuse me Dr Raizada...now that you'v had your moment...let me have mine.."

Ravi and Akash say the same to Anjali and Payal – which makes Khushi share another warm chuckle with all and a happy brief eyelock with Arnav. She'd just been around them for a couple of minutes – and was already feeling more than Welcome.

Khushi finally greets Arjun first , Ravi and Akash– " hello uncle...Ravi jiju...Akash...so happy to finally meet you..."

Arjun grins at Khushi at that first stepping behind to fold his arms to scan Arnav's grinning face behind – " hello khushi beta...but before I say anything else to you..i have a question to ask you....I hope you wouldn't mind..."

Khushi nods exchanging a puzzled brief look with Arnav behind – " yes..uncle...please..."

Arnav narrows his eyes at his Dad reading his mischievous frame already.

Arjun asks now grinning – " I haven't been able to work out this mystery beta...why don't you help me??"

Khushi smiles puzzled – " what mystery uncle??"

Arjun grins and asks – " the mystery about how such a lovely girl like you...fell for this son of mine..who doesn't even shave for months???? I mean....how...just how...beta????"

That makes everyone chuckle amongst themselves and Khushi breaks into instant giggles at that – for she had never anticipated Arnav's dad to ask her off this upfront like first thing out and Arnav groans – " Dad....are you for real? you had to begin with this...first thing out??"

Arjun chuckles – " ofcourse son...that is exactly what I had to begin with first thing out...so come on then Khushi...tell me beta..."

Akash and Ravi chip in mischeviously now - " yes..Khushi please answer this...right very now...will you please??"

Khushi pauses on her happy giggles and looks back at a grinning Arnav who was shaking his head happily in adorable dismay and she looks back at everyone and just answers honestly – " well...to be honest...Uncle...aunty...any version of his appearance works for me...it doesn't make any difference to me at all..for...I honestly fell head over heels for the man he is within..in his heart...but yes...just to be fair to the context – I do fancy that brooded beard look of his though.."

That from Khushi moves Arnav immense as he shares an emotional eyelock with her and it also warms everyone's heart immense at the same time and Arjun sidehugs Khushi now as he gapes at his son and states playfully – " so glad that the smitten love bug seems to have bitten the two of you equally...son...lucky you..."

Akash winks at Arnav mischeviously – " mere bhai...sach mein(true that)..lucky you...."

Ravi chips in – using Arnav's lingo – " or let's make that superlucky..."

Arnav gapes at his twin and Jiju in a gesture that says – I will get back at you for this – Indeed.

Arjun looks at Khushi and states warmly now - " jokes apart...Khushi...beta...welcome home.....you have absolutely no clue...how we'v been waiting to welcome you...here...into our little circle...."

Khushi nods at him warmly at that – words choking in her throat on reflex yet again in immense emotion at the mention of the word – Beta from Arnav's dad. But somehow she manages to control her happy tears and goes on to meet and greet Akash and Ravi – happily next too.

Arnav continues to bask in the happy sight – his own heart getting consumed in immense happiness and peace over and over – at seeing the happy faces of his family.

A couple of minutes later – Akash states grinning – " ok then..wait...even though we don't have dhol..technically...how about I play the tune of some beats..for us to enjoy...nonetheless...because I have finally met the one...who is crazy about my crazy twin..."

Arnav answers looking back at his twin walking upfront to Khushi's side to lace his hand with his Fiore – " only because I love your idea brother...I'am not going to refute..that crazy twin remark to remind you...that its you who is as crazy as me too...we all have Payal here to affirm the same to us all..."

Everyone shares a happy laugh at that yet again and Raima reminds everyone that itll be good to get some dancing done before they all set in for lunch – their hearts beaming in joy at the sight off Arnav and Khushis hands laced tight and the intense loving vibe in between of them.

And Khushi feels her heart swell with happy emotions as Akash actually turns on some dhol music and everyone begins to enjoy amongst themselves in little dance beats – gesturing Khushi to join them all too.

And Khushi does so obviously along with Arnav too – as their gaze continues to lock emotionally from across amidst the happy stuper with everyone. She knew that Arnav also knew that she was fighting back happy tears right now.

She knew that Arnav's family had been eager to meet her as much as she had been but she had not anticipated this level of natural Warmth + Happy Vibe exuding out of each of his family member's towards her from the very get set go. It was as if – they were welcoming her into their circle – with Wide – Open Arms – wholeheartedly.

It was only obvious that she was beyond just stumped over the waves of emotion within.

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About Seven Minutes Later

Arnav paces around the guest washroom in the lobby where Khushi had stepped into freshen up about two minutes ago as they all walked in – through.

He knew she had been fighting her happy tears all through their little Dhol+ Dance stuper of welcoming her home just like he knew she'd been way too emotional at hearing his father call her – Beta.

Another reason why he had been dying to make Khushi meet his family was this – too. He was hoping that knowing his Dad would probably help her more through that scar off never knowing her Abbu – upfront – in some little ways – over time – even though - he knew she was doing so much better in that context. She was healing immense on that angle within – and he felt that knowing his Dad would help her more.

His family had now rushed to gather in the dining room and was waiting for them to join in for lunch.

It is right then that the door opens and he spots Khushi stepping out with her eyes a little welled up still even though a happy heart-warming grin was up her face and he pulls her in for an instant hug by tugging in on her hand taking her by surprise as he whispers kissing on her head – " I know these are happy tears..fiore...but...they still ache me...baby...you okay??"

Khushi hugs Arnav back as tight as she admits sincerely – " more than just okay...baby...more than just okay...everyone's welcomed me with such warm open arms...already that its just made me emotional...and hearing your Dad call me beta...just makes...me...so... ...vulnerable....but...I love it...that he felt like he could say the same so naturally for me...."

Arnav just hugs onto his Fiore harder at that and it is right very then he spots his Mother walking up to them and she grins as she spots them hugging and Khushi sheepishly pulls apart immediately and Raima smiles at her warmly as she says – " Khushi...beta...there's no need to be embarrassed...I know this son of mine...wont spare a second...to take you in his arms...I don't blame him though...

Khushi chuckles at that and wipes a happy emotional tear outta the corner of her eye again. Now – even Arnav's Mum had called her Beta. How could she not tear up? She was already loving the vibe of his happy home – already.

Raima catches on the gesture ans she immediately touches Khushi's shoulder lovingly looking at her son worried for a bit – " Khushi...beta...you are tearing up? Why? Did he do something? say something?tell me ..ill pull his ear now..."

Arnav chuckles at that as he wraps his arms around Khushi's shoulder lovingly – " yes...Mom..i'd offer my ear for you to pull...myself..if I were to ever make my Fiore tear up..but she's just emotional in a happy way...because of the way you and dad addressed her as beta so naturally..."

Raima sighs in relief at that and looks at Khushi to seek reassurance smilingly – " really? Khushi beta? Is that what this is about? Or is he trying to escape an ear pull??"

Khushi smiles at that through her emotions as she answers sincerely – " no aunty...it's just about that...you'v all just welcomed me so lovingly...its moved me...immense...I was a tad bit nervous earlier...now I know that I didn't need to be...at all..."

Raima nods at that sincerely and pulls Khushi into a side hug almost immediately again – " exactly beta...there's no need to be nervous at all around us...alright?," and Khushi nods emotionally and because Raima wants to make Khushi smile even more now she asks happily – " Khushi....beta...you do love Jalebi don't you? or did this son of mine relay wrong information to me??"

That makes Khushi smile on reflex as she looks at Raima and admits – " I love jalebi...aunty...Arnav was right about that...,"and she exchanges a warm smile with Arnav

Raima grins – " so....I made you some...for dessert...so how about we get you some lunch first? Before we all sit down to catch up after haan?"

Khushi asks surprised moved emotionally yet again – " wait..what? aunty? You made me Jalebi?yourself???????,"and she looks at Arnav in glee.

He nods back at her – happily.

Raima nods too – " ofcourse I did beta...come on...then...lets ago??"

Khushi nods at Raima happily and Raima finally leads Khushi in towards the dining room – gesturing Arnav to catch up from behind.

Arnav does catch up with them both – obviously.

But only after about ten seconds. Why? Because he needed those ten seconds himself – to wipe the happy peaceful tear outta the corner of his eye at the sight of his Mom warmly seeing through Khushi in her moment.

Yeah.

Now he knew exactly how emotionally peaceful that sight was – Indeed.

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TADAAAAAA!!

How was That Guysssssssss?????????? What do you all think of the update and Khushi's first meet with Arnav's family?

So initially I had planned more for this update – but like I said – once I wrote this bit I wanted to pause here given that its already 7K words! And I do want to do justice to the scenes in my head with regards to Khushi's time with Arnav's family which is why I think I will be covering up this whole period in three medium length (about7k each) updates! One is done with this one – one more I will post on Friday and the next in the beginning of next week before we leap up ahead to ASIA CUP.

So yup I hope you all enjoyed this update.

Next Update : Tomorrow Night

So yup - 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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Hellooooo Guysssssssss....

So yes – here I am with the next for HW3.o this week!

Word Count – Medium- Long in length–8. 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.

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

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Please bring it to my Notice by Messaging me on Wattpad, where in my username is - mysticaltales11111 - if you read this Story on any other platform, apart from Wattpad/ India Forums.

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Disclaimer:

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

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TAKE 29.1 – The Tunnel of Endless Ease

Same Day – Hours Later

Nearing to Midnight

Raizada Mansion – New Delhi, India

In the Guest Room

Khushi's POV

I chuckle happily as I see Mum chuckling happily on the other end on our video call as she asks – " khushi..hun...did you just ask me what you did?"

I nod happily.

She grins – " alright..alright...hun...then yes...just for a second...I'd let you use the context off your coined nickname for me right now...c'mon then...out with it now..."

So guys – I'v been on the video call with Mum for the last ten minutes.I'v almost briefed her over everything – through my day here with Arnav's family ever since I arrived. Before speaking to her – I was on a combined call with M, S, Brian and Jack too.( On that note – I know I have to give you all a glimpse into that bit too and I will surely get around to it after speaking to Mum)

So briefly – lets get back to the present moment before we get into the Glimpse mode – okay?

I grin and I say now – " okay so Mum..the reason why I wanted to use my very own coined nickname for you in context was...that for real..at the moment...I feel like I am the Alice in Wonderland who is literally spiralling her way down this tunnel of endless ease...like that's how freaking comfortable I have been here...at Arnav's home...or around his family...like I already gave you a glimpse of it all..Mum...it's like...they are so wonderful...their happy vibe...the way they welcomed me with open arms...all the while after...it literally doesn't feel like that it's my first day here with them..like...at all...christ...do you remember how freaking nervous I was Mum prior? Turns out for real...that there was no need to be...,"and I sigh happily shaking my head as I lean back into the sofa I was seated at – " and that smile on your face tells me Mum that you feel all relaxed to now...don't you? I know you were a tad bit nervous about how'd it go..here...as well..."

Mum nods at that in happy relief – " yes baby...I am beyond just relieved now...to hear you talk about your time with them...it was obvious for me to worry prior too...right? but now that you seem to have hit it off...with Arnav's family ...I feel like...I am going to sleep with a peaceful grin up my face tonight...indeed..."

We share a happy chuckle at that and I admit on reflex to Mum next – " Mum..to be honest...the way they just call me beta..so fondly...it touches a deep chord within...specially when I hear it come from Arnav's Dad...I mean...Arjun uncle...is fab...,"and my eyes well up a little on their own accord as I continue - "Mum...you know I am healing with regards to Abbu...I am doing so much better now...but after spending just a day around Arnav's family...it's like now I feel like...maybe...knowing Arnav's dad will help me heal further...you know....what I mean don't you?? you know how knowing uncles as in M, S, Brian, Jack's dad's,have helped me through the childhood subtly...I just feel that knowing Arjun uncle now...will help me too in the present day today.."

Mum nods lovingly as her eyes well up as well – " yes baby...I know...exactly what you mean..and do you know that Arnav texted the same to me when you landed? That he was hoping that finally meeting his Dad would help you heal more on the context...of never knowing your Abbu..personally..."

Oh My.

Did he really text Mum that??I should have freaking known that My Baby was going to perceive the deep angle behind it all even before I could live it.

I smile and answer – "seems like he really was right about this..too..Mum...I am sure I don't have to say it out loud to him though...like I am sure he has observed it in my vibe all day...we were around everyone mostly...just kept texting each other in between on and off because it wasn't possible for us to get time for one on one...much..."

Mum smiles – " I am sure he has caught onto that Hun...he reads you like an open book..."

I grin – " and I am glad he does...Mum..."

Mum grins – "also know what Hun? I think he's more nervous than me/you in wait for your work development...I mean I know..you might hear from the team about the feedback on your proposal when the work week begins on Monday in London or when you return to work on Tuesday morning....and I am patiently waiting for the same..but Arnav's been quite impatient about it...in anticipation...he texted me that too..."

I chuckle at that – " oh yes he is Mum...he surely is more impatient than me/you to know the feedback on my idea...and yes he did tell me that he messaged you this bit..thoguh...."

(Guys – remember – my idea about that suggestion for the section off content for digital sports daily?? So - I had been working on it extensively for the last two weeks and I finally submitted my idea/proposal in by Friday morning at work.(Yesterday) The deadline for idea/feedback submissions was today actually but given that my plan to travel to Delhi was fixed – I planned on submitting it all – a day prior. )

I had Planned/skecthed it all extensively like I had discussed in the idea with Arnav as you all had heard – the only minor change being the bit that when I finally submitted it – I titled the animated comic strip volumes with the name – 'Aiding the Yards')

Mum says now grinning – " I told him though...that I am as impatient as him too hun just trying to pretend to be patient about it...you know its moved me immense that you took inspiration from anecdotes of my life too – to begin your work on this Hun..."

( Guys - Mum – S- M – Brian – Jack loved the idea too just like Arnav did. They have all been quite excited about it all too)

I smile – " oh come on Mum...you know you are my hero...don't you??"

Mum nods happily and we share an emotional smile.

It is right then I remember something important next – " okay ...okay...wait...Mum..listen up...amidst all my filling you up on the day + our usual chatter...I just forgot to mention that Raima Aunty + Arjun uncle did say over dinner that they like wana video call with you too...they said that they'd like to speak to you as soon as possible..and catch up generally...so if you are comfortable...how about tomorrow sometime? Whenever you are free?? Oh wait...but there's that T20 match tomorrow at your end...so...maybe after that??"

Mum asks happily surprised now – " really? hun? They wana catch up?"

I nod grinning – " yup Mum...so you okay with this?"

Mum grins – " you bet...hun...I am more than just okay...I would love to catch up with them..but maybe...after the match here...its going to be a long day tomorrow...until then..i do have to oversee the last minute physio sessions in the morning/late afternoon...etc..you know the drill...."

I nod at that – " ohkayy..alrighty... Mum...but...I am so excited for you too catch up with Raima aunty and Arjun uncle...,"and Mum and me continue to chatter for another five minutes – before I finally wish her a good nights sleep and she does the same after teasing me that she surely knows that I am not going to get any sleep soon anyway – and we finally hang up – after sharing a warm chuckle.

Just as I hang up my phone buzzes with Arnav's text.

Him : Baby...I swear...my twin's just turned my enemy right now! I have no cluse what sadistic pleasure he is getting out off holding me in this business conversation at this time of the hour when he surely knows that I have somewhere else to be...give me ten mins more...love...ill be with you soon...supersoon..

I smile as I read that.

Me : alrighty baby...take your time...I am right here...across the room...

I tap send.

Him : Damm do not remind me the same my lady...or I will flash my way through to you already...on that note...the cheeky grin on Akash's face right now tells me that he's doing this on purpose...oh you bet he is...

I chuckle.

Me : maybe that's a part of it too – but I am sure – there was the other work angle to it too...okay love..don't text me now...finish up with your work soon...so that I can see you faster??

Him : on it baby...on it...

I chuckle and keep my phone aside and look around the guest room I am staying at – for these two days – and soak in the happy vibe/aura that radiates through it – just like the happy aura that engulf's every nook and corner of Arnav's home.

So guys – after we all finished late dinner and catching up – and everyone retired to their rooms – Akash had received some business email that he mentioned needed urgent discussion with Arnav because it was regarding one of his investments that he was managing for him.

Oh Wait.

I do have to rewind it all a little right? to give you all the glimpse?And I guess given that there's still time until Arnav arrives – I might as well reminisces about it all in my head happily too.

So Yup – following the warm welcome that made me vulnerable and emotional – Arnav and me – joint the rest of his immediate family for lunch. And I just have to say this – that it was definitely hands down like one of the most amazing meals of my life. Not just because of the fact that the food was yummm or that Raima aunty had hand cooked me delicious jalebi's – it was freaking hands down amazing – because of the happiness in the air + the Level of Ease that was consuming my insides all through out.

I swear to you all – just like – Arnav – his Mum, Dad, Akash, Payal, Di, Jiju – are so freaking awesome and grounded, warm and friendly – like just freaking downright amazing. It's like there's this instant warmth in their vibe that it connects and touches a deep chord within. The jovial+ comfortable familial bond in between them all – fuzzed up my heart too. One look at them – and you know – they are a close-knit unit – just like I had always heard from Arnav but today to like witness it upfront in real time – was just so amazing too.

So - We spent the lunch time – amidst happy chatter. The icing on the cake for me + to Arnav's adorable dismay was the bit that – each of his family members spent the most of lunch time teasing Arnav's case/teasing him left right centre – on our angle – right there in front off me. They filled me up on every little thing too that they'd observed. From Arnav's impatience in wait for my textz/calls at times/ him doubting the signals/ his happy stride whenever he walked away to talk to me in private – etc etc – they literally did not filter anything and I was freaking loving it obviously. Like down to the freaking T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I mean Arnav always is vocal about how crazy he is about me but just to hear his family say it out to me through the things they had picked up on – just made me feel all gooey within like a happy marshmallow – this time around!!!!!!!!!!!!

How could it not – guys? Infact – to be honest – I was pretty sure that Arnav was faking his adorable dismay too. He was totally loving the bit that I was hearing this from them too.(His happy gaze as it locked with me from across told me the same – obviously.)

So after lunch – Anjali Di, Jiju, Akash, Payal and Arnav just showed me around the house and I loved that I was finally seeing Arnav's home in real time too.(Do note – that at this point – Arnav tried his best to get some privacy for us – when they showed me around his room but it didn't work for us obviously given that Di, Jiju, Akash and Payal – made sure that they kept troubling him with that – by surrounding me all throughout)

But nonetheless – Arnav knew through my loving gaze and my vocal words as I did voice to him in front of all that there was this different peace I was feeling within at finally seeing his space at his home – for Real.

So after that bit – once I got around to settling in – in the guest room – Arnav once again thought that he'd be able to get us some alone time – but he wasn't successful again – for Di and Payal were with me in this room through that bit and Akash, Jiju dragged him out to the family living area after – where we were all to get together to catch up – after.

We got on with that and spent the most of the evening doing that in happy casual chatters. Even though they already know so much about me through Arnav – Arjun Uncle, Raima aunty, Akash, Payal, Di and Jiju did get into individual one on one conversations with me to just know more about me with regards to work, studying, my love for animation, my usual likes, dislikes, Mum, my friends, granma, grampa – etc etc – and even though I know so much about them too through Arnav anyway – I obviously talked about the same/their interests in their context with them too. Arnav was obviously an active part of it all – the only bit he was disappointed was that – he still wasn't getting the chance to sit next to me for Raima aunty, or Payal, or Anjali Di/Akash/Jiju or Arjun uncle were always in that seat next to me – all through out tea and snacks time after too.

I absolutely loved to catch up with Payal and Di and know more about their work, daily routines, too and Payal also filled me up on the twin mischiefs tales of Arnav and Akash. We teased the two about them – obviously with everyone else siding with us too! Arnav obviously gave the look back to me that said silently – Wait...till I get back at you for this Fiore...and I obviously gave him a happy cheeky wink in reply.

Okay so by this point it was almost post 630PM and just when Arnav started to get cheeky on text to ask me sneak out with him so that we could atleast kiss one another – Akash announced that it was now going to be the time of their Family Dumb Charades Game.

That got me crazily excited because I'd obviously heard tales about these family games from Arnav right? so I was eager to actually play it with them all – obviously. I somehow coaxed Arnav into shifting our sneaking out to later then.

Arjun uncle, Akash, Anjali di and me were on one team and Arnav, raima aunty, Payal, Jiju were on the other team. We had the time of our lives – competing against one another playfully in the game so much so that our Dumb Charades time went on for two full hours and ended up in a tie among both our teams on points – and the best part of it all was the bit once again – how naturally at ease I was amidst it all. As if – I really was just meant to be a part of their inner circle at Home. That's how heart-warming the whole bit was!!!!!!!

Happy Dinner followed next which once again was filled with contexts of conversations of interests from everyone's lives + cricket + Arnav's upcoming Asia Cup tour – and – after dinner - Anjali Di announced that it was now time to show me – another fun gaming side off them all through their usual card game of Three Card Poker – that they often played during get togethers amidst themselves or at Diwali.

And here's the bit that touched me the most emotionally yet again guys – that given that even though I am aware of the rules of three card poker – I am not like a pro at playing or something – so just when Arnav said that I'd be in his team for this first time and we'd play together – Arjun Uncle mentioned – that he'd like to me to be on his team for the first bit too! Arnav wasn't going to say no to that obviously – so yes – I actually did team up with Arjun uncle all through out the mini three card poker card party session – as he taught me the ways they go about playing it usually.

I was loving it hands down to the bit. Just being a part of it all + having chances and moments to bond with Arnav's Dad!!It just freaking felt like Magic within. When Arjun uncle was teaching me about certain rules/ seated next to me/during our team up on Dumb Charades – I almost imagined – probably this was what it would have felt like having Abbu next to me in similar moments. The imagination bought a bout of vulnerability within on and off - obviously. But the shades of the vulnerability were happy in their vibe.

So Yup – That was how the time flew – until about 1115PM when Di, Jiju and Payal left for the night and the rest of us began to retire to our rooms. Once - Raima aunty and Arjun uncle left for their room - Akash asked Arnav to step aside with him into that last minute business discussion and I just made my here to the guest room to quickly freshen up, shower and change for the night and whilst waiting for some alone time with Arnav now – I got onto the calls with everyone back home – as you all already know.

Yuppppppp.

So, I am sure now you all know/understand what I mean by the bit that I actually feel like Alice in Wonderland – spiralling down the Tunnel of Endless Ease – don't you? Everyone's only exuded so much warmth and love all this while – on the very first day – that I just feel so freaking blessed – within – right now.

Blissfully Blessed to Have met Arnav's Family – Finally!

I am right on that thought when my phone buzzes with Arnav's text.

Him : I will be at the door in thirty seconds baby.

I leap up the Sofa in sheer glee and excitement obviously now and race to the door to fling it open and it is right very then – my eyes lock with Arnav's impatient ones – as he steps right in – and closes the door shut behind us and before I can even say a word out loud - he pushes me to the adjacent wall and cages me in his arms and closes his lips over mine – for an urgent deep kiss.

Damm Him.

I kiss him back as urgently and passionately – ofcourse – because a part of me had been aching as much as him to do so too – all day ever since I'd met him at the gate. He's trying to dominate our heated embrace impatiently and I am not letting him take over – completely which leads to an intense tug of war between our lips as we begin to caress one another madly – impatiently too.

About ten heated minutes later into just kissing each other wildly and caressing one another possessively and urgently by the door -Arnav whispers into my lips – " finally...godammit...baby...you have no idea...how much I'v been dying to do this all freaking day...a pity that you didn't side with me to sneak out prior baby...now you gotta freaking make up for it all night....I mean...I can't freaking believe this...for heaven's sake...youv been home for hours and I'v had to wait until Midnight to kiss you, touch you...dammit...,"and he pauses and continues to kiss me hard.

I whisper into his lips amidst our kiss – " I know..baby...I know..."

He whispers back – " I told Akash as he tried to comically delay my getting here after our work discussion was over that I was going to freaking get back at him for this – by making sure that he got no moment of privacy with Payal the next time she was visiting.."

I chuckle into his lips – " ahaan? did you now? did it work?"

He whispers back – " nah – given that he mischievously reminded me that I am away so much anyway that he's get his way eventually...which means fiore...that they'd all be upto surrounding you all day tomorrow too – which means...now and tonight is what I have to have my ways with you dammit...why didn't you sneak out with me baby? Prior? All day? I was freaking aching to touch you...seeing you bond with everyone finally has created an emotional havoc on my fiore..."

I answer back hoarsely into his lips – " I know baby...I know....i understand...but I just couldn't sneak out Mi Amore...it wasn't that I didn't want too...I was just loving the feel of being with and around your family so much too...I simply love it here baby...at your home....it's truly like as if I am in a zone of endless ease...it feels that freaking serene..."

Arnav pauses on kissing me bad at that and cups my face urgently at that and because I know he'd have just opened his eyes to me – I open my eyes to him too now and our eyes lock intensely and emotionally and he caresses my cheek possessively and says intently – " say that again...fiore...will you please? say that...you love it here...say that you are in a zone of endless ease..."

I do so obviously – keeping my intense emotional gaze locked with his and he kisses me hard and bad immediately after for about five more minutes and then he pulls back again to pause as he fixes my messed up hair a little now tucking them behind my ear and asks – " Fiore....come to my room with me? please? its right across..thank god Mom had your stuff settled in to this guest room on my floor...I'v dreamt of freaking making love to you in my room...for ages now....you know that...right??everyones asleep...Akash is too..we will sneak back in here..in wee hours of the morning....maybe??"

My arms flare up with goosebumps as I hear that and I ask caressing his cheek – " are you sure baby? What if anyone notices? It'll be embarrassing..then? although yes...the idea of being with you in your space that iv seen on video calls all this while does thrill me...though.."

That makes Arnav shoot me that mischievous smug side grin that I love as he caresses my cheek – " no one will notice...I promise you darling...let me make my dream come true baby...? I wana freaking make love to you all night...in every corner of my room too...I know...you love the sound of that...too..."

I smile on reflex – " you know I gotta a thing for that smug side grin of yours don't you baby? When have I ever been able to evade the charm of that haan??"

Arnav kisses me hard almost instantly for a couple of minutes and then asks into my lips breathing from my heaving breathe – " so shall me make a move then baby? I can't wait..dammit...you know I can't.."

I pull back from our kiss and as we open our eyes to look into one another's lit with passionate voltage ones – I nod – " yeah..okay...baby...let's go..."

He takes my hand and we walk our way swiftly and silently into his room across and once in – he shuts the door close – and pins me against the door almost immediately and takes my lips with his in an scorching kiss yet again and we impatiently begin to do exactly what he'd said we would.

We make raw and deep love to one another - over and over – in the corners of his room – like he had dreamed off. He consumes every inch of my being/soul into him yet again - leaving me with no other option but to succumb/surrender to him and the familiar tides of our electric passion over and over – just like I consumed every inch off his being/soul into me – leaving him with no option but to succumb and surrender himself to me - too.

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

Next Day – Sunday

12:30 PM – in the Afternoon

At The Open Lounge Area – Outdoors – Raizada Mansion

Arnav's POV

I love Sundays at Home. Immense. It's like a well-known fact. Everyone who knows me knows that – that whenever we are on a break/days before the start of a tour/campaign – there's nothing that I love more than a relaxing Sunday at home with my family.

It freaking charges and rejuvenates me up.

And I am sure I will not need to give more context of reason into the statement below - That this Sunday at Home right now was totally topping the charts in my book of Fav Sundays at Home!! – Totally because My Fiore is Here.

Obviously.

So you know the bit that she said last night – that riled me up way too emotionally ? About how she felt like she was in a zone of endless ease here at home with everyone?? Yeah? So, I think it's only fair that I borrow that line of hers momentarily – as I happily gaze at the sight of Khushi in deep conversation with Dad, Mom, Di across – the table. (Please note – that I think I should be given full marks for pretending to be deep in conversation with Akash, Payal and Jiju too who are seated to my sides – right now as we all are lounging together sipping on our respective hot coffees and tea's after finishing a late Sunday brunch. Jiju, Di and Payal joint us all around 11 am at home – this morning.)

Godammit Her.

She says she's in a Zone of endless ease????

Then maybe I should say that I am in a freaking sky of endless ease right now – as my heart continues to fuzz and warm up at the sight of her bonding with everyone – just like it had been fuzzing all day yesterday too.

It is right then she looks my way almost as if she could feel me stealing glances at her while sipping on my coffee and our eyes lock briefly from across – conveying a zillion silent emotion to one another, before she returns her attention to the conversation with them. (I am sure - She knows exactly what this moment is doing to me emotionally – off seeing her deep in conversation with Mom/Dad/Di – about their respective medical experiences over time. Just like I am sure that she knows that I am going to express all of my emotions to her in insane, raw, passionate ways later tonight – when we are alone in my room. Just like I did last night until the wee hours of the morning)

Ok.

I need to switch caffeine with some water right now?

Because just the mere memory of being with her in my room last night just like I had been dreaming for all these months – freaking makes me want her bad again.

Jeez.

I most definitely feel like I need to steal a kiss at the least?

I am right on that thought as I spot Jiju leaving the chair to receive a call and I hear Akash nudge me in my arm from the side as he teases – " mere bhai...want my help to steal a couple of minutes with Khushi? Given that we'v all surrounded her since morning too today???"

I shoot him a look sideways as I whisper – " you are going to help me Akash? And not gang up on me to add to my further dismay??"

Akash winks – " well brother...to be honest...I think I had my fair share of troubling you all day yesterday...I am ready to help you...for real..no kidding...I am serious..see...no mischievous glint up my eye...at all..."

I grin – " now you are back to being my twin...brother...so yes...help me...I do need at least five- ten mins with her..."

Akash winks – " on it brother – I am just going to have Payal help me on this too...lets distract Mom and Dad from their talks and then maybe the four of us can head in for a bit...you take your ten mins then brother.."

OKayy.

Now I understand how he's being the helpful imp right now. He wants some time with Payal too.

I grin mischeviously – " you do know that I know you are only being the helpful imp right now because you want some time with Payal too..."

Akash chuckles – " you help me...I help you brother.."

I grin – " that's what twins are for...Akash...go on then..let's do this..."

We share a quick nod – at that – and it is right then I spot Khushi stealing a glance my way as she raises her eyebrow to ask me what all my whispering with Akash was about?

Do I text her the same this time around? Nah. I just shoot her a smug grin that surely relays to her that I was just upto something. The something she'd find out very soon.

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

Fifteen Mins Later

In One of the Cozy Reading/Study Rooms on the Ground Floor

Arnav POV Continues

Who has the Best Twin Brother in the whole wide world?

I do.

Guys – Akash and Payal – actually helped Khushi and me steal a couple of minutes – as Mom/Di got distracted in winding up after our late brunch outside and as Dad got a call as well – we took the exact moment to just head in for a bit in a group – but we parted ways the minute we stepped indoors. Akash just took Payal by her hand to privacy and I took My Fiore by her hand and pulled her into this cozy reading/study room on the ground floor and closed the door shut – much to her nervous surprise as she began to ask me – " baby..what..are...you...upto???,"and the rest of the words stayed put in her mouth as I gave her answer by closing my lips on her's almost immediately while pinning her against the wall and caging her in my arms yet again.

Thankfully – she's as lost as me in the moment and is kissing me back as wildly.

She shouldn't actually do that right now given that it's riling me up immense. I wana make her freaking moan and whimper and succumb and surrender to me right very now.

I voice the same into her lips now boldly and she whispers back hoarsely – " baby...don't..tempt me..right now...with that...please...we gotta head out soon...right?? I am sure Di..will come in around soon..to look out for not just us but Akash and Payal too....we surely..do not have the time to head up...to make love..."

I pause on kissing her wild and I cup her and I grin – " yeah baby...you are right about the latter maybe..we might not have the time to make love...but I am sure that I have the time to drive you wild...don't you freaking blame me for this dammit..who told you to kiss me back as wildly right now fiore? Now you'd freaking riled me up...,"and I wink at her and begin to pull her tee half way up as my hands begin their exclusive ministrations on her curves.

Khushi gapes at me mischievously as she states – " oh so its my fault now..is it baby? You know I cannot let you dominate our kisses completely...you know I love to duel and take over too...oh..Ar..n..a..v...da..mm...y..ou...,"she whispers in a moan almost instantly as my hands find their way to her bare curves through her intimate garment and cup her gorgeous curve and taut and alive peak in between my hands – every bit of me delighted to feel them come alive for me already.

As I bend my head forward on reflex to claim her curves passionately – she moans my name yet again and I lose it. My hands and lips take over and begin to have their intense ways with her torso for a couple of minutes before they move to her intimacy.

I had planned to drive her wild.Right?

I do indulge in doing just that – devotedly.

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

Twenty – Five - Minutes Later

Back on the Patio with Everyone

Arnav POV Continues

I bite back my chuckle now as I spot Khushi sipping on the last bit of her lemonade now as we are all back to our respective spots and have resumed our respective conversations with everyone and as our eyes lock briefly - she shoots me the look that tells me – You have no idea how difficult it is for me to take my mind off what transpired in between of us – a shortwhile ago – Arnav.

I shoot her a smug grin as I pick out my phone to text her.

Me : another glass of lemonade for you Fiore?? Or just one to compose up your flushed nerves would do?? On that note - I can't take my mind off your moans too – though.

I tap send and resume my casual conversation with Jiju, Akash, and Payal as Jiju is filling us up in on what's the latest developments in the business field of private charter airlines.

My eyes are on the phone – though. I spot Khushi fidgeting with her phone underneath the table in the middle of her talk with Mom/Dad/Di and I bite back my smile again.

Her : stop it...baby..please...you will make me blush..and yes..one glass of lemonade has done the trick...just you wait...Arnav..baby..just you wait..wait..till I get back at you for this later tonight...then we will see..?

I bite back my chuckle at that and it is also right very then that we hear Khushi's phone buzz instantly.

She looks at her phone puzzled instantly and then looks at me straight for a second before she says to all – " it's my immediate boss...calling...which is strange..given that its probably just a little over 830 am in London and that too Sunday morning...she's never called me on a weekend ever before.."

Mom and Dad say instantly before I can – " go on then Khushi beta...take the call..could be something important..."

Khushi nods at them and then at us all briefly before she locks her nervous gaze with mine for two seconds as she steps aside to take the call.

I shoot her a reassuring smile in a gesture asking her not to worry about it and she nods at me back and steps further aside towards the garden as she continues to talk over the phone and the rest of us resume our conversations.

My Minds on Khushi though.

I have a gut feel that this could be about her idea/proposal about -Aiding the Yards - that she'd just submitted in at work on Friday before flying in here.

Okay.

Now I am nervous for her too. I really hope – that its Cindy(her immediate boss) giving her some informal positive feedback. I mean I'v seen how hard she's freaking toiled and worked on this for the last two weeks to put the extensive proposal together? Right?

I'v seen it too. You know the final draft of her proposal – she obviously shared it with me before she submitted it in and I think its freaking fantastic. In fact a part of my head – cannot freaking wait to see those comics come through to life through the animation details Khushi has planned.

Hmmm.

Okay.

My Impatience is winning over – given that its been about seven minutes since Khushi has been away on the call and I can't seem to wait anymore to know what's happening.

I gesture to everyone that I'll just be back after checking up on Khushi and they nod at me and I immediately make my way over to the little glass greenhouse in our garden that Khushi had stepped into during the call. And the very second I step in – I hear Khushi say into the phone excited – " ahaan...alright....okay...Cindy...I get back..tomorrow night..so...yes..let's...discuss..this..in detail..on Tuesday...maybe?? Yes..yes...ill sure have something more to add to it by then...like an added rough idea in my head....thank you so much for the heads up...yeah..,"and she turns around casually at that to spot me standing there in my – grinning avatar – as I gesture her to come into an immediate sidehug – while she continues to wind up her call.

Hell Yeah.

I hug her tight in glee.I am super stoked for her.

I can already sense that she's got some positive feedback!

Once she finally hangs up – I tuck her chin up excited as I ask – " say it dammit..tell me what did she say? They liked your idea? Didn't they baby???"

Khushi nods excited now as she says her eyes glinting in glee – " yes...yes...baby...Cindy said that she has received informal feedback from the management that they freaking loved my idea....they wana have a thorough discussion with me over the same once I am back...they wana take this through...they wana make the section happen for the digital sports daily....baby....oh my god...Arnav..can you believe this dammit? Aiding the yards - might just come to life...through animation...for real...pinch me baby...this gotta be a dream..."

I kiss her briefly instead on the side of her lips happily – " isn't a dream baby...I told you dammit...fiore...that this idea of yours was killer...so proud of you darling...,"and I just hug her tight feeling all of my nervousness for her wash away too – as I sigh in happy relief.

She hugs me back hard and then looks up and grins and nods – " look at you...with that sigh of happy relief....baby..the fact that you were more nervous than me about this...moves me still....,"and she pauses and adds – " but...baby..there's more to that feedback...as in...Cindy relayed the message...that the management feels like they want me to add like more to this idea...as in..she said that they don't just want to run this animated section to run with fresh comic strips twice a week...they want fresh updates...like for six days in a week...which...is exactly what they are also going to talk about Tuesday morning at work......so now...I just gotta add more to this...I told Cindy I'd think off something more to add to it all by Tuesday morning...."

I grin at that and I cup her face excited – " Khushi...that's fantastic news baby...,"and I just hug her hard in glee again and kiss her head ten times over.

I am so freaking happy for her right now! And while I am in the middle of holding her tight – Khushi suddenly pulls up and her eyes are twinkling excitedly as she states her eyes widening in glee – " oh christ....baby...I think I got it...the further extension of this idea..that I think I'd want to add more to this....oh my god...I think my bulb just freaking lit again...will you hear me out??? Give me your fresh take on this...k??,"she says as she now begins to pace around the greenhouse excitedly.

I fold my arms happily and I say – " shoot baby...I am all ears..."

Khushi continues to pace around excitedly as she says now locking her gleeful gaze with mine – " baby...to be honest..i do think ..running the comic strips on the same theme of Aiding the Yards like six times a week will make the theme become monotonous pretty soon...so hear me out...I think I wana propose that I run the animated comic strips on different themes instead like just twice a week to one theme...and all of these themes are going to be freaking interlinked too...to cricket..ofcourse...so hear this...while twice a week I can run something on the concept of Aiding the Yards weaving out comic tales from the perspective of various supporting units – I know the exact themes I want to add onto these comic volumes – there's a couple of them that's come to my mind...baby..."

Okay.

She's caught my intrigue yet again with her creative excitement.

I ask excited myself – " go on then...Khushi...tell me...what's freaking lit your mind?"

Khushi grins – " Chasing The Yards...Living the Yards and After the Yards.....as in...baby...I think I could also get in players perspective in here..but from a different angle as in...from what is unknown...from what goes on behind the scenes in their lives...the..commitment...the grit...the hard work in the background that often goes unseen....so....in the Comic volume of Chasing the Yards I'd like to weave out comic tales on the anecdotes of lives off players from our county/domestic cricket talking about their journey as to how they'v been chasing there dreams since their younger days to make it to the national squad eventually...so that fits in the theme of Chasing The Yards and will also highlight the unseen moments from county/domestic cricket both mens and women's...Then when we come to Living the Yards...I could create comic tales from the anecdotes of lives of national players who'v sustained themselves at international playing level in the three formats of the game over time...like..for example for India...you, Ved, Cap, the rest of the men in blue whose contracted with the BCCI be the players whose like literally living the yards right?? travelling/playing so much cricket throughout the calendar year/... so that's what I mean...I could weave in tales from the lives of players under contract with the England Cricket Board talking about their unseen journey in the background as they Live the Yards....and actually one could often combine and interlink these volumes of Chasing/Living the yards too with time down the line as that theme can be weaved together too eventually + in the volume titled After the Yards – I could highlight anecdotes from the lives of senior players who have actually retired from all forms of cricket and the unseen bits as to how they go about their life in their respective second innings taking on their perspective towards the game after they have stepped back.....so all in all...this entire...animated series...can run on four different comic themes....Aiding the Yards....Chasing the Yards...Living the Yards...and After the Yards...and baby...this applies to both the men/women's cricket – ofcourse....so now tell me...how does this sound? Should I suggest this as an add on element????itll be crazy amount of work to like sketch the added proposals now but I just feel that now that I thought of this..it just all fits in together...like seamlessly...like a wholesome...concept....what say??and oh my god...as I say this out loud to you...I get another hunch...that maybe if they like this concept...I can take this down further eventually to football too WITH SIMILAR CONCEPT as in which is the other sport extremely popular in England right...the only difference being that I'd then title those comic volumes under the names – Aiding The Goals, Chasing the Goals, Living the Goals, After the Goals...because well in football they play to score goals right? baby?? So now tell me....how does this added bit sound?????????,"and she finally pauses in her excited stuper and searches my face for reaction.

OH FREAKING MY.

DID I JUST HEAR WHAT I DID????

SHE'S FREAKING AWESOMEEEE!

THIS SOUNDS FREAKING AMAZING ALREADY. I LOVE THE WAY SHE CONNECTED THE THEME TO FOOTBALL AS WELL. That's a sport probably more popular than cricket in England – to be honest.

HOW DID SHE EVEN WEAVE THIS UP IN A COUPLE OF MINUTE's?

I gape at Khushi as my jaw opens up stunned happily as I say – " how baby? How did you freaking even weave this all up in those couple of minutes Fiore?????this is freaking fantastic...from the creative juices of your brain...yet again love...yup...godammit...you are right...this does fit into a wholesome and seamless idea indeed....bloody brilliant baby...and the bit about extending it to football sounds brilliant too – given that Englands a huge hub for club/franchise leagues in football too...,"and I walk over to her and pull her in an excited hug immediately – " ask your company to help you copyright these titles as you begin rolling out the animation..love...this has to go down under your very name...you discuss this with them on Tuesday okay? As far as my business sense tells me ...they'd help you with the process as long as you assure them that you'd reserve them with exclusive circulation rights...as in that...you only publish this..through just their sports daily.....so on the whole...you asked for my feed back right? now you know my feedback now...I freaking love it...fiore...I just love it...."

Khushi looks up at me excited now as she asks her eyes welling up in glee – " Arnav...you aren't being biased right baby??"

I kiss her head – " no Khushi dammit...I am not being biased love...its really awesome..okay....how about this...why not discuss this everyone here roughly too Fiore – to know their instant feedback love?? you will then know - what I mean...I am freaking telling you....it clicks...your idea...freaking clicks seamlessly into one...indeed....."

Khushi shoots me a nervous excited smile thinking this through– " okay...yes...lets do this...they already do know roughly about the proposal I'd submitted before coming here...at work..because...I talked about it yesterday...so yeah..maybe..it will be kool to just shoot this out at them..and know what they have to say????"

I grin and nod at her and pull her into a tight hug briefly and then take her by the hand out of the greenhouse towards all.

Oh Yup.

Once again – you bet – that I am more excited for my Fiore – than even she is – right now about this whole concept she came up with!!

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

A Shortwhile Later

Khushi's POV

I look at the excited grins on the faces of Raima Aunty, Arjun uncle, Payal, Akash, Ravi Jiju and Anjali di – as I finish talking about my idea to all roughly.Arnav's been hugging me his side – happily – all throughout – listening me repeat my idea to all.

Okay.

The grin up their faces now tells me that the idea did click with them too and just as I am about to ask everyone what they actually think off it – Raima aunty, Anjali Di and Payal shoot up from their spots and gesture me to come in for a group hug towards them and I do so happily almost instantly sharing a happy grin with Arnav – and Raima aunty says first – " Khushi..beta...this is an amazing idea from you indeed.....what say Dr Raizada?"

Di and Payal affirm the same to me happily and the very second next Arjun uncle congratulates me for the idea too as he states walking up to hug me to his side as well – " indeed...Dr Raizada....Khushi beta..its going to be really creative to get these themes to life through good old animation...I also second Arnav's opinion on the bit...that you must ask your company for assistance with the copyright...as well..."

My Heart Swells at that as Akash, Ravi jiju second Arjun uncle's opinion too and congratulate me for the idea as well.

Okay!

Okay!

I can't freaking believe this – they actually love my idea for real – Arnav was not being biased about it for Real.

I grin and thank everyone for their lovely support exchanging heartwarming glances with Arnav throughout and it is right then Akash asks – " but tell us..Khushi...how did you actually think off these add ons in an instant???"

I grin at that.

Any guess on that guys?

The inspiration behind the add on idea/theme is Mi Amore – obviously and his perceptions.

I admit now sincerely to all looking at Arnav, my love – " well to be honest Akash...as you all know the insipiration behind Aiding the Yards was Mum.....but...I gotta give the insipiration for the idea of these adds on's to your twin....he was just so happy for me in the moment...hearing the positive feedback from my workplace about the initial idea..and while he was hugging me amidst our happy stuper – it just clicked within...given that I'v often heard so much from him about what goes behind the scenes right? heard so much about his perceptions...about what often misses the eye...as to what no one see's ...so I though why not bring in an animated angle from players perspective but from the unseen/unknown/untold bit....and then just as that clicked in the various segments of the separation of the themes clicked in....I just felt like I wana bring various stages of a cricketer's/players life through animation too – Chase, Live, After - ....,"And I pause sharing an intense eyelock with Arnav for I am sure he understood that the after bit theme – came about in my head – while thinking off ABBU too and he nods at me subtly in understanding and he walks up to me and kisses my head fondly again – "and the bit that this could eventually connect to football too...is wonderful prospect...isn't it everyone?? I mean we all know how huge football is in England..."

Arjun Uncle nods at that excited – " indeed..son..indeed...I love this...where is that dhol beat again Akash? Hear me out Khushi beta...as I say this out to you right very now...this will be a huge hit once it's out digitally..."

Raima aunty nods – " Just believe in your conviction khushi beta..and you will see exactly what your uncle means...by that...we definetly believe in your talent...and passion...we are excited to see you take this through...."

Payal, Anjali di, Ravi Jiju and Akash second the same to me gleefully and just as Akash begins to tease me again– about how was it possible for me to get inspired by his twin in a flash of a second – I just sincerely answer him that – his twin was indeed my guiding inspiration about so much in life ever since I'd met him.

We all share a warm smile at that and as Arnav continues to hug me emotionally sideways and Akash continues to pull his leg again – momentarily - vulnerable emotions consume me yet again and I find my self spiralling down that endless tunnel off endless ease around them all.

A couple of minutes later - I gesture to Arnav that I'd make this quick trip to the washroom and be back and he nods at me happily and continues to discuss my idea/concept and its potential with everyone – excitedly.

Guys.

It's moved me immense to see everyone's heart-warming reaction to my professional idea. I mean Arnav's always been so supportive but to see his family extend the same support out to me on this context too right now – just freaking warms me up – on another level.

I mean this positive, empowering, supportive reaction – is something that I'd usually expect out of Mum/Arnav/S/M/Brian/Jack – but to actually experience Arnav's family relaying the same to me right now – has also instantly pushed my vulnerable emotional buttons too – which is why I walked over to the washroom to take these couple of minutes to think my gut intuition through - for just like that in this simple yet moving moment of time – I now feel like – I wana tell Arnav's family the truth about my secret.

Now.

Today.

I feel like I wana tell them about Abbu – myself!!

I feel like I do not want to hide it from them. I have to tell them before I leave tomorrow.

I also feel like I do not want to put Arnav in an awkward spot by him talking about it to them.

I have to be the one to do this.

Alone.

I have to be the one to tell Arnav's family about my parent's truth and that too in Arnav's ansence.(You know just in case there is an adverse reaction from any of them – I do not want Arnav to be the centre of the crossfire of it all)

I step into the powder room and wash my face a couple of times with cold water – to just think this through in my heart again.

Did I really want to do this?

Yes. I did.

I wana take this bit on by the Horns myself too. I wana face my nervousness over Arnav's family's reaction to my secret.Once and for all. And I'd only know how would it go – once I talked about it to them. And - I surely gotta do this alone. For Myself. For Him.For Us.

Just like I have been Myself around them – over this while – I have to be honest to them about my truth too from the very get go- I guess? I do not want them to feel like that I intentionally kept them in the dark until later.

Hmmmm.

I splash my face a couple of times over as I plan this through in my head – Now.

It's a good thing that Arnav has that brief video conference with the entire Men in Blue unit (whose leaving for the ASIA CUP to the UAE tomorrow) - at around 5pm this evening – and he'd be busy in his study for atleast about thirty minutes or so with that.

Yup.

That time window - would be the right time to talk to everyone else in Arnav's immediate family – about Abbu.

Indeed.

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

TADAAAAAA!!

How was That Guysssssssss?????????? Haha! No shoes at me for stopping at that kind off Cliffhanger please!! Just had to ya for the build up..winks....what do you all think off the moments through the Update? Also the extended bit off Khushi's professional idea of Aiding the Yards, Chasing the Yards, Living the Yards, After the Yards???😁🤗

Next Update: Tuesday/Wednesday Night Mostly.

So yup - 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 glad she is going to tell truth

Hellooooo Guysssssssss....

So yes – here I am with the next for HW3.o this week!

And yes – initially I had planned this to be a full fledged long update but once I wrote this bit – I totally wanted it to stand out on its own. You will all know what I mean once you finish reading this.

Word Count – Medium- Long in length– 7.4K Words.✍✍👩‍💻👩‍💻

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

‍💻

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

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

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Disclaimer:

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

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Take 30 – HeartStrings

Same Day – Early Evening

Raizada Mansion

4:55 PM

Khushi's POV

A deep vulnerable kiss with Arnav right now continues to create a havoc within my senses – like it always does.

We are in his room and he is like just about a couple of minutes away from that video conference with his unit. I walked in with him here for a couple of minutes so that I could just soak in the last-minute empowering strength from his warm embrace. Its exactly what I need before I set out to follow my gut steeping out of his room in minutes from now.

He obviously pulled me in for a deep kiss almost immediately as we stepped into his room given that we'v spent most of the afternoon with everyone in the family group.

So, guys – I am a tad bit nervous obviously. BUT NOT MUCH. Remember what a nervous wreck I was before opening up to Arnav about my secret???? YEAH??? BACK in mid April? Like Four Months Ago?????

I am sure you all remember the exact bit I am referring to in context here.

However – point to be noted.

Surprisingly, now that I am minutes away from talking to his family about the same in the present day today – I am just like about 5 percent nervous about what I was then! (Which is only natural of course). But to be honest now that I look back in retrospect within - at the very same time right very now - I also do feel that a part off me is not surprised about the ways the nervous meter works in the pit of my stomach has began to function and cope efficiently - because so much has evolved within me in these last four months emotionally!Right? A part of me surely feels like that I have freaking just walked a long way ahead emotionally.

And all of that wouldn't have been possible without Arnav's emotional support and love – obviously. Which is why for his sake - my guts just pushing me to do this in the first place – now.

Also please note – to be fair enough to the origin – I also do think that the majority off my nervousness in that 5 percent has everything to do with the bit that I intend to follow this through without Arnav knowing about it. I mean I am nervous about his reaction – after! I can imagine him being mad at me for this momentarily for sure! You know because we always discuss things through in between of us first?

But then I guess – I will be able to make him understand - Why I felt like I had to do this? And if he's mad – ill just kiss his anger away – slowly and emotionally. THAT SURELY COULD WORK IN MY Favour!

Sorry Baby for doing this without your knowledge! BUT I really gotta do this.

For Us!

I whisper into Arnav's lips now as my determined intent takes over my mind again as Arnav's loving vibes fill me up with all the strength/ reassurance that I need – " baby...aren't you getting late??"

Arnav whispers into my lips continuing to kiss me deep – "yeah...but... a minute fiore...give me that.. will you please??I have a couple of minutes...it's going to just take me a minute to log in through my tablet.. anyway..plus I guess Cap will buzz me just as he is set to log in too...so ill just follow suit then...k?"

I whisper a hoarse - yes - into his lips and we keep kissing deeply and about a minute later he reluctantly pauses on kissing me and so do I - and the very second I open my eyes to look into Arnav's intent one he cups my face sincerely and asks caressing my cheeks – " Khushi...what's on your mind baby? I can easily sense that there is something for sure?you are nervous about something? Your vibe talks to me in a language of its own fiore...and you know that?? is it about the bit that you are keen to know the feedback from M, S, Brian and Jack, Mrs J..about your extended professional idea?? My lady...I assure you that they will all love it too...the very second you talk to them about it...just like we all loved it...too...period...so quit worrying about that bit baby...please?"

Crap.

How could I forget that this man can see me through like an open freaking book?

I cover up momentarily as I admit nodding – " yeah baby.. you got that right..ummm...you know about the bit of me being nervous...but it isn't about my idea...because...well...I feel quite content within about it..so I am confident that Mum, S, M, Brian, Jack will love it too....and I am going to begin working on it like first thingout when I return..as you already know....but...my nervousness right now..isn't quite about that...hmmm.....let's just say that I am a tad bit nervous about Mum's video call with uncle and aunty later tonight after the T20 match in between of Sri Lanka and England....as in..I so want that to go well too..given that how everything else has been so wonderful as well...like it's just that last shade off nervousness ..love..that's all.."

Arnav nods at that taking that bit of it in from me but he narrows his eyes at me after – "hmmmm.... really?? Baby? Is that what it is??? I mean...is that all? Why do I feel like that there's something else too??why do I feel that...you are trying to flip the switch on me..with regards to another context...maybe?,"and he begins to caress my cheek lovingly with his knuckles – his eyes beginning to xray me through.

Oh Damm.

If he keeps up at this then he'll just make me blurt things out right very now. Need to distract him – yet again.

Its good that I know exactly what to do.

I nod sincerely covering up yet again – " no baby...it's nothing else at all...its just the bit I assure you.....,"and before he can say anything further - I pull him in for an instant brief kiss to distract his mind from running onto its x-raying me through spree. Thankfully – he gives in into my exploration of his lips – briefly too.I whisper into his lips ten seconds later – " how about you kiss my nervousness away..for another five seconds right now baby???Until I see you..after your con call?"

He does just that obviously and also whispers sweet words into my lips at that assuring me that I had nothing to be nervous about on that angle too! That everything was going to great on the video call in between Mum, Raima aunty and Arjun Uncle – later tonight too.

Oh baby. I hate to lie to you. FORGIVE ME.Please? But I gotta cover up for now for if I tell you what I am about to do – you'd want to do it with me and I do wana save you from the awkwardness of any potential crossfire given that I know you love both – your family and me – to bits!!!

We pull back now as Arnav phone buzzes with a call and I gesture him to take it given that its Cap and as he gestures to me listening in on the phone that he now has to log in to the call – I just nod at him lovingly and kiss his cheek and hug him sideways and walk out his room – and make my way towards everyone else gathered up in the living room on the floor below.

Yup.

Nervous Heartstrings are back to tug on my being momentarily.But I know exactly how to deal with them – last minute.

By imagining- Arnav's face in my mind and letting his love consume my Heart. Obviously.

He's my power plug – Afterall!

He just always has been!!!!!!

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

Meanwhile – Simultaneously

In the Family Living Room

Raima looks at Anjali puzzled as she asks – " are you sure that you have no idea what this could be about too beta??"

Anjali nods puzzled and inquisitive too and looks at all – " yes Mom...I swear..Khushi gave me no heads up at all...like I told you all...all she requested off me and Akash... while walking out with Arnav a couple of minutes ago was...to have everyone gather here...all she said was that she has something extrememly important to discuss with us all..while Arnav is busy on the video call...,"and she snuggles into her husband – Ravi's side as she states – " I wonder what is it though..."

Ravi nods – " I wonder too...given that its obvious..she wanted to have this talk with us all...whilst Arnav is busy.."

Akash nods puzzled too – " Yup..Mom...that's exactly what she said..to both di and me....indeed...,"and he wraps his hands around Payal's shoulder as he states deep in thought – " but this is exactly what is so strange everyone...for as much as we all know the dynamics between the two of them...its like they are freaking transparent with one another...always...like crystal clear...so I cant help but wonder..what is it that Khushi wants to talk to us all about right now??"

Payal nods too – " my thoughts exactly too...,"and she looks towards the enterance of the living room and the time on the wall adjacent – " anyways...I guess we should know soon..."

Arjun Raizada – finally takes his seat next to his wife. He had been pacing around the family living room – deep in thought too wondering as to what this could be about too just like everyone else. He says now looking at the time and hugging his worried wife to his side – " Payal...beta...you are right...I think..we should know soon...Arnav might have begun the call which means that Khushi will be here soon...,"and he kisses his wife's head lovingly whose brows were furrowed into a concern – " don't worry Dr Raizada...I am sure its something general...you worry too much..."

Raima sighs now hugging Arjun sideways – " I hope so Arjun...I am so worried...thinking..what if we did something to put Khushi in an awkward spot? Something that's made her uncomfortable surely?? I mean..we haven't messed things up for Arnav right? by being our casual, teasing selves – as a group...I mean..I really love Khushi already for Arnav..so much...I am sure you all agree...I mean do you all see the way Arnav's eyes twinkle in glee and peace when she is around?"

Before Arjun or anyone else in the close knit group can say anything to Raima to comfort her over the same – they all hear Khushi's soft voice come in from upfront as she walks into the family room – closing the door shut with a soft smile up her face – " you noticed that too Raima aunty? It really does warm my heart to hear you mention the same though...I mean...its something that moves me immense too...you know too just notice Arnav's eyes twinkling in glee and peace everytime I catch him stealing a glimpse at me when he thinks I am not noticing...but too bad for him...I do notice it every single time...my antenna's are just so overly tuned with his..every gesture of his always reaches my mindfulness...indeed..."

Raima smiles at that on reflex just like everyone else and she asks – " Khushi ...finally...beta...you here...Arnav's on the call..then??"

Khushi nods as she answers stepping in – " yea aunty...he just got busy with that..". She'd obviously overheard Raima's concern for she was about to step in then and so now – all she wanted to do was follow her gut to take this through – finally and she walks up straight to all and takes her spot in the chair in the center of the two sofa's on either of her sides – where Raima+ Arjun were seated on one and Anjali+ Ravi on the other on the side.Akash + Payal on the two seater sofa opposite.

Khushi leans forward towards Raima and hold her hand on reflex as she admits with a sincere smile – " Raima aunty...please be rest assured that I have been more than my comfortable self...here...with you all...this bit about me wanting to talk to you all right now...has something to do with a personal context at my end...in fact...you'v all been so wonderful...which is a part reason as to why I feel like I wana do this in the first place..."

Everyone sighs in relief and exchanges happy smiles at that and Arjun kisses Raima's head beaming happily at Khushi – " told you Dr Raizada...you worry too much...,"and he then states Khushi's words again – " see...Khushi...beta...right here...just said that..this has something to do at her end..."

Raima nods happily in relief yet again exchanging a happy grin with Arjun, Anjali, Ravi, Payal and Akash and she says to Khushi – " thank god beta...thank god you started with that...I was a little worried thinking what if we messed things up.."

Khushi smiles on that on reflex clutching onto Raima's hand – " aunty...you are all so wonderful...how can you even think the same?,"and she pauses and admits nervously – " I wonder...though...if my doing what I am about to do messes things...up...instead....but I really just have to do this...for Arnav's sake..."

That makes everyone exchange puzzled looks and Arjun asks before Raima can – " what do you mean Khushi beta??"

Khushi's heart fuzzles up warmly at the sound of the word – Beta – from Arnav's Dad so fondly yet again and she takes a couple of deep breathes to garner up all her strength and she admits looking at Raima and Arjun first – " uncle...aunty...the way...you two..call me beta...it touches a chord off a deep heartstring..within..indeed...and uncle...when it comes from you so naturally...it makes me emotional..as well...very emotional....I mean...as you all surely know from Arnav...that I never knew my Dad...its just been Mum and me...and my grandparents and our close friend circle..."

Arjun nods at that and exchanges a heartfelt look with Raima+ Anjali+ Ravi+Akash+ Payal. Raima's motherly heart swells with love + care at that. They all obviously knew from Arnav that Khushi's Dad has passed even before she was born.She now gestures Khushi to come and take her seat in between Arjun and herself on the sofa – but she is surprised – to see Khushi get up from the chair she was seated at and she walks over to the nearest mantle stand behing the TV and picks up a frame off their family picture and they all watch in puzzled as Khushi caresses Arnav's pic in the group photo and she slowly walks back to take her seat and she hugs onto the frame lovingly and says to all – her eyes welling up in immense emotion - " I love him...Raima aunty..Arjun uncle...Anjali di..Ravi jiju...Akash...Payal...I just love Arnav so so so very much...so much so that feels like my hearts devoted to him on a very different tangent...I love him with all I have...I'll always love him with all I have...I'll do my best to make him the happiest that I can...now and always...and you are all his family...I wanted to begin with assuring you about this bit from me...myself...I promise you all...I'd always love Arnav the way I do...or perhaps only deeper with each passing day..."

That warms everyone's heart immense coming so sincerely from Khushi and Raima says instantly – " and we surely know and can see that you mean every bit of what you just said..Khushi beta....not that you had to say it..."

Arjun adds sincerely – " given that we can easily see/observe the equation in between the two of you...beta...we know you love our son..as much as he loves you.."

Anjali adds with a loving smile – " exactly Khushi..one look at you two..and one just has to know..."

Ravi affirms the same.

Akash adds in sincerely – " I know I keep teasing him...but I think...the two of you are both equally very lucky to have found each other..Khushi..."

Payal adds smiling clutching on Akash's hand – " indeed...Khushi...it's a blessing to have found the one who feels the exact way about you..."

Khushi nods sincerely and emotionally at all and her eyes fall at Arnav's picture in the frame again as she begins to caress it and admits to all on reflex as her eyes well up emotionally – " a blessing indeed it is..Payal...but do you all know...that I often call Arnav my sacred miracle??? Why? Because that's what he exactly he is to my being...he's the one...I wana treasure and cherish..forever.."

Raima and Anjali's eyes well up at that on reflex as they observe Khushi caressing on Arnav's picture so lovingly.Arjun admits next – " and I am sure I speak on behalf of all of us Khushi beta...that we can't tell you how happy we are at hearing this from you...its making each of us emotional to know that our Arnav has finally reached home at the matters of the heart...."

Khushi nods at that and hugs the photo frame again around her waist wrapping her arms around it and she says sincerely next – " thank you uncle...aunty..everyone...and I also wana say that... I assure you that I'd never do anything to hurt him...ever...although...I guess...yup...right now..he might just be mad at me for talking about this to all of you...without his knowledge..."

That makes Akash admit with a puzzled chuckle – " no khushi..why would my crazy twin be mad at you talking to us about how deep you feel for him?as much as I know...he would surely bhangra to that.."

That makes everyone share a warm chuckle as they affirm the same to Khushi one by one.

About a minute later – Khushi finally whispers softly – " yeah...he'd surely dance to that...but what I mean is...that he'd probably be mad...that I talked to you all about my family secret without him being here...as in...he knows it all obviously...I told him everything about four months ago...in mid April....and he's only been so understanding, supportive and loving...nonetheless..after hearing it all...he didn't let go of my hand....like I used to initially fear he would.....which is why...today...I just felt like...I wana talk to you all about it myself...I wana save Arnav from the potential awkward crossfire he'd probably feel all caught up in...you know just in case...my family secret...overwhelms...you all...I mean...you are his family...he loves you all to bits...I would never want him to be caught up in an awkward spot in front of you all...so I just felt like I have to be the one to do this...I have to be honest to you all from the get go..specially now that I have spent such wonderful time with you all and you'v all only been so warm and loving – that I'd never want you all to feel that I kept you in the dark intentionally...or something...until later....you all have to know right very now..for I feel like...I need to know how you all feel about my truth...but before I begin with that...I want you all to know...that this family secret which is linked strongly with my truth isn't something that is out in the open..as in...its undercovers...it always has remained that way..with only our close trusted ones knowing the same...but yes...I do feel like I cannot keep it from you all though....no...I can't ..I most definetly...cannot...keep it from you all..any longer..so...should I begin with it??"

That from Khushi obviously puzzles everyone immense as they exchange puzzled looks amongst themselves and they ask pretty much in unison – " what do you mean Khushi??"

Raima asks leaning forward to clutch on Khushi's hand – " what family secret beta?,"and as she catches on Khushi taking deep breathes to steady on her last minute nerves whilst also stealing a look at Arnav's picture in her hand – she exchanges a warm look with Arjun as he states warmly next – " go on then Khushi beta...talk to us...don't feel nervous...and given that Arnav surely knows what this is..we do feel like...that you were probably wanting to talk to us about eventually?? Were you in anticipation of the right time..perhaps???beta??"

Khushi nods at that and just as she hears that from Arnav's dad – her last minute nerves do wash away as she explains – " yes...Arjun uncle...exactly...that...I mean....until now...even though I had heard so much about each of you from Arnav over time..I hadn't met you all...right? plus...its also been an intense emotional journey within for me..with reagrds to this very context..all these months...so...I was just working on coping with all of that within...first...too....I hope you all don't misunderstand me...though...please know it was never my intention to keep you all in dark like purposely or something...it's just that some truths are so vulnerable within..that you fear..the reaction to it? I mean...I was a nervous wreck when I talked about this to Arnav...not so much of it in comparison right now..which only affirms me within that yes..I have come a long way within on this..."

That sincerity in Khushi's tone did not miss anyone's eye and Anjali shares up a glance with Ravi and then walks up from her seat now to seat herself on the armrest off the chair – Khushi was seated at and she clutches on her shoulder in support as she says – " we understand...Khushi...we will not misunderstand you...okay?"

They were all also obviously observing – as to how Khushi was stealing glances at Arnav's pic in the frame in her hand continuously. It was easy for them all to presume that she was reminding herself every second – that she was doing this for Arnav. For Them.The vulnerable moment touched each of their Heartstrings within.

They could easily sense that this wasn't easy for Khushi which just hinted to them that the truth she was referring to was a vulnerable one?

Arjun says now gesturing Khushi to go on as Raima hands Khushi a glass of water to sip on in the meanwhile – " Khushi beta...be rest assured that like Anjali just said..we will surely not misunderstand your intentions..infact the very fact that you wana talk to us about this...yourself...touches our Heartstrings within...only tells us...how much you love Arnav...how badly you wana save him from that awkward spot maybe? Like you presume it might result in???"

Khushi's eyes well up at that as she continues to sip on water. She was glad that Arnav's family could perceive through her intention right now and that they could sense how deeply she loved him. She was counting on this vibe to be her support to her truth. She was deeply counting on the bit that Arnav's family could see beyond her secret and give more weightage to the Love – in between of them – too!

Raima clutches on Khushi's hand as she watches her finally keep the glass of water down and she insists too warmly - " you have our word beta..we will not pressume anything/misunderstand you...we wana hear you out on this..through...indeed..."

Akash, Payal , Ravi and Anjali affirm in unison too – " copy that..Mom..."

That genuine sincere vibe exuding from all further acts like the final push and she states now immediately to all wanting to get it off her chest – " alright...so..here it goes then...ill just begin with it...so this secret of mine..is kind of related to my parents...as in...I know you all believe...that my dad passed before I was born for that is exactly what Arnav told you all...and that was also what I first told him given that I lived..the first 18 years of my life...believing the very same...but that is not the truth...Arjun Uncle, Raima aunty..Akash...Payal...Di..Jiju...the truth is that my dad is alive...he is out there....he just doesn't know about me though...I mean...I know who he is...obviously...but he just doesn't know that I exist..Mum told me about it all when I turned 18...,"and she pauses to wipe a vulnerable tear outta the corner of her eye – stealing a glance at Arnav's picture in the frame in her hand.

That from Khushi shocks and surprises everyone immense. They couldn't believe what they'd just heard. Raima's compassionate heart burst with motherly love at just hearing this. She couldn't imagine the emotional vulnerability the past Khushi would have gone through. Arjun Raizada was feeling the very same emotions within. Now it kind of struck a deeper chord within him as he understood – why Khushi got so emotional everytime she heard him call him – Beta – fondly.

Anjali clutches onto Khushi's shoulder in support – her heart going out to her.Akash, Payal, and Ravi – were equally moved too.

Raima is about to say something when Khushi gestures her taking in the sight of their moved faces – " aunty...wait...just let me get it all off my chest now..before you all say anything...,"and they all nod at her so she continues taking a deep breathe fixating her eyes on Arnav's picture in her hand first before she looked up to look at the sincere serious faces of all and then just looked at Arnav's pic upfront in her hand and began to let it all out – " so I am sure...you are each wondering as to why...Mum hid this from me in the first place??so..that's because...back in time...Mum and Dad kind off hit a block in their relationship...so Dad's basically from a different culture from Mum's...he's from Lahore, Pakistan...they couldn't bridge their share off differences that stemmed up then and broke up eventually and...even though they were deeply in love with one another...things didn't end up well...their last face off..was quite hurtful...so...Dad or wait...I also fondly refer to him as Abbu in my head...so...Abbu...had anyway been facing pressures of arrange marriage back home from his family..prior...so after their break up ...Abbu eventually gave in to an arranged marriage back home...and Mum only found out that she was expecting me...when Abbu was like a couple of weeks married...so then she thought...what was the point in even telling him? he'd moved on..settled into a new life...but she wanted to have me...she wanted to keep me...and so she did...she raised me single handedly...everyone..with the help of her parents...for they supported her through as she raised me and continued studying and working...so the bottom line of all of this is that...my parents were never married...everyone...which basically means that by the societal norms in the world..my existence would be termed as that off an illegitimate child..Abbu...has no clue I exist...he doesn't know...I never even saw him until about four months ago..when I finally visited Lahore with my friends and had a general encounter with him under fan pretext.....because call it destiny's coincidence or fate...but I could do the very same...you know meet him under fan pretext because he is an ex-cricketer too...he used to play for Pakistan...and is currently the President of the Pakistan Cricket Board...Rehaan Khan is my Abbu....,"and she finally pauses closing her eyes in a bittersweet relief at finally having that off her chest as a trail of natural tears ooze out her eyes and she just hugs onto the frame with Arnav's pic in her hand tight.She knew she'd just dropped the truth bomb on Arnav's family out of the blue and whilst she was in the middle of doing so – she'd fixated her gaze on Arnav's pic to get strength – in the moment. She had been too nervous to take turns to look at everyone's face and observe their reaction not because she was scared but because she felt like if she observed any overwhelmed gesture from anyone – it could potentially derail her from letting it all out in the moment and she didn't want to pause without letting it all out. So it seemed to be a fair enough call to just continue to look at Arnav's picture in her hand.

And now that she finally had let it all out - she felt like she was a tad bit nervous to finally open up her eyes to see their faces for reaction so momentarily all she continued to do was just lean back into the chair and continued to hug on the frame in her hand and let the bittersweet tears from her eyes flow – as stunned pin drop – silence engulfed the air in the room.

To say that – hearing all that they had from Khushi right now had stunned and shocked everyone in the room present – would be an understatement ofcourse. Because each and everyone in the room – was feeling beyond just – Stunned – as their hearts and minds worked in an overdrive connecting the dots over and over within in a fraction of a second – as their eyes took in the emotional, vulnerable sight of Khushi leaning back in the chair and letting her bittersweet, nervous tears flow hugging onto the frame in her hand.

Arjun, Raima, Anjali, Ravi, Akash, Payal – couldn't freaking believe the twisted coincidence of it all too. That Khushi's Abbu was Rehaan Khan.An ex-cricketer for Pakistan/Current Head of the PCB. And at the same time – both the moment/sight upfront in front of them right now continued to touch a chord with their Heartstrings as they exchanged vulnerable emotional glances amidst all – continuing to observe Khushi's frame as she says now wiping tears off her cheeks still closing her eyes shut – " so now you all know...everything...I could go into more details of the same..if you all want to know...but now you all know why I didn't want Arnav to be here...right? I mean..this bit about my birth...is sensitive..right? scandalous too..surely..and if Arnav ever heard me using the words scandalous with my existence again..he'd just get so very mad...too...plus...I don't want him to get into any crossfire with you all because me...I mean...I don't know yet how are you all feeling about this..because I am still a little nervous to open my eyes to gauge your potential reactions...because yes I do know that maybe...you all never imagined to have a person as Arnav's partner whose existence is illegitimate and the situation with my parents and everything...but just as all of that is a part of me that I can't really change...I can also never change the bit ...that I love Arnav with every inch of my being...I truly do...I really...really...love him..,"and with that she just buries her face in her hands and whispers to add vulnerably – " don't hate me for this...please???everyone??Arjun uncle, Raima aunty Di, Jiju, Akash, Payal - I know my existence would be termed as illegitimate..but every bit of what I feel for Arnav is legitimate in its purest sacredness of love...for real....,"and she continues to sob a little with her face in her hands and she continues – " please don't ask me to walk away from him because of this...please...Arjun uncle..Raima aunty...di...jiju...akash...payal...it will just kill me...too...It surely will kill me to do so...I can't be without him...I just can't...and this family secret...will always be undercover like it has been...Arnav will see no harm because off me...ever...professionally too...Mum always wanted to keep this undercover anyway for Abbu's sake given that she knows what trouble it can brew for him in his society on a personal front...you know given that she still loves him in her own twisted ways which is why she never married another/moved on after...and I assure you too...that ill never take steps towards knowing Abbu more..like ever.....ill make sure..he doesn't know...I exist ...ever....I promise you all that....I wouldn't ever risk it...given that I know it can potentially affect Arnav's professional career as an Indian cricketer...I would never want any harm to ever come on him..because of me ever...be it personal/professional...no harm can come on him...I won't let it...ever..for...the harm has to go through me first...any harm surely has to come face to face with me first....I will make sure off that...now and always..."

And Just like that as they all continued to hear Khushi let out her emotions through raw, vulnerable - words – in the emotionally vulnerable moment amidst them all – Arjun, Raima, Anjali, Ravi, Akash and Payal – knew- that Khushi Jones had just hit a bull's eye at each off their HeartStrings within.

For - they all knew in that vulnerable moment – that it surely must have taken mountains of strength within from Khushi to come up and admit this upto them upfront without Arnav by her side. They surely now understood the vulnerability of it all. Oh yes – they did – just like they also understood the bit that for their Arnav – there wasn't anything that Khushi wouldn't do. Just like that in that emotionally vulnerable moment – they all understood – that Khushi could probably even walk-through fire – for Arnav if she had too! For how could each of them not be blown away by that courage off hers? To just come up and admit something as vulnerable as this out loud to your partners family??????

Yes – they were all surely not expecting to hear what they had. But now that they had heard that and were observing on Khushi's frame and raw emotions– the vulnerability of the truth seemed so much less significant than the display of pure emotion/devotion in Khushi's frame – for Arnav. Each of them couldn't also believe that they'd just heard her say that for Arnav's well- being – she'd always stay miles away from her Abbu.

In that very moment - they all knew exactly what they wanted to now say to this courageous girl upfront – who still sat frozen in her vulnerable state holding onto the frame in her hand with her eyes closed.

Everyone exchanges a reassuring nod amongst themselves now and Anjali, Raima, Payal, wipe the tears that had pooled in the corner of their eyes and Raima gestures Arjun to take the lead in addressing this – knowing that it would have better impact coming from him first – given the void of a father's space – in Khushi's life.

Akash and Ravi together stand up side by side too and they join in Anjali, Payal, Raima as well as they all lovingly form a circle around Khushi's wingchair leaning against it from the sides and Arjun takes his seat on the center table upfront and finally places his hand on Khushi's head sincerely as he states – " Khushi...beta...come...on...enough crying already...how will you know what our reaction is? If you don't even look up...beta...?????? Oh Please don't tell me that you haven't already presumed in your head for good... that we are going to ask you to stay away from Arnav because of this?because...that is surely not what we are going to say at all...beta...we know..it would kill you both...to be apart...we'd never do that...to Arnav or You...for that matter...for in our eyes...that would be no less than an emotional murder of the two of you....so hear this once and for all beta...we will never ask you off something so freaking ridiculous...because from where we see it...we know that...there's no fault off your in all of this...at all...you'v just been an innocent child...caught up...in..this twisted situation in between you parents...that's all..."

That immediately makes Khushi look up teary eye-d at Arnav's dad and she asks to reconfirm - blinking her eyes to get the pool of tears out of the way so that she could see clearly – " wait...what?? uncle?? What did you just say????You won't ask me to stay away from Arnav???"

Raima adds now placing her hand on Khushi's head from the side – "ofcourse we won't..isnt that a given? For we would be crazy to do so beta...for...that would be a sin of the highest order...won't it be??look....we can clearly see..how much you love one another...we know what you feel for one another is pure...."

Khushi looks up at Raima sideways and asks tearfully damming herself for the flow of tears for it was still blocking her clear vision which was hindering her from reading everyone's expressions – "wait...wait...whattt???????????uncle...aunty...so...you mean...this okay then? as in my truth? Is It acceptable to you all too??? like....hasn't this overwhelmed you all?"

Raima smiles at that and Arjun states immediately wiping Khushi's tears off her face first next – " khushi beta...I told you first.....stop crying..for then you will be able to see our faces clearly...but let me answer you ....so....yes...we are all overwhelmed yes...most surely yes....but not by the truth per say...but by the display of emotion/love/devotion towards Arnav that we have spotted in your being...right very now...how can we not be blown away by your courage right now instead..beta??"

That leads to a flood of happy tears out of Khushi's eyes next as she feels that last weight of fear vanish off her being and she asks her voice trembling in emotion – " really????? Uncle??"

Raima chips in now smiling brushing Khushi's hair – " Khushi beta...we are overwhelmed...yes...but my mothers heart..is drowning in overwhelming emotions imagining what you must have been through all this while...or for that matter...what your Mum must have been through in her journey...to this day...raising you..single handedly..independently...she's one strong woman...your Mum...beta...I haven't yet spoken to her...but I can't help but appreciate her strength..right now..."

Anjali chips in next brushing Khushi's hair – " my thoughts exactly Khushi...I'v just been so overwhelmed imagining what it must have been for you..and you met your Abbu under fan pretext for the very first time? Like...How must have that been for you??"

Ravi chips in next to ask – " Arnav was there with you through it all right?emotionally? Khushi??"

Akash and Payal ask in unison too brushing her arm in support – " how have you been coping up all this while...Khushi??? Wana talk to us about it? we wana hear it all if you are ready to open up??.."

That from everyone overwhelms Khushi on another level in tides of added relief as happy tears now continue to pour out her eyes and she leans back into her chair – in a thud – taking in the sight of concern on Arnav's family faces right now for her. Everything she had just heard from each one of them – had moved all sorts of HeartStrings within her heart – yet again. She felt like – she just fell in familial love with Arnav's family – in this very moment of time. How could she not feel the same? Given that she'd heard what she had from all?

She was speechless and in a zen of overwhelmed emotions – right now indeed which was why she couldn't get her voicebox to function as she sat glued to her spot – crying profusely as the tap on her eyes ceased to press the stop button.

Arjun takes in the sight off Khushi crying in stunned surprised still as she gaped at them all and even though they all knew that this time around she was probably crying out of happy vulnerability – he exchanges a look with Raima first and then everyone around as he states raising his hands up to his side – " okay...okay..alright...I do have to admit..Khushi beta...that....there is something that is surely unacceptable to me though right now...beta..and guess what? flash news? It has nothing to do with your truth...butt instead has everything to do with all your crying right now plus....the bit...that it is now unacceptable for me to hear you call me Unlce...khushi beta...for ..from here on..from this very second on...I want you to call me Dad....you will call me...Dad..okay? and I want to assert this point with exact Dad-Like...authority indeed...."

That from Arjun moves Khushi even more touching a deep aching HeartString within her heart that longed to utter the word Dad – out in daily life - and it opens up another floodgate of vulnerable tears out of her eyes immediately again and Khushi asks softly trying to wipe her tears away fast her voice trembling like it never ever did before – "wait...wh..a...t...?? did I just hear you right?? Arjun uncle?? Did you just say..w...h..a...t...yo..u...d..i..d???Yo...u wa...nt me to call...you..D...a...d????"

Arjun smiles at Khushi warmly and takes the frame from Khushi's hand and looks at Arnav's photo and keeps it on the side now and states – " yes...beta...you heard me right the first time around...ill excuse your error of calling me uncle again though right now..ill just take it as a slip of tongue...right Dr Raizada?,"and he clutches on her hand sincerely exchanging a warmnod with Raima and he adds wanting to atleast make Khushi smile through her tears – " yes... I am Dad to you...here on...just like I am Dad to Arnav...Khushi...beta...are we clear on that? yes yes...I know...I know...I am not as kool as your Abbu though..in real..as in ..do you even know how big a fan of him I used to be back in the day? I mean he was one of the first all-rounders in the Asian subcontinent...Arnav's a fan of him too...I am sure he told you that...in fact...now that you did tell us the truth...I surely fancy an autograph coming my way...in the future...what say Khushi beta?would you be able to get me one...from your Abbu one day under fan pretext..maybe???"

Ravi and Akash chip in grinning – " yeah Dad...we on that boat too...Khushi get us the same too..will you please one day? don't favour Dad/or just Arnav.."

That from Arjun/Ravi/Akash obviously makes Khushi chuckle a little through her floodgate of tears as she gapes at Arjun stunned and answers softly now – " I can't believe you just said that uncle...though...as....in...the context of the autograph..that was Arnav's reaction too...when I told him though...I mean..i was freaking out wondering what would he say and he reacted with just this..."

That makes Arjun bite back his grin as he says proudly – " oh did he now? like father like son...Dr Raizada...isn't that what I should say??then??"

Raima nods happily – " exactly what you should say Dr Raizada...those words suit the moment indeed..."

Khushi admits wiping her tears as a litte sad smile curves up her lips on its own accord – " I got him one..already though...uncle...when I met Abbu under fan context in Lahore..four months ago..."

That makes Arjun, Ravi and Akash groan lightheartedly and before they can say anything this time around - Raima lovingly rubs Khushi's hair again and Anjali and Payal lean forward to wipe her tears too and Raima adds next on reflex – " and Khushi beta...we understand if you and your Mum want to keep this undercover for your Abbu's sake...but no beta...do not stay apart from knowing your Abbu because of Arnav's context though..he'd hate it...if he were to ever find out...its one of the bits on your mind...too...I know him don't I? he's my son...he loves you deep...he's devoted to you too...right?"

Arjun adds grinning – " oh so is he just your son now...Dr Raizada??"

Raima chuckles – " our son...Dr Raizada..correction done..but you get the point..don't you Khushi beta??"

Khushi nods for just hearing that from Raima moves Khushi yet again for she was way too surprised to hear her suggest the same in context right now and that just assures her that just like Arnav - his family too had the richest of the hearts beating in their beings and for now she covers up momentarily saying – "yes..aunty...I get the point....but will you please not tell Arnav that I said it out loud though? itll just make him mad at me for even thinking this in the first place..."

Raima nods and grins and Arjun adds clutching on Khushi's hand – " we will keep your secret safe beta...on one condition..though..which is that...I really want you to call...me ...Dad...now...please?give..it a..go...please???beta?"

Khushi fights back her happy tears at that and she finally nods and clutches on her heart emotionally and looks at Arjun Raizada and whispers the words with her voice trembling – "o..ka...y...th..en.....le..t...s..tr..y...th..i..ss..uncle..a..s...I.. n...D..a..d...i..will..call...you...D...ad..he..n..ce..for...th...,"and just as she says those words out loud – Khushi breaks down in her spot yet again letting her raw, overwhelmed - emotions flow.How could she not? When finally using the – words – Dad out loud – for Arnav's Dad – had felt what it did.

Almost Liberating on a deep vulenrable tangent yet again.As if – some shackle of eternal longing had just been cut off – by a magical axe being swung by Destiny+ Fate.

And - Did they all let Khushi vent out her vulnerability alone this time around ?? Ofcourse not. Arjun+ Raima pulled her in for an instant hug as they held her close just like they always hold their respective children in their moments before Anjali, Ravi, Akash and Payal joint in comforting Khushi too – the moment just edging Khushi towards just wanting to open up to them about all the other details – in context off her Abbu/her emotional journey within – too – as they now began to ask her off the same all the while comforting her.

How could they not ask? Given that - She'd touched their HeartStrings in a way that was way too sincere and pure by standing up for herself/her truth + the display of her devoted emotions for Arnav.

And - How could she not open up?Given that They'd touched Khushi's - HeartStrings in a similar magnitude too with everything that had just transpired.

They wanted to know it all and She wanted to tell them about it all.

So – that was the exact very conversation this vulnerable moment eventually culminated in - eventually.

An open, honest ,heart to heart conversation in between Khushi and Arnav's family that once again – cemented the belief in Khushi's being that – there truly was nothing more powerful than the Power of warm, loving, empowering, honest, sincere – Open Human Heart/Hearts – in this whole wide world – Indeed.

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

How was That Guysssssssss??????????

Next Update : I will try my bestest to post the next short – medium length update in continuation from this scene – as soon as possible! Aiming for Thursday Night mostly!

So yup - 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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I was traveling the last few days. Catching up now.

take 28.1

Arnav now considers her home as his second home. Good indicator of his comfort level.

Who needs dinner when they get to feast on each other?

Khushi has hit on the perfect idea. She should go ahead.