ARSHI FF - HIT WICKET MY HEART 3.0 - Take 44-Pg.51(10.5.22) - Page 22

The way Arnav's family has accepted Khushi, its very emotional for both her and Alice.

Glad they accepted her as usual superb update

Hellooooo Guysssssssss....

So yes – here I am with a brief – precontext/glimpse into the time gone by in the story. We are now 22 days forward in the Story!

Initially - I was going to include this as a part of the update only but then I thought it wouldn't go well with my theme – of the chapter – so I am just posting it as a brief stand – alone – Pre Context Post before the next chapter comes in the Story!

Word Count – Short – 1.7K 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.

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

** If you are reading this work/story on any other platform other than Wattpad/India Forums, especially TRUYEN4U.net/ NovelHD or any other domain with the TruyenKK etc - then you are very likely to be at a risk of a Malware Attack for these sites are Mirror sites - who are reflecting our work through a malware lens. If you wish to read this Story in its Orignal, Safe, form, please go to Wattpad/ India Forums.**

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.

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

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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Pre-Context to Take 31

22 More Days Later

Present Day : 7th September, 2019

Brief Glimpse into the Time/Developments Gone By :

The ICC Asia Cup is a popular men's ODI + T20 format cricket tournament that was established back in the year 1983. It was a tournament that was organised to be played in between all the Asian countries(that had the ODI Status) as a gesture to promote sports goodwill through cricket.

Originally, it was scheduled to be played every two years. Off late, as the shorter format off T20 came in - the tournament alternates every two years in between playing ODI/ T20 formats in the tournament and is contested in between Asian countries that hold the ODI/T20 Status in the sport of cricket. India are the defending champions of the title which they won in 2017!

This year(2019) – The ICC Asia Cup(14th edition) was scheduled to be held in the UAE and it was going to be played in the ODI format. The five full members of the Asian Cricket council were going to take part in the competition – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. They were also joint in by Hong Kong – who won the Asia Cup Qualifier tournament.

Like most of the ICC tournaments – the Asia Cup is also played in the Round Robin format which then eventually goes into the knock out stages. This year the six teams were split into two groups of three each – and eventually the top 2 teams from each group were to head into the Super Four/Final Four which would play each other in the knock – outs. Group A – constituted off India, Pakistan and Hong Kong and Group B constituted off Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

In the group stages – the first scheduled match of Group B was in between Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka and Bangladesh won the match by 137 runs.The second match of the tournament was off Group A in between Pakistan and Hong Kong which Pakistan won by 8 wickets.The third match in the tournament was in between Group B – Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka which Afghanistan won by 91 runs. The next match was in between Group A – Hong Kong vs India which India won by 26 runs. And this was followed by the last match off Group B in the round robin format in between off Afghanistan vs Bangladesh which Afghanistan won by 136 runs.

And the last match in the Round Robin format for Group A was the highly anticipated one given that it was in between India vs Pakistan. It had obviously been a nail-biting thriller which had the gaming fans excited to the core as always. Pakistan had won the toss and had chosen to Bat first – and they had managed to put up a score of 162 in 43 overs until they were bowled out by India's bowling attack lead by their ace spinners. India managed to successfully chase down the target of 163 runs for the win in 29 overs with the loss of just two wickets – clinching the victory by 8 wickets. This was also India's biggest win in terms of balls remaining against Pakistan in ODI's.

The group stages resulted in the Super Four teams being – India, Pakistan(From Group A) and Afghanistan and Bangladesh from Group B.

The Knock Out Semi's were going to be played amidst the top 4 teams. India had to play Afghanistan in the semi's – and they had just successfully clinched a nine wicket victory against them to seal their spot in the Asia Cup finals for the year – in the match – yesterday. Today (7th September) – the next semi's in between Pakistan and Bangladesh is scheduled to be held at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dabhi.

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Professionally for Arnav to say that – the Asia Cup tournament was going very well would be an understatement indeed. Not only was he in the contention of being the lead wicket taking bowler of the tournament – he had also been performing well in the field(taking thrilling catches + aiding nail biting run outs)+ with the bat whenever the opportunity for him to bat for the team came – given that he played in the middle-lower order for the Team!

On the personal front – for Arnav – the most significant match had been the one with Pakistan for obvious reasons given that he did get the little opportunity off field to catch up with Raahil (His Fiore's half brother) under the cover of friendly chatter with his team mates). The fact that Khushi was all smiles this time around when he filled her up on his casual chatter with Raahil on usual video calls – only made his heart swell in pride for he could easily spot no shade of angst in her eyes at all. Just that peaceful smile which told him that she had come such a long way ahead on this regard.

Currently – he was just gearing – up for the final of the Asia Cup which was scheduled to be held in a couple of days on the 10th September, 2019 at Dubai. He was also going to be keeping a tap on the game in between Pakistan vs Bangladesh to see which one of teams they were going to play in the Final in days from now.

Personally – in the space of his Heart – things were only getting more cemented in between of not just him and his Fiore but their families too – given that his parents did get on calls with Alice at least twice a week! This development in between them – obviously thrilled Arnav and Khushi to the core. Their closest friends in each of their circles were completely thrilled for the two too!

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A lot had happened for Khushi too in these last three weeks. Professionally, ever since her return from India – she had pitched in her professional extended idea about animated comic strips on the themes off Aiding the Yards +Chasing the Yards +Living the Yards + After the Yards to her company and they had loved it – the very second, they heard it. They also loved her idea of extending the same theme to Football eventually under the titles off Aiding/Chasing/Living/After the Goals – so much so – that they immediately gave her a go ahead to begin developing and creating content on the Cricket themed animation given that they wanted it to go live in five weeks' time.

They also assured her that they would help her with the copyrights under her name – provided that she exclusively continued to publish digitally with them - eventually. The proposition had obviously thrilled Khushi on her professional front immense too. Everyone, be it Arnav, his family, her Mum, closest friends, her grandparents were beyond just stoked for her too! She had begun work on this simultaneously – almost immediately and had been giving it her all. However, given that she had also made the prior commitment to work in her digital marketing role with the company until the end of August(given that she began her post grad full time on the 20th September) – she had managed to juggle both the work bits simultaneously until the 31st August – fulfilling both her work roles side by side - post which – she continued to focus on working on one role as animated content creator for her company and get on with the preparations off getting the animated content ready to get rolling for Aiding/Chasing/Living/After the Yards.

But given that work had been so hectic/demanding – for her – she was only able to reach the UAE in time for the knock out stages on the morning off 6th September – to witness Arnav play in the India's match vs Afghanistan. This time around she was also accompanied by Maya + Jack + Brian as well given that they all also took the moment to catch up with Sarah who was already in Dubai for her work assignment with the production house for the Netflix original.

Arnav's obviously staying with his team at the Hotel and Khushi as usual is lodging with her friends in a cozy/comfortable AirBNB apartment nearby to Arnav's Hotel in Dubai. Arnav obviously made his way out of the Hotel after the afterparty celebrating their win to catch up with his Fiore + everyone at the Air BNB.(which is where he stayed over for the night and made his way back to the Hotel – the next morning – in time to join his team for breakfast+ team meeting after)

As of the present day today – 7th September – Khushi's also a bundle of excited nerves because this afternoon - she is heading to Abu Dabhi with S, M, Jack and Brian to watch the semi- final – match in between Pakistan vs Bangladesh. The media has everyone updated – that officials from the PCB have flown in to see the match as well and this time around – she can't wait to experience watching her Abbu live from the stands again – hoping that there's only a peace she experiences in the moment this time around for real – which would only be an added testimony to her inner self that she has indeed come a long way ahead on this regard – in her heart and soul – in its truest sense.

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The morning of 7th September , 2019 – has arrived with its routine sunrise + the ticking of the clock – but little does Khushi Jones know that in just about a couple of days' time from now – she was going to come face to face with a Ripple of Truth that was going to cause a massive reaction through her being yet again!

The Ripple of Truth – that was destined to throw her head into a massive turmoil. Yes. But it was the Ripple of Truth – that had been long time coming – Indeed!

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TADAAAAAAAA!

How was That Guysssssssss for a Brief Glimpse/Idea on the days gone by?????????? Just wanted to give a brief idea about it all – as a build up to the next chapter!

Next Update : Take 31 – The Ripple Effect - should come in 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

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

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What is about to happen? Will she meet Abbu and Rahil?

Hellooooo Guysssssssss....

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

Word Count –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.

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

** If you are reading this work/story on any other platform other than Wattpad/India Forums, especially TRUYEN4U.net/ NovelHD or any other domain with the TruyenKK etc - then you are very likely to be at a risk of a Malware Attack for these sites are Mirror sites - who are reflecting our work through a malware lens. If you wish to read this Story in its Orignal, Safe, form, please go to Wattpad/ India Forums.**

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.

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

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.

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

TAKE 31 – The 'Ripple' Effect

I am sure we have all spotted this very common sight at some point in our lives. What sight? The sight of Ripples in a stand-still water pool/body that come on to movement on reflex the very second some object is thrown in it. I surely have often spotted people indulging in this little act. Sitting silently around a lakeside/ small water body, throwing small pebbles into it to just observe how far their throw actually goes and as to how many – Ripple's – this very action from their end results in the water. And then at times – when I have indulged in the very act myself – I found myself wondering that this simple naturistic – Ripple Effect – in the water – is just another testimony to the bit that the very popular Newton's law of physics does exist in almost simplest of the phenomenon's in nature/ life.That to every action there shall be an equal and opposite reaction.

And then I wonder – that perhaps – the very same Newton's Law of physics can imply to our emotions too isn't it? For sometimes, some moments happen out of the blue in such a way that it is impossible to ignore their developments/ or the Emotional Ripple's they otherwise cause in our mind and heart on impact.

So - Maybe Newton should have clarified this in the very get go as well that not just the nature's elements/physics phenomenon's abide by this law – we the Humans – being the emotional beings that we are – often find ourselves giving in to it too!

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22 DAYS LATER

7th September, 2019

Abu Dabhi, UAE
@ SHEIKH Zayed Cricket STADIUM

3:00 PM

Khushi's POV

GUYS!

It really is crazy in a good way when you feel certain moments in life come to a full circle in a super peaceful way. I say this from experience obviously. For as of now, in this very moment of time, I truly feel as if - Life has come a full circle with regards to Abbu in so many ways. This time around, when I am literally just minutes away from seeing him in real time - I only feel sheer happiness in my being!! You know the happiness that acts like an added Life bonus?

Yeah!
Just like that!

I have come to embrace the bit that these moments in Life from here on whenever I will get to see Abbu are going to be like that added bonus of happiness in my head and heart. I mean- I am getting to see him in real time? Again? Isn't that bit like a very blessing in the first place?

So why not just cherish these moment as that precious blessing???

Yup!

That is exactly what I am going to do here on!

So- I am sure you all have guessed that I am with S, M, Jack, Brian right now as we make our way upto our stands to see this semi-final in between of Bangladesh vs Pakistan live. It's going to be toss time – in like five minutes from now and then the game will begin at around 330 PM – UAE Time.

It is a bummer that Arnav,my love wasn't able to make it here with us given that he is all busy with the team India squads in the strategy meetings etc in the line up to the final in a couple of days from now. He was cribbing about it adorably this morning though as to how he so wanted to accompany us to the stands. I calmed him down with a deep kiss obviously and directed his attention to the bit that he couldn't escape his team commitments come what may – especially not when it's just like literally a couple of days away from the Final.( On that note – to be honest – guys – I do think my throats all sore from cheering up for India yesterday from the stands in Dubai – that I won't be able to scream my lungs out too much in support of Raahil today. I mean it's obvious that I am going to be in an excited fan zone mode – but maybe I won't just exert my vocal chords too much – you know just to save them from crashing out on me! I do need to keep them ready for the Final on 10th. Also yes – guys – a little birdie tells me that you all have already got a brief glimpse into the days gone by so I shall just stick to the present. And as of today – it's my second day – out of this six day trip planned to UAE. I am also working side by side as much as I can – creating my animated content on my digital gadgets. Thank God for technology! I mean its letting me work from anywhere – as of now!)

Also wait guys, know what? This time around-Before the start of the ASIA Cup- My Mask Cap Dude chilled in his disguise -at the Ferrari World here in Abu Dhabi and screamed his gaming nerves/excitement out! Was such a bummer I missed that time with him in person though in real and was able to just catch up with him on it virtually. We do plan to visit the theme park together some other time surely. Infact guess what – off late – Arnav's and mine – bucket list includes the list of all the theme parks that we want to eventually travel to – together – in our life – you know just like in the mode of a continuous ode to the moment/surrounding – where in we first met?????

Oops.

Here I go again. Steering away in my thoughts.

So – let's get back to the Present.

I fight back an amused smile now as I spot M, S, Jack and Brian pause in their steps now upfront as they all shoot me a collective concerned look – stepping into our stand.

I smile on reflex as I ask- "do you guys spot him, already?," and I pace up in my steps to step into our already buzzing in excitement stand too. They nod at me simultaneously.

I grin and answer in a hushed whisper, my eyes looking ahead in far vision to spot Abbu – " see guys, c'mon you all know there is nothing to worry at all alright??I am grinning now, aren't I??"

M and S sidehug me at that warmly and Jack and Brian follow suit as they smile and they all say collectively – " we are so glad that you are grinning this time around – K and that we spot no angst in your body language at all.."

I nod at that in affirmation of the same keeping my hand over my heart – " that'a because I can only feel Ripple's of peace in my being right now guys...I mean...I am going to get these bonus moments to see him/them from afar right?? what more can I ask more????? I just feel like that I now wana look more on the bit that I am so very lucky that I can do this in the first place...just soak in moments off him/them in real time...from afar...like this..."

My friends gather me in a group hug again!

Guys – I swear to you all – I continue to thank Christ for them like every nanosecond indeed.

Oh by the way, just so you know I am also dressed in Pakistan's national jersey with Raahil's name and number on it. My dear half brother - has no idea obviously! He would never know.There are also a lot of people in the stands supporting his jerseys – even M and S, Jack and Brian are – so its like I can totally get away with cheering for my half – sibling this way again – with him being totally oblivious to it all.

Also yes – I do spot Noor + her Azlaan bhaijaan + some more cousins in the family box upfront(as their faces are being blown up on screen) – but its not like I am going to run into them again! Fate is surely not going to give me these coincidences like all the time anyway – right??

I do smile on reflex as I catch the sight off the excited expression on Noor's face right now. It toally reminds me of my excitement from the stands yesterday watching – Arnav on field – as usual.

Anyways - so now - Maya gestures everyone to take their seats and I do so too - keeping my calm + happy gaze fixated on Abbu.

Hello Abbu! We meet again. Under pretext and from afar- but yes we meet again!Look- daddy- your little girl isn't crying in angst this time around as she sees you. No angsty tears pooling her eyes, no heaviness in the heart.She is smiling instead.She is going to treasure this moments from here on.

On that note – Abbu - you do age like fine wine! You are looking way too dapper in your suit. Guys – he truly is getting handsomer by the day! Mum agrees. I mean she always has a little sad smile up her lips as she says that to me after spotting some latest picture of him online!!

I take out my phone on reflex now and zoom in to get a picture of him across all smiling and deep in conversation alongside some of PCB offcials + Bangladesh cricket board officials. And once I am done with that -I just gaze happily at the picture as I shove my phone to M to my side and say- " M, I think Mum is right....I mean... as much as I used to say my smile is on her, I think she is correct in her assumption that I have got some glimpse of Daddy's grin in mine, what say M??"

M gapes at me in surprise but she nods lovingly and whispers – "Indeed-K-you have his grin,"and S adds from my side kissing my head- "and you also have his eye's babe..,"and she hugs me hard – " I am so glad we had the morning shoot today too like yesterday for I wouldn't have wanted to miss these two days at the stadium for anything in the world babe.."

I nod at her and hug her back – " and I am so glad about that too..we would have missed you immense otherwise...Brian would have whined..tons.."

We all share a warm laugh at that and Jack now jumps to get on his seat next to Maya's – lacing her hand with his – " and I would have whined tons if M didn't get on the plane with us..just in time too..."

Maya kisses his hand lovingly and mischeviously as she rolls her eyes – " and that is the precise reason why I made sure to squeeze in time ..or else he wouldn't spare me.."( They are going super strong in their relationship too)

We all share a happy laugh yet again and I grin in glee and I find Brian and Jack affirming the same to me with comforting smiles now that I do have a shade of Abbu's reflection in my eyes too.I wink at them all as I say now - " alrighty....given that we are all on the same page as that... let's see if Arnav thinks the same too guys.."

They nod at me grinning and fall into casual chatter as I share the picture with Arnav and ask him the same on text.

But even before, I can tap send to my text to him - his text pops up on Whtsapp.

Him: Hey you baby, whats up? Reached the stands? I am assuming you must have? I was waiting for your text...fiore...but then I gave up on being patient and texted you first instead in your moment...How are we feeling baby?.

I grin as I read that and I tap send to my previous text with Abbu's picture and wait for his reply. It comes in ten seconds.

Him: Oh yes fiore, you surely have shades of your Abbu's smile and his eyes as well! I agree with everyone on this. And this bit from you also tells me – that you are doing okay?

Me : yes baby..I am doing more than just okay! I am all smiles literally. Wait up – let me send you a selfie to relay the same to you.

I gesture everyone to get in a collective group selfie and once I am done clicking it – I share it with Arnav quickly.

Him : Alrighty...baby...thank you for sharing this gorgeous selfie! But this just makes me wana groan again that I am missing in there with you all. On a lighter note Fiore...I just had a thought...say what if Pakistan wins the game today..and they meet us in the final...which jersey are you going to sport then? on the 10th? The one with my name and playing number on it...or Raahils??

I chuckle as I read that.

Trust him to bring this up. I mean in the previous match with Pakistan – I was catching it up on screen right? So to be honest – I was like all trying to be neutral and stuff – but then when Arnav was the one to claim Raahil's wicket in that match and I did catch up that amused satisfactory grin up his lips on TV after – I so knew he was going to get cheeky with me on this eventually. On that note – I did groan on reflex a little for in my head for Raahil for he did get off to a good start but then I was also elated for Arnav given that Raahil was his first wicket in that match vs Pakistan. He got 5 wickets that match. Their entire top/middle order.

But boy! To Be honest – given that I do want Pakistan to win today anyway – I think I am steering towards this tricky situation – anyway.

A Text from Arnav distracts me in my thoughts.

Him : still confused/conflicted about what to answer to this..Fiore??

I grin.

Me : not really baby. I'd obviously have your jersey on – alright? but maybe – ill just be just like a neutral viewer/fan then? you know how like Mum manages to be neutral in gaming situations around her??

I tap send.

Him : oh so you mean you won't mind me taking Raahil's wicket again...now? won't you Fiore? He was gutted when he fell to my spin..the other day...given that he otherwise plays spin so well and also bowls the very same as a batting all rounder....

I smile.

Me : exactly...to the latter...he was so gutted...alrighty baby..listen...its toss time..now..let me focus on the field now? okay? Are you about to step into another round off team meeting now??

Him : alrighty fiore...you enjoy the game..and yes I am about to step into the meeting...in a minute...Raunak, Sameer, Ved, Cap – all say Hi! I will text you after?

Me : give me hello's to them too baby...yes do that then Mi Amore..

Him : I still go nuts everytime you say that Fiore..

I smile.

Me : Just like I still go nuts eveytime you call me Fiore...baby...

It is right then M gestures me that the Skipper's are now heading onto the field on toss and I immediately tuck my phone back in my handbag and shift my attention on field.

I can see Abbu grinning in anticipation too upfront and I just gear up in my heart – to look forward to watch him cheer on for Raahil tonight too from afar as I bask in imaginary peace reminding myself over and over – that just maybe – If Abbu ever knew about me – he would have cheered for me this way too!

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Hours Later

11:00 PM in the Night – At the Stadium

Khushi's POV Continues

Okay!

I think the expression on my face pretty much match the nervy expressions of every Pakistan team fan right now+ the expressions of the team players friends/family from the family box. For Boy – the game's come to this thrilling edging point.

Wait Up.

I guess it's only fair that I pause to give a brief gaming highlights so that you all know the context.

So – basically – Bangladesh had won the toss and had chosen to bat. They made about 309 runs in their 49 overs for Pakistan bowlers managed to bowl them out before the last over was played at their end in the first innings. Now obviously given that 310 for the win is still a high target in an ODI match – it was obvious that Pakistan players were hoping for a great start – which they indeed did get – as the openers did a brilliant job to put a 100 run partnership in between them for no loss of wickets at all in 17 overs. Raahil's been playing a stupendous innings – infact he is still batting right now – in this chase! He also completed his amazing century which he built on slowly and steadily after their was a quick loss of wickets in th middle .

The fact that he is still batting on 112 not out is the good news to us all. But the thrilling edge of the seat bit is that – Pakistan is 288 runs/8 wickets and there's just 2 overs left to go as in they still need 22 runs to win in 12 balls. But as long as Raahil is still there on the crease – there is still hope!

I am so hoping that the winning runs comes from his bat – for he has played an amazing innings tonight. The pride that I have spotted on Abbu's face all through out his batting – says it all – too.

But yes – I think right now – even Abbu is as nervous as most of us gaming fans. Even Noor is. Her nervous face along with Azlaan's nervous one was just zoomed up alongside some more family members of the Pakistan players on screen but I can easily say that Abbu is trying to keep a calm smile up his face right now.

Sarah nudges me into the arm as she says in a whisper – " okay...then...babe...the second last over begins...I am so nervous..right now...for real...the reaction in the Bangladesh fans in our stands is the opposite ofcourse...they are hoping Raahil would get out this ball..."

I look around our stand and observe the same and before I can say anything – M says in a hush – " let them hope the very same...S...but I think he's going to pace this smartly...here comes the ball...he's on strike..."

And we all sigh in relief as we spot Raahil hit the ball towards Mid off comfortably and run for a single and given that there is a misfeild..the runners...sneak in another run too!

Oh Yay!

20 runs needed in 11 balls.

Raahil's back on strike.

I look up to spot Abbu nodding in relief on screen.

And we all watch with bated breathes – as Raahil calculatively manages to get doubles on the next four balls too and continues to retain strike. He does not hit the last ball of the over for a run because he probably wants to retain the strike for the next/last over!!!

Pakistan – 298/8 – 49 overs.

12 runs needed in 6 balls.

Oh its surely doable!

I lace my nervy palms together as the first ball of the last over gets bowled.

Jack groans – " oh he can just manage to take in a single now...oh boy..he is gutted...but he did the right thing..it was too risky to risk a run out with a double...no worries....5 balls 11 runs..all Mirza needs to do is take a single and get Raahil back on strike...for the next 4 balls...we know he can hit the boundaries..."

We exchange a nervous nod.

Brian says to us all – " alrighty..here comes the next ball.."

We all groan on reflex as we see Mirza mistime the shot ball for a mishit sixer – that goes way too high – and we all know that – it shall be a comfortable catch out for the Bangladesh team mid - field. It indeed is.

We all groan!

Crap.

Mirza's out! 299/9 – 11 runs in 4 balls.

Which also means it's the tail ended bowler coming in to join Raahil now and he shall take strike and not Raahil. Exactly what Bangladesh wanted.

Brian says to us all – " okay..in comes in the last player for Pakistan and I think Raahil's rightly guiding him to just take a single somehow and rotate the strike.."

I nod nervously in a whisper to all – " and rightly so...as long as he gets the strike...I know..he can do this....he can finish the game...look at how amazing his innings was tonight..."

And we all watch nervously as the next ball gets bowled in – but to our collective dismay – the last batsman for Pakistan gets instantly clean bowled by the killer yorker delivery – resulting in Pakistan being bowled out for 299 in 49.3 overs with Raahil remaining stranded on the other end at 123 not out!!!

Oh Crap!

The Look on his face as he slumps to his knees in sheer dismay!

He's gutted! Beyond just gutted! He can't believe what just happened to Him+ the Team!

The Bangladesh fans in our stand go beserk cheering and the distraught faces of the Pakistan supporters now begin to make their way up on the screen with the drones and camera's capturing the victory celebrations of Bangladesh team/fans + the dejected look on the fans of the Pakistan team.

I fight back my dejection for Raahil too as I slump back in my seat and eye the screen again as it begins to roll up to the family box- Noor's got tears in her eyes as she's side hugging Azlaan and I can clearly figure out that she's royally bummed for Raahil as well. Only obvious. Right very then as the camera zooms up to the board officials box(to get their reactions up on the big screen) – I spot – Abbu smiling calmly in the most sportsmanlike way and clapping for the Pakistan team – nonetheless – as he congratulates the officials from the Bangladesh cricket board – that were sitting by his side.

There surely is no disappointment on his face right now – even momentarily. Just the Ripple's of peaceful sportsmanlike calm.

And just this very sight of him – right now – has moved me immense again. I mean earlier back in Lahore – I saw him celebrating Raahil's victory in glee – right? But this moment right now just subtly tells me – that Abbu is perhaps going to be more supportive towards the team/Raahil in this heartbreaking defeat?????( Just like Mum is the super supporting parent to me in my lows???)

Bittersweet tears now pool up my eyes on reflex. Bittersweet – yes. But in a peaceful way still. So happy to just sense again that - You are an empowering parent – Abbu. Just like Mum is.

And my phone beeps too.

It's Arnav.

Him : Oh man...what a thriller of a game it was..fiore...I am gutted for Raahil too...he played the innings of his life nonetheless....I mean to go 123 not out ..in a big game as this one...is huge...I know you must be upset...but don't worry...he will cope up and use this defeat as a learning curve...we all eventually learn to do the same....after...

Me : I know baby...I am sure...noor and abbu will see him through it...but I can't help but feel dejected for him though...are you seeing the look on his face right now as he's finally got up on his feet and taken off his helmet???

Him : Yes I am Fiore...we are all watching it live still...in Cap's room..Ved and Cap have already begun their strategic discussions about us playing Bangladesh in the finals now. We played them(Bangladesh) last in the finals too in the previous edition fiore...

Maya, Sarah, Jack and Brian are discussing if we should leave? And not stay until the end of presentations! I nod in agreement – as I look out for last visions off Abbu upfront+ Raahil's dejected frame as he gets off field.

Me : I know baby...okay...so update..we will be leaving in five now...not staying for the end of presentations and stuff...

Him : okay... Fiore...You are still about an hours drive away from your Air BNB....lets be on text as usual once you get in the car..k? ill see you at the apartment..later..will come once you all reach...come soon baby..

Me : okay love..see you soonish...

Just as I tap send to that – I finally get up from my seat and we all begin to head our way out – but not before I steal another glance up at Abbu upfront.

He was still smiling – calmly. And the bit makes me smile a little too on reflex. Why? For no matter the result- I was beyond just proud of the way my half – brother played his game today. And because I might never get to say that to his face in person – I just add the latter out loud in my head.

Silently.

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

The Next Day

8th September – At the Dubai Mall

Early Evening – 5:00 PM

@Noor's Jewellery Boutique - @ Her Backend Office

Noor clutches Raahil's hand back in support yet again as she says – "Raahil...please...there you go..being hard on yourself in your thoughts again...over that single run...I mean...what's the fault of your hot tea in all of this haan? see..it's getting cold...and you don't like it cold..."

Last night's defeat in the game had been heartbreaking for Raahil on a personal front. He had been way too disturbed after. He was being hard on himself over and over – for that single he took in the last over – scolding himself mentally with thoughts like – What if I hadn't taken the single? What if I had just retained strike in that moment?

Even though his Abbu + Noor + Azlaan and the rest of family/friends + the rest of his team mates – had been only supportive in the heartbreaking defeat – he was technically still having a hard time getting over it. He felt like he had let himself/his country/his Abbu down in a game that was crucial on an international front for everyone back home, the cricketing fans had been rooting for the India vs Pakistan final in the Asia Cup this year – and because of this defeat last night – all there hopes and dreams had been crushed – along with his/his teammates.

Noor knew that Raahil was going to need some more time to digest the loss – but given that everyone from the Pakistan unit was in Abu Dabhi – she had used the time after lunch to have him drive down with her to Dubai with the excuse that she had some work to oversee at her jewellry boutique store at the Dubai Mall. But at the back of her head and heart – the main motive was to just get Raahil's mind/heart diverted/distracted.

Raahil had been sitting across of Noor in her office as they drank their respective tea's and even though his mind was still caught up in the low's, he now stops playing with the handle of the tea cup and takes a sip of his tea and shoots Noor a little smile – " you are right about that Noor...I do not like my tea cold...might as well have it hot...,"and he clutches her hand back – " also...I know you purposely dished out work here...Noor...so that you get my mind off the loss...you wanted to distract me...right??"

Noor nods and smiles at him in support – " well...yes...to that...so tell me...is it working??"

Raahil smiles through his gaming ache – " a little maybe??"

Noor sips her tea and take his other free hand in both of her's keeping the cup of tea aside as she says in support – " remember what Abbu said last night Raahil? Yes your one gaming dream wasn't fulfilled last night..but so what...here's that fascinating things about dreams right? you just move on..and see...another one for yourself..maybe???"

Raahil smiles at that on reflex. His Abbu had been only supportive and empowering just like he always is – in his lows.He says now – " I wana see another gaming dream Noor..and maybe I will get around to it..after the aching blurr of this loss settles down in my eyes...maybe???"

Noor clutches on his hand harder in support – " you will be okay...alright? no...you didn't let yourself/or anyone down last night Raahil...infact...you played the innings of your life..."

Raahil sighs – " but for a losing cause...Noor..."

Noor insists – " so what? it was for a national cause...still...right?? please..don't be so hard on yourself..."

Raahil nods and just as he is about to answer Noor – they hear a knock on the door to Noor's cabin and Noor looks up as she says – " come on in..."

She see's her store manager Fatima step in with a smile as she says – " sorry to disturb you..Maam..but there's something I need to ask you..."

Noor nods as Raahil continues to sip his tea – "yes Fatima..tell me.."

Fatima explains – "so we have this customer in the front end..you really likes the bracelet you asked to be put aside...as you came in a while ago..because you liked the piece for your Ammi..and wanted to gift it to her...I had told Mahira to put the bracelet off shelf the very second you liked it..but she got busy with attending to a customer, so she couldn't really put it away...and now..we have a customer whose taken a liking to it..I just told her... that this piece is booked...she asked me to check if we have another one of the same...in stock....so I just thought I should check with you...what should I do? Should I just say that we don't have similar piece in stock and have her choose from the others???"

Noor asks opening up her laptop – " that's the only one piece right? as far as I remember our inventory stock...I guess...that is the only one...,"and she looks at Raahil – " Raahil...I really liked the piece for Ammi...but I hate to say no to a customer too....what to do??"

Raahil insists warmly – " do what you think is right...Noor..."

Noor sips on her tea puzzled momentarily.

Fatima observes her boss's confusion and she says with a warm smile – " no worries Maam..I will just tell Ms..Khushi...that we don't have another piece in stock..she's a polite/friendly customer...I am sure..she wouldn't take offence..."

That immediately catches Noor's attention as she asks keeping her cup down – " Ms...Khushi? Did you say??"

Fatima nods and as gut guides her too – Noor instantly opens up her desktop to look through the coverage security cctv of the boutique and the very second – she spots the familiar frame of Khushi in the camera footage alongside a person she assumes would be her friend – she smiles on reflex as she says to Raahil – " Raahil...what a coincidence...its her...Khushi...the one we met in Lahore..at the Gaddafi stadium...the one who was Abbu's fan too??remember?? the one who also saved my life on the road..in London??? Remember?,"and she instantly looks at Fatima as she says – " Fatima...I know her...I will be out in a second...okay??"

Fatima smiles and nods and takes her leave.

Noor says instantly – " Raahil...ill be back in two...only fair that I go say hello..now that I know it's her.."

Raahil nods and smiles – " only fair...yes..Noor..and on that note..i think I wana thank her in person for saving you on the road the last time...I will come with you.."

Noor gestures to him to conintue having his tea – " oh you you're your tea...ill get her here..for a little chat then after the sale goes through for them...okay??"

Raahil nods warmly and continues to sip his tea and watches Noor take her leave – grinning.

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

Khushi's POV

I look at Brian as he continues to complete his purchase with the showroom executive and I add hopefully – eyeing the backend office area – the manager had gone into – " Brian...I really hope they do have a same piece...of that bracelet...I really loved the piece for Mum..her birthday is coming up soon...and I really wana gift her this...what do you think? Will they have another piece of the same??"

Brian grins – " yes..K...I am sure..they will have another of the same..."

I nod hopefully and I say to him now with a mischevious wink – " so what then? are you going to propose to S..like tonight itself? Oh yes...please do...Brain...pretty please..."

Brian chuckles at that and whispers – " not tonight Khushi...the nighe before we all leave back for London...given that S still has to stay on here for a coupel of weeks on her assignmenet...I mean..if anything this little long distance has made me think...hey..why am I not putting a ring on that finger...I love.."

I chuckle at that – happily.

So guys – just a brief context – we all spent most of the first half of the day catering to our works online – as in Maya was working on her creative posts with her pottery, Jack was getting some of his wildlife photographs in tuned to be sent into some wildlife magazines, S was out to work on the shoot – Brian was attending his business mails, work calls/ - I was working on my animated content for the series and Arnav was obviously busy with his hectic training scheduled for the day. He's still caught up in an evening training session post lunch too – in prepration for the final. So yes - Post lunch at our end was when – we all just decided to come into the Dubai mall to chill and shop around a bit. And we were all having an amazing time – and about a shortwhile ago – Brian texts me that he needed my help with something important + that he needed Jack and Maya to keep Sarah distracted during this bit. I obviously arranged for the same and then Brian surprises me with the revelation that he wanted to buy a ring to propose S! It took me my all – to not jump up like an excited monkey in the middle of the mall – as we walked our way to this jewellry boutique he'd wanted to get the ring from.

So yes – here we are – and whilst he was picking out the ring for S – I just really liked this bracelet piece for Mum.

Now I am really hoping that it is available for me to purchase.

I am right on that thought as I hear a cheerful voice behind me – " hello...Khushi...we meet again...and I am beyond just glad that we do..."

Oh Wait Guys.

It's Noor.

Yes.

It's her – indeed.

How's she here?

I gape at her in surprise now as she comes in for a friendly side hug and I ask sidehugging her back sure that she could sense the shade of surprise in my tone – "hello... Noor...you ...here??what a surprise.."

Noor grins – " surprise indeed...Khushi...so remember how I told you...I run this jewelley brand...so this boutique just happens to be mine...I got one international store...here at the Dubai mall and the other at Abu Dabhi..as well...was here for work..."

Oh Yes.

Now I remember. But its a crazy coincidence how Brian chose this very boutique to get into. I mean before we were stepping in – I surely had no clue that this was her jewellry boutique.

I nod at her now politely and go on to introduce Brian to her again and it surprises me that she recognises him too from the time at Gadaffi and they fall into a casual chatter and Brain goes onto compliment the jewellery collection in the store. Just as he does that – I follow suit – because hey – to be fair – the collection is amazing.

Noor smiles in acknowledgement of the same as she says now – " thank you so much for the compliment on the collection guys...and I am glad...you all liked a piece that you'd want to take home.."

Brian nods and grins and I add now politely looking out towards the store manager who just seems to be busy with another customer now – " umm..so..actually Noor...I am just waiting to hear from the store manager about this bracelet I'd like to buy..."

Noor grins now as she states – " I know...Khushi...so about that...just because I figured it's you...I say...that bracelet is all your's to take home...I was planning to gift it to my ammi on my return back to Pakistan...but then..the staff forgot to take it off shelf I guess...but you please go ahead and purchase this...ill just take something else for her instead...and yes...I must say...great choice..."

Wait ...What? She was going to take this for her mum too? And now she is letting me take it? That's really kind of her.

I insist now politely – " Noor...that's really sweet of you...but if you'v already had this in your mind...ill just pick something else out for my Mum...I was looking to get this for her bday...but I am sure..i can pick another design..."

Noor grins and shakes her head – " wow...you were taking this for your mother too?"

I nod – " yes...and I am sure..I can pick another..."

Noor insists as she gestures the manager to bring the piece to her – " and I am sure I want you to have it...Khushi...you saved my life..once remember...this is just a thank you...again.."

I am about to insist on finding another when Brian chips in with a warm smile – " go then ..Khushi..take it...Noor's positive she wants you to have it...,"and he pauses giving me the look – She's being really polite about this -Don't say No.

I nod now smiling – " okay..then...ill take this..."

Noor grins – " great..and let me handle this purchase for you..,"And to my surprise she begins to ring up the purchase herself for me – instead of her staff.

Okay.

There's always something extremely warm about her vibe. I mentally thank Christ that Raahil has her as his partner in Life as Brian and Noor also continue with casual chatter about everything Dubai – in the meanwhile.

Five minutes later – once we are done – Brian and me nod at Noor collectively in a gesture to bid bye and Noor says warmly – " wait...Khushi...you have five minutes...I'd like to talk to you about something...would you join me in my cabin please??"

Ok.

Now I am puzzled.

What could this be about?

And I don't know how to say – No – to that without coming across as rude.

I nod puzzled – " oh...okay...alright...yeah...I could join you in for five mins...I guess.."

Brian says narrowing his eyes puzzled – " no worries...you go on ..K...ill just lounge here..and browse through the amazing collection again.."

I nod at him – thanking him silently for staying back out here – and follow Noor – who also simultaneously gestures me to join her in towards the backend.

Once we'v stepped into the backend office zone and before I can ask Noor as to what this was about – she opens the door to her office and says – " so ...this is about my fiancée...wanting to thank you in person...for saving my life the other day on the road...Khushi..."

Oh.

I stop in my tracks.

Wait.

Correction in there.

I freeze.

Literally freeze – taking in the sight of Raahil upfront – sitting all casually against the chair upfront opposite the work station as he says warmly getting up from his spot - " hello Khushi..."

Oh My Christ.

How did this happen again??????????

I take deep breathes. You surely can't back out now Khushi. You got to take the conversation forward as swiftly as possible and then leave.

I compose myself as I shoot him a polite smile and step into Noors cabin behind her as she closes the door shut and gestures me to take another chair parallel, which I do – " hello...Raahil....and before you say anything to thank me over that incident with Noor on the road in London...I'd like to say...please don't...I am glad I was there in that moment...of time..."

Raahil smiles warmly – " and I was beyond just glad about it too..Allah ka shukar hai...(thank Allah)...that you were there in that moment of time...to save the love of my life...please let me thank you for the same though....you have no idea...what a big favour you did..for me...that day...,"and he looks warmly at Noor and adds affectionately – " I cant see her injured...I can see no harm on her ever...I just don't know how to function without her..."

I smile at that warmly on reflex – as Noor's eyes well up happily and she pats her eyelids dramatically as she adds to Raahil mischeviously – " raahil...you want to make me cry? My mascara today...unfortunately..is not waterproof..."

We all end up sharing a warm chuckle at that on reflex.

Wait.

Why am I so comfortable in this out of the blue moment?

I shouldn't be right?

But strangely – I am.

I remind myself that I do need to get out of here in a hurry now and I say to Raahil – " oh..and I just wanted to congratulate you for the brilliant game yesterday Raahil....it was a good match...you played well...."

Noor asks – " you saw the match? Like live? Or on TV?"

Well. I think I can do away with not telling them the truth that I was in the stadium – sporting my half siblings cricketing jersey. So I cover up - " on TV...I am just a cricket fan..in general...as you know..."

Raahil smiles almost sadly now and nods – " thank you Khushi...but it was for a losing cause...my gaming dream about playing the Asia CUP final against India...has been momentarily shattered...for sure.."

I end up saying on reflex remembering what Mum always says to me about dreams – " yes...but know what? My Mum always says this to me...in my lows...that there's a fascinating this about dreams isn't there? that you can often just begin to visualise a new one...so what if one dream didnt get its culmination...the next one surely will..."

Raahil shoots me a puzzled smile as he exchanges a surprised look with Noor as they gape at me collectively and Raahil adds smiling now – " you know what's so strange Khushi? I just had my Abbu tell me those very same words last night??? Its crazy how you just said the very same thing..literally...word..for word....your Mum says the same to you???"

Oh Boy.

Didn't see that coming.

Was this something that Mum relayed to Abbu back in the day in one of his moments?????????? Too bad I don't have more information on that. But what I do know is that I need to get out of here – quickly now.

I cover up with a polite smile – " yes..she does....anyways...so...my friend...Brian is waiting outside...so ill just get going now??"

Noor insists – " are you sure? Khushi? Why not you and Brain join us for another cup of tea..??"

Raahil insists the very same warmly but I somehow manage to politely decline the offer using my group of friends as an excuse – as I get up to take my leave.

Noor nods and gets up to sidehug me warmly bidding me bye for now and I do the very same and politely shake hands with Raahil congratulating him for his game again – before I finally take my leave.

Once I am out of there – I pace up to Brian immediately as he asks ina whisper – " okay?? K??"

I nod rushed – " yes..brian...Raahil was in there...he wanted to thank me in person for saving Noor the last time...come on lets get out of here...ill fill you in on it all...,"and we quickly begin to get out of there and I just hurriedly fill him up on it all.

Two minutes later once we are - Ten steps away from the jewellery boutique – I reach out for my phone from my backpocket to quickly leave Arnav texts about everything that just happened.

And that is exactly when I pause in my tracks.

My Phone.

It's missing from my backpocket. It was in there when we walked to the backoffice.

Oh Crap?

Did it fall out when I sat on that chair in Noor's cabin?

I look at Brian – " Brian...my phone...it's not here...I think it slipped out on the chair in Noor's cabin...ill just be back...in a jiffy.."

Brian nods – " no worries..K...ill wait up.."

It is right then his phone also buzzes with S's call and I say – " no Brian...you head to everyone or else S will wonder why we were gone so long...hide the ring in one of your other shopping bags K? I don't want you to spoil your surprise now..we don't want S to start on her guessing games...now do we? Ill join you all in five?"

Brian asks to reconfirm – "are you sure? K?"

I nod – " yes...sure...I just gotta go in and get my phone..that's all..."

He nods and continues to walk ahead and I head my way back in to Noor's store.

Thankfully – the manager recognises me instantly and I fill her in and request her to check for my phone from the inside but it is right thent – a group of customers walked in behind me that also needed attention – and she says to me – " Ms Khushi...Noor Maam knows you personally...I am sure she wouldn't object to you going in to check for the same in person...I just gotta attend to these customers...would that be okay??"

Oh Boy.

Gotta see Raahil again.

I take deep breathes.

No biggie – Khushi.

You can do this!

I nod at the manager now politely and gesture her to get back to attending the customers and I walk in towards the backoffice quickly and just as I am about to knock on Noor's door even though it was a little open – I hear her warm voice come through – "Okay...Raahil...see..here's the plan...given that you are smiling a little now...how about this? We shop a little? Head back to Abu Dabhi just in time for dinner..and..then have Abbu join us in..for the same? And I promise you..we will eat what you want tonight?so tell me...what are your taste buds in the mood of haan??"

I smile at that on reflex. How could I Not?

I am about to knock again as I hear Raahil's voice now – " okay..thats a good plan Noor...well...now that you asked...I'd love a good old Shepherd's Pie..Noor...given that we both enjoy the taste of it...immense...but it's such a pity that Abbu won't accompany us in eating the same...its crazy though isn't it? that he hasn't had the dish in the last 25 plus years...remember everytime we ask him to eat the same...he says the same to us???"

THAT MAKES ME FREEZE IN MY SPOT – ALMOST INSTANTLY.

JUST WHAT DID I HEAR???

ABBU REALLY HASN'T HAD SHEPHERD'S PIE IN THE LAST 25 plus YEARS????

MY EYES WELL UP ON REFLEX.

Oh Mum – I have an answer to that question you often wondered about – in the most twisted of the ways!!

And whilst I am still frozen to my spot in shock and surprise – I hear Raahil's voice fall in my ears again as he sighs – " know what Noor? Now that I think off it...I am pretty sure...Abbu not having a Shepherd's Pie in 25 years surely has got something to do with the memory of the one he once loved/or perhaps still loves so deeply...you know the one he was with in the past before Ammi...the one he refuses to talk to me about till today...the one whose name he refuses to tell me...no matter how many time's I have asked him...."

WAAITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!

WHHHHAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT??????????

WHAT DID RAAHIL JUST SAY???????????

WHAT AM I HEARING??????????????

GUYS.

I KNOW ITS FREAKING RUDE TO EAVESDROP BUT I FREAKING CANNOT MOVE IN MY SPOT RIGHT NOW!!

WHAT IS RAAHIL IMPLYING???? DID HE REALLY SAY – WHAT HE JUST DID????????????????

In my shaken state – I now hear Noor's soft voice fall in my ears – " yeah...I think you are right Raahil..this surely has something to do with her...you wana try asking him the same tonight again??"

OKAY.

MY HEADS IN AN OVERDRIVE. My EARS ARE IN A STATE OF MOMENTARILY SHOCK+ DISBELEIF.

I hear Raahil sigh – " yeah...ill try again..tonight...just like I have been for months...since Feburary of this year...Allah knows Noor...how badly I am waiting for him to open up to me about this...Ammi opened up to me about everything on her end before her passing right? how they were never the love of each other's life...Abbu...knows...that I now know everything...that both my parents have always been in love with another in their heart – and that their marriage was an arranged convenience just for the sake of the elders in the family/ companionship...he knows that I know that Ammi had always been in love with the one she was with ...prior...just like she knew..and now I know..that...Abbu has always only loved one person with all his heart....and still probably does..in his twisted ways...which is why I fail to understand...why won't he just tell me who it is? Just her name...so that I can work on Ammi's last wish of having him meet the one he was with prior..atleast once...now...in the present day today...so that Abbu can finally get some closure....I know he hasn't forgotten her...Noor...I just know it..he still thinks of her...just the other day before this tour..at home.. I saw him hide some old photographs in his drawer as I walked into his study...I am suure...he was looking at her pictures..and then just talking about it to Ammi's photoframe after...maybe?? Now that I know it all...it just aches me so much that I am so helpless about this...if only Abbu would talk to me...tell me who it was....i'd just seek her out...myself...why?? Just Why won't Abbu talk to me..Noor?? I know...I have asked this off you a zillion times...over all these months..and you have no answer to this...usually...."

HOLYYYYYYYYYY FREAKINGGGGG CHRISTTTTTTT!

I CLUTCH MY HEART ON REFLEX AS TEARS CONTINUE TO LEAVE MY EYES IN CONTINUOUS DISBELEIF.

I can't Move.

HOW CAN I ? WHEN THE RIPPLE'S OF THE TRUTH THAT I JUST HEARD HAVE SHAKEN MY BEING THE WAY THEY HAVE?????????

Just WHAT AM I HEARING???????????JUST WHAT DID I HEAR????

ABBU HAS ALWAYS BEEN IN LOVE WITH MUM? HE COULD NEVER MOVE ON IN THE MATTERS OF THE HEART IN ITS TRUE SENSE? HIS MAARIAGE WITH Raahil's ammi was just out of arranged companionship?And Not Love? It had never been love on either of their ends all along for all those yearss????

As waterfall of tears continue to leave my eyes I hear Noor's soft voice fall in my ears now – " maybe...I do have an answer to that today...Raahil...maybe he never talks about it to you/anyone..till today...because talking about it out loud will make that pent up hurt in his heart more real? of the tale of heartbreak? He also surely believes that the one he had loved is surely living a settled life out there...all we know was that she never wanted to see him again right? the break up was bad..right???like emotionally exhausting for either...I guess...so Abbu probably thinks...why go in front of her now..and bring out caskets of past in her present...I mean..who knows...how life shaped out for her right? she might be in a happy marriage with her husband, family, children...so maybe that's what's got Abbu keeping it all in..still..."

OH YES.

Noor.

The break up was bad. Very Bad!

If only Abbu knew that Mum never moved On. If Only Mum knew that Abbu never moved on in the matters of the heart for real. That he always remembered her. Always Loved Her. Only Her!!!!!!!!!!! He probably still does.

I hear Raahil sigh further – " yeah...I get that..Noor..but that's the point...how do I get him on heal on this regard then?its about time..don't you think? How many more years to this ache? he won't talk to me?? how is keeping it all in...going to help?????? He's just taking solace in nursing that one deep heartbreak...wound..as a wound...how will he ever heal then???? Can I help my Abbu ever heal?????"

AND JUST AS I HEAR THAT FROM RAAHIL – MY HEART AND MIND BURSTS IN EMOTION LIKE NEVER BEFORE – AS MUM'S Face/ her HEARTBREAK/ACHE/LONGING OVER ALL THESE YEARS CONTINUES TO HAMMER ITSELF IN MY BEING.

Everything inside of me is shaking, tremoring emotionally – in a way – I really cannot explain in words!

And yet – I STAND FROZEN IN MY SPOT – UNABLE TO GET MY SELF TO REACT PHYSICALLY OR MAKE A MOVE TO EVEN LEAVE!!

How??

Just how do I get myself to move???????

HOW CAN I NOT BE THE VERSION OF THE FROZEN STATUE THAT I AM RIGHT NOW – given that everything that I just heard – continues to just sink in over and over - resulting in nothing but massive raw, emotional, vulnerable – RIPPLE'S – in my being – over and over again!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

TADAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

How was that guys???????????????? Sheer Shock Dhamaka for Khushi...right?

Okay! Okay! No shoes at me for just stopping there!!!! I just had to yaaa for the dramatic affect????!!! (Winks)😜😜😜

Next Update : Take 31.1 – CrossRoads – (I will try my best to post by Monday night)

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

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

Oh glad she heard conversation poor boy wants to help his father awesome

Hellooooo Guysssssssss....

So yes - here I am with the next update for HW3.o

So excited to be putting this up on schedule! I just loved writing the scenes out - Immense!

Word Count -Long in length -9.5K 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 31.1 - CrossRoads

Same Day - 8th September, 2019

Dubai, UAE

Two Hour 45 Minutes Later

Nearing 8:00 PM

At the AirBNB Apartment

Arnav's POV

I continue to pace around the living room impatiently and helplessly, waiting for my phone to give me the comfort I seeked desperately in the moment as I ask M, S, Jack, Brian once again(who are as helpless as me right now staring back into their phones) - "guys... please tell me that atleast one of you is able to reach Khushi?? Please tell me that she's atleast responded to any of your messages, given that my phone and whtsapp tell me that she still hasn't even seen any of my frantic messages that I have left to her in the last couple of hours...she probably perhaps hasn't even seen the list of my missed calls..."

Maya, Sarah, Jack, Brian - shake their head at me nervously and worriedly as they say in unison - " Nope...Arnav..none of our phones have beeped with her call/ text yet..nor has she seen any of our messages...too..and she would obviously respond to you first...as well..."

Godammit.

Guys.

To be honest - I am kind off freaking out on a zone I can't really explain.

Why?

Because none of us have been able to reach Khushi after 5:15 PM this evening. All we know from Brian was that she walked back into Noor's jewellery store(wherein she bought Mrs J her b'day gift) to get her phone back. He did fill us up over her brief encounter with Raahil in there as well and as to how she wanted to text me about the very same in that instant which was why she reached out for her phone and found it missing in the first place.

But that's the thing that's got me going crazy!

Even though My Fiore intended to text me in that moment of time. She didn't. I haven't had a single text/call from her at all for all these hours. In fact, the very second - I reached for my phone after intense practice/training sessions all day at around 6pm - I texted her first thing out and when the message did not deliver - I rang her up instantly but the call did not get connected and instead I came face to face with M's worried text asking me to ring her up the minute my training was over.

I did - obviously. Only to come face to face with the helplessly worrying news - that - none of them knew where Khushi went off too - all of a sudden. They had all been waiting for her to return to the group at Dubai Mall - but then when she didn't join them all until 530 pm nor did she text/call either of them - Brian even went back to check for her at the Jewellery store - where in the manager informed him - that Khushi had left the store after she helped her get her phone back.

And the bit that they hadn't been able to spot her/get in touch with her had everyone freaking out immense too. After searching for her for a while there - they all came back to the apartment they are staying at in the hope of spotting her here - but when they didn't - M obviously texted me all worried and frantic.

And ever since that moment in time - I have been feeling like a wreck within in so much worry that I cannot put it in words - for I have been trying to reach her non - stop - and I haven't been able too just like everyone.

I also came straight here to the apartment rather than going back to the Hotel with everyone after practice plus on my way here along with the time I have been here - I'v even called Mom, Dad, Akash, Di to check with them incase Khushi had called them in the last two hours plus - because well she's been in regular touch with my family now - and I just was desperately hoping that maybe just maybe she got into the regular routine chat with them that she does usually everyday - before her battery died out on her or something.

But in my head - I also knew that this is my Heart just making up excuses to relieve my soul.

In some parts of my mind and gut - I know there's no way - My Fiore would get into a call/msg with anyone at home - without texting/returning my calls.

Godammit.

I check my phone again in sheer desperation. My texts haven't yet delivered. Which means only one thing again - Her Phone is Switched Off - right now.

Why?

She's never freaking done this before.Ever!( The only one time was for that surprise..but that is different. You all know what I mean don't you???? Khushi's never zoned out on me/or M, S, Jack, Brian this way collectively like - ever!)

And the fact that she has - zoned off this way - just continues to kill and wreck me within.Obviously.

Baby. Fiore. Where are you??????

My gut tells me somethings happened. Something surely has happened at your end in those minutes interval whilst you were alone.

But what??????????????

Just what could happen?????????

I sigh dejected - as I spot M, S, Brian and Jack worry the same amongst themselves over and over too and Maya says now her face paling in extreme worry- " wait...guys...should we..maybe just check around the near hospitals or something? I mean what if she stepped out the mall? And god forbid... something happened???like an accident...or something?? we know Khushi right? she'd never ghost out this way on any of us..ever...not us...not Arnav..especially.."

I PALE.

MY INSIDES CRASH.

OR DIE WOULD BE THE RIGHT WORD.

I shake my head in a negative refusing to comprehend that possibility now - " No M...no...I cannot comprehend that very possibility even for a second...alright? do not imply that ..please?? nothings happened to My Fiore..she's just roaming around there...and her phone's battery died out on her...that's all...she'll be back...here...soon...she will text us/call us the very second she is able too.."

ITS CRAZY HOW I AM NOT USUALLY FRIENDS WITH DENIAL. BUT RIGHT NOW - DENIAL is MY LEGIT BEST FRIEND.

Sarah sighs exchanging a look with M, Jack and Brian- " Arnav...we know you don't wana comprehend this...but what if...M is right..what if..something happened..."

And I end up stating out pretty loud in an assertive tone with the aim to just comfort my very own mind/soul - " nothing's happened....S..M...Jack ...Brian...I mean atleast in terms of injury....please...let us not get our heads to go there...alright??yes....something has happened...indeed....but it is not an injury/accident or something....,"and I take my seat dejected on the sofa.

Brian takes his seat next to me as he pats my shoulder in support - " we hope...you are right..Arnav...but then...yes..I am sure..something else has surely happened...for her to do this...she's never gone missing on us before..this way.."

Jack insists sighing - "she'd always leave a text/voice note at the least???,"and he asks Brian again for the zillionth time - " are you sure..she was okay after that brief encounter with Raahil and Noor..Brian??"

Brian nods and goes on to explain the whole bit to us again just like he's done probably a thousand times - already.

It is right then M's phone also buzzes with Mrs J call. I had a missed call from her too - five minutes ago - which I didn't return yet. For the first time ever - it just felt like - I didn't know what to say to her. Maya picks up the phone now and puts it up on speaker gesturing to us all that she is going too and we hear Mrs J voice come out - " Hun...Maya...is Khushi with you? I am trying to get through to her...but I am not able to reach her...I tried calling Arnav too...but he didn't take my call either...is everything okay???"

I gesture M from across to not relay anything to Mrs J. No point. She'll just get insanely worried. M covers up as she assures Mrs J that we are all together at the apartment and Khushi's just with me in private and that she would ask her to ring her back soon. That relieves Mrs J - thankfully and Maya hangs up on the call sighing as she states to us all - " I hate to lie to her about this...guys..."

Sarah chips in now trying to desperately reach Khushi yet again - " we gotta do something...please...we gotta look for her...how long can we keep waiting...helplessly this way...M, Brian, Jack, Arnav..."

Well.

She is right about that.

I sigh dejected - " I know...S...you are right...but it kills me to say this out loud...that right now...for the first time ever...I don't know..where to begin looking for my Fiore...,"and I bury my head in my hands in sheer dismay.

Jack sighs - " lets wait around here...for just five more minutes then? in case our phone's don't beep with her text/call in five...we go out and begin to look for her..okay?and M's right...maybe we should begin with the nearest hospital around the Dubai mall??"

Everyone nods in unison exchanging worried helpless gazes. I give in - nodding in sheer - dejection too - gaping at me phone like a hawk.

Khushi.

Baby.

Please.

Just freaking text, me back.

Just call me back.

Please.

Dammit.

Please.

Where are you dammit? Where are you??????????????

It is right very then - my phone beeps in my hand.And the very second - I spot - Khushi's text on whatsapp now - I feel like - My Soul's come back to Life.My faith in God finds its instant restoration yet again.My face lights up in relief on it's own accord as I open up my phone saying to everyone taking a hushed breathe of relief in a rush- " guys...it's khushi...she's just texted me..."

Everyone sighs in momentary relief collectively.And I head to my Whtsapp to see her text.

Her : Sorry. Baby. Arnav...I am...So So So sorry for just zoning out and away for all these hours.... Are you mad much? I am sure you are. But probably not as mad as worried you + M, S, Jack, Brian must be right now. I am so so so sorry..baby..I just switched on my phone and saw all your texts/missed calls...all other texts from M, S, Brian and Jack too...Mum's called too...a couple of times....

I sigh in relief - yet again - reading that from her - for just the fact that she is online right now - finally - gives some solace to my otherwise jittery heart. I give the context of her text to all simultaneously as I reply to her at the speed of light.

Me : Fiore...baby..thank god...you messaged...let's talk about all of that later...first you tell me...you are okay?? Right???? where have you been all this while?? You aren't injured right???thats all I need to know first...'

And just as I tap send to that my patience runs out and I call her.

And to my shock yet again - she cuts my call.

What The?

What's happening?

I gape at M, S, Jack, Brian as I say puzzled - " she just cut my call...something's surely not right in here...guys..."

Phone beeps.

Her : can't talk right now baby. Give me 30-40 minutes. I will be back to the apartment by then. Can we talk then...baby? Please??

Okay. She's scaring the hell out of me right now with this. She wants to be left alone right now. Clearly. But why? Never has it happened that she doesn't want to talk to me too about an issue in that moment of time.

Me : Khushi....baby...what's happened? You know I am freaking out here..right? we all are..atleast give me a clue...I can clearly sense that you wana be alone for a little while more maybe? Right now?? and maybe you'v just been caught up in some turmoil by yourself...all this while...but what is it baby? No cover up's in between of us fiore..remember...it's me...love...it's me...you promised...no cover up's ever...come what may...

Her : yes...Arnav...I won't cover up when I see you...love...I promise...but please...just give me this little while more.....alone...I will explain it all...when I see you...I am okay...please don't worry...k? I am not injured or something..

I sigh as I look at M, S, Jack and Brian and fill them up - " she still needs some time alone..guys...that's exactly what it's about...for all these hours...but she's okay otherwise..she says..she will be here in 30-40 minutes..."

Maya, Sarah, Jack and Brian exchange puzzled yet relieved looks with one another as they say in unison - " alright...guess..we will just have to wait and see what the matter is..then...but thank god..she's okay.."

I nod at that - " yeah..thank god for that...I can finally breathe..."

Sarah smiles - " some coffe for us all then? finally?"

We all exchange a nod.

I text Khushi.

Me : okay...fiore...take your time..alright? but just take care please? and...come soon to me...after..k?

Her : yes I will...Arnav..where else will I go if not for your arms..after a moment like this..eventually...

I sigh in worry again.

Me : Khushi..baby..what's eating you up right now?something surely is...give me a little headsup..at the least...sorry for pushing you..yet again...but I can't help it...I love you dammit...and to know that you are out there..by yourself...right now..going through whatever it is that has bothered you this way...is killing me...wrecking me...you know it is.

Her : I know it is...but I don't know how to explain it all on text/or on call baby...ill be there...with you...in a little bit...I promise...please have your evening coffe/snack that I am sure you missed out on...I mean...I am anticipating that you didn't eat/drink anything at all..after training...because of all this worry for me...I am sorry for that...once again... okay?baby? I'll explain. Tell everyone....I will explain it all...once I am there...don't be mad at me..please?

I sigh as I read that.

Me : alrighty baby..I get it...k? ill wait...as patiently as I can...just take care...k?and I am not mad...now that I have heard from you and can sense that something major is up in here...and you will tell us all about it in a bit...reminder though - where ever you are - just take care...

Her : I will take care...I love you baby..

Me : I love you...Fiore...come soon..

And as I finally tap send to that - I momentarily lean back into the sofa in relief exchanging puzzled yet relieved glances with Jack, Brian - as my lungs and heart begin with its normal functionality on reflex.

We just exchange another silent nod - before we walk into the kitchen to join M and S - in finally dishing out some piping hot cups of coffee's for us all.For only Caffeine can save me for the remaining jitterness whilst I wait for Khushi to arrive.The same goes for S, M , Jack, Brian - too.

My mind/heart/soul is all wandering lost in Khushi's thoughts obviously though.Something major is up in here.

And I can't help but wonder - Just what it could be?

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Meanwhile - Simultaneously - Old Dubai

On an Abra(Traditional Arab Boat) wading it's way across the Dubai Creek

Khushi's POV

I had to be Alone.

I needed to be Alone.

Just a couple of seconds after in that very moment of time - as I finally managed to defreeze - I realised that I just needed to be by myself to just reconcile my thoughts/ ripple's of vulnerable emotions.

I did not have the courage to step into Noor's cabin then - obviously - after everything I had heard. I could not see Raahil/Noor in that moment of time. I just felt like an emotional mess myself within. I felt like I had to sort my thoughts out first? So - I somehow just wiped my tears- composed my self with great difficulty and walked out into the showroom and asked the manager to help me get my phone instead. Thankfully, she was too preoccupied to notice/question anything and helped me with the same eventually as I waited outside patiently.

Once she handed me- my phone - I practically raced out of Dubai Mall at the speed of light - getting myself into a Taxi - and asking the polite old gentleman behind the wheel to take me round and round the roads. I had also purposely switched off my phone.Why? Because for the first time ever - I had felt everything within me shaken to such a core - that I did not even know how to word - or text/speak a word out to anyone. Or Even Arnav - in that moment of time.

The polite old gentleman - in the cab - had been perceptive enough to notice that I was monumentally disturbed by something given that - the waterfall of tears had begun to ooze out my eyes the very second I was in the Cab and after about just seven minutes into the ride - he had asked me if I had wanted to head to somewhere peaceful that could help me in my moment.

I had nodded - ofcourse.

And then - he just drove me all the way - to the lanes of Old Dubai by the old Dubai Creek - where in his grandchildren operated this Abra(traditional Arab boat) across the waters - and just politely offered that I could have the boat ride in private across the waters - to and fro - as many times as I wanted.

Alone.

I took up his kind offer - immeditaley - ofcourse.

And ever since then - I have just been going to and fro on this Abra from the same spot to the other across the creek over and over - just gazing out at the waterbody/the ripples of water beneath - surroundings around.

His kind gesture towards me in that moment of time once again restored my faith in the bit - that a little act of kindness - can indeed help someone having a hard time in the most significant way.

I knew Arnav would be worried.I knew S, M, Jack and Brian would be freaking out too. But I just felt like I had to do this for myself.

Nontheless.

I am glad I had that little text chat with him about two minutes ago though. I was able to do that - after - I finally felt like I could switch on my phone and reconnect to everyone - after these couple of silent emotional hours to myself.

It's crazy isn't it? How sometimes certain - Revelations - come to your door in such a way - that they just basically consume every neuron of your system in the stunned shock of it all????? That for a second - everything freezes. Everything Ceases. Everything comes to a StandStill.

I am still processing everything I had heard as it continues to sink in over and over and maybe the very reason for all my stunned turmoil right now is the bit - that I find myself on the edge of this CrossRoad and for the first time ever - even the toss of the imaginary coin isn't able to help me figure out - which way to Go.

I wipe the continuous trail of tears off my cheek gazing around at the lights of life in Old Dubai on either side of the creek - as the night breeze works its way through my hair - and my hands remain clutched around the bracelet I had just bought for Mum.(Like it has stayed clutched around it - all this while)

Whats the context of this emotional CrossRoad in front of me if you must wonder?

It's the bit that - on one side - all a part of me wants to do - ever since I heard everything I did - is to just ring up Mum and tell her about it all. Put an end to her ache/pain within - that she harbours thinking that Abbu had literally forgotten about her existence over time. But then - I also know - that when one's so used to harbouring a wound within for decades - all one wants to do is - protect it with denial - feeling too vulnerable about it all at the sudden thought of possibility of an open confrontation. And I know Mum don't I?? I know that latter bit is exactly what she will spiral into eventually. Just like Abbu has been doing the very same at his end all this while. He's probably feels very vulnerable at the mere thought of seeing Mum again. In reality. Just like Mum Does. Which means - that the only way I might have to act on this - in the first bit - is without keeping Mum in the loop. I also hate to keep something as huge as this from her obviously.

And then on the other hand - there's Arnav.My Love. The one I swore to protect from the affects of my secret. I promised the same to his family too right? They'v only been so loving towards me. How can I risk Arnav's well being in here? If I take steps towards having Mum meet Abbu again - means - it will lead to the truth coming out eventually - and then what happens to Arnav? Will I end up destroying him? professionally? I know he doesn't care. But I do. I love him so much. I'd just hate to be the one to cause him any harm. Ever. You all know that.And then there's Abbu too - to think about. What happens to Abbu if the secret of his illegitimate daughter's existence comes out in front of the world? What happens to Raahil? These fears (With regards to Abbu's well being in context)are the very ones that have also kept Mum silent all these years - right??

But.

Mum.

My Mum.

My Alice in Wonderland.

She's ached so much within all this years. In her heart.And all Alone. How can I not do this for her?? How can I not feel like walking upto Noor/Raahil myself - and telling them the truth now??????

Yeah.

That's also what a part of me wants to do too.

Oh Christ.

Never had I imagined that I'd find myself on a CrossRoads as tricky as this one. I take the course on for Mum. I can be at the risk of hurting Arnav/Abbu. And if take the course of silence- I'd just hate myself- for doing this to Mum in the first place. I can't freaking go back and unhear what I did in my mind. I cannot undo - everything I heard in my being too.

What do I do??

Just what do I do?????????????????????

Abbu's face also flashes in front of my eyes now and for a second I am reminded of all that underlying ache/angst in Raahil's voice while he was talking about things on Abbu's end.

My heart's breaking for Abbu too. For both my parents. Immense.

I close my eyes and fresh tears ooze out.

It is right then I hear the polite gentleman's voice come closer next to me. The old man who was behind the cab wheel I took. He had boarded the Abra on this previous round - sitting on the far edge - as his grandson drove us to the other side. He says now offering me the bottle of water - " you mind if I sit here? And offer you some water? You have been crying for a while now...young lady...its surely exhausted you??"

I nod and take the bottle from his hand and sip on some water now - thanking him for the same.

He asks kindly - " you are my grandson's age..almost...he talks to me about his troubles...you can too...I am stranger I know..but maybe that helps?"

I smile a little at that on reflex. Only natural that I remember the time I had spoken to Arnav as my MaskCap Dude because of this similar context back in time - when we first met.

I whisper now on reflex - " I am just at a CrossRoads right now..personally...emotionally...a very difficult one...uncle...and I don't know which way to go.....it involves the people I love...so much....I fear hurting one because of the other...."

The old man smiles now warmly as he says - "and I won't ask you for more on the context...given that it seems too personal...but I will say this...to you...young lady...here's the trick about CrossRoads in the mind...the mind often says ...you gotta chose one way to go...that it often forgets the other possibility..."

I ask momentarily puzzled - "what other possibility??"

He smiles warmly - " the possibility off not chosing..at all...right now...just turn around in your head...and go around the crossroad until it seems more familiar to deal with...here's the trick...just in your head...tell yourself...it's not necessary to travel the road down straight all the time..at that very point...right?sometimes..going around the croassroad helps too...you know...and while you are circling around it...you might discover another route that takes you around..to your destination...eventually...."

Ok.

That does sink in to some extent given that he's worded this out of his Life's experience/mind's wisdom.

Is there really another way that I can see this through??

The kind old man smiles at me warmly again as he says now taking in the puzzled conflicted expression on my face - "we often fear a crossroads...young lady..this is exactly where in my Life...I just remind myself of my favourite words/poem by Khalil Gibran...ill give you a brief context....of it....a smaller waterbody as this creek/or a river reaches a crossroad often too...at some point...too....young lady...it must choose...to continue flowing as this...or merge into a larger waterbody eventually...it's all about perspective eventually...a river will always stay a river if it feels it will get lost in the seas/ocean and it will never enter it...but a river will become the sea/ocean...if it realises that maybe it was always about becoming/culminating into what it was destined to be a part off..."

It Hits. This reference Hits.

Ofcourse I have read this bit prior. It's one of Arnav's favourite set of words too.My love's the deep perceptive one interested in philosophy/anthropology etc - right?

I stay silent and lost deep in thought and the old man continues warmly - " so....young lady...if you tell yourself...you are lost in front of this CrossRoads - you will always feel conflicted and tattered..and fear taking it on eventually...but if you tell yourself that maybe..this was the exact CrossRoad..life was leading you towards all this while..anyway...this was exactly what you were travelling towards....you will be able to accept it sooner...that it is just a phase/a road...that is meant to be dealt with...eventually..there is always a way...young lady...you just have to look close enough..."

And just like that - as I hear him say that to me - and everything Arnav's often said to me whilst he was supporting me through the initial bit with regards to Abbu+ our deep philosophical/perceptions discussion over all this time - makes its way back to my head. It sinks and cements in my being - yet again.

Maybe - this was what my Fate was leading me towards all this while? Anyway?This was exactly what I was destined to travel towards anyway?Which basically means - that there's no way I can escape/evade this CrossRoads at all. I just need to figure out a way to go around this - and give my some time to soak things through. I also gotta stop fearing it first - I guess?

I nod at him in a deep silence as

I clutch Mum's bracelet in my hand yet again and a second later - I thank him for everything - with all my heart.

He smiles at me warmly and nods at me politely and then makes his way back to join his grandson in casual chatter - leaving me to gaze - at the Ripples of Water - underneath the Abra - again.

I know I gotta let go of the Fear of the worst.

First.

I just gotta let go.

It's what I have to begin with before I Dive into the Center of this CrossRoad - taking it on.

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About 40 minutes later

At the AirBnb Apartment

The very second - Maya, Jack, Sarah, Brian and Arnav - hear the sound of the click on the door to the apartment - they all get up from their seats in the living area and rush to the door - knowing that it was going to be Khushi. Arnav manages to be the first one to reach the door - obviously.

And the very second the door opens and they all see - Khushi stepping in with her face pale/exhausted and her eyes bloodshot red - wiping a fresh tear outta the corner of her eye - Arnav feels like his heart is trembling immense ache and he instantly reaches out to pull her in a hug first - engulfing her in his arms - snug - in a pin drop silence - just kissing her head over and over - brushing her hair tenderly in the process.At the moment - he was just glad that his Fiore was back in his arms. Safe and Sound. She was monumentally disturbed. Yes. He could see that/sense that - now - yet again. But now he felt a lot more sorted within emotionally to address the matter - given that the feel of her in his arms was working like a magical balm on all his jitters.

Maya, Sarah, Jack and Brian just hug each other in relief too - as they see - Khushi surrender her disturbed self into Arnav's arms almost instantly holding onto him hard and snug in a deep silence.

Arnav's warm embrace/arms - were exactly what Khushi needed too - first thing out - now that she finally felt that she was ready to talk about it all - to everyone. That was why she was finally clinging onto him hard in this deep silence. His subtle kisses on her head over and over + the brush of his hand over her head - a subtle reminder to her yet again - that no matter what - he would always be there for her. Khushi whispers now, her voice shaking - " I am sorry..baby..so sorry...for this...yet again...I kno.w....I...s..c..a..red...the..hell...out...of you...all...but I just had to be alone...to recollect my thoughts...fi..rst..."

Arnav just hugs Khushi harder back at that as he whispers kissing her head again - " shhh...shh...baby...please...no...don't apologize..whats more important is that you are finally here...don't say a word of sorry..again...k? we understand....,"and he just hugs her snug hard again.

She clings onto him in an intense emotional silence too.

About two minutes later - as Arnav and Khushi - continue to just hug each other in that deep intense emotional silence - Maya and Sarah finally whisper walking in from behind to hug Khushi too - " K...you want some water first? You do look like a wreck.....right now..."

Arnav nods at Maya and Sarah and gestures to them silently that he'd be the one to get His Fiore the water and he just kisses her head in silent support yet again - as fresh tears ooze out Khushi's eyes as Maya, Sarah, hug her hard first before Jack and Brian silently join in on the group hug.

Arnav walks back to Khushi with a glass of water and she nods taking it and once she's done gulping it down - she just places her handbag on the floor and leaps forward to seek the solace of Arnav's arms again - and Arnav just holds her to his side snug as he asks in a whisper kissing her head again - " you wana eat something first? Fiore?"

Khushi whispers shaking her head - " no baby...I don't want to eat..I wana talk to you all first...I won't be able to get a bite through my system..without having this out off my system to you all...lets sit...first...I just wana tell you all everything..."

Arnav exchanges an instant nod with everyone and he holds Khushi snug to his side as they all walk back to the living room. Sarah and Brian take their seat on one parallel two seater sofa. Jack and Maya on the one opposite and Arnav and Khushi take their seat on the two seater sofa in the center - and Arnav silently laces his hand with Khushi's tight - holding her snug to his side - and kisses her head again.

And just as Khushi feels that powerful emotional kiss from Arnav on her head again - she finally whispers to all - " I just found out today...that...Abbu...never...ever...had...a Shepherd's Pie ever again...I mean..in all these years...he just never had the dish again..."

That surprises everyone instantly as they exchange puzzled glances amidst themselves and before Arnav or M, S, Jack and Brian can ask Khushi as to how she even got to know this - they hear Khushi say in a soft whisper - " he never forgot Mum...never...Abbu's arranged marriage with Raahil's ammi was just a formal arranagement...they never could be the love of each other's life..his ammi..never loved Abbu that way too....she knew...Abbu has only loved Mum in its truest sense all his life...he probably still does...he's been nursing the wound off their uncompleted story/heartbreak all this while too just like Mum has been...he just never came in front off her ever again..because she'd once told him she never wanted to see him again...not because he forgot about her existence over time...he didn't forget Mum...Arnav...M, S, Brian, Jack...he never did forget her...he proba..b..ly...sti..ll....lo..ves...he..r..o..n..ly..her...how cruel has destiny been to my parents...how unfortunate that they'v both lived with so much ache in their hearts...all thi..s...while....all...t..he..se...years.....,"and just as she finishes saying that out loud - she burries her head into Arnav's shoulder as vulnerable sobs take over yet again.

SILENCE.

THERE IS ONLY A STUNNED PIN DROP SILENCE IN THE ROOM AS Khushi's words echo in everyone's ears.

They couldn't believe what they'd just heard.

Maya and Sarah's eyes well up on reflex as they clutch onto Jack and Brian's arm all tight - in stunned emotional shock.

Arnav felt his insides get clean bowled - emotionally - so much so that he felt like a frozen statue himself in the moment - holding onto Khushi as she let go of her fresh sobs in his arms.

Given that Jack and Brian spot - Maya, Sarah and Arnav statuing in momentary shock - they both are the first ones to ask in unison in dazed shock+ surprise - " K...how did you even discover this?? What happened??"

Khushi clutches on Arnav's tee tight over his heart and Arnav finally instructs himself to react as he holds her snugger into his side and kisses her head and asks in a soft whisper - " fiore...baby...where?how?did you find this out???"

Khushi pulls up from Arnavs arms and shares an emotional eyelock with him as he wipes the trail of her tears and she finally looks at everyone leaning back into the sofa as she whispers - " there I was..walking to Noor's office to get my phone...and just...as I was about to knock...I overheard the two...,"and with that she honestly begins to tell everyone - everything - word for word - as to what she heard and how she felt all shaken emotionally. Arnav hears it all in a stunned silence just like everyone just holding onto Khushi tight. He knew in that moment of time - that was what she needed the most - his silent loving vibe - doing it's subtle bit in the moment - as she talked about it all.

Five minutes later - once Khushi is done telling them about the first bit - she also goes on to honestly tell them - how she felt she just had to be alone for a bit to just soak it all through and how the kind old man behind the taxi wheel had helped her get to the Old Dubai Creek where in she'd just spent hours - on the Abra going - to and fro - deep in thought.

Once she is done with telling everyone all of that she adds now in a broken whisper to all exchanging a powerful emotional eyelock with Arnav first - " I know I got to take on this CrossRoad that I find myself at...but how? How do I take it on?? On one side all I wana do is call up Mum and tell her about it all..but then..,"and she pauses and goes on to explain all her reasons for the conflicted turmoil with regards to her Mum's /Abbu's respective denials with regards to this + all the fears about what the thruth could do to her Abbu - and then she pauses just clutching on her heart hard whispering - " and then...there's all of that..plu..s..th..ere...is... also ...the...bit...th..at..,"and she pauses in an intense silence knowing that M, S, Brian and Jack would get the inference that she also has to think about Arnav in all of this right. In that moment of time - Khushi didn't want to say it loud in front of Arnav.She didn't know how too.So she just buried her head in her hands now - rubbing it over her face.

And just like that - His Fiore's subtle gesture of pausing on that - there is also the bit - and intense silence after in the moment - tells Arnav everything that His Fiore was probably not wanting to word it out to him or everyone loud in the moment. For when did Arnav not understand his Fiore's unsaid? He figured almost instantly - that she was worried about his professional angle in here.And probably had been all this while. He couldn't for a second believe that this was also the angle playing on Khushi's head - right now.He'd thought he'd taken care of that bit initially while confessing his love to her. Clearly Not.He could easily sense and realise now - that this bit had probably not stopped revolving around his Fiore's mind.

And the realisation aches him immense. Obviously.

He instantly acts on his gut and cups Khushi's face lovingly now making him look into her eyes as he asks softly his heart going out to her - " fiore...please tell me that this crossroad...hasn't got you worried this way because of me in here too...I can sense why you paused the way you did...just now...I can sense it...but please tell me...that what I just sensed is wrong...are you seriously worried about me in here? Are you crazy baby? Why?? The only bit that you should be worried about or think about is your parents right now and this unfortunate situation with the fate keeping them apart this way all this while+ the bit that you'v had to suffer in all of this..all this freaking while..as an innocent child...don't you dare...even for once have your head go to ...my angle in here..alright?? I told you didn't i? quite clearly...dammit...I don't freaking care...about the consequences.."

Khushi gapes at Arnav helplessly as she holds onto his wrist and states broken, confessing her conflict out to him now in the open - " how could you dammit? Arnav...please..just take back this bit..of what you just said....dammit...how could you even say...that I should not think off you..in here...how can my heart not be conflicted....don't you know how deeply I love you baby? I'd hate it..downright...just hate it...if my truth were to harm/destroy you in anyway....professionally...how would I live with myself then? knowing that I was the probable reason for any stall/scandal in your roaring professional career...."

Maya, Sarah, Jack and Brian exchange silent moving looks amidts themselves.Each had a lot to say in - but they knew they also needed to let Khushi and Arnav have their moment. They always knew that the very second Arnav would sense this himself - he would derail Khushi off this angle of worry himself. They exchange further glances and just watch on - in an intense emotional silence.

And just as Arnav actually hears Khushi say that out loud to him right now - he looks at her in partial disbelief before he gapes at everyone around in disbelief as well as he asks them all - his head connecting the dots - " so...I reckon...you all knew? Didn't you? you all knew this was what was also playing on my Fiore's mind for all these months? Am I the part reason that she never took any further step towards her Abbu no matter how much I have been bringing it up subtly every now and then - and she uses Mrs J..reasons as a cover up....tell me..dammit...,"and he looks at Khushi and asks again - "Fiore...baby...please...tell me...this is not what it is about...please..."

Khushi closes her eyes in a conflicted silence as fresh tears ooze out. She knew she didn't need to say anything. The cat was out of the bag in front of Arnav. He had sensed it all.

And just as the gravity of Khushi's intense vulnerable silence seeps in through Arnav he feels his very own ache deepen within cutting through his heart as she cups Khushi's face lovingly again and caresses her cheeks tenderly even though she had her eyes shut to him and whispers emotionally - " don't close your eyes to me right now..fiore...dammit...don't...open then..."

Khushi does - and she whispers cupping his face lovingly - " I am sorry...I can't let you convince me to not think of you in this...Arnav...I can't...I lov..e...you...don't you understand...it..woul..d...break..me...to be the reason of harm to you...Arna..v..."

And Arnav states staring back deep and intently into Khushi's eyes knowing exactly what he had to say to her to get her to stop worrying about this - "and it would freaking break me...kill me...wreck me...to think...even for a second...that you are fighting all this inner turmoil..because of me dammit...know what? if this is because of me...and my professional career...I swear to you Fiore...I won't freaking step on the field again...I won't freaking play...ill retire...from everything cricket..right freaking now...I told you dammit...its just a freaking part of my life...not my whole life..its what I have to give up on anyway one day....but how can I ever give up on you/your happiness...Khushi...."

Maya and Sarah are about to react instantly to that but Brian and Jack gesture them to keep silent and let them be knowing that this was Arnav trying to see through Khushi's conflict - his way.

Maya and Sarah - keep on their silence with great difficulty.

Khushi gapes at Arnav in sheer shock at that as she hugs him hard stating almost instantly - " nooooooooooooo.....nooooo....Arnav...don't...you freaking say..that..ever again...please?? no...I'd never allow this...."

Arnav hugs her back but sticks to his point stubbornly - " then stop...fearing the worse for me dammit...Khushi...the choice is yours...either you do this...or I do this..for us once and for all...I'll just leave cricket..dammit...then you won't have anything to worry about on my end...right??"

Khushi sobs down in his arms at that as she whispers broken - " no..n..o...p..lea...se...don't say that...ple..ase...are..you...crazy??"

And Arnav knew he had pushed her over the edge with that and so he pulls her up and cups her face lovingly and continues intensely - "and.....are you crazy baby? Khushi ...listen to me...once and for all...and I am saying this in all my mindfulness....don't worry about me...please??"

Khushi whispers broken - " and how can I not..??"

Arnav kisses her hand - " because I know...I will be able to handle anything..and everything ...as long as you are there...holding my hand..by my side...k? I have faith...you know I am all for leap of faith's...baby...we will see things as is when they come dammit...lets just not fear the reality based on assumptions anymore please??? just look at how much damage this has already done to Mrs J..and your Abbu emotionally...and you too...."

Maya finally chips in now - "and K...wait..hear this out..look...we make always make sure that this comes out but remains under cover..maybe? I mean that way...you won't have to worry about it affecting Arnav/Abbu.."

Sarah suggests instantly too - " thank god babe...you voiced out exactly what I wanted to...my point exactly..what if..the truth comes out in front of only the needed members...and yet stays under cover...from the public..eventually....that way...no one will be affected...and we will also know...how this shapes up...but that would be possible..only after you address the freaking elephant in the room...right???????"

Brian and Jack immediately back Sarah and Maya on this too and just as Arnav hears them all say that he says to Khushi - " there you go baby....we are all on the same page with this then...this has been my point too..remember I once talked about it to you in private...what if...you think off atleast addressing it this way...we will tackle one thing at a time...fiore..."

Khushi gapes at Maya, Sarah, Brian and Jack and Arnav as she asks - " you all really think so that this way is possible? That I address this bit and eventually it will always stay low and undercover?? What if...it blows out of proportion...one day...then what? haan? my very existence will become the reason for Abbu and maybe even Arnav's downfall...professionally..and even Raahil's maybe? Then how am I going to live with myself...haan???"

Sarah now walks up to Khushi side and so does Maya and S says - " babe..that just means...that we just gotta work really hard to keep it under cover...nonetheless...k?but how is pushing the entire matter under the carpet going to help anymore....your Abbu needs to know...babe.."

Jack chips in further - "and you are right Khushi...as much as we all know Mrs J...its best to do this...without her knowledge first..we give her a option to spiral into denial..she will...she will emotionally convince us all to just let the matter be.."

Brian adds next - " exactly...as much as we have always been open to her...I think its fair that you take this matter in your hands...first...K...the best thing is..don't give either of them the option to seek refuge in the wound/denial/avoid confrontation in the present...you take this on..."

Sarah adds - " exactly...Brian is right...you talk about this with...Raahil and Noor..first maybe? They said..they wana help him heal on this right? and you wana help Mrs J heal..so then whats the issue? From where we see it..the goal is the freaking same..."

Khushi looks at everyone as her head/heart now begins to go in an overdrive listening to them all and she just burries her head in her hands yet again- soaking it all through.

Arnav understands what this was about - obviously - and he now gestures to Sarah/Brian to hand him a coin and they do and he lovingly makes Khushi look up at him - and then he kneels down in front of her and states - " for once...I don't want you think of me..or any other worse scenario in here...fiore...just think of one question...do you or do you not want to help your parents heal on this regard in their heart???? look what they do will eventually be up to them...but do you not want to be trigger of the possibility..given that you know now that you can be?? Baby? Just ask yourself that...do you want Mrs J and your Abbu to come face to face - to atleast come out in the open about the truth...the complete..truth?????? I am tossing the coin..baby..and you will be honest in here..to yourself..k? just don't think about anything else at all...please?? for my sake..."

Khushi whispers holding onto her heart - all exhausted from the emotional turmoil already - " okay....ill try...baby..ill try to be brutally honest ..about the answer to that one question...only..."

Arnav nods and he flips the coin and once the coin is in the air - Khushi whispers brushing her hands over face - " I wana help them..heal...I wana help Mum heal...I have to tell Raahil/Noor about her myself..theyv been waiting to know about her..for months...from Abbu....i have to tell Mum that..Abbu never forgot about her...eventually...or maybe..she needs to hear Abbu say it to her...she needs to hear it too....I do want this...for my parents...dammit...I do..."

Arnav sighs in relief at that and so does everyone else and Arnav finally hugs Khushi hard - taking his place next to her as he whispers kissing her head - " that's it then..fiore...you know what to do now...you know exactly how to take the first step on this crossroad...now...look..baby..,"he pauses to cup her face sincerely again and just looks deep and sure into her eyes - " the only thing that you should be thinking off right now..is how to get your Abbu and Mrs J to talk to one another...and before that how to take this up to Raahil/Noor...okay?it's about time due..dammit...this truth about you being his daughter needs to see the light of the day...in front of them all..at the least....who knows what will happen..after and when..dammit...you just gotta get let go of the fear..that..this could lead to the worse...of it all....and just dive in....you know what baby?i will say this again..sometimes the best way to take on a freaking crossroad is to just dive in with all your heart - and take that leap of faith....I am with you on this..fiore...we all are with you on this..baby..."

Sarah, Maya, Brian and Jack affirm the same to Khushi sincerely - " yes..we all are....with you...K...always..."

And just as Khushi hears that from everyone - she hugs onto Arnav hard as she whispers clutching onto his tee - "but what if...my taking this leap of faith..today...harms you after...baby???????"

Arnav kisses her head lovingly - " then we will just find another solution/ spot to dive into another step for ourselves hand in hand..fiore...we will take another leap of faith together...to whatever..life has in store..for us..then...darling...as long as we are together...we can tackle..anything...everything...right? we make our own submarine's remember??together..always??"

Khushi finally feels the weight of some conflict lift her heart as she assures him - " yes..yes...together..always...,"and she admits - " I knew..i gotta begin with letting go off the fear of worse..first..."

Arnav hugs his Fiore closer at that and whispers in support - " you will be okay...baby...everything will be okay...I am right here..to make sure..of that..right? where am I going haan?"

Sarah exchanges a knowing look with M, Brian and Jack as she says to all suddenly - "and guess what? I have the perfect way...out..lets look up Noor on Instagram and message her that Khushi wants to meet her tomorrow...in Abu Dabhi...lets do this...now...like face to face...whilst they are still here in the UAE...lets not push it..further..."

Maya seconds Sarah - " yes...normally...I suggest that we think things through...but I agree with S that we gotta be impulsive...on this..."

Arnav chips in - " that's a very good idea...girls.."

Khushi looks up at everyone as she says - " wait...wait...no...how do we do that out of the blue? Like suddenly??"

Brian and Jack reach out to pick up Khushi's phone from the center table now and fling it to Maya and Sarah as they say in unison - " M, S will do it for you instead...K...if that's what it's going to take us...to push you on this..right now..,"And Brian adds to Sarah in a rush - " go on sweetheart...head to K's insta...look up Noor..and DM her..she will recognise Khushi..from the picture...."

Khushi says instantly - " wait..wait...Babe..S...hold on...lets think this through...five more minutes..maybe??"

And Arnav sides with everyone else on this as he says to Sarah - " S...let us know when you are done with sending the text and keep fiore's phone in your hand..until Noor replies to this..."

Khushi gapes at Arnav at that as she says - " baby...are you serious?this is happening too fast..."

Arnav looks into Khushi's eyes - " sometimes..some revelations need to be handled like a whirlwind too...baby....you didn't close your heart to the whirlwind of emotions I caused in your being..right? then just trust me..trust us...and don't close your heart/mind to this too..."

And before Khushi can even say anything to that - she hears Sarah say tapping on her phone screen - " there you go babe...I sent a simple text to her on the DM about wanting to meet up tomorrow in Abu Dabi...I also made up a valid context - I told her that this is about you also working on digital animation content on cricketers/supporting units for a sports daily in London..and you were looking out to know if she could help you connect with someone in the supporting unit in the Pakistan to start with as a research work - so that you are able to dish out tales of diversity...eventually...with time down the line..."

Arnav grins at Sarah at that - " that's a bloody brilliant..context S...and it's the truth too..,"he finishes with a wink at Khushi.

Maya seconds him happily. Brian and Jack follow suit and for a second - Khushi can't help but smile through her tears - thanking Christ - for her loved ones - over and over - as she hugs onto Arnav from the side.

And right then they all hear Sarah say looking at Khushi's phone - "oh great..that was quick..she was online I guess...Noor replied..she says...she would love to catch up ...however..yes..she's also saying that they just planned over dinner to head to Oman for a couple of days so that Raahil gets a little time off from the loss and they leave tomorrow morning but they return to Abu Dabi on the 11th morning..so she is asking if you are good to meet on the 11th..afternoon?ofcourse I am going to say yes to that...,"and Sarah pretty much handles the rest through Khushi's phone - herself.

And for a second Khushi sighs in relief as she hears that for two reasons. First that would give her atleast a couple of days in her head and heart to prep herself to take this Leap of Faith - addressing the truth - and second - this also meant that she wouldn't have Arnav worry about the emotional consequences of this on her end - before his Asia Cup Final. The India vs Bangladesh final was on the 10th. So maybe - 11th afternoon - would be the better time to address this???

Arnav kisses on Khushi's cheek lovingly at that as he asks - " sighing in relief...are we Fiore? Given that you'd now have to address this after my game??"

Khushi nods honestly and silently and just hugs him hard - back and they all hear Sarah say now as she finally hands Khushi's phone back to her to read the Conversation on Insta through - " there you go babe...all set..the date...the time..."

Khushi goes through her phone and the chat and to her surprise - she feels Arnav instantly pick her up in his arms now as he says - " alrighty..everyone...now that we'v sorted this bit out...how about..we address the crossroads with regards to all this rumbling hunger in our stomachs...I am sure...we all need to eat...lets order in....and we will be back soon to join you all in a bit..."

Everyone nods at one another and shares a warm chuckle and Khushi gapes at Arnav sheepishly at that as she asks amused wiping the remaining exhausted trail of her tears - "did you just pick me up in your lap this way baby?? Again?? wasn't it enough of embarrasement for me last night? That you carried me this way to the room..in front of all..."

Arnav winks as he walks them in towards the privacy of Khushi's room - " oh yes I did...just do that...again..fiore...and are we embarrassed? Nah? I don't think so...you are smiling through your tears..which means...that you liked it...just like you liked it last night.."

Khushi admits softly - " I loved it....,"and it is right very then Arnav puts her down on her feet - as they step into the room - and he closes the door to the room shut and instantly seals his lips over her's in a deep emotional kiss - caging her in the circle of his arms.

He took over the duel in between their lips in a way that was familiarly stormy and emotional. He wasn't saying anything into her lips through words - technically - but Khushi knew. She knew that this was him telling her through his Lips yet again - that No matter what hurdle/what Crossroads Life shoved her way - he'd always be there with her - through it all - hand in hand.

And so about five minutes later into the deep emotional vulnerable kiss - Khushi whispers the promise back into his lips - "I will be there with you too....through...every hurdle..through...every CrossRoad...by your side...holding your hand tight...now..and always..."

Arnav opens his emotional gaze to meet Khushi's emotional ones at that and Khushi whispers cupping his face - " we will be able to make our bridges..through all of this..right baby??"

Arnav nods cupping her face lovingly at that - " we will..always...we will figure it all out along the way...as and when..needed...fiore...like we always do..."

Khushi keeps her forhead on his as she whispers now clutching onto his collar - " perhaps...you are right..baby? perhaps the only mode of transportation I have across this CrossRoads..is that leap of faith....i will prep myself for this...baby...and I will take it...for Mum's sake...I will...no matter how much strength it takes off me within to go bear the truth out in the open in front of Noor/Raahil..,"and just as she says that - Arnav kisses her deep and emotional - yet again.

He'd be dammed if he didn't allow his lips to take over to implay exactly what he wanted to imply to his Fiore over and over right now.

That he'd be there. That No matter how deep the leap was - he'd have His Fiore's back!

Now.

And

Always.

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

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

TADAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

How was that guys????????????????

Next Update : Take 32 - Leap of Faith

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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chapter 31

Khushi has decided to take happiness instead of sadness when she runs into Abbu.

He doesn't know it yet, but Raahil has an additional person rooting for his success.

You win some, you lose some. Raahil is a true sportsman. He and abbu will be bummed, but will keep going.