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Happyyy Tuesdayyyyy!!!

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

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

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CHAPTER 35.1 – Swiss Alps & Us

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

7:15PM

Khushi's Room

Magical.

Simply Magical.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aheemmm.

Ok Guys.

So.

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

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

Imagine the below pic in Day Setting

Sparkle's Look

Mr Strangers Look

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Khushi POV continues

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am right on that thought when my phone beeps.

It's Arnav ofcourse.

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

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

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

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

I smile and flush and blush.

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

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

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

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

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

Him : ravage kisses my love..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A photo booth Area for the Couple

Stage Area

LIGHTING AT THE Stage Area around Engagement

Now for the Looks

Akash's Look

And Yes Ofcourseee Now - Stranger and Sparkles Look

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ARNAV POV

120 Minutes Later

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

ARNAV POV

Guys.

Apologies well in Advance.

Why? You may ask?

I'll dive into it Straight Away.

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

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

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

Yup.

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

My Adorable Cheeky Sparkle.

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

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

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

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

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

Ok.

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

Or.

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

Yup.

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

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

Fair Correction to that.

Not Look.

Stare.

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

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

I know she can sense it.

Two minutes later – My Phone Beeps.

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

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

I grin.

Ahaa.

Time to be Cheeky.

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

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

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

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

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

Her : whatever you want my love....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ok.Then.

A couple of similarities in Here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oh Boy.

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

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

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

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

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

Ok – this is Strange.

What is Strange?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oh Boy.

Guys – He Really does loves My Sparkle truly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Well yes – You are Right About That – Hridhaan.

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

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

Ok.

Guys.

Now I am caught Up.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oh Boy.

What do I say to That?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another Point in Common.

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

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

What thought?

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

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

Only Natural.

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

Right then my phone beeps.

Its Her - obviously

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

I grin as I read that obiously.

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

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

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

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

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

I grin as I read that.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Godaamit Her.

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

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

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

It's Ok Raizada.

Its just a matter of Time.

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

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

Oh Yes.

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

Yup.

Those would be My Exact Words too – Indeed.

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Authors Note - Anjalis Engagement Ring

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TADAAAAA!!!!!

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

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

Next Update : Shall now be on Thursday Evening.

Also guys – Please do check out this wonderful Initiative – The Arshi Community – which has been started with the aim of getting all of us to connect/bond/ with one another – as most of us share the common love for Arnav/Khushi. The community is really gearing up, and is a very positive, supportive and collaborative space for us all Arshi lovers, be it readers or writers. Do take a minute to check it out.

Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support.

Much Love.

Always.

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