Helloooo everyoneeeee..

So here I am with the First Update of the New FResh week IN the New Year . And its about Medium To Long - Length - around 8.8k plus words for I needed this Chapter to be the Stand Alone - obviously.

Keep that Seatbelt On Guys. It's another Super Intense Chapter!Will be eager to know what you all think as always.

-Thank you so much for your amazing feedback up till now Guys. Please know I love to hear from you all.So thank you so so so much * Infinity - indeed, for investing your precious time into my work. I am truly - Grateful* Infinity as well(wink wink). I hope you all are enjoying the reading experience, as much as I am enjoying penning it down.

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 37.4 - THE 'ACHING' WAIT

In the Middle of the Night

3:30 AM - Sydney - Outside the Hospital

Nikhil takes a deep breath as he looks at the scene unfolding around him outside the hospital - where Khushi was admitted - even though it was the middle of the night here - in Sydney. He hadn't anticipated the magnitude of the buzz and the interest - The Aussie Media had also taken in India's Little Hit Girl's Injury and the way they had been tailing the developments after. But then maybe it was because they were all being haunted by the ghost of the past with regards to what had happened with their very own cricketer - Philip Hughes in that fatal injury at the very same ground years ago + the very fact that another international cricketer was now going to admitted into the same ICU under observation - of the very same hospital where in Philip Hughes had succumbed to his Injuries.

And he knew that just like him, they were all waiting for another statement - not just from the Women's Unit Captains + coaches but also from Skipper ASR + Ravi who had just arrived here at the Hospital - five minutes ago and had just waded their way through the crowd in a rush - just stating briefly to the Media+ reporters surrounding that they will only be able to talk or give any further statements after they had spoken to the everyone inside + the medical team.

Nikhil, himself hadn't been very surprised as he had noticed Hridhaan Singh Rajput and his friend Vikram in attendance in the group beside ASR and Ravi ( for they
had been spotted in the stands in Auckland previous evening during the final day of the second test of NZ Vs India) - and he had anticipated them being here too.
And as ASR, Ravi, Hridhaan, and Vikram had waded their way in through the sea of reporters into the Hospital - somberly - there was immense concern etched out on each off their faces indeed. Because he had a hunch about what the equation was anyway - it was easy for him to conclude in his head (just like everyone back in India who would have seen the scene of their arrival - live on news channels/online portals into the Hospital ) that Hridhaan was obviously here because he wanted to be there for his partner at such a crucial time affirming everyone's prior hunch that, he and Khushi were obviously dating + his friend Vikram was seeing the women's team middle all arounder Jess so it made sense for him to accompany too - and as for ASR + Ravi - it surely was also because of the strong family connect in the background apart from just the request on BCCI's behalf.

Nikhil was sure - that even though - Khushi's family along with ASR's immediate family were spotted boarding for Sydney from IGI just an hour ago - they had surely requested ASR to step in first on their behalf until they arrived here - since he was closer in position due to the geographical closeness in between New Zealand and Australia.

He was right on that thought as his phone buzzes and it's Varun(his junior counterpart from his department back in India at Hindu Times) and he picks up and he hears him say in a rush - " Nikhil sir..you'v live streamed ASR's arrival with everyone at the hospital..but why haven't you given the closing statement yet??"

Nikhil says into his other personal phone quickly sighing through his own worry - " yes..Varun..i'm just getting onto it..."

He hears Varun ask next - " nikhil sir..also any idea when will ASR step out to give his statement? for Natraj Sir just asked me to tell you that we need to have you cover that live too so that we can stream it on our online handles + youtube channel so that even though we are not a traditional telecast news channel - we aren't far behind in the coverage on this story and i know it's beyond 330 am in the night there for you sir but since we are five hours 30 minutes behind in time - Natraj sir wants to cover this through in priority until we have a confirmed news on her health developments...for even though the circumstance has been unfortunate - the hits online on this matter have been insane for our viewing ever since you were one of first one's to report of her injury + share that first video snippet from the other angle when she was spotted injured... "

Nikhil sighs as he says exhausted( the dynamics of his job coming back to haunt him for sometimes it was difficult for him to understand and gulp down this as a reporter that at times even in Dire circumstances + reports - the commercial race still did come into play) - " yeah I know what you mean Varun..anyways no idea about when ASR will come out to give his statement...but don't you worry...I'm here until then...until we have another update on her health condition..for sure...pass on that message to Natraj sir..will you??anyways let me get back to that closing statement for now...,"and with that he finally hangs up.

He sighs through his very own exhaustion , genuine worry for Little Hit Girl's health too + the sometimes insensitive dynamics of his job as a reporter and says into his mini recorder+ microphone which he had been using throughout his time on this assignment for recording bytes and videos and posting in on their Dailies- Youtube/Social Media Handles - seriously - adjusting his selfie stick with his official phone in it to give himself the video coverage too - " so as shown in the video prior..the buzz and chaos here - right outside St Vincent's Hospital Sydney where in Our nations - Little Hit Girl - is currently in the ICU under sedation & observation continues at the arrival of our - Skipper ASR along with Ravi from our Men in Blue unit + our nations star polo players Hridhaan Singh Rajput + Vikram Khurana who have just flown in from Auckland.As we reported a while ago - BCCI in their official press release had stated that they were very deeply worried and concerned about the incident with Khushi Gupta, which was why they had requested a couple of our players from the Men's Team who are currently in the land of the Kiwi's across - not very far from here to fly in here urgently - to help support the matter at the hospital here - until her family arrives , for they do not want any of our nations players to lie injured in a foreign land all by herself because for our woman cricketing unit - duty still calls as they are scheduled to leave for Melbourne in hours from now to get set to play Australia in the finals on the 29th...,"and he pauses and takes another breathe as he shifts the angle of his selfie stick a little - " and even though Skipper ASR along with the rest of the group waded their way in to the hospital in a silent somber worried rush - it is expected that ASR, Ravi will join in Mira+ Harpreet from our Women's team in giving the collective statement - about Little Hit Girl's Health development soon - after they have spoken with the medical doctors within. For as per the last update - it was just reported to us that she was in the scans and would be shifted into the ICU for observation after..and that they will only be able to give the next official statement after the formal reports of her scans come In. And it's been a while to that - so we reckon that the formal reports would probably be ready any time soon which is why we are now awaiting to know - what is it that Her Scans Say? Is our Little Hit Girl - safe from any critical injuries ?? what impact is her injury going to have on her future as a cricketer???how long will it be until we will see her dawn the blue jersey for India again??? Please stay tuned in - for the answers to all of these questions - the answers of which - we hope to report to you very soon.Until then - let us all continue to pray and hope the best for our nation's little hit girl - khushi gupta - for whom this night was supposed to be a night of celebration along with the rest of her unit as they sealed their spot in the finals for the TRI Nation series with England and Australia here in Australia- for the very first time in the History of Indian Women's T20 Cricket - but instead it truly has been an unfortunate turn of events indeed. I would like to state once again - even though reported prior - Khushi Gupta has also been adjudged the player of the match for that brilliant knock of 101 not out combined with excellent fielding performance with three catches in the match - the last of which resulted in the dire situation she is currently in...let us continue to wish the best for her - until we have another update on her health condition...signing off for now - on behalf off Hindu Times - Nikhil Chopra - Live from Sydney...,"and with that Nikhil finally switches off his microphone and just as he is adjusting his selfie stick back in and takes off his official phone off it - he feels a pat on his shoulder and he turns around to spot a fellow reporter from the Aussie Media offering him a cup off coffee as he says - " I reckon - you'd be needing one too mate..it's going to be a little while more out here for us all...atleast until we get another update on your player's condition...it's just a haunting dejavu for most of us you know mate...I was right here on those days covering up the story on our very own Philip Hughes..years ago...let's just hope...your player makes it out safe....we are all hoping that..for that was one hell of an innings and an even more unbelievable catch out in the end..she was freaking brilliant...it would be unfortunate to have her sustain gruesome injuries and have another fatal injury recorded to SCG's name..."

Nikhil nods at him politely and takes the cup of coffee from his hand and takes a sip of it and says - " thank you mate..,"and gives the reporter a genuine kind smile and adds seriously - " yes..let's just hope for the best for her..indeed..."

And as he took in the sight of few more Aussie media reporters talking amongst themselves and genuinely hoping well for Khushi's recovery - he just felt a genuine thought take over his mind - that no matter how bizarre their profession sometimes was in having to cater to commercial aspects while reporting stuff in dire situations - maybe as long as it was Humans doing the job and not machines/ technology - the chances of Kindness and Hope - still really prevailed.

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ARNAV'S POV

Guys.

Remember the bit that I said - a while ago?

That it Really Sucks - when you have to pretend to be in this calm, composed and collected mode - even when everything inside of you was aching with wretched pain?

Yeah?

Correction to That.

Please.

That Bit off it Sucks*Royally* Infinity - Indeed.

And Why do I say the same with so much conviction??

It's because I am right in the Middle of that Mode yet again - obviously.

I continue to channelise my inner strength insanely to help me hold onto my composure and maintain my stand and position in the group circle standing next to Ravi, Hridhaan, Vikram alongside, Harpreet, Mira, Sheena, Jess, Vedika, Harleen, Tanu, + couple of more players from the women's team + their coaches - conintuously fighting my innate emotional urge to just barge into the freaking ICU ward across the corridor and have a look at My Sparkle and just blast out at the doctors - for making us wait this long for any further update on her health condition .We have just been informed that she had been sedated and shifted into the ICU for the observation for the next 48 hours due to that significant concussion to the head - after the scans were over. Even the radiologists did not give anything further away to Jess after the back MRI which actually went on longer than anticipated and the doctors then just politely told the unit and everyone waiting here- that they only be able to give the next update after analysing the scans thoroughly and have it compiled in a report after consulting the team of expert professionals on the same.

GODAMMIT.

As if the Time in transit here was not freaking torturous enough that Life's decided to take my case royally at the moment for in these moments here in the Hospital surrounded by everyone (who is not aware of the personal equation in between of Khushi + Me) - I have to pretend to be calm and composed and show only limited amount of concern and worry on my face as I would be feeling - because Khushi is also my brother in law's - sister.

I honestly do not know - what is it that's Killing Me More?

This Aching Wait?

Or This Pretend Bit?

I think it's Both.

I am currently being Stabbed and Injured with Both within - to a magnitude I cannot really explain in words.

Ravi, Hridhaan, Vikram and Jess can surely sense what these moments are doing to be obviously - but our subtle and silent eye gestures of support to one another within the group - are somehow helping me sail through it all.

The Only other saving grace that is helping me hold onto my strength within at the moment is the fact that - even though we do not have a fresh update on the health developments of my Sparkle - we do know that her vitals are stable and that she is surely safe from life threatening injuries - as she is under that partial sedation in the ICU.

I pause in my chain of thought as Mira now gestures to me , Harpreet, Sheena and Ravi to come a little aside from the bigger group and Ravi and me exchange a subtle nod with one another first and then with Hridhaan, Vikram and Jess too before we step aside to join Mira, Harpreet and Sheena in the side.

Mira sighs now as she says disturbed - "ASR and as you all saw while coming in - the media frenzy outside is on nonetheless and I think it won't stop until we give another update..but also another reason why none of us have gone out to speak or give any more statement is the fact that we have been trying our best to shuffle our travel plans a little as in the match is day after yes and we surely will play the finals...but we were in talks with the officials back at home to check if we could leave later in the afternoon instead of the prior 6am departure, because none of us obviously have the heart to head out before even seeing Khushi once - but they haven't allowed any of us into the ICU yet..,"and she pauses and sighs further dismay clearly evident on her face - " but the officials back at home as in our in charge back who schedules our travels iternaries etc is saying that it's too much change last minute to have the entire team/unit change the flight timings..so they are expecting us to stick to our schedule and we are all bummed out obviously,"an she pauses and sighs.

Sheena now admits shrugging disturbed - " which I think is totally insensitive..for how can they not understand?? I mean..mira and happy even talked to them about us travelling by bus instead of the flight if it were too much an hassle to change it all last minute...but..,"and she pauses and sighs too and Harpreet adds disturbed too - " but no..they did not agree...on the grounds of potential fatigue since the drive time from here to Melbourne is 10 hours plus..they say they want us to travel on time as scheduled prior and rest a little before getting set to play the final and to be honest as a unit at the moment...we are all kind of bummed out due to their lack of understanding on the same..i mean Khushi is one of us..she's our little hit girl..we are like a unit who sticks together while we are away from home... and how can we just leave her here...just like that..they could have atleast let us wait here until we could get a glimpse of her perhaps? or until her parents arrive..,"and they all look at Ravi and me - disturbed and helpless.

Ravi and Me exchange a look and I am obviously fighting my very own inner turmoil with regards to the same at the moment too.I add now seriously, nodding in an understanding - " well ofcourse we understand what you all are feeling as a unit at the moment Mira, Harpreet, Sheena....,"and I pause - because words choke on Me right there in the middle of my voicebox.

Ravi understands obviously and he adds next immediately covering up for the crash within my voicebox - " this is why the BCCI wanted us to fly in urgent..they probably knew that they won't be able to switch the flight itineraries for you all last minute..."

Sheena adds now rolling her eyes - " they won't be able to..or did they not want to Ravi?? We think it's pretty much the latter..perhaps??"

We nod at them all in a silent understanding and just as I am about to say something again - getting my voicebox to restart with great difficulty yet again - Harpreet, Mira, add in unison now - " we haven't told everyone yet that we have to leave as per prior schedule...we told them that we will delay it..even though the media continues to report that we will be leaving as per the prior plan...we told them that we will figure something out...but now that we have failed at getting that bit of it to go our way - we are so worried over everyone's reaction..specially Jess's...,"and they all pause and Sheena adds further dejected - " I can't believe the turn of events...I just cannot..i mean one moment we were all celebrating victory and the next..we spot..Khushi..,"and she pauses and her eyes well up and Harpreet adds her eyes welling up too - "her first catch in the match tonight was an unbelievable high dive too which she so successfully pulled off - she was just in that pumped up zone today which was why I sent her to third man before that final delivery...I never knew...,"and she pauses and Mira hugs Harpreet as she says - " don't blame yourself for this Happy..please..,"and Sheena hugs in Harpreet too next as she says solemnly - "yes..how could you have anticipated this happy? None of us could have...don't blame yourself for this...please.."

I exchange a solemn look with Ravi - we obviously understand what Harpreet must be feeling at the moment as Skipper and being the one to call out for that last minute change at the boundary cover and I say now keeping up with my composure - solemnly - "I know exactly what you mean Sheena, Harpreet, Mira..and...this was totally unexpected...please you cannot blame yourself for this...it was just that angle of the fall maybe?? Look as much as I have gotten to know Khushi through my sister - I think she would hate it if you go on blaming yourself for this Harpreet..it was just the situation,"and I hear Ravi add to Mira+Harpreet+ Sheena - " also...if only Khushi had not been injured in the process - I am sure you would be feeling content with that decision Harpreet for that catch out was successful right?? khushi kept her hold on the ball hard and did not let it slip from her hands even though she sustained injury and was in grave pain, so I think if you blame yourself for her injury - its not just unfair to you as Skipper but to her too..so please...everyone is right...don't let your mind go there...okay??"

Harpreet nods and Mira and Sheena hug her from the side and Ravi adds - " also guys..l think you do need to talk to the rest of the unit now and tell them about the departure bit.."

They sigh and say in unison yet again - " we were thinking to tell them after we have an update on Khushi's condition perhaps??like we know that' she is out of life threatening danger but still we need to know more..before we talk to everyone else..."

Ravi and me nod in unison - " yes, maybe..just wait for a couple off more minutes..the docs should be here anytime now??,"and I look back towards the Aching - Wall of the ICU door fighting the longing and pain and emotion in my Heart yet again.

Luckily, It is right then we see the two doctors in charge for My Sparkle's case step out the ICU ward and they begin to walk up to us and Ravi shoots me a silent supportive look as we all walk upto them - and I try to control my pace from breaking into a marathon run across the corridor with great difficulty yet again and even before I could ask them anything - Jess runs past me as she asks the doctor worried - " doctors..please..tell us something now atleast? It's been hours since the scans were completed..surely the reports must be ready??"

Ravi gestures me to Remain Silent and Calm.

I hate this - Dammit.

HATE IT BEYOND MEASURE.

PERIOD.

But I act in accordance - nonetheless.

Mira ask's next - " doctor...you surely do have the reports ready?? Now??"

Ravi now gestures me to come stand a little next to him and Hridhaan and Vikram join us too in the side and we hear almost everyone from the women's team plus their coaches begin to ask the doctor the same too.

Ravi whispers to me in my ear now - " I know Arnav..its killing you to not be the one to talk...and keep up this façade..but you have too for Khushi's sake...given the situation...just let them take the lead in asking the questions at the moment...you can be yourself..after they leave okay? When it's just us? There would be no need for pretend then..but at the moment in front of Khushi's team -there's a need of it - for sure and you know that..."

I nod at him and I admit sincerely and honestly to my friend whispering back in his ear- " I don't know what's killing me more though Ravi? This aching wait to even see my Sparkle? or the fact that I still have to pretend? I mean she is right there across those doors but they won't let any of us see her yet..you have no idea what's it taking off me to not barge my way in there..."

Hridhaan and Vikram gesture me to now venture a little in the chaos and buzz in front of the doctors at the moment so that they can actually talk and I say now to everyone gesturing them to contain themselves(which is ironical obviously because I was the one who was having a hard time doing the same too within right??)- " guys...please...we need to know what happened to Khushi right? for that we must let the doctors talk???"

Ravi joins me in too.

Everyone nods now and goes into a Hushh silence and I lose my patience a little as I look at the doctors that were back to discussing something amongst one another while looking into the files and say trying to keep up with my polite mask - " there you go doctors...we are all silent now..can you please tell us what the reports say??"

One of the doctor begins now finally taking a deep breathe - "yes we can... okay so the reason why we were waiting for the formal reports to come in..was because we most surely needed to be completely sure and have the scans looked in by our team of orthopaedics, physiotherapists, neurologists, general physicians combined for we knew whatever we say to you is going to result in a lot of follow up questions from your end too given the fact that you need to further give the statement out to the buzzing media...so yes, let's start officially with the good news first that was already conveyed to you all informally through the radiologists -there is no sign of internal brain injury or any critical brain injuries in there for sure apart from the significant concussion and since we just checked on her before stepping out here to talk to you all - we are happy to report that her vitals continue to be stable under sedation and observation. But yes the ICU is where she shall be atleast for the next more 40 hours or so...alright????"

I TAKE IN A SIGH OF RELEIF ON REFLEX - just like everyone else around me and I see half the women's unit group hug each other in relief too and even though a part of me wants to Jump up like a Jumping Jack in Momentary Relief - it sucks insanely that I have to restrict to masking my relieved expressions even.

Ravi, Hridhaan, Vikram, and me exchange subtle silent glances as they each offer me support through gestures that I understand and acknowledge and it is right then we all hear the other doctor say taking a deep breath as he adds - " but...in comes here the tricky bit...her back...like we had anticipated. It Has surely suffered a couple of hairline fractures...the MRI has given us the complete picture...obviously..."

CRAP.

HOLY FREAKING CRAP.

Once again Ravi gestures me to not to be the one to ask out loud first and I fight back my intense emotions of holding back and hear Sheena , Jess, Harpreet, Mira, Vedika ask worried - " how many fractures? And where? We hope it isn't the lower back? And the degree??"

The doctor sighs - " well luckily yes it isn't the lower back..YES...but she has sustained FOUR hairline fractures...in her upper and middle back - the part of the spine we refer to as the thoracic spine for these bones are significantly attached to the ribcage"

WHATTTTTTTTTTTTTT??????????????

FOUR? FREAKING HAIRLINE FRACTURES?

IN THE THORACIC SPINE??????

We all literally ask out in a worried unison - " four?? Did you just say four hairline fractures in the thoracic spine???"

The doctor nods and explains - " yes...four..you heard us right..i think it was that angle of the fall high fall sideways and the friction from the hit on the ground to her ribcage from the side too...that resulted in the impacted injuries to her back - for she's sustained four hairline fractures..in the vertebras T9, T10, T11, and T12, and the T11&T12 have the first degree hairline fracture but T9+T10 have the second degree hairline fractures.."

CRAP.

CRAP.

CRAPPPP.

CRAP*INFINITY

I KNOW WHERE THIS IS HEADING.

MONTHS OF COMPLETE BED REST FOR MY SPARKLE.

And just a Mira+Harpreet+ Sheena+ Jess are about to ask their next question, we hear the doctor go on now as he says to Mira + Harpeet+ Sheena + Jess- " and I know what your next question is going to be..so basically this means that your player is going to need a minimum off four months of complete bedrest even before she can begin physiotherapy and our team surely thinks that she would need very intense physiotherapy for about two months or so after those four months of complete rest..before she can even think about picking up her bat again...so yeah look with this significant concussion she would anyway have been ruled out of any physical strain for two months or so..but now with all these added back injuries... ,"and he is interrupted by a tearful Jess as she asks - " but she will be able to play again right doc?? She will recover? Just tell us that??? she won't have to give up on her game right for good? it means the world to her...it will break her if it comes to that,"and she pauses and she hugs Sheena , Harpreet, Mira in a worried anticipation.

I clutch on my fist tight.

Godammit You- Doctor.

Answer.

NOW.

And right then he says with a little smile - " oh yes..she will be able to play again..but that somewhat depends on how well she takes in the situation at the moment and works hard on her recovery after the period of complete bed rest finishes and physiotherapy and rehabilitation begins...look..just to give you a rough estimate in a case like her's she most surely is going to be out of the playing scene for atleast six months plus - like I explained before she cannot even think of picking up her bat prior to that...but after that bit and with the go ahead from physio's eventually after continuous scans confirm her back has healed- she should be able to make her way back to her game..."

JUST AS I HEAR THAT - SOME MORE RELEIF GETS ADDED WITHIN ON REFLEX.

BUT I AM STILL WORRIED - INSANELY THOUGH.

Everyone in the Women's unit sighs in relief too and they begin to hug one another and Jess,Hridhaan, Ravi, Vikram and me exchange subtle worried glances because we obviously know that this is going to be Great Setback for My Sparkle.She cannot even stay away from playing cricket for more than a couple of days - and here - she was going to have to stay away - for a period of Six Long Months.

Hold onto Strength Raizada.

And think this Through - Calmly.

For in your heart - you now knew that you had to get around to thinking - as to how you have to get your Sparkle to look at the situation - differently.

The doctor continues now - " so yes...for now we are going to have her in the ICU until our neurologists give us a confirmation that she's safe from any more side affects after the concussion, after which we will shift her into the room but she most definitely will need to stay put here for about two weeks after before her family decides on how to proceed further incase they want to shift her back to India,"and he pauses and they both say in unison next - " okay so that's it for now..we will take your leave..the officials reports are with the nurse in charge obviously for she is going to keep that in her file..,"and he pauses and they nod at us and we all nod back in acknowldgement and they now start to make their way back into the ICU and I gesture Ravi to ask what was on my mind and he does so immediately - "also doc? When Can we see her??Khushi? can we see her now?from afar within the ICU?one by one perhaps?"

The Doctors shakes his head in a negative - " sorry about that mate..not yet...you cannot see her as of now...not until the next 24 hours for sure...she's in partial sedation anyway...look we understand each of your worry's - but we are very strict with our rules in the ICU because that's what is in the best interest of the patient and the rest in the ward too..obviously..we thank you for your co-operation on the same"

Ravi nods at him and I fight back my groan with great difficulty - hating the fact yet again that everyone in the women's team was able to express their disappointment over the same with great ease where as I had to be the one to go in the Mask Mode yet again.

JUST WHAT SADIST FUN? WAS MY LIFE GETTING OUT OF THIS CURRENT SCENARIO ANYWAY?

Mira and Harpreet walk up to us now as they say little relieved - " ASR, Ravi..looks like we are going to need to head out to give a statement to the media..now that we know what we need to say...so that the frenzy here and all those speculations back in the home media have some answer on the development...sheena and our coaches will now talk to rest on the team about our departure..."

Ravi and me exchange a silent look and I nod at him and we say to them now in unison - " yes let's do that..,"and before we head out - I gesture Ravi to walk up with Mira/Harpreet upfront first and I gesture Hridhaan and Vikram to come to the side and I say to them once they do and we are in a cornered space - "Vikram, Hridhaan - you both need to handle Jess now..for now as we are going to be addressing the media, Sheena +their coaches are going to tell the team that they are scheduled to leave for Melbourne as per the prior schedule for the officials did not accommodate a travel change...and we all know how Jess is going to react...,"and I pause as I see Hridhaan and Vikram exchange worried looks and Vikram says worriedly - " she won't go..i know she won't go...she'll freak out..she will cry...,"and I nod at him as I say - " I know...Vik..but if nothing works just tell her that Khushi would have wanted this from her...to go on and play that final and hopefully help the team win it too - I mean it was for that spot in the final that she dived so high for that catch out in the first place right???"

Hridhaan nods at me as he pats my arm in support- " yes, yes..we will say that if nothing works..come on..you go out now..give that statement...first...we will take care of Jess,"and both Vikram and him clutch on my arm in subtle silent support to ask me if I was feeling okay to be stepping out and I nod at them in a subtle gesture on the same - thanking them for just being there too.

And it is right then that Ravi calls out to me to join them in and I take a deep breath and compose my personal expressions from reflecting on my face with great difficulty and make my way out to join Ravi+ Mira+ Harpreet in facing the Media.

GODAAMIT.

SPARKLE.

GOD ONLY KNOWS - HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO WAIT TO GET JUST A GLIMPSE OF YOU AT THE MOMENT.

AND YET I HAVE TO STAND IN FRONT OF THE WORLD ALL MASKED INTO Calm - and Give out Statements as if Everything Was Going to Get Okay.

But Guys.

You all know this don't you?

That Just about Nothing Could start getting okay for me - until I had seen/heard from My Sparkle - for Real.

Until - she was Out - From That ICU ward.

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Meanwhile in India - 11:15 PM - In a Small Village Cottage in Madan's Village on the Outskirts of Guragon

Madan wipes his happy relieved tears as he hugs on to this little sister hard and keeps his phone aside in happiness now after listening to what the News reporters had just said - with regards to His Didi's (Khushi's) health development for he had been wrecked with worry himself as the news of her injury had caught his eye and now to know that she was safe from any critical danger was a relief to his heart indeed for he had been praying for her for hours - ever since.

He says now through his happy relieved tears - " suna tumne choti..hamari didi..thik ho jayegi...thoda time lagega..par kamse kum jaan koi khatra nai hai...thode mahine khel nai paayegi..par mujhe pata hai..meri didi thik hoke..phirse..india ke liye sixer maaregi..ek din...dekhna tum choti..."( did you listen to what they are saying little sister..our didi will be fine - eventually she will recover...it will take some time obviously and she won't be able to play for a while too but atleast she is out of any critical danger and life harm..and I am sure that she will soon be fine and one day my didi will play for india once again and hit her sixes...)

Choti hugs onto her brother hard. She had never met Khushi didi - only her brother had been the lucky one in all of the village to meet her in person - but none of that changed the fact that she genuinely respected Khushi didi with a lot of devotion. For she had taken the charge of her brothers education first and then of all the girls in the village too. It was thanks to her - that all the parents in the village now had no qualms in letting their girls study further for she was now taking care of it all.

A manager had come on Khushi's Didi's behalf in the first week of the new year - to the public govt school in the village and had stated that Khushi Didi would now be taking charge of all the funding with regards to all the girls in the school - irrespective of their age and class.

And it was because of her and her team that she had been inspired to pick up the little bat too and it wasn't just that - Khushi didi had also sent her brother to a coach in Dwarka for his cricket playing practice too. So how could she not feel the intense emotion and respect in her heart for Her - even though she had never met her in person? She didn't need to meet her in person to respect her the way she did.For Her Actions and Compassion - had won that Stature of Respect in her Little Heart - already.

Choti herself now wipes her relieved tears as she says hugging onto her brother - " haan bhaiya...dekha maine..didi bilkul thik hogi..mujhe vishwas hai..aur ab mujhe lagta hai..aap aur seriously khelo..jaise ki unki taraf se bhi khel rahe ho..didi bhagwan haina hamare liye bhaiya...kitna sab kuch har rahi hai hamare liye jabki hum toh unke koi nai lagte...ab pata nai aap unse kab mil paao...par jab mil pao..aap bolna unhe..ki didi aap nahi khel seki itne mahine toh maine khela aapki taraf se...didi khush hojayegi bhaiya...aur kya pata coach sir kahe ki aap mein sach mein bahut badiya Pratibha hai? Aap aisa khelo bhaiya...ki sab dang reh jaaye wahan ground pe..aur main bhi khelungi...bhaiya main bhi khelungi..,"and she pauses and hugs her brother hard.( yes bhaiya, I saw..i saw what they said..didi will be fine..she will be absolutely fine I believe so too..i have faith too..and now I think you should start taking play more seriously..as if you are playing on her behalf too ..she's like god to us bhaiya..how much has she done for us all even when we are not related to her and now we don't know when will you get to meet her bhaiya but whenever you meet her you can atleast tell her that the months she could not play..you played on her behalf too , that surely will make her very happy bhaiya and what if this intent of yours shows coach sir that you really do have amazing talent too?? Now you just play like never before bhaiya..go show everyone on the ground there what you can do...and I am little..but I will play too..i will play too..)

Madan hugs onto his sister hard - totally engulfed with an emotion of grit and determination like never before and he says now wiping another emotional tear out of his eye - " haan choti haan...main ab sirf khelunga aur padhunga..jaise didi chahti hai..waise hi karunga..,"( yes choti yes, now I will play like never before ..on her behalf too and I will study too..i will only study and play now..just like didi wants)- and he closes his eyes in an intense prayer for his Didi - asking god to help her through strength through her recovery period.

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

AN HOUR LATER - SYDNEY

St.Vincent's Hospital

Arnav POV Continues

Ravi hugs onto me hard in support and I do so too finally letting all the pretence go ,now that it was just US in the secluded corner outside the ICU and he pulls back now and says sincerely - " I know this has been insanely difficult Arnav...but..you'v been holding up pretty well..you kept your calm in front of everyone from the women's team + the coaches and you were even able to pull through calmly in front of the media and now you can just be yourself but just continue to stay positive brother.....for Khushi's sake..alright?? she's going to need your emotional support immensely whenever she wakes up and knows the aftermath..we all know this setback has the potential to pull her low for a bit..only natural....ofcourse "

I say sincerely hugging him back - "yes only natural Ravi..this setback surely does have the potential to pull my Sparkle low..but I'd be dammed if I let this setback make her feel all lost in the maze of life...I will handle her low's...,"and I pause as I pull back and sigh looking towards the ICU ward with longing and admit honestly - " if only I could just see her once though...I can't take the fact that she is in there all alone...its killing me...this aching wretched wait to just get a freaking glimpse of her is injuring me within beyond repair Ravi..it is killing me..."

Ravi looks at me sincerely now as he says patting my arm - " I understand Arnav..i totally do..but on the other hand..i think - the sight of her in the ICU bed all alone with all that insane medical stuff happening around might just disturb you more..brother...so maybe I think its good that they aren't allowing any of us in there at the moment..."

Well.

Yes.

Now that he just put it that way - I think he is right about that bit of It Too.

For just the Imaginary Sight of the Same Scene that he just mentioned - flashed through my Head and it's just instantly stabbed me and brutally injured me with intense ache - within - yet again.

I don't know - what will I actually go through - if I were to see that sight of my Sparkle in the ICU - for real with my very own eyes.

THE SIGHT WILL Surely HAUNT ME - AS AN ACHING NIGHTMARE - ALL MY LIFE.

Ravi reads the look aching pained on face and he nods - " yeah..see..i am right about that..."

And it is right then we see Hridhaan walking upto us back and Ravi pats on my arm in support yet again and I pat on his in acknowledgement of his gesture and we ask Hridhaan in unison now - " was Jess any better??"

Guys - Just like we had anticipated - the entire team was quite bummed out about their leaving development and specially Jess was hysterical over it and Vikram had to really just counsel her through It intensely. They all just left five minutes ago so that they could make it to their scheduled departure - and we all asked Vikram to just be with Jess until it was time for her to leave.

Hridhaan nods sincerely as he says the solemnity evident in his voice - " yes..better..Vikram accompanied her to the hotel in another cab though...he will be with her until she departs with the team..and will come back here after.."

I sigh as we nod at him - " good...its good that he is with her at the moment.."

Ravi asks next - "also is there any more media craze outside? I think it should be better by now??"

Hridhaan nods - " better now..the reporters just left in collective groups as the team left too but I think they will now be back in the morning..,"and we nod at him in an understanding and Ravi says now - " okay guys...I'm getting us some coffee??okay??i will also have a word with Noor, Samaira, Payal and Sachi maam on a con call..be back in five minutes..k??and even though Cap + Rohan are two hours ahead from us now and its early morning in NZ..i think I will give them a buzz too"

We nod at him and he leaves and just as he does - to my surprise Hridhaan now says patting my arm - " im sorry..Arnav..so so sorry about this.."

I look at him puzzled patting on his arm - " why are you so worried??"

Hridhaan shoots me a sincere look as gestures me to sit on the seating right outside the ICU area and I do and he takes his seat next to me and turns to face me sideways and he says his face twitching in part anger - " well I was just on a call with Shivi on my way back in and she says that ever since the updates on khushi's health have now gone viral and as much as the online world is sighing in relief that she is out of critical danger and are sending wishes in for her speedy recovery...apparently there are still a few groups who are only keen on the gossip..for they have now started to dish out things like - how all those rumours with regards to Khushi and me are true for sure - because of my presence here with you all - once again they have misunderstood the entire angle and it just infuriates me insanely to know that how can anyone out there be so insensitive to care about such gossip in such a serious situation in the first place...I mean she is out of critical danger...yes but she is still in the freaking ICU....i mean if you can't send out a wish for her speedy recovery at the moment...atleast be sensitive enough to let gossip be at bay for a while...but no...so bizzare...so f****** bizzare,"and he pauses.

I Sigh.

WHY AM I NOT SURPRISED?

Ofcourse.

THE BIZZARE GOSSIP GRAPEVINE - WONT STOP BUZZING - NO MATTER WHAT THE SITUATION.

I admit sincerely now looking at Hridhaan, sure that he could read the sincerity in my voice - " Hridhaan, you have absolutely nothing to be sorry about..trust me...and to be honest...in the circumstance at the moment..i give even a more of the freaking damm to it than what I did before..it doesn't even freaking matter..."

Hridhaan says now looking at me sincerely - " I know..you don't care..and nor do i...but given the stir it's caused nonetheless..i had to apologize..i don't know it had a part of me thinking..maybe I shouldn't have come with you perhaps? but then...I ..just could not stay back too right? after seeing and knowing what...I just had to...,"and he pauses yet again and closes his eyes momentarily in an aching silence.

I understand what this is about - obviously.

For if there is anyone else right now - who probably might be going through similar intense pain like me within at seeing the woman he loves - behind ICU walls - is HIM - too. As in - I know he is working on moving on from Khushi slowly and steadily and he is getting along on it too - but if you'v once loved someone truly and deeply at some point in time in your life - it's truly going to ache within to see her Injured Bad. Getting over someone you'v deeply loved - is a Process - its not a Magical Process that happens at the click of a button obviously - I am aware of that.

I pat on Hridhaan's arm in support yet again and I say sincerely - " I know...I understand...I know why you had to come with me Hridhaan...for I know even though you are working on moving on from your feelings for Khushi..but it's surely a process right..and it's hurting you immensely nonetheless just to see her behind those ICU walls...I know you'v loved her truly Hridhaan...so I understand..."

Hridhaan nods and he looks at me straight in the eye and says sincerly- " oh yes it is..it is hurting me immense..just like I know it's killing you too.."

I nod at him solemnly - " it is..it is killing me..insane..,"and I pause and I say reassuringly - " but please Hridhaan...don't get worked up about the worldly freaking noise alright? it is not your fault..and none of us care about it anyway..let the world go on with its wordly ways...we will go on with ours....and please know that you have every right to be here by khushi's side as her family friend, just like Ravi, Vikram are here too okay???"

He Hugs me instantly and I hug him back in silent support and he says next pulling back seconds later- " thank you for understanding Arnav...,"and he pauses and asks in a pained voice now worry evident on his face - "Arnav... you tell me you know her better than any of us...she will be okay wont she? As in when she wakes up and knows of this setback??the physical injury will obviously heal with time..but how will she take it otherwise as in mentally is what I am concerned about??and I know so is a part of you..because you know that she..."

I sigh as I fill in the sentence for him - " that she has never stayed away from playing cricket longer than a week or max ten days ever - in case of little injuries here or there/ holidays for the last 9 years and more...and here they are talking about a complete bed rest of four months + her staying out of playing cricket for half the feraking year..as in 6 months...."

Hridhaan nods and I admit again with a very worried sigh - " ofcourse Hridhaan...I'm worried about how is she going to take this setback..obviously...and I know My Sparkle in and out - she's a fighter in spirit...and she will fight this out eventually but that doesn't take away the fact that the vulnerability of the moment won't overwhelm her..it will...it surely will...which is why I hope so desperately that she doesn't find out about whats happened to her when she is in that ICU all by herself...I want to be by her side when she knows..."

Hridhaan nods in an instant understanding and he says next - "ofcourseeee...,"and he says a second later - " but thank god that she is out of any critical harm per say atleast Arnav..."

I nod at him and we both exchange that intense silent look of relief with one another - of having the one we both love - safe from life danger and somehow that makes us both share a relieved smile and we say in unison now out loud to one another - " her life is safe...which is what matters more...,"and even though the moment is super intense we do end up sharing an added on relieved smile and I add next as an immediate thought comes to my mind because distraction and getting myself busy to do things ready for my Sparkle was probably what was going to keep me going - "how about this Hridhaan?? After we have that coffee Ravi gets us..maybe the three of us can actually start working on getting Khushi that hospital suite done - well in advance you know just in case they decided to shift her out of the ICU prior???infact I am sure Anj, Rahul plus everyone from the plane is going to get hang on the WIFI On board which goes live about two hours after take off - and probably ask us to do the same nonetheless so why not we get on with it anyway??"

Hridhaan nods now instantly as he says - " yes..yes...let's do that..infact I am sure we will have our phone buzzing with their calls on whtsapp the minute they are able to connect to that wifi.."

I nod at him - and right then we see Ravi walk back to us with the Coffee's in his hand and we get up and walk to him and take the respective cups from the tray in his hand and I take a sip of that caffeine immediately as we hear - Ravi quickly fill us in over the talks he had with everyone over the phone.

Everyone's immense support around me at the moment was surely - exactly what I needed to get through the Next Set of Painful Hours that were going to stand marked in Between My Sparkle behind those aching ICU walls and Me - waiting - right outside it.

I look back at ICU Ward for a couple of seconds - as that Intense Longing returns to engulf my Heart completely - Yet again.

Guys - please note this for future reference - I can say with great conviction right here right now that NEVER EVER HAS - Waiting for My Sparkle - FELT THIS INJURIOUS , HEARTBREAKING & ACHING WITHIN.

Indeed.

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

TADAAAA.

How was the Update Guysssss?? So I obviously just wanted to make this a Stand Alone Chapter! And yes now that you all know - the extent of the injuries sustained to Sparkle - and that she surely isn't going to be abe to pick up her bat for the next six months - how do you all think she will take it????? Also yes, I have obviously missed Our Sparkle - in all these updates - and the next Chapter is going to be from her POV - obviously.

Next Update : Will be Giving the next Update on Wednesday Night.

Please Stay Safe everyoneeeeeeeeeee!!! Wish you all - all the Love,Positivity,Light, Happiness, and Health in the New Year!

Alsooo yesss -I have finally gotten around to making my writing handle on Insta. Using it for Daily interactions - quotes - snippets etc. Would love to connect with you all on it too.

You can find me On Instagram - by Clicking on the Link Below.

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

Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support.

Much Love.

Always.

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