Helloooo everyoneeeee....

How you all doing????????

Happpyyyy Thursday! 😃😃😃😃😃😃😃

So Yes, I am here with the next update of HW4.0 - the very first update for this week.👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻

One rollercoaster -- update this is....again.....in context of the development that takes place...so without further delay...I'd let you all dive in straight away...super duper excited I am for you all to read this update...😉😉😉😉😉😉

Absolutely, loved writing the update so much! Thank you so very much for all your precious support and love to my work - guys!

Word count (Long)- 10.4 k words.

Please note - We are Ten Days Forward into the Story!

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

Copyright :

Text Copyright©mysticaltales11111™2022

The Moral Right of the Author has been asserted. All Rights Reserved. This Story is published subject to the condition that it shall not be reproduced or transmitted/distributed in whole or in part, in any manner, whether in electronic or in hard copy, without the written consent of the author, and any infringement of this is a violation of Copyright Law.

All Rights Reserved® mysticaltales11111

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

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

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

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

15. That Inside Story

Ten Days Later

@ Asher's Home in Jamaica

6:30PM in the Evening

Asher fights a groan within as he sees his mother shooting him narrow eyed looks as if she were just scanning and x-raying him in the moment whilst she stationed a cup of tea in front of him and took her cup of tea - too - and stationed herself in front of him on the - dining island in their kitchen.

He knew what this was about, obviously. He had been summoned home, early this evening by his mothership, so that she could finally get him to spill some beans or give her a valid reason that could simmer down her worrying curiosity on this accord.

He tries to evade the beginning off this topic immediately as he asks shooting his mother his charming smile - " Maa....really? sirf chai..aaj...? Mere pakode...kahan gaye?( Mom..really?are we really just having...only tea? Where are my pakoda's this evening??")

He hears his mother scoff at that angrily as she folds her arms across her chest and says - " chai mil rahi hai..chup chaap..pilo..bete...koi pakode nai milenge tumhe aaj...aur pakode toh bhul jao...biscuit/cookie bhi nai dungi saath mein...jab tak ab tum finally apna muh nai kholege..mere saamne...iss baat par.."( you are getting tea na bete? Be happy that I am serving that to you right now...for you will surely get no pakoda's..infact forget pakoda's...I am not going to serve you any biscuits/cookie's right now...until you open your mouth in front of me on this topic..)

Asher couldn't help but bite his chuckle at that. His mother could really be so dramatic at times.

(Rekha aunty - Asher's Maa)

........

Asher grins and sips his tea though, being greatful for it in the moment - " okay Maa...thank you for the chai...pehle bata dete aap...mein...Mika Bhabhi aur bhai ke saath hi dinner pe chala jaata...kyunki phir toh aaj aap...dinner bhi nai serve karoge...mujhe...itne gusse mein jo ho..."( you should have told me first though...then I should have planned to join Mika Bhabhi and bhai in their dinner plans...for then it seems...you wont even serve me dinner tonight...given how angry you are...)

And he hears his mother fume at that again after sipping her tea - " haan..bilkul...koi khana bhi nai milega tumhe aaj...hadh ho gayi hai...pichle 6 din se tumse main ispe baat karne ki koshish kar rahi hun..aur tum...taale jaa rahe ho...ab bass bahut hua..."( ofcourse...you wont even get any dinner today Asher...its heights...from the last 6 days I have been trying to get you to talk to me about this...and you just keep escaping it...now you just have to talk...)

Asher sighs at that and sips his tea and begins explaining - " Maa...please...understand..."

And he sees her gesturing him to stop speaking as she says - " wait...pehle tum meri baat suno...kaise main samajh lun?ki ek dum se..tum aur khushi alag hogaye...kaise ekdum se amrita ke bday ke next day tum dono ne hum sab pe yeh bomb phod diya...ki bass ab hum alag ho rahe hai as partners par abhi bhi ache dost rahenge...aur phir hamare kissi ke bhi poochne pe ki kya hua hai...ekdum aise kaise...koi jawab hi nai...koi...reason hi nai....bass yeh chuppi aur ki hum sab iss decision ko respect karle...aree...kaise karle respect..jab mere palle hi nai pad rahi...kisi ke pale hi nai pad rahi..."( wait...first you listen to me Asher...how can I understand this? That out of the blue - You and Khushi have just broken up...that how come suddenly the other day after Amrita's bday..you two announced it to us all like a shocking bomb that you'v decided to separate as partners but will be back to being good friends???????and when all of us asked - you two the reasons...as to why this happened...all we'v got is silence from your end...asking us to just understand and respect your decision...areee how can I respect your decision when I am unable to understand it in the first place????)

Asher sighs at that again. Well, as Khushi and him had expected - the news of their break up had indeed hit everyone in their close circle hard. They'd gone ahead with their plan off announcing it to all post Khushi's Mom's bday - and to say everyon'es jaw had dropped down in shock in dismay would be an understatement indeed. Not just the parents. But everyone in their friend +cousin circle was equally shocked and disappointed over the news.

Everyone had obviously questioned them for reasons, but they'd just maintained the silence that they thought they'd hit a dead end as partners but were going to be good friends nonetheless - so the rest shouldn't worry about it and respect their decision. The younger lot in the circle - had let them both be for now.Their cousins+closest friends+ even his bhai+Bhabhi - they'd just nodded in shocking silence at that - probably presuming this to just be a passing rough phase in between Khushi and Him.Asher's gut told him, they'd all probably collectively decided to give the two(Asher+Khushi )Space on this accord - hoping it will be a phase that will pass, for they surely felt if they just hound them for it - it might just cause unnecessary turmoil to the two,for now.

Well, their cousins+closest mates understood it. But their parents - not so much- actually. Infact, he knew, even Khushi was being hounded on this by her mom constantly since the last six days. She'd managed to keep up the silence+agreed stand from prior - much to Amrita aunty's dismay though.)

He hears his Mom ask him now as she took another sip of her tea - " Asher...wait kar rahi hun tumhare jawab ka... mujhe jawab chahiye...bass...aaj hi chahiye...kyun yeh khushi se break up...kitni pyaari bachi hai...mujhe kitni pyaari hai...meri jaan hi basti hai usme...kitne sapne saajaye the...tum dono shaadi karloge...iss saal ke end mein...woh ghar aajayegi......amrita...ne bhi kitne sapne sajaye the...issi baat ko leke....toh phir kyun yeh break up? Kya hua? Zarror tumne hi kuch kiya hoga...Khushi ko hurt kiya tumne?kisi baat ko leke?kya kiya tumne bass yeh batao...bolo ab...ki woh chai ka cup bhi le lun....(I am waiting for your answer...asher...you answer me now...right very now...I want an answer...why this break up with Khushi...she's such a sweetheart..she's so dear to me...like my heart lies in her...I had so many dreams about you two...was thinking you two will tie the knot by the end of this year....she will finally be home...amrita too had these dreams..then why suddenly this break up....?what happened?why? surely, you must have messed up?or done something to hurt Khushi??what did you do Asher???tell me now...or ill take that cup of tea also away from you...)

Asher cannot bite his chuckle at that again over his mother's overly dramatic gestures as he clutches onto his cup of tea possessively and takes on a sip cheekily - " bass Maa...ab meri chai bhi cheen logi kya??"( oh Maa...really? now you will snatch my tea also?)

And he sees her sigh as she states now her eyes welled up - " haan..cheen lungi...tumnse mere saare sapne cheen liye mujhe khushi ko leke...."( Yes, I will snatch your tea...Asher for you have snatched away all my dreams...with regards to Khushi...)

Asher knew, now his mother was really started to get emotional about this as anger bubbles settled in. He leans forward to hold her hand now and says - " Maa....I know..aapke dukh hua( you are disappointed)...sab ko dukh hua(everyone's disappointed)...and we are sorry about that too....but you got to understand...at the same time..Khushi+ my happiness is important too - right? I am sure, that is only all of your's priority too...right?? you all care about our happiness...too..right??"

And he hears her sigh now wiping a tear outa the corner of her eye - " haan...ab tum dono ki khushi toh zarorri hai...hamari khushi se pehle..."( well yes...ofcourse your two happiness is also our priority..it is important...way before all of ours happiness on this accord...)

Asher clutches on his mother's hand and says sincerely - " toh bass...yeh samajh lo...maa...ki hum alag issliye hue...kyunki hum ek saath itne khush nai the...jitna ki hone chahiye...hume laga...ki hum woh gehre pyaar ka maukaam dhoondh paayenge ek doosre mein...par woh shayad hamari kismet mein hai hi nai...ek saath...toh kab tak dhoondhte rahe Maa? Koi point hai hi nai na...phir iss baat ko aage kheech ke...phir aap sabko...infact hum dono ko bhi aur dukh hota...yeh ab hua...toh zyada theek hai...hum dono ke liye bhi...abhi aapke thode sapne toote hai...baad mein..aur bade sapne toot jaate....pls samjho..."( so then, just think maa that we got separated as partners...because we both realised, we werent as happy or the happiest with one another as we should have been....we thought..we'll find that station of wholesome soulful love with one another - in one another - but that is not meant to be/isn't what destiny wants for us - so then how long to go on searching that in one another? No point to go on that way Maa...then this break up would have hurt us all more later...it is much better that it happens...now itself...for the best of all of us...now only some dreams of yours are broken..later more dreams would have been broken..so this is for the best...please understand...)

He sees her sigh and ask him again clutching on his hand - " matlab..toh phir main...patch up ki hope chod dun?? Jaise ki mika aur atharv lagaye biathe hai? Woh samjhthe hai...tum dono ke beech rough patch hai...thik hojayega..issliye chup hai.."( then...this means...should I give up hope on your two patch up?? Like...mika and atharv still hoping? They think its just a rough patch between you two..which will get better...which is why they just mute on this..like the rest of your close cousins and friends...)

Asher nods at that with a reassuring smile - " yes Maa...ab saari patch up hopes...chod do aap...mein aur khushi...saath nai honge phir se....kabhi bhi...haan...dost toh hamesha rahenge..."( Yes Maa...please give up on all hopes of patch up in between Khushi and me, for we will never be getting back together that way...but yes we shall always remain...good friends...)

He feels his mother clutch on his hand again - " but..aise kaise...tum dono ko laga...ki tum utne khushi nai ho saath? Do hafte pehle takt toh sab theek tha...."( but..how come...you both thought/relaised you arent that happy together..until two weeks ago..all was fine..right??")

Asher says cryptically - " dil ki baatein hoti hai complicated Maa...kabhi kabhi...samjho..kuch cheeze waqt leke samajh aati hai...Maa..."( sometimes matters of the heart are complicated na Maa...you understand...please...some things of the heart...one only understands at a certain time...)

And he hears her exclaim again as she wipes a tear outta the corner of her eye - " yeh mujhe samajh nai aa raha abhi bhi..mera dil nai manta..."(I still am unable to digest it...my heart unable to accept this..)

And Asher leans back in his seat at that and closes his eyes momentarily. Why? Because, this just made him realise that his mother wont let it go until he gives her a solid reason and if she wont let it go - then even Amrita aunty wont let it go towards Khushi - and as much as he could sense it - even though she wasn't talking about it to him yet - Khushi was not okay.

Khushi was anything but okay. She surely was having a hard time emotionally dealing with the return of all her overwhelmed feelings for the boy she met in Peru.He could sense that.He wasn't a fool. He could easily figure that something on account of the boy she met in peru was still bothering her - deeply.

He'd tried to bring him up in talks to Khushi in these ten days - but not once had she opened up to him about it. She was going to pretending as if everything was normal - and she was succeeding to some extent around everyone else in the group+her parents because no one knew this part of her inside story but because he knew - he could just sense it through. That sparkle in her eye (over the last ten days)- was a fake one. That usual happy grin - ( was a forced one) - that usual look of calm and contentment around her always - ( looked like a pretended one to his eye - over the last ten days - especially). She thought it would miss his eye - ? It didn't. He could figure - why she was overdoing extra working hours in both college+ volunteer work in the last ten days - using it as a distraction-??? Infact, he truly believed, the only time, he'd seen her smile and wholeheartedly and enjoy herself in the last ten days - was on the instances they'd all watched cricket together on accord of India's ODI series with WI)...

He breaks out of his chain of thought as he hears his mother's voice again - " Asher...suna tumne...yeh mera dil nai maan raha...kuch toh hua hai...pakka...kuch toh hua hai...jisse ki tum dono ko yeh realisation hui?yeh trigger kyat ha??"( Asher...are you listening to me?? my heart is not agreeing to this...why do I feel something happened?? something truly happened...what happened to trigger this reliastion?please tell me...)

Asher sighs again at that. Well, perhaps, the only way he could save Khushi from further stress on this accord - was if he atleast took it upon himself on this accord. He didn't want to put her in the spot in front of his mother. Not right now - when her disappointment over their break up was so fresh.

That's it. His mind was made. Asher Kapoor knew - what he would say. He looked up at his Maa now straight into her eyes and he admitted - " thike..batata hun...aapko...hua na kuch...maa..iss realisation ko trigger karne ke liye...mujhe hi yeh realise...hua finally....as in maine hi yeh accept karliya yeh finally...ki yeh jo maya ke khayal...aate rehte hai mujhe baari baari abhi bhi...woh sahi nai hai...fair nai hai..khushi ki taraf...maine socha...main aage nikal aaya...par shayad nai maa...abhi bhi..kahin na kahin...maya hai...mere dil mein...uski yaadien hai..uske khayal hai..maine...joh feel kiya uske..saath...waise main..nai feel kar paa raha hun khushi ke saath...ya uske liya maa..."(okay Maa...fine...ill tell you...indeed something happened to trigger this realisation amongst us two...infact it was me only...as in ...I only realised that the thoughts of Maya that still consume me in some ways/keep returning to me..isnt fair to Khushi...I thought...I'd left all of that behind...moved on...but I relaise now that somewhere in my heart..Maya still resides, as does her memories plus what I felt with her...for her...I just haven't been able to feel the same...way...for Khushi...maa..)

He spots his mothers eyes widen in worry+ a deep realisation at that as she asks keeping a hand over her heart - " kya keh rahe ho asher?(whattt did you just say Asher????)

Asher nods. Finally. Something hit base in his mother.He knew it would work because - his mother knew the full story of his deep emotional past with Maya.

Asher nods - " exactly Maa...you heard me right..toh ab batao...sahi kiya na maine? Kya yeh khushi ke saath fair hai??kya woh mujhe addha adhura deserve karti hai..emotions ke maamle mein??"( exactly Maa...so now you tell me...I did the right thing..right?? because this isn't fair to Khushi...right?? does she deserve me half-heartedly emotionally??"

He finally hears his mother sigh at that as she says - " agar yeh baat hai..toh phir toh tumne thik hi kiya asher...kyunki...khushi tumhe pura hi paaye(emotionally)...wohi sahi hai...yeh aadhe adhhore...feelings...baad mein...aur dard hi dete hai..."( well, if this is the case, then you did the right thing Asher...for Khushi derves you wholeheartedly emotionally..that is the right thing...otherwise...constricted feelings only lead to more pain later...)

Asher nods at that - " I knew...you'd understand this Maa..."

He sees her sigh - " ab tum...single hi raho..ab tab tak kisi ko bhi date nai karna jab tak tum apne dil se maya ko puri tarah nikaal pao...kyunki who fair nai hoga...sirf khushi ke liye hi nai...kisi bhi ladki ki taraf..."( now...you just remain single only Asher...atleast until the point...you can take Maya out of your system wholeheartedly...for until then it wont be fair to anyone...)

Asher clutches on his mom's hand at that - " I know...Maa...I know what you mean.."

He hears her ask now - " tumne bataya sach khushi ko??"(you told Khushi the truth??"

Asher nods covering up in the moment - " yes..Maa..."

"and she understood??"

Asher - " ofcourse Maa....but obviously...it would be better...if we don't address this out loudly to all..at this point atleast..specially to Amrita aunty and Anil uncle...not when the disappointment is so fresh in all..maybe with some more time down the line??"

He sees his mother nod at that deep in thought now - " haan..thik hi hai...abhi..amrita aur anil ko naa hi bataye yeh reason toh better hai...tumhe yeh kab relaise hua asher?phir se? kab tumne yeh accept kiya apne aap se?( yeah..now I understand...better Amrita and anil don't know this for now...when did you accept this relaisation wholeheartedly though AsheR?)

Asher adds - " About...two weeks..prior..Maa..."

His Maa nods and she asks now - " you want to talk about it.?about Maya? What emotions haunts you still?and why?? You need to figure that out too..bete..."

Asher wasn't ready to talk about Maya right now obviously and so he says - " no...Maa..please? not right now...you know I don't like to talk about Maya ever since we broke up...it makes me uncomfortable...that hasn't changed..ok?"

And he spots her shoot him a worried look as she asks - " thike...jaise tumhari marzi...main ispe push nai karungi..given that I know...Maya ka topic kitna sensitive hai tumhare liye.."( ok..as you wish...I wont push on this accord...given that Maya's topic is so sensitive to you...)

Asher nods - " thanks Maa...,"and he realises that he really needs to meet Khushi now - for he had to fill her in on this bit plus he finally had to drill her - through on her accord as well. She'd been shoving it all under the carpet for the last ten days anyway!

He asks his Maa now as she gets up from her spot and walks to the kitchen deep in thought - " okay..Maa...now if we done with this talk...ill take my leave..."

She asks - " kaha jaa rahe ho..beta??main pakode banana jaa rahi hun..tumhare liye..."(Where you going?? I am going to make you pakodas)

He strides up to hug his mother at that wanting to reassure her and ease her worry - " Maa....no need to make me pakodas....k? don't you worry about me...I am okay...sab thik hi hai..(All is well only)"

She kisses his head - " okay...but where you going??"

Asher admits - "going to meet Khushi only Maa...remembered..something I had to talk to her...as in related to her volunteer work......"

He sees her nod at that deep in thought - "okay...do check on her too...if she doing okay??its good that you two supporting each other through your own separation as friends still..."

Asher smiles - " I know..Maa..its good we able to do that...for sure...probably because..we clicked as great friends prior too..right?And ofcourse I will check on her..Maa.."

And with that...Asher Kapoor...finally makes his way out of his home..with every intention to drive to Khushi's - to drill her through. She wasn't doing okay at all. And about time...she just tell him...why....

His gut told him..that she's totally covered up on that meeting with boy she met in peru on phone to him days ago - telling him it never happened. He surely felt like - something happened there indeed that she didn't want to talk about which is why - she covered it up that way?

Well, he'd given her ten days, to come out with it herself. But given that she hadn't yet , he had no other option but to confront her on this accord too.Because, his gut kept telling him, there was more than what meets the eye in this, for sure. There was surely more to this Inside Story at Khushi's end ...that he was yet to have an heads up about.

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

7:30 PM

Khushi's POV

The cab comes to a halt near the curb around our bookcafe+home and just as I settle the fair, I also pause for a second to just check my reflection in the review mirror. It has been a super long day. I squeezed in four hours of volunteer work with one of my usual NGO's post my working hours at community college today.Coaxed Manika into the latter - too. Usually, I don't club the two on one day. But today, I just felt like I needed to overwork myself - so that I'd just crash to sleep sooner tonight. Just dropped Manika at her place - a shortwhile ago.She was with me in the cab only uptil then. Only once..she got off..and I was finally just by myself...I found myself facing my inner turmoil again....

Damm.

My reflection's a mess, though, totally. A Clear indication of what I am feeling within..

My Face is just freaking Weary.(Again) Eyes - Exhausted.(Again) The colour in my face - Pale.(Again) or rather the palest it ever has been in the last ten days...because...internally...I do feel drained...so freaking drained.

Freak.Can't have Mom and Dad see me this way.

Just got to resort to doing the usual then? The one act I'v been keeping up with - every single time - before stepping into home - in the last ten days.

I get off the cab sliding my bag on my right shoulder and once the cab leaves, I just statue in my spot - take a couple of deep breathes- then pinch each of my cheeks five times over so that they get a flush of colour + I take out my phone, turn out my selfie camera and practice putting up my best pretended grin for a couple of minutes and blink my eyes over and over to get some sort of frictional sparkle going in them - before actually getting onto execute it...around Mom and Dad.

I'v been doing this around them+ everyone in my close circle for that matter - in all these days. It's been working to some extent. I mean, my girls, Manika+Nina+Mika Di+Diya+Zara have obviously spotted my exhausted drained eyes on and off and have questioned me about it - just like Mom has too and I'v just answered with the usual - That its probably because I'v had a long day at work etc etc. I think they presume it could also be because...off my break up with Asher..and me just coping up with it. I am just so glad, everyone in our cousin +friend circle isn't hounding Asher or me over our break up. Can't really say the same for our parents though.Mom keeps asking me why etc etc and I know Rekha aunty has been after Asher with the same...but somehow we'v just managed to keep silent on this and everyone in our cousin+close circle thinks its like a rough patch/momentary pause or something - hoping that we'd get back together - although I think everyone will get the message eventually when we don't. I did hint the same to Manika+Nina at work...earlier today though...that Asher and me...are going to be just good friends here on...

Anyways...for now I gotta compose myself before getting in...

I can do this. I tell myself again - looking at my weary reflection in the selfie camera of my phone. I tell myself that - I can put up my brightest smile, my usual peppy vibe and walk right in - pretending to be all normal. I have been acing it for last ten days - majority of the times right?

Damm. Freak.Wait.

Is that an achy tear in the corner of both my eyes?

You Bet,it is. I shove them away. But my eyes blur up again - on their own accord...

Dammit.

Wait.

Guys.

I think I need a couple of minutes by myself to seek composure - first. I just lean back against the wall at the curb and close my eyes for a couple of seconds. As expected, two lone tears fall of my eyes..on reflex...

Why?

Dammit.

Why is this so freaking hard?

Just why haven't I been able to pull myself together at all in these last ten days? Just why am I still such a freaking emotional vulnerable mess - on accord off everything Arnav? Why have I been on an aching thought spree - whilst staring at Arnav's display picture on whtsapp +our chat window - for the last ten nights??With my fingers itching to just text him so much - yet succumbing to my mind's hitch as well - as reality wrapped in Disha's words keep returning to haunt me over and over....

Why do my insides have to feel so butchered/numb this way?At being, cut away from him yet again? Why? Just why haven't I been able to stop thinking about him?

Whyyyyyyyy???????

Isn't going to be a surprise to you all - I guess? When I say that - I am just so freaking lost, drained and exhausted in this tug of war of my mind demanding me to pull myself away from feeling for Arnav and my heart just freaking getting more consumed and drowned in emotions for him nonetheless? My mind doesn't want me to feel anything for him.It wants me to shut his thoughts out.But my hearts just been freaking revolting...back..as hard.As in, if I think the thought in my mind over - No thinking about Arnav for this next couple of hours. My heart will make sure - it slides his thoughts into my system at every freaking drop of a hat - until it consumes me all over again - emotionally.

And to think - I thought to myself ten days ago on that last chat with him - that - ill be able to figure something out on this accord? Who was I kidding? I Haven't figured out a freaking dime.Still stuck at the same freaking spot - I was at - then.

My gut reminds me - just then - Well,don't be too hard on yourself. Isn't easy to get over that last text chat with him from days ago, anyway...Khushi. Specially, when the heart leads you to... reading it hundreds off times in a day.

Atleast, no point in lying to myself on this accord. Ofcourse, I freaking found myself falling hard for him all over again - during the duration of just that last emotional chat with him...days ago.And he knew it...then.He just knew it then. He freaking wrote all that he did on purpose I guess - so that it could undo me completely - emotionally at least.And he was right. His words indeed do just that..

You all know about that chat right? Surely, you know, my heart had no chance of escaping that chat..without my heart being/feeling all consumed by him..all over again. Just when I think there's no way a human can fall for another human deeper...I find myself...falling for him...even harder...

Freak Me.

What am I going to do?? My minds still not come out of its coma zone at the thought of - US! It's still freaking stuck there and my hearts freaking just running in another direction.And what's happened in this Tom and Jerry chase in between my heart and mind? The very essence of my happiness + peace is just freaking wrenched itself out of me.Either way...I am a mess. If I think of being with him, reality of the world comes to mess me up. If I am apart - my hearts takes over the - Mess her up - agenda.

Like just what is this crazy paradox????

Damm.

Infact, the only time, I have truly been happy in the last ten days is when I watched him play his games - obviously. On that note - only fair - I report that India's ODI series with WI has concluded into a drawn series. WI won the first game and India won the second game and the third game was a washout because of rain resulting in a drawn series.

Arnav, as usual, was phenomenal in both the matches though...he scored 77 runs in the first match plus took two excellent catches and in the second match he scored 97 runs...and pulled out two excellent stumpings as well. Once again, it was me schooling Asher(behind the TV) candidly over not to jinx him with saying - hit a four now ASR..whilst he was batting on 97...and he got caught and bowled..the very next ball in his attempt to hit a straight drive.That earned Asher a narrow eyed -glare from me obviously. So yes, the ODI series is over. It concluded yesterday.And...the Indian Squad returns to Jamaica tomorrow. Arnav returns here tomorrow...perhaps..that is why I am feeling extremely vulnerable at the moment?

I pause in my thoughts as my phone buzzes.

Its Mom.Probably - wondering where I am still? I guess, given that I'd mentioned I'd be home by 730. I text her quick that ill be reaching in 5 mins....and that I got chatting with Manika whilst dropping her off -hence the delay...

As I tap send to that - and begin to head out of whtsapp - my heart instructs me to just head to my chat window with Arnav. I do.

I shouldn't have....

Why?

Because - my screen tells me - Arnav is Online.Which means, he can see I am online - too?

Dammit. My fingers are itching to type out on the rogue instruction of my heart right very now. Haven't been able to stop thinking about You...at all...Arnav.Everything you wrote in our last text chat turned out to be right. I'v just been lost in your thoughts. Kyun hum saath nai phir bhi aise saath hai?Arnav?Kyun mera dil nai manta...kyun mera dil tum mein hi jaake kho gaya hai..phir se?(why even though we arent technically together..we still together in the hearts it seems...like you said? Why my heart doesn't listen?why...is my heart just lost in you again??)

But my fingers trembling on me so hard and given that my mind still stays stuck in its Coma Zone - so I just don't end up typing anything(Again) - but keep staring at the screen with his chat window open to my eyes - like I'v been doing for the last ten nights until sleep takes over.....

( I'v obviously been keeping a tap on his Insta as usual.But he's just been silent on social media - post that day- anyway.Not much activity from his end, except for gaming posts.But he has changed a couple of pics on his whtsapp dp in the last ten days. The sight of him in these pics tells me - he's holding up in wait - somehow - even though it's been achy for him too. How do I know?The reflection of his eyes in those pictures matches my blank/pale ones - that's how. I think he's put these pictures up on his whtsapp dp's purposely - knowing I'd see them?anyway?? Why do I presume that? Because, I'v done the same - post he changed his. Changed two-three - pics of mine on my Dp on whtsapp - knowing he'd be seeing them - so that it would give him the hint - that I am okay, at least. I mean, I am putting up my best pretend smile in the pics)

So,Arnav's kept his promise like the perfect gentleman. He hasn't texted me at all in the last ten days - as well. I know, he's waiting for me to make the move, hoping that I'd have settled things with Asher by now....

Uh-Oh.

These aching tears won't just stop..now...as my eyes blur up more on me.Why? Because, I spot the bit - Arnav is typing - on my screen - now.

Wait.

Freak. Is he really going to write a text to me??right now? He better not...for the vulnerable emotional me...wouldn't be able to resist replying...at all.

My phone beeps.I clutch on my heart as I take in the sight on screen.Oh - what a clever fellow he is. He hasn't texted me over-riding the promise.But he has sent me some pictures/snapshots.

The first one -

Second -

Third -

Fourth -

Fifth -

And this from him is making me wana just cry. I wana Cry so freaking hard.

But because - My phone buzzes with Mum's call again - I compose myself with great difficulty and after a couple of minutes - I begin to head my way in. But not before...I'v sent Arnav a reply that just says..

Me : .................................

I know I didn't say anything in words. But I know he'd get it.He has his ways of understanding what my silent dots in context... mean anyway....

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

About 40 minutes Later

Khushi's Home - Living Room

Khushi gapes at Asher in momentary shock as she asks - " you whattttt?????? Asher?? You told Rekha aunty...what???"

She'd walked into the bookcafe - to find - Asher waiting there for her to arrive along with Diya+Rahul+Zara and Zain. It had hit her then as to why - Mom had been calling back to back. Thankfully, she'd composed herself enough to sit through with everyone for general chatter+catching up over munching on some late evening snacks. Ofcourse, it didn't miss her eye that Diya+Rahul+Zara+Zain had come by to check on her - given that Rahul+Zain+Diya+Zara had collectively schooled her for overworking herself again + with Asher just listening on silently and the four of them had then gone to be like to the two of them (Asher+Khushi) - Just sort this out guys in between yourselves.They( asher + khushi) had obviously assured them that they were both doing okay on that accord and were more than comfortable enough to fall back into their friends equation.

That had just led them( the four) to sigh exchanging looks before leaving for the day - after bidding them( asher+ khushi) bye and it was then Asher had mentioned he wanted to talk something important and that it was better if they talked upstairs - rather than have Amrita aunty+Anil uncle look on. Khushi had agreed obviously. And whilst the two were making their way up - she'd spotted her Mom give her hopeful looks.She surely was hoping that they were getting together for a talk - to sort things out amongst themselves.

It wasn't until when Asher and Her - were finally alone - in her living room - when he finally told her all about his conversation with Rekha aunty(His Mom) - before coming here. And now that she processed all of that in - Khushi couldn't believe it - that Asher had taken this upon himself in front of her.

She sighs now brushing her hand through her hair in distress - " damm ya...Asher...I feel so bad that you took this upon yourself in front of Rekha aunty when..this was triggered because of me..."

Asher had been observing her closely ever since she had stepped into the bookcafe - looking so very weary and exhausted to his eyes.Once again, her tired from work - premise worked with everyone else, but not him and he still was sure about his intention to drill her on this. But first he had to get his talk with his mother off his chest to her. She had to know so that just in case his maa spoke to her about it - she would be prepared to answer on these lines...

Asher keeps a hand over her right arm now - sittng across off her on the sofa in her living room and he states reassuringly - " Khushi..relax...will you please? there is no need to...feel bad about this at all. Look the point is that she finally understood..K? She is not going to ask more on this and I think she will only make Amrita aunty pause on it too - herself..."

Khushi admits - " thank you...Asher...once again...this is freaking amazing off you to have my back in this...this way...but...,"and burying her face in her hands she adds in distress - " but..this isn't fair to you...dammit..."

And Asher finally asks at that firmly - "well chuck that....and tell me this... how is it that you aren't bothered about what is fair to yourself in the moment Khushi??? I can clearly see through...that something has been bothering you deep...in the last ten days...but you just keep playing normal pretend in front of everyone + keep brushing it under the carpet eveytime I bring it up...how many times I'v tried to talk to you about this in the last ten days..and you just shrug it off...everyone else doesn't know...what I know...right?so they can't read more into it but I can....Khushi...and I know....this turmoil of yours is surely got something to do with the boy you met in Peru...again......right???

Khushi looks at him and does her best to deny - " who says somethings been bothering me deep...Asher??"

Asher raises his eyebrow - " really? playing pretend in front of me wont just work anymore...Khushi...whats up with you dammit? why you doing this to yourself? Listen..theres no way I am stepping out of here without drilling you on this..."

Khushi sighs.She was already feeling motional exhausted and drained from the turmoil before stepping into the bookcafe. Plus those pic messages shared by Arnav were still creating a havoc in her. She didn't have the strength to get on with this - right now. She looks at Asher and admits honestly - " Asher...lets talk later..please?not right now??k?"

Asher eyes her - " why?? Why not now??"

Khushi shrugs but she admits now reading his expressions seeing through her. He was right. No point playing pretend in front of him - " because...I am exhausted...not just from the long day but otherwise too...emotionally...k? I am just so freaking exhausted and drained...k?"

Asher moves a little further in his seat at that - seeing her distressed expressions and keeps his hand on her shoulder - " Khushi..talk to me...if you keep it in..it will suffocate you more..you know...you can talk to me...it will lighten you up..at least tell me...what's happened?? okay...you just say yes or no or one liners...ill ask you the questions on my mind to begin with..."

Khushi nods at that - on reflex. Suddenly feeling too exhausted to even sit up straight and she just leans back into the sofa at that and says - " okay..."

Asher asks - " this about him, isn't it? The boy you met in Peru??

Khushi nods - " yes...it is about him..."

Asher narrows his eyes - " wait...so...when did you last speak to him?

Khushi admits - " about ten days ago...on chat..thats all.."

Asher asks shocked now - "wait...are you saying...that you haven't spoken to this dude in like ten days??at all??"

Khushi sighs - " yes...I haven't spoken to him in ten days over at all..."

Asher asks to the point - " why??"

Khushi admits shrugging - " just..because...its complicated.."

Asher shrugs - " define complicated...please?"

Khushi sighs - " I wish..i could..."

And right then it strikes Asher and he asks - " wait ..wait..so if you haven't spoken to him in all these days...is there a chance...that you haven't even told him about our break up...,"And to his very shock next he hears Khushi sigh as she admits keeping her right hand over her forehead her fingers resting on both her temples - " indeed...he has no idea that we broke up..."

Okayyyyyyyyyy! This was Crazy! Asher states - " whattttttttt?? Whyyyy is that??? wait..did you not tell him...because he hasn't ended things with whoever he was with or what???"

Khushi rubs her temples at that but admits truly - " no...it isn't because of that...he'd ended things...with her...I mean...his ex...he's single now..."

Now Asher is even more shocked and he asks trying to connect the dots in his head - " Wait..wait...so if that is the case..and he is single...then why aren't you telling him?that you single too?now?why aren't you two talking???now what has happened??"

Khushi takes her hand off her temple at that and looks at Asher straight - " reality happened...Asher...its just complicated...k? you can say...I didn't tell him we broke up..because this was me buying time...to think how to proceed on his accord...k?"

Asher points it out clearly to her - " whoa...but that isn't fair to the dude...Khushi...just like it isn't fair to you too.."

Khushi sighs - " I know..that...but it just isn't so easy for me to hop onto the bus off what I am feeling...Asher...my minds saying something...and my heart is revolting...obviously..."

Asher chips in next sincerely - "so this is what has been taxing you emotionally...all this while...this tug of war in between your mind and heart???"

Khushi nods at that - now wanting to do nothing more - than just cry. She controls with great difficulty as she hears Asher ask - " but..why this tug of war in the first place?? Khushi? as in...why is your mind and heart not on the same page? On this??"

Khushi stares at him - " as if...I didn't give you the hint prior...pretty much the same reason..why...we didn't ever get together in Peru...Asher...we live in different worlds...k? he's lives in India dammit...and its not just that...isn't just that....its...its...,"And she pauses - as tears of frustration and confusion take over her again.

Asher keeps his hand on her head in support at that and brushes on it in a sincere friend gesture - " its what Khushi??? somehow I am unable to understand...why you giving in to that same theory of your mind even after all these years?even after...all you both have been through on account of emotions...sorry Khushi...from where I see it...I just don't understand why you'd do this to yourself again...or him...when you'd clearly managed to cope up with the thought of different worlds once in your head right? so why not just use the same coping mechanism again...."

And tears of frustration finally leave Khushi's eyes at that as she states - " because...because....it isn't so easy..Asher...he's..he's...oh you won't understand...damm..no one will understand what I am going through right now and why..."

Asher sighs at the sight of her frustrated tears - " then make me understand...I want to understand...how will I understand..until you don't open up ?? you know...I am your confidante on this...you can tell me...k? I won't judge anything..I just wana advice you against self-sabatogae dammit..just want the best for you..as your sincere friend..first.."

And at that from him - suddenly Khushi feels like - there's only one way to get him to understand where she was coming from on this accord..And so for the first time ever , driven by frustrated instinct in the moment+ haywire emotions she gets up from her spot and says to Asher - " you want to understand why this is so complicated right?Asher? why isn't for me to just jump on the bandwagon of my feelings??? You will keep my secret on this right? you my confidante on this right??"

Asher nods instantly - " ofcourse...to the latter...and the former...Khushi..."

Khushi says now to him wiping her frustrated tears - " come then...come with me....in one second...you will have your answer..as to why is this so complicated for someone like me..."

Asher gets up from his spot puzzled but follows Khushi as she races to her room - and his confusion deeps as he sees her go upto the cupboard as she brings out a box from underneath and he watches from behind as she finally gets up from her spot trembling almost and as she turns around to face him - clutching onto a couple of pics in her hands - he asks on reflex - " what's that Khushi? in your hand??,"And he hears her say trembling as tears ooze out her eyes eyeing the pictures in her hand - " the only two pictures...I have with him..from years ago in Peru...Asher...these are my pictures with the boy I met in Peru....and the minute you see this....you will know what I mean...plus understand...why it's so complicated for me..."

And curiosity gets the better of Asher in the moment as he asks stepping forward as she walked upto him too nearer her bed - " what do you mean?? will I recognise this dude?if I see him? you said..isnt someone I know...who is he ..Khushi??"

And it is right then - because - she felt like she'd burst if she didn't get it out of her system to atleast someone now - Khushi walks up to Asher and takes his right hand in hers and places the photographs with Arnav upside down for him to see as she whispers keeping a hand on the photo still - " isn't someone you know..but is someone...you'd surely...recognise...Asher...and I know...I wouldn't need to say a word more...after,"And at that she just sits down with a thud on her bed and burries her face in her hands as she whispers - 'go on..turn the pic over..and see for yourself...Asher...,"and she finally breaks down.

Asher obviously acts at that from her the very next second and he turns around the two pictures she's placed in his hand - and the very second - Asher's eyes do take in the sight off the younger boy next to the younger Khushi in the picture - his very own eyes pop into his sockets all wide - and do a double-take in momentary shock and daze.WHYYY???? BECAUSE, HE RECOGNISED HIM INSTANTLY. THERE'S NO WAY HE WOULDN'T NOT RECOGNISE THE PHOTO OF THIS PERSON.ASHER COULDN'T FREAKING BELIEVE IT. HE COULDN'T BELIEVE IT THAT - IN this moment of time - HE'D FOUND HIMSELF STARING AT THE PICTURE OF - the younger Khushi - in the same frame with none other than the younger - ASR!

WHATTT THE FREAKING HELLLLLLLL?????? THE BOY SHE MET IN PERU? WAS NONE OTHER THAN ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA???ASR???? The Samay singh Raizada's son - ASR???????????? THEIR FAVORITE CRICKETING STAR - ASR?????India's firecracker - opener+ lightening fast wicket keeper - whose game he himself couldn't stop going gaga - about???????

He quickly turns the next photo as well in dazed shock himself and once again when he finds himself staring at a candid very happy picture of Arnav Singh Raizada with Khushi in the frame - he feels like the ground pulled itself beneath his feet at that - as realisation finally sank in+ cemented in - deep into Asher Kapoor.

Damm. The boy she met in Peru - was indeed none other than ASR.

Now, Asher's head worked backwards in connecting all its dots - why in all these years - it's only been him whose been Khushi's favourite - surely a lot more than just game fan angle to it. Why she'd always unconsciously school him for jinxing him before his milestones?? Why she'd always been the happiest watching him play on TV?? Cheering for him the loudest always? Why, she'd stated herself as his biggest colossal fan.Now as he looked at these two pictures in his hand - it all made sense to him. Everything he couldn't understand prior...just made so much sense to him. Why she felt like - this was complicated for her.Why - she was so nervous about the different worlds still??? Because, hell , when he'd asked her to make her understand that part of it - even he hadn't expected to see the picture of ASR with her.

Damm.

This was ASR.

Indeed, the dynamics off his world+ his life was too different...way to different. Way too different/chaotic+complicated for Khushi to cope with on a personal front. Game was game. Fan to cricketer was different. But this was just freaking - Personal.Always had been personal,He simply understood now without her having to even say a word - as to why this was freaking extremely personally challeneging...for Khushi...to cope with.

And it hits him just then - even more strongly as his mind recalls what Khushi had told him prior - that day when he'd met ASR in a chance encounter - with bhai+suraj - these two had already bumped into one another - the night prior. ASR already knew - he was Khushi's boyfriend then? Now - that little pause by him with the pen when he'd asked him to sign an autograph for Khushi - made even clearer sense to Asher. Why ASR had that intriguing smile up his lips..when he mentioned...Khushi's crazy fan antics candidly.This was the reason why..Khushi was all teary eyed - when he'd handed her the autograph he'd got for her??????

Dammmm.

As it all sank in - all dots just freaking connected on its own accord. It is right then he spots a faded similar autograph from him for Khushi - on behind one of these pics he was holding.Damm.Damm.Damm. Freak, heavens god. He now somehow manages to move from his frozen shock spot and goes to sit next to Khushi dazed.She was still weeping with her head into her hands -and he hands her the pictures back and just asks her to reconfirm still even though he knew the obvious - " its him...ASR...the boy you met in Peru..is none other than ASR...Khushi??"

And at that Khushi finally looks up at Asher and nods with teras of frustration streaming down her face - " yes...Asher...yes...its him....its...him....now you know...everything...now you surely understand my turmoil...right? the look on your face tells me...you'v already connected all the dots in your head..."

Asher sighs at that and admits - " I have...connected it all in my head...Khushi...you don't need to say a word further to explain more on that accord....dammm...I wasn't expecting..this at all...never in my dreams I had imagined...the boy you met in Peru would be him...Khushi....,"and he asks now as it sinks in - " Wait wait..wait...if I were to look back in retrospect clearly now...you'd cryptically mentioned....when you'd met him he was going through a carreer choice turmoil.....oh we all know...what phase that was for him...in hi syounger days...with all that comparison with his father and how it had begun taken a toll on him...until one fine day...he returned to the 22 yards...determined to turn it all around...damm..now it sinks in...that was after you guys met? Dammm....this was why you never told him about your accident prior??because..he'd just begun to rise and shine as India's new opener?? Then??"

Khushi nods at that suddenly feeling relieved placing her head on Asher's shoulder - finally she was able to talk to someone without any filters about it and she admits - " yes...that's why I never told him then...Asher..thats why...how could I?? how could I have pulled him down in the dumps with me then? and then..when I was about to text him after years..as you now can connect ...I'd seen his announcement about getting together with Disha on his Instagram...."

Asher nods in daze still processing it all in and as Khushi mentions Disha - he turns around to Khushi as it hits him - " but wait..wait..wait...ASR already announced his break up with Disha...on the midnight after the third t20...after the match....freak when I dropped you at Sandra's...he was coming there to meet you?????wait..wait...Khushi...now you better give me the complete story...right now..surely there's more...you'v paled in your face...what aren't you telling me...??"

And Khushi just looks at him emotional as words fumble out on reflex as the weight of keeping it all in just continued to shed bit by bit - "remember how you mentioned the other day...when telling me about his breakup announcement - who knows what the inside story is...Khushi??? well, I know the inside story...Asher...and yes..something happened that night...as in...something that just felt like a slap of reality....on my face again...I mean...I felt so stupid then..like what was I even thinking?going there so see him ?on account of what I was feeling? He's ASR...Asher...look at the difference in his world and mine..where he stands..and where do I...stand...and...and....what happened actually that night...was....,"she pauses, tears beginning to fall hard now - as Disha's words came to haunt her again.Khushi burries her hand in her face - again.

But now Asher felt like he needed to know this Inside Story. He had to know more. Surely, something happened that night that's hoved Khushi back into her shell. He holds her by her shoulders and turns her around to face him - " Khushi...you tell me everything now..what the freaking hell happened that night...dammit?Did ASR say something to hurt you?did you hurt you??in anyway??"

And Khushi looks up at Asher at that as she shakes her head as it all flows out on reflex to Asher - " no...no..he didn't...I mean...he wouldn't ever say anything to hurt me Asher....he'd gone to get me some water so that I could have my medicine..and....Disha had been following him...I guess...he didn't know...I didn't know...but she found me....and...and..she just reminded me...hard...of my reality...you can say...,"And she pauses and closes her eyes hard as tears fall more.

Now that shocks, shakes and angers Asher immense.How Dare this Disha????? To freaking hell with her. He just hugs Khushi on reflex and asks brushing her head so that she could cry it out in his arms - " whatttttttttt?what are you saying Khushi?Disha found you?? she said something to you?? what did she say to you..Khushi??tell me...now...you tell me...now...its me...asher...I am here for you...k?talk to me...stop keeping it all bottled in..please...."

And as vulnerable as she felt in the moment - Khushi couldn't help but hug Asher for support at that as she ended up telling him everything....bit by bit...she ended up blurting it all out to Asher - word for word - as the showdown scene had unfolded in between her and Disha - in the next vulnerable minutes of conversation that followed.

To say that - Asher was fuming/boiling in rage himself - as his ears processed - everything Khushi told him off that scene from that night - would be an understatement. Hell, he was so angry at this woman he didn't even know - that he wanted to turn her world upside down in fury not just because she'd brutally hurt Khushi with her words - but because she'd been downright inhuman, cruel and evil towards her - in those moments. Damm, his heart broke for Khushi. Khushi didn't deserve this at all.She didn't. Indeed, he could now understand why she'd coiled back into her shell. Those words could break anyone's spirit.Hard. He controls his rage with great difficulty and finally pulls a crying Khushi up by her shoulders as he asks - " Khushi..does..ASR know...exactly what Disha said to you?? is that why he announced his break up that very night??"

Khushi shakes her head at that as she admits honestly - " nah...he doesn't know...I don't want to give him these disgusting details...Asher...I mean...his sister Anjali is with Ravi..he's Disha's brother..if Arnav knows...it'll rage him...lead to a showdown with Disha...that could just complicate things...so much...for his family..as in from Anjali's angle...so..no...I don't want him to know...plus..whats the point...its not like...she wasn't stating the truth wrapped in her evil words...yes..her choice of words...were disgusting Asher...but she was stating the truth right?? from reality's angle...how can someone like me even dream off standing next to some one like ASR??,"and that she just closes her eyes pausing to take a deep breathes at that.

Asher just hugs her sideways and he asks wanting to know what happened next - " okay....so you just haven't spoken to him since then??or what?? I mean...now...I know..why your phone was off..etc etc..why you slept in so late that day...dammm Khushi...now it all just connects in my head...I am so sorry for all of this to have happened...."

And Khushi whispers - " I did have a chat with him the next day...ofcourse...I mean..after we spoke on the phone Asher...I had so many texts waiting from him..wait...ill tell you the crux of it all..the actual bit...,"And she ends up giving Asher the brief highlights of that chat and as to how she thought of using the moment of Arnav not knowing about their break up as a cover up to buy time from him on this accord. By the time - she finished telling Asher that - she was so emotionally drained that she just picked up her phone and opened her chat window with Arnav to Asher and states - "see...these pics is what he sent me...just moments before...I stepped into the bookcafe...asher..,"

Asher's eyes quickly scan through the last five pic messages from ASR to Khushi. Damm, even he could sense the longing through those words from his end - for Khushi. No wonder - she was such a mess. He hears Khushi whisper now as she finally closes her phone and puts it behind her on the bed - " and....he's returning to Jamaica tomorrow...am such a freaking mess at the mere thought..Asher...kya karun mein?on one side...I have all these feelings....and the other side...my brain's freaking freezed on this accord...as the reality wrapped in Disha's words wont stop haunting me....kya karun main?Asher?Kya karun main??now you know..what I mean..right? now you know...my situation...and now that you know it all...you only tell me what do I do?? kaise bhool jaun mein real world ke differences...haan?kaise?(how to forget the worldly differences in between of him and me..Asher),"and at that she just places her head on his shoulder and lets the remainder of her tears flow.

Asher just lets her cry it out in the moment - obviously even though his head is working in an overdrive and he just stays silent for the next five-seven intense minutes wondering what to say to her - what her next step could be on this accord - and once her sobs steady a little on his shoulder - he says sincerely first - " Khushi...I think...I know what to do...look...first you listen to this though....disha's words are evil...k?you cannot let them play on your mind this way..what she said..things she implied...were downright horrible...I understand..why its shoved you back in your shell.....but....all her words...are nonsense...you are precious Khushi...to all of your close ones...to your parents...to your family...to your friends...to us all....and yes also to even ASR...he truly cares about you...we both know that...then why are you allowing...her words to haunt you this way?? you listen to me...first...you should....,"And he turns around to look at her given that he hadn't got even a hmmas a reaction from her - and he sighs as he finds her eyes closed in exhaustion over his shoulder. Her steady breathe - told him that she'd dozed off to sleep sobbing on his shoulder - somewhere in those 5-7 minutes of his silent support to her.

He takes a deep breathe at that and just makes her lie back down in her bed first - and tucks her blanket over her. She was sound asleep.Thank God, they'd all eaten a little at the bookcafe before so atleast he knew she wasn't going to bed - hungry tonight. As he finished tucking her blanket over her - he wipes the trail of two tears off her eyes - as the reality+the truth+ the Inside Story that he'd now heard from Khushi + everything that had happened with Disha+ its impact on Khushi just - dawns and sinks into him even more.

Perhaps- better - that she just slept on him before he could discuss with her what was on his mind? Because, chances were she wouldn't agree with what he was going to suggest anyway?

Well, to hell with Khushi's righteousness in the moment. Asher thought.Someone needed to give ASR the truth on this accord nonetheless. ASR needed to know the truth and every bit of the disgusting words his ex - had spat on Khushi's face. As Khushi's friend first plus also her ex + the man who respected her deep - it was surely his moral duty to do something about this for her - because she wasn't going to. He couldn't let ASR's ex - get away with this.She just couldn't walk in and hurt Khushi...stamp over her spirit and get away with it ..dammit.So what?if she were - from the higher end/strata/status of the society - that didn't give her the right to treat Khushi this way and Asher felt like he'd be dammed - if he didn't do a thing about this.And if that messed up things at ASR's end - he didn't care. That was for him to handle. He had to do what he had to do - for Khushi. His blood itself raged and boiled still - as he recalled - all that he'd heard from Khushi.

He was right on that thought when his phone beeps with a text. He looks into it. It's a text from his brother.

Bhai : Asher...check your mail.Just got in a mail from Suraj , that he wants to sit for a final round of discussion tomorrow afternoon post his arrival in Jamaica...so that we can sign of the deal papers day after morning - for the day post that he gets busy with training and prep for the test match series. I'm confirming a 3 pm meeting - k? Keep the paperwork ready well in time. also, lets discuss this once you home. Mika and me still at dinner.

Asher thinks deep in thought. Great! Even destiny+fate had dished out an opportunity on this - in Khushi's favour.

He quickly texts : okay bhai. No worries. All will be set in time for the meeting with Suraj at 3pm tomorrow.You and Bhabhi enjoy dinner. Also quick question though - you think ASR will be there?

Bhai : Asher, stop going into fan mode again momentarily. But yes, I think he will be there, given that Suraj has kept him in loop on all details of this deal. He's even marked ASR on the mail he just sent us..so I guess...ASR will be there.

Asher : okay bhai. No no, me not going into fan mode. Don't worry.Work first..rest of the fan talks..later...bhai...promise..

Bhai : good...

Asher keeps his phone back in his jeans pocket at that and looks at the exhausted sight off Khushi sleeping in her bed. She looked so freaking drained....so exhausted...as if there was no strength in her to even go on with this tug of war within her any longer...

He brushes his hands over his face at that - now even more sure of his decision than he was Prior. Surely, his gut told him he didn't even need to doubt if ASR would be there. If khusbi hadn't gotten in touch with him in last ten days and he still believes they are together - surely he'd want to get some details out of him tomorrow on how she was doing under the chance encounter...Asher thinks. SURELY , there was no way - ASR would skip a chance of bumping into him and getting some info off Khushi????? Asher thinks..

Hmmmmm......

Indeed, this was the first suitable step out of this Mess. There was no other way to begin with but with this step off - ASR knowing the truth - with all its sides to it.ASR needed to know the truth - the complete truth - the truth of their break up+ everything related to his venomous ex- Disha+ all the turmoil Khushi had been going through in all these days.....

And if Khushi wasn't ready to be the one to give ASR the truth to him because of all he numerous reasons and apprehensions - Asher Kapoor felt like - he was left with no option - but to gear up to be the one to give ASR the truth himself...

Yes.

He would do that. Indeed he would. Asher Kapoor would be dammed - if he didn't have that man to man - one on one - confrontation with ASR tomorrow - himself. Apparently, his second encounter with the dude was also destined to be an interesting one.

Why?

Because, - unlike just ASR knowing it in his head last time around - this time even Asher Kapoor knew - that there was a solid personal+ ironical+ bittersweet - INSIDE STORY - amidst it all....

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

Tadaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

How was that for the return update after a week on this story+ dhamaka development to begin this week's update with guys???????? Did any of you think this would happen this way - in the story at this point?????????????And as to all that its going to lead to???? In the coming update???

Next Update on this story - Will come in tomorrow night.(For I am so excited to write it out anyway. Seatbelt On...dear readers...for next update is going to be a solid - man to man confrontation in between Asher+Arnav...😉😉😉😉😉 Ab obviously Arnav had to find out the truth about Disha's words...ab asher se pata chalega...toh aur maza aayega na😉😉😉😉😉.)

Thanks guys for all the love* support always.

Much Love* Infinite Gratitude

❤️🙏❤️

Now and always..

Prachi