Helloooo everyoneeeee....

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

Happpyyyy Tuesday! 😃😃😃😃😃😃

So Yes, I am here with the next update of HW4.0 – the second update for this week. Back to Back!👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻

Please note – Earlier this part was supposed to be a part of a much longer chapter but then by the time I finished writing this decided to post this as stand – alone – for I think – I wanted to Highlight the theme of this Update as well through its scenes in narration....😃😃😃😃🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

So yup – I just split it then – for it felt fair to the story to give a detailed glimpse into Karma getting about its way with Disha!+ the rest of developments that follow..

Thank you so very much for all your precious support and love to my work – guys!

Word count (Medium- Long)– 7k words.

Seatbelts on – dear readers. Rollercoaster begins......

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18. Karma & Catalyst

The Next Day – Jamaica

Evening – 6:55 PM

Asher stole a glance at Khushi who was busy looking out the window in silence at the moment – sitting in the front seat next to him. He took a deep breath and returned his attention to the road – to carry on driving – even though his head was still on a thinking overdrive as to how to finally bring this up with Khushi.

Bring what up with Khushi?

The bit that was actually happening, right now, with her being clueless about it, still. Well, Khushi still had no idea, that Asher was technically in the middle of driving her to see ASR – under the pretext of – let's go out for a drive and chat- Khushi – given that so much has happened since last night in the aftermath - post Disha's vile video gone viral and they hadn't been able to chat about it openly.

So, last night, when that entire video of Disha went up viral online – Asher and Khushi were in the middle of chilling out with the gang at Rahul's for casual dinner get together. Everyone in the gang, had hopes from the two – announcing something like they were in the process of sorting things out etc etc – but Asher and Khushi had collectively maintained the stand amongst all when asked – that everyone just had to come around to accepting the bit that they were now broken up for good and were going to be in each other's lives as friends..

That had earned Asher a silent thoughtful look from his bhai – for he was aware through his mother – about Maya's return to come seek Asher at the office – earlier the evening...

Anyways,it was whilst everyone was in the middle of their casual chatter post that when - Diya and Zara had brought the situation up to everyone's attention about Disha's video gone viral - whilst looking at their phone's shocked discovering Disha's unbelievably sick antics in the video.

Everyone, in the room, as in their gang had gone into a collective shock as they'd stared at the disgusting video gone live – with Yug and Manika exclaiming disgustingly first – 'Crap, is this Disha's true face?'

Zara+Diya being all like – 'Did she really just do this??for real?wow...is she freaking human or what? or just a monster in disguise??how could she freaking burn a person with piping hot coffee and then walk away/stomp away in that entitled vive/snobbery vibe consuming her without even having the heart to check on him once'

Mika Di + Nina had gone onto claim in shock too as they gaped at their phone's – ' Disgusting, this woman is...someone freaking sue her for this...she indeed should be made to pay for this act of hers. How was ASR even ever – dating someone like her?in the first place?given that he's always been grounded, friendly, candid and down to earth in all his public interactions uptil now as we have seen...plus...even Atharv and Asher can vouch for that...given that they met him and Suraj...right Atharv?'

And uptil then – the only two people who were still stunned in silence gaping into their phones looking at that vile video of Disha gone viral was Asher and Khushi.

Why?

Because, these two were anyway aware of her true colours, right? Seeing that vile video up online – just reminded Khushi of Disha's vile, nasty, inhuman expressions from the other day+her words as she'd lashed out her. And seeing those very expressions in that video – just riled up Asher as well because now he could imagine the look on that vile Disha's face as she whipped and lashed out at Khushi.

In that moment, Asher Kapoor stood statued in his spot in a stunned silence -hoping with every cell in his body that ASR better be in the middle of taking Disha's case alongside the one life/karma had dished out her – finally.

And Khushi had continued to be in silence as everyone around was discussing this – was because – a part of her being was like – apparently – Karma's always on the job isn't it? Watching it all? Recording one's intentions and actions? Surely, what goes around..comes around...one day...indeed.After the way Disha had behaved with her + knowing the inside story of her+Arnav, Khushi of course didn't have any qualms believing this vile side of her in the video.It seemed – Life+ Karma had finally decided to dish out some karmatic justice served piping hot in Disha's plate...

It was in post this moment in her head, Khushi had finally looked up from her phone in silence to come across the sight off - Asher giving her the look of – Khushi, are you okay?

And she'd just nodded back at him – reassuring him the same with a subtle nod. The two were pulled out of their silence mode – as Atharv finally went to add over Mika's words to all – ' indeed, guys, ASR is such a nice bloke. Even Suraj for that matter. But given that its ASR in context here...ill stick to highlighting the positives we noticed in him. Such a friendly, grounded, sincere,person, he indeed is. No hoity toity air/snobbery vibe around him at all...he isn't the types to ever look down upon another human we feel....right Asher?he's only been a complete polite gentleman..in our encounter...as we'v seen him be publically, otherwise..always..."

And that finally led Asher to chip in and support his brother's narrative in front of all again....as he observed Khushi just being silent again listening on – as she kept glancing here and there – whilst munching on her snacks.

Asher was glad in the moment that his brother hadn't mentioned how many of those work instances they'd met ASR at – keeping up with his earlier promise to Asher. Earlier, Asher had managed to make Atharv promise to keep their second work encounter from everyone under covers for a couple of days extra - because he'd mentioned to his brother – that he was getting ASR+Suraj's autographs laminated for the gang to give away soon as a surprise to all and only then would they tell them – collectively. Atharv had bought the excuse – thankfully. Actually, Asher had made that up so that Khushi wouldn't hear about his second encounter with ASR in anyway – without having heard about it from him – first.

Once Asher had finished speaking on the same, and he kept studying Khushi's silent frame simultaneously – they'd all heard – Rahul exclaim again – ' well, given that is the narrative we'v heard from you guys...again...just makes me wonder again...how was ASR even handling all of this woman's toxicity in the first place??surely, the bloke's been relieved post...the break up...I think all his silence on social media on the context post his announcement – is because he's proabaly in the state of nirvana and relief.."

That made – Asher sip on water. If only they knew...

Yug had gone onto add - ' as it is when the narrative is still going around that she was using his context for mere publicity even though the relationship was dying...as if she hasn't received flak/trolls/hate online for faking it all for the sake of social media...now ...this happens? In a way good only...her true colours come to surface...she's surely going to be finished in the online world after this...'

Diya had scoffed looking into her phone going through the video again – ' serves her right...how dare she behave that way?? the poor guy...did you all see the way she thrashed him for his dressing/mocking him for looking the way he was using such mean references...god...I don't even want to repeat the words she's been seen using in the video...one can clearly see...he's trembling with humiliating tears in his eyes as walking upto get her the coffee fifth time around...I mean..its just been so sick to even that point....and well, post that...she just initiated her own doom...by acting out that way...indeed....still I can't believe...throwing...a hot cup of beverage back at the guy...horrible...downright horibble...'

Zara had added next looking into her phone – ' indeed...this is horrible and rightly...its resulted in a crazy defaming Hungama for her...guys...you have no idea how this has escalated...she's being lashed at..hard online...serves her freaking right indeed...you reap what you sow...Disha..'

Now, that from everyone just made Asher think – if only they knew – Disha had actually acted in her vile ways with their beloved – Khushi – they'd just hound her down and thrash her – themselves? Asher had fought the gulp of truth – keeping it in with himself as he continued to observe the frame of silent Khushi. He had been wondering how to get her to talk on this – in front of all.

It was Mika, Zara, Diya, Manika and Nina – who had collectively asked Khushi first as to why she was the silent one in this and didn't she have her opinion to state on this??

And Khushi had finally taken a deep breath as she'd stated to all that she was silent because she was just shocked at that display of toxicity and horrible act in the video from Disha and life/karma was going to serve her exactly what it deemed fit – so no point of them all wasting their hang out time – over discussing her toxicity....and Khushi reminded everyone...to get on with dinner. In the moment, everyone agreed, that it really wasn't worth discussing Disha's horrible antics at the time – with everyone collectively sympathizing with ASR in their heads...

Asher knew in the moment, why Khushi had done that obviously so that the topic of Disha's vileness was diverted amongst all for the while not having her think of it – herself in her episode. Khushi's agenda over dinner had worked as well, she'd managed to get everyone talking to other general, casual stuffs...but once again post dinner – during desert time – the topic had gone back to Disha by default on accord off more consequential developments online as well....

It had caught Yug's eye first as he browsed his phone then – that the music video shoot -she was supposed to continue working on here in Jamaica post Cuba had just been cancelled – or rather she had been fired from it as in the makers had announced that they were not going to associate themselves with an artist who had zero aspects of humanity and morality left in her – prioritizing compassionate grounds...themselves. They'd even gone on to announce in a public statement – that all work done by Disha in the music videos for their album prior in shootings in Cuba was going to be deleted by them and they wouldn't mind going through double the expense to shoot the whole thing again with a different model/artist....

And as everyone in the room processed all of that....Manika had gone onto fill everyone dishing out her phone that indeed things were now escalating a thousand times worsened for Disha for post this..apparently some other support staff on the same shoot unit who worked with her hair+make up/vanity - back in Cuba had come out – stating their experiences with her – as she'd made it a regular habbit to trouble them with her tantrums/demeaning mocking/glares/bullying behaviours while they assisted her in getting ready. They'd all gone onto tag her social media handle in their comments expressing their experience as well...

And once this bit – began hitting the social media – with everyone tagging Disha's handle publically – in the statements/comments of reveal highlighting her vile/condescending behaviours with many – things just spiralled down the hill road...faster even more...for Disha. Plus, Given that it was morning in India by then....even the netizen world back in India...got involved...in social media backfire towards Disha – processing all that had come to light...

Her actions indeed had brought about her own doom – for as things got heated on social media in India as well, with this bit off her acts catching blazing fire going viral...within the first morning working hour..back in India...soon all the brands that used to endorse Disha for promotion and even all the designers she used to model/walk the ramp for came out one by one – with public statements on their social media handles that going forward – they were terminating all their working contracts with Disha on grounds of misbehaviour in the working sphere and bullying because now many people in their respective back office/support teams also brought up her acts of misbehaviour and bullying with them over the last year especially – the bit they'd all kept mum on thinking they couldn't take her on/because no one would believe their word over her cunning cover up!!But given that now that there was solid proof of her bullying and misbehaviour...they couldn't help but come out and support that narrative...as well...

Disha was finished – in her career – Indeed.By this time nearing Midnight Jamaica time – which was 10:30 am IST, an image of her being spotted leaving the team's hotel the very night for the airport – with a scarf wrapped around her head+ wearing sunglasses started doing the rounds of the internet – along with crazy buzz that just because she was scared that how many people/volume of people coming out and talking about her bullying behaviour whilst tagging her publicly on Instagram – she'd gone onto deactivate her account – herself – as she preferred going to complete hiding at the moment.

And even back in India - the online buzz also – kept going on as to how someone as grounded and polite and friendly as ASR ever dated her? As to how was she Ravi's sister? Given that he'd always been grounded and compassionate too?In his demeanour as a public figure? Many comments started flooding in from people as to how they'd experienced completely opposite, and freidnly compassionate moments with her brother – Ravi vs Her vile ones..

By then, it had also come to the eye of the online world – from comments made by the burn victim's family back in Cuba – that the brother as in Ravi had already reached out to them through sources and he had compassionately gone forward to take care of the entire treatment of the guy – and the family members had mentioned that he had seemed disturbed enough himself by his sisters act on this accord and was sincerely apologetic towards them for the same....admitting that what was wrong was wrong and nothing could justify those actions...ever...

Now as - this news-spread online - it just got Ravi's public handles on Instagram flooded with supportive comments mostly with everyone being like – 'Good on you for making a sincere attempt to reach out to helping the victims+ his family in the need of the hour.'

'You keep your head in the game Ravi..we know...you just as shocked by her true face as the world..for she was/is a cunning person to be covering it up all this while..'

'We stand by you Ravi.Don't let this impact your game etc etc..'

Ofcourse, Ravi's insta handle also had comments like – ' Where is your crazy sister now? Seems to have underground into hiding etc etc?'

'Knock some sense into her head – ravi before it is too late, or wait..its already to late!'

' We pity you..for having a sister like her...! Surely, must be embarrassing to face your siblings act this way?and have to be the one to clean up her mess given that she still has no decency to step up to do the same...etc etc....'

So by the time, the gang finished hanging out at Rahul's for the night - all these developments had already taken place for everyone to see. Post this whilst dropping her home, Asher had thought he'd edge Khushi to talk about this openly to him -but then his phone had beeped with ASR's text then as well, asking him to connect as soon as possible so Asher had just dropped – Khushi home immediately letting her be in her silent thinking zone – then.

The minute he'd left Khushi – Asher had gotten in touch with ASR who had immediately filled him in over the highlights at the showdown that went off in between – him +Anjali+Ravi+ Disha and as to how he was in the process of taking her case + handling her in the language she understands - whilst just then the entire video fiasco came to the surface anyway.

Asher was relieved ofcourse, to hear what ASR had to say and after telling ASR that he'd obviously been up to date with the Hungama that was happening online on Disha's accord – it seemed better to him(Asher) that Karma took its course at the same time as well !

ASR had then gone to ask him about Khushi in the moment ofcourse – if she was seeing it all as well? And Asher had gone onto admit that she had seen it all - yes given that they were all together but had just been mostly been silent in thought...that's all. Post another couple of minutes...the two men finally hung up their call – with ASR stating to Asher that he'd show him the apology video(For Khushi) from Disha upon meeting the next day for Suraj's final deal signing...

And at Asher's end – the first half of the next morning had been eventful as well, with everyone getting together to finally sign off the deal at the commercial space. And post shaking hands with Suraj and handing him the official papers – Atharv had gotten busy in chatter with him with regards to info on new opportunities that Yash would like to explore and Asher had finally used the opportunity to talk with Arnav – outside at that – and once he had seen the apology video from Disha in ASR's phone that he had – Asher had himself nodded on reflex sincerely and been like – ' yes, I'd now help you meet Khushi...ASR...given that this Disha is anyway being served the bitter consequences of her actions by life/karma at large at the moment...clearly...she won't ever even think off treading around Khushi/ or ever try to bully any other human ever again.....'

And in that moment, Asher's eyes had finally seen ASR sigh in monumental relief at that...as he thanked him for the same...a zillion times over...in the next breath. He'd asked him(Asher) to keep him(ASR) upto date with the plan for he couldn't wait to meet Khushi and show her this apology video – himself and also apologize to her – himself for having to go through hell of an turmoil on accord of his ex's actions.....

Asher had assured ASR that he would plan the meet up with Khushi for him and keep him in loop – but given that he was aware Khushi had a full day of volunteer work up at her end for the day she'd only be free post 630 PM so only post that – he could make it happen.ASR had mentioned that he'd wait for his message on the same obviously, given that he would also be done with their late afternoon/early evening– net practice session by 530 PM – and he was glad about that practice time for only his game could keep him distracted + busy - amidst the wait to finally see – Khushi tonight! And even though – it was going to be extremely difficult for him to not text Khushi anything at all until then – ASR mentioned – he'd keep it up until he finally saw her.....

And now...as Asher finishes recalling all of this – in his head – whilst driving – he finally takes a deep breathe again as it finally hits him as to how to bring this context up with Khushi - as he catches her now come out of her deep in thought gaze – heading to indiancricketteam's social media handle on Instagram – as she presses play – to see the 1 minute 30 second snippet posted by the page – showcasing this afternoon's net session practice by the unit – as they began practicing for the test series that was scheduled to begin in 4 days from now.ASR could be seen practicing in the nets...the video as well..along with the unit....

Asher asks Khushi now – observing the bit as he drove - that they were just ten minutes away from their destination where ASR was already waiting for Khushi – having arrived early – " Khushi....what you observing on in that net practice video haan? if...ASR is okay???"

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Khushi finally looks sideways at Asher at that question from him as she sighs and continues going through the video watching the sight of Arnav concentrating as usual during net practice and admits – " yes...Asher..what else do you think...I am seeing??thank god..he looks okay...at the moment....in fact another thing I am glad about as I see this video...up?Asher? is that Ravi is practicing in the nets as usual...as well...his frame also looks usual and normal..as does the rest of the teams in the video..which means...thank god..all this outside Hungama related to Disha since last night...hasn't impacted...the gaming sphere surrounding Ravi...atleast...to be fair enough to him...this isn't his fault...at all..."

Asher sighs at that as he nods – " well, I am glad...about that...Khushi..as well...I think everyone agrees on this..that why must the other sibling be reprimanded for no fault of his anyway...given that he's always been the genuine/sincere one...not his fault if his sister turned out to be so vile...glad that this stays out of the gaming sphere...surely...I guess...ASR and his sister would have been with him..through this..,"he adds cryptically. He knew it – of course from ASR this morning – that they were supporting Ravi through the whole debacle which hadn't been easy for the brother in him to go through...anyway...

Khushi sighs and nods at that – " I guess...so...too...Arnav would have surely supported him......"

Asher chips in now – "well, his social media handle..as in ASR's still being flooded with comments like...how did you even date...Disha ever...ASR? Can't believe her true face's that have come to light..etc etc....right??"

Khushi nods looking into her phone going through Arnav's Instagram now – " yeah...that's what's happening...Asher...his last gaming post...post the ODI's just being commented on with this...now..since yesterday...but.....he's just been silent on it all..though...no reaction...at all...I understand why...obviously....surely...even he must be in shock at seeing the volume of bullying accusations/demeaning behaviour... come to surface on Disha's accords..they all must be so shocked..infact....him...Anjali..and Ravi..."

Asher looks at Khushi now as he pauses the car on a red light – " on that note...why have you been silent on this entire Disha bit till now...Khushi??don't you have anything to say? Serves her right?doesn't it? she got what she sowed....she's finished...literally...finished on both sphere's... work+ personal.....surely no one's gona work with her after all that's come to light...every work link she had back in India has already come out publicly and announced their disassociation with her...going forward..she's called for her own doom and hard humiliation on social media...plus..I am sure..after seeing her true face..her own family would be rethinking their equations with her....as they process the shock if it all....."

Khushi sighs at that to Asher looking straight at him as they wait for the light to go green – " honestly...Asher..yes..I think..she's reaping what she sowed...but the reason why I have just been silent on this..is...because...I consciously don't want to give her any continuous headspace in my mind any longer...k?I don't even want to overthink about how things going down for her,by even talking about it. And even though she freaking messed up with me bad...I haven't been brought up in the way to seek joy in someone's downfall...like you know me... its not me to seek joy/sadistic pleasure in someone else's misery ever......she's surely miserable right now/down in the worst dumps with the world lashing out at her in the way it is...so well, ill just say...when I say..she's reaping what she sowed...my thoughts stemming more from the point that... indeed..Life has its ways of coming about... karmic justice...eventually.That's all. All these people she's misbehaved with/bullied has happened independently – as in that has no link to my bit/experience with her – anyway – right?so yeah – if this came to surface on its own anyway and she facing the consequences of it all...then all I'd say is...more strength to Ravi and his family through this mess....on her accord...surely it would be aching them so much to discover all of this....right??and perhaps...that finally this massive setback...knocks some sense of humanity in the toxic woman....now...at least...."

Asher sighs and nods at that – " well, yes....to all of the latter...and yes...this isn't about us feeling joy in her misery Khushi..like you said...more about...just thinking to one's self that life indeed has its ways of coming about karmic justice....infact guess what...my belief in Karma...just got more cemented...after this episode...,"And as he sees Khushi nod at that he asks now hopeful – " so...when you mean you don't want to give her any headspace in your head any longer...Khushi....does this also imply to her vile words that have been haunting you? surely, you shouldn't give it any weightage at all...any longer too...look...now that her true colours have come to light...everyone knows...she's just sick and inhuman herself...so please?dont let her words play on your mind any longer?"

Khushi sighs at that but she admits now to Asher honestly – " what do you think...I'v been on a thinking spree in silence since last night Asher? Trying to delete her vile words out of my head only...I am trying hard to find that magical button of permanent delete to that in my head. But...is it working? Not really? somehow her words just come back to haunt me...hard...again...nonetheless...why?because...I told you...her choice of words maybe evil...but she wasn't wrong about pointing out the differences in mine and Arnav's worlds...that's reality...Asher...it's a hard reality...."

Asher groans at that now as he restarts driving - glad that he was just four minutes away from the destination – "Damm...Khushi...I think...you really must just get in touch with ASR about this entire Disha fiasco...dude...just talk to him will you? just tell him about the whole episode with Disha... truly?as is? Word for word? He should know....he needs to know....."

Khushi shakes her head at that as she gapes at Asher – " Asher...no...are you crazy?already so much Hungama has happened since yesterday...if I say this now..it will surely just create issues more for Anjali...I am sure...god only knows...how her and Ravi coping up with this anyway...right?? I know...Arnav really loves Anjali...k? she's super important to him..and seeing her distressed will just distress him....eventually....."

Asher sighs studying Khushi narrow eyed – " god dammit...Khushi..sometimes...your righteousness...can be your biggest weakness...as it is your strength too...."

Khushi nods – " I know...as is...in your case...,"and she sighs – " anyway..let's not...talk about me..right now...Asher..."

Asher wasn't going to let go obviously – " of course we have to talk about you...first you tell me this....don't you feel like you wana check up on ASR... after this whole episode?anyway??"

Khushi sighs as she admits honestly staring into her phone– "ofcourse...I want to...Asher..I wana know how he is doing obviously...his thought only has been haunting me since last night ...plus thank god...I had my volunteer work keeping me busy all day...until now...or else I would have succumbed to doing just that......anyway....you know in these days only the sense of service back...has been able to bring me the feeling of contentment and peace..."

Asher nods at that. He knew – Khushi had gone around with major volunteer work today – only in search for that feeling of peace and calm within her. In the mornings – she'd been serving alongside her colleagues/volunteers at the NGO – related to executing a massive food/meal donation drive around the suburb/slum areas in the city. In the afternoon – she'd been occupied with the NGO she volunteered with – that takes up responsibilities of tutoring the underprivileged kids at various orphanages and post that in earlier evening in between 4 – 6PM – she'd been busy with the other NGO she volunteered with in overseeing the arrangements of the massive eye camp for the underprivileged – coming up over the weekend!

He says now smiling at her in support over that point – " surely...I know...the day prior has been able to feel like a peaceful distraction...Khushi..,"but he adds – " but now...what? now that...the evenings set in ...and work is over for the day...aren't your hands itching to text ASR? Or are you just going to stick to watching that recent video of his from glimpse of nets practice...all night...??"

Khushi sighs at that fighting her inner turmoil – " ofcourse...my fingers are itching to text him...Asher.."

Asher raises his eyebrow – "then why aren't you just texting him dammit??"

Khushi narrows her eyes at him – " for the same...reason.. you aren't/haven't reached out to Maya all day....Asher...don't you understand...I am freaking nervous...at even thinking...what will happen...if I text him..right now...it will just lead to a to and fro of messages in between of us yet again and...a part of me feels like....what if...I won't be able to escape my emotions that I am anyway holding snooze on with so much difficulty....and then...bammm...what if? I just sink...into it all...again....? huh? my minds still got this reality barrier up...on this accord....Asher..."

Asher groans – " well, ill tell you another reason I see... why you so nervous to text ASR...because you know very well...only he is the one who can leap through your mind barriers...right now..which is why...your mind's forcing you to shut him out still....for it doesn't want its barrier's leaped...,"and he adds to himself silently – Too Bad for your mind Khushi, I surely intend to be the Catalyst on this accord once and for all....

Khushi sighs in silence knowing she didn't have to give Asher an answer to that – for her silence would lead to him understanding it all – anyway and she watches him now pull the car over into a parking lot deciding to bring up another point of conversation – " Asher...please...let my matter slide aside..for another night...please?? look...you hear this first..there is something else I have to tell you....as well...I have been thinking how to bring this up to you all morning...too......,"And she pauses as she catches the surroundings and gapes at Asher – " Asher...wait..why are we here? isn't this the four-floor small scale residential building project - you all developed a couple of years ago...in which...your parents gifted the top floor apartment to Mika di and Jiju as a wedding gift...in case they wanted to move out and live alone by themselves post their wedding? But given that...Mika di wanted to stay in with you all at family home...you all had just put this apartment up for rent....? that's exactly....where we are?right?why are we here??right now??some issue with the tenant or what? that you have to sort out???"

Asher finally brings the car to the stop at that and he turns around to face Khushi now. He knew it this was the moment of truth – " indeed...we are at that spot only...Khushi..but no...there is no issue with the tenant...because...they moved out the space two weeks ago..and the apartment hasn't been rented out again yet so yeah......but we are here for another important reason...but I will get to that post.... you tell me..what is it...that you had to say to me??"

Khushi gapes at Asher at that nervous. How to tell him that out of worry for him this morning, she'd reached out to Rekha aunty seeking to get info about Maya as to what Rekha aunty had observed at seeing her frame from across and post that as Rekha aunty had checked up on her first, she'd realised at her reassurance that she had Asher's best interests in her mind – Rekha aunty had told her everything she'd observed along with the bit that she'd spotted Maya being super disturbed/crying as she sat in the cab – a detail which Asher had missed out/or rather filtered out to Khushi – purposely. And post hearing this - she'd(Khushi) herself gotten hold on Maya's number through Rekha aunty and had just texted her – saying – that she was Asher's friend and she'd gotten to know that she's(Maya's) here to see Asher and had just, advised her to just be patient on this ...that's all....for now....

Asher gapes at Khushi narrow eyed as she's surely thinking of how to bring a context to him – " what aren't you telling me..Khushi??"

Khushi sighs at that finally letting it all out – " that...I got in touch with Rekha aunty to understand the entire observation from her – off Maya's frame when she saw her yesterday and because...I couldn't hold myself...out of worry for you...on this...I just ended up texting Maya myself...k?as in...I didn't say much...just asked her to be patient on this..accord of wanting to see you...I texted...saying...I am your friend...obviously..."

Now that shocks Asher momentarily as he gapes at Khushi stating – " what the hell – Khushi?? you did what?????"

And Khushi shrugs at that – " I know...don't be mad...don't be mad..this just me...being worried for you...k? I cannot like not do anything for you on this accord....Asher...look from where I see it...you really need to return her call to figure out why she is here in the first place...why didn't you tell me...that Rekha aunty spotted her all disturbed and crying as she took the cab back whilst leaving at being unable to see you??"

Asher sighs at that observing Khushi's sincere frame – right now. Well, given the situation, he'd gone further down in his actions to do something for her on her accord too right? So, he couldn't really hold it against her for wanting to do this for him! Perhaps – this would make her understand why he had to go out of his way to get on with his one on one with ASR now. He says now taking a deep breathe – " fine.....Khushi...you want me to text Maya? Figure out why she is here??"

Khushi nods, instantly, relieved at that.

Asher says now with a raise of his eyebrow – "fine... I'll go about it on one condition...and that is...if...you finally make your way upto the fourth floor....to our apartment...that is otherwise empty...but not so empty right now...for someone is waiting up there for you already......so if you say...you'll go up and meet him...and face this for yourself now ...I promise...that I'll face...this return of Maya chapter.... as well...."

Khushi gapes at Asher puzzled at that – " huh??what do you mean???? me...go up?? And meet who?? Asher????who is waiting up for me..there???"

And Asher sighs at that finally letting it out – " who else do you think?Khushi?? The Boy you met in Peru...is waiting up for you...right now...up there....he's arrived...twenty minutes prior only...so that he could see you..finally...he's been dying to meet you...aching more so....Khushi...."

That shocks, frazzles, and shakes Khushi immense as she gapes at Asher her insides beginning to tremble in solid emotion her right hand reaching out to clutch over hear heart – " whatttttttttttt?????? What did you just say????????Asher??? Arnav is waiting up there to see me...right now???????wait..wait..how do you even know that??and how is he here...at your apartment??? Asher....??? Talk...now...you freaking better get talking now..."

And at that Asher goes on finally nodding – " fine...I'll talk...so... he's up there right now....because...I planned it..all...Khushi....I did this...for you...I just had too...look...just like you felt that you had to do something for me on Maya's accord as my sincere friend...I felt the same first...already on your accord...which is why..I already had a one on one..with ASR yesterday afternoon...itself...during our second work meet and I gave him the entire truth...myself...as to about what Disha spoke...to you..."

Khushi feels like the car's just opened its ground underneath her and she's sunk down it in shock as she asks trembling gaping at Asher in disbelief – " you.....whattttt????? you did...what??? Asher????? You met him...?? you told him everything already?that means...you had to also begin with telling him...you knew he was the boy I met in Peru...damm...Asher..what else did you say to him??????you did what? did you even tell him about our break up or what???"

Asher sighs but states the truth – " don't be mad at me for this...Khushi....I just had to do it..for you..felt like you wouldn't...so yes....I gave him the complete truth...about our break up as well...as to when it happened...and the why's...of it ..too...."

Khushi gapes at Asher wide eyed in continuous disbelief as she states – " dammm you...what the hell...Asher????????????"

Asher shrugs – " damm you...what the hell...Khushi?? I could say the same...on accord of you texting Maya...Khushi..."

Khushi sighs at that and burying her face in her hands now trembling in emotion she asks – " tell me...now...tell me everything....Asher...I wana know..everything he knows...obviously...plus damm..he must have been so angry over hearing what Disha said....damm...damm....he must be feeling guilty about it too...plus...surely this had to lead to some complication for Anjali...just what I didn't want on my accord......damm you...asher...damm you...."

But Asher doesn't give a damm about her damming him in the moment and he goes in with telling Khushi it all. He quickly fills in Khushi over everything from his one on one with ASR yesterday and as to how he was like a furious volcano in anger – post hearing it all - when he promised him that he'd deal with Disha first and then seek his help to make him meet Khushi. And Asher also goes onto fill Khushi over his phone conversation with ASR last night about how – there was a showdown in between the four – with him showing Ravi+Anjali - Disha's true faces and colours before the entire video fiasco only came to light – Karma taking the lead in it all anyway.

Plus, he also goes onto tell Khushi – about his meet with ASR in the morning as to how he observed the longing in his face/the ache to just see Khushi now...and then him promising to help on the same. He didn't tell Khushi about...Disha's apology video yet though – knowing that was what ASR wanted to show Khushi himself...

Khushi listens to it all...obviously...shaking and trembling in her position in the front seat next to Asher. She looks at Asher in stunned shock once he finally finishes and says as it all sinks in her mind + heart processing it all- " is this for Real Asher? You did all of this for Real? Arnav and you..planned all of this for real?? to get me to see him...this way...without me knowing it...having any idea about this..."

Asher sighs – " look..Khushi...we both knew...we had to push you into meeting him...or else...you wouldn't..get around it...yourself...given all the turmoil you feeling within....on his accord...just felt like you wouldn't have it in you to turn back from seeing him when you knew – he was just a minute away from you...waiting to see you himself.......,"And he rubs her arm in support – " Khushi...I know..this is an emotional shocker you weren't ready to face tonight...but...trust me when I say this...I never thought...I'd see the intense aching longing..I saw in ASR's eyes...for you...and even yesterday the way I took about our talk....everything I observed in him on your accord just shocked me or rather moved me....dammit...I told you everything right? so trust me when I say this...you really need to talk to him...face to face...on this...without any further delay..the dude's in pain...as are you...as I know...just talk and sort things out...please?? whats the point of being stuck in this rut of turmoil..longer? you guys just really need to talk....Khushi.....,"And it is right then – Asher pauses as his phone beeps with ASR's text that says.

ASR : Asher, are you guys here yet? Damm,dude..am sorry for following up constantly on your arrival..here...and I am eternally greatful for your help on this.But I freaking feel like I am dying out here in wait to see Khushi – finally. Are you here already? Just get her up to see me somehow? Please? I freaking can't handle this aching wait..anymore. I just can't...! I really need to see her...NOW...

Asher shows the text to Khushi now – as he hands her his phone and watches her tremble in deep emotion as her eyes well up as she reads the text from Arnav and Asher says now – " come on...Khushi...you know...you want to see him...right very now too...surely you don't have it in you to walk away...without seeing him...right now...right???"

And at that Khushi finally looks sideways at Asher clutching on his phone tears streaming down her face – " damm you...freak you...Asher...indeed......I don't have it in me...to freaking walk away after reading this text of his to you Asher...or after knowing he's been waiting there up for me.....godammit you...what have you done..Asher?what have you done?? I was keeping up with my silence as the momentary cover up..and you went out and blew my entire cover away...I know you did it for my good...perhaps...but damm you...damm freaking you...I am freaking mad at you for this...so mad...ya...."

Asher sighs – " alright...you can stay mad at me..for this...much later...k?Khushi...but I had no choice but to opt for being the catalyst for you on this accord....just....go up now...ASR is waiting...would be very unfair to keep him waiting longer on this....ya..."

Khushi glares at Asher angrily in the moment though as she states getting her bag set on her right shoulder – " fine...I'll go..now...but not before you text Maya first...here..I just shared her contact no with you on whtsapp...text her first...now..dammit...only then will I go...you wana be the catalyst for me..on my accord..then I shall be the catalyst for you...on your accord....."

Asher nods at that to Khushi as he writes a text to Maya. Damm, he'd do it just to get Khushi going up to sort her turmoil – Asher thought.

Once Khushi sees Asher tap send to the text to Maya – she finally narrows her eyes at him as she says – " our talk on this isn't over yet Asher...am still royally mad at you..for this...also..what the hell?Asher?how do I even get in the apartment...in the first place?yes I know..there's only one residential unit every floor...so no confusion there...but how do I get in?and wait...damm?how did Arnav even get in??? surely you haven't been the one to let him in...given that you were with me all the whilst? So? How did you two even plan this???"

Asher bites back his smile at that now – " well, like I said...I can handle you being mad at me for this... ....Khushi...also...check your whtsapp...I texted you the passcode to the automatic security lock on the door...I shared it with ASR obviously along with the location of the spot...that's how he got in....obviously...and let's just say he managed to sneak in disguised...somehow...as in...he wasn't spotted...so don't worry about it..."

Khushi sighs at that – as it hits her – surely Arnav used his crazy hoodie get up as disguise to cover his face etc – while he got in up??????????????

DAMMMMMMMMMM HIM.AND DAMMMMMMMMMM ASHER.Khushi thought, as she finally got of Asher's car nodding at him and walked her way in – to meet Arnav.

Were her legs trembling on her? Was her heart trembling in on her her ? Was her entire being trembling in on her in sheer intense anticipation of coming face to face – with Arnav – right now???

Indeed, it was.

Why?

Because, he now knew everything...he freaking knew everything. Her cover about her break up with Asher had been blown away...he knew about her face-off with Disha the other night.And she knew – he was going to be trembling in emotion as much as her – at finally seeing her – Now! And something in her gut told her, that there was no way she'd escape from meeting Arnav – without feeling emotionally undone yet again – as usual

Oh ....She so knew he was very capable of weaving the intense vibe+ hypnotising bubble of emotion around her – which would threaten to just consume all of her again – in the moment. Wasn't a good news to her Mind – as it got its guards up - nonetheless. But whilst her mind held its guards and walls up - it seemed her heart was delighted by the development nonetheless. Which could be the only logical explanation – Khushi felt her legs begin to walk their way in faster now – – as they still trembled in on her in massive emotional anticipation.

Damm.

Indeed – what a conflicting situation this was..though.Khushi thought. Whilst - Her mind cursed Asher for being the catalyst on this accord for her.... somewhere deep inside of her –as she stepped into the elevator - pressing the button to take her up to the fourth floor -  Khushi thought she heard her aching heart send a silent – Thank You – to Asher for the same...nonetheless....

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

Tadaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Howwwwzzzaaattt guys???

I hope you all enjoyed reading this update on the theme of Karma & Catalyst! Also no shoes at me for stopping there – k? Just had to for the dramatic build up to the much awaited meet in between of Arnav and Khushi now – with all out in the open.....

Next Update on this story – Will come in Tomorrow night!(Given that I am super excited to pen down those scenes as well) The next update will also have a bit on Maya + Asher....obviously.

Plus, who all rooting for Khushi+ Asher to have each other's back through their journey's of the hearts here on.....Me! Me! Me! As well...😃😃😃😉😉😉as you all got a glimpse - these two are going to be each other's confidante on it all...going forward...as well....

Thanks guys for all the love* support always.

Much Love* Infinite Gratitude
❤️🙏❤️

Now and always..

Prachi