Helloooo everyoneeeee....

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

Happpyyyy Wednesday! 😃😃😃😃😃😃😃

So Yes, I am here with the next update of HW4.0 - Back to Back!👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻

One rollercoaster dhamaka Maha Maha -- update this is.... again....guys ...so without further delay...I'd let you all dive in straight away!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻

I really enjoyed putting this update together so much and the flow of dialogues and the scenes...so I hope you all enjoy reading it too. I have been on a massive writing spree - all day obviousllyyyyyy!👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻❤️❤️❤️❤️

Also, yes I know so many of you are fond of reading hindi dialogues interactions...for it comes naturally in the flow to me as well...as it is my mother tongue so yes...I have gone ahead with that...its been doubling my work though - translating in English simultaneously but I am loving it..nontheless...for...I think..this story just needs...that hindi dialogue touch...for our characters....❤️❤️❤️❤️👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻.

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

Word count (Super Long- Yup the longest for this FF I guess till now )- 16 k words.

That is why I wrote - Maha Maha Update! It all had to flow as one longer update couldn't split it at all...you will know what I mean when you read it...😉

Seatbelts on - dear readers. Rollercoaster begins......❤️❤️❤️

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Text Copyright©mysticaltales11111™2022

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19. The Chess of Words and Vulnerabilities

Arnav looked at his phone restlessly. It hadn't yet beeped with Asher's reply on the text he'd sent to him about five minutes ago. Damm.Freak Him. Why did these last couple of minutes of wait..always seemed the most torturous to get through?

Oh wait. What if - Asher and Khushi were stuck in traffic or something and were getting delayed???Which is why, Asher hadn't been able to text him back yet - given he was driving?

Damm.

What could he do to kill time? Until then? To save himself from going mad in wait? He'd already used the minutes prior in wait - to keep everything set around here as per the plan in his head+ get himself composed to carry forward the same. What plan? The plan to freaking just check- mate Khushi's mind for good - this time around with his counter moves of emotions. Well, Arnav knew, that post apologizing to her/soothing her/comforting her - given the situation - he had to resort to playing a chess of words with her - to get her to see things from his point of view on this. He knew - the only way he could make an attempt to leap through her mind barriers - was to get himself prepped to take on every mind game - her mind would make her word out to him - and barge in on her - emotionally. Indeed, he knew that was the only way to reach through her, and freaking hell, he was prepared and all set to take this on. It freaking seemed like the most - important match of his life to play at the moment at the pitch being a combination off Khushi's mind+ hearts turmoil on his accord.

Well, damm him, if he didn't freaking manage to score a century by the end of it here..as well. He just had to. His muma had advised what? You have to win Khushi's heart Arnav again...you just had too. He smiled to himself in emotional anticipation as he thought. Muma, Bass usi ki full tayari kar li hai maine...bass ab khushi ka intezaar hai...( Muma, yes, I have prepped myself for that only, completely and now just waiting for Khushi to arrive)

He looked at his phone again. Still no reply from Asher. He took the moment to roam around Asher's family cozy two bedroom apartment at that. He smiled. It was a cozy place with a very warm vibe - resonating in the apartment that was otherwise empty. The tenants had moved out recently, as he was aware about through Asher. But the apartment - was still furnished nonetheless. Given that the tenants had moved into a furnished apartment only - given that Asher's parents had gifted this to his bhai and Bhabhi as a wedding gift- fully furnished to move into immediately post their wedding. But given that they didn't move in - it was obvious that their family chose to rent it out. Hmm. In the moment, Arnav thought off Asher , naturally, again. Indeed, he was a very good man, someone he really thought he could be really good friends with in the future himself.

At that his gut reminded him though, that for that to happen, he still had to work on dealing with the envy he felt in himself at the mere thought of Khushi's past with the man wholeheartedly - though. Damm, although the equation was now clear to Arnav,and he knew that Asher and Khushi were back to being sincere friends.. Arnav felt like, it would still take him time to cope with the envy that still aroused in him..at the thought of Asher's past relationship with Khushi.

He was right on that thought when his phone beeped with Asher's message.

Asher : ASR, Khushi is finally on her way up to see you. Just stepped out of my car a minute ago. She's walking in now. Should be up in a couple of minutes...

That makes Arnav's heart leap in joy- finally.

Arnav : thank you , Asher. Thank you so much for this. I owe you big time for this dude. I am eternally grateful to you for this. On that note - was she nervous much?? You surely told her everything, already right?? only way you could have convinced her to see me??as we'd planned...

His phone beeps.

Asher : indeed, I told her everything...as we planned. And well, yes, she was trembling like an autum leaf in nervousness...as she walked out and up to see you. Only natural....I guess...she's freaking mad at me for blowing her entire cover up in front of you though....

Arnav types at that quickly : oops...apologies on that Asher.

Asher: its alright...ASR. I can handle her being mad at me for this, but just couldn't see her stuck in her turmoil, longer. So yeah...all the best to you. I did my bit of getting her to you...rest is on you...I trust you got this?

Arnav smiles at that as he types : I'd like to say, I believe I got this - Asher. I will handle this. I came prepped.No other option...you see?I know I gotta stump her heart lightening fast..to just begin with...only way it would boggle her mind - straightaway.

His phone beeps.

Asher : Spoken like a true wicketkeeper...ASR.And given that you have spoken like one, I'd say, I am counting on you to pull off that lightening fast stumping...on Khushi's accord.

Arnav smiles at that. Right then, he hears the beeping sound come in from the door as if someone were punching the passcode in to enter and he quickly types to Asher.

Arnav : alright, Asher. She is here. talk later. Thank you for this once again. So much. I wish you nothing but the best man..

Asher : you are welcome, ASR.

And at that - Arnav finally keeps his phone on silent - and away at the table in the living room and turns around to face the entry door - for heavens knew he couldn't wait a second longer to see - Khushi.

And within the very next second, Arnav Singh Raizada, finally feels his heart come to life again - as he takes in the sight off a very nervous Khushi - step in through the door at the speed of light - and as she closes the door behind her lightening fast - she also surprises him by a gesture that makes him chuckle - even through all that trembling emotion in his heart and being at the moment.

What gesture?

That yes, Khushi had turned around to face the room as she walked in- but she still had her back pressed against the entry door as she kept her right hand clutched over her heart instantly - with her eyes freaking closed completely as if she were freaking nervous to even look at him in the moment as she heaved and began to get her breaths in control ...first.

Damm. Her. She looked so freaking adorable in the moment to his eye as she stood there with her eyes closed - literally taking deep breathes in and deep breathes out - with her eyes closed. Yup. He couldn't help but chuckle - again.

He folds his arms across his front though - his starving heart soaking in the sight of her in front of him atleast to begin with - finally. Yup, all a part of him wanted to do was freaking hug her close instantly as well, but then - this was great too. With her just trembling like autumn leaf in nervousness by the door - this way - totally knowing/sensing that he was watching her intently and that was just wrecking her in nervousness - more perhaps? It also gave his heart to get that sense of calm going in it - now that she was finally in front of him about just ten-steps away.

Okay! Time to get his plan going. Arnav thinks. Ofcourse, there were going to be many vulnerable discussions/words exchanged but now that this moment had begun flowing in already - he decided to follow his gut and just flow with it - as his heart directed.

He asks out loud to a nervous trembling like a autumn leaf Khushi -across biting back his smile - " sahi hai..yeh bhi sahi hai...tum pehle apni nervousness thodi handle karlo...phir aankhein khol ke mujhe dekh lena...khushi...main kahan jaa raha hoon...idhar hi toh khada hoon..tumhare saamne...bass...dus ya barah kadam door...chalo...chalo...sahih ai...tum karlo...thodi deep breathing aur..tab tak main aise hi khush ho leta hum tumpe apne saamne dekhke..finally...."( well...this works...too..this indeed works too...that you handle your nervousness a little first...then only you open your eyes to see me..Khushi...as if I am going anywhere...I am standing here only..just ten or twelve steps away from you..great...you carry on with your deep breathing...until then...I will just stand here...soak in the sight of you in front of me finally and get happy in that...)

That from him - wrecks Khushi more in nervousness and emotion in her spot. Freaking Damm him, she thinks. While stepping in, she knew there was no way she could look at him straight away without getting a hold on her raging heartbeat and nerves, which is why on the instruction of her gut she'd gone with this idea of walking in instantly with her eyes closed and just use the moments to regain her composure. Surely, he'd anyway anticipated her to be this shaken - anyway - right? But now, that she heard those words + she could also sense his gaze on her from across even with her eyes closed - but all her senses just atuned to the moment nonetheless+ him Khushi felt like - she couldn't just open her eyes to him just yet.Why? Because, she'd obviously sensed the chuckle in his tone just now.

Khushi says now though keeping her right hand clutched over her heart still, her eyes closed still, after taking another deep breath almost in the tone that was the tone of schooling him - " tum na...chup karo...Arnav? thike? aur chuckle karna band karo...mujhe pata hai...tum apni smile bite kar rahe hoi ss waqt..."( you na...just keep quiet...Arnav..ok? and stop chuckling...I know...you are biting your smile...right now..)

Arnav grins at that to himself on reflex. Godammit, this woman was the most adorable to his eye. No wonder he was freaking bonkers for her. He bites back his grin now and answers still happily soaking in the sight off her in front of him - "arre wah...Khushi...kitni ache se jaanti ho tum mujhe...aankein band hai...phir bhi pehchaan liya...meri tone se...ke...main apni smile bite kar raha hun..."(are wow...Khushi...you know me so freaking well...your eyes are closed...still....you figured just from my tone that I am biting my smile...right now..."

Damm.Freak.Him.He'd already started - weaving that vibe around her.Khushi doesn't say anything to that in the moment but just slumps her bag of her right shoulder so that it falls in a thump next to her on the ground closed and keeping her eyes closed - still - she begins to take a couple of more deep breathes.

Arnav takes a couple of steps towards her nonetheless feeling so drawn to her in the moment that it was insane - " kya hua? Kuch bolegi nai?meri uss baat par...itne ache se toh koi bhi nai jaanta mujhe khushi...ki aankehin band karke...mera gesture samjhe le..."( what happened? won't you say something to what I said to you prior?? No one knows me this well khushi..that with their eyes closed..they can sense my gestures.....")

Khushi can sense it. She can sense him coming closer and she holds her right hand out to him instantly - " statue...bass...tum statue ho jayo...wahi pe..abhi arnav...kuch kadam liye hai tumne mei taraf...mujhe pata hai...abhi mat aana tum mere pass....bass..wahi statue ho jayo..."(statue...you just statue in your spot...Arnav...right now...I can sense you took some steps closer to me...right now...you don't take these steps closer to me dammit...just statue right there...)

Arnav does statue right in his spot at that on reflex and biting back his grin at that he says again - " aree wah...tumne toh yeh bhi sense kar liya khushi....thike...ho jata hun...statue...par yeh toh batao...kyun nai aaun...abhi mein tumhare pass...."( aree..wow...you sensed this too even...Khushi....okay..alright...ill statue in my spot...but you atleast tell me...why shouldn't I take these steps closer to you in the moment..)

Khushi says to that nervously brushing her hand through her hair taking another deep breathe - " tumhe pata hai kyun...bolna zarrori nai..mujhe...aur chup chaap wahi raho.."( you know very well...why...Arnav..I don't need to say it...and you please...just stand there...quietly..)

Arnav bites his grin. Just when he thought he couldn't fall for her more. He says biting back his chuckle - " thike...yeh bhi sahi hai...kyunki mujhe pata hai..kyun tum mujhe statue karne...ko bol rahi ho...darti ho...ki aankhein kholke mujhe dekhogi...abhi...apne pass aate hue...toh dil toh dimaag pe ek dum hi haavi ho jayega...ab aise kaise...tum yeh itne aasani se hone dogi na...koi baat nai...main yahi hun...tum aur karlo...apni deep breathing...22 breathes to le hi chuki ko...aur 11 lelo....waise...ek baat bata dun...woh deep breathing count bhi tum mere jersey multiple se hi kar rahi ho tabse....set off 11*1 =11 ...11*2 = 22......aur 11 karlo...main yahi hun..."( okay....this is working too...still..for I know...why you asking me to statue right now Khushi..you are scared...that if you open your eyes to see me walking towards you right now..your heart might just take over that mind of yours...and I know...you wont let that happen so easily...so no worries...I am here only...you carry on with your deep breathing..22 deep breathes you have already taken..take 11 more...also let me tell you one things..those set of your breathe countings...also you doing in multiples of my jersey no 11....11*1=11...11*2 ...take..11 more..no problem...)

That makes Khushi damm him more in her being as she scoffs to her defence with her eyes closed to him still - " tum na...chup karo...Arnav...zyada aasman mein mat udo...thike? meri deep breathing count ka..tumhari jersey no se koi lena dena...nai hai...aur yeh bhi tumhe pata hai..kyunki tumne mujhe khub yoga karte dekha hua hai..peru mein...main hamesha....11 ke set mein hi deep breathing karti hun...infact...mere saari pranayama ki exercises...main 11 ki set mein hi karti hun...kyunki..woh mere lucky no bhi hai...."( you na....just keep quite Arnav..and don't fly too much in the air ok? my deep breathing counts have nothing to do with your jersey no..and you know that...coz you have seen me doing fair share of yoga back in Peru..I always deep breathe in the set of 11..infact all my pranayama..exercises I do in the count of 11.....only..)

Arnav bites back his smile at that more and says from across loving the sight of her nervous turmoil playing so vividly on her face right now and he decides to admit the one bit to her she was yet to know for it would catch her off guard and perhaps make her open her eyes to him finally - " haan...pata hai..mujhe...yeh tum pehle se hi karti thi....kyunki...11 tumhara lucky no hai..hamesha se...aur yeh baat tum mujhe pehle bata chuki ho Peru mein...par kya tumne kabhi yeh socha...kyun tumse milne ke baad hi maine...apna domestic jersey no 17..apni..national jersey pe..kabi nai liya...kyun jabse U-19 world cup mein...main mera selection hua india ke liye khelne ke liye...main kyun...jersey no 11...se hi khelta hun? Hamesha?Kyunki...yeh tumhara lucky/favourite no...haina...khushi? tab se...11 no hi chose karliya...kyunki..tumhari wajah se hi toh apne game ke pass wapas lota tha main...aur yeh bhi lagta tha..tab se...tumhara lucky no mere saath hai...hamesha...to jaise ki tum saath ho hamesha...."( yes yes...I know...you always do that from before only...Khushi since 11 is your fav no..as you mentioned to me in Peru...but...have you ever wondered...why only after meeting you...I never carried forward my domestic jersey no 17 into my national jerseys? And ever since my under -19 world cup call up to play for India...I'v always chosen to play with jersey no 11....always? why? Because...it is your favourite/lucky...number...Khushi...coz it was coz of you I found my way back to my game didn't I? and it always felt like..if I have your favourite no on - as my jersey no...your lucky no would always be with me...as if...your essence was always with me...you were always with me...everytime...I played...."

Now that from Arnav- right now obviously hits at Khushi's vulnerable spot - all bulls eye - as her eyes flash open to him on reflex - all wide eyed as she asks gaping at him - " kyaaaaaaaaaa? Kya bola tumne????Arnav?? Tumhara jersey no 11...isiliye hai??"(whatttttttttt? What did you just say?? Arnav...that your jersey no is 11...ever since...because of this reason??")

Arnav nods at that - finally holding her overwhelmed emotional vulnerable gaze with his overwhelmed ones - glad that her eyes were finally open to him - " aur nai toh kya...kitni smart ho tum Khushi...waise..toh bahut smart ho...par kabhi kabhi...bilkul...stupid ho jaati hao...kitne saal hogaye...tumne...yeh kabhi...socha nai??kaise yeh figure out nai kiya tumne...khushi?"( ofcourse...Khushi...as it is...you are very smart Khushi...but sometimes...you become totally stupid...its been so many years...I am playing with jersey no 11....how come you never thought of this point?or figured it out????)

And Khushi feels her heart gush with a zillion emotions at that - the tsunami of it all threating to take her mind guard over as she felt hypnotised by his gaze already in just thirty seconds of opening her eyes to him. Dammmmmmm. She answers trembling to him at that - "aur...tumne yeh kyun bola abhi?mujhe?aise..hi...ek dum se??crazy ho kya?"(and why did you just drop this on me..all of a sudden..just like that..outta the blue...you crazy or what?"

Arnav bites back his smile at that taking a step closer to her - "crazy toh mein shuru se hi hun...tumhare liye...tumhe pata nai kya? Yaad dilayun...phir se?"( indeed...I have been crazy for you since ages...don't you know? should I remind you again??")

And that just makes Khushi damm him again in her head as her heart trembles in on her at the sound of that and she says instantly pointing her finger to him - " nai...koi yaad dilane ki zaroorat nai hai....bas...wah khade raho..tum...aana..mat...meri taraf..."( no...you don't need to remind me...about that..right now...you just don't move still...statue..back...please.."

Arnav does statue back in his spot biting back his grin and that makes Khushi widen her eyes at him in a warning as she says - " arnav...main keh rahi hun...yeh...aise grin mat karo abhi tum.."(arnav...I am telling...you..don't you bite back your grin...like that..right now...or even grin at me that way..."

Arnav folds his arms across his chest tighter at that and asks with a quirky raise of his eyebrow - "kyun bhai? Pata hai mujhe...ki tum meri grin ko leke crazy ho...toh kyun na grin karun mein??"( why? Why must I not grin?when I know...you are crazy about my grin...Khushi??")

Khushi groans at him now as she says brushing her hands over her face - " damm...you dammit....tum bahut danger ho mere liye..aur yeh baat pata hone ke bawajood...main yahan aa gayi...main yahan...aayi hi kyun...."(damm you..dammit Arnav...you are freaking danger for me...and I know that..and knowing that...I came here...to see you right now...damm...why did I even come??")

And even though that hits Arnav a little in his heart he doesn't mind it because he knows it was her mind talking that he was prepped to take on anyway right and so he just raises his eyebrow at her and says - " acha....toh ab yeh...thought diya tumhare dimaag ne tumhe...koi baat nai..mere pass jawab hai uske kiye..khushi...tumhare dimaag ke liye...bolo usse...ki tum yahan isiliye aayi kyunki tumhe pata hai aur mujhe bhi pata hai...ki main yahan wait kar raha hun tumhare liye...yeh baat sunke...tumhara..dil rok nai paaya apne...aap ko....tum apni dil ki awaz sunke aayi ho...khushi..aur waise...tumhare dil ki aawaz aur meri aawaz filhaal same hi hai...matlab...mujhe pata hai...main...tumhare hi dil ki toh aawaz hun..." ( oh so that's the thought...your mind just conjured up...making you ask why you came here..?no worries...for I have an answer for your mind anyway...tell your mind....that you came here on the calling/voice of your heart...because..knowing I was waiting here for you...did it...your heart took over in the moment...you didn't have it in your heart to not come and see me....so yes...tell your mind...you came to see me on the calling of your heart which in the moment..as pretty much the same as my voice/my calling towards you in my heart...as in...I know...that I am the answer to your hearts calling anyway...)

Khushi gapes at Arnav in frazzled vulnerability at that - once again his oozing confidence over the true condition of her heart for him anyway - irking her mind and she asks trembling in her spot - " bada confidence hai tumhe? Kahan se aaya yeh??itna saara confidence iss baat ko leke? Bada yakin hai....ki mere dil ki awaz tum hi ho?"( damm you and your confidence on this Arnav...from where did you get so much confidence haan??that you are only the answer to my hearts calling??")

Arnav admits grinning back at her knowing his words were doing their work well starting to unravel her bit by bit - " jaise ki tumhe pata nai....tumhari..diaries... ke peekaboo..ne hi toh saara confidence wapas de diya mujhe...khushi...iss baat ko leke.."(as if you don't know the answer...to that..Khushi...the peekaboo into your diaries...gave me the much needed confidence boost on this matter...)

Khushi lets out a momentary curse at herself at that - " pata tha...yeh saara matter...meri diaries ki wajah se hi shuru hua...phir se...mujhe tumhe woh dikhani hi nai chaiye thi..."( dammit...knew it..that this entire..matter began with your peekaboo into my diaries...only.....shoudln't have never shown you only)

That makes Arnav bites back his grin again - " paar ab toh maine dekhli na...ab kya karein.."(but now..i have seen it anyway..right?what to do??"

Khushi shoots him a narrow eyed look at that and thinks of diverting the topic momentarily giving her heart the seconds to catch its haywire beats - " whatever...waise...mujhe pata tha...ki tum yeh crazy double xl - size...hoodie type get up mein hi andar aaye hoge..taaki koi dekh na le tumhe....bola tha na uss din tumhe...bahut weirdo/crazy type...lagte ho iss double xxl -sized hoodie mein...ab utaro...uss hood ko kam se kam apne head se..."(whatever...and know this...I knew...you would have stepped in ..here disguised and unspotted in this double XXL sized hoodie get up...Arnav...I told you the other day...didn't i?arnav?? this double xxl - sized hoodie...makes you look super weird/crazy...now atleast take that hood of your head....its so oversized...)

Arnav bites his chuckle at that and gets the oversized hood of his head at that finally - "lo...utaar liya...ab toh dekhlo...ab toh maan lo..."( ok..taken off..Khushi..now see ...and now agree atleast..."

Khushi asks puzzled - " kya dekh lun? Kya maan lun??(What do I see?what do I agree??"

Arnav winks at her playfully - " ki iss crazy hoodie guy type get up ke neeche...hun main hi na...tumhara arnav.."( that underneath this crazy hoodie guy sort of get up...its me only underneath...your Arnav..)

Tumhara...Arnav.....

Why did he have to say that?

Damm. Khushi feels her heart melt like a damm 2kg amul butter block over fire at that and her eyes well up at that finally as he face begins to crumble in emotion now and suddenly the vibe gets completely emotional from her end as she says stammering - "Arna...v.....main...I..I..."

And Arnav feels his own emotions take over now as his eyes well up too and he asks beginning to take a step closer - " aa jaun ...tumhare paasss??"(can I come?? A step closer to you..Khushi??)

Khushi shakes her head in a No - " Nai...mat aao...wahi raho.."(nai...you just be there...don't come...)

Arnav sighs now as he admits - "gale lagana chahta hum mein tumhe..khushi..issi waqt...aur mujhe pata hai...tumhara dil bhi wahi chahta hai..."( I wana hug you hard to myself...right now...Khushi...right very now...and I know your heart wants the same...)

Khushi nods as a line of tears leave her eyes - " pata hai mujhe..ki tumhe yeh pata hai...issiliye tum wahi raho...nai risk le sakti abhi main tumhe hug karne...ka...kho jaaungi tum mein phir se..."( I know that...that you know that I want to hug you too...just like I know...you want to hug me hard too..right now...that's why...I am saying..you stay put there..in your spot dammit...I can't take the risk of hugging you right now..for I will get lost in you again...I know...)

Arnav feels his heart leap in joy to the edge of the sky at that from her and he says a fresh overhwhelmed tear leaving his own eye as he whispers her name intently - " Khushi....."

Khushi says now on reflex unable to take in the sight of tear leaving his eye - " You....you....just....wipe your tear away..dammit...first..."

Arnav shrugs - " I won't...also...you wipe yours first...and if you wana wipe mine...aajao..mere..pass...aur khud wipe kardo......tum risk nai le sakti...koi baat nai...main hi risk le leta ho...tum aake mujhe hug karlo na...main tumme phir se khone ke liye bilkul ready hun...yaa phir..shayad.. kho hi chuka hun..."( if you wana wipe my tear...you come up to me and wipe it off my cheek...and you don't wana take risk by hugging me and getting lost in me..no worries...I am ready to take...the risk...you come and hug me na...I am totally ready to get lost in you all over again....infact...I am already lost in you...all over again..)

Khushi closes her eyes at that fighting a zillion emotions with immense difficulty. Damm her heart wanted her to just jump straight into his arms - right very now. But her mind wins and she just closes her eyes at that and fresh tears ooze out her eyes and she just begins her deep breathing again - at that - knowing he was scanning her and watching her intently anyway.

Arnav knew it - that her mind barriers had begun to shake a little - but still stood put so in the moment as he observed her nervy in emotion frame again taking deep breathes with closed eyes - he decides to change course of his strategy of words - aiming to undo her more emotionally in the moment. He says now to her from across - " acha..thike..mat lagao mujhe gale..abhi...Khushi...mat lagao...ab kam se kam khana toh khalo pehle...7:30 pm hone wala hai...dekho na..tumhare liye saare arrangement karke rakha hai maine...tumhare favourite aloo paratha pack karake laaya hun..hotel se...hi...tumhari fanta bhi..pick kari thi...shop se..raaste mein..aur mujhe yaad hai ki tumhe aloo paratha ke saath garam chai pasand hai...toh main tea bag wali chai ka bhi saara samaan laya hun...toh ab bolo...tumhari chai bana dun tumhare liye?pata hai mujhe ek chamch chini hi leti ho tum chai mein..aur creamer..3/4th spoon...dekho kitchen pura furnished hi hai...kettle bhi hai...ek kaam karta hun...tumhare liye...paratha garam kar hi leta hoon..."( okay fine...don't hug me right now khushi...atleast begin with eating something right now...its going to be 730PM...see I got everything set for you....your super favourite aloo paratha I got packed for you from the hotel only...got your fanta also on the way from the shop...plus I remember you love hot tea with your aloo paratha...so I got tea bags and stuff set as well...so tell me..should I make you your tea? I remember you take..one teaspoon of sugar yes and just 3/4th spoon of the creamer...see the kitchen is full furnished anyway and the kettle is right there...wait..let me atleast start heating the paratha's I got for you....)

WHATTTTTTTTTTT?

WHAT DID HE JUST SAY??

Now that from Arnav - just melts Khushi's heart more as she opens her eyes to him in an instant and catches the sight of him gesturing her that he's going to get on with heating food for real and she watches him head to the small open kitchen to the side and it is only then her eyes take in the sight off - all the stuff - lying out there in the small open island dining in the kitchen already! She asks Arnav zapped, shaken, completely blown away at that - " tum mere...liye..yeh sab laaye? Mera fav aloo paratha..hotel se pack karaya? Fanta li...aur chai ka samaan bhi??( you got all of this for me...Arnav...??my fav aloo paratha..my fanta..even stuff for my tea??")

And she watches Arnav nod at her candidly smiling as he begins to work his way around in the kitchen - beginning to heat the aloo paratha - on a stove and not the microwave and he also puts the kettle on boil and just that simple sincere sight of him doing that for her in the moment - begins to undo her more emotionally. Making her damm her mind barriers and just like that hypnotised by him and the simple sincerity of the moment - she finally defreezes from her spot and walks to the open kitchen taking quick strides and ends up asking him on reflex - going through the take-away food parcels - " suno...apne...fav..gobi ke paratha bhi laye hona..apne...liye...ki nai...ki sirf mere liye laye ho...mujhe pata hai...yaad hai..tumhe aalo ke paratha bilkul bhi ache nai lagte..."( wait..listen..did you get your favourite...gobi parathas also packed? Aur just got my aloo paratha's packed?i know I remember...you don't like aloo paratha's at all...")

And that makes Arnav turn around in his spot as he takes two steps closer to her finally glad she was nearer and across the other end of the kitchen dining island - as expected completely blown away emotionally in the moment. He takes the moment to lock his intent gaze with hers as he whispers flicking her nose lovingly - " laya hun na....mere gobi ke parathe bhi..nai laata..toh tumse daant khata...dekho..parcel mein..hai woh bhi andar...aur hum dono ke liye...mirchi wala achaar bhi hai...tumhe bada pasand haina"( ofcourse I got my gobi parathas...as well..for I knew...if I wouldn't get those...you'd school me...so...I got that too..plus a chilli pickle for you and me....you love it na??"

Khushi goes through the food packed at that and once she finally spots the ingredients as he mentioned - she finally looks up at him and sighs teary eyed - " kyun??? Kyun kar rahe ho tum yeh sab..arnav...mere liye?mat karo...ple...ase...yeh sab tum mat karo..."(why?? Why are you doing all this for me...arnav??please...don't do all of this...please...just don't...")

Arnav sighs and places both his hands on the island kitchen and leans forward a little closer into her across so that his breath was fanning her face glad that she'd closed her eyes in emotion instantly - " jaise ki tumhe pata nai...kyun...Khushi...,"and he keeps his forhead on hers at that finally his right hand going around her - and holding her head - pulling her a little closer and snug as he whispered again asking her - " pata haina tumhe...kyun kar raha hun main yeh sab??"( you know why I am doing all of this...don't you??"

He shouldn't have done that. Khushi thinks. Damm. He shouldn't have. Because, now that his forhead was on hers and he was that close with his breath fanning her face as he said that - she felt like she was just being sucked into an emotional hypnosis unable to pull away from him at all and she just ended up nodding on reflex as she whispered - " haan...pata hai mujhe...kyun kar rahe ho yeh sab...bas...mujhe phir see...pagal -deewana type banana chahte ho...apne liye..isiliye..na?isi intention se aaye ho aaj yahan..." ( yes I know..dammit..indeed I know..why you doing all this...you want me to go crazy/bonkers/fall madly for you all over again today...isn't it?its with that intention only you have come here today??"

Arnav bites his grin at that and he doesn't move his forehead away from hers as he admits his breath fanning her face in a way that was wrecking her hard emotionally anyway - " aree wah...Khushi...phir se...full marks..milte hai tumhe...bilkul sahi jawab...kitne ache se jaanti ho tum mujhe...bilkul yahi toh irada hai mera...poochoge nai kyun? Chalo...tum kya poochoge? Main khud hi bata deta hun...bilkul tumhe apna deewana-pagal type banana chahta hun phir se...aaj...kyunki..main toh...kab ka..phir se...deewana-pagal type ho chuka hun...tumhare liye...par yeh toh tumhe pata haina..."( arre wow...Khushi...again...you get full marks for guessing this...for it's the right answer...you know me so freaking well..dammit..indeed that is my intention only...wont you ask why?wait I will only tell you...I want to do the same because...I am already crazy/bonkers/fallen for you madly all over again..but you already know..that..don't you??"

DAMM HIM.

DAMM FREAKING HIM.

KHUSHI TREMBLES. IN HER FRAME. QUITE SIGNIFICANTLY AT THAT!

Her right hand goes to clutch on his right arm at that as she whispers still keeping her eyes closed too vulnerable to look into his eyes again - " Arnav...plea...se...mat bolo aise..yeh sab..."( please...don't say like this...don't...)

And Arnav observes her shaking in emotion frame at that - totally stoked that his words were having the affect he needed and now he felt like he wanted her to get some food into her system first given that it had been a long day for her he says cupping her right cheek snug kissing her forhead first - " bahut...baatein karni hai...hume..khushi...bahut saari...par usse...pehle...tum kuch khalo...please?lamba din tha tumhara....mujhe pata hai..."( a lot..we have a lot to talk about Khushi...but before that...just eat first...I know you had a long day ....)

Khushi just opens her eyes at that to him and she feels lost in his gaze again as she whispers on reflex - " tumhara bhi toh lamba din tha...itna saari practice kar rahe the nets mein..apne..shots...thodi der pehle tak...dekha maine...uss video pe..jo indiancricketteam ke handle pe post..hui thi..tum 30 seconds ke liye dikhe the...par pata lag gaya...ki kitni ghante wahi kiya hoga tumne..."( you also had a long day right??? you practiced so much in nets...I saw on that video on the indiancricketteam insta handle...you were seen only for thirty seconds in the video...but I know...you must have done that for hours...)

Arnav grins on reflex - " dekha tumne?woh video?"(you saw?that video??)

Khushi shakes her head in a nod in an instant - " aur nai toh kya...jaise ki tumhe pata nai ki maine dekha hoga...sirf mujhe doobara sunna chahte ho..."( ofcourse..as if you don't know I would have seen it...you just want to hear it from me again..)

Arnav nods grinning - " chalo sahih ai..tumhe yeh bhi pata hai...ofcourse...mujhe pata tha..tumne dekha hoga..."( great you knew this also..that I know...ofcourse I knew it ...you'd have seen it...)

And Khushi sighs at that - " kuch khalo ab tum bhi..please?"(now...you also eat first??" and she begins to get set to heat the share of his parathas for him walking next to him - consumed in deep thought.

An emotional silence. Suddenly, an emotional silence engulfs the air in between the two as they begin to heat dinner together for one another side by side and Arnav begins to make her tea ready. Both knew..there was so much more to talk...so much more to be said...but indeed better they just eat first? So they just continue to be silent in the moment, with words, but the vibe wasn't silent at all. Indeed, that familiar vibe when its just them - in their own bubble - surrounded the two on reflex...as well...

Minutes later, once they'd seated themselves across one another on the island dining table in the kitchen - Arnav asks holding the bite up of an aloo paratha to her first - " khilat oh sakta hun tumhe? Ki woh bhi nai karne dogi tum abhi?khushi??"(can I atleast feed you right now?? or you wont let me..do that also right now??"

Khushi's eyes well up at that as she just nods at him and takes the bite from him opening her mouth and just takes a bite off the paratha off his plate now as she asks holding it up to him - "mai bhi khila dun tumhe?"(Can I also feed you??right now??"

Arnav nods at that biting his grin - " khilao na...isi ka toh itezaar hai..."( feed na...Khushi...that's what I am waiting for...)

And teary eyed - Khushi just nods at that and feeds him his bite - and he goes on to feed hers next at that and for the next five-seven minutes the two just sit there across of each other - feeding one another dinner - in silence- their emotional overwhelmed gazes locked all along with the others their eyes talking in a language of their own - as the vulnerable vibe bubble consumes the two. Khushi obviously also keeps sipping on the tea - he'd made for her so lovingly.

Once they were finally done eating - minutes later - the two just walk up to clear up near the counter and it is at that - Khushi feels Arnav's sudden hold come on her right arm as he says making her turn around - gesturing her to sit on the chair he had been seated at across of her from moments before - " baitho..idhar...abhi tum...pehle...khushi..please..."( sit...here...now...please...first..Khushi...)

Khushi gapes at him puzzled but sits at the chair sighing - "Arnav...yeh.."

And Arnav looks up at her and whispers - " sshh...,"keeping a finger on her lips - " chup raho..do minute...aur mujhe yeh karne do.."(shhh...quite please...and just let me do this..first...)

And at that Khushi asks with a gesture of her eye - " kyaa??yeh??,"and is surprised to see him dish out a muscle spasm ointment/balm from the bag next to him as he says tugging on the full sleeves of her left hand - " will you roll your sleeves up for me...please?first? I know...you'v been overworking yourself madly in the last ten days...Khushi..which means...you'v surely been wearing your prosthetic for longer hours...surely....your stump is on the verge of getting sore again...just roll your sleevs up enough...to your elbow..so that I can put this ointment there for you..right very now...around your upper arm atleast..don't worry...I wont touch your prosthetic brace..or even the point it begins...just above it...so that some relief just passes through anyway...look...this muscle spasm relief balm is super good...its mine...I use..it...everytime my muscles are sore from rough practice or play..from today...you keep this bottle with you..okay???I have so many more...so don't worry about me..."

And that from Arnav shakes and surprises and overwhelms Khushi even more as she gapes at him - " you...got me...this??balm???your balm???right now??? you wana...apply it for me??now??"

Arnav nods at that locking his sincere gaze with hers - " indeed..right very now....so please...roll up your sleeve...Khushi..."

Hynotised, shaken, completely overwhelmed and vulnerable keeping her emotional gaze locked with his - Khushi acts on reflex at that and ends up rolling her left sleeve upto him and the very next second as - she takes in the sight of him sincerely begin to balm her upperarm anyway (which she knew was on the verge of getting sore again due to exertion) - Khushi feels her heart finally drown in the emotions she was trying to fight/snooze all this while.Why? Why?did he have to care for this way? be so sincere in his emotions for her this way???? Whyyyyyyyyyyyy?

And so unable to control her vulnerable tears longer - just as she watched him finish balming her upper arm tenderly - Khushi finally just gave in to the moment - and leaped into Arnav's arms at that - and let the tsunami of her tears of ache/turmoil flow - as she began sobbing - wrapping her arms around his neck - hard - hugging him finally.

And what could Arnav do in the tender surprising moment? He obviously just wrapped his arms around Khushi's waist hard - and hugged her close to him like he'd been dying to ever since she stepped in and let loose on his own tears of ache/turmoil from all this while...

She sobbed into his arms - as she hugged him tight. He sobbed into her arms as he hugged her - tight.And just like that - the two knew - that once again the exchange of words/conversation - needed to wait on in between the two - because it just felt like they needed nothing more than to just cry it out in each other's arms for a bit....atleast.

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

Meanwhile at the - Team's Hotel

Maya's ROOM

Maya, stepped into her room now closing the door shut behind her. Damm, it had been a long first day at work and she was loving it. Obviously, she'd spent the first day of her work, at being filled in by Saxena sir + her team mates over the usual nutrition plans/current ones/ how they keep evolving it according to work outs plans...nutrition requirements plus a players favourites food groups every now and then! She'd spent the day - going through all the nutrition plan files/data etc and Saxena sir had asked her to note down her suggestions whilst she observed it all - as well. She'd been so busy with it all - until now that she hadn't realised her phone had ran out of battery.

She puts her phone on charge now instantly and waits for it to light up, thinking she'll chat back home for a bit. Her thoughts go to Asher on reflex as well. She hadn't been able to see him yesterday...but she'd left her number and the message to request him to get in touch right...

Yes, he hadn't texted yet - but the saving grace for her heart was that atleast one of his friends - Khushi had texted her this morning asking her to be patient about it. Which was good sign to Maya's heart for this meant - that probably Asher had atleast talked about her to this friend? How else would she have gotten her number etc?

She is right on the thought when - her phone lights up and just as messages/notifications begin loading - one particular message on Whtsapp - catches her eye instantly.

She heads to Whtsapp - at the speed of light with bated breathes clutching onto her bed sheet with the left hand in anticipation as she reads the message that says.

You came by to see me at my office yesterday..Maya? Now that's a development...I thought...I'd never come across in this life...

Her heart stops beating in momentary happiness. This was Asher. Just had to be Asher.She didn't know his number but she went to Whtsapp display picture to see for herself - indeed it was Asher - her heart swelled as she took in the group picture on his dp. But her heart crashed the very next minute as she spotted the sight of him hugging a very pretty girl from behind in that...group picture...all cozy, up and close.

Dammit.

Who was this girl? With him? Why was he holding her this snug? Crap - was she his girlfriend? Her heart cracks but with trembling fingers she returns to the chat window - again.

He'd sent this message to her - thirty minutes ago. Dammit. She dammed her phone's battery for dying in on her - now.

She quickly texts back, even though she knew this was him.

Maya : Asher..this is you..isnt it?? This is you?

Her phone beeps in two minutes.

Asher : did you go by to see someone else by their office here in Jamaica yesterday too...Maya??

Maya types at the speed of light : No.Obviously, not. I just came by to see you.

Asher : so that means...It would be me only right? texting back? why check on the obvious again?

Her fingers tremble in nervousness.

Maya : yeah...I know...crazy of me to check on the obvious perhaps...Asher...thank you so much...for texting me... right now. I am so sorry for the late reply...my battery had died on me...I was in a work meeting....

She taps send and waits for her reply.Comes in a minute.

Asher : Don't thank me for texting you - right now - Maya. Honestly, I wouldn't have...if it wasn't for Khushi coaxing me into it. I am aware she texted you this morning...

That feels like a - Whip to Maya. Clearly, he was angry at her. Still.So very angry and now she knew his anger was justified...

Maya : well, I am glad though that she coaxed you into it. I'v been in a calmer patient state ever since I got her text in the morning...Asher.So yeah..I am glad...she texted me too. Look...can we meet ?Asher??

Her phone beeps.

Asher : why do you want to meet me?why now?

Maya : because, I have so much to say that I cant say on text/call - Asher.

Her phone beeps.

Asher : what if I just don't wana see you again?also what was this stunt Maya? Suddenly coming by my workplace this way? I don't appreciate it...k?

She groans in dismay.

Maya : Asher, I know you are angry...with me...still so mad at me...I guess...

Asher : you don't have any headspace in my system anymore...Maya...so yeah..wishful thinking..i'd say...

Maya fights a tear at that.

Maya : you don't really mean that? do you?Asher...or do you just say that...because...you aren't single right now? given that I saw your dp...you hugging a pretty woman..in it..who is she?

Her phone beeps.

Asher : excuse me? who do you think gave you the right to question my personal space right now Maya??

Maya types immediately fighting another tear.

Maya : tell me...please...just tell me...who is she in the picture?with you?

Asher : will you not message me again - if I told you?who she was?

Maya feels whipped at that.

Maya : do you not want me to you again?

Asher : I think, that's what my previous bit implied...again you want me to state the obvious...?

Maya types : fine...I wont text you again..if you just tell me who she is....

Asher : the person who messaged you this morning - Maya. It's Khushi.

Wait....whatttttttttt? If Asher and khushi were together - why would khushi even message her?

Maya asks Asher the same : why would khushi message me this morning? If you two were together?

Asher : I am not answering that, because I gave you the answer you seeked. Now keep your deal. Don't text me...Maya...

Maya types again.

Maya : cmon...you didn't really mean that?? won't you even ask me...why am I here in Jamaica? After all this while? I mentioned work...won't you ask..what work?Asher?

She taps send.

Asher : I would ask if I wanted to initiate more conversation...Maya. The point is - I don't want to - ok?

Maya types : you are still mad at me...I know.You are still angry. You are still hurt. Asher.I know it all. Well, if you wont me - Ill just have to write it here to you - I know the truth now. Ok? I know what happened? I went to the college reunion..last year...and I found out..that I was the one to misunderstand you...back then...its taken me a year to just gear up to even get myself to face you...today Asher...I owe you an apology....I really do...look...please...just meet me..once...just once...? I wana apologize...theres so much I wana say....

She taps send. And waits for her phone to beep.

His message comes in ten seconds.

Asher : crazy! Should have known - this was it was about. No other reason why you'd be here otherwise. So you figured the truth?Maya? crazy....how it was easy for you to believe someone else word/or some proof today...over my words back then. Look, I don't even want your apology - k? you just keep it yourself.From where I see it - there's nothing left more to say - in between of us. Goodbye - Maya.Also, I am driving now - so it would be great if don't revert with another text - right now.

Maya fights her tears at that as she reads that bit from him. Damm, ofcourse, it was going to be easy for her to just get him to even meet her...right now? Indeed, she knew, now he'd be even more mad knowing that she was here to apologize over the misunderstanding being cleared on someone else'd accord - finally.She wanted to text him back...but what if he was really driving?

She doesn't reply for now and begins thinking the way to reach him - again. Perhaps - she could ask Khushi for help on this???She thought?She had her number from her text message prior - right?

Yeh,that was a good idea. She could surely ask - Khushi for help and that would help her understand Khushi+ Asher's equation - too - right?

But she decides to get into a hot shower to freshen up first.So she walks into her shower - wiping bittersweet tears of her eyes.Atleast, Asher knew...why she was here...now...

And Maya Malhotra felt like she'd be dammed..if she didn't give it her very all to make amends...

Her heart trembled and swelled with emotions as old overwhelming memories of the two returned to consume her in the moment.She didn't fight the onslaught. She did the only thing she wanted too - anyway.She let her heart be flooded with everything - Asher - all over again...............

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

Arnav and Khushi had spent the last fifteen minutes - just hugging each other and crying out their collective ache and turmoil into each other's arms at that. No words were needed to explain to the other as to why the other was crying that way...obviously. It was just understood. She couldn't help but tighten the hold of her hands around his neck as she sobbed over his heart and he couldn't help but rub his hands over her head over and over - in a gesture of sincere support and emotion in the moment- as his own tears kept falling off.

The feel of her crying in his arms that way was killing Arnav though.And the feel of him crying it her arms that way - was killing Khushi too. Yet, the two, the release was needed in the moment - before they finally sat down to talk further.

Now, as Arnav realises that Khushi's sobs had settled a little,and she was back to taking her deep breaths to steady and compose herself with her head still buried into his chest - Arnav immediately takes a couple off deep breathes himself to compose and steady himself too and he kisses on her head softly as he asks hugging her to himself still - " thik ho tum??paani pe lo? Ki fanta khol dun tumhare liye??"(are you okay??Khushi? have some water now?or should I open up the can of your fanta...)

Khushi admits in a nod finally pulling up from his embrace to look up at him as she wipes the trail of his tears first asking him the same - " pehle tum bolo...tum thik ho? Paani pi lo? Damm...tumhari gateorade toh hai hi nai idhar...tea??"( first you tell me...are you okay?drink some water? Damm..your gateorade energy drink is not here only...should I make you some tea??")

Arnav shakes his head at that and wipes her tears off her cheek too - loving the way she'd tenderly wiped his - " nai...chai wai kuch nai chahiye mujhe...tum se baatein karni hai ab...baat kar lunga tumse...ho jayunga aur...thik..apne aap....waise thoda thik toh ho hi gaya hun..tumse...milke...tum gale laga ke...aise..roke...finally....koi idea hai tumhe...kitna halka feel ho raha hai...yahan...maanti hon a yeh baat tum bhi?,"and at that he keeps her right hand over his heart for her to sense his relieved heartbeats.(no...I don't want any tea or anything Khushi....I just want to talk to you now...for only then will I become more okay...already I am feeling little okay anyway...at finally meeting you and hugging you..and being able to cry it out in your arms...this way..finally....you have no idea how light it feels in here...finally...I am sure you agree on the same,"keeping her right hand over his heart)

Khushi clutches on his tee over his heart at that as she nods on reflex. She couldn't not agree to that truth of it. She sighs - "haan...maanti hun main...yeh baat...bahut halka lag raha hai...tumhe aise..gale laga ke roke..."( yes...I agree...I do feel quite light myself...crying it out in your arms...")

Arnav nods at that in an understanding all overwhelmed and the two share an intense eyelock as he helps her with a glass of water first and she helps him with one simulteosuly and they both drink it up and Arnav asks now keeping the glass aside - " ab baith ke...baat kar le..khushi??"(Shall we begin talking now...Khushi??")

Khushi nods at that and he gestures her to go ahead of him first towards the seating area in the living room and she nods and goes ahead first rolling down her left sleeve over her hand - as she feels herself shiver at the memory of him tenderly applying that balm for her on her upper arm - just about 15 minutes ago. Damm Him.Raizada. How was she going to be able to keep her mind's words - forward - if he was going to keep up with this? Her mind gave her - its alarm - This isn't favourable - Khushi.This isn't favourable. Walk away..from him now.Before it is too late. Her gut snoozed her mind off - Ofcourse, she is not walking away from him - right now.Flash News - Mind - It is too late. You freaking stay out of this.Khushi's lost in deep thought as she feels that familiar tug-of XOXO- tom and jerry war begin in her being at that.

Arnav takes his seat opposite Khushi now on the two -seater sofa and given that it was a two seater sofa - the weren't seating far apart from one another - more like sideways - turned face to face to one another. He notices her falling back into deep thought - immediately..almost. Damm.Surely her mind was working up its tricks again. He was about to say something - when he hears Khushi ask instantly as she looks straight into his eyes - " gussa ho kya?naraaz ho kya?mujhse? kyuni...asher ka cover up liya maine...itne din??( are you angry with me? pissed off at me..because...I took Asher as a cover for so many days??)

Arnav smiles at that taking both her hands into his surprising her by the gesture - as he begins to caress on both her hands with his thumbs.He knew she was bowled over by the feel of that gesture from him more so - because his left thumb continued to caress her prosthetic hand in the moment. He admits and repeats the words he'd told her the night he'd found her here after years - " gussa...aur tumse?naraaz aur tumse? Nah kabhi nai...bass ek yahi cheez hai joh mere bass main nai...khushi...kaise...ho jaun gussa....jab mein samjhta hun tumne..yeh kyun kiya...."( angry?pissed with you?? na...Khushi...you know that's one thing...I can never be with you..how can I be angry..when I completely understand..why you did..what you did??)

Khushi gulps her emotions at the feel of his hands caressing both her hands gently with his thumb. Damm him. Her right hand was getting goosebumps at the actual feel of it - and her heart was freaking getting electrified at the mere sight off his left thumb caressing her prosthetic right now. She asks now her voice trembling in on her - " samjhe te hona??"(you understand...right??)

Arnav nods silently overwhelmed and he kisses on her left prosthetic hand at that as he asks the stumped her as her eyes widen at his gesture again - "haan...samjhta hun...(I understand..) tum batao...gussa ho?mujhse?naraaz ho?ki maine yeh sab plan kiya asher ke saath milke??( you tell me? you angry/pissed with me because I planned all of this..with Asher??with you being cluless about it??"

Khushi sighs at that as she admits - " nah...tumse nai...(not at you..)but I am surely mad at Asher for this...damm him...he blew my entire cover in front of you..)

Arnav smiles at that as he admits kissing on her left prosthetic again - " waise...kaafi smart ho tum...cover tumne...kaafi acha chose kiya tha khushi...apne break up na hone ka parda leke...yeh...toh..meri kismat...ki..asher ki kamaal ka banda nikla....joh woh samajh gaya ..ki kya karna hai usse..."( actually....you are pretty smart...you chose a nice cover point...of putting the curtain on of not telling the truth..about your break up - this is my luck that asher turned to be a fantastic human and he knew the right thing to do..)

Khushi smiles at that on reflex.Arnav adds - " uspe gussa mat hona(don't be angry at him)...not fair... he did this for us..."

Khushi nods at him now at that smiling on reflex- " I know...he had best intentions...Arnav...I know that.."

Arnav nods now and asks - " ab yeh batao..iss baat be gussa/naraaz ho?Ki meri wajah se tume itni insult aur humiliation face karni padi...uss pagal disha ke taraf se??( you tell me...are you angry...or pissed with me..because it was on my accord you had to face so much humiliation and insult because of that crazy Disha??)

Khushi shakes her head in an Instant - No at that clutching on his right hand with her right hand - " nai...gussa...tumse?naraz tumse? Kyun? Jabki mujhe pata hai...isme tumhari koi galti hai hi nai...tumse thodi pata tha...woh tumhe follow kar rahi thi uss raat..."(no..angry..with you?pissed with you? no...why would I be?when I know...it isn't your fault...at all...as if you knew she was following you the other day...)

And at that - to her surprise and emotional shock - she sees Arnav fold his hands in front of her apologetically as he says with vulnerable emotions consuming his eyes - " maaf...kardo..mujhe...khushi...please?maaf kardo...meri wajah se...tumhe..kita kuch sunna..pada...usse...kya kya nahi keh diya...usne..tumse....Khushi..mere toh hosh ud gaye..sab sunke...pagal ho gaya tha mein gusse mein...galti thi..meri bilkul galti thi...mujhe tum 5 minute ke liye bhi akela nai chodna chahiye tha..uss raat..."( please forgive me...Khushi..please just forgive me...all because of me..you had to listen what not..from that vile Disha...oh what crap she ranted out to you...I lost my head hard just hearing it....I went mad in anger...ofcourse it is my fault...it is my fault...is houldnt have freaking left you alone for even five minutes that night...)

Khushi sighs at that as she spots the vulnerable guilt in his eyes and she instantly keeps her right hand over his folded hands and puts them down gesturing him with her eyes and left hand to never fold his hands in front of her in apology again as she admits - "aaj kar diya hai...aage se kabhi mat karna yeh haath jod ke mujhse maafi...(you have done it today..never again..fold your hands in front of me in apology...Arnav...it's not your fault)... pata hai baaki sab mujhe...asher ne bataya sab..mujhe...bass..isiliye toh nai bata rahi thi yeh sab tumhe...pata tha tum gusse mein pagal ho jayoge...aur phir anjali toh haina ravi ke saath abhi bhi...mujhe pata hai woh tumhe kitni pyaari hai...woh chinta mein hogi..toh tum bhi hoge na..."( and I know...everything else...Asher told me all...that's why I was not telling you...I knew you'd boil in anger...plus I couldn't help but think of Anjali in this...)

Arnav nods fresh emotional tears leaving his eyes and he cups her right cheek - " aur khabar daar...jo tumne...agli baar...pehle..mere baare mein socha...Khushi..kaise tumne uski boli hui baton ko rakha apne andar itne din....akele...asher ko bhi toh dus din baad hi bataya tumne..."(And damm you if you ever think of me first..before yourself....and how did you even keep it all in to yourself..for ten days...you only told asher on the tenth day of it all..."

Khushi sighs at that - " chodo na...Disha ki baat ko...please...Asher ne bataya saare showdown ke baare mein...ab mein uski baat naik arna chahti..."( leave Disha's context ...Arnav...please?Asher told me about the full showdown...now I just don't wana talk about her...)

Arnav nods as he says - " but...asher ne...do cheezein nai batai hongi jo ki mujhe batani zaroori hai...ek toh maine hi usse...nai batane ko kaha tha..kyunki main batana chahta tha/rather dikhana chahta hun...aur dusri maine use nai batayi...jo pata chali...mujhe showdown ke time...disha ke muh se..."( but Asher...wouldn't have told you these two things Khushi...one...I only told him not to for I wanted to be the one to show you rather/tell you and second...I didn't tell him..which I discovered from Disha...during the showdown")

Khushi gapes at Arnav puzzled at that curiosity getting the better of her now - " what didn't you tell Asher? Arnav? what did you discover??"

Arnav sighs as he admits - " cheat kiya usne mujhe..ek baar nai..do baar...apne music video co-star ke saath teen mahine pehle...khushi...aur pure hosho awaz mein kiya..aur koi regret bhi nai tha usse...kaha usne...ravi aur Anjali ke saamne...ki meri hi galti thi ke maine usse touch karna chod diya tha bilkul hi tab tak...toh uski koi galti nai...to crave intimacy..."( she cheated on me...Khushi..and not just once...two nights in a row with one of her music video co-stars three months ago on an offsite- shoot....and she did it in all her mindfulness as well...not that she regretted it one bit..anyway...she mentioned in front of Ravi + Anj even..that it was my fault totally for I had stopped touching her at all by then...so wasn't her fault to crave intimacy..)

CRAPPPPPPPPPPPP. JUST WHEN KHUSHI THOUGHT - DISHA COULDN'T FALL MORE IN HER EYES. SHE DID.

Her heart ached for Arnav as her right hand went to cover her mouth - "kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa? Keh keh rahe ho tum??yeh??"( what???? what you saying...Arnav??"

Arnav sighs and nods but he goes on - " par sach bolun...mujhe kuch feel hi nai hua jab pata chala..ek inch bhi farak nai pada..khushi..sach mein...aur honestly..mujhe shock nai laga...bilkul bhi..."( honestly...I didn't feel a dime when I found out about it..it didn't matter to me even a cent....I wasn't even surprised...)

Khushi admits now though on reflex caressing his right cheek with her right hand - " I am so sorry Arnav to hear this....really though...coz I am shocked and surprised...by this...never thought she could cheat on you even...I mean...just when I thought she couldn't stoop lower in my eyes...she did....just now..."

Arnav soaks in the gentle touch of her hand over his cheek at that leaning it in her hand almost himself again before he finally takes out his phone to show Khushi - the apology video - " aur woh dusri baat jo maine asher ko boli thin ai batane ko..tumhe..woh yeh...yeh dekho tum..."( and the other thing..I told Asher to not show you...tell you...was this....please see this..)

And Khushi is all surprised and shaken as she takes his phone in her hand and he presses play to the video of Disha apologizing to her - on her knees with folded hands - remorseful tears streaming down her face as she mentioned - how she really regretted all that she said.That she'd lost her mind/heart to wrath and vileness/and snoberry in the moment/how she deeply regrets mocking her health condition..in the way she did.....(Basically the entire video was about Disha accepting the dirt she had dished at Khushi - and crying proufusely apologizing it to her - with remorseful tears streaming down her face)

Khushi is seeing the video - obviously - in a stunned silence. She hadn't expected to see this - one bit. Two minutes later - once the video stops playing - she hears Arnav say softly - " she was ready to apologize to you face to face also..Khushi..I only didn't want her vibe around you for a second..ever again...so...I asked her to shoot this video and send it to me..for you to see...waise...toh main uski intentions be doubtful hi hun..par main wada karta hun khushi..usse maine ab handle kar liya hai...kabhi nai bhatke bhi woh tumhare pass...pata hai usko...ab...ki tumse hurt karne ki koshish kari usne kabhi bhi..toh mujhe se bura toh phir koi hai hi nai..."(actually...I still doubt her intentions....but I promise you Khushi....I have handled her...never again will she ever be seen around you..she wouldn't dare...now she knows..if she ever tries to hurt you..indeed she wouldn't face anyone worse than me...)

Khushi nods at that as she sighs - "well honestly, I don't think she'd dare to even ill-treat anyother person ever again - after all that's come to light since last night...Arnav....and Karma is doing its job now..right? toh tum apne andar yeh gussa kyun rakh rahe ho...uske liye? Tumhe hi jalayega yeg gussa...jaane do(so why you keeping all this anger on her accord in you Arnav..it will burn you only..just let it go)...she's not worth it.."

Arnav shakes his head in disbelief at that gaping at Khushi - "kya?????? jaane dun?disha pe gussa jaane dun? Kabhi nai...kabhi maaf nai karunga...main...usse...Khushi...usne tumhare saath...jo kiya...uske liye...don't tell me...tum use maaf kar sakti hoi iss sab ke liye??"(whatttttttt? Let my anger on Disha go?after what she did with you?no...never....never..ever....don't tell me...you can even think off forgiving her for that??"

Khushi shakes her head at that as she explains clutching on his right hand - " insaan hun..bhagwaan nai...Arnav...kuch cheezon ki maafi nai di jaa sakti hum insano se...haan yeh mujhe pata hai...aur disha ne jo kiya woh waise hi kuch hai...maine kab bola..ki maine maaf kiya...yeh bhool gayi...bass...usse mujhe gussa dilane ki power ab maine chin li hai wapas...nai dena...woh wala remote control uske haath main...mera matlab woh hai.."(I am human...Arnav..not god...some things/hurts in life...we human's are not programmed to forgive..and what she did with me..is one of that things..only...when did I say...I am ready to forgive or forget what she did...just saying that I have taken away that power from her to trigger me with anger...that's all...I don't want to hand her that remote button on my accord..any longer...its not worth it...)

Arnav sighs at that as he shrugs but admits honestly - " mujhse nai hoga khushi..main nai kar sakta yeh..shayad kabhi bhi....kyunki main karna hi nai chahta..."( I wont be able to do it...I will never be able to do it..i don't want to do it..)

Khushi nods in understanding- " okay....I get it...Arnav...your decision on that...I won't push you more..."

Arnav edges closer in his seat at that to her and cups her face and keeps his forhead on hers again at that as he admits frustrated - " nai...tum nai samjhogi...shayad...kabhi nai samjhogi...ki...tumne tumhaare saath panga leke...mujhe apna dushman bana liya hamesha ke liye....tum meri sab kuch ho khushi...mujhe maaf kardo ?please...ki meri wajah se tumne woh sab sunna...uski koi bhi baat ko dil pe mat lena khushi...woh pagal hai...crazy hai...cruel hai...log jaise hote hai unhe duniya waise hi dikhti hai apne lens se..uski aankhon ka lens bakwas tha....aur bakwas hai...isliye usne wahi sab bakwass ki....tum bhool jao bass uski baatein...sab bhool jao...aur mere lens se apne aap ko dekho...ape pariwar aur doston ke lense...se apne aap ko dekho...tumse...precious...koi nai..khushi...koi nai...tumse...beautiful aur strong insaan...meri nazron mein koi nai...."(nai...maybe...you won't ever get it dammit...maybe you won't ever get that...when she messed with you in the way she did..she freaking earned a lifelong enemy in me...for good...Khushi...you are everything to me Khushi...just forgive me damm for having to hear that from her on my accord...she's mad/cruel...she's crazy...you better not take anything she said to your heart...Khushi...one thing you listen Khushi...however people are from within...they see life through that lens only through their eyes...her lens was rotten which is why she whipped rotten words at you...you just forget whatever she said to you...Khushi...just forget it all....and see yourself from my lens...from your family+ friends+loved ones lens...you are freaking precious..Khushi...so precious...the most beautiful and strong person...from my eyes...)

Khushi shivers in her frame at the feel of his proximity again + his words. The feel of his forhead on hers - his breath fanning her face. And those words.She whispers now closing her eyes shoving her right hand into his hair as she asked as her mind blared its warnings hard to her in the moment - " kyun? Kyun ? bol rahe ho yeh sab..tum abhi? Kyun itne biased ho mujhe leke? Kyun samjhte nai...itna aasan nai hai mere dimaag ke liye ctrl+alt+delete dabana uski baton ko...kyunki haan..shayad...uski shabd..evil the...but...kuch toh sach tha hi na...uski baton mein..kaise...mere dimmag mere dil ko phir se dare aur dream karne de..tumhare...accord...par...arnav..kaise....haan...aaj hum feelings ke maamle mein phir se ek page par hai...par baaki sab pages?uska kya?reality ke pages?uska kya? Arnav?uska kya? Tumhari meri...duniya..bilkul alag gai...kaise ek ho sakti hai...kabhi?kaise??? tum hi batao mujhe....tum hi batao...main haar gayi tum se bhaag ke..iss baat ko leke...toh aaj tum hi bol do...kaise hoga yeh...kahin hum dono ek doosre ko aur hurt na kardein baad mein jakaar...arnav...yahi dar hai mujhe...bahut dar hai..."( why?? Why?? Why are you saying all this to me?right now? why are you so biased when it comes to me?? dammit? why don't you understand...Arnav..its not that easy for my mind ot press ctrl+alt+delete to her talks...coz...yes maybe her choice of words was evil...but...she had some truth she pointed out..yet again..right?how?? my mind feels...how can it allow my heart to dare to dream on your accord ever again???yes we are on the same page of feelings today..Arnav..yes..but that's the only page we same at..what about all the different pages...?? In the books of our lives?everything is different?our worlds are still different?? How can our worlds ever become one?? You tell me...??ok...yes...ill admit...I am tired of running away from you on this accord...so today...you only tell me...how is this even possible?how is the union of our different worlds even possible?? Arnav? you only tell me...today...I am so scared...what if we end up hurting each other...more....later on..."

Arnav keeps his forhead snug on hers as he hears all of that from her in her vulnerable achy tone + vibe. Finally. It was about time to get on with his attacking word game of Chess - with Khushi on this accord. He opens his aching eyes to her at that now to see fresh tears oozing out her eyes as well and he whispers- " dekho mujhe...kholo apni aakhein...aur dekho mujhe...khushi..."( open your eyes to me...Khushi...and look at me......)

Khushi does. She opens her eyes to look into his. Damm.She shouldn't have because the ache+ turmoil in his eyes makes her feel shit guilty for even saying all that she did to him right now...

Arnav says now caressing her cheeks cupping her face in his hands - " sun liya maine...tumhara...I heard your point...k?now will you sit back and hear my point??"

Khushi nods at that - " haan...bolo..ab tum hi bolo.."(yes..okay...you talk I am listening...)

He kisses on her head now and shifts back in his spot - because he knew if he had to get his word strategy right on - bulls eye he had to have his mind countering her to the T with complete attention and not be clouded by the thoughts of kissing her mindlessly in the moment.

Khushi takes a deep breathe and she shifts back in her spot too - across of him at that as she finds him staring at her - and she hears him ask now - biting back a smile again hiding the ache in his eyes on her accord - " ek baat yaad dilao khushi? yaad hai..peru mein..kitna chess khela tha humne?? Free time mein??aur saath mein kitni baatein bhi karte the..."( shall I remind you something..Khushi?? remember in Peru...how much chess we used to play together? In our free time??as we used to keep talking??)"

Khushi smiles at the reminder+ memory on reflex - " ofcourse...yaad hai mujhe...I take great pride in playing chess well..or atleast used to until the point I met you...tumne hi har baar kiya..tha mujhe check mate - ek baar bhi nai jitney dete the..."( you only check - mate me in chess...everytime...at the point..didnt let me win one time also...)

Arnav nods at that smiling himself - " toh tumhe toh meri chess khelne ki strategy yaad hi hogi..ache se.."(great...so then...you remember the strategy I love to play my chess games with..right??)

Khushi nods at that on reflex - "bilkul yaad hai... ek hi toh strategy aati hai tumhe chess mein...hamesha attacking khel te ho...aur main hamesha defensive...pata hai baad mein bahut baar sochti thi..ghar wapas jaake...ki kabhi maine..ek baar tumhare jaise attack strategy apnayi hoti...toh shayad...ek baar toh tumhe check-mate kar deti..."(ofcourse...I remember..Arnav...you have only fav strategy of playing chess...that is always playing attacking game only...and me always playing defensive...I always thought later on at home...on return...that maybe once...if I tried playing a attacking game as you...I could have check - mate you...once atleast..)

Arnav smiles at that - " sahi hai...ki tumhe yaad hai.."( its great you remember...)

Khushi smiles - " tumhari har baat yaad hai arnav..aur tumhe yeh pata hai..jaise ki tumhe meri har baat yaad hai...aloo paratha aur chai wali bhi..."( I remember every bit related to you I knew then..and you know that just like I know you remember all related to me you knew then...including aloo paratha aur chai bit..)

Arnav grins as he asks holding out his right hand - " haath dogi mujhe abhi...apna??"(will you give me your hand..please??"

Khushi nods giving her right hand in his and hears him ask at that raising his eyebrow - " aur apne dossra haath bhi..,"handing out his left hand to her...

And shivering and trembling in emotion - Khushi hands him her left prosthetic hand as well and she feels him lace both his hands into hers now as he says determined looking into her eyes - " bass...aise hi mera haath pakde rehna khushi..ab hum ek bahut interesting game khelne wale hai..."( just keep holding my hands this way khushi...as we now begin to play a very interesting game..."

Khushi gapes at him puzzled but shivers as he clutches on both her hands - " what do you mean? what game??"

Arnav grins - " chess khelenge..khushi..."(We will play chess ...khushi...)

Khushi gapes at him - " chess? Abhi?yahan?bina chess board ke?( chess..here?now?? without a chess board?? How??"

Arnav chuckles shaking his head at that as he explains - " shabdon ki chess khelenge khushi...tum apni move par bolna...main...apni move par bolunga...dekhte hai...aaj kaun yeh game jita hai..tum ya mai....dhyan se khelna khushi...sabse important game hai yeh hamari chess ki...dil se jo related hai...ready?"(We will play a word game of chess khushi...you speak on your turn..and I will speak on mine...lets see who wins this word game of chess..today...you or me...play carefully..khushi...this is probably the most important...word chess game of our lives...its related to our hearts obviously....)

Khushi trembles at that as she gapes at him in shock.Why? For the determined glint in his eyes told her - he was all set to check-mate her already???????? Her mind revolted. Her gut snoozed it as she ended up nodding - " okay...fine...lets play...I am ready..."

Arnav nods - " you wana start? Cmon..ill be gracious here...ill let you make the first move..."

Khushi sighs at that as she says - " my first move on word here is the same...as I mentioned...you do know...the reality outside of this door...Arnav...our worlds are different...too different...yes I coped once in my head...prior...with regards to the same..but now..another solid bit has changed right?? I am not the same ...Khushi anymore...physically....these lines still stand apt...,"and she just candidly goes to hymm and sing the two lines to him - 'waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam...tum rahe na tum...hum rahe na hum...,"she says gesturing to her left prosthetic hand clutched in his.

Arnav knew it. He just knew it, that she's start with this.He clutches on her left hand now as he whispers making his next word move - "okay..if you wana start with..songs lines...to make your point..I got few lines to quote to make my move too...and,"he pauses before the poetry lover in him quotes one of his favorurite lines to her - 'tum chupa na sakogi main woh raaz hun...tum bhula na sakogi who andaaz hun...goonjta hun jo dil mein..toh harain ho kyun?main tumhare hi dil ki toh awaaz hun...sun sako...toh sune..dhadkano ki zubaan...main yahan hoon khushi...kaise differences..kaise majbooriyan...main yahan hoon...tumhare saath..." (From the song - Main Yahan Hoon - from Veer Zaara)

That makes Khushi's eyes widen in intense emotion as she whispers - " cheating..cheating mat karo(don't cheat)...you cannot quote those lines to me right now...Arnav...you love poetry...ofcourse...you remember..all this monumental..movie...lines..."

Arnav shrugs - " why is this cheating? You keep quoting that to me? ofcourse...I can quote my lines..specially when..they are freaking valid to our situation...if you noticed...I did make a valid change..in the movie..he says..sarhadein(borders) - I said...differences..."

And as he catches Khushi gaping at him narrow eyes he whispers grinning - " I know...I got the better of you..this move...your turn...go on..."

Khushi sighs at him narrow eyed - " hogaya tumhara...attacking chess word game..shuru??"( there you go..started with your usual...attacking strategy in this game of word chess also??"

Arnav sighs - "aur tumhara bhi start hogaya?as usual..defensive.."( and you started as usual too...defensive...)

Khushi sighs and nods and says making her next word move - " Arnav...please understand..the reality is we stand on the same page on only one thing....our feelings...rest everything is different..."

Arnav makes his next counter move at that - " and how can you be so freaking blind to the fact that this very one page of feelings that we at the same point at? Is that one page - that has the maximum weightage in the book of the heart - Khushi? kam se kam..isi page ki 95% se uppar weightage hai akele...(just this page has 95% weightage alone) aur tumhe yeh pata hai...saalon lag jaate hai khushi...logon...ko...aisa connection dhoondhne mein...joh hum mehsoos karte hai ek doosre ke saath...yeh connection..aisa connection hi toh dil ka sukoon aur Jannat hai khushi..kaise bhul jaa rahi ho yeh...ki joh sakoon hamare dilon ko ek saath milta hai...woh alag hoke mil hi nai sakta...tadapte rahenge..ek doosre ke liye..jaise ki aaj tak tadap tea aye hai...baaki...sab sort ho sakta hai khushi...saari duniya..meri tumhari..ek apne aap hi ho jayegi...agar...hamare dil ek hog aye...waise..toh hamre dil ek hi hai..par mera matlab tum samjhti hun...ki hum saath hogaye...toh sab handle karlenge...khushi...jo hoga dekhlenge....main hoon na tumhare saath.."(And you know that...Khushi..people take years/ages..to discover this sense of connection finding it around...exploring..this connection that we feel with one another is the connection that is like a peaceful heaven of the heart...how can you forget this Khushi? this peace our hearts feel with one another..is not possible separately..we will keep burning in ache for one another...like we have been all this while....please understand...all things will get sorted bit by bit our worlds will merge seamlessly together...if our hearts are one..khushi...actually our hearts are one only...but you know what I mean...we have to give our hearts the peace of getting together in reality as well....dont worry we will handle everything...I am there na with you...)

Khushi glares at Arnav hard at that.Why? Because he'd just managed to attack her emotionally deeper with that.Her mind is irked and she admits - " lo ji...nikal liya tumne apne ghoda attack par..aur chal di dhai ghar ki strong...emotional move...jab ki main yahan pe...abhi pawn hi chal rahi hun...yeh kya matlab...mein do line bolun aur tum itni saari..tum poet ho...shabdon mein jeet jaoge...jao main nai khelti tumhare saath yeh word chess..."( there you go...taking out...our horse(From the gameboard of chess) in between us in words here...and like an expert played its...two and a half houses move very accurately...to ground me emotionally...here I am still playing one small pawn moves..and you pull off this at me...what ya? I say one/two lines and you say so much...you are a poet at heart too...you will just win in words....again...I don't want to play this word chess with you..)

Arnav grins at that loving the way she was squirming emotionally in front of him clearly his words were having the impact he wanted. He says now challenging her with a eyebrow raise - " game hai khushi..beech mein chod dogi..abhi toh...shuru ki hai..."(it's a game...khushi...you will quit midway?when we just started??")

Khushi glares at him - " bahut smart ho tum.."(you are very smart...Arnav...)

Arnav grins - " woh toh main hun....ab bolo..haar man rahi ho kya abhi hi??"( that I am...ofcourse...now you tell me...you surrendering now only or what??)

Khushi glares at him at that - " aise kaise...surrender..itna..jaldi.."( no no...not surrendering...)

Arnav grins - " go on then...say your next move..."

Khushi sighs. Damm, why was she failing so miserably at this right now? Her mind unable to dish out the right words? Or Perhaps - her heart had over-ridden the capacity of her mind to think straight? Or conjure up the words needed? She says now stammering - after thirty seconds - " in my mind...somewhere...I think...I'll always feel...I am a misfit ingredient in your life...Arnav...on accord of everything else...."

Arnav shakes his head at that smiling - " phir se..defensive?(again defensive?"

Khushi glares at him - " meri word move hai..mera mann...tum apna bolo.."( its my word move..my wish...you say what you have too..)

Arnav nods and goes on - " well, you are the fittest ingredient in the most important part of my life...Khushi...from where I see it...my heart...why would I care about anything else? And you know that too...you know...you are the answer to my hearts calling/or my soul's calling for that matter...right?? so you tell me..this...why would you even care about anything else?"

Khushi gapes at him at that as emotional tears well up her eyes - " what did you just say?? That I am the answer to your hearts calling? To your soul's calling...???phir se doosra ghoda nikaal diya tumne dhai ghar pe..."(again you took out another emotional two and half house move of the horse?)

Arnav nods and winks - " ofcourse....I just had too...khushi...I am getting the better of you every move...."

Khushi groans - " damm...you good at this..."

Arnav raises his eyebrow - " just good??"

Khushi glares at him and makes her next word move without answering that - " Arnav...joh sach hai..woh hai...thike? tum kaise...baaki sab differnecs ke pages ko blind eye turn karsakte ho??yeh sach haina?ki tum sab differences ko blind eye kar rahe ho.."( arnav..whats the truth is the truth...how can you turn a blind eye..to all differences??its the truth right? you just turning a blind eye to all the differences")

Now that make Arnav grin more as he decides to use his next word move to catch her completely off guard - " haan...its true...because...mujhe tumhare ilawa aur kuch dikh hi nai raha hai..abhi...tumhe hi bass main nai dikhta...yahan tumhare saamne baitha hua...tumhare liye tadapte hue..."( yes that's true...its because..i can only see you at this point..nothing else matters to me...only you..only you don't happen to see me sitting in front of you..burning for you in ache and turmoil...longing for you..)

Khushi sighs as she admits her eyes welled up - "aise mat bolo... yeh sach nai...tumhe pata hai..tum akele nai tadap rahe...aur yeh badi smart move thi...uth ko bahar nikalne wali...diagonal up straight towards my defensive zone.....aur mein yahan pawn moves pe hi atki hun..."(don't say it that way..please? this is not the truth...you know you are not burning in longing alone..and this word move was like the one of the camel on chess board..all diagnol heading closer to my defensive zone...)

Arnav grins for his intention was to get her to admit this upfront - "badi smart ho tum...sare moves pakad rahi ho meri...toh iss next wali ko kya bolegi? Jaise ki yeh sach hai ki main tumhare liye tadap raha hun..tum bhi tadap rahi ho...yeh bhi sach hai...ki yeh jo baat maine tumhe kabhi nai baatai isse pehle...ki asher ke saath tumhari photo dekhta hun na...past ki...toh jal jaata hun...bilkul andar tak...jal kya ...bhun ho jata hun...jelousy mein...asher kya...uss dan ke baare mein sochke bhi..tumhare saath...koi aur soch ke hi...bhun jaata hun mein andar tak...khushi...kya yeh tumhe pata tha?nai na? ab sun lo...aur mujhe batao...kya tumhe aisa feel hua kabhi mujhe leke?"( very smart you are khushi..catching on all my moves...so what will you call this word move ya?next?that just like this is the truth that you burning for me in ache and I am burning for you in ache too...this is one eternal truth too..that I haven't admitted to you yet..that..whenever I see a picture of you from your past with Asher? I freaking burn in envy till my very core...or rather get roasted in envy and jealousy to my very core...thinking of Dan and you too..infact just thinking of you with anyone else...freaking roasts me down to my very core...in envy...did you know this?no right? now hear this..know this...and tell me..did you ever feel the same on my accord??"

Khushi gapes at Arnav all frazzled her heart stumped with a bulls eye dart at the intensity of emotion shining in his eyes for her right now and she whispers to ask shivering - " you what?? what did you just say??????????Arnav???"

Arnav grins - " you heard me right...Khushi...ok game pause for a second...you tell me..have you felt this on my accord..."

Even though her mind tries to override her confessing the same she ends up admitting the same - "Well, given that I wasn't aware about Disha+ your actual equation until now...yes...I used to feel jealousy...k?when...I used to see her pictures...with you...back then...main bhi bhun hi jaati thi andar tak...(I also used to get all roasted in envy within)"

Arnav asks - " ever felt envy on someone else's accord?? I haven't...just feel it for you..."

Khushi sighs - " feel it just for you too..."

Arnav grins - " game on...again...Khushi...so you didn't tell...which move of mine was that?"

Khushi bites her lip at that sighing - " the elephant...straight up and forward...darting its way..."

Arnav grins - " great...your word move is next..."

Khushi sighs - " Arnav...I still have a lot of my stuff baggage/with regards to my condition I yet to deal with ok? that's just mine to figure out...and go through...I cannot risk you along in my ups and downs...tumhe abhi kuch nai pata...uss sab ke baare mein...kya tumhe pata hai...mein apne prosthetic kisi aur man ke saamne kabhi nikal hi nai paati...ky atumhe paata hai...meri jaan chali jaati hai soch ke...ki koi mere prosthetic ke bina mujhe dekh na le...??"( you still don't know half the stuff on my accord...I cannot have any man see me without my prosthethic ever that includes you...It still tremors my heart in ache...thinking what if anyone spots me without my prosthetic just an emoty full sleeve hanging next to me??)

Arnav sighs at that as his eyes well up and he finally moves forward to her frame at that and keeps his forhead on hers again taking her by surprising holding her head to get her close - " I know...Khushi...I know...and I wana be there...with you here on..all along...I wasn't with you in your lowest..at least let me be there for you now...I wana be there for you..Khushi...I wana be there for you so bad...."and now that his breathe was fanning her face again and she was trembling in his frame her right hand clutches on his right arm heaving - Arnav felt like he freaking lost his patience to think straight. Her lips were quivering on her...dammit. Making his insides ache in wonder - how it would feel to finally feel her lips under his.

Khushi whispers as affected by his closeness - ' Arna...v...I...I...tum yeh sab attacking emotional moves band karo...stop moving your horses around dhai ghar again.."

Arnav finally tucks her chin up at that and that makes her open her eyes finally and he whispers - " you stick to your pawn moves only...but I will play my word game the way I want too...you wasted your word move..so my turn...wana know another real fact?Khushi? the only regret I have in life?at the moment????"

Khushi's eyes widen at that as she asks her eyes welling up - " what??meeting me or what?given that...I am just such a pain to you...again??"

Arnav glares hard at her at that - " damm you...dammit...don't you ever say that again...to me...Khushi. You know you are the best to have happened to me..,"And he scans her face his intent gaze falling to her lips now.

Khushi shivers as she feels his intent gaze falling on her lips again - Damm Him. This was electrifying her. She asks trembling unable to pull away hypnotized - " what's this regret then?"

Arnav whispers to ask - " this will count as just a pawn word move - k?if you wana know..?"

Khushi nods - " dammit....yes...okay...count it as whatever...but...what's this regret tell me dammit??"

Arnav admits now his gaze falling to her lips now - " well given that you are single now as am I...I can say my heart out on this accord now Khushi...you know..this one regret...is related to your gorgeous lips right now..,"And he brushes his thumb snug over her lower lip taking her by stunned jolt electricity and surprise and he looks deep into her eyes and confesses - " that...damm...I should have just freaking kissed you back in Peru itself...the present me has been cursing the 18 year old me...with that...every day...ever since I found you in the present....I should have just freaking kissed you...instead of being patient..then we both would have known what it felt like?atleast?perhaps - we wouldn't then have it in us to go with the pact the way we did...we would have dated...we would have just always been together...I so regret today that I didn't steal your breth hard with mine..back then Khushi....I am telling you...my patience on your accord can be looked on as a double edged sword...I guess...a strength and my weakness....too..."

Khushi shivers.

Trembles.

Quakes at that from him - right now. How could she not when his intense lingering gaze went straight to her lips at that and he brushed his thumb over her upper lip now intently in deep longing. On reflex her eyes went to his lips too as she whispers - " not fair...you just pulled out the queen attack on me..with that word move... Arnav...how am I ever going to escape..the queen+the elephant coming my way together?? Damm you....you freaking said this on purpose...didn't you?"

Well, any one who loves to play chess attacking knows - if you get the Queen+ Elephant together in synced moves to attack - its very likely for the one to win the game.

Arnav grins as he finds her hypnotised in his frame now as her right hand comes up to brush his lips now and he whispers the words against her fingers - " raani aur haathi ke move se tum hamesha haar ho jaati ho...Khushi..par pata hai kya game pause..main use tumhare mind ko chek mate nahi karunga....kyunki...abi maine strategy badal li...kyun main jeetun..aur tumhe lage..tum haari...mere dimaag mein ek idea hai...badiya..hai..win win type hai...paar isse pehle ke main who tumhe bataun...ab mein majboor hoon yeh poochne ke liye...kyunki...meri pataience ab bass khatam iss baat ko leke...can I kiss you...Khushi? I wana freaking kiss you so freaking bad...right now?? ek baar? Bass ek baar hi sahi? Let me just feel what will it feel like to finally kiss you...don't you wonder..how it will feel?how it will finally feel??remember what you wrote in the diary for me...Khushi? the first year? that when you'd see me in Peru..you'd fling yourself in my arms? Or maybe just kiss me?first thing out?so I know...you'v wondered the same too...so don't you cover on it..now..."( you always lose to the move of Queen+ elephant together...Khushi...but know what? I don't plan to check mate your mind with that...right now..so game pause..because I just changed my strategy...why should you feel I won and you lost? Lets go for a win-win - for I got a brilliant idea on this accord...but...because...I feel like I have run out of patience on this accord...now...I have to ask you...I am compelled to ask you...can I kiss you...Khushi?? I wana kiss you so freaking bad right now....?can I? once? Atleast? Just once??? Let me atleast feel like...what will it feel like to finally kiss you..dammit??don't you wonder...how it will feel?how will it finally feel?? remember what you wrote in the diary for me...Khushi? the first year? that when you'd see me in Peru..you'd fling yourself in my arms? Or maybe just kiss me?first thing out?so I know...you'v wondered the same too...so don't you cover on it..now"

Well, did he just say - Game Pause with that? Khushi's heart didn't think so - for by bringing the last bit up from her diary she already felt like her heart was freaking stumped emotionally - all her emotions + longing for him threatening to revolt and just take over. She whispers caressing his cheek - " did you just ask me that? did you just ask me if you can kiss me...right now...just once? So that you know..what it would finally feel like?? Also did you just bring up my diary point in my face right now...dammit??"

Arnav nods at that and grins - " indeed...I did..."

Khushi shakes her head damming him - " you shouldn't have..dammit...you shouldn't have...."

Arnav grins - ' why?because..I reminded you the truth you'v wondered for years to? Khushi? is it? you have wondered...this haven't you?"

At a loss of words- Khushi just nods at that keeping her gaze locked with his. She was hypnotised - yes. Indeed, she was. Her heart would like to believe. Only hypnosis could explain the fogging of her brain right now or her inability to move?

Arnav keeps his forhead on her's at that as he whispers - " great...great...so can I kiss you...now??"

And suddenly from somewhere Khushi's mind comes with its last minute dying alarm as it says to her within. No,Khushi, No. This is danger waters. Pull away. Now. But Khushi's gut takes over in revolt finally as it snoozes her mind and she feels her heart whisper in longing - Just once....just kiss him once....and finally know..what it will feel like...one kiss....thats all...Khushi...just one kiss....

Arnav asks now impatient rubbing his thumb/caressing it sensuously over both her lips at that his eyes burning into hers in deep longing - "Khushi..answer me..dammit...now...right very now....can I kiss you right now? just this once...atleast..."

Khushi whispers nodding - "okay...yes.... once...just once...maybe....lets kiss...just this...once...Arna..,"and even before - Khushi could complete saying his name out at that - she felt Arnav cup her face snug and pull her closer by the head and he closed his lips over hers - in a sudden - Kiss - consuming both her lips into his intently at once.But she'd reacted instantly on reflex - opening her lips and that led to both their upper and lower lips being atuned - fused intensely together - rather than just Arnav consuming both her lips with his over....Now...his upper lip consumed her upper one and her lower lip consumed his lower lip - as they fused intently together - finally - for the very first time...

And time came to a freaking standstill...

She felt it. That sudden jolt of intense electricity+ massive emotional current/tide /tsunami rage at her - at once. He felt it too. The sudden jolt of intense electricity + massive emotional current/tide/tsunami rage inside of him - at once too. Which is why - for a second - the two of them - just got lost and frozen into the moment of their lips finally fused together.

And just like that - the moment snapped into raw longing and vulnerability in between the two - outta the Blue!

His hands went into her hair rushed - pulling her closer. She found her own right hand going into his hair at that and the very next second - as Arnav and Khushi both opened their lips together at the same time to kiss each other deeper - it wasn't clear if Arnav probed his way into her lips deeper...or was it Khushi. Hell, did it matter? Nah. Not at all. All that mattered - was the two of them had finally probed their way into each others lips - beginning to kiss each other deeply, madly, in an intense french kiss. Not just intense. Super Duper intense french kiss - where in both of them - found themselves pouring out their intense longing, ache, burn, emotions, for one another into each others lips - finally at that. She moaned his name into his lips. And that only edged Arnav more - to begin kissing Khushi - even more hard, deep and bad, pouring his heart and soul into her lips almost in a volatile passionate way. He couldn't help it. He'd lost it. The fact that he was finally kissing - Khushi freaking had check - mate his very own heart yet again.

Damm him.Arnav thought. He'd been the one aiming to check - mate her with his words all along until the point?Right? But as he felt Khushi begin to tug on his hair - pull him closer to herself and deepen the kiss/almost roughen it from her end too - as much mirroring his volatile passionate intensity plus longing for her as much - Arnav couldn't help but admit...that he was the one....feeling ....completely - CHECK - MATE in the moment indeed...as was she...he presumed?

Minutes Passed.?

How many?

None of them knew...how many heated minutes had passed as they continued to kiss each other the hardest, deepest, wildest, they'd ever kissed anyone - ever before in their lives. He kissed her like he hadn't ever kissed anyone. She kissed him like she didn't know she was even capable of kissing...uptil this very point...all volatile/rough/intense/with ache, angst, yet very beautiful awe pour of raw vulnerable and sincere emotions....

All that mattered was the bit that none of them was ready to let go of the other in the moment as their lips duelled hard and how in this passionate tug of war in between their lips...it was as if..both were equally vulnerably blown away in the moment..which is why...Arnav and Khushi.... just cared about...making their first - intense wild/volatile/passionate french kiss moment...last the longest it freaking could....

And if that meant the two would have to resort to just breathing off each other's lips the longest they could amongst the natural hummings/sounds/moans steaming their way around in the room - amidst this ongoing - desperately prolonged - raw vulnerable crackling passionate volatile duel in between their lips - then so be it...

So be it....Indeed!!

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

Tadaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Howwwwzzzaaattt guys???

I hope you all enjoyed the various cocktail of scenes!! What do you all think of Arnav+ Khushi's meet finally? The starting scene??? I really wanted to add the quirk in the emotionally angsty vibe as well. Hope that came across. Plus - what did you all think of the chess of their words??? Ofcourse - Arnav went all attacking emotionally...cornered...Khushi...in his emotions...for now...atleast...!

Also no shoes at me for stopping there?K? Just had too....for the dramatic affect😃😃😃😃 Did any of you think of this development?Would happen this update??? Also hope you all enjoyed the Asher + Maya bit in there...as well..❤️

Next Update on this story - Will come in Tomorrow night/or max  friday night(Will be a medium length update in continuation from this scene) 

Next Update - 20. Check - Mate!

Invisible Strings will get its updates on Saturday+ Monday❤️

Thanks guys for all the love* support always.

Much Love* Infinite Gratitude

❤️🙏❤️

Now and always..

Prachi