Helloooo everyoneeeee....

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

Happy Tuesday!!!!!!!!!!😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

So Yes, I am here with the next update of HW4.0 for the week!One day earlier than schedule...🥳🥳🥳👩‍💻👩‍💻

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

Word count (Long)– 7k words.

Also two things I'v been extremely elated about since yesterday – One being - Our women's team making it to the knock out – semi final stage in the on going world cup...they rocking it...🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳

And two being that my elder daughter is selected to play in the cricket girl squad in their school's inter house upcoming cricket matches...which has just got me super excited and happy being like – Yay!! Mera koi toh bacha cricket khel le...hehe..😂😂😂😁😁😁😁🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳

Okay! Now I will finally pause on my rant and let you all dive into reading the update...

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All Rights Reserved® mysticaltales11111

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24. The Flow Of Realizations

Two More Weeks Later

Jamaica – Rahul's Place

Saturday

4:30 PM

Asher steps out into the balcony space on the first floor of Rahul's place.This balcony space was right outside the informal lounging space in between the rooms on the first floor of the house. The informal lounging space was where the entire gang had been chilling out – a together -at the moment. They'd all just been gathered here ever since lunch actually.

He'd been having a good time amidst everyone as usual obviously, except for the moments, where in even though he was amidst all – internally he was being haunted by some aching realisations...that had finally dawned on him...eventually.And given that, this was one such moment he was experiencing himself within again, he felt it would be better if he just stepped out to get some fresh air in the balcony..for now...

There's a thing about realisations, isn't it? Sometimes, the process arriving into it takes it own time and pace but when they eventually dawn on one's being, they have the capacity to hit base quite strongly.

So what were these haunting realisations churning in Asher's being?

The first one was the base core one that had come to him immediately almost two weeks ago – when his bhai and Bhabhi had schooled him in his cabin for losing his cool at Maya the way he had no matter what the reason which only made him finally open up to the two about all the turmoil he had been feeling within on Maya's accord – also admitting to them that apart from the two only Khushi knew what was on with him within. He had obviously sensed the confusion in his bhabhi's eyes darted at him on Khushi's accord– in that moment – but she covered it well instantly gesturing to Asher then that she'd obviously talk to Khushi too. Ofcourse, eventually, Khushi did reveal to his Bhabhi that she was doing more than just okay and wasn't disturbed at all over return of Asher's past at his door. (Only obvious for Mika to wonder the same given that she still wasn't aware of the dynamics shaped up in Khushi's life off late)

So, anyway, Asher had indeed realised just then that he had crossed the line with Maya in anger and frustration but back then because he also felt like he was just in no mood to make any amends or listen to anyone suggesting him to keep his cool and calm – he obviously did not admit it loud to anyone that he had realised he had made a mistake at that point. Neither to his bhai, Bhabhi, or Khushi...

And what other realisations had finally taken him two more weeks of solid thinking to and fro within his head and heart – that were now haunting him deep?

The second one being the bit, that indeed yes, probably if tables had been turned in the past as well, and he had spotted Maya in bed with one of his college besties, he'd have felt betrayed the deepest as well , and despite his heart wanting to believe, and having heard her out.....his mind would have still questioned as well..and probably would have kept questioning and doubting....until he had some solid evidence to negate the aching sight from his mind altogether. And the very second, this realisation had hit him base a couple of days ago, it had made him wonder – that was this the reason why Maya wanted proof? Asked for proof of his innocence? Not with the intention to hurt him, but with the intention of rubbing the slate clean in her head?????

And just like any pandora's box of troubles, this above realisation only lead the path to a couple more. The next one being, that yes, surely she was the only one who still had the power to affect him so deeply, emotionally, which was he had been so rattled since her return anyway.Then, the next one finally being that – yes her sudden kiss on his lips – had also shoved him straight back into the memory lanes of their intimacy for good it seemed. Not just shoved. He was drowning in those intense memories all over again...wasn't he?

Perhaps, this just wasn't in his control anymore??

He was right on that thought on his mind, when he hears Khushi's soft voice behind him as she asks closing the sliding door to the balcony shut, post stepping out now – " hey...Asher...you okay??"

Asher looks at her at that turning around to lean against the railing and nods smiling – " yes...Khushi...I am okay..."

He sees her eye him narrow eyed at that as she steps up towards him but doesn't say a word – and just hands him a cup of coffee whilst continuing to sip on her coffee as well. Asher takes the cup nodding a thanks in acknowledgement. He hears her state now a second later – " you don't look okay...though..for if you were...you wouldn't have kept spacing out into deep thoughts amidst us all ever since afternoon...you think I haven't noticed?? You aren't okay...which is why...you stepped out now as well....you aren't okay...but well...I respect your space...Asher...I know you will talk about it when you are ready..."

Asher bites his chuckle at that. Well, post his last outburst two weeks ago, Khushi had just changed her strategy with him actually. She'd herself refrained from discussing anything – Maya with him – and within a couple of days – his anger at her had melted and they'd fallen back into their friendly and amiable equation. Also Asher's gut hunch told him that Khushi had been the one to advice Maya to give him the space he probably needed to think things through in his head. Kind of like a silence reverse psychology stint on him....he now... concluded in retrospect...

Because, somehow back then, the more she was pushing him into talking about it the more it had been adding to his turmoil.And the very second, not just her but even his bhai , Bhabhi just gave him the space to be – it all started to dawn on him bit by bit anyway.

Asher asks now taking a sip of his coffee smiling – " before I say anything, right now Khushi...tell me this...whose idea was this to try this silent reverse psychology bit with me haan? your's or the boy in peru's haan?? my hunch says – it was his perhaps?"

Khushi can't help but smile at that as she admits now in a whisper– "well, yes, it was his idea actually...Asher. The other night, he just made me realise that you probably just need to be left alone to figure things out for yourself first....so yup...I just let you be..."

Asher raises his eyebrow at her now smiling again – " and probably you advised Maya to do the same as well? Given that I haven't heard from her at all in these two weeks as well? And that she's made no attempts to reach out to me as well??"

Khushi nods at that as well now – recalling her talk with Maya on this bit days ago – as well.She says now slowly observing Asher's calmer vibe – " hasn't been easy for her to let you be though...that I must admit...Asher.."

Asher sighs at that – "surely, you are aware about it all at her end, aren't you? you two surely keeping in touch...quite a bit...I suppose??"

Khushi nods at that – " yup...we'v been in touch...quite a bit Asher...and I am only mentioning that now given that you finally brought her topic up yourself...and given that you did bring it up makes me wonder now...are you like ready to talk it out?noow?finally??"

Asher nods at that now sipping his coffee – " perhaps..yes...,"and he asks inquisitive – " so have you been filling her up on everything she's been asking about me anyway? in these two weeks??"

Khushi's eyes widen at that as she asks – " wait...wait...how do you know that? I'v been filling her in on all she'd been asking about you haan??"

Asher chuckles – " isn't rocket science..Khushi...I know you...I know her...figured...the equation of talks in my head..."

Khushi states now in a softer whisper chuckling herself – " I should have figured that out...I guess..,"and she pauses, hoping that Asher will talk more on this himself now before she asks – " so did it work though? the silent reverse psychology stint? Did you figure things out??

Asher watches Khushi observing him silently post asking him this and he finally nods – " well, yes, it worked I guess, Khushi...for you could say...in the last two weeks...I'v been on massive thinking spree which has led me to arrive at certain conclusions and realisations...finally..."

Khushi sighs in relief at that as she asks – " and what would these conclusions and realisations be haan??"

And because, Asher felt like he was now ready to talk about it all, he does end up talking about his thought process to Khushi in the moment, who just listens on deep in thought herself and about ten minutes later – as he finishes – he hears Khushi ask now smiling in hope again as she asks – " well...better late than never..is what I would say to that eventually...Asher.So does this mean, there could be chances that you might unblock Maya's no yourself and reach out to her yourself now?? you do know that it isn't just me but her who listens to your strings of realisations....Asher???"

Asher shrugs at that momentarily but nods – " well, yes I know that...now...yes...but I am still to decide on how to go about that Khushi , but yes..what I do know is that I should begin with an apology to her for my outburst at office the other day...so lets see.."

Khushi smiles at that all relieved and states brushing her hand through her hair in the flow of it all catching on the hunch now that Asher will really figure it all out now – " and this time...I will only help you when you ask for my help on this Asher...or else..my plans will backfire...so just let me know..if you need any help on this..but I suggest you act quick...she leaves in ten days...from now..who knows when will you be able to see her again...given her hectic touring schedule with the team and your life being put here...nonetheless....,"and just as she finishes saying that out loud to Asher – a deep realisation hits Khushi in her being too that the same above premise also stood true for Arnav and her..as well...

He too was to depart in just ten days from now....

Just Ten More – Days –

Dammit.

Why was time flying??? Where had the time gone by flown??? Or perhaps – given that she'd been in the seventh heaven happiness state in her heart – in all these days emotionally –because of the depth of what she had been feeling on Arnav's accord it seemed that the time had flown by faster than it should have?? Perhaps, because, their collective emotions for one another had just been heightening with every passing second, that her heart just didn't want to process the fact that the countdown to his stay here in Jamaica at finally begun...

Asher studies Khushi's pale face now and he asks sipping his coffee – " did you just realise that the same stands true for him and you as well? Khushi?when you finally pointed that out to me???right now??"

He sees Khushi nod at him at that instantly as she whispers – " indeed...I just realised the same...right now...Asher...like...we'v both just been so lost in our happy bubble all the while...that we both just didn't want to process the bit of time flying by nontheless...I guess...,"and as he sees Khushi's eyes well up at that – he instantly places his hand on her arm in support – " hey..Khushi....don't cry..."

And to Asher's surprise – he hears Khushi whisper back all emotional as she admits and asks – " I don't want him to go...I don't want him to leave...why does he have to leave here??? why can't he just like stay here???dammit??"

Which makes Asher remind her smilingly in a gesture to make it light – "well, you are right...just ask him to stay right here?no?then?Khushi?? Indian team can surely find themselves a new opener plus wicket keeping option then..."

And to his surprise he hears her answer instantly in a matter of fact tone – " no way to the latter ...dammit...Asher...we both know ...he is kinda become like an indispensable asset to Indian cricket...,"and as she pauses she herself sighs sadly and admits – " he has to go...I know...he has to go...but guess what? I just realised all over again...Asher...that the fact that he has to go doesn't change the fact that I also feel like I don't want him to go..."

Asher smiles at that knowingly – " why don't you tell him that when you see him in a while? Will make him a very happy man...I am sure...on that note...is he okay?though? surely yesterday, was tricky for him to get past??"

Khushi nods at that instantly – " well yes, it was tricky for him to get past it - in his gaming emotions given that he is only human...like no matter how strong his mind is, it obviously sucks to be the center of wrath and trolling everytime...a bit goes wrong in the game...but yeah...he is okay....I made sure of that...yesterday itself...Asher..."

( Gaming - Pre:Context on the above - The second test match in between India and WI had been a total wash out – due to sudden unexpected change in weather conditions and given that no game time was possible at all in the five days scheduled for test match – it had been declared – a washed out match – which meant that India still had the lead going into the third test match in between India and WI. And it so happened – that eventually the last session on Day 5 of the third test (which concluded yesterday) - also ended up being a nail biting thriller as West Indies only needed last 5 runs to win in the last over of the day and India needed just 1 wicket to win given that WI were already 9 down by then. Ravi had bowled in that last over and unfortunately – in that crucial over – on the very first ball - Arnav had dropped the vital catch post impact of diving sideways to catch it and on the second ball of the over – he'd attempted a stumping only to be late on in by a tiny margin as well which eventually went in the favour of the WI batsmen on review. West Indies won the game in the next two balls scoring the five runs needed for a nail biting victory. And well, needless to say ever since then, both Ravi and ASR were being trolled right, left, center – online - for the same.ASR moreso – for dropping the catch and not being able to pull of that stumping....)

(This time around, Khushi hadn't been able to go to the stadium on the last day given that it was a weekday and she had her NGO commitments that afternoon – but the very second – she'd spotted the events unfold on her phone in the game – she'd reached out to Arnav in loving support instantly knowing he'd be being a little harsh on himself too for the last bit.And when they did end up meeting up yesterday as usual in the late evenings – Khushi made sure she nestled his head lovingly in her lap for a long time – in order to talk him through the gaming guilt he was feeling right then. Even though the online trolling was making Khushi boil in anger by then , she was eventually relieved to see him being able to manage his momentary disturbance through it all....)

Now, in the present, Asher sees Khushi nod instantly – " yes, I will confess the same to him, when I see him in a while tonight....Asher...,"and as he spots her beginning to pace impatiently around the balcony now he asks – " whoa...whats all this sudden pacing about?? Khushi??"

And he hears her say now – as she halts in her spot – with a determined look in her eye as of her mind was made – " you know another bit I just realised Asher? I don't think I have it in me to keep – the boy I met in Peru – a secret from everyone inside..anymore...I mean... I think I am ready to let them the gist of the history and the present minus his true identity though....look....I also think I don't want Mika di to like wonder in her head – that our break up happened....because of an emotional miss at just your end or something...when it was me too....like lets just tell them honestly...that we parted because...we only realised why we hadn't reached that station in our hearts...because of something holding each of us back deep within and we only realised what that bit was when – the mirror of our respective pasts came knocking on our doors...what say? You ready to give everyone a headsup on Maya's return? Probably we don't go into all details...but just the highlighted gist??which will finally give everyone the closure on our behalf too..personally? I mean...Mika di and jiju know...that no point on hoping on us getting together anymore...let just everyone else know too??? it will bring so much clarity to their minds plus this vibe they keep giving us – in group gatherings??even today??"

Asher takes a minute to process all of that and he nods finally feeling like he didn't want to hide the core gist of it all from all of his nearest friends anymore too so he says – " alright...lets just go in tell them...then??the basic gist??"

Khushi nods at that instantly and as she spots Asher biting back his smile she asks – " what you smiling about??"

Asher shrugs grinning – " just the bit...that...someone will be over the moon to know that you finally talked about him to the rest even if it was undercover...Khushi..."

That makes Khushi grin even more – "well, indeed, I can't wait to imagine his reaction to this...later as well...Asher,"and at that the two share a knowing nod – before they gesture one another to finally get on inside – to get the job done on their mind.

Indeed, Khushi and Asher both felt like, there was just no point in hiding about the boy she met in Peru/ or Maya from everyone anymore.................

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

40 Minutes Later

Khushi's POV

Phewwwwwwwww!

That went better than I expected for sure, guys.So Asher and me finally ended up talking to everyone as we planned. We didn't give away all the details and I most surely kept Arnav's identity hidden for now but we talked about the highlighted gist – together – that yes we parted ways because we were feeling within that we weren't headed to that station of intense emotions for one another romantically individually always wondering to ourselves that there could be a subconscious block etc etc – but we only figured out the probable reason for that subconscious block, when faced with the emotional pages of our past – the happening of which finally affirmed that our decision to part as a couple was the sane and right one!

I mean, yes everyone was kinda stunned and shocked to know about my tale from the past involving - The boy I met in Peru. Literally everyone, especially Mika Di, Manika, Nina, Zara, Diya, everyone began asking me as to why I never opened upto them about it ever back then in time and kept all the turmoil in and I was honest in stating to all that I just felt like there was no point in given the twists of time...

Anyway, once everyone heard my bit from the past, they all bbomarded me with questions like – so when did he come here to Jamica? How did you run into him? Who is he? Won't you tell us? Make us meet him??is it like official restart? Or you two figuring things out and these bits – started coming from my overprotective cousin Rahul first, followed by Yug, Zain and even Jiju! And I think collectively they were just skeptical because they now have no clue as to who this person is where in they knew Asher closely.

And I was right in the middle of wondering as to what to say to all those bombarding questions, when Asher jumped to my rescue stating, that we as in(the boy I met in Peru + Me)are kinda in the middle of figuring things out. That only led everyone to ask him if he knew who the boy in Peru was and he reassured everyone that I had come clean to him on the accord a while ago and that he had no doubts with this person at all. At that finally, I just told everyone sincerely that when the time would be right, I would introduce him to everyone...ofcourse...and finally then...I just diverted everyone's attention to Asher successfully. He didn't too give in all details of what had happened with Maya in the past to everyone but the gist that they'd parted due to a deep misunderstanding which was now clear in her mind which is why she was back to make amends. (At this point – Mika Di and Jiju obviously just exchanged knowing looks given that they know the entire bit of it now)

Asher then just went to say the same for himself as well , that now that he'd had a while to think over things, he was in the middle of figuring it out at his end. And post this moment, everyone just went into a collective silence zone for a bit soaking in all that we'd dropped on them...and it was in that moment...that I took the chance to walk down to the kitchen with the excuse to make myself more coffee...whilst everyone kept talking to Asher..above...

I am just about to finish up prepping on my coffee in here for real though...

Hmmm. To be honest , guys, once again, I feel quite light within at finally saying out the gist to my gang atleast for now in cryptic ways. It was becoming harder to make excuses every now then to escape from our usual meeting plans in the evenings otherwise...atleast now they know..that I'v been hanging out with the Boy I Met in Peru – every evening for the last so many days...

And whilst I am on that thought, a emotional tear wells up my eye as my mind goes to Arnav again in the moment. (He is in practice right now – which is scheduled to wrap up much later today given that it was an afternoon session)

Why the tear?

Because, even though he has to, I can't help the feel that I still so deeply feel like – I just don't want him to go. I don't want him to leave, Jamaica ever. A part of me so strongly deeply wishes that he could just be here – for a very long time!A very very long time...

Dammit Him. Look what he has done to me in these two more weeks time...passed in between of us? Surely, turned me into a full time crazy for him, leading me to a solid realisation that Just Him – for who he is as a human – as himself has become a very essential component of the happiness and peace package for my heart – as well. Like there's no way I could ever be at peace & in nirvana state within – without him anymore...which has just led me to accept that now I am literally am left with no option but to figure a solid way forward in my head on this regard....

My phone beeps in my pocket. I take it out excited.What if – Arnav's done with practice?

Uh- oh. It isn't him but a notification related to him only which I must deal with right very now just like I have been dealing with non-stop as well – since yesterday....wana know what it is?Guys??

"Khushi...what ya?smart you are, leaving me up with everyone for the while. Escaping to make coffee...please tell me you made me some??as well,given that I am surely going to need it after the constant hounding from everyone..,"comes in Asher's voice closer behind me now.

That pulls me outta my thought and I keep my phone into my pocket and look at him behind for a second – " well, you can share some with me...Asher...,"And at that I finally pour the coffee into two cups and he ffinally sighs a phew out as well sipping a sip and I ask – " that went better than expected?right??"

Asher nods – " indeed it did...I was totally expecting hounding level to be at 100 percent...full mode..from all..but given that its just on 70 percent right now...I'd say yup..a lot better than expected...,"and he chuckles and adds now – " you won't believe it Khushi, ever since you left to come down, Rahul, Yug, Zain and Bhai began cornering me for his identity again and Diya, Manika, Nina, Zara and Bhabhi joint in asking if they could at least see a picture of Maya or him..."

I chuckle – " is that why you ran down too??"

Asher nods – " I guess they understood, but guess, they'll be okay in processing it all..we need to give them time...I guess..."

I nod – " yup...atleast they all had that common look of understanding now Asher like as if they finally understood why we took the decision we did..."

Asher states now smiling though – " anyways you don't worry, no matter how much they hound me...your secret is safe with me Khushi...no one will know from me...who the boy you met in Peru is...just imagine bhai's shock though when he finds out..."

I can't help but chuckle at that – " yup...imagine everyone's shock..."

Asher nods at that but reassures me – " but just like it all clicked in my head the very minute I knew...it will be the same for them too...given that they'll be able to connect the signs backwards in their heads..."

Sipping my coffee now I bite back a sigh at that as a sudden realisation strikes again or rather consumes me suddenly.Asher notices and asks – "what's on your mind??"

I know that I can admit this to him so I do just leaning back against the counter – " I just realised something ironical Asher...ironical and deep...that perhaps...all my insecurities and fears that stem from the differences of our worlds on any matter...have always been able to play on my mind maybe because...deep down...a part of me believes in these insecurities quite deeply myself. I mean you now how they say the only time – a worldy word can hit deeper nail within – if the insecurity was already eating you too from within??? And I just figured that all my insecurities, fears are actually something I have to figure around dealing with for good...for myself first...you get what I mean? like this bit is my problem...not his...why have I been dumping the burden of it all on him always...adding to his nervousness...all along???for like no fault of his...this situation isn't his fault...the differences of our worlds isn't his fault or mine too...my condition isn't any of our faults too....I have to stop doing this to him...consciously and unconsciously...both...but I can only get around to it...once I take steps for myself within...."

Asher nods that in instant understanding – " I get what you mean..Khushi..ofcourse I do...glad you came around it...knew you would..."

I smile at that – " and I am glad you came around your significant realisations too...I knew you would...texted Maya yet??"

Asher shakes his head – " not yet..."

It is right then – we both hear Zara, Zain, Rahul, Yug call out to us from the stairs asking what was taking us this long and Asher and me finally make our way to join the rest – exchanging a knowing and relieved nod – nonetheless. Knowing because, we knew we'd both probably be hounded again by all but relieved still because – we were both so freaking relieved at finally getting this bit off our shoulders to them all....

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A Shortwhile Later

The Team Bus

Arnav's POV

I lean back in my seat comfortably now at the backend of the bus and enjoy listening to the flow of music making its way into my ears. Just incase you all are wondering as to why – I am not on chat with Khushi – yet is because – Whatsapp tells me she hasn't seen or read my texts yet. I messaged her first thing ofcourse, after switching on my phone post practice...

She's probably busy with everyone around her still. I am obviously aware that she is at Rahul's for a collective get together with her gang right now. I look at the time on my phone. We are anyway scheduled to meet in an hour at our usual..

It is right then – Suraj pulls our my ear bud outtta my ear playfully as he's seated next to me and states grinning – " phir se time me kyun nazar he teri yaar...hume sab pata hai..."(again why you are eyeing time like a hawk...we know why yaar...we know..why.."

Yash joins him by pulling out the other bud outta my ear as well given that I was anyway seated between the two – " exactly mere bhai..humse sab pata hai...sab pata hai.."

I groan gesturing the two to lower down their tone – " chup karo tum dono...thoda aur Dheere bolo...sab aage hi hai bus mein...kyun baith gaya tum dono ke beech phir se..mein??"(hshhh you two lower down your tone..as everyones in the bus near and around only..why did I sit in between you two...)

Suraj whispers tone down now as he adds – " arre...sab apne mein busy hai..dekh toh...sab ki haalat khasta ho chuki hai practice ke baad yaar...kisi ko koi interest nai hai hamari baton mein..tu khud hi dekh le...ravi bhi Anjali ke saath laga hua hai..chat pe..."( everyone is busy amidst themselves...only bro..given that everyones exhausted after such a intense practice session...see for yourself..ravi is also busy on chat with anjali...)

I peep up to look at everyone busy doing their own thing in the moment like Suraj mentioned. I say again though in a lower whisper – " phir bhi..dheere...bolo...yaar tum dono.."( even then you two please keep it low..)

They nod at me cheekily and I ask – " wait up..ek second..tumne mera ear bud nikala hi kyun? Taang kheechne ke liye??"(why did you two remove my ear buds anyway?to take my case??")

Suraj nods at me - "ji haan...bilkul...woh bhi..par ek aur baat bhi hai.."( yes that too...but one more thing..)

Yash and him share a knowing look now peeking into their phones and I ask puzzled – " aur baat? What??"

Suraj adds showing his phone to me now – " kal se toh tune dekha hi nai hoga apna insta toh tujhe kya pata...kya chal raha hai...khushi ko dikhana...shayad...thoda jealous hojaye...kyunki...yeh koi bandi hai..teri bahut badi fan lagti hai...jo kal raat se lagi hui hai...tere comment section pe..."( you surely haven't seen your insta since last night so you wont have a clue whats on there...show to Khushi though..she might get jealous...coz apparanetly there seems to be a lot of action from one of your crazy female fan on your insta since last night..)

Its true. I haven't seen my Instagram purposely for I know I am getting a lot of hate and trolling after yesterday's match. I dropped a crucial catch and then missed a stumping that legit cost us the game.And honestly, I was being quite hard on myself for the same too – until – Khushi schooled me otherwise..yesterday evening...lovingly...with my head nestled in her lap...

Dammm! Khushi ko jealous karne ka mauka nai chodna chahiye..( I shoudlnt spare a chance of making her – J)

I ask now heading to my Instagram myself – " kya chal raha hai mere insta pe??"(whats happening on my Insta)

Yash fills in a whisper – " some fan of yours...is literally legit giving it back to every hate comment posted on your insta since last night...giving back and how...like...savage...she won't stop reminding everyone in it that you also scored a brilliant 95 runs and another 75 runs in your two innings respectively the very test match everyone trolling you for ruining..and not just that...so much more...she's literally been involved in savage war of words..with so many of your haters...highlighting your commitment, dedication, to Indian cricket..non-stop..."

Okay! What????

I ask at that – " really??"

Yash nods and I finally head to my Instagram to observe what they pointing out and just as I do that – MY HEART LEGIT STOPS BEATING IN HAPPINESS.

WHY?

Because, ladies and gentleman, I instantly recognise this fan's username whose been defending me against all the hate online - to be that of Khushi's only. It's the pen username she'd always followed me with...the pen name ...which I am now aware..off...

Dammit. This girl...

As I quickly read up and scan through all that she's been writing in my defence my eyes well up in emotion automatically and right then Yash and Suraj ask in a whisper mischeviously – " what do you think she will say to this haan? you think she noticed?surely, she'll be envious??"

And I can only look up at them at that grinning as I admit in a whisper – " nah...bilkul bhi jealous nai hogi woh..kyunki...yeh woh hi hai...yeh usika pen username hai.."( no she won't be jealous at all...coz this is her only..it's her pen username..only..)

That makes Suraj and Yash's eye pop in their sockets as they ask in an excited whisper – " kya??? Oh bete di..yeh woh hi hai.."( what???damm..its her only??"

I chuckle continuing to simultaneously read it all my heart swelling to the size of hot air balloon simultaneously– " haan ..woh hi hai..."( yes yes, it is her only)

Suraj and Yash grin – " sahi hai bhai phir toh...bilkul sahi hai..."(that's very good then..)

Right then my whatsapp finally beeps with Khushi's text starting with a zillion sorry's for missing out on reading my texts for these last twenty minutes as she was busy with everyone still at Rahul's.

I say to Suraj and Yash now grinning – " chalo chalo...aa gaya uska msg...ab mujhe bata karne do..."(okay she messaged now...let me talk to her..)

The two wink at me at that and get back into their phones after returning my ear buds to me. I quickly type now.

Me : No worries at all..Khushi. I understand. Anyway , we meeting in an hour as usual – right??

I tap send. Her reply comes in ten seconds.

Her : ofcourse, we are meeting as usual...but pehle tum batao...practice kaise thi? Bahut thak gaye??( but first you tel me...how was practice?are you too tired??)

I smile.

Me : practice badiya thi..khushi...naa...tumhe pata hai...mein khelte thakta nai...mera dil kabhi bharta hi nai khel mein...(practice was good...Khushi...you know..i never get tired of playing..)

Her : haan haan..mera matlab...physically baba..dil mein nai..mujhe pata hai cricket se tumhara dil kabhi nai bharsakta...( yes yes...I know...I mean..physically Arnav...I know you can never have enough of cricket in your heart..)

I grin.

Me : waise...dil toh mera tumse bhi kabhi nai bharsakta...( just know...my heart can never have enough of you two...)

Her : haan...woh bhi pata hai mujhe..(I know that too)

I finally send her a screenshot of one of her defending comments on my insta against one hateful comment – wanting to convey to her that I finally spotted it – and I write below the picture : pata hai kyun kar rahi ho yeh...par phir bhi pooch raha hun...kyun kar rahi ho yeh? Sunna chahta hun tumse...( I know why you are doing this..Khushi...but even then I want to ask why you are doing this...coz I want to hear it from you)

Her : oops...dekh liya tumne..finally??( oops...finally...you spotted it??)

Me : ofcourse I spotted it...you thought it would miss my eye?

Her : well, I thought it would catch your eye later given that I only took a promise from you to be off from Insta for a couple of days last night...

I smile.

Me : bataogi nai...kyun kar rahi ho..yeh?(so, won't you tell me why you doing it?)

Phone beeps with her reply in thirty seconds.

Her : tumhare khilaaf koi kuch bole...kuch bhi... ab...main nai sun sakti..watt laga dungi sabki...mera bass chale..toh tumhare bat se hi sabko peet du...( anyone say a word against you..a word...even now...I just cant take it anymore...I can't hear it...I will take everyone's case...give it back to them left, right, center...if it were upto me..i'd beat these faceless trollers with your bat..)

I chuckle at that.

Me : acha ...sach mein..mere trollers or haters ko mere bat se peet dogi??(really?Will you smash all m y haters/trollers with my bat??)

Her : yup..or with my hand of steel...you could say...actually on that note..that would work better no??

My heart swells with deep emotions again.

Me : but seriously khushi...jokes apart...tum in sab pe apni energy mat zaaya karo please...its not worth it...( you just don't waste your energy on these haters ...its not worth it..)

Her : tum chup karo...please?tumse poocha maine? Advise maangi? Yeh mere aur tumhare haters ki beech ki baat hai..tum bahar hi baitho...in sab se...mera man..main jo karun..( you keep quite..please?did I ask your advice on this accord? This war of words is between your haters and me...you stay out of it...I will do what my heart says...)

I smile.

Me : milke samjahata hoon...(ill make you understand when we meet)

Her : nai samjhna mujhe..(I don't want to understand..)

Me : can't wait to see you..ill freshen up asap once I reach the hotel..and head to see you...

Her : haan jaldi aana...bahut saari baatein karni hai aaj tumse...(yes come soon...today..i got lots to talk to you..)

Me : okay...sab theek?( okay..all okay though right??)

Her : haan haan sab theek...acha suno...ek baat bolun?( yes yes, all okay...acha listen shall I say something?)

Me : haan...bolo na..(yes please...do)

Her : hamare meeting point change karun aaj ke liye toh chalega? (will it work if I change our meeting point for today from the pre-decided one?)

I smile : haan haan bilkul chalega..tumse milna hai bass...kahin bhi bula lo...aa jaunga wahan...(yes yes, it will work..i got to meet you...that's all..where you call me...I will come..)

Her : really? kahin bhi bula lun? Tum aajaoge?(really?will you come where ever I ask you to??)

Me : ji haan...bilkul...kahan aana hai...yeh batao...location bhej do bass..( yes yes...totally...just let me know where to come..share the location and I will be there..)

Her : ghar aaoge mere? Aaj? Mujhse milne? Mom , dad, movie aur uske baad dinner pe jaa rahe hai..sab badon ke saath...abhi hi plan bana hai un sab ka...toh main soch rahi thi...aaj..asher ki apartment ke wajah...kyun na tum ghar aajao? Chalega? Hum hi honge sirf..( so will you come home then?to see me today? Mom , dad are stepping out for a movie and then late dinner plan with all the adults as in masi, mausaji, chacha, chachi...their plan just got made...so I was thinking...instead of Asher's place why not we meet at my home instead...today?? It will just be us only..)

DAMM.

WHOSE HEART HAS EXPANDED TO THE SIZE OFF ALL OF PLANETS COMBINED IN OUR GALAXY?????

MINE INDEED!

Did she just write what she did? Did she just ask me to come over to her place???right now??

I re-read what she wrote to reconfirm my dancing beats...

Her : ????????????????????? nai chalega kya?? Okay...koi baat nai..toh asher ke appt pe hi milte hai...(??????? It wont work?? Okay..no worries...then lets meet up at Asher's appt only as usual)

Me (typing at the speed of light) : pagal ho kya?? Tumhe kyun laga nai chalega?( are you crazy?why did you think it wont work for me??)

Her : tumhara jawab jo nai aaya...thirty seconds mein..(because you didn't answer in thirty seconds)

Me : pagal ho tum...that's because...my hearts swelled up to the size of all planets combined in our milkiway out of happiness...Khushi...bilkul chalega yeh..i would love to come over to yours....yeh chalega nai...balki...daudega...(this will not just work..but work perfectly..)

Her : badiya hai phir...location bhejti hun..cab lena...crazy hoodie guy disguise mein rehna...aur jab pahunch jao...toh mujhe batana...back door se...sneak in karwaungi tumhe...(great then...ill share the location...take a cab...be in your crazy hoodie guy disguise..k?with mask on..and when you reach..I will help you sneak in with me from the back door..)

Me (grinning like a chimpanzee yet again as I type ): done khushi...super done...milte hai phir...bahut jaldi...( see you super soon)

Her : jaldi aana..please...aaj bass jaldi aajaana...(come soon please...today you just come very soon...)

Me : I will be there as soon as I can.

Right then, I hear Ravi's voice as he walks up to us takes a seat next to Suraj– "bhai logon kya baat ho rahi hai??"( whats up bro's??)

Suraj grins – " pehle tu bata..teri kya baat ho rahi hai Anjali..se?"( first you tell us...what were you talking to Anjali haan??)

Ravi chuckles – " bass generally...tu bata Ira kya keh rahi thi??"(you tell us...what Ira was saying??)

Suraj grins - " yahi ki bass...ab dus din hi toh reh gaye itne lambe tour ke..she can't wait for me to be back...in ten days from now...,"and the three of them fall into casual chatter about the talks of our tour ending soon and thankfully, the chatter keeps them busy so they don't spot me paling to a white sheet – in my being.

DAMM.

FREAK DAMM.

DAMM SURAJ!

HE SHOULDN'T HAVE SAID THAT – RIGHT NOW.

Why? Because, I wasn't ready for the reminder just yet that after three more days of practice post today we just have the five days of the last test match and we are all scheduled to depart the next day....

Freak.

And just like that as that reminder processes its way through in my head – I am hit with a rock solid realisation that - I ain't just ready to leave just yet...

My hearts legit trembling in emotion at the mere thought - that– I'd have to say goodbye to Khushi – in real time – in ten days from now...

I AM JUST NOT READY FOR THIS AT ALL.

WE JUST MET AGAIN...

GOT TOGETHER FINALLY...WHY WAS IT NEARING TIME TO LEAVE ALREADY? Dammit?

Just why??

Why couldn't time just halt in its functions for us dammit?

Just why????

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

Tadaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Howwwwzzzaaattt guys???

I hope you all enjoyed reading this Update!

Next Update on this story : Will come in on Thursday night! if not Thursday then Saturday as Friday I am out on work trip.

Thanks guys for all the love* support always.

Much Love* Infinite Gratitude

Now and always..

Prachi