Helloooo everyoneeeee....

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

SURPRISEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!😁😁😁😁😁😁❤❤❤❤👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻

Yes. Yes.Yes. I am here with a surprise update of HW4.0 today - because I do feel like I do wana build up the story to a certain point in the coming week...🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

Absolutely, loved writing this down, so so soooooo much...!

So eager for you all to read...it too...!

Will just let you all dive into it straight away...

Word count - 6.2k words.

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

Copyright :

Text Copyright©mysticaltales11111™2022

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

All Rights Reserved® mysticaltales11111

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

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

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

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

3. Near...Yet..So..Far...

Four More Days Later - from the last update

On the day of the - First T20 match of WI vs India - Sabina Park, Jamaica

Khushi's POV

Guys, fair enough that I begin with admitting this bit. What bit?

That my mind was wrong in its previous assumption - eighteen days ago. You know, where in, I was confused over how I was feeling over the development of Arnav, coming here - so close - to Sabina Park, on tour. Remember, how I was thinking to myself - there's no way this event could lead to a flux of nostalgia in my heart?

Hmmm.

So, about that...

Basically, besides the usual stuff going on in my life, work at community college, volunteering, chilling with my family+ friends, hanging out with Asher on our dates etc - I'd also spent the last two weeks (the first 14 days from the last you heard from me)- asking myself over and over - what was more important? The hitch/of confusion - of how I was going to feel at the sight of him - or the happiness over the thought that Life has given me this one opportunity to see him from afar atleast, and be able to wish him like the bestest through my head like I always do(without him knowing) - but from nearer this time around.

And each time, mind you guys, each freaking time, the answer I got from my withins - that it wanted to focus on the happiness over this rare opportunity.

You know, I;v always believed, sometimes even though we don't have the answers we seek, its more important to ask ourselves the right questions as in questions with the right focus element in it....

So yup, anyway, then when Rahul/Yug/Zain/Atharv Jiju/Asher confirmed to us all over one of our informal group chatter time at Zain's - about ten days ago - that they'd managed to get the tickets arranged for us all - not just for the first t20 but the third one too - and given that this other perspective in my mind had been set in its focus - I truly felt more excited and happy than worried on that accord.

I mean...I was going to get to see him play upfront...

To see him...enjoy his game...

To actually see live..the evidence of how far he had come in his journey breaking from those shackles I'd first found him chained in years ago...

I was going to get to wish him well...mentally...from the stands...see him in real time upfront...be able to cheer for him in my colossal fan version..

Ofcourse, I had every reason to smile within on that accord. I'd made peace with the bit - I truly am getting this rare opportunity to enjoy cheering for him the loudest - from the stands - so no point pulling any worry/hitch angle into it...right?

However...

This is exactly where I admit - that - the very second - I had spotted the news/picture of him arriving here in Jamaica(four days ago) and him stepping out of the airport - being snapped around team bus/ or in net practices at Sabina Park - in the next couple of days that followed - I had felt that familiar tug of nostalgia pull its strings within my heart...

More on the lines....how he is so near in the present today...and yet so far..

It's been more like bittersweet - you know? Sometimes, two people end up walking so further away in different directions that perhaps - its only the waves of bittersweet nostalgia - that are meant to remain?

But yes, even though the bittersweet nostalgia shade is on - within - the feeling that is winning over is that off happiness+ excitement too, especially in this moment, as we are all on the way to the stadium - like just five minutes away from it.

Yup.

You read that right- guys. Also, yes, I am wearing the Indian Fan Jersey, off his name. I always end up wearing it - fondly in India's big tournaments that we see behind the TV. Just like millions of Indian fans do for their fav players...

And I cannot seem to contain the size of my grin - for we are all in the middle of happy chatter on the drive - so excited to see the game up live. Also yes, the elders preferred to stay at home and watch so its just us - as in - the full on younger jing bang - that is set to arrive at Sabina Park, in minutes from now wearing jerseys, prepared with flags etc. I am in the car with Atharv jiju , mika di and asher. Jiju is driving, Mika di is in front next to him and Asher and me in the backseat. I am in the right side off the backseat though...

Because, somehow the only couple of trauma trails that remain in my subconscious to uproot (related to car rides)are the bits that - I cannot yet sit on the left side of backseat(For that was where I was seated when my accident had happened)+ I still always hold onto my buckled in seatbealt with my right hand - as hard - on reflex...

Its only natural...I am sure,I will get over this too eventually. I have come a long way. I don't want to be harsh on myself over it. I know I will get there...eventually...

I am right on the thought, when, I feel Asher slide down further next to me as he finally hangs up on the phone with Zain+Zara were in the car behind us and they were all discussing the common point as the gate where we would all meet at the stadium(after parking) before heading in. We share a smile on reflex as he asks, wrapping his hand around my shoulder - " so now that all is set...Rahul+ Diya already reached and are in our space...Rahul's asked us all to come in together....which we will..as planned....I might as well bask in my fan excitement...can you believe this though? Khush? We are literally minutes away from seeing Ind Vs WI...live.."

I nod at that grinning - "exactly...I mean...who knew...I'd be experiencing this...eventually..too..."

He smiles and now just keeps his right hand over my right hand clucthed on the belt and clutches on it in support as he asks - " you okay?"

I really like that about him, you know? How he subtly just checks on this bit from me, everytime we in the car together. He knows why I am still clutching on my seat belt hard and he never goes in with advice in the moment. Just subtle support...

I smile at that and just place my head on his shoulder at that- and Asher, Mika Di, Jiju start a conversation on Arnav, Veer, Rohan, Yash, Ravi etc and what India would do if they won toss - you know how experts discuss before games? Just like that. I join in the conversation - too - happily.

So, on moments like these, when Ashe's cricket game discussion goes to Arnav and I am listening, being active in it with my head on his shoulders - I do feel like opening up to him about it atleast...as in what was...

But then...I don't. Because, of the same reason - too. It was. And we are not the kind of couple, who ever hounds the other over their past...so then I just let it be...

No point in it - my mind always wins in the end - with that particular - conclusion. Which is why, in this moment too - I just return my focus to the conversation with the three - and bask in the excitement I am feeling within at the moment too - as the sight of Sabina Park, finally comes into my line of vision...

This is it. Guys. This is it.

I am a shortwhile away from seeing - Arnav Singh Raizada - in front of me - after six long years over....

Am I grinning? Indeed - I am?

Is there a nostalgic tear beginning to pool at the corner of my eye too at the same time?

Indeed, there is.

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

Minutes Later

Khushi's POV continues

Okayyyyyyyyyy Then!

I just gotta say this guys,the atmosphere around here on just the out is freaking electric with gaming frenzy. Itsssss crazzzyyyyyyy! Super crazyyyyyy! The West Indies, team bus also just arrived about minutes ago - and its been crazy clicks/f;ashes by media+ fans around in hooting and cheering.

We all can't stop grinning and chatting excitedly - and momentarily all my nostalgia - is shoved back in - as we soaking the atmosphere around like true Indian cricket fans.

We are all waiting at the common point of meeting - for Yug, Manika and Nina - to join us too. The rest of us - are already together in this group huddle - going beserk in our heads with gaming excitement. It is only for me to know that - my insides are beaming at the excitement of see Arnav in his gaming avatar as ASR...

Finally, Zara says pointing across - " oh, there they come, Yug, Manika, and Nina...come on lets head in..now..so that we can be seated in our seats on time..."

Zain - " indeed...I don't want to miss a bit.."

Mika di - " atmosphere is already so electric...surely it will be crazier...inside..Rahul and Diya missing this buzz...but surely they enjoying the craze inside...already..."

Asher grins excited - "and I can't wait to be a part of that crazy excitement...,"and at that he groans at Yug rolling his eyes playfully = " what took you so long to park, Yug?we are five minutes late....totally...all because of you.."

Yug obviously chips something comical in his defence which makes us all chuckle as a big happy group and just as we are about to head in through the stadium gates - we all hear Manika say excited - " wait...wait...everyone...just wait...oh thank you yug...thank you...all because of your parking delay...we are all in this moment.."

Asher and me look back together at that and we ask in unison at the same time as Mika di+Jiju+Zara+Zain - "what moment?"

Nina says now excited pointing to the crazy fan roit,hooting cheering beginning at the curve we just walked our way through - " there...see...the Indian team bus..just pulling in guys...so..we will get the sight of our favourites..right very now...itself...come on...everyone...can we just go in a little closer...diya+ rahul..missing this..."

Oh..My God...

She is right...

The Indian team bus is just coming to a stop and I think I just feel all this suspense feeling within me come to a halt too at that. I thought - I was still a whilst away from seeing him on field...

Apparently not...

Am just minutes away.

A couple? Or maybe just a minute?

Before, I know it, Manika, Nina, Zara, Mika Di, already pulling me by my right hand saying - "come on..Khushi...lets go here..first...,"And as the boys follow in behind us with jiju saying - " uh - oh, because, we'd walked so far ahead the curve there's already a sea of fans before us...on either sides...but atleast we can get a clear vision...from this spot behind...,"we all finally take the furtherest spot behind in a group with everyone taking out there phones already in glee..

I can't seem to move though in my spot. Nor do I wana take out my phone and capture it in my screen. I guess...I just wana be present in it - more, which is why I just stand rooted to my spot - tip toe a bit so that I can get a clear vision across - as everyone around me - starts recording the ambience on phone excited chatting as well simultaneously and Asher says to me kissing my head - " exactly, you just enjoy the moment, as is, Khushi. I am recording anyway..right?"

I nod and smile at him at that, and for a second I am so glad everyone around me is so consumed in game/fan excitement - that they can't seem to notice the way I'v suddenly become restless in my feet/body language...

But before I can even ask myself why the sudden gush of restlessness, I am compelled to focus my eyes on the sight upfront for the Indian team bus door just opened and the players just started stepping out...as crazy fan hooting , cheering in front of us begins, along with media flashes etc...

Its all going by in a flash though! Veer comes out first, followed by, Rohan, then, Aashish, then, Yash, they are all smiling and waving at the fans..as the cheering continues...

Out comes Suraj, next...

Then... Ravi....

And my gut insantly tells me just then, that next would be - Arnav. My breathes hitched, on reflex.

And finally....I feel my right hand clutch on my tee over my heart...as my eyes finally...see the sight off him...after...six long years...over...

It is Him.

Arnav.

Finally. Really is Him...

ASR.

He's just stepped down the team bus - with his headphones now around his neck, his bag on one shoulder, and that familiar happy grin - on his lips..

The gaming excitement all around his aura as he's fallen into chatter with Ravi, Yug, Suraj, while waving to the closest fans and posing for cameras - for a couple of minutes...

Crap.

Crap.

Crap.

Solid waves of nostalgia return to consume me now, the intense tidal volume for which I wasn't prepared - which is why - my eyes have blurred up with bittersweet tears - this way....as flashes of memories with the younger him from the past/make their way back to my mind in a playback mode..

Godammit.

I close my eyes for a second - so silent tears fall on my cheeks on their own accord and my eyes are able to soak in the clearer sight off him - now heading almost inside with the rest...

Ofcourse, there's no way, he'd ever even know, I am here watching him, right now, for it's a freaking hundreds of us fans huddled around her at both enterances if not thousand and we are literally the furtherest...but as I catch..the sight of his smiling side frame as he poses with a fan (nearest the gate , behind the rope)upfront closer candidly before he finally heads in - I can't help but say this to him in my head...atleast...

Arnav...look...I am here. I know it's been six years over. Totally under different circumstances and situations...but look...I finally did come to see you. You are near...yet...so far....I am so happy for you - for how far you have come today...Best wishes to you ya...best wishes to you always...may you always be happy...and blessed...

Oh what a bittersweet moment this is guys...totally the most bittersweet moment of my life...

Bittersweet but precious on its own accord...

I begin to wipe my bittersweet tears away and thankfully everyone around me assumes they just tears of crazy fan happiness as Manika says first - " oh...look whilst we were all hooting, cheering and recording...Khushi was succumbing to happy fan tears...for sure...,"and she pulls me into a side hug at that which makes Asher put his phone back in his pocket too instantly - "seriously?? Khushi? are you really crying in fan happiness?,"and at that Mika Di, Jiju, Yug, Nina, Zara , Zain ask me too and because I can not tell them the truth anyway - that I'v been hit by some solid nostalgia and I'm trying to swim my way up through it - I just finally nod at them as I say shrugging smiling in the moment - " yeah...I guess...I am just so happy...right ..now...that's all...,"and Asher immediately pulls me into a side hug, kisses my cheek at that, as he begins to wipe the last trail of tear away - before we share a smile and we all begin to walk in now - in the que of fans flooding in with everyone being like - they couldn't believe I was crying in happiness though...

Well - Indeed - I was all Nostalgic, in the moment. Yet so happy - too. The exact bittersweet combination off a moment - I am meant to remember him through - my mind reminds me yet again....

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

Minutes later, as we finally reach closer to the gate in the que - all of a sudden - my eyes fall on something in process - that kinda just shoves my prior mood back in for good - getting displaced by nothing but sheer sense off discomfort...

Crapppp.

Crazy freaking Crazp.

How could I be so freaking forgetful about this? Dammit?

Oh right, in the excitement to come see the match live, I'd completely forgotten this part off it...

Which part?

The part - where in we are all meant to go through scanning points, after the belt for security check for bags and stuff.Everyone before us in que, is going through it...

Why does the sight of the scanning point in process suddenly bring me so much discomfort? Its because, just like they always do on airports - they are asking to have all metal stuff put in a tray...

Dammit. I am suddenly hit with the memory of my domestic air travel on a volunteer event with Manika - last year. They'd asked me to remove my artificial limb(myoelectric forearm) and put it in the tray...even though I was carrying all my medical documents...they'd said..it was the rule..nontheless...and well, even though I obviously obeyed it in the moment...it was freaking uncomfortable...to have strangers stare at my stump then...

Someone had even passed a remark - ' eww..thats such a ugly sight off an amputated stump..I don't understand why people...forget to wear full sleeves while travelling..if they have artificial limbs ...atleast...the rest of the travellers around will be be spared..the sight..off ...an amputated stump...its not a pretty sight to see...you see..."

Well, I'd be lying, if those words in the moment, hadn't hit me like a whip within. Tears had blured immediately - but I had managed to keep my composure on.

Manika, obviously had gotten into a massive spat with a stranger then being all like - " excuse me?where is your sense of compassion? How can you be so insensitive and rude..?do you even know how your words could hurt someone...whose coping up with a siltuation like this?"

The women had returned hotly in defense - " well, her stumps sight is hurting my eye...too...,"and then Manika was in the mood to go all out at her - in rage - I'd stopped her obviously in the moment. No point in wasting energy in spats with insensitive strangers. They'd just pull you down more - in the offense is the best defense mode, like she'd already started.

Anyway, that was then...

And this is today....

And Today...

Apparently, yet again. I hadn't put on fullsleeves. Because the jersey was half sleeved...plus I am not even carrying my medical documents today...I have a scanned pdf in my phone...but...I don't know..if it will work..?

Crap.

I prepare myself for the onslaught of weird, strange looks at my stump - already and in the process - I have surely paled in my face, momentarily, because of the discomfort.

Sometimes, on moments like these, the entire journey off one's trauma can just flash by in the head, in a second...you know you have come a long way....but yet...deep down...certain. Discomforts just remain.."

Once again, it is Asher who pulls me into a comforting side hug as he says kissing on my head observing on my frame first as I eyed the scanning point - " Khush...don't worry...you just don't worry...ill go upfront first..and talk to the officials around...request them...see...they'll excuse you from taking it off...."

I can only nod at him at that in the moment, seeking solace from his support as he finally brings the situation to everyone else attention amidst their happy chatter which sends everyone into cursing themselves into not remembering on this....in the gaming excitement.

Asher, Jiju head on upfront to talk to the officials politely and that is when it hits me and I say to Mika di, Manika, Zara, Nina out loud honestly - " I can't do this..as in..if they ask me to take it out... I won't...because...I just relaised...that would mean..Asher seeing my stump...I can't..have him see...it...I'v never even taken out my forearm around him...ever....,"and I hug Mika di at that as Zara joins in to comfort me in the moment - " I wont be able to do this..right...now...maybe...ill just head back...then...you all carry on..."

My girl gang+ yug just support me in the moment being like - "we will all go back...with you..etc etc..."

Oh Godammit.

I so badly wanted to watch - Arnav play - live - too.

Oh perhaps - even that is not meant to be?This opportunity came anyway after ages...and.....

It is right then - Nina says now shoving a stroll out of her bag on reflex at that - " Khush..wait...I have this stroll with me...you can use it to fall off as a drape over your left shoulder...and cover your stump up...surely? Its long enough? Maybe..we can also be the last one to go in??"

Alright! I sigh in part relief at that like everyone else - as I say to her smiling a little - " thanks , N. you are a life saver. Yes, the stroll is long enough. It will serve the purporse...let me just hope..it doesn't come to that...though..maybe they just allow...understanding the situation??"

But it eventually came to that - only. For two minutes later - Asher and Jiju walked back to tell us - that the officilas did say it was rule to have all metal off the scanning zone and out on tray, but they were considerate of the situation so they are suggesting , we use this other security scan zone used by teams support staff etc...

Now that freaking sends my alarms buzzing. No way...I'd go any way near/support teams security scanning zones. Would be nearer to team dressings rooms....

So I just take a deep breathe at that as I say taking Nina's stoll - " nah...no need to go through that scanning zone...we'll just go in last then through here I guess...and I will use Nina's stoll to cover myself up...,"and I look at Asher+ Jiju for they are the only two in the group who haven't seen my stump,or my forearm limb off me ever - " Asher...jiju...will you both please go in first...though...even though...I will be the last one to go in..."

They get the hint and nod at me in an understanding silence and I can only muster an honest sincere - " sorry...asher...but...I..I...,"as he takes my side and laces his hand around my shoulder nonetheless as he kisses my head, patience and sincerity evident in his expressive eyes and supportive smile - " don't you worry about it...your comfort...tops it..all..k?"

We share a nod at that - and finally minutes later when we are the last ones to enter in through the gate - Asher and Jiju head in first and through the process, Mika Di, Zara, Zain, Yug, manika, nina, get through it too and I am the last one to get through it...

As I haul my sling bag in for check first before covering my left shoulder with the stoll and take out my left myoelectric forearm and put it in the tray too...

The lady official scanning is a very kind one - for she gives me a compassionate nod and smile as I get through it all eventually and put on my limb back behind the curtained space - she'd let me too - for privacy..

Godammit.

Years...

Guys....

It's been so many years...and yet...it just still naturally aches to go through moments...like these...

How can it not ache? Even though I am freaking strong! I am only human...

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

120 Minutes Later - in the Middle of the Match

The gaming ambience at Sabina Park, Jamaica had been thrilling indeed. The stands were full. In equal support witht the home crowd supporting the West Indies and the other sea of blue supporting India, which had the commentators saying - on mike the very second - WI Captain had won the toss and had chosen to bat first - " That, no matter where they go, India always get a lot of support from the Indian crowd around the world, who make sure to come all the way to support their team..."

Well, that was one true fact - Indeed.

The West Indies innings began and it had been a thrilling innings indeed from the home team for WI had managed to scoreboard looked like - 200-5 in 20 overs, which meant, India had to chase down 201 for the bit...

The West Indies wickets that did come down falling were - in two catch outs on boundaries.And not, one, two but three brilliant stumpings pulled off by India's wicket-keeper batsmen - Arnav Singh Raizada...

The commentators+ the crowd had gone beserk in those moments too as he pulled off stumpings like rabbit outta the hat - like one in the magic shows. Infact, the commentators couldn't stop being entertained themselves by the Indian wicket-keepers jovial stump mic recordings yet again, in the first innings.

Now little did, this wicket-keeper batsmen know in those gaming moments off his on field, in which he was fully consumed, that he was being watched by the one person, he had once looked out for years....

Oh, how ironical it was? Isn't it? For Khushi, in her perspective - Arnav was near and yet so far...and even though Arnav was completely oblivious to Khushi's presence at the stands in Sabina Park - watching him play live for the very first time, from his reality bit - it was like - Khushi was Near...and Yet so Far....

Needless, to say, that despite the continuous onslaught of nostalgia on and off - in the stands - the very second - Khushi had seen Arnav step on field - in her heart she had been truly - sincerely happy. Oh, it meant so much to her, to be able to see him walk down the ground live, for national anthem, come out for fielding with the team, wicket keep brilliantly...which is why...the sight of him on field, plus the happy gaming vibe of enjoyment with her inner circle in the stands - had obviously managed to shift the gear zone of her mood - back to a peppy one - eventually - before West Indies, innings began.

And when- India came into bat - her excitement matched that off her inner circle completely plus the rest of the Indian fans in the stadium. Along with Rahul, Diya, Zain, Zara, Yug, Manika, Nina, Mika Di, Atharv Jiju and Asher, Khushi too, waved her flags and hooted as excitingly and chanted the names of - ASR and Rohan in back to back rhythms - as they came out to bat.

It felt like to her - so what if Arnav was never meant to know about this moment. That wasn't going to stop her from getting consumed in this crazy colossal fan of his game's - gaming excitement.

Before the onset of the first ball of India's innings, Asher, had whispered in her ears happily - " Khushi...what do you think? Another century for ASR?today? it's a huge score to chase anyway..if he doesn't lose his wicket till the end...that could be possible.."

And Khushi had only looked back at him happily being like - " okay...your favourite pudding..on me...if that actually happens....Asher...but please...don't you jinx him..thought?,"she'd finished with a happy wink - as the rest in the group began happily chatting amongst themselves happily at the sight.

Rahul was all like - " do you think ASR or Rohan's bat weighs heavier than mine though Yug?Asher?Zain?oh damm..i should have got my binoculars that would have helped me zoom into the chisel bit off their bats...too..."(Rahul played gully cricket in the Indian community residential area where they stayed. He opened the batting for his side)

Which made Zain be like - " yeah...as if...that would have helped anyway...,"which only made everyone chuckle in happiness too.

But when the game began for India - everyone got consumed in the gaming excitement completely. Living the game, celebrating the game, every boundary, with complete glee and fan enthusiasm like the rest of the India fan crowd in the stadium.

However,now just with two overs to go in the innings, the Indian fan crowd was kind off nervous amongst themselves - for they couldn't believe how the game had got to this point when - India still has 4 wickets in tact.

Scoreboard looked like

India -165 -6 wickets - in 18 overs.

Rohan - 35 runs - catch out

Veer - 25 runs - stumped

Suraj - 40 runs - run out'

Yash - 10 runs - catch out

Singh - 5 runs catch out

Only ASR was batting at - 45* ( He'd been asked to play strategically and steadily ,holding the fort steadily at one end,as wickets kept falling on other end - by his Skipper - in a gesture from the dug outs.) Everyone, in the dig out believed that - as long as Arnav was in crease - the game was still On.

India still needed - 36 runs in 12 balls for the win.

Now, Aashish the senior spinner+ all rounder had come out to bat in the last two balls remaining of the previous over - but given that the pitch was a tricky one to adjust too immediately - he couldn't score the last two balls - a development the Indians in the crowd was happy with for that meant - ASR the set batsman would be facing the first ball of the next over -

The West Indies team/fans were also feeling like the game was in their favour anyway. 36 runs in 12 balls - is always a long shot - they were thinking.

But little did they know - that the set batsmen on crease was in the middle of crafting a strategy of his own - with his partner on the other end - to take the game on - head on - because of the bowler that came on crease. The west indies skipper had got on their spinner, with the aim of getting Arnav to hit boundaries for the run rate was high anyway and had stationed the fielders accordingly...

Arnav had obviously read the gaming situation on field, which is why he knew - he had no option but to attack the first ball of the over - straight out into the stands. He had to go in for the big shot - to keep the asking rate in check...

Now, as this bit of discussion in between batsmen on pitch is going on as the WI bowler is getting set to bowl the penultimate over - Asher asks to all around him, nervous - " guys, you don't think...it was my jinx at work...right? I mean, ASR couldn't go all attacking because he was losing wickets on the other side,which is why he'd had to play this calculatively...oh please don't tell me, the game is over for us..."

Rahul shakes his head in confidence at Asher - " no asher, it isn't over until its over...ASR knows he can attack this bowler what else do you think all that serious talk on pitch right now is about?"

Yug and Atharv chip in - " exactly, our pots on that this move/choice of bowler will cost the WI captain...ASR is so used to playing him in the IPL in Mumbai team only..he's surely caught onto all his moves in nets..."

Asher nods - " yes..."

Zain - "but...that could be also why he got him on...he surely knows how to read - ASR's game as well too..."

The girls now finally nudge their partners being like the elders for once live in stands - " guys...shhhh...stop all this chatter...please? focus...on the game...this is crucial..."

Khushi holds Ashers hand at that gesturing him to sit back down next to her in his spot - instead of standing in gaming nervousness and she says being positive in the moment - " Asher...oh sit down will you? you will transfer your gaming nervousness to me...you know..I am trying to be super-positive in the mode...right now..."

Asher nods at that and holds her right hand with his left hand as he says - " oh, transfer me, some of that positivity too...will you??"

Khushi nods and says - " just relax...he surely looks like..he knows what he is doing as in planning in his head - now that he's walked back to the crease.."

Asher nods as he take in the sight of ASR being blown up on screen - "well, the determined gaze, in his eyes, is evident..."

Khushi smiles - " indeed...now lets just see...what he does..,"and in her within's she just keeps muttering - Arnav, you can do this. You can do this, for your team, indeed like she always did in gaming moments like these with him on crease. Only difference this time she wasn't behind the tv - but in the stands....

It is right very then - her smile widens on its own accord - as everyone in the stands see - ASR fire a sixer straight into a stands which gets the Indian fan crowd+ all of them roaring which makes Yug claim excited to all - " as long as he is there...anything...is possible...guys...and with that he's crossed his half century finally.."

Khushi smiles - "and totally forgotten to celebrate it momentarily, until reminded by Aashish...about the same...because he is got a bigger task on his mind..."

The sight on field is like - everyone in dug outs is clapping for Arnav and he just got into the raise of the bat to the dug out/fans - for about ten seconds, before resuming his attention on the game.

Asher nods and says at that with his fist - "yes...ASR..celebrations later...focus...first... 11 balls and 30 runs to go...ASR one more sixer...please?"

Now Khushi glares at him playfully - " ufff...asher..don't jinx...now...atleast...why do you have to jinx him after sixers..always..."

They share a chuckle at that and Asher asks - " why are you not nervous though?,"and to that he just sees Khushi give him a heartfelt smile as she says - " maybe because, I just have my gut telling me in the moment...he will do this ya..."

Asher nods and just as he sees ASR fire another sixer into the stands - everyone goes roaring again in glee at stands...

Diya says now jumping in excitement in her seat - " oh yes...dammit...yes yes yes..24 runs 10 balls..."

Zara and Manika - " one more sixer....please?????????ASR??"

Nina says now - " uh- oh, looks like some sledging happening on field...the wicket keeper+bowler said something to ASR I guess, Aashish asking him to keep his kool and not react...hope he doesn't lose his calm..."

Khushi prays the same within her mind, observing on the scene...

But Seconds, later - as they all see ASR hit another sixer immediately - as everyone celebrates - ATharv jiju+ Mika di say to all excited - " oh thank god...it looked like that bit has just strengthened his resolve...even....more....9 balls 18 runs..."

Everyone in the stands continues celebrating as within minutes next they all see - ASR hit three back to back fours as well making it a crazily high scoring - 30 run over for India - and it is only by that last stroke on that - they all see Arnav get all pumped in the feeling off victory - almost...

The fans in the stands are celebrating. The dug out is celebrating. The WI team is wondering - what just freaking happened? Did we just let him get away with 30 run penultimate over???????

The commentators going beserk on their commentary yet again with being like - " Unfreakingbeleivale...what did we just see? A 30 run, penultimate over?????what were those shots?all over the place?from ASR? He hit every gap he could in the fours and well, for the sixes, he sent the ball flying in three different directions...and now equation is 6 runs in 6 balls to go..totally India's game to close from here...WI are gutted...they don't know where they lost the plot..."

And in the last over - as everyone in the stands does see ASR be the one to hit the winning runs on the very first ball of the over - sending the ball - flying into the stands for a sixer straight away - it is obvious - that crazy fan frenzy in the stands begins/and celebrations in between team india begin as hard too.

Arnav's happily taken off his helmet with that finally and is being hugged by Aashish - his partner on the other end as the two bask in the moment with Arnav feeling his insides consumed in gaming exhilaration and sweet feeling of victory - completely...

And once again, Arnav is completely oblivious to the fact that - as he celebrates another sweet victory with his squad - Khushi is there in the stands - feeling the happiest for him in her heart - with a huge grin up her lips amidst crazy fan celebrations with her inner circle + bittersweet tears in her eyes...unable to contain her excitement for him at that thrilling victory momentarily...happy that her all the flow of her emotions - got covered under the colossal fan pretext - yet again - around her circle...for they were consumed in similar celebrations...as everyone hugged one another...with Asher being the first one to engulf her in a happy celebratory hug exclaiming - how happy he was and she could agree the same...wholeheartedly...

She just went onto adds these words in her head though silently. Oh I am surely, truly the happiest fan in the crowd though...for all that matters is that I was able to witness the gaming moments I had off Arnav in his full on gaming ASR avatar mode. Felt the happiness , I did feel for him in the moments, even though nostalgia kept visiting me on and off...

Perhaps, its true? Khushi, wonders?

What's true? That, when you'v sincerely felt for someone deeply at some point in your life, you'd genuinely always be delighted for them....in their happy moments...even if that moment continued to be a bittersweet one...reminding you with that haunting bit over and over...nonetheless.

What haunting bit - over and over?

That he was Near...Yet...Just....So Far.That even though he was the nearest he had ever been in years...he was just... always meant to be...so freaking far...

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

How was that guys????????for the surprise third update off HW4.0 on this theme off - Near...Yet So Far?????? Hope you all enjoyed reading the different scenes.

Would love to read your comments on the same.

Next Update - Will do my best to post one on Monday - like I said I wana build up this story to a particular point in the coming week.

P.S mini headsup😉 - They are going to meet - supersoon

Invisible Strings will also be updated next week - for sure! I will be out in between 22nd Oct - 26th Oct, for a mini -Diwali break off 4 days.Post that - this writing schedule will continue😊😊😊👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻

Thanks guys for all the love* support always.

Have a great weekend - you all.

Much Love* Infinite Gratitude

Now and always..

Prachi