Helloooo everyoneeeee....

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

Happpyyyy Tuesday!

Yes. Yes.Yes. I am here with the next update of HW4.0 today – in continuation from the scene yesterday !

Absolutely, loved writing this down, so so soooooo much...! Was a rollercoaster for me...in many ways. You will know what I mean by that by the end of the update!

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

Seatbealts On...dear readers..yet again

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

Word count – 9.6k words.

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5. Tic Tac Toe

It had been minutes, for sure? Minutes, since the two were just frozen in their spots, gaping at one another in sheer surprise, while going through the overwhelmed emotions that were going through individually within, with the other being completely oblivious to it...

How many minutes had it been though?

Neither of them knew.

But they knew, one thing for sure. There was something extremely potent about the moment. Magnetic, as well. Only reason, the two were unable to take their eyes off the other? Or Break the hold of each other's intense surprised overwhelmed gaze?

Arnav just couldn't look away. He didn't have it in him to look away. How could he? When, he had ached for years, to see her upfront. She was still, the same, he thought.His heart beamed, within as it soaked in the sight off her. Yes, she had surely aged with time. Only become a more gorgeous version of herself, which is why he was just so freaking mesmerised, in the moment? Like, so much off her was still the same...

That twinkle/sparkle in her eye that he so evidently remembered – still the same. That mesmerising smile of hers- still the same. The way her eye's would widen in surprise, adorably? That bit – apparently was still the same. Oh yes, and how could he forget the bit – that she still loved to play tic tac toe – by herself in the sand? That bit too, still the same, he thought, just staring at her intently still – grinning.

( *imagine these looks - in dim light setting on a beach*)

......

Well, he couldn't stop grinning, obviously. Even if the Almighty, appeared in the moment, asking him to stop grinning like a freaking idiot in the moment, Arnav thought, he wouldn't be able to oblige.

And as, Khushi took in the sight off him, grinning down at her happily, holding her gaze, soaking in the sight of her, statued to his spot behind her still, she couldn't help but have her insides succumb to do something similar within the lanes of her mind. He surely, looked way too rakishly handsome, Khushi thought. Aged with time to the perfect definition of a vintage wine? That only becomes, better when aged. And oh, he most surely looked a gazillion times more rakish+ handsome, in person than he ever did on TV. Its so crazy that even the modern day technology of 3D's+ 4D's+ High definition + Oled's display screening etc had not been able to do justice to his – Greek God looks. That subtle stubble that he carried on his face now, only added more mystery to him, like she'd always concluded in her head watching him up on TV. But in person, oh, it was even more appealing, for sure...

Jeez! What was wrong with her? She thought? She had a boyfriend. Asher was freaking handsome and charming as well. She surely shouldn't be staring at Arnav – this way? And have her insides groan at the injustice the display/TV screen – did towards his looks?

But perhaps, she shouldn't be harsh on herself.For technically, this moment, didn't feel like, it was about the Khushi, from the present. Suddenly, she felt like the version off herself, she had moved on over in the past, had just come upto surface, on reflex....because...well... as she had continued to take in the sight off him in front of her, it also felt like so much else in him was still the same...

That grin – surely was the same as she remembered. Just like it was on TV. That spark of happiness/exhilaration in his eyes when he was truly happy. Still the same. She'd remembered the look for years hadn't she in her dreams? Even though it was a normal accustomed sight to her - up on TV – as he played. That expressive play of expressions on his face. Still the same.No hint off any hoity toity snobbery in his frame even today – still the same.

Oh, for a second, as he still continued to hold her gaze, it felt like, in a moment – as if she was literally looking at the version off him = the boy she met in Peru, which was she felt like the version of her old self from the past come to surface momentarily? She assumed.Which was why, she couldn't take her eyes off him.?? As he looked at her in the moment, it totally felt like – as if a Bubble was being cast around her and nothing else existed in that bubble – but him and her – just like it had once been in Peru....

And for the next couple of minutes, just like that – as that above thought crosses over in her head...Khushi's hit by the onslaught of memories – of their goodbye moments – from Peru – on reflex – and all that followed after in her life – and she does her best to mask her expressions + eyes from giving her away.

Uh-Oh.

Indeed, time was enjoying this? Challenging her with a moment, like this one? To see, if she could pull through – normally? To pull her way out from the past in her head – to the present.She knew, she had to do it. But, how? She was still clueless.

It took everything within her – to compose the haywire palpitations of her heart, her mind coming around to its sense off composure.Surely, she had to say something that could break the cast of the bubble feeling? She couldn't just stare at him – like this? Also, why wasn't he saying anything yet? Why was he just staring at her still + grinning down at her like that – as if he were the happiest to see her in the moment?

Little did she know, at that point, that Arnav was recalling and reliving the onslaught of memories off their last meet in Peru too, the goodbye, his wait there at the retreat for her in the two years after, all that ache , and hope as he'd waited for her, for years. All that he'd gone through in his feelings on her accord, till today. Indeed, he was recalling all of those bits in his head/feelings, but strangely enough, no shadow of the ache off any of that could still come around to influence the very essence of his happiness, in the moment, even by a tiny, miny percent. He just couldn't stop – grinning. Just like, he couldn't stop looking at her.

Indeed, he just couldn't just stop...on the two...

And it seemed, to him, that he be the one to break the silence in between of them? For she still seemed to be in a state of overwhelmed shock+surprise gaping at him. He scolds himself this time around. Damm you Raizada. Say something. Ask your voicebox to start on its function.Do not let this moment pass. You have so many questions on your mind – remember?That you'v been waiting to ask her for ages?

But despite the list of questions, hovering over his mind, Arnav felt like he didn't wana start with the list of questions to begin with. He finally knows what he wants to begin with – now and so he just clears his throat smiling to himself, about thirty seconds later, as he answers Khushi finally – "indeed, if its still so much fun? Khushi?? than perhaps, I try it by myself for sure, again??,"and with that he finally walks a couple of steps closer, plonks himself cross legged on the sand to the right off her, next to her, placing his take away bag to the side, picking on her pen – " can I use your pen, to try it though??Khushi??,"he finishes with a knowing smile eyeing towards her - Tic Tac Toe grid on the sand.

Dammmmm.Him...

The Bubble was supposed to end in her head at the comprehension/next sound of words??Right? But it didn't end. Infact, it felt like it had just gotten stronger in its cocoon, as he plonked himself next to her, that way.

Oh, maybe, no point being harsh on herself in the moment and just let this moment – flow? Figure out the rest, in her head, as she went along?or, After? Like, as if she was ever going to see him again, after this? This was surely – just another - one time encounter with him – which fate had dished her way for the purpose of complete solid closure so that even the waves of nostalgia, wouldn't haunt her more than usual,like they had been in the last two days?

So, Khushi finally decides to go in the flow of the moment...

She cannot help but smile back at Arnav at that as she nods,gesturing him to take her pen,and she was kinda glad in the moment, that he'd sat to the right off her, much away from any vision off her left arm/hand for she still had it tucked around, under the flair of her dress.

She says now smiling – " sure...go on...please?Arnav?,"and at that she just watches him sideways smiling, as he goes onto draw the game grids – of Tic Tac Toe and play a couple of game grids himself of XOXO himself, letting neither X or O win. She wanted to say something in the moment. But she was too overwhelmed. But maybe, she try?

But before she could even say anything – she hears him say whilst still playing the third grid of XOXO by himself - " still so symbolic to our lives, don't you think Khushi? how often do we do this to ourselves, knowing our individuality isn't the one winning in the first place??"

Now, that just flips her insides even more in a fresh onslaught off her emotions within. What the?

He even remembered, that bit off what she'd said back then?

And she finally manages to find her voice back now as she answers to that – " indeed....still so symbolic...to our...lives...Arnav..."

Arnav finally looks at her completely turning a little sideways, keeping the pen aside as he grins deciding to now get more conversation going just loving the sight of her in front of him after ages– " godammit,I can't believe I freaking found you this way man, Khushi. Again..c'mon, admit it, its freaking....amusing...don't you think??"

Khushi cant help but agree to that chuckling a little on reflex picking up her pen now shoving it back in her open beach bag, before looking up at him again unable to believe it was him sitting next to her for real - " boy...yes...amusing indeed...Arnav.."

Arnav grins – " so.....I reckon...you still do this often Khushi? Then? play tic tac toe...by yourself??in the sand??"

Khushi admits shrugging but with an honest smile – " yes....only all the time..Arnav...some habbits just remain...don't they?"

At that Arnav thinks. Indeed.Replaying your memories has been my habbit,for years.Khushi. The habbit that's never changed. But he doesn't say that yet to her not wanting to overwhelm her just yet and so he just agrees to that from her - " yes, some habbits just remain, Khushi.As do memories..."

The way he paused on the word's memories, looking at her the way he did, shook Khushi a little, again. It was obvious, he remembered her – clearly – and not in hazy pictures in his head, like she'd assumed in the recent years more so. It makes her admit on reflex sure the surprise was evident in her tone – " can't believe you remember me though? Arnav. Like honestly, I cannot believe you even, freaking recognised me after all these years..."

Wait. What? Thinks Arnav.Was she out of her mind to presume he'd forgotten her?Oh, only if she knew....

Arnav can only gape at her in shock at that though as he asks – " oh you surely, didn't ask me that?Khushi? like...why would you even ask me that?? did you actually think...I could forget you??"

Khushi shrugs at that a little but she answers honestly – " yeah...I think...I truly presumed that...in the recent years...more so..."

Arnav gapes at her again making his point clear nonetheless– " well, that's a freaking ridiculous presumption...dammit...Khushi...can't you see? I haven't been able to stop grinning, ever since I spotted you. Only says, how happy I am by the turn of this event, doesn't it? if I didn't remember you...? I wouldn't be this happy – right?Khushi? and like wait...first...you tell me...why would you even assume a ridiculous assumption like that though...more so...in the recent years??"

Khushi smiles at that on reflex keeping her left arm closer to herself her hand, still tucked safely under her dress. Thank god for the dim lighting – " well, indeed, your grins been surprising me, and implying just that....Arnav. It's a true surprise for me that, you'd even remember me? Just because...,"she pauses trying to look for the right way to put this – "so much time has passed? I guess? It's been six years over...right??"

Arnav nods at that – " six years...eight months over...Khushi...,"he reminds her the exact duration which only unsettles Khushi a little he thinks, as she shifts a little in her spot – he notices – a little nervousness consuming her frame and because he wanted to make her smile like she had been he just says in the moment shrugging playfully – " okay...then..maybe I should admit the same, then. That I am so surprised, that you'd even remember me too. It's been six years eight months over...since we last saw one another? Right?? I totally thought, you'd forgotten all about my existence, actually.." Given that you never came to Peru, Khushi. Never sent me a message, he adds to himself – silently. He wanted to ask her this – but maybe – later?

Now that from Arnav obviously cracks Khushi up as she states amused, with a natural smile coming back to her face because she was finally about to tell him how happy she was for him - " really? did you just say that?? can't believe you'd say that...like as if...the world of cricket...would let me forget about your existence? Arnav?infact honestly, that's one of the reasons, I just presumed, you'd forgotten all about me I guess...only natural it would be right from your end?...like...look at how far you'v gone...along the way? in your life...in your cricket...? you are a superstar of the game now...aren't you? just like you always dreamed to be yourself.I mean...I am so happy for you...so freaking proud of you.....for real...and then ofcourse...all's been so settled in your personal life as well for a couple of years...with Disha...as I am aware...so I just thought...there's no way..you'd even...remember...even a fading memory off me....this girl...you once met in Peru..."

Okayyyy! It was now clear to Arnav that she'd surely kept a tap on – the developments in his life. Game wise + personal life wise – that was portrayed through the social media, which she believed to be the truth? In her head? He assumed. Oh – freak. Only if she knew, that nothing in his personal life had ever been settled...

But, wait, how did she keep a tap on his social media? He hadn't found her on it – ever?Right?And that's when it hits him? Maybe, she had a pen name?as a profile on social media????

But,even though, he had more to say, ask,Arnav can't help but ignore Khushi's mention off context of his personal/social life for he was in no mood to bring up Disha in the moment, and he asks on reflex the question that had been on his mind for years related to his game as this from her gave him a window – " thank you, Khushi.so much...for saying that on accord of my gaming journey, and given you mentioned that...may I ask..if I am right to presume...that you'v surely kept a tap on my gaming career? you do watch me play? Right??? do you like...at least smile to yourself...when you watch me play??????"

Now that from him just makes Khushi admit to him on reflex all wide -eyed snapping her fingers in momentary disbelief,as if it was crazy off him to even ask her that and before she could even control the flow of her words come out – "once again...I can't believe you just asked me that, Arnav. Ofcourse, it's a given... I freaking watch you play. Only all the time, like...every single time...every single game...for years...I'v seen you play...I haven't missed a game...of yours...in years...literally...starting from your under-19 world cup days..itself...please know...I have myself only... coronated myself...as your biggest/or rather colossal fan of your game...and freaking of course, I don't just smile watching you play...I grin like a freaking idiot...for that's how happy I'v always been for you in that moment....like truly...kudos to you yaa...for actually breaking out of those shadows that were chaining you back then...in the most magnificent of ways..so happy for you ya...really...."

Now hearing that from Khushi only makes Arnav's heart dance in glee again within. His gut assumption of all these years was right for sure.And to hear her say, she was a colossal fan of his game?She'd been watching him for years? Every single game? Right from Under-19 World Cup days?Cherry on the Freaking Cake. At least, his game had kept him connected to her – in some ways...

Arnav asks on reflex now grinning at that wide - wanting to just hear her confirm on this game bit again – " really? did you just say what you did? you watch me play?Khushi?every single time? grinning?beleiving...you are a colossal fan of my game? like....you'v seen me play...it all...since under-19 world cup days??"

That makes Khushi nod happily on reflex and the words flow out again even before she could control it – " ofcourse...yaa....and indeed...I am a freaking colosaal fan..you wouldn't doubt that even for a second......if you'd seen me jumping and dancing in glee...to myself...cheering your name the loudest... in the stands...at Sabina Park the other...day...at the first t20...you killed it ya...in that penultimate over....everyone around me..was all like...nervous and worried..and I am all like...guys...relax...he's got this...didn't he just hit 30 runs in the penultimate over???? He'll surely win it..for India...and you did...just that...the very first ball of the last over...aree...full extra confidence this colossal fan of yours has on your gaming ability..yaaa...like there's no doubt about it only.......,"and its only when those words left her mouth – she felt her insides be like – OOPs....Maybe, she shoudln't have let that slip? But it was too late, now, for he was just looking at her – wide eyed- dazed and completely surprised.

Whattttttttttttttt? What did she just say??Arnav - couldn't believe what he'd just heard. She was there watching him play at Sabina Park the other day?????This was Music. Freaking Music to his ears. Surely, his eyes had popped in its sockets to her in sheer daze and flee. He asked again for confirmation nonetheless – " what ??? what did you just say? Khushi?You were at Sabina Park ,the other day??? at the first t20???you watched me play live??"

Khushi answers to that honestly though softly, holding his gaze as if wasn't it obvious – " well....of course...I came to see you play...live..Arnav..finally...you were playing... in Jamaica..for the first time....closest to home...closest to where I was.....how ...could I not come to see you play live?? And what a game it was...just got to say this again.....you were amazing, both with the bat plus the stumpings/catch outs...and....even yesterday...at the second t20...you were phenomenal...Arnav...I am so happy for you...once again...to see you play this way...truly..warms me...makes..me grin, for in my gut...I'v always believed..you'd make It big/bigger on your own accord...one day....for sure...that your game would speak louder than the worldly noise, which would force the world...to burry their old narratives...and just that has happened...right? I am yea, they still compare your gaming milestones with your Papa...but...it's more on the lines of your game outshining...on its own accord..."

Wait, did she also just say, so close to Jamaica, + home in context in the beginning? Now, even though he wanted to ask her, last he remembered, wasn't home, Bahamas for her? First he just had to thank her in the moment nonetheless and so he says sincerely – " thank you Khushi...for saying that..indeed you were one of those who showed your unconditional support and belief in me, when I was losing that sense of sight within myself...in my lows, at one point...I...literally.... thank you everyday in my head you know...every single time..before I play...thank god...I am finally getting the chance to tell you that..right now..."

Khushi gapes at Arnav at that in sincere shock – " whattttttt? Really? but why?"

Arnav admits sincerely – "well, you have a big part to play...in the way my career has shaped up..Khushi..."

Khushi smiles even though she was unable to digest this completely from him.This was truly all him – " oh...Arnav...you are just too kind to even say that...like...your sincerity has always been your biggest strengths..in all ways...and like thank you for even like saying that...to me...with so much sincerity....but....why say that?when its freaking all of you on field...playing the way you are...like what part do I have to play in it yaa? Like you do know...I don't even know how to pick up the bat..right? that bit still remains....so please...you better just pat yourself on the back..for coming a long way...through....it's just been all you+ your gaming talent....obviously...which continues to wow the world...today...and will continue to do so...even tomorrow...or for a long long time...after...I am sure...."

And Arnav can only smile at that. Trust her, to say that, giving his execution of his game on pitch all the credit. He admits sincerely still – " thanks once again...for that Khushi....but it was you...who helped me find that sense of direction back to my game Khushi...at one of the lowest points in my life...it was you who helped me..see the light at the end of the tunnel...walking....through which post execution...I just fell in love with my game again...and then it all flew...so naturally....you wana credit my execution...yeah...I get what you mean...but you helped me...find so much perspective...within....on the same accord....so...how can I ever forget that? Nope. Never. I respect you...highly....on that accord...as well....I'd like forever...owe you for this...,"he finishes sincerely.

Khushi was obviously blown away by the sincerity in his tone+ in his expressions just now – yet again. He truly gave her undue credit.She answered on reflex smiling not wanting to budge on her point on this accord – " oh please? Arnav? you are just giving me undue credit...for no reason...it's been all you...ok?like...in the moment...on the field...in the middle of the game...its always been ....all you...executing, playing...so only your gaming talent deserves like all the due....credit...alright??first...to begin with...like you only tell me...is there anyone else playing on field in your place??"

Arnav grins – " well yes.....on field...its always been me..."

Khushi raises her right hand at that in an obvious gesture grinning – "see...you said it yourself...Arnav...,"and given that her mind wants to ask the other bit she was curious to know more on for she'd never found anything on it online ever, she asks – "anyway...on that note...I have something super important to ask you...for I never found any update on this online....can I??"

Arnav nods on reflex at that smiling – "ofcourse, just ask me anything...but before that let me ask you this... this is you...admitting...Khushi...that you surely have kept updates on me...online ...yet again...right??and not just gaming updates? Wait...do you like follow me on social media too?c'mon tell me...,"

Khushi shrugs at that casually trying to cover up momentarily at that OOPs situation off(didn't find update on this online on your end) – "yeah...this is me...admitting the same that yes I have kept updates on you online...well...you are a public figure...afterall..Arnav...so...even if I didn't keep a tap...it would just flood in my newsfeed anyway...but given that I answered that... I will only answer the latter bit of your question...if I follow you on Instagram...if you answer what I wanted to ask first too...fair enough? Don't you think??"

Arnav grins – " Fair...enough...indeed...so go on...ask me..."

Oh, how happy he was in the moment, just sitting and chatting with her this way. Like he had once spent – his days, hours, doing – in the past.

Always felt so natural, comfortable, calm to just be around her.Her presence for him – had always been a magnet. He wasn't surprised to discover that bit off it still being the same too. He'd forgotten all about his hunger in the moment, or that he had dinner waiting next to him in the brown take away bag just like she did. And she seemed to have forgotten about it too. At the moment, it truly seemed, as if there was that familiar old bubble surrounding the two.Just her. Just Him. Chatting, talking this way.Well, if one would ask him, Arnav truly felt like he wanted to stay stuck in this bubble – for hours – tonight.He surely had to find ways to keep conversations going with her?so that she wouldn't even think about leaving...

Not his fault.It truly didn't feel as if he'd met her after so many years – today. Just felt like the good old times, in Peru...

He was right on that though when he hears Khushi ask now curiosity evident in her voice – " so tell me something......Arnav...I really hope...in this fast-paced cricket consuming life of yours now...you haven't given up on your love for literature and poetry though? please tell me...you haven't????? I still remember reading your poems...back in the day...in Peru....you write so beautifully...Arnav...like you are truly gifted.....on that accord as well...so...like...what the hell though?why haven't you like...published your poems...already? Remember I told you...I'd be the first one to buy...no matter where I am in the world??apparently.... I am still waiting......for your poems to hit the shelves..."

Now that from Khushi – obviously surprises Arnav way too happily yet again. Hadn't he been wondering if there was anyone who'd get both his sides – just like she did? – just recently?

Indeed, she was still the only one after all these years even today – besides his family - to get both these sides off him naturally /encouraging him on both accords, game+ this - and he was happily stumped to have her ask him why hadn't he published his poems yet too.He asks on reflex – " you remember that about me? Khushi?"

Khushi nods smiling – "ofcourse...I rememeber...Arnav?how could I ever forget???so tell me...c'mon...what's happened to your love of literature/poetry now??Oh...you haven't given up..have you??that would be such a shame...ya..."

Arnav shakes his head at that and grinning he admits – " Nah. I haven't given up. Khushi. I am studying literature through – correspondence though. And yes, I do still write my poems..in my free time...just haven't gotten around to publish...them...yet...one day...maybe?"

Khushi grins – " one..day...surely though? you will right? its such a pity...if the world only saw the gaming side of your talent...let them also see...the magic your pen weaves...in your heart-touching poems....but on that note...just because I am curious...tell me.... what would you sign off your future published poetry book as though.....Arnav..or ASR???? Or just your name as is...Arnav Singh Raizada...,"she asks her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

That makes Arnav smile on reflex as he says – " I think...just my name as is...Arnav Singh Raizada..."

Khushi smiles – " as I thought...,"and she ends up asking on reflex – " so tell me...about this literature course? What you studying? Where from? How's it going? Do you even like get time for this??and what about – exams??"

Okay! Now Arnav is more than delighted to talk about this bit with her and he quickly summarises her on that aspect excited – explaining to her how he manages/juggles it through and when he observes he's got her undivided attention on this accord and she's listening with so much interest and sincerity, he just feels so truly...touched...on her accord..yet again.

Minutes , later when he was done filling her up on that, Khushi finally states sincerely – "wow....just wow...that's amazing...Arnav...so interesting...the way you manage both ends...like both your game..and this...are like two side to your coin of passions...I am so happy to know...youv figured this out for yourself too...kudos to you...ya....."

And now, Arnav says instantly at that just wanting to know about her present – " thank you so much Khushi...for just saying that...but hey.... enough about me...please? you tell me...how did your studying go?? Finished studying social welfare?undergrad?masters?as you'd planned? Opened your NGO – yet??"

Khushi gapes at him this time around, unable to digest momentarily that he remembered her dream/what she studied etc so she can only ask – " you remember?,"

Arnav nods grinning – "ofcourse...,"and he gestures her to go on tell him and he hears her say after a deep thought, smiling back at him – " so yes.....I have finished my undergrad and masters in social welfare... Arnav... I am working now with my community college in the admin/office department...part time like three days a week..and volunteering...on two days...with various NGO's...I am yet to start my NGO...still though...I will get around to it soon...I guess...am working towards it...you can say...."

Arnav – " that's great Khushi...I truly believe...you will get there...for sure..."

Khushi smiles – "thanks...Arnav...actually honestly...I was here today by chance...due to my volunteer work...only...for Sandra's Beach Shack...plus Darren's steak house...have tied up with this NGO I work with..."

Arnav thanks his fate a gazzilion times in his head for having his feet tread here today as he asks intrigued to know more – "really? that's kool..whats the tie up like?what does this NGO do??"

Khushi quickly just explains it all to him, briefly, kinda surprised to discover him being genuinely interested to listen...so patiently. Once she finished filling him in and he's extended his thought that he was so glad her meeting went well etc etc – she hears him say now raising the brown take away paper bag – "well, all thanks to Sandra's Beach Shack then? for its only because of this spot...I jogged my way down here from the yatch club at the other end...??"and as he hears Khushi ask more on that in the flow like – " what do you mean? why just this spot?,"he quickly just fills her on over the general bit – as to how it was a spot his Papa had told him about.

Now, the reason of his presence around her finally dawns on Khushi as she hears that and she says her mouth going into an -OH – on reflex which makes Arnav chuckle instantly and she asks gaping at him amused in the moment – " what is it? whats funny?"

Arnav grins gesturing to her face – " the way, your mouth goes into an -OH – when realisation dawns on you...apparently...is still also the same...just like...your smile still is the same...that twinkle in your eye is still the same...Khushi....gosh...even though years passed...it doesn't feel like...I'm meeting you today after years...why?because...in so many ways....you are still the same...Khushi...I met in Peru....I am just so glad...to discover this..."

Uh-Oh.

Now that bit from him finally – bursts the bubble around Khushi in the moment, as she ends up hiding her left hand under her dress even more.Oh,No...Arnav...you still don't know...that there's also quite a significant bit off me..that is not the same anymore...that will never be the same anymore...

And that is when she realises, she's just let the moment flow through her for too long? Longer than she'd expected it to flow too? Perhaps – because she'd also discovered – so much of him was still the same..as in ..in there...as a person...he was still the Arnav she'd met in Peru....

Freak. How had she just let herself get so lost in that moment around him??She needed to leave...

Now...

Before, this moment...sucked her into its lost maze again...

Arnav noticed her frame/her vibe stiffen at that on reflex and he asks now his smile shortening – " hey...you okay?what's wrong??"

Khushi shrugs at that covering up with a momentary smile trying to come up with an excuse to leave – " nothing...wrong....Arnav...,"and she eyes his take away bag – " aren't you hungry?? You haven't eaten? Why don't you eat??"

Arnav smiles at that gesturing to her take away bag – " you haven't eaten...too...Khushi...why don't we just both eat here...??"

Khushi tries to get her way out off it – "ummm...so I was thinking off heading...home...actually...Arnav..."

Now that just sends Arnav's alarms buzzing for he couldn't let her leave just yet and he requests sincerely - " hey...no...please???? Khushi??? don't go..not just yet...we only ran into each other after years....right??

Khushi fights her turmoil within. Yes, but its beginning to not feel like that at all, which isn't sounding healthy or rather is sounding quite alarming to my mind...Arnav. What's wrong with me???????

Why can't I leave??????? Why haven't I left yet?

She's about to mention, leaving again...but hears him ask instead sincerely his sincere gaze searching her face at that – " please? just stay? A little while..more? Khushi?? I just wana keep talking to you...that's all..."

That tone..

Uh-oh. She just realised she couldn't just say no to it.

Like, as if, she was ever going to meet him again after this point? So perhaps – a few more minutes – won't hurt?

Khushi smiles politely – " okay..maybe...ill just stay...until we can both finish our meal??"

Arnav nods at that excited and takes out his food to eat - asking her something about her social welfare studying instantly knowing it will lead her to answer.

And as expected, Khushi does hear herself answer to that instantly falling back into the comfortable vibe – and she dishes out her food with her right hand before subtly using a napkin in the pack to cover up her part off the prosthetic left hand shoving it straight under her burger below to eat (even though the skin cover on it was snug+ natural fitting her as normally aesthitecially, she just went the extra mile to cover it up nonetheless)– kinda glad for the dim lighting again+ the bit that Arnav was seated next to her – and not opposite – so he couldn't really figure out just by sight that – her left hand wasn't normal flesh...

Thank God for the advancement of medical technology – she thought in the moment...indeed.

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

About Twenty More Minutes Later

They'd finished eating their meals about seven minutes ago, and soon after that, out of momentary curiosity yet again to know this from him, Khushi had asked him if he enjoyed his wicket keeping as much as batting, for his constant chatter behind the stump mic was like everyone's fan favourite too and Arnav could only admit fondly to that – that he indeed enjoyed wicket keeping thoroughly as well and as to why he loved to chatter constantly, the way he did behind the wickets, which had then led Khushi to genuinely appreciate the bit that he never sledged himself and how she respected that about him as a sportsperson so much as well.

Arnav had just thanked her over the same, before he had initiated chatter on one of his joke/chatter bit/singing bit behind the wickets, into the mic – from one of the matches – that had gone quite viral, asking Khushi if she had seen that which only led her to admit in splits yet again – as to how much she'd chuckled on it whilst watching him behind the TV at the moment and the two instantly went onto laugh on it more – in the moment together.

Goshhhh! Arnav felt so truly happy in the moment indeed and he is enjoying the moment so much so that he ends up saying now to Khushi – as he tries to pause on giggling on his funny mic commentary case – " godammit...Khushi...you know your laugh is infectious...stop...please?"

Khushi can't stop giggling though as she says – " uff...give me a sec..ya...who told you to bring this up...now...,"and at that Arnav realises she still hadn't told him if she followed him on Insta so he asks – " hey...in the middle of all this chatter, I just remembered, you haven't yet told me...if you follow me on Insta ..Khushi??you do follow me..right? I mean...I am hopeful??for sure now??,"and he spots her shoot him a genuine smile at that as she says – " yes,ofcourse, I follow you...ya..."

Arnav can't help but ask – " pen name account?"

Khushi nods – " yes..."

That is when it finally dawns on Arnav, that no wonder he had never found her there...because he had always searched for her as ...Khushi Gupta....

Arnav asks though smiling still – "and what's this pen name...account handle?? Khushi??If you don't mind me..asking??"

Khushi chuckles – "as if...I'd tell you..."

Arnav groans – " oh come...on..."

Now, just before, Khushi could say anything to that – they both hear Arnav's phone buzz in on them and Khushi says on reflex – " oh..please take it...what if it's your team mates...wondering where you are???or something?? I mean...we can't have India's wicket keeper gone missing...on his team right?there's still so much...cricket to play here with our home team...tell them...you haven't been hijacked..."

Arnav chuckles at that and just as he is about to pick it up – it stops ringing in his pocket and he says – " well, whoever it was calling, stopped. I will return the call later.."

Khushi asks – "are you sure??what if it was urgent??"

Arnav nods at that – " I am sure, I will just return the call later..," and now because he really wanted to know this now, he asks unable to keep his curiosity in on this accord – " Khushi...last I remembered...you mentioned...home...was Bahamas...right?? so how...come...here...Jamaica??home???did you move here or something?why?when?"

Uh-Oh.

What could she say...Khushi thought??to Cover up the truth?? She could state it was a family emergency? And not mention, that she had been the context off it?

Arnav can read the nervousness back to consume her frame as she says smiling politely at that – " yeah...so...about that....ummm...yup...yes...we moved here...actually...ummm...because....,"and she pauses

Why was she so nervous all of a sudden?? – he thinks? And asks – again – " because?????"

This time around Khushi's phone buzzes in her beach bag and in the moment Khushi is glad that it rang for it saved her from her loss of words, momentarily....and she says to Arnav – " sorry...ill just take this...first?k?"

Arnav just nods at that – " yeah...go on..please??,"and at that he sees – Khushi pull her phone out from her beach bag and just as she holds it upfront to her face – given that he is sitting next to her anyway – the name and picture flashing on her screen -didn't miss his eye.

Uh.Oh.

Freaking. Uh-Oh.

Some dude – Asher was calling.A very handsome – good looking – charming dude - Asher. Whose contact picture in her phone was that off him – hugging Khushi to his side happily – dropping a kiss on her temple –and she's just looking down and smiling in the moment , to herself, in the picture - the behind setting looked that off a cozy family living room.

Okay! Then!

Arnav, didn't know what consumed his insides more in the moment at the sight?

Was it more off Discomfort?

Or was it, more off, Envy?

He didn't know. But he surely, wanted to know who this dude – Asher was to her?Looked, all cozy, up and close.

Who was he?

Boyfriend?If yes, then since when the two had been dating? He so wanted to know.

Arnav somehow manages to hide this newfound turmoil within and just as Khushi shifts aside a little to take the call – shooting him a polite smile – he acts as if he'd gotten busy on his phone in the moment – even though his ears were totally angling towards catching on what Khushi was talking..

Dude, it's rude and out of manners to eavesdrop. His head reminded him.But he couldn't help it in the moment...thankfully, the volume ringer off her phone was loud enough...to catch onto the dude's voice and his words...

And well, the second, Khushi had seen Asher's name flashing on the screen and the bit that Arnav had spotted it too – she felt her mind+ gut do a sudden recoil back on its own accord - as if it was the exact wake up call, she needed in the moment? That about time, she just pull herself away from this moment – with regards to Arnav and make her way back to her present – with Asher.

A part of her mind was also beginning to feel uncomfortable again at the thought off Asher not knowing any of this....

She'd picked up his call nonetheless and heard him ask fondly instantly about her meeting and once she's done filling him on that and asked about his evening time, she'd heard him ask next - " so you still at Sandra's or what Khush? when will you be home? I am thinking off coming by...maybe...we could step out for a drive or something...or some of your fav ice-cream...."

Khushi says to that instantly for she really thought she wanted to tell Asher about running into The Boy she had met once met in Peru - tonight with some context on it – just minus Arnav's name in it – " yeah...so...Asher...I am still here at Sandra's...was just chilling by the beach...I'll be home..soon...though..ill text you when I am back..k?let's go for that drive surely..and icecream too after...I have so much to talk to you..,"and she hears him say to that fondly – " that's great khush...I have so much to talk to you too...you know...my day isn't complete...before we catch up like this...at the end of the day....okay...be safe...text me when you back..k?darling?see you soon..can't wait.."

Khushi – " yes...see you soon...asher...ill text you as soon as I am home...,"and she finally hangs up and all the whilst she had turned around a little sideways to talk – she was completely oblivious to the fact that Arnav had indeed – just overheard her complete talk with Asher...anyway....

And given that Arnav had overheard that talk – ofcourse – he'd only felt his discomfort/envy – whatever it was dominating the turmoil – rise more within on its own accord? Which once again, had been a testimony to him that yeah, indeed there was a part of him deep within that was not over Khushi - romantically. Why else?Would he feel this way? at the sight of that picture with Asher? Or have his insides fuming as he heard him fondly call Khushi – Khush. Or address her as darling...by the end of that call....or just the way they even chatted about their day prior...plus they'd literally planned a drive+ice cream-date...whilst he was listening..../or rather...eaves-dropping?

Was this why, she'd been in such a hurry to leave?Because, she had to catch up with her , boyfriend?at the end of the day??? Like they always – did?

And now, he feels like he wants to know all about her dating history – like straight from the horses mouth? When had she first moved on – after Peru? Did, she never , just ever feel anything for him at all – in that first year? After Peru??

If yes, perhaps, hearing it straight from her , could put things straighter in his head. Give him a solid closure!!!!!!!!!!!?? His mind thinks?Even though, his gut revolts at the very thought off closure on Khushi's accord – now. No, his insides were in no mood for any closure, after experiencing what he had tonight...in her presence, his heart coming to life like it hadn't in years....

Taking a deep breathe at that, Arnav tries to cover his discomfort momentarily giving it his best shot with a polite inquisitive smile as Khushi takes her seat back next to him after finishing on the call and he just hears himself ask instantly – " boyfriend??c'mon...Khushi...you can tell me....you know...all about my dating life from social media...only fair...off me to ask....about yours??"(Atleast you know, what the social media says, he adds to himself which is far from the truth)

Khushi studies the curiosity in his eyes at that, but she nods at that sincerely – " yes...he is my boyfriend...his name is Asher.....Arnav...."

Arnav nods doing his best to put forward most polite smile as as he feels a freaking dart hit bulls eye straight into his heart within. Ouch, freaking that. – "as I saw....I mean...I did see his name...flashing on the screen...,"and because he wanted to know this first, he asks – " so how long have you guys been dating?? You happy with him? he treats you well? Respects you??"

Khushi's eyes narrow at that instantly as she asks – " whoa....what's this sudden interrogation...into my dating life about...Arnav? I mean...why would you even want to know??"

Arnav shrugs – " just....because...I want to know...tell me...please??"

Khushi admits saying it all loud to him, hoping that it would help her insides also snap back to reality at the speed of light , simultaneously – "so...asher...and me...have been dating a year...almost now...he's actually my cousin jiju's brother...like my cousin sister is married to his elder brother...we met through them actually..but started dating officialy...around their wedding...last year...and yes...he treats me very well...respects me..a lot...what we have is very comfortable...and nice...Arnav.."

Arnav raises his eyebrow at that. Comfortable and nice. He'd heard those words in his head, before, hadn't he? He reminds of her the bit he noticed – " nice.....comfortable...and nice...sounds...nice...Khushi...why did you skip on the happy part??"

That just hits Khushi hard again for she hadn't realised in the flow of the words that she'd skipped answering that so she says instantly shrugging - " ofcourse...isn't that a given? Ofcourse, I am very happy, with him.Arnav... He's an amazing person...I am really greatful..for him.....,"she finishes sure the fondness was evident in her voice for him to catch on.

Arnav nods at that fighting a turmoil within. Surely, she was quite fond off the dude and he hears the next question leave his lips on its own accord yet again – "so...you mean...in all these years...you'v just dated Asher?for a year??"

And that makes Khushi admit on reflex shrugging - "well...no...four months before...dating Asher...I'd just gotten out off a six month -relationship..with Dan...he was my college mate....,"and she hears him ask instantly at that – "and why did you break up with Dan?Khushi?"

Khushi shrugs – " just...well...he was headed to Syria...for volunteer work...wanted me to come with me...I wasn't in the headspace to like head there...he didn't wana do long distance...so...we just ended...things...amicably...it was all pretty healthy...,"and it is right then she hears him ask again studying her carefully as if he were in deep thought on the other end – " okay...fair enough...and before that??"

And that is when – it hits Khushi – that she didn't have any more guy to name anyway – for years before that she'd spent going through what she was...recovering and harbouring deep feelings for this man – sitting in front of her right now! Damm. Had she just fallen into a question trap in the moment.????That she had no way out off?

Oh her mind tells her, she surely had a way out, it was on his accord. So she doesn't answer that from him now and says now instantly shooting him polite smile too – "anyways...enough about me...ya....Arnav... on that note...though...I think...I forgot to tell you this...Arnav...I think...you and disha...look really great together...I am...so happy for you...really...on that accord...also...you...know what? I really respected the bit..when you called out on that post against all the hate she received online when...you got out...in matches and she was in the stands...I think it was so uncalled for....towards her...so really good on you...just once again...speaks volumes of what a great guy you are..."

Arnav nods at that trying to study her expressions but damm the dim lighting had suddenly gone a little dimmer – " thanks khushi...for saying that...but why would you answer my question...with this..instead???"

And at that, Khushi finally groans as she says – " Arnav...please??stop...I am not comfortable...answering...this...okay? like what's the point..?today? As if I dated or not before Dan even matters? I am with Asher today...you are with Disha...so why are you even interested to know my dating history before Dan? Huh?our presents are what they are today...with our respective partners? Right? So please just stop digging me up on this accord," she finishes, feeling completely troubled.

And the fact that Khushi was evading this so much – just makes Arnav wonder – if she hadn't dated anyone prior to this Dan guy – for given that he was decent at math – his calculation in his head told him – that she'd probably only started dating this Dan dude – when she was over 22 and a half...and that is when it freaking hits him...it was almost similar to the time – he'd started dating Disha and had announced it publically....

But what the hell? Now he was freaking confused.Why hadn't she dated anyone before Dan? She'd never sent him a message/neither did she come to Peru....did she not date at all in those years prior? Why?

And now he really feels like he wants to ask her – this and so he does straight up his gaze searching hers – " Khushi...alright...I won't ask you more on that accord...but can I ask you this??atleast? only fair...given that I'v just wondered on in assumptions for years...on the basis of your silence...on the grounds off our pact...atleast tell me...why didn't you come to Peru? That year???"

Oh Crapppppppppppp!

Craappppppppppppp!

Gazillion×crapppp!

Khushi was not prepped to hear this question upfront from him at all, in this moment. Which is why she just instantly says, on reflex – " okay...Arnav...look...its really getting late now...I need to go...I have to meet Asher..,"and just as she starts to get her bag up her right shoulder - she just pauses in her own action for it hits her – instantly then – that – if he knew she didn't come to Peru that year, that mean, he did go there....for her. She now had the answer, she had wondered on for years back in the day too – right?after waking up coma?And so she could just look at him shaken in the moment as the words flew out of her mouth now sure her voice was quivering in ache now – " wait..wait...wait...the only way...you would know..I didn't turn up...would be...if you had gone there yourself?and not found me??you went Arnav? You went...for me at Peru? Are you just implying...you did go to Peru...that year...Arnav????answer me...please? did you go?"

And Arnav can only admit at that on reflex sincerely glad that she had statued in her mission of leaving momentarily leaving him with no option but to lay it all out in front off her sure his own voice was trembling in ache as well – " ofcourse, I went...for you...that year...Khushi...waited...for you...for days....too...the very second, I had turned around...after wishing you goodbye..the year prior......I knew in my gut...I would be coming back for you...as per our pact...you were never a passing infactuation for me then...Khushi...never...oh....how much I waited for you??do you know?? I waited...full seven days at the retreat??Khushi...in desperate hope...for some sign from you...if not your arrival...then your letter...but you never came...nor did your letter...than I thought...I should just understand your silence...and respect your decision...but when I still couldn't get your thought out of my head... in those months after...I tried to find you....oh...I looked for you so much...Khushi...you have no idea...through some connects locally I tried to hunt you down...in all of the island off Bahamas...combined...having locals go through phone directories...search for ...gupta...your address...the name of the bookstore...and I obviously found nothing...then...I never found you...on social media...too...it was only then...I started thinking...you'd just sorta vanished...or what? like what if I had imagined meeting you in my head??in the first place??but then...still...in hope...I went to Peru, the second year round...as well, same date, time...thinking, hoping...that perhaps, a year wasn't enough for you to think things through on accord of the other dramatic stuff in my world+ your apprehensions of our different worlds..but then maybe...another year would have atleast sufficed...so I went again...waited again...for days...it was only when I heard nothing from you by then...I finally decided...that perhaps..it was time...to....m..ove...on.......,"and that he finally pauses, brushing his hands over his face at the memory, kinda feeling lighter within at being able to atleast say it all loud in front off her – honestly.

Oh – Dammmm.

Dammm.

Freaking Dammmmm.

Khushi, felt her insides, tremble, shake, quake, fall apart at the onslaught of emotions within now, as she processed all that from him. It was clear, to her, that he was very vulnerable in the moment...which was why..he'd kept his hands over his face that way????????She couldn't believe, what she was hearing right now.When had she imagined she'd ever hear – this as the truth???????

The imaginary sight off him desperately waiting for her at the retreat for days? Not just one year..but the second time too....Trying to find her - like in all of the islands...of Bahamas in months before that...freaking...messed...up...everything inside off her head...that imaginary sight in her head shook everything within her to the inch of her being – in complete volatility....

It just freaking messed her - Deep.

And suddenly all she felt like she wanted to do right now in the moment was – Cry....

Only she knew what it took off her to control her aching tears in the moment as she heard herself ask Arnav now her gut taking over completely because he was still statued in that vulnerable position with his hands covering his face – " gussa aya hoga na? surely...you must have been very angry with me?? did you hate me? Arnav? at that point?for never turning up? Or for...ever....sending even a single message??ever??"

Given that her tone – was as vulnerable – as his had been prior – it finally made Arnav take his hands off his face as he admitted on reflex honestly sure that she could easily sense his vulnerable vibe if not spot the bittersweet tears in his eyes (because of dim setting)– " gussa...aur tum se...nafrat..tumse? (anger and hate towards you?)nah..never...Khushi....kabhi bhi nai...not even for a second....bass ek yahi cheez toh mere bass main kabhi nai thi(this was one thing which was never in my control)...Khushi...tumse kabhi gussa ho hi nai paya(I could never be angry with you)...tumko kabhi hate mein kar hi nai paya( I could never hate you)...maybe because...you were always so honest and open...about your inhibitions??? About the rest of my world? Plus because of the way we had connected was so pure for me??? you helped me in one of my lowest...kaise...hate kar pata tumhe?(how could I ever hate you)...kaise gussa ho pata??(how could I ever be angry at you) Tum hi batao??(you only tell me..)...just time passed...you became my fond memory..most precious one...infact...I just made peace with the fact...that you didn't wana be found by me...didn't want anything to do with me romantically...ever...so...I just ought to respect that...and then...I made...peace with the fact..beleiving that atleast...where you were...you were watching me play..and atleast smiling yourself....why do you think...I was so happy...hearing that from you? or at having finally found you?????dammit???"

Oh Dammm.

Freak.Damm.

Did he just say all that he did? So vulnerably? Sincerely?

Really?? he never hated her? Or was angry at her?

Oh! No No No No ! As she proceesed what she had heard. She could sense a tsunami off intense emotions...from the past...trigger...their way through..yet again.She hadn't been prepared for this wave. She wasn't prepared for this fresh tidal wave. When, the imaginary visions of him waiting for her desperately in hope, at Peru were still haunting her...messing her deep...

She says now holding onto her turmoil with great difficulty yet again – " really? you never hated me?? you were never angry?even for a second??not even for a nano second?when your mind told you...I'd vanished?literally?,"or perhaps she could cover up her ache with wit and humour and so she went on – " oh tell me though...didn't this theory come to your mind ...Arnav?when you couldn't find me? like what if I had been an alien? Like an alien encounter....an alien who had then just been taken back...by the mystic spaceship...back to another home planet off mine??"

Arnav can't help but chuckle at that on reflex even through all the hit off past ache and nostalgia. Only she could make him chuckle at a moment like this, with that wit and humour. He admits smiling sadly – "nah..somehow...that theory never came to my mind....Khushi. I should have thought off it...I guess? Trust you...to say something like this...on a moment..as vulnerable as this...but...please....atleast...now tell me...why didn't you come that year? did you never really feel anything deep on my accord...ever Khushi??? back then?? like ever? please just answer me...dammit...I really need to know..."

Khushi finally sighs at that - and she picks up her bag and stands up in her spot – shoving her left hand behind her back in a subtle move that it would seem natural, holding onto her tears with great difficulty – " I am sorry....am so sorry....I couldn't come...that year...Arnav....I am so so sorry...I don't know...what else to say...right...now....,"and she pauses for her words choke on her on reflex.

And that choice of her words just hits Arnav's gut deep. She'd said, she couldn't come. She didn't say – she didn't want to come. Why couldn't she come?What did she mean by that? Was there a chance she'd wanted to come? But couldn't? But then,if she'd wanted to come? Why hadn't she ever set a letter? Or even messaged him?????reached out to him? like....ever? And just like that his heart leaped in joy even at the thought – that maybe one percent she's implying, she'd atleast wanted to come...but couldn't come.

And so he asks, now standing up himself, too afraid that she was going to walk away any minute now for she was fidgeting in her feet already her frame suddenly extremely vulnerable and he felt like he had to be in acting distance to stop her , instantly, for there was no way he'd let her walk away right now after he asked her this – "what do you mean?? Khushi???you couldn't come???you said.. you couldn't come?what does this mean..dammit? Why couldn't you come???"

Khushi sighs at that fighting the urge to just run away and cry in the moment as the haunting imaginary flashes of him waiting desperately for her on one side of the world vs her lying in coma going through her recovery after, made its way back to her head, and so she requests, her voice quivering in on her – " please...don't...ask...me off this...right now...Arnav...not right now...I just really need to go...maybe..some day..later...I could tell you...but not today...ok? I just really need to go right now...am...sorry...so...sorry...,"and at that Khushi finally turns around and begins to run away from him – the fastest she could.She just had too. She didn't want to breakdown in front of him , in the moment.

Dammmmm! What the hell?

Did she just run away from him right now that way? after, listening to all that he had gone through? Without answering his question? Well, too bad for her, he wasn't in any mood to let her get far. She'd perhaps forgotten – he was a professional athelete?

And so he runs after her instantly – calling out her name – asking her to stop – but even though she didn't stop - she'd only gotten a short distance away, before he had finally caught up behind her close and because Arnav felt like there was no other way he could finally stop her with in the middle of her run – apart from catching hold of her hand with his – he just felt his right hand reach out to hold her left arm/hand on its own accord from behind, for it was the closest to his reach – and he heard the words leave his mouth instantly at that – " don't go...Khushi...stop...dammit...just stop....answer...me...please? I cannot let you...goo...right now....I just cannot...let...y..ou...go..,"and it is only when his right hands held her left hand – he finally feels her statue and freeze in her steps in front off him – and...and....his mind+ gut do an instant massive recoil in his head..instantly...as he feels his insides and all of himself just...freeze....in shock...in his spot too.

Why? Does he freeze in shock?

Because,now that he had finally touched her left hand - Arnav had obviously sensed, the feel of metal, underneath and not human flesh/limb.

What theeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee freaking helllllllllll?????He thought???????????

Was he imaging this? Surely not. He'd never even be able to think/imagine something as grave as this on – Khushi's accord...

Maybe, his sense of touch had malfunctioned? Maybe, he was sensing – wrong? He just held onto her left hand again for the feel off it as an intense silence engulfed the vibe in between the two now and as his sense of touch gave him the signal of metal again – Arnav felt his very own gut, head, being, soul, wrench in shock, concern, worry on Khushi's accord – yet again...

And it all just came to a momentarily...stand...still....for Arnav ...indeed...yet again...this time though out of sheer gut wrenching ache..

How could it not?

When he had just felt the evidence off what surely seemed like a prosthetic limb – on Khushi's left hand?????

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

Tadaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

How was that guys????????

No shoes at me for stopping there - again! Had to yaar - for the dramatic affect! Obviously – like they do in TV Shows – thada..thada...thada...haha...! Which cliff hanger is more diff to deal with? Now you all tell me? Yesterday's or Today's??

Okay – how did you all like the flow of scenes leading to this bit? finally? Did you all think, this would happen? At the very onset? Well, it just has to happen this way given ... the plot in my head...

Would love to read your comments on the same.

Next Update – I will do my best to update on this – Tomorrow Night. I do have lot of work commitments tomorrow as well so just in case I miss tomorrow's schedule – Thursday night surely. Its  been Intense to put this together and next update is also going to be super intense...I also don't wana compromise on the scene/dialogue in rush too! So in case I do post by Thursday- thanks for waiting up an extra day in advance!🤗🤗🤗

Will Still be posting on Invisible Strings by Friday/Saturday- so don't worry!! I just obviously need to build these scenes in flow...

P.s - I will be out in between 22nd Oct – 26th Oct, for a mini -Diwali break off 4 days. Post which – writing schedule on both stories will continue...as is...

Thanks guys for all the love* support always.

Much Love* Infinite Gratitude
🙏🙏🙏❤❤❤
Now and always..

Prachi