Helloooo everyoneeeee....

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

Happpyyyy Thursday!😊😊😊😊😊

Yes, I know it is later in the night. But I just wanted to post this today! Another back to back update for this story – for I wanted to build it up to this point – before going on my Mini Diwali Break.👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻😁😁😁😁

Absolutely, loved writing the varios scenes down, so so soooooo much...! 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 k words.

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7.The Oldest Trick in the Book

Mumbai, India

Raizada Mansion,

Next Day – In India – 930AM – Jamaica Time (Previous Night is -11pm)

Samay and Varsha were sitting in the seating suite side of their room, sipping on their morning cup of teas,after finishing their breakfast, this morning. It was their ritual, which they tried to follow quite religiously.Before, they left for work at their respective ends, they always spent the morning breakfast time together. Especially, after Samay's retirement – the two just truly cherished these regular – day to day moments with one another.

Samay asks Varsha now – " Anjali still working out and training??"

Varsha nods smiling – " yes, you know your daughter, she wont give up on her workout or training - even when she is on the break. She's just come three days ago. I wish she could have stayed longer at home this time around, Samay, but given she has competitions lined up in two weeks at her end as well...and with Ravi's long tour...only fair she travels...to him first...glad she will be back in seven days though, so we will still get four more days with her at home, before she leaves again....Arnav's tour is also long...3rd T20+ ODi series+test Series left...I miss the bacha's..when they aren't around...."

Samay smiles – " well, I miss them too...on that note...,"he eyes the time – "11pm in Jamaica...party kar raha hoga...Arnav...yatch club mein..with the squad...which is why no pictures have yet come into the family group...in the last couple of hours..."

Varsha smiles at that picking up her phone , looking at the pictures of the day-out day at the island – island had shared in the family group on whtsapp – " love these day out pictures...though?haina? he looks...so...relaxed..."

Samay smiles – " unwinding time is very important...Varsha...in the middle of these long haul hectic tours.."

Varsha grins – " as you would know..,"and she says observing on Samay texting in his phone now – "who you texting??"

Samay grins - " Arnav ko...message bhej raha hun...kam se kam...party se ek photo toh bheje apne...hume..."( am texting Arnav...asking...him to send at least one photo from the party)

Varsha smiles – " oho...let him party and enjoy...Samay...you are just jealous that you don't get to enjoy afterparty time as much as him..now..."

Samay chuckles – " very funny..,"and the two share a hearty chuckle at that. It is right then, Varsha's phone rings with Arnav's video call.

She grins flashing her phone screen to Samay – " you were texting him...Samay..see..he just called..."

Samay grins – " perhaps..he decided to just show us the fun ambience on the video call..itself...pick up Varsha..,"and at that he comes to take his seat next to his beloved wife – on the sofa.

But, just as Varsha swipes up, her smile shortens as Arnav's face disturbed face comes into the screen immediately.And he was most surely not in the party, but back in his hotel room. Before, she could ask, she sees Samay beat her to it , with worry etched over his face too – " Arnav...mere bete...kya hua hai?(whats happened?) sab theek?(all okay?)you don't look okay at all...and why aren't you at the party? We thought you'd be there...but here you are ...in your hotel room...all by yourself...looking so very disturbed..."

Varsha asks instantly too observing her son's frame.She'd hadn't seen him this emotionally disturbed in a long time.He had been crying. His eyes were bloodshot – "what happened? son? You truly look shaken..emotionally....Arnav...you'v been crying son??"

Samay asks – " are you okay? physically? Kahin chott toh nai lagi??(you haven't been injured?)"

Varsha asks studying his vulnerable sigh on phone now as he brushes his hand over his face – " Arnav...get talking..please?beta?kya hua??why have you been crying?"

At that they hear Arnav sigh as he says – " I just needed to cry it out...Muma...Papa...in the moment...or else...I was feeling like all stuffed one...I cried...to vent out my turmoil...obviously...am feeling better now...just wanted to talk it out to you both first...I just have to get this off my chest to you two....but...its morning for you...I know...you both have to head to work..."

Samay and Varsha exchange a knowing look at the same time and look at Arnav - " oh please...beta...you are priority...rest can wait...please...talk...,"and they exchange a worried gesture of -Kya hogaya isse?(what happened to him)

They hear Arnav say now brushing his hand through his hair – " kahan se shuru karun muma...papa...(from where do I start..muma...papa...)...what an evening it has been for me...a lot came to a full circle...within...but it's been so overwhelming... heartbreaking...meri jaan atak rahi hai ab bhi soch ke...ki kya hogaya tha...uske saath..."( my breathe is still hitching on me...thinking...off what had happened...with this person..)

Varsha and Samay ask in unison at the same time, puzzled – " kya hogaya? Kiske saath?( what happened?to whom?),"and they exchange a look of wonder again – momentarily.

It is right then they hear Arnav sigh as he looks at Varsha fresh tears oozing out his eyes now – " Muma..aap sahi the...(as in you were right)...in some ways atleast...as in its aching me so much to even say this out loud again...too accept...process this...as reality.."

Varsha asks puzzled still – " I was right on what accord...Arnav??"

They both hear Arnav sigh now as he says finally brushing a hand through his hair – " you were right on Khushi's accord...Muma...Khushi didn't come to Peru that year...not because..she didn't want to come...or because she didn't feel something deep for me...like I did...our feelings were most surely mutual..but she didn't come...because she couldn't come...Muma...kaise aati woh...(how could she come)...when...she was in the hospital...in the ICU...at that time...in the state of medically induced.....coma...indeed...there had been a grave mishap...at Khushi's end...back then...Muma...just twenty days before she was to come see me in Peru..."

Now that shocks the daylights out of Samay and Varsha's head and Varsha's hand goes to cover her mouth on reflex as Samay gapes at Arnav in shock still unable to comprehend this grave news on the accord of the girl, who'd helped his son, in his lowest, the only one his son had ever felt for deep and they both ask in shock – " what are you saying Arnav???What are you saying??"

They hear Arnav sigh at that – " yes..Muma...Papa...you heard me right....bahut ganda accident hogaya tha uska muma(it was a bad accident)...she was lucky to have made out alive...but she had sustained grave injuries...a massive...head injury...after live saving surgery...doctors put her in the state off medically induced coma..that lasted for five and half months..."

Varsha feels her eyes well up at that.As, a mother, she couldn't help but say at that – "what?coma for...five and half months?? Oh..what must have her parents...gone through??it's truly the most deadly sight...for any parent...."

Samay clutches on her shoulder at that and before he could ask Arnav how did he even discover all of this , they both hear Arnav sigh as he adds – " she also lost a part of her left hand limb muma..papa...in the accident as well...her limb below the left elbow had been crushed...in the accident bad...they had to amputate it...she now...makes ado with a prosthetic limb in place...instead...she's very brave...she'd fought her...way out of that phase..so strongly...her recovery was a long process...on so many tangents...but...my heart is still breaking thinking of the pain she must have been then...in that phase...physically..mentally.....kyun hua hai uske saath...kyun...uske saath?(why did this have to happen to her).. itna gehra haadsa...kyun usi ke saath hona tha....(why did such a grave accident have to happen to her)...???

Now that even shocks and shakes Varsha and Samay even more as they ask quite disturbed themselves at hearing what had happened to Khushi.They ask collectively again – "whatttttttttttttt are you saying??????beta...?,"and as they see Arnav nod – Varsha says on reflex – "oh she must been so shattered when she regained consciousness...kitni choti thi..uss waqt...shes the same age as you...just around 19 years 4/5 months??when this happened??"

They see Arnav nod at that as he continues – "exactly...and hear this...Muma..when I asked her..why didn't she ever tell me this...she said....that...she never reached out to ever tell me...any of this...because...she felt...she was in such a messy place...down in the dumps...given her recovery was going to be a long process...she had to find her way back to her health again...plus...she felt like she didn't want me to know any of this happening to her - when my national cricketing career had just begun to soar...she said to me...how could I have ever pulled you down in the dumps with me?Arnav?when your bat was just starting to show its wonders in the national squad....I couldn't do that to you...at that point in your life...imagine...Muma...Papa...she didn't tell me any of this...on my accord too...just kept smiling to herself,in her recovery time, watching me play..instead..wishing me well...all the freaking time..."

Now that even disturbs Varsha's+Samay's heart more as they realise, the intention behind Khushi's this action.Varsha asks now shaken – "wait...wait...you said...she said this to me?? meaning...you met her?or what?? Arnav please?tell us everything..son...what happened?"

They see Arnav smile sadly at that – " yes...I finally found her...Muma..Papa...here in Jamaica only...found her in the exact way...I first found her in peru...actually?"

Samay asks, for he had rememeberd this from Arnav– " you mean...while playing XOXO in the sand?"

They see Arnav nod and he says – " wait...ill just start from the top...and tell you both...everything....as and what happened..."

Samay and Varsha nod at that and listen, holding onto each others hand – feeling genuinely concerned...not just for their son, for they could easily see how this had shaken him...but also for Khushi – for even though they had never met her, they felt like they had known her through Arnav..all these years..anyway...

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

Thirty More Minutes Later

Now, Samay and Varsha have been filled in over it all by Arnav. the two have heard him earnestly as he narrated how they'd met this evening, how he'd felt that sense of connection again, how at just seeing her (+ minutes before that)he'd realised she had been the reason for the subconscious block at his end too + how their conversation unfolded+ how he'd asked her why she hadn't come to Peru and the rest of the events that led him to discover what he had...and then...how she'd filled hi up on it all. They'd heard Arnav fill them up on everything...until the very last bit...how after seeing her off...he'd just sat back on the beach and cried....before returning to the hotel toom.

And in the moment, Varsha and Samay's eyes were wet with tears too as they exchanged the silent look off – Oh how time and fate/circumstances – had kept these two apart. They were now obviously aware, that Khushi had felt deeply for their son too for years...and she had only moved on at her end, after seeing the evidence from Arnav's side that he had moved on...

They hear Arnav sigh now as he says – " now...you both know...everything..."

Samay asks siging – " you okay son?"

Varsha asks – " how do you feel...on Khushi's accord..right now son? As in – in the present?

They hear Arnav say to that – " I will answer you first papa... I am not okay...still but I am trying to be okay...for...I can't help but feel like...time just wont stop slapping me hard...Muma...Papa...on this accord...I mean..just when Khushi was about to message me that night...a couple of years ago...she saw the post of my announcement with Disha..so she never reached out...not wanting to dig up the past...mess my present...post which..she too decided to move on...and now when I have found her again...she's with...this guy...Asher...they'd been dating a year...she said what they have is comfortable and nice...she sounded like she is fond of him..... plus she also thinks...I am with Disha...which anyway will change in a couple of days...for I am going to announce my break up with her soon...anyway...but...she is with someone..else...now...too...I have been thinking on ...how to figure this out...I cannot say goodbye to her ever again...that's for sure..."

Samay studies his sons expressions – " do you feel like...you want Khushi back in your life...?"

Varsha – " be honest with yourself...son...what does your heart say...on this accord??"

They both hear him sigh and admit as if wasn't it obvious – " ofcourse, I want her back in my life...Muma papa...I want her back...in every freaking capacity...by my side...as mine..."

Well, they'd expected him to say that. In their gut, Samay and Varsha both knew – after hearing the truth now, there was no way – their son would ever give up on Khushi again – emotionally - especially after he'd felt the essence of what he had tonight in her presence.They'd also sensed that...that vibe of ease from Khushi's end...if they were to go word to word with what Arnav told them...

But before either of them could say anything, they hear him continue – " but....she is with somebody else. I got to face that, as well. I mean I got to respect her space plus what she wants too right – Muma?Papa?"

Samay smiles at that – " I am so proud of you for saying that son..I was just about to ask you that...you know what...you want?but what about what Khushi wants?? You must respect her present.."

They see Arnav smile sadly at that as he says – " ofcourse...I wouldn't disregard her wish/comfort on this...accord...ever...no matter how much it aches...which is why...I was thinking...I am going to proceed on the lines...off the oldest trick in the book...Muma...papa...which is...I am just going to find a way to be a good friend to her...first...or rather a great one...earn her trust in the present...as in...learn more about her recovery journey that was...keep connected in the present...let her also see for herself...that within..I am still the boy she met in Peru... and I can only hope with time...that... she ends up discovering that she might have a subconscious block on my accord as well...which is why she used just the words comfortable and nice on Asher's accord...as in...given that she only moved on..after she had evidence that I had...I can only hope...that what she'd once felt for me...still has its roots some where...in there...in her system.....like atleast...I want to give this one shot...I cannot let time win again...just like that without even trying...ek shot toh banta hai...haina?Papa?Muma?

Samay nods at that – " well, ek shot toh banta hai...yes...and I think..this would be the right thing...to do...as in be around her...stay connected...within the respectful boundaries off friendship...begin nurturing the connection again...and lets see where it leads you both...for even though a lot in two of you is same...time has passed...so much had evolved in you two with time... too...right?so just get to know each other again..first...as is...in present...that's priority.."

They hear Arnav nod – "exactly...now just pray...I am able to get her to agree to remain...friends...with me atleast......but I do plan to ask her this question though...when I see her next.."

Samay – "what question?"

"she'd always say, sometimes even if you don't have the answers,more important to ask the right question...I wana ask her...what if she hadn't seen the evidence of me moving on...would she have moved on?ever? why did she only move on after knowing I had? Let me see how she reacts...to that...if she hesitates...in giving me an answer in the present/evades it – my gut tells me...then...its surely got to imply towards something still hidden within her...on my accord...right??,"asks Arnav – looking at his parents.

Samay and Varsha nod at that – "fair enough...fair question...son...ask her that...for sure..."

Varsha asks next, hoping she'd hear what she was expecting too, that this wasn't important to him, more than the emotional connect – "okay...and just curious...to know your answer on this...say...if Khushi does realise she feels for you in the present...still...this situation with her prosthetic..as in the aesthetic side of it? isn't a bother to you right?son?"

They see Arnav answer to that instantly – " Muma...I can't believe you asked me that.....as if I'd ever give physical appearances more importance than what lies inside a person. You both only taught me right – beauty is also within.And for me, Khushi still is the most beautiful person – I'v ever met.Her prosthetic is a symbol of her survival and her fighting/never give up on one's self spirit...and that's how...I see it...it's a part of the whole off her...mujhe bass Khushi chahiye(you know I always wanted Khushi)...jaise hi...waise chahiye(As is...as she is)...hamesha se(its been that way for me...from long anyway)...her aftermath of the accident hasn't been able to change that...if I had known what she was going through then Muma...I would have been by her side...nonetheless....oh you know...I wouldn't have given up on her then..just because this incident happened with her...you surely know that...I mean...woh toh...she had kept me blindsided all this while on the truth...on my accord...as well...."

Varsha smiles at that – " so glad...to hear you say this son...we hope...you two find your way back to one another...eventually..."

Samay asks now – " feel better son??"

They hear Arnav nod – " yes...Muma...papa...feel so much better after talking to you...both......"

Varsha smiles - " get some sleep son? It will do you good...you will feel fresher in the morning..."

They see him nod at that fighting a yawn now – " indeed...I think...ill just doze off...sleep will do me good... thank you for listening you two...,"and Varsha and Samay just scold him candidly for even saying that before – they finally hang up.

Once they have hung up – Samay pulls Varsha in a side hug and Varsha says holding onto her heart - "my gut tells me...Samay...as in my mothers heart..that ab Dheere Dheere sab thik hojayega...arnav ki personal life mein...(now slowly everything will get better in Arnav's personal life)...remember the other day only I was praying..that whoever is meant for him?god just make him meet her?"

Samay nods – " I remember..so you think...its Khushi only who is meant for our Arnav...which is why...time/fate nudged his feet towards a moment that led him to find her again -??

Varsha smiles – " I really hope that eventually turns out to be the case...Samay..."

Samay smiles – " I hope so too...,"and the two cannot help but just wish well for their son in the moment.Really, time/fate had played it games enough. They really hoped – these two would just find their way back to one another – eventually....

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

Next Day – Jamaica

4:00PM in the Evening

Asher looks up from his tablet, in his cabin as his phone buzzes with his brother's call on the intercom and he takes it – " yes, bhai, I was just going through the mail..."

"Okay, Asher, remember we got that meeting...we leave in 5 minutes...ok?Also, the broker mentioned, he wants us to be there in person...for apparently its an important foreign client of his, who is interested to close this sale...in the next ten days or so..."

Asher nods – " yes bhai...I am set to leave, whenever you are ready to leave??"

The Kapoors, were small-medium scale real estate developers around Jamaica. The two brothers, worked together, to take their father's dream venture to newer heights. In the last couple of years, business had started flourishing, at a decent pace. They'd been getting builder contracts to develop small- medium scale – residential buildings/ retail/commercial – at a steady pace. Almost, back to back, ventures, which kept the two brothers very busy at their work, given that they had finally asked their father to enjoy his retirement time with their mother back at home.

Today, the two had this work meeting, where in a usual broker they worked with – who helped them close sales on regular basis of their real estate developments – had got them a client – for one of their recently developed – small scale commercial building – near the city center.The client was interested in not just a floor, or a couple of floors, he was interested to buy out the whole building as an overseas investment from his end. It was obviously a great deal for their company – if it went through smoothly. Rather than having to close deals with different buyers/tenants for different floors, it was going to be so much better to just deal with one buyer.The broker had requested, the two be there in person, to take this client through the specifications of the project etc etc...

Asher finally shuts his tab and shoves it in his work bag and given that he still had about five minutes until they left, he decides to call Khushi, to chat up with how her day was going and reconfirm their meeting plans for this evening.

Last evening, hadn't gone according to their plan, anyway. Khushi had texted him on her way back from Sandra's obviously, that she would be home soon and he had arrived at her place, a couple of minutes, before her cab had pulled in – with the intention to go ahead with the drive+ice cream time but given that he'd spotted her dozed off to sleep in a deep slumber at the backseat cozily, as the cab had pulled in, he just didn't have it in his heart to wake her up in the moment. He'd just settled the cab fare with the driver himself, and then scooped a sleeping, Khushi in his arms, and carried her up into her home – so that he could tuck her in be – snug.He'd obviously greeted uncle, aunty in the process and they'd just been smiling to the sight off him asking – if he could just tuck in Khushi – for the day.And,when he had tucked her in - he'd thought she had looked quite exhausted,from her long day...to his eye..which is why she didn't even wake up – in all the movement uptil her room.

He'd wanted to take her prosthetic off as well, given that he knew how important it was for her to just sleep without it. But given, that he knew, it would make her uncomfortable in the morning to discover he'd done that himself while she was sleeping, he'd just let her be. Hoping, that she'd wake up in the middle of the night to help herself with it. So, dropping a kiss on her head, smiling to himself at the serene sight of her in a deep sleep – he had finally returned home.

When they'd spoken in the morning as usual, Khushi had told him that she did take her prosthetic off in the middle of the night as she stirred up in her sleep, realising that she was home, after thanking him for tucking her in and apologizing for dozing off on their initial plan.He'd obviously asked her not to worry about it, and wished her best for her busy day of work at the office in Community College, which usually finished by 430PM. They'd planned to catch up by 5pm this evening.But now, this meeting development, had come up. So maybe, he shift it to 530PM?

He dials her number now and she picks up in two rings - " hello....Asher...I was just about to text you only...and you called..."

He grins to himself – "excellent telepathy...we have...then...Khushi...,"and he hears her chuckle – " are you grinning to yourself whilst saying that??"

Asher nods – " ofcourse, I am...so what were you about to text me?"

"That...I am winding up on work soon...see you soon...at 5....I have so much to talk and discuss with you...you have no idea..."

He smiles to himself at that – " really?you do know..your constant...love for...chatter is one of my favouritest things about you..Khush...,"and he hears her chuckle at that fondly – " yes, yes...I know...Asher...you'v made that obvious...so many times..."

Asher grins – " acha...listen...can we push our meet to 530pm though? I mean...we have a meeting which will finish by 445pm hopefully...but just in case it spills over...I don't want to keep my lady waiting..."

"okay...no worries...Asher..I understand...then...ill just be by the bookcafe...helping Mom and Dad...at the backend...accounts work...ok? just buzz me...when you are free...we will catch up on our usual spot after?,"she answers.

Their usual spot – was this another café – down the road from her parents bookcafe.

Asher – " okay..then...see you soon...sorry..for the slight delay..."

"don't worry about it...Asher...see you soon..."

And he finally hangs up smiling – given that he'd spotted his brother gesture him from behind the glass door – to come join him – as it was time to leave for the upcoming meeting.

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

Meanwhile – Simultaneously

In the Cab

Arnav asks Suraj smiling as he gazes out the window – " yeh toh bata de...kahan lekar jaa raha hai bhai?( atleast tell me..where we going brother??)

Suraj smiles at that – "bro...bola na..when we will reach...you will understand...I asked you to come along with me on this...because...I most surely need your advice on this..,"and he hears Arnav answer to that puzzled – " that's what bro...how am I going to be able to give you advice...if I don't have a heads up as to what this is about..."

Suraj grins – " okay...fair enough...ill tell you..,"but right then his phone rings with a call and Arnav gestures him to take it first.

So, this morning, Arnav Singh Raizada, had woken up feeling a lot more sorted and in a much brighter mood, than he had gone to sleep with last night, after speaking to his parents. Ofcourse, talking it all out to them had been like a massive vent...and the bit that they supported him unconditionally as always, just warmed his heart immense. The vision of the morning sun, had led him to focus on the brighter side of things, this morning.

Atleast, he had finally found Khushi. It was indeed a blessing ,that she was safe, and healthy now. He couldn't help but focus on this bit of being so greatful to God, to have her make it out of that grave mishap alive. Even though, he didn't know the complete details, he already felt so proud of her, for her journey through the tough phases of recovery...she'd mentioned..she'd finished her studying as planned...was now working+volunteering...getting a step closer to her dream of opening her own NGO – by the day.

Plus, until yesterday morning, he didn't even know where she was etc etc.And this morning, he woke up with knowing so much, it was like a complete 360 degree.Atleast, he could be friends with her today. Stay connected to her – today. Be greatful, that Life had finally made him come face to face with her again. His gut believed, time surely had dished this chance his way again – for a deeper reason. It wasn't on the account of closure, he'd liked to be believe. It surely had to be on an account of a new beginning. All that mattered to him , in the morning was that by the end of the day, he'd atleast have her contact number.She would message him either she was coming or not....as she'd said...

Plus, the fact that Disha was going to be here tomorrow as well, just lead him to feel all light within for the very first time. He had full plans to talk to her as soon as possible and end things mutually.Announce, that also, as soon as possible.

And so, ASR had gone into the net sessions/practice time on field/dedicated to his love for cricket – with great zeal and determination as always. His game was the one that had given Khushi the sense off connection to him, nonetheless – right? in all those years? This knowledge, just pushed him to also go the extra mile – in practice on the day. He gave it his freaking all, also because, when his game consumed his attention fully – he always felt himself go into that happy trance.

It was post the wind up of hard day at practice, when Suraj had pulled him aside in the locker room, asking him to accompany him – somewhere. Mostly everyone had plans to return to the hotel and chill. Ravi+ Yash had some muscle recovery sessions – with the physio's – which is why – Suraj was all like – to Arnav – please atleast, you come with me bro.

Arnav hadn't been able to say – No to his buddy, obviously. Plus, it also felt like the outing to where-ever this was – would serve as a distraction from looking up at his phone ever five minutes waiting for it to beep with Khushi's text.

Once, they'd gotten into the cab, amidst casual chatter with Suraj, Arnav was enjoying looking out at the city of Jamaica around with a different eye this time around.A fonder – eye. This place was Khushi's home, now...It had been for years. Here was the hospital where she had been saved, where she had recovered, the college where she had completed her studies, where she was now living. It was where he had finally – found her again.

He was right on that thought smiling to himself – when he hears Suraj say now after hanging up - " okay..bro....that was the broker...we are meeting now...so anyway...yes...fair enough...let me tell you what this is about..."

Arnav nods and that and Suraj says – " you know...my backgrounds been humble bro...Maa and Paa gave it their everything in their days...so that I could train for my game...in the ways I did...and now that I have come so far along...in my career...and life's flourished financially for us all...I thought...why not gift Pa something for his 55th bday. He is coming to see the first test match – with Maa, then. He'd always dreamed off having a foreign investment to his name.So I thought, let me only gift it to him. I did a lot of research...in other countries...but this one I shortlisted on here in Jamaica...is kind off like well within my scope...it's a medium scale commercial property...I asked the broker to fix a meeting with the real estate developers who developed the building...better to meet face to face...talk our terms...I mean..I want to close this as soon as possible...I want you input...on the feasibility of this investment..though...given that...I know...you do have some experience on real estate investments because Uncle and you - do this so often...and you yourself invest a lot in real estate back at home...so yeah..."

Arnav grins at that excited. He was so happy for Suraj. He knew what this meant to him.What it would mean to his parents.And so he just hugs his mate to his side at that happily – "wow...wow...wow...bro...so stoked for you...ofcourse...ill help you...with my inputs...on this...so...who are the developers?you'v surely done your research...are they a reliable company..?have enough successful projects?"

Suraj grins at that – " thanks bro...yes...I have done my research... ...the developers are Indians...only...Kapoors..they are...but they'v lived in Jamaica...since forever...not very big real estate company..but more like small-mediaum scale...real estate developers...reliable surely...have various successful small-medium scale/residential+commercial projects running...plus once I checked with brokers...they all spoke highly of the goodwill of the company+ the brothers that run it...I thought...its my first foreign investment...might as well...go ahead...with medium scale developers first...what do you think?"

Arnav nods at that – " yeah..makes sense...totally...so we meeting the broker and the Kapoor brother's then?"

Suraj nods – " yes...,"and he grins – " and the broker hasn't told them...it is me they are meeting...the broker knows its me...but they don't know...yet...I'v gone by the client name off Sameer...till this point...I didn't wana get the buzz around...until I had totally made up my mind to go ahead with this deal...I'v had a little to and fro on mail....with the elder brother..Vikram kapoor on mail...will meet him today...do you think he will be shocked to discover...that I am not Sameer...most surely..,"he finishes with a wink.

Arnav grins – " yes yes...ofcourse...bro..."

Suraj's phone beeps at that and he looks into it and says - " okay...they'v arrived and our waiting...with the broker...I'm texting that we reaching in two minutes...."

Arnav nods at that and smiles. He was so excited for Suraj, who couldn't stop smiling at the thought of gifting this to his father.

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

At The Reception of the Building

Lounging Space

Atharv and Asher, hear the broker say to them now getting from his spot on the sofa as a cab pulled upfront at the porch – " okay...here they are...I will just go down to greet him...myself..,"the broker finishes excited.

Asher and Atharv nod and Asher whispers to his brother – " bhai..looks like...it's a really important client of his...he literally ran out to greet him.."

Atharv nods – " I just thought the same..."

And just at that the two brother get up in their spots as well to turn around to look at the enterance getting set to greet the client/potential buyer of this commercial building they'd developed – when Asher freezes in his spot in momentary shock as he asks nudging his brother – " bhai...so you see what I see? Is that suraj? Our suraj?as in one of our men in blue...suraj?? Our cricketer suraj...is that him stepping out right now –??"

Atharv observes on that and he says smiling now as it dawns on him – " indeed it is Suraj...no wonder the broker has got all excited...or rather had been excited to close this deal..and had asked us to be here in person....his very special foreign client...is one of our men in blue's indeed...."

Asher grins to himself at that – " oh boy... I am excited...bhai..this is my first time..seeing..any of our players...up and close...,"which makes atharv say to him in a reminder – " Asher..business first...fan moment..later..alright?? its our professionalism in our work zone that should leave an impact...alright?"

Asher nods – "ofcourse...bhai...promise...I get what you mean..,"but just then he feels his insides freeze in shock+surprise+fan excitement again as he spots the next person who's just stepped out the cab.It was ASR. His cricketing hero for years now. He worshipped the man's gaming talent – so much.As did – Khushi.he couldn't believe he was minutes away from meeting not just Suraj+ his super favourite ASR – " bhai...bhai...bhai....do you see..what I see? Is that ASR...next to Suraj???"

Atharv narrows his eyes to observe the frame and he looks at his brother's excited face now for he obviously knew – just like Khushi – his brother was crazy about ASR's game on another level like colossal fans just like he and his wife were – colossal fans off Veer's game and atharv says – " yes...indeed...it is ASR...asher...I know..this just got more...exciting for you...but...snap out of fan mode...now..please? get into it later..."

Asher says now excited – " okay...but bhai...after all the business talks...I will surely ask for an auntograph...not just one for myself...for Khushi too...obviously...I am meeting her after this...ill surprise her with this...she'll be so happily stumped...I am telling you...."

Atharv nods at that smiling to himself before he gestures to Asher to get into full work mode again and Asher straightens in his spot and schools himself out off his momentary fan zone reminding himself – that business was business.

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

Suraj had been talking more to the broker ,whilst they were all taking the steps in now and Arnav was just listening keenly.

But just as they all – stepped into the lobby and the broker was about to begin the introductions...it was Arnav's turn to experience his head reel in sheer surprise and shock yet again.Was this the same man – whose picture he had seen flashing in Khushi's screen yesterday? He looked closer, narrowing his eyes – Indeed.

It looked like him. Asher. Khushi's boyfriend...

Dammit.

He couldn't believe it. Freak, what were the odds?That he run into him this way? Today? Also, he couldn't help but observe on his personality – quite impressive/the dude's got a charm – indeed. Looked better in person – than he did in that picture with khushi. The discovery...made his insides...a tad bit uneasy...obviously...as the flash of the pic he had seen on Khushi's phone made its way through his mind...

Arnav manages to cover his shock/surprise with a smile though.He had no other option, but to just cover up and go with the flow – now that fate/time had dished this surprise encounter with Khushi's current boyfriend – his way.He decides to focus on being, his candid, casual, friendly , self.

The broker finally went on with introductions – " I am sure...I don't need to introduce...Suraj and ASR to you atharv...Asher..now you know...why I have been going so to and fro..to make this happen....Suraj..ASR...this is atharv..Kapoor...Asher Kapoor...the brothers that run the Kapoor Real Estate business here in Jamaica...Suraj is the one interested to buy this...actually...

Atharv obviously steps forward politely to shake his hands with Suraj and ASR and when the two – candidly and friendly greet him – it kinda surprises atharv, in a good way. They had a friendly, candid vibe. No snobbery/ high headed ness in the air at all.

Asher observed the same as well, and when it was his turn to step up and shake hands with the two and greet them – he'd experienced the same.

And Asher decides to be his candid self in the moment too just for a second and so he says to both ASR and Suraj – " gentleman...please know...we brothers...are huge fans of your game..but only fair we get into our fan mode later..after we finish talking business...,"and they all just share a candid chuckle at that as the broker gestures them all to get going in – and Arnav can't help but respond to Asher's polite smile and nod again in the moment with his head – going into a solid observation/scrutiny of the man in his head too...momentarily...

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

About Thirty Minutes Later

Now, that they'd all gone through the space + the business talks were almost over, as they were all at the office zone at the top floor of the building – Arnav can't help but think to himself whilst he sipped on some water near the water cooler. Dammit. Banda toh acha hai...yeh...Iss mein kya mistake nikalun? (This dude...seems nice...like really nice. What mistake do I take out in him?)

All the while, even though work/business mode was on – Arnav had obviously keenly observed on Asher's general demenour, behaviour, his knowledge of his work etc(which had impressed Arnav's real estate eye). He totally was coming across like – a nice dude on the block! Much to his momentary discomfort..

It was werid – the moment for him.As much as he was experiencing discomfort,within, a part of him was feeling like, he'd surely be the gentleman types to respect/treat – Khushi really well...

Not to forget – the close family connection. In the moment, he also knew, that the other man, they'd all spent time talking business/work with was – Khushi's Jiju.

Dammit.

He had given his honest/unbiased opinion to Suraj that the deal was surely a good one to go ahead with+ the brothers seemed genuine and sincere as people – about seven minutes ago – when Suraj had asked him the same on text. Post which, the closure terms and discussions things had begun in the office cabin on this top floor –

He'd sat through for a while, but then, because he felt like he needed to step out to recollect his thoughts/first impression conclusions of Khushi's boyfriend, Arnav had stepped out with the excuse to take a call about three minutes ago – and had been dunking down glasses of water by the filter.

It is right then Arnav, hears the famailar voice of Asher behind him - " ASR...are you sure you don't want some coffee? Or tea?we do have a working pantry here..."

Arnav turns around at that – and outs forth his usual candid polite smile at that – " no thanks Asher..water works..."

Asher grins at his gaming idol now as he admits – " okay..then...given that bhai...and suraj and the broker are still discussing on the closure terms...given that Suraj wants us to keep this drafted and ready for signing and handover by the time you all return here for the test series...I thought...about time...I just switch off work mode and slip into my fan mode...you have no idea...what a big fan I am off your game...ASR...I want an autograph...please...?like...I do not even leave my seat when you are playing...be it your batting...your wicket keeping...I am a big big fan,"he hands him a piece of paper to sign at that.

Now that makes Arnav think like.You want my autograph? Ironical, buddy. That you have no idea, how much I want your girlfriend.How much – I'v always wanted her.How I'v always freaking longed for her to be mine...

The sadistic pleasure time/fate were getting out of this moment surely made Arnav bite back on a helpless cover up smile in the moment on reflex as he asks curious wanting to know more on this, taking the piece of paper from Asher to sign - nontheless.Khushi hadn't mentioned that her boyfriend was also a big fan of his game.Did the two sit together to watch him play – he wondered? Is that why – Khushi just wanted to mention him to Asher as the boy she met in peru – "thank you Asher....really? do you never leave your seat at all when you watch me play?"

Asher grins at that candidly, totally oblivious to the underlying irony of this moment – "indeed...never....ASR....,"and now that Arnav was done signing an autograph for him , handing it back to him with a polite friendly nod – Asher says on reflex turning the next page – " okay...if its not too much to ask...can you please?sign one more?ASR? Ideally...our entire gang would want autographs of you and Suraj...but I am sure that can be overwhelming...so ill just let the rest of them beat me for it...but I most surely...want to request you...to sign just one more..."

Arnav nods at that candidly as well, being his casual friendly self for the cover up was saving his restless/discomfort from popping up in the moment – "no worries...Asher...I can do that...so who is this one..for??,"he asks before beginning to sign – " do you want me to write a name..up for..in the beginning to address??"

Asher nods excited at that – " yes...please??? please address it...for...Khushi..."

Now that from Asher obviously makes Arnav's hand pause for a second in the moment, but he did his best to cover his actual expressions from flowing through.Dammit. His heart ached.His gut ached. Perhaps – time was enjoying this moment with a bucket of popcorn in its hand?

He gulps down his inner turmoil at that and decides to get more curious candidly as he signs – " okay..so this one is for ..Khushi...your some one special?Asher?I assume?given that you only asked one more for her and are okay with having the rest of your gang beat you up for it..."

Asher nods at that happily, still completely lost in his fan mode not knowing – the underlying ironical connect – as he continues to chirp happily - " yes...my someone special...Khushi is my girlfriend...and honestly...she's like a bigger fan of your game..ASR...than even I am...you have no idea...she's always being like – dude Asher..we are not discussing on whether you are a bigger fan of ASR's game or I am..its just a given..that I am his super colossal fan...like you have no idea...how much she schools me...while we watch you play...on screen...like when you are at 95 or 45 and away from a 50 or 100...as a milestone...as a genuine fan..im always chating...one more sixer..one more boundary...ASR...and she's always like...shhh...don't you jinx him...asher....infact...she's coronated herself as your biggest colossal fan in our group...she won't even let anyone else amongst us..wear the Indian fan jersey with your name...while we gear up in complete fan modes and cheer....she's always like...I am his biggest fan...in our group..so I only I will wear his jersey while cheering on India...you all chose others...she doesn't even let me wear a fan jersey off your name...."

Ahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. Khushi hadn't revealed...any of this....

Now that was interesting piece of news to Arnav's ears for sure, which is why he asks grinning as he continues to sign, now quite beginning to enjoy the moment – " really?is that the case?"

Asher nods - " indeed...which is why...I just have to take your autograph for her...she will kill me otherwise...if she knows...I met you and didn't take it for her...abhi date ki jagah...break up hojayega mera..."(instead of date time now...it will become my break up time),he finishes with a candid joke.

That makes Arnav bite back an amusing chuckle as he hands back the paper to Asher – " oh...I most surely wouldn't want that on my accord..." or rather I would – he adds to himself silently before he continues – "here you go...Asher..."

Asher grins at that taking it from ASR smiling happily – " thank you so much...ASR..."

It is right then – Suraj, atharv , Broker step out the office area and now that everyone begins shaking hnads saying – they'll get work sorted on mails and Vikram says he will keep things prepped in time for the sale to go through – everyone just gets into fan mode zone with Suraj and Arnav. Atharv and the broker also ask for a couple of autographs – plus the broker – also asks everyone to get together for a group picture.

Ironically, again, by chance, Arnav had been standing next to Asher in the moment...

After the picture is clicked, Asher says to Arnav grinning – " she will kill me...that...I got a picture with you...without her around..."

Uh-Oh. Arnav thinks.If only you knew Asher...that...she already has a picture with me...from years ago...just like I have off hers.....

Asher says to Arnav+Suraj now as they begin to take their leave– " all the best for the game...tomorrow...ASR...Suraj...the series...India has won anyway...but we will enjoy a good game...from the stands nonehtless..for sure..."

That makes Arnav +Suraj ask curious in the moment looking at Asher+atharv grinning – " you guys coming to the stadium tomm??,"with Arnav controlling his expressions in his head at that.

Atharv nods politely – " yes...we are coming to the stadium to watch ..we had our tickets booked long ago..."

That delights Arnav in his head momentarily again and then everyone begins to take their leave. Atharv and Asher wish Suraj bye again.As does the broker and they all get going their ways.

And by the time – Arnav takes his seat in the cab next to Suraj, he can't help but bite back his smile.Why?

Because, as twisted and ironical this moment/chance encounter with Khushi's boyfriend had been. Either ways, his gut told him - that it was this moment+ on Asher's accord only – that atleast – he'd get a text from Khushi – any minute now.

Hadn't he waited all day – already?

There was no way, Khushi wouldn't text him after knowing about this encounter from Asher. And he totally trusted – Asher's fan excitement - to not be able to keep it to himself......for even the next ten minutes.

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

Seven Minutes Later

Indeed, it hadn't even been six minutes over, from having sat in the car on his way back to the hotel, with Suraj when Arnav's phone beeped with a text – from the one someone – he had been waiting to hear from all day prior.

Arnav can't help but smile to himself as he spots a text pop up in his Whtsapp from an unknown number - with the words written :

Whattttttttttttt theeee??????????Like....whatttt?????like whattt??? Just freaking happened???You met Asher?How crazy is this twisted coincidence...today...

He instantly knows, this is Khushi. Obviously. Before replying, he looks at her Whtsapp display picture and smiles to himself as he spots a big happy group picture in it. Must be her inner circle.He assumes. Or as Asher had mentioned. Their gang...

He zoomed in at the picture. He surely spotted – Asher right next to Khushi in the frame too – hugging her to his side happily with his elder brother – atharv next to him hugging whom Arnav now assumes would be Khushi's cousin. There were so many more faces in the picture..that he didn't know about. But yes, the picture did reflect a cozy happy moment amongst the group.

He quickly replies to Khushi now : Hey you...Khushi...finally you text me.Indeed, I met Asher.It really was a freaking twisted coincidence..for sure...Khushi.I signed an autograph for you...because he asked...did he tell you that??

Khushi : ofcourse, he did tell me. He shared a picture with me off it – already, because he couldn't contain his excitement.Only obvious ya.. Now as you already know, he is such a big fan off your game too..Arnav.....Just like I am...

Arnav types at that : yeah...I know now. Banda acha hai...khushi...(the dude is nice...Khushi)

He taps send.Even though he feels a kick in his gut at that – he felt he had to be honest at that. He couldn't dish out faults in a nice dude – just because off his own selfish interests of the heart..

Khushi : I know – right? He's really nice.

Arnav : okay...so now that we are chatting, why don't you tell me, if you meeting me tonight with my diaries? I am sure you..already... Discussed about – your bump in encounter with the boy you met in Peru with Asher yet?

He taps send to that – wondering how that went over their drive+ice cream date last night...

Khushi : ummm...about that...ill text you in a while – k? I haven't been able to talk to him yet.We couldn't catch up last night. We are meeting in a short while, though. I plan to discuss it with him now.

What? Didn't they catch up last night?he wonders.Curioisty gets the better off him as Arnav types : why? What happened? you surely had that drive+ice-cream date planned. I mean...I was next to you when you planned it...right? So all okay?

His phone beeps.

Khushi : yes, yes...all okay...just...crazy old me..slept off on my way back in the cab...I was just exhausted, I guess.It had been a long day na...Arnav.Infact, Asher was there waiting for me at home prior..for I'd texted him from the car - when I'd left but then when he found me sleeping in the backseat instead, he didn't wake me up. He just tucked me in – to bed -instead....then this morning we just got on with our work days...so yeah...we are meeting now...ill let you know on that in a bit...anyway...how was your afterparty last night?hope good."

Uh-Oh. The imaginary vision off Asher tucking Khushi in to bed last night flashes through Arnav's head. Makes him feel – quite uneasy with envy ofcourse.Surely, he had to scoop her in his arms, if he didn't have the heart to wake her up...

He fights back a sigh at that and just types : oh I get it...no worries, Khushi. I was exhausted too – khushi. just went back to the hotel and slept...because we had crazy training session starting at 9 am anyway..

Khushi : uh-oh. Are you sure, it wasn't because I bored you with my trauma tales? Sorry ya.

Arnav : oh please? Khushi. Can you not say that ever...again..take your words back.

Khushi : okay baba...I will take them back. Practice was good?Great it must have been for sure – na?

Arnav : yeah...it was great...for sure...Khushi

Khushi : kool... Acha listen...Arnav... I gtg..now...for I am helping Mom and Dad with some accounts work – right now.Gotta finish that up, before, Asher comes.So, ill text you later, on the rest – k? I hope you have a good evening...Arnav..

He wanted to write – that his evening just went to being great – because of this little text chat with her plus the bit – that he at least had her number now. But then he reminds himself...as of now..given the circumstances...he had to stick to the boundaries...off the oldest trick in the book...

He hears Suraj ask him now studying him curiously – " how can you be smiling?And sighing at the same time? bro?"

Arnav looks at him – " was I doing just that? "

Suraj nods – " indeed..you were...as if you are happy about something...plus sad about it at the same time?all okay?dude? whom were you texting?surely not disha...you never even smile when you two talk on text...?"

Arnav smiles at that to himself. Well, ofcourse, this moment called just for that – he thinks. He answers – " well, yes...that was not Disha...it "

Suraj asks curious – "who was it then??,"but just as Arnav is about to answer – The Girl I met in Peru – Suraj's phone - once again buzzes on him this time around – its his Dad so he gestures to Arnav that he will get back to him at that.

Arnav nods and as Suraj takes the call.

What does he do next?

He immediately goes to his Whtsapp and saves Khushi's number instantly.

what? with the initials – TGIMIP( acronym for The Girl I met In Peru).Why the acronym? Because, well his mates were the curious lot. And technically, the situation at his end with Disha still had to be sorted and – Khushi was also seeing Asher. Only fair he just coded her name in his contacts that way..for now. But given that it still didn't feel right to just save it as that...he goes onto add the cricket emoticon that whatsapp emoticons have...right next to that acronym and then finally smiles to himself and saves her contact.

Why did it feel better – to have that cricket emoticon saved right next to the acronym of her contact? It wasn't just because, she had been the one to help him find his way back to his game at that point, in his life or because it had been his game that had kept him connected to her...in all these years.

It was just majorly because – Arnav had now accepted/processed this fact in all its mindfulness that - Khushi was/is the only one who could ever - Hit Wicket His Heart – in the ways no one else ever could...

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

Tadaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

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

Did you all enjoy the various different scenes? Did any one of you forsee – Asher+ Arnav meeting the way they did – already???? Plus how that led to A&K – texting – finally!

.

Next Update – Will now be fag end of next week. Mostly Friday.

p.p.s – Also, apologies guys , that I wont be able to update on Invisible Strings tomorrow. It so happened that I had kept a window of hours free to get on with writing the next update for IS tomorrow -so that I could post it tomorrow night before my short travel(Sat-Wed) for Diwali to our family home. But just about an hour ago, a development at work has come up – which is going to take up those hours and I cannot delay that as I will be out till Wednesday then!

So sorry about this Guys!

Invisible Strings, will get its update – first - next week – On Thursday! ( it's going to start from a short leap from last update - but whilst Khushi is still in Bali- but on offshore leg of her project 😉😉😉😊😊

Wish you all a very happy Diwali in advance guys! May the festival of light- light up you+ your families+loved ones lives with Love, Light, Peace, Joy, Health and Harmony. May it be like – Har din ho aapke dil mein Diwali..

Thanks guys for all the love* support always.

Much Love* Infinite Gratitude

Now and always..

Prachi