Helloooo everyoneeeee....

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

Happpyyyy Saturday!😊😊😊😊

Yes, I am here with the next update of HW4.0.(so happy...I Managed to post one for this week too – on this story as well)💃💃💃💃👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻

Absolutely, loved writing the update so much. It's, solely from Khushi's POV. Just wanted to give a little insight into her mind...at this point...😉😉😉

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 – 5k words.

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

Copyright :

Text Copyright©mysticaltales11111™2022

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

All Rights Reserved® mysticaltales11111

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

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

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

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

8. I Don't Know..

Same Evening -

Khushi's POV

Whatttt?? Just Freaking Happened??

Like.

WHATT?

JUST FREAKING HAPPENED?

Like, am I dreaming or what????Nah. Who am I kidding? Even, in my wildest dreams, I couldn't have ever imagined any of this to happen, the way it has.

Like – as if, the events of last night, weren't like shocker enough? Just when, I'v spent most of the day, trying to process and digest the events of my chance encounter with Arnav, last night – telling myself – that yes it indeed happen and Arnav now knows the truth(with regards to the past). That the encounter with him last night, isn't some scene/figment of my imagination...the craziest co-incidence happens...

i.e - Asher and Arnav – meet...

Bravo! Life.Bravo! Thou are surely getting some crazy pleasure out of this twisted co-incidence. Surely, enjoying the bit with a bucket of pop-corn in your hand?

Godammit.

So, to be honest, guys, last night, by the time I sat in the cab and texted Asher – I just dozed off to sleep(as you all already know). But it wasn't because, I was physically exhausted or tired. It was moreso, because, I was just freaking emotionally drained...by the time...

Indeed, it felt a lot lighter to have had that conversation with Arnav. I have been feeling quite liberated on that accord – ever since. But at the same time, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed within as well – by the time I sat in the cab.

Why?

Because, I had never imagined or expected the intense flux of the past(on his accord) to hit me in the way it did, in those moments though. I have moved past it, all. Haven't I? Then, why did I have to rub on my face – five freaking times – to pull myself back to the present? Why did I get so freaking nervous – when he asked to meet again? to get those diaries to him? Why did I use the moment after – to just get away? Probably, because, I needed time to recollect my thoughts? I told myself that – as I got in the cab. But could I recollect my thoughts on the same? Nah. Not at all...

Instead – I just ended up crying to myself silently for the first ten minutes of the cab-ride back before sleep came over.

Why was I crying that way? At that point?

Because, somehow those imaginary flashes in my head off the younger Arnav waiting by in Peru – restlessly (in the ways he explained, he did)– wouldn't stop haunting me. This bit of the truth that he revealed to me – surely brought in a lot of ache. I had to vent it out, for it was a haunting ache, that I was not prepared to experience...at all. It still brings me ache, every time, I even think about it.

I'v schooled myself thousands of times since morning, reminding my mind to not just go to those scenes in my head. No point. The time's gone. It's in the past.And we are both now..in our respective present's.Thank God, I had a full busy day of work to keep me distracted.The fact that I haven't been able to talk to Asher yet...hasn't been of much help..too. I do just want to get this off my chest to him.

And then...ofcourse....now...after that little text chat with Arnav....I don't know...how I feel about this entire situation..yet.I am yet to come to a conclusion on that accord. I am just confused. ( The initial plan was to text Arnav after talking to Asher – obviously. But well, that changed...due to this sudden co-incidence of him meeting Asher)

Anyways, I also don't understand why would Arnav even want those diaries? Like - Would it be right on my accord to even hand it to him, when he is in a relationship with someone else?When I am in a relationship with someone else? Just - Why does he even wana see me,again? And, would it be right on my accord to meet him?

I don't know...

Godammit. This confusion. Guys, you know its so not my thing. You all know - I like my thoughts to be clear and sorted and yet once again in my life – on account of Arnav Singh Raizada...I find myself feeling utterly confused...again. Apparently, all he had to do was pop up in front off me in the present ...look at me the way he did...last night...whilst I bid him goodbye...and I am freaking shoved at the crossroads of conflict+ confusion...yet again.

Ugh.

Ugh.

Like, is it even right to like text him?Chat with him?

I don't know...

And seeing him again – though? Would that be healthy for my mind?

I don't know...

Ugh. Honest confession – though. The thought of seeing him again on one on one, is kinda making me nervous already...and the why's off it...I am just unable to comprehend.

Is it because, my stomach fluttered, in his presence last night? I don't know. I'd like to believe; the fluttering was obvious because of the surprise encounter with him. Like – as if I'd ever expected for all of that to happen. It was natural for the adrenaline to kick in my stomach – because of the surprise element of this fated encounter with him. Right?

I am sure, you all agree.

Yup.

That was what it was....I guess...

I am right on the thought as Mom's voice falls into my ears as she's prepping up some hot beverages in this café side off our bookstore – " Khushi...meri jaan...will you please help me serve these up?to table no 5?? I already got two more orders to prep...and Varun is busy heating up the snacks for table no 4..."

I look aside at Varun – who was busy in the same, his hands full. I'd finished helping Mom and Dad with the accounts bit about seven minutes ago.Dad went back to the bookshop area to resume his work and Mom and me came in here. I'v been helping out at the cash till – on the café side. I say now taking the tray from Mom – " yes...mom...ofcourse...ill help..let me take that from you.."

We exchange a heartfelt smile and I walk over to serve the customers waiting for their hot drinks. Once done, I just walk back behind the till and begin helping Mom – as we share another heartfelt smile+ nod.

So, when my parents restarted it all here – they also included this café space in the bookstore – because to their mind the idea just synced in perfectly. Many people just like to chill around here, sip on their teas and coffees – going through their new books they'v just purchased. We also have a library zone, where in books can be borrowed from and returned. Sometimes, many of those guests just come around here to read- rather than read in the two silent reading zones – nearer to the library nook. It's a cozy space. I love it.

Mom and Dad, have eventually opened one more of this same unit – on the other side of town and we have a full set – team there running it. But because, this one was the first they opened up on restarting it all here..they prefer to work here daily. We have a small team of five staff members - helping around Mom and Dad- here.They obviously make alternate visits to the other branch...to oversee the smooth management and functioning of it all...

I just usually chill and help,around here though,not just because of the emotional quotient but also because of how convenient it is. We live right up – on the first floor – of this very building actually, in our cozy two bed-room apartment, which we were staying in on rent for a long time – until Dad finally got around to buying it last year.

We just didn't feel like moving out as a family, because we have a lot of precious memories in this space – of my recovery, our collective mental healing as a family through the trauma of my accident/its aftermath...plus..it works perfectly for the three of us.Both mom and me only suggested Dad...that rather than investing into a bigger space to live in – he might as well...expand work here...and open another store...

Okay! These next set of drinks are ready to be served...

Just as I am about to take the tray from Mom now, she says – " no..meri jaan...I will take this up...to table no 1...won't asher be here soon?on that note – are you two still going to go down to the other café by the road for your date time? Why don't you just chill here...instead?,"she finishes narrowing her eyes at me playfully.

I chuckle to that on reflex – " Mom...that's because...it still feels weird to be on a date...with your eyes hovering over us from the background...constantly...yup...you and dad...are all kool and stuff and it's not like you haven't seen us hang out before..for we do that all the time..in collective gatherings......but still...you get what I mean...don't you? it's just more relaxed...the other way..."

Mom grins at that – " well, alright...whatever makes you comfortable...just so you know though? Rekha said something very interesting on the call...just this morning...wana know what she said?"

Uh-Oh.

Rekha aunty – is Asher's Mom.

Mom and her, have become really close as friends.They hit it off, the very second they met at the family get together because of Mika di and Jiju and well, ever since Asher and me have gotten together – its just strengthened their bond – a lot more.

I ask curious – " ofcourse I wana know...what did she say?"

Mom grins – " let me just serve this tray up and I will come and tell you..."

I nod at that and watch Mom take care of the customers politely and Varun walks up to do the same. Once Mom returns, she whispers pulling me to the side – "so your Rekha aunty was all praises for our Mika obviously..."

I grin – " did you tell Mika di..that?she'd be delighted...!! I am so happy, she's happy and settled in so well...with everyone..."

Mom grins – "I know...also I think Rekha voiced it to me in Mika's presence only...for I could hear her happy chuckle in the background....anyway...then Rekha was all like – I can't wait for Khushi to come in now and join in Mika...and our house/family...will be finally...complete...why aren't these two (as in Asher and you)asking us to finalise things?she asked? They'v been dating a year already...yes...I don't wana push them...but at the same time...I can't wait for Khushi to become a part of our family...officially...not that she doesn't feel like family...already...."

Uh-oh. Ofcourse, Asher and me, both know, our parents want us to get married – eventually. Its not rocket-science. Its obvious. Given our families close equations,bond etc etc etc.But its good they aren't pushing us into it – except for indulging in the obvious Indian parent excitement act of wanting to see one's child settled in matrimony - by dropping hints like these – on and off...

I ask mom now, narrowing my gaze – " Mom..what did you say to that?? I am more keen to know that...now...you surely said...something...."

Mom smiles – "of course, I mentioned...that we'd be delighted by that...as well....for Asher is like family already to us as well. Just like I am delighted as a mother...to see you(Rekha) dote on my Khushi already....then she was like...one day...soon...there will be wedding bells...I am praying everyday...and I couldn't help but admit...that we praying for that as well..that you two eventually take the step to cement things...don't be mad at me for this, Khushi.Okay?Both your dad and me... love Asher...so much..already...don't we? You know, we do...seeing you two together...just warms our hearts...you just had to see..how lovingly he tucked you to bed last night...as parents...what more do we want? Just the two of your's happiness...right??"

I cant help but admit at that smiling a little – " yes, yes,Mom...I know that both Dad and you love Asher so much. You want nothing more than – us being happy together.Like as if we both don't know...that if it were up to you all...you'd have us tie the knot this upcoming wedding season...in this very calendar year only....."

Mom winks hopefully – "should I start preparing??"

I groan – "Mom...no...please...don't..start on this again...you know...Asher and me are taking it slow...we haven't even talked about...this yet...I am not ready for this yet...and I think...neither is he...okay? so just let us be...please?let us take this...at our own pace...please?"

Mom nods succumbing to surrender momentarily – " okay..okay...meri jaan... as promised to your Dad and you...I will try to contain my excitement..on this accord...on that note, though...where is my future son in law anyway??why isn't he here yet?"

I groan at that – " Mom....stop....please??"

She chuckles – " alright, alright...but....where is Asher?"

I answer checking my phone – "stuck in traffic...he texted ten minutes ago..that he will be here in fifteen...so perhaps another five minutes..."

And right then – as I am going through our chat(Asher and Mine) – I spot in the picture off Arnav's autograph for me – that Asher shared and all of a sudden again – I find my stomach lumping into knots..again...

Ugh.

Why?

Just Why?

Is my Stomach – knotting up this way?

This is so not me...so not me..

Dammit.

I say to Mom now on reflex – " Mom...I guess...I don't wana head out to the café to meet Asher...I'm texting him to come over up when he arrives...will you just send him up...when he comes in? I think..I just wana freshen up a little before he comes..."

Mom nods at that happily and I literally run my way out to the side – up the backend staircase that connects to our home upstairs. Once in, I rush to my room on reflex – and head to my cupboard to dish out that old storage box (which I'v kept locked for a long time now) – from underneath the stack of my clothes behind and through my hanging stuff in my wardrobe..

A minute later, as I open it, I find myself looking at the old diaries that Arnav's asked me to hand over to him. There are a total of Four of them. One for every year – I constantly wrote in to him – before deciding to move on.On top of these diaries – there are the two pictures I had off us from back in the day. I'd just locked this box in and tucked it under and away – years ago when I'd decided to move on. I'd never opened it since. But now...I feel like...I just had to open it...

Before, I know it, my right hand, just acts on its own accord and picks up one old polaroid photo of Arnav and me and turns it around.

Once again, I am hit by a flux of overwhelmed emotions, as my eyes catch in the sight of his old autograph behind this one photo. Before, I can control it, flows in an old fond memory, as I close my eyes on reflex now clutching the picture in my hand.

When we'd clicked this picture back then – I'd playfully asked him to sign this one picture saying – " Oh, please give me your autograph now itself...Arnav. I am sure, you will make it big one day – in the coming future.Who knows, if I'd ever get the chance to meet you again or seek your autograph ever then?Who knows...how long the waiting ques will be then?haan? of fans?to get your autograph?so I might as well, make use of this opportunity now...well in advance... "

And he'd playfully signed it off saying – " as if...you'd ever need to stand in a que to seek my autograph Khushi.Like, as if I'd ever let it come to that....like as if...I'd ever let you get so far apart out of my reach that you'd have to meet me just by chance on the account of fan encounter...in the future. Please know...I will never let it come to that.You will always be the first one – I'd ever sign an autograph for – just like you are the first I am signing this for...before even making it to the national squad – for my Under-19's even.... okay...plus...given that you asked...I am signing it off right now itself...because..yes..it delights me to sign this off for you..on account of your belief in me...that yeah...that perhaps in the future...I will make it big in my game...like...I'v always dreamed too...that I will be able to break out of the shadows..that have chained me...and come out flourishing on my 22 yards again..."

And I'd reassured him the same, smiling in the moment back at him – " ofcourse...you will make it bigger than you'd even dreamed off, one day...Arnav...I am sure of that. I believe in you. I know...so do you. I know...you believe in yourself immense. Doesn't matter – if you felt lost for bit – all that matters is that you are on your way of finding your path back to your joy and love for your game. I know you'v been doing a lot of mind – work on this..in all these days...I have no doubt...that you'll rise out of this stronger..."

He'd just nodded at me happily at that completely overwhelmed in the moment and had instantly clutched on my left hand before lacing his right hand through my left hand as he said – locking his honest sincere gaze with mine – " thank god...I met...you...Khushi...thank god...I found you..."

I open my eyes on reflex as the memory stops replaying in my head. Crazy how sometimes, some memories can be so clear in one's head -as if it were recorded in one's mind – just yesterday. That's why, memories so special I guess?They stay as is. Even though..reality...changes....

Phewwwww!

Look...how time...eventually led to all that it did...anyway.My left hand, he'd clutched on in that moment – doesn't even exist anymore and Here, I had finally received another autograph from him in my present today – under the situation of a fan encounter – through my boyfriend...

Okay! I really have to talk to Asher. Where is He? I can't keep this bit anymore that I bumped into someone from my past that I used to feel deeply for once upon a time. He knows about Dan.(as you all already know) He knows about my brief high school relationships.About time he knows about – The Boy I Met In Peru...

I have no idea how Asher is going to react – though. Usually, he's all chill about my past.Like I am about – his. We all have – a past – don't we?

I obviously know all about his past. He's been in about, three relationships before me too. A couple were in his high school days.And then – there was one(the longest of his relationships) in his college days. I think the latter one with Maya was more intense for him. They'd dated for a good three years (all through undergrad years) and were in love – until they hit rockbottom towards the end of that third year. He never told me exactly what happened.Just that it was a bad break up, and the two decided to never speak/see each other again.She returned back home to Miami...post that...I guess. I didn't obviously dig him in for more details...because...just felt it wouldn't be fair. He never digged me in over my past. He's always been like – "we all have a past, Khushi. No point in digging either of those pages...when we are clearly focussed on moving ahead...."

Now...my only concern is...that what if Asher - doesn't let me bring up – past again?

I gaze at the picture in my hand again and I can't help but smile on reflex at the sight off the smile on Arnav's face + mine in that moment – years ago.

After gazing at it for about ten seconds more, I close the box and shove it back in its place...in my cupboard....as the two lines of the old song make it to my head again..the one's I'd hymmed out to Arnav...last night...summarising the irony of our situation...

Waqt ne kiya...kya haseen sitam...

Tum rahe ha tum...hum rahein na hum....

Hmmmmmmmmmm.

Asher – where are you?

I quickly text him.

Me :Asher, where are you?

Asher : Just stepped in..Khushi,greeting uncle and aunty. Uncle wants me to sit with him for a bit..until he finishes his tea. Wants to know all about my exciting fan encounter with Suraj and ASR...Khushi. He's mad at me for not getting him an autograph, I think..haha...so give me five-seven minutes...ill just chill with him...for a bit...and come up over...k?

I smile.

Of course, Dad wants to know all about Asher's fan encounter.He's been a crazy fan off Arnav's dad for years prior...and now he quite enjoys Arnav's game himself being like alongside all the uncles in our inner circle – " the boys...flourishing just like his father..or rather...doing better than what Samay Singh raizada..did...at that age..."

Me : Okay...Asher. I am freshening up. Just come on, up when you are done talking to Dad.

Asher : see you soon ,darling. Are you excited...to get the paper with your fav's ASR's autograph on it? I am sure, you must be grinning seeing the picture...of it...right?

Oh, godammit...Asher...only if you knew...

Me : yes, asher. I am grinning, obviously.Okay, come soon..k? lots to talk to you..

Asher : be up in as soon as I can be. Cannot afford...uncle being mad at me for obvious reasons.Let me just butter him up no? or else he'll just kick me out rather than let me up...

Me : haha...very funny.As if...he'd ever do that..

Asher : I know right? I'v charmed them – enough?already?haven't I?

Me : well,indeed...you have...oh you know...you have...acha now..finish up with dad...fast...k?

Asher : k..

Just as I am about to put my phone on charge – it beeps again.

Crap.

This time, it isn't Asher.

Its Arnav.

Arnav : Hey....Khushi..can I ask you something? This just came on my mind.Felt like...I just had to ask you.Sorry, if my text bothered you though...incase you are in the middle of your talk with Asher..

Dammm.

Should I reply? Should I not reply? Ideally, I shouldn't reply – I guess. No point initiating talks with him..before...I know...Asher's reaction to this...won't be fair...

But then at the same time – my curiosity heightens – what does he want to know? Its just general talk. Like the one you have with your friends who are guys. Why fuss over it so much. Just be casual – about it- Khushi. I school myself. But why does texting him – not feel casual...though...

Ugh.

I sit down crosslegged against my cupboard, as my curiosity wins and I type.

Me : Hey...Arnav...no need to be sorry ya. Your text didn't bother me...for I am not yet in the middle of my talk with Asher. He's been held up around my parents below... at the moment. Anyways, go ahead...please ask me what's on your mind...

My phone beeps in twenty seconds.

Arnav : Okay! So I was sondering...do you still have that old polaroid picture from Peru of ours? Remember, behind one, you'd candidly asked me to sign an autograph for you...back then???So I just wana know...do you still have it?

Crap.Did he just ask me that? Freak.Wasn't I just looking at that picture minutes ago? What do I say? Maybe, just question him back on this?

Me : why do you wana know..if I have it..still..or not...Arnav? what's the point?

Arnav : Just...I wana know...answer me please?Khushi?

Me : I wont answer that until you tell me..why you wana know...if I still have it...Arnav.

Arnav : Okay! I wana know because, I thought of that moment in my gut when I signed an autograph for you in front of Asher, Khushi. So I was just wondering...if you have it still...

Dammit. Why did he have to say that? A stupid flutter returns in the pit of my stomach. It shouldn't be here. This flutter in the pit of my stomach

Godammit. This is not healthy for me. Texting him is surely not healthy for me. Seeing him again – will just be a disaster. I have to cut all communication with him – now itself. Only way – I can sanely focus on my present. My mind crafts its way out...

Me : thank you for telling me that...Arnav. But can I skip answering this – please?

Arnav : you can skip answering this if you want, Khushi. But I got my answer, already.

What the?

What does he mean by that? Before I can stop myself from asking...my fingers type out on their own accord...

Me : what do you mean by that?

Arnav : the fact that you evaded answering that..in the way you did...means...you still have it...Khushi. You still have that old picture of ours...Khushi. Wana know a fun fact? I look at that picture everyday, before I play.Have been doing that for years – now. Still keep one of it tucked in my kit bag – safely.

Whattttttttttt?????????? What did he just say?Why is he even telling me this?Why would he even do that? Still – today?

I don't reply.Why? My right hands begun to shake – nervously and I need a second to freaking get it stable. For obvious reasons, I use my left prosthetic hand a little less on screen – while typing.

Arnav : won't you say anything? Won't you ask – why? Why do I still do that even today?

Me : No. I won't ask why.Arnav. I don't wana know – why. Look- I don't think it's a good idea for me to hand you those diaries...too...Arnav. Or even see you again...for that matter.I guess...it Won't be fair to either of our presents.

My phone beeps in ten seconds.

Him : and if you keep those diaries to yourself. It won't be fair to the past...Our past...that's anyway...gotten butchered enough due to the twists of time. You seem like you are nervous about this. Why are you so nervous about all of this? Though? about giving me those diaries?about having me read whats written?about...seeing me again? as if...I'd eat you up or something. I just want us to be friends again. Whats wrong in that? Does this latter idea also make you nervous?Khushi? if yes...then why?

Freak Him. No way – he can know that – I am wrecked in nervousness at the thought of all of that.Especially the latter bit he just said...

Me : what the hell? I am not nervous, okay?Why will I be nervous?

Arnav : seems like you surely are..nervous...Khushi...

Me : I am not...okay?

Arnav : okay, if you are so sure of that...then just come see me...later..please? I really want my diaries.

Okayyyy! I have no option but to write –

Me : I am yet to talk to Asher...Arnav...how he feels about this..matters to me...ok? I do care about him.A lot. I am sure, you understand, where I am coming...from...

Arnav : well, yes...I understand....

And now...just because...I feel like I just have to say it to him again...as that imaginary vision of the younger him waiting for me in Peru – returns to haunt me...I type...tears of confusion coming to blur my eyes

Me : I am sorry....I am just...so..so...sorry...

Arnav : why are you sorry, Khushi?

Me : I don't know...

Arnav : huh? explain...that...please?

Me : I am just so sorry...for never telling you prior...what happened...to me..after waking up from my coma...or...in those years of my recovery..post that...I just...just... couldn't tell you then...I just couldn't...not just for my sake...but for your's too...please...mujhe galat mat samajhna...uss baat ko leke...(please don't misunderstand me ever on that accord)...I know...my silence then...hurt you as well...but my truth would have just hurt you deeper...then...Arnav. I just had to focus on my recovery...first...

My phone beeps.

Arnav : Never ever apologize to me for that ever again...Khushi. For I understand – okay? I really do. Main tumhe kabhi galat samjh hi nai sakta.( I can never misunderstand you ) And now – more so after knowing the truth...I can surely say that with great conviction again. I understand – okay? don't you worry about it.

Me : you do understand...right?

Arnav : indeed...I do.Truly.

Me : thank you for saying that.

It is right then phone beeps with - Asher's text that he on his way up.

I quickly text Arnav : okay...asher is up on his way here to see me...Arnav. I am going to talk to him – now.

Arnav : okay. I will wait for you to text me – after.

And in a hurry – I just write -

Me : okay! ill text you.

And tap send.

Dammit. My mind tells me - I should have texted – No.Arnav. I am not going to text you again.Ever. We should just cut off – communication etc etc.We shoudlnt ever see each other again.Ever.

Why didn't I write that to him on accord of my mind..in the moment?

I don't know...

I just don't freaking know...

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

Tadaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

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

Ofcourse, Khushi is super confused+ conflicted in the moment.She's unable to process – all that's hitting her – at one go. Only Natural...😉

Next Update – Will be a mini-medium update focusing just on Asher's reaction, for I want that part to stand out as is – just like I wanted this to stand out – as is...Today. Will try to update it on Monday. As it will be a mini-medium update titled - 9. The Boy She Met In Peru

Invisible Strings, will get its longer update – on schedule as well - – On Tuesday!

Thanks guys for all the love* support always.

Much Love* Infinite Gratitude

Now and always..

Prachi