Helloooo everyoneeee....

Hope you all are doing great!😁😁😁😁

So here I am with Prologue – II – today! I posted the first prologue part yesterday – but it got pretty late last night 🙈🙈👩‍💻👩‍💻. OOPS ,to that.🙈So incase some of you missed reading it – do check that out before you read this – for the previous part has the first premise into it all + glimpses of how they first met...

This part continues from where I left off yesterday...

Okay! Now I will just let you all dive into reading....

Thanks so muchhhh – everyone – for all the love+ support as always!

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Prologue - II

Meeting – Arnav Singh Raizada –when she was 18 herself - at the natures retreat in Peru, had indeed been a surprise curve ball for Khushi. She was a quintessential girl next door, belonging to a world – way too different, simple and humble from his. Her parents, had moved and settled in Bahamas eventually when she was 5– from Jamaica, where the rest of her extended Indian family stayed.

Her parents had built a decent comfortable life for themselves, running their chain of local book stores on the island – quite content with the peace and relaxed pace of their lives. She too,had grown up strongly believing that her inner peace, calm, happiness and harmony were indeed the most important ingredients in her life. Yes, she was fiercely ambitious and passionate about her life goals in pursuing her higher education + career in the field of social welfare and she was just as fiercely passionate about guarding the peace/harmony of her personal space...

Khushi understood – Simple. She wanted – Simple. No complications, no drama. Which is why – the instant connection she'd felt with Arnav had surprised her so much in the first place. Oh Yes, he was a nice guy, way too nice. One of the nicest – she'd ever met. Fun, Chill, Spunk and honest too.Oh so honest and sincere and grounded, that it instantly hit a nail within her. There were no shades of snobbery/or pretences around him at all.

He was just...so freaking amazing...as a person...

Yes, he had his own share of insecurities and baggage to deal with,because of who he was....and the professional path he had chosen for himself...at the very onset of his life.... but hey who didn't? All of us..had our very own personal share off it. Right? And the fact that he had been so vulnerably honest and sincere about sharing it all with her – had left her awed – in deep ways.

And of course, it was also bit that he did seem to get her in the way no boy/man ever had until that point – that had surprised her even more. They did connect – strangely at a very deep level – indeed – and well – the electric spark of solid attraction in between the two was also so freaking obvious...

She'd herself had a couple off short dating experiences until that point – but never before had she experienced the thrill of being completely heard and understood as well. And in the fortnight (two weeks)- they did spend at the natures retreat – just getting to know one another – she'd also come to a conclusion within that – indeed, she'd never met someone like him – too!

She was totally drawn to him as if he were a magnet she couldn't resist. She knew it was the same for him – too. What other logic could explain – the ways the two had found themselves spending all their free time together – at the nature's retreat? Indulging in all the activities planned around – together – dining together every meal – strolling around together – even taking the seat next to each other with there yoga mats in the morning routine for both yoga+ meditation.

She could just sense him falling for her. And it wasn't just her sixth sense telling her the same – it was his subtle gestures at numerous moments along the days – that had been conveying the same to her. The way she would find him just stealing gazes at her in a group gathering with the rest of the guests in the retreat – when he thought she wasn't looking or was caught up in the moment with the rest. The way he would just find every moment he could to hold her gaze with his expressive intent ones. The way...she'd spotted his eyes linger way too often...on her lips...on their own accord....The way...he'd just hold her hand....lace his hand through hers and clutch on it hard...in an intent silence....

And - How many times, had she spotted him quite obviously fighting his urge to just pull her in for a kiss? Quite a bit. Maybe, more than a hundred times? It was obvious to her that he was only holding back because he did know – him being who he was – did still intimidate her deep down and he probably didn't wana risk scaring her away...just yet? She knew, he knew – she had her inhibitions – about the reality of his world – outside of this retreat. The world he would go back to...eventually....

And Oh, she had fought the urge to just kiss him often herself too – specially on the occasions of their long walks around the retreat/talks/chatter.Only because, she knew if she kissed him, there would be no looking back for her - from the lid of the emotions that would then open up within her – for him. She was already beginning to feel the seeds off emotions stir up within her – too – anyway right? But if she crossed the line....and kissed...him....she knew...it would bring up everything she was trying to just brew down/understand within.It would just mess things up for her. It would Complicate things. And she wasn't equipped in her being to handle...any of that....just yet....which was why it seemed wiser to just keep that seed of feelings brewing up for him – rooted deep back in below within...

To his credit – where in on one hand - everything about him was just so simple,sincere ,honest and magnetic....to her being....

On the other hand – was the reailty of his life+ his world – which made her wana run away in the opposite direction as fast. Perhaps – she was now caught up in another XOXO game within herself – on his accord this time – around?

But she couldn't help it....His world/Her world/it's obvious differences was the catch, wasn't it?

He belonged to the complete opposite of the world she lived in and understood. He was simple and freaking amazing, but his world was freaking complicated. She surely had her own vulnerabilities about tha context. He was the son of the Indian cricketing legend, the very iconic Samay Singh Raizada – afterall. And now that – he himself was on the brink of debuting for India - and given that she believed in him - that he'd make it bigger on his own accord eventually - it would be like...there would be no looking back for him – then on – right - professionally? That world of crazy public popularity,fame, extreme scrutiny, would just grow more around him/follow him more? It was all obviously quite overwhelming to her eye. A part of her strongly felt, that she'd never be able to adapt or even understand – those elements of his life – completely. She wasn't wired for the same – perhaps? Just Yet?

Yes, they'd connected deeply in this isolated bubble cut away from their respective worlds, but what would come off it?After? When they eventually left??? Did this connection actually make sense in the practical world? Did they actually make sense – in the practical world????What if they'd just end up hurting one another – later? On? Why did it feel like – if she ever even treded this path with him – she'd be the one – who'd be left more hurt/confused/ more of a emotional mess – down the line?Wouldn't it be better – if they just cherished their time in the bubble for what it was? And then just move on...? Remembering the other as a fond memory, seemed a kool way out! But then...at the same time...when he looked at her the way he did...held her hand the way he did...listened to intently...when she talked...all a part of her also wanted to do was just leap into his arms...and not let go....

And so,for the very first time, Khushi Gupta - was most surely confused, about what she wanted from Arnav....on this accord...

Why was this happening to her? What was happening to her?Why did it feel so comfortable to be around him? Why did it feel so right to be around him? When their worlds were destined to be so distinctively apart??????? It wasn't supposed to feel this way perhaps?? She was just over-feeling/thinking into the situation? What if they were both just doing that? What if – this was just a passing infatuation for both per say? They were both so young, just a little over 18 at that point, afterall????? Why get/read into it more and complicate things, when there was no freaking assurity, if the practicality of them could even last for a month – outside in the real world???????

Yet she knew – that he knew – by the time their fortnight time ended at the retreat – that she was completely smitten by him - nontheless. Just like he knew – that she knew – he was as smitten by her too! Yup, no matter the differences – apparently that bit off it was completely mutual....

And this was the main reason, why Arnav had just been so taken aback – when she honestly mentioned her confusion to him on this accord, when it was time to leave...and he'd begun with saying...that he wasn't ready to say goodbye....

There he had openly laid down his wish of wanting to convert this heartfelt connection with her - into something more substantial, wanting to date her/explore long distance just for her – and as touched as she was in the moment, she couldn't help but be honest about expressing her doubts on being able to do the same instantly, for she felt like she needed time to come around it all – in her head – for a bit....or maybe, what if it was for the best – that it just be – goodbye???????????

But he had been upfront in mentioning that no he wouldn't have it the latter way for sure. For he couldn't just accept this as a goodbye completely. He had held onto her arms sincerely, looked deep into her eyes and exclaimed – that she was literally just playing XOXO in her head on his accord and was completely ignoring the existence of their special connection in the process....

And when, he'd mentioned that – the turmoil/the conflict in her eyes was so apparent - that it did blow him away emotionally. He'd just hugged her to himself at that and kissed her head and whispered – " I know...you want to be with me , Khushi. I know you feel it all too. Then just trust me on this please? Just once? Please?"

And in that vulnerable moment – Khushi had only hugged him back as hard as she'd whispered holding him tight – that she was more worried about herself – messing up - eventually.Not him.She was more worried that she would never be able to cope with/through the differences in their lives - in her head completely and she feared she'd just end up hurting him more – then?

And then when- she was so sincere and vulnerably honest about her inhibitions on the accord - Arnav felt that as much as it ached anyway – he could understand where she was coming from in the moment too, instantly. He was taken aback surely but surprisingly he wasn't angry at all, when she told him that perhaps – time was what she needed from him to just figure things out within herself first..before giving them a chance....all because the differences in the realities of their world's outside - did still manage to overwhelm and intimidate her immense...

He felt like he could give her that – obviously. Time was what she needed? Ofcourse – he'd give her that.She'd been his confidante and beacon in this challenging phase hadn't she?

She was the one who had put it in straight simple words for him in the initial days of their meeting here and him expressing the reason why he was here cut off from the rest of the world – in the first place - that from where she saw it – a person's success shouldn't necessarily be defined by in comparison to what someone else achieved in the same field as was the normal norm in the world, be it any field or sphere, especially in sport. But a person's success should rather instead be defined/measured by their own strengths and capabilities...

She was the one who'd laid it out so simply that if one was performing to the best of their capabilities and evolving, learning and growing in the process, then they were most surely defining and controlling the parameters of their own successive milestones, bit by bit...ie...the person was successful. She'd so simply put it out in front of him that he shoudn't let others perceptions/opinions define the parameters of his success ever, for that was for him to measure vs his own capabilities and if he knew he was giving it his all/his very best – in his eyes – he shouldn't let that sense of belief/conviction ever be belittled by any other view on the outside...

She was the one who had simply put it out for him eventually - that often in the crazy chase and pursuit of blind success on the basis of world parameters...that were not defined by the self for the self to chase..one would never know what it would feel like to be happily successful – together - as in happy+ successful at the same time. And wasn't Life's another vital essence that as well? To also experience the flow of joy, inner calm, and happiness – in everything you did? Every moment – one experienced?

She was the one who had made him clearly see with so much compassion, clarity, kindness and understanding – that by allowing the worldly noise to get to him this way – he was kinda allowing them to toy with the very core of what he loved so very much and, in the process, he was unconsciously doing a solid disservice/act off unfairness towards himself. People out there probably wanted him to bend and be broken under this pressure and he in all of this process in the last year - had kinda made their task easier – himself. For they had begun succeeding, hadn't they? And they would continue to do so – as long as he continued to give the worldly narratives – the weightage he was!

She was the one who had made him see- that his father's gaming legacy could only continue to overcast its shadows on his game if he himself let it overtake and consume his very own gaming identity. And amidst all the deep discussions, she'd been the one to help him identify that perhaps – the very root cause of that was...that somewhere down the line, in the process of always looking upto his father for inspiration, he himself had subconsciously began to accept and believe that one day – he'd just be looked on as his father's extended gaming persona – because somewhere deep down he too always wanted to be just like him. Inspiration too had its limit's - right? Just like everything else. Once couldn't let themselves become just the extended versions of what inspired them in the first place? One had to allow their own sense of individuality to flow in and get added to the mix too – right??????

She'd been the one to ask him – straight up that now that he knew this root cause, did Arnav want this for himself? Still? Or did he want to just focus more on carving his own gaming identity here on – consciously – not allowing his sense of individual success be defined by anyone else's milestones even if that were off his own father. That he probably just had to focus more on setting his own milestones in his head bit by bit and once he'd cross them over himself, he'd feel his insecurities and fears being conquered within on its own accord...

She'd been the one to just simply put – that so what if the world continued comparing? Or mentioned that his gaming opportunity came his way because of who he was? They always would compare, if not with his father today then, they would with some other contemporary in the future – but as long as he knew he was being himself on pitch – giving his game his very best - and had put in the tremendous hard work to get to the point where he was – that contentment within – was all that should matter!!!And if he was at peace within on this accord, himself, no one would ever be able to take it away from him. That perhaps - this was what he should work more towards in this break and just focus on Conquering his very own mindset + within's first?

Oh – weren't these moments the very potent reminders of the reason why he had fallen for her in the way he had? It was like she simply understood, what was it he needed to hear at a particular moment, in order to clear his head....

And - Well, he had obviously worked on just that within in the break and everytime he had come across a hurdle in his mind still, he'd just openly discussed it out with her and she'd first listened calmly and then nudged him down the road towards a deeper self- perspective...

She'd understood him in his lows. She'd literally been there for him in the lowest, so how could he not understand where she was coming from on this accord of seeking time from him..... to come around in her head to the idea of dating him/being with him?

Yes, indeed, there worlds were different and as much as he had gotten to know her too, he knew that she was being fair to herself, her very core, in the moment....by asking him off this. And even though it ached, he respected that. He respected her – way too much for the person she was – within herself – too!

And so, he eventually told her that ofcourse, he could give her time - that he was ready to just wait for her to come around...also give her the space to figure things out....without overwhelming her in the process....with his constant presence if that was what she needed in the moment?

And it was then, the two made a pact.

Khushi suggested that they just go back into their worlds and stay out of touch completely for the next one year. And if by the end of next year, they did find themselves still thinking off the other often still – they'd just meet here at this nature retreat again – at the same time – next year. For that would be a testimony, that maybe, their connection was more than just a passing infatuation????

And their pact, also included the bit that if the other couldn't turn up because of study/work reasons and not emotional one – then only fair to leave the other a letter addressed on this address around that decided time next year - with the next details of meeting spot/other's contact details so that they could finally catch up! And say, if the other didn't turn up, and there was no letter waiting for the other – it was just to be understood – that the other had moved on. That perhaps, they were then just destined/fated to meet for this shortwhile, and cherish the time they had spent together – getting to know one another closely - as fond memories...after.....

And so they parted then, on a bittersweet note...with Arnav just hugging her hard to himself for one last time – first -dropping an intent kiss on her forhead.And she had hugged him as hard too – before dropping an intent kiss on his forhead too, before the two finally walked away in opposite directions...

Well, Arnav was sure, he'd be back here for her next year – the very second – she'd left his sight and he trusted the bit that he'd left her with enough emotional/potent haunting memories off his – to keep her being - invaded by his thoughts. There was no way, he could forget her, he was sure she knew that. So, there was going to be no way – she'd forget him too right? She'd surely come to see him here – next year too - at the decided day and time, he truly believed....

And it was, with this belief that Arnav eventually returned back home, feeling a lot more sorted+ freer/liberated from the haunting shadows/baggage's professionally as well.She'd been the one – who had held his hand through that dark tunnel within – on his way out of these shadows – hadn't she? And in her gut he knew – no matter – what decision she took from her end with regards to their future as -Us – eventually - he'd still forever be indebted to her – for This – nonetheless...

She had helped him find his sense of direction back – towards the game – he so loved deeply. How could he not – respect her/hold her high regard for the same? Nontheless?

He truly had returned home, to his game, a lot more evolved within. His smile was back to its normal size. His vibe a lot more liberated – and the impact was so obvious that Samay and the rest in his family – had immediately declared – that the break had indeed done him some solid good which is why – they wouldn't mind – if he just vanished away to seclusion like this – for a fortnight – every year!

And well, his determination to break free from the pressure/baggage shadows, with the prime focus on cultivating his own gaming journey/identity vigorously, was noticed by all on field too – eventually.

Indeed, it could only be that joy and his love for the game and the sheer happiness of playing that could perhaps – still work the magic for him? Yeah, he could still also be the poet he was – in his free time – study literature too in his free time for that was an additional balm to his soul but given that it had always been cricket that had been the first love of his life – he had to focus on more on finding his way back to the joy off it – himself – here on. He knew - no one else could do this for him. Not his father/his mentor/his coaches/hid family/or even Khushi – it had to be Him, making the genuine sincere efforts to just break free from the shackles and walk down the path – he'd got the sense off direction for! You know how like – you can often guide someone to a particular spot and road and tell them – it might lead them to what they were looking for but it was still that person, who was going to have to begin walking on the path in all practicality to reach to that particular spot? Right?

And so when Arnav did indeed just do that within his head – the impact off it made its way on the 22 yards on its own accord. He had indeed been able to play more freely, just like he did when he first began as a child, feeling the similar thrill of getting his bat to ball, every time a ball soared in his face. Rather than dreading if he'd lose his wicket this ball – he had successfully shifted his focus towards hitting it to the very best of his ability in the moment and enjoy and bask in the thrill of it as well....which is why all that weight.... just went off his shoulders on its own accord and very soon – the domestic gaming fraternity in India – saw way too many dynamic and impactful contributions coming off from Arnav's bat in the days/months that followed.

Eventually – Arnav did get selected for the Under-19 world cup -squad on the sheer basis if his talent and performance in the selection trails. He'd performed so brilliantly that there was no doubt in any selectors mind as to why he was selected in the first place. Then, he also earned his wicket keeping spot back in the squad before the U-19 World Cup began - and he enthralled all of India with his stupendous match winning performance with both the bat and the gloves behind the wicket in not just every game through-out the tournament – but in the Under-19 World Cup Final too, giving his significant contributions to the team – as it celebrated its Under-19 World Cup – victory in that year..and he also finished the tournament individually on a high – receiving the player of the tournament – award....by the end off it.....

Needless to say - His family, and especially his father – Samay Singh Raizada had been ecstatic for Arnav.For just when he'd thought his worst fears would come true – his son had surprised him – by breaking free from his own insecurities/emotional shackles in the most wholesome of ways – Indeed. How could he not be proud of his son for this? Oh he was – so so proud – indeed along with the rest of his family!

And in his gut, Samay knew that here on after the performance Arnav had just showed the world in the U-19 world cup – there would be no looking back for Arnav...professionally. His game with the bat+ his reflexes in keeping/stumping/catching behind the wickets+ turning the game instantly with his awareness behind wickets - had finally begin to speak louder than the worldly noise.

And then when Arnav received his national call up for the main senior squad after a couple of months and the young him ended up being the highest run scorer for India in that series...taking the 22 yards by storm – with his explosive opening batting style – the narrative began on its own accord that perhaps – it was Samay Singh Raizada who was the proud daddy in the moment – for if his son kept going at this rate – he'd surely even outshine his father's cricketing laurels one day + the bit that the gaming fraternity agreed that India had surely found its next permanent opener to go with the pairing with the senior legend Rohan in the team, now that Sameer had retired + the bit that perhaps – India had also found its next - permanent wicket keeper in Arnav – to step into the shoes of Captain Dev...as and when he would retire....

And all this while, Khushi had been on Arnav's mind - obviously. Her essence, her presence had been with him at every step. When not playing – he'd just think off her – take strength from the memories of the unconditional support she'd given him in the lows – on a daily basis....

Not a day had passed with him not thinking of her – in the calendar year. And even though he had no substantial proof off the same because they had stuck to the pact and remained out of touch, his gut told him that she was out there surely – keeping a track of his professional developments in the year for sure and was probably celebrating for him in happiness as well.She'd surely been tracking him – right? Given that she had a way too – atleast? She'd surely seen him play the U-19 world cup, listen to his post award speech? Seen him play and debut for India too?? She'd just be so happy for him – he was sure of that.

And as the time neared – to finally head to Peru to meet her at the decided date/time – Arnav's gut told him, that he'd find her there at the nature's retreat in Peru for sure, and this would be the first bit she'd probably tell him – that she was ecstatic for him, super proud of all that he had achieved in the year/and that he had been able to break away from the shadows – she had first found him surrounded in – a year ago???

And then – because her presence would be a sign that she'd finally come around in her head to the possibility of them in this year apart - they would finally get together and give each other a shot. And that he'd finally get to seal their moments with a soul shattering passionate kiss.....just like he had been dying too...for what seemed like ages now????

These were the dreams, Arnav was harbouring within excited on his route to Peru, on that decided day. But, little did he know in those moments enroute to the destination, that all that he had been dreaming about... was perhaps just meant to stay a dream in his head...eventually....

Because.... Khushi did not come to Peru, that year.

Neither did she arrive nor did any letter stating that she was caught up in work or something/ and here were the details for him on how to reach her - henceforth. He'd waited for her and that letter - both – desperately for that entire week of his stay – hadn't he? Holding onto the hope...within...desperately...even though reality was beginning to scream otherwise....

But by the time it was time to leave,and the realisation sunk in for good – that she didn't really turn up - he felt completely shaken/broken within at the realisation...that she'd just probably moved on. That she truly didn't think they were worth a chance at all?????? Different worlds - still – yes. But couldn't she give him - one shot?now atleast? Couldn't she give him just one shot to make her believe that he would never let her down. That He would never hurt her – in the ways her mind feared he would?

Or perhaps – he had just been a fool hoping...and holding on...? Perhaps - she didn't really think of him/miss him at all – in the year that had passed?

And what was worse, was that he didn't even know where to look for her/get in touch with her. All he knew was she was from the Bahamas and the rest of the basic details about her parents, etc, but he didn't have her exact detailed address. Or her contact number? Could he really hunt her down in all the islands that comprised the boundaries of Bahamas? Wouldn't it be crazy of him to do so? Better – he just get the message – and let go – and move on - ?

And so,when he left...Peru that year...even though he was completely shaken within... he yet didn't have it in his heart to hold it against her. His mind reminded him – that she had been honest to him from the very start hadn't she???? She'd always just have her skepticalities of his world – perhaps? She'd probably always feel like – she couldn't cope. And his world was what it was - he was who he was - within and the outside context around him was also a part of him.Maybe , she just didn't feel enough to accept all of him/who he was - in all totality? And, did he want to force her into something – she wasn't ready for? Ever?Nah. Never.He didn't want her to come to him because of any other emotion but her sheer sincere want/emotions for Him/ wanting to be with him..

And if she felt like...she couldn't accept that part off his world or give them a shot or chip in herself...wholeheartedly....to the equation....what was the point???? So perhaps – it was just better – to get his head around to accepting this bit from her and respecting her stand for what it was.

With that in his mind, he returned home to his game and continued pouring his heart and soul into it – nonetheless – for it felt like the only other way he could honour the memories of his time with her – was to just keep giving his game his very best too. Perhaps, the happiness he was feeling while playing would help ease this ache down? He could channelise his emotions back and forth – through his game – perhaps? Afterall, she'd been the one – who had showed him that path towards – finding his joyful flow in his game – hadn't she?

But three months down the line in that next year as Arnav kept going hard at his game,and began reaching newer heights,statistics every series - there came a point – on one night – where he'd once again found himself thinking off Khushi- over and over- deeply.The longing for her – was still so freaking evident. And so,unable to get her out of his system still – he thought – perhaps – why not try to at least look out for her one more time – out there in the real world?

And in the time,months that followed - he did try his best to look out for her – as much as he could. Through every connection – that he could.He'd tried to locate her address in Bahamas but had found nothing. The name of the bookstore chain she'd mentioned her parents ran – didn't exist in any of the islands in Bahama's as he searched up online – over and over.He couldn't locate any contact number/address with the last name – Gupta - through the phone directories in all of islands in Bahamas combined through local people there...and yes...he had obviously also tried finding her on social media but to his dismay yet again...he had just found nothing....

He'd literally not been able to get hold onto any sign of her – in the world out there!

It was this point – for a second – his mind began to wonder – if he had imagined meeting her in the first place??????Back then?? Like -Where the hell was she?? Where had she vanished? Wait...what if she hadn't been honest about her home? Family etc? Like what if– her name wasn't even Khushi Gupta????? What if – she was just somebody else???? Altogether????????

Now as these were the bits his mind played with – his gut refused to just buy any off that, reminding him that he did have evidence with him – that she had indeed been real/the most real person he'd ever met/that she really had been that only girl he'd connected with so deeply.

And the evidence was not just his memories of her – but also the couple of pictures he had off them together – clicked from the old polaroid camera at the retreat – during their stay – capturing some fun/candid moments of the two. These pics had kept him company in the moments he'd think off her – all throughout – right?.

The smile he had on his face, the smile she had on hers – totally served as the evidence as to how happy and free he had been around her in that fortnight – spent together!

And so still unable to forget/let go/move on completely – holding onto hope - Arnav still went to that same natures retreat in Peru – in the next calendar year that came by as well...and waited desperately for sign of her for a week again/or even a letter.

Maybe she couldn't come last year? And needed more time to think? Another year gone by - would have sufficied to think things through more – perhaps? She'd asked for a year off time from him to come around and...his heart had desperately given her two....full years....instead.....as he waited...for her...

But when,he got nothing at this point as well....it was then...he decided to finally give up....for good.

It was only then he finally let go...for the sake of his own sanity – in the moment as his mind told him – it wasn't as if she didn't know where to reach him. She didn't exist on social media but he surely did exist on it all over with his public profile and everything.If she really wanted to reach out to him...all she needed was to send him one message...from a username with her picture in the dp - and he'd still just go to her...where ever she was. But no message had come - right????????? Like literally – none at all.

So then – perhaps - there was just no point in trying to wait around for someone who most surely didn't want to be found by him. Once again, the memories of her, his time with her itself reminded him that he couldn't also self-sabotage himself in the process – too right? He had to be fair to himself/his withins....and as much as it ached to accept...this aching reality...it was now time to finally come to terms for good with the conclusion – that Khushi just didn't want anything to do with him anymore. He just had to respect her – decision – on the same - indeed.

Perhaps,she had been right?

Maybe, it was better this way? Indeed, he would have been more hurt – if they'd actually gotten together and she'd then walked out on him in a short while?

And it was with this last thought – that Arnav finally left Peru that second year – deciding that it was finally time to let go and turn the page in his life from the Chapter of Khushi – in its romantic emotional sense.He had to let go of this hope – his heart had attached with her...

Ofcourse, he would never really forget her. He would always – remember her. She came to his mind every time, he freaking picked up his bat even, so he knew he'd still probably think of her - like everyday. He'd grown so accustomed to seeing that polaroid pic of theirs(that he kept tucked in his bag safely) before every match – ever after he'd met her...for it reminded him of the significant support he'd received from her at that turning point in his life...

Oh -Perhaps – they really had just been destined to meet for that shortwhile? And become – each other's fond memories eventually and that he was just meant to remember her – in this bittersweet way – indeed...

She did at least remember him – right? He so hoped , she did. She would atleast be watching him on TV? Her parents loved cricket, she enjoyed it too. It was a loved game in her household – so obviously there was no way she'd missed the development that he was now constantly opening for India...every match..every series...

It was a long shot – his mind now told him to- even hope for this. But he felt like he had to come up with this premise/conclusion– to keep his peace – in place...

And so – he just returned back home to his world and to his game – determined to make peace with the thought – that at least – there was a possibility that Khushi would be smiling to herself - everytime she saw him play. ....

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

Tadaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!

How was that for Prologue II – guys??????? Different, very different – I know – but it is what it is in this plot. Also, I am so interested to listen to all of your theories as to why you think – Khushi didn't come to the retreat to see him – ever again? Go on, go on, tell me...what you all think?

Also -to find out the real reason on the same – Tune in – tomorrow for the last part of the Prologue set up – to know the developments on her side on this accord...

Thanks guys – for all the love and support always!

Much love* Infinite Gratitude

Now and Always

Prachi