Hello everyoneee...

Here I am with the last part of the prologue set up for HW4.0!👩‍💻👩‍💻

Super intense to write ya it was...you will all know what I mean..when you read it...❤😇

I will let you all dive in...straight away....👩‍💻👩‍💻

Thanks a ton for all your support and time!

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Prologue – III

The very second, Khushi had walked away from Arnav at the nature's retreat that year off them meeting, something in her gut had told her – that despite her mind wanting to think this through quite significantly – for the rest of the time frame of the next year – she'd most surely see herself walking back to him – at the same time, same place – next year.

Why was her gut implying this to her – in that moment?

For her gut knew – despite her mind waltzing to other practical tangents - that the very second – they'd finished having the conversation they'd had and he'd kissed her forhead intently after that vulnerable hug and wished goodbye – he'd somehow managed to sneak his way into her being – deeper that very instant.

As if – those vulnerable/raw moments – had, had some sort off an extra push through power? Maybe, it had everything to do with the way, he'd been so gracious and understanding about her situation. Hell, he hadn't even been angry for like a second. He'd just understood where she was coming from and had been so freaking gracious and patient about it – despite the bit – that she had surely hurt him a little at least in the moment – in some ways?

He surely could have lashed out in part-anger, reacted adversely, frustratingly, impatiently or just even be like – Dude, khushi, are you out of your mind? Have you forgotten - who I am?Most girls, would kill to be with me...so you better consider yourself lucky that I want to be with you....so...you better just answer me now..yes or no?.

Oh the bit that there had been no snobbery/ego play in his frame at all even in the face of her viewpoints/inhibitions- had obviously had a deeper impact.. on her......

Like just the fact, that he hadn't done like any of that and had instead been the example of gentleness, sincerity, understanding, graciousness and patience - had freaking just blown her insides away.He'd truly earned a very high spot of respect in her being with that!

And even though her mind – kinda realised it eventually – her gut had known-that it was in that moment – he'd sneaked his way into her heart for good – most surely to never leave again....

Her inner intuition knew and was kinda sure, that she'd never forget him.That she'd think of him everyday. Miss him everyday. Wish the very best for him everyday.Pray for him – everyday – in the time apart and maybe all of that ache and longing she'd experience for him - would end up flooding into her mind consciously eventually and prep her with the courage – to step up to handle the rest of the complicated stuff of his world – eventually.

All through her route back home – she'd found herself thinking of him – over and over – consciously in full awareness.In fact, by the time she had reached home – she couldn't help but admit to herself – that her mind truly was being haunted by him already in significant ways....

But because our mind often has its way off tugging a voice towards itself hard – Khushi's mind did take its own time(the next three months) to finally come around and eventually accept what her gut already – knew!

Just after the first three months, apart, Khushi's mind had consciously accepted the bit – that it surely wanted to give them a shot – by the time she'd meet him again. Her mind had been prepped to use the next nine months significantly to prep her mind to get set to deal with the other complexities of his world – so that when the time came – she'd surely be ready to take that leap of faith with him/ for him to see – where it would lead her/them both?

Maybe, just maybe, they wouldn't be a complete disaster? He would help her navigate through?eventually? right? Given that he was so sincere...in asking her to be with him...for if he wasn't sincere...he'd never have agreed to wait...right? And be so patient, gracious and understanding, even when it came to their pact??????????? Or perhaps just the bit that he had been ready to wait for her – had been a sign for her to read and come around to accept eventually - that what he felt for her was surely more than a passing infatuation from his end? And her mind had finally come around to understanding that bit of it in totality a lot more clearly now,just like it had accepted the bit that what she felt for him was surely more than a passing infatuation from her end too.....

He truly had tiptoed his way into her being....way too deeply..and the fact now - stood way to clearly in her mind to even ignore.Her mind had been defeated under the onslaught of feelings, emotions, longing for him.Her mind had been compelled to process this fact for what it was – Finally!

It was after this moment of thought – that Khushi began to also work numerous part time jobs alongside her undergrad degree in all her free time to start saving up – for that trip to Peru – months down the line.

Everytime, she had more funds add up in her savings, she'd be so thrilled and excited about the same...feeling like...that by doing this also...her mind had begun to become more prepped to take her steps closer to him.....

Her parents, her close friends, obviously wondered what was up with Her? Why was she overdoing on extra part time jobs this way while studying vigorously too?

So, Khushi hadn't still talked about meeting Arnav – to anyone at her side of the world. Because, well, initially on her return she felt – that it would make sense to tell anyone about it – if something substantial ever -ended up happening between the two..eventually. Like no point in drawing extreme attention from her close friends who were huge fan of Indian cricket too on this accord – already? So she just kept it a secret.Like initially she'd thought - what if – he only didn't turn up at Peru – by year end? And now – after these three months and this realisation at her end – she'd been hoping everyday hard – that he would turn up. Hoping everyday, that he would be thinking off her too...

So – had Khushi kept track on his professional developments in the time apart? Oh, you bet she had. She had literally treated all her college friends to lunch – the day she'd spotted his name in India's under-19 world cup squad.When they'd asked her – what this treat was for? She'd just happily exclaimed that – it was just because she was happy and wanted to celebrate it...

She'd danced in sheer happiness for him...in the confined space/privacy of her room – holding onto the two polaroid pictures of them – she had with herself. The pictures the two had taken double copies off – at the retreat. One for him to keep. One for her to keep....

And when Arnav's, Under-19 World Cup campaign began – she'd literally stayed glued to her phone screen, watching him play that freely/happily every match.She'd hurrah when he'd pull off a great stumping behind the wickets – do a full circle dance – in a woosh – every time he'd hit a boundary with his bat...and oh – when he was declared the player of that tournament after India's win...Khushi had most surely thought she'd faint in happiness – seeing the moment up on her screen...

Oh, he had looked so happy. So thrilled. So exhilarated in the moment...that she couldn't help but feel so proud off him.So proud, that he'd been able to work through/break through all that baggage that had been weighing him down, when she first met him.

Yes, she'd probably been there to hear him out in that stage..stepped in with her advice/support in the moment too – but that was all she had done – right? The fact that he had actually worked through it within – was like all kudos to him!

Infact, when Khushi had seen her reflection in the mirror that day – she could surely vouch that her happy expressions, matched that of his parents – in the stands – that day....after the U-19 World Cup final+victory...

And it was right then, she'd decided to pen down a letter to him in a diary anyway – to like just write to him how happy she was for him in the moment, and she kept on writing these bits and pieces for him to read – onwards that point - everytime she spotted him achieving his next milestone.

For example...she'd written...three full pages of words expressing her ecstatic glee – to him – when she'd read about his National Call Up for the main India Squad...and four full pages – after his performance that first international series for India. The idea was to just give him the whole dammed diary to read, when she'd meet him – at the natures retreat in Peru...soon....

Time continued to pass.Her feelings for him – stayed put and she had successfully been able to save up for Peru– by working triply hard in those last couple of months – but for just the three day stay at the retreat..because well the fortnight booking was obviously crazily expensive...but atleast she'd get to meet him for three days...after which they could talk things through? On how to take this further? And at this point – she'd also found herself praying harder everyday – that God – please let him come to Peru – for sure...just please let him come...too...

And as she prayed - she would imagine the scene of meeting him again - in her head – a gazzilion times over.What would she do then when she actually saw him again? Maybe first tell him – how she was so proud of him over the bit how he had broken away from the shadows within? How she was so freaking happy for his performances. How she'd been feeling so happy watching him play for India and live his dream too....or maybe, just hand him that diary to read straight away....or maybe...she'd just fling herself into his arms...first...or maybe...just pull him for a deep kiss...instantly...and then...just tell him that she was ready to take the leap of faith...with him...for him....and see where it takes her...see where it takes them....for real...this time around...because...yes...she had come around it all in her head now. For she'd finally accepted that -Being around him in that fortnight had given her moments of peace and happiness too – right?So – it be better if she just focus on that part of it - too – there on...that would give her the strength to handle the rest? He'd hold her hand..lace his right one through her left one like he had done in moments back then – and everything would feel okay! Yes – she indeed had come to the point – that she'd feel her left hand long to feel the touch of his right hand in it...already...

Yes, this was all what Khushi had been harbouring – in her heart – as well...days before the scheduled time to see him.She'd even begun counting days when the countdown from 30 days began by crossing each day out on the calendar...excited...

And when her mind would pop with a fear – that what if he didn't only come? Her feelings just managed to over-rule it with the thought – that in her gut she just believed he would come...he surely would...come...right?

They would surely meet again.....

But – perhaps – we humans are only just puppets in the hands of Fate/Life – sometimes? For at times - Fate/Life – most surely has some other plans of its own accord. You know how the saying goes – that just when you feel like you often have found all the answers to the questions within, Life can just come around slyly and twist /change the set of questions in a second– with a sudden blow that was totally out of syllabus. Probably because – Life/fate sometimes - has its own plan of shaping one's journey – too?

Hmmmm.

It so happened, that just twenty one days before her scheduled departure to Peru – Khushi had accompanied her parents for a mini holiday trip for a family function – one of her extended cousins wedding – to Jamaica.(Most of her extended Indian family – lived in Jamaica – right?)

The wedding had been super fun and everything – it was the next day after the wedding – when her Mum insisted that the three of them just drive to that picnic spot on the outskirts of the main city – that they used to go to when Khushi was a child – before they moved to Bahamas – you know just like a way off reliving old memories?

They all got so excited and got on with it. Her Dad borrowed his cousin's car – the next day and off the three went. Usually back in the day, there used to be a different route to the outskirts but now new infrastructure/highways had been built – so it was obvious that Khushi's Dad – took the highway for it was the shorter route on the GPS...

But little did they know as they were happily driving away on the highway – that they were all minutes away from an unfortunate mishap...

For it so happened, that two tyres off the car just burst out on them suddenly due to some pressure problem/tech glitch – and given that they were cruising on a significant speed – the car totally sped out of her daddy's control. It was a moment of sheer panic,indeed.Just when he thought he was about to get it under control – their car was hit hard by the speeding vehicle behind – which again had been unable to control its speed last minute...

The unfortunate fated accident – happened. Oh – a brutal accident it indeed was...

But given that Khushi's parents had been belted in – in the front seats – there air bags did open out to them – and had protected them from brutal injuries. But – Khushi was in the backseat and she hadn't belted in – and that meant that the back airbags did not open up to protect her....

She was hit the hardest on impact – on two places – her head and her left forearm(part of the arm below the elbow) – which kinda got just crushed...and it all just blacked out on her. She'd obviously lost her consciousness – the very second – she'd been hit.

Oh the scene had been gruesome...as people in acres around halted to help...and eventually rang in the ambulance.Khushi's parents had been injured too ..but not gravely but...they'd fainted out of shock in the moment...as well....

It was only when the paramedics managed to pull everyone out of the toppled down car – and her parents regained some consciousness – they realised that it was their beloved/one and only daughter – who had been brutally injured....on impact...

Crying hysterically , they sat by her side in the ambulance as she was rushed to the nearest hospital. It truly was a most horrific sight – for them as parents to see her injured brutally. They were both a mess as they kept asking the paramedics...for status...on her...injury...

But ofcourse...the paramedics wouldn't say anything....

Even the emergency doctors didn't give away much – when they wheeled Khushi in on the stretcher – to the critical care unit –

The wait for her parents had indeed been worse than,the feeling of death itself...in the moment.Her mother cursed herself for even suggesting the trip today. Her father cursed himself for being unable to get the car under his control – in time....

Nothing would happen to their beloved – Khushi? Right? She'd make it back to them. She'd make her way back to them...they so desperately prayed...

In the next painful excruciating hour – as they finally managed to call in the close members of their extended families – all they could do was just weep and weep...into their arms...waiting to hear on some update on their beloved...child....as she was wheeled in for an emergency life saving – surgery. They'd obviously given their consent that – the doctors do everything they could to just save her life....

And the update came – hours later.

Yes, Khushi was still alive,she had pulled through the crictical surgery - but given that she had suffered a significant internal head injury..even after the surgery - the doctors had no choice other than to sedate her into the state of medical inducive coma...plus they'd also had to amputate her left forarm completely because...well...it had been completely crushed...anyway..and had led to an open wound line that could have led to massive internal bleeding into the rest of her body...otherwise....

Oh the news shattered – her parents and her relatives obviously. But they were greatful that, atleast their beloved was still alive. That Khushi was with them – still. They asked the doctors – how long they'd need to have her in coma...they'd said...it depends on how her recovery goes...could be a couple of weeks...or maybe months....but one thing was sure...that they couldn't move her back to Bahamas in this delicate state of her – for the next couple of months for sure....

Her parents + extended relatives – obviously decided that it would be best to just have Khushi receive the treatment where she had been brought after impact – under the care of the doctors who had saved her from death- anyway....

So – the reason – why Khushi couldn't make it to Peru that year – was this. That she herself was lying down in a critical state in the hospital – in a medical induced coma...

Her parents/relatives obviously were ready to anything and everything to keep up with her medical treatment. Couple of weeks...got converted into a month...but the doctors felt they still couldn't risk getting her out of the coma...because of the slow healing in the impacted area in the head...yes she was healing...but way too slowly...they felt...they'd need to atleast have her in that state – for another couple of months?

But all of this also meant – that her parents medical insurance cover eventually ran out on them because this medical line of treatment was quite expensive. The insurance limit was exhausted within the first month – itself. Which meant, that they just had to resort to selling all that they had back in Bahamas to keep up with Khushi's medical expenses....

Her daddy headed back to Bahamas – then – and eventually put up both bookshops....and even their house...on sale...and once the sale went through - they just decided to move back to Jamaica to live with their cousins – for the while. They'd needed the family support in the moment – more than ever.

Her parents knew they could start over again – here in Jamaica – build a life – here straight from the scratch - again. It didn't matter that they had to sell all that they'd earned, exhaust all their savings....in the process.... All they cared about was doing their best to get their Khushi back to them – conscious – as soon as possible...

Time continued to pass. They all kept praying profusely too. They knew she was healing, at a slower rate than expected.But she was healing...

Khushi's medical induced coma state eventually – ended up – lasting for a full five and a half months. Full five months 15 days had passed – before the doctors on her case – finally decided to wean her off the coma – after observing on the improvement of healing...that had finally come around...in the time..

The doctors had prepped her family for the side affects – she could face eventually – and how her full recovery would still take a while.Her muscles would be weak from being in a vegetative state for months – she'd have to undergo strong physio to get back on her feet – and then she also had to be very careful with her head – for the next year for sure...and then also there was that situation of her amputated forearm...that would also shock her immense on recovery...which meant...they had to be prepped to have her go through professional counselling on the same...too...

Her parents were prepped – in their mind – completely. They knew they could pull her out...and through it all – eventually. But yes, they were obviously worried – as to how she would react to what had happened to her – when she'd finally regained consciousness....

And needless to say – when that day indeed came – and Khushi opened her eyes and regained consciousness – and found herself in the hospital bed – she'd indeed been so shocked –

Last she remembered was being hit – and then Black OUT! That's all.

Khushi had asked the nurses around as to how long she'd been here etc etc – she asked to see her family – instantly – and when her parents had been brought in to her in the CCU - and it was only when she'd tried to pick up her hands on reflex a little to hug on to her crying parents who had embraced her immediately after the moment walking in – she'd come face to face with the shattering truth as just feeling the amputated stump there – that she'd lost her left forearm – (half of her one limb) in the accident....

Oh, to say that those initial hours after waking up were like a shattering hell for Khushi – would be an understatement – ofcourse. She was beyond just shattered + shaken to her very core...

Yes, she was greatful to have made it out alive and that she hadn't lost her memories in the process off waking up from a medical induced coma off five months over – but still – the fact that she had lost out months of her life + her forearm – in the aftermath of the accident – had obviously butchered her spirit momentarily.

She was only human...

She knew she'd have to now get an artificial limb for support eventually maybe...she could still have a hand...but the fact that her body didn't look the same anymore..obviously ached....immense. Her amputated stump on her left elbow wasn't like the greatest sight to look at herself...

But given that she was a fighter – within – she knew – she really had to help herself a lot for a significant amount of time – to even recover both physically+ mentally from this setback...plus...she could also sense the immense guilt her parents were in...in the moment too..for they still blamed themselves for the accident. Hell,she even blamed herself for being careless about...not belting in at the back...maybe if she had..the airbag would have opened up behind...and....it would all have been different?

Oh – it was so natural for all these emotions to set in – for all of them – right? Khushi wanted to be strong in the moment.She didn't want to cry and see her parents suffer more on her accord and... yet...she couldn't control the hysteria of tears/panic/pain... that came eventually....to her...in regular intervals...

The doctors then suggested the first bit again – that physically she would heal...yes..but her mental health was as important to tackle from the very start as well. Khushi would surely need through professional counselling for her mental health as well initially so that she wouldn't spiral into depression. They also suggested collective counselling for the full family – so that her parnets+ her could begin to heal from this traumatic incident....together...

After about ten days of waking up – when the shock and reality off it all finally sunk in completely – Khushi found herself... thinking... off Arnav...on reflex....one night ...lying down in the hospital bed...

And oh – how she had wept that night? Freaking Months had passed – as she'd been in the coma...she'd missed seeing him...because life had decided to play this cruel joke with her in reality...

Had he gone to the retreat? Had he waited for her? Did he hate her – for not coming? What was he thinking off her – out there???? Or wait..did he not go? And it hit her then – that – what was shattering was...that couldn't go...anyway...to discover the answers to that...

A part of her, so strongly - just wanted to tell him all about it upfront...atleast...

But another part in her head was like - How to pick up her phone and even tell him what had happened to her?????She could text him on his social media maybe – but what would she say? It wasn't something – she could just write to him on text too at this point – because well she was still dealing with bouts of hysterical crying+ waves of PTSD ....

She was freaking down in the dumps herself – this time around + she knew it would take her a significant while to fight her way back to her prior self – within – to come to terms with it all – peacefully. So - Why unload the trauma of this incident - on him? He anyway had so much to deal with on his plate – right?

In her gut – she knew – he'd probably fly to her the very instant he knew – atleast to check on her – see her...but was she ready to see him right now? Was she ready for him to see her in this vulnerable broken - state? To see her without half of her freaking limb? For she hadn't yet gotten around to having that artificial limb..it was getting custom made...for her....

Nah. She felt like...she was not ready for this – at all....just yet...no matter what she felt for him...

This accident had changed...so much...so so much....

So -Even though it ached so much within...her gut+ mind both agreed that she just needed to focus on her physical+mental recovery+ the metal well being of her parents+their healing as a family right now – and nothing else. Her parents -They'd been through hell too...right? To see her go through what she had? And she obviously now knew – they'd lost all they'd built in the years financially to cover up for her massive medical expenditure...

Yup. Despite feelings – the reality of this aftermath of this incident – needed toughened...decisions...from her end...indeed...

It also just seemed right – to just zone out the thought off anything else+ the dream of being with Arnav – for now – atleast – for his sake too. Her mind+ gut collectively told her – he'd probably just be better off – not knowing about this..yet. His national cricketing career had just begun...right? He'd only just began showing the world what his bat was capable off when liberated...in the happiness of playing hard....

She didn't want to chain him to her emotional; baggage's/trauma – at this point in his life Or string herself to him at this point too...the recovery/its pain/aftermanth was her+ her family's journey...to take on...

Oh just about...everything had changed around her...hadn't it? Yes, not her feelings for him – but the rest off her – had freaking changed. She wasn't the same physically. She never would be.Would he even find her attractive – anymore? With an artificial limb up her arm? She didn't know.

Plus – who knew how long it would actually take her to find her way back to her old self in spirit atleast. She was going to tread the path within – obviously – no matter how hard it would be because she felt like she owed it to herself.She couldn't let this trauma define her forever....but she also knew – that it would take her significant time....to just...even get there...

Maybe one day – once she'd recovered fully and began feeling more like the old-spirited - Khushi within...she could reach out to him? and tell him just -the truth at least? The reason why she didn't come – to Peru then?

And until then...she'd just have to make ado with seeing his gaming videos up online – in the moments – she'd find her heart think off him. Maybe, his smile up on screen as he played – would make her smile through her tears in this initial testing phase off recovery – too?

........

Yes. Time can sometimes bring with itself.... brutal injuries...

But it also time...that heals....it all...eventually...both physically and mentally and emotionally....because...as it passes...it often helps one find that conviction within to draw a bigger line of strength vs the line of trauma experienced – and the wounds begin to feel tad bit healed/in a position to come to terms with in some ways atleast - on its own accord...

Time had brought her the injury and it was only time...that had eventually helped ...Khushi heal...

But not little time. A lot of it...

Yes, physically , she had been able to leave the hospital in the next two months of waking up – walking out on her own feet but she'd still been asked to be extra precautions with her lifestyle for the whole of next year, so that there wasn't any potential heavy exertion for her head. She just had to take it easy. She couldn't really get it all hectic or take transfer to the community college here in Jamaica for the pursual of the course she'd started in Bahamans - just yet. She had been adviced more of rest+ regular ongoing counselling+ physio – which she obviously gave her all too, along with helping her parents in the process too..

She knew – her parents had to begin rebuilding it all here – from scratch. They simply weren't left with much at all after her final bill at the hospital had been settled....

They had no option but to stay with family relatives in Jamaica, for even though her parents had managed to get a work loan to get a bookstore run here again with some help of family – they still werent in the position to get a roof above their head of their own...for...

Khushi still had to go back to the hospitals every month or so – for follow ups with doctors/ head scans/ sometimes the MRI's etc – so that they could track the progress of that continuous healing going on in her head....plus there was that obvious expenditure on her prosthetics...

The counsellors had advised her not to stress – and even though she couldn't return to college just yet – she eventually found solace in taking up lot of free online courses on the subject of social welfare's+ study all that she had learned in her degree prior anyway...so that when she could resume phycially...she would be like upto date with her studies..atleast....

Khushi didn't want to burden her parents with this yet again – so she'd decided to seek a student loan also, for herself eventually once the doctors declared her fit enough to resume...college...

With regular physio – she'd also begun to grow accustomed to the use of her artificial limb both just the plain prosthetic one+the myoelectric forearm from Ottoback that her parents had arranged for her eventually – comfortably with time . Thanks to advances in medical technology – it wasn't as if her daily tasks/life movements had faced hindrance because of the loss of her left forearm. With time...She had been able to work around with her artificial forearm - quite comfortably....

And with regular counselling – Khushi had also begun to come around to the sight of her amputated stump at nights – when she was by herself - for she would obviously take her artificial arm out while sleeping. It didn't look as disturbing to her eye – anymore.She was beginning to make peace with the sight off it...

In one of the sessions - The therapist had advised her to look at her amputated stump as a symbol of her survival – instead. That she had to find a way to get her mind to focus more on the bit that it wasn't just a symbol of what she's lost...but also was a symbol that she had survived such a massive incident and was now working hard at emotionally pulling herself through the shadows off it....

Eventually, it was this bit that - she had been blessed with the miracle of survival that had boosted her recovery and healing of her parents mental health too. Plus, the bit – that everyone around her in her extended family + her parents were so supportive and loving and kind and compassionate on this accord – that it would actually make her smile when they'd all just proclaim over dinner – that she actually looked like kickass – sci-fi protagonist with that myoelectric arm of hers, especially when she took the natural looking skin cover off it – to reveal it in all its hi -tech -metal glory...

Her cousins – even cheerfully called her – Lady Terminator...as did her friends back in Bahamas who'd come to often visit her...here...on and off....and they'd all be collectively...proclaiming then... how she was so freaking lucky to have a hi-tech limb that wouldn't get tired – in the process of day to day mundane...tasks...

All of that would make her smile – obviously. But within, mentally – she was still coming around with the bit – of not being able to feel anything through her artificial limb – nonetheless. Yes , she had the forearm, but she couldn't feel through it – right? Given that it was all metal? This was the next part she had to deal with – emotionally. It obviously felt weird - doing things and not feeling it...in the actual sense...for that numb feeling of having a part of cut off was still there...it would always be there...

In moments – when she would think off Arnav – and look at the absence of her left forearm and her left hand – she'd feel tear blur her eyes on its own accord. Back then, he'd lace his right hand – through her left hand tight right, and how good it had felt...how she'd longed to feel the feeling again...and well...now...she didn't even have a left hand that could feel any of that...ever again...

That ached so much. Still ached, so much...but she coped...through the ache...she had no other...choice...

And as months + a full year passed of her precautionary/observation period and her physical healing had begun closer to the full circle– she eventually got the green signal to resume college. As planned,Khushi seeked a student loan to resume studying social welfare degree at a community college full time – eventually. Her previous college...had helped...her transfer..here...for they as a family just felt a lot more comfortable – living around their relatives and close ones....

Thankfully, by gods grace, in the year that passed - the bookshop+ backend café her parents had begun to run – had been successful enough to help them...rent a flat...for themselves...too...

And In her free time in the days and months that followed, when not focusing on remainder recovery work like physio or counselling activities/journaling to follow up on back at home - Khushi would just find solace in her studies + numerous self help books that inspired her positively and meditation to keep the connection with herself – all mindful...through her recovery process...

And ofcourse yes, she'd still catch up on seeing – Arnav play – online. And oh she'd smile so much at that sight off him every single time....feeling immensely proud of him for his increasing achievements in the game he so deeply loved...

In the time that had passed, Arnav had kinda soared to newer heights in his game – day by day and she was so freaking stoked for Him. She kept a complete track off it all..obviously...

He had now become a very important part of the main Indian squad. They played him as regular opener – every freaking international game – obviously given that his gaming stats already spoke volume of his talent + he also would always shine in his performance every IPL for the Mumbai team....

When she'd see him up on screen and soak in that smile of his – she'd obviously feel her heart go all nostalgic – momentarily. Once again, these were the moments when she would wonder if he even remembered her – actually? Now that so much time had passed?And things had become so fast paced for him out there – in his world for him... When not playing cricket – he was obviously seen going to and fro in between his numerous brand endorsements...ad shoots...

He surely must be a superbusy man...by now...with all his roaring and rising cricket celebrity status.How often had she seen videos off fans going crazy around him+ rest of the team – on airports/in transits/on and off the team bus....

Now, once again - these were also the moments – that she's fight the temptation to just reach out to him on his social media - to probably just tell him what had happened to her – but then she'd just hold back...again....for her mind would remind her – that it had decided to get to that – only when she felt completely healed.

She still hadn't completely recovered within mentally - just yet. She still had those instances off PTSD to deal with. Like for example... It was still difficult for her to sit in the backseat of the car without opening the window...she totally needed the fresh air everytime to breathe...for otherwise the flashbacks of the accident..would just haunt her crazily in the moment shoving her closer to panic attack....or the way she'd check her seatbelt ten times atleast...while sitting in any vehicle...also recheck the proximity of the airbag around her...every single time...five times.....

She knew she just needed to keep going at it within and she would get out of this – eventually....too....with some more time...

And so some more time passed...with Khushi...just focusing on her mental health...within....

And by the time – Khushi did feel like she had found her way back to her old prior self within in spirit emotionally + feeling all mentally healed and at peace + her coming around to a whole circle with regards to the emotional journey off now accepting the traumatic accident as just a passing part of her life and not a context of her life's complete definition - almost -- Three full years had passed since her accident( which had happened when she was little over 19), which meant that almost – four full years had passed – since the time – she'd first met Arnav....

They'd met when they were both a little over 18, and as the wings of time/life flapped around the pages of her/his life– at separate ends – they were both now a little over – 22 years of age. She was just about to finish her last year in undergrad degree at her side of the world + had been busy working part time jobs at her college library/student office + volunteering with NGO's on weekend – for the sense of serving society and giving it back – always brought her so much peace - and there - Arnav, on the other end – was busy with his gaming duties for India – as vigorously – still completely oblivious to all that had happened at Khushi's end...

Then finally - on one fine day – or rather night at her end – in the couple of weeks that followed - after she'd seen the video of him celebrating another team victory after a series win in England - Khushi finally gathered all her guts and picked up her phone from her bedside table -with the intention to just text him on his Instagram...

What would she say? She thought? Begin with a hey – remember me – Arnav? Its Khushi here...we met at the nature's retreat in Peru...?

But oh wait – what if his Instagram was managed by his social media manager or something now? would her message reach him? and then she was reminded off a interview byte of him saying just lately – that he still managed his social media on Insta himself...

Hmmm...so maybe her message would reach him – directly!

So - should she begin with the prior bit she'd thought or an apology for not like making it there to Peru? First? And that is when it hit her -that wait – even she didn't know still– - if he'd actually gone himself to Peru – then right? Like what if, he hadn't gone only?

So maybe, she should just ask him that first? Hey, Arnav, its Khushi. I know I am a little over four years too late...but do you remember me? I have a question on my mind......did you go to Peru?that day? I am so sorry...I couldn't make it...

Or should she just say – Hey, whats up?

Nah. She couldn't write any of that. It seemed – so silly. What should she write to him -she thought?

Wait, should she even write to him? Like – what if he just didn't even remember her anymore???????

Four full years had passed...what if he just didn't want anything to do with her anymore? Like could she just text him - outta the blue? Was this fair? To him?

And then she realised – that maybe he'd be receiving a thousands of DM's from his fans on Insta anyway. He already had a roaring followers of like 11 million..

Would her DM just get lost in the middle of those thousands of messages? Oh wait – she still was using a pen name as her insta username..with no pic of her in it...for it was the username she used to keep a track on him online...in all these years...

Should she make a new username? With Khushi gupta?and put her dp in it?first?and then text him? He wouldn't miss the – DM – then – would he??????? Maybe she should just send a general – Hey, whats up? Howv you been? – first to see – if he'd even reply -

Yes.

That seemed right.

And so with nervous shaking right hand, Khushi made another username with her name in it – put a decent dp in it with her face showing clearly and went on...to type...Hey whats up? Howv you been, Arnav?...to Arnav's official Insta handle through her – DM's....

But – just as she was about to tap send – her right hand fumbled in nervousness and her phone fell off. When she eventually picked it up – in all the excitement and nervousness she just fumbled back to the previous pen name username..and just when she'd like patted herself on the shoulder for that silliness with her phone - reminding herself that she shouldn't have taken off her prosthetic so soon already – tonight - and was about to go to the DM through Khushigupta again – her pen name username..news feed just refreshed on its own accord first....

And that was when she just stilled in the middle of doing - what she was about to do on its own accord....sitting back on her bed with a Thud – instantly...

Why?

Because – she'd just spotted one of the fresh pictures from after party celebrations at his end from England -come in – through on one of his usual fanclub handles – and in that very picture – Arnav was snapped hugging a gorgeous woman – quite closely...for the very first time...and as she strolled through the next pic on roll – there was a pic of him smiling and lacing his right hand through this same woman's left hand in the picture too + the next pic of her kissing him on his cheek+ the next pic of him kissing her on his cheek- and when she read what the post had to read – it was clear – that the buzz had just gone out – that Arnav Singh Raizada was now officially dating – Disha Khanna – who was also one of his team-mates – Ravi's -sister...and they'd just stepped out publicly at this afterparty together – for the very first time...

Uh-Oh. She thought...

Freak...Uh-OH_______

She began to search on this more...at the speed of light...nonetheless...like if this was true...there had to be some more evidence on it on Instagram...right? She anyway followed Ravi's profile for – in the last year he'd always be spotted with Arnav and the buzz was they were close as buddies etc and just as she did go to Ravi's feed and saw his story feed – with a snap of Arnav+Disha in a close sidehug+ the bit that he'd tagged Arnav's official handle on it with a smile emoticon – she figured...the news was true...indeed....

Crap.

Really – she just had to discover this now? When she was just seconds away from texting him for the first time - after four long years? Her life was surely getting some sadistic pleasure out of this – perhaps?

And right when she was on that thought - she spotted Arnav's own official handle flood with the same picture Ravi had tagged him in – and Arnav had captioned it – To new beginnings...with a smile + Disha's official tag in it too!

Okayyyy Then....

Now that he had posted this himself....there was no doubt on this accord...right...???????????

She was literally staring at a wholesome evidence...that...he'd moved on.He probably had long ago – perhaps? Who knew how long had this been on otherwise? Maybe, they just came out with it in public now....but it had been on for a while...anyway? Or maybe – he'd also been dating – prior already? Perhaps – there could be chance that he hadn't even gone to Peru? Like what if he had realised in the first year itself that – she had just been momentary infactuation...?

Well, as her eyes blurred with tears on its own accord – she could only fight back a heavy sigh and just lean back into her bed at that – closing her eyes shut....

Ofcourse, she had never expected him to wait around for her – forever anyway and she herself had not reached out to him in four long years.....whilst she was going through what she was....so she couldn't really expect anything on this accord from Him - anyway?

But then why did it still hurt to see the evidence of him moving on – like straight up in her face???

In that picture – he was holding Disha's left hand snug – just as he'd held her now – non-existent -left hand - once too....

She quickly picked up her phone again – and searched up on Disha now. Well, she was an aspiring model, as well, she was just so freaking gorgeous...with all of her limbs...intact........

Oh Godammit.

Her life totally seemed to have gotten some massive wiring malfunction with its timing issue – perhaps? Just when she was days away from heading to meet him years ago – Bamm- Car Crash – Coma+Lost Limb = a trauma that took her three full years after to cope out of and heal....and now....well....this....

Or maybe – this was just a sign? Again? Instead? That were just never meant to be?????

Perhaps – they were just meant to stay in their different worlds – far away from each other - and just remember the other as find memories? Just like she had first thought off in her head at the retreat – years ago?

Also, it now seemed - That there really was no point in even sending out a – Hey, whats up?Howv you been? to him – now?

He'd clearly just moved on..

The smile on his face – told her – he was like happy in the moment with Disha...Then...Like why even message – and dig up the past from four years ago/or share the truth about what happened to her and give him some unnecessary baggage of her trauma tales. Plus – Disha seemed to belong to his side of the world totally – too ...she's probably just be in sync with it all already – her brother is a national player too + she a model+Arnav a rising cricketing superstar – dynamic pair right? As the Internet was now roaring in its buzz.....

Oh - It was too late now...

Indeed - just too late....

And so, she did the only other thing her mind deemed fit in the moment – she just deleted her Khushi Gupta handle she had just made...completely...for...she didn't need it anymore...

Perhaps, when the morning came, she would be able to smile and find peace in the bit that he was happy – out there – right? That was all that mattered. She'd wish him – well.And that maybe, it was good that this happened, for she'd gotten a sign of closure within...

But for that night – it seemed okay to just succumb to let her aching tears flow...as her heart flushed out its pain...

And so – Khushi just cried herself to sleep that night – hugging onto left half limb – brushing on her amputated stump...buried..under the comfort of her blanket....that brought her the much needed sense of cozy protection...in the moment...indeed.....

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

After three nights of crying herself to sleep post that day....Khushi indeed woke up with a new determination within her – on the fourth day.

She did find herself wishing him well on the personal note – too – without too much ache in the background. Well, he truly deserved all the happiness in the world....and if Disha made him smile that way...then good for him - that they'd found each other?

And she knew - she deserved all the happiness on this accord too - right? She was ready now emotionally to give dating a shot again - which was she was trying to reach out to Arnav – that night – right?

And like - so what - if it wasn't meant to be with him? Her mind probably knew that from the very start – anyway! Her heart had just been extra audacious to even dream...on that eventually...on the basis of her feelings.....

Who was she kidding?

Arnav – could only always – have just been a fat etched – dream perhaps?

And now she didn't wana be hard on herself more by holding onto that dream at all.It was time to let go...and move on...

There surely were a few nice guys around her in college on her course – that she's been good friends with in the last couple of years – and Dan especially – who was the most spunky+ friendly+Jovial + kind of the group had indeed been showing extra interest in her quite obviously - in the last couple of months. Plus...Dan... knew all about her...accident...lost forearm..her journey of recovery etc anyway – right?and It wasn't like a big deal to him – too!

So perhaps - she could just begin to know him – more – first and observe closely on this accord. They had similar interests too - as in professionally. They even volunteered for weekend NGO activities together...He was a nice guy too – and totally from her side of the world....

Like - If she only gave herself a chance –wholeheartedly - maybe – she'd finally discover a deeper sense of possible connection with Dan...eventually? And if not him..then she'd surely find...somebody else out there – who wanted to be with her – romantically?

Yes, it was about time, she just gave herself an honest chance, again – on this accord. Maybe, just maybe, Life could surprise her again?

How and what would happen eventually on that accord – she didn't know...

But what she did know was that - it really was time to just close the chapter of Arnav in her heart romantically, for good? No point – in even hoping that he'd remember her – maybe?

Chances...were super bleak...anyway...

But she would never really forget him – on the whole – nonetheless.

She'd also always be a big fan of his game...she'd always still wish him well....but maybe it was finally time to let the rest of it all go ...on his accord....so that she could finally just focus on moving on wholeheartedly too - and just continue to remember that time with him at the retreat in Peru - as a fond passing memory from the younger days....

Yeah...

Perhaps...that is how their story..had meant to be??????

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

But were Arnav and Khushi - only meant to be remembered - as fond memories by the other???Was this how their story was meant to be????

Ofcourse, not.

Was life going to come in with another trump card in play eventually, that would just Hit Wicket their hearts for good this time around?

Ofcourse, Yes....

They are surely destined to meet again....indeed...

But when and how that would happen...was something off a tale...only time...would tell....

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

Tadaaaaaaaaaa!!

Emotional much guys???? Did any of you except this happenings?
hajoonissy you did mention something on a mishap lines
..I did see.. that...yes...👍

So the update was.. super emotional for me to write ya...but  this plot is what I just wana explore writing...for sure..👩‍💻👩‍💻

So - I don't know how many of you have read one of my old stories – Off Gambles and Love – so in that track of my story – Khushi had been an amputee...but I had written it years ago..and somehow hadn't gotten around to complete that story....till now...

But given that I 'd always wanted to explore writing this track of what a person goes through in the aftermath of delicate situation as this ones/copes with it/the affects in has on one romantically/physically – I included it here – in this plot of HW4.0....for its going to be super interesting for this author - to pen down a love story+ tale of unconditional love on this accord....

P.S - Also now this gives the answer as to why arnav didn't find any connect to Khushi in Bahamas in the time he spent looking out for her! For her family jade just sold off everything and moved to Jamaica anyway by that time...

ALSO -P.PS -Wana include this song for it suits the situation..

Waqt Ne kiya...kya hasseen sita...tum rahe na tum..hum rahe na hum...❤❤❤

So now that all of this is set up – I will begin this story eventually in December from the present day ...off...two More Years..later..

As in the present day story...would begin with both being a little over 24 years of age.....

Yup, that's all hint I'd give on this for now !

Looking forward to all of yours reading support on this roller coarster ride too – eventually!

Much Love* Inifinte Gratitude

Always'

Prachi