Helllooo eveyoneeeee

SURPRISEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

I am back with The very last bit of HWMH - Epilogue 3.0

– Its 8K words almost!!!!

And I am super duper Overwhelmed as I am posting this ofcourseee!!

** happy dancing**

**happy tears toooo***

Can never literally thank you guys enough for all the Love and Support to Hit Wicket!!!!!!!!

Also this is the first draft..Please pleaseeeee.... ignore editing /grammatical/ repetition of common words - errors as I have not Proofread.

And I shall now let you all dive in without Further Delay!!

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EPILOGUE 3.0 – "LOVE-FULLY" EVER THEIR'S...

SIX YEARS 11 MONTHS LATER (FROM THE LAST EPILOGUE)

22nd December, 2030

@ The Firoz Shah Kotla, New Delhi

Khushi's POV

Helloooo to You Guyssss.

Ok remember how I said – Long Time no see the last time I met you all after a while??

Remember??

So I think, that today I should say something like – Long Long Long Long Long Long Time No See!!!!

Haha.

Because, yes it totally feels like Just that, Indeed.

Please know that both Hoodie Guy and Me really Missed you all.

Ok.So – I hope you all payed a little Attention to the date on top. Its 22nd December, 2030. And well first thing out I do want to state(one more time) that Yours Truly, Goofy and Crazy Khushi, is still as Goofier and Crazier as she used to be.Haha. Guys I am telling you all seriously, there surely was something up in my MRI in the way my brains had been wired that all these doctors couldn't catch onto – Ever!! Haha!!

Like every time , I wake up in the morning these days, I tell myself – Khushi you are now running into the 34th year of your Life and are a mommy to Four Kids.( Its about time that you make a conscious effort to reduce that Goofiness in your head...)

Haha.

But Guys, apparently even though I give myself these little reminders everyday – it's like there's no point, because I think I am just destined to get more goofier by the Age. Haha.

And yes guys, you all read that right. I am a Mommy to Four Kids Now. Hoodie Guy and Me, were blessed with another pair of twins (one boy + one girl again), on the 22nd March, 2027( about three years two months after Aarna and Krish were born). And we named them Shivaay and Arha.

Ok Yes. I think since we are on that Note – it's only fair enough that I give you all a brief glimpse into the extended family details versions of our Friends and Family, first.

So, starting at home, we are now a family of Nine. Dadi, Mom, Dad, Hoodie Guy, Me, Aarna, Krish, Shivaay and Arha. Next Update on Ravi and Anjali, they are now parents to two adorable boys whom they have named Rehaan(4yrs) and Atharv(2 yrs).

And well now for an Update on everyone back in Cape Town and our close friends – Uncle, aunty,Rahul and Diya had another addition into their family as well when Baby Ayana came along a little over 2 years ago as well. (the last time we met, It was just Baby Advait). Zara and Zain are parents to two adorable baby girls(last we met, baby Zanyah was already born) – baby Kudrat came along a year ago as well. Our dearest Asher and Manizeh are parents to two boys as well now whom they gave named Fawad and Kabir. Fawad is a little over five years old now and Kabir is just a year younger to him(4 yrs old). Cap and Sachi maam also had another little girl whom they have named Ira, she is 5 years old as well now.

Ok so , now coming to the reason as to why I wanted to give in a little mention about everyone, first. It's because – literally everyone of us is Here right Now – at the Firoz Shah Kotla Cricket Stadium, New Delhi.

Yes.

Yes.

You read that right.

Literally everyone of US.( My Hoodie guy and Ravi are technically playing the game on the Field and the rest of us are in the cricketing stands, along with all the children from our close knit circle )

Like Full on FamJam.

Any guesses why??

Cmon Ya....Guys.

Take at least One Guess.

Ok.

Let me tell you all.

Its because, we have all come together driven by the love in our hearts for Hoodie Guy, to watch him play a game off cricket for one Last Time(officially for India) on the field Live.

Yup.

Guys, you read that right. I am extremely overwhelmed as I say this to you all - that My Hoodie Guy is currently playing the last international game off his cricketing career. He had announced his retirement plans right before these Series began in an official public press conference stating that this international bilateral series with Bangladesh -was going to be his last outing on the field dressed in the Blue Jersey – for India. (He is now 39 years 10 months of age guys, and even though he is still very agile and fit physically for play, he made a conscious decision to step down, because he believe that was the call his heart was asking him to take. And we all know how important the hearts wishes are for my Hoodie guy – in every spectrum of his Life). My eyes are kind off filled with happy tears and my heart with immense contentment and Love as I look back at Hoodie Guy's Cricketing Career and his Captaincy Era, as he Captained the Men in Blue for 9 long years.( He had taken over the captaincy after his 30th Bday remember?? And he had stepped down as Captain on his 39th Bday, earlier this year, so that Yuvaan could take the lead on as the Captain of the team and get accustomed into the role of Skipper, while he was still going to play for a couple of months more, so that he could lend out any support as and when needed by the team.( He did exactly what Cap Dev had done when he had stepped down as Captain.Arnav had decided to play for about 6/7 months more so that the dynamic in the team and the unit got well adjusted to the new Captain and Vice Captain as well. As Hoodie guy always said, players, cricketer's will come, play and going – and the Game and the Show must go on as smoothly as it could for Indian Cricket.

You guys know what??

Like all of India – cheated a little ya. Like they literally copied one of the phrases that I use for My Hoodie Guy. Haha!! But not that I am complaining because it makes me very happy to hear all of India call him out as – The 'Magical' Skipper.

See I told you all before only, like Long time Ago – that this man was Sheer Magic. My Magicallllll Dumbledoreeee!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok so I am sure you all are wondering as to why Hoodie guy has been called out as the 'Magical' Skipper. Well its obviously because this man has conjured a magical Spell for Indian Cricket all throughout his Captaincy years. Like guys, literally just like how Indian Cricket had seen all the Highs in the times of our dearest Golden Captain Dev, Indian Cricket saw all the Highs in the Captaincy times of Hoodie guy as well.

As you all would remember – India had won the ICC Champions trophy in 2023 while Hoodie guy was Captain. Well I am delighted to report that India had also successfully won the ICC ODI World CUP in 2027 and then also gone on to win the ICC T20 World Cup in the year 2028 – both under Arnav's legendary Captaincy as well. And in between all these years – India had also successfully won Asia Cup as well, and also sustained the Top 2 ranking in Test Cricket as well – and all of these achievements led Hoodie guy to become one of those rare Captains to not just have all the Major ICC cricketing tournaments gold medals under his Captaincy, but he was one of those rare players who literally was the blessed one to have a double on these major ICC gold medals because he had been a part of the winning squads of all ICC cricketing tournaments in which India had won in Cap D's captaincy time as well. And when India went on to win these tournament's under his Captaincy as well, it obviously was a very joyous, monumental occasion for my hoodie guy in his heart as well.

And with Happiness ruling my heart I also have to tell you all that in the past 6 years 11 months since we last met, Arnav has also been bestowed with numerous National Awards, like the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award for Cricket(2024), CNN – IBN Indian of the year in Sports(2025), Padma Shri(2026), and the Padma Bhushan as well( which he was awarded in the year 2028 after leading India to two World Cup wins consecutively in the ODI world Cup and t20 world cup, respectively – as his individual cricketing records have always been amazing as well. And all of these moments being emotionally very significant for us all as well as him in his journey as a sportsperson.And today, as he plays his last international game of cricket, it was only obvious that all of us, his family and friends wanted to be there with him, in the stands watching him play.

It's a Monumental moment for all of us emotionally as well, just like it is for Him.

I pause on my chain of thoughts now as I spot my 6 year 11 months old twins running upto me now, pacing upto me with a happy grin up their faces and I hear Krish state excited , pulling on hand, dragging me back into the family stand – " Mommy, you took so long in freshening up, daddy just hit three sixes back to back...like massive ones...."

I grin back at my son as I ask – " really did he now??"

Aarna beams up at me as she catches onto my other hand and leads me alongside Krish – " yes mommy, like the ball just vanished into the Skies...I am so sure that he must have injured his bat-wand in the process....you know since daddy is magic..."

I bite back my laugh at that as I say to my kids, by holding onto there hands lovingly – " well you are right about that indeed Aarna, your daddy is Magic indeed..."

Krish grins at me happily as he says – " I am telling you mommy, now that daddy is going to be at home everyday, I am going to ask him to get onto training me as well...you know its already my dream to play cricket for India, just like him...dadu is jumping in happiness like anything, I was afraid all his jumping would wake Shivaay up...but no he is still sleeping..so is Arha in dadi's lap...and badi dadi is trying to dance up in happiness as well..."

Aarna chuckles at that as she says – " until I reminded her, that she must not dance, you know since she has that back and knee problem mommy...it was a good thing that I reminded her no Mommy?"

I nod at them happily as I say – " well yes it was aarna...aren't the two of you wonderful and yes you can surely ask daddy to train you all that you want Krishy..cmon lets join back everyone...."and I hug onto both of them happily to my sides and walk back with them to join back everyone.

Guys.

This Hoodie Guy is on a roll today. India has anyway already clinched this ODI series by 3-1. 3 wins to India and 1 to Bangladesh, and everyone on both the sides of his teams know that this was Captain ASR's last game, he was surely going to play like he would be giving it his all, for one last time. India had won the toss and were batting first.And while I had walked in to freshen up – India was at 280 – 3 in 30 overs. Shiv had gone out at a 50. Veer at 30 and Karan got out a little early though after just 20 runs and now Hoodie Guy and Yuvaan were batting in solid partnership.(yuvaan was batting at 60 and my Hoodie guy at 120*)

Well look at this Hoodie guy ya, I go into the freshen up for just a bit and he goes about unleashing some Major Cricketing Carnage...that I missed seeing live. I mentally make a note to not get up from my seat like Mom now, until the rest of the innings is over. Seems like this Hoodie guy is going to end his cricketing spell with some massive cricketing magic at the Firoz Shah Kotla.

Right then as we near everyone, I see my younger twins Shivaay and Arha all huddled up in Dad's and Mom's lap and Dad grins at me happily as he says with pride beaming in his voice – " and I cannot even begin to state how happy I am today Khushi...a proud father indeed, I am so glad that Arnav continued to play cricket...this is exactly the way his retirement should have come...", he finished happily and wipes a happy tear out of his eye.

Mom wipes one happy tear from her eye as well as she holds onto Dad's arm lovingly – " Arun...I would not have forgiven myself, if Arnav had given up cricket at 30...look at what his destiny had planned for him...I am so glad he went on...",and she hugs me lovingly as she states – " and it was all possible because of you khushi beta, you were his light throughout, positively inspiring him always, whenever there were lows...."

I hug her back happily as I state with a heartfelt smile – " Mom, please it was all of us..."

Dadi is grinning happily now in her seat as well , and she gestures me to get into her hug as she says – " Khushi beta...I cannot belive how lucky I am to witness Arnav's captaincy years, god has been so kind to me...I am sure his grandfather is all jealous up in the heavens..that I got witness it all..."

Dad chuckles to that as he states – " but he is watching nonetheless too Maa...along with Khushis family..."

I beam at them Happily.

I kiss on a sleeping Shivaay and Arha's head now as I say – " Mom, dad, I still don't know how these two are sleeping amongst all this noise ya....but its ok this nap time will do them good..."

Mom nods happily now and she rolls her eyes at me mischeviously as she states – " cmon now...go on...join everyone in the group dance...we will join in too once Shivaay and Arha wake up...see krish and aarna are already waving the india flags and hooting and cheering along side all the kids...and well maybe you all conitune dancing but ask raima and your uncle to relax on the dancing...what if they get all tired..we have a celebration at home, later tonight..."

I chuckle.

Mom was obviously referring to all of my near and dear ones from Cape Town along side Anjali and Cap, Sachi Maam, their kids who were going all beserk in celebrations as my Hoodie Guy continued to unleash his cricketing Carnage.

First thing out as I walk up to join everyone, I whisper into aunty's ears to get uncle to relax a little and they wink back at me in happiness as they walk back to join Mom, dad, and Dadi, and I am now instantly pulled into a hug by Diya as she states happily – " look at that Khushi...your hoodie guy is on some crazy run spree today...we could not be happier...this is amazing way to say goodbye to cricket..."

Anjali hugs me tight as well as she says grinning – " my happy tears wont just stop rolling down khushi, bhai is retiring today and Ravi plans to retire within two months as well...what an amazing journey has it been for them both..". I hug her happily as I state – " well yes to that, Ravi is anyway one of those rare bowlers who's going to be continuing playing until 40 ya Anjali..."

Anjali grins – " and all those various injuries and the little surgeries he had along the way now seem to be worth it no..."

I nod at her happily.

Rahul hugs me happily as well as he states – " well we all know that its hoodie guy's last game and that he would surely fire insanely, but khushi I reckon he is headed towards a double century today as well...look at that..hes already 160 not out now...and there are still 15 overs to go...he does this and he will become the only player to hit a double century on his last game and be the only international cricketer to also have four double centuries to his name..."

I nod back at him happily as I say – " I know...."

Zain, Zara, Asher, Manizeh all pull me into a happy group hug as well as they say in unison – " well ofcourse...the magical skipper is surely going to weave up some magic in his last game now isn't he????"

We all laugh at that happily as Zain says ruffling my hair happily – " god khushi, I can't believe the journey we have witnessed alongside Arnav...its been so amazing...feels like it was just yesterday that we got to know in the stands of Wander's in johannesuburg that ASR was your hoodie guy..."

Zara grins as beams – " god...I still goosebumps at the memory..."

Asher chuckles to that as he says – " well reminder...you all got to know in the stands, I got to know in the dressing room of the Indian cricket team...",and he hugs onto Manizeh lovingly

We all chuckle to that and Manizeh grins as she hugs Asher – " yes yes...ofcourse...we all knew that and I can't believe what a journey I have witnessed...I used to be associated with the men in blue at some point no, and out of all the players I had known, only ASR, Shiv, Yuvaan and Ravi are still a prt of the squad, it brings me immense happiness to see this day in front of my eyes, ASR is retiring and how magically.YUvaan is captain...shiv and ravi plan to retire soon too..."

I beam at them all happily.

And right then Cap and Sachi maam join us all( they had been talking to Yuvaan's parents for a bit) and Cap says happily – " and I knew it in my heart and gut long ago, that if anyone could take on Captaincy after me, it was ASR..and look at how right my intuition was..may the flag of Indian cricket rise and shine forever..."

Sachi maam chuckles to that – " well...I am sure now Khushi and me are going to go crazy with all the get togethers as the two of you go on celebrating your second innings...well you have been at it for years already Dev...now Arnav will join you as well..."

Cap chuckles – " well its going to be good times , nonetheless...as always..."

I look at everyone with happy tears in my eyes as I state – " guys, I am so happy that you all could make it here today, it means so very much to Arnav to have you all here in his support today..."

Diya – " oh shut up khushi...please no thank you and all..how could we not be here on this monumental day.."

Rahul nods happily – " copy that..."

Zara winks at me as she states – " look at how time flies ya khushi..just look at how all our kids are laughing and celebrating amongst themselves...watching a game of cricket...there was a time it was just us..and now its our children as well..."

Zain is holding onto a sleeping Kudrat in his arms as he states – " yes and I cant believe how the youngest lot are napping in all this noise..."

We all share a hearty laugh now and I get alongside the group of all my near and dear ones with overwhelming happiness and peace consuming my heart as we watch My Hoodie Guy – play his last game of international Cricket, along with all our children in front of us.

I can never thank God enough, for blessing us all and Hoodie guy with this day. I love you my Hoodie Guy.

So very much. I can never thank god enough for blessing me with you and our family and friends – indeed.

I just can't.

Words have never been enough.

Words will never be Enough.

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

Hours Later - @ Firoz Shah Kotla

10 : 00 PM

Arnav's POV

Ok.

Guys.

I can't stop Smiling.

My heart is consumed with so many emotions right now.

I don't think I have the right words to express what I am feeling.

God has been so very kind.

Now I know why the story of my cricketing career shaped up the way it did. I was Destined to Retire from International Cricket, only after pouring in everything that I could have from my bat, and I had really thought to myself today – that since it was my last game of my career internationally, I was going to play as freely and happily as ever, because I literally went into the game with no worry on my mind at all. We had clinched the series with Bangladesh already, the entire team knew that I was stepping onto the flied today to play in a way through which I wanted to say Goodbye to my Blue Jersey.

For India – with Love.

And I am sure you all would have already guessed the fact that I played my last game with the very same bat that My Sunshine had first written her handwritten good luck code on? (the one I call the elder wand)Remember guys? Yes I know it was very long ago – but still I am sure you all remember.

I pause on my chain of thoughts as I feel myself fighting for my breath now, as half of the team still continues to topple over me in Happiness and I groan to Ravi, who is hugging and jumping onto me the tightest – " Ravi...I am saying goodbye to cricket, not to my life ok?? please loosen up your hold on me a little, I need to catch onto my breathe..."

Ravi chuckles to that and he does loosen his hold on me a little as he states, still pushing onto me as Yuvaan, Karan, Shiv longsode rest of the boys continue to stay toppled over us – " I know what you mean Arnav, I cant breathe as well...."

I chuckle as I say hoarsely – " well you surely deserve to be toppled on as well..you pulled up an hattrick today Ravi, and 5 bloody wickets to your name today, the bowling was amazing , we cleaned bowled Bangladesh at 250..."

Ravi chuckles as he states happily – " yes we did, and that was because we were all so high so momentum because all of you so performed so well with the bat, I mean YUvaan got a 100 not out as well and you the Magical Skipper...a freaking 210 in the last game of your international career buddy...you have created History tonight....legendary...absolutely legendary...Bangladesh was anyway intimidated by the score on the board 410 in an ODI, is daunting ofcourse ASR...well we all knew this game wasn't just about the pitch, we were all playing with immense emotion and respect backing up our hearts because this is your last game...I am sure everyone in the family stands has gone beserk...just look at the freaking stadium, its lit up...."

Ok Guys.

I really can hear all the amazing vibe around of the victory celebration, but now I really need to ask everyone to let me stand on the ground. I finally am able to catch Yuvaan's eye as he's going crazy hooting and cheering as well and I eye him to ask everyone to let me get up on the ground.

He nods at me grinning.

Minutes later, everyone gets up from on top of each other and Ravi and Me finally get onto our feet as well and I am pulled into a instant hug by Yuvaan as he says – " epic ASR, that was epic from you....this game with you is going to go down as one of my favourite games of all my lifes, that last bit of partnership with you today , watching you fire those amazing shots off your magical bat from the best seat in the house....what more could I have asked for..."

I hug hum back happily as I say – " and I am so proud of you Yuvaan...I have seen you grow amazingly as a cricketer and as an amazing sportsperson and now as Skipper, that I am so very confident that under your amazing leadership the flag of Indian cricket will always fly high..."

Yuvaan hugs me back tighter as he says – " you'v been my inspiration my magical skipper....i hope I am able to carry on your legacy..."

Guys. There are moments when Life comes back to you in a Full Circle.

I feel Love overwhelm my heart as I say the words to him that my golden Skipper Dev said to me back in the day when I took over him as Captain – " I am confident that you will make your own Legacy as Skipper...Yuvaan...I have faith...and to be honest I can't wait to be the one just doing the watching on my screen...its about time I feel how it feels like to be on the other side of the screen no and not on the pitch....i am going to be 40 soon..."

Shiv comes onto hug me and YUvaan happily now as he says – " well I am just a year younger to you ASR, and will be joining you soon in the retirement club alongside Ravi as well...."

I grin happily as I say – "and what a amazing emotion that shall be to watch a game of cricket with our feet up on the couches from now on..."

Shiv nods at me Happily and we all get into the group hug again.

Ravi comes onto us now as he states happily – " just look at how they are blowing up our familys faces on the TV now...everyones going beserk celebrating Arnav, Khushi is most surely wiping her tears...actually so is everyone...all our kids are going crazy hooting as well..."

I look up at the screen for a Moment to see the Overwhelming Happy sight Ravi jad just voiced out to me.

My Heart Glows as I catch onto the display of emotion on My Sunshine's face.

My Sunshine.

My Precious Sunshine.

And My full family, and friends, everyones here, all our kids as well.

It means a lot to me that everyone's here in the stands today as I say Goodbye to International Cricket – guys.

A young Vishal comes up to me now(he had joint in the squad two years ago) alongside the rest of the boys as he states to me grinning – " ok so ASR, we are going to get you on our shoulders now and do a victory lap...look at how the stadiums roaring your name...its your last game...they want to send you off this way as well.... ...what a magnificent cricketing career you'v had, its legendary, historic...please let us.."

My nod at him happily as I look at the stadium around, up on their feet as well each of them cheering and hooting.

And I say to him happily – " ok fine but please give me a moment so that I can call onto the support staff and ask them to let my family in on the ground as well because I most surely want them to be on the ground as we go on this victory lap...and I thank my fans..."

They nod at me happily and I gesture one of our support teams on the same.

My Goodbe lap to cricket isn't going to be complete if I didn't have my Family and all of my loved ones on the ground with me – ofcourse.

I can now see the vision, on the screen of My Sunshine making her way down alongside all of family members and my near and dear ones and my heart continues to get consumed with contentment and Happiness as the stadium continues to cheer and Hoot, and right then I feel the younger boys hoist me up on their shoulder and get on with the Victory Lap.

I am moved in a way I cannot explain.

I know there's going to be a lot of reporters waiting onto get a byte after this victory lap and celebrations and post match presentation is over, but to be very honest to you all, I don't think I will be able to get a word out – except for just Thank You's and gratitude towards My India – with Love.

How could I ever thank God enough guys?

I just couldn't ever thank him enough.

Just like I could never thank him enough for blessing me with My Sunshine, and my beautiful children and my family and friends.

Could words of gratitude ever be enough?

Nah.

I don't think so!

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

Hours Later – 3:00 AM into the Night @Raizada Mansion

I walk up silently towards our youngest twins, Shivaay and Arha room, which was adjoining the room of Krish and Aarna on our floor near to our room and right then I spots Khushi stepping out off the room and I ask with a grin – " all ok with the Shivaay and Arha Sunshine...they are sleeping right??"

Khushi nods at me happily as she says – " yes my hoodie guy, they are sleeping only, was just checking up on them..what about krish and aarna,asleep as well??"

I nods at Khushi happily as he states – " yes, asleep as well love...cmon then lets get going to our room "

Guys, There had been a crazy celebration back at home as well tonight, since everyone was here. We all had an amazing time. The Celebrations ended by around 230 am, and everyone retired to heir rooms to catch up onto some sleep.

But its Sunday tomorrow, so its all going to be a full on Funfilled Fam Jam for us all indeed.

I hug onto my precious Sunshine to my side as we step into our room, and first thing out as we get in, I push her back into the doors as I say cupping her face – " how about you let me steal a Carnage kiss right here first, sunshine?? I mean its been an emotional couple of hours for me...and I think a kiss from you just now is exactly what I need..."

Khushi chuckles as she wraps her arms around my neck and pulls me closer – " tsk tsk...hoodie guy...look at you...you are going be 40 soon...but you are still quite the mischievous imp now aren't you.."

I chuckle automatically at that as I pull her up by the waist and she wraps her legs around me as always – " well you know very well that I always shall be the mischievous imp when It comes to you Sunshine, can never get enough of you dammit...you know that...don't you??"

Khushi nods at me happily as her eyes twinkle with happiness and she leans in to smack my lips as she whispers – " and when can I get enough off you love?? Insaner Us dammit, insaner us..."

I grin back at her happily as I state – " insaner us indeed...",and we both lean into kiss each other at the same time and a massive carnaging duel in between our lips begin.

We can still never kiss each other enough.

Yup that hasn't changed.

We continue to kiss each other madly and deeply and I whisper against her lips now, carrying her to our bed – " ok correction Sunshine, a kiss isn't the only thing I need...need to make love to you first.."

She chuckles as she whispers against my lips as I lay her down on the bed – " i'd like that my hoodie guy...but..i do want to talk to you about everything you felt today love..its a monumental moment love..i am so very proud off you.."

I wink at her grinning as I say – " ofcourse we will talk about it Sunshine, but later...",and I lean in to kiss her again.

Khushi whimpers and moans my name into my lips again as she states in between our lips, as we start to undress each other – " later it is my hoodie guy..."

And we start to make raw, deep and passionate love to each other – as we always do.

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

4: 00 AM

Arnav's POV Contiues

I wait for my Sunshine, to return from the washroom after freshening up now. I have ravaged her in a passionate round of love making already, and we have also talked over everything I have felt in my heart – while I was saying Goodbye to cricket, while holding onto each to each other lovingly.

I am at a State of Peace and Happiness that I can't really Word.

I feel like I have done all that I could for my Love for my Game, and once again talking it all out with My Sunshine has always made me feel even more complete and content, for she obviously understands me like none other.

And Oh yes.

Well – my Sunshine's even gotten more Adorable with age.

We are just destined to probably just never get enough off each other, in every sense still – be it emotionally or physically.

Technically we are literally just what like about eight days away from our Tenth Wedding Anniversary, but it most definitely doesn't feel like its been Ten Years Already!! We are still very much in the crazy about each other Honeymoon phase of our relationship like we were before we got married or after we just got married. And even though the last ten years of our marital relationship has been Long distance – its only been more Magical as always. And I just can't wait to begin this new phase in my life now, getting full on into our family business alongside Dad, Khushi, Mom and Anjlai – and coming back Home everyday so that I can spend ample amount of time with all four of my children. Because of my hectic cricketing schedule, I have obviously missed out on their many milestones physically, but my precious Sunshine, made sure that I didn't miss out anything in my emotions. She always recorded everything, shared it with me, had the children in touch with me on video calls etc, and I know Krish,Aarna, Shivaay and Arha are so very excited over the thought of me being with them everyday as well from now on.

Until now – its like when I was away, my family and Khushi have never let them feel like I wasn't around actually. They always made the kids understood in their little minds that their Daddy had a challenging Job to take care off. And what can I even say about how wonderfully my precious Sunshine, has handled it all with balance – Kids, home, family, work at office, the ever growing Chain of restaurant's of Hit Wicket Your Tongue's.( its now a chain of 18 restaurant's running successfully all over various cities of India, and in Cape Town – Rahul has taken it up to a similar number figure and successful heights as well)

I am so freaking proud of my Sunshine. She's a freaking Superwoman + Lady Dumbledore Indeed. I keep telling Aarna and Krish to take inspiration from their mother always, and Aarna is anyway a lot like her Mommy anyway, actually Arha is too. And Khushi keeps saying that Krish and Shivaay are like little Me's.

I am right on that thought when I see my precious Sunshine, walk back to the bed with her head dipped into her phone, dressed in just one of my loose night shirts and her shots and she says grinning – " well Arnav...you know I mostly don't look up on what everyone's saying online, but today it's like I can't help it..i am so very happy for you...like the congratulations, the best wishes, the memes thanking you are flooding the Online world...everyone cant get over how amazingly India's Magical Skipper , ended his cricketing innings...like the only batsmen to have a double century on his last game, and also the only one to have four double centuries to his name..it's like literally all of the internet is flooding with things like – we wish you all the best Magical Skipper, for your Second Innings, etc etc...we wish you and your family all the very best for this new beginnings, you will always be a legend of Indian cricket, and obviously the picture from the home celebration that Ravi posted, of Cap, you, and him hugging in happiness is most surely gone viral already...gosh..hoodie guy its amazing...",she finishes getting into bed next to me.

And I grin at her as I gesture her to come into the crook of my arm and I hug her sideways happily and she turns to me as she says – " you magical dumbledore you...just what magic did you pull off today ya...the world's gone beserk..."

I chuckle and kiss her forhead and I cup her face as I admit – " and none of this would ever have been possible without your unconditional love and support Sunshine, you know that..."

Khushi smacks my cheek happily as she says – " oh please..now don't you dare go about going all thank you'ing me ok Hoodie guy...this cricketing magic has always been all you...I tell you that everytime.."

Right then Khushi's phone beeps in her hand.

And she looks into it as she states happily – " ok hoodie guy please know...our hitwicketmyheart's story's home page won't just stop pinging with comments too...everyone's pouring in congratulations there as well..."

Guys – remember how we had mentioned last that Khushi and me were writing down our Story, including highlights our emotional journeys towards each other and had penned it down in Our own point of view narrative?? Remember?? So yes, once we had finished writing it out – instead of getting it published into paperback – Khushi and me came up with the Idea off posting it up online on a Blog – hitwicketmyheart.com, so that it has a wider reach, and anyone anywhere in the world can read our story if it catches their interest. I mean it isn't like a professional novel or something anyway – its written in a very casual style by the both of us, as we just simply documented what we felt in our hearts and emotions for each other as we moved along our journey of life and posted it up.

Khushi grins as she says now – " ok hoodie guy, so one of your fans just commented saying – that ASR that was such a brilliant send off you received from the entire crowd at the Firoz shah and Khushi we most definetly could spot the happiness on your face as well, it was shining, could the two of you write asepcial post for us, describing your emotions as you went through this turning point in your life, since it's a turning point towards your second innings and new beginning..."

I chuckle at that as I say – " Sunshine, please reply that we most definetly shall get around to putting up a special post on it soon..."

Khushi grins as she says – " okies...give me a second.."and she goes around with the reply as I watch on.

Khushi looks up again and she says grinning – " Hoodie guy, someone just commented to ask – the two of you looked so much in love as you walked out the stadium with your family Khushi, even though its going to be ten years to your wedding...when will the two of you stop hit wicketing each other's hearts.."

I chuckle at that.

Khushi grins as she says – " ok I am going to reply to this one, saying – that would be Never..indeed...because that's a fact no hoodie guy...we can just never stop hit wicketing each other's hearts right??"

Ok.

So my precious Sunshine – Just Freaking Hit Wicketed My Heart all over again with That.

All the Wickets in my Soul – went down, a zillion times over again.

I wait for her to finish replying to that, and once she is done, I pick out her phone out of her hand now and place it on the sidedesk, and push her back into the pillows as I get on top of her and I say cupping her face lovingly – " ok so you can read and reply to the rest of the comments pouring on in later on Sunshine, because you see with the way you just said mentioned that last bit of what you were going to reply in your comment, kind off hit wicketed all of my soul all over again, and now I need to make love to you, again...I hope you won't mind me hit wickteing your body all over again..."and before she can even say anything to that, I close my lips over her's in a ravishing deep prolonged kiss.

Many heated minutes later, Khushi breaks apart from my kiss now and she whispers cupping my face and chuckles softly against my lips – " well thanks to my doctor that she advised me to get that tubectomy after the birth of shivaay and arha...for if I left it upto you my hoodie guy, you surely would have me give birth to a cricket team ya...like remember the news when Shivaay and Arha were born...Captain ASR and his wife are blessed with twins again...lets congratulate our Captain for that double run again..."

We both share a happy laugh at that.

I grin as I admit against her lips – " well I agreed with the doctors Point anyway because I just couldn't see you in the hospital again...you know because of the little complications that arose for you as you went into the emergency surgery the second time...",and my smile shortens on its own accord as I admit my voice full of emotion – " khushi I swear, even when I remember that time out off the OT when you went in for your second C section, it gives me goosebumps, I was so freaking scared the hell out of my mind,"and before I can say anything Khushi closes her lips over mine immediately in a deep kiss and minutes later she whispers softly into my lips, by wrapping her hands around my neck and her legs around my waist – " shhh...hoodie guy...relax...please don't go back to that...I am ok right...nothing happened.....how about we just focus on all the hit wicketing you were talking about...because you know the kiddos will anyway start knocking on our room door in the morning, the minute they wake up anyway..they are so excited at the thought off having you Home now...that you will be Home everyday...and well to be honest I think its their mother who is equally excited as well"

I chuckle to that as I say – " well you are right about the fromer bit..Sunshine...and my ears very much like the latter bit of what you just said as well...so I guess you are right..lets just focus on all the hit wicketing indeed...",and with that I close my lips over hers in a urgent kiss and I whisper – " I love you Sunshine, I love you so godammit much..."

Khushi whispers – " and I love you so much too Hoodie guy...so very much.."

I chuckle as I start to undress us both again as I wink at her – " dammit...just have to say this one more time...walking into Chai and Coffee on that night off 16th Feburary, 2019, freaking bestest decision ever of my Life...Sunshine.."

Khushi chuckles as she pulls me closer into her and looks into my eyes and says happily – " bestest decision ever...indeed..."

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

And Hoodie guy and His Sunshine, continue to make raw, and passionate and deep love to each other for about an hour more, completely lost into the moments in time that were – 'Love - Fully Ever Theirs'.

For these particular moments in time were coming on a night that did mark an end of a era for Hoodie Guy's cricketing Career, but in both their hearts they knew that these moments in between of them were like a Celebration of their Decade gone by with each other and A Toast to their Future.

For this wasn't the End.

It was just the Beginning...of another 'Magical'... 'Carnagical' – Second Innings.

Indeed.

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

TADA GUYSSSSS!!

SUPER DUPER OVERWHELMED AS I POST THIS!!

Will be waiting to know what you guys Thinkkkk!!

This Is It. I can't believe I am not writing up on over when the Next Update/ Epilogue will be!!

Thank you guys for all the Love to Hoodie Guy and Sunshineee as always!!

I just dont have Enough words to thank each of you my Readers Enough..for all the Love and Support to Hit Wicket and I can only say once more that...i want to take a moment to Express my Deep Gratitude to you all - each and every reader Off Mine...for Love and Time too my work and Being with Me on this Journey off Hit Wicket My Heart!!!

Much love Guys

Always.

Like I always say – Hit Wicket My Heart – wouldn't be the same without You!!!

Please accept my Sincere Gratitude, from the Pacific Oceans of My Heart!!

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