Helloooo Everyoneee

How are you all doing? Hope you and your loved ones are doing great!!

So yes – as few of anticipated in the comments – you do not have to wait until Friday for I here with the next update – alreadyyyyy! As some of expected – this author has succumbed to a crazy writing spree...I literally wrote all of this today – in back to back sessions – starting from wee hours from the morning..to bits through out the day...

I Absolutely loved penning this down. So excited for you all to read this! I truly am enjoying the writing journey of this tale – so so very much. I hope you all are enjoying the reading experience off the same, too.

I'd also like to take this moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for being with me on my writing journey. For all the love and for all the patience – always! Like I always say – you all are a part of this enriching learning curve of my journey as a writer too. So thank you to one and all – for your time and support – Always!

And okay so now without further delay I shall let you all dive in.

Word Count – 7.5 k Words

Oh yes, it is the Meet UPdtaeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! Dive In – everyone...

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10. Long Time, No See!

Samarth stole a glance at Khushi, who was seated in the backseat next to him as Amaar drove them all to their dinner destination for tonight, with Manizeh seated next to him(Amaar) in the front seat. The two brothers, always preferred to rent their own vehicle, during travels. Samarth keeps his gaze affixed at Khushi,who was looking outta the window, taking in the view around, and she technically had all calm and composed vibes – radiating from her being.

He obviously, knew, that there was a lot of chaos underneath that calm. Tonight, wasn't just any other normal dinner night out for Khushi, afterall. Manizeh and Khushi had both filled him and Amaar over it all. He knew her close enough to know – that this was kind of a huge deal for her, within, for she was heading to meet Arnav afterall.The only one, who'd always consumed her being in freaking intense ways, so much so that it had taken him(Samarth) a long time to just understand within his mind that how was it possible for the man(Arnav) to still be like so much in her system, despite not being present in her life for all these years. But then he had received an honest answer – within – that it was probably possible, in the same way, as to how Khushi herself consumed so much of his(Samarth's ) system, despite him knowing the clear cut equation from her end , as always. And that was when he had come to a conclusion – that no point in trying to seek logic in the matters of the heart? It was, just what it was. One's just got to accept it within, own it and deal with it.

And deal with it – he truly had. He'd never wanted to be the one to make Khushi feel uncomfortable, through his inner turmoil of it all, and his preference always had been to just be there for her as one of her closest friends, for as long as he could be. He just wanted her to be a constant part of his life, nonetheless.

Had there been times, he'd found his heart desperately hoping for her? Aching for more? Of course, there had been many of those instances. Infact, for a long time - his heart had always thought that if it would be able to invade even 10 % of that spot within the lanes of Khushi's emotions in terms off beyond just a friend even 10% of what Arnav did – he'd be happy with that. But well, that moment never really came, much to his dismay and aching heart.

No matter how hard he hoped, no matter how badly his parents wanted this alliance to go forward and see them together in one frame as a couple – Samarth had finally come to terms within at the bit that – there really could be possibility that he had just been hoping and aching in vain – all this while. Because for Khushi, he'd always be a friend. Despite this point of acceptance though, he also had to find out ways to console his aching heart too, right? He'd dived in within to figure out a way out of it. And his heart told him, that the only way out for him – out of this cycle of unrequited feelings for Khushi would be – if he actually saw her moving on with his own eyes. If he actually witnessed her – being truly happy in the matters of the heart. But then – the truth that also stood tall in his face was – that she was pretty much stuck in a vicious circle – herself – so then he thought – perhaps they were both destined to be stuck that way?

Yup. He really did think that. Until...Now...

For now that, these recent frictional developments due to Arnav trying to make a return in her life - had come in place – as much as it ached, Samarth's heart did tell him – that this was the exact moment it could get immense clarity too. This was just happening for the good – perhaps?

Either way, Khushi would know what she wanted and then, he would know too – in the process of observing her closely. Yeah, there was no way that their solid friendship equation would ever change from his end, but atleast – he'd be able to move on from the stuck circle his heart was in emotionally??????Either way, he'd get some more sense of direction forward too, which was why he was kinda inquisitive to know what this was about too, from Arnav's end. Why has he returned? If, it truly is about just missing an old friend – why is he sending off mixed signals through his conversations?

Hmmmm.

And so, as he continues to steal another glance at Khushi – an idea within his head tells him that he could be off great help in the situation to her – and that would just help him figure out things within as well, in the process. He asks her now first, wanting to check on her, first.She'd been silent for a bit too – " Khushi, you okay??,"and he sees her look at him instantly as she shoots him a reassuring smile and says – " yup, Samarth. I Am okay.."

"Really? are you??? sure??," they both hear Amaar and Manizeh's collective voice come up from the front at her – at the same time.

Khushi smiles at them all as she says – " yup, I am sure, guys. Like, I got this. For sure. I told you all, right? I am done fleeing. I am all set to go head on into this..like has he forgotten, that I'v spent longer years knowing him too?? If he feels like he can keep bombarding me with ref to the past, I got enough of stuff in my head – to take him on with, plus, more importantly, I am so confident off who I am today, I am just going to take him on, head on..as me...we'v had our shares off banters in the past obviously, and I know exactly how to get under his skin...let's see him try...on that..again... "

Manizeh and Amaar exchange a knowing look at that. Amaar clutches on her, right hand that was laced into his left, whilst driving. They obviously knew, there was no way Khushi was going to make her way out of this exploration, unaffected. But then perhaps – it was just about time, she do something about that state of her heart rather than being stuck? The two agreed on that not only for her, but for Samarth in context too. The two say in unison to her – " good luck with that, we with you...right?? just signal us, when you want us, on.."

Khushi nods and thanks them for the same.

On hearing this from Khushi, Samarth says in an instant next – " Hmm...yeah, you could be right about that Khushi and I totally think that could work...but.. I'v just been thinking, if I can help you a little more on this??

Khushi shoots Samarth a puzzled look – " huh?? What do you mean??"

Samarth explains – " I mean, there is no need for Arnav to know for now that we only have a friends equation...,"and as he sees Khushi's eyes widen in wonder and conflict at that he continues – " look, hear me out,please, I am not asking you to lie completely, because I know it wouldn't sit well with your consciousness, what I am saying is – there's no harm in showcasing a probability to him that there could be something more than friendship here...that probably we are kind of in the middle of figuring it out....,"and as he sees Khushi's eyes narrow further at that in thought that was a gesture to him that she was listening, he continues – " like, let's see if me being around you, ends up being some sort of a catalyst for him, in case we all observe on the same, then we know what this could be about from his end and give you more insight into the mixed signs? No harm in this experiment, anyway, Khushi, we all know I like you, perhaps, I just gotta make that a little bit more obvious tonight, which might just include giving you a lot more exclusive attention than the normal..."

All of this from Samarth – does makes Khushi's head go in an overdrive of thoughts for a bit.She is hit with a memory of the past of spotting Arnav squirm uncomfortably on a couple of occasions at the mention of Samarth being around her all the time – on video calls. She'd often ask him what was up with him on that but he'd just not say a word and change the topic which was very unlike him anyway(maybe because he did trust her solid and didn't want her to think that he was out there feeling otherwise??).Back then, it had been her plan to talk to him upfront about it face to face on that trip to Bombay...but....then...

She pops outta her thought as she sees Samarth wave his hand in front of her face – "hey...zoned off again?? Khushi, I am telling you – I am right here. I can help you..."

But even though it sounds, like a calculative move to her mind - it worries her momentarily instead for Samarth and so she states shaking her head – " even though you have a point, I wouldn't do that to you in the process, Samarth, because...I know...,"And she pauses and says pushing herself back in the seat – "look, I don't want you to get caught up in this...Samarth.."

Manizeh and Amaar listen on – silently.

Samarth sighs at that and continues – " but I already am caught up in this...aren't I?? Khushi?? Look, it's the truth...you , me, we'v both just been stuck in our respective circle of emotions within for a long time, know what? I am not just saying this to help you. I want to help myself too. Either way, I'll have clarity too. You know I will be able to move on, if you do. In case you discover say today, that you are ready to leave the Arnav chapter behind and wana close it for good because the two of you cannot vibe together in the present in any capacity, maybe then after a while? We stand a chance?? And just in case – you do discover – it's still Arnav for you– I know the same too. It will help me help myself...Khushi, think about it...you know I gotta point here... "

Manizeh and Amaar exchange another knowing look at that as Amaar says in support of his brother, whose happiness was also important to him just like Khushi's was. It had taken a while for him to come to terms with the bit that the two could not find that happiness with each other.Manizeh had helped him through, obviously. – "exactly, bhai has got a point. I agree on this. Khushi...This chapter of Arnav's return could probably do you both solid good, too...in a complicated way, maybe, but it will....,"and he pauses at the traffic signal to look back at Khushi and says – " plus, there's that rumour of him dating Syna anyway right? in the present? Plus not to forgot all that news of various link ups in the past years??and of course not to forget, the reason why he went silent on you was this too right? he wanted out because he wanted to be in a real time relationship..."

Khushi gulps down a cocktail of emotions at the reminder of that as she sighs – " Well, yes...I mean...I cannot say a no to that...I mean it is what it is..."

Samarth asks next – "so, then do you really want him to think and know straightaway, you'v been holding on so deep to the memories of what was with him??? Look, even though it is the truth, does he have to catch a huff of it straightaway?? What if you discover – there is no need for him to know anyway – then we are sorted. And incase – you discover otherwise too – even then we are sorted – because then the two of you can just lay it all out and talk. I mean, this does happen all the time to people. They date, they have a solid rock relationship, but then due to situational factors maybe, they just fall apart, only to realise years later, that maybe falling apart was the biggest mistake????? I mean, I do feel like I am stamping an axe on my feet with pointing that, but even if you discover this is the case from Arnav's end – you'd know what to figure out in your head – you'd know what you want...Khushi?? all I am saying is that if I hover around a lot , until I actually head back to Fiji...on Monday...it could be a catalyst...you know...like if there is anything for you to observe out off it, you'd just know it sooner.."

Khushi's head kinda swirls up at that last bit from Samarth. He does seem to have another point, there.

Manizeh finally chips in now – " well, You know what? look at this way, this isn't just about you letting Samarth help you,for real but also about you helping him figures things out at his end for good, in the process too..."

Khushi cannot help but nod at that and she asks Samarth her gaze searching his face that reflected his honesty in the moment anyway – " really?? Samarth?? Do you think this will help you figure things out for yourself??for good too? this isn't really about you going out of your way to help me, as always??"

Samarth nods honestly – " it is about the latter too, for you know I'd do anything for your ease at the blink of an eye, but this time, honestly Khushi – I really want do this for myself...as well..."

Khushi's mind goes into an overdrive again at that.As twisted as this was – she also didn't want Arnav to presume she'd just been single for a long time – because of his haunting memories or something. It wasn't true anyway for she had given dating a short briefly.Yes, she had failed at it miserably.But she had been single majority of the time ever since.It was a fact for her to live with, not for him to know instantly. He'd appeared after all these years in this rockstar version with a string of flings to his name – easy to presume that if the tabloids and netizen news be paid any heed to.And so, after a couple of minutes of brainstorming Khushi says with a nod – " alright, let's do this...but I won't lie about us actually dating...k? because then we'd just have to go into a full solid pretend mode, and I wont be able to keep that up. Let's just...keep up with a miniature version off the possibility of it happening??like, you said, as if we were in the middle of figuring it out...k?infact, I think I can use it as a context to ask him to back off with his mixed signals, let's see if how he reacts to that..."

Manizeh chips in – " yup, lets see how he reacts to that.."

Amaar nods too.

Samarth nods at that as well and the four share a determined nod with Samarth feeling quite content within for another aching reason. What reason? That perhaps – this could also be that one opportunity for him to be around Khushi – unfiltered – without holding back with the worry on his mind off making her feel comfortable. That would release a lot of pent-up emotions – over the years now – wouldn't it??? He was keen to explore what would that lead too? A part of his mind sincerely hoping – that it would genuinely lead to a sense of liberation within....

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At the Restaurant, By the Harbour

6:55 PM

Arnav taps his foot impatiently, whilst looking at the time on his watch. Needless, to say, he'd already arrived here at this Italian restaurant that had an exclusive space for private dining events. He'd asked Aman to arrange a booking here – for them all – for two main reasons.One, being that it was near to the Harbour vicinity and even though Khushi hadn't given him the exact location of her stay in Sydney, he'd just assumed that it was going to be near to the Harbour, for obvious reasons, and he didn't want to give her the chance to use the Sydney traffic as an excuse for late arrival. She'd anyway mentioned she'd have to leave early. Second, reason was the bit that he obviously remembered, that Italian was Khushi's favourite cuisine.And well , there was that third reason of that private dining space too.

He sees Aman walk upto him now as he smiles hanging up on the phone, taking his seat next to him – " Meera, can't believe, I will be seeing Khushi before her, she's happy for you though, brother..she's just upset she couldn't be here...today..."

Arnav nods at that and smiles on reflex – " I know, she messaged me. You better remember to bring Meera up in context of conversations, in the moments my throat fluxes up on me in emotion, k?? I am so freaking nervous, also why isn't she here yet??"

Aman chuckles at that as he sees looking down at his watch again frowning – " brother, we are here early, already, only because you decided to like head straight here after practice, you didn't even wana make a stop at the hotel, to freshen up....its fun, seeing you this nervous.."

Arnav momentarily glares at Aman at that – " yes, yes, go on laugh all you want, I am sure I am an amusing sight at the moment, and well, what was the point in making that stop at the hotel, I already freshened up after practice right there at our concert venue...,"and he asks gesturing to his look – " works, right? I mean, I do look good – right???? I mean, I wana make an impression, obviously..."

Aman can't help but burst into laugh at that for this was literally the first time he'd asked him that and so he says, in between his giggles – " did you just ask me that?? ASR?? Did you just ask me that??"

And Arnav can only roll his eyes at his bestie at that as he says – " Aman, this isn't funny, alright?? not right now, please? you know I am a nervous wreck within, already..."

Aman finally controls his giggles at that as he says – " alright, alright, sorry, ofcourse, you look good......,"and he pauses as Arnav says now eyeing the empty private dining space as he says – " so, this place is good. I do wana thank you Aman, for helping me arrange everything.."

Aman smiles – " don't you worry brother, I always got your back. Also, yes, I'v already told them when Khushi Maan comes in trough to check up for reservation, just guide her group straight to the private elevator they got exclusively for this part of the restaurant..."

Arnav thanks Aman again at that as he just looks around. Yes, the restaurants at its various levels below was full abuzz as usual, but this top deck private sitting glass cubicle with an amazing view of the Sydney harbour bridge, really was a soothing factor to his eye. It had a step out patio as well, with scenic landscaping. He was already excited imagining- taking a walk there on this patio outside with Khushi – catching up. Just like he had...once...imagined...and he pauses at the thought as a tear wells up in the corner of his eye..

That catches Aman's eye obviously as he asks – " Arnav?? whats up??"

Arnav admits with a shrug – " remember, Aman, all those years ago, when I was this nervous and excited about Khushi coming to Mumbai and me finally seeing her after ages, remember what I would say to you? that I can't wait to take her to our favourite Vada Pav place at Chowpatty????"

Aman fills the rest up for his friend – " Then take a walk with her on the beach after? Or just Sit for hours with her at Marine drive??????"

Arnav says now looking at Aman – " I swear, everything within me as excited ...as that...really...the only difference is that we are here...in Sydney and not Bombay..."

Aman says now wanting to ligten up his mood a little for he could totally see Arnav get all emotional in nostalgia. He'd been the one to see him weep his heart out for nights after – right? – " and perhaps, also the bit that we most surely cannot go to Chowpatty to eat our fav Vada Pav anymore, without you being hounded by your millions of fans back in Mumbai, especially..can't believe we still eat it so often..though...I mean, what are we? Vada Pav top fans of the decade??"

Arnav can't help but chuckle at the reminder off that as he admits – " indeed, we are the top Vada Pav fans...Aman....,"And he pauses to admit to his friend, his eyes going to his watch again – " you know what every bit within me wants to do Aman?? Stand right out there at that edge overlooking the waters from here and just scream my lungs out to Khushi...right very today..that...Khushi, all that I have become today...is because of you...for you...that this all..is..for you...but then, I know..I can't..this is the bit I hate the most about projecting a lie to her....I gotta cook up another freaking lie to support it now...whatever said and done, I do not have it my heart to put Rajesh Maan under the bus, still – it will break her – it will hurt her crazy – I can't do that to her – she trusts her daddy way too much.."

Aman points out softly now – " always knew you'd do anything for her brother, always, but still...I am blown away...by the strength of your conviction within....I mean, its not that you haven't had temptations around, in the last couple of years, more so, I'v seen women hit at you openly, sometimes, even throwing their themselves at you after being drunk, but you have always just walked away or ignored any such attention. You haven't even touched..anyone...and to my freaking mind its freaking messed up that she's just gone on too long believing otherwise in her head...,"and just as he says that out loud – a thought hits him hard and he brings it to Arnav's attention immediately – " holy...crap...brother...now that I just said..I just relaised..I think I know the reason for her guards up, maybe? You don't ever pay any heed to the media stuff being written up about you, linking you up with whosoever....but damm...how could we not think that there could be possibility that – Khushi has been reading it all...I mean, she's been listening to your songs? Which means she's surely been keeping up with your news online – and off late – there's so much stuff about you and Syna..that..its...kinda crazy..."

And just as Arnav hears that from Aman – realisation hits him big time as he says turning in his chair to Aman – " holy hell, crap...Aman...I guess you are right..dammit....crap....crap...crap....,"and he says instantly next – " ill clear the air tonight...Aman..I most surely will...I mean..I can't believe it didn't hit me...prior...I'v been a fool.."

Aman sighs – " don't beat yourself for it...k??you'v been on a massive emotional roller coaster within anyway..."

Arnav nods at that and eyes his phone again – "why isn't she here yet? 5v minutes over already? Should I just text her?"

Aman nods.

Arnav does.

Him : Khushi, where are you??

His phone beeps.

Her : Coming up in a couple of minutes, Arnav. Amaar was just parking. Also, wait, the reservation is in Aman's name?right?? we'll just get ourselves seated...and wait..

Arnav types back at the speed of light.

Him : why would you wait? when I am already here???Khushi??

Her : wait?? what? you are already there?

Him : ofcourse, I am. Did you just presume I'd be late?

Her : yeah, at least by a couple of minutes maybe...I mean...you were caught up in finishing up your rehearsal, right? so I thought..maybe..

Arnav type's at the speed of light.

Him : I am always punctual, Khushi. Before time, infact. You know that. Its always been that way, don't you remember my habbit of always being ten minutes early..

Her : yea...I thought..probably..that has changed...now? maybe??

Him : it hasn't okay? I am right here already. Waiting.Aman is too. Just say your name at the entrance, and they'd guide you here...to this private dining space at the top floor.

Her : Oh, okay...we'll be there in a minute I guess, just walking in...

And just as Arnav reads that from her – finally – he picks up on a glass of water in front and gulps it down in nervous anticipation before he says to Aman, composing his racy emotions within – "she's here...Aman...she's finally here..."

And Aman can only nod back at his bestie in support in the moment – obviously. He knew what a huge deal this was for Arnav – right? It was the hugest deal of the decade for him – Indeed.

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Khushi says to Manizeh, Amaar and Samarth right now in a whisper as the elevator took them up, so that the other person in audience – the front desk manager of the restaurant doesn't hear her – " I should have had a glass of water, prior to this! Damm. Why am I this nervous??? Guys?? Probably because, I cannot trust my insides to not like make a fool of myself – I mean I have all this casual cover up plan in place, we talked and planned it all guys, right? like what if I only mess up??? Have my back..alright? guys? In case you spot me, detouring from my mind's sensibility ...k?guys?? k? just say you got my back...."

Manizeh utters under her breath first at that smiling at the front desk manager politely – " ofcourse, we got your back, babe.."

Amaar says out what was on his mind on reflex – " did he really just book a private dining space though? am impressed. Although, I am sure, he's trying to leave that impression on you...Khushi.."

Khushi rolls her eye at that as she whispers – " Amaar, that is not helping...k?,"and she states – " and wait..wait...this is the time...I remind you...none of you go into his singing fan mode...okay?? I mean, atleast not straight away...maybe later?remember we gotta be all casual first.....you are my team..."

Samarth says in a whisper to Khushi – " just relax, will you please? you got this? I am right here, remember?????"

Khushi nods – " yeah, this is just last minute jitters, because well I am seeing him for the first time, ever since I left for Fiji...that's all, we were just into our teens then...and now...well, we aren't...obviously.."

Manizeh, Amaar and Samarth shoot her a supportive look at that and Manizeh asks her to take deep breathes and Khushi does, and it does help her – re-center it all within – just in time – as the elevator comes to the stop and the door opens – with the front desk manager leading them out.

Khushi says to all feeling all the bravely return – " okay...yes...I am heading out..first..I got this...I got this,"and she is the first one of the four to step out behind the manager and she can obviously sense them all come out behind her – too – instantly.

Khushi takes a couple of steps - beginning to run her hand through her open hair to bring it all to one side – it's a bit she'd always do to seal the lid over the nerves within – before composure finally took over – and it is also right then she statues in her steps instantly. Why?

Because, she hears the deep voice that she'd hear so often in the form of his songs even today, the voice that had haunted her dreams, finally fall into her ears in real time with the words – " You still do that???Khushi???????? I remember what that means..."

What The???????????????? Did he just catch her in the middle of her usual gesture???????????? Did he just hint he very well, remembers the context? Damm. Him. Freaking. Meteor Singh Raizada.

She looks sideways, in the direction off the voice obviously and just like that – everything around her – and in her – comes to a freaking standstill as she finally registers the sight off him in person. How could it not? When she was finally...seeing...Him. When she was finally seeing...

Arnav...

He was right there – leaning against the wall to the right – with his arms folded up his front – smiling down at her. That rakish side smile of his. That apparently still was the same. Another point of discovery - That apparently this smile had just managed to send down fresh rounds off goosebumps down her arms in real time and not just in virtual time – of seeing him up on screen then/or now.

Wait? Was he waiting here? Himself?? By the corridor outside the elevator?????

And had it all come to a Standstill within Arnav too???? Oh yes, it had. It indeed had. How could it not – when he was finally seeing – Khushi..His Khushi...after all these years.He hadn't been able to wait anymore which was why he'd stationed himself by this wall near the end of the short corridor – after the elevator. Hadn't his eyes ached for years to see this sight in front of him for Real? In Real time???

And so, needless to say – for a second – he just stood there in his spot – frozen, after those words left his mouth on reflex. His eyes basking in the sight of her. Running all over her. His heartbeats ramping in the middle of his chest. She'd aged into a gorgeous woman – Indeed.Way too Gorgeous...and Mesmereising....

God knew. His god knew, all he freaking wanted to do was, hug her tight first - whisk her up in his arms straight away after – and twirl her around, with the aim of spinning her world off its rotational axis – because – that's what her finally being in front off him – had done to him. It had spun his head off it's sanity. It had thrown his heart out off it's ventricle's boundary for sure. It had just whirled his world – off its rotational axis. How could he look away? He couldn't stop just gazing at her!

Khushi stood frozen, hypnotised by the moment – too - obviously. It was freaking inevitable. She could obviously feel her insides - shivering under that intense gaze off his, but because she'd decided she wasn't going to chicken out – she freaking looked back at him straight too – scanning up all over – thinking to herself - Just why was – looking even more rakishly handsome than he did up on screen/music videos/concerts? Oh Damm. Now that she was finally seeing him in real time – she couldn't deny the bit that he truly had aged in his years to – the version off – The Hunk God...

Scanning her, gazing at her all over again , pretty much more like staring boldly – Arnav finally asks again – " you still do that thing with your hair, when you are nervous? Khushi?well, only fair that I admit, I'v been nervous too, Khushi"and it is also with the end of that – he finally looks up straighter up at her face and his eyes finally meet hers. Finally...After all these years...

Uptil now, they'd just been scanning her all over just like he could sense her do the same. But now, as his eyes held her's -everything else hazed around him- even more. His head registered the presence of her friends behind her – vaguely – he had from the very second they'd stepped out behind her but he had been in no position to process or react on that because – well, he just couldn't take his eyes off Khushi. His Khushi. And he couldn't do the same right now too – because well – now he just couldn't get himself to look away from Her eyes,now. They were still the same. That same sparkle.That same depth...

And Khushi – stood hypnotised by the intensity of the moment of his gaze holding her's deep for the main reason – that she wasn't freaking a new witness to this look. It was the same look, that he'd often look at her through with at – through the video calls on their four-year long-distance relationship. It was the same look, same intensity – that he'd sent her way – when he'd first kissed her back in their early teens. Or when, she left for Fiji Islands... It was the same freaking look. The look that screamed the bit – When you walk in, You are all I see.

So, she just stood hypnotised - Out of sheer shock off finding him looking at her the same freaking way like always did, now seven years later. Was she imagining this? Was she dreaming this? Nah. She wasn't. Her melting, shivering insides – were a freaking testimony of that.

She wondered the why behind the same but she didn't le it take over her head completely.What she did do instead? She obviously was not going to look away – first? So she just continued to hold his gaze too – finding the courage to mask her emotions from leaking out through her eyes, in the process – though.

She was up here to collide.Disrupt his Orbit – right?? And that look just reconfirmed to her yet again – that she surely had some power too!

He kept holding her gaze, intensely. She kept holding his gaze as intensely, with each of them going through a mini flashback off all their emotional turmoil within – which was still completely unknown to the other...

Time was happy being still. Actually. It didn't want to move in its clock – it seemed. The sheer intensity of the moment – had hypnotised it too.

And ofcourse – Samarth, Manizeh, Amaar and Aman – were a witness to this intensity of the moment too – indeed. It was so freaking electric + intense – the vibe in between the two – as they finally stood frozen just looking at each other after ages – that it was obvious to Samarth, Manizeh, Amaar by just observing on the way Arnav was looking at Khushi – that there was no way he just wanted to be friends. Samarth's heart ached – at the discovery – but in his mind he was sure. He whispers to Manizeh and Amaar now – " he's here...for Her. And not just in the capacity of being friends....guys...mark my words... ..."

Manizeh and Amaar answer in a whisper on reflex – " we get it too, obviously. Its that obvious,"and Manizeh looks at the two though – " but wait..should I like nudge her or something? she asked us to remember? Say if she slipped?? This is more than just a minor slip..why can't she just look away????"

Amaar and Samarth nod at that and just as Manizeh is about to do the same to nudge Khushi she stops, because she see's the man she's presumed is Aman gesture her from across – not to do the same as he walks up to the three and politely greets them all – " hi...I am Aman.."

The three introduce themselves politely and Aman explains – " sorry, Manizeh, I asked you not to intervene, because well my friends been waiting for this moment, for a long long time, only fair..we just let it be..."

Manizeh , Samarth and Amaar look at him puzzled as they ask - " what do you mean??"

Aman shrugs as he says cryptically – " perhaps – that there is more than what meets the eye?????,"which just confuses the three, and they are all interrupted by the front desk manager asking them – if she could take their leave. Even as a stranger – she had observed on the intensity of the moment. Clearly – these two individuals in context – had some solid intense history hanging in the air...

And it is only when the two hypnotised – Arnav+ Khushi - hear Aman's voice fall into their ears from around politely telling the manager that he'd take it from there and that she could go back to her work – desk – below – Khushi finally manages to get her neurons to dish out an answer to the question he's asked, still keeping her gazed locked with his with a mask up on it brushing her hair to the other side again to mention the context– " well, yeah...I still do that...Arnav...out of a habbit, I guess, but you see...now..seven years later...since I last saw you virtually,the context has completely changed. I don't do it out of nervousness – anymore.."

And that hits Arnav a little obviously but he was too happy to take that jibe otherwise so he grins and adds now taking a step closer to her finally – " Alright, if you say so...Khushi...how'v you been?? Long time, no see?? You look great....,"he finishes, taking another step closer – raking his eyes all over her.

And at that Khushi finally steps forward a step too – scanning him all over again just like he was as she chuckles, keeping up with the act off causality but with a fresh twist – " an apt phrase,indeed. Long time, no see.....you look great... ASR...,"she finishes with that with a mocking raise of her eyebrow – knowing it would irk him.Insane. It wasn't long ago – he'd asked her never to call him that on text.

And even though – it does irk him – hearing ASR from Khushi – in person does irk him insane, Arnav still shoots her another rakish smile taking a step closer again.Why the smile? Because, he was still so freaking blown away and mesmerised by her in the present moment.He shakes his head for a nanosecond as he reminds her straight – " what did I say about you ever calling me ASR? Khushi?? need a reminder – in person – can you not call me that? ever again??"

And Khushi folds her arms across her front in a challenge already taking another step in front of him. She felt her insides accept to itself within though – that she was freaking thrilled by the moment – " why shouldn't I? ASR????the world does..."

And now that does irk him a little more – but he finally holds her gaze again straight as he states boldly sure that she could sense the intensity in his voice – giving a damm to the fact that the rest were still around – " my answer remains the same.Khushi. Because, I am Arnav to you...always was...always will be..."

Now that obviously startles, Khushi – finally for she wasn't expecting him to say that upfront in front of all and she decides to irk him further by continuing to address him as ASR.She choses not to react to that at all – as she finally says instead introducing Manizeh, Amaar and Samarth – " guys, this is...ASR...and ASR ...this is..Manizeh, Amaar and Samarth.."

Arnav shoots Khushi another rakish smile with the look that says. I know you are trying to irk me, but he obviously meets and greets the three of her closest friends now, shaking hands with each – " Hello....Manizeh, Amaar, Samarth, I'v heard a lot about you...through Khushi...obviously...back then..it's nice to finally meet you...thank you for being a constant part of Khushi's support system ever since she moved to Fiji..."

That obviously surprised the three and for a moment – all they can do is just politely muster a – " its nice to meet you too...finally...we'v known you in some ways..through Khushi...,"collectively.

And simultaneously, Khushi had obviously turned around to Aman, her gaze softening on reflex at the sight off him smiling down at her fondly as he says – " Khushi...hey..man...how long has it been...so so good to finally see you in person...Meera is super bummed to be missing out on seeing you today..she says hi..,"And Khushi can only beam at him at that as she says – " Aman...hey....yes...super long indeed...11 years...ya...congratulations to you again. I did send my best wishes through Mini maa on your wedding day. Please tell Meera - I said hi too..."

Aman smile at that – " I will..,"and just as he is about to initiate the next talk with Khushi – they all hear Arnav's voice fall into their years – " 11 years...2 months..and..22 days...that's how long it's been right Aman...since the day Khushi left for Fiji??since we last saw her leaving the gates?? So looks like you got that fact wrong, Khushi...its just not been 11 years..11 years 2 months and 22 days....to be precise.....,"and as Aman nods at that – Khushi turns around to face Arnav again – partly shaken within – at the reminder of years, months, days bit from him and as she hears him say aiming to lock his gaze with her again – " technically long time, no see...Khsuhi...but why does it feel like...it really isn't...," he pauses – and this time around as Khushi finally hears that from him - she partly fears her mask falling off her eyes – for sure – in the middle of holding his electric gaze - but she is saved – by Samarth in the moment – thankfully – calling out her name – " Khushi...hey...a second...please??"

Samarth had sensed, that he'd needed to step in the moment to save Khushi's mask from slipping away and so he'd just called out gestured her to come aside and thankfully she'd understood where he was coming from – and so she just manages to look past Arnav and sharing a nod with Samarth – she walks with him to the side whispering – " Thank you, for that....Samarth...I didn't expect him too...say that..,"and Samarth whispers just brushing on her arm in support – " no worries,K. I figured you'd need rescue in the moment. You okay??"

And Khushi just pretends to be in deep conversation with him at the side under the pretext off regaining her cool – again. Manizeh, Amaar knew what this was about.

But Arnav didn't.

And something within – at the mere sight off Samarth asking Khushi aside when they were technically in the middle of a moment – riled Arnav up insane. His insides were fuming – like they hadn't in a long time.He tried to cover it up on his face obviously – shooting Manizeh and Amaar a polite smile as Aman initiated some small talk....but...his eyes kept lingering back to the sight off Samarth talking up to Khushi in the corner. They looked super close and connected in the moment – for sure. Why did he have to brush and hold her arm – that way???????????

Why did she have to walk away in the middle of a moment with him after all these years – to have a chat with Samarth??????? Who was he to her???Were they together???And suddenly, as he stole another look at the two – in the middle of the small talk with the rest - his resolve kept strengthening within nonetheless – despites his envy meter hitting high – by the second.

What resolve?

That there was no way – he was letting this dinner pass – without seeking clarification from Khushi on the same....Indeed.

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

Tadaaa!

No shoes at me for stopping there – K?????????

How was that guys??? What did you think of the impact off the first – Face to Face????????I really enjoyed writing this yaaaa so so smuch. But I just felt I had to pause here – for the impact. The rest of the follow up scene is anyway going to be intense too – so – I just felt it would be better to have this bit soak in first in the reading experience...

Next Update – On Saturday evening

See you soon guys! Take Care!

Much Love* Infinite Gratitude – Now&Always

Prachi