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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.

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

Word Count – 8.5 k Words

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12. Gravity...

The Next Day –

7:00PM in the evening – ( 40 minutes before the Live Concert- In the Green Room )

Arnav looked at Meera straight up on screen on the video call as he asked – " wait, Meera, before we hang up? I just remembered I wana ask you something..like more like your take on this? K? be honest and tell me exactly what you think...k?"

Meera nods at that,instantly. Arnav was in the middle of a video call with Meera right now, for it was a given between the two in their equation that Meera would always get on a video call with him on one one, to wish him all the best etc – to check on him if he was all set and ready - incase she wasn't able to attend a live concert.Even though, technically Aman was always by Arnav's side and she would get all the details from him , it just comforted her to do it herself too. Arnav also had this ritual of getting on a call with Mini Maa, Matthew Dad before every live concert. He already had done that and had managed to keep the development of him meeting Khushi , under cover with great difficulty, for obviously, Matthew Dad hadn't even shared the bit with Mini Maa, that he had leaked Khushi's whereabouts to him.

He hears Meera ask now – " wait, is this about not talking to Mini maa and Matthew Dad about all of this yet? Well, I know its difficult Arnav, but I agree with Aman on this, I mean, first see how things go in between the two and them tell them otherwise they'd just worry insane for the two of you.And secondly, I think itll be better if Matthew Dad tells about his leak of information to us – to Mini Maa, himself..."

Arnav nods at that now – " yeah, I know what you mean by that Meera. It was difficult to not like tell them about it all. I will in a couple of days I guess, also we all know Mini maa, she's surely got her mind working on the bits – that I am in Australia.Khushi is too. So she's probably going to connect the dots anyway, when Matthew Dad does talk to her about it. Anyway, so, its not about that though..."

Meera – " okay, alright, then what is it about??"

Arnav says as if it weren't obvious – "about Khushi, duh – Meera? Like really??????you didn't figure??"

Meera chuckles – " ofcourse, I figured, was just taking your case, brother...anyways,so go on, ask me now.."

Arnav says now – "hmmm...okay so Meera...here it goes, since Aman hasn't been able to add more perspective to this as in he says he cannot really add to this because he's confused about what it could actually mean, fair enough I ask you. You are a woman, afterall. Perhaps , you would help me decipher what this could mean...from Khushi..so, like I filled you in, we had a chat few hours ago – when she finished the expedition for the day. So, apart from my usual checking up on her etc and she texting that it was all great etc, there was this last bit – that's got me thinking. What do you think she meant by this last part she wrote, that the expedition today had a profound end to it, in her mind for the way up to the surface from her last dive today just put a lot in perspective for her...I mean, why do I think she totally was like hinting on this...in context of me and her...,"and he pauses to rake his hand through his hair nervously – " damm, if only I hadn't had to rush at my end here for concert preps and last minute rehersals, I would have been able to chat with her about the same more?? I mean, I would have just asked her that on text..otherwise..anyways, whatever, you tell me...what do you think? What does this mean???,"he pauses now with nervousness written all over his face.

He hears Meera chuckle at that as she says – "look at that nervy expression up your face...Arnav..it's so funny..."

Arnav narrows his eyes at her at that as he says – "Meera, this is where I remind you that you are like my sister right? You always have been, remember? and now that you and Aman are married, you are also my bhabhi, which technically means you shouldn't really chuckle on my accord on moments like these..you know...have some heart for me ya? Like how can you find this amusing? When, you know what iv going through ever since I'v seen Khushi up and close, yesterday? You know everything and yet...you really just end up find all of my turmoil amusing just like your husband does..," he finishes with a slight sulk.

Arnav's emotions have been on a journey of its own within. He wasn't just going through an emotional roller-coaster within. Not even a thunderstorm or a chaotic whirlpool/vortex. He was technically, spiralling in an emotional rocket that had just lost it's ways – in the mysteries of the galaxies.The only difference, being that the mysteries of the galaxies in context was that of the mysteries of his heart and its deep feelings for Khushi – obviously.

He pauses in his thought as he hears Meera say back at that immediately with another chuckle, after observing on his thoughtful face – " uh-oh, look at that, how can I not chuckle???????also, what did you just say? So you mean, Aman's become just my husband in context now haan????"

Arnav groans and admits- "well, kind off, yes, since the two of you obviously find this bit off me..in the moment, quite amusing...," he pauses to add with a gesture to his expressive face at the moment, and he continues- " like Aman's just been smiling way in amusement to himself everytime, I'v discussed Khushi since morning. He started with it last night after dinner even though he could see how I was coping through all that I was feeling on the way back. He kept giving me the amused look when I told him – I took a long time to fall asleep, for well, I couldn't stop thinking about Khushi..he couldn't stop giving me the look...when I was eyeing my phone every hour...during...Khushi's expedition underwaters, as if I were expecting to get some text from her outta the blue..."

Meera chuckles at that as she exclaims – " hey...that is funny alright?? I mean, imagine you staring at your phone like a hawak, expecting a magical text from her outta the blue, from under the blues...you know...like..she's under those deep blue waters...which is why I said...outta blue from under the blues...,"and she continues to chuckle.

Arnav groans – "and then ofcourse, your husband wouldn't stop being amused by my restlessness when I finally texted her an hour ago to check if she would be coming...and when she confirmed she would be, he just had to break into a fit of giggles – in the mini hurrah – and my fist pump – jump up from my chair..."

Meera chuckles at that again – " oh c'mon, that was crazy funny, he also did say, you forgot all about getting ready for the concert, for the next five mins out of glee..."

Arnav defends himself – " well, see I am ready now.Aren't I? and bang on time.."

Meera states – " not just bang on time, you are as always your punctual self...,"and she smirks to pull his leg – "and Aman, obviously said that has everything to do with – how you are so excited to perform up on stage – knowing Khushi is in the audience...let me check again...nervous much??? ASR?? How is it feeling? Huh??you will remember the lyrics upstage right? and the sync of practice for parts that you will be singing in collective performances with the rest??????"

Arnav groans – "well, thank you. As if, I wasn't nervous enough, Meera.Your husband's just been on with it till now...and now you'v joined him too...or are perhaps planning to take over??," he finishes with another obvious narrowed look of the eye at Meera.

And that from him, leads to Meera chuckling even more now as she says –" ohhhkayy, ohkaay, sorry brother,but I just can't help it, and it's not at the situation in context or at you but just these expressions up on your face...its adorable yet amusing, and don't you blame us, k? It's been ages we are seeing you now- living emotions such as these in context of Khushi in present and not off the past.We are happy for you. So so happy. C'Mon you know that...ohh, now... stop sulking if you want me to actually answer that bit you asked..."

Meera had obviously been filled up in on all that happened from both Arnav and Aman. She was the happiest for Arnav, actually. There was nothing more she wanted in the world – than Arnav and Khushi – giving each other a second chance.

Arnav says now jumping to that - wiping off the sulk off his face, immeidately – " well, okay..fair point...for now, I'll just let it slide because I so want to know what this could mean...k? I will deal with you after. So, let's jump straight to Khushi. So, Meera, do you really think she could mean that profound perspective – with regards to her and me in context, or was she referring to like her work in context...,"and he waits in nervous anticipation.

He hears Meera say now after a quick thought – " well, on the basis of all I'v heard what's been happening, I do think she could be referring it to the two of you in context..this is surely, her way of hinting she thought over you, in those moments??for I guess, she was done with all her work then , she was on her way up and back, right???? so maybe, this profound perspective has everything to do with you...actually...?"

Arnav grins at that in relief for it was exactly what he wanted to hear and he says snapping his fingers – " I know right??? That's what it totally felt like when I read that text from her. But, I was thinking to myself what if I am getting all wishful, reading too much in between the lines..."

He hears Meera add with a sincere smile now – " well, it's always been that way with you two hasn't it, always so much hidden in between what's said and done," and she pauses and asks with a playful expression up her face now – " tell me though, is Aman exaggerating this Tom and Jerry banter bit amidst the two of you, he was all like you should have seen them Meera , bantering also with eyes and gestures, trying to get under each other's skin just like old times...their Tom and Jerry mode still stands the same..."

Arnav chuckles on that in retrospective now as he admits recalling the events, that had sent him on the rocket of emotions – "well, yeah, you could say that for sure Meera. Aman is not exaggerating. Apparently, I still get this crazy thrill in the process of getting under her skin in our banters for every bit of her gesture after, just drives me more nuts for her, you know just like it used to in the past. Apparently, iv discovered for good, that, that has not changed...," and he pauses to ask now sincerly – " you are praying for me right? That I am able to get her to spend more time with me? also that I am able to just get through to her, through those masks she's been trying to shove through my way, with a cover up curtain up her eyes....like doesn't she know...I can sense what she is trying to do????gosh, Meera,I swear, I'd do just about anything to have her expressive eyes talk back to me in the language I used to understand...."

He hears Meera say supportively at that – " ofcourse, I am, praying for you ya.We both are.Like is that even a question?and maybe, if you pay more attention on how to catch her off guard , you might just be able to see through the mask..that's how it's always been with Khushi?remember? Catch her off guard for a second,and..."

Arnav fills the rest – " and her eyes give her away momentarily...," and he adds with a sincere smile up next – " that hasn't changed too.Meera..."and he remembers the super electric moment in between of them yesterday which caught them both off guard and he did sense a flicker of a dent in that mask up her eyes at that.If only her phone hadn't buzzed..

He hears Meera say now - " good luck with getting her for a one on one, after the concert..Arnav...it's a good thing her work schedule tomorrow only starts by 9am..."

Arnav smiles at that – " I know right, for I can totally request her some more off her time..after...,"and he pauses and admits picking up a rectangle book shaped – gift box from his side – "or maybe, before?? I wana give her this...Meera...today...first I was thinking after? But now I'm thinking, maybe now itself? I mean, I did request her to be here early so that they can all get seated in time without rush and stuff , so, if she's here early, I might as well request her to come meet me in the green room..now, itself?????"

Meera's eyes widen at that as she asks grinning – " bro, is that what I think it is?????"

Arnav nods. Meera obviously knows the significance of what lies in the gift box..

He hears Meera say now grinning – " go on, just do it...brother...you will catch her off guard with this for sure...and then maybe..."

Arnav winks – "and maybe, her eyes will give her away..."

And with that – he finally hangs up on the call – biting back on his grin in crazy anticipation. Every performer had a green room, reserved for them and Arnav's was luckily at the corner – far end – which meant it wouldn't be too much of a hassle to arrange what he wanted – in the moment. He just needed – Aman's brilliant assistance on this.

It is also right then, Aman walks in to the green room, in the backstage zone as he says – " okay...brother...I was just checking up...on everyone...the rest are still getting ready...as there is still 30 mins to go...only as usual..are well in time...stage, band, rest all is set, the arena is getting filled...at a rapid rate...indeed...,"but just as Aman looks at Arnav's face he pauses on with what he was saying - and asks understanding the knowing look – " okay, what is it that your mind has come with now? brother??what do you want me to help you with????"

Arnav grins – " help me see...Khushi...now...please? Aman??"

Aman looks at him wide – eyed at that – " what??? now??? backstage????? Here in the green room??"

Arnav nods – " isn't the first time, we'd have visitors in green rooms, Aman. Family, friends – are always allowed. Plus – you know she's more than that – anyone asks – just say that.K? Khushi's anyway all of that – combined..help arrange one of these backstage passes for her if need be...one for Manizeh too, I guess, for she'll fret about it otherwise..is it doable??though? I mean, do it the right way, take permission, you know I don't like to break rules..."

Aman grins at that as he says looking into his phone – "alright , alright, yes its doable...ofcourse it is, you are crazy to even doubt that. As much as I love your humility brother, but its also amusing, how you sometimes forget who you'v become. You are ASR – remember? The organisers are not going to deny your visitors a backstage pass – man..,"and he pauses to remind Arnav – " but dude, for me to even make this happen, you need to first check with Khushi – if she has arrived, like what if she is running late...,"And needless to say – Aman didn't have to say the rest for Arnav had already picked up his phone at that – in a speed of light.

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

In The Arena –

Manizeh looked at the huge crowd around them, with enthusiastic fans still continuing to fill every damm seat around in her vision. It really was a jamm-packed – house-full – sort of a situation. The buzz in the air was obviously, all exhilarated and excited – already -even though, there were still 30 minutes for the concert to begin. They'd all just arrived in ten minutes prior and had gotten themselves seated – just three minutes ago.

Manizeh says to Khushi now who was seated next to her and was pretty much raking the eyes at the crowd around dumbfounded as well – " I know, right, Khushi?? this is freaking crazy....right?? like at all this buzz..."

Khushi just nods, still pretty much dumbfounded and in sheer awe of the atmosphere in the air around. She had been getting all emotional en-route here – in the thought off seeing Arnav live up – on stage. Finally. Hadn't she dreamt of this moment, in her dreams a gazillion times in the last couple of years? That maybe – the only way – fate would give her the chance to see him ever again in real time – in this life – would be if she'd muster the guts to go to one of his concerts. But, ofcourse, she'd never mustered the courage for the same...until this point...and so the thought had always remained tucked away in the secret lanes of her dreams.

At the moment, she was also being hit by the memories – of Arnav's singing performances at school functions, every year, in the past. Even then, she'd been the most excited one in the audience, and apparently, she still was.A premise, she didn't feel afraid off admitting atleast to herself, Manizeh, Samarth and Amaar. Just, Arnav, didn't need to know, for now.She just exchanges a look with them all – that they just understand.

And Amar who was seated next to Manizeh on the other side says now raking his eyes through the crowd – " I know...Khushi...I mean, we know what you feel at the moment.Surely...it is getting crazier...like how can they even perform in front of an audience this large? I'd just have a heart attack out of stage fright...man.."

Samarth, who was seated next to Khushi on the other side adds grinning – " yes, Amaar, you most surely would have had an attack out of stage -fright,"and the three – high – five to each other at that taking a dig at Amaar.

Khushi finally sits up straight up in her seat now and hears Manizeh say just then – "also, man, he did literally get us the best seat in the house..."

Khushi nods at that. The stage was so up and close. She couldn't belelive that she was going to get to see Arnav singing – this up close. And suddenly, the growing frenzy in the arena again catches her eye as she whispers to Manizeh now – " Manizeh, know what? remember what I told you about that profound perspective I had on the way to the surface not very long ago??about, how our work just continues to teach us how important it is to be present in the moment, for no dive can ever be similar even in the context of the breathes you take??so, no matter – how much of the past confusion, I still have to unravel – and uncover in context of Arnav – I want to also be fair to the present by being present in the present..."

Manizeh nods and whispers – " yup...what about it?? I mean, didn't you mean that in context off – wanting to honour and accept what you feel in the present around Arnav, at least to yourself, upfront??within?? because, you don't want to play hide and seek with yourself..."

Khushi whispers now gulping her nervousness at the sight around – " yup, that exactly...so...that very profound perspective.. kind off is coming back to me..in overwhelming ways...you see this..around?? don't you??? this is his world now...and..I...I...,"and she pauses.

Manizeh understood. So did Samarth and Amaar. Samarth nudges Khushi in the arm as he says – " relax...look, if we hadn't met Arnav yesterday and had come here today....i'd say it would be fair enough to feel crazily overwhelmed...Khushi...but its good that yesterday happened before today...for atleast...we all have premise to go back in our heads.."

Amaar nods – " you are right about that, brother.."

Khushi nods at Samarth at that – " yeah, maybe...,"and she adds softly now – " thank you so much, once again...Samarth...for just understanding...you are okay right?? you will be okay right??"

Samarth admits honestly – " I will be...okay...Khushi...clarity like you said has potent power.."

Khushi nods at that – " it indeed does...,"And she whispers to the three – " I have no clue, how am I going to wade my way through seeking clarity within lanes of the past plus the bit of being present in the present...but I just gotta figure it out, I guess? One step at a time..maybe??"

The three nod – "exactly.."

And it is right then – Khushi's phone beeps in her hand and she reads Arnav's text.

Arnav : Khushi , have you reached? The arena? Please tell me, you have?

She types back : well, yes, Arnav. we just reached – five minutes ago.

Arnav : that's great, Khushi.so wait, are you like seated in your seats, already??

Khushi : Yes, Arnav. Didn't you send that reminder to be here early??We are all here. Oh wait, I just realised – I didn't wish you - All the best to you, for the concert....yet.So yeah – Best Wishes – Arnav. It's crazy jamm packed in here....

Arnav : Thank you for the best wishes Khushi.Also, Thank God, you are here. I know its jamm packed, but - listen, I want to see you.Now.Before the concert begins, we have time.Will you ome see me, please??

Khushi's eyes pop out her socket at that as she shows the message to Manizeh, before she quickly replies.

Khushi : what????????????

Arnav: you read me right, the first time around. Come see me, please????? Ten minutes????

Khushi gulps down her raced up emotions at that, as she types.

Khushi : are you crazy????Arnav???

Arnav : Call me crazy, if you must, just come see me, please? if you say you okay with it, then Aman will help arrange on the same. Get Manizeh, if that brings you more comfort – Khushi.

Khushi sighs in relief at that. Manizeh can save her from fainting in emotion – perhaps?

Manizeh is obviously reading into Khushi's phone and she says now urgently – " say, yes...dammit...babe..what you waiting for???remember? being fair to what you feel in the present. It's on your face – you want to go see him now.."

Khushi succumbs but she eyes Manizeh – " yeah, maybe, okay...but he doesn't need to know that – okay? Ill just tell him – I wouldn't mind wishing him well in person...k?"

Manizeh rolls her eyes at that – " cover up in front of him the way you want, too..Khushi...but for heavens sake...say yes...please??"

Khushi types now : uh – okay! I will come see you. I don't mind wishing you, all the best in person...Arnav.But, what do I do? where do I go?

Arnav : Aman will be in front of you in two minutes, along with two of our admin members Raman and Nisha – they'll get Manizeh and you to my green room – k? don't worry too much, it is not against the rules – k? our family and friends are allowed to be around us before performances, if we wish..come soon...K?

And even before , Khushi can even type a reply to that , Manizeh nudges her in the side – " oh,wait...I see Aman already...."

Khushi looks up to spot Aman smiling at her from across as he gestures her and Manizeh to come join him now and Khushi nods in acknowledgment of the same, gets up and follows with Manizeh by her side, giving Manizeh the look – is this man crazy??? For Real? Did he just ask me to come see him, now?before his live performance?Why?and I am going there, because I can't stop myself from feeling curious on the Why????????Is this happening?for real? or am I dreaming?.

Manizeh gives her the look.It is happening for real, babe.

And as Khushi keeps following Aman now with him strikes casual conversation with the two – about their dive etc – she literally feels her knees weaken in on her – again in crazy nervous anticipation....

Perhaps, she had been wrong in terming him as Meteor Singh Raizada?? For, he was beginning to seem more like a - full blown freaking, Asteroid - Instead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Five Minutes Later

In the Green Room

Arnav is waiting impatiently for Aman to arrive with Khushi, obviously. He's just about to message Aman/Khushi to ask where they were – since – the concert was now slated to begin – in 25 minutes. He, obviously, wanted as much time as he could with Khushi – before that.

Just as he is about to tap to the text, he pauses, for he hears the creak on the door and Aman's voice coming through – " Arnav, we coming right in...now? Can we??"

Ofcourse, Aman never needed to ask Arnav, on that ever prior. But this time, Arnav himself had instructed to give him a headsup of a second, before finally stepping in with Khushi by his side?

Why?

So that he could get a control on his emotional nerves.Atleast make a bold attempt to have that emotional rocket attempt a landing back on Earth. He takes steady breathes now – to just recenter – his hands reaching out to the table upfront, to set things in place as he'd planned and he says simultaneously, now turning around – " Yes, come on, in Aman..."

The door finally opens through and just as Arnav looks up straight at Khushi, stepping in next to Aman and Manizeh now – he feels his brain do a freaking recoil – within the boundaries of his skull and his heart forgets its ability to beat again – and yeah – he is most surely robbed off his breathe too. He took about ten seconds, to just rake his eyes through at her, all over. Surely, her pictures can never do her justice. Perhaps, nor can his imagination???????

Jeezzzzzzzzz! What was this woman planning to do to him????? Kill him, surely. Indeed.

He had to accept to himself, that along with emotions +he'd also felt a sudden surge of desire – shoot right through every cell of his being too – electrifying him in the process to his very core. He didn't want to be harsh on himself, but well, he hadn't touched anyone in over a decade and well, to now see, the woman of his dreams – upfront and close – looking like that – was surely creating a racy havoc within. How was he going to control himself??

So , once again, he just stood statued to the spot, staring at Khushi all the way – even through the bit of Aman closing the green room door back and Manizeh shooting him a polite nod too. He wanted to greet her, nod back – but he couldn't move.

And well, it wasn't just him – who was coping up with all the same – within, Khushi, was too. How many times, had she seen him up online – in this rockstar/performer look?? But no feeling, she'd felt then had been as electrifying as the ones she was going through as she finally found herself come face to face – with Arnav – all set to step out on stage for a Live Performance.

( Doesn't have a guitar on the back right now - Obviously
But this is the otherwise look)

And yes, from her end too, it wasn't just the flux of emotions, it was a freaking cocktail of emotions and desire too – as the memory of just his single touch on her arm – from last night – reeked its havoc in her system – again! Why??????? Why did this -Rockstar- look of his – have to take her breathe away this way??????? That it was almost edging her to the brink of loosing her sensibility to think straight. She didn't even know, how was her knees supporting her in the moment, actually.

Once again, he couldn't look away. She couldn't look away as their gaze held another's - continuing to fight a battle of its own.

And ofcourse, Aman and Manizeh – sensed the crackle of electricity in the air because of the intense vibe radiating from these two! Obviously, they understood, there was more in the air than just emotions at the moment. Manizeh utters to Aman now with a smile nudging him – " Jeez, Aman...looks like we aren't in a green room, feels more like a chemistry lab, don't you think?where a solid explosion just took place – because of an experiment gone wrong????"

Aman chuckles at that he whispers to Manizeh – " well, explosion, indeed but not because of a chemistry experiment gone wrong....because of a experiment...going perfectly right...do you see this Manizeh??this crackle in the air in between the two as they hold each other's gaze , continuing to check the other out – totally oblivious to our presence???"

Manizeh nods – " ofcourse, I do..."

Aman says – " I think, it's a signal to us, that we just leave them alone?for a couple of minutes??"

Manizeh nods at that – " better...Aman...I think Khushi got this...let's just wait ...outside...maybe??????"

Aman nods at that and the two just gaze at Arnav and Khushi – still in the middle of their boldly staring at another battle – and walk out the green room – closing the door shut, behind.

Now – that obviously gets Arnav's attention – and he finally takes a step forward towards Khushi, reminding him not to go too close for now – or he'd burn in desire within – and he says raking his eyes at her all over – " hey, you....thank you for coming to see me, now...,"before they hold her gaze again.

Khushi finally instructs her racing heart to act on what she was feeling in the present and she follows suit. Rakes her eyes all over him, before locking her gaze with his again as she answers, taking a step closer – " hey...you...you are welcome...Arnav...but...here's where I ask...why would you call me here? Right now??"

Arnav nods at that and takes a step up closer – " I wanted to see you...that's why..was my answer up on text too right? remains the same...Khushi..."

Khushi nods at that and takes another step closer, ofcourse there was no way she was going to give him the knowledge that all of her within were crazily intimidated with how hot he was looking in the moment and so she says - " okay...I get that, so...why did you want to see me?? now??ASR??,"with a raise of her eyebrow to just irk him.

It works in the moment – and ends up adding more fuel into the fire already blazing in the vibe in the background – and Arnav takes two steps closer to her on reflex as he states – " what did I say?about you never calling me...ASR??"

And Khushi answers taking the same number of steps closer – " well, you do relaise that's what written on the name plate on this green room...you are totally the..version off ASR in the moment, aren't you????so felt fair enough....to call you that...,"and she pauses at that – simply stumped and electrified with the intensity of the cocktail of emotions and desire, she was feeling within. All a part of her mind wanted to do was just reach out to touch – that enigmatic stubble up his face, wondering how would it feel – to finally feel it under her hands? She'd often imagined it in her head – in privacy – in the last couple of years?Right??

Arnav shakes his head folding his hands across his front, so that he can control their urge of reaching out to touch her all over in passionately sinful ways – " Nah.Please, even now, I am still...Arnav...to you..."

Khushi nods at that – " alright....Arnav....it is..."

In the moment, Arnav feels like he really needed to change the trajectory of his path towards her or he'd lose his sensibility to think right – and so he just leans to the side of the wall now with his back to it but continues to stare at her boldly as he states – " just so you know, Khushi....your latest...pictures... doesn't do you any justice..."

That startles Khushi momentarily as she asks sure that he could read the confusion in her eyes – " what do you mean?? where would you even.. find my latest pictures??? It's not like...I am a public figure??"

Arnav admits now with his side rakish smile taking its enigmatic form on the side of his lips – " I have my ways....Khushi..and before you ask me, why I asked for your picture? It was because, I wanted to see you"

Khushi narrows her eyes at him, this knowledge reeking a havoc on her again.She narrows her eyes at him though, with a shake of her head – " as if, I don't know...those ways, surely either Mini Maa /Matthew Dad shared it with you...Mini Maa wouldn't without my knowledge...so perhaps? Matthew Dad??"

Arnav nods at that – " bingo..that...Khushi...either ways the fact remains...that your pictures don't do you any justice...I mean...look at you...so freaking gorgeous...you take my breathe away...Khushi...,"he pauses at that with all the intensity directed at checking her out from top- to toe – again.

Khushi shrugs at that casually even though she was feeling herself burn within at that, and she decides to just react to the former, knowing that would irk him – " well, sorry, that's rubbish. Everyone back at Fiji says....I am quite photogenic...k? like even...more than Samarth..."

And even though Arnav knew she'd brought that up casually in context, he felt like he couldn't bear to hear that Samarth's name on her lips right now – especially when – he still had no clarity from her end as to who he was to her – and so now he feels his feet act on their own accord as they move about a few strides closer to her, before holding her gently by the arm again pulling her straight up closer to his frame – an action that sends them both – into an electrified zone – almost instantly because of everything they were feeling within – " can you not...bring..the dude up ..right now?? please?? Khushi???not now...dammit....that reminds me...you are yet to answer my question...on the same...from last night?? Who is he to you, in the present, dammit???"

And Khushi obviously wasn't going to lie on the bit now – in the middle of this electric moment – but because she was way too thrilled by the moment – she decided to just irk him a little on that. It was highly satisfactory.She says now – " what is it to you dammit? anyway? like I said...its my personal life...you stay out off it...,"and she stares back at him all steely-gazed – knowing he'd just pull her closer. Exactly, what a deep part of her heart was aching to experience. What was wrong with her???????

As expected, her answer does rile up Arnav and he pulls her closer, enough that his breathe was now fanning her face – " damm you, Khushi. Get this straight – the two of us can never be out of each other's personal life..dammit..."

And it really was the next volt off electricity rushing through her at the next discovery of feeling what she was – under the feel of his breathe on her face – that made her snap now in the moment – "and that's coming from who????? You????????ha...like whose fault is that...anyway???"

Arnav now holds her by the other arm too gently as he gets whats this about and he whispers, his eyes falling on her gorgeous lips on their own accord – " scream at me...dammit...scream your lungs out at me, if you have too...dammit...but answer me...on the context of Samarth...now...right damm now..."

And that obviously riles Khushi up now for she was surprised over how much she was enjoying the feel of his eyes on her lips at the moment and so to spite him back she says now – " why would I scream my lungs at you dammit???"

Arnav narrows his eyes at her as he says – " because, you'r still freaking angry at me...still...Khushi...deep within your subconscious mind, you still pretty much are...logically your conscious mind has processed it's reasoning...but...has your subconscious mind...found its release on the stored up anger in there? for me??Nah. I don't think so...which is why, I want you to just vent it out...."

Hearing that from Arnav just freaking hits Khushi like a massive blow. It wasn't until he voiced these words, that it hit base deep within. Perhaps, he was right? But she was in no mood to admit that to him straight away and so she says now taking a step closer to him, loving the way it was making him almost break into a sweat – " you wish?? You freaking wish you have some sort off a storage space? In my subconscious? Nah,you don't! you most surely, don't...dammit...like who are we to each other in the present today?anyway??????? haan? yeah, we got history, that's like hanging in the air....but...that's history...all thanks to you...history...that's gone...dammit...seven years long gone....,"and just as she spots his eyes pop up with so much emotion at that she suddenly feels like she cannot stand there anymore and so she says beginning to turn around – "dammit you...I am leaving...,"but she is stopped by the hold of his hand on her wrist suddently at that as he whispers all intensely – "no.... don't go...dammit......please?? just don't go..."

That tone of his gets the better of her in the moment, for there was so much depth of emotion in it and so she pauses in her spot, before she is instantly turned around by him by the hold on her arm to make her look at him as he asks his emotional gaze now searching hers both his arms stationed on her arms again – " really? Khushi??? is it?? gone?? Our history??Seven years long gone???? Tell me,why doesn't it feel that way , though???? you ask me, who are we to each other in the present today??? I got a answer from my end ready....its an easy one - for me...you have always been...what you freaking dammit...were...back then....my own freaking personal sense of gravity....that freaking holds the very essence off my existence...get it now??????"

That startles the hell out of Khushi's mind obviously leading to her mask on the eyes get off all of sudden for a second, giving Arnav the exact sneak – peek he needed as he hears her ask in a stunned whispers – " whattttttttttttttttttttttt??????"

And Arnav can only answer to that on his impulse, his eyes tearing up on him with haunting memories – " yes, you heard me right...godaamit....you were, you still are and always will be - my freaking gravity....Khushi....dammit.....do you have any idea what I'v been through...in all these years?? Do you have any idea...how freaking soul wrenching it was...for me to freaking even stay away from you?????????????????for all these years???? no you freaking don't know...you freaking just don't know...anything.......dammit....."

That startles the hell out of Khushi's mind obviously, and it was the display of that soul wrenching emotion on Arnav's face right now that blew her mind, heart and soul away. She knew he was stating the truth – right now. His aching eyes, the splash of angst all over his face – his trembling with emotion eyes – that were on the verge of tearing up – freaking hit base deep within and she ends up asking on reflex now suddenly holding him by the collar , her own eyes tearing up– " stop...you....stop...messing with my head dammit...Arnav....what are you saying? Why are you saying? This? You were the one...who wanted out...you shut me out...you stayed away for all these years...dammit....and now you come here...and say all this to me...its hitting me way too hard...you tell me dammit....just what is it that you really want from me now?????????? how do you want me to freaking react to all of this?????? What am I to presume off all of this???????? Why would you say – it was soul wrenching for you to even stay away from me??? when it was freaking your choice, in the first place????????,"and she pulls on the lapel of his jacket again – " answer me dammit...you freaking answer me now...just what the hell do you want from me????????"

And Arnav knows he cannot give her the truth – so his head now works to cover up his emotional outburst as he now pushes her against the wall to the side on reflex caging her in between his arms, holding her hands to her sides, gently but firm enough so that she wouldn't run away as he whispers his gaze now hovering over through her expressive eyes – " finally, your eyes are talking to me...in the language ...I understand.....Khushi....you really are confused...I know? you gotta why's in your head. I will answer you – bit by bit – but how about I start with the last bit – you asked?? Once again , you are asking me, what is it that I want from you in the moment...are you sure...you want the truth?????"

And Khushi is too emotionally shaken to cover up her eyes right now as she musters – " damm you, freaking Asteroid Singh Raizada...Damm you..."

That makes Arnav raise an eyebrow at her – " oh, so I am an asteroid now??"

Khushi snaps back at him now – " indeed...dammit...you are....and yes....give me the answer to that to begin with atleast....give me answers...dammit...just give me my answers..."

And Arnav can't help the flow of words out of his mouth as his eyes lock with her intense overwhelmed one's again – " I want you...dammit...what else do you think I am here for...I am here ...for you....I want you back into my life...in every freaking capacity.....Khushi....I am sure you sensed that yesterday itself deep down....didn't you?????,"and with that his gaze lingers on her lips again – intensely.

Khushi gapes back at him all shaken and frazzled bu still standing statue-ed within the circle of his arms, like a happy prisoner as she asks – " what did...you...jus...t...say???????"

Arnav says now loving that her eyes were finally all bare to her – " I want you...Khushi...give me one chance...please??second chance? To win your trust again...I am here to stick around..Khushi. I won't ever leave..again...Will you give me another chance? Say you will think about it??atleast?? But before that...freaking tell me...whose Samarth to you in present today, before I lose my mind.....all I first wana know is if you are single at the moment...dammit...."

And Khushi succumbs to stammering the truth out finally at that – " Yes, I am...okay! I am single, at the moment.Samarth's just my friend, dammit...Arnav...like he was...all those years ago...that's all...he's always been just my friend...you think..if there were anything more on that from my side, I'd not be having a ring off his name on my finger...our families want our alliance for years now...but....I couldn't just do that to him....i cant hurt him that way....he's such a close friend of mine...I could never hurt him..or myself...in the process...of ever giving anything beyond friendship...in between of us a shot....I dated a couple of times..okay..just like you have...after me.....but I never dated Samarth...coz I just couldn't hurt him thay way...that's the reason why I broke up with the guys,I dated...too..because it felt so freaking ethically wrong...to just...be with anyone...when...all....I thought...of....was....,"and she paused – at that before the word – YOU – slipped out her mouth. But it was too late – perhaps? For – Asteroid Singh Raizada had already sensed it. It was in his eyes. And Damm – her own eyes for freaking failing with their curtain up in the most needed moment of the hour.

Arnav feels relief rush through him all over – now as he hears that. His heart gushes with emotion at the knowledge that Khushi was indeed single at the moment, but at the moment – momentary concern with shades of envy also pour in as he asks now letting the concern take over – "those guys? You dated? Did they treat you well????????? Did they freaking treat you well? Respect you?? did they ever yell at you? treat you bad??? fight with you?????for god forbit, if they did...I'd hunt them down..and beat the hell out of them...Khushi...you answer this first....dammit...I need to know....."

And just like that as he says that out Loud, he realises what a fool he had been for all these years? Thinking – within what not on his own trip. He'd thought that what if he'd seeked Khushi out to discover her being with someone else?????? Right????? Turns out – now – that he was in the moment – even though there was envy, all he freaking cared about more was if she was treated with the respect she deserved – by those guys in her dating life...

And Khushi is once again frazzled by the display of emotion on his face right now but she fumbles – " ofcourse...it was all good...Arnav...I mean...whilst it lasted...as in...both of them..treated me..well...very respectfully...infact...they were quite gracious..when...I ended...things...,"and she searches his loaded with emotion face again as she asks on the instruction of her mind – " But what the freaking hell??????What's with you dammit? why do you suddenly seem so concerned about how I was treated by the guys I dated anyway????????,"and that she finally pushes him a little away with a jerk startling him and riling him up with intense emotion - only to be pushed back against the wall – with him caging her hands to her sides as Arnav whispers now fighting his urge to act on his impulse as their steely intense gaze holds one another's again – " I will answer that, later.K? also, don't you push me back this way?k?"

Khushi does exactly the bit to spite him obviously, only to be caged back within the circle off his arms again instantly – " Don't.You are riling me up..Khushi..."

Khushi whispers back in a snap – " I know....which is why I am doing it???obviously..."

Arnav whispers now – " do that once more...and I...I...infact....just stop riling me up dammit..or...I...,"he pauses to control the flow of his words.

Khushi wasn't going to give in obviously so she does the same again before he cages her back simultaneously and she challenges him in a whisper – "stop riling you...or... I...I...what????dammit??"

And Arnav whispers his eyes falling on her lips- " are you sure...you wana know??Khushi??"

Khushi nods in a similar raise of the challenge in her tone – "ofcourse..."

Arnav says to that the words flowing out on their own now after years of suppression within – " rile me up for a second more...and I'd kiss you....right here...right now...and so freaking hard...that you'd probably forget what it feels like to even breathe?? I'd kiss you as hard as I have in my imaginations all these years...oh, you remember this reference, don't you??? how often did I say this to you...on our video calls? During our long distance?? Remember? Khushi? does this ring a bell? Remember how I'd say to you then – you come in front of me..dammit...and all I'd do is take your breathe away with mine....for hours....and know what? we are freaking 25 now...and I have no qualms in admitting, that I have been doing that and so much more to Just You - in my imaginations for all these years....I'v spent being single......."

That obviously flames all of Khuhsi's within in the ways she didn't know she was capable of flaming too.Not just the conext of the past. But this very moment in the present too.His eyes shown with enough emotion to tell her that he was indeed saying the truth + she was too thrilled by the intensity and the excitement of the moment so she asks keeping her electric gaze locked with his – " all these years...you'v been single? You'v thought off me in your intimate imaginations? Is that what you mean...Arnav????????"

Arnav says now finding that electric glint in her eye way too irresistible for his own good now – " exactly...that's what I am saying...Khushi...also...I give you ten seconds...to look away....or don't blame me...I'll take your breathe away...keep looking at me that way...and I'd take it as a Yes....from you....that, that's exactly what you want me to do..."

Khushi doesn't look away obviously as she's lost into the hypnosis of the moment as much as he is and she asks – " wait.....how long?? How long have you been single?? Arnav??????"

Arnav had obviously already come up with a probable back story in his head last night – in order to cover up – but just as he is about to answer – they both hear a knock on the door now and Aman's voice coming through – " ten minutes until concert begins, brother...and Abhijeet wants to meet you in five...to discuss some last minute bass adjustment..with the band..."

That obviously pulls Arnav and Khushi out of their moment and Arnav lets go of Khushi's arm from her sides and says – " lets, talk, after? K?????? you'll meet me...right??"

Khushi can only nod at that silently and Arnav finally steps away from her reluctantly as he says – " I guess...ill just step away..before all this proximity with you burns the wires in my head...,"and as Khushi looks at him zapped at that – Arnav finally makes his way forward to the table and picks up the stuff on it and walks back to a shaken, frazzled Khushi as he says – " I'd actually called you for this..too...as in...I wanted to give you this.."

Khushi takes the first box in her hand that looked like a snack box as she asked, taking breathes to cover up her haywire emotions – " whats this??"

Arnav answers with a small smile – " a snack for you. I know you eat dinner by 8 right? max. I figured in the rush here...you might not have eaten...eat this...before the concert begins...it's your favourite..snack...k??"

Khushi stammers back holding the box – "you arranged for my fav snack?? Arnav? so that I could eat before concert began??????"

Arnav nods at that and Khushi asks now out of curiosity her hand going to the other gift box – " and what's this...?"

Arnav says – " a gift for you obviously, that I'v been dying to give you for ages now. Go on open it..."

Khushi nods at that and she is about to open it – there is a knock on the door again from Aman and Arnav groans at that as he says to Khushi now – " no...don't open it now..pls...open it later...then? I want to see your reaction...when you see...this...obviously....just keep it safe with you..k? we'll talk about this after?? I am sure...you will have a lot of why's after – and I wana be there to answer ....."

And Khushi can only nod at that – puzzled yet curious. Completely shaken within – emotionally too. The knocks on the door arrive again – and Khushi says now to Arnav – " you go...go...go now...Arnav....i'll head out with Manizeh too...."

Arnav nods at that and his hand reaches out to cup her right cheek on reflex now – sending truckloads of electricity through them both again as he whispers – " sorry..that I gotta rush...but you know...I got my eyes on you...anyway...right?? just like old times? When I used to perform back at school...my eyes would always find you in the crowd...every time?????????remember??"

And Khushi can only nod at that frazzled again – and to her surprise but delight she feels him drop a kiss at her forhead at that – with a very emotional vibe - before she watches him leave towards the door – after shooting her an overwhelmed emotional look – that sends jitters down her spine again – as a deep truth stood in her face again – as she stands frozen clutching on the gift box+ snack box in her hand

What truth?

That despite the cloud of confusions in her head - she couldn't deny the bit that - Arnav was her gravity too. He was still like her very own gravitational pull that was like a hold for her freaking existence, too – and apparently no amount of time lost in between the two – had been able to change that......

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

How was that guys??? Intense – Much?????Yet Again??? What did you think of the scenes???????? Writing the story, for these two characters is turning out to be way too enjoyable for meeee. They are like intense electric magnets to each other – Indeed.I really enjoyed writing this yaaaa so so so much.

Next Update – Wednesday evening now.

See you soon guys! Take Care!

Much Love* Infinite Gratitude – Now&Always

Prachi