helllllllllllllooooooooooooo

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

So yes -I am here with the next update, as mentioned on Schedule!👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻

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 - 9.2 k Words

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

Copyright :

Text Copyright©mysticaltales11111™2022

The Moral Right of the Author has been asserted. All Rights Reserved. This Story is published subject to the condition that it shall not be reproduced or transmitted/distributed in whole or in part, in any manner, whether in electronic or in hard copy, without the written consent of the author, and any infringement of this is a violation of Copyright Law.

All Rights Reserved® mysticaltales11111

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

** If you are reading this work on any other platform other than Wattpad/ especially TRUYEN4U.net then you are very likely to be at a risk of a Malware Attack for these sites are Mirror sites - who are reflecting our work through a malware lens. If you wish to read this Story in its Orignal, Safe, form, please go to Wattpad.

Please bring it to my Notice by Messaging me on Wattpad, where in my username is - mysticaltales11111 - if you read this Story on any other platform, apart from Wattpad/ India Forums.

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

15. Catching Up..

@The AirBNB - Sydney

Early Morning - 6:15 am

Khushi feels her eyes flutter open on their own accord, as the first rays of the morning sun - hit her eyes.Damm,did the two of them forget to draw the blinds, last night? Before crashing to bed?

Yes, indeed.

Well, she couldn't really blame either of them for forgetting to do so, actually. Because, well, when two people are crazily consumed in the passionate heat of the moment, kissing and caressing each other as if it really were their last moments together - before the end of the world came upon them - drawing the blinds is surely the last thing on the mind...

Infact, last night with its moments with Arnav, had been extremely potent and significant for her to experience on account of various tangents- emotional, passionate, soulful...

Perhaps - that's the reason - in this moment, she also felt like she hadn't slept this well, in ages, even though she'd just slept for five hours?? She feels the intimate passionate memories from last night return to her head on their own accord...

They'd both ended up on the bed, from the sofa eventually, with Arnav carrying her snug and possessive in his arms - before - the fierce battle in between their lips and caresses began on the high voltage mode...until...well...they just fell off to sleep..in each other's arms...holding onto the other tight and snug, not wanting to let go of feeling the other close, even in sleep...

She pauses on replaying the memories in her head for two reasons. One being, she could already sense herself burn within on the onslaught of the same and second being the bit that - the sun rays - had just gotten more sharper in their reflection on her face - right now. Perhaps - it be better to draw the blinds? First?

Her eyes also, fall on the wall clock. It was just 6:15 am. She had set her morning alarm for - 7:00am, given that the work began for her post 9:00 am - today. Khushi's just about to get up from bed to take care of the blinds, when she feels Arnav's arms wrap themselves around her snug and possessive - in his sleep - yet again - holding her back to himself.

Khushi couldn't help but smile at that, on reflex. Lying back in her position now, she slowly turned around within the circle of his arms, so as to not wake him up. And, that very second, as she realised that the sun rays were about to fall on his eyes now, she ended up shielding his eyes against it with the cover of her hand on his forehead, and her eyes continued to soak in the sight off him.

Dammit.How was it possible for him to look this irresistible even in his sleep??? Oh. Perhaps, it is still the magic of the white button-down tee - from last night - for technically they were both still dressed in their outfits from yesterday for none had come here prepared with the idea of spending the night in each other's arms this way!!!!!!!!

But, nonetheless, she decides to continue taking advantage of the bit that he was still asleep and continues to gaze at him. Within, the next couple of minutes, she is now hit by the memories off the past - starting from the orphanage days, when the two would get on with seeking the other out every morning, first thing,after stepping out of their respective dorms.(He would sleep in the boys dorm and she would sleep in the girls dorm - back then)

She smiles to herself at that again as emotional tears pool up in her eyes again. Their mornings then, wouldn't begin until they'd seen each other at the very start of the day. Back then, seeing him smile down at her = the most beautiful start to her day.Apparently, that hadn't changed, Khushi realised in this moment of time, for waking up to see him next to him in real time today - indeed, had made the morning - a lot more beautiful.

In fact, even during their long distance for years, her mornings would always begin with his mails/texts/pics and her nights would end up with sending him mails, texts, pics, comprising of the rest of the details at her end that followed - after their talk - until it would be time to sleep. He'd do the same, at his end. It had been their ritual. A ritual, they both followed with so much dedication for a long, long , time....until....it all fell apart then...leaving them both with an aching haunting vaccum to take care off in its wake? Until days ago, she'd believed it had just been the same for her right? But, now...all of that had changed, drastically, and that aching vaccum had begun to get filled in rapid speed, yet again, because off his presence - around - today...

Emotions continue to go all haywire within for her, at that as she continues gazing at Arnav...because in this very moment...she also realised that it wasn't until she'd felt that aching vaccum within get flooded with its refill of emotions, that she'd actually realised in all awareness, how freaking deep that vaccum had been for all these years....

Perhaps, it had been the same for him? If she were to come to a conclusion on the basis of all that he'd said to her last night?

She feels Arnav's hands tighten around her waist again possessively - even though he was still asleep - and she once again replays the memories of last night in her head...

His words, every letter of it, the intensity of the emotion in them, on his face, the angst in his eyes, followed by his burning kisses and caresses....plus him holding her this way possessively...in his sleep....led to another thought in her own head...in retrospective...now...and it moves her immense emotionally...that she just ends up caressing his cheek now gently on reflex....which leads to a flutter in his eyes...because of the sun rays....

Arnav felt his eyes flutter open on their own accord, now - all thanks to the morning sun, but he isn't the one complaining on the same in the very moment - for it truly was the most amazing + emotional sight for him - to wake up to the feel of Khushi's hand caressing his cheek gently and to find her eyes scanning/searching his face.

Arnav whispers now, leaning forward to kiss her forehead softly before locking his sleepy gaze with hers -"hey...you....good morning...this legit is...the...best morning...ever...Khushi....I mean...waking up to you in my arms...is something I have dreamt for a long time, but nah, even the feelings in my imagination don't do justice to what I am feeling right now...all I'd say is thank god...about time my dream came true...,"and he winks at her playfully and asks observing the angst and shadow of tears in her eyes, wanting to lighten her up almost instantly - " but, hey...listen...tell me...were you like in the middle of checking me out, in my sleep??Khushi????,"and with that he also pulls her closer to himself.

Khushi trembles within the circle of his arms at that.She was glad he came up with that, right now, even though she was sure he'd observed on the angst in her eyes. With her right hand fisting on his tee on its own accord,she whispers back keeping her gaze locked with his, deciding to refute him on the latter context even though it was true - "as if....checking you out in your sleep????????? wishful thinking...rockstar....I was just trying to protect your slumber, from the rays of the sun...that's all...."

Arnav narrows his eyes at her playfully - " really? so that was what you were doing? Looming over me all up and close - right now?As I slept??"

Khushi nods - " exactly...that's exactly what I was doing...like this...see.....,"and she gestures keeping her hand back on his forehead - "on that note, now that you are up anyway...good morning..to you too...Arnav"

Arnav bites back his chuckle at that - " oh, yes, good morning again.... so, now I get it...but then will you enlighten me as to what made you pull away that cover of your hand haan??that it landed here...on my cheek...instead??not that I am complaining...I loved waking up to the feel of your gentle caress on it..."

Khushi narrows her eyes at him at that and whispers - " you wish , I'd answer that..,"and just as she is about to pull her hand off his cheek - Arnav grabs her wrist lovingly, holding her hand snug back in its place and pulls it off just enough in front of his lips so that he could kiss on it in the center of her palm, shooting her his side rakish smile - " oh, c'mon....just admit...it...Khushi...you were totally checking me out...also...please enlighten me over the bit that why did you have to waste those two minutes of mine, last night.....when clearly you didn't need the services in context anyway??you totally gotta make up for it...k?"

Khushi looks at him confused. Why did that smile - have to mess her up - first thing in the morning already? She asks - " huh?? what do you mean?"

Arnav grins tugging her hair behind her ear, loving the feel of her close, harder by every passing nanosecond - "you know the pause you took last night..when you wanted to put the alarm for the morning...when I was on the mission...off burning your lips with mine...??turns out....clearly...you didn't need the alarm anyway...sweetheart...for you woke up...much before...it could ring on us...right?????so those couple of minutes, last night, stand wasted...I am afraid...I will have to seek redemption...,"and with that he caresses her lips, slowly and lazily.

Khushi narrows her eyes at him at that knowing he was doing it to get the better off her in the moment, as if she'd let him which is why she decided to rile him up too as she began to caress his lips as slowly and lazily now biting back on her smile - " only fair...I present my stand...that is totally not my fault...k? Arnav... you forgot to draw the blinds...last night..."

Arnav's eyes dash to the full glass window now as he whispers biting back his smile before his hand goes to caress her cheek as slowly and sensuously- " well, don't blame...me...Khushi...drawing the blinds was the last thing on my mind...,"and he asks now as his hands trail to her eyes wiping a haunting trail off an angsty tear lying at the corner off it, a gesture which made Khushi close her eyes on reflex as she heard him ask now softly and tenderly kissing the corner of her eye- "Khushi.... you were in the middle of thinking something? right?? right now??about us? The past? when I woke up to you?"

Khushi nods at that - the emotions returning to engulf her momentarily - " yeah...I was..in the middle of a thought...you could say..."

Arnav asks curious continuing to caress her cheek - " do you wana talk about it??"

Khushi shakes her head at that.She didn't want begin this beautiful morning with him - with tears. It was their first day together in the present today. It felt like, it totally deserved the shine of the present, to begin with. She says opening her eyes to him, hoping he'd understand - " nah...not right now..later...maybe?? I mean, it is our first morning, together, after a long time, better to let the present shine through with its rays, first....."

Arnav notices the dash of angsty emotion go through her eye at that, which she immediately covers up and so he decides to let her be in the moment. He didn't think, he had it in him to see her cry at the moment too.He just continues to caress her cheek at that in an understanding silence for a couple of minutes, before he nods - " okay...no worries...Khushi...I get it..and I kind agree..on that...,"and with that he just leans forward to kiss her head again. With the aim,to make her feel lighter, he says now, narrowing his eyes at her with a playful smile yet again - " but..atleast admit...now...that you were like totally checking me out whilst I was sleeping...khushi????"

Khushi obviously understood why he brought that up instead now and so she couldn't help but play along as she clutched on his collar and pulled him closer at that whispering - locking her gaze with his - biting back on her own smile letting him enjoy his victory in the moment - " alright...yes...okay...I was checking you out...it surely gotta be illegal to look this irresistible in sleep too dammit...you know what? you should just be locked up for this....for real.."

Arnav grins at that as he caresses her waist possessively at that before pulling one of her legs sensuously making it tangle with his own - " really?am I that irresistible even in my sleep??"

Khushi nods, closing her eyes for a second, the electricity of feeling one of her limbs tangled with his - had obviously jolted her system and she feels him push her head sideways at that - trailing a line of heated kisses down the side of her neck whispering simultaneously in between - " well,I could say the same for you....Khushi...,"and he feels her hands go into the hair at the nape of his neck at that gently as she tilted her head more - giving him all the access he needed on reflex, he admits pausing to just soak in the gorgeous electric sight off her in the moment - "also....well, another thing I can say is that I already am locked in...in the only spot I prefer to stay locked in for a long long time...which would surely be the circle of your arms...Khushi...,"and as he sees her eyes open at that on reflex meeting his electric ones - he winks at her playfully.

Khushi decides to irk him by not responding to that and she asks again,casually, her hands continuing to make their run through his ruffled hair gently - "hmmmm...got it....so....did you sleep well?Arnav??"

Arnav ends up pulling her closer against him at that lacing her tangled leg with his over his waist - falling harder for the feel of her hands in his hair right now.There was something so soothing about this gesture from her - just like there was something all wildfire and electric about when she also tugged on his hair roughly to pull him closer - in the moments of passion. He whispers now shoving his hands in her hair as well, his electric gaze now hovering all over her face - " I had the best sleep...Khushi...indeed....I haven't slept this well...in ages...what about you?? you slept well?"

Khushi admits continuing to brush her hand through his hair gently at the nape of his neck, smiling back at him - " I slept very well....Arnav...yes...indeed...like I haven't slept in...well..yeah...you could say..ages...too......"

Arnav whispers kissing her cheek now - "great, well, my amazing sleep had everything to do with the bit of you being next to me...obviously....so, could it be the same for you??"

Khushi bites back her smile at that as she bends forward to kiss his cheek too - " do I have to answer that????really? like duh - isn't it freaking obvious?"

Arnav feels a thought come up to his mind on reflex at that and he decides to push his luck and ask on it immediately - " well , freaking obvious,it is...yes...so Khushi...listen...on that note...I was thinking...since we are both in Sydney for the next seven days...why not...extend the booking of this place?for all through out?? The two of us...from the late evening on...we can stay here - maybe?? I mean we both have our work during the day and we will obviously be stepping out together after....but what I mean is...after we are done...instead of me going back to the hotel/you going back to the teams accommodation....why not we just stay here? only if you are okay...and comfortable with the thought obviously...,"and he shoots her a silent plea locking his intent gaze with her's again.Please say Yes.Now that I have experienced what it feels like to wake up with you next to me - all I want is to keep experiencing the same - until we are both here - at the same place ....

Khushi feels her emotions go all haywire at the thought. Staying here - with Arnav?For the rest of the stay - in Sydney - was totally the temptation she couldn't resist. Her heart couldn't resist.Neither could her body, and well neither could her mind as she didn't hear it come up with any argument to refute the same..in the moment....!! Perhaps, she was just hypnotised under the trance his steely, electric, yet emotional intent gaze his eyes cast on her, in the moment?

....Oh Damm...Him...Apocalypse...Singh Raizada...

She hears Arnav ask now biting back his groan, as he continued to study her thoughtful expression - " say something...please? I mean...even if it's a no...just say it...I'll get..it..this is me...just pushing my luck...I guess...,"shooting her the expression, she couldn't ever resist in the past.

And seeing that oh so familair expression on his face now, feels so adorable that Khushi ends up breaking into giggles at that, which makes Arnav send a frown her way - " what's funny??"

Khushi giggles - " your expression...obviously...its adorable...you know...I know...why you pulled it up on me back then? or even now?? right??,"and at that she spots him redo the expression again with a nod - totally on with his agenda to get his way and she clutches on his tee again as she whispers in between giggles - " you don't need to pull that look up on me...again?k? for...yes...I mean...I think....I did like the sound of that...the very first time...you said it...you..me...here...until I am here in Sydney...works....Arnav....,"and she pauses on giggles and smiles caressing his cheek - "I mean...it also works...because...who knows...when will we be together in the same location for this long?after this Anyway? you know...given our respective work schedules...."

Arnav feels his emotions rile up at that as he tucks her chin up to make her look at him in the eye - " you just ruined my excited glee...as you brought up the latter...Khushi...did you really have to bring it up now???dammit?"

Khushi caresses his cheek deeper at that - " sorry...but it's true...anyway right???,"and she pauses before adding softly - " its another bit..we need to talk about and figure..out...Ar..na...v.."

Arnav nods shoving her hair into a passionate grip - " it is, yes, but I don't like the sound of it in my head...already...Khushi....anyway...I'v only just found you after years....and you yourself said...right? that who knows when we will be in the same location after this?..for this long? So yeah...I just wana make most of that first...I just wana live these days with you first....k? ofcourse,we will figure it all out...k?we most surely will... but....can we figure that part of it out?later????okay?,"his gaze searches her.

Khushi nods at that, holding his intent gaze - " yeah...I am okay...with later...for yes...I wana make most of our days too..."

Arnav grins at that now, crazy excitement evident in his voice - " great...so I'll make the arragements...then??"

Khushi nods narrowing her eyes at him amused with all the excitement in his eyes - "yeah...okay..."

Arnav continues his excited rant grinning - "great...great...super great...so... Bring your stuff over?K? ill bring mine too...also...ill pick you up after practice finishes k? just text me when you done with work...we'll go out...,"and he pauses as he catches Khushi biting back on her smile - staring at him - and he asks biting back his smile now - " whattttttttttt??,"knowing she was just in the middle of relishing the moment.

Khushi whispers her eyes falling on his lips on their own accord. Her insides were anyway jumping up in glee feeling quite excited herself and seeing him this excited as well - kinda riled her up insane - and not just emotionally - " just wipe that grin off your face...rockstar...,"but she breaks into a happy grin - herself. Both of them continued to grin at each other - like two happy idiots.

Arnav doesn't obviously wipe his grin off as he tugs his hand in her hair tighter - " why?? Why must I?you wipe that grin off your face..woman..or...I..."

And Khushi obviously challenges him at that - " or...I...what????"

And Arnav now instantly turns her around - pushing her back into the pillows, holding both her hands to her sides, in a gentle grip as he whispers his lips hovering dangerously close to her lips - " or...I'd take your breathe away...until...your damm alarm...rings on us...nor will I let you escape from under me....until then...Khushi..."

And Khushi can only whisper leaning up closer to his lips herself wrapping her legs around his waist, knowing it would drive him nuts in the moment - " good....that sounds good...so...so....good...Arna..v...maybe...that's exactly...what I want...any...,"and she obviously couldn't complete saying anyway, for Arnav's lips closed upon her's quite fiercly the very next second as he began kissing her mad, deep, hard - his hands getting set on the similar mission from last night - caressing her all over - as urgently too - pulling her closer as she tightened her legs around him even more, adjusting her feet in a cross at his waist. She was a diver, wasn't she? Which also meant - she trained regularly for fitness and flexibility, and she was glad that was all coming to some passionate use now - finally, as Arnav groaned her name into her lips at that over and over before he whispered - " godammit...you...woman...the only reason...why I am not...getting back at you... on this is...we have less time...for when I finally begin to have my intenser ways with you...I'd like to take my own sweet leisure time...in the process....perhaps...later...tonight???,"and he resumed kissing her deep and hard at that - his hands continuing to caress her all over like a mad man possessed.

She continued to kiss him back as hard as she whispered - " can't bloody wait...for that..later...already....tooo..,"and at that she felt him probe his way deeper into her lips - notching up the maddening intensity of their scorching kiss - as he whispers - " Khushi...don't say...a..wor...d..mo..re...da..mmit....,"and with that he can't help but pull her closer into himself beginning the passionate friction in between them - again.

She obviously wanted to drive him crazier so she did whisper into his lips pushing herself closer into him, matching his moves as passionately and urgently- " why must I not say a wor...d more? W..hen...I know...it riles...you up...don't...you kn..ow..that's exactly what I want??? Dam...mit????"

And with that - Arnav can only groan into her lips as he whispered - "you are killing me...dam...mit...not that I'd have it any other way...da..mmit...Khushi..this is the best morning....ever......this...just....freaking...is...the...best...morning...ever...."

And well - Khushi couldn't agree more obviously and when she whispered the same back into his lips, she knew it would rile him up to the extent of passionate madness which would make him notch up the intensity of his already maddening kisses/caresses/friction...and as anticipated it indeed did.

Which was good.Very Good. Khushi thought.Why? Because, it was exactly what she wanted to experience in the moment - herself....

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

The two had parted reluctantly, when the alarm buzzed out on them. The motivation being, that the sooner they could get around to starting their work days at their respective ends, the sooner they could meet up - later on.

Arnav had dropped Khushi off at her accommodation, before making his way back to the hotel, smiling like an ape to himself. How could he not, given the developments? Perhaps - God had finally decided to show his heart some mercy? He'd voiced the same to Aman, who had been waiting keenly for his friend's arrival - over breakfast - obviously. To say that Aman was delighted had hearing that these two A&K had decided to figure things out together - was surely an understatement. The man, felt he could have gone up on stage to perform himself in glee, giving a damm to his stage fright in the moment.

Needless, to say, Meera shared his excitement as well. Arnav, then obviously went on to take care of the rest of the stay arrangements for him and Khushi - before he went into practice for the day with his group.

And, here, on Khushi's side, needless to say, Manizeh had been waiting impatiently for her return, as well. When they hadn't received Khushi's text to come pick her back in the night, they'd all collectively understood the implication in context anyway.

However, on Khushi's return to the room - when Manizeh did receive the confirmation from a grinning Khushi that, yes, the two were going to give figuring things out, a shot, together and the brief details on the rest of the developments - Khushi had only been at the receiving end off cheeky amusing comments from her bestie. Manizeh, couldn't help it. It had been a long time, she had seen, Khushi be glowing in happiness - the present - in the context of Arnav.

The work day began at both their ends, and well, it was also for Arnav and Khuhsi's work colleagues at their end to notice - that there surely was something lighter and different in each of their demeanours. Khushi's team members made sure they voiced the same to her. Arnav's group - made sure they voiced that to him during practice as well - wondering to themselves - what this could be about exchanging silent gestures amongst themselves -with only Syna biting back on her grin with great difficult not wanting to spill the beans in the process. It wasn't her story to tell. It was Arnav's.And something in Syna's gut told her - that he'd be out with it to the rest sooner - anyway!

Over lunch, Arnav had also pulled Syna aside for a chat, with the aim to thank her immense, for Khushi had obviously filled him in over their talk(Khushi+Syna's) , in the car, when he was on their way to drop her, in the morning.

Syna, was simply delighted at the discovery that she could be off help to Arnav, in there, and that just sort of led to another layer of respect in between the two. Needless to say, throughout the respective work day,A&K also continued to text each other in the middle when they could..

And when, the two did get done, with it all on their end,at around 3:30PM - Arnav as promised, reached Khushi, bang on time, to pick her up from her spot.

He couldn't stop grinning to himself at the sight of her walking to the car, with a small cabin bag in tow.The suitcase had served as a momentary distraction, from the eventual development of him losing his mind, soaking in the sight of Khushi, the next second.

Once again, she'd just taken his breath away, the outfit she chose, snug so perfectly around her, that Arnav was kind off tempted to just drive to the AirBNB instead of his chosen point of hang out for the evening. Khushi obviously, could sense that bit coming off his intent gaze on her as she sat in the front seat next to him,+ the gesture of him taking her hand almost instantly to kiss it slow and deep while keeping his intent gaze on her - conveyed a lot to her - as she raked her eyes through at him - simultaneously as well. The two couldn't blame the other - for the electric jolts each were facing within - for it was for them to know - this was all a result off pent up/suppressed emotions/desire for the other - for years..............

But perhaps - it was the bit that the two had also talked upteen times about this, as in - hanging out in real time,in person dates etc - in their long distance - that both were equally thrilled, emotionally, as well, to be finally getting the chance to experience the moment in the present today and so, lacing his hand in hers snug and tight - Arnav drove away - to their hangout spot....

Khushi also thought, he looked way to freakishly handsome behind the wheel, and technically it was right then she realised that she was seeing him drive up in real time, for the first time which made Arnav only grin and admit that it was about time she sat on his front seat, which only made the two fall into sharing another heart-warming smile - holding each other's hand tight..

And then, just like that, the lid to a massive can of conversations, fun banter opened up in between the two as they began talking of the moments from their respective lives on the context of everything else, career, general, change in likes, dislikes etc etc - in the last so many years.

Arnav wanted to know everything - he wanted to catch up on everything he'd missed listening on in her journey to become a research diver today and everything else in between and it was vice-versa from Khushi's end too.She wanted to know everything....just about everything...at his end...too....

And so they talked,all through the way to their hang out spot, they talked. They talked for hours after at their hang out spot as well, sipping their coffees and munching on some snacks that Arnav had brought along- just sitting out and listening to the other - in the process - zoned off into the world of their own. The world - in which - only the two existed. Nothing else mattered.....

As, Khushi talked, he listened with his gaze fixated just on her, giving her his undivided attention. As, Arnav talked, she listened with her gaze just fixated on him, giving him her undivided attention and focus as well. And what was the most heart-warming for the two? That just like that - they knew it by the look on each other's faces - that they were once again, transported back to the bit of being each other's focal point of attention - through conversations...just like it had been that way in the past...always.....

The only difference today being that....this was them...catching up on the career developments/other general developments on each other's life, that they'd missed on for all these years and being as excited to know/react on the same as if it were a thing that just happened.The fact that each were as eager to share their journey, was surely exhilirating. And all,the moments combined , yet again, felt surreal to experience on either sides...which was why...it also felt like...that....time...just flew...with its new found wings on its own accord....

Now, that it was nearing 6:00 PM, Khushi couldn't help but smile to herself as she walked back to the viewpoint area, they'd been seated on - from the washroom nearby.

And now that she was able to just soak in the surroundings, given that Arnav wasn't her focal point of attention like he had been for the last couple of hours - she felt really glad that Arnav had chosen this viewpoint - near the waters for their hang out station for the evening, and given that it wasn't very crowded, also helped the situation. Perhaps - visiting viewpoints had become old school for many people? But not for them. The two loved it. It had been their thing, ever since their childhood days. They'd loved to hang around the various viewpoint spaces, in Lucknow back then too and just talk, talk, and talk....while growing up..together....

So many times, in their long distance, as well,the conversations had revolved around just sitting and viewing Mumbai from its various spots and getting lost in conversations with the other.So often, Arnav would mention his wish off just chilling with her at Marine Drive, in Mumbai, in the past...

And given that Arnav had chosen a viewpoint,near the waters, as their hangout spot, for their very first real time date - kinda spoke volumes to Khushi as well. He remembered...everything....he probably wanted to just recreate...it all...

It also felt good, that they were both equally interested in talking, catching up, with the intent to just focus on everything in each other lives in talks - minus - the mention off angst related to the vaccum of missing the other in words - all the while. It didn't have to be said. It was understood with just the shadow of it hanging in the other's eyes all throughout nonetheless, leading the two to experience the moments and know in all totality in present today - that indeed - the other had missed the other immense - all the while in their respective journeys.

The light-hearted, fun, happy vibe in between the two due to the context of conversations/curiosity on developments in other's life /catching up- obviously worked its wonder - immense.She loved listening on how things kept evolving for him and he loved listening in on her - wholeheartedly too. Which was why, they'd both just mutually agreed with another intent look of the eye that - perhaps it be better? That rapid fires into the past for today - would be saved for later....tonight...

Khushi increases the speed in her steps now eager to get back to their conversation in context which had now come about - to being that off the sports they (each)still loved watching. For, both it was still cricket, soccer, and F1 and for it was their combined favourite given that they'd always talked about it so much back in the day, but now with time, Khushi had a few competitive water sports added in her categories of interest too.She'd already filled in Arnav over all of those before excusing herself to freshen up...minutes ago..........

Khushi reaches Arnav, now, and for a second, she just stands frozen in her spot, taking in the sight off him seated on the bench across, engrossed in his phone with a frown up his forhead. She was right up in front off him, like five steps away and he hadn't noticed her return. She decides to take his case on that now as she says, taking strides to sit next to him, faking a disappointed look - " excuse..me...Arna..v...what happened?? to You are all I see?? Haan? I'v been standing here for the last five seconds, and you won't look up from your phone, what is it that you are reading so engrossed anyway...show me???"

And before she can even peekaboo into his phone - Arnav looks up at her with worry etched all over his face and he surprises her by just holding onto her hand and walking them both to a secluded corner to the side which was kind off cocooned with a cave like rock going all over it. She asks curious on the way- " hey...wha...ts...up...??,"and she is momentarily taken aback with the emotional intensity - radiating through him as he pulls her into a tight hug almost instantly.

Even though she was confused and puzzled, in the moment, Khushi does hug him back all tight and she rubs on his back gently as she speaks aiming to soothen him- " what's wrong....Arnav???why are you this worried?? What happened?? you were like all smiling..when...I walked away to freshen up..."

And Khushi hears him say hugging on her harder, emotion and worry pouring out vulnerably in his tone - " what happened, is that I finally freaking read up on free diving as a sport...that's gained your interest off late...look...Khushi...I know you are one of the crazy curious one's when it comes to the waters...and yes...you most surely are like a human fish with all your ace diving skills...but dude..please promise me...that your interest in free diving...off late...will only remain...as an interest? Like just sport to follow up on??? Like how we follow cricket, soccer, f1... Please don't tell me...ever...that you are going to give freediving a shot yourself...its so freaking dangerous man...like...diving underneath...just on your own breathe...like...no oxygen support...do you know what I read?people have faced...freaking...fatalities in this sport in competitions etc...in the quest of setting world records....please...you just promise...me...now...this will just remain...as a sport you follow on?right?? like as it is - its going to take me a while - to ease my nerves around the context of you being underwaters for hours, related to your job...but I can handle that with time..because well, I know, you are going in with full oxygen support...and ofcourse NatGeo is surely extra careful with their safety standards as you told me about....but....no....just...like...no....freediving...please????? I am telling you...I'v read it all...dammit...its like yeah...people who do it...love it...saying...it's like another level of connection with the ocean etc etc...but it's scary as shit..man..."

And as it all of that sinks in and Khushi's mind processes that from Arnav, she bites back her chuckle at that on reflex and whispers - " ohhhhh.....so that's what you were reading up on???while I was away? With that frown up your face????"

Arnav pulls back at that, sensing the mirth up in her voice and his worried gaze searching hers, sure his wrecked expression spoke volumes to her - " what's funny? Khushi??".

Was this woman crazy? He thought.He was having a hard time processing all that he had read - about the sport that she'd begun to get all fascinated with off late....

Khushi bites her lower lip at that with the aim to control her giggles.Why did he have to be so adorable in the moment? She admits waving a finger at his face - " this is...funny....Ar..nav..."

Arnav groans as he places a hand on the wall next to her and pulls her flush and close into him by snaking his arm around the waist - " don't kid me...right...now..please?also what's taking you so long...to like promise...that you won't go exploring freediving as a sport of interest...yourself...haan??just say it..please?dammit...only then...can I breathe in relief..."

Khushi takes in the wrecked with worry expression on his face now and because she does want to make him feel better in the moment, she just hugs him back to herself at that, all hard as she says - " hmmmm...okay...I won't kid you...right now...but...hey....just.....calm...down...will you...please? just relax...sshhh...Arnav...you read it all up right? so I am sure...you read that recreationally - freediving involves just staying under water on our breathe for a a couple of minutes that's all...we obviously...cannot...go on longer..without coming upto the surface to breathe...again....and yes...ofcourse...I just follow on the developments off it... as a sport I like to keep a track on...it's not like I am going to become a freediver professionally...it will distract me...from my actual job...which you know...I love..so very much.....c'mon...you heard all about my work journey to this point...right???? you surely know I have no interest in shifting my job designation. I love being a research diver...exploring...discovering...photographing it all...compiling research reports...so be rest assured...I am not ever going to get into freediving like professionally - k?"

And that momentarily makes Arnav hug Khushi in relief at that harder but as her words ring in his head again - he pulls back now narrowing his eyes at her, worry back to engulf him - " Khushi?????why do you sound like...you have some experience in freediving yourself though? why would you bring up the recreational aspect of it then?? or say... We obviously cannot go longer than a couple of minutes etc...without coming up to the surface too breathe???? Tell me...dammit...have you like already...given it a shot...recreationally or what?????"

Khushi bites back her smile at that and Arnav's eyes widen at that - " oh godammit...yes.....you...you already freaking have...given freediving a shot...recreationally,"and Khushi nods shooting him a smile as she admits not wanting to lie to him on that - "well, before you get all paranoid. I just didn't do it outta the blue one day - k? Both Manizeh and me took a proper course - k? after which, yes, I did give it a shot...a couple of times... my personal recreational freediving....record stands at...2 minutes 30 seconds...diving down to the depth off about of 8 meters..before coming back up..to breathe...but......Arnav... it's just recreational... something Manizeh and me do for fun....okay? like most of the times back in fiji...mostly...and... ofcourse, we never go alone...always in a group...with a couple of more fellow divers we know on our island...who like fancy giving it a shot every now and then....but it's just a few occasions...k? scuba diving is still more of my thing...plus..the breathing techniques just reverse as you would have read...in scuba..we are taught to like never hold our breathe under water and keep breathing...where as in freediving..it's the opposite...we just gotta hold it in...through out.....anyways...bottom line..is that...I don't do it all the time...k? just some times...for fun....and I must retriate that...over again...k? it is fun...so much fun..."

Arnav's eyes widen at that though to the size of cups and saucers, as his brain processes it all.Jeez.How could this be her definition off - Fun? His definition off fun was like chilling at home - watching movies with a bucket of popcorn or something else as simple as that.Godammit.This woman was surely going to kill him with worry one day and he asks to reconfirm his brain just having a hard time processing it all - "did you just say that you went down 8 freaking meters in your attempt on recreational freediving?? Khushi?? like...how much is that in ft?give me the math.."

Khushi does give him the math instantly - " approx. 25ft ...ya......"

Arnav narrows his eye at her, for he wasn't bad at Math himself and his head had done the calculation too - " oh you mean..more like 26ft...oh..wait..26.24ft to be precise to the freaking decimal...don't try to tank off a ft there Khushi...I am good at math too...remember??,"and before Khushi could even say anything to that she hears him ask all distressed - "And wait...wait...wait....your.. these fun recreational freediving attempts...are...obviously not in a small waterbodies....."

Khushi admits on reflex biting back her smile, because his expression was so adorable - " Well, I did say..i'v only attempted it back at Fiji..which is surrounded...by..."

Arnav gives her a horrid look as he fills in - " the damm..south pacific ocean....,"and Khushi explains hurriedly on reflex- "but.... we obviously..go into the safer zones...that are like go-to freediving zones...super safe...Arnav..always...trust me...and like I explained...always in a group..."

Arnav groans at that brushing his hand through his hair in frustration now, as it all sinks in - " godammit..woman...are you nuts??what sort of a thrill you get out of this freediving for fun anyway????you are going to kill me...in worry one...day...Khushi...I am telling you...my heart will freaking stop..on me...how is this fun ya? You know my definition of fun is..."

And Khushi fills in smiling - " watching a movie, chilling at home, with a bucket of popcorn and netflix...yes I know...its always been that...or listening to music for hours...or just watching the rain...reading a book....etc etc...I do enjoy all of that..myself...too...still...Arna..v...I told you..."

Arnav gapes at her continuing to rake his hand through his hair in frustration - " exactly...yes...but you also clearly enjoy...diving into oceans for fun .....without oxygen support...off late....like I can't process it without going mad in worry..."

Khushi instantly tugs on his hand at that and engulfs him in a tight hug as she whispers against his heart with the aim to make him understand - " shhh...just relax...please??????Arnav? take deep breathes?about five..maybe??,"once she feels him do that just hugging her all tight she whispers - "look.... I know...like I understand..my job+ interests in context sound like super scary for you..and it can take a while to process and get used to it...because..well, you don't even like to swim in the deep side of the pool...but that's you...not me...like..it's way different for me....,"and she feels him hug her harder as he whispers kissing her head gruffly - " I know...it is...always has been that way like this isn't news to me that...the water is like your second home..dammit..why do you think I called you a human fish???,"and Khushi just hugs him tighter at that as she whispers - " exactly...so...from where I see..it....look... you really gotta figure out a way to stop worrying...about me...Arnav...or you will drive yourself crazy....in the process...no point..k? this is who I have become..k?so...just see it this way maybe??like..that I got this...just trust me...I love what I do..I am good at what I do...which is another reason...why I, myself... am just so careful...k? all the time....always...like...I am always in tandem and talks with the safety tech team when they check my equipment's on the job k?ask Manizeh if you want??"

Arnav just hugs her tighter at that - " ofcourse, I am sure...you must be freaking amazing at what you do.....but hey..just curious..so...how many times...do they check equipment's???the safety team?"

Khushi whispers caressing her hand over his heart with the aim to calm his racing heartbeats - " a couple..."

Arnav sighs at that, for her caress over his heart had begun to work its magic - "hmmm...so... is there anyway..they could make that checking -into a total of three times?????"

Khushi chuckles at that as she pulls back now - " fine...I'll tell my tech team on board tomorrow...to give my equipment...a check...one extra time.A total of three times...then???k?that helps you feel better?"

Arnav nods trying to process it all in.She was right. He really had to figure a way out to stop the worry from surfacing up on this accord that it just messed him up royally. He did respect her dedication to her work immense, just the way she had talked about reaching to the point she had in the last couple of hours had also filled his heart with pride. He'd seen the similar flow of emotions through her when he'd talked about his journey - right? She respected his love for his work.He could see it in her eyes. Maybe, he just had to find a way fast to just stop freaking out -within and focus more on believing in the bit that she was damm freaking good at what she did....

Arnav says now catching her eye showing his fingers togther in a 4 - " on all your four dives tomorrow Khushi???? Three time safety check - each? k? every time you surface up to refuel your tank and rest...just check it after as many times...please?For my sake??"

Khushi nods at that, glad that he was trying to get his head around it now - " okay..done...three times, it is...."

Arnav insists though narrowing his eyes back at her - " but..please...no freediving..until...I like work my head around it??at least you can promise me that...I won't take long to come around it...I mean...I do respect what you do..who you have become...today...Khushi..with all your likes/dislikes/interests...and yes....despite the bit that some of those interests like scare the hell out of me..it kinda awes me immese too...you know I am so proud of your work......"

Khushi nods at that with a snap of her finger - " alright...I can come to an agreement point...on that...Arnav...anyway I only do freediving in fiji..and I am not going back to Fiji..in a while..so you kinda do have ample time to get your head around it.....like...I promise...I will not go freediving behind your back- k????,"and she brushes on his arm again gently - " now...just...relax...please???will you?????"

Arnav nods and takes a deep breathe at that and says pulling her back into his arms - " come here...you..godammit...my crazy...woman...you just hug me...first...,"and he just basks in the feel of her in his arms for the next couple of minutes - as does she.

He asks now kissing her head - " you do understand where I am coming from though?? right???once again...it's not like I doubt your skills...I am just too afraid...otherwise...as in...nothing can go wrong with you...dammit...under the deep blues...just about nothing can..."

Khushi affirms clutching on his tee over his heart - " yes...I understand..k?and don't worry...nothing will ever go wrong...Arnav...be positive...and trust my diving skills...k?and also the bit..that I am always cautious...yes...adventurous... But never to the extreme/account of my own safety...k?"

Arnav pulls back at that now suddenly as an idea strikes him and he cups her face possesively - " take me with you one day...perhaps?sometime in the future?? like a recreational scuba diving attempt or something????"

Khushi's eyes widen at that in sheer shock+surprise - " you wana scuba dive???? You?????? you always swim in the shallow side of the pool, or until the spot...your legs hit the ground....what did you just say????are you saying? You wana scuba dive????"

Arnav nods now caressing her cheek possessively - " I mean...you will be there with me right? so why not...all of this...its like...it's such a huge part of your life now...why must I not make an attempt...to understand...and experience what it means to you...I wana see your world...under water...as long as...you promise...that you...freaking better be around me..in the process..."

Khushi smiles at that on reflex her hand going to cup his face holding it in her hands possessively too - "are you sure??????Arnav??????????"

Arnav nods determined - " yeah.....we gotta build a common bridge through our work lives I guess...so that we can understand that aspect of each other better....here on...look...you already understand..how my world of music works...I filled you in with major highlights..and I know you get it...so I guess...I'll only understand yours work world better...when I experience a moment of it...with you???so for that...if I gotta scuba dive myself..then so be it..."

Khushi's says now smiling at that on reflex - " well...perhaps...in the future...one day..yes...I will take you - k?And don't worry...you don't need to be an excellent swimmer...or something..anyway...k? you can scuba dive..nontheless...like for example...samarth's not a big fan of the water...himself...just like you..he is..on that context...but yeah...he's scuba dived with us...back in Fiji..."

Arnav groans now in part envy - " dude...really? he's done this with you already????????"

Khushi chuckles at that on reflex now running a hand through his hair at the nape of his neck gently - " yes..and that's just because...he was curious for the experience..k?"

Arnav shakes his head, loving the soothing touch of her hand in his hair - " nah...I think it was his attempt to score some points with you..."

Khushi chuckles at that - " whatever...k?,"and as she remembers a moment from not very long ago - she feels her eyes well up on reflex as she says looking straight up into his eyes - " nonetheless,the fact that still stands out...is...that for me.... it will always...be the waters...and you..."

Arnav asks kissing her head at that before locking his gaze with hers again - " huh?explain..the context...please?"

Khushi does - hyptonised by the emotional intensity of his gaze - " so not very long ago......I was in New Zealand...winding up on a project...after which we went in for a recreational scuba dive...for...that experience is obviously different for otherwise we are always exploring/recording for work...right? so I just thought off you then - in my head...that how..its just the frequency of the water and the frequency of you...that can make my heart come alive in unexplainable ways...where in...I am fully aware...of every breathe I take...everything...I feel...like for example... in every single moment with you...since last night...last couple of days...or even now in these hours spent catching up...I'v felt my heart...come alive and aware...in the ways....I cannot really...exp...,"and she is unable to complete the rest of the word - for Arnav's pulled her closer by the nape of her neck - and closed his lips over hers in an intense emotional kiss - already!

Arnav couldn't help it. He couldn't resist his emotions in the moment as he heard her say that and so he succumbed into acting upon what he wanted.

He kept kissing her madly, deeply, and she wrapped her hands around his neck tighter and tiptoed on her feet - to just be as passionately active - in their scorching fierce kiss - that went on for the next five minutes or so - before the two finally broke apart to catch on their breathe for a couple of seconds, before leaning in to kiss each other madly again - until Khushi's phone buzzed in on them with Manizeh's call.

Reluctantly, each fighting on a groan, they pull apart and Khushi takes the call and says into the speaker - steadying her breathes - " yeah..Manizeh...dinner plan is on...yup..we will be there on time..we will leave here..once the sun sets..which should be in about five minutes...,"she adds eyeing the horizon - "yes, yes....we will order in...k? Samarth and Amaar all packed?,"And she continues to chatter with Manizeh for a couple of minutes as Arnav hears on.

Given that Samarth and Amaar were leaving tomorrow - it was Arnav's idea to kinda have everyone get together for dinner at the AirBnB. Amaar and Samarth, were going to be a constant part of Khushi's life and he obviosuly wanted to make as many attempts to bring about a vibe of friendly normalcy from his end, especially towards Samarth. He had only been shooting daggers at the man - the previous get together. Only fair, he makes an attempt to normalise things from his end...

Arnav continues to keep his eyes fixed on Khushi as she talks on the phone and within minutes, he's tempted to walk upto her. He just hugs her from behind and kisses on her shoulder and she just gestures him that she'll be done in a minute.

Once Khushi does hang up - she just leans back into his arms holding his hands on her waist looking out at the horizon - " so...as you heard...that was Manizeh I did tell her we will get going... once the sun sets...isn't it beautiful? Arnav the view.... upfront??????? So gorgeous....it is taking my breathe away...."

Arnav admits watching her intently sideways - " Well...I don't know what sunset view you talking about...Khushi?? but yeah...my view...is freaking way too gorgeous...than that..anyway..also...I don't think..the sun's ever going to set in my dictionary now that I have finally found you......"

Khushi looks back at him sideways at that her emotional gaze meeting his - "really??"

Arnav nods - " you know I mean it wholeheartedly...tell me if my eyes..tell you...otherwise..,"and he kisses her head gently at that.

And Khushi can only groan at that as she whispers looking back at the sunset but continuing to stand snug in his embrace - "godammit...you...apocalypse..singh...raizada....the things you make me feel..."

Arnav kisses her shoulder lovingly at that chuckling on reflex now - " so...tell me...did you have a good time???this was good...right?? Khushi?? the evening spent?? Just us.... Catching up...minus my worry frenzy perhaps...,"and once she nods at that immediately as she whispers looking back at him - " nah, that was good too, I know you were coming from a place of genuine concern and your feelings for me...,"and Arnav whispers now dropping a kiss on her cheek - " I think, I now know exactly what you meant by...we both need the present to stay afloat...through the angst of our past...Khushi....thank you so much for this chance...I swear...I will never let you down....ever...again...."

And Khushi can only whisper closing her eyes at that - " shhh...please......let's not go there...for now...lets...just feel the present....please??"

Arnav wraps his arms around her waist tighter at that as he admits whispering into her ear - " I am...feeling...the present...which is why I am so greatful to you for giving me this chance...giving us this chance....and I think it's fair that I admit... I am getting pretty much addicted to the present...already....,"and at that he sees her look back at him intently before she seals her lips over his in a brief intense kiss as she whispers into his lips - " I think...I gotta agree on the latter...the present with you is pretty addictive.....,"and just as she says that Arnav turns her around completely as he asks - " as addictive as our past was? I hope?,"and Khushi can only respond with honesty on reflex - " yeah...or perhaps even more...e..,"before she is gripped possessively in his arms, his lips probing their way, into hers - deeply and madly again...

Oh Damm. Each thought in their heads.Why the Damm? Because - both Arnav and Khushi - had just rediscovered and cemented another thought in their beings in this very moment of time, and the vibe in their intense passionate duel of the lips right now, was surely a mirror of that very thought.

What thought?

That it was only because of each other - that even the very onset off - Catching Up - was already beginning to feel highly freaking.... Addictive...

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

How was that guys???

What did you think of the scenes????????Do let me know in the comments below! You know I love to hear from you all....

Next Update - On Thursday evening now.

See you soon guys! Take Care!

Have a good weekend!

Much Love* Infinite Gratitude - Now&Always

Prachi