helllooooooo

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

So yes –I am here with the next update, bang on schedule

It's a super duper intense update – emotionally – this time around – you will know once you read the update!

Seatbealts onnnn....dear readers...

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 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.

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

17. Release

The Next Day – Lucknow, India

3:30 PM (Time in Sydney – 8:00 PM)

At the Orphanage

Mini walked into their room, behind Matthew deep in thought. They'd just returned from their respective workplaces for the day. She see's Matthew , her beloved husband, keep his workbag on the desk aside, as he begins to take his coat off.

Mini smiles to herself at that. One thing she hadn't been able to yet digest was that, how Matthew still after all these years as a professor – loved to have his coats/blazers on – to work – every single day. In the chills and the winters, it obviously served the purpose. But even, in the summers?

She walks over to help her beloved get the coat off him now completely from behind as she says the same to him – " I still don't get it, why you have to wear this to work, everyday my love...I mean...the summers will set in sooner now...at least this upcoming summer..quit the coat..."

Matthew chuckles at that as he admits – " well, then , no one at the Lucknow university will recognise this professor..anymore...you know I am quite famous for my sophisticated yet nerdy look – there – every morning.."

Mini rolls her eyes at that as she says – " yes, yes, I know...,"and she hears Matthew ask rubbing a hand over her arm studying her face now – " anyway, leave that Mini, will you please tell me , what's on your mind at the moment?? Clearly, you are lost into a deep thought...while we were on the way up here...even when we got in...you did get all smiling...meeting the kids...downstairs...as they returned...back from the school...but then...after..that...that look off deep thought was back up your face as we made our way up??"

The orphanage was still all full in its capacity including kids across various ages.The familial vibe, loving energy , its buzzing hustle, bustle, was still what kept Mini and Matthew, heart's full.

Before, Mini can even answer Matthew on that, she hears him ask – " wait, is this about the last bit off the renovation work that is about to begin at the dorm wings?for the kids?as we saved that for last? I told you, not to worry about it, Mini.All is set.It will happen in stages,too.On that note, I think it is only fair I drop Arnav and Aman a text to thank them for the same. I mean, if it wasn't for them, our orphanage wouldn't have been refurbished with this complete new look.....I mean, can we ever thank him enough? Mini? Ever since Arnav hit stardom, he's just taken this active role by our side, helping us – plan the future of the kids here not just academically but for their avocational interests too, and then...since the last couple of years...how's he's just been so adamant...to have the whole orphanage undergo this solid revamp...bit by bit..."

Mini nods at that – " I agree Matthew, in fact you know, if it hadn't been for Arnav's persistence on the same, I would have never agreed to it at all. It was too much, work..."

Matthew – " the work, that never became a headache, because, Arnav along with Aman and Meera made sure, they had it executed as seamlessly...for us...imagine...Mini...with all that Arnav's got on his plate, his crazy recording and touring schedule, he still was so actively involved in the process...with the work team executing it all here....and to forget, he's not let us contribute a penny towards the renovations...from our savings...."

Mini nods at that and she admits now smiling – " I know...Matthew... he's given so much back to us already...more than necessary and since the last couple of days, I'v just been thinking...maybe, I should also give more weightage to his emotional perspective on Khushi's account, now that so many days have passed. I mean, uptil, now – I'v been advocating about Khushi's space to him but maybe, it also wont harm to call Khushi up and ask her what her decision was on the same? One more time???"

Uh-Oh. Matthew controls his expressions at that with great difficulty. Mini still had no clue, about the bits he had leaked to Arnav through Meera, already! It was the longest he'd kept a secret from her. He was right on that thought of what to say to her, as she asked again deep in thought – " What say? Matthew? Should I just ring, Khushi????

Just as Matthew was about to answer her, he feels his phone buzz and he picks it up instantly from the bed and his eyes widen in surprise on its own accord as he says to Mini – " Look....there he is...its Arnav calling...video calling...actually..."

Mini smiles – " our kid has a long life...pick it up Matthew, I think I wana apologize to him first, for not giving in to his requests, by now..."

Matthew nods and he picks up the call immediately and just as they see – Arnav's happy, glowing, grinning face come into the screen now as he says excited– " Hello...Mini Maa, Matthew Dad...how are you??????are you two back from work??,"and Mini says into the phone on reflex , loving the glow on his face – " hellllo...beta...yes we are back from work...but...that's not what I wana talk about for now...I mean...just ...look at you....you look so happy.......I am sure, the prep for the rest of the tour is going very well...we saw the video up online from your performance...in Sydeny beta,..and once again...we were just blown away...I texted you right?? but I just had to say it again to you,"And she sees Arnav happily grin at that with a nod – his lips stretching to the size off River Nile , she can't help but eye Matthew who was also reading into Arnav's expression on the phone – "but wait, Matthew, is it just me? or do you also think?there's surely got to be another reason...to this smile...today?? I mean, when was the last time, we saw him smiling this...way...Matthew??this light hearted, carefree, happyyyy???"

Matthew gestures to Mini the same, as he continues to study Arnav, hoping this smile had everything to do with Khushi in context. Hoping, that Arnav had been able to get through to Khushi. – " Exactly, Mini. I think the same too. It's been ages, since, we'v seen him smile this way..."

And they both hear Arnav say to that grinning – " well, I am glad you two noticed. But hey, Mini Maa, Matthew Dad , why don't you both take your seats...?? I have something to talk to you two about..."

And at that the two do take their seats exchanging puzzled looks and it is right then they hear Arnav say grinning – " okay, now that you are seated, I cannot wait to tell you...the reason behind my smile...right now...or wait....why don't I just show you instead?????"

And Mini and Matthew exchange a puzzled – huh at that? But the very next second, they do feel as if the floor did snatch itself below their feet as they hear Arnav say a Happy – Surpriseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee – shifting the phone screen – and they both see – Khushi pop into the video frame, right next to him, as they hear Khushi say grinning, as happily too, – " Surpriseeeeeeeeeeeeee, Surpriiiseeeeee.......Mini Maa, Matthew Dad..........."

And Mini can only gape at the screen in part shock and stunned happiness and relief too as she holds Matthew's hand shaking in immense emotion, herslef – " Matthew, are you seeing this? What I am seeing ? am I really? seeing our Arnav and Khushi together in one frame right now??????? after ages?????????????or is this a dream? oh it better not be a dream....,"And tears of happiness begin to blur her eyes.

Matthew nods exhilarated in happiness too as he states clutching on Mini's hand – " It is not a dream, I just clutched on your hand, to affirm that....yes, Mini, yes....what we are seeing is true..Mini...our Arnav and Khushi, together in one frame...finally...after all these years.....,"and he admits to a grinning and beaming Arnav who had now pulled an emotional, overwhelmed Khushi to his side close - " thank Christ, you asked us to take our seats...Arnav..or we would both have fainted...surely....this is....this...is....a very emotional....moment...for us......right now...after all that's happened....."

And they both hear Khushi say now, wiping a happy tear outta the corner of her eye and Arnav's too - " it is a very emotional moment, for us, too...Mini Maa, Matthew Dad...oh Mini Maa...will you stop crying that way?? Matthew Dad..uh -oh ...now you too...will you both make us cry too?????"

But Mini couldn't stop her tears from flowing.Neither could Matthew.And it was obvious that – just led to Arnav and Khushi – giving into the emotion of the moment too, and a couple of minutes later, now because Mini wanted answers as to how this development even came about she asks trembling in happy emotion – " okay...lets get all this happy crying on control, kids....but...how??when?? did you two??even???meet??? please tell me....Khushi...b..eta...here... I was waiting for your confirmation..on sharing your number with him..."

And Matthew jumps to it on reflex now too happy in the moment – " I am sorry Mini, for keeping it as a secret from you till now, but I kinda leaked Khushi's location+ her picture to Arnav the other day...itself...and I guess...he just took care of the rest....."

Mini's eyes widen at that in shock, for it wasn't for Matthew to ever go behind her back, but because she was too happy in the moment she said to him – " you whattttttttttt???"

Matthew asks – "are you mad at me??"

Mini states immediately – " Well, if I wasn't seeing the sight I am seeing right now, I would be perhaps? yes, I surely would be....but...now that I can guess...you have a hand into the bits that eventually led to this...,"she gestures to Arnav and Khushi together on screen – " I am obviously not going to be mad at you.....Matthew...."

Matthew sighs in relief at that and kisses Mini's head in a gesture that says, I will fill you all in on it all from my end, after we finish talking to them.

And as Mini nods at that, they both hear Arnav say now grinning - "Well , yes, I cannot thank Matthew Dad enough for that,ill give you brief highlights.So, it was also that day - I actually also realised then , that I did have a way to get in touch with Khushi...through our old email...and then...I sent her an email...finally...to which she replied...and...we just got talking then...I told her I was heading to Australia too...convinced her with my persistence , to finally meet me...thankfully, for my luck, she agreed and....in fact she was there in the audience for the concert the other day too...Mini Maa and Matthew Dad....and well...now...to cut the long story short....you can say...we'v both decided to figure things out in between of us...give each other/us... a shot in the present...because...thanks god, it turned out...she never did end up feeling for anybody else the same..way...like she did for me....and well...you know how it was at my end...,"and with that he also subtly gestures to the two as Khushi was wiping her emotional tears at that – that she(Khushi) still doesn't know the complete truth, that he had managed to cover up...

Mini and Matthew catch on the gesture and just subtly acknowledge it – in the moment – getting his hint to not give the truth away, but as both their eyes flood with more tears at that anyway, Mini asks Khushi now – " Khushi...beta????? Now you please...stop crying this way?? you are getting me so emotional...also who will answer my questions, in details then?haan? Arnav just gave highlights...we want details..."

And they see Khushi bury her head into Arnav's shoulder at that as she whispers wiping her happy tears, with Arnav joining her in to help on the same – " sorry...Mini Maa...I am just feeling so vulnerable...right now...that's all....we just finished talking to Meera...too...like just as we hung up with her...Arnav called you....so I am just very emotional...that's all....,"but with that she manages to wipe her tears – "nonetheless... we will give you the details...Mini Maa...Matthew Dad...you al..l ask..."

And with that Mini and Matthew get on with asking a trail of questions to the two which Khushi and Arnav take to answer,one by one, and as Mini and Matthew hear it all,continuing to soak in the sight up on screen of the A&K from the present, in one frame – they both knew – there truly wasn't going to be a memory as happy as this one – for the Two – Indeed....

They truly felt all the weight of worry, for these two, release itself off their heart, on its own accord...in the moment...for in their gut, as they observed the two in one frame together, that now that Arnav and Khushi and finally found a way back to each other, there was no way, they'd ever let go....

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

Back in Sydney, it had been an eventful working day for both Arnav and Khushi as they got on with their respective work schedules, before catching up to meet by 4pm the same evening.

And for the evening, this time, they'd just gone on a long drive, spending couple of hours, just chatting, and continuing with their catching up, before they finally decided to get back to the AirBNB, at around 6:30 Pm , with the intention off going into a solid – Cook Off – with one another.

Given, that they were both decent cooks, Arnav had challenged Khushi, that he'd be able to make one of her fav dish – stir fry noodles, better than her, and she had challenged him – that she'd make one of his favourites – the Kathi roll wrap, better than him. And once, they'd finally reached back at the AirBNB – after that brief stop at the supermarket nearby – they'd got into in almost immediately – their happy, mischievous , vibe, as they tried to distract and tease the other during the cooking process - consuming the air.

Oh, sometimes, how its the little moments that can bring so much Joy, too – right? Back then, in their long distance, they'd often talked about cooking for the other too – and now they'd finally gotten the chance, how could the vibe not be so emotionally significant as well???

By the time, the two had finished cooking for the other, it was dinner time for them anway, and needless to say, the other had happily declared – the other – as the winner of the challenge – as they simply succumbed to happily enjoying and – sharing their meal – together...

When they'd just finished eating and winding up, they'd received a text from Aman that Meera was dying to talk to Khushi and so, they all got on a combined call with Meera first, before, Arnav came up with the idea of surprising the lights out of Mini Maa and Matthew Dad's mind, with that video call.

Now, The two had been on the call with them for about thirty minutes or so, and after hanging up, Khushi had just been succumbing to a pool of happy emotions – on Arnav's shoulder.

Arnav, now, just rubs her head lovingly as he says feeling quite relieved himself as well – " Khushi...baby...please?? I know..these are tears of happiness and relief...and you did ask me to let you keep releasing it all out...after we finished the call...with Mini Maa and Matthew Dad....but then...please?now stop...at least?"

That makes Khushi look up at him on reflex as she asks wiping her happy tears away – "did you just baby me?? as in....call me... baby??"

Arnav nodded. It was their thing in their long distance, obviously. And now, he asks just brushing her hair behind her ear, searching her emotional gaze biting back his smile – " yes, I did.Works...right??"

Khushi can only nod at that happily before she pulls him into another hard hug at that, wrapping her hands snug around his neck, as fresh pool of happy tears ooze out, again, which she didn't want to control.

Why?

Because, these were not just tears of happiness and emotional release, they were also part tears of pride. She was so proud of Arnav, in the moment. If, it hadn't been for Mini Maa, Matthew Dad thanking him towards the end of the call, for all his help, towards the re-neovation/revamping of the orphanage+ all that he had been doing for years, she would have never known, perhaps? Why,hadn't he told her about it yet? They'd talked for hours today – too – right? During their drive, after, whilst cooking, at dinner – having fun and catching up. Then why hadn't he just brought it up - himself??

As she feels Arnav continuing to brush on her hair tenderly, she finally looks up at him now, her emotional gaze searching his face as she asks cupping his face – " why didn't you tell me?? why didn't you tell me yourself haan? that for years now, you'v been like helping Mini Maa and Matthew Dad in all of the orphanage financial affairs, plus in the context of the future of kids there + this whole revamping of the orphanage bit?Even , Aman and Meera, didn't give it away....I am just so emotional right now...also because...I am just so proud off you...for this..dammit....Arnav....if it hadn't been for Mini Maa, Matthew Dad, taking us all in...then...as orphans.......you are freaking amazing...rockstar....oh...you just...come here you...,"and she just hugs him back harder at that.

Arnav holds her close, ofcourse,as he whispers – " I thought, we'd end up talking about it eventually...k? it wasn't like I wasn't going to tell you...Khushi....ofcourse I wana do the best I can...to give it back...to the place...the people...I owe so much too....and I just wana keep doing it....that's all...and it's not just out of sense of duty, or responsibility, it's totally out of the love and respect I have in my heart, for them...and for our orphanage....its home...right?Khushi...always will be....it's where our roots are....," and he pauses as he feels Khushi hug him harder at that as she whispers – "indeed....it's home...it's home........"

Arnav so wanted to make Khushi smile now, and so he asks in a teasing mode – " but hey....you tell me....who cries in pride...Khushi?? like don't people usually beam in it??"

Khushi looks up at him at that as she whispers caressing his cheek – " I do. I cry...in pride...in your context...always....I cried this hard, or even harder in happiness...when Rabba Ve...hit the stands...and became a roaring bloackbuster...overnight...ask...manizeh...she held me through it then...because, even though, in my head, things were so different and I had no clue, you'd written the lyrics for me...I was just so happy for you, and like... so so proud....Arn...av..."

Now, its turn for Arnav's eyes to fill up with happy tears – " really??? despite...everything??"

Khushi nods to affirm – "indeed...despite...everything..."

And the two share a powerful emotional eyelock at that for about ten seconds, before they both lean in to kiss each other madly and emotionally at the same time.

Five minutes into taking each other's breathe away, Khushi pulls apart reluctantly as her phone shrills with its rings and recognising the ringtone – immediately she whispers into Arnav's lips - " sorry....Arn..av...just a second...I gotta take that...its Daddy with his routine call....it's probably going to be his bed time..in Fiji..."

Arnav feels his emotions freeze at that on its own accord. Fighting a flinch in his body language, he nods and pulls apart from Khushi too and as he watches her steady her breathes, now, before she finally picks up the call - he uses his own phone for distraction brushing his hand in his hair – casually.

Only he knew, that there was nothing casual in his mixed feelings within, in the moment. The haunting onslaught off the man's call to him – kept coming to haunt him as he heard Khushi talk to him so lovingly, love and sincerity evident in her voice as she then went on to catch up with her Mom too..

Five minutes into listening, on the conversation, he decides that it be better if he distracted his mind now, by moving away. He gets up gesturing to Khushi that he'd be across – and he makes his way to the stuff he'd had ready for the other significant bit that had been on his mind all day, the bit that he'd been planning to be the context for Khushi+ His heart to heart regarding the past – tonight. The hours with her prior today, living in the moment, had indeed – given his heart the added cushion off support he'd surely be needing for this. It wasn't going to be easy for him or her. But especially after what he had witnessed last night, he knew it had to be tackled, immediately. It had been left – unaddressed by him – for too long anyway.....

Once, he is done going through the stuff,he adjusts it all on the table, and he picks out his phone again. Just as he is about to take his seat on the chair, he feels Khushi rush close and instantly hug him from behind now hard, as she asks softly – " hey....you okay???"

Well, he wasn't. But with her holding him this way, he surely would be...in a couple of minutes, he thinks to himself.

Arnav just nods at that, still not turning to look straight back at her though, taking the last couple of seconds, to re-compose himself, burying those haunting memories in the context she still had no clue about – back in its aching corner.He says closing his hand over hers, now – " yeah...I am okay...Khushi...of course...I am okay...why would you even, ask that??"

Khushi hugs him harder from behind at that and clutching his hand tighter over hers at that, she admits what she had observed so clearly – " I asked, because, I thought, I saw you like fight a flinch, when daddy called...you also looked very uncomfortable, as you walked off the couch...and even before...as I spoke to Mom and Dad....you were totally trying to mask it....and don't try to lie to me...on the same..k? because...I know what I observed...very well..."

Dammmmmmmmmmmmmmm! He'd forgotten how good she was too, at reading him. Wasn't this one of the reasons why he'd just chosen on silence then? He'd known even then, that confrontations with her, in this context, could be dangerous...

He feels his mind go into an overdrive at that, as to how to cover this up now, and he feels her turn him around finally, making him face her, as she asks her curious gaze searching his face now – " why won't you say something???anything??? clearly, something is bothering you....Arnav....why would you like...fight a flinch that way...just after daddy called?????"

Okay, he really had to say something, before her curious mind went all over the place and so he says now stating a part truth anyway, keeping his gaze locked with hers – " I flinched...because...I know...very well...I am not your dad's first choice for you...ok? I know he'd want nothing more..than to have you and Samarth...fixed...right? you said it yourself the other day...that if it were upto your families....,"And he pauses, because Khushi's placed a finger on his lips at that instantly as she whispered – " shhhh...sh...not a word..more..k? on that? please??you hinted this to Samarth too yesterday...I know...he texted me...why even think this way? when you know how I feel?for you?????how I'v always felt for you?????????"

Arnav closes his eye at that, too afraid that she'll read into it and as Khushi continues to gaze at him now, she feels like wanting to make him comfortable in context almost immediately and so she just cups his face urgently as she whispers caressing his cheeks – " open , your eyes to me, right now, please? don't close them on me...right now?? baby..please??"

And it was only because, she'd also just called him – Baby – like she did in old times during their long distance – that Arnav does end up opening his eyes to her on reflex finally managing to cover his turmoil/pain as he admits with a smile caressing her cheek now – " I love the sound..of baby..from you..again...will you say it one more time??? again??"

Khushi groans – " I will...but only when you don't divert from the topic..first...,"and she just holds his face snug in her hands now possessively as she whispers looking deep into his eyes – " look.... all that matters is... what I feel for you okay??? get this straight...Arnav?? and yes, you are also wrong on one accord, there is something Daddy and Mom surely always wanted, more than my alliance with Samarth, k? and that is my happiness...k? like I am dead sure of that...k? they'v always loved me like their own...you know that...right??? so know this - all they care...is about my happiness...and you only tell me..if that weren't the case...wouldn't they have forced me into marrying Samarth by now? you only tell me?they never forced me....into it..right?? which is a testimony..that...my happiness is priority for them...Arnav...always has been.....I mean, even in your context...the last I talked to Daddy was when I asked him to help me book tickets to come see you....and he was so so happy for me in the moment...that we were finally meeting......like even Mum was so so so happy...k?"

Arnav gulps down his emotions at that.Baby, if only, you knew...what happened...after...your Daddy, surely pretended to be all happy in front of you – because he didn't have the heart to break your heart to your face himself.Perhaps, which is why he just had me do it...

But because he couldn't say that to Khushi, he just decides to acknowdge the bit she said ,so he ends up nodding back at Khushi – " well, yes, I know, your happiness is their priority,Khushi. I know, they'v loved you like their own.Still do.You do have a point...that...they surely could have pestered you , into it with Samarth by now....Khushi....but then as you say...they didn't...it is a testimony that your happiness , is still what they want....."

Khushi nods caressing his cheek – " exactly....that's because...even in their minds...or rather in their guts...over the years...it's been observed enough by them...that my heart only choses to beat for you that...way...k?mum and me are very close...k?she's always known it all, as to how it was at my end...dad has heads up on highlights through her...too...,"and she admits now wanting to clear another point from her end, immediately – " also...yes....hear this...the only reason, why you didn't hear me talking about reconnecting with you here...or us giving each other a shot as us...today...to them....is because...I wana talk to them ...like face to face...about it...when I see them in Bali...for they'v seen my emotional journey in your context all these years – k? I feel they'd just worry about me...too much...if I wasn't there to assure them...that I got this...that I know what I am doing, like its important for them to hear this from me, when they can catch on my happy vibe in like the air to support what I am saying.....I feel it won't be the same...on video call with them...."

That makes Arnav's head reel with two bits on reflex. One with deep emotion, obviously and second – with concern too. His mind bet him, that the minute Rajesh Maan knew – they were back together – he could expect another call for the man...

Arnav just hugs Khushi into his arms at that – possessively on reflex. This time around, he was freaking prepared to handle the man – head on – nonetheless and he choses to focus on the deep emotion going through him instead as he asks whispering in Khushi's ears now – " really? you will talk to them? about us?when you see them Khushi???"

Khushi hugs him harder at that emotionally, totally oblivious to his rollercoaster of emotions within in context and she says after pulling back in a minute – " yes, I will, you know, I am very close to them – k? there's no way, I'd like not tell them...about the most significant development off this decade in my life..."

Arnav can't help but chuckle at that on reflex now, keeping his forehead on hers gesturing to the vibe in between of then pulling her closer by the waist – " uh – oh – so, are you saying? that this is, the most significant development off this decade, in your life, Khushi??"

Khushi whispers leaning closer into his lips at that biting back her life– " indeed...it is...oh you know it is...and tell me...this.....you do want me to talk to them about it right?? like you'd like that right??,"and when she hears him whisper leaning in closer – " I'd love..that...Khushi...hell yes...I'd freaking love that...,"she knew she didn't need to say a word further, for she is pulled into a maddening kiss at that almost immediately, with Arnav holding the nape of her neck possessively, as his hands begin to make their urgent way – caressing her mad all over – so freaking possessively – just like she loved.

Just like he knew,she loved....

And just when she thought, he was going to haul her over his shoulder and take her into the room now as the vibe got all electric, passionate and intense in between of them – she feels him stop kissing her, and his hands stop caressing her intensely as well suddenly and she ends up asking surprised looking up and pulling back – " ...what's wrong?? Why did you stop?????"

And Arnav admits reluctantly looking deep into her eyes – " I stopped...because...if I continued for a second longer...I wouldn't have it in me to stop...Khushi...you know...I go into a crazy mad zone when you respond to my kisses like that...,"and as he sees Khushi nod at that he admits – "and if I go into my crazy mad in desire mode...for you..now...I'd forget all about this other bit...I'v been waiting to talk to you about...all day..tooo...like I have been prepping up myself for this in my head...all day...Khushi...its truly important that we address it....tonight...for you don't have a dive schedule tomorrow...I mean, I don't wana exhaust you with this...on a night before your dive schedule....plus, it's also been left unaddressed by me directly and up front for way too long..."

Khushi sighs understanding the look in his eye as she picks up a bottle of water – and sips it down to cool her nerves as does he after her and she says stepping back a couple of steps from him – " okay...I know...what this is about...Arnav....we haven't gotten into our rapid fire...today...also...wait...why...would you say that you don't wana exhaust me with this on the night before my diving schedule? What questions are you planning to fire my way tonight haan??and wait...,"she now eyes that packet with stuff in it behind – "what's all that? surely isn't the packet of grocery as I thought prior...for we used all...the ingredients we got.....mostly...the rest I settled in and around too...so???"

Arnav admits on reflex keeping his eyes locked with her curious ones – "So, yes...this packet of stuff...relates to our context into the past – tonight...for I kinda wana divert from our rapid fire...tonight...Khushi....will you hear me out??take a seat please? ,"and he pulls out a chair for her that she takes – nodding – " okay...as puzzled as I am...lets hear what's on your mind...Arnav..."

Arnav now takes his seat across of her as well and he whispers – " give me your hand...please?Khushi...both your hands..."

Khushi does, obviously and she feels him lace both his hands in hers, the gesture warming her immense immediately and she asks – "Arnav....what is this about??"

Arnav keeps his eyes on Khushi now sure that she'd remember – " remember?what is it that Mini Maa and Matthew dad, taught us all in the context of Anger – Khushi??? how it's an emotion, so natural to us, that there is no need...to think off it as your own enemy...because...it is not your enemy...anger exists...because..."

Khushi sighs at that kinds picking on where he was going with this and she says filling the rest up now remembering Mini Maa+ Matthew's dad teaching from long ago – " because...it like...stems from our own defence mechanism, it's a result off that ardent need that comes from within to protect ourself in situations...and...if we think it's our enemy...we'd be in a constant battle with it in our heads...shutting it out, supressing it or labelling it as bad etc...why shut out something?if it's a natural part of you??an emotion that is bound to exist..."

Arnav chips in next – " exactly....so...instead...we should just embrace it, acknowledge it , understand it...and honour our defence mechanism by learning how to handle it in the most constructive way...which could be like just suited to each of us personally...as in what works for us...so that instead of anger hurting us, it can help us cope and evolve...and grow in moments instead? Its how you handle your anger that is more important..actually...for if we don't handle...it...it is then...it can become...like a continuous aching bleeding scar within....right Khushi???you remember how they'd teach us techniquies to cope up...as children.."

Khushi smiles at that on reflex – " just huff and puff and blow your clouds of anger away...she'd do the same with worry too...we all thought of it as a game...but where in she was just actually getting us all to re-center within in the moment first ...so that we could finally begun to understand our anger..and think of ways to cope up with next -  you know...its funny Arnav...but that huff and puff bit...it still works for me.."

Arnav nods kissing on her hand now – " exactly it does work on me too...so....Khushi...now coming back to how we handle our anger...that matters so much...right?? look, ever since we met...I'v sensed...this and especially after seeing you tremble that hard in anger yesterday...... I am now even more sure off the same , infact, now I think even you will not deny this...that there is a lot of supressed anger in you subconsciously still...for me....perhaps some resentment too...that has been pent up within...over time, different instances, different moments....which is only natural...for you didn't know my side of things then...and even though I guess, you most surely vented it out in the moment, in front of Manzieh or etc consciously, it still exists deep down with its root because, you could never vent it out to the one, it was directed at...which is me..... look we both know that....that pent up anger back there in your subconscious ,won't like vanish overnight...we know that...it's a process...but it is a process, that you now must initiate consciously...you need to release those stores of anger and resentment out towards me...you need to uproot it...Khushi...it's hurting you..within...holding it in, has been hurting you....you know it is...look....I just don't want to be a context of hurt to you any longer..dammit...in any context....you understand where I am coming from?right?"

Khushi sighs at that clutching on both his hands hard as she admits now – " well, yes...I do understand, and I guess, you are right...Arnav...about the stores of anger too somewhere in there in my subconscious...but honesty...after knowing your side of things today...I just don't have it in me to release it/vent it out on you dammit...consciously...like if it happens in a flow...fine...but....I can't do that to you...like a conscious...anger attack at you...or something....."

Arnav kisses on her hand now as he says – " well, I am not asking you to vent it out on this Arnav in front of you today...for this Arnav is going to be holding you in the process...if not joining you.......take it out on these...Arnav's...."

Khushi gapes at him puzzled – " Whatttttttttt?huh???what do you mean?? by that??"

Arnav explains now – getting the stuff out of the bag and keeping it open in front of Khushi one by one - as her eyes go all wide in shock and surprise – and he says as she touches the stuff he'd laid out – " yes, indeed....there you go...now in front of you...I have placed some old pictures of mine, one from the every year we'v been apart....chronologically....many copies of that same picture, for that particular year...just release your anger out on these...in that very order...please??as in...suppose see, this is the pic of me in the first year of us being apart...punch these pictures hard or even tear them if you please..but just release out all that anger...shout at this pic if you want...say all that you want too...with respect to all the anger you felt for me in that year....but...just freaking release it all out ,"and with that he takes out the two punching gloves next out of the bag and hands it to a shocked Khushi – " and punch it with the help of these............of course, for I don't want you to hurt your fingers...these punching gloves...will give you the cushion...and also...don't punch the table...obviously...let's put these pictures of mine..against that sofa cushion one by one??and then you begin????????"

Khushi gapes at Arnav in stunned shock at that, her eyes tearing up in emotion shaking her head – " you want me to punch your pictures???????? All of these pictures???Tear them?? Are you freaking serious??? And that too, in front of you????? are you like mad or what???????????? I know watching me do this...will hurt you immense...dammit....why must you go to this extent to get my anger vented out dammit? no, I can't do this....and this suggestion from you..makes me crazily emotional anyway...it speaks volumes of what you'v always felt for me...and there I was....assuming god knows...what....oh dammit...I can't do this...I rather keep my pent up anger...to myself...it will melt...eventually...you know it will....I am just freaking not doing this,"and with that she gets up from her chair and walks away, only to feel Arnav pull her back to himself to hug her from behind just as she had reached half way near the living room sofa.He'd followed her at the speed of light – obviously.

And Arnav whispers honestly into her ear now holding her close – " it won't hurt me...Khushi....it will in fact release...a massive weight off my chest to see you...vent out your pent up anger at me...it surely will...it will help me with my guilt too...dammit....please?? just do this....for my sake???? Just take it all out dammit...you know its doing you no good within...anger when handled in the actual moment of time can melt away easily...but when its kept in for a long long time it ...can still leave its massive scars in the process of melting...so sometimes..all that pent up storage of anger.....needs to be freaking shoved out/pushed out with as much intensity....and I think we both know...that is the exact need of the hour...do you recall the way? you were trembling yesterday in anger?Khushi?? you know its freaking not healthy....you are very well aware...why I am saying this...we both can see a issue right in front of us...we need to address it...I need you to just address it...and get it out of your system...so that it can no longer block my way...here on...all I wana do is...fill you...shower you...with love and care...here on...so that we can both heal....those scars within....you know it can be a massive block within...for you..every now and then...otherwise..."

Khushi leans back into his embrace at that as her mind processes it all. He did have a solid point there – "I know...it can be a massive block for me every now and then...Arnav...but... don't...please??? don't...you...just ask me off this...dammit...Arnav...please???? I can't do this to your face.....I will hurt you so much in the process...."

Arnav says now – " only fair...I guess...I know I'v hurt you so much too Khushi..."

Khushi exclaims – " but now I know, that you also hurt yourself immense in the process....dammit...I know...we were both equally butchered within, being apart...no...I am not doing this..dammit..."

And now Arnav knew, he had no other option but to trigger her himself - so he whispers turning her around to make her look at him straight – "hmmmmm.....so remember, you said something yesterday, khushi? how you felt you should have fought with me, for us, harder?? That you shouldn't have given up on us?"

Khushi nods – " yes, what about it??"

Arnav continues determined to trigger her off – " So perhaps – this is where I remind you – that technically it wasn't like you didn't try at that, like at all. Remember for days – when I stopped taking your calls then – replying to your texts – you sent me a hundreds of textz/ made so many calls/that I never picked up/responded back too/wrote me..so many mails....desperately asking me...what was wrong, etc etc???? making so many attempts...to get me to just talk to you once?????????? But then – I didn't respond. One fine day, I was just gone...Khushi...how did that feel then haan????????"

Khushi feels her within's begin to tremble as the memory hit her from the moment then as she whispers – " no...no...don't...I know...why you are doing this...saying..this...Arnav...just stop...triggering me...dammit..."

But he doesn't stop obviously as he sees her beginning to get impacted – "why? For it oh surely reminds you of how furious you also were? Oh, you must have been extremely furious...right Khushi????were you extremely furious, then...Khushi????????or were you more furious, when you realised I'd finally blocked your mail, shut you out for good?tell me??? tell me now?????? or were you even more angry at me after reading my last text? Or more angry in the months followed when everyone here on our side Mini Maa, Matthew Dad, Aman Meera, our other friends– slowly began to keep a distance from you?? you surely, figured, they'd sided with me...subtly.....right?? oh you must have been so freaking mad at me....then right????how angry were you Khushi?????? "

And needless to say - as Khushi, felt the onslaught of those memories- back to back hit back within her head at that and she knew very well by the look on Arnav's face that he was just doing this to trigger her off the edge – in the moment.Was it working? Yes, it was. She was nearing the edge within and she admits – fighting to control the outburst that was now beginning to simmer out from her within – " I know...why you are doing this...right now...Arnav...I know...why you are bringing this up...just.....stop...please??? just godammit....stop....I don't wana hurt you with this...,"And with that she takes her seat on the sofa, burying her face in her hands, trembling a lot more in her frame now - as the haunting memories returned...of how..she'd handled those natural shades off anger at him in those moments....

Arnav knew, he was succeeding in triggering her immense, in the moment which is why, he now took the punching gloves in his hand and the various copies off the first picture from the year they'd been apart and walked upto the sofa now and sat next to Khushi – placing the rest at the center – " why must I stop? Dammit???When I know its working?Khushi? isn't it working...?????? Oh we both know it is.... The memories...of you being furious at me...in these moments...have obviously returned to haunt you....right? go on then...vent it out...release it out in front of me....about time...don't you think??????to begin with....tell me Khushi...what made you more furious then? me not responding your texts/calls/mails for days? Or me blocking your mail..??????????"

And just as she hears that again - Khushi finally freaking feels it all snap within – as she glares at him hard and picks up the punching gloves now, wears them herself and places that first picture off his - on the sofa cushion behind her and she ends up punching it so freaking hard on reflex as she exclaims the pent up stores of anger now coming out in bubbles on their own accord – " I was freaking...of course...more...furious...when you ..freaking blocked...my mail...dammit.......I was also so so so angry...when you freaking stopped...taking my calls....responding to my mails/texts...I was just days away from coming to meet you..dammit....indeed...I was furious...dammit....indeed I was....and your last text...a part of me was so angry that I tore a thousand freaking papers....that night...trying to vent it all out.....,"and as tears of fury now left her eyes, she went on punching that pic bit by bit until it tattered – and Arnav just replaced it with another picture of his and she couldn't control the flow of it now, for it just all kept bubbling out without any next trigger from Arnav's end, as if a dormant volcano within her just freaking burst out with its lava, and so she spoke the moment taking over on her on its own accord – "you wana know...right?? you wana hear it all right??? so you know....when I was even more furious though?? when...I was going through those emotional stages post break up,stages off shock,denial, grief, isolation, before coming around to conscious acceptance...because...I'd never imagined, I'd ever have to go through what I did...in my life...ever...because of you.........I'd never imagined then...you could hurt me that way...I used to think to myself...then..was it so freaking easy to just freaking shut me out...why am I the only one dying in so much ache here?????."and she pauses to glare at Arnav as she asks fighting her tears of fury as she keeps punching simultaneously – " I won't be able to stop now....dammit.....Arnav.....you wanted this right...so....now freaking listen....and watch..."

And even though it was killing Arnav to see the sight off her trembling in fury, he knew it was both important for her and him to get through with this – her to vent her bit out and him to see – for real to the context how much she'd been in anger too on his account all the while....and so he says reassuring her – " I don't want you to stop...dammit...go on...Khushi...just go on...don't stop...tell me...more...tell me everything....."

And so she just didn't stop.She couldn't stop. Now that, that lid had flipped open, she felt those pent-up bubbles come out bit by bit – on their own accord. Everytime, she paused for longer than thirty seconds, Arnav would just trigger her more, bringing up some context he'd assumed she'd be mad at him for – over the years – and he also kept changing his tattered, torn pictures bit by bit – edging Khushi to just release it all...chronologically....after starting from the very root....

And as heart breaking, and heart wrenching the moment was for him within – he just kept on with it triggering her on - and she just kept on with venting it all out. The moment was heartwreching for her too – for she knew she was hurting him with this in the present – but she couldn't stop...and so these gut wreching minutes turned into an hour eventually...an hour into ninety minutes...and a ninety minutes into 120 minutes...and all that pent up lava of angry outburst including the words that she'd hurled at him in her head then before cooling herself down after...came out as is...unfiltered....raw......and furious....

And all of this went on....

Until....there were only tattered and torn pieces of all of Arnav's old pictures from over the years – lying all around them – and Khushi finally finished all exhausted with the last bit of solid punching into the cushion – tearing his last pic with impact - exclaiming the bits of how she was so mad at him for even making her do this – in front of him – and at herself, more so - for not having it in her to stop – and she finally succumbed to sobbing into the cushion cover – leading Arnav to finally just pull her close – into his arms.

Khushi didn't know how much time had passed, and no matter how freaking heart wrenching the moment was for her or for them both rather – she couldn't deny that she did feel so much lighter within for real,exhausted, spent out with every ounce of her emotional energy, drained, but indeed - lighter – but because she knew she'd surely hurt Arnav so much in the present by having him listen to it all – she couldn't help but sob into the cushion cover – finally.

And now that she finally felt him pull her in his arms - she couldn't help but punch into his shoulder now trying to push him away but he hugged her harder instead but she whispered what she felt in the moment, nonetheless – "I hate you...freaking...dammit...I so...hate you for making me do this...right now...Arnav...to you....why did you have to trigger me that way...,"And she felt him pull her closer possessively as he whispered now – " I know....I know...you hate me so much right now...Khushi...but I just had to keep triggering you...because it was working...for just like I do know...you probably hating me for this now....you also do feel so much lighter within..right? I know...its exhausted you immense...you are drained....it's on your face...but just like I can see that bit on your face I can also see...that liberating emotion of finally venting it all out to my freaking face...and not just to Manizeh/anyone else/or the bylanes of your head...Khushi...,"and with that he finally rubs her head lovingly wanting nothing more than to cradle her in his arms now and he does just that, and she buries her head into his chest with a pent up sigh finally and he whispers holding her close – " shhh....shhh...it's over....for now...I mean..some stuff might still pop up here and there...in between of us...but now...we know..this technique...works...right? so that's what matters. We can handle it all...through this....you....just relax now....baby...just relax...come on...I'll take you in...let me help you with some water too...first..."

But Khushi pulls up now and still cradled in his arms, she asks gaping at him in shock again clutching onto his collar, in disbeleif – " I don't water – k? all I want is for you to hold me dammit? which you are...but you tell me...first...like... you won't say anything?? To me??????? after??? Like....I freaking vented out so much...said what what...to you...because I couldn't freaking stop once that lid was open...only realising in the moment...how necessary it was for me to get through with it till the end...because even I was surprised as it all kept flowing out...as to how much anger at you, cause of you, was still freaking pent up within....and you heard it all out patiently, even though I could see it on your face, it was gut wrenching for you.... so...will you just like hear it??????soak it?? In silence????and like....not say anything to me in return?? Are you crazy?????why are you this crazy?????can you atleast – send one freaking angry outburst my way???? you surely felt angry the other day over dinner, when you realised...I'd been believing what the media had been writing..why not you start with venting that out atleast??"

Arnav just caresses her cheek lovingly at that.If only you knew, Khushi, that the only traces of anger I'v ever vented out already in this context is related to your Daddy, and myself, never you...perhaps...he could confess the latter while covering up the former?

And Arnav admits now – " why will I send an angry outburst at you when I was never angry at you?Khushi? its not like you wronged me?? ever???????????? even the other day over dinner, you know I know where you were coming from....so no point in me going there...this just had to come out of your system...not mine...for...in me...there's no pent up anger...for you...only my deep feelings...and emotions....I wronged you more...I wronged us more..."

Khushi rakes her hand into his hair at that roughly – " but you suffered too...we both suffered...as much...and I told you yesterday right......I have a part to play in this too...for it takes two to clap...okay...??yes I wronged you...dammit...I wronged you...by assuming the worse of you...from what media wrote...or maybe...just tell me this....how can you not be angry at me ...after listening to all you just did? I couldn't stop the flow...I should have been able too, when, I saw it was so heartwrenching for you to witness..."

And Arnav just cups her face emotionally at that as he admits now fighting his own tears now – " it was heartwrenching not because I was feeling hurt on the account of your words Khushi...it was wrenching my gut...because...I could finally see..for myself...how much...you'd held in..coz of me...and in those moments...as I saw you in that state of raw vulnerability...saw us...going through this...I realised even more...what a freaking fool I'd been....my crazy guilt trip within....off years...wasn't freaking worth this...it wasn't...freqking worth putting us both through what we were going through separately....I should have just...come...seeked...you sooner...i...i..."

And Khushi keeps her finger over his lips at that as she says now to him, recognising the guilt in his eyes– " shhh...shh....you can cry your guilt out...Arnav...release it all out...dammit...ill hold you...in the process....or wait...ill sit...here...,"And she sits upstraight on the sofa and gestures him to come put his head in her lap – "and you put your head here...and just release all that guilt out...dammit...I heard you right? now you hear me....we need to get through this...Arnav...we do need too...you know your guilt can be your block otherwise...just like my subconscious anger...could have been....ill hold you...baby...ill hold you very tight...."

And Arnav in that moment, felt like he needed to just cry it all out too. He wanted to also cry out all that he couldn't voice to her yet with her Daddy in context too, so lied down, adjusting his head into her lap at that and finally let loose on his own needed release in the moment – just turning around in her lap to hug her hard by the waist, burying his head – as his own sobs began...

She held him as tight, as she promised, she would as she also kept brushing his hair tenderly in the moment...

And once again, minutes, went onto become another hour – as the two just sat there – living these gut wrenching/heartbreaking moments – with another, this time with Arnav just sobbing it all out and her just holding him tight....and then came a moment, when Khushi just couldn't take his tears anymore, her ownself feeling distraught again - so she just lied down next to him – tangled her limbs with his – and joint him – in the crying – hugging onto him as hard as he was -

And so.....He didn't stop her. She didn't stop him....until they both just succumbed to sleep – exhausted/drained – emotionally – in each other's arms, holding each other tight – within the next fifteen minutes – that night.

They'd both succumbed to sleep – emotionally exhausted yes, but surely feeling a lot more light hearted in the process – after that much needed heavy emotional release from either end.For this was that – Catharsis – they both knew, they'd needed to just face together/get through together – Indeed!

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

How was that guys??? Emotional much???????

Do let me know your feedback in the comments below! You know I love to hear from you all....

Next Update – On Tuesday/Wednesday evening.

See you soon guys! Take Care!

Have a great weekend.

Much Love* Infinite Gratitude – Now&Always

Prachi