helllooooooooooo

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

So yes –I am here with the next update for this week!!

Intense more emotionally this time around, with a little bit of the electric intensity (mature content)too in there...

Also yes, longer update....couldnt split it for it all had to flow as one...You will know what I mean, when you read the update!

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 – Long – 12.5 k Words

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All Rights Reserved® mysticaltales11111

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21. The Letters We Burn

Two More Days Later

At The Studio

3:30PM – In the Afternoon

The practice for the day at Arnav's end had just been called a wrap, about three minutes ago. In fact, everyone was still pretty much at stage and they were all in the middle of sharing collective high fives – after another perfect run through of a synchronised rehearsal.

Arnav had been able to practice the last bits at his end with complete ease also because, he had received messages from both Khushi and Manizeh – just as they'd surfaced up from their dives – this time around. Thank God, Khushi had now made it a point to text him asap, on the same. He was just about to pick his phone out of his pocket as they all made their way off to the wings now, to get onto a quick chat with Khushi, when he hears Syna, Neha and Jasleen say to the rest of them in unison – " guys, we got it all in sync...so much so that even though we do have another day of practice tomorrow...because we leave for Melborune day after, I don't really think we need to go all out at it tomorrow, might as well give our voices some rest as well, before the concert, for after Melbourne we don't have so many days in between as gap stops between concerts in rest of the cities,so in between all the touring and back to back – concerts – I suggest we at least take the morning off tomorrow...what say you all??"

Armaan, Abhijeet agree to that almost instantly as well,and Arnav just nods at everyone in silence too, fighting back a groan at that inwardly. Why the groan, inwardly? Because, of the reminder that also came along in the moment through Syna's words.

They were to leave for Melbourne day after....

Even Khushi was to leave for Tasmania...day after....

Godammit.

Why did the time have to fly at the speed of light in all these days? Why was it already countdown time to just another 40 hours' time left, with Khushi in real time? Until he figured out a way to go see her – again????

His frown and scowl were surely evident on his face right now, perhaps? Because he heard Syna, Neha and Jasleen ask him almost instantly – " uh-oh...ASR...is that frown on because of the reminder that just came along at the mention of us leaving here? Khushi is to leave day after too, right?? We are scheduled to leave at Noon but she's scheduled to leave earlier....in the morning..right??"

Arnav just nods at the three of them – at that – with Abhijeet and Armaan sending him understanding looks on the same. So,Khushi had been over here at the studio post her diving- yesterday too – to just watch him + everyone practice, and just like the other day – Neha, Jasleen, Syna had insisted Manizeh and Khushi join them all for another group dinner – last night as well.

The dinner gathering had been amazing obviously – and amidst the various candid conversations that flew – Syna, Neha and Jasleen had discovered Khushi's schedule for the rest of her work leg in Australia themselves, which is why he didn't need tell them, the context that had come on his mind anyway.

Arnav was still deep in thought – fighting his emotions over the same when he heard Neha say with a comforting supportive smile – " we understand...ASR...long distance...is surely an ache...to live through everytime...it comes to the parting bit for you gotta wait...for until we meet again....but we are all totally rooting for the two of you...here...see...we all are..."

Arnav looks up to see all his buddies around shoot him encouraging smiles as Syna says cryptically to him knowing he'd understand that she was saying this from her personal experience with her partner Kate – " and from what I 'v heard...as in from couples in long distance...that even though parting in the moment is hard...when you meet the other eventually...its so freaking special...the wait..kinda just seems worth it all..."

Arnav nods at her at that sincerely, gesturing to her that he understood where she was coming from – " thanks Syna...for that...surely helps in the moment...well...long distance with Khushi...isn't like new to me...or her...as you all know...we'v been at it...for years prior...so we are kinda prepped to get into that rhythm...again...but...its just that...I most surely want to meet her as frequently as I can now...guys...I mean..back then....you all know...I didn't have the resources for the same...no matter how much I wanted...I couldn't just fly to her....but now that I can do that...I obviously want to make the visiting from my end...as frequent ...we are still going to be in the same country...for the next 20 days...right? I obviously want to visit...her...as well..."

Everyone nods in an understanding at that. They were also aware of each other's journeys – from the initial days to now, which why the rest of them just understood why this was so important to Arnav...

Armaan suggests now – "exactly...we understand.....don't worry dude...you will figure out the visiting...amidst our touring..am sure...yes...it is hectic at our end...and she will be in Tasmania..which is further away...from any of our touring/concert cities...but I am sure...you two will figure it out...couple of days here and there....."

Abhijeet chips in – " exactly...that much surely...can be squeezed in...buddy...if you want...we can reschedule our rehearsals and practice and stuff...to accommodate your travel...or something if need be look......we understand what this is..to you...the two of you have anyway united after ages....anything for love...don't we always say?"

Arnav smiles at that on reflex at everyone – " thank you so very much guys, for just saying that.I am in the middle of figuring it out, as well. You know how to make the travel feasible...she's also going to be offshore for about eight days towards the last leg of her work time...so I most surely have to make an effort to visit her once prior...she gets onboard that research vessel of hers...I mean..who knows..how great the signal reception will be this time around onboard? It usually..sucks...but thank god that she'll have access to internet at least...this time around...but then..again who knows how great that network will be offshore? So just have to meet her prior to that...I think..it will bring me the comfort to deal with coming around with the bit of her being off-shore..as well..."

Neha grins at that – "well it is tricky to come around..indeed...within...but look at you...ready to make all the efforts......for Khushi..."

Arnav grins – " well....anything for her...always..."

Syna and Jasleen roll their eyes mischeviously – " we know...we know..."

Abhijeet and Armaan grin – " c'mon girls...let's get going...let him go to his Khushi now...he's just cursing us within keeping him up with this right now.....,"and that the two of them walk away to their respective green rooms – sharing a knowing grin+ wink with Arnav.

Neha chips in now – "well yes... we won't keep you long..too...ASR..also know this.....just because we all are leaving soon, the only reason why we aren't coaxing Khushi to join us in for dinner tonight is also because, we thought lets just be easy on you bro...surely you want her all to yourself...otherwise you already know...we girls...quite enjoy her company...both hers and Manizeh's...they are really kool...and boy...don't we all love listening to their expedition tales...freaking fascinating it is...."

Arnav chuckles at that on reflex – " well, thanks for that..guys...and yes, I do agree on the latter as well....for sure..."

Syna and Jasleen wink – " so just...take your time with her today...ASR... but tomorrow night...for it will be our last...atleast we'd love to catch up with her for a couple of hours...k?so let's make that happen??for sure?atleast?"

Arnav nods at that with a sincere smile and Syna grins – " ill text her anyway...say our hello's..."

Arnav nods – " will do...,"and he watches the three walk away now smiling at him and he makes his way to his green room now – to finish winding up as well.

Khushi would be reaching the harbour in another 20 minutes, which meant she'd be at the accommodation in around 30 minutes.He wanted to pick her up, in time, obviously. Thank God, that she was now done for the diving schedule for the Sydney leg – which meant that he didn't have to worry about her sleeping schedule tonight at least?

He bites back his smile at that.Perhaps – he could take his extra sweet passionate time with her tonight ? And then, he's reminded by the bit that if he'd do that to her, tonight, she'd do the same to him after as well. Just like she'd totally had him taken, undone, and sunk in passion himself as she took control in imprinting him as her's in the most intimate of ways,(last night) – just like he had his intense passionate moments with her the other night. He so, loved that she wanted him as much as he did and also the bit that she was as vocal about it to him as he was about it to her as well, which is why he surely felt the insane thrill he did last night – at having forgotten his very own name or the mere sense of his existence – as she explored all of him intimately and passionately – quite enjoying the bit that she had that sort of control and power over him to drive him wild. As the sensuous memories of last night, replayed in his head – again – he found them pinning its way into the deep sensual corners of his mind/heart.

Godammit...Her...The things she made him feel...on every freaking tangent...emotional/desire/passion..were indeed...unexplainable.No words would ever do justice..

Perhaps – this was also the time to pause thinking about the same and focus on winding up? – Arnav thought? Or else, he'd need to head in for another cold shower – already! He picks out a water of bottle and gulps down all of it- to calm his raging nerves down – and then his eyes fall on the desk – he had her seated on the other day – when he actually had touched her for the very first time – intimately day before and had also kissed her hard up against yesterday in a repeat extended passionate moment from the other day.....

Urggggghh.

Perhaps – it be better if he just left this green room as fast as he could?????????? During the rest of the day, because work had been on his mind, he'd been able to keep the rest of it at bay, but now that work was over...all he could think off...were these sensuous memories...! God help him!

Arnav speeded up in his winding up process – at that and about five minutes later – as he was just about to walk out zipping his work bag close - he sees Aman step in now, closing the door shut, saying - " bro..you wanted to get Meera and me together?right?for a chat?for you said over lunch you wanted to discuss something with us both?? I have her on call now? shall we talk now? or later? I mean, I know you are headed to Khushi..."

Arnav puts his work bag aside at that and takes a seat on the sofa, gesturing Aman to take his as he says taking a deep breathe – " yes I am headed to Khushi...but...let's talk now...guys...I mean...I do think...I need to get this off my chest too...before I see her...now...".

This bit had been bothering him quite a bit since the other night after listening to what Khushi had to say on this accord and these two surely knew it. He'd filled in Aman on it briefly yesterday and he'd asked him to fill in Meera too, but now he just felt like he had to talk to them both – about this together – before seeing Khushi – again.

Aman shoots Arnav a knowing look at that as he asks – " shall I make this a video call then??"

Arnav nods – " yes, please?"

He does and once Arnav and Aman do see Meera's face come up on screen and she catches the look that had now consumed Arnav's frame she says herself first - " uh-oh. I know what this is about...Arnav.Cmon, stop. Stop beating yourself over this, please??"

Arnav admits brushing his hand through his hair in fresh guilt and frustration at the self again – "I can't stop beating myself over this. Guys. Ever since I heard what Khushi had to say the other night on this accord, the highlights of which you both know, I just got this feeling eating me up from within that she'd be so furious with me when she finds out, I quit on us because of her dad. Yes, she might understand my reasons...eventually...but...I am sure...it will only come to that if she hasn't killed me with her ferocious mode...prior...I am telling you all...She's just going kill me...for this...."

Meera sighs – " well , to be honest, now that we do know the highlights...from her point, she surely has every right to be furious...Arnav...I mean...if I were in her place for just a second...I think....I'd kill Aman if he'd ever gave up on us...on account of someone else..."

Aman sighs at that as well – " I know you would...and if I were in Khushi's place...I'd kill Meera too..if I ever found out...and bro...if you would be in her place...you'd do the same..."

Arnav shrugs in his own frustration and guilt at that. Indeed,in retrospect now, if he ever thought of it that way, he'd so hurt and furious himself if the tables had been reversed, if he were to ever know that Khushi had chosen to put them both through an emotional hell for years on account of someone else.And once again, to just relive the guilt within that he'd been the one to do just that to them both – drowned him as he confessed - " guys...yes, you are right about that....as well....but....this point in discussion...right now... isn't helping...me...please?its making it worse....like really...just royally worse..."

Aman says now at that wanting to comfort Arnav immediately – "but even though we did say that momentarily both Meera and me agree that...we advice you to not let your mind keep going there...for that point we just spoke about...this fresh guilt you feeling after knowing Khushi's take on this...is all in retrospect today...dude....and......back then...we all know...what the situation was then....okay??and you did handle it in the way your mind deemed fit...Arnav...for only you know...what you went through emotionally...when Mr.Maan called you...and well...we saw you in the most vulnerable of states...after...right??,"and he adds to both next sighing – "Also...lets just quit being dramatic on this though..I mean...Meera and me wouldn't ever kill each other figuratively on the same nonetheless...just like.....Khushi won't kill you...obviously..."

Meera nods – " exactly...my thoughts...why were so dramatic about this Aman??"

Arnav sighs at that and almost smiles at the two – "yeah...yeah...as if I don't know that we were all referring to it as a figure of speech dammit...guys...what I meant is...she's just going to be so furious...with me too...and not just her daddy......,"and he admits – " nonetheless...I also feel like a part of me is feeling all weighed down by the truth too now...I mean...all a part of me wants to do is scream it out to her....and get it done with...but then....I also just stop...because...I know...it will hurt her...so much not just on her daddy's account but on mine too....I don't want to hurt her on my accord just yet again...and also on her daddy's...so yesterday...something else happened too...that I am yet to fill you guys in..."

Aman and Meera ask in unison - " what happened??"

Arnav sighs – "so...yesterday...in one of our moments...when I told her you two have been true witness to my longing for her all along...in like every sense.....Khushi also talked about how...apart from Manizeh, Amaar, Samarth and her Mom at times, it was also her dad who has seen her cry and ache in longing so many times in these years over me....and it freaking just infuriated me at Rajesh Maan again in the moment for a part of me was like disgusted thinking – really? Rajesh Maan? You saw her ache and cry yourself as well from your own eyes too for years and yet you didn't tell her the truth ever? yourself??and as I fought my own turmoil in that moment holding her snug as we talked...I also realised...that if Khushi knows the truth now..she'd be so put off on this accord as well...disgusted too perhaps?by her dad? That he saw her suffer and ache emotionally for years? and yet he kept shut? And what that could do to her – just freaking led me to keep it all in – again....I can't tell her...no matter how much I want too...this will break her...totally... guys..."

Meera sighs at that now – " hmmm...now that you put it this way....I am kinda disgusted at the man too...I mean...if he saw Khushi ache so much with his own eyes and yet didn't say a word.....just puts me off too...she'd probably just hate him...for this...only natural..."

Aman sighs – " I won't be surprised if she chose to cut all ties...with him...I mean...yeah...this is just sad...you see your daughter ache/tremble in pain, cry in longing for the only one she's ever loved.... with your own eyes..and yet you keep shut?and not tell her – that you were the one responsible for the same happening in the first place??????? Probably because, he himself knows...she'd just hate him for this?which is why he fears it so much...himself???????"

Arnav nods at that – "maybe?anyways...the thing is that... I don't know how to handle this fresh guilt of mine as well...guys...I mean the only thing I keep doing is – I keep apologizing to her outta the blue which just has her being like – what's that for now?and all I can say is – the usual – that just...everything...for letting you down in the past and that...I won't ever again...I voiced it to her about – seven times – yesterday as well....and by the end of the seventh time – she was looking at me as if I'd lost it...or something...but then...I seem to see no other way out...guys...apologizing just helps feel better/lighter in the moment..at least...or else...I'd just drown..."

Meera sighs – " well...then just keep at it..then...if it helps you feel better...maybe..if the day ever came she knew the truth...she'd be able to trace her mind back to these moments..."

Aman chips in nodding- " exactly....where in you can say – this was why you just kept on with apologizing every day...nonetheless..."

Arnav nods at that at the two – " yeah..perhaps...this is the way to handle it for now...I guess...thanks guys...I just had to get this off my chest to you two..atleast....it will just eat me if I keep it bottled in...completely...keeping it in – in front of Khushi is freaking hard enough..."

Aman and Meera say in unison now – " you never have to keep it bottled in , in front of us...at least...Arnav...,"and Meera continues – " and stop...thanking us...please??"

Arnav, Aman and Meera share a heartfelt smile at that and continue chatting for the next five minutes – before they all hang up and Arnav and Aman take their leave.

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20 Minutes Later

Arnav's already dropped Aman at the hotel, and he was just pulling his car out the driveway of the hotel when his phone finally buzzes with Khushi's call which he takes immediately and says into the phone – " hey...you...just dropped Aman off...am pulling out....I will be reaching you...in ten minutes maximum baby...."

And to his surprise he hears Khushi's rushed voice come through now – " okay...baby..so I called about that only...Arnav..is it okay? if I meet you at the Airbnb directly in like 30 mins? Please? I am out in a store...already for... I got to arrange for some stuff...for us...k? like for this evening...ill tell you about it once I am there...k?also...wait...you reach only once I have – k??ill text you when I reach – k? ill be there as soon as I can be..."

And he hears himself ask curious – "okay...but what are you up to?? Khushi????????"

And he hears her say in a hushed tone – " oh...just something that came on my mind as we pulled into the harbour- k? I'll tell you na...when I see you...now...please...let me rush...so that I can see you asap..."

Arnav says to that on reflex – " okay...then...see you soon...I guess...just be there soon...Khushi?k??ill just drive around...for a bit...then....I guess...". Perhaps – that will help burry the guilt back in the hood for today -at least. He adds to himself silently. He did really hate to keep it all in but in the moment it felt like the truth was a massive double edged sword.That could hurt Khushi hard...from both of its sharp ends....one being her daddy's end and the other being ...his....

At that he hears her ask suddenly – "wait...don't hang up..yet.... you okay? Arnav?the way you finished on that I guess....in the end....sounded...a little...lost and achy too...perhaps? what's up??"

Arnav sighs at that. This woman was regaining her excellence at even knowing every inch of his tone modulation at a lightening speed. He covers it up with another true fact – " yeah....it perhaps...did sound like that...because...I do feel all achy and lost...given that the time in front of me..tells me...I only have around 39 hours with you...in real time...before you leave Sydney and then I do too......I am going to miss you...so freaking much...Khushi....."

And at that he hears her sigh and an intense emotional silence engulfs the phone for about ten seconds before she got on with scolding him in the moment – " why did you have to mention that right now...dammit? are you crazy? Could you not remind of me this..when you'd be there to hold me????Arnav???where did the godammit time fly?why did it fly?????so fast?????????????"

Arnav sighs – " I know right baby? I'v been feeling the same...,"and at that he ends up saying on reflex just at the same time as her after hearing voices around her in the store – " don't worry...we will figure it out....lets talk when we meet....so that I can hold you...bye for now...see you.,"and with that Arnav hangs up with a smile nonetheless for they both knew the other only said the above to make the other feel better in the moment....

And he got on to just driving around for a bit – post that. Yup. He surely did need this down time out – to just bury the freaking guilt in at least for the rest of - Today!

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30 Minutes Later - @The AirBnB

Khushi felt like she'd go crazy in excitement at the moment, as she typed vigorously into her phone.

She'd reached here about ten minutes ago and her mood was kinda in the dull zone then, because, well ever since Arnav had brought that just – 39 hours- until you leave here on phone, the bit had been playing on her mind intensely in the shadows. She'd managed to distract herself on it at the local store – she'd stepped in – to stock on some stuff – she'd needed but it kept returning back to haunt her nonetheless.

Infact, on her way here, too she'd just been feeling all lost and achy at the thought within too thinking – how much she was going to miss Arnav, how she'd gotten so freaking used to the peaceful slumber in the nights with his arms snug around her.And this dull mood had her consumed, as she walked into the Airbnb too – settling in some groceries + the other stuff she'd needed – but then about five minutes ago – her mood witnessed a massive shift on its own accord as she received the call with the exciting news first – and the mail soon after seeking her confirmation on this exciting development.

And this was that very mail, she was in the middle of replying to all excited at the moment – typing into her phone vigorously. And just as she finished re-reading it excited – she tapped send to it at the speed of light – feeling kinda light within. For now she surely had a further sense of direction...over how to plan/work thing out in her head....down the line...

And now, she also just felt like she couldn't wait for Arnav to be here.

What the hell was taking him so long????? He did say ten minutes ago that he'd be here in ten minutes - right??????

She picks up her phone to call him straight and just as she hears him answer in the first ring – " Khushi...baby...am here...just....walking to you...open the door...in two seconds??just took a couple of minutes extra to park...sorry..."

Now, Khushi was so excited in the moment, she doesn't say anything into the phone at all at that and instead just hangs up, flings it aside on the sofa, and dashes to the door to open it to Arnav, instantly – grinning in crazy excitement – herself.

And just as she sees Arnav standing there saying into the phone – " hello..hello...,"before he looks at her grinning+ puzzled and asks shooting her his side rakish grin she loves – "Wait...did you just hang up on me...for real without saying a word?Khushi??also...hey....you....I love that grin...like...is that how happy you are to finally see me???," and Khushi can only nod at that and pull him by the hand urgently grinning – all crazily excited still – as she closes the door shut behind them hurriedly before surprising Arnav by jumping up into his arms suddenly as she says – "indeed....that's how freaking happy I am...dammit...let's see if you can... catch me...in time..."

And Arnav does, catch her in time, obviously, holding her snug by her waist as she hugged on him hard – wrapping her hands around his neck + her legs around his waist simultaneously – all happy. She also had her head buried in the crook of his neck in the moment as she whispered – " just hold me...please this way??,"and he does just that happily – for her excited vibe was so contagious that it obviously consumed Arnav in the moment too as – he forgot all about his mood prior and just hugged her back as hard and happy – statue- d to the spot by the door.

He still had no idea – what this was about – completely. But who cared? All he cared – was the bit – that she was just so happy in the moment plus the bit that her being on him right now, this close was already reeking its passionate havoc on him. If she didn't let go in the next minute – maybe the room was where he'd carry her off too – first?

He whispers now three minutes later on reflex after kissing her head as he held her close and snug- " Khushi....you know I love this welcome...baby...but if you don't get off me...right now...I think you know...the room is where I'd carry you...directly...in the next sixty seconds..."

And he hears Khushi whisper into his ears at that mischievously before she kissed it sensuously making him groan– " really? is it?? I had no idea...you'd wana do that...when I jumped on you this...way...Arna...v...or perhaps I did? Which is why I did it in the first place?you see...if you'd walked in five mins prior...you'd have found me in a different mood...but right now...that's changed...because...of a super exciting development...that is surely going to make you really happy too...,"and she pauses to just kiss on his ear again, slowly and sensuously.

Arnav obviously pins her to the side wall at that in the next second– his one hand going into hair snug as the other held her close by the waist around him – and locking his electric gaze with hers he asks – " tell me...what is it dammit??,"and because he was freaking hypnotised by her in the moment again, he whispered his lips leaning forward to trail a line of sensuous kisses down her neck line making her moan in the moment as his hands found their sweet spot on her backcurves under her skirt caressing her deep – "you talk....I am listening...just don't ask me to stop touching you...right now...though...I need to freaking make you forget your name..right..very...now...are you crazy woman? Do you have any idea...how hot you look to my eye right now? and then of course...you had to pull this stunt of welcoming me this way??perhaps...we won't make it to the room...just the couch ?"

Khushi can only whimper at that leaning her head sideways giving him all the access to ravish her shoulder blades/necklines sensuously as she whispers – " oh...I'd love that...also...do...you mean...you wana make me forget my name right very now...because a part of you still wants to get back at me for making you forget your's last night?? I drove you wild....didn't I?? Arna..v..,"and she pauses in a whimper as she feels him begin to give her a heated love bite at her neckline at that as he musters and groans , the memory returning to consume the two from last night – adding more fuel to this very moment – " you bet you did...Khushi....you...freaking know...you drove me wild...you loved it..didnt you?which is why...you just wana hear me say it again?perhaps????,"and he looks up at her again at that – his heated gaze boring into hers.

Khushi nods mischievously as she whispers breathing over his lips – "ofcourse...I wana hear you say it...you aren't the only one...who loves driving me wild...I love it...too...dammit..."

Arnav whispers breathing over lips at that – " indeed...you drove me...wild...dammit....Khushi....and this right now...from you..is also driving me wild and up the wall...I am afraid...I don't have the patience to walk us to the room/couch...anymore...I might as well begin having my intense ways with you right here against this wall....or max...we make it to the carpet..below us...for your comfort...so....you...game?"

Khushi likes the sound of that in the moment, quite a bit. It was thrilling and insane. She loved that she could rile him up this way and she begins to whisper over his lips again purposely not kissing him yet – " with you...with us...I am always game for anything.....comfort or not...who cares....Arn..av...,"and once again she pauses as a heavy moan escapes her lips as she feels herself being pinned to the carpet below urgently as he comes on top of her and pulls her crop top and upper intimate wear down enough from the right side to reveal her gorgeous and alive curve to his eye as he whispers caressing her curve deep now – " I won't kiss you...because I still wana know this happy news as bad...so you get talking...but..that's not going to stop...me....from...this...and your challenge is to keep talking...or else...you won't get to touch me or have your ways with me...after I am done with my ways on you... baby...,"and before she could even muster an eager yes – please don't stop - to that implication – she heard herself moan his name hard again, as his lips found her curve and began to have their intense ways with it – almost instantly as his other hand found its urgent way to her intimacy, sneaking its way in through her garments, just touching her snug making her moan deep in the moment in crazy anticipation for he was just lazily and sensuously touching her - but not entering her yet...even though she was sure he could sense it was what she wanted in the moment as bad. Her body had given him all the access for the same – already – on its own accord – right?

So, Khushi could only whimper, moans and writhe under him as she whisper holding his head close on her curves not wanting him to stop even for a second – " but...how will I talk....when...I...I...oh...godammit...you....,"and she pauses to just moan heavy again as she feels his fingers enter her intimately at that before they begin the rhythm of that familiar passionate exploration.

Arnav pauses on having his intense ways with her curve at that as he looks up at her in a challenge – "forgetting your name already...baby???? I am kool...with that...but if you..don't tell me what this happy news is...now...I won't let you have your way with me after...remember? I won't even...kiss you....but drive you wild...nonetheless..."

Khushi moans in protest at that reaching out to caress him but when he doesn't let her in a challenge and pins her hand together in his one hand over her head - as his other hand continues with its intimate expedition – and he lingers his lips dangerously close to hers nonetheless – just not kissing her - but teasing her enough to make her lips quiver and ache for him which just lead Khushi to whisper fighting an adorable scowl and a moan at the same time as she stammers between whimpers and moans wanting nothing more than to be just kissed fiercely by him – "godammit...you....just kiss me...please??"

Arnav shakes his head at that mischeviously – " nah, not just yet...not until...you tell me..what it is..."

And Khushi leans up closer towards his ips at that finally as she whispers fawning her breathe over his lips wanting to torture him in the moment too – "fine...dammit.....godammit..you....hear this...now...so....details..later...the main crux...is...that shortly after Bali...I'll be on a two month long research expedition spanning in between Andaman and Nicobar and then the Maldives...I just signed myself up for it...before you walked in....and both the spots are like so close Mumbai plus the rest of the states in India you might be touring by then...right???? planning our visits to one another...will be easier...in some ways...at least...."

And Arnav paused on his intimate exploration of her at that on reflex – for he felt he'd been shot to the space in happiness at the moment – indeed as he heard that from her. She was going to be around the Andaman?and Maldives??? For two months???????Shortly after Bali? Godammit. Yes. Time was finally working in their collective favour.He was sure , she could read the emotion of vulnerable ecstasy on his face right now as he statued in his spot momentarily which made her chuckle adorably – " look at you all stumped in happiness...this is the exact expression...I was imaging in my head..too...now you know...why I jumped on you...in glee...right??? I am so happy...so..so...happy....about this..dammit......"

And Arnav knew he didn't have to say anything through words at that for his lips would do the talking and convey all the thrill he was feeling within at that which is why he just loses his control at that and finally leans forward and just closes his lips over hers urgently in a fierce stormy kiss, and as she begins to respond as passionately and urgently - his hands resume the electric rhythms of his intimate explorations on her – almost immediately – leaving Khushi - no option but to surrender herself to him as he absorbed her whimpers and moans into his lips deeply – as they both succumbed to their intense passion for one another with each of them knowing that this was just the beginning that would eventually lead to moments off exquisite passionate + emotional ecstasy for both....

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

40 Minutes Later

After, they were both finally done with their intense passionate exploration on the other –they'd walked apart to freshen up in different washrooms in the AirBnb about ten minutes ago, each of them content with the bit that they'd successfully driven the other pretty much wild in maddening ways.....

Well, their chemistry was freaking fire indeed...more like the explosion that would happen if one mixed up all the chemicals in a chemistry lab from the periodic table and set it a flame?

Yeah. Just like that...

Which was why, they both knew, there was no point even trying to escape that blaze. Not that they wanted to escape it anyway, they rather enjoyed succumbing and burning in those flames of passion/desire for one another – together...

Khushi walks out to the living area now tying her hair messily in a bun and she is surprised to spot Arnav waiting for her there already grinning – seated on the sofa and she winks at him mischievously at that – " aha...look ....you are here earlier than me...this time...around...baby...no cold shower??"

Arnav grins at that mischievously gesturing her to come sit next to her – " well....let's just say...I managed without it...coz...you took good care of that bit...didn't you??"

Khushi takes her seat next to him at that and happily snuggles to his side as he kisses her head and she whispers mischievously – "and...boy...am I glad...to hear that..."

She feels Arnav cup her face at that now making her look at him as he places his forhead on hers and asks caressing her cheeks – " you okay??though? I think...I was kinda rougher in passion on you ...plus...I didn't hurt your back or something?did I? I mean..it was just the carpet..underneath..."

Khushi whispers caressing his cheek at that too – "Well, I am okay...k? you didn't hurt me, in any way whatsoever...like just stop worrying on that accord...I am sure you noticed....I was very comfortably and passionately+vulnerably...lost...in my moment..."

Arnav grins at that – " as was I....,"and he kissed her cheek – " you freaking wrecked me...dammit..."

Khushi winks – " I did...right??"

Arnav nods narrowing his gaze – " you know you did?"

Khushi asks rubbing her thumb over his lips – " did you forget your very name..though??"

Arnav admits even though he was sure she knew – " you bet I did forget that...or even the very essence of my freaking existence...,"and asks cheekily even though he knew she had felt the same – " you did..too right?

Khushi admits consuming his lower lip into her upper one slowly now unable to resist kissing him in the moment – " indeed...I did....I love that I have this sensuous power over you...it just thrills me more like to my very core...I love that I can drive you nuts and all mad...on this accord...so much...just like I know...you love the same...on my accord...you are mine...dammmit...all freaking mine....say it to me...please?"

Arnav admits consuming her upper lip into his sensuously at that – " indeed... I surely love the same..too..and ofcourse...I am yours...always was...always will be....and you are all mine...too....aren't you?,"and he hears her whisper into his lips at that – " always....yours...just yours....always was...always will be....,"and at that the two pull apart to just look at one another intensely and emotionally sharing a powerful eyelock and as Arnav feels his gaze linger on Khushi's lips again on its own accord, he whispers caressing her lips tenderly with his thumb - " alright...get talking now...before I kiss you again...already.....Khushi....I want details...how did this work development even come up at your end? It hadn't until you'd docked into the harbour, right?? or you'd have texted me??"

Khushi nods at that excited and begins to fill him in kissing on his hands first as the two lean sideways into the sofa now comfortably – "okay....so...yes...it kinda got built up then...but I got to know about it fully once I was already here....so...hear this...baby...so when we were docking in...our senior head..Francis Sir...who is our project head for this project in Australia...got talking to us all in the group...so....like you know we have different heads every project...but sometimes...same senior team/project head comes onboard as well...on different projects...due to schedules/availaibility/scope of work etc and stuff...and it is Francis Sir who will be heading our next the project in Bali too.....and...with Sir...Manizeh and me have worked before as well...quite a bit in the last year...so...enroute back...we were all... just discussing our next lined up projects and stuff and Manizeh and me were telling the rest in the group about our month long project in Bali with Sir again...going from here....after which we have the two week break??"

Arnav nods – listening it all in – loving the play of happy expressions up her face – " okay...yes....then...go on..."

Khushi goes on – " but then you know post that break....Manizeh and me still hadn't got like a heads up from head office as to where we could get the next scheduled allotment etc....for that official mail was supposed to come in tonight....and Sir did say from his end...that he had this two month expedition coming up at his end too after Bali + the fortnights break - which he got a mail on last night and he was kinda excited to head it for he'd missed the opportunity on last year...at that side of the world..for he had been stationed in a project in Hawaii and then Bora Bora then...Manizeh and me had been on that team with him last year as well....so then he was like..maybe the rest of us..would get our next allotment/schedules in a day or two....and then....guess what??? while I arrived here...I was all dull thinking...how much I am going to miss you...coz now we just have little time left in real time together...because ever since you mentioned it on phone...it was just haunting me so much...too...k?and then...bammm...in comes Manizeh's call, informing me that she's received this mail about our next scheduled/allotment and I'd been marked on it as well etc and we are on the same project as Francis Sir again and she said she was so excited for me because of the location....and I didn't even like wait for her to complete...on that..as I headed to my inbox simultaneously to check ...and as I see the details of the project like right there...staring in my face...two month long research diving expedition spanning in between Andaman and Nicobar (India)and then Maldives....I am like rocketed to space in happiness...momentarily stumped...."

Arnav grins and leans forward to just kiss her head at that happily – " I bet you were...for I was...too...right??"

Khushi nods excited and continues – " exactly....and so.... we like always have to officially acknowledge if we can take this up..so that the logistics team can plan their bit then....as in sometimes we do have the flexibility to opt otherwise incase some other project overlaps or something...and I like just obviously signed up for it at the speed of light...dammit...I mean...I also didn't have any other project overlapping anyway too...right????? so yeah – that's how it all came about - oh my god...I am so happy about this...baby...I mean...atleast we'll be nearer...to each other then right? which will make travel easier...plus... not to forget similar time zones too...,"and she leaps into Arnav's opens arms at that gesturing her to come in for a tight hug and once he felt her snuggle in close at that - Arnav can only hug her hard to himself at that – feeling so excited about this - himself.

He whispers kissing her head excited – " well...this is the greatest news...indeed...today....,"and he pulls back at cups her face caressing her cheek – " you freaking just made my day with this dammit...I mean..there I was...kinda driving around...figuring out...our meeting plans...in my head..here on....keeping both our work schedules...in my head...and you just freaking surprised me with this dammit...this will help us...plan...things...further down...the line...well in advance..."

Khushi whispers now caressing his cheek– "exactly....so.... It's a long expedition, which means I will also get...few couple of days breaks here and there...for sure...which means....I wana come visit you in Mumbai...this time around...for sure...baby...and also visit you for concerts/shows in the cities you touring in India...you know incase I am not offshore...and...maybe...we also visit lucknow again..together...on one such breaks..if possible or by the end of my project for sure...for I do wana just meet Mini Maa and Matthew Dad again...too....with you by my side..."

Arnav whispers nodding happily processing all of that all gleefully within – " ofcourse....I'd love that too...baby..so much...wow...wow....this freaking is amazing...I can't bloody wait...already..."

Khushi grins excited at that – " I know me too...,"and she kisses his cheek next as her head's going into an overdrive on its own accord – " also...hear this...you aren't the only one...who was thinking of our meeting plans...or something..here on...I was too...I do have something figured....for now...too...like while we are still in Australia....look...you are going to be way too busy touring and performing for the next ten days...so you stay put where you are now...as in....you know my first leg of work in Tasmania as in the first eight days...involves...daily dives/research compliling etc...like it was here in Sydney...post which we do have a three day gap...before we get onboard our research vessel for the last bit of the expedition...so....I will come to you...in those three days gap...k?for sure? prior to going offshore?I might not be able to attend a concert live though...depending on travel...but I will come see you even if it's for a day...nonetheless...."

Arnav shakes his head at that in momentary worry – " but won't that be tiring for you??? travel+ diving back to back?with just couple of days gap?are you crazy? I will come to you...first...Khushi...before you go offshore...I was planning the same...in my head...already..."

Khushi shakes her head at that assuring him – " oh don't you worry....why will it tire me? are you crazy? I'd be like an excited Duracell battery coming to see you...andits not like... I am stopping you from coming to me...or something...all I am saying is that....you come see me after na...as in...in Tasmania only....once I am back from off-shore baby...for then...you'd just have the last concert left....and I am booked to leave for Bali to join mum and dad there...from Tasmania...directly..."

Arnav takes that in, well it did make sense for her to stay put in Tasmania then and he says just hugging her hard at that – " okay....fair enough...this does sounds more planned...I guess...Khushi...but either ways...look...all I am happy about is...that...we got us covered...as in...we will figure it out....for us...as we go along??"

Khushi nods at that just hugging him hard – " indeed...we will figure it out....I promise...I will do my best to see you...as frequently as possible...here on...baby..and like... if that needs me to cut short on my break times back at home in Fiji...then so be it...I am sure...Mum and Dad...will understand...I'll talk to them about it all...in bali....like see I have two week break coming up...like I also think...I wana spend a week at home with them in Fiji..and a week with you...in Mumbai...prior...maybe I can just head to Andaman's from Mumbai itself???? Will be better no??? I think...this will work out better...for sure...and this way...we just have more time...too....like prior to my work even beginning in Andamans...boy...I am so excited... "

As excited as he was, Arnav does fights his flinch within at that again with great difficulty. God only knew – how Rajesh Maan would react to all of this + the news of Khushi wanting to split her break time between them and him now??????????

But he doesn't let the man, hover around his head for now as he says just holding her tight, basking in the moment that she'd even come up with this – " this freaking sounds...so amazing...too Khushi....I am freaking delighted to hear...this...from you....you are driving me crazy in emotion...woman....you with me in Mumbai...prior to work beginning in Andaman's sounds freaking awesome...you will stay with me...obviously.."

Khushi pulls up at that narrowing her eyes at him just to tease him – " nah. I won't. I will stay in with Aman and Meera....obviously..."

Arnav plays along at that grinning – " works...either way......no worries baby...I don't mind moving in to theirs too...they just live across..anyway...."

And the two just share a happy giggle at that before just hugging each other hard again and Arnav whispers now kissing her head – " dammit....letting you go in real time...is obviously going to be hard...Khushi...so freaking hard....godammit...but if I have an heads up on when I am going to see you next..before we leave each other's sight...in a particular moment..I think I can deal with it all...for I'd be so excited in my head...to like see you again...already....you get what I mean...don't you?????like look at me...getting this excited about a time...which is...still a while down the line...but it doesn't matter...all that matters is that I know...its coming up...for us both...that's all...it's a massive sense of emotional security...for me...baby..."

And he hears Khushi mumble softly placing a kiss on his heart – " ofcourse...I get what you mean...for I feel the very same...Arnav...now...you just hug me tight...please???"

And at that he does obviously – and the two just continue hugging each other tight – basking in the emotional security in the moment – in an intense silence.

About five minutes later – as the thought returns to Arnav's mind and he pulls back asking curious – " hey...wait....Khushi...in the middle of all this...I totally forgot to ask...why didn't you let me come pick you up prior baby? You said....you planned something?? what is it??"

And as that bit of it returns to Khushi's head now, she whispers – " oh yes...that....totally forgot about it in the flow....so yes...indeed...about that....I got something planned for us.. but why don't I fill you in on that..after we finish munching on some sandwiches I picked out for us both to snack on as well?also...let me brew you your tea and hear all about your day whilst I fill you in on mine too...,"and with that she hands her hand to Arnav which he takes happily nodding and they both get up the sofa and he whispers – " only if you let me brew you that coffee you love...."

And they both share a heartfelt smile and nod and get on with doing just that.....

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

Another 30 minutes Later

The two had just finished up with their snacking and hot beverages about five minutes ago amidst casual chatter about the rest of their work day prior with all its details. Once again, each loved the bit how they had the other's complete attention and focus, in the moment.

Arnav wraps his hand around Khushi's waist from behind hugging her as she finished adjusting the remaining groceries that she'd picked out for dinner tonight for the two around the counter shelf. He loved to cook with her.And he whispered the same into her ear now – " I love it...when we cook together...Khushi...you know that don't you??,"and he places a kiss on her shoulder at that.

Khushi nods at that enjoying the moment, now leaning back to snuggle into him - " I know....baby...I know...but no cook off today k? we'll just cook a simple dish later...together?,"and hears him whisper burying his nead into the crook of her neck at that– "whatever you say...baby...,"and before she could say anything further, she hears him ask again curious after dropping a quick kiss on her shoulder and then her ear – " okay...so now atleast...tell me...what's been on your mind??haan? that you wanted us to finish snacking, catching up about our day in detail prior...."

Well, now really was the right time to address this she thought. Khushi says turning around to face him now locking her gaze with his, brushing her hands on his arms – "hmmm...so...let's just say...this is surely about something...I feel we both need to get past and through together in the next couple of hours....today...as in...before we leave here...as in Sydney....tomorrow is our last day together...here...Arnav...I don't want to get into this...tomorrow for obvious reasons...so I thought...we might as well...address...this...today..."

Arnav reads her expressions up at that easily and he folds his arms across his front his mind coming up with a hunch immediately – " hmmm...and my gut now tells me, this is surely about a context to our past? Isn't it??given the way you mentioned...we need to get past this and through together??"

Khushi nods at that – " it indeed, is about a context into our past...baby..."

Arnav nods at that, preparing himself for another rapid fire in his head already – "alright....then...,"and he pauses his head rethinking the same – "But wait...you got no interest in getting the timer on right now...Khushi...also if it were just that...you wouldn't have prepped...so what's this about??"

Khushi holds him by the hand now – " come with me...please?,"and as Arnav nods at that curiously she leads him out to the patio so that the evening breeze and the magic off the shades of the setting sun surround them now and she says eyeing the outdoor planters around fondly – " you clearly still love plants so much...right?Arnav? I mean...it was clear to me..when you were showing me the pics of your place back in Mumbai yesterday ...like the terrace garden you got for yourself is so freaking amazing...and the bit that you take care of it yourself too as much as you can...just tells me...so....that you still love plants as much as you always....did..even when we were kids...remember...how we'd go watering the plants around the orphanage garden together...every morning...before school... we'd take turns to hold the water can/pipe and water and sometimes I'd let you take my turn because it made you so happy and I'd just love to watch you...in your moment..."

Arnav hugs Khushi hard at that – as the fond memory plays through his head again just like it had all these years and he admits now after kissing her head sincerely – " just so you know...every time I'v watered my plants back at home in all these years apart...I'v thought off you...dreamt of you almost...standing next to me..in the process at times...too..."

Khushi smiles at that caressing his cheek – "then let's make sure...we do the same...when I visit you in Mumbai...k??"

Arnav nods at that excited and asks curiosity getting the better of him again - " but..wait..why did you bring up my love for plants all of a sudden??"

Khushi says now locking her gaze with his – " because..well anyone who loves plants or say even if they don't love it...but know how its nurturing process works...would know...that when we plant two seeds together in the same flower bed, the only one which will grow and sprout is the one you water/nurture everyday....right?? the seed that gets no attention/water/nurturing...will just eventually wither...on its own accord....right??? you agree on this...right...Arnav??"

Arnav nods at that on reflex – " of course....I agree...on the same..."

Khushi kisses on his hand at that as she admits – " so let's just say...that I had this thought as we docked back into the harbour. Hit me hard....freaking hard....so freaking hard...Arnav...and I just knew I had to deal with it...like..we had to deal with it...immediately..."

Arnav asks now caressing her cheek shoving the strands of her hair off her face that had come over because of the breeze – " what's this thought that hit you hard..Khushi??"

Khushi confesses angsty emotions returning to engulf her – " the bit...that the two of us...have been freaking watering/nurturing that seed of angst within us...on the context of missing each other in the years apart...so much so....that it has become a habbit for us both?like even today...I just feel we both just end up watering that angsty seed unconsciously perhaps....I mean...I am sure...you spot the shadow of this angst on the same context in my eyes whenever I talk of a general moment from my life in our seven years apart...and I can most surely spot it in yours....but we cannot let it hang around in the shadows this way for too long...Arnav.....we gotta deal with it...upfront...make efforts to begin uprooting it too from its space bit by bit...so that it's shadow begins to diminish on its own accord bit by bit...eventually...I mean...you never know...if we work through this together consistently even for a couple of hours everytime we meet...we might reach a day...where all that angst from the past...with regards to missing each other in moments apart...wouldn't weigh any of us down...for we'd have so many new moments...in the present to focus...on too....plus we just need to make a conscious effort to remember our happy memories more from the past too...for there are so many of those too...almost 14 years of those...vs the seven years of angst apart.....so like...Iv figured something that will help us in this process...you know...just like you had me release all that pent up anger...I want us to do this together...for our angst...in this context of missing one another massively...in our years apart....you get what I mean? right?? I mean...see for example..even right now...when you talked about watering plants back at home and missing me...there was this shadow of the angst in there...in your eyes...that I spotted...we have a happy memory of the same too...then why on reflex we just go back to connecting with the angsty one...too? only because...it's become a habbit for us both....a habbit that we both need to break out off...consciously...so tell me...do you feel like you wana address this with me...right now?together??."

Ofcourse, Arnav understood exactly what she meant by that right now. He admits now understanding his own thought pattern on the same – " I know...I know what you mean...Khushi. It indeed...has become a habbit in our thoughts...perhaps?for us both....and ofcourse I wana address this....with you....right very now....So what do you suggest we do? to uproot this? I mean...how do we begin??"

Khushi says to him at that now feeling relieved that he was onboard with this – "so, before I tell you that...baby...I think...I'v also figured...why this shadow..of angst keeps sprouting up...its because..subconsciously we also want the other to just know...how much we missed one another in the particular moment too....so that's where we have to catch it too.....as in...the other has to know...about it too...which is why...we are going to do it this way....now..."

Arnav asks intrigued the hell out of his mind now – " which way???Khushi??"

Khushi states now openly – "so you know how letters have always been our thing? Back then, in our long distance, we 'd not only write about our days to one other in detail...talk through mails...but also write crazy long emotional e- love-letters to each other atleast two-three times a week right?our old inbox is a testimony of that...right?isn't it?remember?"

Armav smiles at that on reflex – " ofcourse...I remember?letters is our thing...wait...did you need to remind me that?dont you forget that's the email...that helped me reach out to you in the present...."

Khushi nods at that and admits softly now caressing his cheek – " I always kept the mailbox handy in my phone...for often...I'd just go back to reading our old love letters...like I kept every mail...every word you wrote to me....intact...."

Arnav nods caressing her cheek at that – " it's been the same for me...Khushi...."

Khushi adds now taking a deep breathe – "so lets just say...today...we are going back to that very concept of letters being our thing...I mean...words used to just flow when we wrote to one another...right?? but there's going to be twist here...which is...but before I tell you...promise...you won't call me crazy for this...but I am telling you this will work. We are going to sit out in front of one another....on that table..,"she gestures to the table behind – " like face to face...with letter pads in our hands...and freaking write...as many letters as we can to one another...with just addressing this context of our angst out...as in...for example...Dear Arnav...in this year...this moment..the time I did this......I missed you so much...I thought of you etc etc...and you will write the same to me...and I am sure...we are both going to cry whilst at it...because heavy emotions will flow...and we just let it flow...as we write...and once we both feel like we have hit the limit of release for this day in this context...we exchange our letters...you read what I'v written to you..I read what you'v written to me....and then...we just burn them all together....in a trash can...out on the patio.....like....we just gotta watch those letters burn...baby...it will lead to solid release...like love letters we keep...but....these angsty letters aren't the letters to keep...these are the letters to burn together...like..as if we were releasing the pain of those moments out of our systems...you get what I mean???????like I have it all prepped...I got us letter pads, stationery, I even picked out lighters, to ignite fire..plus an extra trash can...its all there in the packet inside....and we will do it on the patio because the open air here will save the fire alrm in the kitchen from buzzing out on us..."

And as Arnav's head does soak all of that in – he admits – " okay...okay...let me just process this...baby...,"and his voice chokes up on him in emotion a second later – " oh damm...but...I am going to cry buckets then...Khushi...surely...like...you want us to write down letters to one another on this context? Once I start...I won't be able to stop for hours...for I have so much...so write...so much...for you to know...indeed..."

Khushi admits her voice trembling in on her now as she cupped his face in order to comfort him – " I know....its going to be the same for me...baby...but it's something we have to get through together...Arnav...or else the shadow of our very own angst on this accord will never leave us...we need to begin releasing it...look...I got this idea...coz I remembered Mum talking about it to me...from her end..as in this is something that helped her...it was an advice from a counsellor...as well....when she was so deeply grief stricken..due too..."

Arnav fills in now understanding the inference – " due to Rose's..passing??"(Rajesh+ Ellie Maan's only born child – whom they'd lost to the clutches of death)

Khushi nods – "exactly....so...there was a time..when she would cry at the mere mention of Rose's name...only natural for the grief was so much....but then... as advised she began to write down/out pages and pages of her grief after losing Rose..in those initial months...and then practiced... burning it all out...to help ease her pain...so that she could begin to learn remembering Rose...her first/only born child with a smile on her face...eventually...by focusing on the happy memories...that were....for there were lots of them too...which had become lost under the shadow of grief...she always told me...that the presence...of a person can still always remain in your memories...you can keep them alive in you...nonetheless...even though they are gone...and that from her...just gives a deeper perspective today...as well...like hasn't it been that way for us? Like we kept each other's presence alive in our lives despite being absent from one another's in reality for all these years??right??"

Arnav can only nod at that in deep thoughtful silence and he hears the words leave his mouth on reflex holding her hand – " but in order to keep that presence of the other with us....as much as there were seeds of our love that was...there has been that seed of angst as a partner within too....the angst that's also led to massive emotional...scars..for us both..."

Khushi nods at that – "exactly..... look scars always remain...we don't want to erase them/undo them/for they are a part of our journey...but we most surely want to heal them....right? and like we can only begin healing the emotional scar in context...say when...first.. we can get our scar to the point that it doesn't bleed...anymore...that it stops...bleeding...like that first step in first-aid? Always take care of the bleeding first?before the rest of the treatment...for the rest of it won't even work..if the scar keeps bleeding...profusely......and right now...from where I see...it....our scars of angst on this accord....right now....are bleeding into our present quite evidently....Arnav...you get this don't you?these emotional scars are still bleeding...you know they are...which is why...it's imperative..we must make an effort to begin dealing with it...through a solid conscious technique...or else it will keep returning to hurting us...every now and then.....look.....this will work....for sure...like...mum did tell me...that ever after her experience with this...then... she uses this method to vent out anything just by herself too...like it just doesn't work on pain...grief...could be anything...that's weighing one down????? I think she did say the technique got a name for it too...in therapy/counselling context and stuff...but I don't remember what...exactly its called...but yes.... I remember the process.....it's a massive form of emotional catharsis...too...we need this release...for us...you know we do...."

Arnav nods at that now – as it did sink in deep.He asks caressing her cheek now gulping down his other turmoil – "I know...we need this...let's do this...but....really tell me? did your mum say it works on anything??that could be weighing one down??" . Perhaps, he could write down his fresh aches of guilt with regards to keeping the truth from Khushi - in private later on and burn the pages down- as well?Would it help??????

Khushi nods at that handing her hand out to him now – " well...yup....she did...say it works...why don't we discover...if it does???"

Arnav nods at that vulnerably and takes her hand now and Khushi whispers now leading them in her own self feeling extremely vulnerable in the moment – " also...I'd like you to hold my left hand hard as I write down my letters to you...k? I won't be able to go on otherw..ise...baby...I am feeling way too vulnerable..already....,"she gestures him to take seat across of her on the table.

Arnav nods at that and takes his seat and watches her now bring all the stuff needed, to the table. A couple of letterpads+ a couple of pens. She also places the lighters on the table + the trash can on the side as she says – "we will get to the burning bit...later...obviously...,"and she eyes the table – "Wait...I think we need some water handy..,"and she quickly arranges the same as well before taking her seat in front of an already visibly -emotionally shaken and vulnerable – Arnav.

Arnav couldn't help succumb to the vulnerability of the moment too – for there was so much flooding back into his head already in this context which is why as Khushi placed a letter pad in front of him, in the moment, after placing one in front of her – he asked his voice trembling on him as he picked up a pen just as she picked hers – holding his left hand out to her – "but.....where do I begin from Khushi???"

Khushi places her left hand into his at that and they both clutch on each other's left hand for comfort and support hard as she whispers – " right from the top...I guess...from the very moment...you realised...you long/miss me so much...after we lost touch....for that's where I am starting from....let's see how much we can release... today....lets stick to chronological order...again...maybe??,"and just as she said that – her very own eyes pooled up with emotional tears as they exchanged a knowing emotional nod as the haunting memories returned and she began writing clutching onto his left hand harder now – for the first step is always the most trembling one...

Dear Arnav....

I often wondered, if I'd ever be able to put it in words...how much I'v missed you all these years in our time apart...but I never really got down to wording it out off myself. Just always kept it bottled in...in massive intensity....about time...I get on with it perhaps? Let me just start from the very top....

And similarly – emotional tears welled up in Arnav's eyes too as he finally began to write – clutching on Khushi's left hand hard

Dear Khushi...

Where do I begin? How do I begin? To even express...how much I'v missed you in our time apart? Would words ever even suffice? To suit my longing/emotion on the same? I don't know, but I am doing my best to just pour my heart out..to you...on the same...today......

And they both pause at the same time to just exchange another tearful emotional nod in a gesture to the other that they were okay to now just flow with the moment, no matter how achy, vulnerable it was....

And in the second, that followed...they indeed...flew into the moment too...and began penning their hearts out to each other in these letters....pouring it all out....exchanging tearful glances at one another every now and then...as seconds...flew into minutes...and minutes into an hour...and an hour into two hours....

For...Once they'd started – they couldn't stop the flow of the achy pent up words that just flew out on the paper on this own accord....

Oh, these were the moments, so heart breaking, vulnerable and beautiful at the same time, for the bit that they both understood how important it was for them to just get through this together in the present today...kinda spoke volumes about how sincerely committed they both were in wanting to pull/work through/over the past – together – so that their present would reap benefits of it..eventually.....

They were both a vulnerable mess of tears...as they wrote...and wrote...with papers stacking one after the other on either side...in the hours gone by...just pausing after finishing a paper to exchange a tearful glance and nod with another...

None even paused in writing to sip on the water, not wanting to zone out of the moment at all....because once again...now that they had began venting it out...in chronological order...they'd both realised...how deeply rooted this angsty seed had been on this accord...and by writing this down...they were digging the roots of it out...bit by bit....

He didn't stop her.

She didn't stop him.

Until, they'd both finished consuming the last age of an entire letter pad.....

Once they had reached that point - they looked up at one another emotionally exhausted– and exchanged a knowing bittersweet nod and gesture of the eye - that said to the other – Done for today...exhausted but feeling lighter indeed..

No words left either of their vulnerable trembling frame/mouths next as they, then just went onto exchange the letters written on either end. She just handed him her stack of papers and he just handed her – his....

While penning it all out - The two had thought that writing it all out in front of another - was going to be the most emotional vulnerable bit to go through, but they'd just been proven wrong – by this next moment in time. For they'd both discovered together just then– that the moment that was even more poignantly emotional/vulnerable to go through was the sight of the other crying buckets whilst reading the other's words/letters written.....

And yet....

They just let the moment consume them, now knowing even more surely in their gut that it surely was going to culminate into a massive release eventually...

He didn't stop her tears as she cried buckets while reading his letters. She didn't stop his tears as he cried buckets...whilst reading each other letters as another poignant hour went by...and they also just continued to hold onto others left hand tight....all the while. It was what powering them both with the strength to just keep going and get through this together...

Again the moments,that were so heartbreakingly poignant yet beautiful...in its own accord....

Once they both finished reading the respective last pages at either end – they finally looked up at one another in a vulnerable intense teary silence – knowing – the other could surely get no word out in the moment,their voice box choking on them in massive emotion, which is why they knew they just had to talk through gestures.

He picked up on the stack of papers at his end now, gesturing to her that he was ready to get out to burn it and she gestured the same to him by picking up her papers and they both picked up the lighters on the table and Arnav picked up the trash can too – as he just held onto Khushi's hand – in vulnerable silence.... walking them both out into the patio...now....

He adjusted the trash can in its spot first. She, then, dumped her papers right in – expect just the first page of what Arnav had written. He followed on with the same, dumping all the papers in at his end – just holding onto the first one Khushi had written..as well....and after sharing another emotional knowing nod at that – the two just burnt the corner of the papers in their hand – with their respective lighters before finally throwing the flamed paper into the trash can once it was burned half way...watching it flame the other sheets almost instantly.....

And it was only after that – that the two leaped into a tight side hug at that finally - with Arnav wrapping his arms around her shoulder tight completely overwhelmed in the moment and Khushi wrapping her arm around his waist tight at that all overwhelmed and vulnerable too...

And so, they both just stood in an intense emotional silence...holding onto the other from the side...now...watching the fire...and its flames...engulf all the pieces of papers in the trash can...bit by bit......burning it all down to ashes.....

Oh, it was a moment of massive catharsis – indeed – for both of them and only when they were finally watching the shreds of their respective letters burn,knowing that the other had complete knowledge of what was being burnt, living the moment off watching the letters of ache/angst succumb to ashes together – that they realised how massively transformative the entire process had been for both personally – and once again – they knew they didn't need words to mention the same to the other for they could feel it massively in each other's vibe – already...

Even if they tried, they couldn't get their voice boxes to function in the moment..

And as they finally saw the last visible piece of paper finally succumb to black ash too – they just turned around to one another and hugged each other hard– holding each other the tightest they could in the moment....as they surrendered to the last exhausting tide of tears of relief and release....leaving each of their eyes...

Minutes later, Arnav finally just tucked Khushi's chin up and wiped the trails of tears off her cheek as she did off his - both their eyes bloodshot from all the crying, and yet a lot lighter from the angsty release. He wanted to tell her, how glad he was to go through this with her in the moment of time, and she wanted to word the same to him, but yet again, the words wouldn't flow..from either of their lips...

So perhaps, there was only one way through which they could pour out that emotion to the other?

And it was then, the two just leaned in together for a deep emotional vulnerable kiss that was completely slow, emotional, vulnerable and pouring with the potent intensity of the relief off massive emotional release – from either ends...

And as, they lived in this culminating moment of an emotional release process as powerful as this one yet again...together...replaying the vulnerability they'd just experienced together in each of their heads - they both just relaised yet again – that they had just been similar broken mirrors of each other's heartbreaking angst/pain in the years apart....Indeed...

And it also took them these heartbreaking yet beautifully transformative moments of watching these angsty letters burn down/succumb to ashes together - to indeed realise...that sometimes...as achy as it can be......evidence off letting go of parts of one's broken pieces from deep within's does have a poignant yet beautiful tale/side to it as well......

Because only when one finally comes around to the point of letting go of a part off one's broken pieces within consciously...only then one realises...that Sometimes....there's just a massive transformative sense off freedom/liberation in letting go...for only when you let go of the broken/reach that silver lining at the end of the tunnel......you realise...that – it just doesn't take what's broken becoming whole again. That perhaps – it is always more about the release off what's broken...that's takes it all...in coming around to a whole again....

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

How was that guys?????????? Hope you enjoyed reading through the various scenes. Also last bit – was it emotional much???? Was super intense for me to write...hope the emotional intensity and significance of this scene in between the two....could be sensed by you all in the reading experience...

Next Update – Also, as you all know- I am travelling day after on till the 8th. I will do my best to give one update post the mid of next week – but just incase I am unable to – then post 9th Oct.K?

Also yes – we are also headed for a mini time leap off 18 days Later - in the story after this!

Happy Dusshera to you all prior...just in case I miss out a post next week!( Will still give it my best shot to have at least one chapter up by next week)

See you soon guys! Take Care!

Thank you tons*tons*tons

Much Love* Infinite Gratitude – Now&Always

Prachi