Helloooo everyoneeeee....

How you doing????????😁😁 Hope greatest!

I am here with the next update of Invisible Strings as promised on Tuesday! 👩‍👩‍💻👩‍💻👍👍👍

Absolutely, loved writing this down, so so much...!

So eager for you all to read...it too...

Will let you dive in straight away...

Word count – 8k words.

Also, please note – Story has taken a leap by 25 days from the last update.

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22. Transparent

25 Days Later – Bali, Indonesia

@ The Hotel – Rajesh, Ellie and Khushi are staying for their holiday

6:30 PM – Rajesh and Ellie's Room

Rajesh smiles at his beloved, Ellie as he takes the cup of black coffee she just handed to him – taking her seat beside him on the two-seater lounger sofa in their room. The happy smile on her face, told him that she was as thrilled and happy to be having this time of with Khushi. Ofcourse, he understood, that just like him, his wife desperately looked forward to spending as much as quality time with Khushi – in between her break from work travel/projects.

As a family, they'd already spent four amazing days here, just chilling, exploring, and spending quality time together as Khushi also filled them up on her details of the next one month – project line up here in Bali.

Oh, his father's heart was truly content in the moment. Plus, he also felt the very second, he had seen her walk into greet them here – at her arrival finally – that there was something about that easy breezy smile of her's + her vibe that had changed. As in, she always had a lovely smile, but this time around as her daddy he couldn't help but notice – that her grin was making the corner of her eyes twitch like naturally almost all the time. It had remained that way...all these days too...and a part of his mind was wondering..what was the reason for that...but then..in his fathers heart...he came to a conclusion that she was just happy...catching up on some good family time...with them.

He was right on that smiling to himself sipping in his coffee when he heard Ellie ask, intrigued sipping on her coffee too – " so...love...I was just thinking...as in my gut tells me..there's something different about Khushi...I mean..somethings changed...for sure...did you see the way she's been smiling in these days? Plus her vibe is soo much more freer and light...and then..she won't stop grinning and texting away in her phone...she's totally glued to texting fiercely like all the time..and the mesmerising smile she has up her face whilst at it...is the sign that – someone's finally come into her life on the other end.Do you think, there could be a possibility that she's met someone Raj? In Sydney? For we both know..nothings happened with Samarth and her..for we would have already known.....otherwise.."

Rajesh processes that and says now honestly – " really? you think its because she's met someone...you just had to break my daddy bubble that shes been this happy because of all the amazing family time we'v been spending together, all these days..."

Ellie grins – " well, I am sure, it is that too. Plus that her work project leg in Australia finished off so well. Remember how she mentioned the off -shore time in Tasmania was truly one of the most magical chapter of her work ex – under the deep waters?? I think its all of that combined + surely that she's met someone, for if that wasn't the case, why would she be like texting away in her phone, Raj? Like all the time??????catch the signs, will you?

Rajesh nods now – " hmmm...you are right...El...maybe...she has met someone...indeed...but if she has...why hasn't she talked about it...to us...yet?"

Ellie nods – " hmm...I guess...she will bring it up at dinner tonight...probably was waiting for us to catch on her happy vibe so that we already have a soft corner for whoever this guy is...for she knows...you are so possessive about her...but I will tell her anyway that she shouldn't have needed to wait for us to observe for she should know...her happiness is our collective priority...isn't it?,"and as she sees Rajesh nod at that deep in thought, she continues with a sigh – " either way...look...I am just glad...that she's finally moving on from the ache in her heart...over the boy...Arnav..I just want her to be happy..."

Rajesh gulps down a lump of guilt in his throat at the mere mention of Arnav, again. Keeping his act a secret from Ellie was like a stab in his heart – everytime – she brought him up. But in the moment, he couldn't help but answer – " about time, she moved on...indeed...El...I mean..how long was she going...to hold onto one end..just by herself...anyway...the boy's truly just forgotten her...I guess..."

Ellie nods at that and she says to Raj – "well, anyway, I am so planning to talk this over with Khushi...over dinner...tonight...I mean..if she doesn't bring it up...I most surely will...we will..right?? and just assure her that we want her to be happy...that's all...like that's all that truly..matters...right?thats all that truly mattered...always...right?"

Rajesh nods at that in agreement - " yes...we will...bring it up...El...and assure her the same...that her happiness is all that matters to us...indeed....,"and he adds to himself silently. I messed up on this accord massively once, El. And the guilt continues to eat me up hard, even today. So, ofcourse, I will never make the same mistake ever again...all I truly want is for our beloved Khushi...to find happiness in the matters of the heart...again...indeed. Its okay if its not Samarth. All that matters for me is that , she is able to feel her heart blossom again..or else..the guilt of being the one to butcher it...would surely lead to a cardiac issue...at my end...one day...anyway...

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30 Minutes Later

In Khushi's Room

Bali time – 7:00PM (Bali is 3 hours behind Australia in time.So for Arnav in Australia- it is 10:00 PM)

Khushi smiles to herself as she types away into her phone. She was on a text chat with Arnav, obviously who on the other end, in Australia was just finishing up on dinner with Aman, Syna, Neha, armaan, Jasleen and Abhijeet. They had their last concert performance of the tour in Australia – tomorrow. And she truly believed, that this last concert was going to be a super duper hit+ house full+ crazy buzz after - just like all the others were...too..!

She types into her phone now.

Khushi : know what baby? Just had to say this...again...I am sure, the concert is going to be freaking amazing again...tomorrow night...like you are all going to rock it...surely...and set not just the concert audience there but the entire internet on fire...you do know...I'v been listening to your stage performances this tour...and watching you go at it...like crazily back to back..in all my free time...ever since...and like I can't stop...maybe because...now...I know...in all my mindfulness...that the expressions you have up on your face/the feelings you emote while singing... are all for me...have always been...only for me.....oh just the thought...freaking drives me nuts...over and over....

Her phone beeps in a second.

Him : its only for you...Khushi...its all only for you...always has been only for you...I am so glad the thought is freaking drilled in your mind...by now...also...I am reaching my room in five minutes...can we video call? I need to see you now. you'v been busy with your mum and dad...all day darling..and the fact...that I haven't seen you after our morning video call...is aching me...now...also...now that I'v read your email...from last night...like ten times...over...all day...I'm kinda dying to see you....

Khushi smiles as she reads that and she writes : yes, we can video call. Surely. I am aching to see you too. I yet have a shortwhile before I meet mom and dad for dinner. I am to meet them at 8. Which gives us a while...also...really though? you read it -ten times already? Just ten times? Baby...then probably I am the crazier one to have read yours like twelve times...all day...

She taps send to that grinning.

Him : really? twelve times? I love the sound of that baby..okay...am calling you in three minutes...heading into the elevator to get back to the room...signal will cut off...buzz you as soon as I am in...

Khushi : okay baby..waiting...

Well, falling into their usual long-distance pattern had come easy to the two the very second, they had parted in Sydney. Like - Just like that – they had both fallen back into what was their intense communication rhythm/connection – texting all day as and when possible/video calling as much possible and also writing emotional love letters to one another – at their old email address – which they once used for this very purpose back in the day ...

Once again, they'd fallen into the flow of being so intensely connected emotionally – all day everyday/every moment that no amount of distance physically, seemed like a hassle at all to deal with. Except for this bit that they did crave each other's physical presence for the feel of intimacy around the other – as desperately as the other – this time around, for after experiencing their intense intimate moments with one another – the feel of it all had become like an addiction for both.

But then – they were both managing through that quite well, because all this distance apart had only added more fuel to the fire in between of them – which exploded high and intense when they finally met again – on moments when Khushi went to see him for a couple of days before his concert in Adelaide before she went off-shore as she had promised + on moments he had come to see her after she was back from off-shore in Tasmania for about 36 hours before she left for Bali....

Oh super intense, feiry, and fierce those intense intimate passionate moments had been in between the two...and yes seventy percent because off the electric desire angle but thirty percent extra all emotionally intense too - because in these other two visits to one another they had taken out couple of hours most surely to work through some more past baggage, through their constant rapid fires to get the answers they seeked+ through leeting the angst flow out and burn in catharsis by writing off more letter together...to burn out..eventually...

Ofcourse, all of that had begun to heal their past scars quite significantly and bit by bit – they were both feeling a lot more liberated...from it all...

Khushi knew she was not very far away from falling in love with him in the present..and she knew he knew that too...which is why...even though it took him/her all of their collective control..to just pull apart and away from one another – in a super intimate emotional moment thatcame in between the two on Khushi's last night in Australia. If they hadn't pulled apart...they would have surely ended up making love to one antoher in its literal sense...and she knew...it was important to him that she'd have accepted it out loud in all consciousness today – that she loved him – madly – just like she knew, he knew- it was important for her to hear him say the same...as well...

And so as much as it ached physically...to not give in to the moment...the two didn't indulge in making love in its literal sense...and just want on to combust each other through the other intimate ways...eventually....which also set the two on fire..anyway...

Khushi fans her face now to herself fighting her way out of those intense memories flooding in her head. Well, it had just been what five-six days, since she had last seen/kissed/felt – Arnav combust her and she combust him – but in the moment – she felt like she was just dying to kiss him – already..to feel his hands/lips...all over her...having their intense ways with her in the ways he wanted...

Oh god help her! How was she going to wait for another 45 days to see him. Oh she most surely knew – neither him/or her could meet up before that. For he was to fly back to India day after at his end and given that he was returning after so long – he had numerous recordings/work commitments lined up at his end..already! And she was going to be offshore for most of her time in her project in Bali...anyway....

And then, she was yet to talk to her parents about him tonight...and tell them that she wanted to visit him mumbai first...too...splitting her break...so either way...it still would be...like...45 days...before she saw him....

Oh Damm!

She was right on that thought when her phone buzzed with Arnav's video call and she swipped up – instantly.And the happy gush of relief that consumed his face the minute he took in the sight of her made her insides flush again in both desire and emotion and even before she could say anything she heard him admit in a rush – brushing his hand over his face as if he were fighting a similar ache himself – " godammit....you...Khushi...what have you done to me..baby? I feel like...I am dying to kiss you...touch you..feel you...right very now.....you have no idea...how badly I wana be with you...right now...like right next to you...and...the bit that I most surely am going to die waiting for the next 45 days...atleast...I want you so freaking bad...dammit...,"and he narrows his eyes at her studying her expressions at that – " wait...you are flushing..as in your blushing...at that...so am I right to assume that you feel the same way baby?,"she hears him ask with a mischievous raise of his eye – as he plonks himself on the bed.

Khushi grins but admits – " exactly...you are right to assume that...for I was just thinking the very same before you called...Arnav....urrghhh...this 45 days wait...is going to be crazy....for sure...but then....I also..know..it will only make us crave the other more...in the process...which will eventually be worth it...don't you think?,"she finishes with a playful wink – " I mean...given we experienced that on the two occasions we did meet in Australia after our short partings....."

She sees Arnav groan at that as he brushes his hand through his hair – "yes, I know what you mean..baby and I am all game for that.but.. oh godammit... you...you just had to remind me of those moments right now?? you have any idea...how close I was to freaking lose my mind's control...and bury myself in you deep...in that moment...when you looked at me the way you did..admitting how much you would miss us..and think about us/our intimacy...after leaving..."

Khushi chuckles at that – " well, I know...obviously....but I was just being vulnerably honest...okay...for you know...all this craving I feel for you...physically is literally all I'v been thinking off...whenever I am alone..."

She hears Arnav groan at that – " baby...you know it's the same for me...plus...I so hate that I am not there to freaking touch you/feel you/kiss you...in those moments.."

Khushi nods fanning her flushed cheeks – " copy that. I hate that part of it...too...Arnav...but we know...we think of the other...anyway...as always...so....," yup it flushed her a little in the moment, but it wasn't out of shyness from him. That could never be the case. She was his – afterall. Had always been – just His.

She hears him say at that boring his intense gaze into her – " tie your hair up baby...will you please?so that I can imagine...I am there...showering your gorgeous neckline...all the attention my lips...want to in the moment.."

Khushi bites back her smile at that and ties her hair up – shooting him a playful wink and once she spots his gaze darkening more at that she asks playfully – " this okay? works?,"

And just as he says – " you bet it does...,"and his gaze darkens more – Khushi feels herself flush a lot more.Again, not out of shyness – but It was just out off the feel of wanting...her passionate....release...more in the moment already..

It was all his fault. Why did he have to look at her this way – so electrically intense? As if all he wanted was to leap through a magical teleportal and devour her – literally – in every sense....

She says now locking her own intense gaze with his – " don't...look at me...like that right now...please?Arnav...look away..."

He obviously doesn't but challenges her with a raise of his eyebrow – his gaze now lingering all over her frame even more intently as if he were literally combusting her mentally in his head in the moment – "why? Why should I look away?when I know its having the exact imact I want it to have...Khushi...you know...all I want to do...right now...is freaking devour you..all of you...in deep intimitae ways...you know...I am doing just that in my head...already don't you...?"

Khushi nods at that intently – " exactly...I know..alright...which is why I am saying look away..or...I am going to have to hang up...myself and head into cold shower...baby...,"and she winks knowing just the reference of the same would only lead him to imagine a sight off her that would drive him even more nuts in desire – in the moment...

She hears him groan at that as she'd anticipated – " you are killing me...Khushi....am sure...you know that.."

She winks – "indeed I know that.."

She hears him say boldly now – " next time I see...you...you are not stepping into shower...alone...baby...not a chance..."

Khushi answers raising her eyebrow – " got it...I think I'd like that...love that rather...and...well, who said, you aren't welcome to join me in the shower anyway...you are more than...welcome...like anytime....baby..."

She hears him say at that – now – immediately – " okay...now...you just killed me with that...give me five- ten minutes...gotta hang up...ill buzz you then?"

Khushi winks – " why? Are you heading into a cold shower now..already too...Arnav??"

She sees his eyes widen at that – " you bet I am...dammit..damm you.....ill be thinking off you...us...know that..."

Khushi beams in glee – the fact that she could undo him always just thrilled her immense – " hmmm....then maybe...ill use the time...to do the same...thinking of you...and us...too..,"and with that she shares an electric eye lock with him as she whispers – " but then give me twenty mins..then?For I wana get ready for dinner...with Mom and Dad...so ill buzz you once I am completely ready so that we can talk...until its time for me to head out..to see them..."

Arnav nods.

She nods.

And the two finally hang up – and head into the respective showers at their end – to seek closure to their electric desire – for one another in the moment....

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

10 Minutes Later - Arnav's hotel room – in Australia

Arnav smiled to himself,walking out the bath, brushing a towel through his hair. Trust, this woman to drive him off the edge of freaking sensual madness. And this was when – he hadn't even made love to her in its literal sense. God only knew, what would happen to him and his intensity of emotions within for her – when he'd actually do that..

He is right on that thought when he hears knock on his door and he goes on to open it instantly and sees Aman walk in instantly at the speed of light as he asks suddenly closing the door shut – " bro...I won't be able to sleep just yet...tell me...what happened? as in ...has it happened already? Khushi must have spoken to her mum and dad by now given that she did say she would get around it on the last day with that? so....what did she tell? How did Rajesh Maan – react??what did khushi say??"

Arnav almost bites his chuckle at that at seeing the worried expression up on Aman's face. He really was the best ! Arnav explains now walking back to sit on the sofa as Aman follows – " I would tell you if I knew...but nah. I don't know just yet for it hasn't happened yet. It will soon though. Khushi plans to talk to them over dinner – tonight – brother. Bali is three hours behind us...remember?"

Aman nods at that as it sinks in – " ohhh, yes...it is behind us in time..here...okay...look...I am worried for you both okay...like who knows how he will react...so you better wake me up to tell me how it went at her end..."

Once again – Arnav was only moved by his support in the moment.And he can't help but admit now to Aman – "well, to be honest, I am not worried, anymore...like at all...for I am confident Khushi will handle it in our favour anyway...infact, I am kind off prepped for my phone to ring with his call...again...though.My gut tells me, I am sure, he will call me, after he knows...I don't know what he will say this time around, but what I know, is that I am ready to handle him – too...let him ask him to stay away from Khushi one more time, and the man will unleash my wrath like never before...,"he finishes intently.

Aman nods at that – "only fair. I am telling you Arnav...you better give it back to him...in case he calls..."

Arnav nods – " I will..indeed...also because...it will help be a vent for my guilt on keeping it from khushi already..you know...iv been writing about the guilt down everyday and burning the damm page out every single day too...its been working...in easing me...but still...the hitch remains...that I am keeping something this huge from her..."

Aman nods at that in an instant understanding and given that he'd observed Arnav's frame go a little serious he decides to make him smile changing the topic – " anyways...we will deal with Rajesh Maan...when he comes up...you tell me...did you get on the video call with Khushi that you were rushing to your room for...post dinner?"

Arnav smiles at that on reflex – " indeed...I did...,"and he admits – " I just miss her so much already...Aman...as in not her presence within me...for she consumes me in deep ways...but like you know..in her presence around me...I am sure you understand what I mean..it's surely the same for you and meera when you are away from each other..."

Aman nods at that with a smile – " ofcourse, I know what you mean, brother...which is why...we keep finding ways to like minimize gaps..of being away from each other as much..."

And that is exactly when an idea strikes Arnav and he looks at Aman suddenly excited – " aman, once we land in Mumbai...is it possible if we like through all my work commitments lined up as quickly in the next six weeks...like overload me with schedule and appointments...till the night..if that what it takes..."

Aman reads his expression curiously and asks – " why do you say that? what's on your mind? Khushi is planning to come down to Mumbai anyway.....right?"

Arnav nods at that excited - " yes , but what if I say, I suddenly feel like I wana head to Fiji..islands...just as she reaches there too for her break...that way...ill gain a week more with her...will give us good two weeks together...we can fly back to Mumbai together too....I mean...I haven't taken a break from work in years...have been going at it nonstop in the grind – so maybe if I can just take a week off then????"

Aman grins – " well, work life balance is important...Arnav and given that you haven't had any of that for years...only fair..that you find yourself thinking the same...lets do one thing brother...once we get back to Mumbai..we will try to figure lined up schedule out and do our best to make it happen...,"and he pauses – " but wait...are you also just saying this...because...you find yourself suddenly thrilled at the idea of shoving your presence in Rajesh Maan's face – already – as well?"

Arnav can't help but grin halfway at that – " maybe...about time...I also...see him eye to eye in real time...and make my intentions clear by telling him...that I am back...for his daughter...for good...this time around...don't you think...Aman? I so just wana look him in the eye and be like – do whatever you want, break hell on us if you want...but you will never be able to come in between the two of us...ever again...for I won't freaking just let you...."

And Aman can only grin at that as he says – "about time indeed...brother...lets plan this once we back...in Mumbai soon..for sure...ill overbook you with appointments till 1am in the night if I have too...but I will manage to free your schedule for a week...only because...I too want to see this happen..finally...,"and he pauses as he sees Arnav's phone buzz with Khushi's video call and he says patting his arm now grinning – " go on..talk to her...ill take my leave...now..."

Arnav nods at him bye and walks him to the door and after he closes the door shut – he swipes green – accepting Khushi's video call instantly grinning the widest he could and just as he takes in the sight of her he says with a playful wink – " hey you...gorgeous woman...you look stunning...you want to drive..me crazy..for sure..."

He hears her chuckle happily at that as she asks with a wink – " really? then mission accomplished is what I would say. Like what you see?"

Arnav grins – " I love what I see...baby...,"and at that he hears Khushi ask playfully now sitting on the sofa at her end – " wait..whats up? I know that grin + the mischievous glint in your eye...you are upto something?? right?? what is it??"

Arnav admits now at that sincerely – "Well, given that we both are dying to see each other as bad...Iv come up with the idea to save us both atleast a week from 45 days of that ache..."

He sees Khushi's widen in glee at the moment at that – " whattt??? ???????? Wait..what do you mean by that...?? baby??what rocking idea is this..rockstar??"

Arnav winks – " well, this rocking idea involves me coming to you in Fiji Islands..exactly when you reach there...to begin your break...how do you like the sound of that?? I mean...about time..i came to your side...of the world...Khushi....don't you think?,"and he bits back his grin as he sees Khushi jump up on the sofa at her end in sheer excitement – " wait....whattttttt??? what did you just say baby?? You will come to Fiji?? Just when I reach there??,"and as he nods excited at that loving her expressions , he sees her sit back curious as she asks – " I love that...so freaking love the sound of that...but how..will this happen?? As in...I know when you get back...you have like so so much lined up...I wouldn't want your work to suffer on this accord...pls...your work commitments are so important to you...I know that..."

Arnav reassures her immediately – " don't worry sweetheart...I will figure it out...already spoke to Aman...will overload myself in the next five weeks over if I have to when...I return..will work overtime...to squeeze it all in...and then just take that break of a week to come to you...and then maybe we can just come back to Mumbai..together..after...for I haven't taken a break off work...in ages...Khushi...in years.....literally...you don't worry...I will figure this out...k?"

And he sees Khushi smile at that relieved – " okay then...if you say...you will figure it out..then kool....,"and then she grins – "and dude...know this in freaking advance..you will stay at home...for sure...with us...for Mom and Dad would already know about us by then....like I am sure...they'd have no problem...at all..."

That makes Arnav almost choke on the glass of water he had picked up to drink.Like the imaginary look of shock going through her daddy at that – does bring him momentary satisfaction within! Yeah, about time he drained some colour off the man's face. He hears her ask concerned – " what the? Baby...you ok? have you choked? Look up? Please??"

He does obviously and once he takes a deep breathe he looks back at her through screen and says honestly – " well, that was because I was imagining the look on your daddys face at that..though...I mean..are you sure hed be okay with me staying over? I could just stay at a hotel nearby or an airbnb something...I was about to ask you on the same..actually ..for you would know all about the acoomodations...around...right? I obviously wana stay closer...to where u are...you know incase your parents...don't agree to this..."

He hears Khushi say at that shrugging it off casually – " oh no way you are staying elsewhere baby...like as if ill let that happen...I am telling you..i got this at my end...ok? you know I am going to talk to them over dinner anyway...ill handle it...I am going to be completely transparent about us...about what I feel and...just like you said...you'll handle stuff at your end to come to me in Fiji..and I trust you will...just trust me..that I will handle this too...like I got this...I got us...k?"

Arnav smiles at that his heart flooding with a gazllion emotions as he fights his urge to utter the words – I love you – Khushi to her – just yet....for even though he could sense that she could sense that he was already there at that point – he surely didn't want to say it to her on videocall/or before she was ready to hear it. He knew, he'd the see the look in her eyes, when she would be there herself. She was on her way...to that point...but not there just yet...and..so he just whispers sincerely instead – " I trust you...ofcourse...more than my very own life...Khushi..."

And at that the two just share another intense emotional eyelock and fall into chatter about making excited plans – about meeting again in Fiji with Khushi going all like – ill take you around, show you everything, the high school where I studied...our marketplace...oh the cinnamon swirls place...I so love...the harbour...etc etc...

And what could Arnav do in the moment?

Just listen to her animated excited chatter on the same and feel himself falling in love with her for the gazillionth time – over!

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

A shortwhile later...

Bali – at the Hotel's restaurant – 9:00 PM

Rajesh and Ellie, exchange a knowing look amongst themselves now as they all await their deserts. They'd finished dinner over general family chatter.In the moment, Khushi was just smiling away to herself, typing something into her phone which makes Ellie shoot Rajesh the look – I am going to ask her about it now! This is the time.

Rajesh nods at that and Ellie clears her throat with a significant ahemmm – as she says to Khushi after – " Khushi...honey...whats up?"

She sees, Khushi look up instantly at that as she says briefly typing away into her phone still – " whats up is that we awaiting desert...isn't it?Mum?"

Ellie nods at that as she says – " indeed, we are awaiting deserts...but what I mean is...what's up with you darling? Surely something has changed in your life..ever since...Australia...you look happier..on the whole...your vibes lighter...you'v been smiling so much typing away into your phone..that it makes your eyes twitch adorably a sight..both your father and me...love...so we wana know..what is this about? Our guess...is that you'v met someone? Haven't you..?"

Now that obviously catches Khushi's attention immediately. Well, she was planning to get the conversation started on this post desert over coffee – but then – now that Mum had brought it up herself – she couldn't help but address it now. She keeps her phone aside – quickly sending tap to the text she'd anyway written to Arnav and now looks at her parents and smiles shifting back in her seat all relaxed – " well, Mom, Daddy, I was planning to talk to you both this anyway...post...desert over coffee..but glad you brought it up yourself...indeed....it is about that...I have met someone...back in Sydney...and we are kind off in the middle of giving each other a honest shot..."

That makes Ellie grin in complete glee – " you are dating someone...finally?you mean? love?"

Khushi nods at that excited and looks at her daddy's thoughtful face, glad that he was smiling at the development too and she explains – " so...yes...I am finally dating...mom..daddy...and yes...Samarth /Ammar both know...as in...I didn't hide it from him or them or something...they knows from the very onset I met this person...k? they haven't filled you in on their return to Fiji..for it is obviously for me to tell and I haven't told you both this over the phone...because...well I wanted to do it in person...plus obviously for you both to see/observe for yourself...how happy I am with this development in my life...before...I..I..tell you anything further..because...,"and she pauses.

Ellie asks intrigued – " wait...what do you mean by that? khushi? and yes...that bit is obvious to us that you are quite delighted by this development..we are delighted for you too...so much..."

Rajesh chips in now picking up a glass of water to drink a sip, grinning – " indeed...your mum is right Khushi...we are utterly delighted darling..anybody who is a reason for that smile...is surely in our good books...already...so why did you pause...with the because.."

And Khushi takes a deep breathe at that as she finally lets it out looking at the two – " because....it's still him...as in...it isn't that I'v started dating someone new...infact...I'v gotten back together..with the only guy I have ever loved...in all of my life....we met again...figured it was like a unnecessary misunderstanding that kept us apart for all this while...anyway...bottom line is...that...I'v gotten back together with....Arnav..."

Now that freaking shocks the nightlights out of Ellie+ Rajesh's mind and as Rajesh Maan eye pop out of his sockets – he literally chokes on the sip of water he was drinking and starts coughing vigorously as he asks in between bouts of coughs – " whattttttttttt ?????? what did you just say? Khushi? you and Arnav are back together?".

Why did Rajesh Maan, choke that way?

Because – well, the first thought in his mind was full of fear just as he heard that. What if – she knew the truth? What if Arnav had told her the truth? But then his mind reminds him – that If that would be the case he wouldn't find Khushi sitting here in front of him for she would be hating him.

Ellie asks processing the shock herself patting on Rajesh's back at that – " what???? how did this even happen? Like...what happened...on this accord..?? what misunderstanding??" She was momentarily worried – Khushi had been in a lot of ache because of this boy – for years . She didn't want her girl to be hurt again – yet the smile on her face warmed her heart. She knew what this meant to her. She'd seen him long for him – for years – hadn't she?

Khushi had gotten up from her seat to help her daddy in the moment, who was still steadying from the bouts of cough after choking , and as she was in the middle of patting his back, she says to her Mum recognising the worry in her eyes – " I know...you both surely details...ill brief it up to you...both...I know you are worried about me getting hurt again...Mom..probably so is dad..which is why he choked...but be rest assured...that he is never ever going to hurt me again...like ever...,"and she asks her Daddy as he stops coughing finally – " you okay? daddy?

And that makes Rajesh nod as he gestures Khushi to take her seat – still unable to digest his shock on this development and he asks looking at Khushi straight – " how did this happen? What happened? get talking please? he surely must have explained...why he still continued to ghost you out for so many years...what did he say??"( All a part of him wanted to know in the moment, was what theory had Arnav given to Khushi, if he hadn't given the truth)

Khushi takes a deep breathe at that as she thinks to herself. This is it..moment of truth..and as deserts arrive just then...she takes a quick bite into her brownie..and begins to give her parents a brief highlights of the same...as to how..he'd only always felt for her...that he'd goten curved away for giving real time dating a short momentarily...for just a month...but just face to face chatter was all it was for him and that other girl..for a month... and as to how he'd still be haunted by her(Khushi's) memories...in the moment...that how...he'd never even touched anyone...apart from her ever...so basically had been into celibate mode ever since she left for Fiji...and the reason why he hadn't reached out to her or broken the silence was because he was so guilty over how to face her...and once...he did feel he came around to that..he spiralled back into his vortex of turmoil..thinking..she'd have moved on..etc etc..and that was a sight/info he thought he could never process...for he was still feeling what he was within deeply for her...and as to how...he even wrote his first music album's hit song Rabba ve just for her...how he'd only thought off her...everytime..he sang...like ever....

And so on...just like that...she continued to give them..brief highlights of it all...and Rajesh and Ellie Maan, could only listen on in an intense thoughtful silence...with each processing it in their heads – in different contexts. Ellie was feeling like – oh how unfortunate than it was for these two have fallen apart through this way if this was what they felt for another...

And Rajesh Maan's mind was once again...being...drowned into the context of Guilt...

Indeed...he hadn't just toyed with his daughter's life. He surely had butchered the boys heart deep...long ago..too...he know thought in retrospect...as he continued to hear what Khushi was saying.....

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

About fifteen minutes later, Khushi finally finishes with the bit taking the last bite of her desert – " so now you both know..brief highlights of it all...we are like totally working hard and strong at dealing the baggage of our pasts releasing all that angst, pain and ache...alongside...living our present...together...its working its wonders...you know...on those scars of the past...,"and she smiles as she admits – " the present..will heal...our scars...Mum..daddy..it surely will...we are on our way there...those scars have at least now... stopped...bleeding...profusely...which is why...you see the difference in my vibe that obviously...those baggage chains...are loosening up..at a significant speed...we both see ourselves being liberated from it emotionally...sooner than we both expected we'd be...our present seems to have gotten some extra potent power...at work..for sure...."

Now that Ellie has heard all of this, she's truly relieved and has no worry consuming her heart for it seems – Arnav suffered so much too within lost in his own turmoil and she finally gets up from her seat and engulfs Khushi in a warm big hug kissing her head as she says – " gosh..this is a lot ...for sure...Khushi..honey..but I am so happy for you...so happy that the two of you are handling this..so maturely...in the present...I mean...it is fair..to work through this together..especially when you found after all these years in terms of feelings...you both stood pretty much at the same place....it must have been a very happy moment...for you...right darling?afterall...I know...what you'v been through...on his accord.."

Khushi hugs Ellie hard at that - " indeed Mum..I was so happy and overwhelmed too at the same time...like I cant truly put it in words what I felt...I wish I could..."

Ellie pulls back from the hug as she kisses Khushi's head again and smiels – " you don't need to explain...honey...I can see it...look all that matters to me..and to us...is that you are happy in your personal space right now...whatever you decide...we both with you...on this...aren't we? Rajesh?,"and with that the two look at Rajesh – who was still kinda consumed in a state of deep thoughtful shock from their eye. Little did they know – he was dying in guilt – within – and more than guilt – massive fear too. What if – khushi found out the truth? eventually? No, he couldn't let that happen. Ever...he thought...She'd just hate him. Hate him so dammed much. She'd probably never see his face again...

He now finds Khushi and Ellie look at him waiting for an answer and he somehow manages to bury his turmoil down and shoots Khushi a smile nonetheless – " your happiness..is all that matters...Khushi...so if it involves you giving this boy a second...shot...then so be it...."

Khushi snaps her fingers in glee at that and walks up to hug her daddy hard at that and then pulls Ellie too into a group hug as she exclaims in glee to the two of them – " I knew it...I so knew it...that this is what you two would say...I'd keep telling Arnav the same too...that my happiness is what you two care about the most...for no reason only...he was freaking out over the two of yours probable reaction...specially your's daddy...like you won't believe...how many times...I caught him flinching at the mere mention of your name...he would like get so jittery everytime..you came up..as in if you called...when we were together.."

Uh-Oh. Now that from Khushi catches Rajesh Maan's attention even more. Surely, the boy has covered up, for now. But if he's flinching is that obvious to Khushi – surely she'd drill him down sooner or later..and what if...he slipped the truth away?? Noooooo. No..

Thankfully, he hears Ellie ask before he could – " really? Khushi? did you ask him why that was?"

And Rajesh feels his ear shoot up at that on its own accord as he hears Khushi explain now taking her seat back – looking at the two earnestly – " ofcourse...I asked...him...freaking drilled him down...on that...and I discovered...it was because...he still doesn't know what you two think off him...as in especially daddy...like if daddy would be okay with this..especially coz he's got vision of Samarth in his head...for me.."

Rajesh sighs in relief at that. Again...a good cover up from the boy..momentarily...but.....

And before he could think further, he hears Ellie ask intrigued – " really what did you tell him then honey? Hope you assured him, that your happiness is all that matters to your daddy...for it indeed does..even I can vouch for that..."

Khushi nods at that and as she observes her daddy deep in thought still, she figures he's just processing it all and so she makes her point clear subtly and lovingly – " indeed...I told him just that...and also the bit...that I don't necessarily..need anyone's approval to be with him..anyway...ever...like...only him and mine...for our relationship is for us to define, mess up, fix...heal...like its onus is on us...I don't mean...any offence...Mom and daddy....when I say this..for you both know...i love you both to bits....but to be fair enough...its like...he's been in my life...longer..prior...to me even meeting you both...he's been family too...like my whole wide world...like you both surely understand where I am coming from...right? you surely know the tale of how I first met him at age 5..walking into the orphanage all lost after losing my biological parents...he was the one...who came up to cheer me up with his singing...and from that very moment..on...it's just been...like...us...super thick..and into one another...all along...first as childhood besties/friends and then childhood sweethearts after...plus not to forget... I wouldn't even ever be here with you both...as a family...if he hadn't convinced me back then to make this move to Fiji...I never wanted to leave him behind...but he convinced me...as you two already know...for the sake off my brighter future...and the part that I was being lucky to be blessed with another home/family...."

Ellie nods at that instantly – " no offence taken, sweetheart...we know exactly what you mean...infact for a larger part of my life...in my head...I'v been indebted to the boy...for having convinced you to say okay to our adoption...back then...and make the move with us..to fiji...I too clearly remember...how you'd instantly looked at Arnav only shaking your head in a No – when we first talked about it in Mini's office to you ...you wanted him to sit right next to you through that....and ofcourse...I do also remember his teary eyed faced...when we took you away...eventually..that day..in my heart, looking back at that day... I always believed...that by letting you go then..he'd also sent a piece of his heart alongside...."

Khushi's eyes well up at the memory as well and as she observes her daddy's thoughtful silence still she thinks he's remembering the same too – still oblivious to all that is going on in his head but she asks sincerely – " daddy you haven't taken offence to what I said...right?? I didn't say it to offend you like at all...its just that...now that I know his side of things....my feelings just back to being super intense...deeply...it would always supercede...everything...so...I m glad that you said...my happiness is all that matters to you...for just incase it didn't...it would just be so sad....maybe...because...then..you'd ask me to chose...and...well..anyway..am so glad..it would never come to that...that it never came to that accord...from your end...atleast...I am so glad..you two understand....,"she pauses and smiles in great relief to herself – kinda excited to text Arnav about it all.

But, Rajesh Maan finally clears his throat at hearing that gulping down fluxes of guilt, worry and fear – " so you...mean...to say...if it ever came to the choice...as in if I asked you to chose..ever...you'd always chose him?"

Khushi simply looks at her Daddy at that narrowing her eyes as her Mum nudges him in the arm – " raj...why bring that up..when we'd ever ask her to chose..anyway...we'd never to that to our girl...ever..right..we both know...what Arnav means to her...we always did know....and now that we know what he's been through...its even more clear..he's always held the same position for Khushi in his heart...t??"

Rajesh nods at Ellie and looks at Khushi and explains with a little smile – " yes, we would never do that..but I asked...just because...I want to know...the answer to that..from Khushi....go on ..Khushi tell..me...be honest..."

Khushi just picks up her glass of water at that as she looks at her Daddy and says sincerely – "sorry..if this hurts you...daddy...but if you'd ever ask me chose...it would just be so sad that it ever came to that...it would hurt me immense...to..break my daughters heart...too....but yes...I'd still chose him...,"and she says now in the next breathe – " I hope...you do understand..what my feelings are on this accord and where I am coming from daddy.. Look the entire agenda about this chat was to be like completely honest and transparent with you two on this accord....that's all....I am sorry if I hurt you..daddy..that wasn't my intention at all....you are happy for me, right? for us?? As in for Arnav and me...I know Mum is..its that evident on her face...you'v just been lost in deep thought...I am confused...."

Rajesh Maan processes that from Khushi and he adds now clutching his hand with Ellie's covering up with a smile momentarily – "yes, I am hapoy for you Khushi, just like your mum is..and we both respect that you were so transparent about it all..with us...we know...you love us both...very much...which is why you expect us to understand..you...only fair...from a daughters point of view...and please know...we do...get you....on this accord...and also you don't need to be sorry at all...for... I am not hurt at all by any of that...none offence taken..my child.....like none at all....I'd never ask you to chose...infact...I think I knew that answer in my gut already...I know he's the only one you'v ever loved...I know you'd fight not just us all...more so the world..too.....especially now..after knowing how he's felt and longed for you all along....I wish you two nothing but the best...okay...you can tell him that...k? tell him...we both wish you two nothing but the best...we are gld you found your way back to one another eventually....," and at that – he pauses suddenly for he is immediately hugged by Khushi – in a big heartwarming hug at that as she says all excited – " oh daddy...mom...you two...are the best...I simply love you two to bits...thank you so much..for understanding...your blessings only adds more sweetness...to our journey here ...on...."

And as Ellie and Khushi continue to grin excited at one another too and Rajesh finds himself in the middle of the family group hug – he can't but help but add to himself silently fear returning to clutch him – I did always know you'd always chose him over in the blink off an eye Khushi.Which is why all those years ago – I never talked to you about letting him go/breaking up with him/ for I knew...you'd revolt against us all and we'd lose you...which is why...I just called him instead..for in my head..I had believed I'd be successful in manipulating him with my mind games...playing with his insecurities/life's position then. Oh, how ashamed I am off myself over that today...just like I have been for years...but today...in this moment...more than ever...I am drowning in guilt...but I am also consumed in fear like never before......you can just never know the truth...my fear of losing you..Khushi... is greater than my guilt..for sure...that I'v just realised....and for the sake of that...if I have to make another call to the boy – in the present day today....I most surely will....

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

Tadaaaaa!!

No shoes at me for stopping thereeeee! How was that you all? Plus- what do you think – Rajesh is going to say to Arnav on his call this time around? Threaten him again? or something else? What's your guess? Don't worry though - for Arnav is surely prepped to handle Rajesh Maan this time around...in his head already...that much I assure...you...no matter what he says...

Next Update – 23. The Call – will come up on Thursday!(And - Yes, yes, it is going to be a super intense conversation in between Arnav and Rajesh maan – finally again – after all these years ) –

But yes,I will see you all tomorrow still, with the first update of Hit wicket My heart 4.0...

Thanks guys for all the love* support always.

Much Love* Infinite Gratitude

Now and always

Prachi