Helloooo everyoneeeee....

How you doing???????? Happy Tuesdayyyyyy!🤗🤗🤗🤗

So yes, as mentioned - I am here with the next update of Invisible Strings, bang on schedule👩‍👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻😊😊

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

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

Will let you dive in straight away...

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25. Finally...

46 More Hours Later

@ Their Hotel In Kuta,Bali

2:00 PM in the Afternoon

Amaar's Room

Amaar and Arnav continued to pace to and fro simultaneously, across each other – wrecked in nervousness – equally – exchanging worried looks, every now and then, looking at their phone screen's, helplessly . The food they'd ordered in for room service for lunch was lying on the center table of the room, but none of them were making an effort to reach out to their plates to serve themselves with food in the moment.

Why?

Because, their appetite was just dead anyway.

Hours, freaking hours resulting in almost two more days had passed, and they hadn't heard either from Khushi or Manizeh, directly yet. So much had happened, in these hours otherwise. Arnav had arrived in Bali. Amaar had arrived, as well. They'd both met and were constantly supporting each other in these moments of collective wrecked worry. They were obviously staying at the same hotel, in the heart of the city centre – just about thirty minutes away from the port/harbour – Khushi and Manizeh were scheduled to reach along with their team – eventually.

Khushi's + Manizeh+ Amaar's parents had been equally worried on the other end – and they kept in constant touch with Amaar in order to offer support in the moment. Samarth had been in constant touch with both Amaar and Arnav, simultaneously.

Ideally, Samarth felt like he wanted to come to Bali, himself along with Amaar but then he decided otherwise – given the situation – because their families were equally disturbed by this situation and Amaar insisted it be better if he was there with everyone as well. And because, Samarth knew, Arnav was anyway headed to Bali, himself, it felt more right to be out of the scene – there around Arnav and Khushi. He'd anyway see them, once they were back in Fiji. He was doing much better, now, on the accord of getting clarity in his head and heart, with the focus on moving on wholeheartedly from Khushi.

As for Arnav, amidst all this turmoil,apart fro Amaar and Samarth, Aman, Meera, Mini Maa, Matthew Dad, Syna, Neha, Armaan, Abhijeet,Jasleen had been his constant support – through it all.They were all equally worried about this development – ofcourse. They kept checking on the situation with him on and off. Mini Maa+Matthew Dad had everyone in the orphanage be praying for Khushi's safety as well.

Strangely,Arnav had also been receiving on and off texts – from Rajesh Maan – as the two exchanged communication on Khushi's accord – on account of receiving updates from her headoffice. Amaar would relay the information to Arnav , immediately as well, obviously. But nonetheless, he would also receive a text from the man – on the same which would just lead him to thank him for sharing the information with him and then the man would go on to text Arnav, not to worry and Arnav would go on to text him back saying – Say's someone, whose wrecked in worry,himself.(yet again)

Ironically, though, how this situation around Khushi's research vessel caught up in a storm/wading its way through it – had kind off connected Rajesh Maan+ Arnav in a thread of mutual worry..

Yes.This was the reason, why Amaar and Arnav couldn't get themselves to eat anything in the moment, or rather since previous evening...

Because, apparently, the update had come in from Khushi's+ Manizeh's HO to all families of members on board – that whilst the vessel was headed on its route back which was to take them around 36 hours to get to shore – it had got caught up in a middle of a fresh storm. The weather around the waters was just freaking horrible leading to horrid winds/high tides – but the only saving grace in the moment was – that the project chief was managing to send constant updates through the lone satellite phone on board that – everyone on board was safe and they were managing to navigate their way through it – slowly and cautiously. They were having to slow down speed/fasten it/or just shut the engines – depending on tidal conditions. Needless to say , the rough weather was still creating a huge block in general connectivity from the vessel, but the only saving grace again in this situation was that the update received was – that no harm had come onto the vessel in the middle of all of this and it was braving the weather onslaught all strongly, keeping everyone on board safe.

Thank God, that the weather had not impacted the vessels engines/harmed its light/tech/electric functioning.

Back in India, given that Arnav had cancelled last minute work to head here – Aman had managed to relay the message to everyone associated(work wise) that he'd had to step out for a family emergency given that a close one – was caught up in a tricky weather situation – around the waters of Bali. Aman knew, he had to be clear about the location Arnav was headed to anyway, for he'd be spotted during, his travel...etc etc...

And as he'd expected, that was a bit that had happened. As Arnav was spotted travelling to Bali, a lot of speculations on the internet were on about – as to why he was spotted heading there? and that too – all alone – all of a sudden?

Bali, is a popular tourist destination. Especially, the area of Kuta, where Amaar and Arnav had booked to stay in – was in the heart of the city center, popular with tourists. A lot of Indians, who were around holiday here – had also spotted Arnav around the hotel with Amaar which had sent the buzz of wonder/curiosity on social media going. Not that – Arnav cared about any of that in the moment. All he cared, about, was the bit that Khushi just reach back shore – safely – to him – as soon as possible.

Arnav pauses in his to and fro now scowling to himself as he looks out the window to the room and says to Amaar – " Amaar...you say that weather? don't you? its freaking technically 2pm in the afternoon...but its been raining cats and dogs for so long now...the suns not come out today...just like it didn't yesterday...and this hard rain won't just stop pettling down...like as if...the news of them making their way through the fresh storm wasn't killing enough...now we have to deal with the thought, that even whilst heading closer to shore...they are going to be surrounded by bad weather conditions..the waters around the harbour are surely rougher than usual...as well...now...godammit...what's with the bloody weather...these days? Why can't it freaking clear up when I most want it too....,"and he adds eyeing the gloomy weather+ clouds – "just clear up dammit ..until they back to shore...and post that...storm out all you want..."

Amaar stops pausing in his to-and fro – at that and comes to stand next to Arnav, to look out the glass window. Indeed, the weather conditions in and around – weren't like ideal at all. Infact, they were far from ideal. Bali was technically an island nation in the Indian Ocean, but because this Indonesian island was closer to the waters of pacific ocean – sometimes – sudden storms like these – just happened.Apparently, for the locals, it wasn't a big deal for they were used to seeing such weather conditions around – but in their hearts only Amaar and Arnav knew, how big a deal it was for them this time around. Only, Amaar gods knew, how he was able to contain his worry in the moment - though.Thank God, for Arnav around him in the moment. He'd helped him keep his turmoil in check – just like he had with him vice versa – when the other – was nearing towards shades of worry and paranoa. He says to Arnav now, scowling hard himself – " just let me see Manizeh, I am going to ask her to promise me...that she better not even think off freaking going offshore...on any project ...for the next two full months...for I am surely going to need that much time to get over my paranoia in my head....because of this situation...."

Arnav scowls – " just two months? I'm going to need a bloody full year to come around this in my head...Amaar..."

Amaar nods – " well, I know what you mean buddy, but because I'v been used to coping up with aspect of Manizeh's job for longer than you are used to coping up around, Khushi's...its obvious you'd take longer to come around it in your head..."

Just then they hear + spot a loud thunder in the skies as the rain worsens and Arnav groans – "dammit...this just continues to get more crazier...Amaar...no wonder tele-signal will be a problem..even if they headed closer to shore...we have no update on this though..right? as to when..they will actually dock back....the last update received just said – the project heads focus is to just get back to shore safely, what he'd decide to do on accord of speed of sailing through it will be his call...already..there is an eight hour delay...from their scheduled...arrival time..."

Amaar nods – " god only knows...when will we receive an update on this..."

Arnav sighs now as he admits – " I can't help but imagine all these scenes of Khushi being so worried herself on board through in a situation like this...I mean...given that you mentioned..this is the first time...they'v been caught up in a storm like these....can't imagine..what the two of them...must be going through...or everyone on board...be going through..."

Amaar admits to that on reflex – " I have been dying thinking the same...I tell you...the only saving grace to my heart is the bit...that they have each other through this..surely...must be freaking nerve wrecking and scary to be in the middle of something like this and not be able to reach any of us...."

Arnav sighs at that – " what the freaking hell...are we doing indoors...Amaar? Godammit...If only..i knew..which route I could find them...I'd freaking hire a yatch and sail there...myself..."

Amaar agrees – " I thought off it...myself...but no one..will be ready to sail...in a weather like this...Arnav...I live in an island country myself...right? I know..how it works...no one sets sail...knowingly in a weather like this...except for rescue teams...obviously..thank heavens..it hasn't come to that...thank freaking god..that we are atleast able to receive updates..that the vessel is safe...and is on the way here...and that everyone on board is safe..."

Arnav nods at that – " thank god for that...indeed...Amaar...,"and he sighs and admits - " godammit...I feel like I'd do just about anything to hug Khushi right now...just hold her tight...tell her how much I love her...and freaking never let go...."

Amaar smiles at that in a bittersweet way – " same feelings here...buddy...strange...though?right? hwo moments like these...when the one you love is caught up in a tricky situation...one realises...how futile/petty/little..the rest of the petty matters of casual arguments/fights seem? Like how we crazily waste time – in all of that...when perhaps...we should just spend every second cherishing the one we love...for life can be so bloody unpredictable...."

Arnav nods at that processing it all in – " indeed...you make a fair point..Amaar....everything else...just feels so futile/petty...in the moment...indeed...."

Amaar admits though – " yes...but ironical...how this realisation.. still won't stop me from getting into a spat with Manizeh if she says's shes going to go offshore nonetheless when its time for them to head to Andaman's...for that's just in what little over 20 days from now......."

Arnav shrugs – " I know what you mean...I know exactly what you mean...,"and he just rubs his face in worry.

His phone buzzes.

Its Mini Maa.

He picks up and hears her worried voice come through asking for any update and once he dejectedly admits – he doesn't have any update yet from the last they received – he hears Mini Maa reassure him that everything would be okay. Arnav goes onto talk to Matthew Dad – next who reassures him the same and five minutes later , once he hangs up, he hears Amaar say sincerely – " you really are close to them?arent you? Mini Maa and Matthew dad?"

Arnav nods – " they are the only parents...I'v ever had...ever known...Amaar..."

Amaar admits – " Khushi used to miss them so much you know...in the time...you both lost touch...she just felt like...they sided with you...at that point...which is why..they kept bare minimum in touch with her...it would ache her immense...to cope with that...she'd also miss...Meera terribly...apart from missing you...insanely..as well..."

Arnav nods at that sighing – " I know...Amaar...I know...and I do feel like...no matter how much I apologize to her on this accord...it shall never be enough..."

Amaar nods – " I know...but whats gone is gone...its done with...buddy...so don't hold your heart heavy with too much guilt...k?"

Arnav sighs and nods at that. If only you knew , Amaar, that's not the only weight of guilt, that I got to deal with..for now...

It is right then – Amaar feels his phone beep in his pocket. Thinking it would be from family back in Fiji, he takes it out at the speed of light and his heart freaking leaps in happiness as he spots it's a text from Manizeh that finally says : Amaar....my phone tells me...its double blue tick to this message...if you'v received this...freaking reply back now...you better reply back..this freaking now...we're three hours away from shore...the clouds just cleared up a little around us...still raining...heavily though but I...got some signal. I tried calling. The call didn't go through...so I thought let me try texting..atleast...maybe it goes through...has it gone through? Have you received this?I'v texted..mom, dad ...as well.Also, can you please tell...Arnav..that Khushi's tried calling him too...didn't go through...she's trying to text him now as well...

He gapes at Arnav, delighted typing back into his phone furiously – " Arnav...dammit...Manizeh...texted...I received a text from Manizeh...take out your phone...Khushi is trying to reach you...her text might just get through now that...Manizeh's reached me..."

Arnav jumps up next to Amaar at that excited – " whattttttttttt??????,"and once he reads whats written – he takes out his phone at the speed of light himself and it beeps right then with Khushi's text that says...

Khushi : Arnav....has this reached you? I tried calling. Just have a couple of bands of signal. Didn't get through. We thought texting might work. Has this message reached you?Godammit...please reply...the very second..this reaches you...its still raining heavily around us...I don't know...how long this network will stay...scheduled to dock into port – in three hours from now..though...

Arnav and Amaar instantly share a hug of relief at that for a second before they finally exchange a knowing look – and take their seats on the sofa on either sides and get consumed in their phones – in order to chat back with the one's they so desperately loved. Finally.

Arnav puts his hand to his heaving heart for a couple of seconds, in order to stop it from beating crazily, and he quickly replies at the speed of light.

Him : Khushi...thank god...finally...dammit...baby...yes...I received this text...first thing out...you tell me...are you okay? just... tell me...are you okay???????

His phone beeps after thirty seconds.

Her : Arnav....Thank god...freaking finally...we are able to connect. Yes, I am okay...baby...I am okay...everyone on board is safe...our research vessel is a killer one...you have no idea...how bravely...it withstood the tides/storm around us...but the storm just delayed...us a little...but its gotten better now...around us...there should be no more delay...we will reach shore in three hours...they will be sending out an update from HO anyway...on this...you all have been receiving updates from our end...as in through HO right?Amaar surely told you??

Arnav sighs in relief at that again finally feeling like he could breathe again : Yes...Amaar told me about it all.We received all updates. Only thing that kept us going sane...Khushi. Boy, am I glad to hear that..you reaching shore in three hours ..baby.You have no idea...how wrecked we have all been in worry here...I am dying.All this wait...for these days...to hear from you...has freaking killed me....just killed me. A part of me has just been freaking dead in worry...you have no idea...dammit...

He taps send. Waiting for his message to deliver. It goes through in twenty seconds.His phone beeps ten seconds later.

Her : I am sorry. So sorry.... I know...this worried you so much..baby. None of us expected any of this to happen...like at all...

Arnav types at the speed of light : why are you sorry?as if its your fault. You must have been so scared yourself...through it all...right? caught up in the middle of the storm...that way? hell...I cant even imagine....Amaar and me have been thanking the gods that atleast you two are together with one another through this...

Her : To be honest...given that it was the first time Manizeh and me were caught up in the middle of something like this...yes...indeed...we were shit scared...like freaking shit scared...thank god surely...that we had one another through this. Initially when we began sailing out of the no connectivity zone...we were still calm for our seniors were so composed...we just distracted ourselves with work etc...but then..when we got caught up in the middle of a fresh storm eventually..ofcourse...there was panic..onborad..for quite the while...I was so scared...Arnav..so freaking scared...phew! Though..glad those hours passed...I am telling you ..when we all hit shore...we all planning to give a standing ovation to the captain of our vessel+ his entire team of nautical engineers/tech support on board...for navigating/sailing us back through this..all...safely...

Arnav : indeed...they all deserve a standing ovation...baby.Godammit...I can't believe...how it must have been..for you...also...wait...Khushi....the weather forecast around shore near you is also bad only though...the team on board surely knows?

Khushi : yeah...we know...but this is nothing..in comparison...to what we just sailed through...so we are all chill about it...

That widens Arnav's eyes and he looks at Amaar – " she just said...this weather around is nothing...in comparison to what they just sailed through...if this is nothing...than what a crazy storm that must have been..Amaar??"

Amaar nods - " manizeh saying the same...oh she just asked me...how did I know..the weather update closer to shore...crap..am not telling her..we here yet...lets surprise the hell out of their minds...what say?"

Arnav smiles at that now – " yeah...lets do that...lets just cover up saying we keeping a tap on weather forecast ourselves??"

Amaar nods.Arnav nods and they get back to texting.

Khushi : also...wait...how do you know the weather forecast around shore? Oh wait...You must be keeping a tap of it all online or what baby?

Arnav types : indeed...that...only..ofcouese...iv been watching the weather around Bali...like a bloody hawk..I'v missed you so much...so freaking much...don't you even ask..what I'v been through in all these days....couldnt freaking eat properly/sleep properly

Khushi : I missed you...so much...too...Arnav...so freaking much...I was aching to connect with you...to hear from you...this just killed me too...its been the same for me otherwise...as well..didnt feel like eating/couldn't sleep properly..if it wasn't for Manizeh blackmailing me...with writing a complain text to you on the same...I wouldn't have eaten for days...

Arnav smiles at that. He types : Really? it was the same for me too. as in, Meera blackmailing me to write a complain text to you, if I didn't eat. Godammit...I need to see you , Khushi. I feel like...I need to see you...right very now...I just wana hug you tight...and never let go...

Khushi : I feel the same. Just know that...I can't freaking wait to see you in a couple of days in Fiji...you freaking better just board that plane on time..ok? or ill kill you...

Arnav bites back his smile at that. If only she knew, she wouldn't have to wait – till then – to see him. For he was here for her already – right?

Arnav : I will board the plane on time – Khushi. Like, as if, you need to tell me that. I might ask the pilot to freaking let me fly the plane..myself...

Khushi : haha...to the latter...also yes...my phones just started tinging..with all your messages on whtsapp...which means..whatsapp started working as well...thank god...on that note – its been a while since I'd used texting through the phone as in sms – baby! We all so used to Whtsapp..now. I think...iv begun to receive mails as well. I wana read it all..I am going to read it all..k?

Arnav : oh just read them later...please? keep talking to me...right now?please?first?

And that's when it hits him – she will see Syna's message – as well – now. He felt like he had to tell her.Also – wait – what if she spots online – that he's in Bali – already?

Right then his phone beeps.

Khushi : Crap..baby...signals begun faltering again...might just loose connecitivity...again..

Khushi : that above text took three minutes to get through...yup...might just loose connectivity...again...Arnav...but don't worry..k? I am okay. I am reaching shore soon. I'v eaten well for the day. You please, do the same, now...Arnav. Have texted with Mom and Dad too. Please tell Mini maa+ Mathhew Dad + Aman and Meera that am okay too. In the meanwhile – even if I don't have signal..ill be reading the previous mesgs/mails from you that I already received...so...ill be thinking off you...as usual....hope this goes through to you...ill text..once I reach shore...incase I am unable to text you prior...I miss you baby...

Arnav writes to that at the speed of light : dammit...no...you cant be loosing connectivity again...Khushi...

But that text of his doesn't get through and that just makes him groan out loud at the same time as Amaar looks up from his phone as well and says – " my text not going through anymore...looks like they lost connectivity again..."

Arnav admits smiling a little in relief though – " my texts not going through as well...but am so ..glad...I could talk to her...a little...atleast.."

Amaar nods in a knowing understanding – " same here...man..same here...let me just tell bhai+ everyone else back home...as in my parents..that I had a talk with her.."

Arnav nods – " I will do the same..,"and he gets on with calling Aman and Meera – then Mini Maa+Matthew dad – and needless to say they were all relieved with the information.

Seven minutes later – once Amaar and Arnav put down their phones – they look at one another and exchange a relieved smile as Amaar asks – " ready to eat now...buddy? I think I will be able to eat now.."

Arnav smiles at that and nods- " I think...I will be able to eat now...as well...Amaar..."

And just as they sit down to eat now exchanging a smile – getting down to plan as to how to go about surprising Khushi+ Manizeh now- as in should they head to port - directly? Or head to their accommodation? Etc etc – Arnav's phone beeps with Rajesh Maan's text.

Rajesh Maan : we had a little chat with Khushi, before network got lost again. I am assuming, as did you. Thank God, for this.

Arnav replies : yes, I did, too. Thank God, for this, indeed.

Rajesh Maan : she reaching shore in three hours.

Arnav : I know

Rajesh Maan : you headed to shore?yourself?

Arnav : let's see...why do you wana my plan?

Rajesh Maan : either ways..I know...seeing you will delight Khushi...just as seeing Amaar with delight..Manizeh...so good.Now I am not worried...I am sure your worry has eased a little, as well?

Arnav : yes, my worry has eased a little.

He hears Amaar ask now – " all okay? whom you texting with that thoughtful frown up your face?"

Arnav keeps his phone aside at that as he covers up – " just..it was Aman.Everything is okay...obviously. Everything...just got okay. So where were we on that plan?,"he asks now resuming to finally eat.

Amaar smiles at that – " am thinking..lets just go to the harbour..can wait in the parking...once they about to get on their van or something...we can take them by surprise...for heavens knows...I wont be able to wait...until they make it to their accommodation..that would be another 25 mins of wait..."

Arnav smiles at that – " I don't think I have it in me to wait...for an extra 25 minutes too ...Amaar..lets just do this...lets just head to the harbour...straight..."

Amaar and Arnav exchange a happy high-five at that and Arnav finally gulps down the bite of food in his throat with ease – smiling to himself.

Dammit - Finally – he was just a couple of hours away from seeing – Khushi.She was safe.She was reaching the harbour soon.He'd surprise the hell out of her mind - and the precious look on Khushi's face when she'd actually see him standing there on her arrival to shore – was surely going to be priceless – Indeed..

Which is why...he just couldn't stop...smiling to himself in anticipation.

He just couldn't stop..

Only Natural, wasn't it?

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Three Hours and Thirty Minutes Later

At The Harbour's – Parking Lot

Khushi exchanged a relieved grin with Manizeh as the two loaded the van with their luggage and stuff, behind their team members. Infact, not just them,everyone around them, was exchanging relieved grins with one another. They were all just so crazily relieved – that they were finally back at – shore – after these last testing days on the waters. They'd all given their captain/project head/nautical engineers/tech team/+ the entire navigation team – a massive standing ovation with about five full minutes of clapping and cheer when they'd finally hit shore.

The atmosphere on deck was surreal indeed at that point. Even though – it was still all gloomy up in the skies around – with the rain just stopping in on them – five minutes before anchoring in. The connectivity had still been a problem and everyone's phone signals had just returned about ten minutes before – docking in – actually.

Khushi had texted Arnav on arrival+ the rest, obviously.And Manizeh had texted..Amaar+ the rest at her end. But because, they all had to get together in a rush to now begin heading off the vessel – etc etc – get on their van – they hadn't been able to chill/or browse on their phones longer. The plan was to just get on a longer chat with Arnav and Amaar, once they were both finally onboard the van, along with the rest of their team.

Khushi nudges Manizeh now in her arm as she finished loading her stuff and the two stepped back – " Manizeh...I can't freaking wait to get to our accommodation ya...like...I just am dying to get on a video call with Arnav..especially...after reading all of his texts prior...plus reading his mails, that I'd received before we lost all signal again...have just kind off riled me up more...you really have to help me figure out a way..to not blurt out how much I love him on video call...like...you know what it took off me...to not write that to him on text...whilst we had that little chat hours ago..."

Manizeh smiles at that – "well, ofcourse, I will help you figure out a way...you just cannot do that okay.Infact, if it werent for me rolling my eyes at you in reminder that you so badly want to do this face to face...you'd have texted him already...in that moment..."

Khushi nods sheepishly – " yeah...then..i'd have regretted missing seeing his expression for sure...,"and at that she hears Manizeh say – "anyways..on that note...I just cant wait to get to the accommodation myself...really need to get on a long call with Amaar...as well...but prior to me getting lost in that...I will talk to Mom and Dad as well.."

Khushi nods – "yeah...me too...I think I'll do that as well..even though I'v already had a little text chat with Mom on arrival..just as I simultaneously texted Arnav that we minutes away from docking in..."

And at that – the two pause in their talking as they begin to help a couple of more members – in loading the gears/stuff etc into the team van.Some of the members have boarded the van already.Some are chilling around – happily – talking amongst themselves – so glad they got back safe etc etc.The sight warms Khushi+ Manizeh and they exchange a knowing smile and Khushi says chuckling – "look at us all now...so relaxed and chill...this is the same us..Manizeh...remember how we all freak panicked so much when we got massively caught up in between high tides??????oh the scene that it was on board...Im sure you still have marks on your arms..because of the way I'd gripped your arm in worry/fear and dread..almost..I was like shit scared ya...for a second...I'd feared..we wouldn't make it..."

Oh, the thoughts that went through Khushi's mind at that point were indeed – vulnerable. Their was fear, dread,worry, and so much ache/longing and love in her heart for her loved ones+ Arnav...especially....

Manizeh chuckles at that rolling her eyes - " am sure..we can all laugh about it now..but in that moment...last night....I so thought the same..just didn't voice it loud to worry you more...and look your arms got the mark of my hand too...still...but hey..lets not tell Amaar or Arnav about all those tiny miny details..or else...they will just make a massive scene...before we go offshore again...."

Khushi sighs at that but nods – "yes, I know what you mean..anyway we scheduled to go offshore again in 20 days from now...around Andamans...so...but somehow..am prepped...as in...I know...he will fret and over-react anyway...but I think I can handle him...plus these days of break time – with us being together in Fiji then mumbai later will just put him at ease...my strategy is...don't talk about this..until the time comes only...if we talk now...they'll over-react...let their emotions settle down..then..after days...we'll see..."

Manizeh grins – " good thought...Khushi..I think I will do the same...chalo..lets get on the van now?"

Khushi nods at that and the two are about to step into the vans when Manizeh's phone buzzes with Amaar's call and Khushi gestures to her to take it – " know what..just take it..Manizeh...also..i think theres still a couple of minutes..until we actually leave...for some of the team members still involved in loading stuff etc...so I guess ill just freshen up as well..in the washroom...across the parking lot...there at that end...think...ill get on a call with Arnav ..too..."

Manizeh nods at that - "yeah...know what? ill walk with you as well...come on..."

And the two begin walking across to the washroom hut across the parking lot and just as Manizeh is about to pick up Amaar's call, it stops buzzing in on her. She begins to call – Amaar back. Khushi rings up – Arnav, as well. But the two exchange a strange look in the next ten seconds – as Manizeh says pausing by a black car – " what the hell? He didn't pick up??"

Khushi scowls – "even Arnav..didnt ..pick up..."

And it is right then Manizeh hears Amaar's voice close in behind her as she finally spots him get out from behind the driving wheel off this very car they'd paused around, and her heart gets rocketed to space in glee as she holds Khushi's hand excited – "Finally....meri jaan...welcome to shore...ofcourse...I didn't take the call...because I spotted you walking across...you have no idea..how difficult it was for me..to stay put in my car..and watch you load your stuff/luggage across in your team van...as you talked with Khushi...like I figured...you wouldn't want me to create a crazy lover reunion scene...around your work mates....so I just waited..here...patiently...praying to god..that somehow...you'd walk by here...yourself....why do you think I called you? to get your attention? So that you could get away..to talk to me...instead of getting on the van..already.....thank you..Khushi...I think it was you...you nudged her into coming here...I noticed...from peeking your van's way...from my spot..here...,"he gestured to the spot behind the car – with a wink.

Manizeh couldn't believe it.She couldn't believe it. She was shocked, dazed, frazzled and shaken as she continued to gape and stare at Amaar.She continued holding onto Khushi's hand excited at that as she asked Khushi – " Khushi..am I dreaming...or am I seeing Amaar in front of me for real????????"

Khushi couldn't help but grin happily exchanging a cheeky smile with Amaar across now – relief so evident in his eyes at finally seeing Manizeh and her – " you are not dreaming Manizeh...it is Amaar..he came...he freaking came...actually...all the way here to Bali...to receive you as you hit shore....why am I not surprised though?like...I can totally trust your Romeo...to pull this stunt off do this... ya...."

And it is right then, Khushi hears the familiar deep voice – " oh really? so you mean...you only trust...Manizeh's Romeo..to pull off a stunt like this baby?and not your...Romeo???,"as she spots the vision of Arnav – stepping out from the door – of the front seat next to the driver of this very car – grinning at her mischievously – with massive relief evident in his eyes as he finally took in the sight off her – in front of him.

And this time around , its Khushi's turn to stand, all shocked, dazed, frazzled, shaken and surprised the hell out of her mind, down to her very core as she gapes at Arnav sure her eyes had popped out of its sockets as she stammers in sheer delight and happiness – " Arn...a...v...it's...yo...u....y..ou...ca..me...here...all the way...to Bali....?? with...Am..aar...???,"and now she exchanges a look of confirmation with Manzieh standing rooted to her spot still – " is it him..for real? or am I dreaming?"

Manizeh grins at that as she answers – " it is him...as real...just like..Amaar is...real..."

And just like that the two look up again at the grinning version of Amaar and Arnav who were clearly enjoying this sight so much – exchanging knowing relieved looks with one another – as they say collectively now – "oh..come on you two...defreeze from shock..will you??,"and they see Arnav take a step towards Khushi holding her overwhelmed gaze and Amaar does the same at his side as well – towards Manizeh.

And Khushi and Manizeh finally defreeze out of their respective shock/surprise mode at that and just break into swift steps on their own accord towards – Amaar and Arnav from either sides of the car..to fling themselves into their arms.

Khushi didn't know..what happened..first...she flung herself into Arnav's arms herself hard or he whisked her in his arms – tight- first.Did it matter – who pulled the other into their arm first? Nah. All that mattered was – that they were finally hugging each other hard and tight this way. That they finally met...after about eight weeks over...of long distance..that too...after moments that were extremely vulnerable and heart wrenching for either to experience...on accord of the other.

Khushi couldn't help but tighten her hold around Arnav's neck at that, the tightest she could as she felt his arms just wrap around her waist the hardest they could as he embraced her hard and close whispering into her ears soflty – " finally...dammit....finally....godammit...Khushi....godammit...you baby...thank god...you are finally in my arms...right now...you have no idea...what I'v been through dammit...you have no freaking idea....,"and he just hugged her harder – not wanting to let go, content that she was just hugging him as hard – the vibe gotten super intense in between the two.

Khushi tiptoed on her toes at that to whisper in his ears whilst hugging him hard, wanting to know this – "finally..dammmit...indeed..finally...Arnav..can't beleive you came...all the way here...still can't believe this...how?? how did you even make this happen? Oh crap...you most surely cancelled a lot of work last minute to make this happen...I am sure...I am sorry..so...sorry...,"and she feels him tighten his hold on her waist at that burying his head in the crook of her neck all emotional – "shut you up...dammit....how could you I stay away?when you were freaking out there...caught in the middle of a freaking storm...I just had to come...to you...nothing else matters to me...in the moment..Khushi...but you...just the fact...and the fact...you are finally here in my arms....I know...your work team is near and around...but dammit...just don't ask me to let go...don't ask me to let go...I...I...cant let go of you right now...I just can't...,"he finishes in a overwhelmed whisper.

Khushi just hugs him to herself hardest at that super close and snug as she whispers , overwhelmed happy tears pooling up in her eyes for nothing else mattered to her but the bit that he was here for her, that she was holding him this way – "I'll be mad to even think off asking you to let go...baby...just....don't let go...Arnav...don't let go...I don't want you to let go...just hold me...tighter this way...,"and she herself just surrenders to the potent intensity of this super intense+vulnerable hug in between the two, wanting nothing more than to just tell him how deeply she loved him and how in those moments of sheer panic on board caught up in those high tides she'd just chanted the same in her head to him nontheless, but then she pauses on it because, she wanted complete privacy in between them, when she dropped all of that on him.

Needless, to say, this was the same, reason,why Arnav was holding back on confessing the same to her which is why..he'd paused...on I..I..the way he did. He was about to say...I love you...so much...but covered it up instantly with...I can't let go of you..right now.Only because, he wanted to admit the same to her in confined privacy.

So the two just keep on hugging each other the hardest in the moment – nonetheless and coupel of minutes later – they hear Manizeh's chuckling voice fall in their ears – " okay...Amaar..can't expect these two to let go...now...know what? ill just go request our reporting head...if we can head out privately from here...with you two...all our stuff is already loaded in the van though..perhaps..we can just get it later on..in the night or something??"

They hear Amaar's voice fall into their ears too – " yup...lets do that..please?want me to come talk with you??,"and they hear Manizeh say - " yes, yes, you come with me...Amaar...that will give these two..a couple of minutes more...to just hold onto one another this way..."

And at that, they do hear Manizeh+Amaar's footsteps – head away. Ideally, in this situation, Arnav and Khushi would have pulled apart from hugging one another – and would have happily chuckled alongside – Manzieh and Amaar. But they just couldn't react to any of that at all.Why?

Because, they were just so lost in their very own intense bubble at the moment, unable to pull away from hugging one another – with his head buried snug in the crook of her neck and her's burried in the crook of his neck – with their arms wrapped snug around one another.

Nothing else mattered...

Just the bit..that they were ..Finally..embracing and hugging one another..the closest they could...the intense silent emotional vibe in between the two doing its volatile wonder already......

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

Tadaaaaa!!

How was that you all?

Also no shoes at me from stopping there.K? The next bit is going to be super intense – obviously. Want that also to stand out on its own.😊😉😉❤❤

Next Update on this – Thursday Evening Mostly – otherwise -Max Friday Evening

And yes, tomorrow night – will be the next update on HW4.0. I am back to the usual schedule of posting on both stories – simultaneously. Both the stories, will get two updates, this week.

Thanks guys for all the love* support always.

Much Love* Infinite Gratitude

Now and always

Prachi