Helloooo Everyoneee

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

So Yes - Here I am with the next update of Invisible Strings today!!!!!!

Thank you tons for all your patience🙏🙏🙏

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 – 6k Words

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

Copyright :

Text Copyright©mysticaltales11111™2022

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

All Rights Reserved® mysticaltales11111

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

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

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

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

3. What!!!!!!!!!!!!Why????????How?????????

One Week Later – 3/3/22

@ Fiji Islands – Maan's Residence

11:am

.......

Rajesh Maan had been working from home on this day – for two main reasons. One being the usual bit – that he always did work from home on the days Khushi was home for a break in between her work projects – so that he could spend good quality time with her much to his fatherly heart's desire. She travelled so much for her work schedule that the times she was home – were indeed – precious moments to cherish for both him and Ellie.

Second, being the bit – that given that both Khushi and Manizeh were leaving in a couple of days for their next work project – it was his beloved wife's wish to have a dinner gathering tonight at home with just their cozy inner circle of family+friends, which technically meant that it was compulsory for him to stay put at home on the day – for otherwise Ellie could never trust him, Ajay and Vikramjeet to make it back home in time – from their otherwise usually overly hectic work days at the office. He was obviously not a big fan of Ellie's steely angry narrow eyed gaze – that came about on the instances he did arrive in late for a familial gathering – in the past.

He bites back his smile at that now and closing his laptop – he decides to relish his hot piping cup of tea for a bit. Automatically, his steps take him to his favourite spot in his study which was the glass walled window, that gave him the views of the palatial outdoor space that graced the boundaries of his home.

And at the moment, his smile widens on its own accord as he spots the sight off Khushi+ Manizeh engaging in their usual run workout in and around the grounds – totally enjoying their unwind time. He loved to see his precious Khushi having a good time – obviously. She was the apple of his eye - the centre of his and Ellie's world. It never mattered that she wasn't their blood -for the bonds of love ran their roots much deeper in all their hearts...

He is right on that thought when he hears his wife's soft voice behind him – "and I am sure I don't have to ask – the context off the sight making you smile this way at the moment Raj...for I most surely know..what it is..,"she finishes with a happy sigh. He looks back almost instantly and the two share a content nod and Ellie Maan takes a few steps closer to stand next to her husband, placing her head on his shoulder – joining him in observing the sight of their girl unwinding at home – for it was surely a sight they both cherished equally.

A couple of minutes later, Rajesh whispers knowing he could complain about it out loud to his beloved – " I cannot believe it is time for her to leave already..again..El...just 48 hours more here with us at home..and off she is to Australia on this 45 day project...I mean..didn't she come in just last week...7 days off..in between such hectic projects..why can't the people at National geographic be more generous with their breaks in between scheduling...,"and he pauses for just a second before the fatherly complain continues – " and post the 45 days in Australia again she just has a five day break before she's off to Bali for the next project...and last night over dinner she did say.. she might not even visit back home...in those 5 days...for so much time will be lost in travel...I know this is me going into the usual complaining mode before she leaves..yet again..but...am just going to miss having her around...again...as always"

Ellie nods at that understanding the emotion almost instantly – " and so am I ...Raj...we both will miss her..obviously...she knows that...but we also know that she loves her work way too much...and more importantly it makes her happy...so we just gotta respect what is for what it is...we can't really tug back on her growth..only because we are still coming around to cope up with her crazy travel schedule...emotionally..as her parents...plus it's a good thing that Manizeh and her get teamed up together..almost always...like atleast they got each other...it's a relief for both me and Sonia..,"and she pauses for she is pulled in for a tighter side hug which she knows is a subtle gesture from Raj(she called him Raj-short for Rajesh fondly since forever) that he understood.

She hears Rajesh sigh now – " yes...I understand...but still..all this travelling...away from home..far across the globe from us...plus all that time underwater with no way for us to know she's safe..until shes able to get back on the vessel...so often... really doesn't help a father's heart..much..but you are right El...we just gotta respect what is for what is...it makes her happy and that's what I care about too...,"and Ellie adds next smiling now wanting to better his mood – " hmm...so...what if I say...I know exactly what will help a fathers heart in this case??"

Raj asks looking down at her fondly after taking the last sip of his tea – keeping his cup aside - " what will??"

Ellie grins – " first bit being..stop...sulking for now..and focus on enjoying the time left we have with her on this break...k? and second – what if we visit her...during her break in between scheduling...Raj..like...so what if she can't..??you surely can work this around your business schedule. I am giving you advance heads up Mr Maan...you better make this happen...I don't want any last minute – extra work plans with Ajay and Vikram...alright?"

Rajesh grins at that immediately – " well...love the sound of that idea El...now now...I most surely can plan this well in time....what say..if we plan a mini vacation for just the three of us – in Bali – before Khushi's work project begins...there – just four days maybe...for that's the days free she will have...but it works..right??"

Ellie grins – " I like that thinking...keep brainstorming Maan...anyways...before we go off track with our discussion...let me bring back the context of talk...for which I actually came in here...Raj..,"and she shoots him a knowing look.

Rajesh takes her by the hand now and they both take their seat on the sofa around facing each other and Ellie says now her smile vanishing a little on its own accord, a more serious expression of thought taking its place – " so....Rupali is still hopeful you know...Raj...I mean...she's said this aloud to me often...in the context of Samarth and Khushi...just like Ajay has to you...and even though we'v maintained this stand for long..that let the kids take things at their pace...I have a gut feeling that she's going to bring it up again tonight...amaar and manizeh will tie the knot soon...as a mom she surely will aim to seek clarity on this accord for Samarth...and I am just wondering...and even though I do this everytime..how am I going to be able to wade this through again? given that I know she's coming from a space knowing her son wants to be with Khushi...and I have no choice but to dodge this again...knowing that for Khushi in terms of the matter of the heart...its..just...well... complicated...,"and she sighs with a long pause before she continues clutching onto Raj's hand too lost in the momentary worry to notice him going all stiff in his stance – "That boy...Arnav.. is so much in her system still...you know just last night...I spotted her watching the latest videos of his concert from last week...on repeat...and when she noticed I was standing in the doorway of her room while she was in the process – she asked me to come on in and she literally played a minute or so of the video to me exclaiming – Mum...his voice has always been so magical since day 1..look at how he rocks the stage...,"and she pauses again before admitting – " well..gotta agree with her on that...he does sing very well...anyways...so...what could I do then? just brush my hand over her head lovingly and diverted the topic towards her packing and stuff for this next project and we chatted until she slept peacefully on my lap...oh...Raj...sometimes..I just so badly wish I could just help her move on..or just help her forget..to heal.....but then...on the other hand..I also think..when it comes to love..we also can't really force these things..right Raj...??why ?? just why?? Just why did it have to be this way? all complicated??"

Ellie and Khushi were very close. The doting mother was obviously aware of Khushi's state deep within. And most importantly ,just like Khushi – she also believed the premise/events that Khushi did – for that was the truth in her head too.For just like Khushi – Ellie Maan was also completely unaware about her husbands doing in this. The doing – that was the only lone secret – Rajesh Maan – had ever guarded within his heart from his beloved wife – for he had known even then – she wouldn't agree with his action plan – at all.

Rajesh admits on reflex now fighting a piercing familiar stab of guilt within that had become his permanent companion off late – "hmmm...complicated...indeed...is the right word to use in context.. as it has been for many years..Ellie...," he manages to whisper feeling another huge stab of guilt pinch his heart over but he masks his expressions nonetheless.He was extremely glad that everytime this topic came up – Ellie in her motherly worry forgot to notice the default stiff mode his body language would go into.

And before he can add anything further he hears Ellie sigh now as she leans sideways into the sofa - " my heart goes out to her so much...Raj..it truly does...I mean...sometimes even I wonder..why???????the two of them...her and Arnav.. had been going so strong and thick...and all virtually...she was going to meet him...right??then why couldn't he just wait??for her back then??? I mean..it's just so clear..she feels deeply for him still...look at how happy she gets when she sees his videos up online/hears a new song off his...she also told me last night as usual..Mum I am so proud of him for making it to his dreams...do you know..this was exactly what he dreamed...and Raj..she literally genuinely wishes well...for him...always..if only...Arnav...could have..given more preference to the deep emotional bond they had rather than the temptation off a real time relationship....but then perhaps it wasn't as deep for him? which was why it was so easy for him to cut off? also...wait...,"she shrugs to herself – "what am I going to get out here going on...this what if..trip in context of the past??might as well focus on the present..."

So – It's not that Rajesh Maan was hearing this for the first time. He had often heard Ellie worry for Khushi this way bringing Arnav in context over the years. Heavens knew he worried too, for back then years ago - when he had made that call to Arnav – he as a father had genuinely believed that he was taking the step in Khushi's best interest practically. There worlds had gotten too apart.Plus even though – back then he had serious doubts about Arnav ever being the suitable partner for her because of the worldly differences - He also didn't want his daughter to utilise all her time and energy in maintaining a relationship long distance across the oceans, risking the prospect of her dreams and career in the process.He had truly believed – that maintaining it would get taxing for her sooner or later. But never in his wildest nightmares then - he had ever imagined – that his precious Khushi would find herself in this situation off the heart as complicated as the one she was in.That she truly couldn't move on. Nor could she forget.

Khushi had always had a very close relationship with the two.She confided in them – openly always. So both Ellie and Rajesh knew – that even though she had tried dating a couple of times in the last couple of years – she had stopped because she had failed to get herself to feel emotionally at all. They also knew – the reason why she never gave Samarth a shot(despite her knowing that the parents wanted this) was because he was too close a friend and she'd never wanted to hurt him that way. Or their families' equations.

Did Rajesh Maan despise himself for his action in the past – today? Oh yes – ofcourse he did. He also regretted it deeply. The only lone regret that weighed down his heart was this.And it wasn't because Arnav had made it big in life eventually - today.He had begun despising himself+ regretting it all way before that - in those very first couple of years after – when he saw his daughter in her mood swings trying to cope up with an aching heart and poignant vacuum that Arnav's exit from her life resulted in for her emotionally.

It also wasn't that he hadn't thought off admitting the truth to both Khushi and Ellie over the years. He most surely had since the very first day he saw Khushi come to him and Ellie all those years ago – all teary eyed – as she whispered heartbroken – hugging them tight.That Arnav was gone from her life. That he had ended things.

His god knew – that ever since that day - he had contemplated on telling them the truth every night. But the only bit that kept him silent all this while – was the fear of having both his beloved wife+ daughter hate him for the same. He couldn't even bear to imagine the look of probable disbelief hurt/hatred in their eyes – for him – after knowing the truth.

He had kept silent for the initial phase in the hope that maybe Khushi would be able to move on eventually? Then there would be no need to open this chapter again? That maybe – she'd be able to see Samarth more than a friend – eventually? Just like he saw her???

And then as he kept – waiting and hoping for the same – too much time had passed in the process. He'd even thought off calling the boy Arnav – a many times – but perhaps it was his pride, ego that would often get in the way! And then...when the news of his hitting success one after another started to hit the news+ talks about link ups with some fellow female playback singers back in India on and off – his mind had led him to belive that perhaps – Arnav had really forgotten Khushi long before. His mind argued - that in case, Arnav hadn't forgotten Khushi – he surely would have reached out now atleast – given that he'd reached the pinnacle of success, fame, status, finances that he(Rajesh) had once taunted the boy to be nothing but a far etched dream for him. Especially in the last year or so observing Arnav's career success trajectory from news – his belief had cemented even more.

And so, Rajesh Maan just remained silent about the whole thing. Despite the guilt. Despite the ache his heart felt – every time he thought of Khushi's state of heart.

He hears Ellie's worried voice intervene his thoughts now – " where are you lost Raj?are you listening? Tell me..please..is there really no way we can help our girl in the present...I mean.. well...now...today...this boy's become this famous celebrity..touched skies of successs...he's touted as a rockstar back in india...and it does feel like...if he forgot about khushi then...there's no chance he'd even remember her name today...right??and here she is..simply unable to move on...unable to forget..what do we do????or maybe we don't do anything..and just should just give her more time??????"

Rajesh nods now finally and whispers – " yeah..maybe..its better..if we just give her the time..she needs...El...I don't want to force anything on her..from our end...so just dodge off this topic with Rupali..like you always do..this time...too??k?that its better if things happen organically between the kids like it did between Amaar and Manizeh – k?that if meants to happen..it will ..with time.... and..,"he pauses.

Ellie asks – "and what??"

Rajesh sighs – "and lets just keep hoping that one day..Khushi is able to get that boy out of her system for good...and genuinely be able to love again...so...let's just be doing what we have been all this while...El..let's just be there for her.."

And at that the two share a knowing nod at that followed by an intense emotional hug and the guilt strings continue to tug at Rajesh Maan's heart.

If only it were as easy to undo an action – that one so hastily takes blinded by the Ego!!!!!!!!!!!!How???????? Just How????????? Rajesh thought. Just how could he ever tell Ellie or Khushi the truth without them hating him for the same??????????? He'd lose Khushi's trust. He'd lose the sight of love in her eyes for him. What if she'd hate him so much that she'd cut him out of her life? What if she stopped calling him Daddy???? He shuddered within at the thought.No,he couldn't risk telling the truth. He had lost his daughter once to the clutches of death. He could not lose Khushi.

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

Authors Note - A Video of Khushi's Home ( Maan's Residence) in Fiji Islands

Khushis look (later in the evening)

Amaar + Manizeh

Samarth

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

Hours Later –

Later That Night – Maan's Residence

9PM

Khushi's POV

My heart legit literally fuzzies up with so much love, gratitude and warmth every single time I am in the middle of a family+friends gathering for two main reasons. One it automatically takes me back to the memory of the day I was welcomed here at home for the very first time with open arms as I walked in with Mum and Dad - in a moment of celebration very similar to this one. It always takes me back to that moment I first saw everyone in the room – (everyone who is still pretty much present in the room in and around me today) - literally smiling down at me with pure fuzzy warmth. Dad's first cousins, Mum's first cousins, close family relatives from both sides + Dad and Mum's closest friends. Second – it also reminds me that for the second time in my life (first being at the orphanage)– I was blessed enough to walk into a place that would become my Home where in I would build and nurture bonds with everyone – who genuinely wanted me to be a part of their familial circle. So even though – that one side of that familial circle had been more so silent on me now – it didn't stop me from pausing to take a moment to thank god for blessing me with that in the past.And my current familial bonds – in the present today. I also think that Mummy, Papa- (my actual parents) whom I lost so soon in my life – might actually be thanking god in the heavens for the same too!

I feel in a nudge in my arm as I am about to reach out to pick a tissue to wipe a happy tear but before I can even do so – Manizeh pops a tissue at me in my direction as she says lovingly - " Khushi...my darling...is it possible for you to not tear up everytime...you see...Raj uncle and ellie aunty dance this way upfront..along with the rest of the elder couples...like I am so used to seeing Mom and Dad do this...look...now Ajay Dad+ Rupali Mom are joining in too along with the rest...c'mon just wipe that tear away....before Amaar and Samarth return with our drinks..."

I smile and get on to do the same.So yup – this is the scene we are in the middle off. In the middle of the close dinner gathering Mum;s hosted tonight as Manizeh and me are off soon and all the elders in the close circle – as usual are already into their dancing walts ritual – before dinner time! Its quite a loving sight. Literally a sight to behold. All the older couples – looking at each other as if they just met and its love at first sight and dancing away holding onto each other. I spot Mum whispering something in Dad's ears lovingly and the moment – almost takes me on a trip to a parallel universe where in I find myself imagining – a similar moment with myself and Arnav in it!!!!

I close my eyes tight for a second. Oh God – that latest video off him online from the concert last week – has seemed to have this insane affect of me which is why I am imagining a moment – that will never happen in this world for sure??????????

Not my fault everyone.Who told him to look so freaking amazing on screen+ sing all the numbers he did in that soulful voice of his.To be honest – I teared up legit when I heard him singing Ae dil hai mushkil title track live on stage, for it's a song I anyway listen often thinking off him and well now – that he's gone out there and sung it on stage himself in a concert – I find myself listening to the version in his voice all day all long.Makes me wonder for a bit – Who does he think off? When he sings all these romantic numbers? These..Love lost numbers??? That mystery girl he dated after me?? or the woman after? or all his female playback contemporaries he's linked with off late? I mean – its obvious he surely thinks off someone because the emotion on his face is so apt in concerts and videos. Oh wait - Its propbably Syna Singh – the singer he's just linked with off late in the latest media buzz. Guys – before you think I am crazily stalking him or something up online – let me admit to my defence I am not – okay? Its just that I search him up+ his songs on youtube so often that my smartphone's cookies automatically flash with everything ASR – so very often too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Manizeh's nudge into my side again pulls me outta my thoughts and back to present as she shoots me a knowing look and says in a whisper – " lost in ASRLand..again?? c'mon...zap out...my darling.."

So sometimes I think the fact Manizeh knows me like a open book really does work in my favour for I don't have to say anything.She just knows it. And sometimes – its not in my favour. Like on occasion such as this one. I try to cover up shrugging returning my gaze to the elders waltzing away on this beautiful number as most of us younger lot in the group continue to take videos and pics with some of my cousins joining in too with their partners – " Nah. You are wrong this time Manizeh, I am not lost in his land. I was just...well...soaking in the moments...upfront...that's all.."

She shoots me another look and pulls me aside now to a nook by the hand and once we are in the quite and away from the noise – she flashes her phone screen too me that displays the image of an article that I had already read ten times in the last three hours every since it came up online and says – "he's surely gotta be dating this syna singh...now...Khushi...its obvious.....I know your heart refuses to let someone else in...but girl...you gotta help yourself..until when will you...keep...loving him this way...one sided from afar...,"And she adds animated – " and I know you said he used to be a great guy in the past but that's the past babe..you don't even know the present version of him...what if he's become this jerk version after being all famous...like you might not even like him if you meet him again...so what'd the point yaa??"

I chuckle at that only because the worried expression on her face is too adorable and I whisper narrowing my eyes – " I don't think...he can be a jerk version...ever..Manizeh..anybody but not him..."

Manizeh rolls her eyes – " can't believe you defending him this way Khushi...,"and as we both spot Amaar and Samarth now coming our way with drinks – she whispers – " you know what...just date Samarth for once...please? I am telling you...just once..."

I gesture her a shhh- with my eye as they near us now and give her a look I know she will understand and I whisper – "please...Manizeh...don't you start with that..again..not happening...k?"

And at that we both hear Amaar and Samarth ask in unison as they hand us our drinks and we nod in a thanks collectively – "what is not happening? Manizeh? Khushi??"

I manage to cover up sipping my drink exchanging a smile with the two - " what's not happening is – your wedding this year Amaar...Manizeh just said..she wants to shift it to the next calendar year..,"I finish biting back my smile.

I love to tease Amaar.We all love to.He always buys it.

One.

Two.

Three.

Manizeh, me and Samarth exchange a mischevious look and hear Amaar groan in dismay all worried – " whattttttttttttttttttttttt????????? What did you just say??????????baby? is this true? You wana not get married this year??????,"he asks searching Manizeh's serious covered up face now.

Manizeh plays along further reaching out to touch his hand – " baby..what if I say...I am not ready to get married...right now..at all..."

Amaar literally legit pales in his face at that as he asks shaken– " whhhat?? Why?? What happened? did I do something?? where did I mess up?,"and that makes Manizeh pull the curtains off on our tease and she instantly just hugs him tight breaking into chuckles as she whispers – " oh godammit...baby...sorry...it was just us teasing you...how could you buy into this?????ofcourse...I am marrying you..and yes...in this calendar year..as planned..."

Amaar hugs her tight for a bit as me and Samarth watch on fondly sipping our drinks and then he pulls back and sulks at her – " this wasn't funny okay? Anything but this? Promise me..next time.."

Manizeh nods lovingly and I chip in now on reflex – " sorry Amaar..this was my tease..not her's..she just played...along..thats it.."

And before we can even say anything to each other – some of my cousins come to pull us back towards the other side where all the waltz dancing was happening- saying that the elders want a full house before Mum gets the dinner served. We obviously walk in together and inevitably – Amaar takes Manizeh to the floor and Samarth shoots his hand out to me – as usual. I take it.We always end up being waltz dancing partners on occasions such as these.He asks as we begin swaying – " so...gone for a long time this time around??you wont return until after Bali? You wouldn't mind if I visit? Amaar surely will visit Manizeh...I am thinking...ill tag along.."

I smile – " ofcourse..Manizeh and me would love for you two to visit...I am quite excited you know..we both are...theres so much to learn...discover...photograh, record..in our research this time around too...I love it..we both love it.."

Samarth smiles at that – " we know..which is why we all have come to terms with the two of you being out of touch and tracking – under those deep waters for long hours...,"and he chips in next grinnig – " but seriously...is there really no way those scientists can figure out a way off putting a tracker on you divers..."

I chuckle – " ofcourse they track us for safety reasons...samarth...but what they cant allow is the access of that trackers and signals to family and friends for obvious reasons...it's not allowed..."

He groans – " and well...the signals around your vessels do suck royally...too..if only man could boast off as stronger a tele-connection on waters as on land..."

We share a chuckle at that and he says – " seriously you gotta see your Dad pacing around in worry though..when we know you are down and below..he wont be at peace until he's received a text from you confirming you are back up on the vessel Khushi..aunty too..Amaar goes insane too in wait..,"and he pauses before he adds softly – " I worry too..until your text comes...we want you two safe that's all...I guess.."

I nod at that as I reassure – " and we are...all our projects are executed with top notch safety...Samarth...you know that.."

He nods and smiles at that and we fall into a different topic of chatter related to Amaar and Manizeh as we spot them dancing next to us – now.

We are very close friends but then at the same time given that I know he likes me – I just keep a slight hitch in between of us. I obviously know what it feels like to be caught up in one sided situation and I hate that I am the cause of it – for Him.And the fact that he's never even brought it up to me directly despite our parents making it obvious at times that they would love to see us together over the years – makes me feel a little wierd.

And yet – because of the close friendship in between of us it also doesn't feel odd to hang out with him. Perhaps his silence is his way of signalling – that he just understands?? Is that why – it also feels so comfortable to be around him despite that lil weird hitch within????????

We continue swaying our smooth waltz moments just like everyone around but somehow I'v zoned into silence for the last three minutes and he whispers now – " okay....so...three one hour long private diving lessons for me...from you...if I guess it right...k?"

I break outta my thought – " guess what right??"

He grins – " the thought on your mind Khushi? what else??"

I grin back. His grin has always been infectious. " Alright...let's hear it then..."

He says now his grin shortening a little – " you are wondering...why don't I ever state the obvious..perhaps??about how much I want to be with you..how much I want us..?? is it because I simply understand?????????and you are also wondering..why am I saying this now??"

My eyes widen at that on its own accord and I gape at him in silence which signals to him he's right and we continue swaying – "And I know you won't ever ask me out loud...but I can answer you...if you want??"

I end up nodding.

He says now with a sad smile falling on the curve of his lips – " I haven't said anything..yet...because...I...understand..yes..but also because I don't want to put you in a conflicting situation...we are such close friends...I know you don't want to hurt me that way..."

I nod strangely feeling suddenly relaxed that we were finally having this conversation and I say on reflex – " exactly...I know...I might be hurting you already...but...if we get together..and It doesn't work out from my end...I don't want to hurt you that way....deeper...you, me...us...it wouldn't work out...Samarth...and its not because of you..really...it's just me...you know how it is..."

He nods – " I understand....,"and he says next – " I brought this up because Mom was planning to talk to your Mum about it later tonight..I guess...I overheard her and Dad before coming here...and guess what?? I told her....I don't want her to talk about this..or keep hinting it again and again..it just gets weird..its all kool in between of us..and I reminded us..that id like to keep it that way..."

I sigh in part relief at that – " thank you..so much...Samarth...and I am sorry..so sorry...I don't know what else to say..."

He smiles – " you don't need to say anything..k? its not like you ever lead me on.."

I ask now sincere concern evident in my voice – " you will move on? Right??"

He smiles – " I will be able to...I guess..when you will...,"and I can only gape back at him in an intense silence and at that he playfully winks – " lets make a pact – what if we grow all old till 40 and you don't move on from him and I don't move on from you..then perhaps maybe we will give each other a shot??what say??"

And I know he said that to make me feel better which is why I end up whispering on reflex after a thought – " yeah...maybe then..perhaps? at 40?"

He grins – " at 40 it is.."

We share a chuckle at that to laugh off the state of our within's in front of another and fall into a comfortable silence which actually should have been uncomfortable as we continue waltzing.

Strange.

It is also right then the music stops and all the dancing pauses and Mum announces everyone to head to dinner and I briefly excuse myself from all around and make my way to the washroom to freshen up.

Five minutes later – as I am making my way back to join all picking up a glass of water from the table – looking into my phone – I pause in my steps.

Not just pause.

I statue.

Not Statue.

I Freeze.

Why?

Because – I v just spotted a missed call on my phone from Mini Maa. The time difference info in my head reminds me that its probably 230Pm in the afternoon in India. Mini maa never buzzes me at this time.She's stopped buzzing me herself actually. Its me who calls her. Why is she calling? Was everything okay?? With her ?? Matthew Dad??? Back in India??? Was there health okay???????

I quickly look up to see everyone busy in getting dinner for themselves which means I can totally step out to make a call. I do the same and close the sliding door shut to out patio as I step out – clutching onto the glass of water in my hand as I keep sipping on it and dial her number.

Thankfully she picks up in a couple of rings and I hear myself rant on reflex – " Mini Maa...is everything okay??? Are you okay?? Mathhew dad okay?? Im asking coz you stopped calling me..yourself..and even when you did you always did around india time 5pm...you are calling me now and it's the afternnon there..got me worried...please just tell me...you are okay?? Mathew dad is okay????????please...fast...just tell me fast..."

I hear her calm and loving voice come through instantly – " Khushi...beta..calm down...yes...I am okay...alright? so is your Matthew Dad...relax..will you?? take a deep breathe..breathe in...then out..??and just huff and puff and blow your worry away...we are all okay..."

I do.Strange.Even though she is still not as active part of my life and yet her this way of calming us down has always stayed with me.Still works on me.

Two minutes later – as I finally feel relieved – I ask – " okay thank god...you are both okay...so Mini Maa..whts this about??"

She asks fondly – " I will tell you...but first you tell me...beta..are you okay? How you doing?? Long time we spoke..."

It indeed had been a long time.Almost over six months.Last I spoke to her was when I asked her to wish best wishes to Aman and Meera at their wedding. The wedding – they didn't invite me too. Probably because Arnav asked them not too.

I say now – " indeed...Mini Maa..its been a very long time...I am doing well...alls great here...,"And just like that she ends up asking me about my diving expeditions and work and I end up filling her on it all for the next five- seven minutes or so.

Once I am done with that I hear her take a deep breathe on the other end now and I ask on reflex – " Mini Maa...there surely is something else on your mind??"

"there surely is...Khushi...but I don't know how to bring this up to you...I mean I also feel its only fair I do...given that I know the context at your end too....,"She says.

My confusion genuinely increases as I ask on reflex – " huh? What do you mean Mini Maa? Just say it??"

She says now after a sigh – " okay...so...this is about Arnav..."

My Insides Freeze. Its been ages she's brought Arnav upto me directly just like I haven't. Why??????????????????????

I stay silent.Only because I don't know what to say.

She asks – " you there..beta??????????"

I say managing to find my voice back trying to be all casual – " yes...I am...here...Mini maa...what about him?? why would you bring him up all of a sudden???after all these years??,"And just like that a worry creeps in on reflex and before I can control my words they fall out my lips in an equally worried tone – " wait..wait...Mini Maa...is he okay?? As in...is he well? His health? He hasn't been hurt or something right?or wait... is he in any trouble???????"

Heavens knows – the only thing that keeps me going all sanely is that he is out there all safe and sound – living the life of his dreams. That he is happy.

She reassures instantly – " yes yes...he is safe..all healthy...no harm has come on him...in anyway..Khushi...its just that...he...wants your number Khushi. He wants to get in touch with you. He asked me for the same just an hour ago..but I felt it's only fair I ask you for your consent before I share your contact with him.Only fair. What if you don't want anything to do with him at all now.So you tell me...what is it that you want?? Is it okay? If I share your number with him? I only will...if you say so...Khushi...,"and she pauses to ask after a minute of intense silence from my end – " you there on the line Khushi??"

Was I????????????????

Oh yes I was. But in a Frozen Version of myself. A Frozen version that I had never come across in this lifetime!!!!!!!!!

Did I hear her right???????????? What did she just say?????? Arnav asked her for my number?????????????? Arnav Singh Raizada asked her for my number?????????????????????????????

Whatttttttttttttttttttttt???????????? Just Happened?????????

He remembers my existence???? He remembers I exist?????

Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy??????????

Why does he want my number????????????????

And Why Now?????????????????

That picture of the article linking Syna and him makes its way to my head and I feel my head begin to reel with overwhelmed emotions!!!

What does he want to say???????? Now???????? After all these years????????? And not just that – I can't get myself to muster a word or react to this at all???????

My Hearts reeling with waves of heavy emotion, with flashbacks of heartache that were my companions for nights after he first ended things.

How???????????

Just How am I supposed to react?????? To this?????????

I hear Mini Maa's voice call out to me through the phone again – " Khushi...you there? you there????????????????you there?????????"

I was there.On the Line.

But I couldn't answer.

I couldn't react. I couldn't say a word.

How could I????How could I react to a moment as emotionally shocking+ thunderbolt outta the blue as this one.

My heart was reeling.So was my Mind.While everything within me – was being subjected to a storm and a standstill – at the freaking same time....

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

TADAAAAAAAAA!!

How was that guys? For comeback update?

Next Update – thursday/friday

See you soon guys! Take Care!

Much Love* Infinite Gratitude – Now&Always

Prachi