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Yes, I am feeling much better now and am recovering steadily! Thank you for the get well soon...wishes.🙏🙏

So yes – – here I am today with the next update of Invisible Strings..

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Infinite Gratitude – Now & Always!

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37 – Helping Ourselves

Two Days Later

New Delhi, India

1:00 PM

Alok spoke into the phone – " Yes, Sanskruti, you can go ahead and schedule a one hour session at 6pm today...no worries...I will be in here until 7pm..for sure...."

He hears his assistant answer to that – "alright sir, I will go ahead and schedule the same for Mr. Kapoor...also sir...are you sure you don't need any last minute help in scheduling that upcoming zoom call at 1:30 Pm?? I mean if you haven't created a link, I can do it for you...as always..."

Sanskruti also managed appointments and general admin of his clinic. But given that, this next upcoming appointment was also of dear ones from his personal sphere, he'd handled the appointment bit himself, just like he had yesterday as well. Alok smiles to himself as he reassures Sanskruti – " I got that done already...Sanskruti...thank you so much...also remember...in between 130 pm to 330 pm...no disturbance please? only call in if something super urgent comes up..k?"

And once he hears, Sanskruti affirm the same to him on the phone, Alok finally hangs up and gets off his chair and walks to the window in his cabin – and begins to observe – the buzz around – in the area outside.

Strange, even though, it had been two years since he'd started his practice at this very clinic in GK, Delhi - as a Clinical Psychologist after completing his PHD in the domain – everytime he looked out the same view outta his window – his inquisitive mind always seemed to pick on something new to observe on...

He was right on that thought, when his phone beeped with– Arnav's text – reconfirming their session time for today at 1:30 Pm – and also thanking him for the same in advance.

Alok smiles to himself at that as he texts the reconfirmation to Arnav, asking him to keep the thanks to himself, post which he just returned to his desk and took out his notepad – where in he'd taken down all the notes – from Arnav and Khushi's collective first zoom call with him yesterday.

As he's going through it all, deep thoughts consume his mind, as everything he'd heard from the two yesterday returned to his head.

Arnav had actually gotten in touch with him day before yesterday night – seeking an appointment for himself and Khushi – and just by his pensive tone – somehow Alok felt like he already knew it in his gut what this could be about...

Perhaps, it was because, Arnav and Khushi were no strangers to him. Even though they were both a year older to him, he'd grown around them in the orphanage – them + Aman and Meera along with the rest – their dear Mini Maa and Matthew Dad had taken in – as their own.

Infact, he'd always had a decent bond with the four of them himself. When Khushi had left the orphanage with the Maan's to Fiji, he'd been a constant with Aman and Meera – in supporting Arnav in his heartache of letting her go at that point too but then just like the rest he had been glad then that the distance hadn't faltered their bond,but only strengthened it more – with time..

Until one day, years later, he had been shocked to overhear Mini Maa and Matthew Dad talking that Arnav's made the choice of axing his heart by cutting off from Khushi – all because of her Daddy's call to him. Yes, yes, Alok had known it all then too, infact, he got to know all of those details eventually from Arnav's himself – when he met him on his (Arnav's)next visit to Lucknow in that fated year.

Alok had seen Arnav ache bad and deep but he'd also spotted the fire in his eyes, the determination to make it big – for Khushi – as well. Even then though, in his mind, Alok had wondered – how had Khushi been coping up with it all?at her end? Given that, everyone at this end, eventually stopped being in touch with her – altogether. He'd always thought – that she'd surely been through a tough time emotionally as well..for no fault of hers..really...

Then - over years and as time passed, and everyone got busy in their respective lives and work spheres - they'd all kept in touch to a decent extent – also surely meeting up one a year – back in Lucknow during regular visits to Mini Maa and Matthew Dad. Alok had known, that for years, Arnav had continued to just zone Khushi out, for all his various reasons and even though in retrospect at Aman& Meera's wedding – Alok had pointed to Arnav that perhaps now was the time to address the bit he'd been brushing under the carpet for so long in context of Khushi – he'd understood that Arnav wasn't ready to address it then.

He had only hoped, in his heart then, that eventually Arnav would go onto act on it one day. He genuinely wished to see him happy in his hearts space, always, for even though with time...he had now become ASR to the world, the popular rockstar - for everyone back at the orphanage who's grown up with him, he was still the same old Arnav...

Which is why, Alok had been genuinely happy when he'd got a brief up from Aman and Meera about Arnav and Khushi – finally reconnecting in Australia – a few months ago. As someone who'd grown up with both, he'd sincerely wished well to them and had even texted – Arnav the same. He remembered asking Arnav briefly on chat months ago then – if he had told Khushi the truth and when Arnav had texted – 'Not Yet, Alok...Not Yet. I can't seem to get around it. It will break her so much...' - the clinical psychologist in him knew that sooner or later – the heavy burden stemming from the ache of it all would come to the surface one day and heavens forbid if Khushi ever found it – in his mind he already forsee-ed the bit – of her being devasted for sure.

Which is why, when he'd received Arnav's call the other day and just had heard his voice – he didn't have to wait for Arnav to explain further as he'd just asked himself – " so I reckon she knows...she finally knows...,"and once Arnav had affirmed the same and shared their decision to get on with couple's therapy in order to get past this in between the two , Alok had gone on to admit – that the recent pics that he saw of the two landing in India and the vibe around – had given him the hunch already that probably she now knew. Then, he'd instantly reassured Arnav that he'd obviously get on with a session with the two – the next day for sure, for as a clinical psychologist, therapy and counselling were his area of expertise – anyway.

But yesterday evening, had come to him like a revelation – indeed. Even though his mind had known the bits – the clearer picture was a lot more complex than he'd perceived to be with Khushi being completely shaken and devasted at her point of things and Arnav feeling pretty much the same with his side of things.

(So, post the initial greetings given that he was technically seeing Khushi after ages on video call – he'd instantly got into his talking mode – to relay to the two across on screen that given that this was the first session – he just wanted to hear the two out in the context to begin with so that he could understand the depth of the odds between them. Even though, he'd known it all from Arnav's end, he'd gestured him to begin honestly straight from the top – in front of Khushi.He'd noticed the silent turmoil Khushi was fighting in her being whilst Arnav was talking his heart out on the same now in her presence but it was also when Khushi began talking her heart out on the same, from her perspective – did Alok himself realise that the roots of their odds coz of this truth – clearly ran quite deep. He could see the love shining in either of their frame for the other, oh yes , he could but he could also see the turmoil, the differential point of conflict clearly...now a lot more deeply...)

On a positive note,he had been quite impressed himself as a therapist, upon hearing, as to the techniques the two had been adapting too all this while – during dealing with the baggage of the past and their sincere ask for guidance to him – on going about it further – had also struck a chord within him.

But because it was important, that the two just sleep on it – before he actually began talking to the two on the same + sharing his plan for their couple therapy's sessions going forward – he'd scheduled this follow up call with them today as well which technically was also going to be like first couple therapy session for the two .(Yesterday had just been more about them just venting it out individually – as a preliminary bit – for his basic understanding)

And now - he was also glad that they were still next to one another physically for this – today afternoon. With that thought, as he finishes going through the notes he'd jotted down from yesterday's session with the two - Alok feels like he knew exactly the bit he wanted to begin his session with.

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1:30 PM

The very second, Arnav and Khushi's frame fills in his screen – Alok smiles to himself.Why? Because, unlike yesterday with both seated at far opoosite end of the couch while venting out to him – the distance today - in between the two on the couch had been shortened by a few inches at least. Even though the vibe through the screen was still quite conflicted..

He sees Arnav and Khushi exchange a knowing look amongst the two as they greet him goodafternoon – together – starting it off with small talk with how his day was etc etc. After greeting them, on the same, Alok himself continues with some small talk for the next three-four minutes – keeping the topic to everything Lucknow...

Now, as he spots Khushi smiling fondly while mentioning that last bit on Mini Maa and Matthew Dad, Alok says immediately – " its good to see you smiling today...Khushi...you'v got a wonderful smile...I remember telling that to you..always..."

He hears Khushi thank him on the same which makes Arnav admit on reflex too softly after stealing a glance at her – " and I hope to be the one to bring that smile back to her face soon..brother...right now..as much as I wish I could say...that I am the reason for that smile..of hers...I know...I am not..."

For a second, theres pin drop silence from their collective end on screen as Alok spots the two just stare at one another longingly.

Alright then – he thinks. Time to begin his session..

He clears his throat and says – " alright guys...so lets begin our session...today...so yesterday I heard you both out...individually...and you both just heard each other too....and I mentioned yesterday to you two that...I'd get talking today...as in..that today would be our first session...but then again...before I get talking...I want to ask you two...how's it been? After the vent our session yesterday? As in how's it been between you two??and how have you both been feeling?individually??Khushi you wana begin talking??"

He sees Khushi at that and she begins – " well, honestly, individuaylly, I'v been feeling better, the vent out obviously helped massively again...I am still conflicted, yes, still confused amidst the overwhelmed pool of emotions I am feeling...but...yes..its definetly feeling...better.."

Alok notes that down quickly and nods – " great...then...what about you Arnav? how you feeling??"

He sees Arnav sigh – " I'd like to say I am feeling better..as well...also...ever since we spoke it all loud in front of you...I'v also been deep in thought revisiting everything I heard from Khushi...as in her point of view...and ...,"he pauses.

He hears Khushi add instantly - "Well, I'v been revisiting everything he said too...yesterday...in my head..too...Alok...."

Alok nods and looks at the two – " great...and how's that making you both feel??does it still make you both feel...like...yes, even though there's love...the root off this of this odd...is like...a thorn right now in front of you??"

And he hears Khushi admit first immediately – " indeed...still feels like that..."

He spots Arnav flinch at that but he shrugs and admits too – " feels like that too...yes...Alok..."

Alok nods – " okay...got it...so another quick question..post..our talk yesterday...have you two been normal around one another....as in ..have you been able to talk normally? In context of other things??"

He sees them both shake their heads in an instant No – " No...we haven't...been ...like..normal...,"and Khushi goes on to add wiping an emotional tear outta her eye – " but that's probably because...all I end up doing in front of him..is cry..for mu heart aches for him...as well...yes it does...but I feel like I also cannot put a lid on what I am feeling so deeply...so I just hold him and cry..and he ends up doing the same..."

Alok nods at that jotting that down – " alright....crying..is good....crying together...is good...for its like eventually that process will bring you both to a point of grieving your ache together...and only when that happens..will seeds of closure begin to take shape...so I suggest...go with the flow...of the actual bit you feeling...don't shut out any of it and pretend normalcy..if normalcy isn't flowing naturally..."

He sees them both – nod at him – collectively.

Alok smiles – and asks them both to sip on some water and once again it instantly warmed him to spot – both Arnav and Khushi offer the glass of water to the other first. He watches Arnav take the glass Khushi offered and sip on it smiling back at her emotionally and Khushi does the same. Once the two had put their glasses down – Alok smiles at the two encouragingly again and starts – " okay..so for starters...I must begin with saying...this...that I am so proud of you for wanting to do this together...i.e sticking by each other through this...for vey often as a counselling therapist..i'v often heard couple's want to give up mid way/or its too tough etc etc..but all day yesterday...in both of your vent outs bits...not once I heard either of you say...I want to give up on him/her....so I must say...you'v both already taken a massive leap with that...just with that decision...to get through this together..."

And that he hears Khushi say instantly as she steals a glance at Arnav – " I won't give up on him...or on us...Alok..."

" Neither will I...,"says Arnav and Alok watches Arnav shift a spot closer in his position on the sofa next to Khushi at that and she shifts a little too.

Alok smiles at the two – " and once again...I am happy to hear that..,"and he continues and asks – "okay so any of you wana take a guess as to what is it that I begin my couples therapy sessions with??"

He watches Arnav and Khushi cluelessly exchange a look and he smiles and continues – " okay...ill go on ...I usually...begin with a very famous quote by Khalil Gibran.......that says something like... ' Between what is said and not meant and what is meant and not said...most of love is lost..' ...and do any of you want to take a guess as to why? I begin with it??"

And he hears Arnav take the first guess – " probably because...you want to reinstate the importance of clear communication??"

Alok smiles – " well, yes, that plus the bit that as important it is to communicate ...it is also as important to mean what you say and say what you mean...which is why I usually get the couples on the couch to first begin with venting out their point of differences...whilst the other listens...also...because...so many times...it so happens...that a partner may hear what the other is saying...but how deeply have they listened.....wholeheartedly...without worrying...about the impact of cosequences on one's life....you see....in between just hearing and listening wholeheartedly..there is a narrow line...often in relationships...be it any sort of relationship...when one gets talking...to vent ...the other...automatically by default...ends up wondering in their head..how is his/hers this thought process going to impact me? etc etc so we react/process accordingly...and there whilst there is absolutely nothing wrong in that as its human nature to process that way....sometimes...its as crucial to wholeheartedly listen...to what the other is saying...without angle of I/how it impacted me etc....for only then our mind can process what the other is saying...with deep compassion....so now...my question to both of you....do you think? You listened to one another wholeheartedly yesterday....or just heard each other out...in the vent...."

He hears both Arnav and Khushi exchange a knowing look – now as Khushi admits first – " I just heard him out....i guess...once again....i couldn't listen wholeheartedly if I were to keep what you just said in context Alok...probably because...whilst he was talking....I couldn't stop thinking..of the ways his decisions impacted me..."

And he hears Arnav add now – "And whilst she talked...I heard her I guess too and couldn't listen wholeheartedly...because...somehow...I couldn't once again but help feel like...why can't she not understand my intentions....is it right to just blindside that?"

And he hears Khushi add – " just like I can't understand...how can he expect me to blindside the consequences that ached me for years????is that right??"

Alok smiles and takes that in from the two and now states - " and what if I say....Arnav and Khushi....that it isn't necessary...that either you understand....its okay to not understand..."

That makes both look at him puzzled – " huh??what do you mean??"

Alok explains – " okay first thing out...know this...this bit..of right vs wrong...or he is right vs she is right/wrong...this battle in our minds...is like something we'v initiated ourselves...for no good reason...a relationship is not a race where two partners are piting or racing against one another....you are the same team...you are both running for the same team....and secondly....there is no right or wrong....in here..as in...both your feelings are equally justified....just because...Khushi your feelings are justified....doesn't means his arent..and vice versa.... And that also means...perhaps...you are both right...in where you are coming from....which is why...I am saying..its isn't necessary for either of you to understand....how Arnav's focus is intentions still and your's the consequences – in the context of this truth of the past..."

He hears Khushi sigh as she asks – " I get that...Alok...I do..but how can I get myself to process past something...I don't even understand.."

He hears Arnav ask the same sighing as well.

Alok smiles – " by simply accepting...what is for what is...without making it too big in your head...guys...look sometimes...we feel like we must understand the problem deep...for only then..we can solve it...but what if I say...you can also begin solving a problem...if you understand...half the question...and somewhere down in the process of that..the rest just clicks anyway....."

And he hears both Arnav and Khushi ask - " example??"

Alok explains – "okay..remember back in school...exam time...imagine..we see a question...we know part answer to it immediately...part confused about the rest...but we begin writing what we know anyway...and while we are at it...the rest sometimes...clicks...and we answer the whole..."

And he hears Khushi ask – "and what if the rest doesn't click?Then what??"

Alok smiles – " you'd still get marks for answering a part of it...atleast...and something is better than nothing isn't it??"

Khushi nods deep in thought.

Arnav nods deep in thought.

Alok smiles and says – " so first point to be noted in either of your heads guys..as we go through our sessions....that its okay...to not completely understand where the other person could be coming from....the bit here is...that as you both work through this...together.....bit by bit....would you eventually be ready to accept/process the parts of your partner's thoughts/actions you don't necessarily understand???because you love them..wholeheartedly nonetheless??"

He sees the two exchange – a deep in thought – look with one another.

Alok smiles – " so here's the plan...I'v chalked out for you both....I know..you are both going to be busy with your jobs...but we meet twice a week - for two hour session each - total of four hours every week...for about eight to ten weeks henceforth...and we begin to address all of these differences with related to the past...one by one....like one aspect of it...you both talk your minds out..and then...I guide you around it...along with this...we also have to get working on each of yours individual baggage...in relation to your adoptive father...Khushi...surely...Arnav has a lot to unload in this regard..and now as do you...so how does this sound?? Do you think? You both will be able to take out the time every week for the same??"

He sees both Arnav and Khushi nod instantly as they say in unison – " we will do it...Alok..we will do it...we will figure it out..."

Alok smiles and nods – " great....now that we all on the same page with that...time to begin with addressing a point in context..to keep it fair...you both get chances in the first hour to chose the context you want to address....and in the second hour..we work on the anger baggage you both have with regards to Mr.Maan...k?"

They both nod and Alok asks now – " okay...so which one of you...want to address a context...first now..."

Arnav gestures Khushi to begin and she gestures Arnav to begin which makes – Alok just make them pick out chits on the same and as he sees Khushi's name come on the chit to proceed – he hears Khushi begin with a sigh as she folds her hands nervously and says – " okay....so ever since yesterday...Alok...this thought has been bothering me...ever since I heard Arnav...out....and his turmoil...then when he first received that call......and I guess I want to start with adressing this very thought...as in I wana talk about it..and I want Arnav to be honest to me about it too..."

Alok watches Arnav look at Khushi sincerely as he asks – "what thought??"

Alok says warmly – " go on Khushi...don't be nervously..its totally safe for you to ask Arnav whatever it is...you gotta get out with it..."

Alok sees Khushi sigh as she looks at Arnav and asks – " I wonder now....that surely...the reason why his words/his mind game were able to have the impact in you that it did then..could also be probably because...deep down..you somewhere yourself had a similar insecurity riding/ruling you...Arnav?? is it true?back then...were you also insecure about the worldly difference that had come because I'd started living the life I was....like did you yourself deep down feel like...you weren't good enough for me????,"and she pauses to now look at Alok as she says – " the reason why I ask him this Alok is...because...you know..how it is..words of others//worldly chatter is able to twist its way through one's being only if theres already a window opening...in ones being with regards to the same....otherwise...its easier to shut it out as a noise....but given that he couldn't shut out Mr.Maan's mindgame today makes me feel like...surely there had to be some insecurity in there...in him because of the same too....do you think it's a fair question..Alok??"

Alok smiles – " every question is a fair question...,"and he turns to Arnav who was deep in thought already looking down at his folded hands and he insists – " Arnav...do you want to answer Khushi? do you think you are in the headspace to answer this?address this??"

He sees Arnav nod at that instantly as he says now leaning back in the couch - " yes...I can answer it...I will answer it...its true...she's right in her hunch...Alok...back then...yes....deep down...I guess...I was starting to feel...insecure myself...which is why...,"and he pauses.

And Alok hears Khushi whisper now – "his words had the impact they did....,"and she asks Arnav – "and why didn't you ever tell me aany of this back then? haan?as in...this insecurity bit?you were feeling?? Why didn't you ever share it with me?? wait...wait...did I do anything...to make you feel the same??or what?? I don't remember...if I...I...,"

And given that Khushi was clearly distraught by that – Arnav whispers immediately explaining to her – " no no...Khushi...it was never you....never you...just me...my thoughts....my insecurities...you can say..."

Alok watches as he hears Khushi say now sighing – " you should have talked about it to me then...Arnav...you should have..for then only I would have assured you that only you matter to me..and nothing else..."

Alok smiles and says now – " perhaps..its never too late to begin talking about it....Arnav I suggest...you begin talking about your insecurities...openly...why you felt what you did...perhaps..that from you will give Khushi a more deeper understanding....of why you acted the way you did...after the call...."

Alok sees Arnav nod at that instantly and he begins to talk his heart out in this context and just by Khushi's body language that Alok was observing – he knew - this time around she wasn't just hearing Arnav out...but....was making sincere effort to just wholeheartedly listen.....

About twenty minutes later – once Arnav was done addressing this out and Khushi listening to him – and Alok making his notes on the same – they hear Khushi admit now all emotional as her hand reaches out to hold Arnav's across on the couch as she whispers – " I feel angry...at myself...for never catching a hiff of this then...at him too..for never saying it out loud...then....as well...but then at the same time....I am glad to hear this today nonetheless..for it yes does give me a deeper insight..."

He watches Arnav clutch on Khushi's hand too at that as he whispers sincerely – " I am sorry...I am so sorry for all the ache...my decision caused you...I am sorry...I didn't ever tell you any of this back then..."

He watches them both exchange a silent deep thoughtful nod and Alok nudges the two to go onto talk their hearts on this – for the next seven minutes more. Once, that was done, and Arnav and Khushi were still holding each others hand tight – also having shifted closer to one another on couch – Alok says to the two – " we will now do a soothing exercise in between you two...before we go further...,"and asks them to candidly list down three favourite moments of their childhood together – and get talking about it for next five minutes - so that in the moment the happy nostalgia soothed the two as well and also gave the strength and the reminder as to why they were still chosing to get through this for one another...

Post this – when he initiates Arnav to chose the bit he wanted to address with Khushi now – he hears Arnav say honestly – " I want to ask her...Alok...whats hurt her more? The consequences of my actions...for years...or just the bit that...I hid it from her..."

Alok asks Khushi now – "Khushi...do you want to address this with Arnav now?? do you think you are in the headspace to just address this part in talks??"

And he hears Khushi nod – " yes....I want to address this....honestly...I can't chose which bit's hurt me more...I think its both..put together...more so...I mean...in retrospect now...I can easily say..its both.."

And this time around Alok asks on Arnav's behalf – " and do think? You'd have felt less hurt if Arnav had confessed the truth to you himself??"

He sees Khushi shrug – " maybe....yes....I mean..i'd still be feeling butchered...but...atleast the fact that it came from him...could have been a saving grace..."

Alok gestures Arnav to keep silence as he decides to dig on further –"then clearly you are more mad because he hid it from you...as well.."

In the flow he hears Khushi say – " maybe..."

Alok – "and why was it so important for you...to hear it from Arnav??Khushi??"

And he hears Khushi say distraught – "because...like I explained...earlier...as well...I just hate being blindsided in my relationships..be it any...Alok...he knows that...he always knows that...and the fact that he was the one to do it to me himself and also know that others are doing It to me for him/or my sake...or whatever...is just a massive let down..."

And he explains to Arnav now – " now you see...Arnav...this is the root...that's the crux....you might not understand completely but this is the root why she can't let go of focusing on consequences bit..for now...."

Arnav nods in understanding – " Khushi...pls address this...more...I am listening....not just hearing...."

And this time around – as Khushi does address this more from her end in vent – Alok genuinely feels like Arnav was also wholeheartedly listening.....

And that just made him bite back a smile. Why? Because it instilled the faith in him - that with time – these two would surely heal and get past this for good.....

And in the moment – he was extremely content with the plan of action – he'd chalked out for the two............Indeed.

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

One More Hour Later -

@Lucknow – At The Orphanage

In the Room

Khushi looked at Arnav and Arnav looked back at her – knowingly. They were both still seated on the couch after finishing up with their first couple session in therapy with Alok – about five minutes ago. For the last five minutes, each had just been revisiting everything spoken, discussed in their heads and of course the food for thought question Alok left them both to discuss in this week along with collective work on soothing exercises in between the two.

Perhaps, it was, Alok's strategic plan to get them both to address their baggage and anger and turmoil with regards to Mr Maan in the last hour of their two hour session – so that by the end of it – the two would anyway have finished the session being supportive of one another.

For indeed, Khushi's heart had been wretched with emotion, when she'd heard Arnav being addressing his woes with regards to her adoptive father and it had been the same for Arnav after...given that Khushi had started that bit also with admitting that a part of her system was kinda still in shock/processing the years of betrayal from him...that he saw her in ache for years yet didn't say a word....

Now, as the two continued to look at one another – Arnav is the first one to ask Khushi – " that went well...don't you think? Khushi?? for our first session...I think that went really well...I do feel...light...to some extent atleast..what about you??"

Khushi nods at that on reflex – "well, yes, I agree, that it went well....ofcourse I agree...Alok is good...really good at what he does...perhaps...its his calm, soothing ways through which he guides....he literally makes you feel like he's not just hearing...but.."

And Arnav completes the bit for her – " wholeheartedly listening to you....."

Khushi nods at that and hears Arnav ask - " won't you turn to look at me now??remember..what he said last?Khushi? no disconnecting from the other for atleast 30 mins post therapy...we gotta continue discussing on the food for thought bit...he left us with.."

At that – Khushi finally turns a little sideways to face him on the sofa and she admits softly now reliving it all in her head – " I wasn't just hearing you out today...I made my best efforts to wholeheartedly listen....and especially when you talked in the last hour addressing your issues...with...him....honestly...all a part of me felt like asking you...if theres so much frustration/anger pent up inside of you because of him still ...how? just how did you manage to even pretend to be normal around him...in Fiji?? It must have been hell..right?answer this..please?before we get to the food for thought bit.."

Arnav nods at that and he sighs – " yes it was hell...but I felt like I was doing it for you...Khushi..that was my drive...I guess...and honestly..trust me...it was more of a hell...covering up in front of you though...I mean it..when I say that..Khushi..."

Khushi nods at that deep in thought. She admits – " well, it's a miracle that I am able to talk to you right now.without being a crying mess...in the moment....Arnav....and what if I say...never in my wildest dreams would I have ever expected this off you...from you...if I had known..forgive me...for this...k? that I unconsciously shoved his presence all around you...for days.."

Arnav admits reaching out to hold her hand which she takes now thankfully and doesn't pull away – " I never held that against you..Khushi...so please...you don't need to apologize for the same.."

Khushi sighs and says – " I really need to text Alok a thank you for putting this in such a deeper perspective for me...I mean..it wasn't until he said it out loud...I realised that all the while..perhaps...I'd just been hearing you out in this context but not deeply listening....and now...that I listened...just for these hours....I ...I...have a different insight to proce...ss..I guess...ill work on thinking it through..."

Arnav sighs in relief a little at that as he kisses on her hand – "thank you for saying that..Khushi...,"and he admits – "and to be honest...I think...I was also just hearing you out on this and not deeply listening...he is right...we are the same team...we must not get into...I was wrong vs...you were right...perhaps..we are both justified in feeling right in our heads...coming in from the space...our mind deems fit for now..."

Khushi nods at that and she hears Arnav ask now – "so...have you thought over his food last for thought question Khushi??"

Khushi sighs. It was actually what she was in the middle of processing. Alok had left them both with the last bit to think over and discuss in the next thirty minutes on the lines – say if tables were turned in todays scenario and Khushi was in Arnav's shoes and Arnav in hers how would they react...

Khushi admits nows – " so strange....he didn't leave us with the question off – what would you have done in space of the other back then in the past...for that one was easy for me to say...but this one's made me think....,"and her eyes lock with Arnav's as she shurgs – "perhaps...I'd have reacted the same as you..then...feeling like...hell...why can't he just look at my intentions dammit..."

And Arnav smiles sadly to that as he admits – "and perhaps...I'd have reacted the same way as you thinking..hell...how can I let go of this feeling of betrayal...nonetheless her intentions? I mean...you are right Khushi...youv never hidden anything from me ever...and for a second..if I were to put myself in your shoes...and think that you hid something major from me for years...plus not just you...but everyone else....around...in our circle too...hell..i'd be as pissed....,"and he clutches her hand at that.

Khushi smiles sadly at that as she says – "that's Alok's way of being super clever I guess...at one point...he says its also okay if we don't understand each other's points...but then by asking us to contemplate over this...he actually initiated a chain of thought that atleast makes either of us feel like...that either of our reactions isn't like all irrational...to either of our minds anyway."

Arnav nods at that – " I know....right..."

Khushi makes her point clearer further though – " but please...note...this bit I just said relates to now...and todays reaction...and not the past though...I mean...if it were to happen to me then...back then...what happened with you..and it were your adoptive dad calling me to cut myself from you....I would have never given in no matter what.....though...because if it were upto me....just me...I don't think...I'd ever have it in me to cu..t...my..sel...f...f..ro..m...y..ou...for...goo..d...no matter what the circu..m..st..ance...for me...,"she adds softly wiping a tear outta her eye – "perhaps...that's why...I...I.."

And Arnav now instantly pulls her into a big hug unable to keep away – " that's why...even today...you are willing to work...through this...for us...I know....,"and he kisses her head – " I apologize Khushi...I wholeheartedly apologize for being the coward one back then...for giving in to my insecurities...for letting his mindgame get the better off me....then...,"and at that he feels Khushi just thump on his shoulder as she whispered – " if only you'd let me in on your insecurities then...Arnav..if only..then...I...I...but never mind...atleast now I know...."

And for a second – the two just hug each other hard in silence.Two minutes later – Arnav asks Khushi – " wana talk over one of the soothing exercises??"

Khushi shakes her head in a No as she whispers – " just hold me for now...its soothing enough..."

Arnav does and he hears Khushi ask though softly – " do you think he asked us to discuss on these bits specifically in our soothing exercises...purposely as well??"

Alok's soothing exercises for discussions involved highlighting the others top ten favourite memories off the the other from ten years ago, eight years ago, to recent two months ago – for this week – as well.

Arnav admits – " ofcourse...he's a therapist...surely his every exercise has a purpose...and the purpose here could be to also keep us linked to our happy moments then...and also relive our happy moments from off late...so that...we also remember...the value of our bond..I guess......along the way...and know...that we were working through this..today...for our present only..."

Khushi admits now looking up at Arnav – " but somehow...this time around..I am unable to find that switch that flips us in between dealing with our baggage of the past and the present...Arnav....perhaps...I'd find it with time....but for now....its not like....I want to have a wall around you...but I also just want everything to flow..as..is...I don't want to pretend to flow...into the present....you understand??right?its not about anger or hurt anymore....but moreso...coping ..perhaps?? its not that...I don't miss us...from the present....I..I...do...just like you...."

Arnav cups her cheeks at that and caresses her cheek – " I get it okay...surely...this is something we gotta cope up with as is first Khushi...so that our natural flow gets restored...eventually....plus I can only hope that the bit that we miss our present makes us want to work double and harder at restoring the flow of it...past this hurdle...we'll get through this...Khushi...I am confident we will get through this...now that we have taken this major step of helping ourselves through it head on....we will get through it.....won't we???ill do my best...I promise...I will do my best...at it..in our sessions...for you...for us...for myself..."

Khushi cups his cheek at that as she promises the same – " I promise to do my best too...Arn...av...I promise to do my best too...for myself...you...us.....,"and she pauses as she is pulled into an instant hard hug again – by Arnav and the two bask in the tender emotional silence of the moment...

Yes....there was still a lot to get past and through. This was just the aftermath of their first collective session.But even then – both Arnav and Khushi felt like they couldn't deny the sense of massive relief radiating from each other's heart in the moment –

Why the sense of massive relief?

Because, HOPE HAD just sneaked in with the feeling – that with time as they continued to help themselves through it all – there could be chances that they wouldn't just come out – OKAY – amidst it all – but probably come out the strongest????

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

TADAAAAAAAAA!!

How was that guys?????????? I obviously wanted to post the starting insight into their couple's therapy journey..together...

Also yes – post this - now we will be heading into a three month leap in the story!

Next Update on this – Will come in after a eight-ten or so – just so the affect of the leap comes through in the reading exp+ my writing line of thought. We are also now in the last leg of this story!

In the meanwhile though – Yes – I will be restarting Hit Wicket 4.0 in the coming week – I am targeting posting a update on that by Wednesday. So plan is I will give two-three continuous update on HW4.0 and then get to this post – leap! Then that usual cycle will go on. Write on this for two-three updates in flow then go to HW4.0...until I finish this.

So yup - See you soon guys❤️

Take Care! I hope you and your loved ones are keeping healthy❤️

Much Love* Infinite Gratitude – Always

Prachi