Helloooo Everyoneee

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

Surpriseee!!

So Yes - Here I am with the next update of Invisible Strings today!!!!!! One day before! Back to back update – Yay!

I Absolutely loved penning this down. So excited for you all to read this!

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 – 5.9k Words

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4. The Pandora's Vortex

One More Week Later

10/3/22

Mumbai – India

10:00 AM

@ A Recording Studio

Arnav's POV

I continue to do the one thing I have been doing in a default mode – all restlessly for the last one week – all day and night – apart from the time spent in recording songs, sleeping. Apart from these two activities – during the rest of day to day routine for the week gone by – I'v literally been just doing this one thing – crazily and all the while with most of my insides consumed in a mode of sheer disbelief and turmoil .

What thing?

Staring at my phone screen like a bloody hawk. Waiting for it to buzz/tingle with Mini Maa's text – that brings the one thing I got the courage to seek out from her finally. Khushi's new contact number.

Yup.

You read that right. It's been a whole week since I asked her for the same, and the reason why I'v been so restless and have been staring at my phone in disbelief and turmoil is basically because – I haven't received what I seeked – Obviously.

So, after that heartfelt chat with Aman and Meera the other night – I finally worked on my emotions within and mustered up all my guts to finally act on ending this aching silence in between Khushi and me and it totally made sense to just call Mini Maa – for it as she and Matthew Dad are the only two who have her latest contact information.

A part of me thought then when I made the call – that she'd just give it to me straight away and would be happy with the development but when Mini Maa said – she was going to check with Khushi first – only fair for what if she doesn't want anything to do with me at all/ or doesn't want me to waltz back into her perfectly settled life or something – that now that she thought it out from Khushi's point of view – it seemed to Mini Maa that it wasn't really fair off me to think/assume that I could just walk back in – without any heads up.

Her words had hit me hard – but then now that I had decided to act on ending this silence anyway – I didn't have it in me to pull back. I told her honestly that I agreed with her to some extent and I'd wait for her to revert back on the same.

And waiting is exactly what I have been doing.One whole week =7*24=168 hours have passed. The longest bloody days and nights of my life in wait. But Mini Maa hasn't shared Khushi's number.

It isn't that I haven't hounded her for it. I started hounding her impatiently within the first couple of hours off asking. Yup. My patience ran out pretty soon. I had called Mini Maa with a nervously racing heart to check if she had spoken to Khushi.And to my dismay – all she said in context was – that Khushi had hung up suddenly after she asked her consent on the same and she hasn't responded back to her on it ever since which technically means – that I need to give her time to digest this shock perhaps? For I guess she was totally not expecting this development. It probably hit her like a thunderbolt.

Maybe it did. And the fact that – she still hasn't given Mini maa the approval to share her contact with me – has hit me like a freaking thunderbolt of the century too. My worst fears seem to be coming true.

Khushi Hates Me.She despises me so much so – perhaps - She probably doesn't want to do anything to do with me anymore – like at all.

I spot Aman upfront now as he closes the door shut to this cabin I am seated in and as he walks in he says looking straight at me – " there you go..again...staring at your phone like a freaking hawk..for heavens sake...Arnav...relax...it will buzz when it has too..remember what did Mini Maa say? Only fair to give Khushi time to digest this – you gave her silence for years – she obviously isn't going to respond straight away.."

I lean back in the sofa dejected – "a reason why I am so much in disbelief is probably because in here in my heart..I always thought..she might...you know...respond straight away...,"and I sigh closing my eyes – " but you are right..so is Mini Maa..just thinking from her point..she's probably furious at me for even thinking that I could just waltz right back in – just like I walked away outta the blue one fine day...or maybe? She just hates me now...Aman??," I pause to ask – waiting for him to deny the possibility wholeheartedly.

Aman takes a seat in the chair opposite me now as he says – " relax...brother..relax..I am sure..she doesn't hate you..ok??she's just probably shocked...and is having trouble digesting it..she'll come around..you...just be patient..k? what matters is that you took the step..k?"

And I rake my hand through my hair in dismay as I admit to him – " patience at the moment surely isn't my virtue in practice...Aman...its crazy I know..you must think...because I was able to keep this long silence for all these years..never wanting to know anything about her...talking about her to Mini Maa...not even seeking to see a picture..know what she is doing life etc etc..shutting out all doors and now I cannot seem to hold onto that patient streak even for a week..."

Aman nods at that – " strange enough...yes..and its precisely what iv been wanting to ask you too..why is this so?"

I admit raking my brains for a possible explanation – " it's probably because until now it was me who was holding the lid to this whole bit shut..k? and now that I'v finally acted on opening it – I will like I have unleased a Pandora's vortex of emotions within. You know how it's said in context of the Pandora's box of troubles – keep it shut and all is in equilibrium. Open the lid a little – it just unleashes chain of events bit by bit that you cannot control. I seem to have no control over all this turmoil within whatsoever..its like a freaking vortex that's freaking sucking me right back in. Hard and Fast.Just to think that she knows I want to reach out and she isn't responding in reality and not just within the fear lanes of my mind is freaking killing me for it makes me wonder over and over – if she really hates me so much now? it just stabs me deep to have reality tell me that she might be – and – I..I..."

My best friend intervenes all calmly – "she doesn't hate you...Arnav...both meera and me think so..she told you that too right????????"

I nod.Meera did say the same to me last night as well.

I look at my phone impatiently again and Aman continues – " look...if she did hate you..she wouldn't have asked Mini Maa if you were okay health wise when she brought you up? Remember what did Mini Maa say? That momentarily she was concerned if you were ok? if you weren't hurt? Or if you were in trouble? Which totally means – she doesn't hate you..why do you keep forgetting this bit??Arnav? "

Thank God for Aman. I am so glad he reminded me the same, for it's the only thing that's kept me sane in the week amidst all my turmoil. I admit honestly though fidgeting with my phone in my hand – " ofcourse I remember...Aman its what's keeping my that one strand of sanity...alive..its just that my mind keeps shifting its focus more on the other bit of her silence this time around.."

We both hear some hustle behind the door and Aman says – " okay brother...relax...you need to find a way to shift your focus now..Syna will be in any moment - and you surely don't need me to remind you why we are here...right now? right??"

I nod at that. Of course, I don't need a reminder. We are here in the recording studio today – to record a duet song – Syna wanted me to record alongside her for her Youtube Channel.She keeps doing this mixes of past Bollywood numbers for her channel and it's a big hit – all the time – online. Today we are recording – Khuda Jaane. I'v collaborated with her often for my mixes on my youtube channel too.We became friends – in the process off singing numerous duets/playbacks for Bollywood movies in the last couple of years. She helps me on occasions just like I chip in to help her. Like for example – tomorrow – she's going to be recording a song with me for my youtube channel.

The door opens and we both look up to see Syna walk in with her manager and she shoots me an instant smile as she says – "alrighty ASR ..my friend..all is set..we are good to go...is it okay if we start recording in ten?"

Aman shoots me a look to reconfirm and I nod in affirmation deciding to channelise all my emotional turmoil into my singing. Shouldn't be difficult. It's a romantic number on record. I just gotta think of Khushi minus the discovery of the bit that in reality today – she might not ever want to do anything with me. I just gotta focus on the part of me within – that's always hopelessly been in love with her.

Syna's Manager Rishi chips in now – " also..Rajat is coming in a shortwhile too right??so that we can also go through the bit he wants Syna too – with the lyrics for tomorrows recording for you ASR"

I affirm the same gesturing to all that I just need five minutes to get into the zone and I pick up a glass of water and make my way to the window to sip on it to relax my nerves as I overhear Syna, Aman and Rishi fall into discussion about Rajat's talent.

I agree wholeheartedly.

Rajat is another good friend of mine. I met him here in Bombay when I moved all those years ago.He's a lyricist. Found him scribbling away in his notebook in a restaurant I was singing in on one off my initial nights in Mumbai. We chatted and the common interest for music – and me as a singer and him as a writer led to a bond.He's doing quite good now for himself. He writes songs for so many Bollywood movies too – so many of the numbers iv play backed too – are written by him.

Actually you can say – both Rajat and me got our first big break together.So for all off my solo music albums – starting from my very first – Rabba Ve - he's written the lyrics for all the songs. I'v co-written the lyrics of just one song with him too. My very first – title track of my solo album – Rabba Ve. That's the one we wrote together. Post that – I trusted him enough to have him get it right with words. He simply gets what I want to express through my music in my solo albums and is able to get me the apt words to express.

And he is coming in today here to chat with Syna because – he(Rajat) came up with this idea to both Aman and me five days ago – about introducing a female/duet sort of new touch to another version/mix of Rabba ve through my youtube channel and we agreed almost instantly. Its my first song ever – any version of it is going to be super close to my heart.And the only female contemporary I could think off to ask to chip in on this last minute was – Syna. So yes – that's happening tomorrow..

I break outta my chain of thoughts as I hear Aman call out to me as Syna gestures us to get to the studio now for recording. Taking deep breathes – pulling myself together – I join all – falling into a casual chatter with Syna as she begins to discuss few musical points before getting into recording.

Once we reach the studio set up – we both step in and take our seats and Aman and Rishi take their stand across the glass wall and recording team both audio across + video( in an around us)  – gestures us to begin!

Syna nods at me and shoots me a thumbs up. I nod at her and do the same. The music flows in and as she begins with humming and beginning tune - I close my eyes to just focus on the deep love I feel for Khushi in my heart. And focus on her face in my memory – from the last I saw of her Online. ( My usual ritual before getting set to record) and just like that as I catch my cue – the words begin to flow out on their own accord..

Sajde Mein Yuhin Jhukta Hoon

Tumpe hi aake rukta hai..

Kya Yeh Sabko Hota Hai...

Syna sings in her part next.

Humko kya lena hai sabse
Tumse hi Sab baatein abse
Ban gaye ho tum meri dua

And we repeat the above lines in flow again before I channelise all the love and emotion within and record...

Khuda Jaane...Ke...Main Fida Hoon...

Khuda Jaane Main Mit Gaya...

Khuda Jaane Yeh...Kyun Hua Hai...

Ki Ban Gaye ho Tum Mere Khuda...

I open my eyes as the musical prelude follows and Syna smiles at me and I smile back her on reflex. The recording experience in between of us is always very confortable and enjoyable. I enjoy her singing. She does always get the emotion right too. I hear her sing the next of her part with great ease....

And then once she is done she grins at me giving me my cue and I follow..closing my eyes...with Khushi's face revolving in front of my closed eyes on reflex...

Tumse Dil Ki Baatein Sikhi

Tumse Hi Yeh Raahein sikhi

Tumpe Marke Main Toh Jee Gaya..

Khuda Jaane...Ke...Main Fida Hoon...

Khuda Jaane Main Mit Gaya...

Khuda Jaane Yeh...Kyun Hua Hai...

Ki Ban Gaye ho Tum Mere Khuda...

The next part has my cue first and once the musical tune flow is over - I get ready to sing with the deepest shade of emotion within also because off the lines has the word Khushi in it -

Dil Kahe ki aaj toh...
Chupa lo tum panaho mein ...
Ki dar hai tumko kho dunga...

Dil kahe sambhal zara..

Khushi ko na nazar laga ..
Ki darr hai mai toh rodunga ....

Syna continues her next part before I get on next..

Khuda Jaane mein fida hun
Khuda jaane mein mit Gaya
Khuda jaane yeh kyu Hua hai..
Ki Ban gaye ho tum Mere khuda....

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Three More Days – Later

13/3/22 – Arnav's Home - Mumbai

8:30PM

Meera continues to scroll through her phone excited through dinner as she states gulping down a bite of her food in a rush – " Aman...Arnav...gosh this is amazing..are you seeing this??,"she asks continuing to look into her phone – "Aman...our boy is on fire on youtube..yet again...Syna's channel handle has gone overload with comments how fans just loved the mix of Khuda Jaane you both uploaded the other day and its already reached 7 million views...and ofcourse...the duet version of Rabba Ve with you and her..we uploaded just 48 hours ago on Arnav's handle..has freaking crossed 8 million views in 48 hours...its like become the new viral song on youtube...gosh...this is so amazing...are the two of you seeing this..??,"she looks up now finally and sees Aman shooting her a grin first acknowledging that he's following the trend obviously but then he shrugs pointing to the frame of a lost and dazed Arnav sitting next to him – eating half-heartedly and toying with the food on his plate.

The two obviously knew what was the reason behind this. It had been three more days, a total of 10 days since Arnav had asked Mini Maa for Khushi's number but hadn't received it yet. And this bit was just freaking eating him up from within.

Meera was trying to use the news of the latest viral trend as a distraction to get him to cheer up but it clearly wasn't working. For Arnav's mind or heart - wasn't interested in knowing about any of that at all.

Aman gestures her to do something to cheer him up again or atleast get him to talk and Meera nods and sighs now as she asks snapping her fingers in front of his face – " Arnav...you there??? stop playing with your food please? godammit...you haven't eaten well in the last two days at all..."

And at that they finally spot Arnav zap outa the lost mode he was in as he pushes his plate aside and admits shrugging - " well...that's because.. I am not hungry..thats all..."

Aman sighs – " why are you punishing your stomach dude??just eat??"

Arnav looks at the two restless as he admits – " I can't. I just simply can't. I can't seem to gulp it down.Why? because I cant seem to digest the thought that three more days have passed and yet Mini Maa hasn't helped me on this.Khushi hates me. She's out there hating me. And I feel like I can't take it. Okay if she doesn't want me in her life. But I don't want her to hate me.Perhaps – I need to apologize atleast?? Years too late – but its what I need to begin with too?right? but how do I when I have no means of reaching her..you searched all of Instagram too right Meera yesterday when I asked you too – she just doesn't even exist on social media...atleast not with the username khushigupta or khushimaan...and she deactivated Facebook long ago..."

Meera nods at that and looking at the development she exchnages a look with Aman now and they both say in unison – " sorry..Arnav..i guess this is our fault..we coaxed you into taking this step...we didn't know...that there could be a possibility that Khushi wouldn't react to this like at all..."

Arnav signs at that and leans his head back against the dining chair he was seated in and he says closing his eyes – " f*** me...this is all my fault...none of yours...I freaking held the door shut for way too long....all because I was in some trip of my own within...,"and he opens his eyes a second later and looks at the two and admits – " but you know whats crazy??"

Aman and Meera ask in unison – "what is??,"And he answers – " it's the bit that no matter how much it aches...to have her shut the door in my face today...I am going to freaking find a way to seek my way through and start with a apology...she deserves..," and he gapes at his phone - "thats it...I can't take it anymore...I am calling Mini maa right now..she has to help me..I am going to leave her no choice...ill freaking cry in front of her to get her all emotional if I have too...,"and he picks up his phone and dials her number – restlessly.

Aman and Meera exchange a look of support and edge him on and he puts it on speaker and they all hear her pick up in a couple of rings as she asks in her usual loving tone – " Arnav..beta..how are you?? its dinner time..have you eaten?? Guess what? everyone here is going beserk listening to your two numbers that went viral in the last couple of days...we are so proud...we are so proud..beta...you are so gifted...."

Arnav shoots Aman and Meera the look that says – How can she be so casual about this?

He gulps down his emotions and answers softly – " thanks Mini Maa...but no...I haven't had dinner..because..i literally haven't been able to gulp a morsel down at all...I can't take this anymore...you asked me to wait...I waited...its been ten days...and there's no response from you giving me Khushi's contact details...I feel like she hates me...I need to atleast apologize...I won't barge in with a scene in her life..if she doesn't want me to be a part off it ever again..Ill just love her the way I have been all this while...one sided..from afar...i swear...but I can only be at peace...if I atleast apologize....i'v owed her one..for years...I know I am years too late...but please...Mini Maa...I really need to this...I can't be at peace anymore otherwise.."

They all hear her calm voice come through – " ten days...its been ten days I know and you cant take it but imagine...you gave her..years of silence Arnav..even though we all know why...she doesn't...think of things from the version off the truth in her head...please? you surely owe her an apology yes...but you also owe her patience and some time...you cannot barge back into her face right now..beta??"

And Arnav asks all helpless – " why????????? Just why can I not??????Now I know I was crazy to keep this silence for too long..its freaking all my fault..all my fault..".

Meera joins him on the seat next and Aman and her extend their support to him holding onto each of his shoulders.

They all hear Mini Maa sigh on the other end as she admits – " because I told you..she totally went into a stunned mute zone..the minute I mentioned...you want to get in touch with her. I was on the call with her right?????she didn't say the word.but I could sense the vibe...she cut the call because she was too shocked and stunned..but I texted her after that I'd keep my word that I wouldn't share her number until she wanted me too...so.."

Meera chips in now – " Mini Maa...oh please?don't do this?"

Aman observes Arnav's frame crumbling into distress and his eyes welling up with emotion too – " Arnav's a mess right now...Mini Maa..you should see him..you won't think again.."

Arnav gulps down his emotions with great difficulty and he says determined to get his way – " okay then..Mini maa..if this is what it is..then you leave me with no option..but to fly to Fiji Islands..first thing out..ill go to her home if I have to...but I will take my step to apologize....then if she sends me off...ill come back...but atleast ill be able to live in peace...that I did act on what my heart wanted too...godaammit..Mini Maa..you know I'v spent years..shutting my heart out...and now..I just feel like it will all burst..if I don't do this.."

Meera and Aman's eyes widen at that asking Arnav in a gesture if it were true that he was ready to fly out to Fiji Islands? Arnav nods and just then they all hear Mini Maa sigh as she says – " what's the point of you going to Fiji Islands.. Arnav?? when you wont even find her there.."

Arnav asks now on reflex – " wait????????? why???????????don't the Maan's live there anymore??,"and internally he continues to curse himself for never following up on stuff at Khushi's end through Mini Maa amidst his mission to keep all temptations with her in context at bay.

They hear Mini maa sigh – " oh yes they do...but Khushi isn't there right now....infact no point of me giving you her number right now anyway..technically she is somewhere where there is least/no tele signal for atleast the next 48 hours more..."

Aman asks on behalf of Arnav on reflex – "what??really?? is there a place on the planet that has least/no network coverage??cmon Mini Maa.."

They hear her say now – " ofcourse there is...she's on a work project right now...and she did tell me she's going to be off shore for the first week off her project....so..."

Meera asks this time on Arnav's behalf because they could clearly see his curiosity hitting the peak now. It was evident on his face – " off shore as in?????????where is she working?????"

They hear her sigh – " well...the three of you never asked...so I never told you...she now works as a research diver for National Geographic and major part of her year goes in hectic work schedule under deep waters – on different projects..."

And Meera+ Aman+ Arnav's first reaction to that is a stunned surprise. In a very good way. They look at each other stunned and Arnav can't help but smile as he ends up asking out loud on reflex the Pandora's vortex of emotions sucking him deeper in awe this time around – "she's working as what?????????????? Research diver...wait..wait..wait...did you say that??Back then... She'd always dreamt of this..its so kool that she's actually doing this...,"he pauses. All of his insides were in deep shades of awe at the imaginary vision his mind was conjuring up at knowing this.Yeah.Boy – he was right. He could in no way escape the Pandora's vortex of emotions now that its lid was open. All of him now – wanted to just know everything about Khushi's present today.

Aman and Meera admit too - " that's so kool Mini maa...so..where is she right now??

"I am afraid...I cannot tell you this right now..Arnav..i feel like you will just head to her..and its not fair to her okay?what if she isn't ready to see you??"She answers.

Arnav's hearts reeling on another level now and he asks straight up outta the blue – "okay...don't give me her number fine...Mini Maa..dont tell me where she is..but please..share a picture of her..from the present?please? it's the least you can do...you surely have one.."

Meera and Aman exchange a look. They read Arnav's frame and even they sensed that there was no way he could ever undo/close this lid ever again.

They hear Mini maa say immediately – "Arnav...no...do not ask me more...don't do this to yourself...you are only going to torture yourself..more...now just by hearing your tone...I can sense why you kept that gate of communication closed...all this while..one news of Khushi's present today...has tempted you quite a bit...look..its the best...just wait...until she reverts k? then you can meet her if you want..if she is okay with it?????"

Arnav shakes his head to himself in part amusement, awe and helplessness too. It was good that Mini maa understood that context as did Aman and Meera. They understood now didn't they? Why he had kept it all shut? Because deep within he had always known – even a tiny miny movement of info to his heart about Khushi in present – would cause a massive friction/quake of emotion within.The one he wouldn't be able to manage/control. The one that would drive him crazy – after supressing his heart's wishes and emotions for all this while. He says clearing his throat – " Mini Maa...I beg you..please? don't do this to me..k? share her picture..with me...at the least??"

And Aman and Meera hear a lil to and fro between the two again and it is right then Meera's phone beeps and she looks at it surprised and in glee – and she gives her phone to Aman who mirrored the same expression now and the two gesture Arnav to just hang up in the very next minute and Arnav does so – super confused by the look on their faces – making his dejection quite clear to Mini maa for not budging from her stand on the other end though.

But even before he could ask Aman and Meera anything – he feels Meera thrust her phone into his hand as she says excited – " Matthew Dad was overhearing it all right? He sent this to me...what we seeked..as in not Khushi's number..but where she is now...see what he wrote – Mini might shoot me for this for she does respect Khushi's space at the moment. I will deal with her for I also think its about time Arnav make that apology Khushi deserves for just being ghosted by him for years.Let him go to her if he has too.She's in Australia right now for a work project and will be travelling for work within Australia for the next 37 days.."

Arnav hears it all in Meera's voice.He reads it too. And his heart continues to beat in crazy rhythms. He finally knew where she was and just like that all the dots in his head connect as he asks Aman out loud his neurons going into an overdrive– " that musical concert tour to Australia – Aman – the one Syna, Abhijeet, Neha, Armaan and some more of my contemporary artists are going on . The one the sponsors asked me to join in too but I had to decline the first leg because I had some clash with the recording scheduling for this upcoming playback numbers for the next movie. Its happening soon right??my mind reminds me.. they leave in 5 days I guess??"

Aman gets the context obviously as he grins – " in 5 days yes...do you want me to request the pre-ponement of the playback scheduling? Itll be crazy hectic though...you are recording 5 numbers in the movie...it will mess up not just your schedule...but I can make it happen..anyway I did tell the concert tour organisers that you might be able to join in for the fag end of the tour..anyway..they said..theyll await confirmation...to plan logistics.."

Arnav nods looking at Meera and Aman determined – " I will join in now..from the very beginning Aman. Not later. Now.I don't care how you make it happen Aman...just make it happen..ill work day and night if I have too finish all the recording due in the next days. But I am going on that tour. Call them now and tell them – I wana come in. Apologize for the mess in their logistics/tour planning...tell them ill compensate...but I wana come for sure now..for I changed my mind. Its for a good cause – and all proceeds go to NGO's and now that I just thought on it again – I wana join from the very beginning.."

Aman nods grinning as he says – " I am on it brother..,"And picks up his phone to get on with the calls on the arrangements.

And Arnav looks at Meera now as he asks – " do you think I am crazy? Also..I am sorry...that Aman will be gone..for a bit..again..so suddenly.."

Meera hugs him from the side as she says – " you are crazy to even apologize for the same..Arnav...not for wanting to head out after Khushi now...I mean...I should have always known...it would be like this for you...the minute you opened it up from your end..."

Arnav nods and hugs her sideways and asks – " she wont hate me when I apologize? Will she slap me? actually...ill ask her to slap me..perhaps??she surely has some pent up anger within that she never vented out on me??? Right??"

And even before Meera could say anything to that – her phone beeps with a picture from Matthew Dad on text and as she waits for it to download pops in his message that says – " that's Khushi's latest display picture on Whtsapp.."

And Meera ends up stating to Arnav excited to see Khushi in the present too – " oh my god...gotta love Matthew Dad for this..hes never gone behind Mini maa's back..but guess what Arnav? he's just sent Khushi's pic..he says its her latest dp from whtsapp.."

And that obviously makes Arnav snatch Meera's phone from her hand at the speed of light as he asks – " what??????????show me please..."

And it is also right that second that the picture downloads – and the very second Arnav takes in the sight on screen – he feels his heart skip a gazillion heartbeats.

He was finally seeing a picture of her from the present today – and his heart knew – that it had just lost its marbles – all over again – just like it had at hearing about her being a research diver!!!!

He couldn't help the flow of emotion within. Now that the gates were open – he let the flood in.He let it consume him.Drown him as he continued to stare at her picture upfront. Her eyes still had the same sparkle. Her smile was still as magical. She'd truly gotten more enchanting and gorgeous.And just like that in the middle of this adrenaline roller coaster ride within of emotions...his mind..reminded him off the answer he seeked from Mini Maa. His mind just reminded him – that he did have a way of getting in touch with Khushi.He didn't need to wait for Mini Maa to send her phone number at all.

Meera watches puzzled as she observes Arnav hand her phone to him in a rush as he says walking away – "Forward that pic to me..this second...please?"

Meera says puzzled – " I will..but where you going??,"And it is right then he hears him say out loud – " just getting my laptop from my room...meera...I can't beleive I was so stupid that this didn't strike me in the last ten days.."

And just like that as she sees him come back fast to his spot running with his laptop in hand she says – " hey...you flash...slow down...what do you mean?? what didn't click you in the last ten days??"

And she watches Arnav act on his laptop at the speed of light as he says all restless – " that if I just unblock Khushi's old email address I had... the one we used to use for all our email letters etc etc in the past...her email address that I blocked out...I can send her a mail...yes...I know..its along shot...like what if she doesn't use the id anymore..etc...then in that case my mail will bounce back..but atleast ill know...if this mode of communication to her is open/closed..right????"

Meera nods as the dots connect in her head too and she takes her seat next to him as she asks watching him type into his laptop at the speed of light already – " oh yes...I remember...are you doing this now??,"And as she eyes the screen she says – " oh yes you are... but wait...Mini maa said she's off shore for the next 48 hours still..she might not see this.."

And she hears Arnav stay with his eyes glued to the screen – " I know..but...if this gets delivered..then that means she still kept that email address on...that gives me hope...Meera...a light of hope..that she might be open to a conversation atleast...i mean...iv always kept the email address open..so that I can go back to reading our convos of the past..but if she has kept it too...its surely gotta mean something?right? or she'd have shut it long ago...,"And he looks her now and asks nervously – " I am tapping enter and send to the bit I'v written to her.Please just pray it doesn't bounce back.."

Meera nods at that and she says – " ofcourse I am praying.. it won't bounce back..go on do it..tap send..,"

Arnav does immediately and waits with baited breathes for the next five minutes and keeps refreshing his inbox to see if the mails bounce back after the message off – the initial mail sent.

And when there's no mail with a message saying – Mail delivery failed or something- he finally brushes his hand over his face in relief as he says all emotional to Meera – " she's kept it open. Its surely delivered. Otherwise it would have bounced back by now..Meera.."

And at that Meera just hugs him tight and looks at his screen – feeling all relieved for him and just then she asks out of curiosity – "what did you write to her anyway? I mean you were so freaking quick..in all the unblock and emailing.."

Arnav immediately opens the mail to her now as he says – " began with the bit iv been dying to know for the last ten days. The bits that's eating me alive..."

And Meera reads just the words written :

Khushi...do you hate me?have you really been hating me all these years??

She asks now puzzled – " wait? why did you just send that to begin with? Wheres the apology?"

And Arnav answers honestly staring at the screen – " ill send that in once she replies to this obviously...I had gut feeling..she might ignore replying to my apology on mail...but my heart tells me...she might not be able to ignore replying to this bit to her...coming from the email address – we once used for all our e-love letters to each other in the past..."

Meera nods now in understanding and as she observes Arnav now going to get on to reading some old threads of convo between him and Khushi all those years ago – she gives him the space to do so in private and walks to where Aman was to check on the developments with the tour.

Yup.

Arnav was surely spiralling and falling down into that vortex hard and fast.

She smiled. Why? Because it was about time he did. And every bit of her prayed that once Khushi heard from him in present now or atleast when saw him up in front off her – would be the trigger of a Pandora's Vortex at her end too!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

TADAAAAAAAAA!!

How was that guys???

Next Update – will try my best for Friday evening. (

See you soon guys! Take Care!

Much Love* Infinite Gratitude – Now&Always

Prachi