Hello guysss

Sooo I am back with another Update.

Its 9k words guys.

Wish you all a Happy weekend.

Please ignore editing Erros as I have not Proofread.

Will be waiting to know what you all think!

And now I shall let you all dive in without Further Delay.

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

EPISODE 9 – MOVING ON FROM OUR - 'FLAWS'

NEXT MORNING – 8:00 AM – KHUSHI'S ROOM - 1306

KHUSHI'S POV

I turn around in my sleep to the right side, as I hear the landline next to me Buzz, and I feel my hand reach out under my Covers towards the phone, and I pick it up instantly as I open my one eye to fall on the table clock next to the landline extension – It was 8:00 am.

This Surely Had to Be Mia – with her Wake Up Call to Me!

I adjust the landline receiver on my ear, sleepily as I turn to lie down straight in bed, and I say into the phone, through a yawn – " Miaaa...i did drop you a text to wake me up by 815 am..and its 8am now...you called 15 minutes earlier and woke me up from my peaceful slumber.....you know I just need to wake up like..forty..fi....", and I pause, because theres a still silence on the other end and another yawn comes through, and I ask instantly, through the yawn – " oh k..chuck that...Mia..did you just wake up??"

And right then I hear something like a Deep sigh on the other end and I , instantly know its not Mia on the line.

And this Sigh – on the other end – just starts to feel Like its Arnav's.

Wait.What?

Was this Arnav calling me on my Landline extension at 8:00 am in the morning?

And all of my Insides , outsides, and My Entire Being Jolts up Awake from its sleepy daze as I sit up in bed halfway instantly and right then I hear his deep voice come through into my ears – " goodmorning Khushi..."

Ok.Guys.I am Shivering.

First thing in the Morning – Just by the way He paused on My Way so Softly with so much Emotion in His Voice.

And Wait – Why is he Calling me First thing in the Morning!!???

I hear his voice come again through the landline – " Khushi...you there???"

I instruct my Insides,and Outsides, and All off My Being to Stop Trembling and Shivering and I take a deep breathe as I say into the phone, casually – " yes...Arnav...",and I pause and I just say back softly – " goodmorning to you too Arnav.."

And I hear him say in his deep, emotion filled voice again – "well I just woke up about five minutes ago..i just thought ill call you...was kind off wondering..if that 45 minutes mark from your wake up time uptil before you need to get going for the day , got upgraded by a couple of minutes in all these years...but looks like that's still the same...sorry about disturbing you a couple of minutes earlier though..."

Wait??????????????????????????????

Whattttttt???????????

He even Remembers the Fact that I would Wake Up only 45 Minutes prior to the Time – I need to get Going for the day??????

Its always been like that For Me – Always!!

He would Obviously Knowww – because back in the Day when we used to be Together and especially in the last four months off us living together – he Would be the one to Wake Me Up...Because He Would Always Wake Up Fifteen Minutes Prior to Mw – as in He would mostly Wake Up an Hour before he starts to Get Going For the Day if he doesn't have His Work out off 60 minutes planned for that Morning– on Some Occasions!! Like for example – if I have to get going for the Day by 9am – I usually will wake up by 815am! And if he has to get going for the day by 9am , he would always wake up by 8am(on a non workout day) - (which was the case Today – for last night as we walked back to the Room – we did discuss that we'd be down for Breakfast by 9 am)

But.

But.

But.

How do I digest the fact that - He Remembers This Even????????

And in Floods a Memory – a Memory from back then in time – when everytime He would Wake Me up in the mornings – I would just Hug him and Snuggle into Him for a Couple of Minutes and Thank him for being My Human Alarm Clock which I most definitely preferred than the mechanical man made ones and I would Just enjoy the Time in His Arms for a Couple of minutes or so voicing that out loud to him, before starting off to Get Ready for the Day!!

Ok.

I need to Get Off Flashback Mode Off Now.

What do I say to Him?

His this Gesture has Caught me Off Guard – First thing in the Morning!

I am still sitting in shock and surprise in my bed figuring out what to say to him when he asks – " khushi 2.0 , tell me something...do you still have that habbit of snoozing off your alarm five times, so much so that you prefer being woken up by a call instead on most of the days?? Like remember you would often tell me Mr.Tycoon..i still prefer Human Alarm clocks over these mechanical man made ones???", he finishes with a fond chuckle in his voice.

I chuckle on Reflex.

I cant believe He Rememberssss!!!!

And now the words leave my mouth instantly as I say, softly – "I cant believe the fact that you would remember this Arnav 2.0...but yes....some habbits just remain don't they? So yes im still waking up 45 minutes before I need to get going for the day and yes I still prefer human alarm clocks over the man made mechanical ones...Mia or Josh are like my Human Ararm Clocks on most occasions, and ofcourse sometimes Mom , or Diya", I finish with a Natural chuckle at my very own cartooness, and I pause as I ask instantly – "but how is it that you would remember such a minute detail about me,Arnav 2.0??"

Arnav – " well lets just say, I remember almost everything about Khushi 1.0, khushi 2.0...almost every detail...actually not almost...I remember Everything about you khushi..why don't you ask me Why??instead off How Khushi?? "

I feel My Insides Shiver and Tremble Again – as the Confusion Returns to Cloud my Mind and I don't have the Courage to ask him – Why??!!

Just Like I Don't Have the Courage To tell Him – that I remember that I remember everything about Him Too – every little Detail.

I swallow my Emotions.and I Divert the Topic as I say immediately – " ok then...now that im up already...I think ill start to get ready..ill see you over breakfast then??"

Arnav replies immediately – " ok..ill see you over Breakfast..oh khushi...I just wanted to know if its ok if we can start our trip into venturing out by Noon today instead off 11am as we planned...because I'v called in my work associates for my work in between 10 am to Noon – so that I don't have to break in the evening to catch up on work...might as well finish up with my work, before getting around to just unwinding and relaxing...and if it isn't ok for you and Mia...to wait up for me for an hour..then ill just join you guys in by Noon on wherever you guys are...ok??"

I take a deep breathe as I say honestly, looking through my phone browsing through a lot of work mails that'v piled up in my mailbox – " well an hour delay wont make much off a difference actually , and since NZ is so many hours ahead off us, and I do think it's a good idea if Mia and me use up that time to just take care off our work calls, and emails too until then..my mailbox is kind of flooding too...so yeah..should be ok Arnav.."

Arnav – " thank you so much Khushi...see you at 9..."

I say – " see you Arnav..",and I hang up!

And right then my Phone Buzzes – and Its Mia calling ofcourse for I did ask her to wake me up by 815 am which it is now, and she asks instantly listening to my voice – " well sounds like you are up already Khushi?? How come ?? ok listen also I think we might have to delay to leave for the day by 45 minutes or so, because I do think we need to get on a con call with the team back for 20 minutes after 11am our time...so maybe we leave by Noonish then? Would Arnav be ok with this?? I mean we did tell him that we would leave by 11am ish right? You want to tell him about the little delay over breakfast in a bit or want me to talk to him"

What a Freaking Coincidenceeee!!

I sigh as I admit honestly – " well he should be ok with it...because hes rescheduled his work in between of 10am to Noon too anyway.."

Mia – " really how do you know??"

I say honestly – " I know, because I was on the phone with him for a bit before your call came Mia...he called on the rooms extension..why do you think im up already???"

Mia – " wwait what???fill me in.."

" yes ofcourse I will Mia...but let me get ready now...will tell you all about it on our way down to breakfast..."and I pause as I say – " mia...wish me luck for the day ya..i have absolutely no idea what does this day have in store for my emotions today...I just hope to have the strength to keep my cover off pretence on...itll be ok right??"

Mia – " ofcourseeee...itll be ok...don't worry about it ok??you have the toughest warranty card..remember???"

I chuckle on reflex – " oh yes...I do...", and we talk for a couple off minutes before we hang Up.

And I make my Way To Get Ready for The Uncertain Day – Ahead off Me.

And I shove through my Stuff, and Pick out One of My Favourite – Flairy Pink Knee Length – Sundress as my Outfit for the DayTime Out today and I walk to the Bath and settle in my Stuff and I look at My reflection in the Mirror and I Give Myself One of my Powerful Smiles – and I instantly feel all Powered Up again in My Being!

And somewhere Deep Down – I have gut Feeling from my Heart Telling Me – that the Day might have Uncertainity in store for Me...but it Most Definetly Shall be a Good Day – Anyway!

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

BASTA ART CAFÉ – OLD DUBAI – 33O PM

** the Pics of the Basta Art Cafe

Mia Manuel – was a Travel Enthusiast.She loved to Travel and explore, and she was loving the fact that she had planned their first day in Dubai – to start off with this exploration into the Old Dubai – or as the locals would fondly call it – Dubai's Old Quarter (which was the ideal place to visit and learn more about the History, roots and tradition ) - off one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Emirates!

For over the last decades – Dubai had indeed evolved into Modern Tourist Hub that had it all – but whilst she was at her Research on planning this itenary – she had always thought that before they got busy in exploring the modern and fast moving touristy side off Dubai - it would be Better to first start with exploring into What this Beautiful Gorgeous Country used to Be – for there's a different Charm isn't there – looking into the Roots of where a Culture and Its History Stems From!

And ever since Noon, once Khushi and Her had finished up with work calls and emails, and Arnav had finished up with his work too – theyd all taken a Cab down to Dubai's Old Quarter – where they could start off their Holiday with getting a glimpse into the History and Culture.

And she had made a mental note – to use up all this time in the presence of both Arnav and Khushi to just observe the two of them around each other.And well , even a fool could tell that Arnav was having a lot off trouble taking his eyes off Khushi.

He literally had his eyes on her all the time – as much as he Could – ever since he spotted Khushi at Breakfast actually, and his subtle gestures towards Khushi with regards to her tastes and preferences as he asked her if she still enjoyed the same tastes as what she used to for breakfast or of she still only drank hot chocolates in the Hot beverages – didn't get missed By Her!

And then offcourse – add the fact to this – that the two off them literally couldn't Stop Talking to each Other – all through out ever since they sat in the Cab! The topic of conversations were Casual and usual – stemming from admiring the touristy environment!

Well – she knew the reason why Khushi was being this version of herself – but the fact that Arnav was striking up Conversations with Khushi at every drop off a hat – made her really feel that theres More than Just Guilt in his Systems with regards to how things ended with Khushi – back then!

And she knew that she wanted to Observe More of them around each other and Observed She Had!

There was this Super Intense Vibe in between the Two Indeed – that kind off reflected as if there was So much Unsaid Hanging in the Air in between the two all the time – and well she knew the Unsaid that was hanging in the air from Khushi's side, but now as she had observed Arnav more – even she was curious to know more off his Side , and she had thought she would ask him some questions indirectly if she got a chance too when Khushi was not around – but well that hadn't happened until now – for the three of them had obviously been busy with Exploring!

They had started off with visiting the Dubai Museum where they learnt more about the past of this Booming city and as to how Dubai became what it is Today, and then had walked down the Historic streets of Al Bastakiya quarter(which dates back to the 19th century and is the oldest residential quarter in Dubai,where they walked down around the maze like – streets and admired the original architecture that was established by the Merchants in olden days) – and then proceeded towards checking out other smaller mueseums, and art galleries before taking this Break for a Late Lunch at the traditional Basta Art Café – which was in the heart of the Old Quarter, and tried the typical delicious Arabic food – for Lunch.Infact the only spot where they had paused for a little while before Lunch– was the amazing Coffee museum to try out some Coffee drinks – because Khushi had secretly texted Mia that Arnav loved Coffee – and hence she had requested Mia to act all interested in exploring exotic Coffee Beans and drinks too, which Mia obviously did as per her best friends request!
....
AUTHORS note - Attaching Pictures for Reference

The Traditional Pic off the Al Bastakiya Quarter Built in the 19th Century

.......

Mia was now,on her way back from the restrooms and was walking towards their Lunch Table, for they had just finished a Late Lunch and she paused in her tracks right there – as a Sight warmed her Heart.And she stood there, smiling to herself from afar, rooted to this Spot against one of the Café's columns– as she watched Arnav and Khushi deep in conversation, as they were waiting for her to return probably!

And she knew – that technically there had been a Timeline of Eight long Years between these two people – but in that moment as she looked at them , just like she had felt all morning – she felt – that maybe the actually Timeline in terms off Time didn't even matter here – for these Two people sat across off each other, chatting up, as friends that they used to be – with literally no Awkwardness in the air at all.

She now walks up to them and smiles and Khushi looks up instantly as she says – " and I was just about to text you Mia...was wondering what was taking you so long..."

Mia grins as she takes her seat next to Khushi – " well, I m here now...what were the two off you so deep in conversation about??"

Arnav smiles at Mia from across as he admits – " well I was just telling Khushi, how much iv enjoyed lunch today and I couldn't believe I hadn't tried the Arabic cuisine earlier before this..."

Khushi looks at Mia as she admits – " exactly..and I agree so too..."

Mia grins as she says – " Well copy that for sure – the lunch was amazing..."

Arnav shoots Mia and Khushi a genuine smile as he asks – " ok so whats the plan now?"

Khushi chuckles as she points to Mia dramatically – " And I will have to ask my Itenary Master for that..."

They all share a warm laugh.

Mia grins at them both as she says – " well Now the plan is to quickly take the Boat ride across old Dubai's famous Creek and take quick strolls around the Traditional Gold and Spice Souk's – before we head Back to the Hotel –and then maybe if we reach before sunset we can take sometime to chill out by the resorts adjoining goregous Beach around Sunset – what say guys? And then after we can just head up to our rooms relax a little maybe, before heading down to dinner at the Madinat Souk and iv made reservations at this amazing restaurant suggested by the concierge this morning that he says is a must try..."

Khushi smiles – " well that sounds great to me Mia love...you really should think off coming up with that Travel blog I keep telling you to start..."

Mia winks at her best friend – " soonish Khushi...remind me will you please? When we return to Queenstown...maybe this trip into the Middle East is exactly what I want to start my Blog with..."

Khushi chuckles as she says – " yes ofcourse..."

And Khushi is oblivious to this, but the flinch in Arnav's body language does not get missed by Mia and it was safe for her to conclude that the flinch came in his body language at her mention off returning to Queenstown!

Right then Khushi's phone buzzes and Khushi picks it up as she states excited – " ok..this is mom, dad , Rahul and diya...surely...for its almost their sleeping time back in NZ...ill just take this call and fill them up in over what a great time we are having Mia.."

Mia nods.

Arnav smiles at Khushi and she gives him a nod too as she excuses herself to take the Call – and walks towards the Columned wedged Up Space.

Mia wants to take this opportunity to talk to Arnav a little to dig up some more information out off him – but before she could say anything to him, she hears Arnav say with a genuine smile at her – " Mia, I would like to thank you once again..for letting me join in with you guys, for...I really really needed this..."

Mia looks at Arnav directly as she admits – " no worries...but why? What do you mean by you really really needed this??"

Arnav shoots a look towards Khushi as shes got her back to the table now and he looks at Mia as he admits – " like I told you yesterday Mia, theres more than what meets the eye...and a lot of things back then came to a abrupt halt for me because I thought khushi was gone for real...I was coming after her Mia, for real when the news of he crash came..."

Mia looks at him deep in thought and she is figuring out what to say to him and Arnav shoots another look at Khushi busy on the phone and he looks at Mia, wanting to use up the opportunity to ask a question on his mind, and asks immedietly now – " mia, can I ask you something? I mean I want to ,before Khushi comes..."

Mia nods,quite curious to know what he wanted to ask.

Arnav – " khushi's parents...her family as in...I want to know what do they think off me – as in,do they know the details about us?? I do know that Khushi had given a hint about us to them back then...but what I want to know is – did she ever talk about me to them after she returned to Queenstown??"

Mia takes a deep breathe as she tries to Mask the truth from reflecting on her Face.For she couldn't really tell him – that Khushi's family literally detests and Hates the One she was with In London , without revealing the details and reasons for the same and so she just shrugs as she admits half the truth, that Khushi had told to her Family back then as a cover – " well, to be honest, like you said, everyone had a hint that Khushi was seeing someone for those eight months, since she told everyone about it herlself..infact I am aware that that was what triggered things apart for you guys back then...",and she pauses as she sees Arnav flinch again but the expression on his face tells her to go on and so she takes a deep breathe as she says – " but well to answer you honestly, khushi just told everybody that you guys broke up for it wasn't working out between you guys...that's all...everyone asked her for the details obviously as to who you were, etc etc...but no...she never told anyone anything after..the details have always remained in between her and me...infact she even told everyone that there were no hard feelings in there, and that you guys decided to part mutually...that's all..."

Arnav's eyes widen with shock and surprise as he asks, the ache evident in his voice – " she said that??"

Mia nods – " yup...she did...to them she always maintained this ground...and she never really spoke about it much after since then actually to them..she was always like..theres nothing much to say...for that was the case wasn't it...what could she say to them Arnav after the way you both had parted ", she finishes calmly and she sips on her water.

Arnav sighs as he admits to Mia immediately – " its my fault...its all my freaking fault...I should have come to Queenstown...everytime my sister advised me too...I should have...but I just couldn't...because I didn't know if I had it in me to face you or her family after...because I just was consumed with so much angst and guilt and....",and he paused, to gulp down some water

Mia nods and gives him a knowing look – " I know...Arnav...and khushi is really sorry about this, she never really thought that you would blame yourself for being the reason for her getting on that plane and hold yourself responsible for her passing..."

Arnav nods – " I know...I know she is...we talked yesterday and the sincerity was shining in her eyes..."

Mia asks instantly – " ok since khushi is still on that call..tell me something Arnav...if you had known that Khushi was alive...then what? If you didn't believe that she was dead...then what??what would you have done??you would have obviously seeked apology that I know since that's why you were coming after..."

And Arnav feels like he needs to let this out to Mia now and he admits looking straight at her – " well, if I had known she was alive...then the story would have been very very different Mia, for then right now, id probably be having Khushi sitting next to me as my wife...because I was not coming after her only to apologize... I realised the minute I reached back home from oxford that day and seeked her out only to know that she'd left, for once as I finished reading the precious letter that shed left me...I realised almost instantly...that her every perception in her heart had been right...that I had been in love with her too...all along...I realised I loved her Mia...right then in that moment off time..."

Mia's eyes widen in shock now as the gravity of Arnav's words dawn on her as she asks shaken – " whattttttt????????? What did you just say???"

Arnav nods as he says – " yes Mia...you heard me right...but she'd cut all contact with me...and that's why I was coming after her to Queesntown..i was on my way to Heathrow then when the news came..and before that as I was driving I was thinking off my plan in my head , the plan off wooing khushi back.....the plan was to go down on my knees and beg her forgiveness first a zillion times over, I was going to ask her to slap me a hundred times maybe, but forgive me and give me another chance...and then I was going to confess my love to her, confess to her that her every perception had been right and that I was ready to commit forever too, and I even stopped by Harrods and bought a ring for her...I was going to ask her parents for her hand in marriage right next after Khushi told me shed forgiven me...I had full plans to do all that I needed to do, to just make her forgive me...but then right then...the news about the crash came...and then it just shook me, it broke me completely, and once we heard you and Khushi's mom crying over the phone...I just believed...that' she was gone...I fleed from London the very next day...to never return and all along in these eight years as iv lived beliving she was gone..iv just lived with her memories..and stayed loyal to her in everyway nonetheless..because I just felt that was my way of loving her insane..because I couldn't give her that happiness when she was alive maybe...I love her dammit...I love her insane..iv only been in love with one person all my freaking life...and that's khushi...and the plan was to keep going on that way until the end of my time...actually....and now that iv found her alive..I...I...",and he paused, because the emotion choked his voice again.

Mia looked at him zapped and shaken as she spoke – " no..no freaking way...godammit...is this for real???? The look on your face tells me but Arnav...shit...this...is...",and she paused, as she absorbed everything she had just heard.

Arnav looks straight at Mia as he composes his emotions and straightens his voice as he looks at Mia – " I want her back Mia..i want her back in my life forever..im going to woo her back, win her heart back ...and this is what this is about...because ever since I have seen her...its like the dead me has come back to life, and I m not going to let go off her ever again, iv been a idiot of the highest order before...not going to repeat my mistake...and I know I have a chance in here.. for she is single now...",and he paused and he leaned in closer to Mia as he says – " and well she's still obviously believing the worst still and mostly thinking that there this angst in my eyes because of guilt...and im leading her on to think this for a while, because I do not want to overwhelm her...I need some more time maybe before getting around to telling her the truth...which I will myself...so I need you to keep this a secret for me until then..please?? for khushis sake?? I know you never keep anything from her...but....",

Mia nods instantly because she knows that this is something Khushi needs to hear from Arnavs mouth first and she states shaken – " I will...I wont tell her...until you do..."

Arnav asks – " and will you help me in getting as much time as I can to spend around her in these two weeks Mia??"

Mia looks at Arnav – " I will...as in I will help you...but know this Raizada...im watching you ok? and the decision to give you another chance is most definetly Khushi's...because a lot has indeed changed for her... and most importantly...you do anything to hurt her this time around, anything at all..im going to kick you right where it hurts the most..."

Arnav nods as he says with a small smile – " well the need for that will surely not arise Mia, for im never going to hurt Khushi again...infact my heads already been conjuring up plans on how to make up to her for my flaws in the past...",and he pauses as he looks at Khushi hanging up on the phone now – " ok mia...khushi is coming back...we were talking about how beautiful Old Dubai is..isnt it??"

Mia nods and gives him a small smile – but inwardly she takes in a deep sigh she shoots out a look towards Khushi's walking up to them and she gives her a warm smile – for Mia was now the only one who had the Heads up on the condition off both these Hearts – It really was a Pity that this Intense Love that Arnav and Khushi had for each other in their hearts had to get Lost this Way in the mazes of Mindgames, denial, inevitable and irreversible twists of time and Fate - in all These Years!

And she could only Hope in her Heart that these Two Weeks would be the Setting Stage for a Second Shot – she knew Their Hearts Deserved!

Khushi smiles as she takes her seat , and Arnav keeps his gaze on her as their eyes lock briefly and Khushi exclaimes – " ok so as usual..it took me a while longer as I got chatting up with everyone back home....they are off to sleep now..cmon guys lets go then??"

Arnav nods as he smiles at Khushi, and they call for the cheque and settle it.

And once they were done - they made their way out and the three of them resumed their walk towards the Dubai Creek and Mia hears Arnav exclaim as he matches his step to Khushi;s ,and she pauses in her tracks to just watch the two off them again for a second – " khushi 2.0...we did sit on a Abra yesterday technically...but I think this boat ride is going to be the more traditional one...right??"

She seens Khushi grin at him naturally sideways – " well you are right about that Mr Tycoon for real...and look at you...youv been talking so much all day already..and not just in front off me but Mia too and so...I most definetly cannot call you the Man of few words anymore...Arnav 2.0...how about the Man of Many Words Instead...",and she turns to look at Mia as she asks with a smile – " right Mia...hes been a non stop chatter box all day right? Almost giving me a competition...cmon walk fast..now...we got so much to still see ya..."

Mia chuckles as she nods at Khushi – " yes khushi...you are right about that Indeed...maybe you should start calling him the man off many words...instead..."

Khushi chuckles and grins naturally as she looks at Arnav – " ok new name coined for you right here right now Arnav 2.0...you are now the Man of Many words..."

Arnav grins – " well I do like the sound actually Khushi 2.0.."

Khushi chuckles – " oh do you now Arnav 2.0???"

Arnav grins – " yes I do..."

Khushi turns to look at Mia again – " mia...cmon...walk faster..."

Arnav looks back at her and gives her a smile off genuine sincerity and gratitude and Mia smiles back him sincerely too and she increases her pace to join Arnav and Khushi – in the rest of the planned exploration.

** Pics of the Boat Ride Along the Old DUBAI creek to The Gold and Spice Souks

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

10 : 15 PM – At The Beach Adjoining Al Qasar Resort

( author Note - Adding Pictures of the Beach..please imagine a Night Setting with Lights from the Resorts around Falling on Waters)

Arnav's POV

Guys.

You know what?

For a Bit – I think I want to Rename myself – Genius Singh Raizada.

Genius WHY?? – I am sure you all are wondering WHY?

But id like to Coin myself the Term – because going with my Gut intuition over Lunch time – in Confiding in Mia over the tale of my Heart – was like Bloody Genius Move from My End Indeed!

For now – I know – she's going to Help me Get a Lot More Time with Khushi Alone too – which was exactly what I needed as well – so that I can set the Stage off Wooing Her Back!

And the fact that I was having the Best Time off My Life today – is obviously an Eternal Fact!!

For I was around My Khushi – obviously!

And ofcourse the day and early evening out exploring Old Dubai had been wonderful , and ever since we had returned to the Hotel – we'd come by to chill by this very Beach just in time for Sunset – and post that we took a little break for relaxing and freshening up by 630ish and then we all met again by 8ish and proceeded to the Italian Resturant at Madinat Souk for Dinner – as planned!

And I just have to thank Mia for this moment in time again – for the three of us had come to the Beach adjoining our Resort again about 15 minutes ago (which she prompted and had texted me the same that after ten minutes of spending some time with us, she would leave to buy me some alone time with Khushi since I hadn't had any alone time with her all day) – and well, we had settled ourselves in a group and were lounging in the Sand Casually and enjoying the ambience around – until Mia told Khushi that she was heading up to the room first to sleep -since we had a early morning tomorrow and I had asked Khushi If she would be ok to stay back for a while to just talk to me, which she had thankfully agreed too.

And now I am just waiting for Khushi to come back because she had obviously walked along with Mia uptil the beaches entrance as she left.

And I now – look out at the Surroundings around me and I feel my Heart beating with Life..all Alive in the ways I cannot explain.

Although Khushi would like to now call me the Man of Many Words.

I still am learning how to express my emotions and feelings in Words.

And I am right on that thought as I hear Khushi's voice coming up a little far out behind me,calling out to me – " arnav 2.0...why have you walked up and seated yourself more upfront now....its like your feet are almost touching the shore..."

I turn around to look at her instantly and I feel my Heart do a SummerSault a zillion times over again , and I gesture her to come up Front and Join Me and she Nods and I keep my Gaze on her ofcourse while shes walking up to me – well I haven't obviously been able to take My Eyes off Her all Day – its been Obvious – and I know Mia knows that and I know Khushi can feel it too!

And I can't really help the fact that Iv felt my Insides go all Haywire for her Insane all day as iv fought a zillion urges to just bend forward and Kiss Her – over and over again already!

And specially right now – all I really wish to do is – just pull her by the hand, place her on My Lap and Ravage Her Lips – Bad and deep!

Godammit.

She anyway always was and is – Irrestible to my eyes, but right now in the white and pink skater dress with her usual stockings on, and shes walking upto me with her Heels in Her hand ,and her powerful smile up her face and the twinkle in her eye that's surely put the stars in the sky to shame and the wind is having the time off its life playing with her open gorgeous longer waves, enjoying my dismay surely – its like iv forgotten How to Breathe in a good way again and I most definetly am Staring Shamelessly at her Again!!

( Authors Note** - Khushis Outfit below with Sheer skin Stockings Below and matching White Wedges)

I wish I could just act on My Impulse – right Now!

I gulp down my impulsive emotions as Right then Khushi reaches upto me and she places her Heels in the Sand and Sits next to me – but a little afar, and she folds up her legs and her arms go around her knees as a wave crashes onto both our feet and she says softly – " sooo...Arnav 2.0...what is it that you want to talk about now haan??", and she turns to look at me sideways and our eyes lock and I ask, going by my gut again – " is it ok if I shift a little bit closer next to you?? I mean only if your comfortable...khushi??"

I obviously wanted to sit closer next to her.

Khushi shrugs her shoulders casually – " sure...no worries..you can??"

I shift up to sit a little closer next to her and I say with a side smile up my face – " well...im nervous offcourse...I want tips from a professional sky diver..since you know tomorrow morning is my first sky dive...."

A little Context to that – So over Dinner – Khushi and Mia revealed to me that that had a very early morning tomorrow because they had a Tandem Sky Diving session planned with Daksh and his team here at the Palm, and I obviously was very fascinated by just the Thought off Seeing Khushi jump out the Plane in a Sky Dive – so I told them that I do wish to try Sky Diving as well – and then I just asked Khushi if she could ask Daksh if the same could be arranged for me tomorrow morning and if Khushi would dive along with me.Khushi had been pretty surprised ofcourse but then she did arrange the same for me!

Khushi's eyes light up even more immediately now at the mention of the Sky Diving and she says with a smile – " oh you will be ok Arnav 2.0...don't worry about it at all...I know it does look a little scary at first...but to be honest ...its kind off liberating and exhilarating when you actually experience it for the first time..."

I reply instantly with a grin – " well, thank you for arranging the same for me Khushi..and thank you for missing out on your other fun tandem sky diving time with the rest of the team..."

Khushi smiles – " well like I told you...we got another session happening day after morning..so no worries about that...ill just join in everyone then...for I do enjoy being the professional diver along time first time jumpers...for real Arnav 2.0...you know back in Queenstown...when its one on one with tourists etc...I literally always prefer to be along the most nervous first timer into sky diving adventurers on the plane..."

I ask , totally intriguied – " really?????"

Khushi nods – " yuppppp....really...."

I ask , totally fascinated and smitten – " will you tell me about it...ok...tell me what was the most interesting experience you had? And videos...do you have any videos off you skydiving in tandems with your team??i want to see them...if that's ok with you??"

Khushi grins natutrally – " ofcourse its ok...wait..ill show you some off the latest videos off us...for we are obviously recording our practice sessions...and yes I have a couple of interesting tales too from over the years..."

And she starts to talk about it all Happily and excitedly and I feel myself being Smitten all over Again.

I was in Heaven.

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

About twenty minutes later – once Khushi finally finishes showing me couple of videos, and she keeps her phone back into her little sling, I say on reflex – " wow...really wow khushi...those videos...I mean I can only imagine the amount of skill and practice this takes...you are really passionate about this aren't you??"

Khushi smiles and nods - " yes I am...",and she pauses and the twinkle in her eyes dims a little and a look of thought joins it as she says softly – " you know what Arnav...sky diving to me...its also more than just passion...its kind off theruapatic...you know everytime iv been worried about something..be it related to work or anything...I most definetly feel a lot better about it after a sky diving session..because when I jump out a plane...I feel like I unload a worry off my shoulders....and the reason why I am telling this to you right now is because....",and she pauses instantly and looks away from my gaze and in the water curling up to the shore on her feet.

I ask instantly – " because???? Tell me khushi..."

Khushi says softly not looking at me still – " I don't know if I should say this...as in but I think I want to...so...I mean its just a suggestion..you can think over it if you want...or you can just let it be..."

Ok.

Now I really need to know whats on her Mind.

I ask – " cmon khushi 2.0...tell me..."

Khushi says softly as she looks at me sideways, sincerity shining in her eyes – " maybe you can try it out too..i mean when you sky dive tomorrow...maybe you can try unloading a little bit off the guilt that's been pent up inside off you...because off me all these years...I do know that a baggage of guilt can be very very heavy emotionally...Arnav..and im sorry that you went through all that you did because off me...and I'd like to apologize once again for all the angst and guilt I unknowingly caused you for all these years...leading you on to believe that I was gone for real..trust me when I say this to you Arnav..it really didn't ever occur to me that there could be a possibility that you would blame yourself for it all...and after hearing your side off it yesterday...I just felt...that once again my approach was probably flawed towards you...and I am just apologizing again...because I have learnt with time...that we as humans are flawed no? we make mistakes...some knowingly some unknowingly...but we gotta embrace ourselves for who we are nonetheless anyway...and try moving on from our flaws...I just want to move on from this flaw that I committed towards you unknowingly..that why I think it was important for me to say this to you right now...you know just in case any off my suggestions really do end up making you feel a liitle free-er of the guilt...then that would make me really happyyyy...Arnav..."

She wants to Help me Feel Free-er from My Guilt????????

She was Unreallll.

After all that I had done to her back then!

Still.

She has rendered Me Speechless.

I don't know what to say to her.

She Has The Biggest Heart – a Human could ever probably posses in this Whole wide world.

And I wanted to Make A Space for myself in her Precious Heart again.

I desperately need to Woo her Back!

I cant express the gravity off what I am feeling.

All I can safely say – is that I think I'v Just Fallen Deeper in Love with her in This Moment.

I look at her , sure the emotion was swimming in my eyes – " thanks khushi for your idea...I shall most definetly try this out...but you know which baggae off guilt id like to unload first??"

Thank God she doesn't look away as she asks softly – " which one???"

I take a deep breathe as I admit looking intently into her eyes and one of my hand reaches out to cover hers on reflex as I clutch on it gently – " the baggage of guilt that eats up a part off me even today , because off the ways in which I chose to hurt you back then Khushi...to be honest to you...I haven't been able to forgive myself for that even though its been so many years...i...i.just couldn't...I was such a beast to you...i..i...and I couldn't get myself to get around to forgiving myself because I felt like I just couldn't because I would never know if you werent hating me for it...there wasn't a day I didn't send out a silent sincere apology looking up at the stars...thinking that it would be reaching you Khushi...in all these years...there literally hasn't been a day I haven't thought off you......",and I pause, for two reasons, first being that my raw emotions have choked my voicebox again and second I was once again just seconds away from telling her how much I have love her, have loved her all this while – that this wasn't just about the Angst and Guilt – that this was About Love.(and I paused because I do want to tell this to her when she will actually believe it – right now the look on her face tells me that she will think im Confusing and Jumbling the Two, I think I need to wait a couple of days more before I get to that...)

She does not pull her hand away and clutches back mine as she says softly now – " I understand...I do...you know like I said Arnav before...theres no such thing as perfection maybe...we are all imperfect..we are all flawed...but in order to move on truly from our very own flaws maybe, we need to forgive ourselves first, and then the situations maybe, because I have learnt in my journey off life all these years...that its as important to forgive situations and twists of time and fate as importantly too ..because until you don't do that...its engulfs you deep in its clutches, and only once you embrace forgiving it all, situations, time, fate, yourself...you realise that its like setting a prisoner free , discovering very much in the process that that prisoner was none other than you....so maybe its about time...That you know once again that there truly are no hard feelings in me at all...back then...just like it takes two to clap...it takes two to bring a relationship down...it happens subtly...people often like to blame the other...but I never did...because I know we were both equally responsible for what happened...and most importantly...whats gone is gone..long gone Arnav......we cant really hold onto our flaws with a grudge forever...we gotta move on from them..and for that...its very important that we start with letting go off the guilt...",and she pauses and she smiles at me and says sincerely – " tomorrow when I skydive...im going to work on forgiving myself for some more flaws off mine that came to light yesterday...you know like a gracious scientist I would like to accept the fact that I have wronged you deeply too...unknowingly yes...but still..i have...so yeah..",and she clutches on my hand and then takes her hand out off mine, and folds it around her knees and looks at the water again.

I spot a lot of Emotion in her Voice as she says this to me – but what emotion is this – I cannot get my head around – and also I feel like shes implying something very deep in here – and I cant seem to get my head around it again.

Maybe – I am not quite the Genuis that I think I am.

I am apparently quite dumbheaded still when it comes to reading and comprehending Emotionssss and reading in between the Lines!

And offcourse – I am still Dazed my the impact her Words have Had on Me right now.

I look at her in daze sideways as I admit – " you do know I did tell you just yesterday if you ever imply things like you owe me any apology whatsoever, I will jump out of your skydiving planes without a parachute for real..."

Khushi chuckles as she looks at me – " well...and as your professional company in the moment...I most definetly will let you not...do that..."

I give her a sincere smile as I say, hoping she gets the underlying meaning in between my lines, for shes been the perceptive one always – " I want to move on from my Flaws too Khushi...I really want too...and I want to make amend to those flaws too...better later than never...isn't it khushi?? Or is it too late already??"

My eyes lock with Hers in a Intense Eyelock – and I finally see a flicker of emotional vulnerability flash through her eyes, which she masks immediately but continues to hold my Intent Gaze nonetheless – in a aching Silence.

Khushi – please – say – somethinggg...anything at all.

Please.

But she doesn't say anything at all, and minutes later, she finally breaks away from the eyelock first and she picks out her phone from her little bag to my dismay and she states looking at it, taking a deep breathe – " well Arnav 2.0...its technically getting late now..for we do need to catch up on our Sleep..for we have a early morning tomorrow...and the full on jamm packed day after right? Shall we get going now??i am feeling a little tired now..."

I nod at her.

And we get up and she picks up her heels in her hand and we Start to make our Way Back.

I cant Stop Looking at her Though – Again.

I know she can feel My Gaze on her.

Khushi – I am going to Woo you back!

I don't think I have it in me to Say – Goodbye – to you ever Again!

I love you Dammit.

I love you so Godammit Much

Ill beg you for another Chance if I have Too.

I swear to God I will.

I ask on reflex with a smile , feeling the need to hear her voice again already – " oh khushi...you wouldn't mind if I wake you up with call on your extension...early morn tomorrow...would you?? I mean I haven't been the human alarm clock in a long long time...its fun you know ..it really is fun..."

Khushi looks at me sideways as she chuckles naturally – " really?? Is it fun?? Ok then...you can definetly be the human alarm clock for a bit...Arnav 2.0...I don't mind.."

I grin – " thanks a ton...ok tell me once again...do you really have no tips at all for a first time nervous sky diver??"

Khushi chuckles – " well...how about I give you some tips once we are on the plane in the morning Arnav 2.0...you know itll be better for recall in the moment...since its better to hear the tips when you are just seconds away from your first ever jump out the plane "

I nod at her and we share a warm Laugh.

And Our eyes Lock again as we now get into the Elevator, that's taking us to Our Floor.

And I thank my Stars – that she Doesn't Look Away from my gaze atleast even though she makes her way to Stand far across from Me.

And minutes later, I feel similar onslaught of memories return to Haunt my Head and Heart as we make out way to our Rooms , opposite each others and this time around, shes all silent and in a Deep Thought, and just as we reach the Rooms – she finally enters her's first and I just stand by in front off my door, and take in the Moment to Look into her Eyes again – hoping to spot any vulnerability in them at all.

But I don't.

Theres a Twinkle in her eye and a calm and composure in them too as she flashes me a Natural smile and says – " goodnight Arnav...",and I nod at her as I reply instantly – " goodnight Khushi..."

And Our eyes lock for a brief second again before she gives me another polite smile and closes her door.

And I finally make my Way into My Room – knowing that She's going to Revolve and Rotate around My Head, Heart and my Being – until Sleep Finally Takes Over.

She was the CENTRAL AXIS of my HEART – AFTERALL.

SHE ALWAYS HAD BEEN.

SHE ALWAYS WILL BE.

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

TADAAAA!!

Let me know what you guys think.

I shall be back with another Update on Tuesday!!

Thanks for all the Love and Support to my work.

Much love Always.

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