Hellooooooo guyssss,

So, here I am with the second update of the week!! Yay! Back to back update after quite a while..❤️❤️❤️😊

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude and heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for you precious support over all this time to me. Thank you for all your support and patience..

Word Count - 6.4K words.

And I shall now let you all dive in without further delay.Please watch the video before proceeding to read ..for the vibe...😊

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12. Ik Onkar

The Next Day - At Noon

Golden Temple(Harmindar Saab), Amritsar

Khushi's POV

What can I say??????

I am simply blown away, by the very essence of divinity, serenity and peace that can be felt in the vibrations around the Golden Temple. I had always wanted to visit here, which is why it was the first stop on the list on our very first day in Amritsar. It almost seemed just to begin the trip with seeking - the Divine's blessings - given the route of exploration we intended to take forward in the next few days. Know what? I had imagined a zillion times - what it would actually be like to finally visit here. But the reality has been much more sweeter..

I'v been awestruck by it all so much so that I literally haven't been able to get a word out to Arnav - ever since we stepped in here two hours ago. I am overcome in a way I cannot explain. It's surely got to do with the pure vibration that exudes in the surroundings.And I guess, Arnav is overcome as well. But I know for him, it is not just about feeling the vibes - its surely got to be nostalgic as well given that he's been here before in the past and this time around unlike bombarding him with questions simultaneously - I have chosen to give him the space to just be. And he's done the same for me.So even though we have been by each other's side - its been in companiable silence. We both just knew, we just had to be. But, it is not that we have not been communicating at all, we surely have been in smiles, and gestures..

It's quite crowded here, which wasn't a surprise. I am obviously aware that thousands of devotees visit the Golden Temple, everyday. And even though, it took us longer than expected, we finished with our visit to the main prayer hall to pay homage, pray and seek blessings about 45 minutes ago. I had chosen to linger - in the prayer hall for longer than Arnav though, because well, I just wanted to spend some time exclusively praying for him. That everything just be okay for him in the way that would make him happy and be best for his highest good. And I know his happiness lies in heading back to his time, back to his family, so even though that event would bring me hurt, because it will hurt so much to see him leave, I prayed for the same, nonetheless, because that's what he needed. It was what he wanted. As much as my heart ached, I just did not have it in my heart to be selfish on this accord. And most importantly, I just prayed for his safety. I don't think I have it in me to see any harm come on him. And time travel is risky business and given that he surely is fated to return, it felt like I just had to pray on the bit that his return just be safe. I needed him to safe, that's all. Where-ever he was..

Anyway, once I was done offering my prayers to the divine, I'd walked out the main prayer hall, only to find Arnav waiting for me, with a serene smile on his face. And we'v been walking around here - ever since - just soaking in the experience. We have taken our time because we want to stay until - The Langar Time (which is the meal time - in the Gurudwara's community kitchen where hundreds of people eat every day for free)...

Arnav gestures to ask me - if I would like to sit down for a while now at this space which overlooks the golden darbar but is a boundary to the Amrit Sarovar (the sacred water body) around - given that we have been walking around for quite a while - and I nod at him instantly.

He sits down first and crosses his legs and continues to gaze at the Golden Temple - deep in thought. And I sit down next to him, cross my legs and take the moment to just gaze at the beauty of the holy structure as well. And then two minutes later, my eyes steal a glance at Arnav next to me on its own accord, when I see his eyes fall on a group, which surely looks like men from the same family - getting set to take a dip into the amrit sarovar, it's a cultural tradition here, culminating out of the belief that taking a holy dip in the Amrit Sarovar - cleanses the soul...

Okay. Arnav's really looking at the group of people with so much nostalgia engulfing his full face that it tells me that he's remembering something similar in his expereicne. But I don't know, whether I should question him right now, break his moment, given that we'v given each other the space to just be with our respective thoughts all morning..

But, it was as if he sensed me studying him closely. Because he suddenly looked at me and spoke softly, explaining himself now - " I was remembering the time, when I took the holy dip in the Amrit Sarovar, with my family members, Khushi..."

I nod in understanding offering him a supporting smile - " I know....I mean, I figured by the look on your face. You did not have to say it out loud for me to understand..."

He smiles now looking at the family taking the dip in the Amrit Sarovar again - " amusing, isn't it? how one doesn't often realise, that a particular moment from life, could become such a precious memory, one day. Moments pass, its what they do. Moment's just pass. They never return. Only memories stay....in here...forever," he adds placing his hand over his heart.

I nod at that immediately - " Indeed, memories, stay in here, forever...," I finish keeping my hand over my heart. If only he knew - that I was hinting towards the memories off him that I intended to lock away in my heart forever, as it's precious treasure....

We share a heartwarming nod.His soft voice once again beginning conversation as he gazes as the Golden Temple- "I can't help but thank god, that - the divinity and serenity in the vibration of the Harmindar Saab is still the same...,"and he pauses to ask finally turning to his side to look at me - " did you know? the other name for the golden temple is harmindar saab? Which means - House of God??And did you know that its square architectural plan with four entrances symbolises the belief in equality, that people from all walks of life, all faiths are more than welcome here..... "

I nod - " ofcourse, I know. I'v read up so much about the history of this place...already...."

Arnav smiles, locking his gaze with mine - " of course, you would have read it all up.Why am I not surprised, given your extreme liking for everything history..."

Ironical, isn't it? That he hasn't a clue that it is my extreme liking for everything history that has made me fall for him..so damm hard...already....

I cover up the thought within - and chuckle - " oh you do know that last bit from simply means you acknowledge the fact that I am a history geek ..."

Arnav nods and smiles, locking his gaze with mine - " Please know, I am so very greatful that you are a history geek, Khushi. That aspect of you works quite strongly in my favour...doesn't it??"

Oh, you have no idea, how much it works in your favour and how much against the favour of my trembling heart...

I dive in with my question now with the same- " so tell me, does it really feel the same? Being here? like it did back then? I mean, you mentioned that you are glad that the divine and serene vibrations of the Harmindar Saab are still the same...? Like did it feel as peaceful as it is feeling now in here??"

Arnav smiles at that his eyes mirroring nostalgia yet again - " It did feel the same. It did feel as peaceful and divine as it did back then. Like I mentioned...the vibration is still the same... Khushi...thank god ..it is...Its fascinating isn't it? how vibrations can be so intangible and tangible at the same time?? I mean, you can't see it, touch it, hence intangible but you feel it right..it can be felt so strongly which could only mean there ought be some tangible element at work, if it can be the cause of such lasting impact...."

I nod smiling - "well, you are right about that...as well...its quite fascinating...,"and I catch him looking around again and he whispers - " the feeling is the same and yet, so much is different to my eye...Khushi..in terms of all that has come to be around....."

I ask eager to hear it all now - "will you tell me all about it..please??if you are ready to talk about it now?"

He nods - " yes, I am ready to talk about it now, Khushi..,"and he begins to speak and for the next many minutes, we just sit there and talk about his visit here in 1936 with his family and all that was here then - and I am listening to it all and side by side we just keep gazing at the golden temple structure in front of us and once he's finished telling me all about it we fall into companiable silence for a couple of minutes, because now as iv heard him, I can simply understand why he has been gripped with both nostalgia and awe - that even though so much has changed/developed over time - its mystical that the main divine essence/vibration around - still felt the same - to him...

Before I can say a word - he suddenly asks scanning my face - " you believe quite strongly in the power of the divine, don't you??well, I don't know why I am asking. I just know you do. It was quite evident on your face whilst you were praying..."

I nod at that on reflex - " well, ofcourse, I believe in the power of divine. I mean, I believe surely there ought to be a divine spiritual power at work that's brought the existence of everything, the universe, the very possibility of existence off humanity on earth - as much as science would like to take all credit for it - I believe in the spiritual context of it. I believe,one can call the divine, by different names, be it Ram, Krishna, Shiv, Allah, Jesus, Nanak dev ji, or any other name, depending on one's culture, faith but in the end all narrows down to one thing doesn't it - faith - the power of faith, the power of belief in the divinity. And I also think, faith is a very personal choice. And one has every right and freedom to practice it and I also have high regard and respect for all the diverse faiths around us...."

He smiles at that - " My belief matches yours on that as well, Khushi. I strongly feel, the divine can have a thousand names, but the core of it all - narrows down to that infinite mystical power - that surely exists. I also agree that faith is a very personal choice. And one has every right and freedom to practice it.I do have esteemed respect in my heart for all the diverse faiths"

I smile - " why am I not surprised that we think alike, on this accord..."

He smiles - " I am not surprised , either..,"and suddenly his smile shortens, or rather vanishes quickly as he whispers - " which is why I consider it humanity's great misfortune, that something as pure faith - became a breeding ground for differences, and hate, where as it should have been nurtured as a force that had the power to weave, tolerance, and acceptance and celebration of diversity..."

I whisper understanding his context immediately -" I agree with you...on that..."

He asks now - looking all around us again - restlessness evident in his eyes - "you know what is unbelievable...Khushi??"

I ask immediately - " what??"

Arnav whispers - " that even a place as divine and holy as this - has seen the worse of humanity, in the form of play of politics, attacks, riots due to cultural differences..."

Uh-Oh. He's obviously updated himself with all that's happened here uptil our time. I am sure - he read on it last night before sleeping. I ask - " you are referring to the context where Harmindar saab became the center of conflict in between the Indian government and radicals in 1980's...where in the then PM ordered in army to march right in as a part of Operation Blue star...leading to deaths of more than thousand's of soilders, militants and even civilians and not to forget damage to the gurudwara and the destruction of the Akal Takth..."

Arnav nods in silence.

" Did you read on it last night??," I ask.

He nods as he continues to scan the main darbar, restlessly - " I did given that we were visiting here this morning, it felt right to keep myself upto date. Its crazy, isn't it? What has man come to. Even places of devotion and worship, have not been spared....."

I nod deep in thought and he whispers - " they'v done well to restore...and redevelop over time surely...,"and he states - " Peace is priceless, Khushi. It indeed is the most priceless.."

I whisper - " I agree..."

He shakes his head in distress- " you know it all, you know everything. You know the disturbing times, I have come from - world wars raging, struggles for independence...my times are not peaceful, Khushi. They are anything but peaceful and yet..."

I ask in support - "and yet....what??"I know, he needs to vent. He states shrugging his entire frame consumed in solemnity -"and yet as I sit in this future now - completely aware of what became of my times after - I still find it so very difficult to comprehend the devastation that followed my country, the destruction that came as cost of freedom...,"and he pauses raising his hands in air in frustration - " I mean...just look at what all the hunger for power/politics/communal viloence led too....around here...its unbelievable...for me...even though I know it's true...its factual happenings....yet I can't seem to believe it...sitting here right now...I just can't seem to believe it..."

Okay, natural, for him to feel the same given that technically he is sitting so close to where his home is. Like, technically distance between Amritsar and Lahore is barely 50kms and yet now it was all separated by borders and boundaries - " I know what you mean, Arnav...I know..."

His sad voice falls into my ears as his eyes tear up - " I am so close to my home...and yet so far....Khushi and I am not talking in context of time right now....but it's the border, it's the boundary...last I was here..my country was one...the map was different......this phone...,"and he flashes it - " your google maps tells me...lahore...my home is not even 50 kms away...Khushi...and yet I don't know if I could call it home...in this time....I don't even know..what became of my home...in its literal sense....but then it also feels like Lahore would always be home.....nonetheless...,"and he pauses - " you know, I did not get baba's point of view at first, but I think I get it now, what baba meant by his wish of never leaving Lahore...because he felt like...I was the one initiating to snatch his home away from him...and I only realised how deep that hurts post discovering - that countless home's were surely snatched from people on both the side of the borders, in the wake of the partition of India. I know, we have come here in search of clues, that did we ever make it across the migration, safe? But I can't help but wonder, how much the very thought of forced migration would have hurt emotionally to all those affected on both sides of the borders- overnight. To just pack up and leave, knowing you would never be allowed to get back to your home, without a valid political permission....god...it must have hurt...and I mean in the sense of the emotional impact, Khushi. Physical wounds are visible, emotional one's just simply aren't...it would have been too much to cope, I mean it will be too much to cope given that for me - it is yet to unfold in my time - don't know how we will survive the emotional repercussions, that is if any of us do come out alive through the devastation...,"and he paused

I assure him at that fighting the flinch within at his last implication - " I am sure you all will make it through the migration, safely..."

He's too lost for comfort, momentarily, though.Arnav continues lost in his moment of despair - "You know back then ..Khushi...Lahore to Amritsar would make for an easy day trip...it would be a picnic day out...and now..it seems...no one can even think of crossing borders so easily, without visa's, permissions, and not to forget this entire animosity of India vs Pakistan...as political nemesis....I don't get it...I just don't...we were one country...we used to be one country....there was diversity in cultures, faiths, and yet their was unity, compassion. I was the one who always used to fear the worse end of the political waves, Khushi, and it really hurts so dammed much to actually realise that the worst of the worst indeed came true.,"and he chokes. He literally chokes on his tears and takes out a handkerchief from his pathani kurta to wipe his tears. He is wearing the same kurta - that I had found him in.

My heart breaks for him. It truly does.I rub on his arm - " I know...I know....this surely isn't easy for you,right now, Arnav. What can I do to help you ???here, let me please..."and I take the handkerchief from his hand and begin to wipe his tears but they continue flowing, his face wrapped up in a ball of gut-wrenching distress. I hate his tears. They pierce something inside of me deep.But I have never asked him to stop them, because every time he has let them down in front of me, I know it's important for his tears to flow...

Thankfully, he lets me wipe his tears and continues gazing at me intently for a couple of minutes as I continue to wipe them as they flow. I ask again, minutes later - " what more can I do to help??"

He whispers - " you already are helping me..."

I ask bewildered continuing to wipe the last tear outta the right eye corner - " how??"

" You are by my side ,wiping my tears.... aren't you?? it's surely making my ordeal easier..."

I nod and given that I am unable to find the right words to comfort him in the moment - I just sit back to hold his hand - in support silently. Surely, no words can ease the turmoil he's going through right now. He states softly now finally finding the strength to regain composure - " You know,I'v read up on the world history as much as I can, gained an insight on events, from my time to yours, and sometimes I can't help but wonder - how humanity found a way to survive until this future...until this very day and time..."

I say softly - " humanity will always find a way to survive...Arnav..."

Arnav looks at me - "perhaps, it will...but don't you think it's about time man chooses differently...that man chooses to understand, that indeed, it is humanity , then that should be declared as the faith that supersedes it all...?? Like, I know the times now are a lot more settled now - vs the disturbing times I am from but yet here we are today, so many years into the future - and people are still raving about community differences, disrespecting each other faiths/ unable to accept one another.... there are still conflicts going on in so many parts of this world....politicians seeking world dominance still...wars raging in vulnerable smaller countries, by powerful nations....and yes, how can we forget...that looming threat of execution of nuclear weapons...given that now every country has it.....why is there so much hate and terror till today?Khushi??whyyyy??? I am telling you Khushi, mark my words, only we humans will be the one to blame for the dawn of doom upon us...only we humans will bring the end of the world upon ourselves...one day...,"and he pauses to let out a frustrated sigh - " why?? just why can't man make better choices????

I sigh - "well, indeed, the world will be a better place, if we all just accepted the fact with maturity that humanity should be that faith that supersedes it all...if only man were to understand that no differences be it political/cultural/communal were worth the destruction of countless human lives......but sadly...I wish I had the answer to - why that is not the way yet around the world...completely...."

I say now in order to comfort him - " but one can still hope, right? Surely, we cannot give up on hope. I'd like to believe that there is still hope for our world. That, one day it will be the way it should be. And hopefully, it won't be too late by then, as in we wouldn't have reached the end of the world..."

Arnav looks at me, tilting his head to the side - " forever the optimist, aren't you??"

I nod but smile admitting sheepishly - "Not always. I try. Trust me, when I say, even my optimism had hit an all time low, when the coronavirus pandemic had struck the world...not very long ago. I truly did think for once, none of us would survive it...but...look we did...as I mentioned, humanity always finds a way. Every problem has a solution...that's how it always is..."

He sighs - " not all problems have solutions, Khushi, it seems..."

I aim to reassure him - " Your problem, surely has a solution, Arnav. We just haven't found it yet...so we will keep looking...it will be okay..."

He gazes at me intently - "trust you to always find, optimism in my complicated situation.You make me want to believe it when you say, everything will be okay....every single time..."

I nod assertively but given that his frame is still consumed with the air of distress the words leave my mouth on reflex - " well, I say it with the intention to help you hold onto faith that it will be. Cmon, you got to beleive...everything will be okay for you. It's just taking time to get to that okay part. But today more than ever, I just know it in my heart that everything will be....okay....for you..."

Arnav asks - " what do you mean by you are so sure of it in your heart, today?Khushi??"

And before I know it then truth leaves my mouth - " because, I prayed for you today with an intention so pure..that surely..the divine ought to grant it...sooner or later....I mean, you do know there is saying that the mannat's prayed and wished upon at Harmindar Sahab are always answered....and I did pray that if the divine had to chose any one particular prayer to bless me with, out of the one's I sent out today, then it be the one, I sent out for you...."

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

Arnav's POV

What did she just say??

Did she just say, she prayed for me today?

Is that why she chose to stay the extra time at the main darbar??? Because, she was also praying for me?????

I am moved. Profoundly moved. I am sure, no one apart from my family has ever prayed for me. She did...

But then, no one apart from my family has ever wiped my tears away with such tenderness - but she did a short while ago...

Also, I like it when she just lets me cry, when I need to vent. Instead of asking me to stop. I like it that she isn't one of those - who believe that we men can't cry or that we shouldn't cry.(A false egoistic macho belief I never believed in anyway. My mother always taught me that there is more bravery and strength in embracing and accepting what one feels. Crying is a human necessity for emotional catharsis - irrespective of gender)

I look at her. I ask again because I wanted to hear her say it loud one more time - " Did you just say that you prayed for me???today??????????Khushi?? Did you really pray for me, today??"

Khushi nods nervously and shoots me a sincere smile straight from her heart with hope shining in her eyes with conviction that was quite intense - " Indeed, I did. And don't you ask me why. I just wanted to pray for you...so I just did....it's as simple as that...,"and she adds now begin to move down the steps towards the Amrit Sarovar - " anyway, how foolish of me to not bring a change, so I cannot take a holy dip here, but surely I can dip in my hands and legs and wash my face...,"and she goes onto do just that and I can only watch - frozen to my spot. The next thing I know - two minutes later -she's brought up some water from the Amrit Sarovar in one of her palms back to me - to the spot where we were sitting - and she begins to use the water to gently tap my face pausing ever so gently around the corner of my eyes as she whispers - " they say, the water from the Amrit Sarovar has the mystical power to heal and cleanse, Arnav. I hope it helps ease, your pain and momentary distress....I know words will fall short for comfort...but perhaps, this will help???"

And just like that as she said that,and continued tapping her fingers gently all over my face with the water from the Amrit Sarovar - all that cynicsm, sorrow, despair that had been consuming my being just minutes prior - begins to vanish into thin air. And I am sure, it is not because of the holy water, though. It is because of her. Surely, this woman possesses some sort of enchanting abilities to have this sort of an effect on me?????? How is she always able to soothe me so?????How is it that all my despair has just magically been displaced, with a ray of hope/belief in the power of prayer, compelled to find a way to just hold onto hope...

Just what is it about her that has the power to affect me so?? Or is it that I am only realising it now that everything about her has the power to affect me - profoundly from the very get go...

What is happening - here? Why do I feel - suddenly - more altered within on her accord? I felt something shift last night as well, and it feels as if that shift just took on different gears altogether right very now...

Her soft voice breaks my thought as she asks - " did it help? Do you feel any better??or wait, I should just get some more water for you....,"and I compose my thoughts at that and answer - " no wait, I will come down the steps with you...,"and she nods and we step forward - make it to the last step - lean forward to take some holy water and wash our faces and hands and legs again...and for a moment...I think I am in awe of the serenity and devotion on her face as she closes her eyes - post splashing the holy water on her face again...

I whisper now softly - " I don't think anyone apart from my family has ever prayed for me, Khushi. Thank you..,"and I gesture to ask silently if we were good to head back to our sitting spot?

Khushi gazes at me surprised at that opening her eyes.She nods at my gesture and we get up and she answers - "Don't you thank me , please. And there's no way, no one else has ever not prayed for you, Arnav. You just don't know it. Because, you see, usually, people don't usually tell the other person, when they find them a context of their prayer. It's supposed to be a secret. I would have liked to keep it that way as well but I wanted to say something to comfort you in your moments of despair..so when you asked me...how was I sure that everything would be okay for you...I just blurted it out...,"and she paused frowning to herself now as we made our way back up the steps - "uh -oh..."

I ask - " what??"

She frowns - " I just realised I shouldn't have blurted it out...because there is also a saying that wishes can go unfulfilled if spoken out loud...I don't want my prayer for you to go unfulfilled...ohh damm...,"and she eyes back the main prayer hall - restlessly.

Why do I find the frown on her face is exquisitely adorable? But I can't help but bite back a chuckle at that - " but, that applies towards a wish not a prayer, Khushi.A wish is usually what one would ask for ones-self as well, as in surely an individual interests would be intertwined in a wish. A prayer is different. It's selfless. So, thank you, Khushi. For praying for me. And don't you ask me to not thank you for the same...you know I will..."

Khushi smiles sheepishly - "oh, I just should not have told you...now I am embarrassed.."

I smile as I point out - " why so? And well, now that I think of it, you did not even tell me what is it that you prayed for me..."

Khushi looks away fidgeting with her hands now - " well, I most definitely do not plan to elaborate, so do not ask..."

I grin - " I was not going to. I am content in the knowledge that I have found a place in your prayers..."

She whispers something under her breathe which I can't seem to make sense off and I ask - " did you say something??" She shakes her head - embarrassed - and looks back up and states her intent gazing all over my face - " anyway, leave that, I am just so happy to see you smile right now, say, you are feeling better??aren't you???"

For a second, I don't answer. I just gaze back into her eyes as intently - and for a moment it feels like as I was gazing down into her very soul. Right there it was. The very essence of her. Joy, Compassion, understanding, intelligence, curiosity, selflessness and kindness- personified in all it's respective glories - combined uniquely into ONE. I'd simply never met anyone like her, perhaps, that is why the impact she's been having on me has begun to feel so altering and profound????

She asks again holding my gaze intently - "you are feeling better, right??"

I nod breaking my chain of thought - "much better, yes..."

She smiles in relief at that - " oh, I just knew it , the splash of water from the Amrit Sarovar would help, its supposed to be healing,soothing and calming after all..."

I shake my head, the words stumbling out of my mouth before thought - " It wasn't just because of the holy water from the Amrit Sarovar, Khushi. It was more so you.."

Her eyes widen at that in surprise given that she probably wasn't expecting me to say the words I did. Our gaze lock in an intense eyelock and I can't seem to look away. I feel drawn to her. Extremely drawn...

And just like that the moment - we are in - is interrupted by a family of 4. A couple and their two adorable kids, requesting Khushi to take a family picture for them with the Golden Temple in the background. She happily obliges - of course. I step aside and watch on as the family begins to pose - with the Golden Temple in the background and Khushi going on about clicking several pictures for them happily as they struck different familial happy postures. And, Khushi did it all so happily for them - that it brought an enchanted smile to my face - yet again...

Once, Khushi was done, the lady offered to take a picture of us - and Khushi asked me with a gesture of the eye if I was up for it and I nodded of course, realising - I desperately wanted a picture with her - here. To capture the memory. To capture her...

We fell by each other's side, and posed for a picture. Once, the woman handed back her phone, Khushi thanked her, and off they went.

Khushi's attention was in her phone as she sat back down gazing at the picture of us that had just been clicked - when the words leave my mouth before I can ponder them over sitting right back next to her - " I don't know if I have confessed this before, but I just ought to say it again, right very now.I have never met anyone like you...Khushi. Surely, you ought to know, you are exquisite and brilliant..."

Khushi smiled, surprise evident in her eyes, yet again - " surely, you can't mean that?"

I insist momentary frustrated by her reply and the surprise in her eye - " well, I do mean it. I always say what I mean. And mean, what I say. You ought to know that, by now"

Khushi nods - " well, I know that. So,did you just compliment me, then??"

I smile - " indeed, I did.You most surely know, that was a heartfelt compliment. Just take it gracefully, will you??"

She chuckles - " Okay then, in that case,I most surely will accept the compliment gracefully...I am glad to hear you say that you have not met anyone like me......,"and then she pauses, the chuckle gone as she almost mutters to herself under her breathe softly thinking the mutter would miss my ear again - " but, at least you will meet someone who looks like me...when you go back...."

Did she really just say that? Now, I am beginning to feel vexed. Because, I am beyond done with her bringing the reference of Khushi Gill up in the middle, all the time. I don't like it. I just don't. It's about time - I voiced it out loud.

Surely, my eyes display my frustration as I ask - " did you just say what you did?? I cannot believe, you just said that!! Why would you say that? and right after my heartfelt compliment that I truly have never met anyone like you......"

She fumbles realising now I'd heard her and she begins to scramble up on her feet - " Oh,I did not say anything. Don't know what you are talking about. Anyway, come on, lets go to the langar hall. The langar is to begin shortly, we want to serve before eating, remember? Let's get going..."

But I don't follow. I pull back on her wrist to make her sit back right down next to me. Why? Because, I needed to say what I needed to say. I ask, sure the frustration was evident in my voice - " No. I heard you, alright. So you cannot escape, this. Tell me, once and for all, why do you keep bringing up - Khushi Gills - reference up in the middle of our conversations - all the time? It frustrates me. Profoundly. I don't like it. Answer me, please?"

Khushi whispers softly, looking at my hand's hold on her wrist - " well, I don't understand why it frustrates you profoundly. why don't you like it...??"

I ask gazing straight back at her - "what is that supposed to mean? why don't you understand??"

She sighs - "well, because, I know I speak the truth - don't I? It is the truth , isn't it??? Surely, you will meet someone who looks like me - when you go back. Your parents want you to marry her, don't they? Surely, they'd urge you to meet her....and you would...because isn't that how it works in arranged matrimonial alliances...."

And suddenly that is when I am hit with a realisation like a thunderbolt and I just knew. I simply knew - within. Knew what? That I don't think I had it in me to ever seek out - Khushi Gill - upon my arrival back in my time. Why? Because, for me, there was only one person - I ever wanted to related to with this face, with these eyes. And that person was - Khushi. This Khushi. The one standing right in front of me, gazing right into my eyes with a confusing vulnerability shining in her eyes that I could not understand, perhaps, because I was too busy in trying to comprehend the meaning behind this thunderbolt realisation of mine. I am about to voice the same to her, but I pause. Only because, I don't know what she would conclude of my statement/realisation when I myself didn't know what to make of it ...yet...

But, she's waiting for me to say something, that I can surely figure and so I just say for now in a curt tone that was meant to convey the finality of my decision - " I may fail to have your understanding in the context but what I said - is the truth. I don't like it, when you bring up, Khushi Gill in the middle of our conversations. Hence,it's my humble request to you, please.Just don't bring, Khushi Gill - up. Please? I don't like it. I just don't..."

Khushi nods - " well, if that's what you wish. I will not bring her up..,"and as she said that - a curtain came over the vulnerability that had been shining in her eyes, a second prior. The vulnerability I was unable to comprehend was gone. It was displaced by a smile on her lips. A smile that she intended to reach her eyes but it did not.It was not the smile, I preferred.

I got up now understanding that perhaps - the moment and us - just needed diversion and so I just took out my hand to her in order to help her get up and smiled - "well, now that we have reached an agreement on that accord, cmon, lets head to the langar hall then, did you not say that you were hungry??and now - I just feel like telling you all about the last time I had langar here with my family. Heavens, I cannot wait to share it all with you. Do you wana hear about it???"

Khushi nodded at that - " ofcourse, I want to hear all about it.....,"and placing her hand in mine, she finally smiled, getting up to her feet.And this smile was the one, that was straight from her heart. The smile that could put the twinkling stars to shame.It was that smile, I quite deeply preferred....

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TADA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HOWWZAAAT GUYS?

Hope you all enjoyed reading this update. I loved writing and compiling it so much....

Next Update : Friday/Saturday Night

Thanks so much guys.

Much Love * Infinite Gratitude

Prachi