Hellooooooo guyssss,

So, here I am with the second update of the week!!

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 – 9K words. It's got two very different elements to it. You will know what I mean, once you read it.

And I shall now let you all dive in without further delay

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16. Bewitched

The Next Morning

930am – Khushi's Room

Khushi's POV

I have been in two relationships before, but I am sure, I can state this with great conviction that last night, when Arnav finally kissed me, it truly felt like I have finally been kissed in a way I had never been kissed before. He was the one, who had never kissed before. I was his first. I was supposed to be the one, breathlessly taking his breathes away. And yet, it totally felt like, my being, my soul was experiencing an excruciatingly magnificent moment, it had never experienced before.

Perhaps, it felt that way because of the very simple fact, that – it was him – in that moment with me. Or perhaps, it felt that way because, his every kiss, every touch, reflected an intense intimate cocktail off burning passion, unsatiable hunger, urgency, domination, deep emotional connection, possessiveness, exquisiteness, wonder, longing – all rolled into one. A cocktail, that I had surely never experienced, before...

Because, I am sure, no man's ever felt what Arnav feels for me – in terms of emotional intensity. And it is the same, for me. For the first time, ever, I know exactly what it feels like to be in the same boat as the other in terms of feelings. Not one feeling more. Not one feeling any less. Just both – feeling everything deeply and mutually – in every moment together. Perhaps, like they say, the magical ingredient, is always that of feelings.That its totally different when deep feelings are involved. I totally understand, what that means, now. Feelings change everything..

Anyways, to sum it all up, the precious moments with him last night or this morning(from a shortwhile ago) given that we woke up snug in each other's arms and he decided to leave me breathless first thing this morning - weren't just exquisite, wonderful or maddening. They are haunting. An appropriate premise, given that I can still feel my lips burn with the sensation of his kisses, and my body tingle with the haunting sensation of his touches and deep caresses.

Now,just like my emotions, everything within me, on a physical level, also stands altered, forever, on his accord. And, I am this deeply affected, just by his kisses and passionate caresses all over me whilst I was still fully clothed. Whilst we were both fully clothed.God only knows, what will be my condition, once I actually feel his maddening dominating caresses – on my bare self - along with the feel of my hands on the bare him.I shiver, in the mere anticipation of it. I literally shiver, even though,I have just stepped out of a piping hot shower. I remind myself to push these electric, bewitching thoughts out of my mind.

What is wrong with me? Oh nothing really, the man simply has me bewitched. I focus my mind on the day ahead which is to be our last day here, in Amritsar.We have it all planned. We are to head to breakfast first, then the all the old bazzaar's again in search of electric wires(just in case we missed a vendor) – and then later this afternoon we are to head to the Wagah Border to see the lowering of the flag ceremony and the parade. I planned the same, for our last day in Amritsar, given that Arnav had mentioned that he would like to see himself closest to his home(before leaving here) – as close to the border he could – no matter how hard it was. And well, given the political boundaries of India, one couldn't get any closer to Lahore than Wagah Border..

I hear knocks on my door. It must be Arnav. Oh, he got ready quite quickly. His voice comes through - " Khushi, are you ready??Breakfast closes in 30 minutes..."

I quickly begin dressing up and call out from my bathroom door, putting on my jeans at the speed of light– " Just a minute, Arnav. I am almost done.,"and with that – I pull on my black tee over my head as well. Dishing the towel from my hair aside, I simply run my hands roughly through my wet hair and dash to open my door to him.

Arnav grins instantly, and then his intense gaze scans me over from head to toe and he steps in and closes my room door shut behind him.Then he walks over to me, cages me prisoner in the middle, his arms coming firm on both my sides, against the wall – " You did not have the time to dry your hair??"

I gaze back at him as intensely as I answer biting back my smile – " No,I did not. And whose fault is that anyway? You did not let me leave your arms, for a good thirty minutes after we woke up. Not that I am complaining. I solemnly vow,to never ever complain about that..." I whisper cheekily.

He grins. And pulls me closer into him, instantly, his one arm going around my waist and his other hand, moves on into my wet hair, clutching on a them in his fist – " You look rather fetching, with your hair wet. Completely irresistible and fascinating...you know...."

I narrow my gaze – " well, this is not the first time, you have seen me in wet hair. You surely have often, in the last few days. I have washed my hair every morning, for the last five days..."

He whispers cupping my left cheek tender yet intense – " I know. But this is the very first time, I am voicing out the thought to you, rather than just thinking it, within the lanes of my head..."

I chuckle in sheer glee, wrapping my hands around his neck – "really? is that what you'v been thinking all along??every time you'v seen my hair wet???"

He nods intensely – " indeed, in addition to dreaming of running my hands through them, as well...like this...,"and he runs his hand through them intensely, briefly, before clutching them in his fist again.He whispers leaning down– " Perhaps, breakfast can wait...??"

I nod instantly, hypnotised, just aching to be kissed again – "Oh, it most surely can. We can always order in the room...later...we can leave for the old bazaar's in an hours time, which still gives us plenty of time to make it to Wagah border later,so I am in no rush. No rush at all...,"and just as I say that, his eyes glint passionately and his lips take mine – by a ferocious storm. A storm, that consumes my very soul.And I succumb and surrender - to his lips. To His arms. To His breathes.To Him...

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He had not planned the moment. When Arnav, had knocked on Khushi's door, he had every intention of walking her down, so that they could enjoy the breakfast buffet, as they did usually, even though, it had gotten late for them this morning, than the usual. Usually, they were out of the hotel by 9am, but then this morning, had been different. It had to be different. Because, Arnav, had experienced his first very peaceful slumber in the future. He'd never slept this late into the morning, but with Khushi, in his arms, he had just slept, in a bliss that was absolute serene. There had been no struggle, for sleep last night...

He had been so moved by that particular realisation, that upon their waking up, and seeing her snuggled into him all cozy and snug, he couldn't resist - but kiss her breathless – first thing out.And then he couldn't kiss her enough, couldn't caress her enough, couldn't feel her enough, which is why it took him the next thirty minutes, to finally let go of her, because he did not want to overwhelm her with the madness, that had him overcome.

He'd stepped into the shower, a very cold one(for obvious reasons) and gotten ready quickly because, it made sense to give his mind some sense of distraction with something as normal as heading down for breakfast with Khushi and thinking about their planned day ahead. He was nervous about heading to Wagah,later in the afternoon as well. He knew, it would pain him, and yet his intuition told him, that he couldn't leave Amritsar before seeing the spot, that was closest to home. Even though it was a spot from the border, separting India and Pakistan, a border that was a stark mirror, of the consequences of partition...

But then, she had opened the door to him, with her wet hair, skimming down her shoulders and he was undone. Yet again, he was completely undone. All the thoughts about the plans for the day were – forgotten. All the nervousness about visiting, Wagah , was simply forgotten. And the overwhelming madness for her, was back, consuming every inch off him. His hands had instantly ached to touch her. His lips had ached to kiss her. An ache so deep,so excruciating, so urgent that it simply left him wanting for more. It was safe to say, that he was altered on her accord, not just emotionally, but physically, as well. It was as if he were rolling down an intimate cliff. Hard and fast.And there was nothing he could do to break the speed of his fall.And the way she returned his kisses with equal fervour, caressed him with equal fervour, seemed to only hasten his fall down that very cliff of intimate madness..

Oh, he couldn't stop. He couldn't stop, kissing her. He couldn't stop touching her. Indeed, breakfast could wait.A man had to have his priorities, straight. And right now, his priority was – Khushi.

And so, he continued kissing and caressing her all over, deep, wild and ferocious. Driven by the need to imprint the feel of his lips on hers, imprint his touches on her,so that she could never forget the feel of his kisses, his touches,his caresses, because, heavens knew, he could never forget any of it. Ever. He'd be dammed if he didn't give her memories of him, that would haunt her day and night,after, because well, he knew her memories would haunt him day and night...too.

He felt her moan his name into his lips now, as her hands clutched on his hair harder pulling him closer into her. Instinct took over, and he picked her up by the waist, briefly so that her legs wrapped themselves snug around his waist, where he liked them the most.And within seconds, he had them both stumbled on the sofa in her room,all the whilst, never leaving her lips, even when she was gasping for breathe. He was happy to lend her a breathe off his lips. He just couldn't let her pull apart. His body came to cover hers fully,now that they were both on the sofa and she stretched her legs under him but he whispered into her lips, as their lips duelled for dominance– " Your legs. Wrap them around my waist, for that is where I want them...Khushi. That is where I like them the most."

She moaned his name and happily obliged, instantly, pushing herself into him and he groaned and pushed back both his hands moving underneath to cup her lower curves at the same time - pulling her closer into him so that - the rhythmic maddening friction of their lower halves, that had driven them both mad last night – got more intoxicating in the moment. And as they tortured each other and moved, their lower halves in perfect wild sync - he caressed, kneaded, and clutched on her lower curves harder - leaving her panting into lips, her voice shattering as she moaned his name, over and over, her hands roaming and caressing his back pulling him closer with an intensity, that shook him. Or rather, shattered him as well.

And suddenly, he found himself -Bewitched. Bewitched by her. Bewitched by the moment. And now, he felt like, he wanted more. So much more.Touching her over her clothes was not going to be enough – right now. He had to feel at least some part of her bare. He just had to. And he wanted her to touch any part of him , bare as well. Just had to feel her hands on his burning skin. But because, he needed her consent, first, he paused on kissing her madly, and asked with his gaze heavy and loaded with passion – " Do you want more, Khushi? I ask, because, I want more. Your consent, is prime for me, of course. Say no, and I will get off you , right very now..."

He heard her stammer – lifting her heavy eyelids open - her passion heavy gaze locking with his – " I don't want you to get off me, right now, Arnav. I want more, too. Oh, you have no idea, I want so much more..."

He smiled and asked, wanting to put her pleasure above his in the moment, wanting nothing more than to worship her body in the ways she liked – " tell me, then? Please. Tell me what you want? What do you want me to do to you??? what would you like me to do to you, right very now, Khushi?? I know what I want to do to you, but I want to hear what you want first..."

And he heard her whisper hoarsely, pulling him back for a deep kiss simultaneously, her hands clutching his hair – " I want you to touch me. Please.The bare me.Just touch me anywhere you want. I want to feel your hands on my skin. Not over my clothes. And I want to touch you too. You will burn me. But that's not a problem, because I aim to burn you too..."

And he could only murmur into her lips taking them by another storm of a kiss at that – " So very glad to hear you say that, because I was thinking, the very same. We are on the same page,then, the very same rocky boat..."

And as he heard her whisper hoarsely – " and that's so very good..,being in the same rocky boat as you is so very good..." and she momentarily managed to dominate his lips because he was way too smitten.And for ten seconds, he let her, until he just had to take over and burn every corner of her lips, her mouth, with his lips and tongue in a deep french kiss that was soul shattering, for both – as he simultaneously worked his way around getting her shirt off her and she worked on getting his tee of him.

Need. Desire. Emotions. A cocktail of all three – hot and piping, raked through every cell of his being as he pulled back just enough so that they could get their tee's off. And for a second, as his eyes raked all over her torso, taking in the sight of her just in her intimate wear – he wasn't just stunned – he was deeply enchanted. God, she was beautiful. Magnificent. He was a literature professor, for gods sake, but his sense of synonyms and vocabulary surely ran dry in the moment. All he could do was stareBoldly but quiet Speechless.

He felt her shiver under his passion loaded gaze and that made him bite back a smile as she watched him – watch her. She was not shy off him in the moment and he realised that he preferred that. He wanted it that way. He didn't want her to ever be shy, accepting what she was feeling be it emotional, or physical.

He shuddered, then, as Khushi reached out to touch his heart first – and he just let her – feeling her palm – station itself right over his heart and he instantly placed his hand over her heart too – and they both shuddered and shivered in equal intensity now due to the significance of the gesture and she whispered softly locking her gaze with his – " you can feel it, right? my heartbeats? I can feel yours too. I like that our beats are quite similarly erratic, don't you think?? I like that. Do you like that, too?"

And he could only nod and whisper back intently placing his forehead on hers, staring back into her eyes – " oh they ought to be similarly erratic, Khushi. And you have no idea how much I like that.....,"and before he knew it, she'd pulled him down for another deep french kiss – as her hands came to caress his bare back intensely whilst his hands dived, to caress her bare stomach and midriff and her waist and lower back from behind – both equally moved at finally touching a part of the other – bare.

There was nothing gentle about either of their caresses, though. Their caresses were rough, urgent, wild and ferocious. She moaned into his lips. He moaned into hers and for the next many heated minutes, they just kept caressing each other to the edge of passionate lunacy.

Khushi was in heaven. If she'd thought the moments last night would haunt her forever, she was deemed wrong. Because, it was these moments now, the feel of his burning urgent hands on her bare skin – burning it all along -in its wake - that would haunt her more - every time she closed her eyes, till the end of her days. And she knew, she couldn't get enough of his touches, right now, just like she knew she couldn't stop caressing him as deep as well, mirroring the exact, urgency. He felt like her personal heaven and the feel of her hands running down his bare back, was something, she would truly cherish. She couldn't stop her exploration of him. It was as if her hands had to remember, every cell of him. And all the whilst, she knew, she was driving him insane as well, his whimpers, shudders, ragged breathes into her lips, was a testimony of that. It felt powerful,sensuous and Divine,to know that she had such an effect on him.

She was right on that thought when suddenly, she lost all her ability to think at all. Because,she felt his urgent hands come upto finally feel her upper curves over her intimate wear. Oh,he didn't just feel. He clutched, and he kneaded, intense, hard and wild and she shivered in pleasure – as their lips continued their heaty duel...simultaneously

And right then, the very next minute suddenly she gasped, because of the loss of his lips from hers and she opened her eyes, disappointed only to find him smiling down at her as he tugged on her brassiere lightly and asked – " is it okay? if I take this off you? right very now? I can't wait to see you. I cannot wait to touch your gorgeous curves, bare, Khushi. If that is okay with you, of course??"

The fact that he paused to ask every time, knowing that she was anyway drowning in pools of passion, having surrendered to him - touched something deep within her - yet again. She nodded, instantly, and before she knew it, he had tugged down the straps off her shoulders, making his way around the hook at the back and her brassiere was flung off her in no time. She was not shy off him, she never could be, which is why she did not close her eyes or block his view with her hands. She wanted to watch him, gaze at her.

Why?

Because, it was electric and hypnotizing and because she'd never felt more beautiful, sensual or scintillating. There was something extremely intimate about this moment – of watching him watch her bare torso – with almost an animalistic glint of desire in his eyes. She squirmed, shivered and trembled as he guided her legs back around his waist, pushing himself back into the cradle of her femineity – as his one hand went under her to clutch on her lower curve hard again – so that she could feel the exact extent of his raging need for her even if it was through her jeans. His other hand went to cage her hands over her head in a firm hold whilst his heavy gaze raked itself over her torso , just watching her curves come alive for him, her peaks flaring to tautness, in a way that it ached.

Khushi was shivering, literally trembling like a leaf in the moment, as she felt herself ache for his touch on her bare curves but to her momentary dismay,he just looked, and stared.Boldly. Yet again. His gaze darkening. And right then, just when she was about to speak, she heard him whisper hoarsely – " I could just sit here and watch your bare curves and torso, all day...Khushi. You are beautiful. So beautiful.You are simply exquisite."

She whispered at that hoarsely only because her ache for him,superseded it all – "just watch???are you going to just watch??"

He shook his head then chuckling briefly – " Ofcourse not, I want to do so much more.But, I am taking a moment, to imprint this very precious sight of you in my head, that's all. And I am also contemplating my options, simultaneously. Should I touch you first so that my hands could have a feel enough of your curves, or maybe I should just let my lips ravage your curves, instead? Which option would you like me to execute first??Khushi??Tell me. Tell me what you want?? Or perhaps, I could indulge in both my options simultaneously...."

Khushi shuddered and shivered in passion as the words left her mouth, her body naturally arching underneath him – " dammit....just indulge in both your options...simultaneously..right very no...w....,"and she paused letting out a loud moan with his name wrapped in it – her head rolling back – because – he'd finally let go of her hands from his caged hold over her head - and his lips had instantly closed over an aching taut peak of her right curve, whilst his other hand, went onto caress her left curve deep and wild. And all she could do was clutch on his head, hard and arch back even further to give him all the access he needed. The feel of him ravaging her curves simultaneously, one with his lips, the other with his hands was exquisitely, bewitching.

She was lost, and she was sure that he was too – given that his ministrations on her curves with both his hands and lips in action simultaneously - only deepened in raw and wild passion. And for the next few minutes, time just stood still, as passion unfolded its flow in between the two. But then, right when Arnav was about to give her other precious curve, the attention of his lips, wanting to ravage it ferociously like he had done, the other one - out of nowhere, the shrill ring of his phone – buzzed right into their ears – leading them both to let out a curse – under their breathe.

Arnav groaned, royally disappointed by the interruption. Who could be calling him? He thought? Only Khushi and Vikram had his number. Khushi was in his arms. Oh dammit, was it Vikram????????

Khushi opened her eyes disappointed as well, leaning up on her elbows instantly as his phone kept ringing – "Dammit, only me and bhai have your number. Is it bhai calling???? But why would he? At such a time? It is still quite early, in Oxford..."

Arnav froze, momentarily. He'd gone against, everything, Vikram had advised. He had let down his friendship.But then, he did not regret his choice. If the choice was between Vikram and Khushi – he would always choose - Khushi. Leaning up, momentarily, he did go onto take out the phone from his backpocket. He looked at his screen. It was Vikram – calling. He flashed the screen to Khushi.

Khushi sighed but cupped his cheek as the phone stopped ringing just then too – " oh leave it. Just don't return his call right now. I have no idea why he is awake, at this time of the hour though...Its only 5 am in Oxford...,"and right then she saw Arnav nod but she'd noticed his vibe change, his face gone suddenly serious – but before she could ask him anything – a text on his screen just caught her eye and she reached out for his phone saying – " Bhai has just texted you. Why is he texting you at this time? What has he written??"

And before Arnav could take his phone from Khushi's hand, because his gut told him that Vikram might have texted him in the context of their last night conversation – he saw Khushi's eyes widen in horror and disbelief as she spoke – " Bhai has written – Woke up early because I was worried. Please tell me you have figured out a way to keep an emotional distance from my sister. You will thank me later for this advice, trust me, you will...,."and then she gaped at him her eyes hardening – " Arnav... why is bhai asking you to figure out a way to keep an emotional distance from me? why is he saying that you would thank him later, if you listened to his advice???Arnav????? what is this about?????? Tell me now, for heavens sake..."

Uh-Oh.

Too late.

Now, there was no way, he could hide last nights conversation from Khushi. Arnav got off her now and sat up straight on the sofa, next to her, and just sighed leaning his head back – " open it. Just open my chat with him and you will know the context. I told him how I feel about you, last night. Before you came into my room. His reaction was not favourable...of course. He advised me to never act on what I feel, because what was the point?he'd said...,"and he paused.

And out of the corner of his eye – he saw Khushi instantly dive into his phone sitting up straight next to him too and he saw her eyes widen in continuous horror as she began to read the text chat he'd indicated her to read.And she kept mustering – " now, it all fits in, why you were initially trying so very hard to push me away. Now I get it. Oh yes, I get it...."

Arnav didn't know what to say, so he kept silent.But as she continued reading the last bits of it, he just shifted close to her and wrapped his hand around her shoulder and whispered – " He does not approve of us, for obvious reasons. Khushi..,"and when he saw her vibe get furious suddenly he just rubbed on her arm – " he also does not know what we feel is mutual, of course..."

And to his utter surprise, Khushi got up from the sofa instantly flinging his phone back into it as she began to dress herself back – starting with her braissaire first and she looked at him in disbelief and roared – " how dare he??? How dare he say all this to you?? He has no right to approve or disapprove. I did not ask off his opinion on the matter. I am not a child anymore. I am furious. I am going to call him right very now, and give him a piece of my mind...how dare he ask you to not act on your feelings for me???????????,"and she pauses fumbling to get the hook on the back of her brassiere put back in its place because of her anger.

Arnav got up instantly now and went behind her to help with the same, and once he'd got the hook back snug he just hugged Khushi instantly from behind, and kissed her on her shoulder – " No. Please? You will do no such thing, Khushi. I understand, where he is coming from. He wants to protect you. He is your brother..."

And to his surprise, he felt Khushi lean back into his arms as she whispered – " I am not just furious with him, I am also hurt by his brotherly command to you because, he knows, Arnav. He already knows what I feel for you. He guessed it long back. Warned me against it, too. But I can't believe, he had the audacity to say all he did to you, after knowing what I feel. He surely knew, your confession would put me on cloud nine....and yet....he asked you not to act on it,"and she paused.

Arnav wheeled her around in his arms at that in shock – " whattttt did you say? Khushi?? He knew? He knows about your feelings for me???? Since when does he know??,"and he sees Khushi nod as she goes onto tell him everything before she asks dejected minutes later post filling him in – " that is why I feel hurt, Arnav because,now, it feels like my happiness is not important to him..,"and she reached out for her phone – " let me call him...he needs to hear it from me..right very now..."

Dammit.

The man in him was furious with Vikram, now. But, the brother in him still understood. Which is why, Arnav stopped, Khushi from dialling her brother in anger and hugged her to himself first – in order to relax her rubbing his hand over her head tenderly – " relax...please? Your anger is justified. I am angry too. But then,the brother in me, understands. I understand. Khushi.He got nothing personal against me. You did read the part, where he mentioned, he would have played cupid in between of us himself if I were from your era/time..."

He heard Khushi sigh at that as she hugged him hard – " Yes, I read it, but...,"and she paused, and Arnav just pulled back and cupped her face tenderly – " Your happiness matters to him, surely it does. But his brotherly worry is overtaking in the moment.He is just worried about you, Khushi. About your after...after when I leave...,"and he admits even though his gut wrenched – " and I don't blame him...his brotherly worry is justified. He is my friend. I have let him down, perhaos, but...,"and he paused again as steely resolve took over his eyes – " I will have to continue to let him down...because...if I have to choose between you and him. I'd chose you, Khushi. I'd still chose to act on what I feel for you. Vikram can kill me, if he chooses too. He can strangle me, for it, if he wishes too. I won't complain..."

Khushi steps back from him in momentary horror as she asked her eyes tearing up in emotion though – " do you really believe I would ever let my brother get his hands on you?? he would have to deal with me, before he could even lay a finger at you...and he surely knows that....he was just trying to be utterly manipulative in between of us..an act I don't approve...but ..,"and she shrugged thinking it through – " but surely an act, I can chose to ignore. He does not need to know, I know of his action, just like he does not need to know, we are together...already. And we will remain together, until the very last moment of your... departure...,"she paused in a hoarse whisper – " Now, here is me telling you, figure out a way to pretend in front of him. Just pretend you are acting on his advice. I will play along."

Arnav eyes widened at that from her – " wait, what? You want me to lie to him???"

Khushi chuckles at the adorable torn expression in his face now – " oh, I know, dishonesty and you don't sync together, Arnav. But no, I am not asking you to lie to him. Just hide it from him. And play pretend.Because, we both know, he won't approve, and whatever his brotherly reasons are, I don't agree with him. I will live my moments with you in the way I want.There is nothing he can do about my choice, Arnav. Only we understand our connection.And even, if you do tell him, he will fly all the way here to get into a scene with you, which will make me fight him hard, now I am sure, you don't want us siblings to get in a fight, now do you?? Plus, I don't want to waste a single minute of our precious time together, invested in dealing with his brotherly tantrums and worries. Anyway, fate has dished me a limited pass – with you. I'd be dammed, if I let my big brother's anger ruin it, for either of us. We cannot expect him to understand. He will never understand, Arnav. Never. He won't ever understand where we are coming from and I guess, he doesn't have to. Only we know what we feel for one another, and only we understand it why it's imperative for our hearts to act on what we feel and live the present together that we certainly have been gifted by a twist of fate..."

Arnav sighed, processing all that in from, Khushi. She was right. Their time together, was indeed, a gift of fate. He nodded, thinking his decision through – " Well, indeed, I don't want you two to get into a fight on my accord, Khushi. Because, it will be inevitable, if he knows.I hate to hide it from him, but perhaps, you are right, there is no other way. He will not approve. He will not understand, given that he did mention that he is always in control of what he feels, so...,"and to his surprise, he spotted Khushi's vibe get all relaxed at that as she stepped forward and asked wrapping her hands around his neck – " You mean to say, you are simply helpless, when it comes to your feelings for me, don't you??????"

And Arnav could only nod smiling back – " well, that is exactly what I mean to say.I am quite, helpless, indeed. You have bewitched me, off that I am certain..Khushi.,"and he heard her whisper – " And you have bewitched me too, off that I am quite certain, Arnav,"before she tiptoed to close the distance in between their lips taking them by a familiar ferocious storm.

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

Same Day – Late Afternoon – 4:00PM

Amritsar – In a car on the way to Wagah Border

Rahim Imraan Quereshi, born in 1989, 33 years of age, had his middle name as one that was a namesake of his grandfather. It was a family tradition. Every son of the generation took on the middle name of their grandfather. His Abbu, Rehaan Iqbal Quereshi had taken on the middle name of Iqbal(his grandfather) as well. But much to, his Abbu's dismay, who was a textile businessman, taking over the family business from his father - Rahim was an academician by profession – a theoretical physicist, to be precise, and he currently worked in the research department, in Caltech – US.

Rahim knew, his Abbu did not necessarily approve of his choice, of profession, but he did not disapprove openly either given that they both knew that the love for academics/physicis more so - also ran through their family's ancestry – not the immediate's before him given that his father and his grandfather were both businessmen. But his great grandfather, had been different.

His great grandfather, Professor Iqbal Quereshi had been a professor at Cambridge University in the faculty of Quantum physics, in the years 1930's until 1940, before he finally moved back home, to work on his various personal research projects which he preferred to pursue in secrecy. He had been a hardcore academician/physicist, and Rahim now wondered, if that genetic trait of the family had finally found its dominance in him. He could too, afterall, just stay cooped up doing his research work – all day. He wondered now, in this moment, what were those secret projects his great grandfather had worked on secretly? No one in the family ever talked about it. Perhaps, it was because no one knew?

Well, Rahim thought, perhaps, he could find an answer to the that, given that there were quite a few trunks in the room that used to be his great grandfathers - in their ancestral family home in Lucknow, that held stacks and stacks of papers, which he could only assume were academic papers and notes, belonging to his ancestor, Professor Iqbal Quereshi, but because they were all written in Urdu, he knew, there was no point in rummaging through it all. He would not understand, a word. He could neither read or write, Urdu. And so, he shoved the thought of aside, also because, it was a joke in the family that Professor Iqbal Quereshi's ghost would come haunt them if any of his descendants ever rummaged through his academic/research papers, given that he was always so secretive and possessive about his academic work, always, right until his very last day.

Infact, neither his grandfather/ or his Abbu - had ever looked through those trunks but the family had held onto them in a secured,safe and spot in their family home,nonetheless. Those trunks afterall were the memories of one of the Quereshi's. It was a part of their heritage.And treasuring heritage was important. Atleast, to his family, it was quite important.

The sudden break by the cab driver, brought about a halt in his thoughts. The driver apologized, but Rahim asked him not to worry about it, and he leaned forward, to take a sip of water from his bottle and then, he leaned back and rested his head on the headrest in the backseat of the car, and looked out the window. The car was taking him to Wagah Border, for the lowering of the flags ceremony and the parade. His friend and collegue – Gurdaas- (who was a fellow theoretical physicist alongside him at Caltech, US) - had always spoken highly of ceremony, but Rahim had never gotten the chance to see it for himself, given that he had never been to Amritsar, before, having been born and brought up in Lucknow, UP, and then he had headed out to the US for his higher studies and remained their since for work, visiting, India, his hometown Lucknow, every alternate summer break.

But, then, this summer break had required him to venture his way to Amritsar, because, Gurdaas was getting married, and there was no way, Rahim would miss out on his friend's wedding. The wedding celebrations had finished last night. He had decided to spend an extra day in Amritsar, with the intention of relaxing, but Gurdaas had insisted that he visit the Wagah Border, for the ceremony, before his departure, saying, who knew when he would ever return to Amritsar. And, well, Rahim had agreed with him. He had spent, the first half of the day, unwinding and relaxing, before finally hopping into the cab, that was taking him to his destination.

Actually, now that he thought about it, visiting Wagah, today surely wasn't a bad idea, given that it would give him the opportunity to feel the closest he ever could in terms of location – to his ancestral roots/his heritage. His ancestral family had its roots in Lahore, when it was still a part of India,(prior to partition) and most of his ancestors had lived there, all their life until the January of 1945.

The family's heritage tales further unfolds so – his beloved grandfather, Imraan Azhar Quereshi- had been the one to insist his family to make the move with him to Lucknow, in the beginning of 1945, because he'd recognised a great business opportunity in textiles – that he was keen to undertake. Lucky for him, that the family obliged, and the Quereshi clan then relocated, to Lucknow. No one really got the chance to head back to Lahore after because, his grandfather was pre-occupied with working his days off, in order to get his textile business set up and running and the rest of the family was preoccupied with everything the resettlement – brought along.And then as fate would have it, the partition of India in August, 1947, split the country into two, taking Lahore out of the political boundaries of India. And well, then the Quereshi's just continued their lives in Lucknow, India.

Rahim had little memories off his grandfather, given that he had passed when he was only 11, in the year 2001. But whatever memories, he did have were quite dear to him. He was a family man, despite being excellent at his business acumen.He remembered, his grandfather pampering him endlessly, given that he was the youngest born, the only son of the family, born after three elder sisters. It was probably the generation cycle, Rahim concluded, after all his Abbu was the youngest amongst his siblings, as well, the only son(born last), after four elder sisters.

Rahim had been the apple of his grandfather's eye. And he thought, it really was a pity that, he'd passed away when he was so young. It wasn't that his aapa's did not get the share of grandparents adoration. Oh, they surely did. But if they got 99 percent of it, Rahim had received a 100 percent of it. He really had been fond off both his grandparents but always had an extra soft corner for his grandfather, even today. And he knew that, that had almost everything to do with fact that his Abbu often stated, that Rahim was almost like a mirror image of his grandfather's younger self. That he looked, just like him. and Rahim, could not deny the same. He had seen his young pictures. The familiarity was uncanny, indeed, yet so very obvious. Miraculously, indeed, he looked quiet like his grandfather.

Rahim smiled in wonder now, if his grandfather would state the same? To him? If say, he were still alive????????? Oh, yes he would.He would surely, gloat over the power of his genes, in sheer glee.

Rahim also wondered, momentarily if his grandfather -would approve of the growing conflict in his head??? He knew his Abbu did not approve, simply because he did not understand. But would his grandfather approve? Given that he'd witnessed something similar? In the context off his own father? His great grandfather, Professor Iqbal Quereshi had quit his flourishing career at Cambridge to work on personal scientific projects, and Rahim at this point in his life, felt like he wanted to indulge in the same. He had always been so fascinated by certain concepts of science and universal mysteries, that he wanted to work and explore on them in isolation, seeing if he could make it a reality...

No one understood, where he was coming from. Neither his Abbu, nor his aapa's who worked in the family business alongside Abbu. But atleast, his Ammi had heard him out. And it really was a blessing that his beloved fiancée, Fiza, had given him, her full support, on the matter.Perhaps, that came about so easily, because, Fiza apart from knowing him all her life(given that they were childhood friends) was an academician herself, being the mechanical engineer that she was. She also, worked in research at Caltech, in the department of mechanical engineering.

He smiled to himself, now, looking down at his phone, at a picture of them as his wallpaper. Even when they were children, his grandfather had always been so fond of Fiza. Everytime, little Rahim had confessed to his grandfather during a bed time story that Fiza was his best friend, his grandfather had been so very happy to hear it. He whispers now to himself almost thinking of his grandfather – " Even today, its only Fiza who understands me like no other. I am sure you would agree."

It was true.

Fiza really did understand him, in the ways no one did.She really was the only one apart from his Ammi, who hadn't shot him the absurd look when he'd discussed his conflicted decision with her that he just wasn't keen on returning to Caltech anymore. He really was just keen on, just diving into scientific explorations of his own. She'd understood and had even smilingly added, that she could quit too, and be his research partner, for if they both put their intellectual scientific heads together – surely any research out to be fruitful, eventually.

And Rahim was greatful for her. He was greatful, that she hadn't laughed at him, when he'd confided, that he was utterly fascinated with the concept of time travel and wanted to work on a gadget that could make it a reality. Instead, she'd simply understood, confessing, that she'd always been fascinated by the same too and would love to be his partner in the project as well. Infact, soon upon their return to Lucknow, two weeks ago for the summer, they had already begun, working secretly on various, computations, equations and calculations, with regards to the same.Yes, all their theoretical work as of now, was only in its inception stage, jotted down on papers, but one had to get the theoretical angle of it right, before , diving into experimential...

Rahim knew, it was a project that would require his all, which was why he really was considering quitting Caltech, for good. But his Abbu had been shocked, when he'd discussed the same with him post his return this summer. He couldn't believe that Rahim was ready to quit Caltech finally, to resume a secret project of his own vs joining the family textile business. He'd always wanted Rahim to eventually join the family business, even though he knew it was not a cup of his tea. Rahim, rather preferred that all three of his elder sisters were the pillars of strength and leadership,taking their family business forward along with balancing their family lives...

Oh, he wondered if his Abbu would ever understand. But deep down he knew, he had his Ammi's support. She had said that to him, before he'd left for Amritsar and his parents had departed for a week's holiday themselves – a rare occasion given that his Ammi was a senior gynaecologist in a reputed hospital in Lucknow, and she barely could take days off. Perhaps, once they returned, his Ammi would have convinced Abbu to see things from his perspective..

Hmm.

Taking a deep breathe, Rahim continued to look out the window, at the roads, taking him closer to Wagah border, and his thoughts trailed back to his grandfather again. Because, it was only natural. His grandfather, had lived so much of his Life, in Lahore – unlike his Abbu and him who had been born in Lucknow, post partition – his Abbu's birth year was 1955 and his was 1989.

On reflex,now his hand went onto clutch on the handbag next to him. For in his handbag, along with the various fictional books he was reading up on Time Travel, lay another very important book that was close to Rahim's heart. Why? Because, it was a part of his heritage. This other book, was his grandfather's diary, from the year off 1946. His grandfather had journalled, quite dedicatedly all his life, writing down everything in his diaries and post his passing, his Abbu had wanted to digitalise all his diaries– and he had handed over the task to a digital technician which his Abbu swears was the biggest mistake of his life – because there had been an accidental fire in the technicians shop the same very night, and all off his grandfathers diaries, had succumbed to the fire, even before the technician had the chance to scan a page of it. All the diaries had perished. Except, this very one belonging to the year 1946, because, it had somehow fallen out of the carton – his Abbu had handed to the technician, and landed itself under the table in his study.

Oh, his Abbu had been distraught, when he'd come to know about the fire burning all of his Abbu's precious diaries, but then, he'd found this diary from 1946 under his table, and found solace in the fact that not all of his Abbu's heritage, was lost...

And given that, Rahim had always been so fond of his grandfather, and kept asking his Abbu about him, wanting to know, what sort of a man he was, his Abbu had finally gifted his grandfather's only remaining diary to him – on his – 30th birthday – post having kept ten different scanned digital copies of it in different hard-disks/drives.

Ever since,Rahim had always kept the diary close. Despite the fact, that he couldn't understand majority of it, because it was all in Urdu, but still, he kept it close. And quite frequently, whenever he thought of his grandfather, in moments of privacy, he read the last three pages of it,because the Diary entry off 31st December, 1946 – was the only journal entry, his grandfather had ever penned down in English...

Oh, it so felt right, to just re-read those pages now, in the car, on the way to Wagah, given that he still had time. And so, he dived into his bag, and opened the vintage diary carefully to its last very pages, re-reading the words, he already, had memorized by heart, his hands lingering over his grandfather's handwrtiting.

His grandfather had mentioned, how it was the last day of the year and the first time ever, he was attempting to journal in English, and that he would continue to write in English after, if he liked the feel of it...

Rahim paused at that and smiled. Well, it seemed, his grandfather didn't quite like the feel of it, given that the rest of his diaries had been all in Urdu.(As was told to him by his Abbu. He had never physically seen any diary apart from the one in his hand)

He returned his attention to the page upfront, reading the next few lines – in which his grandfather described – how fruitful the year had been – in terms of settlement of their textile business in Lucknow – despite the turbulent political times. He'd written,that he was glad, they had moved to Lucknow in 1945 itself, for the political unrest in Lahore was reaching an unexpected peak. He was worried that nothing good could come out of it, only disaster would follow. He had written he was glad to be away from the boiling scene in Lahore, and all the adjacent states surrounding it..

The next paragraph – gave insight into his personal, and family life. He'd mentioned, that even though his Abbu still preferred to work on his researches in a locked room all secretely, he had started working in Lucknow university part time then, finally feeling at home, in Lucknow. He'd written that his first daughter had been born just two days prior. And how he was so very greatful to Allah, for all the blessings. He'd written, how grateful he was for his wife and how deeply he loved her.

Rahim kept reading all of that with a huge smile on his face.Until, he came to the very last paragraph, that always mystified him.Why? Because, his grandfather had mentioned, someone/their family who was not technically their own family, but surely these were people, who were dear to him. Rahim had always wanted to ask his Abbu, about this last paragraph – the people mentioned in it - from the very first time he'd read it – but somehow he had never come around it. Perhaps, after his return home this time around, he would address this curiosity with Abbu?

Anyways, it was time to return his attention to the lines, he'd read so many times before. The lines that had always made him so very curious..

And so he read. Rather – re-read.

On this last page, his grandfather had mentioned, that he had received a letter from his old friend from Lahore, just that morning and he was quite glad at reading the contents of it. He had written that he was glad to know that the Raizada's were also finally getting out of Lahore. He'd written that his friend, who was named, Arnav Singh Raizada, used to be Professor in Literature at Oxford until a few months ago, and that post quitting Oxford, earlier in the month of June, the same year, Arnav had put his everything to convince his family to move. And finally, he had succeeded, given the height off political unrest peaking in Lahore- had finally begun to seem alarming to the rest of the Raizada's as well. His grandfather had written that as per Arnav's letter - the Raizada's were now beginning the sale of their assets one by one from the next day on – to a Zamindar family – Mirza's. That Mirza's had recently moved to Lahore, from Karachi, and had agreed to purchase all their various assets, as is, along with their ancestral Haveli. His friends letter had also mentioned that Raizada's intended to migrate down south of the country, post it all, because the atmosphere in all the neighbouring states was as risky and unstable.

Rahim continued to read the lines, that reflected his grandfather journalling's. That how he intended to write back to Arnav, first thing next morning, expressing his delight, that this meant that they would all be able to migrate out off Lahore,safely and soon, because he most surely could forsee an upcoming disaster, otherwise. In these last few lines,he intended to reassure his friend,in his letter,that his family would settle in the South as comfortably, eventually, just like theirs had done in Lucknow. Home, afterall, was not just bricks and walls. Home was home, because of family.In his grandfathers words, at that point, getting out of Lahore, safely was indeed, the need of the hour. His grandfather also intended to question, his friend,Arnav,in the letter if there was any other reason for him and his family to chose to migrate south of the country? Had he recognised any business opportunity there? Like Imraan himself had recognised one for his textile business in Lucknow...?

And then he'd gone to write, that he didn't quite enjoy penning down this journal entry in English, which is why he would stick to Urdu from tomorrow on as it felt more authentic,given that was his mother tongue..

And that was it. That was the last sentence in his grandfather's diary.Oh it really was a pity,he thought again, that he had no other journal entry/diary of his grandfather to read in English...

The car came to a halt at his destination just then, and the driver instructed him to leave his bag in the car given that it was not allowed within ceremony grounds - for security reasons. Rahim, momentarily, nodded, and shoved his grandfather's diary back into his bag, and requested the driver to guard it. Then, he made his way out – beginning his walk towards Wagah border - biting back a secret smile – that had come on its on accord on the curve of his lips.

A sudden secret smile?Why?

Because, in his head, just then, Rahim realised for sure,if he ever got around to making that time travel gadget he wanted to successfully – he would not travel into the future, first. Or perhaps, ever.He would time travel into the past, instead. So that he could meet the younger version of his beloved grandfather, himself – in a moment of time – he lived in Lahore, prior to partition.

Oh, wouldn't that be a wonderful miracle, to see his ancestral heritage/their roots – exactly as it used to be – as they were living in those times?? Oh, yes, he thought, it would be a wonderful miracle, indeed. Making time travel a reality was surely a bewitching pursuit, and in the moment, Rahim Imraan Quereshi - felt like, he just had to give the pursuit his all, to make it a reality....

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

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

HOWWZAAAT GUYS?

Hope you all enjoyed reading this update. I loved writing and compiling it so much. Hope no shoes at me for stopping there...😉 Do you think, Arnav, Khushi and Rahim Imraan Quereshi - will come face to face?Given that they'd all be at Wagah in the following moments?? Oh, of course they would..😉😉😉😉 Now that shall be an interesting turn of events, don't you think??

Next Update : Monday/ or Tuesday Night

Thanks so much guys. Have a great weekend.

Much Love * Infinite Gratitude

Prachi