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 - 5.5K words.

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

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21. BrainStorm

A Short while Later

Back at their Hotel - OOTY

Arnav's POV

It surely won't be news to you all when I say, that even though I have done my best to keep calm upfront, find a silver lining amongst the situation - that everyone else in my family did make it across safe - deep down in my gut - I have also been swinging between a range of many intense emotions such as - fear, disbelief, horror, anxiety, restlessness, vulnerability - all at once. Only obvious. I am only human. It isn't everyday that a man discovers well prior in time, (three years prior in my case), that he eventually was butchered to death...

Honestly, deep down, I freaked out the very second, I heard it. A part of me is still quite freaked out. I am not embarrassed to admit it. Why? Because, even if I am fated to die at 30 in this life - that is not the mode of death I would have chosen for myself. I would prefer something more on the lines of dying peacefully in the arms of one I love succumbing to a cardiac arrest/surrounded by one's family etc. Dying, the way, Akshay described, sounds downright horrific and traumatic, so much so, that I can just imagine my soul being scarred by the trauma of it forever...probably till the end of time....

And, now, that I know of this, its freaking horrific to just digest the bit again, that thousands, died just like me on both the sides of the borders on the day..

Khushi's arms come around me suddenly, given that we'v just stepped back into our room and she hugs me the hardest she could from behind and whispers, poignant emotion evident in her voice - " I know, what is it you'v been thinking about it ever since, Arnav.You don't need to say it loud to me. I just know it. Don't think about it, please? I know you are scared, and vulnerable and obviously a part of you must be freaking out...but..try..please? Just consciously try to shut that trail of thought, aside...Arnav. I am trying as well. I know it is hard. Very hard...but...,"and she pauses and just clutches on my shoulders hard.

I sigh. She is right. I must consciously try to shut out this trail of thought. I turn around and just pull, Khushi in for a crushing hug. I am afraid, I might just crush her, though. We left, my family home, quite abruptly actually making an excuse of an elongated work video call coming our way. But, we managed to politely bid our bye's to Akshay and Pia - thanking them for the wonderful meal - somehow. Nonetheless, I am sure, they would term our departure as sudden and abrupt.

Luckily, our hotel, was just a thirty-minute ride away, so we just stayed silent and held onto each other close during the ride back. She did not say a word. Neither did I. It was understood, that the tale of my traumatic death, was still haunting us both deep down...

Only Natural.

Well, it was obvious to give into the vulnerability momentarily, but I also know, I cannot let it drown me into its vortex altogether. There is much to think about. There is much to discuss. There is so much, I have to figure out. And there is no way, I will be able to do any of that - if I let my mind sink into dark places. I have to compose myself. I have to find a way to just focus on the bit - that I surely have an opportunity here, to go back in time, and change the life event of my death. And I will do whatever it takes, to do just that. Like, even if I am fated to die at 30 in this life, I am surely not going to die butchered on the platform...

I take courage from Khushi's embrace. I take courage from the vibe of her love for me and just hold onto her hard into myself for the next many minutes - in an intense silence. I take courage from the bit, that I am one of the very few/or perhaps the only one - fate has blessed with this unusual event of time travel - which gives me an opportunity to go back in time, and change the flow of events, change the narrative around my death..

If that isn't the biggest indication by fate, then what is??

I admit to Khushi now kissing her head, feeling a little better, my minds resolve coming back in its place, as my neurons regain their normal function - " I feel better now, Khushi. Do you??"

She reconfirms the same kissing over my heart - " Yes, I do so too. I am so glad, that you feel better, Arnav. I am sorry, if I freaked you out with my hysteria earlier. I knew you were surely freaking out within as well and yet I could not control myself..."

And I pull back and cup her face at that lovingly, locking my gaze with hers - " Don't you apologize, please? I know your hysteria was stemming out of your love for me, Khushi."

She nods tears shining in her eyes - "I love you, Arnav. I love you so godammit much..."

I kiss her head - " I love you, too, Khushi...,"and then I just pull her in for a crushing hug again and confess - "Perhaps, you are right, Khushi. If I was fated to die the same way, my fate wouldn't have me time travel in the first place. Say, even I am destined to die at 30 in this life, I don't think, I want to die that way, Khushi. Butchered, stabbed, to death by hundreds, all at once. I am most surely determined now, more than ever, to go back in time, and change the flow of those events entirely..."

Khushi pulls back from my hug at that and glares at me and then holds my face tenderly in her hands- " You are not even fated to die at 30 in this life...you get that? Just reject the thought outright. Don't even think about it. Don't you manifest it for yourself. Just focus on the bits about changing those flow of events dammit...the elements in context will just have to change then...that is how it works, right? It's as simple as that.If an element in the past changes, the context in chained affect after will change as well...."

We share a nod at that and we both end up saying un unison - " time to call Rahim and Fiza..."

We obviously couldn't talk to Rahim and Fiza in the car, given the presence of the cab driver.

Tugging the turban off my head and the moustache and beard gear out from my face, hurriedly, I sit down on the sofa in the room, and take out my phone to call Rahim but it is right then, my phone buzzes with his call.

We share a knowing look and Khushi clutches on my arm, sitting next to me and gestures me to take the call hurriedly. I do so and say into the phone in an instant putting it on speaker - " Rahim. You got a long life, brother. We were just about to call you..."

Strangely enough, we hear my name in his voice in a tone that is completely solemn - " Arnav..,"and then after a serious pause he mentions sighing - " Allah ka shukr, you picked up in the first couple of rings..."

Before, I could, Khushi asks instantly exchanging a look with me - " Rahim, what happened? You sound, so solemn.."

We hear Fiza's solemn voice come through - " Only obvious, given what we just discovered from Abbu in Arnav's context.Sit down both of you please? Where ever you are, just sit down. We have something to tell you.."

My breathe hitches. So does, Khushi's.This could only mean that Rahim's, Abbu was finally back from his vacation and Rahim had the chance to question him about me - showing Imraan's diary.And if I died the way I did, Imraan would have surely found out from my parents, eventually. Imraan would have surely known. Probability is high, that his son( Rahim's Abbu) would have known too..

Khushi clutches on my arm hard and I say on reflex, taking a deep breath - " You are going to tell me, that I was the only one who was killed amongst my family members. Aren't you? That only I was the one who didn't make it to Ooty alive?? That I was butchered to death on the platform in Lahore, in the early hours of 15th August, 1947.Is that what your Abbu, told you??Rahim??"

We hear their collective shocked voice come through - " You know??????Already????????"

I sigh and lean back into the sofa. Khushi fills in - " Yes, we do. Given that we just returned to the hotel, post meeting the Raizada descendants. Akshay told us..."

I ask - " Go on though, Rahim. Tell us, what did your Abbu tell you.."

Rahim sighs and answers - " well, Abbu, Ammi, returned this morning. I obviously took the first chance I could to ask about you, showing him the reference in Dadu's diary and then he just an Oh - You want to know about him and the Raizada family? I asked him, did he know? He said, of course, I know. Your Dadu had talked about them all to me one day whilst the discussion of partition had come up and he's also mentioned them in his diaries over time.... and then Abbu began opening up on whatever he knew. He said that...,"and then basically we hear Rahim narrate the exact flow of events to us that Akshay had mentioned.Now we have another proof, solidifying the traumatic event of my death.

Minutes later, once, Rahim finishes his narration - there is a long pause on the call obviously. I am looking at Khushi and she is looking at me. Even the two of them are speechless, momentarily. I ask now, wanting to know more on the bit I did not know yet given that we could not converse with Akshay and Pia longer - " So Rahim, did your Abbu say anything on the bit after? Was Imraan in touch with my parents, after my passing??"

Rahim sighs - " Indeed, he was. Abbu mentioned, that back in the day, Dadu had even visited your parents in Ooty to offer condolences on your passing. Not just him. But bade dadu as well, given that they'd known you closely. They were both very sad, over the turn of events. Abbu mentioned, that dadu had been in touch with your parents and your cousin Akash on and off as well, for many years after, but he lost touch with the Raizada's eventually around the year 1957 post your parents passing. That was the last he had visited your family in Ooty as well.Your parents only lived ten years post partition, Arnav. Losing both their children had been really hard on them...obviously.."

Okay, now that shocks me even more. I ask my heart twisting in agony- " what do you mean? both? I died in 1947, are you saying my sister Anjali also passed young??"

Fiza sighs and begins filling in - " Yes, she did die young as well. Around 31/32. Abbu mentioned, that Dadu+ Bade Dadu had apparently visited your family in Ooty a total of three times. Once in the December off 1947, a few months after your passing to pay condolences. Second, in 1950 to pay condolences over the passing of your sister, who was killed in an accident in Coonoor...and then in 1957 once your parents passed away.They passed away two weeks apart incidentally, in the same way, sudden cardiac arrest for both of them in their sleep...."

Dammmmm...

Anjali's face revolves in front of my eyes. My little sister. Three years younger to me.She's doted on me all her life and I have done the same. We'v been the inseparable siblings always. Even in the time, I'v spent abroad, she is the one who would write the most number of letters to me. She's been my most loyal correspondence...always. My dearest sister. My confidant. I feel sick in my gut, knowing that she died almost as young...

Khushi's clutched on my arm in support. She's rubbing on it. Tears fill my eyes. I cannot say a word. I brush my hands over my face in distress.

Rahim poignant voice comes through now given that none of us have said a word - " Abbu mentioned, that Dadu would always say, that the three of them, as in your parents and sister, never got over the trauma of your passing. They'd witnessed the gruesome sight, right? Your sister was quite depressed - after - for a long time, Arnav. She went into deep depression. Your parents somehow managed to hold themselves strong for her sake. But the trauma of your passing, had the worst affect on Anjali, given that she'd already been having a difficult time prior emotionally for years, because she was also widowed quiet soon after her wedding.."

Wait. What????? Back then, currently, June of 1944 - she isn't even married...

Another rock just hit my head!!Before, I could ask, Khushi asks clutching on my arm - " Anjali was widowed soon after her wedding??"

Rahim sighs - "Apparently, she was married by January 1945 in Lahore only but was unfortunately widowed within one month. She came back to stay with you all eventually. She never remarried - again. Abbu mentioned,that Dadu often wrote about you all in his diaries...and Abbu had read all of his diaries post his passing whilst locked in his study using the translator...that is how..he knows....,"and he pauses - " but that is also the point, where I paused on prying further. I did not want him to suspect anything.. just yet.."

My head goes into an overdrive now. Literally, it is as if my brain has broken out into a storm of its own and I get up from my spot now and begin to pace to and fro as I conclude connecting the dots in my head - " Clearly, my passing, traumatised my parents and Anjali deep. I can understand, why Anjali never could overcome the trauma, because we are very close and of course losing both of us - just killed my parents in their sleep eventually. Dammit. I have to go back and change the flow of events no matter what. Not only for myself, but for Anjali, Maa and Baba too. If I don't die that way, they will be spared the emotional ordeal...,"and I ask Rahim now rushed and hurried - " Rahim, answer me, do you think this is possible? What are the chances of me going back and changing this life event of my death successfully??"

Fiza's thoughtful voice comes through now - " I guess, its better if the four of us get on a video call...now..."

Khushi and me exchange a nod. I hang up my phone and Khushi picks up her Ipad to quickly Facetime - Fiza. Fiza picks up in a second and we both see - Rahim and Fiza's thoughtful faces come into the screen. We take our seats side by side, next to one another on the sofa.

Khushi asks Fiza now restlessly clutching on my hand hard - " oh one of you, please answer dammit, fast. Do you think, it is possible for Arnav to go back in time and undo the flow of events that led to his death in 1947?"

We hear Rahim say now shrugging as if it were obvious - " well, I do think, it is possible surely, Khushi. I mean, the very second he goes back in time, and changes the flow of events in the past, that led to him being on the platform on the day - the event of his death will change. Say,for example, if he is able to go back in time and get his family to move to Ooty say within the year 1946 itself,and he himself moves there in time as well, there is no way he could have been on the platform In Lahore on the day,in 1947 then?? right??? so then that event, can surely change..."

Khushi sighs in relief and shoves her face in her hands at that. I can sense, her tearing up in relief, at the moment. Momentarily, I am relieved as well, but just because, I have to ask - I ask - " but what if I am fated to die at 30 in this life of mine, nonetheless?? Irrespective of the changes I am able to make because off time travel????"

Khushi smacks my arm at that and glares hard - " Why can't you let me bask in relief longer, dammit, Arnav??"

I clutch on her hand hard and give her an apologetic look that says. Sorry, but I just had to ask.She puts her head on my shoulder at that and clutches on my arm hard..

Fiza answers after a deep thought - "well, one cannot have a sure shot answer to that, Arnav. For death is a part of our destiny,Arnav. But what I can say is, that given that your death was not a natural one, more like an accident, as in you were murdered in a violent circumstance, so if you manage to avoid being at the same place of accident in that particular moment of time, surely, you could escape that particular death window of yours...you both know the context of death window's/intersections right?"

Khushi asks on my behalf - " No.What do you mean??"

Fiza explains - " I read this only recently, ok? It is believed that each soul that comes into life, often faces a couple of intersections between life and death in that span of life, which can also be termed as their particular death windows. These intersections can be in the form of a severe accidents, or severe illness, etc. Now if a soul manages to escape or survive a particular death window, then the next intersection/death window will only come into their lives at the time, next destined too. The timing between one's death windows could be weeks/months apart - or even years/decades apart. Like for example, my grandmother faced a massive illness in her 40's, no one even thought she would survive, but she did, and she recovered, and I assume now, that, was probably her first destined death window. Then three years later, she was about to be run over by a speeding car whilst crossing the road,she did not realise the pedestrian sign was still red, but she was saved/pulled behind by a kind stranger just in time, which I reckon now would have been her second death window....but she escaped that as well...and as of now nearly forty years later...she's still alive...running in her late eighties...so perhaps, sometimes, it's about luck as well? If one's lucky enough to escape a intersection/ death window. It is perhaps, manageable to escape a death window around a context of an accident....especially if known prior...like it is in your case...as in...you can just escape being present at the moment...all together...you get what I mean??Don't you?? Like, Arnav, I surely think, that one of your death windows/intersections could come around at 30...but now that you have time travelled and have discovered this three years prior...as Rahim said ...you very well...you can go back and change the flow of events that led you being there in the first place and you then would have escaped that particular death window successfully...but we obviously don't know...when your next destined death window would show up.....but at least, you can escape this first one and then live through after to know the rest..."

Khushi begins to cry in relief again clutching on my arm. She mentions to all - " I am sure, his next death window will only arrive whilst he is all old and grey...not prior...I'd like to believe the same, at least. We just have to make sure, he escapes this first intersection with death...first...."

Okay! Now - my brains not just in a storm - it is drowning in a full-fledged tsunami. I nod - " Yes, I get what you mean, Fiza. I get it now..,"and I look at Rahim - " Rahim, the future will know off it, nonetheless, right? Like say, for example, when I go back and change things, like say, if I am able to get my family moved well in time out of Lahore in 1945 only - then this future will see the change in context too, as in my descendants in this future would be able to have those answers - right??"

Rahim nods after a thought - " Indeed....say in that case...your family history of migration to Ooty would change in this future from 1947 to 1945. Your descendants could have the answers in this future, yes..."

I snap my fingers in a click at that - " exactly, so then, my descendants would also have answers about my fate, from this future, itself...,"and I clutch on Khushi's shoulders as the remainder of the thought hits me - " Incase, I am able to change the flow of things in the past, Akshay will surely know off my then altered fate, in the future, here, like a family tale passed on, just like he knew of my death...as of now...Khushi. Akshay will know. He will surely know off, my altered fate, when I go back and change things. I don't know if he will know of it the minute I begin making the changes..but perhaps chances are that eventually he will know...once those changes in the past are concrete..."

Khushi's eyes widen - " So you mean, I will have a way to get an update on your fate, through Akshay??Eventually??"

I nod - " Perhaps, yes??,"and I look at Rahim for confirmation - " is this possible??"

Rahim nods smiling in intrigue now - " Maybe.See ,technically and theoretically, yes, it surely is possible. Theoritically,this is how time travel, works. But we will only know for sure, once this theory is actually executed. You would have to time travel back and change things for us to observe on the consequences that follow in the future here....Arnav"

Khushi asks now pretty much trembling in anticipation - " But Rahim,are you saying? That theoretically, it is possible??right??"

Rahim and Fiza nod - exchanging an intriguing look.

Khushi looks at me her eyes widened - " Then , in that case, the changes in this future will be able to give me an update on Arnav,nonetheless. Like despite his time travel into the past? Despite, the fact that we will not be able to be in touch, once he goes back. I will atleast have a way to know. Because of the cause and affect relationship between past and future???? So then, do you think, there can also be a way for us to know in this future, if he's reached back all safe and sound, in the first place??soon after his departure?? Like surely, there ought be a way for us to know that then??????"

My heart melts...

Khushi is so bothered about my safety. At this moment, it feels like, her love can bring me back from the clutches of death a hundred times, over...

Fiza says now all intrigued quite deeply - "Well, I just thought of the same, given that I knew, it would be revolving at the back of your mind, Khushi. Perhaps, yes, you are right. If Arnav goes back and changes an element, that we can observe on easily for change in this future, surely, that can be an indicator to us that he has arrived back in time safely. You see...there could be no other explanations for those changes, but him..."

Khushi gapes at me in relieved anticipation, a smile curving up her lips - " Oh my God...Arnav..this is huge...dammit...this is huge..."

Well, it indeed is huge. It all hits me in the bulls eye at that and I admit gaping at Khushi, now getting the hang of it, my resolve taking over all my fears quite significantly - " Bulls eye. I got this.So, listen to me, Khushi, after I leave here, the first thing I am going to do post reaching back my time, is quit my job at Oxford, Khushi. Because, now I know that I cannot wait longer to convince my family to move. I will make sure we begin moving in 1944 only, so I will have a lot to do in Lahore.Here on, my aim will be to get us all moved to Ooty in by mid 1945 only. And, that means, I cannot afford going back to Oxford at all. So, perhaps, we go by the pace of time passed in the actual sense to avoid confusion. It will take me a whilst to change things, for my resignation at Oxford to be accepted and finalised. It could probably take a couple of months for it to be finalised back in the past. So probably, after a couple of months off my departure, from this time... you can check the Oxford University portal for my professional work tenure, like you did on my arrival here. As of now it mentioned, I worked there till 1946. If I am able to reach back safe, and begin my changes, then the first bit to change will be that. The portal would then say, I only worked there till 1944. I hope you getting this Khushi and say once you'v spotted that change, you would instantly know, that I have reached back safe and have begun my mission to change the flow of events..."

Khushi hugs me in glee at that giving a damm to the bit that Rahim and Fiza were on the videocall - " Oh thank god. Thank you...God....."

I obviously hug her back in the same emotion, momentarily feeling like, everything could be managed...eventually.We just needed to think through it all hard - anlalyse all hidden elements of cause and affect relationship between past and future that could work in our favour....to connect our dots across time...

Rahim and Fiza break into a fond chuckle.

Khushi surprises us by pulling back from my hug as she asks the two now - " Rahim, Fiza do you think you will be able to get the gadget fixed in two months for sure??Now, I feel like, I just want him to get back and change it all...on priority...like he just has to go back and change it all. Now all I need, is for him, to escape that dreaded death window, first...."

I chuckle on reflex and ask - " really? now you are in rush for me to return? Khushi??"

She shoots me a sheepish smile and hugs me sideways and explains - " well, that's because, this discovery at your family home about your passing at 30, changed everything, Arnav. And,because, I love you so, my priority is that you manage to escape this death window first and I know the only way you will be able to do that, is if you go back in time, and start undoing the flow of events....there. Look, I do know deep within, that perhaps, other way I can protect you from this death window can also be if you don't go back at all. But I will never ask that off you, given that I know how important your family also is to you. Because, if you don't go back, we could be risking, the entire bit of your family migrating safely out altogether, because it is clear, that you were the trigger for it all...and say...if you don't go back at all, that could change the flow of events in the past nonetheless in a more horrific way, because then, they probably won't even move in the first place...and...that will be too much off a risk to your family that exists in the future already...,"she pauses and sighs - " I know you well enough to know, that it would kill you to jeopardise the family descendants in any way....so then the only solution I see is...you go back as soon as you can, alter things, set things right...on priority...and ..and...then...,"and she pauses her eyes glistening in unconditional love for me.

I sigh kissing on her hand, so relieved that she understood my hidden unsaid, already. I whisper - " thank you...Khushi...for understanding my unsaid...but go on..tell me...what did you want to add ?and what??"

She sighs - "and perhaps,then, once you'v set matters straight up in the past, sooner, like as fast as you possibly can, you will be able to time travel your way back to me, faster then right? Perhaps, this is me also being selfish, but once you return post settling things, you got to stay here longer with me dammit. And mind you, that year of the 30 of your life, you will stay with me in this future, for sure.I will keep you safe. I will watch you like a hawk, if I have to.But, I will save you from that death intersection, assuming that it was still destined to come around you in some way around that age..,"and she clutches my hand - " Perhaps, I am getting ahead in my head in the moment. But I can't help it.You get where I am coming from, right??"

I nod and ruffle her hair lovingly, kind of amused by her future planning already - " I know, Khushi. I get where you are coming from..."

Khushi asks the two again who had been observing on us with a smile on their faces - " so tell me guys? You will be able to get it fixed in two months at the max,surely?? right??"

Rahim and Fiza say in unison exchanging a smile - "Well, once we see you both in Delhi day after, we will be able to tell you, if we will be able to fix the gadget prior. Like you never know, maybe, just maybe, we can get it working in 45 days..."

I look up at Rahim and Fiza now and say as another thought hits me and I brush my hands over my face - " Great.Look, Rahim and Fiza, given that I know my going back in time and changing things for my family will have a sure short impact on the future as in on my family descendants here.I have thought of a few things in my head that I most surely will have to change when I head back but I also need to figure out ways that could help me balance it all in such a way, that no changes of mine in the past will impact any of them as in our family descendants adversely here in this future.I want to discuss it with you three, first...before....we step out to meet Akshay again.... this evening..."

That shocks Khushi as she asks - " We are going to meet Akshay again??"

I nod instantly - " Of course, we are going to, Khushi. I am going to need several evidences/anecdotes from our descendants to take back, Khushi, for my family to see, the only way they will agree to migrate asap. Not that I doubt, they won't believe me, in the first place, but I guess it will help my cause greatly if I have anecdotes from the family's descendants to take back to them. I have no other option but to take this up with Akshay..."

Khushi nods at that - "Well,if that's what you deem fit, then I am with you on it. What can I say? Akshay, is in for the shock of his life..then...but yes, you are right. You have to take this up with him. Akshay and Pia - do seem like they could keep a secret..."

I shrug - " I will have to take the risk, Khushi. No other choice. Which is why, I want to be sure of my plan in my head, before I see Akshay again. Once he's digested the truth,and the shock has settled in, I am sure he will have questions for me.He will surely ask me, what is it, I intend to go back and change in time in our family's context for my actions will have some sort off an impact on them in this future, and I most surely want to be in a position to answer him, frankly, and clearly....on the same..."

Khushi nods. Rahim nods. Fiza nods. And we get into a solid brainstorming discussion right then, as I begin discussing everything else on my mind. And whilst I am in the middle of it all - my resolve strengthens into a solid rock and I find myself instilled with a new found courage that makes me believe - that - eventually everything will be okay. I can do this. I can figure out a way to manage things across time in such a way, that will benefit not just me/my circumstance, but also my family in the past along with my family in the future here...

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HOWWZAAAT GUYS?

Hope you all enjoyed reading this update. I loved writing and compiling it so much...😉 Ofcourse, Arnav wants to get his entire plan of action clearer in his head before he talks about it to his descendant...😉 Oh, it shall be so very interesting to write those scenes. I already have it all flowing in my head...hehe...!! Boy, I really am enjoying penning down this tale guys...hope you all enjoying the reading experience as much.

Next Update : Chapter 22 - Ancestor* Descendant - will come up on Tuesday/Wednesday Night.

Thanks so much guys.Have a great Weekend, you all.

Much Love * Infinite Gratitude

❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️

Prachi