CHAPTER 6 – NOTHING 'UNSETTLING' ABOUT THIS ...YORKER?

Hellooo everyoneeeeeee

So here I am with the Next Update...got pushed later into  the Night..was finishing up on it after everyone Slept off...for I most definitely was in the mood to finish writing it before I slept..

Haha.

So its 8k plus Words Guys.

Will be Eager to know what you all think.

Thank you so much for your amazing feedback uptil now Guys.

Please ignore editing/common repititon of words errors etc – since I have not proofread.

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

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

CHAPTER 6 – NOTHING 'UNSETTLING' ABOUT THIS ...YORKER?

@HILTON, NOTTINGHAM

ARNAV'S SUITE – 1015 PM

KHUSHI'S POV

Guys.

As You all already Know - the Cat is Out off the Bag.

Skipper Blue – now also knows me as the little sister of the man, his sister Loves.

So now – Its like...I need to tell you all a couple of Facts, before I proceed further to the Present Situation around me.

Fact 1 (it's a pretty obvious one but I shall mention it anyway)- When I am in my Focus on Cricketing Mode, and training and practising for it, I most definitely am in a different Focused Zone altogether, and my full energy and mind is focussed on Just the Game.

Now please pay a little more attention to Fact No 2. For Its a Fact you all don't know.

What Fact?

Fact 2 - That earlier today - every time my mind was off Cricket and when I wasn't in training time or practicing in the nets all through out the day- I literally had been feeling like a Bundle of Nerves, indeed, in anticipation of the evening ahead off me , in which I was going to be introduced to Skipper Blue, through my brother and Anjali.Like for Realllllllllllll.

I do want to give you all a brief context as to why the Insides of my Head were consumed in nervousness, until this "Cat is Out of the Bag" situation happened.

So.

I was basically very nervous, because I had like absolutely no clue as to how Skipper Blue was going to react to the Situation. And the nervousness actually kind off got triggered a lot more after our little Chat on WhatsApp, earlier during the day. ( Please note that, in my head, I did think that him taking my contact number the previous night and him asking me to text him when I had reached back safely – was like another Surprising turn off events to my Head indeed, which kind off left me all dazed and surprised again, but because he was so polite and genuinely sincere in the way he asked me for my contact details, I totally felt right to share it with him. And then add to that, the fact that he had texted me himself earlier during the day and mentioned that he had seen the Match and complimented and encouraged my game and even offered to help me on with his techniques for drives etc – totally was like another Pleasant Dazeddddd Surprise Dose of Injections to me for Real. Dose of Injections, that obviously made me so so so very Happyyyyyyy too. .And as I thought about our little chat during Lunch time – it all kind off cemented the realisation that Skipper Blue really was a True Sporting Grounded Gentleman, indeed. I mean – Cmon Guys he saw the Game and was offering to help me on with some techniques and even texted me about the same, all of which was surely because he obviously knew he was one of my cricketing Inspirations and this was him being all encouraging/motivating and supportive to a relatively new player in the India Women's National Squad).So then in my head, ever since then,I was thinking to myself – Skipper Blue has only been so kind and polite and encouraging towards me ever since we met and here on the other end, I was keeping this information about my brother and his sister from him, which obviously made me very nervous about his reaction– as in I was really worried that he would get offended or something that I knew about it all, but didn't tell him about it yesterday or even when we had that little chat earlier today).And that's precisely the reason, why I decided to text him with a little explanation from my end, whilst I was on the way to the room.(you know the text to which he replied that it was a message that flew above his head like one of my pull shots??).So I read that message right when I had reached the door to the room. But I couldn't reply to it – because all of a sudden , crazy nervousness overwhelmed and consumed me as worry started to rule over my Head. And I totally felt in that one moment, that this entire situation around Skipper Blue is coming at me like a Brilliant Yorker Delivery by the bowler, with its aim to unsettle me(the batter)at my crease. And well obviously in this case, the Bowler was my Charlie Chaplin, Life.

And only I know, how I gulped down my nervy turmoil and stepped into the doors, and well yes, the look of shock and surprise was very much evident in his eyes when he spotted me There which he masked almost immediately, but it had been visible enough for me to get a glimpse at. And to be honest everyone, for a second as he was rooted to his spot, I definitely thought that he wouldn't play along with the pretend bit I had requested him too for real – Yup, that's exactly how Nervous I was.

BUT.

But then he did play along it all – and I started to feel relief and ease gush and shower the nervousness away bit by bit.And ever since then as bhai and me returned to be with them after our talk with Mom and Dad – he's been all kool,friendly, polite and gentlemanly around me + totally playing along on the pretend bit as well – which is now kind off making a realisation go through my head , that maybe...I was fretting and getting Nervous over all of this for no Reason.

Apparently, there was nothing Unsettling about this Yorker, Swung my Way at all!!! As in... It turned out to be an Yorker that I could Bat too successfully and Not get OUT!!!!!

And guys, Skipper Blue has been so warm towards Bhai as well, which has totally put him into his comfort zone too. Like I never anticipated that my Superbro will get into his Comfort Zone around Skipper ASR, so soon – you know since he's also idolized this man half his Life. But well now that I think off it honestly – I wasn't kind off Uncomfortable around him too right?? Like you all already know that. And ofcourse, Anjali's is like a real sweetheart too, and Akash has also been so very friendly and nice to both Bhai and Me. Akash had been actively talking and making conversations with bhai and me too along with Skipper Blue and Anjlai, all throughout dinner.Akash even asked me questions about my cricketing journey starting as to when did I start playing, my domestic teams etc etc and while I was telling him about the latter, Skipper Blue pretended to be listening on keenly too as if he were hearing it all for the very first time – for Real.

Hence – its kind off safe to conclude that I most definitely feel that there's definitely something Super Duper Warm about all the three Raizada' Siblings, for Sure.

Ok.So.

Now – coming back to the Present, situation around me.So basically, we are all done with Dinner and everything and the atmosphere was very amicable and comfortable amongst us all, and I excused myself to use the restroom to just freshen up, whilst everyone was finishing up on Desserts. (I only indulge into my favourite desserts on my Cheat Meals guys, I otherwise follow a very strict nutritional schedule as advised by our teams Certified Nutritionist.) And just as i am stepping out into the room, my phone vibrates in the centre pocket off my Hoodie Sweatshirt.

I pick it out, as I close the washroom door behind me, and lean against the wall adjacent to the door now as I unlock my phone.

It's a Text from Skipper Blue.

I open the chat window on Whatsapp Immediately.

Him : all ok Khushi??

I take a deep breathe as I quickly reply.

Me : yes..Skipper Blue...all ok ofcourse! On that note – why would you ask that??

Him : maybe because you escaped dessert time Khushi? And Rahul just mentioned that the dessert we are all having is one of your favourites too.

I chuckle to myself as I quickly reply.

Me : oh yes it most surely is...

Him : then why aren't you having some?

Me : well that's because, there's still time to my Cheat Meal – Skipper Blue. We are all on a very strict nutrition regime as chalked out for us individually by our team's nutritionist...and I kind off have deserts on two days a week, and today isn't that day, by chance so yeahhh... You know how it works No. and also...I would like to ask you something... can i?

Him : oh yes I get it..completely...yes please ask me Khushi..

Me : you aren't like offended or something right? Or angry perhaps? Like for real????? Over the fact that I didn't tell you about bhai and Anjali before, as in that I knew before??? just in case if you are...I am sorry Skipper Blue, its just that it wasn't for me to Say..as in I obviously knew that bhai wanted to keep this bit as an ice breaker...so...yeah..

Him : what do you think Khushi? Am I offended?

I quickly type.

Me: well to be honest...You have been so very kind in obliging me with everything I requested off you...so my guess is that you aren't offended and have understood and connected the dots as to why I asked that off you...but still...its like I just thought to check it up with you and be sure about it.

My Phone beeps immediately.

Him : well you are right about that. I understood and connected the dots khushi....so yes none offense taken. So the application of that 'Sorry' from your end wasn't really needed.

Ok.That makes me Chuckle, as I quickly reply.

Me : hey Skipper Blue, don't steal my words ya...

Him : haha..very funny...ok listen khushi...I know it's a little over 1015 now as we'v been caught up with everyone.i just wanted to check if we are still on for our talk time around the Trent Bridge as scheduled?

Right then I hear my brother's voice fall into my ears , as it nears me – " Junior...all ok?? whats taking you so long???"

I don't reply to Skipper Blue's text yet as I put my phone back in my Hoodie's center pocket and I start to walk back into the common space and I bump into my brother along the way and he asks with a grin – " all ok??"

I nod at him – " ofcourse bhai all ok..."

He hugs me happily as he whispers into my ear – " it went good no Junior?? They are both so very kool...looks like I was fretting for no reason...",and I hug him back happily as I admit – " yes bhai..infact all of them are so very kool...anjali is such a sweetheart ya...bhai I am very happy for the two of you...".He kisses my head lovingly – " thank you junior...I love you...ok listen, are we good to leave in five minutes?? Anjali and me are cabbing it back..we will drop you on the way back to your hotel?? Is that Ok??"

I look up as I nod at him – " ok bhai...that'll be ok...", and I ask – " bhai but before we leave..i just want to say something to everyone...I mean you already know it...but like to Anjali, ASR, and Akash too...can i???"

He nods in an understanding and gives me a knowing look – " I know what you want to say...do you want me to talk about it to everyone..as in Anjlai already knows too, but if you are nervous about mentioning this to Akash or ASR..i can..."

I look at him – " no noo..im not nervous Bhai..i will say it myself..."

He nods at me and we walk back to the common space and Anjali, Akash give me a warm smile and Skipper Blue gives me a puzzled looks as he gestures towards his phone to ask me silently as to why I hadn't replied to his text yet...and I just blink back at him , hoping that he gets the gesture that I couldn't reply back because bhai came. And he blinks back in a Gesture now -which gives me the answer that he understood what I wanted to convey to him with my gesture.

Wait.

Whatttttttttt????

Did I just have a silent gesture exchange with Skipper Blue????? And we both could understand what the other was trying to say too???????? Howwwwwwwwwww??? I mean how did this just happen??

I gulp down my puzzlement over the same as Bhai sits next to me too and he states – " ok..Anj, Akash, ASR...so before we leave.. junior here has something to say..."

I see my brother exchange a gesture of the eye with Anjali and she gestures back to him silently with her eye too – in a silent Language.

Anjali smiles at me from across now – " go on Khushi..i think I already know what this is about...and please know you have my full support in advance as in you don't have to worry about it at all from my end, for I most definetly understand...".Akash and Skipper Blue are giving me puzzled looks now and Akash says – " go on Khushi...tell us.."

Skipper Blue shoots me a polite smile too as he states too biting back on his grin – ' go on Khushi...tell us...please don't be nervous at all..."

Our eyes Lock for a brief second, before I finally take a deep breathe and I smile at everyone in front off me nervously and I say honestly – " ok so..Akash...ASR...as in bhai and Anjali already know this...that's why they'v kind only disclosed about their relationship to only close group off their friends who they trust and well now that we all know too, as in us siblings, I would just like to be honest and admit this that even though I am very happy in my heart for both bhai and Anjali, ..i just want to keep this a secret for now from my end atleast...that my brother is in love with..Anjali Singh Raizada...who happens to be the sister of the Captain of the Indian Cricket Team...as in I am not going to talk to anyone in the team yet apart from just Jess, only she knows and has sweared to keep this a secret too..." and I look up at Skipper Blue nervously and the minute I spot a flash off puzzlement mixed with a little annoyance flash through his eyes I, immediately explain sincerely – " please don't get me wrong...but ...its only because I do not want anyone in the team to think that I am gloating /bragging/boasting about this....please o hope you understand...ASR..as in you are the Captain of the Indian Cricket Team, afterall...and I am just relatively new in the National Squad...so...look..i..i...",and before I can say anything more, Skipper Blue smiles at me politely as he states – " ofcourse Khushi...I get you...don't worry about it.."

I look at him nervously.His smile is polite and kind again..but the Crazy me is now worried agin – if I have offended him – again?

Akash smiles at me sincerely – " yes we all understand Khushi, don't worry about it..its totally understandable if you don't want to talk about it openly to the team yet..."

My brother looks at everyone as he states – " Akash, ASR...this is also the reason why Anjali and me have been so discreet about our relationship in our friend circle , only a few trusted close to us know..for now...because I obviously know that Junior has worked so very hard all these years to get selected into the National Squad, and now if the news off a sudden potential family connect in the background with Captain Arnav Singh Raizada's sister comes to light, I do feel that it can shift everyone's attention from her game, and from how good she is with the bat...I hope you understand ASR?? We will obviously eventually talk about it more openly as we get engaged in a couple of months down the line, and obviously it will all come to light as Anjlai and me tie the knot...but until then I just want to be discreet about it too giving Khushi some more time to showcase her talent with her game as being part of the National Squad.."

My eyes lock with Skipper's Blue nervously again as I wait for him to say something. He's deep in thought, all silent.I look down on my fidgeting hands nervously.

If he isn't Offended? then why is he Silent??

I think I have offended him Big Time.

Anjali gets up from her seat across off me and hugs me immediately now as she states – " oh cmon Khushi...don't be nervous...bhai understands....don't you bhai??cmon say something...all your silence is making both Rahul and Khushi nervous", and she sits next to me as she states narrowing her eyes at Skipper Blue – " bhai c'mon ya...why are you trying to be all intimidating with your silence...you understand don't you?? you did say initially that you do...then why are you all silent now"

Anjali is such a sweetheart, look at how she's trying to Balance the Situation.

Akash is looking at Skipper Blue all Puzzled too.

After one more minute of Silence, Skipper Blue finally takes a deep breathe as he states leaning back into the sofa casually with a side grin – " so Anj, remember how you mentioned earlier that I was too easy on Rahul..so this was just me trying to cover up for that, through this silence...",and he smiles at me politely as he states – " don't worry about it Khushi...I understand... I wouldn't want anyones attention to be steered away from your game at this point too..i know exactly how crucial the first year into the national squad is..."

I take a deep sigh of relief, and so do my brother and Anjali and they both hugs me sideways, before getting up to hug both Skipper Blue one by one happily too and Anjali nudges him playfully in the arm as she states- " bhai you scared the hell out of me ya...for once I thought for real , you'd get all annoyed..."

I shoot Skipper Blue a nervous smile again as our eyes lock briefly before I look away nervously, so that It doesn't get noticed by my brother and I see my brother hugging and thanking both Akash and ASR again for being so supportive and understanding and he states after a couple of minutes – " ok then...thank you so much ASR, Akash...we will take your leave now....and see you tomorrow..are we good to call the cab Anj?..."

Anjali states excited – " yes Rahul...and my dearest brothers...we are going to have an amazing day at the Sherwood forest reserve tomorrow...",and she looks at me and she asks – " are you sure you won't be able to join us all in Khushi??"

I admit shrugging my shoulders – " soorryy Anjali ya...we do have intense training and practice again tomorrow...so..."

Anjali states – "ill miss you Khushi...ok later on atleast?? Late evening?? For dinner??like today.."

I nod – " yup...ill try to make it after...for sure.."

Akash shakes his hand with me too – " it was really nice to meet you Khushi...see you tomorrow..."

After I am done shaking his hand, Skipper Blue shakes his hand with me as he says – " all the best for your practice and training tomorrow khushi.."

I shoot him a polite smile, shaking his hand – " thank you so much ASR..."

I hear my brothers voice now from behind me– " ok Anjali khushi..the cab's here..ok anj..we are going to make a quick stop to drop Khushi to her Hotel first...since it's a little over 1030 now..i want to make sure my junior's all safe and sound back in her hotel..cmon then..lets go..."

I immediately look at Skipper Blue for a second and our eyes lock, and the way his gaze is boring into mine right now, kind off unsettles me again with a lot of nervous suddenly, and I just say politely, pulling out my hand from his grip – " it was very nice to meet you ASR...thank you so very much..." and I greet Akash too politely and then follow my brother and Anjali out in silence.

I swear to You everyone – the Look ASR just gave me, served as a Unsettling Yorker for Real.

A Very Very Unsettling Yorker Indeed.

Why?

Because – I couldn't Comprehend what his Look meant Just Now.

I couldn't Understand it At All.

I am still on that thought as I hear Anjali ask me something and my brother laces his hand around my shoulder lovingly as we get into the elevator.

I am obviously engaged in a conversation with Anjali and Bhai now but in the back off my Head, I am still kind off trying to Comprehend what his last look into my eye meant.

DAMM – AN UNSETTLING YORKER YA GUYS.

I simply am unable to Comprehend it – at all.

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

ARNAV'S POV

OK.

Hello to you all.

Its been five minutes since Rahul, Anjali and Khushi left and Akash then too retired to his room.

Its 10:45 PM.

And I am pacing around my room as I am trying to re-analyse the array of the things I have felt all through out Dinner, uptil the time point everyone Left.

I will give you all a brief glimpse into my Head, but first I need to text Khushi.

Why?

Because I need to see her.

Even if its for a bit.

I just Have to.

I will explain – Why, while I am on my way to meeting her, once she confirms that she will be able to step out to meet me for a bit.

I dish out my phone as I text her immediately.

Me : Khushi...still with Rahul and Anjali in the cab? Or are you back at your hotel?

I wait for her to Reply.

My phone beeps.

Her : Still with bhai and Anjali, Skipper Blue.As in the cab is about to pull over in front of my hotel in like twenty seconds now.

I quickly text : I know its late...like around 1045 PM now...but can you step out for a bit to see me, exactly where we decided to catch up on tonight - yesterday?? If that's ok???

Phone beeps immediately.

Her : you mean like now now Skipper Blue???????????? Like At the Trent bridge??????

Me : yup that's exactly what I mean Khushi.if that's ok with you????.

I wait for her Reply.

It comes in a minute.

Her : ok so I just bid bye to bhai and Anjali, haven't yet stepped into the Hotel...I guess I can come to the Trent Bridge for a while, Skipper Blue...as in I did tell Jess and Mira di that I will be back a little later than now...I mean I did anticipate that will just get with everyone...so...yeah...yes I can...but only for a little while..i do want to make it back by Midnight...would that be ok?

I grin to myself.

Cinderella with a Bat – really has a thing for making it back By. Midnight.

Me : great...and yes ofcourse that's ok...so...im on way there now...I will see you there? I am cabbing it to that intersection point at the main road...ill wait for you there..ok??"

Her : ok Skipper Blue...I am cabbing it too...see you then.

Ok I am Rushing down to the Reception now, as I book my self a Cab to the point and it tells me that it will be here in four minutes.

Ok.

So four minutes of the wait to the Cab – and Five minutes Cab ride to Khushi.

I so have a couple of minutes to give you all a Glimpse into all that I was reanalyisng in the – workshop of the Feels.

So guys – first thing out, I anyway was having a great difficulty taking my eyes off Khushi all through out dinner and chilling time with everyone, as we were on that Pretend Mode.And I was really enjoying myself through it all as I saw her chatting up and mixing with both my Siblings. She was obviously chatting up more openly and often with Anjali because off the 'Rahul' connect and Anjali also filled me and Akash in over how she had met Khushi just the afternoon before we arrived and how the three of them had spent an amazing day together.And basically as some general, some cricketing, some Rahul-Anjali related conversations kept flowing through out dinner, even though I was technically on the Pretend Mode – its like, My Insides – weren't.

I just felt myself being more Drawn to her – the Smitten Meter amping up on its own accord, as her nervous gaze locked with mine on various occasions through out dinner, silently thanking me for playing along it all.

I also texted her, after she'd been gone for around a couple of minutes during desert time, because I was surprised to find my eyes searching for the sight of her after the first five minutes of her being gone. And I obviously wanted to meet her just one on one too, and that's when I had asked her about the same confirmation too.

But then well – I think Rahul got around to talking to her right then and she couldn't reply. And here I was trying to conceal my anticipation over her reply – when she went around saying how she even wanted to keep Anjali-Rahul, as a secret from her Team.And to be honest to you all, in my head as I heard her state the first bit - my first reaction was definetly puzzlement + mixed with a little Annoyance.(because I couldn't understand as to why was she so bent upon keeping it all a secret – she wanted to keep Rahul+Anjali secret too from her Team and that just made me feel really annoyed for a bit because I thought, if she wants to tell no one about them, she most definitely wouldn't ever want to mention the fact that she knows me otherwise too – to anyone, probably not to Jess even). And I was right in the middle of that Pool of Puzzlement + Annoyance trying to figure out as to why I was feeling so annoyed over this, when her explanation for the same fell in my ears. And the Vision off the sincere innocent look on her face, backed with sincerity shining in her eyes too as she voiced those words - " please don't get me wrong...but ...its only because I do not want anyone in the team to think that I am gloating /bragging/boasting about this....please i hope you understand...ASR..as in you are the Captain of the Indian Cricket Team, afterall...and I am just relatively new in the National Squad...so...look..i..i..." – went and Nailed itself right on the Pinboard at the back of head almost immediately and I knew instantly that It would be a Vision that would go around Dancing in my head, along with all the others that were, because that Sincerity shining through in her eyes and through her words – bedazzled me a lot more as I felt respect and admiration consume the Insides of my Head completely too, as it all sank in. And I felt all the Respect and Admiration be accompanied by Genuine Understanding too,and when I heard Rahul's point of view on the same, I felt my admiration and respect for him rise too as I realised that he really was a good Brother, watching out for his sister that way. I got him too and as I heard him out it, and it instantly rang a bell in my head that he was right to think what he was, because I obviously understood that any open news of the link of our families right now, could have the potential to shift everyone's eye from Khushi's game indeed, and she had only just started out in the national squad. And I too was off the same opinion, instantly – I most definitely didn't want anyone's focus to shift from her game to anything else at this point in her gaming career too. For I obviously know how overwhelming and disturbing it Is as a player when everyone starts to focus more on your personal life's details rather than Your Game.(I went through the same when I was dating Pia).

But what you all don't know is the reason why it took me a couple of minutes of a frozen silence before I was able to voice it out to everyone.My silence was being misunderstood as a annoyance and offense by everyone in front off me including Khushi , I knew – but to be honest in that silence, my mind wasn't silent at all. It was conjuring up a zillion thoughts in my head backed by my gut – that no matter what happened, secret or whatever, I had to find out a way to stay in Khushi's personal Life sphere – nonetheless. And not just because, she was now the sister of the man my sister loved. But because I was getting more and more convinced and sure in my Gut Instinct – that I had to find the way out to Woo/ Pursue her for Myself. I'v literally never had a Gut Instinct as Deep as the one I was having right now – with regards to any girl ever before. I most definitely have to follow it through – to see where it would lead Me.

And I think it was this honest intent off mine that was reflected through my eyes into the last eyelock with her before she left, and I knew instantly that she was confused and puzzled by my gaze on her, because she couldn't probably comprehend the fact/possibility that – she had truly Captivated me.

She really was Clueless about it all.

And well - I was obviously bummed over the thought that now that Rahul was going to drop her off – my chance off seeing her tonight one on one, had gone all flying out of the Window.That is why it was important for me to seek assurance about the same from her first, before giving you all a Glimpse into my Head.

I know you all might think its Strange – because not very long ago while I was on my way to the UK on the flight...I was thinking to myself that I want to stay cleer of everything with regards to personal matters for a while , and here I am, acting upon on my gut instinct to do just that. But well - then I Guess – this is what it means when they say, that Sometimes You find/ stumble across a Cue that can lead you to what you are subconsciously looking out for - when you least expect it too come your Way.

Hmmmmmmm.

Ok.

So. Everyone – the Cabs pulling up to the Point where I texted Khushi I will meet her.Gotta put a pause on the Inner Thoughts for a Bit and Rush out to meet Khushi, because its almost nearing 11pm now and I think she will want to leave around 1145Pm, because she wants to make it back by Midnight.

I feel my lips curve into a Smile on Reflex – now, as I settle the taxi fare and get out all grinning to myself, hoping to spot Khushi around, already. My Cab driver had to take the longer route here because of the one way from our side of the Hotel.Actually now that I think off it, I think I could have Jogged here faster than the Cab Ride.

Ha.Ha.

So yes, I am looking around for Khushi , my eyes searching to spot her profile, but because I do not spot her around, my grin shortens on its own accord. Where is she??

Me : Khushi..i am here.Where are you??

My phone beeps Immediately.

Her : oh you reached Skipper Blue? I reached a couple of minutes ago, so instead of waiting there... I just walked to the tree where we were sittng around yesterday. I am already here.

I smile as I read that.

I pace up in my walk towards her as I reply : ok then...see you in two minutes.

I actually end up jogging to the Spot around the tree where we sat and spoke yesterday and just as I reach there in a about 90 seconds – I find myself looking around for Khushi again.

I don't spot her.

She did say she was here already right???

I dish out my phone as I text her.

Me : ok then Khushi...I am here too.i can't spot you.

My phone beeps instantly.

Her : hehe...Skipper Blue...well that's because you are looking around in the wrong place ya...

Me : huh????

Her : look up Skipper Blue.I can see you. I am sitting on the first branch of this amazing Tree.

Waittttttttttttt.

Whattttttttttt???????

She's sitting on the Branch of this Tree????

I look up instantly from my phone now as I dish it back in my pockets, and I spot her almost immediately, leaning with her back against the tree trunk, sitting on the first branch of the tree Indeed, and I fold my arms across my chest amused and I ask – " why are you sitting up on a tree branch Khushi??"

Khushi gives me a sheepish smile as she states – "so, while I was waiting here for you to arrive Skipper Blue, I was just looking up at this tree...and just felt like sitting on this spot for a bit...the climb was too easy anyway..."

I grin – " yes I can see that its an easy climb Khushi...but you have matches to play right? What If you injured yourself???"

She chuckles – " oh cmon Skipper Blue, you know we sustain a lot more wear and tears in training and practice ya...like definetly a lot more than this Minor tree Climb...this is nothing..."

I nod – " well you are right about that ofcourse..."

EVERYONE – PLEASE NOTE, I AM HIGHLY AMUSED/INTRIGUED/DRAWN BY BOTH THE MOMENT AND HER AGAIN.(I mean I most definetly haven't had a conversation with any girl ever, with her Looking down on me from a Branch of a Tree)

Just how can I not be Affected the way I was?

She asks – " Skipper Blue...you do know how to climb a tree?dont you???"

I chuckle – " ofcourse I do..."

She grins – " tehn cmon up no...what are you waiting for??but please sit on the branch adjacent to mine no..as in the one behind me.."

I keep both my hands on my waist as I ask – " why?? You are too embarrassed to look into my face again or what today????"

Khushi nods innocently as she says – " yes Skipper Blue, I kind off am..."

I say – " I dare you to tell me why first..only then am I going to get on the branch behind you...or you know what...im coming up and sitting on branch right above you ...hold on.."

She states immediately– " oh...no ..no ..no Skipper Blue...please go on the branch behind me nooo...."

I just gesture her to let me be and she sighs with a look of such adorable dismay – that I fight the temptation to plonk myself on the same branch as hers, right upfront in front of her. But I know that will make surprise her instantly and I don't want to risk her falling down in nervousness ofcourse. So...I make my way up on the branch which is just a little above hers through the tree trunk easily and I plonk myself on it comfortably and I turn sideways, dangling my feet in the air as I look down at her frame and grin at her and I ask – " ok...cmon...tell me now...what are you so embarrassed about today haan??and just so you know its been ages since I indulged in a something as simple as climbing a tree Khushi...so thank you for the idea....."

I am so very glad that I can atleast see her Adorable face/ bewitching sparklingly expressive eyes easily – from my Spot.

She chuckles as she states nervously looking up at me – " well you are welcome Skipper Blue...ok...so...the context to the embarrasement...hmmm...ummm...so...I mean even though you did say you understood that entire secrecy request from my side, in front of everyone, I am obviously kind of still worried at the back of my head thinking that what if that offended you..in anyway whatsoever...please know that such was never my intention..for real...I was very honest in stating the reasons I did Skipper Blue...look whatever said and done...you are a legend off Indian Cricket..the Skipper of the Men in Blue...and a inspiration to so many of us in the Team...and if i...i...talk about...knowing Anjali or even you for the matter right now...I jus..t...goshh...ok how do I put this so that I explain it out better perhaps......ummm...", she pauses and looks away from me looking at the ground now, dangling her legs into the air, nervously for a couple of seconds and she looks up again as she states innocently and sincerely – " look...I truly just don't want anyone to think that I am trying to gloat/boast/brag about knowing you Skipper Blue...Infact...i..i.....yesterday...."

And I gesture her to pause with my hand as I state honestly – " you don't need to explain on the former point anymore Khushi..for I understand for real...I understand what you mean completely...and I respect your point of view...please know I meant what I said too...but yes tell me about the latter please...what about yesterday???"

She looks at me nervously and she states – "well to be honest to you.. I came out running here because I was so very nervous at the thought off being introduced to you through Anjlai and Bhai...as in...I never thought id ever meet you that way too...as in I always used to think...ill meet you on the field some day with my full squad around me....like you know in a formal cricketing setting.."

I chuckle as I say on reflex, totally content with the view into her expressive eyes right now.My chuckle is on the verge of erupting into a laughter though – " really??????"

She narrows her eyes at me as she states now – " yes yes...really...and obviously look how my Charlie Chaplin life made you meet me even before that....what ya Skipper Blue...you are all biting back on you laugh again..."

I burst into a little laughter naturally now which makes her laugh through her sheepishness too and after a couple of minute she states softly looking up at me – " you have no idea how nervous I was before stepping in through the door earlier tonight Skipper Blue...but well you were so kind and friendly through it all once again that I eventually realised that apparently there's nothing unsettling about this Yorker at all....you know how like bowlers bowl these excellent yorkers in the death overs in order to unsettle us batters and we get all intimidated by it...but then you eventually realise that sometimes you can definetly hit a yorker easily for a single atleast, and if not that you can atleast defend yourself and not get out...if you read the yorker and time your stance accordingly...but well turns out there wasn't any need for me to get so nervous...the yorker my life bowled at me, turned out to be a kind gentlemanly yorker indeed...."

Ok.

Waittttttttttttt.

What did she just say?????

Did she just refer to me as a Yorker???

How can I not be fascinated by the way her Head works?

Before I can reply to her, I end up laughing a little bit more for a couple of minutes which makes her laugh once again too and she states through her laughter – " your laugh is contagious Skipper Blue...it surely is...",and I nod at her through my laugh gesturing her in a I know gesture before I pause on my giggles a couple of minutes later and I ask – "so...just rechecking... did you just refer to me as a Yorker Khushi??please know that No ones ever made that comparison ever..."

She chuckles as she admits – " well what ya.... not you Skipper Blue....the situation around yes most definetly yes...",and she pauses and closes her eyes embarrassed as she states – " well...ok fine...lets just be honest....i meant it as a reference to you too...what can I do ya Skipper Blue...look at all that happened..."

I chuckle as I say – " I understand...khushi...but you do affirm that you feel that there's nothing unsettling about this Yorker na?? as in the Yorker isn't making you uncomfortable at the crease, I hope?"

She opens her eyes now , a flash of relief evident in them as she asks softly – " you understand don't you??like for real??". I nod and she smiles and says sincerely – " and yes, I do affirm that there's absolutely nothing unsettling about this Yorker at all...for sure...I am very comfortable at the crease for real...like I said..the yorkers a kind one no..."

I chuckle on reflex and I say taking a deep breathe, locking my eyes with her now – "well thank you for that Khushi...I am very glad to hear that...and yes I do understand...for real...and...khushi..please know that my admiration and respect for Rahul also grew tenfolds ...when I heard his point of view over as to why he wants to keep it a little low too for now for...I most definitely know how it feels as a player when everyone's focus shifts from the game performance, be it for whatever reason..."

She asks softly almost instantly – " you mean you know because that's what happened to you too for a while no...I mean...as in when you were dating Pia, that's what the tabloids /media would always want to question you about whilst you both were dating and after too...."

Ofcourse – she would know about my very public dating History with Pia.

Everyone knew.

Godammit.

I nod silently.

She says instantly and sincerely – " Skipper Blue..im sorry...I shouldn't have..i mean..it just came out on reflex..."

I shrug my shoulders as I say sincerely – " don't be sorry about it please...I know everyone knows...it was all quite public...I know..."

She gives me a smile as she asks holding up two fingers too me– " well on that note...I want to say two things..can I Skipper Blue?? Actually three...",and she adds up one more finger to her hand as she waves her three fingers out to me – adorably.

I chuckle naturally again as I state – " yes please...go on..."

Khushi smiles – " well number 1 – Pia is Gorgeous, I mean I do like her movies she's really good at what she does...number 2 – so you know when the two of you were dating Jess would always be like the two of yours ardent shipper...she would always be like ASR + Pia Chopra, a match made in heaven indeed...and when the two of you broke up...she was so so very upset you know..she was all like what ya Khushi...I was looking forward to see the wedding pictures soon...and what do I wake up too a break up news...why...just why...she literally sulked over it for one week...for real..."

I ask instantly wanting to know her answer to this – " really? Did she now?? what are your thoughts on the same??"

She gives me a sheepish smile as she states – " well to be honest...you both obviously made a crackling pair ya Skipper Blue...all of India was shipping you two...soo yeah...Duh...I guess I was too at some point..."

God.This one..she's so Innocently Simple and Transparent.And Clueless too – she literally has no clue as to why I asked her this. She's completely oblivious to the fact that she's tiptoed her way into my Head – in the ways she Has.

I have gotta take it very Slow and Steady with this One.Perhaps?

Iv still got my gaze locked with hers intently and she states nervously now waving the third finger to me – " so anyway...coming to the point no 3 that I was saying...I think it was very classy of you Skipper Blue to not talk about the real reason of your break up, publicly...I mean...not that I know what happened, but there were so many speculations in the media going on right...and people tried to pry it out of both of you...and I think it was very classy that you never about it or spoke any ill of her, I really respected that about you...and I think it was the same for Pia too..."

I admit – "thank you so much for that Khushi...and well yes...she didn't ever speak about the reason or ill of me too... we both decided on that mutually as we called it off..."

And I am anticipating her to ask me about the real reason behind the break up, but Khushi smiles instead and she states – "and I think its great that you both followed it through.....as in it gets difficult to follow these things through na sometimes, when theres so much media pressure...with everyone prying over your head...so good on you both Skipper Blue...for that.."

Is she not going to ask me about the reason why I broke with her at all???

And right then her phone buzzes in her pocket and she takes it out and states looking into her phone – " ok Skipper Blue..that was my alarm...I need to reach back in fifteen minutes, so that I can make it back to the room by five minutes too Midnight..."

I chuckle as I ask – " did you really put an alarm???"

Khushi looks up at me now – " yes ofcourse...Skipper Blue...Cmon then..i am going to get off this tree first..."

CINDERELLA – INDEED.

THE ONLY DIFFERENCE – SHE'S THE ONE PUTTING THE ALARMS FOR HER VERY OWN SELF.

HAHA.

I see her climb down with great ease and I follow after her immediately now and I ask genuinely hoping she'd say otherwise, even though I know shes got practise and training tomm– " so you really cant make it all ?? like during the day? To join us all in the day trip to the Sherwood forest reserve???"

Khushi chuckles as she states putting her Hoodie back on her head now – " no yeah Skipper Blue...we are really amping on our training and practice really hard...you know exactly how It is..."

I bite back my disappointment as I ask – " well I understand ofcourse...you will make it for Dinner though right? Or later evening?? And we are also meeting here tomorrow again if that's ok as in after dinner with everyone??"

Khushi's eyes widen in surprise as she asks – " we are going to meet here again tomorrow Skipper Blue??"

God – I think its her Cluelessness that's like a Yorker in my Face right now.

I nod as I say folding my arms across my chest – " yes ofcourse...you know since we couldn't talk about your remaining of the Inspirational men in blue list today...and you also didn't get your blue book of cricketing observations..."

Khushi chuckles as we start to walk back now – " well oh yes...I forgot all about that ya in my nervousness and totally forgot to get my notebook along..and the topic didn't go to the list too...oh you know what? I saved your number in my phone as Mr Stranger...since that's what I called you first..."

I chuckle as I look at her amused – "really?? Mr Stranger?? are you for real????"

Khushi chuckles – " yes yes...you too please put some code word for me ok??? don't save my name as Khushi...I just...look I am sorry...",and looks at me sheepishly as we continue walking – " you understand why..don't you?? I don't want to talk about meeting you first in the way I did yesterday this way first to even Jess or bhai or anjali...yet because...I think it might come across as to awkward to them maybe??"

I smile at her reassuringly – " yes..khushi..i understand..i get it and before you ask me if I am offended or anything again..i will tell you that I most definetly am not..."

Khushi grins as she states happily – " see...that's why...I say...that you are such a kind Yorker Skipper Blue...like....for real...let the bowlers bowl me a yorker as kind as this one in the death...ill yank it with a pull shot straight into the air for a Sixer...indeed..."

God.This One.

She really Cracks me Up.

We share a warm laugh and just as we near the cross section which parts to two separate ways, I find myself wondering as to why did it feel as if the distance to the walk back shortened on its own accord? Or was it the time that flew...perhaps?

Khushi looks at me as she states with a wave of her hand – " ok...bye then Skipper Blue...ill see you later..then..."

I grin at her and I wave a bye at her too – " please text me when you reach back safely...or call the cab maybe??"

Khushi rolls her eyes – " no cabbing Skipper blue...the cab anyway took me longer to reach here first...I could have jogged faster...the cars have to take longer routes by default no...it's the Bus no 11 which can wade its way through around shortly...I will text you surely...",and I think she spots the confusion in my eyes as I am trying to comprehend what she meant by that Bus No 11, and she states gesturing to her legs with a grin – "oh... you know..the bus no 11 that we walk on..."

I nod as I admit with another fond chuckle – " ohkkk.. I get you now... Khushi..."

She grins – " ok so umm...well..bbye now..good night to you Skipper Blue.."

"good night Khushi..."

And she turns around on her heel and sprints away in the direction of her Hotel and just like yesterday I watch out for her disappearing figure until it is in my Line of Vision – fondly, and once she is out of my line of vision I make my way to the hotel too.

Minutes later, as I am nearing my Hotel, my phone beeps in my pocket.

Its Khushi.

Her : Skipper Blue...so since you asked me too...messaging to let you know that I have reached safely.Have you reached back too??

Me : I will reach in two minutes.thank you for texting me Khushi. You going to sleep now?????

Her : no no...ya...Jess is going to keep me up for an hour as we play PS and catch up..

Me : ok then...happy playing PS..play some on my behalf too.

Her : I most definetly will Skipper Blue.

Me : will you message me in the morning whether you won or Jess did, when you played on my behalf??

Her : you want me to message you in the morning about the same like for real???

I chuckle to myself.

Ofcourse I wanted her to message me because I wanted to hear from her.

She's so freaking Innocently Clueless – am I crazy to find that even more Mesmerising??

Me : yes ofcourse for real Khushi.i do not like to loose in PS at all...so you better win when you are playing from my side ok??

Her : okkkkiessss Skipper Blue, then I shall try to win the PS game from your behalf like Pakka* infinity se!!

I grin to myself.

Me : really? Pakka* infinity se???

Her : yes yessssss....ufffff...you are back to taking my case again Skipper Blue...I know...Ok bye now...goodnight.

Me : bbye Khushi...goodnight to you too.

I resume my walk to the Hotel grinning to myself again.

Yup.

I was right.

Her Cluelessness – is Probably really like an Yorker in my Face too for Real, and its also a Yorker that I probably am going to keep facing for a while.

But Hey...

I am not complaining Guys.

Ask me why???

Because – APPARENTLY THERE'S NOTHING UNSETTLING ABOUT THIS YORKER AT ALL.

It's Truly and Undoubtedly the Most Charming/Mesmerising Yorker – I have ever come Across in all of My Life, until Now.

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

TADAAAAA!!!!!

Let me know what you guys think as always, you all know I love reading your feedback and comments.

Next Update : Tomorrow Night or Wednesday Evening

Thanks guys for all the Love and Support.

Always.

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