CHAPTER 12 – 'HOME' & 'SERENITY'

Hellooo Everyoneeeeeee

So here I am with the Next Update...it's a 7k plus Words update Guys...Will be Eager to know what you all think.

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

Editing Disclaimer : Please know that the Chapter that you are about to read is the First Draft , hence PLEASE ignore editing/common repition of words/typo errors etc – since I have not proofread.

Also please scroll above in the Index to the Picture Notes made on characters for sure, before you read the Update.

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

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CHAPTER 12 – 'HOME' & 'SERENITY'

SIMULTANEOUSLY

28 FEB, 2019

RAJKOT, INDIA – ITC Fortune, Hotel

9:10 AM

Arnav's POV

So, here's the Thing Everyone.

My Facial Muscles feel that they have been on a Perpetual Regular Workout Mode on the Treadmill – Indeed.

Why?

If you May Ask??

Because – I just Can't Stop Smiling.

Ok, lets make an honest correction to that. Since, I do always like to be fair and square, I think the better statement would be that – I just can't stop Grinning.

I swear to all of my Cricketing Gods, I have been Smiling + Grinning, in the ways I have never ever have, before.

Like for example, I am pretty sure that I have never slept with a Smile as huge as the one I have been sleeping with off late, up my Face. A Smile which isn't just a Happy one, but a very peaceful one, as well. You know like that Smile, that comes in truly from the Heart backed by a Serenity?

Yup.

That Very One.

And I am delighted to Report, that ever since I have gotten to know Khushi, I most surely have been sleeping with not just a very Happy but a very content and serene smile, curved up my Lips. And in the last eight days, ever since I left the UK – to my happy surprise, this very smile on my face ( the one in my sleep) has been in the Stretching Zone. Like the Stretch of my Smile, has been amping up on the Smiling Meter, on its accord even in my Sleep.

Why?

Two Reasons.

One - Because I am a very Happy man over the discovery that Khushi has been making as much effort as me, to stay in touch as well. The efforts from both our sides, into staying connected are mutual -which is really great, because when I left I was a little nervous with the thought that even though I have told Khushi that I want to be in regular touch and everything, but what if me being out of Sight, has some sort off an impact like wherein she starts to get all overwhelmed about the fact that – Mr.Stranger is Me.

Well to be honest, I do think that the thought does come to bother her every now and then maybe, but at the same time, I think the comfort level in between of us has been taking the Priority seat. She's gotten even more comfortable around me, than what she was before I left the UK which makes me very happy indeed, for her comfort is obviously important to me.

Now Coming to the Second Reason.

Two – would be the fact that I have truly never felt what I have been feeling within my being. As in, you all already knew I was already Smitten, Captivated, Mesmerised, Bewitched, Bedazzled and all of that, but what I mean to say now is that there's some different sort of a Happiness + Peace + Serenity, that's been starting to make its way into my head and heart, every time I think of Khushi.

I obviously think about her a Lot.

I can't stop thinking about her, actually.

I don't want to.

Why would I want to? Especially when I have been feelings the happy + peaceful endorphins consume my being.

Never have I felt this Happy to just be Talking to a Girl.

Nope.

Not even with Pia. (Even though I genuinely Liked Her and we were together for 5 months, but still never did it feel like this serene in the - Workshops of the Feels).

I am going to be 28 soon, everyone – but trust me as I say this, I think I feel my heart escape a beat, every time a text from Khushi pops into my chat window, and every time we are chatting, or talking over the phone.

Yup.

Workshop Instinct + Workshop Feels seem to be acting up in some sort of an accelerated Sync on the matters related to Miss.Clueless Cinderella.

On that Note – Am I embarrassed to admit, that I have been pacing around in my Hotel room for the last five minutes, with my phone in my hand awaiting Khushi's text – upon arrival. As in upon Landing?

Nah.

I am not Embarrassed at All.

I like to Face what I feel.

I don't run away from It.

No point in playing Hide and Seek with your very own Self.

So.

Yes.

Khushi is scheduled to land into New Delhi any minute now, and I am really excited for that, because of three reasons. One – I know she and the entire Women in Blue unit is returning back home with an amazing Smile up their faces after a successful tour of England. Even though the T20 series was a Draw, I know everyone in their team has processed the fact that the two T20 games they played were amazing indeed. So I am really Happy for all of them. Two – the second reason, why I am this excited about Khushi's arrival into New Delhi today is that, I know she is going to head home now, and is going to be on a little break which means, she most definitely will be having the privacy to get on a Videocall with me often.(We've been talking on calls plus texting each other all the time, but we haven't gotten on a videocall ever since I left, so I haven't kind off seen her in the last 8 days, and I find myself awaiting to just see her on the videocall. I mean even if it's through the screen, I can't wait to just look into those innocently bewitching expressive eyes again. The third reason as to why I have been pacing around excitedly is the fact that, I just cannot wait to have my phone ting with a notification of a text off her landing, as in I have missed chatting/texting with her, for sure while she's been on this long haul flight of 8 hours 35 minutes, just like I missed it quite a bit even when I was on the flight back Home.

Ok.

Let's look at the Time – Again.

Its 9:05 everyone.

I finished breakfast with the team just about ten minutes ago, and came into my room. I do have some free time to just relax by myself until we all regroup around Noonish, to just re-discuss the gaming strategies, pitch conditions etc with our analysts and coaches, before the first ODI with Australia today, which is scheduled to start at 3:00 PM at the Saurashtra Cricket Association, Stadium, here in Rajkot.

Khushi's flight was scheduled to Land at 9: 00 AM.

Its 5 minutes Over.

I am getting restless. Should I just track it up Online??

Or maybe, I can just distract myself by making myself some Coffee in the little mini pantry of my room.

Yup. I think that would be a good idea. I head to the pantry station and twist the cap of a fresh mineral bottle of water open, and pour in the water in the kettle and get the switch on. As I am awaiting for the water to boil, I think I want to drop a text to Khushi, so that she can read it the minute she switches on her phone.

I smile to myself, as I dish out my phone. And I open up my WhatsApp(which is now password protected as well), and type into the Chat Box with Khushi.

Me : Khushi...Happy Landings. Welcome back to India. I am sure the entire unit would be grinning from ear to ear upon arrival into New Delhi. I most surely understand, how it feels like to return Home, after an amazing tour. I hope you had comfortable flight back home.

I grin to myself as I tap send.

And to my happy surprise, I see the blue ticks come up on the screen immediately, which means, Khushi's just switched on her phone and checked into her WhatsApp. She's landed.

Phone beeps.

Her : Skipper Blue...you won't believe this. I just checked into WhatsApp to message you , and your message popped up into the chat box. We just landed into IGI. still on the runway though, and yes you are right about that one, everyone has this huge grin up their faces , for Real. The flight was good as well. It always feels good to be back home no. How is your morning going in Rajkot? Did you finish up with your breakfast already? Or are you at breakfast with the team?

I grin to myself as I quickly reply.

Me : The morning in Rajkot is going great Khushi, and yes we are all done with breakfast already, just came into the room about ten – fifteen minutes ago. Please know that I am very happy to read that you received my message, just when you were about to text me as well. And well to be honest to you, this has been happening quite a bit these days. There are many times, your text comes up when I am about write you a text as well, which means that there's some telepathy on the works here, in between you and me.

I tap send.

And I am trying to imagine – Khushi's expressions up her face right now as she reads that bit.

Ok. Wait.

The water's boiled. I quickly fix up a cup of black instant coffee for myself, and walk back to the sofa in my room, taking a couple of sips off my coffee and I place the coffee cup on the side table next to me, and look into my phone, waiting for Khushi's reply – as I settle back into the seat, comfortably.

Phone beeps.

Her : Just getting out of the plane now.SB, you know what as strange as this may sound, I think you maybe right that there is some kind off a strange telepathy on the works here, for real. But its so strange no?? like you have to agree to that no?? how is possible for us to text each other right when the other is about too???

I chuckle to myself as I read that as I type : you think I maybe right? Or am I right, for sure? Be honest.

Her : ok...well, lets minus the think. You are right, for sure, Skipper Blue..

I grin as I read that.

The sip of my coffee that I just took, turned out to be more delicious, than the previous sip?

Why?

Maybe because I am savouring this moment in time – as well.

Me: and I am so very glad about that Khushi. Ok, you tell me something Khushi. Did your eyes widen up in a daze the minute you read that telepathy bit from my end in the text to you? My guess is – that yes they did. Am I right? Again?

Her : hawwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!! how do you know Skipper Blue? Is this like a part of the strange telepathy too??

I chuckle.

Me : maybe, it is Khushi. You know what? I feel that this mysterious bubble of comfort in between us, seems to get only more mysterious by the day.

Her : really???? You feel that too???

I grin.

Me : I reckon that means, you agree on that as well. And on that note, please know that I am getting way to accustomed to being tuned into the Channel 3 frequency as well. There's something really serene about this frequency, Khushi. I really like it.

I tap send, and I pick up my coffee, and resume sipping it.

Her : to be honest Skipper Blue, I was thinking about this on the flight as we were landing...

I literally gulp the sip of my coffee down my throat at the speed of light, or at the speed of sound – whichever is faster.

I quickly type.

Me : I dare you for the love of your 22 yards. Tell me exactly what you were thinking, Khushi. I want to know.

Her : Uff yaaa, there you go pulling out the trump card on me again Skipper Blue..like...just why why why do you do this Ya.????

I chuckle.

Me : and I have said this before and I will say this again...because I want to know exactly what's on your mind Khushi. The trump card is my ace strategy to get about you to admit the same, you know it is. C'mon now, the trump card is all out, it cant be dealt back into the dealt. Out with it...tell me what exactly were you thinking.

Her : uffa yaa...ok then...see I was thinking that I am getting quite accustomed to stay tuned into the frequency of Channel 3 as well Skipper Blue, as in I know what you mean when you say that there is something very Serene about this frequency, indeed. However, I can't help but wonder -what's this serenity about though Mr Stranger?

I grin to myself.

I liked the sound of that.

Ok – wait.

Correction.

I - REALLY LIKED - the sound of that.

Maybe she's starting to feel something in here as well, and is getting all confused in comprehending what this Instant connection in between of us could be about??

I need to tell her that I missed talking to her, while she was on the flight.

Me : Khushi, I want you to know that I really missed talking/ chatting up with you while you were on the flight. I was kind off waiting for my WhatsApp to tingle with your text upon arrival. I was thinking about you, and that's why I messaged you.

Phone beeps.

Her : ( I get a string of surprised/ dazed smiley emoticons)

That makes me chuckle.

Me : the string of emoticons tell me that you can't believe what you just read right? Is that what I am supposed to make off it, Khushi??

Her : Hmmm...kind off yes...Skipper Blue.

Me : why? Why can't you believe that I missed talking to you? why can't you believe that I was thinking about you? I think about you very often Khushi. Do you think about me too? Ok tell me something, did you think off me on the flight at all??

Her : I don't know what to say to that Skipper Blue...as in..I..I..

Me : what does that I..I.. Mean Khushi? I reckon you are nervous about something right now?

Her : yes I am Skipper Blue, I am nervous about answering tha question you asked...

I grin as I read that bit, and I feel my heart escape ten beats all at once. Because if she's saying she's nervous to answer that question,then there is a probability that she did think off me, and maybe she missed talking to me too??

Me : but why?? Why are you so nervous to answer that question Khushi? Its me...remember? Mr Stranger? We have been talking about anything and everything, all these days, so why not this?

Her : I know we have been talking about anything and everything SB for all these days, but its like... I really don't know why am I so nervous to answer you on that..though...

But guys, I think I know why. She's nervous to answer this because in the back of her head she's probably just getting a little overwhelmed by my cricketing identity – again.

I need to talk to her.

I need to remind her to keep the Frequencies of Channel 1 and Channel 3 – apart.

Me : Khushi, I need to talk to you. Can we get on a call??

Her : yes, we can Skipper Blue, but in a couple of minutes from now. As in can I call you when I get into the car? In line with everyone SB, just clearing immigrations and customs and then will just get the luggage and meet and greet everyone before we all head our ways. Can I call you in a bit, SB?

Me : yes of course, Khushi. Please call me from the car. I'll wait. Ok?

Her : Ok then Skipper Blue, bbye for now. I will call you as soon as I am free. You will be free no?

I quickly reply : I am free and all by myself until about Noon Khushi. Going to regroup with everyone by then.

Her : Kool. Speak soon SB.

Me : Speak soon Khushi.

I keep my phone aside now, smiling to myself as I pick up my cup, to savour the remainder of my coffee.

Yup.

I was right.

The sips of this Coffee drink, just turned more delicious – on its own accord again.

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

A While Later

@ Siddhi (Gupta Mansion) – Chattarpur, New Delhi

11 : 15 AM

Khushi's POV

I can't help but grin at Mom as I roll my eyes at her as I say in a little protest – " Mom, please. No more extra courses to this breakfast ya...I have already overeaten a little bit.."

Mom grins at me from across as she rolls her eyes back me mischievously, and states looking at Dad – " Sagar, your dearest daughter calls eating two extra boiled eggs , overeating...come on at least you tell her to have maybe half of this aloo paratha...just stop hiding your grin under the sip of your orange juice ok??"

I bite back my chuckle.

Dad winks at me as he straightens himself in his seat on the dining table and keeps the glass of juice on the seat as he looks at Mom and asks – " Nisha, please tell me if I convince our beautiful daughter here, to have that half piece of aloo paratha as you want, will I be forgiven for the error that happened this morning??"

Haha.

Guys.

Wait. Wait.

I will tell you what this is about.

Mom is really angry with Dad right now.

Or Wait, let these two bicker over it. I am sure you will catch on to the hint off it anyway. I am back to sipping on my coconut water, as I shrug carelessly and look to and fro in between Mom and Dad, and I bite back my smile and I spot them giving adorable looks to each other.

Mom narrows her eyes at Dad as she states in a matter of fact tone, with a casual shrug – " Sagar, I am sorry about that, I don't think I would call that an error, how about you accept that it was a blunder on your behalf?? You literally went to receive Khushi at the airport all by yourself, leaving me behind...how could you?? you knew I have been so excited for her return??"

Haha!!

Guys. So as I had walked to our car and sat in the backseat, I was happily surprised to see Dad waiting for me , there already!!!

He had come to receive me at the Airport. And I was so happy and overwhelmed at meeting him after all this while, that I had just spent all the time until we reached back home – just talking to him about how amazing the tour was, and everything that I learnt from it.

I am obviously very close to Him.

And I think that makes Mom a little Jealous.

Haha.

Because in our equation, as in – in our mother daughter equation, we are very close as well. And so, Mom and Dad are always bickering over this. "Khushi is closest to me Sagar" and Dad goes all rolling his eyes up at her stating. "Yeah right Nisha, as if , you know she's always been Daddy's girl, which means she is the closest to me."

Dad bites back his grin as he says to Mom – " Nisha, you were swimming, and I didn't want to disturb you...I know how important your water time is for you..."

Mom narrows her eyes back at Dad as she shrugs – " ha...Sagar, the plan was to leave together, to go receive Khushi, but no, you left early, 30 minutes prior to what we had planned...which was cheating...you just wanted to gain some Daddy points.."

Dad grins as he says to Mom – " Nisha, no that was not because I wanted to gain some Daddy points, it was because Google Maps showed me that the route to the airport had more traffic congestion as ususal, so I thought leaving earlier would be better...cmon now, let it go..."

Mom looks at me as she states – " Khushi...your daddy will do just about anything to come on your favorites list...you know that don't you??"

I chuckle happily as I put my hand over Mom's now lovingly as I state grinning up at Dad – " yes I know Mom...but see I also know that he left you behind on purpose ya...acha now leave it no Mom...see I already filled you in over everything that I filled Dad over on the way back, over breakfast na..."

Mom nods and she narrows her eyes at Dad and says – " only because my precious daughter asked me to let this go Sagar.."

Dad winks at me as he states – " thank you beta..acha now about this, have atleats one/fourth of this aloo paratha your mom wants you too...c'mon, you can get on to some extra workout later on in your swim plus gym time.."

I look at Mom and Dad's adorable faces and I groan as I take the piece of paratha from Moms hand now and put it on my plate and portion it into one – fourth and I take a bite as they start to eat as well and I hear Mom say – " ok so Khushi...the plan is that I am not going to work today...after breakfast, I will help you unpack and everything, and we will chill all day together...just you and me..."

I nod happily as I state – " kool Mom, but are you sure?? I mean it is still Thursday, or maybe you go to work until lunch time, I do want to take some rest and catch up on some sleep...I did not get much on the plane, actually??"

Dad continues to eat as he states – " yes Nisha, I think that would be good...you return home around Lunch time, and I am going to return home early by around 7ish today as well, so that we all can sit and catch up on the second innings of India Vs Aus first ODI together.."

I sip on my water now.

That mention from Dad – instantly shifts my thoughts to Skipper Blue. I hadn't been able to get on a call with him yet as I had told him I would as I got in the car , because Dad had come to pick him up, and then ever since I, reached home, I have just been with Mom and Dad. But I am glad I left him the text about the same. As in he knows, that I am busy with Mom and Dad.

I pick up my phone to look at the time. Its 11: 25 AM. Skipper Blue did say that he was going to free until Noon.

Mom looks at me as she asks – " are you sure? Khushi beta? I really can cancel work for today.."

I nod – " Mom, relax, I am sure and I am going to be sleeping anyway..you know what, infact I will only get around to unpacking when you come back..pakka se? because I anyway have to handover the gifts bhai sent for the two of you no.."

Dad rolls his eyes as he states – " ok so now Mom gets her gifts first...not fair.."

I chuckle as I state – " ok fine Dad, I am going to wait until you come home, to handover the gifts to the two of you that Bhai sent...ok??"

Mom chuckles as she narrows her eyes at Dad – " you are unbelievable..."

Dad grins – " I know I am...Nisha. Especially when it comes to my children..actually on that note, I think we both are unbelievable.."

Mom smiles and winks at him and they both High Five now – " I know...Mr Gupta.."

Dad winks at her – " Copy that Mrs Gupta.."

God they are an adorable couple. My crazy parents.

Dad looks at me as he states happily – " and until the glass mantle piece gets ready in your Cricketing Study khushi, I want you to place your player of the match award, on the mantle shelve's in my Study ok beta?? Let them grace my study for a bit too?? We are so very proud off you..."

I nod at Dad.

My Heart Glows.

Mom keeps her hand over mine happily as she states – " my little hit girl...how do you hit those sixes??"

Dad chuckles – " khushi, you know every time you hoisted the ball into the air for a six in your matches ont his England tour, your Mom had her hands folded and a prayer on in her head – let that ball cross the line, no catch out please..."

I chuckle at that as I ask Mom – " mom really??"

Mom grins – " ofcourse beta...on that note I keep my one eye closed as well..."

We all share a warm laugh now.

I love them so so so much ya.

They are My Home -Mom, Dad, SuperBro

There's a different sort of a Serenity that consumes my being whenever I am around them. And there's only one more person around whom I feel so Serene and at peace apart from Mom, Dad, and SuperBro and that is Jess ofcourse.

And just like that – I hear my Brain say to me. Dearest K, hold on to that thought for us will you please?? Hmm...there's something familiar about that Serenity that you just talked about. I mean the Serenity that you'v been feeling these days by being tuned into Channel 3 with Skipper Blue, is kind off a little similar to the serenity that you feel around your family and Jess. Jeezzzz yessss that is what we have just Discovered. Are you startled by this discovery K?

I gulp down my glass of water as I state to my Brain. Yes dearest Brain, I am pretty much startled by this discovery indeed. How about we process this, once we are back into the privacy of my room?

I hear my brain state – Yes, indeed.Lets do that, but do not forget to get on that call with Skipper Blue , first K.

I keep the glass of my water down as I pick up my phone and look at the time.

11:30 AM.

Maybe, I think I can excuse myself now in a couple of minutes from now, and head to my room – which will give me some time to get on that call with Skipper Blue.

It's time for Mom and Dad to leave for work Anyway.

........

Seven Minutes Later – Khushi 's POV Continues

I walk into my room now and close the door shut,and first thing out I text Skipper Blue on WhatsApp.

Me : SB...just got into my room. I am so sorry couldn't text you before, was just catching up with Mom and Dad.We just finished with a late breakfast and they just left for work as well. Are you free SB??

My phone beeps almost immediately.

Him : and once again, I opened my Whatsapp to text you, and your message came Khushi. The telepathy is On – indeed. Yes I am free Khushi. I have time until Noon. Are you alone now??.

Ok. Then.

Guys, Its not Just the telepathy that is On.

The Yo – Yo to the Clouds is On as well.

I have been invaded by the Alien – Auto Malfunction Mode – in the ways that I seem to have no way to control over – for Real.

Oh Godddddddddddddd.

I walk upto my this little oval swing in the suite side off my room and plonk myself on it as I type my reply.

Me : Yes SB..

Him : great, then can we get on a Video call instead of the phone call? If that's ok with you ofcourse??

I feel my eyes Jump up in Glee as they state. Yipppeeeeeeeeee!! Say Yes K. Cmon...say Yes...we want to look into his eyes again. See we told you, he's is going to ask you to get on the video call himself, but we thought he might wait to ask you the same until later tonight...but guess what?? apparently Skipper Blue can't wait to see us , as well. Perhaps??

I gulp down my nervousness that was erupting in the pit of my stomach as I state back to my eyes. Stop...just Stop...you are downloading a zillion Viruses into my systems now – dearest eyes.

I feel my eyes Smirk back at me as they say. Oh are we now? I thought that was the stomach was up to? Look K.Cmon...why are you overthinking into this. Its just a Video Call – no Biggie at all.Don't you want to see him too?? You know you want to..be honest with yourself please.

Did I want to see Him??

I think my eyes are right Guys.

I do want to See Skipper Blue on this VideoCall. Maybe because seeing him will make me believe that I am not just imagining or overthinking into the mysteriousness of this comfortable connection in between of us??

My phone beeps in my hands.

Him : Khushi??? You there??? is it ok if we get on that videocall? I want to see you Khushi, even if its through the screen...but only if you are ok with it.

Why does he want to see me Ya?????

I take deep breathes.

Khushi.

Relax.

Why are you getting so worked Up.

Its just a Video Call.

No Biggie at all.

I quickly text : yes Skipper Blue, we are good to connect on the video call.

Ten seconds later, my phone Buzzes with his Video Call.

I take a deep breathe, as I run my hand through my open hair nervously now and sink back comfortably into my swing as I swipe up the Green button and the minute I do that, Skipper Blue's smiling face fills into the screen as he states – " hey you...long time no see..."

I chuckle on reflex as I state grinning – " hey you to you Skipper Blue, long time no see indeed..."

Ok – Why am I grinning like an Idiot?

Why is the sight of him in my Phone – making the YO-YO swing even higher Now??

His smile widens now as I see him plonk himself comfortably in his Hotel bed and he states with this rakish grin up his face – " one of the reasons I was counting days for you to return home for this break was this Khushi..."

Wait. What??????

What does he mean?

I can spot the daze in my my very own eyes in the screen now as I ask in a nervous voice – " what do you mean Skipper Blue?? What this?"

He chuckles now as he states – " this means, that now that you are home, I am going to be able to get to see you in the video call at least whenever we talk...because since you are always sharing rooms on your tours, you don't come on the videocall right??so yea..i am happy that you are back home.."

OK. Wait. Did SB just say that he was counting days for my arrival back into India so that he could see me on the Video Call??

Our eyes lock.

Why does he have to look at me that way? In a gaze, that seems to be boring through mine.

Flip.

Flop.

Flip.

Flop.

Bamm.Jamm.

Bamm.Jamm.

My eyes are getting ready with their scuba diving equipment.

Oh god. No.

No diving right now, dearest eyes.

I blink now – and I feel my Eyes Groan back at me as they state.Oh No K. You are cheating.

I try to divert from the topic now as I state casually, flipping my hand through my hair nervously – " Skipper Blue, yes I am very happy to be back home as well...you tell me how's it going for you? all set for the match today?? Dad plans to come home early so that we can all tune into the second innings of the match together..."

He grins – " I am happy that you will be watching..."

I chuckle – " Skipper Blue...I always watch the games ya...you know that already...but yes...this will be the first time, I will be seeing you play after I have gotten to know you..."

He nods – " Well yes to that...",and I feel him straighten up against his pillows now and he asks softly – " ok...so I need to talk to you about something Khushi...can i??"

I nod.

God – why am I so nervous?

I think he is about to ask me , why was I so nervous to answer his question about if I had been thinking about him on the flight? Should I tell him, that I had been feeling a little shadow frequency from Channel 1 – reflect onto the Channel 3 frequency? Which was leading to all the nervousness???

He says taking a deep breathe – " ok so...I guess this is the time, I remind you that you cannot let the frequency of Channel 1 over shadow the frequency of Channel 3 in any way ok?? and please do not let it intimidate you at all...I know that was why you were nervous about answering my question..."

Jeezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!!

Did he just say that out loud just now?????????

How did he even figure that out – that this was what was on my mind????????

My eyes have widened to the size of a cricket ball – for real.

No wait.

Scratch That,

Make that a size of the Soccer Ball.

I see Skipper Blue chuckle as he says – " and that look in your eyes tells me that you can't believe I figured that, this was what it was about...isn't it??"

I nod – five times over, in quick succession.

He laughs.

His laugh makes me feel all warm and fuzzy now and I see a heart-warming smile curve up my lips now as I ask – " how?? How do you do this ya Skipper Blue?? How do you see right through me??"

He grins – " well I am glad I do..."

I chuckle – " well are you the Xray machine also now?? That you can even pick up on my unsaid so freaking easily??"

We share a warm laugh now and he states seconds later as he paused amidst his laughter – " well I don't mind being called the X- Ray machine as well Khushi, as long as this XRay able to give an accurate report of what's been on your mind..."

I gulp down the nervousness that returned to consume me.

Its in my eyes.

I can see it.

I know, he can see it – as well.

He asks softly – " talk to me please?? Tell me what's on your mind? Why is this frequency from Channel 1 returning to interfere with the frequency of Channel 3 ..Khushi??"

I admit honestly as I sigh – " I don't know Skipper Blue...I guess the remote control in the back of my head is going into some malfunction mode perhaps???"

He says with a warm smile – " ok..no worries...we can fix the button then? Can't we?? Please try not to let my cricketing identity come back to overwhelm you Khushi...will you try?? You do want to try to fix this don't you??"

I nod as I admit – " yes...I do..don't worry about it Skipper Blue..i will figure it out..."

He asks , making his eyes lock with mine again – " so are you good to answer my question then??the one I asked? Did you think about me on the flight Khushi?? I mean all this while when we couldn't talk or chat? Did you think about me at all?? I most surely did..infact off late i actually think off you quite often Khushi..."

I admit honestly, unable to tear my gaze away from his – " yes...i did think off you Skipper Blue...I mean its only obvious no? since we'v started talking and texting all the time, so when I couldn't be in touch with you for those 8 hours plus, it was natural for my thoughts to drift to you...that's what made me think that I am growing really accustomed to you know just talking to you all the time...it's like we are in touch all the time ya..."

He asks – " and do you like that? the fact that we are in touch all the time?? I most surely do like that fact as well...I like it very much , Khushi...it feels so freaking natural as well..."

I admit softly – " I like that too Skipper Blue..as in I like the fact that we are in touch all the time...and I know what you mean by the fact that it feels so natural as well...its maybe because of the ways in which you get me, and I get you..perhaps? "

He Grins to that as he states – " yes indeed Khushi, its got everything to do with the ways in which we get each other... indeed...and you know there's one more thing that also starting to feel all natural... Khushi??"

I ask – " what one more thing Skipper Blue???"

My stomach is all Yo- Yoing.

And my Intestine's are knotting up. Is it the Smaller one or the Bigger one that's Knotting up – I don't know?

Greattttttttttttt.

One more Organ going rogue on Me.

He says – " this serenity that I sense and feel when we are tuned into Channel 3...its feels so freaking natural, as well, as if its something that was just supposed to be...you understand what I mean don't you?? this sense of comfort in between of us, this amazing understanding, it's truly leading me to feel a peace and serenity that I have never really felt talking to any girl before Khushi...infact, iv literally only felt this way, when I am with my family members, or close friends..whom I have known for years...but with you...even though we have known each other for a short while, I feel this amazing contentment take over me every time we talk...and this serenity, it is rare and special..Khushi.."

Wait. What did he just say??

Did he just say that there is something Special about this Serenity Frequency in between of Us??

And wait, it does feel like he is also right about this, serenity and its naturality.

I admit honestly – " and once again, I have to admit, that there is something very natural about this Serenity Frequency in between of us, indeed Skipper Blue..."

He grins at that and says sincerely – " and I am glad we agree on that as well Khushi, and so that is why, it is important that there is no room/loophole for any sort off a intimidation to creep in here ok Khushi? And incase you are not able to figure it out by later today, lets talk this out once again on the video call tonight ok?? and figure it out together perhaps??"

Ok Freak Guys.

Just by the way he said that – lets figure it out Together perhaps?, in that sincere tone of his, gave me Goosebumps.

Literally.

I get Goosebumps when I hit my Sixes.

Why am I getting Goosebumps now? While talking to Skipper Blue???

What is Happening to me??????????

I ask dazed – " we are going to get on a video call tonight as well??"

He nods – " ofcourse Khushi...after the match , once I am back to the hotel, we will get on a videocall, for sure..ok??"

I nod – dazed.

I think I would like that.

Ok this is literally like the first time I am on the Video Call with Skipper Blue, and I feel like – there is something very Natural about this too.

Bizzare.

Dude.

Bizzare.

I ask now – " so you are all going to leave for the stadium by 2ish no??"

He nods with a grin – " yes Khushi...we will...and you tell me what are you going to do now??unpacking??"

I chuckle on reflex as I tell him – " no no...I will unpack later on post lunch once mom returns from work...Skipper Blue, I am thinking about just freshening up and catching up on a nap..but you know what I am going to set a alarm for 2ish..because I do want to wish you all the best for your match, right when you are on your way to the stadium...Skipper Blue.."

He grins – " I would really like that Khushi....cmon then tell me all about what you have planned to do for the rest of the day..you already know what I will be doing uptil late night today??",

I chuckle to that as I say – " ok so...yes...since I will not be playing an ODI today...I'v planned to....",and I quickly fill him in over my entire chilling out plan for the day.

Minutes later, once I am done, he grins and states – " and that is a great plan Khushi , for your first day back home...",and right then we hear a loud voice off a knock come through his side and he states – " ok I think that would be Ravi and Rohan..."

I smile as I say – " ok ok...yes..its almost Noon now, skipper Blue, you carry on please...all the best for the game..i know you are all going to rock it ya..but yes I will text you around 2 as well..because I think you will be busy until then no??"

He grins – " thanks khushi..yes please do that..and I will see if we can get on a quick call as well, before the game.."

I nod as I smile and wave at him – " ok then..tadaaa for real now, Skipper Blue..."

He chuckles – " tada...for real Khushi...",and he hangs up.

Ok Guys.

Baam.Jaam 1 – 2- 3- 4 – 5.

I clutch my phone in my hand as I make my way to my washroom first, to freshen up. I want to have a long shower and process things through, before I go on to take that little Nap.

Right then my phone beeps.

Its Skipper Blue.

Him : Please tell me that we are going to videocall, everyday now Khushi . I mean at least until you don't leave on a tour when the domestic seasons start?

I quickly type back, honestly

Me : yes Skipper Blue, we can surely videocall everyday, until I leave for my tours.

Him : great. I would like that. Would you?

Me : I think I would like that too.

Him : you think?

Me : uff ya....SB.Fine, minus the think. I would like that as well.

Him : felt natural as well right?

Me : the videocalling?

Him : yes.it felt very natural to me. Did you feel the same as well?

I take a deep breathe as I type.

Me : yup. It did feel all natural too Skipper Blue.

Him : Good..i am glad that we are on the same page on that Khushi.

Me : are you headed down to meet everyone along with Ravi and Rohan Sir?

Him : yes, we are getting into the elevator now Khushi.

Me : okies SB. please carry on. I would not want to disturb you now.

Him : please know that a message from you can never disturb me Khushi.

Me : (I send him a string of smiley's)

But the blue ticks don't come up on the screen, so I reckon, he is in the elevator now.

I take a deep breathe now as I walk into dresser area, and take out a fresh pair of comfortable tracks and tee to change into and make my way to the bath.

Yup.

I was going to need that Long Shower – for Real Guys.

Because only a long relaxing shower could help me figure out as to why this Alieny – auto malfunction mode was coming along with all this Serenity, that does feel really Good as well.

As in what I needed to figure out was – that just what did all of this(that was happening to me) even Mean?????

I mean Guys.

This is truly like the most Twisted Question Paper I have ever Faced.

Am I ever going to figure out the Answers to this??

I don't know.

I just don't freaking Know.

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

TADAAAAA!!!!!

Let me know what you guys think as always.

Next Update : Will be Coming up next week guys( I will continue to write this FF next week, as I could only give two updates this week).

Thanks guys for all the Love and Support.

Much Love Guys.

Always.

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