CHAPTER 14 – High's + Lows = Win.Win(Nonetheless)

Hellooo everyoneeeeeee

So here I am with the Next Update...it's a 7.5K plus Words update Guys...and – I totally wanted this Update to stand out on its Own...as it Introduce's Skipper Blue's family as well..

Will be Eager to know what you all think.

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

And yes this is the First Draft. Please definitely ignore editing/common repition of words errors etc – since I have not proofread.

Also Adding Pics of Arnav's Family..appearing in the Update as well.

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

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

CHAPTER 14 – High's + Lows = Win.Win(Nonetheless)

One More Week Later – 23rd March, 2019(Saturday)

@ RIHAEE (ARNAV'S HOME)

830 AM

Arnav's POV

I walk back into my room after freshening up and quickly plonk back on my bed, and sip on the glass of warm water as I pick up my phone again and plug it out off the chagrining point.

Why?

To check for Khushi's message – off course. We message each other the minute we wake up, usually. I had woken about twenty minutes ago, and dropped her my usual text but the blue tick lines on WhatsApp hadn't come up, which told me then that my text had delivered, but had not been read by her then. In fact the message delivered ticks on WhatsApp still have not turned blue, which tell me that Khushi is probably still sleeping.

I smile to myself – as a image of her sleeping adorably all cuddled up in her bed, flashes through my head on its own accord.

Jeezzzz.

What is this Girl Doing to me??????

Driving me Nuts – Surely.

I am so freaking into Her , into this entire equation in between of Us(which is developing all slow and steady I know..but that does not take away the fact how amazing it feels nonetheless)

I truly have no control at this Speed off Freefall towards Khushi. And for the first time ever, it feels so very right to just let it all Flow, to go where my Heart is guiding me too, without any hang ups of the mind or any worry weighing me down, and to be very honest, I am actually in no mood to let any worry creep into the backends of my mind anyway. Why? Because overtime I have learnt that the concept of 'worry' is truly a very tricky thing – nor does it help in shaping a future/consequence or a result and at the same time, it kind off has the power to take all that peace of the present away. So , on most of the occasions in my Life, ever since this realisation had sunk in, I do not let the Worry consume my insides – at least on the matters pertaining to my individual self.

And well, another reason why there is absolutely no scope of worry on my mind, with regards to Khushi was because everything that I had been sensing for a while, kind off had strengthened in its belief and thoughts in my Head in the last week as well. The thoughts and beliefs that – that Khushi surely was starting to have something going on in the Workshop of the Feels for me as well off late.

I could spot it in her eyes...very clearly now. Just like I could also spot the fact that she really was trying to figure her head around it all as well.

God – this Girl.

My eyes fall on my whatsapp again.

Nope.

Khushi is still not awake.

She hasn't read my text.

I chuckle to myself again – because I think it is my fault that she isn't awake yet...we did stay up until around 3 Am last night, talking on our video call. Well in my defence guys, I couldn't help it. The only way to compensate for the fact that I had not been able to see her yet (in real time) – despite being in Delhi for three days now, was to just spend all my free time staying connected to her through the digital medium.

I mean she literally stays just 20 minutes away from my Home,and yet everytime we have planned to meet up, in the last three days, keeping up all the secrecy cover – we have not been able to, because something or the other has come up either at her end , or around the cover of secrecy that has blown all our plans apart.

And boy, I am obviously really Bummed Over the fact that "the Meeting bit" has not gone according to my Plans at all. And I am leaving for Bangalore, tomorrow. It is the 23rd March today and the IPL begins tomorrow, with its inaugural match being in between of Chennai and Mumbai at Wankhede, Mumbai. I play and Captain the Bangalore team in the IPL(always have played with just this team ever since the IPL began) – and the first match for us is with the Hyderabad team on the 27th March(days from now) at the Chinnaswammy stadium, Bangalore. And the IPL playing schedule is so very hectic once the travelling begins and Khushi is also starting her busy domestic season on the 30th of March, and will also be travelling all around the country with her domestic team for the matches, and there are only a couple of occasions that we might end up being in the same city at the same time for matches – which narrows down on my chances of meeting her quite significantly , until the domestic T20 season ends for her.

I take a deep Breathe.

Think.

Raizada.

Think.

There has to be a Way Out.

You most definitely have to figure out a way of meeting Khushi today.You cannot leave here tomorrow, and get on your IPL schedule without seeing her once, in real time.(even if it is for a bit)

I am still raking my brains over the probabilities and possibilities – when my phone beeps in my Hand.

Its Khushi – ofcourse.

Her : Goodmorning to you Skipper Blue! Look at this ya...you are up before me today so it's like I see your text first today. Have you been up long?

I grin to myself as I reply.

Me : Not very long Khushi. Woke up about 20-25 minutes ago, which was exactly when I messaged you, and yes good morning to you once again Khushi..

Her : well it is a wonderful morning – all bright and warm. You had breakfast SB??

Me : not yet Khushi. I will go down to join everyone for the same in a bit, like in about a couple of minutes, once I am done talking to you. Can we video call?

Her : Noooo ya...SB..as in not straight away..i just woke up ya..give me around five to seven minutes, will just freshen up and text you, we can connect on the video call then. I most definitely cannot have you see me like a sleepy clown( which is exactly I look like when I wake up)

I groan as I read that.

She always takes a couple of minutes to get on the video call with me – after she just wakes up. She has no idea how intrigued I am by the idea of just even catching on that little glimpse of her, as she wakes up!! I am pretty sure – that she would be anything but a Sleepy Clown.

I quickly type : Khushi..how about this...why don't you let me see for myself once atleast whether you are the Sleepy Clown or not as you wake up? I mean that is what you think.

Her : uff ya...SB there you go Starting to take my case again, first thing in the morning, and before you pull out the trump card off – I dare you for the love of your 22 yards Khushi', I shall quickly run into freshen up.Connect Soon SB.

I smile to myself as I read that, and I decide to use the time to continue raking my brains to come up with an idea that can make me meet Khushi today.And minutes later, as an idea strikes into my head, I can't help but feel my grin increase in its stretch on its own accord.

Ok – I need to Discuss this with Khushi, first thing out, to see if she will be ok with this.

Minutes later – my phone beeps.

Her : SB...good to connect on the Video Call.

I quickly call her and just as her fresh, smiling face fills up my screen – my Morning becomes even more Good that what it already was.

I grin as I say – " well, this morning just got way better than what it already was..Khushi.."

Khushi chuckles as she states rolling her eyes mischievously – " and I know why you say that Skipper Blue, it's because you get to see an episode of comedy circus first thing in the morning.."

We share a warm laugh.

She's adorably huddled up in that little oval swig in the living area of her room, and is now sipping on a glass of warm water as well. Well guess what guys? – even that habit of ours coincidentally matches. We both start our day with sipping on four glasses of warm water over a interval of the first 30 – 40 minutes after waking up.

Khushi finishes up taking a sip of her water now and she asks – " did you have a good sleep Skipper Blue??"

I nod, smiling – " yes of course Khushi, what about you??"

She smiles – "I slept very well too Skipper Blue.."

I grin – " which is great Khushi..," and I pause as I state – " ok, so I want to talk about something Khushi.."

Our eyes Lock.

Khushi nods as she say's – " yes, please Skipper Blue, tell me what is it??"

I take a deep breath – "so, well because all our plans of meeting up under secrecy haven't worked out until now, I was actually raking my brains to think of an idea of how can we meet Khushi, because I am leaving for Bangalore tomorrow, as you already know and I obviously want to meet you before I leave....so I wanted to run my idea by you..to see if its ok with you, and in case it isn't..i will think of something else then, because I really cannot leave Delhi, without meeting you for a bit...."

I spot adorable nervousness flash through Khushi's eyes as she asks softly, while taking a sip pf her water – " ok...so what is this idea Skipper Blue??"

And I think – I have just spotted a Blush up her Cheek, which she is trying to hide by the Water Cup. She's also now, brushing her hands through her hair in all that nervousness as I continue to look intently into her eyes.

And I think I just spotted her blush deepen a little bit.

And I swear to God – I feel my heartbeats fasten. Jeezz...I was getting way to affected by just her Blush even.

I take a deep breathe as I say – " so Khushi, you and Jess have plans to just hang out and chill today right??"

Khushi nods with a smile – " yes Skipper Blue, as you already know,how hectic this week was game wise for us with all the hectic practice schedule with our domestic team...and it's like Jess and my day out today, like a total break day we are going to watch a movie, lunch, and then she wants to get on with some shopping, actually I do need to shop for some more of the sporty stuff as well, and I am definitely getting myself a pair of new sports shoes today.Actually now that I think of it, I think I will get two, that I can rotate in between amongst the domestic seasons... its always better to have a extra pair of comfortable sports shoes handy no? Skipper Blue?"

I nod as I smile – " yes Khushi, its always better.."

Khushi smiles, and rolls her eyes adorably – " oh god, I drifted from the topic again, and started off my jabber chatter... sorry Skipper Blue...please go on.."

I chuckle as I say – " well I don't mind you drifting away from the topic ever khushi, because you know your jabber chatter has grown on me quite a bit...you know that don't you??". I make sure I make my eyes lock with hers again as I say that.

She nods and blushes.

Again.

Godammit.

Can I kiss her Already?

I say, getting to the point now – "ok so..i was thinking, how about if you stay over at Jess's tonight?? I mean you already know I am spending the full day at home today with Akash, Mom, Dad, Dadi, so after dinner with everyone maybe say around 1030ish PM..i will head out for a drive by myself, and ill pick you up from around Jess's society, and we can just go on a little drive maybe...and I will drop you back?? What say?? I mean I just thought maybe a drive out would be better as I know that the secrecy is important to you Khushi..."

Khushi nods as she says with a smile – " well a drive out would definitely be better Skipper blue..and I think I could do that...you know stay over at Jess's today...but you don't drive into the society gates ok, you will get recognised instantly, can wait for me by that bend in the road outside of the gates...I will walk there..so yup...this does work Skipper blue.."

I grin to myself as I pat my shoulder mentally and I say – " which is great...Khushi. Makes me really happy...you know I have been looking forward to meet you.."

Khushi says nervously – " well Skipper Blue...I do want to wish you all the very best for the IPL in person as well...so yeah...I will be glad if I am able too ofcourse.."

I nod as I continue to look into her expressive eyes. And now I want to say this to her, so I do – " Khushi..by the way...you know the name don't you??"

Khushi asks puzzled – " huh?? What name??"

I grin as I say – " my name...its Arnav...will you really continue to address me as Skipper Blue, or Mr Stranger? Cmon say my name once atleast.."

Guys – I am obviously dying to hear the sound of my name escape from her Lip's. She's never called me by my name – Yet.

Khushi's eyes widen adorably at that as she says – " ofcourse I know your name ya Skipper Blue..but it's just that I have...,"and she pauses because there's a knock on her door now. I can hear the sound come through.

Khushi says quickly – " Skipper Blue...I think that would be mum calling me down for breakfast...so I gotta rush now...speak to you later ok??i will text you..."

I nod – " ok, no worries, text me whenever you are free..."

She nods – " ofcourse I will Skipper Blue...you have a good breakfast as well , and a nice time chilling out with everyone too..."

I chuckle as I say – " again Skipper Blue...call me Arnav at least once dammit..."

The knocks on her room door increase.

Khushi says nervously – " uff ya...I will...but later...pakka se??"

I chuckle – " pakka* infinity se khushi??"

She chuckles and she nods – " pakka * infinity se..ok bbye for real now...see the knocks are increasing...tataaa...",and she hangs up.

I can't help but grin to myself as I keep my phone in my track pockets and start to make my way out my room as well to catch up with everyone for breakfast.

I have no qualms in admitting the fact that I am feeling my insides get excited as a Nut – at the thought of seeing Khushi tonight, for real in front off me.

Just as I am about to walk out the door to my room, I hear a knock on it too and I open it to see Akash and Mom standing there, grinning at me.

Mom's kind off like one of the best friends to all of us – as in me, Akash and Anjali. She gets to know our secrets a tad bit earlier than Dad.

I side hug my mother happily and then Akash as I state – " goodmorning guys, I was just coming down for breakfast.."

Akash grins back at me as he says eyeing to Mom, whose walked in to my room – " wait Bhai, before we get down to join Dad, and Dadi..Mum wants to fill us over a little bit of what happened last night...,"and he walks in as well and seats himself on the sofa in the living area of my room.

I walk back into my room, closing the door, and take my seat in front of Akash and Mom, and I can't help but chuckle at the sight of Mom shrugging her shoulders to herself in amusement.

I ask grinning – " ok Mom, I get the fact that you are consumed with amusements over the talk with Dad last night...but c'mon you need to get talking...tell us what happened..."

Guys – just a brief context. Akash and me had filled in Mom, everything about Anjali's situation with Rahul and as to how they were very serious and were looking to take things forward soon.(We didn't give out the complete details with names and everything because that would make Mom get very excited and she probably won't be able to stomach down the information out of excitement, but we did tell her that Anjali's seeing someone and we met the guy and his sister while we were in Nottingham and that they were both great). And yes, I had also left out the part information for now – that I just didn't think that his sister was Great.( I mean you all know, I think she is Freaking Fantabulous.) And then as Mom processed the information she told us that she will first try to vaguely talk to dad about how we must start paying attention towards the thought of having Anjali settle down in terms of matrimony now, and see how he takes that in and then slowly and steadily let him onto the fact that his little daughter(who wasn't so little anymore), was madly in love with someone and was looking out to settle down with him soon.

Mom shrugs her shoulders in part amusement part helplessness as she states rolling her eyes – " what do you think Arnav beta? Let me see if you can guess it too?? Akash surely did.."

Akash chuckles as he says – " literally bhai..i guessed word by word of what Dad's reaction would have been to Mom's – Abhi, don't you think its time we start thinking about Anjali's wedding..."

I chuckle as well as I look at Mom and I say – " ok mom..here it goes..my guess..."

Mom grins and winks – " go on..."

I mimick Dad as I say in a deep serious full of denial tone – " Reva...what did you just say?? Time to think of Anjali's wedding? You got to be kidding me...she is just 25.. my little girl...who gets their daughters married when they are just 25??? We must wait for a couple of more years and on that note, she still has'nt even completed her masters, and you are already on about having her settle down in terms of matrimony?? Pleaseee, lets not waste time discussing about something which is not going to happen anytime soon.."

Akash bend forwards and he High Fives me as well and winks – " Bang On bhai...you guessed it too...and all right..word for word..."

I high five – Mom as well, as the three of us share a warm laugh.

Minutes later, as Mom pauses on her laughter she says with a sigh – " god ya sons...your father's is in deep denial...its going to be hard for him to let Anjali go...but then he will come around...ill just have to keep at it slow and steady...I think from now on, I am planning a strategy that I will talk to him about this every night..and maybe in a month down the line he will be more open to start talking about it too, and that is when we can let him on the fact that Anjali has met someone..."

Akash nods – " yes Mom, that would be good for Sure..."

I nod as well – " yes Mom, I think so too...,"and I look at Akash as I say – " and I am sure you have already texted Anjali about this.."

Akash grins – " I sure have bhai.."

I smile – " great..i will message her too and ask her not to worry....".I turn to look at Mom as I say – " mom, like we told you, Akash and me have met the guy..he is a good man..he will surely keep Anjali happy.."

Mom grins as she says – " and as eager as I am to know the identity of this boy...I am not asking you dear sons, because the minute I know, I think I will end up staging a coincidental encounter with his mother, since the two of you did let me on the fact that they do live in Chhatarpur as well.."

Akash and me both chuckle as we state in unison – " we know Mom...that is exactly the reason why we haven't told you yet.."

Mom grins and winks – " but my boys you both know this is like a favourable fact, your dad will be a happy man to know that Anjali wont be living very far away after the wedding.."

Akash nods as he states – " yup we know that...infact Mom, whenever we tell you the details, be prepapred to be happily surprised because there are a lot of coincidences in between both our families.."

Mom grins – " really??"

I grin as I admit – " yes mom..really.."

Mom groans – " ohhh look at you two...getting me all excited...ok I must be patient..i must be patient...,"and she starts to take on deep breathes to relax herself.

Akash and me share a laugh.

Mom narrows her eyes at us both as she states – " laugh sons, laugh all you want...but know what?? after Anjali settle's down its going to be the two of your turn soon...I am anyway very fond off payal...and I know Rekha is fond off Akash as well so that shouldn't be a problem when the two of you are ready to formalise things.."

Mom obviously knew about Akash and Payal. She was also friends with Rekha aunty as well.(Rohan and Payal's Mother)

I wink at Akash happily as I state – " well I truly am the happiest brother at heart...Mom...Akash and Anjali are both with the ones their heart beats for..."

Mom smiles at me warmly and she states – " and when will you tell me that you have met someone too Beta?? I am waiting to hear you say that to me...please don't let one bad experience pull you down ok?? please be open to the thought of meeting someone...you never know when you might meet someone...since from experience I can say that life can surprise you in the craziest of ways..since you know I met your dad and found love when I was least expecting too...so yea..."

I smile at Mom. Mom – you are surely right about the fact that Life can Surprise us when we are least expecting it too.

I smile back at Mom as I say sincerely – " mom, trust me you have nothing to worry about at all ok?? I am ok..."

Mom nods – " well I know you are over everything that happened with Pia.."

Akash nods – " well yes..i am happy about that...".he looks at mom as he asks narrowing his eyes – " please tell me you didn't go to watch Pia's new movie with your friends mom..we are boycotting her movies..remember??"

I chuckle to that as I say – " Mom...please don't listen to Akash..no need for any boycott and stuff...she is good at what she does..and I know you love to watch movies...so please...don't worry about this at all and carry on ok??"

Mom nods – " well I haven't still seen it...because I knew that would upset Akash and Anjali...but if you are ok with it...then I might just.."and she winks at Akash playfully.

Akash rolls his eyes at me as he says – " bhai cmon..please...she isn't evern that great an actor..."

Mom chuckles now as she states – " ok c'mon then...you brothers can talk over this later...lets head down to breakfast and join Dadi and Dad.."

We nod and make our way down and Akash and Mom start to ask me if I am all packed up and ready in terms of all the pack up that was needed for the IPL tour.

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

30 minutes Later – Arnav's POV Continues

We are all done with Breakfast, and our sipping on our hot beverages and I see Dad put aside his phone now and he places his one arm on the table comfortably and picks up his cup of coffee with another hand and takes a sip of it and he says with a content grin up his face – " there you go..last email answered for the day...and now I am all free to enjoy the day with my family, before one of my sons departs on his cricketing duties...lets get on with some swimming time after breakfast..what say sons??"

Akash and me nod at him – Happily.

I grin at Dad as I say – " well I am glad that all of you are off from work today dad..because that does give us some good family time...you know how its going to get so hectic the minute I leave here tomorrow..."

Dad grins as he says with a playful wink – " oh yes son, and then we have to resort to the TV set to get glimpses of you.."

Akash grins as he says – " well I am flying to Bangalore to see your first match with Hyderabad anyways bhai.."

Dadi grins now as she sips her tea and says to Akash – " my loving grandson Akash you tell me that now..you should have told me before, I would have asked you to get the tickets done for me as well.."

Mom nods as she looks at Akash – " yes...me too...get my ticket done...I am surely coming along..."

Dad winks – " well in that case...me too...because it is the first match of the IPL for Bangalore..and I really love to see your bangalore team play Arnav beta... as always..."

I grin at everyone as I say – " well I would love to have you all out in the stands ofcourse...but please only if work schedule allows ok??the season is going to be a long one anyway..."

Dad nods as he says – " well yes...don't worry we know you hate it if we reshift our schedules around..."

Akash says with a wink – " well I already applied for this day off leave to Dad, long ago..."

Dad grins – " and your leave had been accepted long ago...you have the email on record don't you??"

Akash nods.

We all share a warm laugh and Mom says rolling her eyes – "well I can't believe that you apply for your day offs to your very on father formally on email Akash...but it's a good thing...proud of you.."

Akash winks – " well I do tell him in person as well..but its just that everyone working in Raizada Industries does always formally inform about their working off's to their immediate bosses now don't they..why should I have the special treatment just because my boss happened to be my father as well..."

I wink at Akash and Dad as I say – " and that is why I proudly say that my brother here...is a rare gem indeed...who is going to be driven by his morals and ethics and heart being in the right place always...just like Dad..."

Akash grins – " well to be honest...have kind off picked up on that quality looking at Dad, Mom , dadi and you – bhai.."

We all share a warm laugh and Dadi says softly – " I miss Anjali so much right now...video call her beta.."

I look at Dadi as I say – " dadi, UK is hours behind- she surely must be sleeping right now but we will call her in a while...ok??"

Dad narrows his eyes at Mom lovingly as he states with a shrug and a grin – " dear sons, do you know what your Mom was on and on about last night??she was saying that it is time for us to think about Anjali's wedding...I mean can you imagine?? Can the two of you please tell your mother that this is no time to even talk about the same...she is still completing her master's isn't she??"

Akash and me both bite back our laugh as Mom eyes us both to play along with Dad for now and Akash straightens his voice as he says – " ofcourse Dad, let Anjali atleast finish her masters...,"and he looks at Mom playfully as he says – " mom what's the rush?? Relax will you please.."

Mom is biting back her laugh, well so am I.

I look at Dad as I say – " Dad, I think let Anjali complete her masters first maybe then we can talk about this.."

Dadi smiles – " well I agree with Arnav beta on this as well.."

Dad looks at us all and he says – " well let her first complete her masters and just enjoy being at home with us all atleast for a year or so na...and then we can talk about this...I am in no rush...at all...please let us all of us remind your mother that collectively..."

Mom grins now as she says rolling her eyes at Dad lovingly – " well abhi , lets just face the truth...you will never feel like you are ready to see Anjali off...we all know she is the apple of your eyes..."

(Mom calls Dad – Abhi, lovingly. Abhi is short for his name – Abhimanyu, at Home – as in to Mom and Dadi)

Dadi nods as she says – " I agree with Reva on that Abhi beta...we cannot push this discussion in the backseat forever, lets talk about it after Anjali finishes her studies completely..."

Dad looks at Mom narrowing his eyes – " there you go Reva gloating about this in happiness just because maa took your side on this..."

Mom gets up from her seat and walks across to Dad's and kisses her cheek lovingly – " well we are always on the same side, Abhi...you know that...I know its not going to be easy for you...but it will be ok? ok? lets talk about it when the time comes??"

Dad kisses Mom's hand lovingly as he says deep in thought – " yes..ok...just give me some time though..."

Mom nods and brushes his shoulder lovingly – " take your time abhi..no rush..."

Akash, me and Dadi share a heartwarming smile at the sight.

My parents have been together for years – all happily married, sharing a love and a relationship that's been like a God's blessing indeed. Seeing them live and experience such a Happy married Life, makes me believe in all the Good in the world as well. I have seen them nurture and cherish their bond with so much love and commitment, and trust and empowerment – that it's had a profound impact on each of our lives as well as their Children.

And just like that – all of a Sudden as I am looking at Mom and Dad in one frame, Khushi's smiling face revolves in front of my eyes.

Wait.

What?

Did Khushi's face just revolve in front of my eyes- for real? On reflex?

Yup.

Guys.

It just did.

And since never has ever something like this Happened, before with me – I can easily say that I have been falling for Khushi way harder and faster than I have been realising perhaps?

My chain of thoughts is broken as Dad says with a comforting smile – " son...I want you to go into the IPL with a free mind ok? don't let any worry pull you down at all...I know there has been a lot of criticisms and speculations always going on the media how Bangalore hasn't won the title under your Captaincy even once...etc etc...but you must not let that deter your spirit at all?? Ok??"

Mom scoffs and shrugs as she says – " well don't even get me started on the media bit Abhi..."

Dadi rolls her eyes – " well they won't even stop talking about that Pia Chopra and Arnav even though its been months....god...I am telling you Reva...abhi...just cancel the subscriptions for all these newspapers only..."

Akash nods – " dadi you are absolutely right on that...lets do that.."

I smile at them all as I say – " well and I would like to thank each of you for your wonderful love and support once again, through out my cricketing journey uptil now...you'v all always been there, be it a high or a low.."

Dad pats my shoulder lovingly– " you carry a massive responsibility on your shoulder my boy...and I am so very proud off your entire journey...your every high and your every low...."

Mom grins – " so am i..."

Dadi and Akash – " and so are we.."

I look at them all and I admit, knowing that I can say this out loud to them – " you know what everyone, to be honest being a national sportsperson in general has been such a big learning curve in my Life, nonetheless....and as I have grown as a player and experienced all sorts off spectrums of emotions through my highs and lows...I have realised that all emotions are intertwined greatly, and its important for all sets/ ranges on the spectrum to co-exist, because that's how their job descriptions are probably destined to be. We probably go through discomfort, so that instantly know what Comfort feels like, when we feel it. We probably go through turmoil's and conflicts, so that we can instantly recognise the state of peace and tranquility?. We go through sadness, so that we can learn to Value – Happiness More. We all might go through experiences of Hate/Dislike/Negativity so that we can Value and appreciate – the emotions and feelings of Like/ Love/positivity more. We all go through the Tear's so that , we that it can eventually cement our inner selves with a braver and a stronger Smile....so yes...please don't worry about me...I have learnt to embrace every bit of the step in my journey nonetheless...because I know that whenever I step onto the field, I aim to give it my best leading from the first alongside with keeping the team as empowered and motivated for everyone to play with the best versions of themselves as well....so as long as I know what intent that drives my actions on the field...I am ok....and I have literally learnt so much through ever low right?? So overall its been a win-win situation in Life, nonetheless, if not in the Game..so its safe to conclude that each of our highs combined with the Lows's probably are eventually meant to lead us to that Win – Win position perhaps?"

Dadi grins as she says – " rightly said Arnav beta...the opposites in life and emotions exist by a default of nature so that we can instantly differentiate in between the two...indeed..."

Dad smiles as he says winking at Akash and Mom – " akash , reva...look at all that wisdom pouring out of the Indian Skipper's mouth...you should say that out loud in a press conference for sure Arnav beta..."

I grin at Dad as I admit with a wink – " I most surely will Dad...one day...very soon..."

And we all share a warm laugh and everyone returns to their chatter.

And right then as I continue to sip my coffee, I get a thought within my head as well...as the words that I had just voiced out to everyone rang back in my head.

Was I supposed to go through that experience with Pia, so that I could instantly recognise what I was looking out for in the matters of the Heart??

Maybe Yes.

Ok.

I need to talk to Khushi.

I quickly excuse myself from the table as I gesture everyone that I gotta make a call.

They all nod.

I make my way to the outdoor patio which was adjacent to our kitchen living area and I quickly text Khushi.

Me : Khushi, are you free to connect for five minutes? Need to talk to you.

My phone beeps in 20 seconds.

Her : Skipper Blue...yes good to connect as in but on text only...will be able to call you in a bit though...just sitting with Dad and Mom..Dad's on a phone call and Mom's gone to freshen up, but will be back soon. Is chatting ok for now? Will definitely call you when I am free.

I smile as I read that and I reply : yes..ok, do that Khushi.Chatting is absolutely ok as well for now as well.

Her : all ok?? as in why do I feel like you have something on your mind that you want to talk about Skipper Blue??

I smile as I read that.

Now you guys know what I mean, when I say – she understands and reads my Unsaid without each other.

I quickly reply grinning.

Me : well yes...you are right about that Ms Xray...

Her : haha...look who Is talking..Mr Xray(a sticky tongue emoticon)..ok tell me na..what is it?

I grin as I reply : ok how about this...I will tell you about what it is..only if you call me by my name. Cmon Khushi..its about time...or do you need me to pull out the trump card on you now?

I tap send.

Phone beeps in two seconds.

Her : no ya Skipper Blue...please no need for trump card ok?

Me : again..Skipper Blue?

Her : haha..oh god...its become such a habbit to call you Skipper Blue/Mr Stranger ya...

I chuckle as I reply : you do know my name don't you?

Her : yes I do

Me : then cmon...say it...go on..

I wait for her reply.

It comes in five seconds.

Her : Arnav..

I grin to myself as I read that.

Me : really is that all you are going to say now?

Her : uff ya Skipper Blue..first you say you want me to say your name..now when I am saying it you are saying is that all I am going to say?

I chuckle to myself as I reply : haha...i am sure your forheads all lined up in puzzlement and your eyes are all wide with amusement as you wrote that bit Khushi..

Her : well yes you are right about that..Arnav..on that note..guess what did Jess just share with me a couple of minutes ago??

I smile as I read that.

Me : what??

Phone beeps.

And what I see, kind off shortens my smile on its own accord.

For it's a snapshot off a article in Delhi times, from this morning – still speculating a possibility of Pia and me getting back together?

I groan as I reply : really?? Why won't they just let it go?? I mean now I get it what Dadi was on about at breakfast a while ago...that the media wont just let this go...she was planning to cancel the subscription of all newspapers entering the household.

Her : haha...really????? Well what can I say ya Skipper Blue...the media does like to ship you both still ya...you know Jess was so very hopefull as well as she saw the article..haha...

I quickly reply : well, why don't you tell her that – that is so never happening. That's ways you won't have to hear her ship me with Pia.

Her : Hmmmmm to that Skipper Blue..maybe I will tell her that I know the same from Anjali ofcourse....on that note I did talk to mom and dad about staying over at Jess's tonight.

Me : and please tell me they are okay with it?

Her : ofcourse Skipper Blue. Its Jess. They love her. Why wont they be okay be it?

Me : which means I am going to see you tonight for sure yeah?and again skipper Blue??

Her : I guess yes...we would be seeing each other tonight then..Arnav..

I grin as I reply, deciding to pull her leg for a bit : Can't wait. Please know that you are absolutely banned from calling me Skipper Blue in person tonight as well.

I smile as I await her reply.

God – I have no clue what am I going to feel when she actually says my name in front of me in real time.

Her : hawwwwwwwwww!! Please don't say that ya Arnav..please? pretty please??

I chuckle as I reply : Khushi, I was just pulling your leg ok? whatever you are comfortable with of course...no worries at all? k?

Her : acha ok...but see I called you by your name...so why don't you tell me what was on your mind then?? As in the hunch I caught onto when you texted Arnav..

I reply : well, lets talk about in tonight when we meet in person?ok??

Her : ok Arnav..(smiley)

Me : also when we talk in a while..remind me to fill you in over Dad's reaction to Mom's discussion with him last night over the thought of Anjali settling down..

Her : yes I will remind you, on that note I am sure it isn't going to easy for him to digest it all, I mean I can only say that by everything I have heard from you, Anjali and bhai over how possessive and loving he is about Anjali. I mean I totally understand because that's how Dad is here as well..as in when it comes to me right?so yeah..

Me : yes it isn't going to be easy for him, but he will surely get around to it because in the end its Anjali's happiness that matters. On that note – is your Dad really the same as well?

Her : haha...oh yes...Skipper Blue..he surely is..oh I forgot to tell you, one of the other reasons also why I have never had a boyfriend till now is because a part of me is scared that if daddy ever finds out, he will probably also go around threatening the boy who decides to date his little girl with my bat only...

I chuckle as I read that.

Well guys ,it's a good thing that her Dad is a big fan of my Game then? Maybe, he wont really set out to beat me up with Khushi's bat if he knows – that I intend to be with his daughter.

And I am in the middle of writing her a reply when I get her text.

Her : Skipper Blue...dad and mom are back..call you in a bit then??

Me : ofcourse Khushi...

Her : (smiley)

Me : can't wait to see you tonight Khushi.

Her : I can't wait to wish you all the very best for the IPL in person as well...Arnav..acha..ok tata for real now..won't reply right now ok?will text you when I get to my room to get ready..and if you are free then as well we can connect on a call...

Me : ok Khushi...no worries(I attach a thumbs up)

And as I take a deep breathe, and make my way back in to join the rest of my family as well – I obviously have this huge grin curved up my Lips, backed by immense contentment ruling my heart.

Godammit.

I am a Goner.

This Girl was truly making me feel things that they wrote Novel's and Books about.

I have no idea – what am I going to feel when I see her tonight? After all this while of Us – Just talking and getting closer, I can't help but wonder/nor can I wait to see... what am I going to feel when I see her tonight...Guys.

And Guess What Guys?

Because I find myself sending out a little request out to Time saying - Dear Time, can you fast-track yourself to Tonight Already?.I would give myself a Full Points Score like 100/100 – on that Eagerness/Excited Meter, Indeed.

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TADAAAAA!!!!!

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

Next Update : Will be Coming up by Wednesday Evening guys, after which I shall switch to writing 2- 3 back to back updates for Chaotic Wires 2.0 before returning to this..

Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support.

Much Love Guys.

Always.

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