CHAPTER 16 – THE ROUND ROBIN - ‘WARMING UP'

Hellooo everyoneeeeeee

So here I am with the Next Update…it’s a 7.5K plus Words Long update Guys…apologies that it got pushed to Midnight, but here it is, by the end of Monday – as promised.

Will be Eager to know what you all think.

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

We are now – One more Month forward into the Story.Please keep a note on the Timeline.

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

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

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CHAPTER 16 – THE ROUND ROBIN - ‘WARMING UP'

ONE MORE MONTH LATER – 23rd April, 2019 – Jaipur, India

(It has been Two Months+ One Week, since Arnav and Khushi Met)

6:30 PM

Khushi’s POV

I grin at Jess as we both listen to Hina , (who is Captaining our Delhi’s team, in this Domestic Season) say with a huge grin up her face as she is sipping on her tea as well – “ Khushi, Jess, trust me, I have this feeling that tomorrow we are going to win the game, against Rajasthan and clinch that first spot on the Group Table – which means that we will play Maharashtra in the first semi’s…”

I nod at her excited , sipping on my tea as well as I say – “ Hina , I know you’v quit on sugar long ago, or else I surely would have dunked down an extra spoon of sugar in your tea and stated – that may the sweetest cup of tea make its way down your threat , for just saying that out loud…”

The three of share a warm laugh now as I wink and continue to sip my tea and Jess says now excited as well – “ well to be honest guys, I am quite excited to see the outcome for the match tomorrow, because both our teams, as in Rajasthan and Delhi are on the top of the group table already, with the tie in points, and as of now they are just on no 1 because of the little extra spike in their run rate from ours…and this last match in between of us is going to decide, which of us plays which team in the semi’s from the top two teams in the Group B, both Maharashtra women and Railway women have been having a wonderful tournament nonetheless…and I know we all are definitely aiming for that win ya tomorrow….just like Rajasthan would be…”

Nandini walks up to our table now( she is my opening partner in the domestic team) along with Parul(who is one of our ace bowlers) and she says – “ well guys, but since we are at their home turf…Rajasthan’s obviously played a lot of matches on this ground already, and just in case any crowd does turn up to watch the match tomorrow, the support will be all in for Rajasthan women, so we must not let that deter our spirit at all…,”and she winks at me as she says – “ khushi…just in case we bat first, we got to aim for a rock solid opening partnership, and well if we end up chasing then we shall obviously rethink the strategy..”

I chuckle as I nod at her – “ of course partner…the bat’s always ready..either ways…we will play our best to kill it tomorrow…” and we both High Five, each other – happily.

Parul grins and I hear her fall into a discussion about the bowling strategy’s etc along with Hina, Jess, Nandini, and some more of our team mates join in – and I listen on, sipping on my tea, and munching on the remainder of the snacks on my plate.

A couple of minutes later , I finish on my tea and snacks and our active discussion now gets diverted to what the hostel’s canteen has planned to serve us all for Dinner tonight – and I think it’s safe for me to sneak out a couple of minutes from within the walls of my Head and give you all a brief insight into the context of the situation.

So yes, everyone – It’s been literally a Month, since we last met and of course a lot has happened, that I need to give you all a brief glimpse into on both spheres – game wise, personal front wise.(Ahemm..so for obvious reasons since I am surrounded with my domestic team members right now – its only fair that I start with giving a glimpse into ‘the Game Wise’ bit)

So yes.

Guys – I am sure you all would have guessed, but I shall state it anyway – technically right now we are all in the Sports Hostel for Women, right now, which is going to be our location for stay for these short couple of days in Jaipur. We arrived here, this afternoon – as the last match within our Group A stages of our Domestic -Under 23 T20 League, is scheduled to be played tomorrow before our domestic tournament enters into the knock – out stages. Just a brief context everyone – our Women’s Domestic T20 League is like this month long Inter- State tournament, where in over 37 Women state teams of the country participate all categorised into 5 groups(GroupA,B,C,D,E), and we all play each other in the first ten days of the tournament in matches in our respective groups, in the Round Robin format and then the TOP 2 teams from every group, make it to the Final Super League Groups, (which kicks off for play in the second leg off the tournament) – Group A and Group B. In the Super League Group formats, each Group – Group A and Group B – have five teams each and once again we all play each other by turns in the Round Robin format, and the top 2 teams from the respective groups make it to the Knockout Stages. And I am absolutely delighted to report that in this year’s domestic season, our Delhi team not only qualified at the top of the group in the earlier stages,and got qualified into Group A in the Super League stages but we are now in the Top 2 within the Group Stage already(As you all would have guessed by our excited conversations above, but I just had to state it again anyway…like Yippeeee to that).

Ok so, Our Group A in the Super League this year comprised off the five women state teams from - Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, Hyderabad and Andhra and Group B comprised off – Railways, Maharashtra. Gujarat, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh. Group B is already done with all their group stage matches, and as of now Railway is on top of their points table and second is Maharashtra. And after this last match, in between of us and Rajasthan tomorrow – the tournament will finally head into the knock out stages of the semis and then the Finals and will conclude by the 30th of this month. So yeah – by the time the tournament would have ended, in this domestic season – a total off 142 plus T20 cricket matches would have been played by the various domestic women’s cricket team across the nation).And to be honest guys – I have been loving and relishing and enjoying every bit off the Season like to the core, because even though it’s obviously been gruellingly hectic and aggressive in terms of both practice and play and very competitive as well, but I have gotten to learn a lot from all off my team- mates this season, actually not just my team mates, but our opponents as well – which has further affirmed each of our beliefs as women cricketers – that the female talent pool for Cricket in our country, has truly got on some great potential and is continuously thriving as well – irrespective of the fact that there’s less awareness about our games, and no media coverages. Lack of those things haven’t been able to deter the Spirit of the Sport – which continues to thrive and grow.

I am right on that thought when I hear Hina Di say to us all now – “ guys, on that note – another reason why I am so excited to just win the match out tomorrow, is so that, we can all watch in the IPL game in between of Rajasthan and Bangalore tomorrow, live from the stands – without any worry at all…I mean look at how thrilling this afternoon’s game in between Mumbai and Rajasthan was, and Rajasthan losing out by just two runs…is like ouch no…I mean girls, we all know how painful these close losses are, also are you all up to get huddled in the common area so that we can all watch Chennai taking on Hyderabad, in the game starting in a while from now??? ”

Everyone nods and starts to talk about the IPL game this afternoon and then get excited about tonights game as well and then tomorrow’s games line up as they agree with Hina di, that they were all glad that our match was scheduled to be played in the morning itself and they start discussing which sides they were rooting for the win in tonights game and tomorrow’s evening game. (Well – you all already must know that this IPL – I am totally rooting for Bangalore, to win the CUP – for reasons you all already know - Haha)

Jess grins as she says to everyone – “ guys this time, I am surely rooting for Bangalore, for the win…”,and she looks at me straight and gives me a mischievous gesture from her eye which only I catch onto obviously, and I quickly gesture her to not get on with her mischievousness in front of everyone right now and that she could save it for when we were alone in our room, in a bit. She nods back me at me immediately and grins.

Everyone’s chatter continues.

Ok so – guys, I am sure you all have guessed it outright but I shall say it anyway since we are in Jaipur and tomorrow is the end of the group stage matches for us as well, we all obviously have the tickets to go see the IPL match in between of Rajasthan Vs Bangalore, tomorrow night at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.(Our team’s matches are all played in the morning slot – like starting at 10am and it all finishes by around 2pm, mostly) - so, also the above scenario means that as of now, this very minute – Skipper Blue and me, are in the same city right now. Actually – both of us arrived in Jaipur , with our respective teams over just around two hours apart. He landed into Jaipur around 1pmish along with the rest of the Bangalore team and checked into the ITC Rajputana(which is where the teams playing in the IPL usually stay, when in Jaipur) and I, arrived by our team bus from Delhi and checked into our Sports Hostel for Women as organised for our stay by the domestic tournament’s organisers, alongside the rest of my team at around 3pm.

I am right on that thought when my phone beeps in my pocket.

Its surely Arnav – I know.

I quickly get up from the group and walk to the water cooler side of the Canteen – on the pretext of getting myself some water to drink as I dish out my phone from my pocket and open WhatsApp.

It is Arnav.

Him : I just can’t freaking believe this Khushi…tell me just once that it isn’t true and that something might just be possible…is there really no way that we can meet at all? tonight? Even though we are in the same city??

Guys, we’d obviously been on chat as much as possible all day, nonetheless. In fact I was chatting with him only, before Jess and me made our way to the canteen – for tea and snacks time.

I bite back my smile as I quickly text.

Me : Sorry ya SB, you know it really is next to impossible to get out of the hostel tonight ya without catching on too much attention as in you know since its game for us tomorrow morning ya, also not only is everyone gathering up to watch the Chennai Vs Hyderabad, IPL match in our hostel’s common room…we shall be discussing and analysing, and observing the game as well, amongst us all… you know exactly how it is na..i am like so very sorry about this..

Him : yes I know, and know that I understand Khushi, please don’t be sorry at all ok?. It’s just that I am just all bummed out because of the same..

I take a deep breath as I type.

Me : please don’t be bummed out no Arnav..ok tell me is there any chance that I can do anything to help your Bummed-out-ness lessen a bit??

Him : yes there surely is..

Me : what is it SB?? please tell me..

Him : please figure out a way that we can get on a video call tonight maybe.. Khushi? Haven’t video-called with you in over a couple of days and if I can’t see you in person, then is there way that I can see you through the screen at least?? I do miss our video calls…you know that don’t you?? I just need to see you, even though its through screen, you know I cannot go without seeing you for long – atleast digitally.

Ok guys – so that last bit from him was just about to open another court hearing within the Supreme Courts of my Hearts. I pause on the same because I am on chat right now. Sorry Dear Heart – you gotta push on the Hearing for a Bit – its priority to be present in real time whilst chatting with Arnav you know?? as in I can’t space out on him on chat ya, just because you want to go into your Swooning-Malfunction Mode. I hear My Heart Reply. Oh Yes K, don’t worry about the same – I am very clear in my priorities as well, please continue chatting with Arnav, we shall anyway see you in a bit.Apologies for all the crazy Wobbles + Swooning amidst Chat, but don’t blame us, its like he writes out a text like that – and I am back to feeling like a Wobbly Hyper- Humpty Dumpty. I mean – why does he have to be so Charming?

I chuckle to that and I take a deep breathe as I reply : yes I know that SB…okieess…see I will figure something out…ill go on the hostel’s terrace for a walk maybe like later tonight, after the game and everything, and then maybe we can get on a video call SB…you know since Hina, Parul, are always hanging out in mine and Jess’s room till late in the night these days, so that’s why haven’t been able to video call much with you on this tour ya …it isn’t because I don’t want to..you know that don’t you Arnav??

Him : yes…I know that Khushi. And thank you so very much for this is good news already I mean..atleast I will be able to see you, tonight.Also what you upto?? Done with the tea time/snacks break?

Me : well not done with that completely, Arnav as in I am still in the canteen with the team as we are all catching up and getting excited about the fact that our match will be over in the morning – I mean everyone’s exited about seeing the IPL live in between of Bangalore and Rajasthan…tomorrow night no??also everyones just been discussing the afternoon game and anticipating the results of Chennai vs Hyderabad tonight. You know we all follow the IPL crazily anyway.

I grin as I tap send.

Phone beeps in a second.

Him : and I am not interested to know what everyone is feeling about watching tomorrow’s game live. I only want to know what you are feeling, so c’mon then.. tell me…you excited as well?

I quickly fill myself a glass of water and gulp it down so that the blush up my cheek does not deepen. I mean – I am still in the Canteen and most of my team-mates are like all around me. I most surely cannot risk looking all blushed up like a Tomato Ketch-UP.

Me : Arnav..you already know the answer to that don’t you??

Him : maybe..i do, but let’s just say that I want to hear you say it. Well technically in this case – I mean, I want to read what you type out in a reply to that.

I bite back my smile as I quickly reply : ufffffffff yaaaa Arnav…like you really love to take my case ya…so well, to be honest I am obviously excited and happy about coming to the stadium to see Bangalore vs Rajasthan play Live tomorrow.

Him : you mean you are excited and happy to see just both our teams play?? I mean are you only happy because you will be watching the game, live?

Me : Arnav..please…

Him : Khushi..please..

Me : well I am obviously happy also because that means I will get to see you for real, in front of me…(I add a sticky tongue emoticon). I mean technically you will be on the field no, playing?? so nonetheless – I will see you for Real.

Him : and the fact that I cannot come to see you play live tomorrow in the morning - is like so very unfair. Why won’t you let me?? I want to see you play too.

I smile as I read that.

Me : oh pleaseeee Arnav, you know how that would be like a bolt of thunderous surprise which will grab too many eyeballs even if you get a couple of team- mates along and secondly, it isn’t because of just that, you have that collective ad-shoot in the morning no? slotted for the same time as my match with the Mumbai and Rajasthan team…and it is for such a good cause, so yeah…

Him : well it is a bummer that the collective ad-shoots timing clash with your match Khushi, otherwise I surely would have come along with Ravi and a couple more of my team mates to the ground tomorrow, to see you play live. You know I have the perfect cover for all the eyeballs – and that would be that we totally wanted to cheer on our women domestic team as well, before they head into the knock out stages, for you’ve all been having such a wonderful tournament, and its insane that the media doesn’t give this much coverage.

I reply honestly : well Arnav, you know the loss of media coverage doesn’t deter our spirit nonetheless. Anyways you tell me what you upto?? How’s the catching up with everyone going??

Him : its going great Khushi. Me and Ravi are Just catching up with Rohan and Veer, who’v just freshened up and come to catch up with us,since Mumbai just finished up with the match with Rajasthan.Its anyway been long since we all hung out together because of our different schedule’s with our respective teams. And now we are getting all set to watch Cap’s Chennai take on Hyderabad as well tonight, you know I love to watch Cap play on TV. It’s like one of my favourite’s moments in time.

I smile as I read that. And right then I see Jess gesturing me to come join everybody back.

I quickly type.

Me : yes I know, it surely is Arnav. Ok listen, Jess is calling me in right now to join back everyone. I gotta rush. You enjoy watching the game with everyone as well, k?? let’s connect later then?

Him : ok Khushi, later then…video call tonight? Right? For sure??

Me : yes yes, for sure like pakka * infinity se sure, Arnav.(I add a smiley) ok now bbyye for real. Text you soon.

Him : okies bbye for Real Khushi.

I drink up another glass of water before I make my way back to join my Team- mates and we all decide to head towards the Common room to get ready to watch the Game as well since it was almost nearing 7 pm now.

Sorry Dear Heart. Let’s push back our Hearing, to later tonight? Before we get on the video call with Skipper Blue then??

I hear My Heart say. Ofcourse K, I understand. I truly am getting all tuned into the Gaming chamber’s within my walls as well. Let’s enjoy a game of Cricket like we always do – together, and then we shall talk about Skipper Blue, once the game was over. We can’t escape that discussion anyway.

………………………

Hours Later – Midnight

Khushi’s POV Continues

I take a step onto the terrace of the Hostel and I feel the instant breeze of fresh air – bring a huge grin up my face on its own accord. I make my way to the far end and sit on the ground , folds my leg in a cross and lean my back against the wall.

Guys – I did text Arnav that we would connect on a Video- Call by around 1215 am, just as the Game finished a while ago. So Chennai won the game to clinch another two points on the point tables in the IPL. IPL is still in its Round – Robin stages right now everyone, as in where in all the teams are taking turns to play against one another, and as of now the top four teams on the point table are : Mumbai , Chennai, Bangalore and Punjab, but there is still a while before the tournament enters into the knock-out stages , so its like there’s a lot of positive momentum with which each of the teams are still playing.

Hmmm.

On that note – dear Heart, I want a little one on one with just You right now. Rest of the organs,eyes + mind, please take note. I do not want any interruption please. And I mean no offense.ok?

Mind + Eyes + Rest of the Organs in Unison. Ohkkk K, point Noted. This is an exclusive session that you want with just the Heart we get it.please note -None offense Taken.We love you – K. We are all busy reminiscing with the set of moments with Arnav in our memories anyway.

I feel my Heart take its Seat – in the Chief Judge chair.Its just my Heart and me – now.

My Heart smiles. Ok K…off you shoot…go ahead..lets get this hearing started.

I nod as I admit. Yes so, dear Heart -so while I was on that thought of Arnav’s IPL still being in the Robin Round matches stage and our last match of this stage also being tomorrow -I just gotthinking to myself, wouldn’t it be fair enough to say that the current equation in between of Arnav and me, is also like as if its in like some sort of a Round – Robin cricket tournament where in, I could say that – ‘him’ and ‘me’ getting closer in the ways that we are – is almost like as if we were in some – ‘ Warm Up – practice session going on in the Nets..and then continuing to be all geared up in the Round- Robin league stage matches as well.You understand, what I mean, don’t you?

I hear my Heart say with a Grin. Bingo, K. That’s almost like the perfect way to put this you know, since you’v both only gotten closer than what you were in the last month that’s passed by as you have both continued to stay as connected in your free time, with each of you putting in similar efforts on the same as well.So Yup – I would say that there is a lot of Warming Up and Practice going on in between the pitch that exists invisibly in between his heart and me.You do agree on the fact that the broth of your instant connection that has been Warming up – has surely thickened amidst all the simmering as well, right??

I sigh as I close my eyes, keeping a hand on my heart. Well you are right about that dear Heart. You do know obviously that I am continuing to fall for him in the ways that are a lot faster, that I had anticipated. Its like some sort of a SpeedMeter is on work here. And I have no control over it. I am getting way too into Him. Like way too Intooo – Him. You know how he’s tiptoeing his way into my System right??Or maybe I should just admit outright – that he’s running his way into my system, as fast as he takes those killer runs, running, in between the wickets at the speed of Sound.

I hear my heart Ask with a worry. Wait K? why is there a worry frown up your forhead? Don’t tell me,You have some problem with the SpeedoMeter operations??as in do you feel like you want to control it.

I admit immediately. No no, that’s not what I mean.

My heart relaxes all of a sudden and grins up at me. Good K, because to be honest, I seem to have no control over this Speedometer as well. You know how he makes me feel.All Happy and giddy and excited. Off late I feel like, I have developed some wings on its own accord. Lets test out some – Flying, maybe?? I mean, I am pretty sure – I can Fly.

I smile to myself as I sigh. God dearest heart, I know you feel like Flying. But you know what I can’t lie to you.I can’t help but wonder what if, I am just destined to continue playing in this Round-Robin format, when it comes to Arnav, as in what if whatever this ‘thing’ in between of us is – never really makes it to the knock out stages.

My heart say, all concerned again. Wait, what?? no??? Why would you even think like that K?? Cmon, don’t do this to me, here I am , routing and cheering for my connection with his heart to win the freaking Final in this Tournament 2122, and you are getting all worked up sending all pessimistic thoughts my way getting me all worried about the knock out stages. And before you ask me why I called it – Tournament 2122, its totally because you first coined the term - APP 2122 because of the two of your jersey no’s.ok? now c’mon tell me why would you even say that.

I admit honestly. Dearest Heart, please know that I don’t want to be pessimistic at all ok? because its like everything is going great in between of Arnav and me, infact more than just great and I am also even more sure off late that it just cannot be just friendship brewing up from his end too – as in, I can sense that. I know I mean something to him and he most surely means a lot to me, but I can’t help but wonder that what does all of this actually Mean as well, as in where are we headed??

I see my Heart give me a heartwarming smile as it says. Ohh K, you are falling for one of those mind fears again, and doing exactly what you shouldn’t do just now. You are letting the worry of the result, take away the fun and enjoyment of playing the match in the first place. The journey of play Is important remember?? You tell that to yourself every game no sweetheart? Then why not tell that to yourself in the matters of feelings as well?

I admit honestly. Maybe, because dear heart for the first time I am scared to even think about – what if he does like me, but does not like me enough? You know what I mean don’t you?? I mean, at the end of the day, I am a sporty tomboy whose dawned in cricketing jersey’s and there’s absolutely nothing uber glamourous about me, and on top of that I literally am so naïve when it comes to all of this relationship stuff, I have no clue on how these things even work, and especially on the other important stuff that matters to men eventually like you know the physical tangents, like for heaven’s sake, I have literally never even been Kissed before ya. I don’t even know how to kiss yet practically and the one I am falling for at the speed of light – has been in a full-fledged relationship with a Bollywood actress before.I mean – it is only natural for a little worry to creep in no, dear Heart. I am just looking out for you, you know. I don’t want you to be Hurt. It feels like it will pain a hell lot, if one fine day Arnav feels like – he’s done staying connected to a naïve/clueless/Charlie Chaplin – Me, and just friend-zones me for Real.

My heart takes a deep breath. Dear K, please know once again that the Vibe we get from his heart surely tells us – that you have nothing to worry about at all.He really likes you. He is into You. and trust me when I say this – I think you are totally belittling this instant intense connection in between of you two by thinking about all these trivial matters. These things grow on naturally as the relationship progresses. Arnav is obviously aware that you have never been in a relationship before. He surely understands. You’v always been honest to him, just like he has always been honest to you. So please don’t let the doubts, and the worries/insecurites belittle what you feel ok??

I take a deep breathe as I admit. Ok dear Heart, I shall try to not let my insecurities about the same worry me. I mean, I will try to figure out a way to think this through – maybe?I mean I have to , I guess – since I most surely cannot stop the thing’s that’s started in between of us. I mean- I don’t want to stop it.

My heart grins. You mean you cannot/don’t want to stop all the - ‘Warming Up, Practice and the Round Robin games’ going on in between that invisible pitch in between his heart and me.

I nod.

Right then my phone beeps in my hand.

Its him – ofcourse.

Dear Heart? Sorry to interrupt our session for now.My heart Grins. Well K, you know an interruption from Arnav is something I never mind, it’s what I look forward to don’t i?? I think that’s me running to get all ready to feel all like a warm and fuzzy, wobbly Humpty Dumpty.

I chuckle at myself, and divert my attention to my phone Now.

Him : Khushi, just got into my room, after all the crazy frenzy we were all consumed with dissecting Chennai’s win over Hyderabad in that close game tonight. Its 12:15 am, are we good to connect? Also did you speak to Uncle, aunty already?? I mean I do want to talk to you Non stop – now that we are finally able to connect on that video call. So just incase you haven’t still spoken to them, please do so and let me know, we can connect then.

I chuckle as I type quickly.

Me : I already did get on a call with Mom, Dad, and also bhai and Anjlai in brief calls after I texted you that we would be good to connect by 1215am, Arnav. What about you? done with talking to everyone back home?? I am all free and good to connect. Am actually on the terrace only.

My WhatsApp Buzzes with a Video-Call immediately.

I feel my Insides flutter.

I plug in my headphones quickly into the port and then into my ears, and I Swipe up the Green Button, and just as I do, I can’t help but smile and Grin like a Idiot myself – as I see, Arnav’s smiling face fill up the screen. He is grinning too and I see him plonk on his bed in the hotel room and lean back into the pillows comfortably now.

For a couple of seconds – none of us actually say anything. We are just grinning at each other, in silence.With our eyes- Locked. We are getting on a video-call, after a week actually.Also,His gaze that was holding mine just now turned like super duper -intense.

I can’t believe how- Happy – I am feeling right now.Like for real guys? What’s wrong with me????????????????????????? I think I am turning into a Gone-Case? – when it comes to him?perhaps?

I hear my Eyes wink at me from the walls of my Head. You think? K? Correction please. You already are a Gone Case! Just like he is…

I blink now immediately as a way of getting back at my eyes right now – and that breaks our eyelock as well and he groans and exclaims, still grinning though – “ why would you do that??”

I chuckle as I ask, looking to my side, nervously – “ why would I do what??”

He says – “ I mean, why would you blink exactly when I was hoping you wouldn’t, Khushi…c’mon now why are you looking sideways? Look at me please?? Isn’t it crazy enough that we are getting on our videocall after a week??”

I look up at the screen, in an instant now and I admit with a nervous smile – “ well , I was just nervous ok?? that’s why I looked away..”

He asks, with that rakish side grin up his face – “ really?? Nervous?? Why??”

I admit honestly, looking sideways – “ maybe because of the way you were looking at me right now ya Skipper Blue…I mean…no one’s ever looked at me like you just did…”

His comforting voice comes through – “call me Arnav, please…no Skipper Blue right now atleast??”

I nod as I say softly, looking back at the screen – “ okk Arnav…”

He grins as he says, a little disappointment evident in his voice – “ literally you are like just ten kms away from where I am, and yet I see you today, through screen, but hey somethings better than nothing atleast…”

I chuckle as I admit – “ yup…somethings better than nothing indeed…”

Our eyes lock again.And once again – his gaze that was holding mine turned into Intense* infinity se, and I say nervously , honestly – “ please, don’t…”

He asks, still holding onto my gaze intently – “ please don’t what Khushi??”

I admit – “ please don’t look at me so intently, maybe..i mean…”

He grins – “ why?? Making you nervous again??”

I nod.

He asks still griining – “ define nervous, please? Like nervous in a good way or a bad way??”

I admit honestly – “ nervous in a good way ya..”

He winks at me mischievously, now – “ nervous in a good way, is good…actually? What say??”

I admit smiling – “ ok..so…I don’t know what to say to that…,”

He chuckles now and says – “ ok fine, lets just say, I shall try not to stare at you so intently, because I do not want to risk you hanging up on the video call on me just now..tell me…all set for the match tomorrow?? I am all rooting for you guys already, I mean you all are surely heading into the knock outs anyway, its just about whether you will be playing Maharashtra or Railways..right??”

Guys – please note, just the way by which Arnav continues to be so subtly supportive and empowering towards me in terms of my game as always, continues to make me fall for him even more. It’s like even though there’s no live telecast of our domestic matches and everything - he always keeps a tap on my game online(As much as he can,as in if he is not in practice or cricketing meetings) through the websites, as and when the game is on,.I know how? Because I mostly have a string of texts from him to look at when I switch on my phone after a game- as usual. And if he is busy in practice himself or in some cricketing meeting, when my games are on, he surely catches up on the updates of it all, the minute he is free and then texts me about the same – first thing.

I nod at him excited and fill him up over all our preps and strategies for the game tomorrow, and then I ask him about his preps for the game tomorrow and he fills me up on the same and about ten to tweleve minutes later into our cricketing conversation as we are almost done discussing it all he says sincerely , in a tone that empowers and motivates me – “ yup..so that’s about it…and I will wish you in the morning too, but I do want to say…all the best for the game tomorrow Khushi…I know you are all going to kill it giving it your best nonetheless..”

I grin to that – “ thank you so much Arnav and I should say the same to you no…like all the best for the game tomorrow as well…I mean I shall obviously wish you again since its only later in the night…but look at my luck, I am going to get to see you kill it tomorrow on the pitch in front of my eyes for real…”

He narrows his eyes at me and groans – “ and as happy as I am about that, I still can’t believe that you won’t let me come see you play, live?? I mean, I can surely skip the ad-shoot you know??”

I roll my eyes at him playfully – “ yeah…yeah…as if?? Cmon ya…Arnav…it’s an important collective ad shoot with the Mumbai and the Rajasthan team, promoting the remaining leg of the IPL, along with the message that the BCCI will be contributing a lot of proceeds from the ticket sales to an amazing charitable organisation …so I would never even ask you to miss or skip that just because I am playing a game..k??also…I..I…”and I pause, because even though I do want to say this out loud to him, I feel a little nervousness take over, because I am obviously worried that I might just offend him with this.

He asks, keeping his eyes locked with mine – “ also..i..i…what? khushi??”

I admit honestly and sincerely, taking a deep breath – “ also, even if the ad- shoot was not happening, its like that cover up for the eyeballs/attention bit from your end would surely have grabbed some attention towards our domestic set up, as in just incase you would have come to see us play… but I have been thinking to myself, I mean would this be fair?No, It wouldn’t be. As in, I would never want to take unnecessary benefit of your cricketing position, to throw light towards the situation around our games, just because I know you, otherwise now. I mean yes, we still need to work on creating all that awareness – but It should happen organically no, with its own natural course, maybe?? So pleaseee – you only please act all supportive towards women’s cricket as you have been normally all this while…like no extra stuff just because we know each other now personally as well. Please. Ok??promise me?? Like pakka se wala promise??”

Arnav nods as he sighs – “ okk…fine…I promise Khushi…”

I ask, sincerely – “ I haven’t offended you in anyway have i?? I am sorry if I have..it wasn’t my intention to Arnav, its just that..i…i..just ..”

Arnav interrupts me immediately now as he says – “ hey..shh…just relax…I understand Khushi…I know you don’t mean to offend me or something, I really do understand your reasons, you don’t even need to explain it to me…ok??”

I lean back my head against this terrace wall and I sigh as I ask – “ how?? Just how do you understand me so well ya??”

He chuckles – “ well I am glad, I just do…”and he says now – “ and to be honest to you right now, as happy as I am that I am getting to see you, I am feeling a tad bit guilty that you are sitting on the ground on the terrace, where in I am in the comfort of my room, just now…”

I chuckle as I say – “ ohh please ya Arnav…you know I would have surely even videocalled you from the room, with my head phones on if it was just Jess in the room just now, I mean I would have requested her to put her headphones on with the blast pf her music and she would have cooperated, but right now its like Hina, Parul, Nandini, and a couple of more girls are just chilling in our room only…so yeah, I most definitely have to just make ado with the terrace just now…everyone thinks I am on a videocall with bhai just now where in we are discussing some family matters…”

Arnav chuckles to that on reflex as he asks – “ really?? Is that what everyone thinks?? “

I nod.

He grins – “ Well I am glad the man my sister loves, could be off some help to me unknowingly, right now..”

We both share a warm laugh and our eyes lock again, intently.And we a comfortable, yet very intense silence takes over.

Just about two minutes into the intense eyelock that was back to making my heartrace, a text from Jess on Whtsapp pops up.

Jess : Khushi, we are all on our way up to the terrace, tried to talk the girls out of it, but everyone’s in mood for some fresh air and some stroll time on the terrace. We will be up in two minutes. Hang up on the video call with SB quickly.

I sigh as I say to Arnav quickly – “ okkk…oops and I am really sorry about this Arnav..but gotta rush now..as in hang up on the video call…Jess just texted that everyones coming up from some fresh air, she couldn’t talk them out of it…”

Arnav groans as he says , disappointment evident on his face– “ what??? no?? gotta rush already??”

I nod as I say sheepishly – “ sorry…”

He sighs – “well I understand..”and he grins and winks – “ but I am glad that you talked to Jess about me, as in I am glad that she knows that Mr stranger is me..”

I chuckle as I admit – “ well its been a month since she knows, and she still has trouble digesting it, she asks me every second day, khushi you are not joking with me na??”

We share a warm laugh and I spot some movement in the terrace door, and I see everyone step on in all laughing and talking and I say to Arnav with a wave, gesturing him with my eye that everyone was here – “ ok bbye …ill talk to you later then…”

He nods, and I hang up.

Just as I get up on my feet my phone beeps in my hand.

Him : I am awake.Text me before you sleep, Khushi.k?

I grin as I reply.

Me : yes I will ofcourse… pakka se…

Everyone asks me to join them and I gesture to them that I will be with them in a couple of minutes.

Him : you wana know why was I looking at you so intently a while ago? Khushi??

I bite back my nervousness as I reply quickly.

Me : yes…

Him : maybe because, that was my gaze’s way of telling you – that you light up my world, Khushi.

My eyes widen as I read that and I type with nervous hands.

Me : i…what??????

Phone beeps in 20 seconds.

Him : everything about you Sparkles my Life Khushi, and its about time you know that.So that’s what I want to call you at times maybe. Sparkle. You know just like how you call me Skipper Blue, Mr stranger, Mr Xray etc etc..ok?? you wouldn’t mind would you??

Did he just say that he wants to call me – Sparkle? At times?

Yup.

My eyes were right.

I already am turning into a GoneCase..when it comes to Him.No scope of think in there.

I quickly reply : no, I wouldn’t mind ofcourse Arnav..

Him : ok then Sparkle.text me soon then when you reach the room.ill be waiting up for you.

I take a deep breathe as I quickly text : ok Arnav…will text you soon…wont be replying now, everyones walking up to me now..

Him : ok..no worries..

I dish back my phone in my track pockets and I make my way to join everyone and as everyone starts to ask me if my call with bhai went ok, I do thank Jess silently for her heads up.

She winks back at me – obviously.

But even though I am distracted by my team mates around me just now, my thoughts are now trailing back to Arnav, nonetheless. I just cannot wait to get onto text and chat with him already.

Yup.

Guys– I was right.

I don’t think I could put a Stop to this- ‘thing’ , all Warming up and Simmering in between of Arnav and Me, even though it was scaring me on a couple of other tangents.

Why?

Because – I didn’t want to.

I JUST DIDN’T WANT TO.

…………………………………………………………………….

TADAAAAA!!!!!

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

Next Update : Mostly by Wednesday Night.

Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support.

Much Love Guys.

Always.

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