CHAPTER 17 – SOME 'TRICKY' SPEEDBREAKERs 1.0

Hellooo everyoneeeeeee

So here I am with the Next Update...it's a 9K plus Words Long update Guys...before Midnight this time..hehe...

Will be Eager to know what you all think.

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

Pleaseee go through the Picture Note, in the Index, before this Update to see the Actor's/faces attached with the characters appearing in this Update. ( I will try to attach the pictures once again,anyway)

Veer

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 17 – SOME 'TRICKY' SPEEDBREAKERs 1.0

The Next Day – 24th April, 2019 (ITC – Rajputana – Jaipur)

10:15 AM

ARNAV'S POV

It's Crazy.

It's Crazy, how Crazy I am about Her.

Her – Who?

Khushi – of course.

Like really Guys, do I even need to say this??

It's surely Obvious.

And you know what's the best part?

It is the fact that My Clueless Cinderella – isn't really as Clueless about our Connection anymore. I know she can now easily, sense every bit of the Vibe I have been sending out to her, and especially in the last one month,as we have gotten closer I have observed that she has been catching onto the subtle hints that I keep dropping onto her. She's surely doing her bit to wrap her fascinating head around the connection, brewing up in between of us. She surely knows – it isn't just Friendship, brewing up from my end for Her, just like I surely know that it isn't just that for her as well – anymore.

And how do I know.? Even though she hasn't voiced it out as openly to me yet.I know, because I can read her Unsaid right.I truly can see through her every silent gesture, nonetheless. Her innocently expressive bewitching eyes talk to me in a language of their own, when I look into them.

I know, she is falling for me as well – maybe she isn't as deep into me, as I am into her already, but it's a progress I am happy with – nonetheless.

And well – what can I say, about the way's in which I have fallen even more deeply and crazily for My Clueless Cinderella. Did you all notice the change from Miss. To My in the Clueless Cinderella bit?

Yup.

Now you know why I started with the statement – Its Crazy, how Crazy I am about her.

Well anyways back to the point off telling you all honestly – how deeply I have fallen for her over the course of this another happy, peaceful month. So, basically, if I were to try to summarise it all up in one phrase, then I would just say, something I texted her as well last night, because the minute I had seen her on the Video Call after like a week, that was the first thought that came into my Head and Heart. Which thought? – the thought that she is the one, who is responsible for all the fire- crackling lighting in my World. She truly does light up my World in the ways I cannot really describe in words completely because it's surely something I have truly never felt before. And since everything about her was like a source of Sparkle, in my Life – it was about time, that I told her that.

I am so freaking Glad that I did – last night.

It was a Bummer that I missed seeing her adorable expression though – that would have come up her face as she read that bit from me over text. Can totally imagine, it within the walls of my head though. And well, just this one thought is enough to open the window and let the zillion thoughts pertaining to Khushi – flood through my Head and Heart.Thoughts that are always at the back of my head anyway. Because, she's obviously on my mind all the freaking time,( except for the time when I am on the pitch and playing completely consumed in my love for the game and it's like the very minute I am off the pitch and switched off from the playing cricketing avatar, she is the first one to occupy my thoughts – literally).And I do want to indulge in a little Happiness right now – by reassuring myself, that I think it's also pretty much the same for her, because she did kind off give that away in a little sentence, when we spoke before she left the Hostel for her game this morning.( Arnav, thank you so very much for all the best wishes for the game, and yes I will surely text you the minute I switch on my phone after the game is over, you know since my thoughts anyway trail back to you instantly, the minute I step off the field.)

My Adorable Precious – Sparkle. (She is playing her match right now, everyone. I obviously track up on her game updates, online on the BCCI's website, always. And as of now - Rajasthan Women won the toss and chose to bat first – which means that Khushi's probably stationed in her fielding positions on field right now)

God – I really wish that I could have seen her Play , live today. I really wanted to, but then again, I understand Khushi's concerns about the same as well, and I obviously do not want to do anything that could go back to making her feel all overwhelmed because of my Cricketing Identity.

Well to be honest, it isn't just that I want to see her or something. I am kind off dying to meet her and spend some quality time with just Her, in Real time guys – because that situation is kind off like a important pre-requisite for me right now, because the minute I see her next in real time, is when I have planned to ask her out formally – as in I do want to confess to her that I have fallen for her, and that I want to be with her. And I obviously do not want to confess the same to her – on a videocall/phone call/text.

Maybe..I will figure out a way to see her tonight?I rake up my brains and try to figure out a way. I know she cannot get out of the Hostel once she is in, but maybe before she reaches the Hostel? As in , she is coming to the stadium to the see the match Live right? I mean, there has to be some way out right??

I am right on that thought, when I hear one of my bestest friend's Ravi's voice next to me, as he says grinning – " And I am all set and ready, and looks like so are you Arnav, have you been waiting long?? Everyone's from our team's almost done...another couple of minutes maybe.. "

I grin at him as I say – "haven't been waiting long, just five minutes.."

Everyone – we are in this Huge Banquet of our Hotel, where in the collective Ad -shoot has been organised, in between our three teams who are in the Hotel – just now.(Bangalore, Mumbai and Rajasthan) And there's a smaller area of the banquet that has been sectioned to be like the Green Room, where in all of us players are just undergoing the little process of Getting ready for the Shoot and facing the Camera. We are all in our respective team's Jersey's. I had walked out to wait up for everyone to join me, about five minutes ago – which is how I had a little time out to give you all a glimpse into the walls of my Head.

Ravi folds his hands across his chest casually and grins at me , leaning against the wall, just like me and he asks – " tell me something, what were you so deep in thought about, before I walked out here to join you?? I am sure you aren't reminiscing about the ad-shoot times,in which you met a one-some Miss.Chopra..."

I roll my eyes at him as I admit – " well, I am glad you know very well – that, I am most definitely not reminiscing about that Ravi.."

Ravi grins – " exactly, then what were you so deep in thought about...?? When are you going to tell me – the reason behind why your phone is now like your new found best friend? Huh?? It's been that way for months now, ever since you returned from that little break from Nottingham in Feb...and I have been waiting patiently and observing like a good friend, hoping that you will talk about it to me yourself, but because you still haven't, I think it's about time I questioned you up front about this...."

I chuckle as I look at him – " and of course, you've noticed..."and I pause and I ask – " and I am glad you asked buddy, but please don't tell me you spoke about it to Noor already?? She will drill me about it the minute she sees me next.."

Ravi grins – " well I was thinking about sharing the information with her you know, but then I thought let me talk to you about it first, she's anyway going to get pissed and be like, I am his first cousin and we are so close yet you get to know everything first Ravi and that's only because you guys are all in this Men in Blue – brotherhood..."

I chuckle as I admit – " well yes to that, I can totally imagine Noor saying that.."and I ask pulling Ravi's leg a little bit – " well Akash, Payal and Noor are coming to watch the game tonight, so I bet you are excited..."

Ravi grins and nods – " you bet I am, you know long distance is tough, but if you are with the right person, every second of that effort is freaking worth it..."

I nod at him as I admit – " and I obviously agree with you on that Ravi..."

Ravi turns sideways now and asks – " so cmon, out with it, tell me...I mean please tell me that the reason why you are into your phone so much is because, you'v met someone..." and he winks and adds – " Rohan and me are betting on the fact that you met this secretive someone on that little time out in Nottingham..."

I grin as I ask – "really so Rohan's been wondering about this too??"

Ravi nods and he admit with another wink – " actually to be honest, me, Rohan and Cap – the three of us have been discussing this amongst ourselves for quite a while and you go around sticking to your phone in the ways you have, I am sure, Shiv and Veer will catch onto it soon as well..."

I ask with a grin – " really?? What's Cap take on this..."

Ravi grins – " well he obviously agrees with our theory, and he also adds in the fact that he hasn't seen you smiling in the ways you have been, in all these years, even when you were with Pia – so he definitely says that boys, Arnav will definitely talk to us about it when he is ready...but either ways I am just glad that he's met someone who's making him smile all freely and naturally...he does look very happy..."

And right when I am about to say something to him, I see Rohan walk up to us all ready in his Mumbai Team's Jersey and I grin at him and we High-Five and he asks looking at Ravi – " and I am guessing, that you my friend, have finally cornered our friend into talking about what's been on our minds for a bit..."

Ravi chuckles as he nods and admits – "well he was just about to start talking, about it I guess, until now I have just been updating him on the theories in our heads..."

Rohan grins as he says – "c'mon then, start talking Arnav, it's good that I came on in, on the right time..."

I grin as I say – "ok guys, it isn't that I don't want to talk to you guys about it, maybe later tonight...Akash will be there as well...but I can just only drop in a couple of hints, given the situation In the context, for now..."

Ravi and Rohan nod and they say in unison – "a couple of hints is good, and we better get Cap on the con call..."

I nod and We all share a warm laugh.

Rohan grins – "well even though you haven't mentioned anything yet, please know that I have to agree with what Cap says...we surely haven't seen you smile so happily ever Arnav...so I am really happy that this development's in the process...", and he pats my arm, happily.

Ravi nods – " I agree so too..."

I grin as I pat Rohan's arm back as I pull his leg – " thank you , anyways let's talk about me later...you tell me buddy, the reason for that extra smile up your face is surely because Samaira is the one photographing our ad -shoot..."

Samaira is Rohan's fiancée – everyone. And they are engaged to be married this September. Professionally – she is an amazing freelance photographer. She is also one of my good friends. Co-incidentally she was also the one – who had photographed me and Pia on that previous ad-shoot.(on the one, I first met her)

Rohan grins as he admits with a nod – " of course guys, because this collective ad -shoot lead me to see her for a bit, nonetheless right, before we leave for Mohali, later this afternoon..."

Right then Veer walks out of the Green Room and he joins us as well and we all greet him and we fall into a friendly chatter – and start pulling on Rohan's leg – because he really is the one who needs to be given a lot of instructions every ad shoot to get his framing right and its kind off going to be amusing to see Samaira be the one – to give him the instructions today.

A couple of minutes, later - we all see Samaira walk up to us four, by excusing herself from the camera crew and the PR and marketing crew of the IPL and Rohan instantly engulfs her in a side hug and she hugs him back happily and she asks us all – " ok guys...so we are all set...almost...why are just the four of you here....where is everyone else...c'mon.. we need to hurry up..."

Rohan shrugs as he says faking disappointment , amusingly– " hey you, I thought you took out a moment to be with your fiancé for a bit, but looks like its work that's got your focus...how sad and here I was getting all happy and excited over the fact that I am going to have the love of my life photograph me on this photoshoot...."

Samaira chuckles as she kisses his cheek playfully – " Rohan, please, you know how I am when in work mode, and the reason why I am wanting to get done with all this quick is, so that we can go on that little lunch date, before you leave for Mohali later this afternoon..remember?"

Rohan laces his arm around Samaira's shoulder lovingly as he states – " oh yes...now you are talking...c'mon let's get done with this.."

I chuckle as I admit – "and for that we need our entire units to be out right??"

Ravi grins as he says – "yes my dearest Bhabhi to be – give me a second, let me just go into the green room and remind everyone that we need to get this through on time..."

Veer nods – "yes...ill just pass on the message to the other adjoined green room where the Rajasthan team is, as well..."

Samaira grins now as she says – "and guys while you are at that passing the message bit, please tell the boys that it will be not so gentlemanly of them to keep the ladies waiting...so they better hurry up..."

Rohan and Ravi and Veer and me,ask in unison – " ladies?? Who ladies?? Isn't it just our teams for the photoshoot??"

Samaira smiles as she explains – " well guys, see since this is the ad -shoot promoting the rest of the IPL and the message that a lot of share from the ticket sales will be shared with respective charitable organisations, there will be a couple of people who will be joining us on in the shoot..who are already associated with these charities...so it will be like a collective message.See all the teams in their respective locations are undergoing the same ad-shoot right now and a couple of popular faces will be joining in there as well. Mentioning about the respective charities etc and the association and then we are all going to edit it up and sync all of your video bytes together to make it seamlessly come together into a two minute ad...and since the three of your teams will be talking about the Charitable organisation of 'Fulfil a Wish' that works towards fulfilling wishes of children who are suffering from terminal diseases, we are going to have the girls from Femina Miss India join us, since they've been working with the organisation for a bit now...they arrived earlier this morning and are here only in the Hotel room, just getting ready for the same, in fact I just got a text that they will be down here in a couple of minutes..."

Ravi asks concerned – "how many of them are joining??bhabhs...you know I got to text Noor about this before the shoot begins, or she will be like..why didn't you tell me...you know she gets that tad bit insecure when she sees models around me on shoots...."

Ok guys, now that Ravi mentioned this. I think, I do want to drop in Khushi a text about the same, as well. Because, I had no clue about this development myself, so I could obviously not update her about it as well.

Samaira chuckles as she explains – " yes Ravi, I know...so there are three..Ayana Mehra, who is the current Femina Miss India, and then there is Nikita Khanna who is the first runner up and then the second runner up is Mehr Kapoor..."

Ravi nods as he says – " Kool...ill just text her the same, while I call on everyone.."

Rohan chuckles as he says to Veer – "Veer, stop grinning like a idiot, c'mon..."

Veer chuckles – "well why shouldn't I grin like an idiot? I am single and well this ad shoot just got super interesting...".

We all share a warm laugh and Ravi and Veer, make their way in to call the rest of the boys.

And as Samaira, Rohan start to ask me about Akash now, I get into a conversation with them, but I do dish out my phone and take out a couple of minutes to drop in Khushi a text over the development.

I know she will see it when she switches on her phone.

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At 1230PM – Jaiput, Rajasthan

Hridhaan Singh Rajput, resumes his driving and increases up the volume of the Music, and starts to hmm to it Happily, basking in the happiness that was consuming his being – after a good practice session of his favourite game, of Polo. The Game of Polo, had been his passion and ambition, all his Life, and it had fascinated him greatly ever since he was a child and had seen his mother pursue it as her hobby/leisure.

He had gotten into horse-riding and training for sport at an early age as well, all because of the support and encouragement from his loving parents. And it was because of this encouragement from his family – that had helped him balance out his education alongside his love for the game of Polo. Because he belonged to a Business family – which had its strong base, in the Hotels and Hospitality industries, all over Rajasthan – he had obviously pursued his higher studies in the field of hospitality management and had lived in London within the age of 18-23, completing his under graduation and master's on the same, alongside continuing with his training in Polo in London and eventually also played as an active member of the Guards Polo Club, UK.And around three years ago, he had finally returned back to India on the completion of his education because he had always wanted to play POLO, professionally representing India on the world's Game map .And the shift was easy to make Game wise as well – because his hometown Jaipur, was one of the central points of everything related to the Sport of Polo, in India. (It was where, he had trained for the game, half his life anyway, until 18).So the decision to return back home, was a one – he had made Happily. He did assist his father in the family business, as much as he could part time, when he wasn't occupied with his professional game commitments to Polo, and his family had always been supportive about his decision to have the Game – as his professional Priority.

And in the present day today at the age of 26, because of all the gruelling hard work ,determination and sweat that he poured into training and improving in his game – Hridhaan is one of the star player's for the National Indian Polo Team and had also been an active member of the National Squad, representing India in the Polo World Cup, in 2017, and ever since then his presence in the national team is integral. He also continues to play in the domestic circuit for the Jaipur Riding and Polo club, and in the international circuit off – the various clubs associated with the Jaipur Polo club - at times too.( the Guards Polo Club that he had been an active member off in the UK was also associated with the Jaipur Polo and Riding Club)

There are a lot of theories about the origin of the game of Polo.Some say it originated from Persia, some even say that its widely believed that a traditional game played in between the locals in Manipur , India -was what inspired the development of Field Polo, which is team sport – played mounted on Horsebacks, and the Britisher's then popularised it worldwide. However, irrespective of the various theories about it's origin, it is believed to be one of the world's oldest known team sport.

In India, Polo had always been one of the 'Niche' sports – that had always been more popular amongst the army and the royalties, ever since its earlier days of inception. (Since it had the nickname off – Sport of Kings). However, in the year 1992 the IPA(the Indian Polo Association) completed 100 years and since then Polo is on an upward trend in the country. Today there are about 35 plus Polo Clubs registered with IPA, with about 200 plus players of Polo professionally, in the country. It is also one of the Sports which is also called out as an 'Equal' Sport since both male and females are allowed to compete and play together. And even though it's a Game – that does not have the immense mass attention in India – it continues to thrive and grow within its gaming community, nonetheless.

Hridhaan , smiles to himself as he reduces the volume of the music in his car,putting on the speaker off his phone, as it rings, bringing his SUV to a halt on the traffic signal. Just as he does, he hears his mother's happy voice fill through the car – "Hridhaan, please tell me you are on your way to pick up Shivani."

Shivani was his Younger sister, and the apple of his Eye. He doted on her immensely as an elder brother, also because they had a vast age difference and she was about 11 years younger to him.( Currently 15)

Hridhaan answer's happily – "yes Maa, I am on my way...should be there in another ten minutes or so..."

He hears his mother's happy voice come through – "great and then the two of you brother and sister, please come home for lunch...straight away...ok??also, how was practice for you beta? Shivani's surely jumping up and down in the ground watching the women's domestic cricket match in between of Rajasthan and Delhi women...she's also so excited to go for the IPL match tonight with you as well...I keep telling your father, it's good that she is exploring her interest in both cricket and Polo...because only if she explores more will she be able to decide which sport is the one she wants to pursue, more professionally....you know I keep telling him, he shall in no way ever try to pressurise the two of you from looking away from your love for sports and join him in the family business...I mean...he's the one that can continue running his Hotels...my son will play his game on that horseback of his, as long as he wishes too, and my daughter will pick up the bat if she wants to, or sit on the horseback like her brother...it's her choice...my children are going to live their lives living their dreams...always.."

Hridhaan chuckles as he admits – " and I'd like to thank you for your endless support as always Maa, actually on that note Dad too, he's always been so supportive, he knows the Polo field is exactly where I belong, and only just part time in the boardrooms, so yeah..I don't know what pressure are you talking about......and yes Maa...the Polo practice was good today..and on that note, I do think Shivani's professionally more interested in cricket and just plays POLO for leisure as well, just like how I play cricket for leisure at times, but professionally, it is Polo for me...and I agree with you, in the end I am going to encourage her to follow her choices, and back her up in the same..."

His mother – " yes Hridhaan, I have observed the same as well...I do think she's more interested in picking up the Bat, professionally"

Hridhaan says now, as the signal turns green – " ok how about this Maa...let's talk the rest once we are home, c'mon the red lights turned green..."

His mother – " oh yes...please..no talking while driving...carry on...see you soon beta...love you.."

Hridhaan – " love you Ma...", and he hangs up, and turns up the volume of the music back up, as he continues to drive towards one of the smaller cricketing grounds, where his little sister was watching the live cricket match. He looks at the time on the clock.It was going to be 1240pm, the match was scheduled to finish at around 1pm anyway. He was going to reach there soon – which meant that he might just get to witness the last couple of overs of the game, alongside his sister as well.

Cricket was another one of his favourite games, and even though he played only leisurely, he did follow it up greatly and was an ardent admirer of the professional cricketer's of the country.Since he was a sportsperson himself, sportsmanship was what he valued greatly, and he had a great deal of respect for every sportsperson – irrespective of their gender, and has always been a great admirer of women in the field of Sports – as well.

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Authors Note** - Attaching a Little Video about Polo incase any of you are interested...and do want to imagine our tricky bouncer/speedbreaker Hridhaan Singh Rajput..playing a Game ( wink wink)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrJ6WdoM8zQ

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A couple of minutes later, Hridhaan gets off his car and locks it up and makes his way quickly to the cricket ground. He spots his sister in the sidelines easily (because it isn't very crowded)along with her best friend Naina, who was also a cricket enthusiast and had been training alongside Shivani.He wades his way through the little crowd of the group of girls, who he reckoned were seeking training under the head coach of the Rajsthan's women's domestic team as well, since they were the main spectators of the match – undergoing right now, along with just the formal support units, coaches etc of both the domestic teams from Delhi and Rajasthan.

He finally takes a seat on the empty chair next to his sister Shivani as he says grinning, leaning into her ear – " Shivi, I am confused, are you happy or are you sad right now?? Because you have this smile on your face but frown lines are evident on your forhead as well..."

Shivani looks at her brother and she shrugs and admit, hugging him sideways – " a little bit of both bhai, and its amazing that you came now, like just in time, only three balls to go, I am sad because I think delhi is going to win this, and I am happy because I have just become a huge fan of that batswoman on the crease right now, batting for Delhi, she's been playing amazingly bhai, like she opened the innings for Delhi and the Chase of 150 plus isn't like very easy ok...but she's batted freaking beautifully in wonderful partnerships with her teammates, with the perfect balance of aggression and strategy, and bhai...her sixes..dude...she's freaking hit four of them already in the game..."

Her best friend, Nanina chips in – " well you can obviously see the disappointment in the body language of our rajasthan team players bhai...and also the coaches...and the support team..they are obviously upset..."

Hridhaan smiles as he says – " yes, but the team is making to the semi's anyway right, nonetheless.."and he looks up at the manual scoreboard being maintained as he says – " and hey there's still some hope, I mean Delhi does need 10 run in three balls..."

Shivani rolls her eyes – " and that's going to be easy peasy for them bhai..as in they are just 140-3 which means both the batswomen are on crease no...and specially that one jersey no 22, Gupta..she's on 65 now...playing with so much momentum...she's surely going to go in for the big shots..."and she pauses as she says – "there you go...look at how fast she's taken the double in between the wikctes...now 2 balls 8 runs..she's going to go in for a boundary next I am sure..."

Naina – " and guess what, she also plays for India women, she got selected into the national squad..a couple of months ago only..."

Hridhaan nods, observing the batswoman's confident and calm stance from afar, as she is discussing something mid pitch with her partner ,and then walking back to the crease– " okkk, which is great...lets see the shots she's got up her sleeve then..."

Shivani holds onto her brother's hand happily – " okkk...last two balls...here it goes....technically I should be wishing for her to get bowled out no bhai...but she's been playing so brilliantly...I don't think I want to wish for the same..."

Hridhaan ruffles his younger sisters hair happily.

And they all watch in awe as the batswomen perfectly times the outswinger delivery for a controlled – cover drive, straight through the ropes for a four. And they see the rest of the Delhi team celebrate the shot and cheer her on.

Shivani nudges her brother – " wasn't that a brilliant cover drive bhai?? Almost a shot as controlled and good as the one your favourite Skipper ASR plays..."

Hridhaan nods impressed – " I agree Shivani, that was an amazingly controlled shot,she did read the ball and time it perfectly..."

Naina – " and well now I am pretty sure by her body language that she will aim for a sixer, maybe another pull shot..."

Shivani says excited – " And I hope it comes this way into the stands for I surely want to try catching it..."

Hridhaan says – " shivi...relax...ok?"

Shivani rolls her eyes at her brother – " bhai..cmon..its one of the fun things, whilst watching the match no..."

And right then they are all distracted as the last ball is bowled and as rightly predicted by Naina, they all see jersey no 22 batswoman, fire up the ball straight into the air in a massive pull shots – that also ends up making its way straight into the crowd where, Shivani, Nanina, Hridhaan were seated.

Because Shivani was already excited about catching on the ball, but while she was making the attempt, the ball does bounce of her hand and hits her forhead accidentaly and she does flinch on impact as she says – " owwww....."

Hridhaan takes the ball from his sisters hands worriedly as he asks – " shivi you ok??"

Shivani nods, rubbing on her forehad – " yes bhai..just a brush no...stop worrying...cmon give me the ball..i am going to keep it..."

Hridhaan nods and looks back on the field and is expecting to see the sight of celebration amongst the two Delhi batswomans, but he is happily surprised to see that batswoman with the Jersey no 22 , first took off her gloves and tucked her bat under her arm and shook hands with the Wicket keeper of the rajasthan team and also the bowler who had bowled the last over.

He was a sucker of Sportsmanship, and he was happy to see a player so humble in victory as well. He continues to watch on keenly from far now, expecting the player to get consumed with her team that had rushed to the ground for celebrations...but once again he is happily surprised to see this batswoman pat on her partners arm, talking to her discreetly and then she starts to make her way to the crowd in the stands, exactly where they were seated.

She hadn't even taken off her Helmet yet.

Shivani asks excited to Naina and her brother – " bhai, naina, do you see what I see?? Is she making her way towards us??"

Hridhaan nods, puzzled – " yes I guess she is shivi, but I wonder why..."

Naina says excited – " And we will know soon, because she is just ten seconds away from us..."

Hridhaan nods and right then they all see, the batswoman reach them and she says, keeping her eyes on Shivani – " hey..are you ok?? I mean I had my eye on the ball as I fired up that last pull shot and I think I saw it hitting your head maybe...so I just thought ill check in on you, you aren't hurt much are you?? if yes..then I can call in my teams first aid team to help you out..."

Hridhaan watches on impressed.Did she really pause on her victory celebrations to come and check on a spectator, she thought got hurt by her shot? – The gesture simply meant, that behind this helmet was also a sportswoman with a compassionate and kind heart.

Shivani says excited – " no, not at all...it was just a brush...it was my fault for trying to catch it...can I keep the ball? Pls? and I simply loved the way you played today...it was amazing...and my name is Shivani...and you are khushi right?? you play for India women too, you know it is my dream to play for India one day too..."she offers her hand out for a shake excited.

Hridhaan watches, the batswoman finally take off her Helmet now and he finds himself looking into not only a very pretty face, but also a set of compassionate expressive eyes, backed by one of the most heartfelt smile's he'd ever seen in a long time.

Khushi was a very nice name as well – he thinks to himself.

He watches on silently observing the exchange as he sees Khushi shake his sister's hand happily – " thank you so much for that Shivani,so very glad that you enjoyed watching the game...and yes I am khushi and I play for India women too... it's so great that you want to play for India, how old are you??"

Shivani beams happily – " I just turned 15 and I am undergoing a lot of training as well...when did you start playing in the domestic set up??if you don't mind me asking??"

Khushi grins – "why would I mind you asking Shivani, so I started to play for Delhi formally when I was 16, so guess what, maybe next year, I look forward to see you as a part of the Rajasthan unit as well...and hopefully with some more time down the line, we shall play for India togther...k??i mean, that is, if I am able to retain my spot on the national squad..."she finishes with a playful wink at Shivani and adds with a heartfelt smile – " believe in your dreams ok?? they will take you exactly where you are meant to go..."

Shivani nods excited completely in awe of the positive encourgament and she says excited - "I will...can I have a picture with you Khushi.."

Khushi nods and SHivaani ssays to her brother – " bhai cmon, please take a pic of me and Naina with Khushi..."

Hridhaan nods and he quickly snaps a picture and then finally puts his hand forward for a shake towards Khushi and says – " hello Khushi, I am Hridhaan, shivani's brother....thank you so very much for being so supportive and encouraging towards my little Shivi...and that was a brilliant last over from you...indeed..."

Khushi shakes hands with Hridhaan as she says – " thank you...so very much..."

Hridhaan says now – " and not just a great batswoman, you are also an amazing sportsperson, it isn't very often that I see someone pausing to shake hands with the opponents team first, before celebrating their victory...that bit usually comes after a little victory celebration..."

Khushi smiles to that as she admits – "thank you so much once again, Hridhaan.."

Shivani says excitedly – " my brother plays for India too, but not cricket...he plays POLO...he's part of the national squad as well..."

Khushi looks at Hridhaan as she says with a genuine smile – " wow...Polo...that is amazing, I mean I don't know the complete details of the game, like the rules and stuff but its one of the games that my Dad also watches, so I have observed on at time, it's really intriguing...tell me something, they do say that both men and women can compete in a match of field polo together right??"

Hridhaan nods as he says with a smile – " yes, indeed...we have some amazing women players playing professionally in our Jaipur riding polo club as well...we do play together as well..."

Khushi nods at him and then turns to Shivani and asks – " you ever played Polo as well??"

Shivani nods – " yes I do so too, but more like for leisure...actually to be honest, sometimes I do get confused in between which one I want to take on more professionaly, as in cricket or polo..."

Khushi smiles as she says – " well its natural to feel that way since you are so young, so don't beat yourself for the confusion ok?? instead accept it..and eventually discover about what you are more happy playing...and then maybe go for that one in the long term...or maybe you know what ill give you another one of my tips which I used long ago, while I was a little confused whther to pursue swimming or cricket...I tossed a coin, ok? and assigned head to one and tails to the other...and when the coin was in the air, I had my answer...because I knew it instantly in my heart, what I was hoping for, as in when the coin was in the air...I literally found myself thinking, god let it be heads, for that was what I assigned to cricket...and bammm...I had my answer....."

Hridhaan smiles as he says – " ok...that is seriously really kool adivice...Shivi..why didn't I ever think of that??"

Shivani grins as she says to her brother – " I know right....omg Khushi...thank you so much for this...it was amazing to meet you...are you coming to the IPL game tonight?? I mean we are going too..."

Khushi nods as she says with a smile – " yes all of us the full team will be there...",and right then she hears Jess and Hina call out her name from afar and she says to everyone – " ok everyone, I gotta rush now, for the post match presentation and everything...nice meeting you all...",and she shakes hands with Shivani, Naina, Hridhaan again and smiles at them politely and then turns around and runs her way back into the ground to join the rest of the team.

Shivani and Naina are busy chatting amongst themselves, excited.

Hridhaan looks on behind her sprinting figure, with a puzzled smile up his face.Puzzled why? Because, he didn't know why he had a thought come into his head – that was wishing for another coincidental encounter into Khushi, at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium tonight.

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

30 Minutes Later

Khushi's POV

Hina and Jess lace their hands through both my arms as we walk back , grinning to our smaller dressing room.

Guyssssssss!!!!! We won the Match.We are going to be playing Maharashtra in the Semi's in three days from Now – on the 27th April, in Delhi.

Hina grins as she says – " and what a brilliant partnership we had towards the end Khushi...so happy that we won this game..."

Jess grins – " and another player of the match award for you Khushi...oh my god trust me guys when the two of you were out there on the last over..it was like all of our stomachs was in our throats, and especially the last three balls....."

Hina grins and winks – " and I had the best seat in the house..."

I chuckle at them happily and hug them to my sides.

Just can't wait to switch on my Phone Guys, and get on text with Arnav about the same, and share all my happiness with him. It was a thrilling game – indeed. His ad-shoot must also be over by now no??

Just as we enter the dressing room, we come across the super excited atmosphere in the dressing room as everyone's busy celebrating and Parul now exclaims happily jumping up and down – " guys....so excited to watch the IPL tonight..without any worry on our minds at all....i mean we surely will return to hardcore practice day after as we return to Delhi tomorrow...but then let's enjoy ya today...I mean we surely deserve this break...its been such a hectic season...."

Nandini my opening partner , walks up to us and High-Fives me and she says – " bingo...can't wait...",and she hugs me tight as she says – " and I am so proud of you for walking up to check on the spectator after that last shot, Khushi..."

I smile as I admit – " how could I not ya? As in, I had my eye on the ball so I definetly saw it hit her forehead, you know its different when something like this misses your eye when it happens in the bigger stadiums, but because the ground was smaller, I caught on that easily and the game had ended as well, so I just felt like, I just had to make sure she wasn't very hurt, we all know how sometimes these ball injuries can be no??"

Hina nods and Jess hugs me from the side once again.

Right then one of the girls say's excited from the background – " omg...omg...omg....guys....you won't believe this...guess what, looks like we are going to see the IPL on the right day...."

We all turn to her as we ask – " what do you mean???"

Aastha(my teammate), whose got her head dipped into the phone says excited – " guys...looks like we might just catch onto some cricketing celebrity gossip tonight...as in I really used to still ship ASR and Pia Chopra getting back together...but looks like that's not happening, because just maybe, Ayana Mehra, who is the current Femina Miss India, might just be the one ASR dates, now..."

Wait.

What?

What did she just Say?

I feel – all the excitement in the pit off my Stomach – dim out.

The Happy – Yo-Yo, halts in its operation immediately.

I try to cover up my body language and smile at everyone and Jess gives me a worried look as she says to Aastha, walking upto her – " what you talking about??"

Aastha gets up and says to jess excited – " well I know Jess, you used to ship ASR back with Pia too...but just look at this....apparently there was this fancy ad -shoot today...and she was a part of it, and not only has she posted in her isnta story how excited she was about the shoot, but also the glimpses of the shoor in progress...and look there are so many pictures...flooding in her story...of the same....and there are a couple of them she's snapped with just ASR, and put all these blushing emoticons in her insta story saying, how she is so happy to meet her cricketing crush...etc etc....",and she turns her phone to all of us and I watch on , blankly the Insta Story-Update of Ayana Mehra in which she is stating happily that how she was the No 1 fan of Skipper ASR and was so excited to get to meet him on this ad-shoot, before the start of the shoot – and everything else too as Aastha just voiced, continues to flow through her Insta story – as it ends with her excited gorgeous self saying that she was going to be watching the IPL game tonight as well and was hoping to get some extra time to catch up on with Skipper ASR in the afterparty and everything.

Just as I am processing it all through, I see Parul look into her phone as well as she says – " yup...guys...its going to be fun in the stands tonight for sure....because ever since Ayana posted this on her story about 30 minutes ago, the media, the tabloids have all gone beserk....with the theories of potential link up already.....with some pics from the ad shoot saying...stating things like another potential romance brews up for Skipper ASR, because of the ad -shoots, they'v also started to highlight the pictures of just Ayana and Skipper ASR, from her insta story live....actually they are also highlighting pics of middle all rounder Veer with Mehr...but its Captain's ASR who is amidst the highlight..."

Nandini grins as she says – " ofcourseee ya...the nation was heartbroken after his break up with Pia na guys...its like everyone was waiting for some news to catch up on to start playind cupid already....show me this picture no, that you are talking about Parul, do they look good together..."

Parul nods and turns to the phone to us all and just as my eyes fall on Ayana and Arnav in one frame, (which could be a potential picture), from the photoshoot, its like I have to admit that Ayana really was drop dead Gorgeous.

Ok then.

Guys...To be Honest – I just don't know how I feel about this.

I can't figure it out.

I just feel all Blank – for now.

Its like I am Zoned Out – into a Blankness.

Jess has been giving me worried looks now, and I just shrug at her for now and I excuse myself and walk discreetly towards my locker and Jess follows me and asks whispering softly in my ear – " Khushi...you ok?? you seem so blank....listen it's just gossip...you know how things spread on social media...like surely faster than fire these days....."

I admit honestly, opening up my stuff now and picking up my phone – "yeah...I know....Jess...that's one of the reasons why I am not on it na..."

Jess asks puzzled – " why is your expression so freaking blank ya??"

I admit shrugging – " I don't know ya Jess...I just feel all blank to be honest, maybe that's why..."

Jess says – " ok..switch on your phone...you will surely have some messages waiting from him....i am sure he wouldn't have known about these super models being on the shoot...or he would have told you na..."

I nod my head as I say – " yes...I mean, I do think he didn't know for real....wait, let me just on my phone..."

I take a deep breathe and I switch on my Phone.

And just as I do, I feel notifications of Whtsapp come up instantly and I gesture to Jess that I do have some messages, and she gestures me silently to read them quick.

I nod at her.

Right then coach comes into the dressing room as she says – " cmon girls, hurry up...lets all get set to head back to the Hostel, in ten minutes...."

Everyone nods and starts to wind up. I quickly walk to the washroom area with my phone in hand and first thing out I wash my face, ten times over.

And once I am done. I take a deep breathe as I try to work my head around this weird blankness within me, and open my Whtsapp.

I start to read on the Texts from the TOP.

Arnav's text to me around 10:00 am : hey you...Sparkle, so I have tracked up on your game on the website as usual, and Rajasthan's batting first which means you are all getting ready to field. Well I am sure you are all going to rock it.

I smile on reflex as I read that.

His text to me around 10:20am : Khushi, theres a little development here, that I literally had no clue about until minutes ago. Samaira(our photographer, Rohan's fiancée) just filled us in.So apparently some models from Femina Miss India,will be joining us in on the shoot as well. They will be here in a couple of minutes.I just wanted to drop you a message about the same. We are all ready and the shoot should begin soon.Looking forward to talk to you already.....you better text me the minute the match is over ok? you know your thoughts are at the back of my head right? honestly – I am literally raking my brains thinking to myself if there is any possibility for us to meet tonight...you know I cannot wait to meet You...just You...and Me...

My smile widens as I finish reading that.The Yo-Yo restarts – a tad bit little everyone.

Arnav's text to me around 12:00 PM : hey you Sparkle...or wait, should I say – the rocking little hit girl, the scoreboard on the website tells me that you are freaking killing it on the pitch.Dude you keeping playing with this momentum, and I forsee you getting another player of the match and beat this little hit girl – you surely are in the race of the top three highest run scorers this domestic season.So freaking proud of you.

Ok wait. Guys. I can't believe this – he was literally tracking my game progress , amidst his shoot with all these Supermodels Around.

Jeeezzzz!! The Yo-Yo speedens up in operations a little more.How could it not!!

Arnav's text to me around 12:30 PM : ok...so the games going brilliant Khushi...I do forsee things heading into the last over..just have a feeling you are going to bat throughout..and take Delhi to win today...along with Hina..

Arnav's text to me around 12:40 PM : okkk wait...you are still amidst the game, but I do want to write this. Please text me/call me the minute you are free. Apparently, Ravi's just showed me some activity online, one of the models in the shoot posted some stuff on her Insta Story online, about how she's a big fan of my game and everything before shoot began, and now that she's also posted some pics of the shoot in progress – the online media's got a hold on this.Call me. Message me, the minute you see this.DO NOT SEE THE Stuff online, before talking to me .Please.

My Stomach Knots. Oh Arnav – I think I was destined to see it, before seeing your message.

Arnav's text to me at 1:00 PM : Congratulations on the amazing win Khushi!!! That was a brilliant knock of 75 runs not out...so Happy for You. Ok, listen...the stuff online has just gone beserk. I need to talk to you.Do not pay heed to anything ok? How does the media blow even the casual stuff like this out of proportion.

Arnav's text to me at 1:15PM : where are you Sparkle? Oh amidst the post match presentation perhaps? Please text me the minute you see this.DO NOT GO ONLINE.PLS.i mean not before I tell you about this myself...

Arnav's text to me from ten minutes ago : Ok so the blue ticks haven't come up yet which tell me that the phone isn't on yet and you haven't read any of my messages. I hate that the online media's gossip trail travels faster than the speed of sound/light whichever is faster perhaps? I am waiting for you message...

Yup.

That was the last text that I had received.

I take a deep breathe and just as I am amidst typing out the reply, his text comes.

Him : Khushi...thank god!! Congratulations on the amazing Win...send me a picture of your player of the match award ..asap...k?

I reply.

Me : thank you so much Arnav...yes...I surely will send you a picture soon...

Him : You have no idea how I have been eyeing my phone to spot you online.i need to talk to you.Can I call you? did you read all my messages? some massive mess has stirred up online...no...Don't go Online on the daily's online websites also...k? you have no idea how I am thanking my stars that you aren't active on insta or fb or even twitter for that matter...I obviously want to be the one to tell you about this..

I reply honestly.

Me : Arnav...actually...I already saw it all...by chance..the girls were talking about it in the dressing room...I mean I hadn't turned on my phone by then....so...yeah...I already know what you are talking about...

Him : wait?????? What???????? holy Crap!!! Khushi..i am so sorry...can I call you...?

I type out honestly.

Me : why are you sorry ya Skipper Blue, its not your fault ya...like I understand...that...I mean its just online media's way of blowing up stuff...it had happened the last time as well when the very first pics of Pia and you went viral from the ad shoot...so yeah...

Him : where are you?? I am calling you...are you ok??

Me: I am in the dressing room right now.No...please don't call me right now Skipper Blue.. as in I am in a rush..need to head back to the team bus..so that we can be on our way to the Hostel..

Him : I hate that you called me Skipper blue and not Arnav in the last two texts. And I also hate the fact that you avoided answering the last bit off – where I asked you..if you are ok?.Answer me dammit. I care about you...are you ok?

Me : (I send him a thumbs up and a smiley emoticon)

Him : what does that mean?

Me : that means I am ok Skipper Blue(I add a smile)

Him : you are lying Sparkle. You do know I can see right through you. I know this has scared you and made you nervous. I am sorry...so so sorry... please say something..dammit...

Right then I hear Hina calling out to me and I quickly type.

Me : Skipper Blue..i gotta rush now...give me some time...ill call you when I am in the hostel... in the room..ok?

Him : we won't chat from the bus? As in we always chat when you are on your way back from matches on the team bus...

Me : I don't know Skipper Blue...to be honest...just give me some time...I will call you....pakka se...

Him : okkk...fine..take your time...but please don't pay any heed to the stuff they are saying online k? none of that is true, none off it is ever going to be true...you know that in your heart...I know...

Me : ok...(Won't reply now)

I take a deep breathe as I quickly keep my phone aside, and return to washing my face a zillion times over – again...as everything that I had seen up Online returns to flash through my Head on it's own Accord..like over and over again.

AND I AM BACK TO FEELING ALL BLANK.

Why am I back to feeling so Blank??

Like there's literally All Silence/Blankness within me just now. The High Courts of the Mind + Eyes+ the rest of the organs + the Supreme Courts of the Heart – like everything is back to be being Stunned by a Sudden Silence.

Maybe, because for the first time ever - as I look at my anguished face's reflection in the mirror – I don't know, if that's just water glistening in my eye or is it a pool of Tears???????

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

TADAAAAA!!!!!

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

Also did any of you think that Hridhaan would be like this Star Polo Player for India as well???? 😜😜😜😜😉😉 cmon ya guys we have to trouble Skipper Blue...too...a little bit no..😜😜😜

Next Update : Friday Night- Guys

Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support.