CHAPTER 19 – SOME 'TRICKY' SPEEDBREAKERs 2.0

Hellooo everyoneeeeeee

SURPRISEEEE!! Surpriseeee!!

Haha. So I have been on a Writing Spree all Day to dish out this next update of 10K words to you all today....so happy that I could put it up before Midnight..hehe...

Will be Eager to know what you all think.

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

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

Characters Appearing/ Mentioned in this Update :

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

...........

CHAPTER 19 – SOME 'TRICKY' SPEEDBREAKERs 2.0

Same day – 5:20 PM

ITC, Rajputana - Jaipur

Arnav's POV

Guys,I used the Five Minutes time interval – that Khushi had wanted, to quickly get Ready in my fresh pair of my Bangalore playing Jersey and get my cricketing kit and everything ready , so that I can now talk to Khushi until the time, I have to head out, for the game.

I am all set and ready now within the time frame of 4mins 50 seconds – and have just plonked up on the Sofa in my room, with my Phone in my Hand, waiting for it to tingle with Khushi's message.

Seriously, everyone - my Heartbeats are Racing, in anticipation. Racing as fast, as if it were on the Need for Speed racing Game, on the PS.

And all of it, in the anticipation , of the emotions that I am going to feel grip my Heart, as I see Khushi now. I mean even though yes, its going to be through screen.But still, that doesn't take away the significance of the moment, right? As In – I am eager to experience, what I am going to feel, as I see her now, because I have now realised and processed the fact that – I am truly and deeply, in Love with Her.

I am right on that thought as my Phone beeps.

It's Her. Obviously.

Her : Arnav...good to connect on the video call now..should I call you?

I obviously ring her up – immediately.

She picks it up in an instant, and just as I see the sight off her face, fill my screen, backed by a nervous anticipatory, heartfelt smile as well,and our eyes lock – I feel my Heart escape a million or no make that a zillion beats all within a fraction of second. Remember how I said just a while ago, that, that text message from her, lit up my world like as if it was Xmas?Yeah? So this very minute as my eyes stay locked with her's and I continue to look into her's in an intense silence, backed by the emotion of love gripping my Heart – it literally feels like as if it's a moment that's got the lightening effect of all the lights that are lit around the freaking Globe on Diwali+ Xmas+ New Year's Eve, combined.

Yup.

That is the exact intensity of the Lightening Voltage with which my World, just lit Up.

And just like that, in a second – we both get into a round of Light laughter, immediately.

Why?

Because, we are both Dressed in the Bangalore Jersey. I am obviously dressed in the full set of it, all set for Play.And Khushi's dressed in the Jersey shirt, that fan's wear to the Games, amidst matches.

Khushi says amongst her mesmerising giggles – " ok, seriously...so, to be honest, Arnav...I was expecting this to happen this time around, since I obviously knew that you are going to be all ready for the game..."

I grin as I admit – " but well, seeing you in the Bangalore jersey, is still a surprise for me, for I wasn't expecting it...and I must say, I like the look of it on you..."

Khushi chuckles as she asks,adorably – " areeee...why?? Why were you not expecting it?? As If you don't know that I am cheering on for the Bangalore team this time in the IPL? So obviously ya, I am going to be dressed up as a true fan when I go to the stadium to watch a live IPL game no...."

I say keeping my eyes locked with hers – " its crazy..."

She asks puzzled – " huh??"

I grin, admitting honestly – " its crazy, how crazy I am bout you...Sparkle, you have no idea what I have been through in these last couple of hours especially, since Noon actually, the worry and everything..i obviously was nervous, because I cannot freaking let some online virtual nonsensical drama, mess up the most real connection, I have ever had in the 27 years of my Life...you understand what I mean don't you??"

Khushi nods in silence as her innocently expressive eyes tell me that she's caught onto the hint – I wanted her to catch onto.

I ask, now taking a deep breathe – " say something...will you please??"

Khushi takes a deep breathe and runs her hand through her open hair, adjusting it to one side nervously and she says – " ok...so...like I said, Arnav...I do not want to hide or lie or even twist or cover up things to you...I have always been very honest and upfront about to you about everything, like super straightforward always, and that's what I am going to be now as well..k??"

I nod.

I do feel a little nervous though in anticipation of what is she going to say next.

Khushi says, keeping her eyes locked with mine – " so...basically, when I was making my way into the dressing room, it was like I was thinking to myself in my head that I can't wait to switch on my phone and share my happiness with you, and was wondering to myself that your ad-shoot would have been over by now as well and everything...and then all of a sudden...I hear the girls talking about the activity online about Ayana and You, and I obviously was so very taken aback when I heard all that was strring up online...like it did come as an unexpected shock to me for real...which led to me feeling all blank all of sudden...but then when I switched on my phone and read your texts, it was like nonetheless of all that was happening online... I did know and trust in my heart, that this was just getting blown out of proportion for no reason...as in that it wasn't your fault or something...as in I did obviously feel like trusting in my heart, that there's obviously no truth in it..."

I feel relief gush through my heart as I say – " thank you Khushi, and please know that you are obviously right, there's freaking no truth in any of this at all...I spoke to her for like what not even four minutes that too, in the attendance of Rohan and Ravi and a couple of other team mates as well...even Samaira was there...and it was thoroughly professional.."

Khushi gives me a small smile as she says – " and please know that I believe you..Arnav...you don't have to explain further ok?? Its just that I have proeceesed all of this through, yes...but like it's still sinking in and I obviously am working on a way of not paying any heed to all the noise online, but its like I just probably need some more time to just accustomed to it all, maybe..as in its so...so...i..i..."

I fill in for her as I nod – " it's so new to you...all this online stuff/mess...I understand...what you mean when you say that you just need more time to let it all sink into that level off being accustomed to it..."

Khushi says relief sparkling in her eyes – " you understand don't you?? look Arnav, when we started to spend all this time together in getting to know each other, I obviously knew and understood that You are who you are – and I most definitely cannot separate Mr Stranger from Captain Arnav Singh Raizada, hence I had gotten in that TV strategy to just make it all sorted in my head, so that I could adapt to it...and now that it's been like two months over since I know you up so close, because of this mysterious comfortable magnetic equation In between of us....its like...I...."

And I grin as I admit with a wink – " well I so have to stop you for a second, because I obviously have to admit that I like the sound off what you just said...you know that mysterious comfortable magnetic equation in between of us bit..."

Khushi chuckles as she says – " really??"

I nod and I gesture her to continue with what she was saying.

Khushi continues – " so its like, now that I have known you so closely , I just want to say that please know, I am finding ways to now work on adpating to all of these possible unexpected things online, I do want to figure out a way to adapt to it so that it doesn't come as a shock to me the next time something like this happens...because no matter what, you are Captain Arnav Singh Raizada, currently leading the Men in Blue, a super celebrity in the cricketing fraternity not just national but international too...its obvious for all this media frenzy to surround you..so just give me some time maybe...for the same...k?because even though I have processed it all through, lot of parts of me are still kind off blank trying to figure things out in my head, so that I can handle it smoothly...but I will get there...with just some more time....you understand what I mean don't you?? I haven't hurt you or offended in anyway, I hope...Arnav...such was not my intention, please know that..."

I nod as I say immediately – " I understand what you mean ofcourse, Sparkle," and I ask taking a deep breathe because I want to know this for sure – " and I just want to ask that so basically you just need time to figure your head around this no?? apart from that we are good right?? as in nothing changes in between us right? you are not going to push me away – until that timing of figuring it out as in, you need time...you don't need like a distant space in between of us or something? as in you aren't going to stop talking/being connected with me right??"

Khushi keeps her eyes locked with mine as she says – " yes Arnav we are good otherwise, everything remains the same...as in, I just need time Arnav...I do not need like a distant space in between of us or something...and to be honest, i....i..." and she looks away from my eyes , and turns sideways.

I say immediately – " look at me dammit...Sparkle, don't you look away from my eyes right now...I dare you for the love of your 22 yards...i...i...what...I know you pause in that I..i...way when you are nervous about saying something to me.."

Khushi looks back at the me, finally and says with a sigh – " Arnav...to be honest, even though I had discussed with you that I needed some time out for the nap and everything, its like it felt like a part of me couldn't take it as well you know – I discovered that even though there was a part of that wanted that time out to sleep over it all, there was another part within my head that didn't like that decision of not being connected to you for those hours – as in, in short – a part of me couldn't take it..."

I admit with a grin up my face – " I loved the sound off that, I couldn't freaking take it too Khushi...it was killing me, I don't want a Communication Space in between of us now...or like ever...."

Khushi nod – " and please know I am sure that I do not want like a distant communication space in between of us too Arnav..and especially not because of what happened earlier today...as in I would rather just talk to you about it all, side by side and then wade my way through it....because I do not want to be like oh lets pick and choose as well, because that wouldn't be like fair, we can't pick and choose and be like oh we will only be supportive and understanding towards a situation surrounding someone as long as that makes us comfortable, because then that would mean that we are looking at an equation very selfishly right?? not keeping in mind any accommodations about what the other concerned person must be going through as well...so it's like I do want to figure this out for the sake of our Channel 3 connection...I do want to make the effort to wade my way through this uncomfortable media stuff...and I'd like to help myself by not just figuring this out alone, I want to openly keep talking to you about it, because with you by my side I just feel like, it's going to make the process a tad bit easier for me, so that I get to the point that it doesn't bother me, eventually...but yes, it isn't something that can happen overnight na Arnav....that's why I mentioned that I just need some time...and there might be times when I might just feel like, Arnav I just need to sort some stuff out in my head before we talk about it, but I don't want you to ever think or misunderstand the situation to be like, I am cutting you out, or pushing you away...for that would just be me rebooting my head,and my systems and shift my energies towards finding a solution for the same...I want to get this across to you very clearly Arnav, that I do not want to push you away ever, I can't..i just can't...k?"

I nod as I keep my eyes locked with her – in an intense silence.

Why? In an intense Silence?

Because in this very second as she just said those words out loud to me – I feel myself fall in love with her, all over freaking again.

I say now taking a deep breathe – " you drive me freaking nuts with emotion dammit...iv said it before and I will say it again – its crazy how crazy I am about you, Sparkle..."

I see a blush come up her face now as she says softly – " I think I would like to say...copy that to that perhaps???"

My heart Stops. – in Happiness ofcourse.

Did she just imply what I think she did?

I ask grinning – " did you just freaking imply what I think you did?? Say it dammit....and you think?? Or are you sure over what you just implied??"

Khushi grins and the next thing she burrie's half her face in her one hand as she says – " don't you look at me like that right now...can you give me some time, before I answer that Arnav?? I am just figuring stuff out in my head ya...like there is a outswinger bowling over within my head going on and there's a lot of work in progress..i shall present a report to you when I have figured some more things out...k?"

I grin as I nod – " ok...no worries...I like the news that there is a lot of work in progress in your head anyway...Khushi...like I am happy with that for now...."

Khushi's still got half her hand covering up half her face adorably as she says – " you must think I am like supercrazy no?? like have you labelled me as some SuperCrazy Charlie Chaplin or maybe #comedycircus now??"

Is there a way that I can magically get into the Screen, and just be by her side and Kiss her Insane – just now?

I chuckle as I admit – " well no to that Khushi, all I'd like to say is that Its me who is supercrazy perhaps in the moment for all I want to do is get into the screen magically and be next to you this very moment..."

Khushi rolls her eyes at me playfully and sticks her tongue out at me as she says – " haha..as if...you wish, who will play the match then huh? Skipper ASR? If you accompany me to the stadium as a fan??"

I chuckle to that as I admit – " well yeah...you are right about that...on that note, what an amazing game that was my little hit girl...like freaking amazing, you nailed it dammit...like 75 runs not out...you still gotta get around to teaching me your effortless pull shot trick that makes it look so easy..."

Khushi chuckles as she admits – " haha....Mr.Kind Yorker...look who is talking, just look who is talking....and oh my god, on that note Arnav...I just have to tell you this, the second last ball of the over was when I timed a killer outswinger for a cover drive...omg...like when I saw it hit the ropes for a four...I was like yo – yo yipping in my head that I pulled it through...."

I chuckle as I ask – " really?? Yo – yo yipping??"

Khushi nods and she says – " yes...really, acha listen you don't go on taking my case on right now k? for I have to tell you something that happened after the match..like it was an intriguing encounter, with one of India's offical national Polo player and his sister and her best friend..."

I ask intrigued – " really?? One of India's official Polo player? What's the name?? Polo's always intrigued me as a sport as well Sparkle...I don't know the complete details of it though but I do know it thrives quite popularly within it's gaming community..."

Khushi nods – " I know right...like a team sport being played monted on horsebacks in obviously intriguing Arnav...and yup...he said his name was Hridhaan and his sister's was Shivani...actually what happened no...the last shot I fired was a pull shot for a six no, and I had my eyes on the ball as it went into the stands so I saw it hit Shivani's forhead, so how could I not go up to check in on her, now that I had seen it hit her forhead myself, as in you know how these ball injuries can be na...and she seemed like so young too like in mid teens...so I obviously was concerned that what if she was hurt or something...."

I nod as I say – " I know what you mean Khushi, sometimes ball injuries can be bad...and I am so proud of you for this...you are an amazing sportsperson, your compassion shines through..my Sparkle.."

Khushi rolls her eyes as she says – " acha listen no..."

I grin as I say – " details...I want an detailed account....cmon tell me then what happened..."

Khushi chuckles as she says – " yes yes, I am telling you with details only as always, listen na...so...then I walk upto them after the game is over and..."and Khushi fills me in on everything that happened and the conversation she had with Hridhaan, Shivani and her friend as well and everything they spoke as well.

Ok – Guys.

I am definetly going to look up on, Hridhaan, India's Polo player – online once I hang up with Khushi. Just because my Insides are Curious.

Minutes later as she finishes telling me about it all, I ask curious – " ok, so they are coming to see the match as well?? Then?? Did he ask you what stand you are going to be in or something??"

Khushi shrugs as she says – " not really Arnav, as in, I just walked back to join everyone...anyway it was just an interesting coincidence no...not that I am going to see him again..ya...I mean look at how huge the stands of Sawai Man Singh Stadium are no,and so many sections off it... aree you are so busy playing on the pitch that you don't recall perhaps??"

I chuckle to that happily – "yup...you are right, the stands are huge and so many sections to it..indeed.."

Khushi – "and we are going to be in the ground ones straight up near the ground on the west end because that's where we get to witness more action from no, also that's where I can actually see you up closer as well, so I am very excited..all the best to you for the game ya Arnav...like way to go Bangalore...I shall be cheering you all on, for sure...like do I even need to say it? Isn't it so obvious from my get up??"

I chuckle to that as well as I admit – " godammit you, freaking drive me nuts"

Khushi dunks up my team's cap up her head as well as she says her eyes twinkling with Happiness – " see, now I have the Cap on as well..and know what? Jess and me have flags handy too..."

I grin and right then a thought returns to my head and I say taking a deep breath – " Khuhsi, and I think Ayana is going to be there in the stands as well...and there might just be more rounds of gossip...and..."

Khushi nods as she says with a sigh – " I know...she's made it so obvious on her Insta ya...I am going to work on ignoring all the gossip that stirs up around me on the same...I mean I do want to keep my focus on watching you play live..."

I smile – " thank you khushi, you have no idea how relieved I feel hearing that..."

Khushi chuckles – " ohh, just relax please, and have a wonderful game...ok?? like a thumbs up to you and I am like praying that I catch on to witnessing some killer drives off your bat today...like in real time...in front of my eyes and not TV..."

I chuckle as I say happily to my wrist – " ok...so some extra cover drives for my dearest Sparkle..."

Khushi chuckles as she says – " oh yes...to some extra Cover drives...indeed..."

I say now – " meet me tonight? Please? After the match? I want to see you..tonight...can't wait...don't want to push it to later..."

Khushi asks nervously – " but how ya Arnav...like..."and she says – " ok lets do one thing...lets talk about this after the match? K?? as in I will see if there's a way out too...."

I grin as I admit – " kool...lets talk about this after the match, for sure..then..k?".And my phone tingles with a text from Ravi that he will be waiting outsode the elevator on my floor, in about five minutes.

I say – " Khushi...so that was Ravi......"

Khushi nods and she says – " its nearly 605 pm now na...you gotta rush now I know...I will also just catch up on quick snacks and tea with everyone in the canteen and then we all are also heading to the stadium only...Akash, Payal and Noor reaching there direct only no??"

I nod as I admit – " yes,they will be.."

Khushi – " ok...please do tell Akash to keep up the secret cover bit even if he does spot me around k? as in because my full domestic team will be around me no...?but chances are less for him to spot me anyway since I will be in the stands near the ground and he'll probably be with everyone in the stands for family's etc..so yeah...but oh wait...if you tell him this then he will ask you how do you know I am there...and I obviously am aware that he doesn't know about our channel 3 equation yet...sooo..ok scratch out the former bit...don't say anything to him, just in case I run into him, I will only gesture him to act all secretive, or better wait..ill just text Anjali to pass on the message to him...."

I grin being smitten by her adorable rant – " yes My Sparkle, that would be ok...don't worry at all about the secrecy bit ok?.."

Khushi nods – " acha you hang up now na...ill talk to you later...bbye for real...speak soon Arnav..all the best for the game, like all the best * inifinity se..." and she waves bye to me – happily.

I chuckle in happiness as I wave a bye to her – " ok bbye for real Khushi...thank you for the wishes...speak soon...I am so glad we had this talk Sparkle.."

Khushi nods – " I know...I am so glad too..."and we both nod at one another again as our eyes lock briefly and then she says – " ok I am only hanging up, or else you will get late...tata.."and she hangs up, making me chuckle and my heart all happy.

Yup.

Guys.

I was right.

List me as a Goner – in Love.

Indeed.

I pick up on my stuff now, and wheel out my cricketing kit alongside me, as I make my way outside my room.

I do have my head dipped in my phone just now as well, as I am walking down the corridor because I am just Googling – Hridhaan's name and Polo player in one sentence as well.

And His Image – does come Up, instantly along with the rest of the Polo team that had represented India in the Polo – World Cup Finals.

Ok , everyone.He does have an impressive personality.

Hmm.

Hridhaan Singh Rajput is his full name.

I am still walking up the corridor and I am about to cross the Business center area on my floor, and right then I hear a young girl's chirpy happy voice fall into my ears – " bhai , cmon admit it...Jersey no 22 has been on your mind ever since this afternoon, the only reason why you spent watching the highlights of India womens, England tour with me this afternoon...cmon for once just say it, that someone's caught your interest...like what does it take for Hridhaan Singh Rajput to admit that he hasn't been able to stop thinking about a girl he just incidentally met and is kind off already hoping that he runs into her in the stands at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium tonight..."

I halt in my tracks.

I freeze actually.

What a Freaking coincidence is this?

How are they like right here?

Also.

What did I just hear?

My head's obviously connected the Dots. Jersey No 22 – that's My Sparkle, they are talking about.

I hear a man's deep voice fall in my ears now – " Shivi, this is exactly where I remind you that you are just 15 remember?? And I am 11 years older to you, dear sister, so you obviously cannot go around pulling my leg this way..."

I hear the younger girls voice come through in my ears – " ya ya, I know...bhai, but that the age difference doesn't change the fact that we have this amazing sibling bond nonetheless no?and what can I say, maybe my generation is just a lot smarter when It comes to all of this stuff and please, so don't you lie to me.."

I hear Hridhaan's voice come through – " well I do not want to lie to you Shivi, lets just say, yes I was interested to see Khushi's game, that's why I saw the highlights with you, and yes I am hoping to run into her in the stands tonight but that does not necessarily mean what you are trying to imply here..."

Shivi – " oh please bhai, it means exactly what I am trying to imply here..."

Ok – everyone.

This is exactly where I feel my Insides being consumed with some Uncomfortable Knots. Apparently – My Sparkle has caught Mr.Polo players attention.

I am right on that thought as I feel a hand on my shoulder and I turn sideways to see Ravi standing behind me as he asks – " why are you halted in your tracks Arnav? All ok??and tell me did you have a talk a with her??"

I nod as I say with a smile up my lips as I remember the talk Khushi and me just had – " yes, all ok...sorted...cmon yeah..i was just distracted by something...lets go..."

And as we are making our way past, I instantly hear the younger girls excited voice from behind us – " omg...Captain ASR, Ravi...is that you guys??? Please wait....hold hold hold...I am a big fan...."

Ravi looks at me and we nod at each other and turn to look at this young girl(who I know is Shivi instantly), because I have obviously spotted a image of her surprised brother in the background as he walks up to us alongside her. (The brother's whose image I had just looked up on Google – just a couple of minutes ago).

Shivani first holds her hands out to us excited as she says beaming happily – " ok...today is definetly my lucky day, like some sort off a lucky cricketing day....hello ASR, Ravi..i am Shivani, a big cricket enthusiast and I dream to play cricket professionally for India too.."

I shake my hands with her and smile at her as I say – " nice to you Shivani...and well I am sure we might just see you dawn the blue jersey for India one day as well..."

Shivani shakes hands with Ravi too and Ravi asks – " hello Shivani...you bat or bowl??"

Shivani says happily – " both actually..."

Hridhaan steps up now as she shakes hands with me first and says – " ASR, I am a big fan...so glad to run into you...and my little Shivi is a all rounder, bats and bowls brilliantly..."

I nod at him courteously even though my insides are consumed with knots recalling everything I had just heard and I say – " very nice to meet you Hridhaan..."

I watch him shake hands with Ravi now.

Hridhaan says to us both now – " wish you both all the best for the game, and well we are heading to the stadium too, and now that I have met you too, its only courteous of me to ask, if you are having a comfortable stay at our hotel?"

Ravi nods and smiles and asks the question on my mind – " very much comfortable as always, so you work here I guess, since you said our..??"

Shivi says happily and proudly – " actually I think daddy would prefer that sometimes if bhai here joint him in looking after the family business more...but no...he doesn't work here like professionally, my brother plays for India too..he plays Polo...because that's where his heart is...just like I have figured out that my heart might just be in cricket.."

Ravi chuckles as he gets into a little chatter with Shivani, encouraging her even more.

Ok so.Interesting– the family's into Hospitality business, but he plays POLO professionally probably because that's where his Heart his.(As Shivi said. Well good for Him.No problem in following your Heart, buddy. Nope...None at all.As long as your Heart doesn't decide to have its eye's on - My Sparkle.)

I shake hands with Hridhaan again as I say – "Polo is an interesting game, its always intrigued me, as well...I surely will catch up on it on screen soon..."

Hridhaan smiles – " thank you so much for that ASR, and well I love cricket too, play it for leisure sometimes as well..."

Right then my phone buzzes and its Coach sir text and I say to them, pressing the elevator button now – " ok guys, we gotta rush now, the teams assembled in the lobby...very nice to meet you both..."

Hridhaan and Shivani nod happily as they shake hand with us again, and right then the elevator opens up and we get into it and Ravi and me both smile at each toehr on reflex as we see little Shivani jumping up and down in happiness and hugging onto her brother happily as she says – " bhai...I just cant believe this....like I met ASR and Ravi...like Omg...omg....wait till Naina hears this...oh I forgot to take a photo...oh no..."

Hridhaan – " its ok Shivi, not everything should be about getting a picture.be happy with the moment..perhaps??"and he looks at us both and says – " all the best for the game once more guys.."

Ravi and me in unison – " thank you so much.." and we smile at them both politely once more as the elevator doors shut.

And I feel a Puzzled thought consume my Head. A puzzled thought in my gut instinct telling me – that Mr.Polo was like a Good guy. A good guy – whose probably gotten a little bitten by the Smitten bug, in that encounter with My Sparkle. Perhaps?

Just like how I got Bitten by it, the very first time I met her.

God – please let him never Meet – My Sparkle again.

Why do I wish for the same? Not just because there's this Envy rotating around my head at the thought. But because – it will be unfortunate for anyone else to get caught up in this connection in between of Khushi and Me.(It would just Hurt them).Because even though its not official in between of us yet , its like in my heart, I know she feels something for me , just like she knows I feel something for her.

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

Hours Later

Sawai Man Singh Stadium @10 : 00 PM

Khushi's POV

I jump up from my bench in the stands in Sheer Happiness and Glee as I hold onto Jess's hand excited and she grins at me happily with a wink and the two of us , along with the rest of the girls in our domestic team, who were mostly supporting out Bangalore, in this game start to wave our flags happily in a rhythm as we chant out Bangalore team's name loudly – much to the dismay of the Rajasthan team supporters around us as they continue to scowl at all of us and keep giving us angry looks and stares which literally say – Dude girls don't you see the Stadium is like a sea of Blue mostly, supporting Rajasthan since you are in Jaipur, and you girls have been irking us all going beserk in your support out to Bangalore.

Haha.

But do we care??

No ofcourse.

We are going Beserk in our hooting and Cheering nonetheless, even though we are like in Minority in the support for Bangalore, in our box in the stands.

Haha.

Oh and why did we jump up and start jumping in Sheer Glee just now??

Because – Ahemm..a one some star player, Captain of the Bangalore team..aka...Skipper Blue..aka...Arnav Singh Raizada,has been freaking Killing in on the Pitch, tonight. And he just freaking smashed a killer Cover Drive through the boundaries cover to reach his Half Century at the completion of the 15th Over. He is currently in the middle of a mid pitch celebration with his batting partner just now DB Rillers(who is an South African batsmen, that we are all also mostly a fan off,and Arnav has great bonding with both on pitch and off pitch)

And I just see the shot of him blown up on screen as he takes his Helmet off for a second and smiles at the Camera, and then literally turns a little sideways to eye towards the west side of the stadium(which is where our stand is), and he grins casually for a second and then turns his attention back to talked to DB.

I feel My Heart leap up in Joy as it says.Dearest K, did you see what I did.That gesture was surely for You. He knows the stand you are seated in.Also he played the cover drive to clinch that half century.He definetly made it look like a casual gesture, but we both know that, there was absolutely nothing casual about it.Look at me – being all Humpty Dumpty'ing in Happiness.

I grin to myself as I say to my Heart. Well obviously dearest Heart, I know what that gesture meant. And well, to be honest, I am just glad that you are back to Humpty dumty-ing in Happiness, as in I obviously did not like the Blankness you, along with the rest of my Insides were consumed in earlier today.

I hear my Heart say. Well yes, K – we were obviously taken aback by the sudden turn of events.But the nap helped, and well so did the talk with Arnav after. I mean it helped us retstart our way out of the blankness, I mean do you recall how he said, looking at the eyes so intently , Its crazy how crazy I am about you? Omg...K.....now you know what I mean that theres insane activity happening in this vibe in between of his heart and me on that invisible pitch in between us hearts...for sure.

My eyes. Oh yes I agree dear Heart.Its like I felt like a restarted engine then.Anyway K, I have been having the time of my life just watching him play so happily on the field just now. Like that is obviously the Cherry on the Cake.Its a good thing that we collectively decided to not pay much heed to the Online Drama.Tsk tsk..what a waste of time and energy – putting us all in a collective state of shock and blankness. I mean, just let us keep our focus on how we feel when he looks into us..tada...tada...lets hummm to a song...maybe??

I chuckle at my Crazy Insides right then and I pause on my inner though rant as I hear Jess say excited now, leaning into whisper in my ears – " okkk...so just five more overs to go Khushi, bangalore needs 40 runs in 30 balls....its obviously acheaivable...I reckon Bangalore is winning tonight..."

Ok guys – just a cricketing context. I mean only fair, since we are watching a Game live and in the Stadium. So basically – Rajasthan had won the toss, and elected to bat first.( like dude, whats with all these Rajasthan teams winning on all the tosses today? I mean they one our toss in the morning too na??) Anyways, so – Rajasthan played their innings first, and the pitch today is like totally a batter's pitch for they made an amazing score of 180 – 5 in 20 Overs. And well amidst the mid innings, it was like we were obviously a little worried, because like 180 plus in the Chase is like obviously daunting, but then the calm and composed looks on the Bangalore team's faces was what helped us all feel all relaxed, as we realised that they are obviously going to get in all determined – nonetheless.

And well obviously the star opener for the team the WI batsmen Hayle opened the innings alongside Sherma for Bangalore, and Hayle fired up a quick 35 balls runs joisiting up four sixes into the stands as well, before he got cleaned bowled out to a killer Yorker by the rajasthan pacer and Sherma(opening batsmen, alongside Hayle had also made 13 runs by then until the point Hayle got out) and Bangalore was 48 -1 in 4.5 overs overs and that was when Arnav came in(Since he bats at no 3), and took a killer double run in between the wickets to for that last ball of the over , to start of his innings and Bangalore was 50 runs –1 in 5 overs. However, as the bowling end changed for the next over, Sherma ended up mistiming an inswinger delivery and got caught out at long off. And at the point Blore was 50-2 in 5.1 overs and right then DB came in to the crease to join Arnav– and well ever since then its like as if Firecrackling Shots have been coming off their Bats, for Real – as they have stunned the Rajasthan fans to a silence.And right now at the end of fifteen overs – Bangalore is – 140 – 2 out, and Arnav just made his half century and DB is on 40 too.And as you just heard Jess – only 40 runs to go with thirty balls to be bowled.And oh yes everyone, Skipper Blue has also smacked 5 amazing drives in this game and one – as in three cover drives and two straight drives – which are like perfect beauties to even witness, and he's also smashed a Six as well so basically half his runs have come out of boundaries, as well.

Like Yipeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

I am so Happyyyyy for Him!!!

(And guys, I cannot even begin to express the sweet emotion, that had taken over me, the minute I had seen Skipper Blue, live on the field – and it really did make me think in retrospect that I think I did the right thing in giving him that subtle hint on our call – that I am right to think and feel like, it's crazy how crazy I am about him too. Like that call with him really helped me feel so much more sorted on my head, and has helped me ignore and not pay much heed to the gossip stirring up around me – for Ayana is obviously in the stands, and there's a lot of buzz in our stand as well about the same stuff from the morning, and even the media and the camera men keep blowing up her happy , exhilarated face as she's dressed in Bangalore jersey as well and is supporting on Bangalore, along with her friends. She's in the VIP box. I have also caught on glimpses of Akash, Payal, and Noor and some more rest of the player's relatives, from the Family box which is next to the VIP Box)

Anyways.

Okkk, everyone, the 16th Over is beginning – back to the Game.

We see DB take a comfortable single now and Arnav comes on crease.Right then Nandini, and Parul and Hina who are all on the bench behind me on the bench start discussing out some fielding technicalities and adjustment of the field etc, with Jess and me and we continue to observe seeing Arnav and DB take on that tricky bowler in comfortable defensive singles and doubles to keep their wicket intact as they cruise through comfortably with the run rate.

Its right then – one man who was in an alternate seat next to Jess asks her – " hey...iv been listening on all you girls discussing out all this technical stuff ever since the match began...if you don't mind me asking, where did you guys read up on so much information online?? I am a cricket enthusiast as well.."

We all smile at one another and Jess smiles and says to the man – " well to be honest, we know because we are professional cricketers as well..."

The man and a couple of more of his friends now give us all strange looks as they ask in unison – " wait what?? you girls play cricket?? Professionally??"and they all crack up in condescending laugh now as they say – " since when did gully cricket become professional??"

I say immediately politely but assertively – " excuse me, now that's just you all being rude..."

Jess rolls her as she says to them – " why did you even ask if you aren't open to listening to the answer..."

Hina chips in – " and just so you know we play for the Delhi team, and just defeated Rajasthan women in our t20 domestic tournament this morning to enter the Semi-s..."

The man who had asked Jess the question in the first plays rolls his eyes at her as he says tauntingly – " first thing out who cares, about Domestic cricket? And that too Women's domestic cricket??like even if you girls play cricket in the domestic circuit, lets just say that you are wasting your team..do you ever think you are going to play to a full stadium audience like this one day? its just a fact that no ones interested in women's cricket...so I suggest you girls change your profession..."

Ok.

That was way out of line and super rude.

I say to him folding my arms across my chest – " oh really?? But tell me something...did any of us ask you for your suggestion at all in the first place?? I don't think so...so I suggest that you and your friends keep your patriarchal condescending views to your self, for we are definitely not interested in hearing them..."

One of them snorts and gloats and says to me – " just like we are not interested in women's cricket...like really can you..like you..."and he looks at me up and down probably examining my petite frame – " can you even hold a bat??"

Jess gets completely fired up now as she says – " excuse me, how dare you??"

Hina and Parul say in unison – " and just so you know these two also play for India women, in the national squad...so they surely know how to definitely bat a lot better than you..."

Nandini says tautly – " want to see a demonstration?? Perhaps?girls, next time we come to the stadium, lets carry our bats with us, so that we can use to smash these MCP's ego's..."

Right then Arnav smashes another cover drive on the second last ball of the over and we all get distracted by the same – and we resume our celebrations amongst us all and Hina says to us all – " girls...theres freaking no point in even talking to these MCP's lets irritate the hell out of them by just cheering out louder...we love our game, don't we??"

We nod at her in Unison and continue with our celebrations. I look out in far vision towards Arnav's frame, and I close my eyes and I remember our – moment from months ago when we heard – Go the Distance, together, and I feel a lot better instantly and I smile to myself and open my eyes, and keep them on him -playing on the field.

Right then I hear Aastha say from behind us in whisper – " but guys, what these men said is true no maybe...will we ever play to a jamm packed stadium like this??"

And we all turn to her and say in unsion, Jess and mine voice coming out the loudest – " we will....we definetly will..."

She smiles now and says happily – " exactly what I wanted to hear...cmon guys, group selfie..."

And we all get into a group picture pose.

Right then the over finishes and we see Rajasthan, calling out for a strategic time out. Which means – there's going to be a 2 mins 30 seconds break.

We all sit back relaxed on our bench now and Aastha says excited – " oh my god everyone...look up...as if...I mean look up at the screen...as if the gossip and drama with Ayana mehra being in the stands wasn't enough for ASR today...look who has just entered the VIP box?? Its Pia....wait, how is she even here?? Why is she here? Like so sudden...let me check her insta..."

Wait.

What?

Did she just say Pia?

Like Pia Chopra?

Arnav's EX.?

Jess immediately gives me a worried look and we both look at the screen together, and my eyes fall on Pia's gorgeous Frame being blown up on the Screen as she is mingling with everyone in the VIP box.She's also not alone, she is along with one of her friends, who used oftn be spotted with Arnav and her, in the past. Well – th camera's focus is now on Akash for a bit and because I have met Akash before, I can catch onto his gestures of walking a little aside with Payal and Noor.He obviously wants to just ignore – Pia's entry into the VIP stands, next to the family stand.

I look out the field and see Arnav is busy in conversation with DB and some more support team members – as the Drinks break in on, for them. He is oblivious to this around him.He has his back to the Blowed up Screen as well and as much as I know him – he is completely consumed in the Game Zone.

Like thank God – I wouldn't want him to get Disturbed by this, atleast mid game.

And I can't help but Wonder – looking up at the sight of Pia still being shown on the Screen.

Jess whispers in my ears – " what the hell?? What is she doing here today??and she's now talking to Ayana Mehra and her friends too....like whats up with that??"

I nod at Jess and shrug uncomfortably – feeling that similar Blankness take over my Insides as well.

Why is she Here?

Why now?

Why today?

Dear Charlie Chaplin life, what do you want from me – today? Just when I am absorbing one Googly in – you throw another one my way.And that too – a full fledged One, roaring right in my face from the pages of Arnav's - Past. The past that I had thought was Gone.

Apparently Not.( From Pia's side maybe – that's why she is here, again today?)

Everyone's around me in the team and rest of the box has been talking and hushing about her now.

Right then Aastha leans into us all and whispers flashing her phone in front of us – " oh my god..guys look at ther insta story...I was so consumed in the match, I didn't see this...look she's been posting old cozy pictures of ASR and her from the time they were dating since the last thirty minutes and stating captions like – enroute to Sawai Mansingh stadium to cheer on my favourite man of all time, then another pic with an caption..with the hope to catch up with an old friend, and she's added hearts to it... oh please...why did she even say friend...we all know they were dating...and look on the next post rolling up in the story.. she's captioned..another picture of them saying – Major Missing, please hope that the traffic allows me to make it to the stadium in time – and oooh wait a fresh post just came into her story in which she's posted a snippet of an old video of them laughing and cuddling, close into one another with a caption – Some Happy Old Times..with hearts again..."

Guys.

I don't know how I feel about this.

Its like I am seeing everything on screen...everything that Aastha just said, is literally flowing through her phone's screen just now and I am back to being Zoned out into another Blankness – as my eyes see the reel of old moments of Arnav with Pia.

Jess nudges me and whispers into my ears – " don't look at it, khushi...and some of these pics are like so old....and you'v seen them too na..."

I look at her as I nod and admit, a lump forming up my throat – " yes...I have...seen a couple of these old pictures...back then..but I didn't know him then, and not just that Jess...I didn't...feel..",and I pause as I gesture her to just understand what I was trying to say.

She nods and right then Aastha says – " guys omg...this last video snippet of 20 seconds that she just posted, like if you zoom into it properly, its totally a snippet of a private moment of them...as in..like within a hotel room or something...I think theyv just woken up and are eating breakfast..after spending a night together maybe..because her tank top does look like a one she'd wear as a night suit maybe...and well her face does look a lot barer of make up than what it is usually...dude...she most definitely wants to patch up with him maybe...that's why she's posting all this personal stuff..."

Guys.

I don't want to see this Video again. But I find my eyes fall on it on its own accord nonetheless, and my hands act on their own accord as well as I take Aastha's phone in my hand and go through that video byte bit in Pia's Insta story again.

Yup.

I think Aastha is right.This does look like a snippet of a moment of them – from the morning after spending a night together. Because I instantly recognise Arnav's round neck tee in the story, it's one of his favourites as a nightwear, as I have often seen him wearing it for night on video calls.

And just like that – an Imaginary Vision of them getting all physically intimate, flashes through my Head.

Dammit.

It messes me Up – almost Instantly as it feasts with its claws into my insecurity of not having any physical experience whatsoever. Of not knowing how to even Kiss.

Guys.

I did tell Arnav earlier this evening – that I would talk to him about everything side by side as well as I am wading through and figuring out a way to sort out all this stuff around him..the media frenzy...link ups...and well now it's like haunting flashes of the past etc etc...but my insecurity – these visions from his past are triggering and feasting upon is something – which is very personal to my being as in I have never voiced it out to anyone, that I do feel all edgy at the thought that I might not know how to kiss even.Like Practically.

How do I even voice this out to him? As in – he will surely think that's me being so immature and stupid – perhaps? Yes – ofcourse. He is 27 and has been in a full fledged with a lot of physical involvement kind off relationship before surely – how will my thought and insecurity of not knowing how to kiss, come across to him?

Surely Very Stupid and Immature – Ya.

My eyes fall on the scrolling video snippet again as Parul, Nandini are scrolling through it excitedly as well, next to me– shipping on Pia and Arnav getting back together, saying in unison– " well they do look crackling hot together...like one can surely only imagine the chemistry that used to be in between the two...by this little moment..."

I feel something Crack inside off Me as my insides have gone into a Stunned Silence – again. I somehow maintain a polite composed smile on my face as I see Nandini hand back Aastha's phone back to her now and I say to her – " yes Aastha...everyone I think you are all right...does look like a snippet off a private moment of a morning after... like one can surely only imagine the chemistry that used to be in between the two...by this little moment..."

Jess looks at me worriedly as she whispers in my ears – " ok...so your face is all blank again...khushi..you ok??"

I just shrug at her as I admit – " there's still sometime to the strategic time out no..like about a minute still...ill just go up into the stairway of the stadium to catch on some fresh air..."

Jess says worried – " I will come with you..."

Right then Aastha says flashing her phone to Jess and Me and the rest, again – " ohkk Pia is continuing to post Snippets of that same very morning now...on her Insta post...like video bytes...a fresh ten second one just came up in which she is plonked on ASR's lap happily and is kissing his cheek and the caption is all cryptic...in a Hope of a Second Shot...I mean guys, why is she dishing out so much personal stuff on social media, now anyway?? And why has she even held onto it in the first place like even though its been months since the break up right.."

Nandini says now whispering – " clearly she still loves him maybe..like you know sometimes how its like there's so much history...that some shreds of emotion always remain no..."

Parul – " ok just look at Ayana's uncomfortable face being blown up on screen now as she is pretending to talk to Pia as if her presence hasn't affected her...clearly she is uncomfortable though...how crazy is this for ASR I mean, he is all engrossed in the game right now but once its over – he will find himself look to and fro in between his past and present in like one frame – as in both Ayana and Pia standing together..."

I gulp down the Lump in my Throat.

I say to Jess in a whisper, gesturing towards the empty water bottle in my hand – " Jess...no...you be here..everyone will wonder where we both went...just tell them I went to refill my water bottle by the filter...ill be back soon Jess...just five minutes...I just can't be here in between of everyone right now...as in even our team its like half the girls are talking about Ayana and Arnav and the present rumoured link up and half are talking about Arnav and Pia...the flashes of their past...I literally can't be here right now.."

Jess nods as she clutches on my arm supportively – " I understand...call me if you need me ok??"

I nod at her and stand up and make my way out and up the stand stairs to just be by my-blank-self for a couple of minutes.

No Wait.

Correction.

Even though all of my Insides are consumed by that Eerie Blankness again as flashes of Pia and Arnav what I saw on her story online make their way to my Head again, accompanied by an imaginary image of them getting all physically intimate as well – I feel the blankness inside of me getting accompanied by something else.

Something what?

Cracks.

Some of Insecurity.(Because of my naiveness/lack off stuff on the physical tangents)

Some of Envy.

Some of Intense Possessiveness too that are just aching to say to Arnav – that I didn't like the sight of Ayana next to him in the media pictures, that went viral this morning. That I absolutely hated seeing this flashes of the Past of Pia and Him.That I hate this Intense imaginary physical moments my Heads conjuring up of Pia and Him, too.

I feel a Jab/Crack within my Heart – like I have never felt before, as my eyes are clouded with tears as I am looking down and racing my way out of the Stands, just now. And through this Jab/Crack, I hear My Heart say in a slow vulnerable , tearful voice – Ouch.It hurts K.Now I know what exactly Humpty Dumpty would have felt for Real when he had that long great fall , that they talk about in the Nursery Rhymes....

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

TADAAAAA!!!!!

How was the Surprise Update??And pleaseee ya guys...No Shoes at me , for stopping right there...(wink wink)

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

Next Update : As this was like the Fourth Update this week...next one on...Monday /Tuesday Night.Also to save myself from some Shoes.Sneak Peek. Next Chapter's Title is – SpeedBreakers or SpeedRacer's? ( wink wink...wait for it, Guys) Any theories of about what can be coming up next Update?? Haha!!

Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support.

Much Love Guys.

Always.