Hellooo everyoneeeeeee
Haha. So I have been on a Writing Spree all afternoon and evening to dish out this next update of 12K words to you all today....so happy that I could put it up before Midnight..hehe...like there's still ten minutes to Midnight...(wink wink)
Will be Eager to know what you all think.
Thank you so much for your amazing feedback uptil now Guys.
And yes this is the First Draft. Please definitely ignore editing/common repition of words errors etc – since I have not proofread.
Also...Omg...how many of you watching the IPL??? Like Cricket ..Live after Ages...haha...like just seeing Dhoni behind the stumps the other day was like Yippe for me...and well in tonights game...RCB Won by 10 runs too!! Likeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Yayyieee to that.!!!
Ok I shall now stop with My Crazy about watching Cricket after ages live...Rant and let you all dive in without – further Delay
...........................
CHAPTER 20 – SPEEDBREAKERs Or SPEEDRACERs?
Sawai Man Singh Stadium – Jaipur
Shivani looks up at her brother as she nudges him in his side – " Bhai, please be like my darling brother and help me get some water, no? I am so thirsty and it's like the strategic time is almost ending and last four overs now in the game, so I am definitely not leaving my seat..."
Hridhaan chuckles as he says looking out on the field – " well yes, everyone is getting back into position, which means that the game is about to begin, anyway, Shivi, I just don't understand why you want to watch the game from the stand so close to the ground anyway, when I always do have the tickets for the VIP box as well, and just in case we were there just now, I wouldn't have to go so far out to get you your water and miss out on a over in the process..."
Shivani grins as she says – " that's because the VIP box is no fun ok bhai, we get to see the most action from these stands closer to the ground, and it is surely a better experience.."and she sighs – " such a bummer that Naina couldn't make it to watch the game with us tonight, I mean.. Otherwise the plan was that she and me would watch it here from this stand ,and you could watch it with some of Daddy's work associates and your Polo club friends from the VIP box, however because she couldn't make it, you decided to accompany me here..."
Hridhaan ruffles his sisters hair lovingly – " yeah as if, you know I wasn't going to leave you alone, and actually I think you are right, now that I have seen the game from here, I think it's a better experience as well, next time, only the closest stand to the grounds – tickets for us all..."
Shivani says with a wink – "it's a bummer, we didn't bump into Khushi yet no...its your fault, you should have asked her what stand she was going to be in, in the first place..."
Hridhaan rolls his eyes at his sister as he says standing up – " ok, this is exactly where I go on to get you that water, you want anything else too??"
Shivani shakes her head in a Negative as she says – "I am just excited to see the end of the game, have a feeling Blore will be winning this one...what ya bhai...I can't believe I am seeing, Rajasthan loosing out on two matches in a day though, like one this morning and now this one..."
Hridhaan grins as he says – " well you never know until the last ball Shivi, but since we had that nice little encounter with ASR and Ravi today, I'd say, I wouldn't mind if Bangalore, wins this one, they are anyway way ahead of Rajasthan on the points table as well, we haven't been having a good season at all...happens sometimes, that's how it is in games/sports, at the end of the day...someone wins, someone loses, but it's truly that very experience that builds one on as a sporting sportsperson.."
Shivani nods happily as she says – " yes bhai, I do agree with you on that.."
Hridhaan – " ok, ill see you in a couple of minutes, be ready to fill me up on with your commentary..or maybe, ill just tune into Cricbuzz"
Shivi nods happily and Hridhaan makes his way out towards that little common space which was the centre for snack vendors, water coolers, washrooms etc for all the stands closer to the ground. Two minutes later, as he is approaching a snack vendor, he narrows his eyes as he thinks that he has spotted a similar frame of the one someone who had been on his mind, right there, filling up on her water bottle by the water cooler which was closer to the same snack vendor's shop, he was walking upto. He smiles to himself, hoping that it really was her, that he had spotted, and it just wasn't a figment of his smitten imagination. As he reaches the vendor, and gets a clear vision of who it is by the water cooler, he is beyond just glad that Shivani asked him to get out here right now, because it was what was going to make him bump incidentally into Khushi again.
For it was Her.
It really was Her.
He crosses the vendor stand and makes his way to the water station, and its right then his smile does vanish on its own accord, as he realises that Khushi was surely really upset in the moment, as she stood lost deep in thought, as the water continued to overflow from her already filled bottle and her one hand was constantly wiping on tears from the side of both her eyes – one by one.
She was Clearly fighting her Tears.
Why?
Hridhaan takes a couple of steps backwards and asks the snack vendor for some tissues and then makes his way towards the water cooler, stands right in front of Khushi offering the tissue to her and says with an supportive smile – " and as much as we were hoping to run into you tonight, I most definitely was not expecting to not see you smiling Khushi, clearly you are upset about something since I can figure out that you are fighting tears and are all lost deep in thought.."
Khushi looks up instantly at Hridhaan and she uses the one hand to wipe out the tear that was threatening to leave her right eye and she closes the tap on the water cooler now, realising that it was overflowing her bottle and gives Hridhaan a polite smile as she says – " hello Hridhaan..."and she sips on a couple of sips of her water to steady her thoughts, and mask up her turmoil.
Hridhaan smiles at her supportively again as he leans against the cooler as well and says gesturing her to take the tissue from his hand – " c'mon...take it...I mean this is exactly where I should have had an handkerchief on me, you know like the old school type, so that I could give it to you to wipe that tear off, but looks like I will have to make a do with the modern day paper napkin/tissue for now..."
Khushi smiles a little on reflex at that and she does nod at him politely and takes the tissue from his hand as she says – " thank you so much..."and she uses it to wipe the two lone tears that had brimmed up the side of her eyelids again, and once she is done, she crunches it up in her hand and she asks Hridhaan politely – " also, if you don't mind me asking, what did you mean by that we were hoping to run into me tonight?? As in you mean Shivani was hoping that maybe??where is she??"
Hridhaan smiles as he nods, admitting half the truth – " well yes, what I mean to say is that my little sister is now a huge fan of yours, so she was obviously hoping to bump into you Khushi, infact she was just expressing her disappointment to me over the same that she hadn't seen you around, a couple of minutes ago, she was thirsty, so just came by to get her something to drink, you know since she won't leave her seat in the last overs..we are in the E stand, right near the ground.."
Khushi smiles politely as she says – " oh E stand...we are all in the C stand, like our full domestic team.."
Hridhaan nods as he asks – "you ok though?? you do seem a little disturbed...and definitely lost out in some deep thought"
Khushi nods as she says, covering up – " yeah, I am ok..nothing much..was just deep in thought about some complicated stuff, that I am trying to wade my way through.."
Hridhaan nods and asks, with a warm smile – " and Is this complicated stuff professional or personal? I hope you don't mind me asking?"
Khushi smiles politely as she says – " no ya, I don't mind you asking, and well let's just say, it isn't professional.."
Hridhaan nods with another supportive smile – " ok so means, personal then, had a fight with someone important?? Or are you feeling mad at someone, who you don't want to feel mad at perhaps? hence the conflicted turmoil?"
Khushi nods and she says honestly, sipping on her water – " well to be honest, it's not like I have had a fight or somethings nor is it that I am mad at this someone very important person, its more like just some situations in context around, you know how it's like sometimes you seem to have like no control on certain circumstances around you, and it's like when you look at it in retrospective, its neither your fault or the other person as well, as in you do understand that it's the circumstance at play here, but nonetheless, one can just feel all bummed out because of the same as in...some situations are just like killer googly's and outswingers no.."
Hridhaan nods with a smile – " hmm...yes I understand what you mean, it's natural to feel overwhelmed by circumstantial happenings around you at times, after all we are only human..and I reckon googly and outswingers have the power to make you feel a little unsettled on the crease, which is why you used their inference in the context.."
Khushi smiles politely, taking a deep breath – " yup you caught on that right...you know the last two matches, I got out batting, was once to a googly and once to a outswinger..so yeah just seemed apt to use them in context..."
Hridhaan smiles, amused by the inference – " so, have you figured out a way to defend to this googly/outswinger circumstance in the personal context....or is that what you were thinking about, lost in that deep thought, expression up your face when I walked up to you?"
Khushi nods – " yup, that was what I was thinking about actually, because as overwhelming as the situation can be at times, I do not like to run away from it like completely as in, I just need to pause a little and give myself some time to soak things through and then eventually get around to facing it nonetheless...so yup, let's just say I am trying to figure out a way of padding up my protective gear before entering on the field to bat..."
Hridhaan smiles as he says – " and giving yourself that time is absolutely okay as well, Khushi.."
Khushi nods, and shoots him a polite smile – " yes I know...it's okay and like super duper important as well..."
Hridhaan smiles – " and I hope whatever it is, gets sorted out soon for you..."
Khushi smiles – " yeah..i hope so too..thanks ya..."
Hridhaan nods – " and you are most welcome"and he gestures Khushi to walk alongside him to the vendor now and she nods and does and Hridhaan asks, as they reach the vendor – " will you have some juice or anything else as well??"
Khushi shakes her head in a negative, her eyes falling automatically on the screen of the little tablet on the vendor's counter, on which he was watching the live match as well – " no thanks Hridhaan, I am good..."
Hridhaan nods and gets Shivi, the bottle of water, and once he is done he says smiling looking at the Tablet screen too, hoping that the discussion about the live match would make Khushi smile a little more, for she was obviously cheering on Bangalore for the win, dressed in the team's jersey and Cap too – " well, I do think Bangalore is going to win this one, for ASR and DB just collectively smashed 12 runs in this over...ASR is surely having a good game, he is on 60 now and DB just reached 50 as well..and now they need 20 runs in 18 balls obviously do-able, say what Khushi, do you think the game will be Bangalore's before the complete overs are bowled, I say maybe Bangalore will clinch this one before the last over is even bowled..."
Khushi looks at Hridhaan and she smiles as she nods observing on the game's momentum – " well to be honest, I think the same too, both of them are playing with such great momentum.."and she pauses as she says with a small smile – "there you go...DB fires another six..."
Hridhaan nods, with a grin – " and look at the way the two of them are grinning at each other mid pitch, they know they are going to take this home, I mean its' obviously a known fact that ASR has this amazing equation with DB both on and off pitch as well, oh btw you know we ran into ASR and Ravi this evening, before the game...Shivi and me...at the hotel.."
That obviously catches Khushi's interest as she asks – " really?? You ran into Skipper ASR??"
Hridhaan nods as he says – " yes, it was nice little encounter, right before they were getting ready to leave for the game, got Shivi all excited..." and he quickly filled in Khushi with the brief highlights of it and he finishes with genuinely – " both of them were, very humble, grounded and friendly, for sure which is great..because Shivi and me are both big fans of their games, specially ASR.....are you fan of his game too? On that note, this morning when you played the cover drive on the ground, me and Shivi were discussing how your shot was as controlled one as the one ASR plays..."
Khushi nods as she asks with a little smile, as her eyes fall on Arnav's playing profile on screen – " well yes, I am obviously a big fan of his game, have observed on his cricketing shots for years, and well I do practice them out in the nets too..also...yes I know what you mean by him being all humble and grounded for I have heard a lot about Skipper ASR being all of that, and a complete gentleman too..."and right then as her eyes fall on the tablets screen again, she spots Arnav fire an Uppercut Six past mid on and she says with a smile – " well yes, looks like the game will get over before all the balls are bowled...Skipper ASR is in the mood to fire some shots..."
Hridhaan nods – " well yes, I think so too... that was an amazing Uppercut.."
Khushi says now – " and oops to us, because I just realised that iv kept you longer here, Hridhaan, Shivi must be wondering where her water is..."
Hridhaan nods sheepishly – " well yes to that..."and he asks – " hey , come with me to our stand for a bit until the game finishes atleast? I mean why don't you meet Shivi? She will be absolutely thrilled??"
Khushi thinks to herself, that it would be a better idea to not go back to her stand right now as well too, for all the girls might just still be discussing out Arnav's past and present, and she nods with a polite smile at Hridhaan and starts to make her way with him to their stand and just as they walking, Khushi spots Jess, who literally sighs of relif as she says walking up to Khushi – " I was just coming to check up on you...Khushi...you ok??"
Khushi nods and immediately introduces Hridhaan and Jess. Once the general intro's were done Hridhaan says to jess as well – " why don't you join us in our stand as well Jess, Shivi would love to meet you as well..."
Khushi requests Jess to join them as well as she silently conveys to her with a gesture to agree, and Jess nods and they all make their way into the E Stand.
Minutes later, as they reach Shivani, they see Hridhaan plonk himself back on the seat next to Shivani, giving her the water and she asks looking up – " there you are bhai, what took you so long??" and right then she spots Khushi and Jess behind Hridhaan , and she stops on the sip of water she was gulping down excitedly as she says to her brother – " omg bhai...you ran into Khushi??Khushi, come here please....sit next to me na...bhai...please move aside.."
Khushi smiles politely – " hello Shivani.."
Hridhaan spares his seat for Khushi, standing up and grins as he watches Khushi introduce Jess to Shivi as well.
Minutes later, as they are all watching on the match, Shivi says to everyone excited – " and even though there are aredent Rajasthan fans all around us, I have no qualms in saying this that I think, ASR is going to now finish the game with a killer drive of his bat...for only 4 runs needed to win...it was an amazing game...but lets see which one he fires, a straight or a cover..."
Khushi nods to Shivi , keeping her eyes on the field on Arnav, another small smile curving up her lips on its own accord, and she was also completely oblivious to the fact that Hridhaan was just silently smiling to himself, at the sight of her smiling from behind her and she says – " well, I do think so too Shivi, and I think it might just be a cover...."
Jess grins as she says – " well yes me too, and I was expecting a lot of Rajasthan fans to start leaving though by now, but everyone's staying, because hey...its nonetheless a good game of cricket right...there it goes.."
And they all watch – ASR fire up a killer Cover Drive straight to the Covers – to finish and win the game for Bangalore alongside DB in 19 overs, Indeed.
Khushi, Jess , Shivi and Hridhaan , all do High- Five each other Happily as they see the Bangalore players rushing to the ground, now to celebrate the Win – alongside Arnav and DB on pitch as they were now congratulating the Rajasthan team for the wonderful game of cricket - as well.
Hridhhan gets a phonecall on his phone, from one of his friends in the VIP box, now that the match was over and he does take it, as he sees Khushi, Jess and Shivi talking.
Shivani nods as she says excited now – " and well Jess, there is surely another reason why everyone in the stand is still staying, even though Rajasthan lost, for everyone thinks they are going to catch on some gossip byte as in the entertainment reporters are surely going to corner Pia and ASR after the match presentation and everything....for they are obviously like in this same space after forever...I think half of India is still shipping them to get back together, I surely am too...I mean why would they even break up...they do make an amazing couple... ..."and she looks up at Khushi and Jess and asks – " any of you follow her on Insta? I do..and she surely is here with a hope for patch up, I mean why else would she be posting on such personal stuff now..."
Jess shoots Khushi a worried look but she says to Shivani – " well yes, I know what you mean, I have seen her Insta feed..."
Khushi feels her Insides freeze, as she hears that bit from Shivani, and all of a sudden, she feels like she does not want to be in the stadium to witness the media cornering ASR and Pia for a talk. She didn't how that sight would make her feel, and she did feel like giving her Insides a little break from witnessing anymore stuff. Her Insides were still all Blank anyway. She says to Jess – " Jess, I think the rest of the team would also want to stay for the post-match presentation and everything, but I don't want to...can we leave??please? Let's get a cab...please text Hina or Parul that we are leaving, or wait ill drop a text in our Whtsapp group..."
Shivani looks at Khushi as she asks – " hey...all ok? you really want to leave now??"
Khushi nods at her politely and side hugs her,and say's covering up – " yes Shivani, it was amazing to see you again, but I am kind off getting a headache right now, so it's better if I leave..."
Right then Hridhaan's done with the phonecall and Shivani says getting up from her seat as well – " bhai, Khushi is not feeling well , and they want to leave...why don't we drop them on our way?? I mean I can surely catch on the post presentation highlights on Cricbuzz or Hotstar live and all the fun stuff about ASR and Pia will anyway go viral online..so no worries..."
Khushi gulps down her turmoil as she says to Shivani and Hridhaan – " hey no...we will be ok...infact I am just booking us an Uber..."
Hridhaan intervenes now as he says – " No way Khushi, let us drop you both please??and since you aren't well, I'll also surely stop on our way at a pharmacy and we will get you some paracetamol ok??"
Right then Khushi looks out on the field again as the celebrations amongst the Bangalore team continue , and in far vision she does spot Ravi , pulling aside Arnav for a talk, and she wonders if Ravi was now about to fill Arnav about Pia. She was right on that thought when Jess whispers into her ear – " Khushi...Pia's making her way to the grounds sidelines as well..it's on the screen...you wana stay or leave??"
Khushi looks at Jess as now as she says with a sigh, looking at the screen for a second and spotting Pia walking excitedly towards the ground – " no..I don't want to stay...let's go..." and she turns to look at Hridhaan and Shivani as she says – " thank you so much for the drop guys..really..."
Hridhaan smiles as he gestures them all to start walking up the stairs and out and says to Khushi – " no worries at all Khushi, please don't thank us...".
Well the pleasure's all mine - he adds silently, smilingly to himself as they all head out.
.....................................
Meanwhile – Simultaneously on the Ground
ARNAV's POV
I shake hands with another one of Rajasthan team members, politely as I congratulate them on a wonderful game. Once we are done greeting them all, DB and me, walk up to each other and punch our gloves together in a fist- knock.
DB grins as he pats my helmet and my arm and we hug happily now.And I grin patting his arm as well – " loved it, absolutely love to play in partnership with you DB, that's 65 runs not out for you.."
DB grins as he pats my arm – " an amazing game of cricket indeed, 75 runs not out for you as well buddy... a comfortable win for us , with 6 balls still left to be bowled, I am a happy man today..and I am sure, so are you..."
I nod happily – "well yes so am I ... this win also helps us on with the run rate as well..and not just the 2 more points on the table..and at the back of my head, I think this win gets to the second spot on the table just now..."
Ravi grins as he laces his arm around my shoulder , from the side, now ,and says to both DB and me – "yes it does...indeed..what a excellent knock that was off the two of your bats...we all had an outstanding time in the stands...indeed...what a game.."and he turns to me and says – "Akash is grinning like an idiot, well so are Payal and Noor.."
I chuckle happily as I ask – " are they now?"
Ravi nods, excitedly.
DB nods as he says – " and I just have to say this, that last cover drive from my friend here, was an absolute treat for my eye as well..actually so was your entire innings".I smile happily at him as I say – " likewise my friend...likewise..."
I chuckle happily as I tuck my bat under my arm and take off my Helmet as I turn around to look towards the West Stand off the Stand, closest to the ground.
Why? Because that's where I know, my Sparkle, is seated ofcourse. I obviously cannot spot her with my eye but I just had to look there for a second, nonetheless. Also, please note everyone I can literally imagine her smiling to herself sheepishly, as I clinched both my half century and the winning runs today with the Cover Drive. I promised her that I'd fire some extra covers just for her, today. Can't wait to freaking switch on my Phone and talk to My Sparkle, and now focus on planning out a way to meet her. Just got to admit to her how I feel – tonight.
I pause on my thoughts as I spot the rest of our team, rushing to the ground for a celebration as well, and we all get consumed in the same – happily now in a group.
Minutes later, as I am happily smiling and listening onto what a couple of boys are saying excitedly, I feel Ravi pat on my shoulder and he gestures me to get onto the side, and my smile falters a little on its own accord as I see some worry lines up his forehead. I walk with him a little aside and I ask, taking a deep breathe – " what's up? Why are you frowning??"
Ravi gives a smile to one of our team- mates , whose walked by and I nod at him too as we see centre off the ground being prepped up with the post-match presentation arrangements. Ravi says leaning in to whisper in my ears – "honestly, worried for you buddy.."
I look at him puzzled as I ask – " huh??"
Ravi whispers – " looks like today is just one of those days when one thing comes up straight after the other, well I know you are used to it and can handle it obviously but it's your secretive someone I am worried about...chances are that she's obviously seen and spotted this stuff online or on TV the minute it started to happen, amidst game...you were obviously too consumed in the match, and didn't probably notice it at all..even though they kept blowing it up on screen as well... "
I ask concerned – "what do you mean??is the media spurring out more stuff about Ayana?? And you know when I am on the field in the middle of the game, that's where all of me, is completely tuned in, so I obviously didn't catch onto whatever you are hinting Ravi.."
Ravi takes a deep breath as he says shrugging – " well no, not Ayana....it's Pia, she's here in the stadium...she arrived around before the start of strategic time out...and well you can obviously imagine the frenzy in the media as that happened...they'v gone berserk once again....Akash was furious about the same though,the minute she appeared into the VIP stands,and Payal and Noor are busy calming him down so that he is just able to ignore her presence, but they'v all collectively given her a cold shoulder, surely..."
I feel my Insides Freeze.
Did he just say – Pia?
Holy Crap!!!
Nooo!!!!
Dammit.
I feel my Insides twist with Worry – immediately as my thoughts go to Khushi on reflex.I ask to reconfirm – " Pia...is here??in the stadium??and the media's gone into the frenzy about the same??"
Ravi sighs – " oh yes...I think they had her happy excited, face blown up on the screen quite a bit in the last couple of overs....also...she..."he pauses.
I ask immediately, worried because of the even more worried expression on Ravi's face just now and I gesture him to talk and he says, taking a deep breathe – " also she look seriously I think she's lost it...god only knows what she is upto, or what she wants, or why is she here..but she's posted out a lot of stuff on her social media whilst she was on the way here, and ever since she has been in the stands...some old pics of the two of you...and some snippets of videos which I am sure were supposed to be private, and titled them as going to cheer on my favourite man of all time, some happy old times, in a hope for a second shot, etc etc....."
Wait.What?????????????????????????
I feel shock and anger consume me immediately as I ask – "she what??????????? what did she post?? What videos?? Ravi fill me in the details,quick...they are about to start with the post-match presentation soon..."
Ravi nods as he quickly fills me up in on the details and just as I hear him detail it all out to me, I feel so much Worry consume and engulf all of me, all over again. Immense worry as my thoughts immediately shift to wondering what My Sparkle, must have felt witnessing all of this. She surely would have seen it all. Because if some of her team members were talking about Ayana this morning, they surely would have caught onto this as well.
Dammit.
What the Freaking Hell.
This would have Surley – overwhelmed her on another level. Specially if she's seen the Snippets of the Pics and Videos, Ravi is talking about. I know how? Because I just know her in and out and can see through her Unsaid. I know a part of her Nervousness about 'US' does stem from the fact that she has not been in a relationship before. And now, to see the snippets and flashes of my past moments with Pia – have surely thrown her off guard – once again.
I, so Freaking Hate this.
Dammit. Pia. What the freaking Hell??? Why would she even post all this stuff? Why does she still have it on her anyway?Why nowww?????
No. I am not going to let the present mess or the ghost's of my girlfriend's past – mess things up for Me.
I couldn't.
My Heart was on the Line.
I hear Ravi say to me now – " there she is, approaching the ground and lot of entertainment media is around her already, she's surely up for giving a byte alongside you after the match presentation..."and he looks at me as he says – " and I know that you are pissed the hell at her right now..."
I look up and I spot Pia amidst the huddle of reporters as well, enjoying the attention. Ayana is next to her as well.
The Word – Pissed would be an Understatement. I was angry like I haven't felt in a long time.
I say, keeping a check on the anger from reflecting on my body language just now, even though I know Ravi can read it and I admit – " pissed would be the freaking understatement,and know what Ravi, I am in no mood to give any byte alongside her, even if she is freaking right there...help me pass on that message to her through someone buddy.."
Ravi ask – " you serious??she is right at the ground.."
I nod – " yup, I am serious, we are going into the post-match presentation, which begins in a minute perhaps and that's what I am going to focus on, after which I shall walk off the ground, and will not stop to meet and greet her or any entertainment reporters on the way, for you know its priority that I get to my phone now , first thing...you understand why don't you??"
Ravi nods.
I say – "however, whatever said and done I do not want to embarrass a woman in public, nonetheless so please if there's a way to convey...the message to Pia, that there's no point in her waiting around the ground, for whatever it is that I have to talk to her, will be in private once I reach the hotel...that's all....and I think this should be enough hint to her for now, she might just will leave herself......help me with this Ravi, please?"
Ravi nods as he pats my arm – " sure thing, and I will take care of this myself...it's a good thing I still have her no anyway, and my phone is with my. C'mon, the presentation is starting...just relax your body language for now, and in some more minutes you will be with your phone..."
I nod at him and pat his shoulder, thanking him silently and make my way towards the Presentation area, covering up my worrisome – Insides, with a reflection of a poised and collected smile on my Life.
...............
Fifteen Minutes Later
Arnav's POV Continues
I will have to thank Ravi once again, for this – everyone. And I surely will later. He took care off passing on my message to Pia and as I had expected, she had left the ground herself, even before the post-match presentation was over. And thank god for the fact that Ayana had joint her as well. And I had immediately sprinted my way towards the dressing area after the post-match presentation was over, and as I was making my way in – I had spotted Akash, gesture to me from the family box that he would catch me up at the hotel and I had given him a thumbs up as well and asked him to get going ahead with Payal and Noor.
I have just entered the Dressing Room which has got all the Happy Buzz of an after celebration going on amongst my team mates – but my heart is kind off not in it, for all my focus is to get to my locker asap and switch on my phone.
I am five seconds away from my locker.
I do smile at everyone though and share a couple of high fives and side-hugs with the team on the way to my locker and just as I open it – I get my hands on my phone, first thing as I switch it on and collect up my stuff and wind up at the speed of light and two minutes later - I gesture to Ravi across that I will be in that little private room which is further down the dressing area for us and to call me when the teams ready to leave on the bus.
He nods and I make my way to the Private room and sit on the bench with a worrisome sigh, as I quickly open my WhatsApp.
And I smile a little on reflex as I read on the string of texts from the top, that Khushi has left me throughout the duration of the game.There are about tweleve of them and as I read the second last one which reads, I feel my heart get consumed with so much emotion.
Khushi's second last text :Omg...Arnav...you are like on 42 just now...and I cant stop getting excited in anticipation over what shot you are going to play next , since this bowler is the one you'v been taking on all throughout the game....like you just have to know this, it's a very sweet emotion for me to just see you play live now...ok see..you'v surely read my string of short texts to you throughout the game before you read this text...I am able to write a little longer one right now because its just Jess next to me right now, as in Nandini is turned around to talk to Parul..so yeah...okk, so the bowler is about to bowl now so I shall return my attention from Virtual- Arnav to the Arnav on pitch, haha....okkkk...tata....gotta game and You to watch...priorities you seeeeeee...(wink emoticon)
My eyes go onto the last text, which seems to have come at the end of the game – and this reconfirms my feeling that Khushi had obviously been conflicted in emotions with the rest of the stuff happening around as Pia reached the stadium.
Dammit.
I read it – nonetheless.
Khushi's last text to me : Skipper Blue...congratulations to you on the wonderful win, for Bangalore. It was a treat for all fans, indeed. It's always so wonderful to see you and DB play in partnership...so happy for you... (thumbs up emoticon).
Yup.
This was the last text. No more message after this.Usually I always text her to check if its okay for me to call her, but right now I can't wait. I have to talk to her. To hear her Voice. I know she has my name stored as Mr Stranger, anyway.
I quickly call her.
She cuts the call.
I call her again.
She cuts the call again.
I call her again.
She cuts it again.
Dammit.
I groan as I text her.
Me : Khushi..I need to talk to you right now.Please pick up...
Phone beeps.
Her : Congratulations to you on the win once again SB...it was a wonderful match(smiley emoticon)..also..sorry Skipper Blue...can't talk right now...
I quickly type.
Me : Sparkle...where are you ? are you with everyone right now from the team?? As in are you still in the stadium??
Her : No SB, I am not in the stadium...I left after seeing you smash the killer cover drive as the winning shot..and yes I cannot talk right now because I am surrounded by everyone.But not everyone as in everyone from the team.Everyone as in Jess, Hridhaan and Shivani.
Wait.What??????? How is Mr.Polo – around my Sparkle just now??? Did they run into each other in the stands??An imaginary vision of him being all friendly with My Sparkle – crosses through my Head. I fight – an uncomfortable turmoil.
Me : Hridhaan and Shivani???????? You ran into them in the stands, I am guessing??
Her : yes Skipper Blue..I ran into Hridhaan in the stands during strategic time out, actually more like by the water cooler...and we got into a little talk, he also told me that he and Shivani met you before the game...he was telling me how excited Shivani was about it as well and how you and Ravi were so grounded and humble and everything...and I did agree with him on that ofcourse that I have heard so much of that about you...saw the rest of the match with Jess, Hridhaan, Shivani, then Jess and me wanted to leave and not stay until later as in the rest of the girls are still at the stadium only they wanted to see the post-match presentation and everything...so yeah...I was getting us an uber, but they offered to drop us to the hostel so yeah...we are currently on the way...there's a lot of traffic though, around the stadium...
I sigh as I fight my very own Conflicted Turmoil.
Mr.Polo was dropping Khushi to her Hostel, just now. Freaking hated the amount of discomfort that piece of information continued to make me feel.The green monster of Envy has returned to knock on the Door.
I have never given into Moments of Envy before – when it comes to the matters of the Heart. That's maybe, because I have never felt so much emotion deeply for anyone, apart from Khushi. I love her and things aren't yet official for us, which is obviously adding to not just my discomfort but hers too. I need to confess to her Tonight.
Me : why didn't you want to stay till the end of the post- match presentation Sparkle?? I know it was maybe because of Pia's presence in the stands.Khushi..i swear, I freaking had no idea, that she would even be there. You have no idea how embarrassed I am feeling just now at the thought off everything she posted up online. She shouldn't freaking Have. She had no right, absolutely none whatsoever specially when I haven't even spoken to her in months. You know that don't you?.I am going to tell her that. Just like I am going to tell her that I want nothing to do with her anymore. Also going to ask her to delete everything she posted up online. I had asked Ravi to pass on the message to her that I wasn't even okay to give a entertainment byte alongside her – the minute I got to know what was going on, after the game got over.
Her : you did??? Skipper Blue...is that why she left before you could even finish up with the post-match interview and presentation...I mean...I know obviously since Shivani's keeping tap on it on Hotstar Live, as in I could hear it.. your interview was very nice also, Shivani was really bummed about the fact that Pia left...as in she still ships you and her...together...half of india still does no...
Me : yes...that's why she left Sparkle...also, you know very well that I don't freaking care what half of India freaking thinks right?I know what I think and feel and what I want and that's what's important. I know you know it too. You know it all in your Heart as well. Talk to me about what you are feeling...dammit...I need to talk to you..see you tonight..now more than ever...
Her : I will talk to you...Skipper Blue..but please...can we talk about this later? As in I am with everyone...also...battery's running low..for real...just incase my phone does go off...it will be because of the battery k? please know that...also...I don't know if we can meet tonight..i am getting a little headache as well...I should just sleep over it..i guess?
Khushi wasn't feeling well? Great. Its surely all because of the turmoil she's been going through all day because of me. Hate the freaking Circumstances around me, more than ever.
Ravi peeps his head through and asks me to join in everyone on the team bus. I nod at him and I get up. But my attention is in my phone. Khushi's wellbeing is obviously priority.
Me : Sparkle I am sorry, I know your not feeling well, is may be triggered because off all the turmoil you have faced because of me today...please take a medicine as soon as you reach the hostel...you do have a paracetamol in your medicine kit right?
Her : Skipper Blue...please don't be sorry, please know I understand this is like not your fault. I am not going to get into a Blame Game.No point. It's a waste of Time and energy. I want you to know that – 'You' haven't caused me any turmoil.Its just the circumstance and the situations perhaps? It's not like I wasn't aware about your relationship. You'v always been honest to me, just like I have always been honest to you. It's just that - I just wasn't expecting to see snippets of the two of your personal past moments up online...and to be honest.. I just don't know what to say right now...I just need some time to figure out what to even voice to you...and yes I do have my medicine kit with me in the hostel, but Hridhaan's just stopped by a chemist to get me a tablet anyway...
I feel My insides Groan as I make my way to the Bus with everyone. I am glad that Khushi is getting the tablet for it will help with her headache, but I hate the fact that Mr.Polo is the one getting it for her.
It should have been me.
Me : well I am glad about that,he does seem like a nice guy.Your well being is obviously my priority Khushi.Please take the tablet the minute he hands it to you.
Her : yes I will...SB...thanks...also yes...I agree with you on that...as in both Shivani and Hridhaan are really nice...also you know what happened? Like another crazy coincidence. Shivani was just showing me and Jess her family pics, I just felt like I had seen her mom somewhere...and it hit me that I had seen someone like her in my mom's younger days like boarding schools pics albums..and then as we talked about it..we discovered that both are Moms were like in boarding school together, same batch..Mayo College Ajmer...and well the minute I texted mom if she knew Ranjana aunty,(Which is Hridhaan and Shivani's moms name), and shared her present pic,she got all excited and was all like yes ofcourse this is Ranju, one of my good friends from boarding school days, we used to swim together, do horse riding together at times too in school and do a lot of sporty stuff together all the time.....we just lost touch over time...khushi..get me her no now.....and well I obviously connected them...and Ranjana aunty and mom are currently talking on phone right now as long lost friends who have just connected...ok...SB...my battery's running out. Literally phone might just be off...I think I will keep it that way for the night...until I reboot and figure things out...let's talk tomorrow..tata..for now..i do hope you receive this msg before my phone dies out on me...
Wait.What?? What did I just read????
Mr.Polo's Mom and Khushi's Mom are long lost friends from Boarding school? And now they'v connected?? This could perpetually mean – that there was a possibility that Hridhaan, could start to be more actively present around Khushi???He'd probably take a lot of interest in that, being all happy with this development.Well I obviously know My Sparkle's caught his Interest.
I text khushi back with a : that's such a crazy coincidence Khushi...
But the text does not deliver and I realise that her battery must have died out completely. Why did her Battery had to die out right very now.Godammit.
Also, would Mr.Polo be driving the car extra slowly? So that he can get more time with Khushi??
I get on the Team Bus, alongside everyone...consumed by a deep sense of discomfort consuming my insides.
This is exactly where I want to say – Dammit * Freaking Infinity.
No – I couldn't let Khushi sleep over this, without meeting her in person tonight. I had to be the one to give her comfort and reassurance. Which meant – that I had to rake my Head left, right and centre and figure out a way to see Khushi, before she leaves for Delhi tomorrow morning.
And figure out a way I most definitely will. And before that, I was going to make sure that I had the talk with Pia to make her understand – that we are Long Over, so that when I meet Khushi, I can tell her all about that too.
.................................
Two Hour's Later – 2:00 AM
Khushi's POV
I feel my eyes flutter open, as I feel Jess shaking me in my sleep. I groan as I pull my covers over self, more snugly as I whisper in my sleep – " Jess..i am sleeping ya...why would you wake me up just now..."
I hear Jess's urgent voice fall in my ears as she continues to pull out my cover from over me and I fight for the blanket as I pull it back over myself – " yes Khushi, I know...you wanted to sleep over stuff and everything, which is exactly why you crashed to bed within minutes of us reaching the hostel as Hridhaan and Shivi dropped us around Midnight, and listen dude, its 2 am now, and you did get some sleep already ok?? and you haven't even changed into your night suit, still in your jersey and denims...you didn't even switch on your phone nor did you put in on charge..."
I groan as I say sleepily – " Jess, are you like nuts or what? are you really waking me up just now to tell me to change? Or to put my phone on charge, when you could have done that for me as well..."
Jess pulls on my cover completely now and I get up in bed and I glare at her as I ask , rubbing my eyes – " what ya?????? I need to sleep...Jess..."
Jess narrows her eyes at me as she says, biting back her smile – " are you sure you want to prefer sleeping just now??"
I ask puzzled – " Jess what do you mean?please ya, don't you go all cryptic on me just now, you know what a day its been turmoil wise for me ya...give me a break...and let me sleep..."
Jess shrugs as she says – " ok then, I will just ask your Mr stranger to leave then..."
Ok.
Wait.
What???????????????????????????
What did she just say?
I look at her Zapped and Dazed.
And what do I feel?
Grr.Grr.Grr.
Whats the Grr.Grr.Grr? Guys – it's the sound of the Engine of my Blank Insides restarting on its own accord, and my Insides don't seem to feel so blank anymore as I feel my eyes pop open on its own accord as they say to me.Hey K...we are not interested in any sleep, at all.Look Look, we are not in a low lazy mode anymore, we are way too excited. Ask Jess what she means? Did we hear her correct.Is Mr Stranger here???
I gulp down my anticipatory nervousness as I say to Jess – " Jess, if this is a joke, then please know that I am in no mood of it ya...and what do you mean I will ask Mr Stranger to leave? Have you forgotten who Mr Stranger is?? He is probably at the afterparty right now, surrounded by Ayana, and Pia and all the fun stuff...since I told him that we will only talk in the morning..."
Jess rolls her eyes at me mischievously as she says – " well I know very well who your Mr Stranger is, and no you are wrong, Mr Stranger is not in the afterparty at all, he is up on the terrace just now, he's literally sneaked up here about five minutes ago, from the outward spiral staircase which connects to the terrace from the backside of the hostel which they use for the utility staff for servicing etc...only so that he could come meet you...also know that, all that Pia had posted up online on Insta, stands deleted...she took it off...looks like he had a long chat with her and cleared things out before he could come see you..."
My Eyes Cheer in a Hurray as they indulge in a Happy Dance.Mr Stranger is here , for real.My Stomach and intestines and the rest of the organs join the Hip – Hip Hurray Party.My heart whispers jolting up from blankness too. My Stranger is here.
Ok dear Heart, did you just say My Stranger?
My heart whispers. Yup. I just did. Also, please note K, Sleep is not on Prioroty at all for us as well.I declare the Supreme Courtroom – open for this special Fast Track Urgent Case Hearing – this very Moment.I don't care if its freaking 2:00 am in the night..K?
I hear my Mind say. The High Courts of the Mind stand open, for operations too. Did you just hear everything that Jess said?? He is here!! He sneaked up her to meet you...for real K.Get Up...now this is exactly where you channelise Dutee Chand's running avatar and make a run to the terrace , like you make a run on the Tredmill.Hurry – freaking- Up.
My eyes smirk at me as they say.Hurry * Freaking Infinity would be the better word – perhaps?
I gulp down my nervousness as I run a hand through my hair and ask Jess who is now grinning at my dazedness – " Jess, you mean Skipper Blue is here? You mean like for real?? Right?? but how?? Who even gave him the idea?? I mean my phone was off and everything..."
Jess shrugs and grins – " well I did...you can thank me for that later, he somehow got a hold on my no..texted me, asked me to help him arrange seeing you tonight, since it was of utmost importance to him that he sees you before we leave tomorrow, like he wanted to see you tonight...and I helped him sneak up ofcourse...as in I stood by the back gate as he climbed and jumped over it and then walked with him to the terrace from that back staircase..."
I ask dazed – " he what????????????so you met him already??"
Jess nods grinning – " yup I did...how about I fill you in on that later khushi...cmon he is waiting up on the terrace for you...hurry..."
I get up from the bed instantly.And I ask nervous – " but wait?? What If someone comes to the terrace??"
Jess rolls her eyes at me – " everyone is asleep..i checked on..also latch the door from inside door..k??as in since that's the only one anyone from the inside will access too, and no one from the outside will come right now anyway na...also I will chill around by the inner stairway's foot landing and binge on Netflix and wait for you guys to finish talking...you know like on guard...just in case..."
I hug Jess instantly as I say – " thank you so much Jess..i owe you one.."
Jess winks – " well Skipper ASR said the same to me just now...now cmon...hurrrryyyy..."
I nod at her and I just brush my hands through my messy hair and we make our way up to the terrace, and I feel my heart beats race in anticipation.
Fast.
Like.
Super.Duper.Fast.
The High& Supreme Courtrooms of my Insides have never felt this excited ever before, for a sudden Middle of the night hearing – indeed.
...............................
ARNAV'S POV
I walk on the terrace of Khushi's Hostel, impatiently.
Ok.
Correction.
I am pacing around here at the speed of Light.Ever since I came up here with Jess's help and have been waiting nervously for Khushi to come up. Need to thank Jess again for this one formally, like properly.
Also guys – this is exactly where I say – The Crazy Things You Do for Love – happily.
Why?
Because never have I ever – climbed up a Woman's Hostel gate, Jumped over it, and then sneaked up through a old metallic spiral stairway to set my foot upon the terrace off it – in freaking middle of the Night. Also, I am dressed in black tracks and black Hoodie, which is on my head.So potentially I am totally – like a Creepy Crawly Burglar whose sneaked into a Woman's Hostel at 2am in the night.All because, I just had to see Khushi tonight – even if it was for just a couple of minutes.
My heart wasn't going to be at ease, if I hadn't.
I am right on that thought, where I see the Inside of the terrace floor move a little and I lean against the wall adjacent behind the door (where there's a little cornered niche with a sitting ledge too) hiding, for a second, just in case it wasn't Khushi.
And I feel my Insides Jump all Happily as I realise that it is Khushi, indeed – as I see her walk onto the terrace all nervously, looking around, closing the door behind her as well and she nervously latches it up too and turns upfront and looks around nervously again.
She's so freaking Adorable in her nervousness, as she runs her hand through her messy open hair, that she's trying to straighten and brush her hand through.
This is exactly where I should jump up out in front off her and tell her that I love the look of her hair – all sprawled naturally messy around her face.Perhaps?
I hear her look around walking up front here and there and she whispers softly – " Arnav...you there?? where are you??"
Yup.
This is that exact moment, where I should make my presence felt.
I smile to myself as I sprint up to her from my Hiding spot, and I pull her by the hand from behind, taking her by a surprise as I turn her around, holding onto her arm and I wink at her mischeviously as I say – " hey you...Sparkle..." and the way I see her eyes light up instantly as she sees me and says in a Daze with a nervous anticipatory smile curved up her lips – " hey you...Mr.Stranger..." ends up driving me nuts as I act on my emotions, as I take her by the hand to the adjacent wall and we get behind into that cornered niche, and I pull her into a crushing hug instantly as I kiss on her head as I whisper softly, immediately – " I am sorry...so so sorry...for all the turmoil you'v been through because of me today Sparkle...I just had to see you tonight itself....my heart wouldn't be at ease otherwise...iv caused you turmoil, its me who wants to be here to talk to you about it, to make you feel all comfortable and reassured about everything...I care about you more than you will ever know Khushi..."
For a couple of seconds, I do feel her being frozen in my arms, but about a thirty seconds later, I feel her wrap her arms around me hard as she hugs me back and whispers – " like I said, it wasn't your fault Arnav...I understand that it wasn't...and Jess did mention to me that you cleared things out with Pia..as in she's deleted everything she put up online.."
I hug her tighter into me, engulfing her in my arms – " yes I did talk to her, and I made things extremely clear from my end and I will tell you all about it, with every detail...but later...right now , in this moment now that I am here with you..can we talk about just you and me right now?? Please?? I mean like I said I obviously want to talk about everything else too..but first...I need to focus on you and me... is that okay??"
Khushi nods as she says – " yes...that's okay Arnav...the little sleep I had did me some good...for sure..."
I kiss her forhead – " sorry to wake you up Khushi, but like I said I just couldn't let you leave without seeing me...I just had to see you tonight..."
Khushi whispers into my arms – " are you crazy?? Don't you say sorry for waking me up right now...I am so sorry that I shut out my phone and everything and you had to sneak up here this way...and I can't believe you came...like you came here...this way...and..I...I..."
I kiss her head again softly and I pull her back my her shoulders a little and I cup her face gently from one side and wrap my other hand around her waist as I pull her closer into me, as I admit looking into her overwhelmed expressive eyes – " I told you...its crazy how crazy I am about you...didn't i???"
Khushi eyes swim with a lot of emotion now as she says nodding her head and leaning her cheek into my hand comfortably as she holds onto my wrist on the hand that was snugly cupping her face and she smiles now and says – " well, just because I do have to say this for the fun off it....you do know Captain Arnav Singh Raizada, that you are totally coming across as a..."
And I chuckle as I fill in the sentence for her with a wink – " as a creepy crawly burglar, you once implied me to be...??"
Khushi nods and she says with a chuckle too – " yuppp...also makes me remember of the moment in time, in Nottingham when we met in the parking lot, sitting sandwiched in between two SUV's, coming across as naïve potential car thieves too..."
I smile as I admit, caressing her cheek, keeping my eyes locked intently with her expressive ones that were talking to me in the language of their own as well – "exactly....right? parking lots, terraces, tree branches... are definitely the places where I have never sneaked upto willingly to just get a glimpse of someone/ or to just talk to them even Khushi...have you ever wondered why, I am ready to just about do anything to just get a couple of moments with you in whichever way and how?? i know you know the answer in your heart...but ask me why, will you??"
Khushi asks nervously, keeping her eyes locked with mine – "why??? Arnav??"
I admit sincerely honestly – " because you freaking caught onto a very important string in both my head and heart, from the very first minute I met you...Khushi...I have fallen for you in the ways I haven't fallen for anyone ever before...and you are all I think about when I don't have cricket on my mind, you are the one whose thoughts I am lost in, all day and night....you have never been just a friend to me Khushi, never... "
Khushi asks nervously clutching onto my wrist – "wait??????????what????"
I nod and I say – " you remember when we had that discussion about relationships, and you told me about everything that you had on your mind then??"
Khushi nods silently.
But she is trembling in the circle of my arms.
Which is Good.
Very Good.
I admit sincerely looking into her eyes – " I knew then and there, that I didn't want to be No 1 on just your cricketing inspiration list Khushi...I wanted to be the Man of your Dreams too..."
Khushi's eyes widen now as she asks softly – " you wanted to be the man of my Dreams too??"
I nod as I smile – " actually sorry my bad, correction to that, I want to be the man of your Dreams...."
Khushi gulps down her nervousness so adorably that it makes me kiss her forhead instantly as she whispers softly – " you want to be the man of my Dreams??"
I nod as I kiss her hand now, and look into her eyes – " yup...I want to be with you Khushi....as US...with a very special addition into the Channel Guide, of a Channel 4 – that stays tuned directly with this signal in between our hearts....do you want to be with me too?? Will you give me this one chance to make US happen??please???"
Khushi looks into my eyes as she says nervously – " Arnav, before I answer that, I do want to tell you that...as in...you know right..as in that...I..I...I am so nervous...how do I say this to you...I...ummm..umm..."
I fill in the sentence for her kissing her hand again – " you mean... as in that, you are nervous because you have never been in a relationship before, yes Khushi, I know...just like I know Sparkle, that a part of your nervousness about a possibility of US, right now is also surely stemming from the very same fact too...and after all that has happened today...its surely thrown you off guard and made you very nervous on tangents because of the same.."
Khushi's eyes widen even more now as she asks – " you know??? as in you sensed this, like already??even before I voiced it out loud to you??"
I nod as I admit – " yes I did...ofcourse I did khushi...I know you don't i? I absolutely understand what this is about..."
Khushi sighs as she leans her cheek even more into my hand as she closes her eyes – " how?? Just how do you do this???how do you see right through me???"
I kiss her forhead again as I say sincerely – " you know I just do...right??talk to me please...just say whats on your mind...please??"
She keeps her eyes closed as she says sighing, conflict apparent on her face – " I like you Arnav, obviously, as in I have fallen for you in the ways I have never have fallen for anyone, ever before and I do want to give this insanely mysterious connection in between of us a chance too, I mean that's what I want in my heart...as well truly...but I am surely nervous..because not being in a relationship ever before means that I have absolutely...like...no...like literally no experience at the other stuff that is important to men when they chose the one they want to be with in relationships... Arnav...I have never even freaking kissed before, like I have never been kissed...and I am so nervous that I wouldn't even know how to..."she pauses and scrunches her eyes close even more as she says – " sorry I just had to keep my eyes closed as I said this out loud, I was too embarrassed to admit this to you, while looking into your eyes.."
I say caressing both her cheeks tenderly – " don't open your eyes to me if you aren't comfortable right now Khushi , but tell me something, do you really think that I care about anything else but this intense magnetic mysterious connection that ties our hearts to one another.."
Khushi whispers softly, still keeping her eyes closed – " I obviously know that this connection in between us is important to you Arnav just like you know it is important to me too, I know it means something to you...just like you know it means something to me too...but I am just...nervous and insecure about this..gosh you must think I am so immature and stupid.."
Guys.
I am dying to tell that I love her.But maybe, I have to wait to reveal her the intensity of my emotions. First, I need her to feel comfortable in our new equation – which is going to develop in minutes from now.
I keep my fingers on her lips as I say now – " shh...shh...I understand..."and I kiss her forhead as I admit sincerely – " no...I don't think any of that, you want to know what I am thinking right now????"
Her eyes are closed but there's so much of display of emotion on her face – that it surely is driving me nuts!
She nods.
Goner Alert!!
I know we have so much to talk, but I need to kiss her.I swear, I can't wait anymore.
I continue to caress her cheeks, and I brush my one thumb over her lower lip tenderly caressing it too – " I am thinking, how about you just hand over all your nervousness and insecurities about the same up to me, because I am dying to help you ease them all out...Sparkle, for real......like for example, even though I have so much to talk to you, to fill you in over the stuff that happened around me ever since we last texted...and your phone was off and you were sleeping after...all I can think about right now is the fact how I can't wait to freaking kiss you, because I have been dying to for ages now...so if you say you okay and want to kiss me too, then I'd like to change the fact this very second, that you have never been kissed before, because I'v been dying to kiss you like I have never kissed anyone before Khushi, because you see, I have never kissed anyone with so much backing off true and deep emotions from my heart..."
Her eyes flash open now suddenly as she looks into my eyes and asks puzzled – " huh?? Wait what????What do you mean you'v dying to kiss me for ages now??"
I chuckle because the expression on her face is so freaking adorable just now and I say – " okkk...yes...I literally mean that for real Sparkle, I have been dying to kiss you for what seems like ages to my being indeed, but is it okay if I tell you about that bit of it, after I actually kiss you?? I am afraid, I can't wait to feel your lips under -mine anymore...so please tell me if you want to kiss me too, because your consent for the same is obviously important to me... "
Khushi trembles as she says adorably, nervously – " Arnav...but...I won't know how to kiss you back...like I am really afraid...like...what if I disappoint you or something??"
I feel my insides grin as I lean sideways close into her and kiss her right cheek, as I whisper – " which means that you are okay with it though??"
She clutches on my arm as she whispers – " Arnav...I...I..."
I kiss her left cheek as well, which makes her clutch on my arm tighter as I ask – " yes..or no??"
She asks softly clutching on both my arms with her hands nervously – " if I say yes, are you like going to kiss me, like this very minute...Arnav??"
How adorable can My Sparkle Get???
I pull back as I cup her face tenderly and look into her eyes – " nah...not this very minute...this very second...did you forget the bit where I mentioned, I have been dying to for ages now...so why would I waste another second Khushi????"
Khushi's eyes fall to my lips nervously, adorably as she says – " but what if i..."and I keep my finger on her lips as I say intently – " shhh...just follow what your heart asks you to do Sparkle..follow what you feel...that's all that matters.."
Khushi asks adorably – " will it be okay if I try to mirror your moves as you kiss me perhaps?? As in I can pick up on it, as in remember how I picked up on that wrist technique with the cover drive, when you demonstrated it to me in real time, like in front of me..."
I chuckle on reflex.
How can I not be this Crazy about this Honest, Straightforward,Innocent, Adorable, Mesmersing, Captivating, Alluring woman in front of me??
How can I not fall madly in love her with her – with every passing second?
Khushi asks nervously – " so will that be okay??if I follow your moves?? Means that will help me figure out how go about it right?? "
I look into her eyes as I cup her face with both my hands and I admit sincerely, caressing her cheeks,since I know she is waiting for my reply to her – " yes...that would be perfectly okay...Sparkle...so say can I kiss you??now?? like this very second??"
Khushi gives me a nervous smile as she keeps her eyes locked with mine – " yes...you...c.."but I don't wait for her to finish her sentence as I, finally lose all my patience and quickly wrap my one hand around her waist, pulling her closer possessively and close my lips over hers – immediately, and I kiss her softly and gently for the first couple of seconds fusing my lips over hers, over and over again.
About twenty seconds later, I feel her clutch on my arm gently with one hand and her other hand goes around my neck as she pulls me closer as well and begins to kiss me back softly, mirroring the move of my lips over hers, like she said she would.
So the plan was to kiss all gently and Softly at first.But Nope – that's not going to work.
Not at all.
Because just as I feel her lips moves under mine and gasp a whimper which is almost like a soft moan into my lips as she tries to continue matching my moves – I lose it, and I probe my way into her lips, for a deep kiss as I begin to devour her Lips with mine, over and over again like I have wanted to for a long long time, and I kiss her all deep and urgent, madly and badly and very possessively too - as one of my hands fist in her open messy hair, to pull her even closer into me and I love the feel of her one arm wrapping around my neck even more snugly now and the other that was clutching onto my arm now trails up my arm and cups my cheek too, as she's starting to now mirror the moves of my urgent and deep ways of kissing her too.
And Time's gone into a Standstill – Perhaps??
Do I care?
Nah.
All I care about the fact is that I am finally kissing My Sparkle, the one I love deeply– like I said I would.
Exactly...Like.. I have Never Kissed anyone ever before...
....................
TADAAAAA!!!!!
How was the Update Guysssss?? (wink winkkkkk.....)
Let me know what you guys think as always, you all know I love reading your feedback and comments. Will be eager to know what you all think??
And yes.
Next Update : on Wednesday Night guys Mostly .
Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support.
Much Love Guys.
Always.
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PRABHA123 @PRABHA123 3 years ago Just fab update. Wanna see how their journey begins together