CHAPTER 23.1 – MY 'NOISE' CANCELLING HEADPHONES

Hellooo everyoneeeeeee

So here I am today , with a Medium Length Update off about 7 k words as Chapter 23.1....so happy that I could put it up, like well in time today and it did not get pushed into Midnight.Apologies it got delayed by a day as got caught up with kiddos last minute online assignments and everything yesterday...👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻😇😇😇

Will be Eager to know what you all think, as alwayssss.

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

Please note the timeline - we are now 20 days forward into the Story.

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

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CHAPTER 23.1 – MY 'NOISE' CANCELLING HEADPHONES

20 DAYS LATER – 15TH May, 2019

KHUSHI'S POV

GUYS.

Please note – this for Future Reference.

Such a Thing – has like never ever Happened to Me, like for Real.

Like Just about Never.

Period.

What thing? The 'Thing', I am in the Middle of Experiencing of course and most importantly at what Place.

And I know, you all are probably getting curious to know what is it that I am actually referring too, so I shall just jump straight to the point, without going into building up too much suspense in the background with the Suspense Sound effects of Thada..Thada..Thada.

So Yup. Here I Go with a Wacky Confession.

Technically, right now, I have just finished writing my last exam for my B. Com correspondence degree – for this year. As in, the paper is usually for Three Hours, and well as, it was a question paper that I could take on and answer like super easily, I kind off finished writing it in 2 hours 45 minutes, which means – that I am in the Examination hall right now.

I can spot Jess from the corner of my eye in a couple of seats in front of me, in the row parallel to mine. And wait – its isn't that I have finished writing an exam earlier in time, like for the first time, like No, that is not the First thing I was referring too. I am referring to the fact that Usually, I always go into like a Revision mode of my Paper, just in case I do finish writing it all out early, but today , for the first time ever – my Mind is definitely not into a – oh let's revise the paper mode, for sure. In fact, instead dearest High Courts of the Mind kind of decided the minute I finished writing the paper and put the pen down, that they were going to instantly switch into a Dream Mode, and get all tuned in with the Supreme Courts of the Heart and pay exclusive attention to the massive construction in progress within the walls of my heart – for Dynasty34.

So Yup , guys...even though now it's like I am technically in the Exam Hall, in my seat and everything(physically), with my eye on the open answer booklet of my exam, rotating my pen in my hand, for the fun off it and as am pretending to still skim through my paper as a couple of examiners are passing by – mentally in my headspace, all of my attention is elsewhere - completely tuned into that FarAwayDreamworks.Co(which is the name I'd like to give to the cardio real estate builder cells within the walls of my Heart that are overseeing the development and construction progress, of Dynasty34).

And I think, I truly have to commend these cardio real estate builder cells for their efficiency, because apparently they are turning out to be really super-duper efficient and good at their Job, because even though technically it's just been like Three weeks since Arnav and me, officially got together, it literally just does not feel like as if it's just been only Three weeks to US – at all. In my heart, it feels like we have been together this way as a couple for a long long time. And even though we haven't like met again – in real time yet – it's like we've gotten a crazy* infinity lot closer into one another romantically, for sure, and in all these days, I have felt that feeling increase *infinity lot – you know the feeling, where everything around me literally hazes and fades away when, my thoughts go to Arnav, or when I am talking to him , on call/ or on text/ or on video calls.

Like Guys – I am telling you all, at the rate the cardio real estate builders' cells, within my heart are functioning and working, it seems like they are going to end up building a replica of Buckingham Palace within my Heart, in Arnav's name – in No Time.

I hear my Heart say. Oh Yes,dear K – you are absolutely right about that Indeed. I mean you are obviously aware that the architects within our walls changed the blueprint of the design and structure for the High Rise Building, for sure , as in there's obviously going to be a SkyScraper in there as well, but since you coined it Dynasty34, then maybe that Skyscraper, becomes like one part of the Kingdom – in the works.

Wait.what? Dear Heart? Did you just say Kingdom in the Works?

I hear my Heart Say. Oh Yes, K. I did just say Kingdom in the works, I mean keeping in mind the way my chords are getting all tuned in, intertwined and closer to Arnav's heart, its only fair to Construct a full-fledged Kingdom, for his Sake as in for US, our moments, and well to be honest like I hinted before, I got that Idea from the mind actually, since it came up with the word – Dynasty.Thank you dear Mind, for the help.

My Mind ventures in as it says, grinning.You are welcome dear Heart, you are most welcome.

Ok dear mind, how about you switch away from your Dream Mode a little, like just for a bit and maybe lets, revise this paper? I mean there are seven minutes still left, until the time to three hours finishes? I mean I suggest this, because well technically we are still in the Examination Hall, right? We should be thinking off the Exam that we finished writing – right?

I hear my Mind chuckle and take its seat back all relaxed next to the Heart. Oh, please K, see you said it yourself. It's an exam you already finished writing, which means that's precisely the reason why you must not think more into it. Also, you know very well, that I am pretty sure that I nailed that paper already, why do you think I am this Relaxed.Its all done. Exams are over too for this year, K. Don't worry about it. You are surely scoring up a Distinction, this year Too.And well to be honest, I don't think the eyes are even interested to look down at your answers on Strategic Management, they'd rather reminisce about being lost into Arnav's, thoughts too.

My eyes Nod. Yup, K. Consider us – lost and drowned into the Lost City of Atlantis.Period. As in imagine, we went onto this thrilling scuba diving mission of being the divers to discover the Lost City of Atlantis, under water, and well we obviously found it and everything, but the entire expedition was so freaking mesmerising that while we were busy floating our way around into the precious Lost City of Atlantis, we didn't realise that our oxygen tanks were running out of stock of O2, until when , well it actually all ran out of it.So now, we are technically just destined to stay Drowned into the Lost City of Atlantis, for a long time .Please know we are beyond Elated, to have our oxygen tanks give up on us, we mean – Drowning, never felt this Mesmerising and Good for Real.NO? Also, if you will notice, even the Ears are not interested in listening to your suggestion of looking at the paper, that's already like all done and dusted. Ok?

I groan. Dear Ears? You too? Like won't you listen for Real?

Ears shrug as they say – Nope, K .Sorry, we agree with the mind and the heart and the eye that there's no point in Revision of the paper ok?its not like you are going to gain some extra miraculous numbers out of it, you'v done what you'v done alright?? So just let us be, okay? Also its not really our fault that – just anything and everything about Arnav has started to act like an Invisible Noise Cancelling Headphone, for US. I mean its like the minute the Heart+ Mind press the remote control and tune into Channel 34, an Imaginary Noise Cancelling Headphones makes it way around us, on its own accord, and just eliminates any other noise of any other thought within the surroundings, and all we can Think about is Arnav, or how his deep voice is like our favourite music, and how that intense tone of his as the two of you talk on video calls/ calls – happens to be like a top track on repeat in our Music Library for Real. I mean do you remember how he said last night in that deep sincere tone of his – "Sparkle, it's going to be three months to me having first met you in like hours from now, but I do want you to know that it doesn't feel like that at all. It feels like I have known you forever. You have no idea what you mean to me, Sparkle..I don't know if I will ever have the right words to ever express that out to you..for all the dictonaries in the world would fall short in their support to me on words..." .Like JeeeeeZZZZZZZ,K – he's driving us Crazy* Infinity, for both - Him and his Voice.

I chuckle on reflex.Well yes, Ears, I know what you mean.He is driving not just You – but all of me, Crazy for Real, and I do agree with you that everything about him and US is truly starting to act like this set of amazing Noise Cancelling Headphones, for Real.Say what? when I get out of the hall, and I open my phone to text him, I will tell him that I just found new name for him. Mr.Noise Cancelling Headphones. I mean, no harm in admitting that to him, outright right? He anyway knows, I am a wacky nut in my Head, sometimes.

All of my Insides collectively chuckle as they say.Well, yes to that for sure K.He knows that.We cant wait for these couple of minutes to pass too. And also for these three days – because woooo hoooo...we are flying to see the Final of the IPL to Mumbai right??? whether Bangalore wins or not tonight, Arnav is going to be there too at the Finals.Like thank God that the two of you planned to use the IPL final setting for a meeting. I mean we haven't seen him in real time in three weeks, so we do kind off Miss Him – obviously.

I bite back my grin as I start to collect my stationery back into its box. Well yes, we are flying to Mumbai,and are definetly going to meet Arnav soon, but lets all collectively pray that Bangalore wins the Semi's against Chennai tonight, for that, because I would love to see Arnav playing that final, for I am rooting for Bangalore to Win the Cup too.

My Insides nod in Unision – Oh Yes.Ofcourse K. Our best wishes are always with Him.Too bad we couldn't fly out today, to see the Semi's in Bangalore. I mean all because of the fact that the Exams were On, and that too this afternoon shift timings of 1-4 pm.So glad they are over. Also, we just have to state this again that we are so proud of you K, on how you did get the achievement of being the Highest Run Scorer this Domestic T20 Season. We know that that nail-biting loss of 5 runs, to Railway Women in the Final – was like an unfortunate one.

I smile to myself. Guys – our team of Delhi women had reached the finals of our domestic season, and we lost out in the finals to Railway women in like a thrilling game of cricket on the 30th of April -as you just heard my Insides say. But nonetheless, the loss – it was an amazing season for us and personally a lot of learning for Me, cricket wise, and personally, it had obviously taken me like a couple of days to wade my way through the gaming disappointment that we felt as a team of coming so close to the win and yet loosing out, and once again Arnav had been there for me in his supportive and empowering ways. He just wouldn't stop saying, how proud he was for the team's performance nonetheless, or of the fact that I had received the award for the Highest Run Scorer in the Season, or how the domestic pool of Women's Cricket in India – really needed to come to light, and that is why he was always following up with Mira Di or Harpreet Di – over their talks with the BCCI, for an IPL kind off a set up in India, exclusively for Women Cricketers too, and that he was elated to have Mira di tell him, that the BCCI was looking into getting a IPL kind off a tournament set up for just Women, for next year for sure. The planning for the same, was all under process.

I hear my Mind say with a heartfelt smile. Well to be honest K, it was because of Arnav that I kind off was able to feel all better about the loss in the final, within a span of 24 hours. I mean usually when it's such a close game and we end up being on the loosing side, it does take me about 36-48 hours to just wade my way through it all – right? so all Credit to Our Stranger, for his empowering support as always, for we obviously had to shift our focus and get ready for Exams too, right?? It's been a hectic 3 weeks, K – like Mind Wise, so please just let me chill now and indulge in my latest favourite Hobby, which is thinking of Arnav and getting the cardio real estate builder cells of FarAwayDreamWorks&Co - to fastracking the massive construction of Dynasty34.

I smile and nod to myself.

And right then, I hear the Examiners say that the Time was Over and they start collecting the papers by everyone in the Hall,one by one. Minutes later, as I hand in my paper to the examiner, and get up, I see Jess making her way to me with a grin up her face as she asks – " how was the paper???mine was great, I mean it was a pretty easy question paper na?i finished five minutes early but I didn't like revise or anything because I was too excited and just super happy about the fact that we are done with exams..."

I grin at her, and nod as we start to make our way out the hall – " yes it was an easy paper Jess, mine was good too and I finished fifteen minutes earlier , and well I didn't revise too, but not because I was super happy because the exams were over..."

Jess winks and whispers into my ears, chuckling – "yes yes, Khushi , I am sure you were all lost in your head, dreaming about Mr.Stranger..."

I chuckle but I look at her, as we continue to make our way out – " you just love to tease me, don't you???"

Jess nods and winks – Happily.

I grin at her – "also, you are obviously coming home and staying with me tonight ok? it will be so much fun watching the semi's together, I mean its already a bummer, that we couldn't go to the stadium for the live match...aunty left for Goa this morning too, right, she will only be back by the 20th no? so please, just stay over with me only until then..."

Jess nods excited – " ohk yes...of course...let's just quickly make a stop at home, for its closer and is just a seven minutes' drive away from here and I will get my stuff and everything and then we can head to yours, can't wait to resume our cricket practice too from tomorrow on , you know since we didn't get much of that happening in the last five days with these last three exams being like so close to one another and we literally had our face in the books...the One day matches domestic tournament , starts for us in 20 days too right Khushi...we have to like immerse our heads back into intense practice now...and it's going to be the same for Mr Stranger too right??after the IPL Is over....because they are going to head into World Cup preparations..."

I nod as I say, whispering to her – " oh yes Jess...it's not just going to be a super hectic, three weeks from the 5th of June, for us game wise, but for him too, as in 3rd June is also when the Men in Blue leave for England, for the ICC ODI World Cup, so yes as you said even they are going to get all busy in preparations for the same, after the IPL is over...I mean he did say that they are just taking like a couple of days off after the tournament and the entire national unit is going to regroup by the 22nd , here in Delhi,to get into massive preps for the World Cup campaign.."

Jess winks at me mischievously as she says – " well atleast the two of you are going to be in Delhi, until the 3rd of June, post the 20th of May, which is like almost two weeks, so I do reckon a lot of your sleepovers at my place already...because well after that it's going to be months until you could both see each other again, because of the difference in locations and play schedules for you both...so I am sure Mr Stranger is very glad about this development.."

I nod at her as I say with a wink– " yes to that, Jess" and I add happily – " and oh yes, you are also totally right about the sleepover predictions at your place...I surely will be planning some..."

Jess winks at me – " let me find a way of asking Mom to stay back in Goa longer, then..."

We both share a warm laugh as we reach the locker area where we'd kept our stuff, before walking into the Exam Hall.

I reach out for my bag, first thing out and just as I am about to switch on my phone, I feel a tap on my shoulder, and I turn around to see Alisha and Sia giving both Jess and me - a smirk, and Alisha says – " please tell me guys, that the two of you really thought about what we last told you both...I mean...what's your future in cricket, c'mon??"

Sia smirks too as she says – " I mean cmon, do you girls even think anyone cares..i mean look around you...in this entire exam hall, out of all the students that appeared, does anyone even know that the two of you play cricket?? No one is interested in Women's cricket and that is a fact..accept it guys...and in fact I keep telling Alisha that the two of you should probably join us in modelling perhaps??since well the two of you do have lovely facial features...let us know if youv changed your mind, we can connect you with our agents or modelling agency's.." she finishes with a sarcastic laugh and Alisha and Sia both burst into giggles.

Jess looks at them angrily and just as she is about to lash out at them , I gesture her with my hand, not too – yet.

(So guys, Alisha and Sia,are both our batch mates on this correspondence course, we only end up seeing them when we appear for Exams.And both Alisha and Sia are like best buddies and are into modelling full time, hence they are also pursuing this correspondence course, and they are nice to talk to and everything, but well as you all saw they just always leave no stone unturned to express their opinions to both me and Jess that we must change our minds about our career, before it's too late)

I lean back against the locker and smile at Alisha politely as I ask – " alisha is that todays exam paper in your hand??how was your paper??"

Alisha nods and shrugs – " well it wasn't great...but I don't really care, because this is just a formality for me, since you know what my aims are right??"

I smile and shrug as I say, taking the paper from her hand – " exactly, and you do know that its only in theoretical educational examinations , that everyone gets the same question paper, tell me something Sia, just what If each of us in the exam hall today was given a different question paper, how would the examiners score our marksheets then??as in on what basis?? On what standards??"

Sia shrugs – " how silly is that Khushi, if all of us wrote a different question paper, the judging of marks, would be totally bizzare...because how would they even grade, because like everyone got a different set of questions to answer, so it wouldn't be like fair way of examination ofcourse, I think the grading system would just end up being bizzare if such were a case..."

I grin and wink at Jess as she winks at me happily, because she obviously could sense what I was building upto and I say to Alisha and Sia, handing them back the paper – " exactlyyyy right?? so just pointing out your words to you, this is exactly why the ways in which you guys want to make pressumptions and judgements about the two of us, are totally bizzare, because well in Life, everyone does get a different set of question paper exclusive to them, like to each their own and everyone takes their decisions on the answers they want to write in it on the basis of what deems fit to them individually, so why be so judgemental about what we/or what anyone wants to do in the first place? and why?? Like we don't pass baseless judgements on your career choices, because we respect the fact of to each their own, and keep our focus to ourselves...so its best if you don't pass any judgements on us..."

Alisha shrugs sheppishly as she says – " but we are saying what we are for your own good guys...I mean c'mon...what's the certainty of your future in the sport.."

Jess folds her arms across her chest, and shrugs – "yeahh right...your intent is obviously understandable, Alisha, and that is why none of us are going to take any pains in making any effort to even answer that last bit from you...look the two of us don't have any personal grudge or something, and trust me when we say this, if we want to discuss out our career paths, it most definitely will be with the ones who are close or matter to us...you technically don't even know us closely, so what's the point of taking jibes at our career choice? Its surely for your momentary satisfaction and probably a way of making yourself feel good in the moment..."and just as Sia is about to say something more, Jess gestures her to not even try and she says – " and well we would appreciate it, if the two of you set that sarcastic, condescending tone of yours aside, the next time, we talk because guess what here's some breaking news...even though kindness is like a precious commodity, it's still apparently tax free in the world...wouldn't really cost you anything to use it in your tone,once in while guys..."

Sia nudges Alisha as she rolls her eyes – "let these two spend their lives behind sporty sweaty jerseys Alisha, for all we care...I mean its our faces that are going to be up on the hoardings in print ad's...infact yours already is..."

Alisha says embarrassed, looking at Sia – "Khushi actually texted me when she saw that hoarding you are talking about, congratulating me on the same..."

I smile a little and shrug patting Alisha's arm – " because well I truly was happy for you, when I saw it Alisha, for that was a beautiful picture of you for sure, anyways, no worries, you don't have to understand why we do what we do, that's for us to know and understand...wish the two of you all the best for everything, we gotta rush now..." and I take Jess by her hand, and gesture her to walk out with me.

Jess nudges me as we are making our way to the car – " Khushi ya..just two more seconds you should have let me stay, I was just about to tell her being genuinely supportive is also tax free, and I also wanted to add that you scored the highest runs this domestic season and that she could check up on the stats online....."

I chuckle on reflex now, but I gesture her to get in the car and she does and I say getting in behind her – " thank you Jess, you are the best, but well, I wanted to leave, because I have to switch on the phone na, all that time there with them delayed that bit, and he has to get going for the match right by 6?? Its already like what 415 now, Jess...its just more important for me to get on text ya..also what just happened, its not like it's a new thing right? I mean how many times have we heard these jibes from different segments, in the society...I am just kind of immune to them...it doesn't trigger me anymore internally, I just put my foot down, give it back assertively and politely in the moment and then move on..."

Jess winks at me – " yes ofcourse, you know it doesn't trigger me too, internally, and it's the putting the foot down bit , that I really enjoy indulging in sometimes..."

We both share a warm laugh and I ask Verma uncle, my driver to start driving, and take us to Jess's place and gesture to Jess that I am getting on the phone now.

She nods happily and plugs in her earphones in her ears and starts to listen to her music, which instantly remind me of – my – Mr.Noise Cancelling Headphones – thought and I bite back my grin and switch on my phone.

I just cannot wait to tell Arnav – about this.

Just as My Phone gets on – I literally scroll to WhatsApp – in full speed, and open it instantly. I obviously have a string of texts waiting for me, from Arnav.

I read them quickly from the Top.

Arnav's text to me at 115PM : hey you , Sparkle, well I obviously just spoke to you before you entered in the exam hall and wished you all the best and everything, and I know you are in the exam and are only going to see this text like around 4ish maybe...but I couldn't help myself from texting you right now, because well guess what I am about to have our favourite grilled chicken dish for lunch, so I obviously thought of you....ok...now I am going to go back to eating lunch with everyone , both our teams as in the Chennai team and ours are having a combined lunch, and chatting over how each of us, is excited for the Semi's tonight. Its going to be a good game of cricket – indeed.

Arnav's text to me at 2:00 PM : ok Sparkle, how's the exam going? Im sure you are rocking the paper, like you rocked the 22 yards this T20 domestic season – I still can't get over your highest run score off 400 plus runs, this season. I mean trust me when I say this – I would take absolute pride in admitting to the world one day, that My Sparkle, plays the pull shots better than me, and actually not just that – you have a much better knack for hitting Sixes, too– you know I am more comfortable with the Four's. Also, yes now I am heading into strategy meetings and everything with the team , coaches and everything for the match tonight. I should be done by all of that in a couple of hours, by around 4pm too, which is exactly when your exam finishes as well, so I will be free to talk after, before heading to the stadium. Text me as you are done Sparkle, will be waiting..

Arnav's text at 3:45PM : hey you...Sparkle, its 345 pm, and I just got back into my room, and we are all going to just relax and chill by ourselves a little before we regroup with the full team by 530 for an evening round off discussion, before we head out to the stadium by 6pm. Your exams about to finish soon as well....i know it went well and everything...waiting for your text Sparkle...in the meanwhile, I am just going to get on a call with Akash, Mom and Dad..

Arnav's text to me at 4:05 PM : Sparkle...tried calling you, your phone is still coming switched off which means you are still in the exam hall maybe? Oh wait...Anjali's calling ..ill just have a quick talk with her as well..

Arnav's text to me at 415 PM(like from two minutes ago) : Ok Sparkle, just finished talking to Anjali, she was with Rahul, obviously.Spoke to him too for a couple of minutes, he was wishing me all the best for the Semi's tonight, and I just wished them both all the very best for their last exam tomorrow as well. If only Rahul knew, that I am desperately waiting for his junior to step out of her exam hall and text me...where are you??also how did the paper go??

I smile as I quickly reply.

Me : Arnav...just got into the car, and switched on my phone, read your previous texts and messaging you first thing obviously.The paper was really good...Sorry for making you wait for those couple of minutes though got into a little talk with some of our batchmates who always like to give their judgements and opinions to Jess and me over our career choice...will tell you about it in detail as we talk., its nothing new for us anyway na...heading to Jess's right now.Going to stop over and wait until she packs her stuff, have convinced her for a stay over for a couple of days.

My phone beeps.

Him : well you know I can wait for you , forever Sparkle. Apologies, too, I do know I get a little impatient when it comes to You, because well you drive me nuts. Its great that Jess will be staying over.How about if we get on a video call while you are at Jess's? I am afraid I won't be able to wait longer to see you, as in until you get home. Also yes, I do want to know all about this talk with the batchmates.You are okay though right? I hope you aren't upset?

I reply honestly.

Me : not really, Arnav. In fact not at all,I am immune to it internally now, doesn't really trigger me to feel upset anymore – after(As in if I get upset about it after the moment is over,itll be like I am giving these people too much power over my feelings perhaps? And its not really worth it right at the end of the day for they are obviously never going to be open to understanding my perspective anyway.so no Point there).As and when these moments happen, I take it in a stride putting my foot down assertively to these people, nonetheless and just move on the next minute. Anyway listen na...forget that...as in for now, I will obviously tell you all about it as we get on the call, but there's something more important that I want to tell you for now...

Him : okkk whats this something more important Sparkle?

I chuckle as I read that.

Me : I have a new name for you, which – wait for it – the whacky me thought off – in the last fifteen minutes of the paper time as in , in between 345- 4pm, because I finished the paper, early and I promise to give you the complete background of how my crazy insides came to that on the video call like in my usual animated dramatic ways – but for now in brief I just do want to address you with this new name...also...can you take a guess on what it could be??

Him : ok Sparkle, I am obviously waiting to know all the details and everything...but until we get around to that on the video call, how about you tell me what this name is..as in I don't think I will be able to guess it correctly anyway..

I chuckle as I read that again and I type : well wait for it then....your new name is Mr.Noise Cancelling Headphones. As in – My Noise Cancelling Headphones...(I add a line of winking emoticons)

Him : wait???????? What????????? Mr.Noise Cancelling Headphones?? That is an interesting name, for sure Sparkle, I can't wait to know the background details about its inception – indeed.

Me : you are biting your laugh back aren't you??i just know you are ya...okkkk...listen its not my fault ok...its totally yours...what are you doing to me? Driving me nuts surely? And you say I drive you nuts?.Please, know that its like everything about you is starting to be like these Noise cancelling Headphones as in the minute I think off you, or talk to you, everything, literally everything along with every other thought just hazes and fades around me, and the speed with which the cardio real estate builders cells within my heart called FarAwayDreamWorks& Co – are working in building Dynasty 34, instantly increases too .So only apt as I call you My Exclusive Noise Cancelling Headphone too no,because you see you literally do the same thing to me as they do as states in its product description as they cancel out all disturbing noises in the background when you put it on right???and helps you focus on just the thing you want to focus on doing as you put them on. And apparently all my Insides want to do is focus on Just You.So what can I do? You only tell...tell tell...(I add a string of Hearts)

My phone beeps in Five seconds.

Him : godaamit You. if I were in front of you right now, I would have freaking kissed you Insane, and probably wouldn't have stopped for hours,until it would be time to leave for the match. I cannot wait for it to be 18th already, which is when I am seeing you! Be ready to have your lips – Ravaged Sparkle.

Me : (I send a line of blushing emoticons and hearts)

Him : how are are you from Jess's? need to see you.NOW.

Me : just five Minutes, more Arnav..there was a little traffic at an intersection..can't wait to see you too ya...also you have no idea how excited I am to see you play the Semi's tonight...I have a feeling you all are going to make it to the finals Arnav, all the superbest to you ya...as in I am obviously going to wish you all ache se on the video call too...but just had to say it here too..also...like tomorrow it's the second semis in between of Mumbai and Hyderabad, and I am thinking that it might just be Bangalore Vs Mumbai at the Wankhede, on the 18th!!!!

Him : thank you for the wishes Sparkle, lets see how its plays out tonight. We all are pretty pumped out and motivated to take it through to the Cup this time.And well to be honest, I have to admit this straight out because that's how crazy I am about you - I don't know what am I more excited about though as in, in my heart – the possibility of Us playing the IPL final on the 18th? Or getting the opportunity to see you on 18th?? I mean since I am going to get to see you on the 18th irrespective of the fact whether we play the final or not, since we will both be in Mumbai...can't bloody wait!

Me : well, I can't bloody wait too...as in pakka se copy* infinity that Arnav. Also should reach in another three minutes maybe..

And just as I send that – my phone buzzes with Shivani's call.( Guys – remember Shivani?? I met her in Jaipur? Shivani and Hridhaan? And how it turned out that our Moms are like friends from boarding school?? So yeah, its been like our Mom's have been in constant touch everyday now,and yes, both Jess and me have been in touch with Shivani on whatsapp on and off too, in all these days. I wonder why she is calling though? I quickly cut the call as I write her a text, telling her I will call her in five minutes)

Phone beeps with Arnav's text.

Him : damm the freaking traffic of Gurgaon.dammit. my arch enemy of the moment.

Me : haha...very funny Arnav...acha listen..shivani just called me..you already know how Jess and me have been in touch with her on whts app na, I will just get on a quick call with her before we get on the video call, to know what she was calling about. So that once we connect I can just talk to you until its time for you to leave, without any interruptions? I will text Mom that Jess and me will only leave from her place by 530 too..

Him : Shivani called?

Me : yes Arnav...I think this could be about Hridhaan' and her's trip to Delhi, maybe?.also uncles just pulling into the building gates.will just get on a quick call with her as we go up and then will call you soonishhhh ok??

Him : ok Sparkle,also it could be something else too, as in – might not be about their trip to Delhi..

Me : yeah could be...Arnav...but I will only know that as I talk to her Na...so I will just do that first, so that I can tell you all about it on the video call...k?

Him : okayyy Sparkle, Speak soon..can't bloody wait..

Me : Speak soon, My Noise Cancelling Headphones( I add an heart and a wink) Can't bloody wait too.

Him : you are in for a massive trouble when I see you next Sparkle. Warning to you well in advance -Forget about Breathing.

Me : ohh Arnavvvv..pleaseee....stoppp ya...ok getting out of the car now...will just call you soon...do not reply back..pakka se...or you know I will end up texting you back...(hearts)

Him : ok sparkle..

Me : Arnav..please...don't reply ya...you know I cant get around to being the one to hang up first, either on text/calls...

Him : you are adorable*infinity.Dammit. ok wait, I wont reply after this...you get on the call with Shivani first..

Me : yessss okayyyyy...tata Arnav for just a little bitttt....(heartsssssssssssssssss)

I smile to myself as I get out the Car, and tell Jess that Shivani was calling and that I was going to connect with her on a quick call.

Jess nods as we start to walk our way towards her apartment tower in the gated community and I ring up – Shivani.

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

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.

And yes.

Next Update : I will try my Best to give the second part update for this Chapter, as in 23.2 by tomorrow Night( which might be like short/medium length, update too). Will give you all a sneak peek into the Title.

Chapter 23.2 – Dire Times = Fastracked Measure's

Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support.

Much Love Guys.

Always.