CHAPTER 27.1 – THE FAMILY 'SQUARE'

Hellooo everyoneeeeeee...

I Hope you all had an Amazing Week and wish you all an amazing Sunday up ahead Tomorrow!!

So here I am with the next update for this week for HW2.0 as on schedule of Saturday Night. Its 8k Plus Update words Guys.

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

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

And Oh My God – how many of you saw that match today afternoon, my heart was literally in my throat in the last two overs – But ABD lit up that FireCracker Bats of His – and took us across the Lineeeee!! Who was Dancing? Me for Sureeee!! hehe(winks)Ok ok, as usual – I shall now stop about my Crazy about Cricketing Rant and let you all dive in without further Delay..

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 27.1 – THE FAMILY 'SQUARE'

The Next Day

745 PM : AT – SIDDHI – GUPTA MANSION

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Khushi smiles at her Superbro, mischievously as the two of them see their father, pacing around in anticipation nervously, in front of them in their formal living room.

Rahul says now leaning back in the sofa, grinning – " Dad, seriously, you are pacing around in anticipation as if you are back in time, to when you went to Mum's place to seek for her hand in marriage..."

Sagar Gupta, turns to look at both his children, grinning at him amused. He was sure, that the two of them were enjoying his ordeal, in the moment.

Khushi chuckles as she says, grinning – " totally Dad, bhai is right about this...look you really need to stop getting so worked up, and just relax a little na...like everything is set....Mom's totally set with all the dinner preparations, and everything..okkk...like she's just gone to recheck on everything...so you really need to figure out a way to relax...ok..here's the thing, why don't you tell us as to why you are pacing around so nervously in anticipation this way..."

Rahul nods, biting back his smile – "yup, Dad...talk to us..they will all be here in like ten minutes, maybe.."

Khushi bites back her smile, as she hears her brother say that. She had obviously been on chat on Whatsapp, with Arnav until they left their house, about ten minutes ago, and Khushi made her way down with her brother Rahul, to join her parents in the formal living room, closer to the entrance - all ready to welcome the Raizada's.

Sagar,takes a seat on the sofa in front of his children as he says honestly – " ok my children, hear me out, the reason as to why I am pacing around in anticipation is, that I am obviously just like minutes away from meeting one of my second most favourite cricketing players of all time, and I am obviously nervous that I am going to get a little overwhelmed in a fan moment, when I actually meet ASR and I am obviously not supposed to be stunned in a fan moment given that I am the parent, here...you know what I mean don't you guys?? As in the two of you know, that I behave no less than a child myself when India is playing a game of cricket, so it's obviously a big deal for the cricket fan within me, to meet the Captain of the Indian cricket Team, but given the circumstances, I have to be in that totally calm and poised and friendly parent mode, where in a part of my head is obviously going to be wanting to talk to ASR, only about cricket.."

Khushi chuckles as she says, masking up her happiness within – " oh yes, we know what you mean Dad..we understand.."

Rahul grins – " Dad..just relax..i'll give you a solution here, so in the beginning, as and when they actually come in and for the first half before dinner, you can be in that calm, poised and friendly parent mode, and after all you elders have had the talk and everything, at around dinner, or after dinner, is when you can be in your fan mode...it's as simple as that.."

Sagar nods, with a little relaxed smile curving up his lips – " yes, I think that would be apt...son.."and Khushi say's now – " and hey dad you always say..that Skipper ASR is your No One favourite cricket players of all time off late, then why did you just say I am minutes away from meeting one of my second most cricketing players of all time??"

Sagar chuckles as he says winking fondly at his daughter – " oh I know I keep saying that, but you see beta, that was my bad, because there's obviously a correction needed in that statement, and that's because, my first favourite cricket player off all time is obviously you, my little hit girl....please don't mind me showing off your cricketing journey beta..i am so proud of you.."

Khushi rolls her eyes mischievously at her father – " oh Dad, please...c'mon...don't you go like on and on with that, thike? Like thoda thoda will be ok..."

Sagar says smilingly – " And I just hope Anjali's parents will be ok with us wanting to keep this as discreet as possible until the wedding, since I am obviously going to talk to them about my concerns about this having the potential to take away the attention from your game, for now.."

Rahul laces his arm lovingly around his Junior's shoulder and says – "they will be okay with it Dad, Anjali told me that she's already given the complete heads up to them all...ASR and Akash obviously know about this, already.."

Sagar nods – " yes I know, but its better if your mother and me talk this out with them, transparently, we have to be honest Rahul, for that's going to be the foundation of the trust and mutual respect as families who will be getting intertwined soon..."

Right then, they all look up to see Nisha, enter in the formal living room and she says grinning, taking her seat – " ok everything is all set...everyone..."and she looks at her son and says – " Rahul, beta, call Anjali, and ask her how far are they.."

Rahul nods, and grins at everyone and walks a little aside to call Anjali.

Nisha brushes her husband's arm lovingly – " and you just need to stop worrying about going into fan mode around ASR, Sagar...I told you yesterday after I spoke to Reva, that she seemed so wonderful to talk to, so very warm, positive, grounded..."

Sagar nods and the two of them begin to discuss a couple of things out amongst themselves, and Khushi takes the advantage of the moment of her parents being busy in the talk amongst themselves, and she flips out her phone and texts Arnav.

THANK GOD – FOR WHATSAPP.

Khushi : Hey you, my Stranger, I am sure you already know that Bhai just called Anjali to know how far along are you all...but I just thought to check with you myself as well, since you know my dear eyes obviously cannot wait to catch the glimpse of you...(hearts) come soonnnnnnnnnnn naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.(hearts)

Her phone beeps in two seconds.

Arnav : we should be reaching in five minutes Sparkle. and yes, just heard Anjali speak to Rahul, in fact they are still talking you know since its Akash, me and Anjali in one car and Mom, Dad and Dadi in the other.And you most definitely cannot be more eager than me to see you...(winks)

Khushi grins to herself as she types : oh you know, I am as eager as youuuuu....(hearts) and five more minutes still?? Longest five minutes ever..(winks)

Her phone beeps with a reply in five seconds.

Arnav : Longest Five Minutes,for sure Sparkle.

Khushi steals a glance at her parents still deep in discussion and she resumes, texting Arnav.

Khushi : okkk Reminder Mr. Stranger – No Staring, ok pleassee?? Atleast when we are surrounded with everybody, thike?? Also yes...pleaseeee don't lock your eyes with mine, from across – you know it's impossible for me to pull away from your gaze..

She gets a quick reply.

Arnav : thank you for the reminder Sparkle. and please know that I shall try my best to not stare at you often. But I am afraid, I can't really make a gentleman's promise on that, since you know I had a hard time taking my eyes off you on the video call...actually to be honest, you know I have a hard time, taking my eyes off you in any given moment of time. You remember I mentioned it, in written in the self-declaration statement, from my end, that I shared with you, this morning.

Khushi types back hurriedly, smiling to herself : yes yes.. I know that Mr Stranger, which is precisely the reason why I texted you with that reminder thike? Acha pakka se promise na...no staring and all ok? otherwise how will I succeed in the pretend mode na...(hearts)

Her phone beeps.

Arnav : Ok, let's make a deal then Sparkle, I shall make a promise to not stare outrageously, provided you promise to make it up to me for doing so..(wink)

Khushi : and what do I need to do to make it up to you My Stranger???(winks)

Arnav : you just need to get us a little time in privacy away from everyone's eyes, Sparkle, so that I can kiss you to my heart's content for a while.(not that my heart's ever going to be content when it comes to you). But what I mean is, I gotta make up for some lost time since I could only kiss you briefly on our drive time out last night, because well we were in the car. Reminder - It's my B'day, Sparkle. You Cannot say No – to that..(winks)

Khushi smiles to herself again as she replies : ok ok..fine baba...I will figure something out, once you are here, thike..acha now tell me how far are you?? like its four minutes out of five already.and oh because I may not be able to say this out loud to you, the minute I see you because we will be with everyone – I do want to say – Happyyyy B'dayyyyy Arnavvvvv.( heartsssss)

Arnav : Thank you so very much, Sparkle. It's already been the,Happiest B'day ever.(winks)and GPS tells us that we are just a minute away from pulling into your Home, Sparkle.

Right then Rahul walks back into the living area and he says to everyone – " ok Mom, Dad, they are just a minute away..they should be pulling in through the gates soon.."

Nisha and Sagar get up and they say to Rahul and Khushi in unison – " ok then, Rahul, Khushi, c'mon let's get to the main entrance foyer to welcome everyone..." and they head out excited, smilingly.

Khushi and Rahul nod at each other happily and follow their parents out and Khushi quickly texts Arnav : yipppeeeeeeeeeeeee..like I am just maybe about 30 seconds away from seeing youuu now, walking to the entrance with mom, dad and bhai to welcome you all!!!!!!!!!! See you supersoon Arnav...and welcome HOmeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee(hearts) okkk, don't reply now, since I can see both the cars pulling in the gates now, from the main entrance.

Khushi locks her phone screen now and looks out excited along with her parents and Superbro, all set to welcome Arnav and his family.

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Meanwhile Simultaneously

As the Car is pulling in through the gates of Siddhi(Gupta Mansion), Abhimanyu Raizada smiles to himself a little as he says, looking back, grinning to his wife, who was seated in the back seat with his mother – " Reva...the transit time, here is bang on 21 minutes on the Timer of my phone...which is great...Just 21 minutes...which means that Anjali is eventually going to be as close as just 21 minutes away..."

Reva grins at her husband amused as she says – "and I can't believe you actually timed the travel time to their home, on the timer of your phone, Abhi..."

Dadi grins and chuckles and says to Reva – " well Reva, I always knew that my son is going to get into an overwhelmed father mode, when it's going to be time to talk about Anjali's settlement, now let's just say that we are beginning to see him act over it all..."

Reva chuckles – " ahaaa...Maa, you are right about that, I think we are going to see Abhi in a zone, like we have never seen before, which is good...very good.."and they all share a warm laugh, and seconds later, Reva puts her hand lovingly on her husband's shoulder from behind and she ask's – " you okay right?"

Abhimanyu pats his wife's hands lovingly and warmly with his hand as he says – " yes I am okay Reva...you know,a lot of my worry about Anjali's future, has been pushed into the backseat, ever since I spoke to Arnav and Akash, and they filled me in over the details I wanted to know..."

Reva grins as she clutches her hand on her husband's shoulder, amused – " you mean you are even more relaxed since you had yesterday and today, to recheck and relook into all those details, yourself too, because even though Arnav and Akash filled you in over everything, I know you are a thorough man, and thorough down to the T in the case of Anjali..."

Abhimanyu chuckles as he admits – " and you are obviously at your thorough best, when it comes to me Reva..well yes, all I can say is that I have been a little more relaxed over it all, ever since I relooked into it all myself as well...and Sagar Gupta, is very well respected in his work sphere as well, not only because of his flourishing businesses and his success's on the same, but because of the ethical man he is, also yes,he has always been a family man as well, and even though he's lost both his parents in an unfortunate accident, five years ago..he's held the reins at both the work front and the family front, pretty strongly, all by himself....."

Reva nods – " with the wonderful support of his wife,Nisha, as well.. they do have a close circle with some other close relatives,and family friends, etc, here in Delhi as well..."

Abhimanyu nods – "which is great...it was important for me to look into this Reva, you understand don't you? this wasn't just me going to investigation mode or something, it is obviously, because I want Anjali to be a part of a family, that will love her, and embrace her, just like they embrace their daughter..."

Reva chips in happily – " yes, we understand Abhi,and like I told you, it was so wonderful to talk to Nisha as well over the phone as we planned this up, so all in all, I am pretty excited to just meet them now.."and she looks out towards the main entrance and says – " look they are all standing at the main entrance, already.."

Dadi nods and smiles looking out – " yes, they surely are and I recognise Rahul instantly since Anjali has shown us the pictures already...and yes, since we also saw those videos of his sister playing cricket...I recognise her too...that's surely Khushi, clutching onto the arms of her brother happily...c'mon now, the car's almost coming to a halt...remember what we discussed ok? we do want to formalise things in a little roka, before, Anjali and Rahul, head back to Nottingham, so that's what we shall also talk about..."

Reva chips in happily – " oh yes maa, don't worry..Anjali did give me the heads up, that Rahul told her that, that is exactly what his parents want as well.."

Abhimanyu says, as the car comes to a halt in front of the entrance, feeling overwhelmed with mixed emotions as a father – "c'mon then..let's do this Maa, Reva...let's formalise things for Anj..i am sure, I am going to witness a lot of happiness dancing in her eyes tonight...."

Reva and Dadi chip in together in happiness as they open their doors and get out, smiling – " oh Yes, Abhi, we are all sure of that.."

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Arnav steps out the car, and he sees Anjali and Akash do the same, as well , and he looks behind for just a second to see his parents and Dadi, step out of their car as well.And they all smile and nod at one another, as they all start to make their way to the entrance.

Right then, he looks up to see his Sparkle, standing next to her family, biting back her smile, innocently as she is in full on Pretend Mode, but her eyes are shining with the mischievous happy glint, that he obviously understands. Their eyes lock from across, for a brief second, as they exchange a silent happy gesture, oblivious to the knowledge of everyone around them.

Khushi bites back her smile, as she widens her eyes a little to convey the message to Arnav, to look away from her eyes straight away, and she can obviously notice him biting back his smile, as he does look away and starts to walk up next to Akash, and Anjali, as the rest of the family joins them as well.

Sagar Gupta grins as he leans in to whisper to his wife – " ok...Nisha..that's ASR, for real, for sure...and yes, for sure, I have gone into a little Cricketing Fan Mode already..is it ok if I switch to being the poised parent in five minutes.."

Nisha chuckles as she nudges her husband happily – " oh yes..its absolutely ok..cm'on, don't worry much...just be your rocking self Sagar.." and Sagar nods at her as he gestures her to make her way forward to welcome everyone.

Rahul's eyes have locked with Anjali'f from across and they are both beaming at each other in sheer Happiness. Akash and Arnav are on Anjali's side, and the silent gesture exchange in between Anjali, and Rahul makes bot the broethrs bite back their happy smiles.

Khushi follows her parents grinning, as they make their way towards everyone, and Rahul immediately touches on to Dadi's feet first and greets her – which makes Anjali's eyes twinkle in Happiness.

Nisha and Sagar watch on happily, as they let their son, take the lead and first greet Dadi, and then shake hands, in an introduction with Abhimanyu, and a warm namaste to Reva, and just as he is about to touch their feet as well, Reva says biting back her smile – " ok, Rahul, we know we are here to fix things for Anjali and you formally, which means that we are going to be your in-laws soon, and that does make me feel a tad bit old already...so please don't touch our feet.."

Abhimanyu nods as he says with a warm smile – " I gotta agree with Reva, here.."

Sagar smiles at Abhimanyu warmly and says – " it's a well known secret, that we all gotta agree with the Wifeship, almost mostly, isn't it? I mostly always agree to what Nisha has to say, even today..."

That makes everyone share an instant laugh and Nisha nudges her husband in the arm lovingly as she says – " Sagar, really?? "

Abhimanyu nods his head in an agreement to Sagar – " well, and I have to agree that , it is surely a well known secret, indeed..i always listen to Reva too, almost mostly.."

Now that makes Reva raise her eyebrows at her husband as she says – " oh really abhi? is it??"

They all share a warm laugh, oblivious to the fact that Arnav and Khushi were totally enjoying their families smiling and laughing so naturally with one another, with no room of any awkwardness in the air at all. And the reason why the two of them were silently, just standing behind everyone was because – they were enjoying gazing happily,at one another in the meanwhile.

Rahul says, grinning now – " sorry aunty, age is just a number anyway right?the two of you are an evergreen couple, Anjali always talked about it to me, and I do want you both to stay as evergreen as ever, so my touching the two of your's feet right now, just means that this is me paying my respect,and seeking your blessings, that's all..."and he goes on to touch both their feets, which makes both Abhimanyu, and Reva, pat his shoulders all warmly, in an instant blessing.

Anjlai instantly moves forward to greet Rahul's parents first and just as she is about to touch their feet as well, Sagar and Nisha say in unison, stopping her – " no no..no Anjali...daughter's don't touch feet....you are like Khushi to us.."and Nisha hugs Anjali happily as she says – " so delighted to finally meet you..."

Sagar grins as he pats Anjali's head in a fatherly blessing – "delighted is surely an understement, Nisha...we'v been waiting for this moment ever since Rahul talked to us about the two of you, a couple of days ago..."

Anjali beams at them both happily and the sight warms the heart off each and everyone of her family member's.

Sagar and Nisha, now move forward and greet – Dadi, Abhimanyu and Reva all warmly, and Rahul moves on to hug and greet Akash and Arnav, winking playfully at the beaming Anjali, whose giving him narrowed mischevious looks as she whispers, as he comes to stand next to her – "and you are really good at making these first impressions..haan?"

Rahul winks at Anjali as he whispers – "and who would know that better than you..and look at how happy Mom and Dad are right now, but am obviously the happiest, ofcourse..."

Anjali bites back her happy smile in a similar gesture to Rahul, as Rahul clutches on to her hand, all warmly – a sight that instantly warms up Reva, Abhimanyu's and Dadi's, Sagar and Nisha's hearts, for the sincerity and love shining in both Rahul's and Anjali's eyes for one another, could not definitely be missed, by their eye.

And Now that Sagar and Nisha have greeted Abhimanyu, Reva and Dadi – Sagar, finally takes two steps back dramatically, raising his hands to his side, looking at Arnav and he says looking at everyone, smiling – " excuse me, everyone, I did plan to be in that poised parent mode, for a little longer at first, but looks like I can't help zoning out into a little cricketing fan zone moment, right now..because out of all the moments I had probably imagined meeting Captain Arnav Singh Raizada, under, the moment happening right now, was never the one I had ever imagined..."

That makes everyone chuckle, and Khushi bites back her smile, with great difficulty again, as she sees, Arnav now step forward with a grin up his face, just as her father steps forward at the same time, and the two shake hands, and Arnav says, smiling – " and Rahul tells me, that you never really leave your seat, when I am batting on the crease, Uncle, so I must say that the honour to finally meet you is all mine, indeed..." and that makes Sagar look at everyone as he says with a playful wink at his son, and moving towards greeting Akash next, as Nisha greets Arnav as well, all happily and they hear Sagar say out loud – " Rahul, can't believe you gave my secret away.."

Akash grins as he says to all, shaking hands with Sagar – " well, Rahul did say, it wasn't a secret anyway Uncle.."

That makes everyone chuckle happily as well, and Nisha and Sagar, continue to meet and greet Akash and he greets them back, all happily and Rahul winks back at his father holding onto Anjali's hand tight – " well yes I was right about that wasn't i? for it isn't really a secret Dad...it's a well known fact, anyone who knows you, knows that.."

Khushi now finally steps forward, as she greets Dadi, Abhimanyu and Reva with a polite namaste and a warm smile, and Dadi greets her happily, patting her arm and she says, grinning – " khushi beta...technically we are meeting you for the first time, but we'v see your videos...the ones Anjali showed us off you playing cricket from the recent UK tour, so I instantly recognised you, the minute I saw you from the car....you play so wonderfully, it was so refreshing for us to see you and your team play..."

Khushi greets Dadi happily as she says – "thank you so much Dadi..." and right then Reva grins as she says, greeting Khushi – " and I was telling Abhi, that you really hit your powerful sixes so very well...count me as a new fan, as well...please..."

Abhimanyu nods and says with a warm smile at Khushi – " yes and it was such a treat for us to see your game, Khushi..." and he looks at Sagar and Nisha says with a warm smile – "also I think it's only fair that I admit a observation right here.. Khushi most definitely plays that pull shot of her's, much better than my son..."

That make everyone share another warm laugh and Khushi and Arnav, exchange a warm, eye lock amongst one another, oblivious to everyone around them once again.

Sagar and Nisha say in unison, grinning– " thank you so much for that, I am sure as parents we have a lot to talk about as we both have one child, whose completely absorbed into Cricket.."

Abhimanyu chuckles as he admits with a grin – " oh yes for sure, we surely have a lot to discuss on that as well.."and Reva grins as she gestures Khushi to come closer to her side and she says – "khushi beta...that cover drive shot...from that last game you played against England, had me telling Abhi...that, it was almost similar to the way Arnav plays his..you have a lot of talent and potential, for sure...."

Akash grins as he says – " oh yes...I agree with you on that Mom..."

Arnav's standing all silent exchanging mischevious looks with Khushi– biting back his smile, as his happiness knows no bounds, within.

Khushi bite back her smile's as she says, instantly – " uncle, aunty,akash, dadi, thank you so much for that...but honestly, Captain ASR has always been one of my biggest cricketing inspirations...as in we all literally practice on a lot of shots in the nets by observing on the men in blue, obviously...no one can play the drives better than him , for sure..."

Arnav, bites back his smile as he says in a formal pretend mode to Khushi – " thank you so much for that Khushi.."

Khushi nods, smiling in the acknowledgement of that thank you in a familiar polite formal pretend mode.

Rahul and Anjali,were all happy and lost, talking and whispering amongst themselves in the meanwhile on the side, and Rahul finally looks up at everyone and asks his parents – " Mom, dad...are you really planning to have everyone busy in the conversations right here? At the door?? Cmon..lets all go In now.."

Nisha says instantly grinning – " oh yes Son, thank you for the reminder...I am so sorry everyone..kept you all talking at the entrance...let's go in...please??"

Everyone nods, and Sagar and Nisha lead the way into everyone, and Sagar and Abhimanyu fall into an instant general chatter, side by side, as Nisha, Reva and Dadi, also get busy in their general talks, walking upfront.

Khushi bites back her smile, as she looks away from Arnav's mischievous gaze once again, gesturing him to turn his attention to everyone, and they both join in Akash, walking along side Anjali and Rahul – and they fall into a Happy Chatter making their way in, and right then they all see Sagar, pausing amidst his walk with everyone as they enter through the main Foyer and he grins and says from his spot, shrugging his shoulders – " and I can't believe I forgot to wish ASR, happy b'day...Nisha, Rahul, khushi, how could you all not remind me..??"

Everyone shares a warm laugh again, at that, and Khushi, (in her pretend formal mode) joins her parents and brother, as they begin to wish Arnav.

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Khushi's Look -

Anjali's Look

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90 Minutes Later – in Khushi's Gaming Zone @ Home

Khushi's POV

Guys.

Uff.

This Man is Going to Drive me Nuts.

I mean, not that I am Not Nuts – Already.As in, you all know that I pretty much am the exact definition of Nuts. It's not like a Huge kept secret within the walls of my Head, or something.

But what I mean to say is the fact that – Arnav , is really making it uber difficult for me to look away from his gaze right now, which literally keeps locking with mine from across every couple of minutes. He keeps finding moments to steal gazes my way, (when everyones busy amidst their chatter),and not that my Insides aren't loving it – but I am so nervous that all his Gaze watching, is going to make me burst into a big round of laughter, sooner or later. I mean, it was really difficult for me to not laugh out loud, in front of all the elders in the formal living room, as we all spent the first forty five minutes, since everyone's arrival engaging in some general chatter, alongside also feasting on the first round of Snacks and the first course of the meals, that Mom had arranged out to be the start of the Dinner preparations. Also, in those first forty-five minutes, in the middle of our general chatter, it was like Bhai was also talking a lot to Abhimanyu Uncle, Reva aunty and Dadi , and Mom, Dad were catching up in an one on one, with Anjali, which meant that, during that bit, it was Akash, me and Arnav catching up and talking generally, and I obviously thanked Akash and Arnav, (as I was totally tuned into the formal mode of Channel 1&2), for keeping up with the pretend mode, back in Mumbai – which obviously made Arnav wink at me, way too mischievously when Akash got a little distracted for a couple of seconds with a text on his phone amidst our conversation, and I literally had to glare back at him, mischievously and gesture him to not be so cheeky in the moment, obviously.

Ok guys, so, anyway after those first forty- five minutes, both our parents and Dadi, were all like, they want to discuss on how to take things forward as in formally, and Mom suggested that while they were all amidst that formal talk, why not Bhai and me, show Anjali, Akash, and Arnav – around the House and everything. And bhai and me happily got on with that then, and we spent the thirty minutes after just showing them around it all, and I had obviously saved up coming up my Gaming Zone, right in the end – and we have all been chilling here, since the last fifteen minutes now.

I narrow my eyes at Arnav, once again from across, for I once again, caught him in the middle of gazing at me, and that makes him bite back his smile, as he returns his attention to listening on to what Bhai and Akash were talking about and I return to talking to Anjali.

Anjali looks me and asks now with a smile, leaning into whispering in my ears – " ok, Khushi...what do you think they are all so busy talking about ya...as in, our parents and Dadi,they did say they would call us all back , once they were done discussing things out between them..and its been what forty- five minutes to that, now...everything would be going okay , right??"

I chuckle as I whisper back, lacing my hands across her shoulders – " ohooo yes of course...everything will be more than just okay..didnt you see the way our parents literally hit it off...Anjali...just relax..i am sure they are all just going to be finishing up on the talking soon...like super soon..."

Bhai now looks up at Anjali and me from across as he says, looking at his watch – " ok, I am really thinking off calling up Mom, to ask her what's all this delay about..."

I chuckle as I say looking at bhai – " and how is it that you and Anjali just thought of this at the same time bhai..."

Arnav bites back his smile as he says – " well khushi, I think your brother and my sister, have some good telepathy going on amongst themselves, here..."

I bite back my smile as I say – " oh yes, ASR..i am sure about that.."

Akash chuckles as he says – " yes, good telepathy indeed, just like the two of you cricketers,seem to have all that telepathy with your cricket bats..."

We all share a warm laugh now, and bhai says – " Akash, Anjali, ASR, c'mon lets go back to the ground floor, to chill in the patio area outside or something, so that we are closer to everyone..maybe the sight of us lingering around near them, will actually remind them, that we can't wait for them to fill us in over, what they'v decided..."

Akash and Anjali nod as they say – " yes sure..lets do that, and they all get up..." and Arnav signals me from across in an eye gesture, that I could use this exact moment to get us some alone time, and I say, innocently – " bhai...why don't you and Akash carry on...I do want to take this moment to show ASR, my bats and everything, and you know maybe just have him sign one, since I'v always been such a great fan na...only fair..you know since we are in my gaming zone..."and I look at Arnav innocently and I ask – " ASR, I hope you wouldn't mind signing my bat..."

Arnav bites back his grin and he says, in polite warm smile (the one we give to each other when we are tuned into Channel 1 and 2) and says – " I wouldn't mind that at all Khushi..."

Anjali grins at me – " ofcourse he wouldn't mind, Khushi...like why do you even have to ask him ya...like quit being so formal with bhai as in, I know you'v always looked up to him and everything and he's been your inspiration...but still ya..."and she looks at Arnav and asks – " I am right no, bhai??"

Arnav nods, biting back his grain with great difficulty and says, innocently – " oh yes, Anjali, you are totally right about that, I was about to say the same to Khushi myself, infact.."

Bhai nods as he says grinning – " well that's great ASR...so yes Junior, do that...also, why not show him around your cricketing study, as well..."and he looks at Akash and Anjali and Arnav says with a fond grin – " guys, you won't believe this...my junior, is super serious about her analysis of the game as well...everytime she is into her watching games, observing and analysis, mode, she literally locks herself up in that cricketing study of her's and gets on with her note- taking...and yes, her study is all blue, mostly – you know since she takes the phrase, bleed blue – so very seriously.." he finishes with a fond wink.

Akash grins at me, as he says, walking out with Bhai and Anjali – " that's so amazing Khushi...ok, I am stepping out along with Anjali and Rahul now, because I need to get on a quick call with Payal as well...but I am totally all in for seeing, your cricketing study later on.."

I nod happily as I say – " sure, Akash...pakka se..."and as the three of them are walking out, I look at Arnav innocently, still totally in pretend mode as I say, politely – " ASR...is it ok if I show you the study first?? Also the bat I want you to sign, Is actually in the study as well...and then ill show you a couple of more bats from my collection, that are stored in the storage unit, built into the wall, in my gaming hitting zone..."

Arnav nods, politely smilingly, as he says – " sure Khushi...lets see your study first.." and I look back to see Bhai, Anjali and Akash turn towards the end of the corridor and bhai calls out to me aloud from across and says – " Junior...ill give you a buzz when we all join in everyone..the two of you come down then..."

I nod at bhai from across as I say out loud – " yes, bhai, will do that..don't worry about it at all..." and I gesture to Arnav, biting back my smile to walk with me upfront towards my Study.

He nods, and we both start to make our way there – in Full On Formal Pretend Mode, but I can feel his gaze bear through my sides.

I hear my Insides say all Collectively.Hey, K – be ready to go into Roasted Heinz mode, almost immediately, we are super sure, that the minute the two of you enter the Study,and you close the door shut, Arnav is going to pin you against the door or the wall, whichever is closer and Kiss you Insane. Oh my God , we are so very excited..i am telling you K, theres something about this secret romance in hiding that's got so much thrill...you know like we feel this Thrill when you hit a freaking Sixer straight into the Air, as well.

I chuckle at my Insides. Oh yes...I know what you all mean, and yes I am sure you are all right about that analysis as well. Arnav is surely going to Kiss me, the minute we get into the study.

My Lips are engage into an Imgainary Waltz dance as they say – and we can't wait...and we can't wait...la..la..la..la...

I bite back my smile as I open the door to my Study now, and gesture Arnav to get in, sure that my eyes are glinting all mischeviously, just like his are, and the minute we get in and I close the door shut – Arnav does exactly what I had anticipated him too.

He pins me against the door, his one hand, pressing on the lock button within the round knob on its own accord, and he cages me within the circle of his frame, by placing his other arm on the door, and before I can even utter a word or catch a breath, I feel his lips close over mine, almost immediately in a deep intense passionate kiss.

My Lips go into their Dreamy Waltz Mode, as I feel myself clutch on his arm, as I tiptoe on my feet a little , and lace my other hand around his neck, brushing my hand through his hair, which is my hands, favourite place to be in , whilst kissing him, and start to kiss him back, as urgently and deeply too.

Guys, I am so very delighted to report, that I think I have got the hang on the art of kissing quite well, because everytime I start to kiss Arnav back, this deeply, the way he groans and fist his hand, urgently in my hair, always makes me feel like – that our scorching Kiss in that moment – is probably having as much impact on him, as it is having on me.

We continue to kiss each other, madly and deeply for about five to seven minutes, and I clutch onto his collar in my usual gesture that I need to pause, as I slow down in our heated kiss, and he entangles his lips from mine and whispers into my lips – " really Sparkle? need to pause for a breath already? My bad I guess..i wasn't very efficient in executing out my oxygen backup tips out to you, perhaps?"

I chuckle as I whisper into his lips, clutching onto his tee and brushing my hand through his hair, at the nape of his neck – " very funny Arnav...I must say you were very efficient in teaching me about those tips, and I did not pause this time, because I need to catch on a breath actually..."

Arnav groans in disappointment as he keep his forhead on mine and looks into my eyes intently – " really? then why did you?? not fair Sparkle, we have this unsaid thing remember, we only pause when we need to breath...and its my b'day...so I must get some extra deep kisses, right?"

I chuckle as he caresses my cheek all warmly now, and I lock my eyes intently with his – " I know, and yes, now that we are alone...I do want to wish you Happy bday again...also know what,this was supposed to be like a surprise and everything but mom's obviously got like a cake baked for dessert, because it's your b'day..as well...and I paused, because I remembered that I really need to tell you this, before bhai actually calls us down to join everyone..like I really want to tell you this, before we go back to being tuned into Channel 1 and 2..."

And just as I say that – just like that, Arnav and me break into a happy laughter as we hug each other tight and he says, a couple of minutes later of us sharing a heart to heart , laugh – " ok....i just have to admit, as much as this situation tests my patience in the sense that I have to be tuned into Channel 1 or 2, when all I want to actually do is jump my way up to Channel 3 and 4 which equals to some alone time with you – this whole scenario around us, is kind off Fun, as well.."

I chuckle as I say, pulling back looking into his eyes mischievously – " it is right??" and Arnav nods happily and the look in his eyes tells me that it is going to kiss me again, so I immediately hold his hand and start to walk forward into my study as I say – " no no no...so before you kiss me again...I need to tell you this...as in I need to show you something first..."

Arnav nods as he laces his arm around my shoulder – " ok Sparkle, but be quick please...so that I can kiss you back already..."and he says looking around my study all happily – " and I can't believe I am seeing this in real time as well...I mean there are so many times we'v video called from right here too...but just to be here, with you...feels so good Sparkle.."

I nod, and I say happily gesturing him to sit on my study chair, and he does, and I walk over to pick up my heaviest and favouritest cricketing bat that I had kept all ready for this moment and I pick up a marker pen and I walk up to him with it and I say, grinning , handing him my bat– " will you please, sign this for me, like near the handle...so that only I can see it, while I bat, this is one of my favouritest bat from my collection, also my heaviest.."

Arnav chuckles as he rotates my bat lovingly in his hand and says taking the marker from me – " are you serious about this? You really want me to sign this? I thought you were just saying that in front of everyone.."

I grin as I say – " no ya Arnav..i am very serious, as in I obviously want you to sign this, thike...now cmon...sign na...jaldi jaldi.."

Arnav chuckles as he says – " ok, how about I write a secret code word for you instead, you know since I do sign so many bats, for fans – and I do not want to just sign yours as I would sign anyone's Sparkle..."

I walk upto him and lace my arms around his neck and shoulder from behind happily and I say – " well...I'd love that obviously..a special code from Skipper Blue..aka...my Mr Stranger...cmon..go on then..lets see what's this special code word that you want to write.."

Arnav chuckles as he opens the marker pen and twists my bat around, and looks for that secret spot near the handle, where in this will only be visible to my eye and he writes – 2122S2 – and he looks back at me sideways and asks, with a wink – " lets see you guess what that S2 in the end Means Sparkle..."

I kiss his cheek happily as I say – " well that's an easy peasy one, Mr Stranger..as in 2122, obviously because of our App 2122 and the S2 stands for Sparkle and Stranger perhaps?"

Arnav turns around in the chair, and makes bat lean up carefully against the study table and he wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me closer into his frame and says – " And this is exactly where I kiss you madly again, for you guessed that totally right Sparkle..you know like a bonus reward for the correct answer.."

I grin as I smile caressing his cheek happily – " and I am super excited to claim my reward and everything..but before I get around to that, I do want to tell you that there's another reason as to why I asked you to sign that particular bat of mine.."

Arnav asks puzzled – " another reason? What is it, Sparkle??"

I bite back my smile as I admit – " the reason that bhai was all like the other day amidst out talk that I wanted to tell you all about but shifted it to this moment..that...Junior, you better convey my message to your Mr stranger that if I ever know that he's hurt you or something, id hunt him down for real, and beat him up black and blue with the heaviest bat that I can find in your cricketing collection.."

Arnav's eyes widen in amusement as he asks – " wait what????? Rahul said that???" and I nod, happily and we both bust into instant laughter. I am holding onto his shoulders amidst it and he is holding onto my waist. I feel my Heart Glow in warmth and happiness, in the awe of the Moment, and minutes later, I hold onto my stomach amidst the laughter as I mimick bhai and say – " and he went on a second later to be like...oh know what Junior...I guess I will just ask ASR to lend me his bat for the same purpose, you know since his bat will be heavier than yours...and I am sure he wouldn't mind, because we are now going to be a family and I have this amazing equation with him anyway.."

And that obviously makes Arnav laugh even harder, now and we both just continue to laugh for a couple of minutes and he gets up the chair suddenly and cups my face and pauses in his laugh and looks into my eyes and says all sincerely – " Sparkle...please know...that I would never ever hurt you...and if a moment ever comes that I do...then I'd happily hand over my bat to Rahul, for sure.."

I caress his cheek happily as I close my eyes, enjoying the feel of just being in the circle of his arms – " shh..i know..you won't ever hurt me...I trust you...obviously..i obviously told bhai that as well..he was obviously concerned as a brother...that's all..."

Arnav asks smiling, caressing my cheek – " will you tell me all about the talk now?"

I nod and I quickly fill him up over it all, and minutes later, once I am done, Arnav tightens his hold over my cupped face and he says with a grin – " well he is totally going to be surprised, when he finds out the identity of Mr Stranger, just like Akash and Anjali are going to be surprised when they find out the identity of my secretive someone..."

I chuckle as I say – " yes, Arnav... that's obviously for sure...like pakka s..."and once again, I am kissed all hard and deep, before I could even complete saying those words out.

About five minutes of us kissing each other madly, my phone rings, pulling us out of the moment as we both pull apart disappointed, but I know its going to be Bhai, calling, so I instantly pick up the phone now and put it on speaker and hear Bhai's excited voice come through – " Junior...I hope you are done being in your fan mode around ASR now, and have got all your bats signed and everything...you need to come down and join us all here...quick..."

Arnav and me both share a warm smile and I say – " yes bhai, for sure...we were just coming down only...but why don't you tell atleast a little bit of what's been decided...your happy voice tells me, that you obviously know it all..."

I hear Bhai's excited happy voice come through and Arnav hugs me from the side happily – " well , for starters, it's the Roka day after, junior, also yes, everyone was totally understanding about the point off us wanting to keep it discreet until the wedding for your sake...infact Abhimanyu uncle says, he really respects dad's point of view on the same...and they are all looking out at planning out a destination wedding, for us..okkk come down now...will fill you in on the rest then...also please tell ASR that Dad's all ready to go into his Fan mode now, since he was just joking to all that he's been enough in the poised parent mode, and over dinner,he is totally going to request ASR to sit next to him so that, he can indulge in his cricketing talks with him.."

Arnav bites back his smile now and I say – " ok bhai...will tell him, don't worry about it...at all...he's been so kind and understanding and friendly ya...I am sure he wouldn't mind..."

Bhai's happy voice comes through – " oh yes, I am sure about that...come on now...we are all getting ready for Dinner..."

I quickly tell him that we will be there in five minutes and hang up.

And just as I do, Arnav immediately wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me closer into his frame and whispers mischeviously – " its going to take us three minutes to reach everyone...so before we head down to the Family Square, to join everyone...im sure you wouldn't mind me kissing you for briefly for the remainder of those two minutes atleast, Spar..."and this time, before he could complete saying out Sparkle, I tiptoe on my feet, wrapping my arms around his neck and close my lips over his in a brief intense kiss.

Whose – Lips – are indulging in that Dreamy Imaginary Waltz – Guys??

Haha!!

Mine – Indeed.

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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.

Next Update : Shall now be on Tuesday evening...😊

Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support.

Much Love Guys.

Always.

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