CHAPTER 32.1 – CROSS X LINKED

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CHAPTER 32.1 – CROSS X LINKED

25 MORE DAYS LATER

24TH OCTOBER, 2019

Delhi, India

@ Siddhi (Gupta Mansion) – 9:30AM

Nisha walks back from the entrance foyer towards the dining table, after seeing her Husband off to work for the day. And she can't help but smile to herself as she takes the seat back at the dining table, picking back her cup of tea as she says grinning to her son Rahul and Anjali – " Decades of being married and yet I have failed miserably in my attempt to get your Dad off his workaholic mode...I mean...every year I tell him well in advance that please stop overworking around Diwali..and just relax and unwind a little or just work from home for those days like I do.. but just like it is every year he is not going to listen..."

Rahul chuckles to that as he sips his coffee and says – " yeahhh right Mum...c'mon he did say he will be home early in the evening...and to be honest...I'm glad he's taking care of the meetings today....for if he didn't go in today...I'd have to..and then you would just be telling anj that both your son and husband don't listen to you..see atleast I do..," he finishes with a playful wink.

Anjali chuckles happily to herself enjoying the scene.

Nisha grins as she says, looking at her son and Anjali– " oh yes thank you for that son..." and she grins at Anjali and says – " and to you too Anjali...thank god atleast the two of you heard me out this time around...and took some time off, for you'v also been overworking yourselves around the clock.. also Anjali beta I am so glad that you came in to join us for breakfast this morning, we do have to get going to the family jewellers in a while after Hridhaan and shivi leave for Jaipur..and i obviously want you to try the pieces I asked them to get ready for some of the wedding functions and also since it's Dhanteras tomorrow, this time around I want to gift both Khushi and you a little bit of something from my side...I will also just speak to Reva after finishing my tea..she did say she will meet us at the jewellers directly right?.."

Anjali grins as she says, sipping her tea – " yes Mum..mom did say she will be there at the jewellers directly...she's also like superglad that we'v all kind of finished with the wedding cards distribution and everything well in time before Diwali.. "

Nisha nods happily – " ok yes...I am so glad about that too beta..and luckily for us that all our close relatives and family friends have been only so understanding about the matter of keeping the news of the two of yours wedding all hushed under and continue with their preprations nonetheless side by side...for they obviously understood our reasons and were only supportive of the same as well..on that note I do have to thank reva and need to tell sagar to thank your dad again anj beta..for conveying our reasons to everyone at your end too and they'v only been so supportive as well..."

Rahul nods – " yes mum...im totally going to thank mom, dad , dadi and akash again for this..and also ASR.."

Anjali smiles – " oh cmon mum, Rahul ..theres no need to go on a thanking spree again...we are all one family anyway...also Mom was anyway saying that half the family friends and relatives at our end are anyway way beyond excited to meet India's little hit girl as well at our wedding functions...and they obviously understand the dynamics of the professional impacts..infact dad was saying that everyone really respects all of yours views on this..to keep it all hushed until the BCCI announces its annual contract list in mid December....."

Nisha grins happily – " I know Reva did tell me this...also we are all anyway scheduled to begin departing on the 17th for the wedding destination anyway...so its anyway good that the BCCI is scheduled to announce its contract renewal list out by then...and you both know what? another thing I am the most glad about...I am so happy that we are all almost done with most of our preprations..because now I can just focus on helping Khushi out with her outfits for the wedding...for she's just arrived three days ago..and we really need to get on with some shopping for her post Diwali..."

Anjali grins – " I know what you mean Mum...you won't believe this Mom is super happy about the fact that bhai finished up with most of his preps before leaving this time around..but she is also sad that.."and Anjali pauses as she sighs.

Nisha nods and she says keeping a hand overs Anjali's lovingly – "I know beta..i know Reva's been a little sad about the fact that Arnav's not going to be home this time for Diwali as well..since their touring dates have once again clashed with the festivities and he left with the unit for Sri Lanka, three days ago...for as a mother I obviously understand..i do really miss Khushi when she isn't around on major festivals obviously.. ..."

Anjali nods and says – " yea Mum...I know you understand...but thank god at least Khushi is back home for Diwali this time around...it's such a bummer that we missed a full house once again though for as the India women unit landed back in India after their tour...the men in blue unit left for their tour to Sri Lanka..."

Rahul nods as he says – " yes Anj..its all because the men's and the women's teams Cricketing schedules have clashed this year quite a bit location wise..."

Nisha nods – " yes...It surely did..i think its just the way BCCI plans the fixtures maybe..."

Anjali nods and says sipping her tea – " yup Mum...so it's like when bhai is in india..khushi isn't...and when Khushi is here...bhai isn't...so it's like one of them is always missing..and I am so glad that Khushi is going to be here now but it's like all of us are going to be together at Diwali and only bhai won't be here...even my bhai dooj is going to be virtual with him once again ya..to be honest not just mom and me, even akash is a little bummed out because of this..dad and dadi too....but then we also obviously understand...Bhai's extremely dedicated to his role as a national sportsperson...but still that doesn't change the fact that he will be terribly missed..."

Rahul laces his arm around Anjalis shoulder lovingly as he comforts her with a side hug and says smilingly – " I know anj..you are gonna miss him a lot...you know we all will...but look at the brighter side...we can all be happy that they'v all gone to Sri Lanka with a very high momentum in the unit...I mean c'mon that clean sweep off the 5 T20 Match series with Zimbave was epic obviously...they won all the 5 matches in a row...with big margins..that's totally the definition of EPIC.."

Anjali grins happily to that as she nods – " ohhh yess....ofcourseee yaa that was epic indeed..."and she grins and adds happily – " just like how it's been beyond just Epic to see India Women return back home after winning both the ODI and T20 Series in South Africa...I mean they had 6 t20 matches to play.. one was washed out and India lead and dominated the series with 4 – 1...and our very own little hit girl getting the player of the t20 series + the highest run scorer awards in the T20 series collectively...am so happy for our women's unit too..there's been a continuous buzz about their performance up online...and after Khushi's brilliant performance this tour as well..she's surely got a lot more spotlight on towards her game..and I think its so well deserved..she's just been brilliant this year from the very beginning..be it domestic or international tournaments.."

Rahul beams happily – " and this is where I happily say once again..that I am so proud of my junior...how can we forget Dad's happy gleeful dancing over Juniors performances..i mean he's still asked her to place all her medals and stuff in his study..he won't even let me shift some to proudly place on the mantle in my room..let alone having Khushi shift it to her cricketing study..."

Nisha grins to that happily – " ohh yes you know your dad....he totally wants to have them displayed on his mantle for he is a proud father...and well you both know he was also dancing in equal glee when our men's unit won the 5 t20's against zimbave...I still remember how he was all like to me after...Nisha..i am so proud of both our cricketer's..Arnav has silenced all the remainder of his haters yet again with 3 centuries and two 50+ scores in those matches..."

Anjali grins – " well mum..you do know dad and mom and even dadi wont stop raving about Khushi's performances also...so I guess it's just like we are all so proud of both the national cricketers in the family..who are continuing to stay true to their game and give it their all out there on the field come what may..."

Rahul grins – " yes to that..come what may...our siblings love for cricket is commendable.."

Nisha grins happily as she says – "on that note...let me ask Khushi if hope she's finished with that practice session with shivi in the gaming zone...."

Anjali and Rahul nod at her and Nisha gets on her phone to call Khushi.

Anjali says grinning to Rahul– " shivi really looks up to both jess and khushi a lot...and I am so glad khushi is taking out as much time to mentor her through as well...it's a good thing Shivi came in along with Hridhaan on the 21st..as in he had his final polo match here and she got these last three days to just be with Khushi and Jess and practice with them in private.."

Rahul grins – " oh yes...Junior has great belief in Shivi's potential she says she can totally forsee her playing for India one day.."

Anjali grins as she says – " on that note Rahul..i do have to say that I am getting quite fond of Polo as a sport as well...I mean how amazing was that domestic finale in between of Gurgaon and Jaipur polo clubs yesterday...soo happy for Hridhaan and team for winning the trophy..."

Rahul nods and grins and says leaning towards Anjali – " oh yes anj, I think I agree with you on that..because I never thought id enjoy watching any other sport live apart from cricket so much..but I loved watching that game of polo yesterday...we all did...and you know what it was great to see Vikram and Hridhaan be as normal after because they are best friends and yet they were playing for separate clubs in that finale...and there seemed to be no animonisity in between of them after as Vikram hugged and congratulated Hridhaan for the victory..i know iv only gotten to now them once we were back for good in July..but I think ik can safely say that they are both good men...am also really happy for Jess and Vikram..they look really happy together.....i mean the way Vikram was so concerned about being the one to drop Jess at the airport last night as she left for goa to be with her family during diwali..obviously warmed my heart...Jess is just like Junior to me..so it makes me happy to see her so happy..."

Anjali nods happily – " ofcoursee I know what you mean.."

Nisha says now putting the phone down – " okk khushi says she will be here in 20 minutes..since shivi and her finished the practise and they are getting ready now..which means Hridhaan will be joining us soon too then...so im going into the kitchen to ask them to prepare fresh breakfast for Khushi, Shivi and Hridhaan...shall I send another round of tea and coffee's for the two of you?"

Rahul and Anjali nod in unsion and Nisha grins at them and makes her way into the kitchen.

Once he sees his mother leave, Rahul says looking at Anj – " I know Mum is going to kill me for even saying this out loud and bringing it up but I know you won't kill me for this anj..so I do want to bring this up to you..."

Anjali nods at Rahul and says keeping her hand over his lovingly – " yes ofcourse tell me Rahul.."

Rahul asks – " is it just me or have you noticed too that there's something about the way Hridhaan looks at Junior off late..i mean my gut tells me he likes her...he's totally into her...even last night at dinner..i caught him looking at Junior about ten times..when he thought no one was looking..but I was..i caught onto it obviously..."

Anjali nods as she says softly – " well to be honest I think I noticed that too at dinner last night Rahul and have been having an inkling about the same..but I know from Khushi that's she been very clear about the equation from her end to Hridhaan from day one...he's just a good friend to her..."

Rahul nods as he says, trying to not sound so skeptical – " well to be honest anj..maybe its just that I don't know who her Mr Stranger is..and maybe that is why I feel this way...off late I just think isn't hridhaan like more suited for Junior? I mean they do get along as good friends otherwise..doesnt Junior notice that he's got some feeling for her.."

Anjali sighs – " Rahul..im sure Khushi does notice that, but I think its not fair for you to think this way ya..i mean you know how it is..the heart wants what it wants...like for example even though Hridhaan knows Khushi is with someone else..he maybe harbouring something within for her..so similarly Khushi wants to be with Mr Stranger its him her heart wants and we must respect that..."

Rahul sighs as he says twirling his fork on the table – " I can't help but worry right..not every man is sincere out there Anj especially when its long distance.. I mean there surely are a few...like for example ASR..but not every man is ASR na...like this time around over our family dinner at yours last weekend after the Zimbave series finished...remember how much sincerity was on his face when he was telling us as to how serious he is about his secretive someone..."

Anjali nods at that – " yup you are right about that Rahul..bhai is a rare gem that way..he's really sincere when it comes to his emotions and he is very dedicated towards his long distance relationship and as much as I can sense he is really dead serious about this girl..he's into her way to emotionally..he never has been that way into anyone..he really does Love her.."

Rahul nods – " oh yes he does..it was in his eyes..i mean the sincere relief was in his eyes when he was telling us how glad he was that his manager had managed to get the article in the delhi times entertainment section online taken down on his request..the one that came up about relinking Pia and him again just because she went to watch the final match of Zimbave Vs India at Wankhede..."

Anjali nods as she says – " ohh yes...I am so glad that article got taken down..i mean what's with them..i mean Pia is free to go to see matches at stadiums..but I don't understand why do they have to start relinking Pia and Bhai again – after her every show up at the stadiums..but he did say that the one he is with obviously understands...she trusts him immensely...I don't understand why he won't tell us who she is though...maybe because of the way the hangover of his last public relationship still won't stop haunting him..."

Rahul nods – "could be...maybe he will tell us soon...but that's what Anj..on one side I see ASR being so sincere in his expressions everytime he talks about his secretive someone..he's talked about her in some reference or the other around me in this last month especially and I can obviously sense with the smile on his face and the look in his eyes as they light up that he is very sure about her in his emotions and on the other side I have observed some sort of a sincerity in Hridhaan's eyes when he looks at Junior..and I can only wonder in my head – if this Mr Stranger is anything off a good man like these two and has even a fraction of sincerity in his eyes for my Junior...I mean I am just going to hate for Junior to be hurt.."

Anjali smiles as she places her hand on Rahul's – " and once again like I always tell you Rahul..let's hope..it never comes to that...okay??"

Rahul nods and keeps his hand over on Anjali's – " let's hope that Anj..let's hope that...on that note the smile on juniors face when she talks about him also does warm my heart...though.."

Right then they see Shivi join them on the table and they say to her happily in unison – " hello shivi..how was practice with Khushi???"

Shivi grins as she takes her seat – " ooh amazing it was anjali di...khushi di killed me though with the intense exercising prior...but I was just telling bhai a minute ago as we were making our way here that after Diwali im coming to delhi on weekends to just practice with her...mom anyway wants me to get some shopping done as well for your wedding...and I am so glad that khushi and Jess have this break until the 25th Nov until West Indies comes in to tour...so I am taking full advantage...iv learnt a lot from her and Jess in these three days..."

Rahul grins – " that's great Shivi..wheres hridhaan?"

Shivi grins – " bhai was coming with me only..he got a call..i think it was Vikram bhai..he will be here in a minute..i guess.."

Right then Nisha walks back in and greets Shivi happily and asks her to start eating breakfast and shivi replies happily – " I'll just wait for bhai and khushi di aunty..."

Nisha nods and takes her seat happily and says to Shivi – " I am going to tell your Mom to make a trip back here immediately after Diwali..."

Shivi grins – "mom mostly has the plans to aunty anyway for the wedding shopping for Rahul bhai and Anjali di.."and right then her phone pings and Shivi picks it up and just as she looks into it her eyes widen in worry as she says to all – " ohhhh god....."

Nisha, Rahul and Anjali ask immediately – " whats wrong Shivi? All ok??"

Shivi shakes her head as she says – " not okay..."

Right then Hridhaan walks in to the dining are and he asks Shivi since he overheard her saying not okay in worry – " whats not okay shivi??"

Shivi looks up at the brother and everyone worriedly as she says flashing her phone screen upfront – " what's not okay is the fact that my best friend just shared this snapshot about this article from TOI'S Entertainment section online.....and its about Bhai and Khushi with the title – Cricket X Polo – CrossLinked. Are India's Little Hit Girl – Khushi Gupta and Nation's Hearthrob Polo Star – Hridhaan Singh Rajput– the New It Sporty Couple in Town?????? And they have the snapshots of the two of them all over from bhai's yesterday's Polo match victory..and they'v highlighted the picture where in Khushi was just simply congratulating bhai after all happily in a friendly sidehug...and a couple more shots of just them talking after during lunch at the club..they were all casual moments since we were all there and yet they'v cropped the picture and just highlighted the image of bhai and khushi together in the same frames..and within the article they'v also written that they think that our families are very strongly inter connected. So there is most definitely a romance brewing in there for sure..."

Hridhaan asks shocked , taking the phone immediately from Shivi's hand – " what?????????????just what are you saying Shivi????" and as he continues to read what's written he feels worry dominate his head immediately. He liked Khushi - Oh Yes. He did. He liked her way too much for his own good even though he knew she was with someone else. He couldn't stop his heart from harbouring feelings for her – he had tried and he had failed at it and then it had just made sense to let his emotions flow naturally. He eventually figured that denying his feelings their due would be like disrespecting them by shutting it out, so he decided that it was better to accept what he was feeling and give himself the time to get over it naturally for he knew there was no scope in there. But because he genuinely was sincere in his liking for Khushi – he was obviously dead worried for her – right now.He knew she was going to get really upset over this and he absolutely would hate it if there was any trouble in between her and her Mr Stranger because of him. He needed to talk to her and apologize, and first he had to say the same apology to her family.

Hridhaan takes a deep breathe as he looks at Nisha and Rahul and he says apologetically – " aunty , Rahul...I am so sorry about this...I am beyond just embarrassed in front of you all right now..i have no clue how this even came up..and they'v really got the pictures just zoomed in on Khushi and me..this is unbelievable. This has got to be some reporter's doing who was there from the media at the game – yesterday"

Shivi takes the phone from Hridhaan's hand as she says – " bhai give me my phone..i'm going to scout all the dailies apps online now.."

Nisha says calmly – " cmon beta you don't be sorry..I know this is not your fault..."

Rahul says calmly and politely too – " yes it is not your fault..hridhann...you don't need to be sorry...." But in his heart he was deeply worried and he exchanges a worried look with his mother and Anjali for they all knew collectively that this was going to upset Khushi beyond measure for there was simply no truth in it at all. For Her – Hridhaan was just a good friend.They were all also feeling concerned as to how Khushi's – Mr Stranger was going to react to this.

Anjali looks at Rahul worriedly as she picks up her phone to check out the apps as well and just as she browses it all she says worriedly with her head dipped into her phone – " yup...it's all over online...not just on one dailies entertainment section...on literally all of them...I think it's the same journalist who wrote that pretty cricketers article who reported this first...the rest have just followed after...in a matter of fifteen minutes...with the same pictures...and oh wait look one of the users has just commented in the comments section in the app that she was in Surrey, UK in august and she is sure that she has spotted Khushi and Hridhaan in Surrey together in a restaurant as well..."and she pauses and sighs as she says – " oh boy...she says she was at the same restaurant that day and in a group picture of her group – she can surely spot Hridhaan and Khushi in the background as well now that shes seen this pic up online it immediately striked her that its india's little hit girl and india's polo star hridhaan in the frame..and there were two more people with them..she says she's going to share that picture as proof on the dailies social handle on facebook...ohh god.. if she does..this is going to get around like wildfire now...this is what this spotlight freaking also does..iv seen it invade bhai's privacy insanely and now its invading Khushi's..."

Rahul groans – "ohh I guess she's talking about the moment from Khushi's 21st bday...we all know that hridhaan, Vikram , jess and Khushi were together for lunch out that day..."

Hridhaan picks up his phone furiously as he says – " ok..im gona sue these people...how can they just write anything.."

Nisha sighs as she says – " no beta..don't react right now...because if you call the dailies office right now its surely going to add fuel to the fire...what matters is that we all know what it is..and now just let me call sagar and give him a heads up about this before anyone in office shows him this and he freaks out...."

Hridhaan says embarrassed – " tell uncle I am so sorry for this...and I need to talk to Khushi straight away.."

Nisha nods at him calmly asking him not to worry about it and gets aside to call her husband as she gestures to Rahul and Anjali to get onto talking to Khushi about this first.

They nod at her in collective unison and start to get off the table.

Shivi looks up at everyone worriedly as she gets off the table too as she says – " bhaiiii its literally everywhere..everyone from my cricketing unit back in Jaipur is also only talking about this on whtsapp now, even my friends from the polo club..and they are all messaging me now to ask me if its true....ohh god...Anjali di I guess you are right...this rumour is surely going to spread around like wildfire...."

Hridhaan sighs as he says to Shivi, Rahul and Anjali – " we need to talk to Khushi straight away...she isn't down yet..lets go to her room maybe?"

Rahul nods worriedly – " yes let's do that.."

And right then as they are all making their way towards Khushi's room – Hridhaan's phone rings.

Its his mother.

He gestures Rahul and Anjali to carry on and that he and Shivi will join in a minute.

They nod and make their way out.

He picks up the phone immediately and just as he hears his mother mention the article he says into the phone – " Yes maa..i know I saw...we all saw...let me call you back Maa..we need to tell Khushi about this she hasn't seen this yet..just that i think we will get a little late in leaving for Jaipur though...I do want to make sure everything's okay and settled with Khushi obviously..okay?" and his mother asks him to not worry about being late but to make sure everything was sorted at this end – first.

He hangs up in the next second and he looks at Shivi whose shooting him a very worried look as she says – " you can't hide what you feel from me bhai...i know you are so worried for Khushi because you do sincerely like her even though she is with someone else...and I know you'd hate it if any trouble stirred up in her life because of you..."

Hridhan sighs as he nods at Shivi. He knew he couldn't lie to his little sister.He gestures Shivi to walk alongside him towards Khushi's room – " well id hate that obviously Shivi... you know how it is..there's no truth in this and yet they'v blown up our pictures to come across as misleading for sure..and it isn't even her side frame..her face is all clear..and god forbid if someone actually posts up that picture from Surrey up online..its going to add a lot of unnecessary noise..."

Shivi sighs as she says – "maybe these reporters were so confident about the romance angle in there because of the way you are looking at Khushi in the pictures bhai...I mean I know you so I know that the affection for her on your face is obvious...and these reporters have that eye na...im so sorry for this bhai..and also for the way you are caught up in this situation around your feelings..i hope you are able to get over it soon.."

Hridhaan sighs as he says sincerely –" I am sorry about what's happening now for sure..but somehow shivi I am not sorry about what I feel even though its one sided...I mean it happens but sometimes you can't help what you feel the only way to move on healthily is to respect your emotions give It their due that way you might just be lucky as they cooperate on moving on faster..".

Shivi sighs as she says pouting – " ohh just why couldn't you be the one to meet her earlier yaaa Bhai as in before Mr Stranger came into her life.."

Hridhaan sighs as he ruffles his sisters hair lovingly – "well maybe because it was never meant to be Shivi..it just was never meant to be..."

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MEANWHILE – IN KHUSH'S ROOM – 945 AM

KHUSHI'S POV

LA LA LA LA.

LA LA LA LA.

Haha.

Guys.

I could totally Waltz around in my room right now – because as usually my Insides are off on their trip to ArnavLALALALAND – as I am lost in his thoughts, re- reading our chat from about 30 minutes ago as I am finishing getting ready for the day and I can't stop grinning obviously. Like I am so glad we got into this ten minute chat, as I came back to my room after my morning exercise and practise session with Shivi and before he started his nets practice session for the day with the unit in Colombo, Sri Lanka. ( Guys Please note – Dear Heart is also biting back it's sigh right now , for once again we missed each other by like just a couple of hours as in by the time I landed back in Delhi with our unit – he had already left the very same morning for Sri Lanka.And now we are all going to be together for Diwali – and only he won't be there. I can totally imagine myself going insane missing him in the next couple of days yaaa)

Dear Mind chips in now. Ohh yes...a sigh to that indeed K. But c'mon...cheer up..this is excactly where I need to chip in and say – that I am so happy for the two of you for your respective cricketing performances in your Series. You both aced it K. Like ofcourse – there's a lot of positivity flooding up around the Men in Blue as theyv gone to Sri Lanka with such a good momentum – just like the spotlight around the women's cricket scene in the country has also been consistent as well. After all of your's brilliant performance in SA this time around – the awareness is surely increasing about the same.And I know that you are more than just happy about the same.

I admit to myself honestly. Oh yes Dear Mind – I really am so happy for Arnav and the unit and also for the fact that the spotlight around our women's cricket scene has been somewhat consistent as well off late – but to be honest you do know that I am still about a tad bit uneasy about all the highlight on me and my game as well – as in I am obviously happy when it's all related to my Game for I have worked so very hard towards it but somehow I still do feel a little edgy to just think that there is a possibility that the flickering nature of this spotlight could just shift to other spheres of my life that I want to guard. I mean you do know after our return from SA a couple of days ago – about five more articles have just come up here and there online – talking about how some of us look. And you know I think it's so Unfair.

Dear Heart and Mind chip in collectively. We know how you feel about this – K. But listen..don't worry much. K? its time to just relax and unwind now with everyone here at Home – there's a month's break until official matches start with WI – so just focus on prepping up for Superbro's wedding, practicing cricket side by side and also we do need to get a lot of studying down for our correspondence course – its like our last and final year of the degree as well. We can totally catch up on all of that. Just stop worrying about all this highlight stuff K...its festival time. Please note we are totally going to binge on some sweets this time around – and you are allowed to make us pay for it later out in the gym and practice time as usual.

I chuckle to myself at that last thought- obviously.

Right then I hear my Stomach literally rumble and tumble. Hungerrrr Alert K!!! I need Food in my system can we please hurry down for breakfast already? Everyone must be waiting – you had such an intense exercise and training session with Shivi up in the gamzing zone that we obviously need some calories down in here now.Cmon – you are all ready alreadyyyyy.

I chuckle to myself again as I put my phone back in denims pocket now keeping a hand on my stomach. Ok then dear stomach – lets feed you some food in first – and I start to make my way out of my room – now.

And just as I am about to step out – I feel my phone ring in my Backpocket.

Its surely cannot be Arnav guys for he is in nets practice and will be busy in there till about 1pm. Thank god atleast – we are in the same time zone now – for India and Sri lanka have no time difference at all.

I pick out my phone.

It's Jess calling.

And just as I am about to pick up the phone – I hear sudden knocks on my door and i hear bhai and Anjali's voice come through – " khushi...can we come in????"

I smile to myself as I cut Jess's call immediately and send her a – I will just call you back in a bit Jess – text quickly and make my way to open my door quickly and I say grinning – " ohhh cmon Bhai ..anjali..since when do the two of you need to ask me to come into my room...I was just coming down for breakfas.."and my words do pause in my throat as I take in the worried look on their faces which kind off disturbs me immediately and I ask worried – " bhai..anj...why do the two of you look so worried?? Is everything alright???????"

Bhai walks into my room immediately – worry evident on his face and Anjali pulls me into a immediate hug and she continues to hold me that way as she says – " khushi...promise me you aren't going to get upset about this okay??"

UPSET?

WHAT DOES SHE MEAN?

DID BHAI AND HER HAVE A FIGHT OR SOMETHING?

I do hug Anjali back all tight and I pull back a second later as I look at her and then at bhai again feeling all worried and clueless as I ask – " what happened??? Did the two of you fight or something??" and I look at bhai narrowing my eyes at him as I say – " bhai...don't you trouble my Bhabhi thike??? What did you do haan??" and I look at Anjali as I say now – " you please tell me what happened na??"

Anjali hugs me again comfortingly as she says – " no junior..your bhai and me haven't got into a fight or something..its just that..."and she pauses.

And I pull back again after hugging her again for a couple of seconds – and I look at Bhai's and her's worried face again and I ask – " ok..now the two of you worrying me insanely..why wont you say something??? what happened?????????"

THE LOOK ON THEIR FACE IS FREAKING ME OUT.

Before the two of can say something – I now spot a very tensed Hridhaan and a worried Shivi walk into my room as well and I look at them all as I ask , worriedly – " okk one of you needs to start talking before I go crazyyy in anticipation right now yaa..thike?? why do you all look so worried???"

Hridhaan walks up to me now and he holds me by the shoulders as he says sincerely – " I am sorry Khushi..please know i am so sorry about this.."

I look at Him puzzled as I ask – " why are you saying sorry now ya??? Kya hua hai???"and I look at everyone helplessly as I ask – " areeee talk na...please?????"

Bhai finally walks up to me now and she sidehugs me and he says kissing my forhead – " don't freak out okay Junior..but there's something stirred up online that you are obviously not going to like.."

ONLINE?

WHAT DOES HE MEAN?

Another article highlighting my Looks over my Gaming shots or what???

My phone rings in my back pocket again.

Before I can ask him of that was what he was hinting towards or pick out my phone – Anjali side hugs me too from the other side as she says softly kissing my forhead – " somehow some pappz have snapped some pictures of you and Hridhaan from the polo domestic finals yesterday and its all over the internet now as they are speculating if India's Little Hit Girl and Nation's Polo Hearthrob Hridhaan Singh Rajput are the new it Sporty couple in town.."and she pauses.

WAIT.

WHAAAAAAATTTTTTTTT THE FREAKING HELL JUST HAPPENED?

Shivi now walks up to me and shoves her phone in my hand as she says – " the rumours spreading like wildfire now Khushi...not just TOI entertainment daily section..but on all apps...I checked it...and...not just that just a minute ago as we were making our way up to your room..someone also posted a picture of just you and bhai from your bday lunch in Surrey on the dailies social handle on facebook...there's a snapshot of a picture in which bhai is feeding you cake...jess and Vikram are in there too but there faces are a little blurred..it's the two of yours faces that are more clear in the picture...and now this pic has just added a lot more fuel into the fire of the raging rumour....."

Hridhaan shoots me an sincere apologetic look and I am sure he – along with the rest of them can spot my face going all sheet blank right now.

WHAT AREEE THEY JUST SAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYING?????????

DID I JUST FREAKING HEAR THEM RIGHT?

THERE ARE RUMOURS ABOUT ME AND HRIDHAAN – ALL OVER THE INTERNET NOW???????? Picturesss from yesterday Polo matches? Pictures from Surrey?????

I wait for my dear ears to answer back – but I don't any inner thought.

Why so?

Because all of my Insides have GONE into a State of Collective Shock and Daze – obviously. For no where in my Dreams or rather Nightmares was I ever expecting this to Happen.

Why is this Happening to me yaaaa???

The Only reflection of a reaction from my Insides Collectively right now is the fact that – My Eyes have Welled Up with Tears as I can feel my heart get all Heavy with vulnerable emotion.

Arnav.

I need to talk to him before he sees this up himself.But how ???.He is in practise right now and there's are a couple of hours until he will be free. I'd hate for him to see this before I can tell him about this obviously.

Godammit.

I feel like I am in a state of a Dazed Shut Down as I am soaking it all In.Dear Heart/Mind are in no state to give me any intuitive report on this right now for that's how shocked they are.

I take Shivi's phone from her hand sure that my hands were trembling, as I look through her phone reading it all up myself and just as I see the pictures of me and Hridhaan that have been cropped out into one frame and blown up to come across as misleading – I feel lines of tears leave both my eyes on their own. It's a good thing that Bhai and Anjali are side hugging me tight from either of the sides and bhai sidehugs me protectively as he says softly – " junior..please..just don't cry this way..."and he looks up at Hridhaan as he says angrily – " damm right...Mum stopped you Hridhaan..but ill damm f****** sue them for this..."

BUT I CAN'T STOP THE FLOW OF TEARS.

As I continue to browse through it all myself.

I JUST CAN'T STOP THE FLOW OF MY TEARS.

I whisper brokenly – "just how many dailies will you sue bhai..just how many..it's freaking all over the internet...you can't sue the internet bhai..you can't sue..Insta..you can't sue facebook...you can't sue the online world for indulging into Chinese whispers about my personal life as well now...you just can't...we can't do anything about it...I'm just going to have to cope up with this..." and I hand Shivi her phone back with trembling hands and I look at Hridhaan as I say trying to wipe the trail of my tears – " hridhaan..i know this is not your fault thike...so please don't beat yourself for it...please..."

And I pause as my Voice chokes with Overwhelming emotion.

I can't be here in front of them right now.

I need to be Alone.

I instantly look at everyone as I say – " give me two minutes...two minutes..."and I rush to my washroom – fighting Back my sobs before anyone can stop me and I close the door shut.

I do not want to keep crying this way in front of everyone.

I hear Bhai and Hridhaan's worried voices and heavy knocks on the door coming up now .

"junior...open up..open up the door now...."

"khushi..please..open up..i am so sorry...don't do this...please??"

Anjali's worried voice – " khushi...pleaseee open the door..."

Shivi's worried voice – " Khushiiiiiiiiiii..please open up..please..."

I whisper brokenly as tears continue to fall of my eyes on their own accord – " two minutes yaaa guys please...I do not want to cry in front of you all...just give me twooo minutes..."

I walk up to my basin and wash my face a couple of times – to just restart my Insides.

All my appetitie for Hunger seems to have Gone Dead too.

I don't think I will be able to eat or drink anything until I can talk to Arnav.

My phone rings in my back pocket again. I quickly wipe my face and pick it out all dazed with my hands trembling and as I see Jess's name flashing on the screen again – I pick up the call and I hear her say immediately – " khush...such a mess has stirred up online ya...pictures of you and hridhaan.."

And I whisper finally brokenly – " I know Jess..i know..i'v seen most of it up...I know what you mean..."

Jess's worried voice comes through – " you okay?? Have you talked to Skipper Blue??has he seen it yet?"

I whisper brokenly , softly– "he's busy in nets practice jess...will only break by 1pm...i just hope I get to talk to him before he sees this himself...I am obviously going to drop him texts about the same though..."

Jess's comforting voice comes through – " don't worry khushi, he will understand...I am sure he will...he's seen all of this so often..he obviously understands that these dynamics are not in our control..he knows it's not your fault..."

I whisper softly clutching my heart– " I know it in my heart that he will understand Jess..but that does not change the fact that I am feeling terrible about all of this..i mean you know one of the reasons as to why I wanted to keep US a secret was because I did not want my personal life to overshadow my professional life for now and now my personal life is going to become the talk of the town nonetheless and that too when I am being crosslinked with someone else and not the man I love...as in did you see how its all gone viral online on social media as that picture from Surrey has gone all up too..its only obvious that my ability to play cricket is going to get overshadowed by the talks off all these rumours now ya..i just feel so soo disturbed about this...like just how will Arnav feel ya...as In he's always so understanding because of how much he loves me..but that doesn't change the fact that the pictures gone all viral up online will surely make him flinch a little atleast....."

Jess says softly – " I knowww...you are disturbed khushi...just like how SB got so disturbed recently when that article came up about relinking Pia and him again...but since he feels terrible about it himself so I am sure he will understand what you are feeling..and I am sure just like you'v comforted him with so much love and trust everytime..he is going to do the sameee Khushi...just don't worry okay???everything will be okay..."

I sigh as I admit – " now I know exactly how terrible he feels when this happens with him..because I am feeling the exact same thing right now..."

Right then I hear the worried knocks on my bathroom door increase as Mom's worried voice come through – " Khushi..open the door will you please????? dad is on the line..he wants to talk to you..pleaseee don't cry this way beta..."

I say hurriedly to Jess – " Jess...ill call you back in a bit thike..just hope that arnav reads my texts first though..and sees all this up later..k?

Jess – " ofcoursee...I hope the same.. call me for sure??"

I assure her that I will soon and I hang up.

I wipe the trail of fresh tears that had oozed off my eyes and I compose myself taking deep breathes and I walk up quickly to the door to open it up and just as I do I am engulfed by my mom into an intense hug as she asks kissing my forehead, in a loving whisper – " I know..what you are feeling khushi..i know...but beta..you can't let all this external noise rile you up this way..."and she puts her phone on speaker and she says – " sagar I have put you on speaker...khushi can hear you..."

Bhai and anjali gesture me to walk out into the room now and I do so and I sit on my bed and even though I did think I will not get vulnerable I feel fresh line of tears leaving my eyes again as I hear dad's loving and caring voice come through – " khushi...stoppp crying beta please..."

I whisper hoarsely sobbing as I put my hands into face – " mom..dad...i never wanted my personal life to become the talk of the town this way..i'm just so shaken and embarrassed...i am sorry...you aren't mad at me are you????"

Mum hugs me all tighter as Dad and Mom say in unsion – " shut up..whats all this sorry beta...we don't care about all this noise from the outside ...we only care about you...only you matter to us..so first you need to stop crying...and we are anything but mad at you..why will be mad at you..this is not your fault...nor is it hridhaan's..."

Bhai and Anjali sit on either side of the bed hugging me comfortingly from the side again and Shivi hugs me from behind too in support and Mom brushes my hair lovingly and Dad's voice comes through the speaker now – "okay..hear me out im cancelling my meetings for the rest of the day and am coming home right now...ok?"

I wipe my tears as I say – " nooo..dad...you finish all your work in office and then come thike?? I am okay...as in I will be pakka se I just need some time...bhai, mom, Anjali, hridhaan, shivi..everyone is here na with me..you finish your work as its diwali then na..pleaseee dad...I assure you I will be okay...it was just such a shock to me na...that's why..."

Dad's loving voice – " that's like my little brave girl...don't you worry at all beta...we are all with you in support alright?," and he pauses and says – " Nisha...you there.." which means that he probably wants to talk to Mom for a bit and Mom puts the phone off the speaker and kisses my forhead lovingly and then walks a little aside to talk to him and I instantly just hug Bhai and Anjali as I let out a little bit of my remaining sobs as I whisper – " just let me cry thoda aur...I will feel better and light.."

Bhai , Anjali and Shivi collectively hug on me tight as I continue to vent out my vulnerable emotions in their arms.

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

He couldn't take it.

Hridhaan just couldn't take the sight of Khushi crying that way in Rahul, Anjali and Shivi's arms.

The onslaught of shock and daze and conflict and ache that he had seen on her face the minute she had registered in what had happened – had shaken him up in his emotions - completely.And then of course when she had locked herself in the bathroom for that little while – he had literally fought the urge to just break open the damm door and wipe her tears off – and that thought had instantly made him feel like – maybe he was in a deeper trouble emotionally than he was realising. Maybe his unrequited emotions for Khushi – were a lot deeper than he was realising.

Did it mean that he loved her?

He didn't know that for clear yet – but all he knew was the fact that he couldn't see her in so much ache and conflict this way.

He needed to act. He had to distract her from all that crying.

The sight was like a knife to his Heart – and he obviously was feeling guilty about the whole situation as well.

He acts on impulse as he walks up to fill a glass of water for her and then goes towards her and he kneels down in front of her as he says softly – " please...khushi...you gotta stopppp crying...or you'd rather have me take my mallet and smash through these dailies' offices now...I am telling you that's what I am going to get too..if you don't stop crying...for that's how helpless I am feeling at seeing you cry this way...drink up some water now ..please.....will you???????"

Thankfully – Khushi looks up from Rahul's shoulder and she wipes her tears and takes the glass of water from Hridhaan's hand and drinks it up as Rahul and Anjali look at her concerned still and they hear her whisper softly in between her sips – " no yaaa hridhaan...like I said this is not your fault ya thike..now I obviously don't want you to damage your precious mallets unnecessarily..ya...like we obviously just cannot give away any reaction for that will only add more fuel into the fire..if we stay all calm and silent hopefully it will all settle down sooner...please wipe that guilt off your eyes yaa thike.."

Hridhaan nods at her sincerely and gestures her to drink up the rest of her water.

She does.

Once Khushi was done - Anjali takes the glass from her hand and puts it aside on the table and Rahul now says worriedly, kissing his juniors forhead – " your mr stranger??? Has he seen this?? whatever said and done Junior.. id obviously not want a misunderstanding in between the two of you..because of this.."

Khushi whispers softly as she takes the tissue Hridhaan just offered her to wipe her face clean – " no...im sure he hasn't seen this yet..he's kind of like busy in a meeting abhi..i am going to text him...I just hope he sees my messages first though..."

Hridhaan clutches on one of Khushi's hand in support as he looks at her sincerely and says – " khushi...I can talk to him and give assurance if need be that there's nothing true about the rumours up online..i will tell him...assure him that we are just great family friends...I would never want a misunderstanding in between you two because of me..ever...you know that don't you??"

Khushi nods as she looks at him and says sincerely – " I know that Hridhaan..and to be honest I don't think it will come to that though as in my stranger..he will understand..i'm sure in my heart that he will...,"and she looks up at Rahul and Anjali and then Hridhaan as she whispers softly – " he loves me way too much bhai..anjali..hridhaan and he's always so understanding...like so so so amazing...which is why I just feel more terrible about this...the pictures are obviously going to make him flinch a little..maybe hurt him a tad bit little too..but he won't ever misunderstand me..we really trust and love each other...I just have to wait a couple of hours until I can talk to him though..I will be okay after.."

Hridhaan says in support – " and im glad to hear you say that he will understand...I want your happiness now and always...just let me know if you need my help to clear things up Khushi..ill be more than happy too..."

Shivi exchanges a heartfelt silent gaze with her brother from behind.

Rahul and Anjali say all relieved a little – " and we are so glad to hear you say that Junior too..we really hope when you talk to him everything will be okay..c'mon we need you to eat something now..."

Khushi says shaking her head – " nooo bhai..anjali.....as in I just think ill be able to eat something after I talk to him.."

Shivi says – " oh cmon khushi...I know what an intense session we had..i'm sure you must be hungry..."

Hridhaan adds in concerned – " khushi...shivi is right..No matter what - you cannot not eat or skip a meal please..."

Nisha hangs up talking to Sagar, after assuring him that she will make sure that Khushi is all okay and fine and she now walks up to them and she says looking at her daughter - "I agree too on that ..so majority wins my little girl...you just need to eat and feed in your system with some food beta...ab isme khane ki toh koi galti nai haina? cmon...have something atleast??"

Khushi sighs as she nods because she knew that even if she tried to object more right now it wouldn't work – everyone would just gang up to get her to eat something anyway and she also didn't want to worry them all much so she says getting up taking deep breathes and composing herself – " okay...thike...you all start to go down..ill follow just give me a couple of minutes...I just need to write down a couple of texts at first..."

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

Sri Lanka – Colombo

1: 05 PM

ARNAV'S POV

I can't help but grin happily at Cap, Rohan and Ravi as we are all walking back to the dressing room after an Intense training and Nets session – chatting all casually amongst ourselves.Rest of our unit is already in the Dressing room – all freshening up and changing so that we can all head back to the Hotel for we are all done with the practice time that was allotted to us for the day – for the grounds use.

Guys.

I am delighted to say this – that as Skipper I am truly very content with the momentum and the positive energy with which we have all headed here to Sri Lanka for our last tour slated for this year's calendar. It is a long schedule around 50 days plus as we are here to play 5 test matches, 5 ODI's and 5T20's and we arrived here on the 21st Oct and are scheduled to head back to India – on the 14th of December.( And you all know that a part of my Heart just can't wait for time to just pass all quickly until it's the 14th of December already..for that's exactly when after months of wait will My Sparkle and Me – also meet. I just canr wait to meet her in person and congratulate her with a zillion kisses over her amazing performances in SA in the T20 series as well.So FREAKING Proud of Her Game and her Grit)

I can't help but grin a lot more to myself as I remember our chat from earlier during the day before I was stepping into practice. Just can't wait to switch on my phones well. I am sure to have a string of texts from her. She's anyway supposed to be with Mom, Anjali, Nisha aunty right now – out in the market at the family jewellers.

Just as we step into the dressing room – we spot Shiv, Yuvaan, Veer , Singh all huddled up in a group as they are all looking into the phone screen  and the rest of the boys around are also all talking amongst themselves looking into their phones.

Before either of us could ask anything, Shiv says with a sigh – shrugging his shoulders – " this media I tell you..apparently they just found their new muse...and we all know how they can be when they decide to chase down things...."

Ravi, Rohan , Cap and Me ask in unison walking up towards them – " now what happened Shiv??????what do you mean??"

Ravi asks – " please don't tell me another article about ASR and Pia out again..."

I am sure my face muscles have twitched at that. I have absolutely no clue as to when that bit off my life will stop haunting me. Thankfully - My Sparkle understands and has only been so supportive and loving about the situation. I obviously had the FREAKING Artcile taken down though.

Rohan asks puzzled– " but you said new muse Shiv...so I reckon...its something else..then"

Thank God.

Veer nods as he says looking at us – " oh yes something else surely guys...as in about a fellow cricketer again..but none from our team..this time around..it's about a very talented upcoming cricketer..the ones whose come into a lot of spotlight because of her performances off late...she literally seems to have caught all of media's attention in some way..reporters seem to be tailing her now..."

Ok.

The Her bit in his sentence catches my Ears Attention.

WHO – HER?

Not My Sparkle -I hope. It's going to overwhelm her yet again.

I mentally thank Ravi for he asks outright – " Her...someone from our women's team then?? Who??? ..."

Shiv says shrugging – " India's Little hit girl...Khushi.."

WHAT?

OH NO.

I exchange a subtle worried look with Cap as I ask casually , reaching out to my locker to get my hands on the phone immediately– " what happened? Whats written now? another pretty cricketers article or what?"

Rohan and Ravi shoot me a worried look as well.For they are obviously aware of the family connect because of Rahul & Anjali – and the two of them reach out for their phones as well.

One of the boys says browsing through his phone – " well to be honest..she really is pretty..that one...but this time around it isn't about that...there are pictures of her all over the internet with one of our star polo player's – his name is Hridhaan Singh Rajput – the articles speculating a strong link up in there.."

WHATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT???????

HOLY SHIT.

NO.

Worry consumes me immediately – as an image of My Sparkle crying furiously over this flashes through my Head- first thing out.

Dammit.

No.

Guys

I know her through and through – she surely would have cried out Buckets already. This would have riled her Up and overwhelmed her without measure. She's also probably worried about me at the moment.

I gesture Cap silently to dish out more details as I wait for my phone to come on and he nods and asks on my behalf – " really?? when did this come up??"

On that note -  maybe I need to stop putting my phone off during practise and just on silent so that I dont have to wait for it to get On.

Why is it taking so Long to get on though?

Ravi says now looking through his phone– " this morning at around 930 am...it's all over the freaking internet...pictures from the domestic finale of the polo match yesterday..then there are a couple of pictures from Surrey too going up all viral online off the two of them..and everyones all speculating if they are the new it sporty couple in town..things like have polo and cricket crosslinked ..a hashtag about them is even trending on twitter now...yupp specially Sheena's insta is getting way to bombarded with comments as well as they r trying to dish some gossip out.."

My Breathes Hitch at that a little on reflex as I know MY innocenr Sparkle is going to get riled up because of this as well Blaming herself for causing her teammates trouble up on social media.

I gesture Ravi to hand me his phone.

He does.

And as I look at the article and the couple of pictures of My Sparkle and Hridhaan all blown up to come across as misleading and everything that's written in there and that's trending online – my anger starts to rise within as I fight a flinch within on reflex.

Yeah. Right.

Now I am Mad.

Royally Freaking Mad.

I have mentally Smashed All These Dailies Offices – with My Bat – A Zillion times.

I have turned their offices upside down in Fury and Rage -as images of my Sparkle crying helplessly over this returns to haunt me.

Also.

Before any of you misunderstand, I'd like to clear this once and for all that – I am not Mad at My Precious Sparkle at all for this. Oh Not at all. I am not a freaking Hypocrite. She's always been so understanding and supportive of these situations around me then how could I let any sort of a negative emotion creep in here in my heart because of this nonsensical external noise?

No freaking Way.

My Love doesn't sail in Reefs or Shallow Waters. It Scuba Dives – Freaking Deep.

I am sure you all know that.

Yes I have fought a little flinch normally on reflex because of the pictures being presented the way they are..but that's all about it. I know there's no head or tail to this at all – this is just casual stuff being blown out of proportion. I mean who would understand this situation better than me?

So basically I am just obviously freaking furious at the Reporters and Dailies who first posted this..and ofcourse the dynamics of Social Media.Because now it's a Rumour that's caught Immense Fire and I can only feel all worried as well inwardly because I was not there for My Sparkle – as and when this happened. As in it happened around 930..its a little over 1 PM...and its obviously just gone more beserk up Online.

She's surely been all worried and overwhelmed on another tangents. And I can only just hope everyone's with her at home though.

Also, on that note – guys all of these pictures posted up her in the artciles are pictures I have actually already seen from the similar moments that have been shared by Khushi with me on Whtsapp or from moments that I am already aware off because My Sparkle always tells me everything – – and I can totally see how in these articles, they'v just been freaking cropped to fade in everyone else in the background to just focus and Zoom in on Hridhaan and Khushi- in one frame.

I take deep breathes as I hand back Ravi his phone – shooting Rohan, Ravi , Cap a look off – I gotta make a call – picking up my phone. They nod at me and I take my phone as I walk to the little more private space in the locker area and I go to my Whtsapp almost immediately taking a seat on the bench.

I take deep breathes to calm down my anger. For I do not want to worry my Sparkle with it not when I know shes going to be so overehelmed herself.

I also do spot a couple of missed calls from Akash as well but I decide to call him back in a bit and just focus on my Whtsapp chat window - first.

A String of Texts from My Sparkle Come in almost Immediately.

Her text to me at 955AM : Arnav..love...I am so sorry...so so so sorry...I just desperately hope you see this text of mine first..before you hear about the mess up online...please please pleaseeeee don't go up online before talking to me...pleaseeeeeeee....there are pictures of hridhaan and me all over love...god..i feel so terrible about this....goddd please...pakka se ...arnav youv seen this message of mine pehle na???? I am so sorry...sorry * infinity se for you had to see this..this way ya..

Guys – I can totally sense the turmoil she is in by just her words right now.

My eyes fall to the next text.

At 956 am : Arnav..i have no clue as to how this even happened...like no clue at all..and now its like all over...all freaking over...someone even dished out a picture from Surrey up online from my 21st bday lunch....i am so soooryyy..so sooryy...please call me/ text me the minute you see this thike?? I know you are in practice right now and will only see this after 1pm...but my breathes seem to have been hitched here yaaa...as in I will only be able to feel peace after talking to you obviously...my insides are in a state of collective daze and shut down...I can't believe this is happening...and what is happening....kyun ya??????? Kyun???????? Pleaseeeeeeeeeee forgive me...I am so so so sorry...

Oh godammit – Sparkle. There is nothing to forgive. I obviously Understand.

Her Text at 1030 am : ohhh I have these crazy thoughts even though a part of me knows that you might not even think this but I can't help but wonder deep within...what must you think off me??? that I wanted to keep us a SECRET because I didn't want my personal life to become the talk of the town and now its all become a talk of the town anyway that too when I am being cross linked with someone else???? I am so sorryyyy so so so so sorry..i didn't mean for this to happen...I feel terrible....so so so terrible...you aren't mad at me na?? See this is what I meant when I shared my worry with you last.. that what if all external noise around us creates a wedge between us emotionally...I can't take it..I just wont be able to take it..godd this is so overwhelming for me...please just tell me that ....you aren't like mad at me na?

Ofcourse Not – Sparkle.

I told you – I'd give Zero weightage to external noise.

I can also totally sense that you wrote this precious text out crying profusely.

My eyes fall to the next one.

At 10 31 am : you do remember that I have talked about all these casual moments with hridhaan to you already?? Arnav you know I'd never hide anything from you....never...never...like.....ever...ohh god...I feel so terrible...terrible* infinity...pls pls pls call me the minute you see this thike....

Her text at 1045 : .......................................................(sad emoticons)

At 1047 : .......................................................................(sad emoticons)

At 1055 : ...................................................(Sad emoticons)

At 11am : I don't know what to say...I am sorry..so sorry...this is going even more insane up online now...please don't look it up thike? As in before we talk....please please pleaseeeeeee...

And I continue to browse through a string of ten more similar texts that she's left me until about 1245 am.

Godammit – My Precious Sparkle – I don't care about anything else but you dammit – I just hope you are okay.

Guys I can totally sense that she must have drained herself out crying by now – in her wait for my call – helplessly.

I quickly call her.

To my Surprise – bells keep ringing but she doesn't pick Up.

I quickly call her again.

Again the bells keep ringing.

I call the third time.

And this time around after five rings – she does pick up the phone and I say immediately in a rush – " Sparkle...are you okay dammit? Don't do this to me okay? Don't you not pick up my phone when I am dying to know if you are okay....please tell me that you are.."

And to my surprise I hear a man's voice come through – " hello..."

Ok.

This is not Rahul.Nor is it Safar uncle.

I'd recognise their voice well enough.

If I am not wrong. This Could be Hridhaan – maybe?

And I immediately mask up my tone a little and keep my hand over the handset so that it comes off as masked and deep and I ask – "hello..can I speak to Khushi please?? and you are??"

His sincere voice comes through - "hello...I am hridhaan...im sorry..i didn't want to pick up her phone but because it kept ringing and I saw your name flash on it so I thought I should take it and apologize first thing to you as well...I mean I don't know your name..Khushi refers to you as Mr Stranger..so I'd just like to apologize to you for this entire mess up online right now... please don't be mad at Khushi for this...it isn't her fault..at all...she really loves you and even though she did tell me that you trust her and would understand..i just thought I'll take the moment to clear it out to you myself as well...khushi and me are just family friends..all of the stuff raging up online is nothing but a rumour..the pictures have totally been zoomed in on just her and me..on purpose I guess.."

I take a deep breathe as I say – " hello hridhaan..its okay..i understand..i know the equation that is..khushi always tells me everything infact most of the pictures that I saw are from moments that I am already aware off or have seen in snapshots shared by Khushi with me already..and it isn't just that.. I obviously trust her beyond anything..so dont worry about it?ok? it isn't either of your's fault...I know that...so I don't think you need to apologize at all..anyways..Where's khushi..can I please talk to her??"

He says sincerely – "thank you so much for saying this..you have no idea how relieved I feel now..i'd hate if any misunderstanding happened in between the two of you because of me...also she's just fallen off to sleep on the sofa..it's been a disturbing morning right for her...infact apart from trying to cope up with the raging mess up online..she's just spent the last two hours taking calls from her teammates in the national and domestic units,and some more people...just clearing things out..for they all obviously called to know ..she's was kind off exhausted by the end off it and was waiting for your call actually...she did tell me that you would be free after one and I think she just dozed off to sleep due to the exhaustion off it all around ten minutes ago....."and he asks sincerely now – "do you want me to wake her up??"

I take a deep breathe as I say – " no..no...just let her sleep for a bit.."and I ask because I need to know – "is she okay though??has she been crying a lot?????? Godammit..im sure she'd have cried buckets already...I know her through and through..obviously..."

He answers sincerely – " yes she has been crying quite a bit on and off..buckets for sure..i wish I could just smash my mallets on these dailies offices right now..and sue all these dam reporters..."

Oh Damm.

Mr. Polo seems to be really deeply into my Sparkle. I always knew he liked her but this from him right now makes me feel like – he probably is in love with her Perhaps?

How do I know?

Because I have Smashed my Freaking Bat – through these Dailies offices already - Mentally - right?

The only answer as to why we could be sailing in the same boat right now in worry over Khushi – could be – Love.

And I ask concerned, anyway because I know he will tell me – "and has she eaten anything at all? Like properly?Im sure she must have just nibbled on some jucie and some boiled eggs or something just for the heck off it..."

He answers sincerely – " you do know her really well Mr Stranger..no matter how much we tried to get her to eat proper breakfast or snacks after ..she just had some juice and a couple of boiled eggs that's all...she's just been waiting to talk to you... "

I ask – " her family..are they okay??where are they? You are all with her right? shivi as well?"

He asks surprised – " you know my little sister as well?"

I answer honestly – " ofcourse I know...like I said she always tells me everything hridhaan..."

He says sincerely – " yes they are all here only..they just moved from khushi's side after she feel asleep...it's just shivi and me right now..we were supposed to leave for Jaipur earlier but we didn't because.."

And I fill in the sentence for him - " because you wanted to make sure that everything's okay with Khushi first..i guess.....anyways will you do me a favour?"

"yes please..surely...' – he says.

I say immediately now - "ok..please will you just let her know I called when she wakes up..dont wake her up right now though..just let her sleep through for she'll feel better after..and just ask her to call me the minute she is up..i am free now for the rest of the day.."

"yes I will for sure...don't worry.."

" ok then..." and just as I am about to hang up he says – " wait.."

I ask, puzzled – " yes what is it??"

He asks sincerely, all of a sudden now – " you really love her don't you?? I asked because I can sense that even though you are probably feeling a little disturbed yourself..you do care about Khushi getting the rest she probably also needs right now..."

I admit honestly – " yes I do love her..more than anything in the world hridhaan.."and I pause as I ask on reflex – " and maybe so do you? you really love her don't you? the only reason as to why you'd want to smash your mallet around and be this concerned as well..."

He does not answer but I can sense what his silence Means.

He is in love with MY Sparkle and hes probably just realised it.

I say immediately- " and your silence tells me that I am right..perhaps??"

He sighs now as the surprised stunned tone in his voice comes through obviously– " maybe you are...but she loves you and that's what matters...and I want her happiness...even if its not with me..so I want you to know that I wish the two of the best nonetheless..."

I say sincerely – " I know you do... hridhaan.."And right then I spot Cap walk in around me as he gestures to ask me if everything was okay and I say into the phone nodding at him giving him a thumbs up and he gestures to me that he will be waiting outside as everyone was almost ready to head back to the Hotel. He walks out and I say into the phone sincerely – "im sorry for you to be caught up in between khushi and me this way Hridhaan..i don't know what else to say honestly.."

He says sincerely – " you are a good man Mr Stranger..im glad I picked up the phone to talk to you..just gives me the assurance that you will keep Khushi happy.."

I say honestly – " thank you for that Hridhaan and Khushi's happiness is my priority always..always has been ..always will be.. and I do need to hang up now..please just ask Khushi to call me back okay??"

"yes okayyy...for sure..you can trust me on that..and also on the fact that I would never cross the line ever..khushi and me are family friends and I am going to maintain the respect of that equation always.." he says sincerely.

I ask – "I know you will...but you will be okay though.. I hope so??"

He says , sincerity evident in his voice – " yes I will be...just a matter of some time maybe.."

I say honestly– " I understand...on that note..i don't really blame you for feeling the way you do for my sparkle..i know she is very special and precious..and I am truly lucky that she feels for me the way she does.."

He says sincerely – " oh yes you are lucky..indeed you are.."

"and I cherish that fact with all my heart obviously Hridhaan..."and with that I bid him bye in the next second and hang up and start to make my way out to join the rest of my team to head back to the hotel.

I do feel a little bummed out that I couldn't talk to My Sparkle yet.

But because I love her Insane – it was more important for me to make sure that she also gets the rest she needs. She's had a topsy turvy morning and I know the power nap is going to help her feel a lot better once she wakes up – like it always does.

And so for her comfort if I just had to wait a little bit – to talk to her then so be It.

Nothing could anyway stop me from reassuring her lovingly – that I didn't care a dime even if the whole wide world went around – Cross X Linking her with anyone else out there.

Why didn't I care?

Because in my Heart and Soul – I knew she was Mine. I know very well that her heart beats for me and she loves me way too deeply and intensely.

And I'd Just about Never Doubt That – Ever. Not just because of everything we have been through together until this point...but also Because as I mentioned earlier – My Love does Not Swim in Reefs or Shallow Waters – Guys.

It Scuba Dives – Deep.

Very Very Deep.

Indeed.

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

TADAAAAA!!!!!

How was the Update Guysssss?? 

Next Update : Shall now be on Monday/ Tuesday Evening.

Have a AMAZING Sunday - you all❣❣

Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support.

Much Love.

Always.

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