CHAPTER 40 - THE COURSE LESS TAKEN

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CHAPTER 40 – THE COURSE LESS TAKEN

ONE WEEK LATER

5TH FEB, 2020

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND

At the Stadium in the Stands Closer to the Grounds - 5:40 PM

Radha grins cheering on that square drive hit by her favourite player ASR as she watches it successfully hit the boundary covers. She looks at her friend Nikhil grinning and says next – " there..there...Niks..ASR is on 90 after that killer four – what a patient knock has it been by our Skipper in this fourth innings off the final test..I mean his slow and steady partnership with Cap at the moment is surely going to win us the test series as in we are only 30 runs away from the win and I most surely hope he reaches that century again...,"and she pauses and adds winking – "but then on that note if he does reach that 100 today as well which I desperately hope he does, then I am going to be super confused which of his centuries at the moment would be my favourite – the 110 knock he hit in the first innings or this one in the second innings..."

Nikhil grins at that as he says – " well I know exactly what you mean Radha and please know it won't be just you who would be confused about that bit alright , it would be me too – along with all of India back at home and given the situation at the moment in my opinion, I don't think I am anyway in a position to choose, for that beauty of a knock in the first innings was special indeed and this knock is quite special too especially given the fact that it's probably going to take us Home to victory alongside Cap's significant contribution in the day too..i mean just look at the resilience with which Cap and ASR are batting at the moment or have been at it all day today..."

Radha chuckles – " yup Niks, some awesome resilience indeed from both of them, we all know they love to bat in pair and take the bowlers for a ride as and when they can which is exactly what they are upto today too for the kiwi's are totally wondering what is it going to take them to take a wicket today – for they surely haven't been able to take either Cap's or ASR's today at all and I don't think they are going to get it too, and they will both go not out...they'v played in perfect defence and have been attacking too here and there in patches, well I am sure they both knew they had to be the ones to hold fort today if we had to chase down that total after the loss of our four wickets by the end of the last session yesterday...and yes Rohan was fantastic yesterday too with that knock off 75 but then as wickets fell in quick after his wicket with Shiv, Yuvaan, Veer scoring in just twenties/ Thirties – Cap and ASR knew that it had come to their shoulders..i mean the target of 350 runs is huge always.. "

Nikhil nods at Radha – " oh yes Radha...I am sure they knew that...and even right now I think they know they got this...the entire team in the dug outs and change rooms know that the two men out there are planning to take this home slow and steady,"and he leans forward in the stand to take a look at the game unfolding on the pitch and he sees ASR and Cap batting in solidarity slow and steady seeming in absolutely no rush to rush the game through. For they now had about 10 overs still left to be bowled before the end of the last session on Day 5 of Test Cricket and all India needed now was 25 runs to win.

Radha looks at Niks as she says next grinning – " yup...looks like that did you just notice the knowing subtle smile exchanged in between the two on the pitch as they crossed for that one run.."

Nikhil nods and smile a little – " yup...I just did...and sometimes I think to myself I don't know what am I more a fan off, their sync on the pitch or their solid friendship off the pitch..,"and he pauses and adds in a matter of fact tone – " I think both, for I am sure the comfort from the latter results in the former automatically. Perhaps??"

Radha grins – " well ofcourse Niks, I couldn't agree more and what a tour has it been for our men in blue, we shall hopefully be returning home with a win in all the series now – the T20, The ODI and the Test Too,"and she pauses and adds – "and I am so glad Niks that you came in here to join me in for a little while after our India Woman's tour finished...I mean even though we lost the final at MCG by one run , their effort , grit and spirit is surely being applauded and acknowledged in the scene of Women's cricket...globally...,"and she pauses and winks at her friend patting his shoulder – "and while I am at that I just have to say it again – I loved the last feature/report you wrote on them after the final Niks...the article is still trending.."

Nikhil chuckles a little at that – " thank you Radha but to be honest – I only wrote the truth my eyes had observed..,"and he pauses and says seriously next – " I mean I had easily spotted that dejection and low feeling in each of their frames when they were leaving the hospital that morning right?? I mean to have one of your teammates injured that way who also happened to be one of the strengths this tournament alongside Sheena and then to put that dejection and worry behind mentally and head to play the crucial final on schedule and then to fight it till that last ball...nonetheless. If this isn't a display of that mettle of steel, grit and determination. Than what is?? I think they have been fantabulous...indeed Radha, each of them deserves that due credit – and like you said in fact it's with their brilliant performance in the tri nation series , that they've grabbed the attention as a very strong women's cricketing unit internationally too for now the cricketing world feels like our woman in blue are a phenomenal unit in the making too just like our men in blue, all of a sudden the talk of women's cricket internationally has seen that shift from the dominant focus on England Women, and Australia Women too...and this is obviously a very good thing.."

Radha nods at that and she gives him a heartfelt smile next – "yes indeed Niks , this is surely huge for the womens cricket scene back at Home ..,"and she pauses and adds sincerely – "also please know it isn't just you – but me too whose been praying for the little hit girl's speedy recovery...I mean we surely want to see her dawn the blue jersey for our country super soon...because how can we ever forget that brilliant catch out that led us to the finals in the first place..,"and she pauses and adds – "also I am so sure all of the women's team must have been super glad that they got to make that stop by the hospital in Sydney on the 1st to see Khushi, before they were scheduled to fly out on the 2nd..back home.."

Nikhil admits sincerely – " yes...Radha...I'm sure they were glad about that...,"and he pauses and sighs further –" also...its anyway unfortunate that Khushi is going to be out of the cricket scene both international/domestic for a good six months plus but I have hope that she should be fine and fit to play just in time for the World Cup..i mean I surely am praying that she recovers by then Radha...remember how she had mentioned in her interview when we had asked about the upcoming tournaments she was looking forward to in the coming year and she'd mentioned the World Cup with so much excitement underlying in her tone..."

Radha nods – " yeah I remember of course..and you know what I am sure she is going to fight this through and make that comeback just in time for the World Cup...indeed...Niks,"and she pauses and says next as both of them still continue to see the test match unfolding slowly and steadily with now only 15 more runs needed for the win and ASR was at 95 too and Cap at 70 – "also know what Niks...I think Cap, ASR, Rohan and Ravi might just head back to Australia after this series...for Rohan and Cap haven't seen the little hit girl yet after her injury as in they are all close right? like a close knit group...they still have some time before England comes in to tour..i surely think they will take that detour to Australia.."

Nikhil nods – " yup..i think so too Radha..i think the four of them will fly out collectively first thing after the series finish.."

Radha nods – " yup...for ASR's family is still there too right...which is given the close relation of his sister being the little hit girl's Bhabhi...,"and she pauses and adds next – "remember how there was this huge buzz about whether ASR will come in to play the last test or not prior because of the same and at the moment I think all of India just like us is pretty glad that he did make it back here just in time given the way he has played.."

Nikhil nods at that grinning – " yup..indeed...oh look he just took a single again at 96 now...,"and he pauses and Radha adds next – " but to be honest Niks, I was and am still pretty surprised over the fact that Hridhaan Singh Rajput and Vikram Khurana returned to Auckland on the 31st Jan too..i mean ASR, Ravi, Hridhaan, Vikram were spotted at the airport in Sydney together but they just boarded to different destinations..."

Nikhil nods – " yup..the polo players surely have stuff going on with polo clubs there in Auckland for their domestic clubs back at home.."

Radha nod – " yup...I know that..yeah but I am just surprised because I just thought he would stay by his girlfriend's side longer.."

Nikhil nods – " yup..i thought so too...but anyways I guess he is scheduled to return to Sydney in a bit anyway for some affiliations on the cards with the Sydney Polo Club too and at the moment Khushi's full family is there by her side right? so maybe he just though he would finish up with his work and everything..."

Radha nods at that – "yeah maybe...anyways I am just glad Niks that we will be heading back home soon tomorrow..after this long time out..aren't you glad??"

Nikhil admits honestly – " yes I am glad Radha..infact I'm thinking of asking for a couple of days break too from Natraj sir once we are back.."

Radha nods – " yup ..me too ..but lets plan to take turns at that for you know Natraj sir will never allow us both to take the leaves together...,"and Nikhil nod at her in acknowledgement and Radha instantly clutches on the railing of the stand in glee next as she exclaims – " okayyy he is on 99 now...just that one more run Skipper and you will reach your 100 with India also now needing only 5 runs for the win..."

Nikhil returns his attention to the pitch too and just as they both see ASR cross the pitch to successfully take in that next run and score his Second Hundred within the span off two innings in the Five Days of International Test Cricket – they both stand up too on their feet – just like the rest of the Indian fans in the stands and the men in blue in the dugout and clap whole heartedly for their Captain. And Radha says grinning as she continues to cheer and Clap – " Niks...are you watching this??? His intense celebration mid pitch with Cap – I just knew it he would walk up to hug onto him first..."

Nikhil grins – " oh yes...I'm watching Radha...and zooming in and getting this on record obviously ,"and he pauses and adjusts his Camera on the small tripod next to him and adds grinning like a Happy Fan – "and there comes his epic raised salute with the bat to celebrate the century too.."

Radha says excited next unable to believe her eyes – " oh my god...Niks..is it just me or did ASR just kiss the middle of his bat not once but twice before he raised it yet again to the camera's and then to the skies above as if he were thanking God.."

Nikhil nods intrigued – " well it isn't just you Radha...I saw that too...we all did..."

Radha asks intrigued next her eyes glinting in curiosity – " and do you reckon this was because he made the second hundred in this test or is there something more to it?? I mean look at that display of happy overwhelmed emotion on his face...what if...this means something else??,"and she pauses to look sideways at Nikhil momentarily and asks – " what say Niks???? Could this be like somethings brewing up in his personal space that we have no clue about because we are so busy shipping a link up back in between Pia and him??"

Nikhil chuckles at as he says rolling his eyes – " I think its pretty much former Radha because the man got the second hundred in one test match obviously...he's surely very happy as Skipper because he knows they are in control and just a couple of runs away from victory...,"and he chuckles and adds – " you really do wish you were Sherlock Holmes weren't you at times??especially when it comes to ASR's private life but to be honest even if there were something brewing up in the background in his personal space I can't blame the man for guarding it..i mean given the fact he is still dealing with the hangover off the publicity of his last relationship.. I mean its been ages since he broke up with Pia but half of us still won't stop tailing that story for the potential TRPs it could get us yet again,"and he pauses and adds deep in thought – "I think he is just single at the moment for real and is just focusing on his game, like maybe that's the course he's chosen for a bit...,"and he nudges his friend further – " come on...stop looking so confused and puzzled at the moment Radha and focus on the game upfront...we surely have a victory to cover and report on..."

That pulls Radha out of her deep thought and puzzlement and she smiles a little on its on accord at the sight off India just 2 runs away from the win now – " well yeah...Niks...we surely have a victory to cover and also because I am really happy with the outcome of the game today - dinner and drinks on me tonight.."

Nikhil chuckles and winks – " well I am glad that I am starving then..,"and both of them share another warm laugh yet again.

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Meanwhile – At Sydney, Australia

At the Hospital – 4:00PM (Since Australia is Two Hours Behind NZ in Time)

Khushi's POV

Guys.

Please note this for Future Reference – that Being on a strict and complete bed rest kind off sucks*royally*infinity not just because you are confined to the 180-degree tangent in position on the bed – but also because – no matter much how much you actually want too - you can't Spring Up In Joy like a Springboard/Yo-Yo on the bed and Do a Crazy Dance with a Pretended guitar in Hand in the state off sheer Glee and Euphoria.

And because all of My Happiness and Glee at the moment is prohibited to come out in crazy ways in a moment of time which would otherwise have been that Crazy Springboard YO-YO Dance on my behalf for sure – Dear Heart& Mind have surely helped me channelise that bit out to at least reflect out on my face in a state off Super Happy Exhilaration which is surely accompanied by a lot of Happy Tears too – and its surely been that way for the last ten minutes or so.

I mean – Guys – How Could Dear Eyes Not Well Up In Happiness at the sight off Arnav hitting another century in the final innings of the Test in a knock that was truly a Skipper's Knock alongside Cap – to lead us To Victory in the Test Series Too.

He Did It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He actually Freaking Did It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He hit Two freaking Hundreds in the Span of Five Days of Test Cricket. And in the Innings today – he also Went 103 Not Out.

Dear Eyes Welled Up in Immense Happiness the minute he took that run to score in the Hundred and the celebration that he indulged in next on the field obviously stumped Dear Heart with so much emotion – yet again.

I mean – He Just Had to Hug Cap in that Emotional Way.(For Cap knew right what he had planned out in His Head? That he was aiming for Two Hundreds in the Test? Like one on my behalf too – kind of thing??)

And then of course – The Cheeky Him just had to Kiss on His Bat Twice too before raising it to the crowd/cameras again for the Second time with so much emotion on his face before raising it to the Skies to thank God, because he surely knew I was watching Na.

And I obviously know very well that – He did that Gesture just for Me Too.( I have already left him a super emotional text about the same, obviously)

Actually Not Just Me – everyone around me also wouldn't stop smiling at that point.And actually at the moment right now too – it isn't just me who is feeling all engulfed in Happiness at seeing Arnav celebrate the Win with the Team on TV.

It's Us All – as in Dad, Mom, Abhi Dad, Reva Mom, Superbro, Anj and Akash.

I wipe the trail off my Happy tears off my cheeks now as I hear Bhai's say – " Junior...come on...stop crying na...even though we know it's out of happiness..at the moment..," and he pauses and adds next smiling – " also I think its time we get that wedged up position down..Arnav left me in charge on that 30 minute time limit now didn't he?? He's surely going to ask me if I kept up with it..as usual"

Oh Yes.

Guys.

My Skipper Blue – left all sorts of 'Care for My Sparkle' Duties to everyone around me in his absence. Like even though he surely knew that they were going to be on Caring Spree on their own accord anyway – but he just had too voice it all to everyone nonetheless before he was Leaving too.

I look at Bhai as I say in protest now – " superbro please...you anyway only let me wedge up the bed when Arnav was on 98...okk acha let me at least be up until he gives the interview and celebrates with the trophy and everything and gets the player of the match award too..come on superbro...we all know he is going to be judged the player of the match too for sure..."

Anj, Akash, join in Superbro in the ganging up on me as they say in unison – " no no..junior..we will wedge you up again once that bit of the post-match presentation comes up...there's still a couple of minutes to that...you need to lie back.."

I sigh a little but I nod in agreement and Bhai adjusts me back to the 180degree tangent straight and I just turn my head sideways on the pillow to the side to look at the sight of Our Dad's and Mom's grinning and high-fiving each other in Happiness.

I see Abhi Dad grin and say now hugging onto Dad – " Sagar..i most surely knew for sure that Arnav wasn't going to lose his wicket today. He most surely was going to make that 100 on Khushi's behalf too just like he said he would..."

Mom hugs on Reva Mom and Reva Mom says grinning – " exactly Nisha..now if Khushi wants Arnav to play on her behalf too than I am hundred percent sure that he's going to give the bowlers an additional hard time this year..indeed..."

I can't help but smile as I exchange a Amused Happy Look with Superbro – Anj – Akash and they say in unison too looking at our parents happily – "well we agree to that...he's surely going to give a bowlers a tough time on Juniors accord too right?? the kiwi's can't believe the fact that they couldn't take his wicket in 6 freaking hours of resilient and patient test cricket today..."

I wipe a happy trail of tears running down my cheek yet again at that and we all share a Happy Chuckle again and I say to all – " I know you all want me to wipe my happy tears thike? but nope...I just can't..not right now...but don't any off you tell Arnav that I cried this way thike???? pleaseee...."

Anj bends forward to kiss my forhead lovingly and she says – " then just let them flow..junior..just let them flow...and okay..we won't tell him.."

I look at everyone for confirmation and just as Everyone nods at me lovingly in an instant understanding – I let the Happy Tears Flow.

It's Truly Helping Guys.

Just the thought that I know in my head that he is also playing on my behalf and is going to do so for sure until I can't – is surely helping me cope up with the ache within at some levels atleast.

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25 Minutes Later

Khushi's POV Continues

Ok.

So.

At the moment – I am just super glad that I convinced our Mom's, Dad's, Akash, Superbro, Anj to step out to just take that quick snack and coffee break, because I know Arnav is now about to reach the dressing room any second from now as the celebrations and post match presentation has ended – and he is surely going to read the string of texts I left to him as usual throughout the day while he was playing and is going to reply Now.

And we are going to get on with Our Little Chat.

Yipeeee!!

Dear Heart is already Leaping up in Joy at that – yet again.

I am right on that thought when the phone beeps in My Hand.

It's Him.

Obviously.

I head to WhatsApp – immediately.

Him : Hey you...Sparkle...just got to the dressing room...everyones going crazy in celebrations still...and I just switched on the phone and went through your strings of texts and messaging you the first second I finished reading them.Thank you Love for your wonderful wishes as always.Also... Please tell me you weren't wedged up for Long in bed though? during that last bit?? I am sure you blackmailed Rahul, Anj, Akash into it emotionally.Also – I hope you didn't cry much as I took in that run to complete the second Hundred. I am sure they were tears of Happiness though but still – you know I am not friends with your Tears.

I smile as I read that.

Ok.

Wait.

I am grinning.

Me : Hey you....my skipper blue...I know you already read my crazy long last message to this one prior my love..but I just got to say this again. You were freaking MAGNIFICIENT – my Love.Like today was just one of those Days yaaa- like a day off Test cricket at it's freaking Best. You and Cap at your Freaking Best. And to be honest – I did try to coax them emotionally into a couple of minute's extra wedge up bit, but they did not allow me thike? Bhai was all like – superstrict on that and everyone ganged up with him obviously especially Anj and Akash. They only wedged me up when you were on 98 and then for a couple of minutes in the post -match presentation. I saw most of the match otherwise lying down on the TV or sometimes by holding up my tab upfront to my face. So don't worry about that thike? I promised you na that I will be taking all the extra bits of care.

Him : its good that everyone was super strict with you on that Sparkle. and I am glad you listened and are taking that extra care Sparkle. You just have to Take all that extra Care. You know that don't you??

Me : ofcourse I know ya love. achaaa listen na...I just can't freaking believe it still though that – You Freaking Actually Made Two Hundreds in the Span of Five Days of Test Cricket...Like Oh My Freaking Cricketing Gods – do you have any idea how crazy we all are going Here???????? Also even Jess texted me that everyone back there at home on the ground within practice everyone is going Nuts celebrating the Victory for you all.And lets not even get started with the Buzz up about the same in the media+ online world. I am so so so so happy for you my love. And yes wait..i forgot to mention this prior even though you asked - I cried obviously thike as you completed that second hundred..but just thoda thoda love..i did not cry much..couldn't help it alright..they were all happy emotional tears...(hearts)

My phone beeps in ten seconds.

Him : what do you mean you can't believe it Sparkle that I actually hit that second hundred?? I mean – I promised you didn't I??? that I was going to play on your behalf and do not be mistaken at all my love. Technically the double hundred comes under my name in stats – but we both know it in our hearts and just like my first hundred in the first innings was for YOU – this second One today was for You Too. Both My Hundreds in this Span of Five Days were For You- My Love. And – also – am pretty sure you are lying on the latter bit. You didn't just cry thoda thoda – you cried quite a bit didn't you??

Ok.

Now my eyes Well up again on Reflex.

Before I can even write anything to that. My Phone beeps with his text again.

Him : Ask Dear eyes to take it easy on the Tear Gland please Sparkle. I am sure your eyes have welled up again.

I chuckle through my tears now as I reply.

Me : okayyy...seriously love..really? there's no one here at the moment so I know you aren't getting any live texts from anyone about my expressions. So please just stop reading into them so aptly as usual for I just feel like I am going to tear up in Happiness again.And please – no – not fair thike? I just told you to hit one hundred on my behalf – so its like one is mine and one is your's for record in our cricketing emotions.(Winks)

Him : Nope. I don't agree Sparkle. Both are for You – Period. No more Banter on this please.

I chuckle to myself.

Me : acha acha thike...I will banter over this with you once I see you tomorrow.(winks and hearts)

Him : Sparkle..you know this don't you?? the happiness on my face after the victory was more to do with the fact that the series was now over and that I am scheduled to fly out first thing out to you. Also guess what – Cap, Ravi, Rohan and me might just take the flight out tonight itself love instead of the one tomorrow morning. Ravi is looking up if our change is possible. Cap and Rohan agree too that if we are able to change it and fly out tonight itself from here, than it will be good. And to be Honest – works Great for Me – Indeed. I just can't wait to be by your side.

Me : yes love I know that but... ufff ya love noooo I mean as eager as I am to see you too – please just be there with the team tonight and celebrate na? like celebrate the end off all of your's amazing tour before you come out here. You aren't even flying back with them. Please love...pretty please...aap kal hi aajaana( please come tomorrow as per schedule). Like where am I going ya?? Just here only on the bed and everyone is here with me na?? please celebrate with all – or I will feel guilty.And I know you wouldn't want the feeling of guilt to weigh me down na?? so done then...please you come as per your prior schedule..thike?

I tap send.

Him : Godammit Sparkle – why do you have to put it out that way??? I am not convinced yet though. If Ravi says we are able to arrange the change. I am coming tonight. I will celebrate with everyone at the hotel until then.

Me : areee why at just the Hotel??? Go out na love for like an early dinner and drinks and stuff? It would be fun na.Everyone must be so Happy at the moment.

Him : Sparkle, even though I am happy in my professional cricketing emotions – I think more of it has everything to do with the fact that I feel all good thinking that I was able to keep up my word to you...my love...Sparkle..please...do not ask me to wait longer to come to you...please..you know very well how tough these last couple of days for me have been apart from you in real time..also how can you even think I will go around in crazy celebrations out when you are in the Hospital on bedrest..?? just a casual meet up with all in the hotel will suffice love. I am not interested to Head Out. I am not going to.

Dear Heart swells with emotion – obviously.

Me : areee then that's what na!! now you have to celebrate on my behalf too na but thike..as you wish love. Acha also now that you put it that way I won't ask you to wait longer too – if Ravi says that a change is possible for you all - then you come tonight thike???

Him : yes thikeeee Sparkle. I love you. Also I missed you all day.Insane. Because given the full day of test cricket that it was – it led to us chatting after hours.

Me : I love you too so muchhh too my love infact you know what I sent everyone to take a little snack break because I knew you were going to message first thing out after you reached the dressing room which would lead us to get into a chat and I just wanted to be alone for a bit too or you know everyone is going to go nuts teasing me insane after yet another observation of emotional lost in love expressions on my face every time I chat with you in front of them.(blushessss) acha anyway – you freshened up?? Relaxed?? You do have to head back to the hotel soon na love??

Him : yes I do have to get to that Sparkle. I just needed to connect with you first.

Me : achaaa now you freshen up love and message me when you reach back to the Hotel thike? we will video call then? I will wait for you...(hearts) now pakka se don't reply or we will continue chatting.

Him : how about you don't reply to this text of mine Sparkle. I love you...and I am coming to you soon...can't freaking wait dammit....

Me : haha..my love...you know na I cannot like not text back thike??? Ravage kisses my love...can't wait to see you too my love...just can't wait too...( hearts) now pakka se wala don't reply na baba.

And I tap send to that and keep my phone aside on the sidetable by stretching out my hand, I return to taking deep breathes after as I wipe a trail of an overwhelmed bittersweet tear out of the corner of my eye – yet again.

Why An Overwhelmed Bittersweet Tear?

Because – I couldn't wait to see Arnav because just seeing him by my side for the next one week or so was going to give me the strength to take on the Time after.For I  knew very well that the Course Up Ahead in front of me for the set of the next six months was going to be full off a mixture of similar overwhelmed bittersweet tears indeed.

And now – that Arnav was probably going to come tonight itself – I think its also Wise that I start talking about my view with regards to the Course ahead to everyone first now the minute they are back from the snack break.

Dear Heart & Mind – you know right that the only reason why I waited until this point to talk to them all was because I did not want any of my loved ones to feel like this was me dishing out some sort of a disregard or disrespect towards their sincere and warm love and care for me.

Dear Heart and Mind – nod in Unison.Yup – K. We know that ofcourse. But yes we think the time is Here now. To just talk to everyone first – before Arnav comes in tonight. For you do need to know what everyone will feel about this before you talk to Arnav.

Yup.

I couldn't Push this Discussion out Longer.

I knew – I Just Couldn't.

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

Ten Minutes Later

In Khushi's Room@ The Hospital

To say that everyone stood Zapped and Shocked at the moment looking at one another engulfed in a state of Blankness would be an understatement for sure. For none of them had expected Khushi to discuss the bits that had been revolving on her mind. It was not the act of discussion that had sent them all into that state of shock + blankness obviously.

It was the Subject + The Context in Discussion.

Sagar, Nisha, Abhimanyu and Reva are continuously gaping at one another in blankness just like Akash, Anjali and Rahul are too with all of them grouped around Khushi's hospital bed with Rahul+ Anjali+ Akash huddled upfront by her foot side and Sagar and Nisha on her right side of the bed and Abhi and Reva on her left side of the bed.

Khushi gulps down her intense emotions as she looks at the zapped and shocked and dazed faces of all in front of her and she says softly looking from side to side by shaking her bed on the pillow and then looking upfront at her Superbro, Anj and Akash – " please...say something....Mom , Dad, Abhi Dad, Reva Mom, Superbro, anj, Akash...atleast one of you say something na..please?? don't look at me like this in this dazed silence na thike?? please..."

Khushi's soft trembling with emotion voice pulls Rahul out of his daze first as he asks shaking his head in disbelief sure that his little sister could sense the little angry emotion in his voice – " Junior...have you lost your mind??? You want us to say something?? to this?? Just what bomb have you dropped on us all at the moment? Haan?? Obviously we are too shocked to react...are you crazy???? No..no...I do not even want to react to this...this is not happening..so not happening.."

Anjali rubs on Rahul's arm lovingly as she spots Khushi's eyes well up at that and she whispers in her husband's ears – " Rahul..please?? control that tone of anger in your voice...junior is the one in the hospital bed at the moment..."

Akash shakes his head in disbelief too looking at Khushi – " Junior...no...I can't believe what I heard too..i'am sorry, for the first time ever I do not want to comprehend what you are saying too indeed..."

Khushi gulps down her tears and she looks towards Sagar and Nisha next as she asks softly – " Mom, Dad..please...you both say something..first atleast?? Please?? superbro is getting all angry at me for this...but you both tell me...you understand na??,"and when she sees them continue to gape at her in a daze as they begin to shake their heads in disbelief too she looks at Reva and Abhi and asks – " abhi dad, reva mom..please...say something..,"and she closes her eyes at that as a trail of tears falls on her cheeks and she says softly – " please any of you..just say something..."

Nisha and Reva exchange a subtle dazed nod with each other and so do Sagar and Abhi and the parents take seat on each of Khushi's bed side now and Nisha rubs on Khushi's forehead lovingly even though she was in daze and she says softly – "we heard you Khushi..beta but..,"and she pauses and sighs and Sagar adds in disbelief too – " but we can't believe what we just heard..Khushi..how can you even suggest such a thing to us..."

Abhi and Reva nod too as Reva kisses Khushi's forehead – " you didn't just say what you did right khushi beta..please??

Anjali says next her eyes welling up a little on its own accord as she rubs on Rahul's arm in support as he's closed his eyes feeling all bad for using that little angry tone on his Junior at the moment – " Junior...you'v just taken us all aback by this...I mean none of us could ever imagine this was what was revolving around on your mind..i mean when you said that you wanted to talk to us all urgently and importantly after we got back from the café..none of us even imagined that you would say this.."

Rahul now opens his eyes and looks at his little sister in the eye and asks his gaze searching her's for answers – " junior..please...just tell me once that you didn't just say to us all – that you want us to cancel all our plans for shifting you back to India with us in the coming week in the air ambulance...please just tell me..that you didn't just say to us all that you want to stay put here in Sydney for the next so many months all by your self– please tell us that you didn't just say that even after the period of bed rest is over you are keen on getting your physiotherapy and rehab treatment right here in this hospitals extended sport physio& rehabilitation facility – please tell me that you didn't just say to us all that you aren't going to return Home for the next six months until you recover – please tell us that you just didn't imply to us that – you prefer to stay here in a foreign land all by yourself and wade your way through that uphill task of recovery instead of coming Home with us...please...junior...please tell us that you didn't just say all of this..at all..."

Khushi eyes well up more on reflex as she looks into her brothers eyes and admits honestly – " I'm sorry Superbro..i cannot deny my words...I said exactly what you all heard....,"and she pauses and looks at all one by one and adds in further explanation – " please..you all please..just hear me out completely first...before just refusing to process this thought blatantly.. please.."

Nisha sighs as she now gestures Rahul to stay silent for a bit and let Khushi explain further and she says kissing on her daughters head – " fine beta...lets hear you out..explain this to us...,"and she exchanges a look with Sagar, Abhi and Reva.

Akash, Anj exchange a look with Rahul too gesturing him to just keep his cool and Akash and Anj nod at Khushi as they say fighting a collective sigh knowing very well that their brother was going to lose his marbles over this when he heard this in the first place – " ok...go on junior..tell us.."

Khushi nods and takes deep breathe and wipes a fresh line of tears and clutches on both Nisha&Sagars hand collectively on one side and then on Abhi & Reva's on the other side too and she says channelising all her strength from within speaking her heart and mind out openly – "so yes..obviously..i know about all the arrangements you all have been making for me...I know bhai, Anj, Akash that you'v arranged the air ambulance and everything...I know Mom that you are working on getting everything back at home set up for my bedrest situation too like having a similar movable hospital height cot set up in my room closer to the bathroom since I am not allowed to be on my feet longer with all the added aids and everything to be by my side,"and she pauses and adds – " and I know Dad, that on Arnav's suggestion you, Sagar Dad and Superbro and Akash have already also spoken to the physiotherapists and sport rehab doctors back in delhi about my case well in advance...I know all of that...I know you all have spent this last whole week planning this all out..which was why I was taking my time to just rethink over the course my mind was suggesting otherwise for it's way too different from the one you all were planning right?? I did not want to disrespect your care or hurt you...please know it isn't my intention to hurt any of you with this...but somehow in my mind – It still feels like this is the course I want to wade through...it feels right within..."

Nisha, Sagar, Abhi, Reva ask in unison – " but you are suggesting that you be here all by yourself in the sport rehabilitation centre from the minute they discharge you from the hospital on 12th beta? As in you are saying that you want to complete your bed rest period also there under the medical supervision of that center and also undergo further physio and rehab right there...you want to live in a rehab centre here all by yourself for the next six months?? Rather than come Home??????????"

Rahul adds next trying his best to control his anger – " and then ofcourse you also mentioned junior that you want us all to fly back home the minute you are shifted into the sport rehab facility under the doctors care here...like I can't believe what I am hearing..you want all of us to leave you here all alone by yourself and just go back?????????????????? Yup...you surely have lost it..."

Khushi sighs as she looks at all and says honestly and sincerely – "superbro..ofcourse you all have to go back na as in until when will you all be here na with me?? like you'v all left everything back at home as is and have been here by my side nonetheless...and I love that obviously...each of your's love and support over this time has given me the strength to take this call for myself bhai...,"and she pauses as Rahul adds in disbelief – " junior..pleasee...,"and Khushi sighs and adds further – "look I can't be so selfish alright?? until when can I expect you all to be here haan?? Bhai ..you and anj just began your married life...and on top of that both of you along with Dad, Abhi Dad, Mom, Reva Mom, Akash – each of you has left everything with regards to home and work and have just been here...don't I know what all has been on pause at the backend?? At home?? Because of the same?????"

Nisha sighs at that as she says – " but khushi beta...you are our little baby..how can we just leave you like that and go back? No my heart does not agree..it doesn't.."

Sagar, Abhi, Reva nod in unison – " nor does ours.."

Anjali says next – " junior...you even requested Hridhaan and Vikram to resume their work back in NZ and go back with bhai and ravi...understandable...you even requested the rest of your team to go on as is staying positive and play with grit and determination in the upcoming matches for the country when they all came in on the 1st to visit you..understandable..even though Jess wanted to stay by your side here longer..you coaxed her into leaving with the unit because off South Africa coming in to tour soon and you didn't want her to miss out on the practice and training for the same...understandable....but now...you are even asking us to leave??? Us????we are your family.."

Akash nods – " exactly junior...we are your family and family means we stand by each other...come what may..."

Khushi nods as she says – " yes exactly...and who says that you all wont be there with me haan? You all will be alright?? like virtually in too, and in my heart and in my spirit always...look home+ family its an emotion na?? and I surely have been blessed with all of you so much so that I am lucky to experience the feel of that emotion anywhere...be it here or actually figuratively back at home in India...,"and she pauses and looks at both the parents side to side and next says honestly – " and I am not asking anyone to go right now na thike? it's the 5th Feb today..i want all of you to be here for me another week or so – so that I can take more power from all of yours love for me and face this low tide in my life head on after...,"and her eyes well up emotionally as she clutches on her Dads and Mom's hand tighter – " Mom, Dad, I know you both and Superbro have always protected me insane...you all have been like that shield in front of me from come what may always but is it also the three of you who taught me in all through those low and bullying incidents in life – that come what may it all kind of starts within right? no matter how much support around – if I won't stand up for my own fighting spirit than no sense of conviction and self- belief can last long term right? and at the moment it just feels like I need to do this for myself first before anything else too as in – as much as I know you all want to protect me yet again I just feel like it will be more liberating within if I take this course through independently...as in with you all still by my side virtually and in emotion obviously...,"and she pauses and adds – " please understand everyone...I want to do this for myself thike?? I know this low phase is probably expecting me to break down and go into like a shell and I just feel like if I just tell this to myself head on that I can face this independently by throwing myself in a new environment rather than going back to my safe zone I am going to come out off it as a stronger person within and I am not just talking about the physical recovery...im talking about the state of my mind..i can grow through this as a stronger person within...I can actually rise through this independently...I can fight this everyone...and I will...I assure you all...I will.."

Everyone sighs as they exchange overwhelmed glances and Rahul asks dejected – " seriously?? You really have made up your mind junior?? you won't come back Home for the next six months? Until you recover for good??"

Khushi sighs and nods wiping another tear from her eye as she clutches on her parents hand again and then clutches on Abhi and Reva's – " I can't come home to India until I completely recover...until I can pick up my bat again...please...I need to do this..for myself..this is important to me...I want to walk out of this country standing on my own two feet and not in the air ambulance...please.."

Anj and Akash sigh as they exchange an overwhelmed glance yet again and say in unison next – " bhai is going to go blazing guns when he hears this Junior...which is probably one of the reasosn you haven't spoken to him about this yet.."

Khushi nods as she looks at all – " yes...I know which is why I want to talk to him about this face to face ..for we are going to be at odds at this point but we will talk it through...we always talk through our difference in opinions to find that common ground.."

Reva sighs and nods and exchanges a sincere look with Sagar, Nisha and Abhi, Anj, Rahul and Akash as she says – " this from you is going to shock Arnav immensely Khushi beta..."

Khushi nods as she says wiping her tear – " I know..it will...Reva mom,"and she sighs and admits her another vulnerable sincere reason for chosing to stay back in Australia instead for all these months – "and to be honest to you all another reason why I am opting to chose to stay here for all these months instead is Arnav...too...as in only because I love him the way I do..and because I know he loves me the way he does...I need to do this not just for myself ...but for him too..."

That surprises everyone in a dazed shock yet again and they ask in unison – " what do you mean?? for Arnav too??"

Khushi looks at everyone and says sincerely - " you all know him na?? you know how he is when it comes to me..right?? and he loves me so much...and I just feel like if I go back home as in to Delhi and am on bed rest for all those months confined to my room and then in rehab and physio later – he will do just about anything to find ways to travel and just come be by myside at every chance or a drop of a hat for all his tours are in India now mostly until end June anyway with England coming in for that month long tour first in a while from now, and then the IPL and than Sri Lanka coming in to tour too after and even though I won't be the one playing for all these months but he will be right and his matches are all over India and not just Delhi. And he is the Skipper afterall be it our men in blue unit or his IPL franchise – and I'd hate to be like that point of personal conflict in his head where in he will be torn in between keeping up with his Skipper duties or just coming to be by myside in our personal space in real time only because I am confined to be stagnant in one space...so I just don't want to give him that thought of conflict within at all in the first place...if I am here...in Sydney there is no way that he'd feel torn in any sort of conflict to travel back and forth anyway for as Skipper its important to him to be by the teams side on tours and in hotels right?? and this way we will still continue to be together always – nonetheless – virtually...for we all know he barely has any breaks scheduled beech mein na???? ,"and she pauses momentarily and adds next sure that the emotion was evident in her voice to all – " look..everyone..Arnav has never let his low overshadow my highs...even when we were going through different momentums in our careers last year after the world cup stuff where in he and the team were facing this backlash and things reached a high for me in Kia Super league and after and I just can't simply let my low at the moment overshadow his Highs ever...we all know he's been playing in intense form and momentum...no no..no...I promised myself..my lows can never overshadow his High's..ever...please...you all understand na??? please???? I have listed out all of my reasons to you all now honestly and sincerely...please tell me that even if you don't understand completely atleast you all are in a state of mind to think of processing this through?? I need to do this for myself..for you all..for Arnav too...I just need to prove it first to myself in my very own eyes that I am capable of dealing with this independently by choice..i want to chose the harder way out..i want to chose that Course less taken because I know that's where my growth lies as an individual perhaps? that's why this happened to me..that's why this happened..to..m...,"and she pauses and keep her hand on her eyes next to cover them as fresh emotional tears ooze out her eyes as she breaks down momentarily.

The emotion with which Khushi had just finished saying all of what she had just said touches a deep chord within everyone's heart finally and they all exchange silent emotional glances and Sagar and Nisha bend forward to kiss her head first as they say in unison – " beta...don't cry please??? now that you put it this way..maybe we can think this through..give us time to process this beta..please?? just stop crying.."

Abhi and Reva bend forward and kiss her head one by one too and add too – "khushi beta..please...stop crying this way please...give us time to just think this through.."

Khushi pulls her hands off her face and says softly next to both her parents and Abhi and Reva – " thank you for just saying that..thank you Mom, Dad, Abhi Dad, Reva Mom, thank you...,"and she pauses and looks up ahead at her Superbro + Anj+ Akash emotionally engulfed face and she asks softly – " won't the three of you say anything??"

Rahul sighs as he says next unable to take in the overwhelmed look on his Juniors face – " well...I think Arnav is going to video call you soon junior any minute now..the minute he reaches the hotel and if you do not want him to notice your eyes red and bloodshot at the moment...you most surely need to stop crying this very minute...for sure..."

Anjali and Akash nod in unison as they say – " indeed...junior...you know or bhai will spot it..first thing out..."

Khushi nods at them all and wipes the line of her tears away knowing that this was her Superbro's/Anj/Akash's way of telling her that they would be processing her thoughts in their heads now for sure.

Khushi says softly next – " If he spots my eyes red na ill just tell him that they were tears of happiness over his test performance..to cover up..until he comes...for once he is here I will talk to him...openly ofcourse...please..you all just guard this for me till then?? Ill talk to him tomorrow pakka se..."

Everyone nods at her in an Understanding.

Nisha and Reva begin to help Khushi with drinking some water next first and while Khushi is sipping on her water with Nisha's support to the back of her neck and Reva holding up the glass of water to her to help her drink – everyone continued to exchange emotional glances and gestures amongst themselves.

For as much as they were trying to process her reasons it still ached their hearts to know that – Khushi – wanted to tread down this Course Less Taken but nonetheless after hearing her out – each of them were also completely taken aback by that fighting spirit within Her who always believed in being brutally honest and transparent to her close ones – speaking her heart Out.

Just as Khushi finishes sipping on her water – she says to all giving them a soft smile feeling all light within at finally talking it all out – " also everyone..guess what?? I have come up with that perfect plan to keep myself busy in all these months of bed rest too...and before any of you ask me what it is..i will only tell you all...and mom, I most surely will be needing your help on this to arrange the courier of all my stuff from back in India on this ,"and she pauses and says in a matter of fact tone giving a thumbs up to everyone upfront – " courier of what? my books ofcourse....I am surely going to spend all my time studying like crazy as in when I am not watching Arnav play that is...like I am thinking to myself that I finish up as much portion I can off my this next semester in my correspondence course too.. waise bhi its my last semester..I mean now that I am supposed to be on bed..i might as well give my books some more attention na ..its only fair.. they are always craving for some of it feeling all jealous of my bats....,"and she pauses and adds – " like see if I hold a book upfront on my face like this while lying down on my back straight too – I can surely study very very comfortably...just wont be able to make crazy notes though like I love too...oops...but hey that's okay..chalega..."

That makes everyone share a warm emotional chuckle and Nisha adds wiping her tears kissing her little girls head again – " well that's a good idea beta..and I will arrange for your courier of books to be sent here first thing out...okay?? Right Sagar??"

Sagar Nods at that as he says – " ofcourse Nisha..i'm going to have someone from office get to it immediately too...,"and he pauses and kisses on Khushi's head too next again wondering a vulnerable thought to himself in his Head.

The Thought that - Just When did his Little girl Grow Up So Fast ???

Just When????

For as much as it ached him within to know what she wanted for Herself at the moment – he couldn't help but feel proud within at her conviction in her self- belief, strength and courage for wanting to tread this independently for herself driven by that power of her selfless love for the man she loved.

He was proud off her – for just wanting to Tread down that - Course Less Taken – Indeed.

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TADAAAA.

How was the Update Guysssss?? 

Next Update : Will be doing my best to Give the next Update on Thursday Evening.Otherwise On Friday for sure!  And incase the update comes on Thursday night it will be usual three updates in the week - otherwise two for this week if I am able to Post on Friday.

Happy Pongal/ Makarsakranti/ Lodi to you all in advance for everyone who celebrates❤❤🙏🙏

Please Stay Safe everyoneeeeeeeeeee!!!

And as i finshed posting this Chapter 40 today I do want to say that we have all now also steered into that Last Leg of Hit Wicket My Heart 2.0.( And I am obviously quite emotional thinking that I am now about to step into writing that last leg of Chapters before I list the journey of Stranger and Sparkle complete too and by last leg I mean the last ten - fifteen chapters and epilogues❤❤❤😇😇😇🙏🙏)

Thanks guys, for all the Love and Support.

Much Love.

Always.

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