CHAPTER 43.1 – TIME – THE 'HEALER'

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And I shall now let you Dive In – without further Delay.

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CHAPTER 43.1 – TIME – THE 'HEALER'

48 MORE DAYS LATER

31ST MAY, 2020

@ THE FIROZ SHAH KOTLA CRICKET STADIUM, NEW DELHI

4:30 PM

Nikhil high- fives Radha happily yet again as he says grinning – " that's it Radha, the game is as good as over. One more wicket down for Bangladesh and they are at 240-8. I told you even yesterday that to chase down a massive total of 450 on the last fifth day of Test Cricket isn't easy for any side, especially given the bowling attack we have in our home conditions. I mean look at that mini celebration on field already and to be honest if I were in their place playing for now, I'd be like a perpetual jumping jack on ASR too just like Ravi is for he just got that five wicket haul..well..well..well we are totally going to win the first test with a huge margin of over 200 runs for sure.."

Radha and Nikhil along with many other sport reporters for various different dailies in the country were at the Firoz Shah Kotla Cricket Stadium covering up the First Test unfolding in between of India and Bangladesh in the Ongoing International 3- Match Test Series. The stadium was also 80 percent jamm packed with Test Cricket fans who were continuously hooting for the Team.

Radha grins and winks at her buddy and adds simultaneously while making quick notes for her report cover – " well Niks, I could easily say that for myself too that I'd be the one to jump on ASR in happiness too if I were in Ravi's place at the moment indeed..and I hope we do win it with that 200 run margin for I hope that our bowlers are able to bowl out Bangladesh for 250..."

Nikhil grins and adds – " oh I am pretty sure that – that is exactly what is going to happen Radha..I mean Ravi might just get a six wicket haul this innings..."

Radha nods and grins – " and I really hope that he does...I mean it's been an commendable game of test cricket these last five days ya Niks and not to forget we are in the end of May technically for June starts tomorrow..its crazy hot out there...hats off to both these teams on the field for playing under these intense conditions....,"and she pauses and adds looking out at the pitch – " there comes Ravi in with the next ball.."

They also continue to watch the match side by side.

Nikhil nods at that as he says – " well this is exactly what they continuously train for anyway Radha to play in any conditions, come what may...,"and he pauses and adds with a playful wink – " or you mean to say that hats off to ASR for that second hundred this test match too..."

Radha chuckles at that as she adds – " well yes ofcourse..Niks ..for he was beyond just phenomenal but to be fair enough so was the rest of the team ya..I mean if it wasn't for their collective performance with the bat and ball we wouldn't have managed such a huge lead by the end of Bangladesh's first innings too..so yeah...,"and she pauses and adds with a grin looking at Rohan, Cap and ASR deep in conversation in the field before calling in Singh to bowl in the next over – " just look at that Rohan...I mean this is what awe's me every single time I see a sight like this..I mean look at ASR, Cap and Rohan..on the field right now..who could say that until two weeks ago , the three of them were playing for rival franchises in the IPL in the semi's and finals...and to be honest it isn't just them..who could say that until two weeks ago, all these players were mostly playing as opponents.."

The IPL had finished around the 14th May. Bangalore and Chennai had played the Semi-s with Chennai making it to the finals in a thrilling super over win and Mumbai had won the Finals with just- 2 Runs over Chennai. The players had about 10 days of break after the IPL finished before they recollected again as a national unit on the 24th for the First Test Match to be played in Delhi in between 27th May – 31st May.They were headed to Chennai in two days for the Second Test.

Nikhil nods grinning – " well that is the beauty of this game isn't it Radha..,"and they continue watching Singh bowl the over which turned out to be the maiden as the batsmen continued to defend.

Radha says next as the over finishes – "knew it...that ASR is going to hand the next over to Ravi again..he's been in intense momentum..."

Nikhil nods and after a couple of minutes as they continue chatting casually he pauses in the talk and he jumps up in his seat in excitement as Ravi clean bowls the batsmen on the crease and claims the 6th wicket for himself.

Radha and Nikhil high -five again and they exclaim in glee – "there you go...six wicket for Him just like we predicted..,"and Radha pauses and adds loving the celebration on field and in the stadium – " but tell me Niks...don't you actually think so too that there is something very different about the way in which ASR has been playing since the past couple of months, I mean be it any format, ODI, T20, IPL or even Test – I mean the bowlers really have to kill to get his wicket..it's been insanely difficult to just get him out...he's playing with some immense grit on his mind surely...and with such consistency too"

Nikhil chuckles at that as he adds with a nod – " well I agree too Radha..I mean just this morning I received this funny meme on whatsapp about the same..i will forward it to you,"and he pauses and adds – " but jokes apart..yes..he's been more fierce and yet fearless at the same time..it's almost like he is playing and reading a pitch with a new found mission in his head...I am sure this has all to do with the bit that his efforts and dedication can be seen by all and should not stir up any more captaincy debates...I mean with the ICC Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup lined up soon – I am sure that would be the last thing he would want to find himself dealing with mentally as Skipper at the moment..he is letting his bat talk..."

Radha nods at that as she says – " yup...I know what you mean..,"and the two of them continue to see the almost won match Radha nudges Nikhil in his arm as she asks playfully – " but c'mon..admit it Niks..the smile up your face today isn't just because we are about to win the Test Match..it's also got everything to do with the fact that in our women's T20 domestic tournament this time Delhi won the Cup in this morning's final game and that viral picture up online of the Little Hit Girl entering the hospital alongside her family for her scan an hour ago...but too bad we couldn't get a clear glimpse of her though yet so we don't know if she is walking on her feet comfortably or still using assistance and help"

Nikhil grins at that as he adds in happily – " well of course Radha, my grin has everything to do with that too – I mean even though I would be grinning wider if we had a glimpse of her clearly for she has been underground and resting for months right? but I guess we will know soon nonetheless..for now that we look at the estimation of her health progress... her four months bed rest period finished a couple of days ago right? so my fingers are all crossed...I am sure we will see her walking out the hospital on her two feet...and then with some intense months of rehab..hopefully she will make the cut in time for the World Cup Squad..."

Radha nods and winks – " well fingers crossed here too Niks..I mean it will be great for our team to go to Australia again for the T20 World Cup with the Little hit girl being the part of the squad.....also on that note..I have to say that I love the fact that now there's so much more genuine interest in not just women in cricket in our country but in just women in sports generally...I mean it's not like an intense tide or something..but atleast its much much better than before na...like you know what...I have news that with West Indies Women coming in to tour soon...actually for real in Dharamshala for the first T20 – the tickets are already like 50 percent sold..."

Nikhil grins and adds – " I know right...and correction friend...It's more than 60 percent sold out already..,"and he pauses as they both high- five happily cheering on each other and Radha say's – "we should go on to do that second leg of women in sport campaign coverage like soon on all our media handles Niks... like I am sure Natraj sir wouldn't mind.."

Nikhil grins and adds – " well he would be crazy to mind..remember how he was buzzing happily over the success of the first campaign in terms of numbers??"

Radha nods at him happily at that – " ofcourse I remember ya Niks...remind me to talk to him about it the minute we get back to office in a while from now..I mean How long will the last batsmen keep defending anyway...he hasn't scored at all for the last two overs..."

Nikhil nods at Radha at that as he says – " well its just last three overs remaining anyway...until the game ends...come on partner..lets watch India win this one too..."

Radha and Nikhil both high five each other again and it is right then that Nikhil phone beeps and as he looks into it he adds grinning – " well I was expecting this in my head anyway...Aadi from work just texted that there's a pic of Hridhaan Singh Rajput going viral online from a while ago entering the Gurgaon polo club along with his sister and now everyone online is speculating that he obviously planned his visit to Delhi from Jaipur today because Khushi was probably expected to go in for her final scan right? so it was obvious for him to visit her and the family right?? I am surprised we didn't spot him at the hospital instead..."

Radha nods grinning – " yup...well I don't know when the two of them will come out in the open about it anyway ya...I mean why don't they already???,"and she pauses and adds narrowing her eyes at Nikhil – " on that note buddy...I am telling you for sure...that ASR is surely seeing someone too in like all secrecy...did you see his kiss on the bat gesture to the camera after the second hundred in our second innings yesterday in test match too??we just haven't been able to find out who she is.."

Nikhil rolls his eyes at his friend – " ohk fine...I hear you...let's see if you can find this out..I mean for even if he is seeing someone we both know he is being super secretive about it for sure..giving nothing away at all..and you know what...if you do figure it out.. I shall coin you Lady Sherlock Holmes forever..."

Radha rolls her eyes – "very funny..,"and they both share a hearty laugh once more before they return their attention to the last minutes of Test Cricket being played on field.

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Meanwhile @ Gurgaon Polo Club

Hridhaan grins to himself as he sees the fresh feed come in on CricBuzz telling him that India had just won the first Test with Bangladesh and he looks up sideways to see Shivi look up at him at him from her phone at the same time grinning as she says – " Bhai.....We Won...,"and she pauses and pouts disappointingly – " but I can't believe that you did not let me go to the Firoz Shah Kotla first bhai or the fact that we did not go there first ya...I mean...we are just seeing Vikram Bhai play a practice match ya...I mean we even missed going to the hospital with everyone..."

Hridhaan ruffles Shivi's hair lovingly as he adds – " well Shivi..for starters get your facts right..we did not go to the hospital with everyone because we did not want to stir up any online controversies right??"

Shivi rolls her eyes – " haha..as if bhai..well the picture of us entering the Polo club has already gone viral...and the speculations are on anyway...like I showed you.."

Hridhaan nods and sighs and whispers softly in his sisters ears – " yes Shivi..I am aware..but this is just like my way of giving my respect to both Mr Stranger and Khushi alright?? I mean I will not do things intentionally to stir up things alright?? we are going to stay over at Siddhi (Gupta Mansion)anyway only right tonight? And we will also know what Khushi's final scans say the minute she is out of the scan...so why stir up more noise right? I know my presence there will do exactly just that..."

Shivi whispers back at her brother with a wink – " well only if they knew who Mr Stranger already was.."

Hridhaan chuckles at that and whispers back softly – " if only...indeed...Shivi...I mean I spoke to him on text earlier in the morning before the game began for him..he was beyond just bummed...that he would be in the middle of the game during Khushi's final scan yet again..infact he's asked me to text him too the minute I know and hear the result of her scans.."

Shivi chuckles at that – " ohhh just like he's told us all Bhai..."

Hridhaan smiles and adds – " also the reason why we did not go to Firoz Shah Kotla first Shivi was because it was important for me to come see this practice match Vikram is playing..it's like I am doing this on behalf of our Jaipur Polo Club...you know that right??"

Shivi rolls her eyes mischeviously– " ya ya ya Bhai..I get it...that Polo is the first love of your life even though Cricket is mine...and there are these players come in from Sydney Polo Club for some international possibilities after those affiliations with our domestic polo clubs went through...,"and she pauses and adds patting her brothers arms – " on that note...I am very proud of both you and Vikram bhai for seeing things through for your respective clubs ya bhai..."

Hridhaan nods grinning – " thank you shivi.."

Shivi asks now returning her attention to the Polo field putting her phone back in pocket now that the Test was over for India – " ok bhai..so tell me how it works..you'v come to see and observe this practice game because...."

There was enough crowd of Polo Enthusiasts from the club in the side-lines and stands watching the interesting Polo Match underway in its last couple minutes of match.

Hridhaan gets the prompt and he explains – " because...we have four players playing in from the Sydney Polo Club opposite our seasoned players from the Gurgaon Polo club at the moment..and they are also supposed to come in to practice with us at the Jaipur Polo club next week too..and it is after these practice sessions that the officials at the club are going to sit in for discussions with the players to discuss which club to they formally want to affiliate themselves too for our domestic polo league..like ideally two players will play for Gurgaon polo club and two for us..and after this bit..some players from Auckland Polo club will be coming in too...you know like how this year we are planning to allow more foreign players to play in our domestic leagues too..right? you know just like how me and Vikram play for the Guardians Polo Club in the UK too??"

Shivani nods in understanding and she says grinning – "okk..I get it now... also..bhai..I am positive that our national Polo unit is going to qualify for the Polo World Cup next year too...I mean you'v all been having a fantastic time out off late on the field..."

Hridhaan nods – " thank you Shivi..we are obviously giving it all for we want to qualify and play that World Cup. Anyway...Shivi I know you are more on cricket now..but still come on...you still have some Polo in you...so tell me...which player of the Sydney Polo Club has impressed you the most this practice game??,"and he pauses and returns his attention to the practice game going on field – greatly admiring the stance and riding agility and gaming techniques with the mallet of the player playing in the No.1 position spot of the goal scoring forward from the Sydney Polo Club Side.

She was brilliant in the game. Although he could not see any bits of her face from his spot – it was safe to conclude that it was a lady playing the spot for her physique otherwise gave her away – obviously.

Shivi chuckles at that as she says – " oh come on bhai you surely know my answer already..I mean I for surely know that you'v been quite impressed with the player playing in the forward position for them...just like I am...,"and she pauses and adds – " it's such a pity that the helmet and the shades and the face mask is hiding all of the her face though..and we can't see the face clearly...I mean...I surely think that the face mask is on the face because of all the dust and stuff around..but still...do you recognise the player bhai? I mean you did meet some of them who were thinking to come over for affliation in your time in Sydney right??"

Hridhaan observes the frame of the player closely from afar and he says deep in thought – " not really Shivi...I mean from the side frame..I can't really relate...I mean..there were a couple of players we missed meeting too..so yeah..could be one of them..."

Shivi nudges her brother in his arm as she says with a wink – " well I think she's brilliant isn't she ?? please tell me we are totally going to catch up with them all after the game..."

Hridhaan smiles at that fondly as he says to Shivi – " well I am sure..we will be doing that anyway Shivi..it's courtesy don't you think??"

Shivi teases him further – " oh really bhai? Are you sure it's just courtesy??"

Hridhaan chuckles – " little sister..are you just pulling my leg right now??again??"

Shivi nods innocently – " I most surely am Bhai...,"and she pauses and adds sincerely – " I have been waiting for the time you meet someone who genuinely interests you na bhai..I mean I know you are doing much better in terms of moving on from Khushi for real and I can't even begin to tell you how much ease I feel because of the same...Mom too for that matter...as in we both know that you will always have a soft corner for her due to everything you'v felt in the past and the fact that you both are such good friends anyway...but still you know what I mean...right??"

Hridhaan smiles sincerely at that. He really was doing much better in terms of moving on from the remains off his one sides unrequited love now.Seeing Khushi and Arnav so happy in love had obviously helped leaps and bounds. He says – " yup..Shivi..I know exactly what you mean...,"and he laces his hands lovingly around his sisters shoulders – " what say Shivi..I am actually thinking of striking a conversation with Miss – We – Don't Know – her – Name – Yet , after the game ends..."

Shivi winks at her brother as she says – " a brilliant idea my dear brother...remember up to amp up your charming meter...you know just like Mom says...you can be insanely charming when you want to be..."

Hridhaan chuckles at that fondly. And he resumes his attention to the field just in time to see – Miss.Polo – hit a sharp goal with her mallet, feeling all genuinely impressed with her shot and calculative aggression and riding stance yet again.

Hmm.

Maybe Shivi was Right.

It was time to anchor into His Charming Meter.

Time had helped and healed the angst and longing due to unrequited love from the past and probably it was now the moment to bein showing interest in moving on – to see what next – Life had in store for him in the matters of the Heart.

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Ten Minutes Later –

At the Refreshment's Lounge Area@ Gurgaon Polo Club

Vikram walks up to Shivi keeping his phone back in his pocket and as he sees her grinning to herself sipping on some juice he asks narrowing his eyes at her – " Shivi..why does that smile on your face tell me that you'v surely got something cheeky brewing in your mind?? Haan?? Also where's Hridhaan? wasn't he right here when I walked over to take Jess's call for a bit..."

Shivani winks at Vikram as she says – " okay so...how about before I get around to telling you what cheeky thought I have on my mind – I actually tell you what a brilliant practice match that was Vikram bhai..today is just one of those monumental days I am telling you..I mean earlier this morning Jess and Khushi's women's domestic team Delhi's won the T20 domestic tournament in Chennai..then India Men won the first Test against Bangladesh a couple of minutes ago...and your practice polo match with the players from the Sydney polo club was kind of a draw..and Khushi is in her final scans too..and something within tells me that we are surely going to hear some good news from everyone from the hospital the minute her scan is over...."

Vikram smiles at that as he says – " well I hope for the latter too Shivi..Jess and me were both discussing the same...she is still quite bummed that she was In Chennai for the final today..."

Shivi winks – " oh she will be here soon anyway...and I know very well that Khushi already schooled Jess to not worry about the same and just play..."

Vikram nods – " yup..I am aware...okay come on then..out with it...do not wedge away from the topic..what was that cheeky smile about??"

Shivi winks at him as she admits – " well that bit of it had everything to do with the fact that bhai has actually walked over to the stables to meet Miss.We.Don't.Know.Her.Name Yet the one who was playing in the forward Spot from the Sydney Polo Club...I mean he was bloody impressed by her game.."

Vikram grins at that piece of information too, equally glad to know about this development. He gives Shivi a cheeky grin – "oh really??he's really on his way to the club's stables then?"

Shivi nods resuming to sip her juice – " yup..."

Vikram smiles sincerely – " About time.. isn't it..Shivi??".

Shivi smiles at him sincerely – " about time..Indeed..."

Vikram grins – " well I most surely know her name..wana know??"

Shivi nods excited.

Vikram grins – " Kudrat. Kudrat Khanna..."

Shivi grins at that happily but before she could say anything to that they both get distracted in their talk as a couple of fellow players come up to talk and chat up with Vikram.

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

Meanwhile Simultaneously

At the Club's Stable's

Hridhaan couldn't help but smile to himself as he stood leaning against a wooden pillar from the entrance of the stable which was crowded with just the club's riding horses and a couple of stable workers mostly and this One Player from the Sydney Polo Club.

It had intrigued him immensely when he had spotted her diligently gesture to the stable worker of the Horse she was riding that she would be the one to hold the tub to make him drink up the water – first.

He was surprised too for he had a similar habit as well. He'd often be the one to help his horse drink up some water after the end of a gruelling game, making sure to tuck his horse back in the stable himself and he had rarely met or spotted someone else doing the same. He was also very intrigued by the compassion with which she was holding up the tub of water to her Horse and rubbing on it's back lovingly while it was drinking up the water.

Too bad he couldn't still see her face clearly though. For she still had her shades and protective head gear on from the match and her face cloth mask on too. He walks up to her intrigued – kind of amused by the fact that she was so occupied in her moment with the gorgeous horse that she still hadn't noticed his presence around.

As he walks up closer – he hears her soft compassionate voice fall in his ears as she's in a deep conversation with her horse– "there there Lady...drink up all the water you want darling...you surely are tired after all that riding in the heat..but mind you...if it wasn't for your agility and support..I surely wouldn't have been able to hit that last goal to call the practice match a draw...I mean how bad would it be otherwise...losing my very first practice match on the Indian soil..."

Hridhaan grins to himself. She had a nice voice. There was something extremely compassionate about it. It is right then he spots the horse drink up the water from the tub completely and she asks – " you want some more water darling??let's get you some more..."

And before she could turn around to get the horse some more water herself, Hridhaan acts up faster as he spots a bucket of water filled by the side and picks it up to walk up to them and he starts to pour in the water in the tub with one hand as he says grinning rubbing on the horses back from the other side with the other hand holding a water bottle in it too – " rarely...have I met someone who likes to make their horse drink up some water after a gruelling game...themselves...I like to do the same as well...and that last shot from you Miss...was perfect beauty too...the swing was just apt..you worked the mallet brilliantly...I reckon you've always played the forward spot?"

That surprizes her as she answer's softly – " thank you so much....well yes I have as in yes..I have always played the forward...you figured that out which means you play Polo too...."

Hridhaan grins and nods as they both continue to rub on the horses back from opposite sides and it continues drinking the water – " yes..I do..."

She nods at that politely and says softly – " also on the former...I could say the same..you know..for rarely have I met a fellow Polo player who likes to make their horse drink up some water themselves too...its just an old habit of mine..its such a coincidence that it matches yours..."

Hridhaan smiles and nods at that. He really wanted to get a look at her face though which was still hidden.

He thought that the best solution was to offer her the bottle of water for a drink too, the one he was carrying in his other hand.He says next nudging up the water bottle in front of her facross the saddle – " here...why don't you drink up some too..I will hold up the tub..you surely must be thirsty too...you are the only one who hasn't stepped into the refreshments lounge yet.."

She nods at that sincerely and takes the bottle from his hand and says – " thank you...I am a little thirsty..for sure.."

Hridhaan grins – " go on..drink up..don't worry about her..," he adds gesturing towards the horse.

She nods and takes off her protective head gear first which ends up loosening her tied up hair under the helmet as they fall to her sides loosely and she then takes off her shades and mask in a go and Hridhaan is immediately taken aback by her sharp features and compassionate and gentle eyes.

He sees her gulp down half the bottle of water down in an instant and she says in between gulps – " oh by the way...I am Kudrat..Kudrat Khanna...an Indian by origin..but I was born in Australia and have lived in Sydney all my Life...and I play domestically and internationally for the Sydney Polo Club..still haven't made the cut to play nationally for Australia though...hopefully soon....what about you????"

Hridhaan smiles at her and he answers – " hello Kudrat...I am Hridhaan Singh Rajput..an Indian by origin and I live in Jaipur as of now..and I play for the Jaipur Polo Club too and also for India nationally..."

Kudrat's eyes widen at that intrigued – " oh really? you play for India too??"

Hridhaan nods at that sincerely – " yup..I do..,"and he adds playfully – " you can check with Google too..."

That makes them both share a warm chuckle automatically and Kudrat says with a warm smile – " well I am sure Google will affirm what you just mentioned anyway Mr.Rajput.."

Hridhaan grins – " Hridhaan..please...I don't like the sound of Mr.Rajput..makes me feel really old....."

Kudrat nods and she smiles – " ok then...very nice to meet you Hridhaan.."

Hridhaan smiles at that warmly and he adds – " nice to meet you too Kudrat..,"and as he finishes that bit, their eyes lock momentarily by default and Hridhaan adds grinning further – " apologies... correction to that bit Kudrat I think I'd like to say I am delighted to meet you..indeed..."

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Authors Note ** Attaching a Picture of Kudrat Khanna. ( Miss Polo for our Mr.Polo – I mean guys cmon ya – I just have to give Hridhaan his Happily Ever After too)

And our very own Mahira Khan who was the face of Manizeh in HW1.0 returns as Kudrat here❤

Kudrat Khanna

.

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Meanwhile Simultaneously – At The Hospital

Khushi's POV

Guyssssssssssssssss!!!

You know how they Say – Time is like the Biggest Healers of All Time???

Well - I guess it would be apt to say that I couldn't really agree more to it than I already do.

Oh but Wait.

Since we are meeting after 45 days again, I think I am most surely eligible to start with – How have you all been? I hope you all are doing great ya!

Ahemmm.

Well.

Well.

Well.

I know.

I know.

I think most of you are wanting to ask me the very same thing as of now too.

So, I shall get to it without further delay.

For starters – Your's Truly – Charlie Chaplin – Me – is doing Great! And so is Arnav.Everyone at both are Home's and our close friend circle has been doing great too.

But.

Also.

Guess What??

I am kind off confused at the moment – like for Real thike?

Ask me Why?

Because as Happy as I am about the surroundings around me at the moment, I am still kind off Bummed too. Because, it's because of my current surroundings that I am missing out on the live stream of the 3rd session of the fifth day of the First Test against Bangladesh that my dearest Skipper Blue or in this case Skipper White(since it's a test match and they play in white jersey's) – is currently playing at the Firoz Shah Kotla right here in Delhi.

I mean I am dead sure that they are going to win the match anyway for I was obviously catching up on the live stream of it on Hotstar before I was asked to step into the MRI and I know they were in a comfortable win position anyway. But still ya – you all know I love to see that happy grin up Arnav's face after he celebrates the win with the team.

But Hmmm now if you just keep that bit of it aside – if I were to actually give a weightage to my confused out ratio – I'd say that I am 60 percent happy + only 40 percent bummed out though.

I hear Dear Mind Chuckle in happily. K – You do know that you are the only one weirdo who is kind of 60 percent happy to be locked up inside of this MRI machine. I mean really? Who enjoys being caged inside a box with the instructions to stay still. Like you know how difficult it is right? to like not move an inch at all. Also not to forget it is because of the Clash of the Scan time/with the game that dear eyes is missing out on watching Arnav, my Love.So how about you fairly say that you are like 50 percent bummed out at the least.

Haha. Dear Mind. I hear you. And I know exactly what you mean but apologies you know I cannot readjust the ratio yaaa for I have been waiting for this moment for a long time now - Haven't I??.

My Final Scan.

After Four Freaking Long Months + 4 days of Bed Rest – to assess if Dear Back is all Healed or not. Although it feels within that it most surely is healed(because there is no pain anymore) and there is a huge possibility that doctors might allow me to stand and walk on my two feet without support after this scan. You know what this means to me don't you?

Dear Mind chips in with a sigh. Well well – K...don't go all emotional on me now..and now that you put it that way I think I agree with you on that ratio.But Trust me – K – you most surely owe me a big treat alright after we are out of here for co-operating with you big time already. I mean we'v manged to stay perfectly still for the last 35 minutes already! And they did say that the MRI was going to be about 40 -45 minutes on the whole right? So just ten Minutes to Go!! I could Yipeee to that!! I am sure Dear Heart Agrees too. * Can't wait to get out of this machine** and get on dear feet without any added support whatsoever too!!

Dear Heart beams in happily. Oh yes Dear Mind. I most surely agree with you on that. But to be honest K – I do think that you really do owe dear mind like a hugest treat of all time for not just having us stay still and co-operating in this round of final scan but also for co-operating with you in all these months gone by with the heaps of studying too. I mean you actually managed to complete all the online courses you had begun and have already studied through the course and material for the graduation correspondence course too well in advance. We surely couldn't have asked Dear Mind for more in all this time.Dear Mind – you'v been beyond just amazing.

I smile to myself.

Copy that – Dear Heart.

Dear Mind winks. Thank you Dear Heart – does that mean that I am being promoted from my spot of the High Courts? I mean I wouldn't mind sharing the Supreme Court Spot with you.

Dear Heart Scoffs playfully. Ha. As if.You wish. Keep trying. Maybe One Day. Nah...Never...!! Anyways – K – on that note - I am sure Arnav has you on the back of his mind anyway. I mean remember how he was so bummed that he was going to be in the middle of the match during your scan yet again?And I am so sure by the time we get out of here the Test match would be over too and he'd be calling everyone left, right and centre to know what the scans and the doctors say.

Well you are right about that Dear Heart. I mean I did have a hard time this morning to have him chuck aside his bummed-out- ness about the same. (Just like it was with Jess)But I am super glad that both of them were okay about it by the time their respective games began.

Guys.

As per our promise – we had kept on with our long distance as long as the IPL was going on too! And we only met after Arnav was home for the ten day break after the tournament before recollecting with the entire unit on 24th for Bangladesh's tour of India which started with these Test Match Series. There is a three match T 20 series too for them after which the Men in Blue are scheduled to leave for UK for the ICC Champions Trophy tournament too.

And a little birdie tells me that you all are already aware of how our women's T20 domestic season has ended this morning too with my team Delhi winning the Cup.And as far as our women's national team is concerned – we have West Indies coming in for a long tour to India spread over a month for 5 ODI's+ 5 T20's in two weeks from now too!

I am obviously missing out on that series for I still need to get into my intensive physio + rehab phase before I can even touch my bat again. And I am desperately hoping that I am able to play by the first week of August so that I have a full month in hand for intense practice sessions in front of the selectors alongside my team – before they announce the World Cup Squad on the 10th of September!(two weeks before the Scheduled departure to Australia)

Dear Mind + Heart chip in reassuringly. Oh- K. You will be absolutely fine just in time darling. Remember how Arnav + everyone at home + everyone at the team is confident about the same too?? So don't you worry K. Don't you worry at all. You just get ready to give your physio + rehab your all after this – as per the doc's instructions. You know all the preparations are on standby already.

Oh Yes. I am all set for that. I mean if all goes well with my scan results – I should be in Bangalore ten days from now! I mean – the moment I have been looking forward to for all these months is finally just like some days away!

Thank You – Time.

Guys – remember how I Started with -You know how they Say – Time is like the Biggest Healers of All Time??

So on that very Note.

I think I do want to add that I have actually also figured out how that bit off it actually works as in how is it that Time always ends up taking that Credit of being like this Healer on it's Own.

It isn't that Time has some sort of a magical power of erasing our wounds or lows just like that. Time does not erase anything at all. Instead, Time kind of focuses on the thing it really is best at Doing -which is Simply Passing By. And all it does along the way of it passing by is that it actually ends up drawing a bigger line of strength and the resilience to bear and go through a certain wound be it emotional/physical – so that the wounds automatically get converted into a Passing Station in your Life in the process/journey towards that ongoing Destination and you feel a lot better in terms of coming to terms of acceptance and moving on from one's wounds. (be it physical/emotional). The scars will always remain a part of your journey obviously – but Time – nudges your feet towards the flow of Life on its own accord nonetheless and powers you with strength to move On.

It surely has nudged and powered me on.And in the process of it all – it has also taught me so much more.

And now that I look back at it all – I think I was right about it all in my gut. That this was meant to happen to me for a reason of its Own. You know how it is when you look back at things and you finally understand the underlying notion behind it all?

Yeah?

That's exactly how I feel too at the moment.

I mean if it hadn't been for this phase – I wouldn't have been able to understand the gravity of keeping your back up plans planned out – for believing in the power of gratitude and expressing it out each day to the ones you love – for looking at living life and doing what you do, a lot more fearlessly too. For looking at Life as a Blessing – come what may nonetheless.Dear Insides – you agree don't you?

Dear Heart and Mind nod in Unison. Oh Yes – K. You know we do.

It is right I am distracted in my inner thoughts rant as I hear the attendant's voice fall in my ears.

"Miss Gupta, your scan is over. We shall now be reeling you out in the next 30 seconds. Thank you for staying still"

Oh My God.

Yes.

Yes.

Wait.

Guys.

Will I be allowed to step down on my two feet and stand on my own immediately after? Will a radiologist come in to tell me what's up with my scan results already?? Or have they told the same to Mom, Dad, Superbro and Anj – already?

I feel myself being pulled out of the automated MRI machine and I finally take a deep breathe and close my eyes desperately and pray for a positive scan result.

And while I am at that – I hear a sincere and warm voice of my usual radiologists assistant(whose helped me out in all these scans usually) fall In my ears – " So Little Hit Girl – are we ready?? I mean I am sure you most surely are..but since I need to hear you say it to me I need to ask – are we ready to give it a shot of standing on your own two feet without my or anyone's support /assistance at all"

Wait.

What????????????????????????????????????

Guys.

Did she just ask me that – for Real?

I flash open my eyes instantly for they have welled up with happy tears and I look at her as I ask softly – " are you really asking me that?? if I am ready to stand on my two feet without your support this time around?? Are you really asking me that for real??"

She nods at me giving me a heartfelt smile – " yes Khushi..I just asked you that? so answer me...are you ready??"

Oh Gosh.

Dear Heart and Mind are stumped with overwhelming emotion.

Correction.

Tsunami of Emotions.

They have hibernated into that Collective Overwhelmed Silence.

I ask softly to reconfirm – " so that means that the radiologists gave you a heads up already that the scan looks okay now doesn't it??? like...my back – its healed for real????"

She smiles at me warmly – " oh yes Khushi..it has...infact...the radiologists had a word with the Ortho Dr already..he is waiting to see you in the cabin nearby too..he wants to see if you can walk there all by yourself...the formal reports will take a while to get ready obviously..."

Happy Tears leave my eyes.

I can't stop them.

I don't think I want to stop them.

I want them to Flow.

I ask again softly – " my family..they are out...do they know already??"

She smiles – " well not yet..they are quite nervous though..but I was thinking how about we take you out in front of them on your feet...that will be a good surprise for them wouldn't it?? I mean we can try...,"and she leans forward and wipes the trail of my happy tears – " I know..you are emotional...only fair...it's been a long four months of bed rest hasn't it??"

I nod at her – completely overwhelmed.

She smiles – " and just a little more while to go until we see you in our national jersey again...I am sure...you know I am your fan right??"

I chuckle at that through my tears as I answer – " I know ...but before I stand on my two feet by myself...I want you to tell me...do you have any idea about the test match result?? I mean...I know you love cricket..you surely must have seen the update on cricbuzz..we won right??"

She nods at me happily – " oh yes. We did win. Infact the match finished just two minutes ago..the team was celebrating and gearing up for the post-match presentation...."

YIPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

YIPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE*INFINITY.

I WANT TO LEAP UP IN JOY.

OOPS.

I DON'T KNOW IF I AM ALLOWED TO DO THAT STILL.

Ok.

How about I start with getting on my two feet first.

I take a deep breathe now as I say – "ready...I am ready..."

I see her nod at me lovingly and she instructs me how to go about it slowly and steadily and she comes to stand by my side closer and she says – " okkk Khushi...on the count of one two and three..try to sit up up by yourself first and then follow the rest of my instructions to get to your feet by yourself...do not be nervous..I am right here if you fumble..."

I nod at her.

One.

Two.

Three.

I slowly make the move to sit up on my own and it moves me immense that I am able to sit up without any support – normally.

I look at her gobsmacked with emotions and she nods in an instant understanding – " I know...feels wonderful isn't it?? now on the count of one two and three again..turn around slowly in spot...come gently down on your feet and stand..."

I do.

I do just that.

And the fact that I did not stumble or fumble and am able to just stand on my own two feet without any support after months – leads dear eyes to flood up with a gush of continuous happy tears on its own accord and I bury my face in my hands overwhelmed as I whisper – " I can stand...did you see sister? I stood...I can stand..all by myself..."

Sister nods at me happily – " come on..let's take you out then...your family is waiting..."

I wipe the trail of my happy tears off my cheeks and I say – " wait..sister..is there anyway that you can take me to the doctors cabin from the backdoor away from their vision..like their surely must be a exclusive route to the OPD that you all as staff use??I want them to see me standing on my two feet in the doctors cabin first...for I am going to cry buckets hugging them in happiness..and I think so will they...so I do not want to create a moment in the corridors..."

She smiles at me warmly – " ofcourse..Khushi...I understand..come on.."

And as I follow her on slowly and steadily – walking on my own two feet for real after months - I hear Dear Mind chip in through the tsunami of stumped emotions. You remember how you owe me a big treat – K? I guess I know exactly what I want as a treat for sure.

Dear Heart chips in overwhelmed too. It's exactly what I want too – K. You will give this moment to us – won't you??

Oh Yes. Dear Insides.

I will.

I most surely will.

For Its Exactly what I want Too!

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

Ten Minutes Later

Outside the Doctor's Cabin in the OPD area of the Hospital

Anjali looks at Rahul worriedly looking up from her phone and whispers into his ear – " Rahul...the post-match presentation gets over in like five minutes maximum..and bhai is going to be calling us immediately after to know the results of Junior's scans..what are we going to tell him ya?? I mean why did the sister come out to tell us to wait by the OPD here?? The MRI was supposed to be over like ten minutes ago right??and where is Junior? usually she is with us immediately after the scan is over right??"

Rahul nods at Anjali and says consumed in worry too – " well yes...I am equally concerned Anj..for I can't understand this too..,"and he sighs and adds – " her scan will be okay right??I mean she's rested intensely and did exactly what the doctors have advised..."

Anjali nods rubbing on his arm in support – " ofcourse Rahul..Junior's scans will be okay..don't you worry at all..you know how its been for the last ten days plus...she's got no pain at all..also..she feels so much better while the little movements with assistance too? Remember how we are all so positive?? Lets not get too worried and just wait..i'v messaged that to Akash and Mom and Dad too in the family group for they'v all got their mind on here..."

Rahul sighs and nods rubbing his hands on his face – " Okay...let's just wait...I will try not to get too worried.."

And it is right then they both spot Sagar and Nisha walking back to them from the water filter and Nisha hands her children a filled bottle of water as she says reassuringly trying to keep her calm herself too – " and I just made Sagar dunk down a glass of water to contain his worry too..why don't the two of you drink some up too...I am sure..there's a little delay for a reason kids...maybe the MRI is just taking longer than usual and it was getting too crowded outside the radiologists OPD area which is why they asked us to wait here in the Ortho OPD perhaps??"

Rahul and Anjali nod at Nisha and take turns to drink up some water.

Sagar watches on worriedly and looks out at the Doctor's cabin closed door from the corner they were all standing in and asks his wife – " Nisha...is it okay if I just barge in to speak to the doctor myself? I mean he surely must know what's going on right? the radiologists must have given him a heads up like they always do and god forbit if this is about Khushi's scans not being completely okay...we need to know right? for our little girl will be devastated. And we need to be in a better state of mind to be there for her..."

Nisha sighs at Sagar rubbing on his arm – " oh come on Sagar..barging in just like that will be super rude alright? I am sure he is attending to a patient...it's a busy day today here...calm down will you please?? just wait?? Okay??"

Anjali leans forward toward Nisha and adds worriedly – " I suppose bhai is going to call in another two three minutes Mum...he's going to go berserk in worry.."

Nisha nods – " I know beta...do something..why don't you leave him a message beforehand already? Just tell him that the MRI started a little late maybe..and isn't over yet? I don't want him to worry unnecessarily until we know what the status is..okay?? message the same to Reva too please?"

Anjali nods and gets down to writing Arnav and her Mom a text.

A minute later – they all are surprised to see the Dr's assistant walk upto them as she says – " Please come in everyone – the doctor will see you now..."

Rahul and Anjali looks at her puzzled – " without Junio..as in without the patient ..Khushi? She is in the MRI still isn't she??"

She nods and says – " why don't you all come in first?? The doctor wishes to speak to you all first.."

Sagar, Nisha, Rahul and Anjali exchange worried glances each of their hearts sinking within with immense worry.

They nod at each other nonetheless and make their way into the cabin and just as they open the door to step in and close it shut - they are surprised to see Khushi seated on the chair opposite the doctor already and Nisha+Sagar and Anjali+ Rahul rush up to her quickly and hug her from either sides and Nisha kisses on her head first and then Sagar follows and she and Sagar say worriedly in unison – " beta..you are here already?? We thought you would still be in the scan??"

Anjali and Rahul hug Khushi too and as they take in her emotionally overwhelmed face and red eyes, they ask worriedly – " Junior why are your eyes so red?? You'v been crying?? Haven't you??"

Khushi nods – completely emotional and she just hugs on them hard in her sitting position from either of her sides.

They all look up at the doctor worriedly and ask in unison – " Doctor..what's happening? Why won't anyone tell us anything??"

The Doctor nods sincerely (playing along with the patient he was anyway so fond off for she was his daughters age too and when she'd warmly requested him to help her surprise her family, he couldn't say No) and he says picking up his phone faking a call – " I will answer you all..just got to take this call..."

And he walks out the cabin pretending to be on the phone giving Khushi her cue to surprise her family.

And Just as she sees the Doctor leave, Khushi wipes her overwhelmed tears as she hears Rahul look at their father puzzled – " Dad..did he just walk out to take a call? In the middle of such a important conversation??I mean he surely knows we have been waiting for this day for months..."

Nisha sighs – " could be an emergency Rahul...calm down..."

Anjali nods – " yes...could be..."

Khushi finally takes a deep breathe as she says overwhelmed – " Mom, Dad, Superbro, Anj...Dr walked out because I asked him too..."

Everyone looks at one another puzzled as they straighten up from hugging her and they ask Khushi in surprise giving her a puzzled look – " what do you mean??"

Khushi takes a deep breathe first and used the very next moment to stand up on her feet in front of her family and she turns around to look at her family overwhelmed as happy tears continue to leave her eyes and she says softly – " It means that I did not want him to see me cry buckets na thike?? for that's exactly what I want to do hugging you all na....now that I am finally able to stand on my feet by myself....like with no support..."

The sight of their Khushi standing on her on two feet in front of them for Real – shakes and surprises and overwhelms Sagar , Nisha, Rahul and Anjali completely and Nisha's eyes fill with happy tears as her hands go to her mouth to cover up her happy sob – " oh my god..beta...look at you...you are standing..you are standing...on your feet...by yourself...you really are standing...."

Khushi nods at her mother - emotionally overwhelmed.

Sagar gapes at his little girl standing in front of him after all these months dazed and happily speechless.

Rahul stands shaken in surprise too as he says to Anjali – " Anj..pinch me..please?? this isn't a dream right?? this is Junior standing on her own feet by herself in front of us for real????"

Anjali pinches Rahul wiping her own happy tears as she says – " yes...Rahul...yes...this is happening for real..it is not a dream..it is not a dream at all...oh my god junior..."

And just like that Khushi gestures them all to come in for a group hug and they do and she hugs on them all happily as she finally lets her happy tears flow out more and says – " I am okay..everyone...my back has healed..for real..like pakka se wala real...that's what the scans say too..the formal report will come in a while....but before the doctor comes back in two minutes too talk to us all again...I want all of yours help on this...I need to see Arnav...as in I know I made him promise that he will not come to see me in the middle of his tours...but I need to surprise him..I want him to see me standing on my feet and walking like today only...so for just this once I want to make an exception to the promise Iv made ....it's okay na to wade away from my promise just this once??and until he sees me he shouldn't know what the doctors have said please...lets plan it that way...please..."

Nisha, Sagar, Rahul and Anjali hug on her hard happily as they say in unison – " ofcourse...it's okay to wade away from your promise just this once...and we will help you of-course......,"and they all finally let their own happy tears flow too just like Khushi was – at finally experiencing the moment they had all been waiting for months.

They Couldn't Thank God – Enough.

Just like they couldn't thank Time – Too.

Time had helped their Khushi heal through. And she had been very strong to take on the phase so constructively and for that each of them were extremely proud of her in their Hearts.

They were all Proud+ Content* Infinity.

And just like – Khushi – they were all equally excited to Surprise, Arnav with the news+sight he had been waiting for months too.

Oh they all knew – how desperately he'd been waiting to see His Sparkle recover from this first phase from Bed Rest.

And it was about Time – that Time decided to Bless Him with the very sight – Indeed.

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

TADAAAA.

How was the Update Guysssss?? Will be eager to know what you all think? Can I share a secret with you all? I am actually a little nervous since I am actually posting after Two Weeks!! Haha!!

Next Chapter : Saturday Night.

Thanks, guys, for all the Love and Support and Patience.

Much Love.

Always.

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