CHAPTER 44.2 – LEAPING FORWARD

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

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CHAPTER 44.2 – LEAPING FORWARD

THREE MORE WEEKS LATER

1st July , 2020

Jaipur

AT THE HOTEL – 10:00 PM

Kudrat smiles to herself as she continues to pack her bags. She was scheduled to leave back for Sydney tomorrow night. They had an domestic connection flight from Jaipur to Delhi in the morning and from there on in the afternoon – they were scheduled to fly back to Sydney.

Lisa and Jeremy (her co-teamates who had flown alongside her to India and had decided to affiliate themselves with the Gurgaon Polo Club for the domestic seasons from here on in India) - would meet them ( Dave and her) directly at IGI in time for their scheduled departure.

Dave and Kudrat had chosen to affiliate themselves with the Jaipur Polo Club and the last three weeks here in India had gone pretty much in shuttling in between Delhi and Jaipur for various practices matches back-to-back and just last week the club officials had asked the players to announce their choiced affiliations and the days after that went on with the formal paperwork and the formalities.

And even though she was technically packing up her bags at the moment to get ready to depart back to her life in Sydney – there was a very important reason as to why she couldn't stop smiling to herself still. The very same reason which kind off led her to opt affiliating for the Jaipur Polo Club too.

The reason – being – Hridhaan Singh Rajput ofcourse. For after their talk at the club three weeks ago, they had spent a lot of time together at the Polo Clubs, while playing matches, or lunches or walks after and had even spent a lot of time hanging out with just each other later in the evenings, dinners, drives etc in all her time in Jaipur. And apart from this in those days when she had been in Delhi – they had also been in touch on text/phone calls/video calls too pretty much all the time.

And even though none of them had actually taken the step to voice their liking towards one another yet like formally through words – the vibe in between of them was but obvious about the same, which was also a part reason why she wasn't worried at all about the distance bit coming between of them for these couple of months before they could meet again in person.

She was sure they were going to be in touch like the usual and nurture the bond that was budding in between of them to see where this was headed. Over these last three weeks – she had gotten to know Hridhaan and he had gotten to know her very well, indeed.

She was right on that thought when she heard the doorbell buzz to her room.

Who could it be – she wondered?

Surely not Dave because he was busy winding up as she was already aware. She really had to finish up her packing quickly as Hridhaan was going to call her in 15 minutes for their usual drive time around – before she left here – tomorrow.

She stopped wondering about the same though as she finished folding and putting in some of her tee-s and walked over to open the door to her room to see who it was for herself and she was beyond just surprised to find – Hridhaan standing there with a grin up his face and she asks surprised grinning – " Hridhaan...you?? wait...weren't you coming in fifteen minutes later?? And you usually call me first..and I come down...so..you ...here??"

Hridhaan gives her a warm smile as he says – " well yes...I know..but as you already know that I was catching up on some work here on behalf of Dad..the reason I was so bummed out that I missed seeing you and Dave for dinner on your last night here Judrat...but I managed to wrap it all up now...so I thought I might as well drop in to see you now...is it okay though? I mean..can I come in??"

Kudrat nods giving him a warm smile – " of-course...please...come in..please think of this as your Hotel only...Oh wait..flash news..that's what it is anyway..,"she finishes with a happy wink.

They both share a happy chuckle at that and Kudrat says walking them in and giving him a genuine smile – " well I do have to say this yet again Hridhaan though..I think your family is great...for not pressurising you or your sister ever to take the business route and continue exploring a sports career that interests you guys more...I mean..that's huge..indeed...I guess we are both lucky when it comes to having super supportive parents..having our backs no matter the choices we make.."

Hridhaan gives her a warm smile as he answers – " thank you Kudrat...and I could'nt agree more..and thank god for that...I mean I can't imagine how it would have been otherwise..,"and his smile shortens a little on its own accord as he takes in the sight of her continuing her packing side by side.

Kudrat chuckles at that as she continues packing – " well yes...i mean ..copy that ..for sure...for I can't imagine what it would have been otherwise for me too..."

Hridhaan hears her but he does not answer her back as the sight of her packing continues to make him feel all edgy.

She was leaving!

She was scheduled to head back to her Life across the sea's – he had always known the schedule of her plan. But at the moment he was beyond just confused about a very important matter. The matter being – where-in he didn't know whether he wanted to wait these couple of months and nurture their bond more before asking her out to formally date him or just grab the moment now and ask her out right here right now – before she left.

He liked her ofcourse. Infact after spending all the time that he had with her in the last three weeks – just made him feel like – there surely was a huge possibility for them to nurture their budding bond and build something out of it together, given the way they understood each other on the matters of their past related to love too. She knew everything about him on that accord and he knew everything about her.

He stood frozen to his spot – deep in thought.

Kudrat looked from her suitcase suddenly realising that Hridhaan had gone all silent for a bit and she asks as she takes his frowning face in – " heyy...whats up? Where are you lost Hridhaan?? I mean why the frown and the little scowl? The frowny look does not suit you at all...I like it better when you smile...so please do me a favour and wipe that frown of your forehead please...,"she finishes with a warm smile.

Hridhaan sighs as he locks his gaze with hers and answers honestly and sincerely – " well...you see the frown because I just realised now that I have seen you at it that.. I do not like this sight of you packing up to leave Kudrat...I mean as much as I know you are supposed too head back home...I most surely hate the sight of you packing up...right now...,"and he walks over to sit on the bed next to the suitcase and he says sincerely – " I am going to miss you..so much...you'v grown on me ..and you know that...I mean..I know we are going to be in touch all the time...but still...I am going to miss you...I just had to say this to you right here..right very now.."

Kudrat gives him a warm smile and she pauses on her packing and takes a sit next to him as she admits sincerely locking her gaze with his too – " I am going to miss you too Mr.Rajput...for you know very well that you'v grown on me too...doesn't really feel like we'v known each other for just a little over four weeks though..."

And they both share another warm smile at that and Hridhaan says – " agreed...it doesn't feel like that at all...,"and he pauses and adds sincerely – " maybe..it's just the vibe you feel within that matters more??"

Kudrat says warmly biting back her grin – " maybe...and well all thanks to technology that we won't have problems being in touch...but yes..you do know that because of our massive time differences I am technically going to be living a day ahead in the future from you...which means that there will be times that..in order to make time to get in touch..we would need to make a lot off conscious effort right??,"she pauses momentarily – her gaze searching his for the answer she seeked. That was he willing to make all that extra effort that was needed to wade their way around the massive time zone differences that was going to equip their lives?

Hridhaan holds her hand and laces his hand through her's on reflex – surprising her as he answer's sincerely – " I want to make every conscious effort in here Kudrat...to be in touch with you...to nurture this and Us...to see where we are headed...please tell me that you want to do the same too??"

Kudrat grins as she says – " ofcourse...silly...that's exactly what I am aiming for too isn't it? why do you think I asked in my usual subtle way..."

Hridhaan grins at her and their eyes lock intensely. And maybe it was just the moment that led him to just go with the flow of the moment and not shut himself out – he kissed her hand gently at first before returning to lock his gaze with hers – " thank you so much Kudrat for trusting me on this..."

Kudrat rolls her eyes at him as she clutches his hand back – " oh come..on Hridhaan...please..."

Hridhaan kisses her hand again – " please just let me..say this out loud once more...look I know that the online rumours and speculations about Khushi and me still keep raging on and off but I just want you to know that it means the world to me that you actually do trust my word on this..."

Kudrat smiles as she kisses his hand back – " ofcourse I do...you know I do...well apart from having the knack to read people's intentions and vibes...I do have to say..that Khushi's reassuring text to me about the same from last week just cemented my faith back on the whole thing from her end too..you remember the one she sent me after taking my number from Shivi when an old picture of the two of you fron Gstaad started becoming the talk of the netizen world again...it was kind off her to text me you know..she didn't need to at all...but still ...she did..which only reaffirms her intention to me that she surely just doesn't want to be the reason for any further turmoil in your life Hridhaan...I mean ..I know that she means well..."

Hridhaan smiles at that – " well yes...I am quite a bit surprised that she got in touch with you directly though and not through me..you know she's been on a pulling my leg spree..off late..quite a bit...all thanks to you..."

Kudrat grins – " well it was nice to chat with her for that little while..I mean too bad she is in Bangalore in rehab right now..otherwise it would be great to meet her...but I am sure..I will meet her sooner or later...,"and she pauses and adds with a mischevious glint in her eye – " I am also excited to know who her mysterious partner is though...I mean she did say it in the text that she was going to reveal it soon..putting an end to all speculations about the two of you..."

Hridhaan nods at her sincerely and smiles warmly – " yes...you will know very soon Kudrat...like really soon...I could..,"and Kudrat interrupts him as she says – " and yes...nope...I want to know when the reveal happens for her..as in...when she declares it herself..I know you know very well who he is...but I will wait...to know from the horses mouth itself..."

They both share a warm chuckle at that again and Hridhaan says locking his gaze with her's – "I will come to you in Sydney soon..alright? sooner than you are scheduled to return here...ok?? I mean our domestic season only starts Mid – November...and you are to come here on the 15th of November...but...let's just say...I will come to Sydney..prior..for sure..."

Kudrat grins at that as she asks – " really????"

Hridhaan nods and Kudrat kisses on his hand back as she says – " I'd like that...to see you In Sydney prior to November...oh wait...the ICC Women's world cup is in Australia ya...I am sure you will come along with Shivi..right? for it? for a bit?? As in I do hope that Khushi is able to make it to the squad...oh god..this had totally slipped my mind...ok...now I'd like to thank cricket for this...I mean I am going to get to see you prior to I'd thought I would..which is amazing news to my head..obviously..,"and as she finished that their eyes lock again momentarily again in an intense eyelock.

Hridhaan takes a deep breathe as he kisses her hand again and asks – " you know another thing I'd like??"

Kudrat asks searching his gaze – " what??"

Hridhaan admits sincerely – " to just put an end to my confusion right here..."

Kudrat asks puzzled – " confusion?? What confusion??"

Hridhaan continues to look into her eyes – " confusion..whether I should wait for months to finally ask you out officially in the moment of time when I see you again...or just grab the moment and do it now...."

That frazzles Kudrat a little for his intent gaze had begun to create a havoc spree on her mind. She whispers softly as she begins to get up from being seated next to him to stand in front of her suitcase yet again to begin packing – " really?? is that what you are confused about???"

Hridhaan holds her hand to stop her from leaving his side and he says – " no...don't...don't..get up...listen to me..please..don't misunderstand me alright? Kudrat..hear me out completely...look..I am not confused about what I want..I want to give myself and my heart a second shot with you for sure...but I am confused only because I am desperately wanting to know what is it that you want?? As in – do you think that me bring this up now at the moment makes you feel like..this is me being too forward...as in do you prefer to wait another couple of months..to take the call..whether you want to be with me..officially as a couple??,"and he pauses a part of him within hoping desperately that she didn't hint him back saying that she'd prefer to wait for a couple of months more before they began officially dating.

This moment in time with her – made him just want to take the Leap Forward – right very now.

Hridhaan mentioning the clarity to the context obviously eases Kudrat's nervousness and she says softly clutching his hand back – "after Jack...one thing I have surely realised is that...we must cease the moments in our lives in the very present Hridhaan...I mean..who knows what Life has in store further on right??"

Hridhaan grins as he catches on the cue and he stands up now and he pulls her a little closer into himself by lacing both his hands with her's and he says locking his intent gaze with hers – " I was hoping you'd say that..I was desperately hoping that you'd say that..I am asking you again Kudrat...do you want to take this Leap forward with me right very now?? I surely want to..."

Kudrat nods clutching on his hand back – " yes...it's what I want...too...I want to take this Leap forward for myself ..for Us..right very now..."

Hridhaan grins mischeviously as he pushes her to lean against the wall and places his one hand on the wall caging her in between the circle of his frame and cupping her cheek tenderly – " and I can't tell you how delighted I am to hear you confirm this back to me Kudrat...for I really didn't think that I had it in me to wait for months to feel what It's going to feel like to kiss you.."

Kudrat smiles at him nervously as she asks – " really??"

Hridhaan nods and he says softly – " I am going to kiss you now..and I won't stop for a long time..for a very long time...can I??"

Kudrat nods and feels herself shiver within the circle of his frame and just as she whispers – " yes...,"she feels Hridhaan's lips close over hers gently in a soft and gentle kiss.

She wraps her arms around his neck and begins to kiss him back gently too. And just as she does – the gentle embrace in between of them does not remain gentle anymore and gets converted into a very vulnerable, intense and a passionate one as they continue to kiss each other.

This wasn't just a Kiss.

It was a magical moment in time to mark the beginning of the Step they had just leaped forward towards together!!

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Same Day – 1st Junly, 2020 - In the Skies

In the Flight – En-Route – London

Arnav's POV

I cheers along with the drink in my hand alongside Ravi, Rohan and Cap and Rohan winks as he says playfully – " here's to the exciting three weeks of intense game ahead of us again..boys...hopefully we will return home with the ICC Champions Trophy in hand by the last week of July..."

We all grin as we take a sip of our respective drinks by the bar in between the business class cabins in flight as we say – " hopefully...yes...indeed..."

Guys.

I am sure most of you have already guessed – that at the moment we are all en-route to the UK for the ICC Champions Trophy tournament begins in a week from now and the reason as to why we all are flying a week prior is because we have intense practice/warm up sessions plus some friendly matches lined up before the tournament actually begins for us all.

Ravi nudges me in the arm as he says with a wink in a hushed whisper to all of us yet again – " guys...can we please cheer to our groom to be too??"

Cap grins and winks as he says in a whisper – " yes...let's do that..we do need to cheer to our secretive groom whose wedding planning is all up in swing under the cover.."

We all share a warm chuckle and I happily oblige to another round of cheers. Once we are all done cheering and taking a sip of our drink, I add honestly patting Rohan on his arm – " but seriously buddy..I can't thank each of our families enough for getting into planning two weddings by the end of the year so seamlessly..."

Rohan nods at that as he says with a happy grin – " I know...Samaira's been so excited...but yet..it's a lot of work for them..Mom and Dad..as usual..are all emotional...in the process..they can't believe that Payal will be finally gone by the end of the year...actually nor do I believe its time for that already..I mean sometimes it feels like wasn't it just yesterday that she and Akash started dating?"

I side- hug Rohan immediately for I get his brotherly emotions totally as I admit – " and I know exactly what you mean buddy.."

Cap winks as he says – " well ..and hopefully soon...we will have this one here ..tie the knot with Noor soon...too..then we'd all be sailing in the same boat of matrimony..."

That makes Ravi grin as he says – " you never know boys..I might just go down on my knee...in either of the upcoming weddings...I mean you know how its like the weddings in the air create that ambience...given the fact that our Mr Stranger got booked for matrimony at his sisters- wedding..."

We all share a warm laugh at that.

So yes – guys – everyone in our families at the moment are in the process of planning two weddings in the sense that both Sparkle and Mine and Akash's and Payal's weddings are up on the cards. So as you all already know – Sparkle and Me have decided to tie the knot in Australia in the beginning of November and both our families are in the middle of secretive preparations for that too alongside prepping for Akash's and Payal's wedding in between the Xmas-New Year holiday towards the end of the year in Maldives in a beach wedding setting.

Rohan adds with another grin – " And on that note...I am so amused by the cover up they all came up with...Samaira's idea obviously...it's good that if anyone from the outside catches the whiff of the preps up underway for your wedding in Australia everyone has decided to cover up with the bit saying that its Akash's and Payal's wedding we are all prepping for ..for it's true anyway...it's just going to happen towards the end of the year anyway..."

I nod at that as I say grinning – " remind me to text Samaira a thank you once again when we land..though..will you Rohan??"

Rohan grins – " ofcourse brother.."

Cap grins as he says – " Sachi...can't contain her excitement anyway.."

Ravi nods happily – " just like Noor cannot..she's got her plans out in her head already..,"and he pauses and adds – " but I am sure Reva aunty will be the one who beats everyone onto that excitement bit though..."

I chuckle on reflex – " yup...I agree to that too...I mean you should just see Mom's face these days.....like she won't just stop grinning....i mean she can't wait to have Khushi home..like formally..."

Ravi, Cap and Rohan look at me as they say warmly and sincerely – " and we are all sure just like you are...Arnav...that Khushi is going to play very soon..she's probably just four weeks away from being allowed to pick up her bat...right??"

I nod at them sincerely as I admit – "yup...another four more weeks for sure... I really hope so that she's able to guys...I mean she's been working so hard at the NCA in terms of her physio and rehab...it hasn't been easy ofcourse..especially these first three weeks...the intense physio sessions....the muscle conditioning and strengthening...there are days at a stretch when she's just found her body challenging her at every freaking step...but she pulls herself up to it..she pulls her mind upto it and fights her inner obstacles to reinstill her stamina...she moves forward nonetheless.. by giving it her best shot..and in my opnion..I think she's fairing brilliantly...so far...she's surely waded her way through the toughest bit with immense grit...I mean to be honest...her courage clean bowls me...greatly..."

Rohan grins at that as he adds – " I know what you mean..i admire her for her grit too you know buddy...infact as Samaira keeps giving me the heads up everyday about it all through Yasmine who is in the physio panel on Khushi's case at the NCA...I'd like to quote what Samaira said to me last evening...she said...Yasmine is beyond just thrilled with Khushi's progress..she said..that the fact that Khushi is so focussed and positive towards her rehabilitation and the time line in her head...is probably one of her biggest emotional asset at the moment...she said...the fact that the Little Hit Girl truly believes that she will heal just in time truly has made a hell lot of a difference with the way she's approaching things..and I couldn't agree more too...for we all know how important that very element of belief is..right??"

I nod at him as I admit with a warm smile – " Samaira did text me the same last evening too buddy...but I am glad to hear this again.."

Cap says grinning – " well we all know how Khushi has been dreaming to play and make the cut for World Cup squad...so I am pretty sure given everything I have been hearing about her time at the NCA from you all and Sachi...that..she is going to be on that plane back to Australia with her squad for that World Cup...I mean from where I see it...she's surely Leaping Forward steadily in terms of her recovery..."

I admit sincerely – " yes...that she surely is Cap..Leaping forward steadily bit by bit...you won't believe this..she takes these extra aqua-physio sessions which are like super intense for an hour extra everyday with Yasmine too..given the way she's felt it help strengthen her back muscles....she's literally the last one to finish up with her intense sessions and leave the rehab wing in the evening because it's time for it to shut..."

Ravi chuckles at that as he says – " yup...I know that...infact a couple of days ago..Noor told me..that the guard at the rehab wing was literally waiting for Khushi to step out for he had to lock up..I mean she was on the phone with Noor at that time which was how she caught onto it..."

I chuckle – " oh yes...I am aware about that of course...well that sort of happens every day actually...but I keep reminding her to keep doing things slow and steady..I mean I do not want her to jerk any bit of herself in a rush.."

Cap grins – "and that is great...ok..now I am beyond just confident..tell her the same for me..will you please Arnav?tell her that I believe in her immense..."

I nod at him happily.

It will mean the world to My Sparkle – to hear the belief and confidence Cap has in her at the moment too.

Ravi grins as he adds – " so yes..like Cap said...I most surely think that...she will be on that plane to Australia...and let's just hope...that she also be on that plane back with the squad with the World Cup trophy too...oops...but that won't be possible right? for we will all be at her wedding soon after the WC is over for them..anyway...for our man here cannot get married without his bride now..can he..?,"he finishes with a happy wink

I chuckle at that as I say – "well.. yes..to that..."

Rohan and Cap add grinning in unison – " well but we get the inference Ravi...which means that you are rooting for our girls to win the Cup...c'mon lets just cheer to that...too...their T-20 unit this year has been beyond just fantastic..."

We all nod and happily do the same.

Ravi adds immediately after – " guys...wait..also...had to share this bit..I read this piece just as we boarded...the England Cricket Board has finally announced that they will be playing the Kia Super League with the 100 ball format next year on...which was they put it on hold for this year...for they apparently are making a lot of format changes within the league...it's interesting to see how our game continues to evolve.."

Rohan adds – " yup...I heard even the Big Bash League is making a lot of format changes..for their domestic tournament later on with the year..it's going to be interesting to see how that pans out..."

Cap nods in an agreement too – " yes..these continuous innovations in our good old game..gives a lot of perspective indeed..for we gotta eventually adapt to it all..."

I nod in an agreement – "well I agree guys... new formats are innovative and intriguing always. I mean there was a time we didn't have T20 and now look...how far has that format come...so yeah...but to be honest..I was just glad that the Kia was on hold this year for whatever the reasons because Khushi otherwise would have been bummed out on missing out this year with them for sure..."

Cap grins and nods – " ofcourse..she would have been bummed.. only normal..Arnav...I mean I still remember her six sixes and how you couldn't stop grinning your way into the elevator after...these lads totally cornered you back then...unknowingly...I caught you right then though..."

We all share a happy laugh at the fond memory again and I say grinning – " ofcourse....I remember.."

And it is right then the flight crew comes in to remind us all that we must return to our seats for its going to be landing time soon as descent had begun and we all finish up on our drinks quickly to walk back to our cabin to join the rest of the boys and the support team.

We also chat up with everyone for a couple of minutes before finally taking our seats.

Once I was finally buckled into my seat – I look out the skyline around me and a heart-warming smile backs my lips on its own accord. I mean guys – remember? I was on a plane to London only all those months ago before I met my Sparkle?

And now look – How far have we come??

I open my Whtsapp next to re-read my chats with My Sparkle prior to boarding the flight and I can't help but grin.

I mean – you all surely have caught onto the glimpse of how hard she is working in terms of her sports rehabilitation right? So I really am being honest when I am falling short on words to rightly express how proud I am off her at the moment indeed.

And now as usual – – I couldn't wait to just Land so that I could text her again. It's 6pm – UK time right now meaning it's nearing 10:30 PM in India.She surely must be in her room all by herself reading up or watching on some cricket or talking to everyone back at home and awaiting for me to land and dropping me a lot of texts on Whtsapp in the meanwhile too.

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25 minutes Later

625 PM – UK Time

Arnav's POV Continues

The minute the wheels of our plane touch the runway – I switch on my phone obviously and await the signal reception to make its way to my phone.

And just as it does so two minutes later – I grin as my Whtsapp starts buzzing with a line of texts from My Sparkle just like I expected. But I am unable to read the previous ones through as my phone tings with her fresh text immediately as well.

Her : hey..you...my love..finally...you'v landed ...and I just have to say this again..I missed you in all these hours ya love...

I grin as I quickly reply.

Me : hey..you...Sparkle...guess what?? I missed you insane too as usual...and I was just reading through your previous texts actually...couldn't complete reading them..as your text came..love..

Her : achaaaa...ohoo...you leave them abhi...as in read them later na baba...first you talk to me for a bit thike? before you get all occupied in getting out the plane and busy with the airport formalities plus getting swamped along with the unit amidst the sea of cricketing fans in London too..I am sure the plane is still on taxi on the runway..abhi...for the next five-six minutes given the runway length at Heathrow...so just chat with me abhi..ok?

Ok.

Why does it feel like she has something super- exciting to tell me?

She's also right that our taxi on the runway at the moment should take another five minutes plus for sure.

Me : yes you got that bit off right Sparkle...as in there's surely about five minutes or so before we hit the aerobridge...but wait... you want to tell me something surely? And you are quite excited about it??Sparkle..am I right?

Her : haha..ofcourse meri jaan...you surely are right...now without further delay...listen to this happy exhilarating news..thike? I didn't write about this in the string of my previous texts for I wanted to mention it to you during a live chat...so....yes...here I go - Madan's text came for he wanted to talk to me..like an hour back..and I spoke to him obviously on phone...and guess what?? Coach Khanna told him this evening that he was beyond just impressed with how much his technique and game has improved all these months...he's suggesting that Madan give his name to try out for Delhi Under 16 -domestic team for a couple of spots have opened up ..the try outs are next month!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Like Coach Khanna wants to give Madan's name from his end... imagine love....just imagine!! Madan was so so so so happy..and I am beyond just excited for him..he asked if he should go ahead and give it a shot and I was like ofcourse...Madan...you'd be mad to think twice...just practice harder in this month before the try outs...and then hopefully you will make it to the Under-16 domestic squad very soonnnn!!!!!!!!!!

I grin as I read that.

I am beyond just thrilled for Madan too.

He's a good boy and if all his gruelling hard work is opening up self-made opportunities for him at the moment – I couldn't be happier.

Me : that is amazing news Sparkle for sure..I am beyond just thrilled for him as well. He is a good boy...he surely has a long way to go..and you'v been a wonderful mentor to him in so many ways so far..meri jaan...I love your shades off compassion so much..look at how excited you are for him...

Her : uff ya...you know again going on your being biased spree...acha..listen na..further...I told him the same..that this is just the beginning for him..he must keep working even harder..he did get all emotional by the end of the call and started crying in happiness...and it's understandable isn't it love?? for if this goes through it will be such a huge leap of confidence for him..and not just that...it'll just be a huge leap forward for him in so many accords...

Me : I agree Sparkle completely! Wish him well from my side please will you? tell him Mr.India sends his best wishes.Leave him a voice note about the same perhaps?

Her : haha..I surely will Skipper Blue...you know what love after I hung up with him I was thinking...that the day we announce our wedding to the world...Madan will go crazy in disbelief for he'd obviously connect the dots that Mr India who'd hide behind the newspaper at the Dhaba was you all along...(winks)

I chuckle as I read that.

Me : well now that you mentioned this...its surely making me chuckle Sparkle. anyways...you tell me love...what have you been upto? Haan? Its almost 11pm for you? you'v surely had a gruelling day physically with all the rehab work planned for today...how did that go??

Her : all went well ya Love...yes a tad bit tired and exhausted obviously since you know I asked them to give me that extra slot for the aqua -physio yet again today...but yeah on the whole...I am pretty glad that I managed it all...then caught up with Yasmine after for dinner in the cafeteria..it's good that she's a resident here ya...then after that just talking to everyone back at home...reading up some articles...watching you play some cricket..I mean..while I was waiting for you to land...I had to make ado with My Mr Stranger on TV na?(winks)

Me : well I kind off expected the latter Sparkle...but hey..how does dear back feel haan today??after that extra aqua-physio session?

Her : dear back is all delighted with the fact that it is getting there bit by bit Arnav..I told you na this aqua physio has been working wonders for me..I can feel my muscles strengthening for sure...but it's just been three weeks ya love – I have four-five more intense weeks to go...but I will get there...love...I surely will....I am at it...I won't give up...I will go the distance...(hearts)

My Heart swells with Love.

Me : And I am more than just confident that you will. Infact not just me...even Cap is...he actually asked me to tell you the same too! Rohan, Ravi and Cap and me were obviously talking about you for a bit before landing...you know when I miss you insane..I talk about you to them..so yeah..(winks)

Her : yes my love...I know that..but wait..what? Cap said that? as in he asked you to say the same to me?? what did he say??

I chuckle to myself.

Me : I most surely am going to give you all the details of that only on video call Sparkle for I do not want to miss your expressions my love..but yes for now..I'd like to say that Cap, Rohan and Ravi too believe as per everything they'v heard from Sachi, Noor, Payal, Samaira, Yasmine and Me with regards to your ongoing rehab progress at the NCA that – you surely are taking a lot of steady leaps forward in your journey to complete recovery! They are beyond just sure that you will be on that plane to Australia for the World Cup with your squad.

My phone beeps in ten seconds.

Her : ..........................

I smile.

Me : oh come on Sparkle...please don't tear up now..

Her : you know very well love...that these are happy tears ya...

Me : yes I know that love...ok let them flow...but not too many okay?

Her : okay...love...still on runway?

I look around at everyone in the cabin now starting to get up to get their luggage from the overhead cabin as the plane comes to a halt at the aerobridge.

Me : just parked into the aerobridge love...

Her : which means you gotta go for now ya Skipper Blue..

I type at the speed of light.

Me : I know that you are exhausted from the long day already Sparkle.. but will you be okay to wait up for me for a bit??

Her : haha...very funny..Skipper Blue... as if you think I'd ever get any sleep without talking to you thike? don't you worry ya love..I am up only..infact I am about to get on a video call with Superbro and Anj anyway..

Me : ok then Sparkle....I will text you soon..k?

Her : thike...meri jaann..

Me : well you copied that from me my love...but I don't mind..for I love it when you call me that..(winks)

Her : and I love it when you call me the same too which was why I copied you...hehe...acha...now you go na baba..i'll be waiting...(hearts)

I smile to myself as I put my phone back into my denims pocket and get up from my seat and start to get set along with my unit to deboard the plane feeling immensely proud of My Sparkle – deep within yet again.

For she wasn't just leaping forward miles steadily in terms of her Recovery! She was also Leaping Forward miles in terms of her Fighting Spirit/Grit/Focus/Determination/ – like never before– Indeed.

I mean - How could I not be Proud of her the way I was?

Godammit - I was Proud.And if I were to still try to put it in words at the moment, I'd simply just say that I was Proud* Beyond All off Infinity.

Indeed.

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Authors Note - Attaching a Bollywood number from the movie Soorma as a dedication to our Sparkle's fighting spirit and her grit and dedication towards her recovery at the moment.

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TADAAAA.

How was the Update Guysssss?? Will be eager to know what you all think? I didn't just want to skip directly to the bit of her actually playing after all these months hence included this medium length chapter showcasing her progress in the background.

Next Update : Ok guys - I will try my Bestest to give another medium length update by Saturday Night Mostly, but just in case am unable too pull that off – I shall post on Monday.

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

Much Love.

Always.

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