TAKE 38 - Stir up to the Storm

Hellooooo Guysssssssss....

So yes - here I am with the next update off HW3.0 !

Please note - we are now Six More Days - Forward into the Story..

Word Count - Med-Long in length - 8.5K Words.✍✍👩‍💻👩‍💻

P.P.S - Does the Title of the Update trigger some flutters already? I totally felt it while writing the update - you will all know what I mean when you finish reading the Update.

Taking some hours off to just Write this Out finally has truly been my Respite in taking my Mind Off - Everything Covid! And I truly hope - that you are able to experience some distraction and entertainment through the Story Too🤗❤🙏

Will be Eager to know your feedback on the Same!

Thank you so very much guys* Infinity for all your Support to my Work till now! It truly means so much to me!🤗🤗🤗🤗✍✍✍👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻

Also, yes this is the First Draft. Please definitely ignore editing/common repition of words errors etc - since I have not proofread.

I shall now let you all dive in without Further Delay.

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Disclaimer:

This Story/ Written Series is a work of Fiction.All characters are fictitious.Any resemblance to a person living or dead is purely coincidental. The depiction off fictitious characters through their cross - cultural backgrounds is also a work of pure fiction. I respect all faiths, cultures, communities with its rich diversities, equally.I mean no offence or hurt to anyone's sentiments through my work in any way whatsoever.

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Take 38 - Stir up to the Storm

Six More Days Later

31st January, 2020 - Lahore, Pakistan

2:00PM in the Afternoon

Khan Mansion

Khushi's POV

Alrightyyyyyyy!!!!

Yes!

I just can't seem to stop. Oh yes - I just simply can't.

Stop doing what????? I am sure you all are wondering the context.

Only fair that I dive into straight then. So guys - I just can't seem to stop jumping up on my bed in glee like a jumping jack - with my tablet in my hand!!!!

Why? If you may ask???

Because - that's how excited I am in my being right now even though I am seeing what I am seeing up on screen for like the fifth time - maybe? Since yesterday? Or wait - make that Hundred? Or maybe - more?????????

Anyways - so what am I seeing up on my tablet right now then???Any guesses ...anyone?

Like any at all?

Oh Wait.

Ill just stop with the suspense and dive right in - in the next very second!

The reason I am this excited right now is obviously because I am in the middle off rewatching the highlights of the final Fourth Test Match in between Aus vs India - that finished yesterday at the Gabba - with India clinching the historic win at the Gabba against Australia - after Three Freaking Decades(30 years) + Winning the Border Gavaskar Trophy!!( I can't seem to take my eyes off Arnav's face and his epic exhilarating expressions in celebrations with everyone - post the Win - even this time around as I see the clipping)

Yes.

Guys.

You read that right! They did it! The Indian Test cricket team pulled off a freaking unbelievable chase in the second innings to stamp their win at the cricket ground which has been considered Autralia's cricketing fortress for like three decades now!!!!

Okay.

And I gotta be fair to admit - that I am so freaking blown away(yet again) by Arnav's all round gaming abilities in the sport - just like most of the cricketing fandom in India is right now.(The Hangover off the crazy victory yesterday has been the talking point off the cricketing media all over - obviously. Like I cannot even begin to explain the frenzy that's been happening - guys. Its like freaking crazy and insane)

So just a brief gaming context that will tell you all what exactly I mean by the point above. So when the five-day test match began on the 26th January - Australia won the toss and chose to bat first and they did manage to put up an amazing strong total off - 369-10 in the first innings. It wasn't that India's bowling unit did not bowl on point - it was just that it was brilliant batting on that first day from Australia given the assistance from the pitch.(Arnav still clinched 3 wickets in the first innings - so did Daksh and the rest of the Australian wickets were shared by the rest of the bowlers)

After Australia's first innings - the Indian star openers + top order(which would be Sameer + Raunak followed by Ved + the rest ) did give India the solid start they needed with the bat as well. And even though Australia did keep on making comebacks with the ball as well by taking wickets here and there in between - given that the batsmen were able to forge solid partnerships - India did manage to finish their first innings 336-10 - giving Australia the lead off just 33 runs at the start of their second innings by the end off Day 3.

And then the battle on the 22 yards kind off grew like super intense in between both the teams who were giving it there all for the win on the last hour of Day 3+ Day 4 - and Australia finished with 294-10(Arnav took a freaking unbelievable 5 wicket haul this time around and Daksh took 4 as well) - setting India up for the highest ever chase off 328 runs for the win at the Gabba's. Before the onset of India's second innings - it was like the pressure was super high on them for 329 at the Gabba had like never been chased in the second innings of the Test Match given that Day 5 pitches are tricky to bat on as well. However - the Indian unit - showcased an excellent team effort clean bowling pretty much every test cricket fan in the world out there with everyone contributing with the bat in the high pressure calculated chase. By the last couple off ball before tea break - India lost Ved+ Rishi both in back to back wickets(as they were trapped LBW to excellent deliveries leaving India with the score of 200- 5) with 128 more runs to chase within the leftover last session of play.(Arnav had just come to the crease after to join Rishi after Ved's wicket and once Rishi lost his as well - it was Singh who was going to join Arnav on crease post tea break)

Now in the tea break of this session - it was like the gaming experts all over - were like - should the Indian team be thinking of going for the Draw yet again? for the Aussies were surely going to attack for the last five wickets and stuff. But then apparently - the Indian unit decided to counter attack as well in their strategy for as the Last session began - both Arnav and Singh - played so freaking brilliantly that it was inbeleivable as they put up a 70 run partnership - with Arnav scoring 40 of those runs and Singh scoring 30. India still needed 58 more runs for the win though in that last intense hour. Australia did think that they pulled the momentum back for a bit as they managed to get Singh's wicket in the next over - but then Daksh came in to join Arnav and they both continued in their counter attack aggressively. They alternated in between anchoring the other end- attacking and rotating the strike as much as they could - and towards the exciting end of it all - it was like Daksh also scored 30 vital runs in their partnership and Arnav played like a freaking star as well as he added 28 more runs to his prior stand off runs + Arnav was also the one to hit the winning - boundary in a Four - for India!!!!(He freaking finished - 68* Not Out in such a high pressure second innings off the game - along with clinching 7 wickets in the entire test match as well - Like Just How freaking Awesome was that off his platinum all round gaming arm!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Arnav was also awarded the player of the match for he also contributed with the bat significantly with 40 runs in the first innings)

I mean - Now you all know what I mean by the bit that there's so much frenzy going on with regards to his all round ability just like there is the frenzy on Ved's captaincy in the test match - hailing him for leading the team to such an amazing victory in the series right after Cap giving up on Test Captaincy+ leaving test cricket.

I am soo soo freaking stoked for Him!(which is a given)+ I am also so happy for their entire unit!!!!!!!!!!

And as my eyes take in the happy exhilarated sight of Arnav on screen again in victory celebrations with his unit - I continue to jump up on my knees in excited glee - pretty much dancing to myself with the other hand in the air - as well!!!

And wait - before you all term me crazy - I do gotta admit that I am celebrating this crazily over and over - because like right then - as in when I was watching the match Live - I did have Noor and Raahil around me alright?? So it's like I did have to keep a hold on my excited expressions.( I can't even begin to tell you all how difficilut that was for real though - but yes I do gotta admit - that hearing Raahil and Noor appreciating Arnav's gaming talent after the victory+ Abbu talking about it as well later last night at Dinner - was like just an added dose of Happiness to my Heart - Indeed)

Oh wait up guys.

Gotta pause on the one on one.

For Arnav's calling.

I pick up my phone off charge now and swipe up to take his call and just as I see his grinning face fill up the screen now - I gesture showing him my tablet catching up on my breath as well simultaneously as I say - "and before you ask me what I was upto baby...let me tell you...that I was just in the middle off jumping in glee over and over catching up on your game highlights...from yesterday...like I just can't get over the gaming happiness on your face...baby..."

Arnav chuckles at that and winks at me playfully as he lounges comfortably on his bed at the other end - amidst his packing spree - " really...Fiore?? I can't believe you'r seeing it again though..."

The Indian unit is scheduled to depart at Midnight(Australia Time)for India - so Arnav is in the middle of finishing winding up before he catches up with the unit for a quick dinner and they all head to the airport.

I chuckle happily - " oh you bet I am...I'v been telling you since yesterday baby...I won't get over this freaking performance of yours for like a long long time...alright? just like I know...most of the cricketing fans in India won't....,"and I wink at him playfully now as I state - " also yes..note it baby...given my territorial streak..I surely am fighting the urge to get on to your comments section on Insta..and send in an emoticon of a punch to every female fan of yours whose been sending, hearts, kisses, and things like - I love you - ASR - your way..."

It's a given that his Instagram has just been flooded just like most of the unit's is. Obviously.

He winks now happily placing his hand over his heart dramatically - " and I love the sound of that... you know I am a goner for your territorial streak...fiore..."

We share a happy laugh and he asks now locking his gaze with mine - winking playfully again - " just wait...till I see...you...dammit..."

I grin - " a couple of more days...only...Mi Amore..."

So I am scheduled to return to London - day after - and Arnav will be coming to see me - then given that he would be arriving in India - tomm.

But I ask now locking my gaze with his sincerely - " are you sure though baby? That you wana come to London like immediately in a couple of days after reaching India...I mean..its been a long tour - everyone at home is so excited to have you back...as well...like the excitement on Arjun Dad's, Raima Mom's, Di's, Akash's faces from our video call yesterday - does make me feel like - maybe you spend another day with them first and then fly in to see me???"

Arnav shakes his head at that almost instantly in a No - " nah...fiore...trust me when I say this...they are just more excited for me to come to you.."

I chuckle - " ahaan? really??"

He grins and adds lovingly - " just gotta say this again though...you beginning to call mom as Raima Mom off late continues to drive me nuts....."

I smile.( Just about three days ago when I was on call with Raima aunty like usually as I am - she was all like - Khushi - you call Dr Raizada as Arjun Dad..why not call me as Mom as well?And well - given that her vibe was so super warm and loving in the moment - I obviously followed my heart on it and went with the flow - so yup - now its like - Arjun Dad+ Raima Mom for me as well!!)

I admit happily - " I love calling her that now as well...baby...I really do..."

He nods and I ask now gesturing him show me around his space - " all packing done...baby?"

He shows me his packed up stuitacses on the other end before returning the camera on him - " almost...all done..baby...trust me...I can't freaking wait...to get on that plane..."

I nod happily and he asks now - "Also its almost lunch time for you - your Abbu not home yet??"

I look at the time - " I think he should be here in another fifteen minutes baby...I mean he did text he'd be here by the usual 230Pm...he had all his meetings lined up for the first half as he does not want to head to work...after...so yes...we'll all get to lunch then..."

It is right very then we both hear a knock at his end - and as he hears Rishi's excited voice come through - Arnav says - " give me five mins fiore...ill just buzz you back??"

I nod at him happily and hang up.

And once I do - I just pick up on my tab and brush my hand over the paused picture of his on screen with so much Love for him overflowing in being.

Ahhh,Baby. Just can't freaking wait to tell Abbu, Raahil and Noor about you!

Oh wait.

That reminds me that I didn't really get around to giving you all a headsup on my time here in the last six days with Raahil, Noor and Abbu - right? amidst my jumping on the bed - spree??

So yup - from where shall I begin ? As in - to be fair enough - I don't think I have the words to explain the monumental shades of familial happiness that continue to consume my being by the day deeper with regards to Abbu+ Noor and Raahil. I mean just like I was stumped with emotion at my Homecoming here - I have pretty much been stumped with overwhelming emotions for the last six days - as I'v spent so much quality time with them all seeing them closely - as we live together.Some highlights being the bit that - both Raahil and me are continuing to discover so much respect+ depth in our bond as half-siblings , then Abbu + Me have becoming Chess Buddies as well now and Noor + Me have explored Lahore - in the evenings this time around - through Noor's choice off plans and I simply loved her company on it all.Infact just three nights ago - given that it was Noor's twin's cousin's birthday(Ayan and Azhar) - her family had a small get together at her place and they all invited us over - with her Mum calling me on - personally as well - for they do know that I am Noor's close friend now and am on visit here for this week. So yeah - I couldn't really decline the invite - so I did accompany Noor, Raahil and Abbu there. And meeting everyone at Noor's end - her big joint family - also didn't make me feel like I was like out of place or something. As in - they were all so warm and kind and welcoming. I mean I did have a couple of those encounters alongside her with just her Azlaan bhaijaan prior right? And it seems - his twin siblings+ his parents - kind off dote as much at Noor as well for Real. She truly was the apple of their eyes!!

Oh wait.

Knock on the door at my end this time around.

Its Noor - asking me if she can come in.

I chuckle to myself happily and walk up to the open the door for her in a dash and as I spot her smiling face - I ask grinning - " really? Noor? Aren't you going to stop doing that? how many times did I tell you...you don't need to knock on my door..."

She winks at me now stepping in closing the door shut - " I know...aapa...but I only knocked...you know..just in case you were busy on the phone with your mystery man.."

I grin at that - " well ...I was...until three mins ago...actually.."

She asks hugging me sideways - "aapa...when will you tell us about him?????????????"

I admit hugging her back - " soon...I promise...Noor...super soon...,"and she catches the look on my tab now and asks smiling walking up to sit on the bed - " watching the highlights of India's game..from yesterday aapa? Again? I mean...I do have to say..again..it was a brilliant...game...for them..."

I put on my best cover up smile so that my face does not give it away - " yes...it indeed was...just watching on..again...for research..you know just in case...I get the lead to create a tale of this day in animated content from the players point of views..."

She nods now and it is right then - we both hear Noor's phone buzz and its Raahil (Whose out on net practice for the first half of the day as well) and she takes it and asks smiling - " please tell me you are on your home...Raahil...I mean...aapa and me..are waiting for you and Abbu for lunch..given that we'v both spent our morning halves..working from home..and prepping up..for gathering tonight...in the honour of Abbu...yes..all is set...Raahil...don't you worry...aapa...helped me with everything..as well...yes..we wrapped up on the arrangements...already..forty mins ago..everything is in palce...,"and she continues to chat up with Raahil lovingly as I watch on - my heart warming up at the sight.

So just in context. There's a get together tonight at Home here in Lahore .It's not going to be a big gathering or something. Just a small intimate family+ friends affair with Abbu+ Raahil's close extended family here+Noor's family coming over + Abrar uncle's family + a couple of Abbu's old friends. And it's in Abbu's honour because - he like officially completes the longest tenure as PCB's president - than any of the head's prior - today. We realised this yesterday - before the dinner time bit and it got us all excited as well and then Raahil was like he really wanted to do something in Abbu's honour and then Noor suggested maybe a dinner gathering at Home here - and then they both asked me if I'd be comfortable with the same and I just nodded based on my heart's desire - because yes I did want Abbu to feel special in terms of his achievements today as well and in my gut it just felt like that as long as I had the cover up going - for me - just like it was when I met Noor's family - I had nothing to worry about!

Noor hangs up on the call now and says grinning - " Raahil..should be home...in five minutes...aapa..."

I nod and it is right then - my phone buzzes with Arnav on the video call as well and I just quickly cut the call and drop him a quick text that I'd call him in two.

Noor's been eyeing me mischievously side by side as she usually has been in the last six days everytime she's spotted me glued to my phone and she says now winking and getting up from the spot - " its him..isn't it? go then aapa...talk to him...meanwhile..i'll wait with Raahil at the dining for you...for Abbu should be there soon..too.."

I grin and nod - " and I shall see you down in five...k? just text me when they are here? Ill head down??"

She nods and leaves.

And I quickly video call Arnav and just as he picks up I admit instantly - " baby...I swear I cant wait for the moment..to get this off my chest to them...that its you..i mean...Noor saw me watching on the highlights of the game from yesterday and I just had to pull the research for work cover up...in addition...,"

He chuckles - " ahaan? that's a good one though...for cover up..fiore.."

I wink - " you are really enjoying this...aren't you????"

He nods. I ask now - " so all..okay..with Rishi??"

Arnav smiles - " yes fiore...all okay...remember I told you...about those fresh endorsements proposals that Aman has been talking about to me since morning..??"

I nod.

He explains - " so Rishi was here to tell me that his manager at his end was also approached for one common one...and now both Aman and his manager suggest that Rishi and me do a joint endorsement..we just had that brief call with them...because we will be travelling now soon...and in the meanwhile...they can just go on with the process at their end..and probably plan out the dates..mid Feb.."

I grin - " that's great baby..i mean it would be kool..i mean the process of you and Rishi together..."

He grins at that and we continue with our usual chatter for a bit with him asking me about the preps for the get together at this end tonight - and me - then gesturing him to get on with his final backpack winding up side by side - simultaneously as we talk!

About four minutes later - as my phone buzzes with Noor's text telling me that both Abbu and Raahil were home now for lunch - I say the same to Arnav and he says - " okay then..fiore...you get going..."

I smile - " you too baby...everyone's getting together for dinner in ten mins too - right??"

He nods lovingly and he says - " keep texting me though...on and off..in between? Fiore...I mean I know you are going to be tied up now that your Abbu and Raahil are home...but you know I'd need to be with you on text until I board?"

I nod lovingly - " ofcourse baby...,"and we both exchange a loving flying kiss+ emotional eyelock before we finally hang up and my phone does beep with Mum's text as well and I begin to make my way down to join Noor, Abbu and Raahil for lunch - as I get into a brief chat with her simultaneously. It's almost 10:00 PM for her in NZ now but she's still busy with the work in her medical unit with some of the England players as they are in the middle of a Test Match(day 3) in NZ right now!

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Two Hours Later - 4:00 PM Lahore - (Midnight in NZ)

@Rehaan's study at Home

Rehaan walked into his study smiling to himself. He'd just finished a wonderful lunch + an hour after that spending some quality time with Khushi, Rehaan and Noor - collectively before the three of them got onto planning some impromptu karaoke arrangements for the intimate gathering tonight at home. His heart was glowing with so much happiness and peace in the moment - indeed. The last six days with Khushi being at home with them all had been no less than a heavenly bliss in his father's heart. The fact that she was here with them in the present today/would continue to visit them in short visits over and again - provided so much balm to his aching heart that had missed seeing her grow up in the walls of his Home. The flourishing deepening familial bond in between them all was like a continuous miracle for him as well.

He smiles now taking his seat on his chair behind his table in the study and leans back into it and his eyes fall on the group picture of Gazala, Him and Raahil from back in the day. He picks up the photo frame in his hand now and smiles and says to Gazala in the picture - " you would have really liked her Gazala....my beti jaan...Khushi...she's so precious...you should just see the blossoming equation in between Raahil, Noor and her....to say..they are half siblings - but to just take in the vibe of them together in these last six days...reflects so much more to me...they bond...Gazala...the children bond...Raahil's finally begun to feel like that vaccum for a sibling has been filled in his heart....and you know what..Gazala...if you were here...I am sure...you would have loved my daughter as well...and seen her for the innocent child she has been amidst all of this...for what happened..was not her fault...but I think that now..and perhaps I wonder..in my mind...how would you have reacted if you had known prior?about her? Say years ago,"and he sighs and adds to himself smiling sadly - " perhaps...an answer I am never meant to discover...anyways...Gazala...I am happy that the children arranged this gathering...tonight...at home...also because...even if it is under the pretext of being Noor's friend...I am happy that Khushi will get to meet everyone that has been close to us...in our inner circle...,"and he continues to add next - "but it does sadden me though...so much...that in front of the rest...both Raahil and me have to play the pretend act around her..in regard to her being Noor's friend...our hearts know...I long so much to address her as my daughter in front of all...Raahil longs to address her as his aapa...as well...in front of all...ahh..the threads of destiny have a mystic way of functioning...Gazala...don't they?"

He pauses now to sip on some water and then once again begins to talk back to the frame upfront. He obviously knew he was not going to get any answers but talking it out to his bestest friend who had been his companion for so long - this way - always seemed so cathartic within. It helped him vent out what he couldn't to the rest - to her picture alone in peace - thinking that she had probably heard him out up there in the heavens.

Rehaan adds next leaning back into his chair again - " so...as you would Gazala...given that I am sure you are watching us up from the heavens...that...I just feel so heavy in here in my heart..for all a part of me wants to do is...tell Alice...just tell her...how I am beginning to feel the shades of our familiar deep love grip my heart and soul in the present day for her again....given the time lost...a part of mind feels like...why not just be true in admitting what you feel? for you see Gazala...now..clearly...most surely so...I see the deep meaning in Khalil Gibran's quote that says - that in between what is said and not meant and what is meant and not said..most of love is Lost....so you tell me Gazala...should I dive in? should I tell her how I feel??,"and he continues smiling sadly pretty much to himself again - " or perhaps..you'd just say...ji haan Bilkul Khaan Janaab...go on..just tell her how you feel...is this what you wanted for me Gazala? Because you could see it all from the heavens above???"

He pauses and sips on some water again and asks the picture on his desk again - " would you be offended Gazala? If I say...that a part of me wants to put a picture of Khushi and Alice on my desk here too? alongside yours and Raahil's??"

He sighs again and closes his eyes. Allah knew that he so badly wanted to do just that.

He picks up his phone now and looks at the time.

It was almost Midnight in NZ for Alice.He knew she was busy with overseeing last minute medical/physip sessions with some of Englands players before Day 4 of the test match began for England tomorrow - there. But wasn't she free yet?.Now that he had known her present schedule in the months gone by closely - in his heart - he couldn't help but worry for her well being. She worked too hard, around the clock - all the time - never pausing to take enough rest.

He texts her.

Rehaan : Alice...it's midnight almost...for you..not free yet? You need to rest well......come to think off it...shouldn't the Physio head be following her own advice on rest as well?

His phone beeps in a second.

Alice : yeah...fair point...Rehaan...I just got free...retired for the night about fifteen mins ago..just freshened up..i was about to text you...it's a big day...for you...isn't it? you complete the milestone of the longest duration as the PCB head..that no head as prior...proud of how far you have come and everything that you'v done for the conitinuous layment of strong foundation of cricket back home.....it had always been one of your dreams to give it back to the game at home...after..

Rehaan smiles as he reads that.And rings Alice up on the video call.Once she picks up instantly and he sees her smiling face fill up the screen he answers - " thank you for that Al...and looks like I could say the same...I am so proud of how far you have come...professionally as well..."

He sees Alice nod at that and they fall into a usual catch up on the regular day chatter for the next five-seven minutes - with refrences to Khushi+ Raahil+ Noor every now and then in the middle.

And just as they finish talking about all of that and Alice says that she is about to hang up for she should retire for the night given its game day tomm at her end - Rehaan ends up asking on reflex - " stay...please?Al? don't go? Not just yet...five more minutes maybe??"

He sees Alice's eyes swim with a familiar deep emotion before she says softly - " ill stay...for a couple more minutes Rehaan...but please...I ask this of you again...don't call me Al...this way...on the call..while you look at me like that..."

Rehaan feels like he really needs to get his current feelings off his chest now and so he asks straight forward now - " why? Is it because...it triggers the feels in there...in your heart...again?be honest..please?? Al...don't you think...we should be giving each other that..after all the time that has been lost...after all that has happened...what's the point of keeping it pent up...still?? You'v been dodging this discussion for a while now...and I can't take it anymore...you know how I feel...for you ...in the present day..don't you? I know you can see it in my eyes...you know I am ...in lo...,"and even before he can complete the words - in love with you again - he hears Alice say with a gesture of hand again - " no...please...don't...rehaan..don't say it...yes...I know..what you mean..but pelase...can you not just say it out loud? Please?"

Rehaan asks shaking his head in disbelief - " why?? Because it will feel more real in your head...then?Al? then guess what...i'd say...that's great...for it is as real as it always has been in my heart for you...all these years...yes...it is exactly just that in the present today...Allah knows...I am in love with you...again...head over heels...in love with you...again..."

He sees Alice's eyes widen at that as her eyes well up and she shakes her head in part furstrtaion - "why? Why did you say it out loud when I asked you not too? Rehaan??? Don't you get it...the only sole reason why I didn't want you to say that to me..was because...it would make me wana admit the same back to you again...as well...and I can't...I just simply...can't..."

Rehaan feels like his hearts just leaped in glee at the former bit as he asks searching Alice's turmoil etched on her face - " I knew it...in my heart...I did... you feel it too..don't you Alice?can you please say it back..once?"

He sees her shake her head again as she wipes a tear outta the corner of her eye - " I am sorry...I can't...I really can't Rehaan.."

And Rehaan asks with his heart aching immense again - " whyyyyy??????????,"and he hears her answer with angst etched all over her face now - " because...there's no future...Rehaan...there never was...to begin with then...and that stands pretty much the same in the present today..twenty five years later...we'v come too far...in our lives to go back to what was as a couple...we can't be together...despite what we feel...we gotta think of our children...in here...as well..don't we? It is complicated and twisted...is it possible for us to just stick to this boundary that we are in right now as Khushi's parents who are co-parenting her now...please?perhaps one more time...we are at a crossroads in here...Rehaan...I know what you want...and with due respect to that....I also know what I want...in my mind..."

Rehaan nods his heart breaking at listening to everything he just did as a sad smile curves his lips again - " and once again...perhaps..what you want in the mind/heart stands in different directions doesn't it...Al? perhaps you are not taking what your heart wants...in here at all...don't look away...look into my eyes and say..that isn't your heart aching for a second chance of togetherness...for us...as well?"

He sees Alice sigh at that as she wipes another tear - " perhaps...it is...yes...it is...aching for that...indeed...Rehaan...I am being honest to you here...though..this is not about me not wanting too..more so about ...I can't...and know...you understand...what I mean...in your mind as well..we can't...Rehaan...even if our children want it for us..we can't...ignore the practicalities/ realities of Life...today...it isn't easy for me to say this...as well...its heartbreaking yet again in so many ways...so I ask this of you again...can we just stick to being together in parenting Khushi..for now..."

Rehaan sighs at that as he nods his emotions once again creating a familiar havoc again as his eyes locked with Alice's across but then in his mind he also could understand what she was- " all my life...in my heart...all I'v wanted was you...Al...you know that..don't you?"

He sees Alice nod - " I know...now....yes...I do...Rehaan...,"and he sees her sigh as she leans back into the headrest of her bed and asks him finally again - " and I am sure...you know..its been the same for me..always? I know...I don't need to explain..more.."

Rehaan nods and asks yet again - " And yet you say we cannot be together...but then...given you meantioned...for now..in there..in context just seconds ago...my aching heart wants to know..is there no hope at all though? for us? Ever again in the future??"

He sees Alice fight back a conflicted sigh at that - " for now...that's all I can say...Rehaan...that perhaps...we just need to give ourselves more time...our children more time...no matter how much this aches us within..in here...in our hearts...for the sake of our children's personal lives...as well..."

They exchange a powerful knowing nod at that - in a moment that was heartbreaking for the two and yet so poignantly beautiful. They both knew that - they were in Love today - and yet - once again - their duties as parents was making them hold back.

Rehaan says now with a sigh - " I understand in my mind...Al..i do..but perhaps...if we can just be honest to each other about what we feel at the least? even if we cant be together in its literal sense? Perhaps being open to one another about what we are feeling at the least - can be a balm in here...,"

He sees Alice's eyes swim with overwhelming emotions as she nods at that - " perhaps...you are right?look....maybe getting this off my chest will help me unbottle so much.. of that I have been feeling.. off late as well...," and he sees her pause for a second as she locks her gaze back with him emotionally as she sighs and adds next - "I am in love with you too Rehaan...in the present day today...theres no qualms about that...you surely already know in your heart this time around...that..there isn't...Christ knows...you are the only man I'v ever loved/ you were..and you still are..the only one I will ever love..."

And just as he hears that from Alice - Rehaan feels his heart burst with a heavy tide of emotions as he admits with his heart basking in the poignant beauty of the beauty as it balmed his being too - " that's all I wanted to hear...Alice..for now...for.. it feels like...it could keep me going...this way....."

He sees Alice nod as they exchange another heartbreaking nod - "to know how you feel for me is perhaps the only thing that will keep me going this way...as well...Rehaan...we know there is Love...but perhaps...just once again...we have our own limitations about seeing it through...and this time around its for our children...for I know..it would destroy us both..if our being involved romantically in the present today as any negative impact on the personal lives of Khushi and Raahil....right? as in on their external factors...around their respective's partners families? For there sake...for now..there surely lies a boundary in between us that we cannot cross...I want to see Khushi settled in her personal life first...in every sense...with the man she loves...before I think about myself / us in here...you understand don't you????"

Rehaan nods in an instant understanding and sees Alice do the same as their eyes lock emotionally in an heartbreaking silence.

The Rhythms of their Hearts were Near one anothers but yet again it was the Rhythms of the Realities around them - that still stood on an aching crossroad - for Now!

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

Five More Hours Later - 9:00 PM

Lahore - Khan Mansion

The dinner gathering at the Khan Mansion had set off an hour ago. And it was going great - with all the close ones in the inner circle of friends + relatives catching up with one another + all celebrating the moment in the honour of Rehaan - as planned by Raahil. Everyone was also having a good time with the youngsters in the group - (Raahil+ Noor's close cousins+ friends - ) engaging in a fun karioke on and off - as the cozy party went on in swing in the back lawns at the Khan Mansion.

Noor and Raahil were being complimented by all for hosting/arrange the cozy beautiful gathering in the honour of their Abbu.And Khushi was also enjoying meeting everyone Noor was introducing her too in the gathering - as well. The ambience was warm and close-knit - which Khushi feel really happy to be a part off.(She'd obviously been on text as much as she could be with Arnav until he'd boarded the flight at his end)

Khushi exchanges a warm smile with one of Noor's friends now as they stood in the circle and talked - and chatted up - and once again as she catches a glance at her Abbu across in conversation with Abrar uncle + a couple of his old friends/co-players from his cricketing days - she feels like - his smile was not the one that came from the heart. She fights back a sigh again - inwardly. Even before the party began - she'd felt in her heart that Abbu had some turmoil on his mind that he was thinking about. But she didn't have the time to ask him directly amidst the happenings around - as Noor's family had arrived a tad bit early around 730 Pm as well.And in the moment she felt like - she just had to wait until later tonight to ask him if he was okay?

It is right then she spots her Abbu excusing himself from the group he was chatting in for a minute and beginning to head back in. He'd fought a sigh as well - his shoulders had drooped.Which made Khushi think that perhaps - she could use the couple of minutes to see him inside and talk to him??

She sees Noor walk up to join her now alongside Azlaan, Ayan and Azhar and as Khushi exchanges a warm smile with them all one by one she states to Noor - " excuse me...everyone...Ill just be back..in five mins..,"and she shoots a subtle knowing look to Noor in a gesture that says - I am going in to freshen up.

Noor nods and Khushi exchanges another polite nod with Noor's friend+ Azlaan+ Ayan and Azhar and then takes her leave inwards.

Just as she heads back in - she spots Raahil getting in from door across as well with a worried look etched over his face and just as he spots her - he walks up to her on reflex and given that he observes that they are alone in there and everyone's busy in the gathering in the lawn he asks Khushi - " aapa...is it just me? or do you also feel like Abbu's heart is not in the gathering?at all? He seems very worried and conflicted...in the last hour...he's trying his best to cover up...but I saw it through...I mean..did you just see him walk right back in..with that dejected frame..his shoulders drooping...I mean..this moment is like a toast to him...and he knows that...and yet...given that he escaped it for a bit...tells me...somethings just weighing him down..."

Khushi nods and whispers - " I know...exactly...right...I saw it...as well...noticed it too...I was thinking...to head to him to ask him if he was okay actually..."

Raahil nods and smiles - " me too...I think he's headed to his study maybe? It's his refuge spot.How about we go there for a couple of minutes and talk to him together..aapa? everyone's busy in the gathering anyway...Noor's out there attending to everyone...we were planning to cut the cake in celebration in like thirty mins anyway and then dinner...I think we have a couple of minutes here for sure.."

Khushi nods at that and they both exchange a worried nod and head to Rehaan's study wondering what was it that had him disturbed - in this moment - this way.

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

Meanwhile Simultaneously - A couple of Minutes Later

Farha walked out the powder room on the ground floor of Khan Mansion after freshening up herself.

Who was Farah ? She was Abrar( Rehaan's deputy at the PCB and his closest friends ) daughter. She was about three years younger to Raahil and Asif. Asif was her elder brother who was the captain of the domestic cricket team off Lahore. He was very good friends with Raahil as well as they grew up together due to the close friendship in between their father's. Asif was yet to make his national debut for Pakistan cricket team given that the national selectors preferred Raahil's all round gaming abilities more over just his traditional opening batsmen position in the domestic unit. He did play in the PSL in the Lahore team alongside raahil though.But given that Raahil and Asif has always been so close personally - this situation about national debut's - never become a problem or an issue in between of them. Asif+ Raahil's friendship was strong and pure with no room of envy in there just like it was for their father's.

As Farah was crossing the hallway and her eyes falls on the picture frame on the adjacent wall with a picture of Raahil+ Rehaan and Noor in it from Raahil's Nikaah - she feels the memory of an angsty string tug at her heart - personally.The memories of her unrequited love for Raahil who'd always seen her as nothing but his closest friends little sister given that his heart was always with Noor. And now that Raahil and Noor were married - all she could do was balm her broken heart in secrecy for no one in her family knew about her unrequited emotions for she'd always kept a cover on them.Enduring the personal heartbreak in secrecy through their Nikaah celebrations had also taken a toll on her heart - off late.

She smiles sadly to herself now gathering her inner composure - reminding her 21 year old self that she had to find a way to get a grip towards moving on. And just as she is about to head out - her phone buzzes with one of her college friends call.

She picks it up and hears her friend Sana say - " Farah ..please tell me you were able to get me a time slot for an interview with Rehaan uncle? For our news Channel is keen on having a prime time talk time with just him as he completes his longest term as PCB head chief...my boss is after me on this...please tell me you have a time to give me" ( Sana - had recently begun to work at one of popular national news/ media houses in Lahore)

Farah assures her that she will get her the time slot in a bit and once she hangs up - instead off heading out - she begins to walk towards Rehaan uncles study for she'd seen him coming in and heading there as she'd stepped in to freshen up as well. Maybe - it would be better to discuss with him in here rather than through her Abbu or Asif bhaijaan. He'd always been his kind and friendly self with her.

Once she's nearer to the study - she's surprised to spot the doorway open a tad bit little and just as she's about to knock on the door to ask him if she could come in - she hears a couple of voices fall in her ears.

First being of Raahil as he asks - " Abbu..come on...just talk to us..please?? We can both see..that your hearts not in the moment..kya hua hai..abbu? This gathering is for you.."

Farah pauses in her tracks and is about to turn away when she hears the next voice of a girl now joining in Raahil - " Abbu...please...Raahil is right...we both can see through you right now...for sure...you are fighting a turmoil..its in your eyes..youv been trying to cover up..not working in front of us though..clearly..."

That bit surprises the hell out of Farah. Why? For she couldn't believe she'd heard another voice refer to Rehaan as Abbu. And this voice was not Noor's obviously. Then who was it that was referring to Rehaan as Abbu and why????? Curiosity gets the better off her now as she gets back to the door and peeps in a little from the sideway opening and her eyes widen on their own accord as she spots the other face she sees in across next to Raahil and Rehaan.

It was that girl - Khushi Jones who lived in London. Whom Noor has just introduced her too not very long ago in the Party as one of her close friends and the animation artist behind the work on the animated viral posts on cricket off late that had been gaining a lot of attention lately.She'd also heard references of her through her brother Asif and Raahil- a couple of times in the past few months and she'd finally had the chance to meet her - tonight.

But wait??? WHY WAS SHE CALLING Rehaan Uncle as Abbu???????

She steps back now behind against the door quickly so that she can't be spotted and it is right very then Rehaan uncle's voice falls in her ears - " I wouldn't say you are wrong Raahil...Khushi...my children...for ever since this gathering has begun celebrating how far I have come professionally in the present today after my life as a player at the PCB...tonight..in my heart...iv just felt this ache..bothering me again..that just what if...I wasn't who I was professionally today...perhaps life would have been different in the present personally on the angle that I wouldn't have to hold back on what my heart wants in the moment.."

That surprises Farah to the core even more. Why did he refer to both Raahil and Khushi as children?

She hears Raahils worried voice asking him now - what is it Abbu? What's bothering you??"

She hears Rehaans voice come through in her ears - " I want to be able to tell all my close friends out there or atleast tell Abrar - that Khushi here..is my beti jaan...my daughter...but I can't...I wana be able to put up Alice + Khushi's picture here on my study table along with Gazala and yours Raahil...but I can't..and no Khushi..meri beti..for once.. before you remind me of the sensitivities of the situation..I'd like to tell you...I know...I know all of that and yet it troubles me..for me...in my heart...you are as much a part of me..as Raahil is.."

That sends off Farah's mind too space in shock - obviously. Did Rehaan uncle just say that Khushi was his daughter?

She hears Raahil add next - " infact to be fair enough aapa...you were destined to come much before into Abbu's life as his child..before me...given that you were conceived even before Abbu marrying Ammi here...so once again...I do have to say this...he's right in feeling like wanting to put up the picture of you and alice aunt on his desk here...alongside ours...fate's just been so unfortunate with its strings all this while...anyway..."

She stays statued to her spot as she hears Khushi's urgent rushed voice fall in her ears next in her ears - " Abbu...please?? Raahil please?? You know how it is?are you both even listening to yourself??? What are you saying?? You know the risk that comes with this? This could ruin everything for you two - for Mum as well...and...and...look...Abbu... For the world...out there.. its better we keep up the cover...I am your child out of wedlock after..all...no matter how much you love me now...its the truth..that in the eyes of the world..the truth better remain the same..that you have only one legitimate child...which is Raahil...."

Farah stands shaken in her spot now as she hears Raahil's voice fall in her ears next- " Aapa..please..do not even think of using the reference of legitimate/ illegitimate in here in front of us here again...i won't let you...you are my aapa..the part of our family..As much as Abbu's blood as I am...as If it weren't unfortunate enough that wev all lived all out lives until four months ago deprived from the knowledge of our biological bond..."

And it is right then she hears Khushis voice - " alrighty..Raahil I won't go there again..for now...but Abbu..please...relax- k? and wait..why do I feel there is something more... you tell us..something more is up isn't it?"

She hears Raahil ask - " Did something happen with Aunt Alice on your talk with her or something??Aapa..did your Mum give you a headsup????"

And Farah feels her head reel in a crazy overdrive as her head fights to connect the dots. Just what was happening here??? Rehaan uncle was in touch with Khushi's Mum off late???? Just what was happening here? Was he thinking of Marriage again?? Why was Raahil seeming so sorted about this????She thought - she couldn't move in her spot out of shock if everything she'd just heard!!!!!!!! And yet she walks up a little upfront and ahead so that she wasn't discovered by anyone - with her being shaking.

And for a second- all that angst in her hidden heart with regards to her unrequited emotions for Raahil + the bit that her dear brother Asif was still waiting for his national call up due to the selectors preferring Raahil over him in the debut + the bit that her Abbu had been Rehaan uncles deputy at the board for a while now only because no one else in the board was ready to look at him as the next candidate as the Head because of Rehaan being there in the position he was - tug collectively in an intense way at her heart and all at once in a way that channelized the grey areas of the human mind/ hearts - fogging the good in her tender young heart.

Perhaps if she let one crux of this secret out and not all of it - it would be enough to help her ease the pent up pain in her being on so many angles with regards to the Khan's. Not just this - Noor's family would also potentially be unhappy about the scandal - which meant atleast there were chances that her bruised heart would be excused from seeing them( Raahil+Noor) super happy in one frame for a bit?? Say if Noors family coaxed her into coming back home amidst the scandal? She didn't have anything personal against Khushi Jones though - but perhaps the impact of what came her way now - would just be a part and parcel of collateral damage? Who cares - about Khushi Jones - or her mother - so she thought in the moment. All she cared about her personal/family's interests in the moment even if her brother and Abbu didn't. They were probably always going to be blinded by the loyalty of friendship and their moral ethics to see the opportunity in the moment.

For yes- this much she knew that if this bit that she's just discovered about Khushi Jones being Rehaan Khan's child out of the sancticity of wedlock -sees the light of the day - it would go down as one off the greatest celebrity scandals in the media here in the country - Indeed.

And so without thinking twice/ pausing to reanalysis the sensitivity off it all - letting the heat of the moment piling up onto the grey areas of the mind/ heart channelising all pent up pain of angst, personal heartbreak with the aim for a silent revenge backing her heart - Farah finally makes her way out of there with a new mission in her mind as she picked out her phone and rang up - her friend - for she knew if there's anyone who could secretly help her leak this news converting it into a massive scandal for the public to wake upto tomorrow morning - it would be Sana!

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

TADAAAAAAAA!

How was That Guysssssssss ??? Did any of you anticipate this twist in here at all????????????? No shoes at me for stoping at the cliff hanger thoughhhh...please...just had to for the dramatic affect..hehe...

Next Update : Tomorrow Night

Until Then - Please take care 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Thanks, Guys, for all the Support and your Precious Time to my Work!

Much Love

Always

❤

Prachi

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