Chapter 9

CHAPTER 8 – I DON’T WANT TO SAY GOODBYE

Khushi’s POV

I was kind of glad that the driver drove away the instant I sat in the cab, because those damm flutters in my stomach would just not stop fluttering.

Everything inside off me was going up and down over and over again as if I was riding a ferris wheel in a supersonic speed.

And it had started the minute he had leaned in close into me over that toy vending machine, keeping his hand over mine on the joystick gently as he helped me adjust my aim. He had his another arm on the other side of the machine, and I stood like a lost hypnotised person in between his arms.

And I swear to god, when leaned into the side of my neck and whispered softly in my ears – I felt like my brain had stopped functioning.

I literally felt goosebumps all over my being.

And the way he had held my hand over his heart again, and that eye lock.

There was something about it surely.

Ok, Ok, Ok.

Wait Khushi.

I asked myself to take deep breathes again and again.

I was going crazy.

Once again, reading too much into the unsaid.

But I’v never felt this unsaid intensity ever in all of my Life.

Never with Armaan too.

No one has ever had – had this kind of affect on me?

Then why?

 Why did it have to feel so right?

Especially when I wasn’t supposed to be feeling any of this.

I mean, I shouldn’t definetly be feeling any of these flutters and goosebumps, and brain shutdowns that were now malfunctioning my ability to think straight.

Because first thing out – in my head I still feel like I am not ready for this.its scary, and its going to derail me.And second and the most important factor – the central object who was causing all these flutters and goosebumps, was someone who totally lived and belonged to a different world from mine.

I took a deep breathe as I told myself, that this was it Khushi – today is anyway the last night hes going to be here, and then he is going to leave and you will not see him or hear from him again, because obviously duhh- he isn’t going to have the time to look back and attach any more meaning that went beyond casual friendship - into these last couple days with a stupid idiotic weirdo like me.

A felt a weird flutter in my stomach again at the thought of him leaving for real, in a couple of hours from now came back to hit my head.

I was going crazy.

I know exactly what I needed to tell myself to get these flutters to immediately stop and that’s exactly what I told myself over and over again.

Who Me??

Who He??

Different Worlds – Different Lives – Different Countries- No practical Commonality whatsoever, except for the fact that we did connect instantly and so easily – that it is very very suprising.

How did it happen again??

I mean he was totally right In asking that how did I just manage to understand his unsaid and see through it all??

And I was totally right in answering – that I absolutely had no clue.I would tell him the day I figured out, which would be never, because I was sure I wasn’t going to hear from him again once he left, and even if I did hear from him once in a while, it wasn’t as If we were going to become daily feature in each others lives.

An Impossible Possibility right??

What were the odds?

Maybe in Minus.

I see the car reaching my office building and I take deep breaths again – this is supposed end as a fond memory Khushi.

So just go with a flow, live in the moment and don’t overthink into this.

Right then my phone beeped.It was a message from Arnav.

Thank you so much Khushi. For taking a break to see me and everything else too. I had so much fun, it was amazing.i will see you tonight after the game.Ill message you for the pick up.Keep that maggi ready for me.

I smiled to myself as I read that and I quickly replied –

You are welcome hoodie guy.All the best once again.I will see you later then.Will totally keep that maggi ready.

I made a mental note of reminder – to pick up some maggi packets from the store on the way back to the café.

I wasn’t going to overthink more, and let it worry me for the rest of the time I had with him.

I know very well that I am not supposed to be feeling these flutters and that is why I knew I would handle it later.

And that later would be tomorrow morning.

After he’d left.

…………..

430 PM

Arnav’s POV

I got onto the team bus feeling quite relaxed.

I was actually feeling more relaxed than id anticipated. I was feeling really really good after having spent that wonderful time with Khushi.

And then ofcourse, everything she had said.

The innocence in her eyes, that simplicity, the transparency, the honesty, and that mischevious

So there was something about her that fascinated crazy side of her id witnessed as she totally enjoyed herself challenging me to beat her at every video game we played.

We did play a lot of them actually.

After my return to the hotel, id gotten together with the boys for lunch and then we’d had a little cake cutting and a celebration for my birthday.

It also felt like that the he time id spent with Khushi in the video game arcade was a mode of my bday celebration too. I hadn’t had so much fun in a long long time, and I was having so much off it ever since id met her.

It was amazing.

I sit on my usual seat in the bus with my music on ,and I look around at the rest of my team mates, who were also indulging in some unwinding of their own by listening to music, some were chatting to each other, some were just relaxing with their eyes closed.Everyone knew that I just liked to be myself with my music before we hit the stadium and everyone respected each others space.So before the game, the atmosphere in the team bus was always very calm and composed as each of us spent some time recollecting ourselves before the match.The atmosphere in the bus was very different on the way back after the match though – that was a crazy story altogether.

The music plays through my ears and my thoughts return to Khushi. I chuckle to myself at the memory of her jumping in glee when id handed her that pink piggie.

I couldn’t believe that this one girl – had made me feel a array of so many different emotions ever since I had met her, couple of days ago.

Well, technically it had just been a couple of days.

But in my head or in my heart – it didn’t feel like that at all.

It felt like I had known her for a long long time.

Everything about her was now starting to draw me to her in the ways that I couldn’t really explain.

Every little thing about her was like a magnet to me.

And that is why for the first time ever – it had felt like that I was not ready to see this tour end yet.

I wasn’t ready to go home.

It was starting to feel like that I was leaving something very precious behind.

And it was kind off true – Khushi had become precious to me.

And that is why I wasn’t ready to say goodbye.

I wasn’t going to say goodbye.

 Because this wasn’t goodbye.

I was totally going to make the best use of technology, whatsapp and video calls and calls and nurture this connection in between of me and her.

And then maybe,with some months down the line, when she was ready to date or step into the relationship, id whisk her away from herself with my enigmatic charm.

Yeah – I could do that.

They do say that I can be very devilishly charming when I want to be.

I smiled to myself as I remember the fact that – she’d almost shivered in between my arms as I helped her with that toy vending machine and then whispered in her ears.

I just had to be patient here, no matter how much testing it was going to be.

I’d have to win over her slow and steadily.

I had to make her feel secured about the fact that she could let me in too.

I picked up my wallet from my pocket and I took out krish’s toss coin and touched it tenderly in between my fingers for a while, and then tucked it back into the coin pocket of my wallet safely.

The most priceless gift id ever received.

I was still on that thought of emotion, when my phone beeped.

I checked it.

It was a whtsapp message from Khushi.

Rahul is crazy.He’s going to watch the match obviously with Diya and his crazy cricket f friends.But will you believe what Diya texted me – hes already made them line up outside the stadium, even though he has designated seats.Poor Diya, he drives her nuts, and when I asked Diya why does she have to go watch the game with him, she tells me it isn’t only because she loves Rahul, its also because most of our home boys and your team mates and especially YOU are like the perfect eye candy.god its crazy.Anyway, ignore my crazy rant…Have you reached the stadium yet?? I know you will put your phone away in your locker the minute you step into the game zone..i hope my message has reached you in time. But hope my message hasn’t disturbed you and I wanted to share a picture with you if that’s ok?

I grinned to myself as I read her message. Just when I thought she couldn’t get any more adorable, she goes a step ahead.

Crazy adorable Khushi.

I quickly reply.

Khushi, like I mentioned before,a message from you can never disturb me.We will reach the stadium in about five minutes from now, and thank you for texting me actually.it made me smile or rather grin from ear to ear.And please share the picture with me.And wait how do you know that I will put my phone away the minute ill be in the game zone, I don’t remember voicing that out loud to you , ever.how did you figure it out? Again?

My phone beeped in a minute.

Oho.I don’t know ok.i just figured, now don’t ask why and how etc etc.you don’t have time, and I want you to see this picture.

And before I could write anything a picture of popped up in my screen.

I quickly clicked it open and I found myself looking at a picture of a very adorable young teenaged boy, who had a mischevious glint in his eye as he was winking and kissing a coin, and I immediately felt something familiar about that look in his eyes and right then I looked closer , and I realised that the boy was wearing our cricket jersey,and it immediately felt like that the coin he was kissing in it was the very same coin I had just touched recently in between my fingers which could only mean that this was a picture of Krish – khushi’s little brother.

And I was so touched in the moment, and I wrote back immediately : that’s krish isn’t it?and its that same toss coin hes kissing.his lucky toss coin you gave me last night as a gift?

My phone beeped with a second – How do you know? I haven’t shown a picture of him to you earlier ever.

I smiled to myself as I wrote : Well looks like you aren’t the only one who can see through me.I can see through you too.

I waited for her to reply, hoping it would come soon because we were now taking the turn to the curb to reach the stadium which meant that wed have to get off in like 3 minutes.

My phone beeped.

And it was another picture.I quickly opened it to see another picture of krish,facing sideways, talking to a friend, but this time he had a bat in his one hand as he stood facing backwards, and he was wearing our cricket jersey.Not just the Indian cricket jersey, but a mini version of the jersey that I wore – because it had my name ASR and my playing number 11 on it.(11 was my lucky number).And his friend wore a mini version of the Cap’s jersey which had his name and playing number 7 on it.

I was just about to reply when my phone beeped : yes that’s my little krish right after winning a street game of cricket with his best friend.Like I told you, he was a crazy fan..he did worship you crazily..but the results of win or loss could never hamper his love for the game or you and the team.And its the same with Rahul and all his friends, and all the fandom I see around me.So,Never feel like that you will let the country – the team- the cap- the coach- your family- or your yourself down if you loose a game. Feel like that you do them all proud by playing your best.Your best might not result in a win sometimes – but its still your best shot because I know when you step on that field – you always aim to give it your best in that moment of time.So no matter what happens hoodie guy - you gotta hold that Bat High – Always.

I read what shed written again and I was too touched in this moment of time again.Only khushi could make me feel so much at the same time.

I quickly typed honestly : im short on words – I don’t know what to say to that except the fact that you are amazing Khushi.thank you once again.i don’t know how to thank you enough.

My phone beeped.

Khushi : pls don’t thank me.you must have reached the stadium by now.so ill take your leave now HG.Have a good time out there.

Right then the bus screeched to the halt and I quickly replied : I will.

And I put my phone away, in my pocket and took out my headphones and placed it all in my bag, and I followed the rest of the boys out, feeling a wave of ease just wash over me, as I stepped out of the bus.

There was media all around, and a lot of fans were lined up straight out near the entrance and just as we stepped out, the south African players bus also just halted right behind us, and the fans went beserk with the hooting and the cheering as the home boys stepped out and we all walked to each other as we started to make our way to the entrance together.And I walked over on reflex to shake hands with the SA captain and I saw Cap shake hands with a the rest of the SA team players and then coach shook hands with their Coach and the crowd went beserk, and we all couldn’t help but smile and grin to our selves.

The love people had for this game was magical.

And as we walk in I heard the reporters say – “ its going to be a nail biting finale, fans have come out on great numbers on both sides, lets see who takes the cup of this bilateral series in between of India and South Africa,its been a good month of cricket with the test series and then the odi matches, and it all ends today..with this t20 finale.. the players have just arrived and are now making their way in..”

“And that is a little greeting session that we all just witnessed amongst the two teams, and look at the spirit, healthy and professional, what a great display of sportsmanship , all for the love of cricket – and that is why ladies and gentleman, even though sometimes things get ugly on that pitch in the heat of the moment – our good old game of cricket will always continue to be the gentleman’s game…..”

……………………………

745 PM

Khushi’s POV

I looked at my phone for a brief second as I pick up the car keys from Uncles drawer and make my way out the little office.

It was 745 pm.

I had preponed my uber schedule to start at 8 today, because I wanted to end a little early too – you know just in case Arnav messaged me earlier.

I had to catch up on that meter, before hand.

I walk out into the café and i cant help but smile to myself as I see Uncle and Varun glued into Varun’s phone sitting on the corner table,and I pick up my thermus of caffeine and then walk over to them on reflex as I ask, with a mischevious grin up my face – “ uncle, isn’t Varun’s break time over..”

Varun looked up from the screen as he groaned and rolled his eyes at me – “ why are you doing this to me??”

I laughed at his expression and uncle laughed too as he spoke – “ well its over, but lets just say im going to extend it for 15 more minutes…”

Varun looked up from the screen for a second as he spoke – “you have no idea whats going on…the game…its freaking amazing…so just so you know india won the toss, ASR opted to chase,and we are now into the 17th over, and the bowling has been so so so good, it’s a batters pitch again but the score isn’t that bad – 148 – 6…”

Uncle nodded – “ yes khushi, its nailbiting, because we still have 12 balls to bowl, and we definetly need some wicktes, because that player on the crease can definetly take it to a big score if he isn’t out…I wonder who will bowl the next two crucial overs..ravi is done with his share..hmm..”

I looked at the two of them and I immediately pulled uncle into a side hug as I spoke – “ I know you aren’t watching it on the screen because off me, but im leaving now..pls watch it on the café TV…”

Uncle hugged me briefly and right then Varun paused the live stream on his phone and I gave him a smile – “ you don’t need to pause it Varun..its ok…im leaving now…”,and just as I turned to walk out I heard Varuns surprised voice – “ holy whatttt…uncle..did you see what just happened?? Did ASR just take the ball to bowl the 18th over..i haven’t seen him bowl in forever…and look at the risk…hes been amazing so far , do you know its also his bday today..if he pulls this off itll be like the perfect return gift for us fans..”

I stopped in my tracks as I smiled to myself and turned sideways to look at uncle as he spoke with equal surprise in his voice – “ that’s a risky move my son, but I tell you Varun, this ASR – he can do anything, hes an all rounder, and although he doesn’t usually bowl, maybe that’s his strategy here to catch the batsmen by the element of surprise, because no one knows what line or length or speed to except off his arm…”

I smiled to myself as I watched Varun peep into the screen with his mouth wide open and Uncle sat on the edge of the seat as the voice of the commentator went off through the screen – “here it is, the first ball of ASR’s arms, boy what a gutsy move at this point of the game..lets see how that goes…”,and I just stood totally amused by Varun and Uncles expressions as their eyes widened at the screen and varun exclaims – “ catch it….”, and right then I heard the commentator say – “ is that a catch out??oh yes it is…ASR has the man…south African fans are disappointed…but ASR’s strategy worked,hes been brilliant today in the field, and now with the bowl too, stepping again in the shoes of his cap to lead the side today… the crowd is gone beserk, and the Indian cap and the coach are all smiles at the benches too..its his bday today, what a treat hes dishing out for the fans today, hopefully he will be equally good with the bat..”

I smiled to myself as I turned around, and walked out.

 Hoodie guy was on a roll today.

 I had just stepped into the car and sat in keeping my coffee thermus on the holder and then switched on the engine and the radio on reflex.

I usually do that always I need to hear to voices and music when I drive.

And just as I did tune in to the radio , I heard the radio jockey exclaim in excitement, because this was our local Indian station – “lets pause for the score dear listeners…you will not believe what a miracle our man ASR has pulled off that magical arm of his – yes that’s South Africa still at 148 but for 9 – That’s a hat-trick my friends, off the first three balls of the over.Thats a first hat-trick of his career too, and look at the joy at his face, for he cant believe he pulled that off,as the wicket keeper just stumped the batsmen on the crease.the south African team is stunned over what just happened.or id say stumped by the Indian vice captain whose leading India hopefully to victory today.Anyways..here you go listeners, lets listen to this beautiful song by AR Rahman..”

Ok.What???

Hoodie guy had just pulled off the first hattrick of his cricketing life???

I couldn’t help but smile as I started to drive, and I waited for the song to come through, and the tune was just about to flow in when I heard the rj’s voice came in through the speaker – “good heavens me…clean bowled..the innings for the home boys finish at 148 – all out, ASR has just taken 4 wickets in the first four balls of that over…you cannot believe the joy on the faces of his team,as they all run through to him and topple over him – that was a stunner off his arms…now its time for the innings break and the men are now making their way to the dressing to pad up for the batting..”

The song finally came through,and I smiled to myself as I imagine the grin up his face in the moment,and right then my phone beeped.

I had just got the notification for my first pick up.

…………

9:25 PM

I hear one of the two young men seating at the backseat of my uber groan as one spoke – “careful…..thank god there wasn’t a inside edge to that one…we bowled so well ya..i cant believe its gotten pushed into the last over again..last two balls and we still need 4 runs to win…but anything can happen, all we need is for ASR to come to the crease by taking that single…india is 144- 7,”

The other one – “id be having a heart attack if I was in the stadium right now..the home boys have bowled well too..theyv kept india tight…but I have a feeling India is going to win this..there you go ASR comes to the crease…hes on 99 too…”

One of them asked me – “ hey the voice isn’t disturbing you right??”

I nodded – “ don’t worry about me, but why aren’t the two of you at home catching up on the finals because its clear that you two are big fans..”

One of the boys smiled at me – “ we are interning at the hospital..there were a lot of emergencies in the ward today so our shift got extended..we only just got free…”

I gave them a small smile and resumed my attention to the road.

The commentators voice filled in – “ oh shoot…that was one fast bouncer..it surprised ASR totally…”

The boy groaned – “shit now one ball and four runs..”

The other boy – “don’t worry, he got this…”,and right then I heard the commentator voice – “smashed through the fielders ,rolling away to the boundary line…will that be a four, will that be a four….yes it is! The fielder makes a dive to stop the ball, but its crossed the line already…what a game ladies and gentleman, India wins..and wins it in style..what a four that was smashed off ASR’s bat…and he also reaches to the score of 103 not out with that four…what a fabulous 180 minutes of nail biting cricket has that been..ASR raises his bat out to the crowd and his teammates and everyone rushes and jumps on him in celebration and its amazing to see them celebrate.. we’v been thouroughly entertained by this man, whose being hoisted onto the shoulders by his team…he deserves the credit..hes been absolutely spectacular with the ball and the bat..truly one of the best innings iv seen of that arm..its his bday today..what a treat that was to his fans..the Indian team is happy, the coach is ecstatic, so is the Cap as they pull the man of the hour in a hug..”

The men in the backseat of my uber jump up in victory as one of them says – “ ok, so hes totally getting the man of the match again..what a bloody game that was – 4wickets back to back and then 103 not out..well deserved totally..”

The other man – “ oh wait lets see theyv called him on for the post match interview..”

I smile to myself, because I kind off wanted to hear his voice, I can already imagine it being all pumped up in my head, and the victory grin up his face.

The voice rings in my ears – “ what a treat ASR..what a victory…that was a spectacular show you put for us on your bday today..on that note happy bday to you.and am sure youd be a happy man going back home with that victory..”

I hear his familiar chuckle ring in my ears through the men’s phone as he answers – “ thank you so much for your wishes.its been a thrilling 180 minutes surely, id like to applaud the south African team for taking the game to the last ball with that commendable bowling in the death..its been a spectacular tour, its been a team effort id like to thank everyone in the team, my cap, coach..we are very happy with the win..”

The commentator – “ofcourse..you are, that 4 wicktes you took back to back, left us all stunned, we always knew you are a all rounder but at a crucial point in the game it’s a spectacular conviction from you..guard those arms with care ASR they are gold for the Indian team..”

I heard his chuckle again – “ thank you so much, and id also like to thank the fans whov come out in such large numbers, thank you for all the love and the support..”,and there was a slight pause and he then added – “cape town youv been absolutely amazing..”

The commentator – “ thank you ASR, im sure theres going to be a huge party now unfolding in the dressing room, and then a afterparty too..but before that.lets get on with the post match presentation…”

Right then I screeched the car to the halt as I reached the drop off point and the two men got out one of them still glued to his screen.

And I close my eyes for a second.

I was really happy for him.

He was so amazing, so special, such a kool guy, so talented at what he did, he truly did deserve all the credit for it all.

He was a brilliant sportsperson, the humility was in his voice as he congratulated our home team.

His voice rings in my ears – “ cape town, youv been amazing..”

He was amazing too.

And right then the thought of how it felt to have his arms wrapped around me in a hug flashed through my head along with the flash of the moment from the afternoon when he had leaned into me almost hugging me from behind – and I felt goosebumps up my arm all over again.

Stupid Khushi.

Thank god for the distraction because I received the next pick up location, which was obviously the stadium, the match had just finished.

I started to drive as I instructed myself to focus on the road.

The roads that id have to keep going on because theyd still be here.

Id still be here.

And he’d be gone.

…..

Ten minutes Later

As I wait for the pick up out side the cab pick up point near the stadium, I find myself humming to the tune of the song that was now flowing in through the radio.

And right then I saw the team india’s bus pull over in front of the stadium and I straightened in my seat on reflex as my eyes fell on the players that were now starting to step out,and my eyes automatically searched for him.

The players were being guided out by heavy security,because there were still a lot of media in there.

I smiled to myself as I saw him walk through the gate with his head his phone,and I picked up my phone on reflex.

Was he messaging me?

Well, no, because my phone didn’t beep.

Right then I looked up again and I saw one of the players snatch the phone out of his hand, and he laughed as he jumped up to take it back and placed it back in his pockets, and then the media probably went beserk as I saw him address some reporters and then maybe it was on the request of the media ,some of the team member hoisted him again on the shoulder as they all stepped into the bus, the happiness from the win and the adrelanie rush from the victory all on their faces, and then I spotted the cap and coach walk in out too with the cup in their hands, and they were all guarded safely into the bus and the coach started to drive away.

I don’t know why – but the moment was making me feel very very weird.

Because until then id always known in my head that we lived and belonged in two different worlds.

And id seen a clear example of that tonight with my own eyes that – Who Me and Who He?

I shrugged the thought aside as I sipped my coffee off my tumbler.

I looked at the enterance of the stadium once again from across the road,and the south African team followed next and it was right then the people id come to pick up also made their way into the backseat of my car.

I smile a little as I catch on the exhilarating expression on the their faces and I begin to drive – I was surely going to catch on to some interesting tales tonight too.

………….

1 AM

I wait for another pick up from just outside his hotel , a part of me hoping that it was Arnav that I was picking up, but it wasn’t him.

I now feel a yawn catching up on me.It had been a long day and because id started driving at 8pm – I was now getting a little tired.It had been very hectic after the match surely.

So I have no idea where Arnav is.

Because he hasn’t messaged or called.

I picked up my phone and I look at my whtsapp.

I had messaged him thirty minutes ago.

Me : Hey Hoodie guy, congratulations on the win and the wonderful game and the man of the match.I heard that you were absolutely spectacular. Your fans have given me some very interesting tales to talk and enact to you.Are we meeting now? Let me know when can I pick you up?

But I hadn’t received a reply yet,and I just kept my phone aside and I increased the volume on the radio.

Why was I feeling so jittery about the fact that he hadn’t replied yet??

I pick up the phone again as I quickly wrote another message : hey hoodie guy, its 1 am.uber girl’s getting a little tired now.its been really hectic after the match.iv been to and fro from the stadium almost 20 times.exhausted now.

Right then two very pretty ladies got into the back seat of my car.

Gosh they were gorgeous.

They werent Indian though.

Probably South African.

One of them looked at me and flashed me a smile – “ im so glad to see a woman as my uber pick up today..way to go girl..”

I gave her a small smile as I started to drive.

The other friend of hers was kind off drunk and she spoke with disappointment evident in her voice – “ why are you taking me home already.we were having so much fun at the afterparty…with all the hot players..specially ASR..he looked so gorgeous as he popped that champgne bottle and cut the cake..gosh those rugged arms..”

I kind of felt a weird knot twist up my stomach.

I have absolutely no clue why.

The friend answered – “ oh pls cmon we need to get you home, if I leave it up to you..you’d still be..”

The girl laughed as she spoke – “id be hitting on him like I was trying for sometime now..but he wouldn’t even dance with me..he did dance with all his team-mates though..do you think hes gay?no way..he doesn’t look gay..then why didn’t he flirt or atleast kiss me when I tried to get his attention at the bar..do you think he’s gay Suzie?? I mean I was ready to hook up ,and I almost did pull him in for a kiss but he walked away, by nudging me aside gently with a polite smile.such a gentleman..he wasn’t rude , so polite even in rejection..but I wonder why he just wasn’t interested..you did say im looking super hot today..””,and her rant continued.

The friend gave her a look – “gosh..you are crazy…”,and then she shot me an apologetic look as she spoke – “these afterparty’s can be crazy…will you please put the volume up of the song?”

I did, and the other friend of hers started to dance and sway herself within the seat at the sound of music.

Her friend gave me a apologetic look and I gave her a small smile as a gesture not to worry about it and continued driving, biting back a smile.He truly wasn’t a player like the media potrayed him too be, or else hed have surely hooked up with this gorgeous woman who sat grieving over the opportunity lost -in the backseat of my car.

She was drop dead gorgeous.

Like supermodel type of gorgeous.

So I guess Arnav was probably just caught up with the afterparty, afterall it had been a brilliant victory and it was also his bday so like a post celebration going on.

He was probably just busy with it all.

Which was great , I mean I was very happy for him and the way he had played and his victory, I was just a little disappointed that I might just not get to see him tonight.

I drove in thought for the next twenty minutes,and once I finished the drop.

I felt that yawn come up again.

And I picked up my phone.

It was now 130.

I quickly typed a message to him : hey HG, I guess you are caught up in the after-party,which is so kool because it was such a great victory and also like a post celebration for your bday.Im heading back home now, very tired.Good night to you.

I drove back home in silence, deep in thought over that disappointment I was now feeling in the pit of my stomach.

I wasn’t going to see him again.

And he was leaving on that plane at 9 am in the morning, meant that hed have to be at the airport by 6am, which would mean the team would leave from the hotel at 5am,maybe everyone had decided to party till wee hours of the morning and then leave straight out for the airport.

Maybe this was all for the best, anyway.

…………………….

I step out of my bath after a quick hot shower which had now relaxed my nerves and I quickly shrug off my towel and put on my red tank top and matching candy striped shorts,and as im about to get into my bed, my eyes fell on the maggi packets I had bought out earlier in the evening, and stacked it on the counter of my little kitchenette from across my bed.

And I am instantly reminded off him and his words – “so if I win tonight, will you make me that maggi?”

I smile to myself as I put my quilt over myself and snuggle into it and decide to write him a nice goodbye message.

It had been good knowing him for this little shortwhile and I wanted him to know that.

I picked up my phone it was 210 am now, and there still wasn’t a message from him.

I quickly type out one.

Hey hoodie guy, I just wanted to message you to let you know that’s its been so good to know you for this little shortwhile of a couple of days. You are a very kool guy, very very different from what the world likes to perceive you to be – which honestly makes you very special.I would like to wish you all the very best for everything in the future .Safe travels, and know that ill always wish nothing but the best for you.Be happy always, and take good care. Let me know if you need a pick up next time you are in Cape town, this uber girl will be at your service hoodie guy.thank you for everything over the past couple of days.it really was amazing to get to know you, kind off glad that you walked into Chai and Coffee the other day.

Goodbye Hoodie Guy.I wish you a very safe journey back home.

I re-read what I had written.

I feel so much better after writing that message out to him

And I tap send.

And then I take a deep breathe and like I did every night before sleeping - I put my flight mode on and crash into my pillow.

And I sleep,because I was so exhausted from the super long day.

…………………….

Arnav’s POV

 I was now really starting to loose my patience with Ravi ,Shiv and Kunal.

They’d tried to hijacked my phone the minute we had stepped out of the stadium,and I didn’t want any of them a get a hold on it, because until now I had never did mind any of them peeking into my phone.

There were so secrets to guard.

But now there was.

Khushi.

I couldn’t have them open my whtsapp and read my conversations, because they’d tease me insane and then next thing I know its all leaked out and I didn’t want to take even a little bit of risk here, by overwhelming khushi with the unsaid drama I could bring to her life.

The drama she didn’t want in her life.

I had instantly snatched my phone back and immediately put a privacy number lock on my screen, which never used to be locked before for safety ; you know just in case these boys got a hold on it.

And I had just been able to get that done, and place it back in my pocket when the media had bombarded us with all sorts of questions on the way to the bus and then the guys had hoisted me onto their shoulders and into the bus and soon the cap and coach had come in too, and we had left.

She’d been on my mind right after the game, and I couldn’t wait to message her, talk to her and meet her, and celebrate with her by eating the maggi she’d promised to make for me.

And I was about to message Khushi the minute I had sat in my seat, but then again Ravi had yanked my phone out off my hand and hijacked it and the rest of the team joined him too, in playing around with it as then they handed it to Kunal,and he kept it safely in his backpack, as he exclaimed that its only fair that I take full part in the celebrations today, because I had been disappearing into privacy for last so many evenings.

Ok.So I thought that went un-noticed.

Apparently not.

So even though every bit of me was dying within to just yank my phone back from my teammates , I couldn’t because that would make them suspect.

We reached the hotel and then I was blackmailed again because my phone was held hostage by Ravi, Shiv and Kunal, they were literally taking turns to keep my phone in their pockets,all through the afterparty.

And I had to play along, because I had no other option.

I did enjoy the celebration too, the champagne, the cake cutting all the crazy dancing with my team-mates ,because I really was excited and happy – it had been one the best games of my life.

I had even pulled of a hat-trick with the bowl and then the smashing 4th wicket in the 4th ball I had bowled.

God, even I didn’t know my arm could ball that line and length until it left my hand.

What a thrill had it been, when the keeper had stumped the batsmen. It was strategy of risk, in order to catch the batsmen by the element of surprise.

And boy had it worked.

And all through out the second innings, id just kept my focus on the passion I had for the game and the adrenaline rush of it all that I so deeply loved, that I played good shots, taking the right risks at the right time.

I had decided in my head that I was going to bat through, and take us across the line.

But to be honest – I had been a little nervous before that last ball , because I knew I had no choice but to smash it through the covers for a four.

But then I didn’t let that nervousness convert into worry and believed that I could pull this off, and I did.

Boy, was I glad when I saw that ball touch the boundary line.

So many firsts had happened during this game.

I took 4 amazing wickets.

2 catch outs in the field too.

And then 103 not out.

It was the best t20 innings of my life.

Mom,Dad and Anjali couldn’t stop gushing about it over the video call I had with them as I had stepped into the dressing room.

But I knew, I also had to thank someone very special for this.

And that was Khushi.

Because if it hadn’t been for the calming affect of her words and that subtle ways in which she lent out support to me when I was feeling jittery – I wouldn’t have probably been able to step on the field devoid of all worry. Infact the idea of suprising the batsmen by my unexpected bowling was also kind off inspired from her words earlier during the day when shed implied that sometimes suprises did have the power to stump us.

And shed been on my mind right before I stepped on the field, and the minute I was off it too - her thought hadn’t left my mind even for a second.

Even when a couple of girls had tried to hit on me openly under the influence of alcohol.

Even when one of them had almost pulled me in for a kiss at the bar whilst I was getting a drink made for Coach.

I had escaped just in time, and moved back from the bar to join the rest of my team – mates who were dancing like crazy on the dance floor.

The afterparty was always crazier.

But now my patience was running out as I glance down at Cap’s phone as he sipped on his beer, which was Budweiser and the sight of it in his hand totally reminded me off the time I had shared one with khushi on the beach.

It was 230 am.

Gosh Khushi.

I just hope she’d gone back home safely.

I had to get a hand on my phone now.

So I had , had about three to four drinks.

But I was just slightly tipsy.

I looked at Cap and I spoke – “ Cap, i wouldn’t want to injure your ace spinner, please ask him to return my phone now..and its almost 230 now..we have to leave at 5 am anyway..ask them to stop partying and get some sleep..”

He winked at me as he asked – “ you really are fighting the urge to punch him aren’t you?? Theyv been targeting you all evening..”

I laughed at that and I nodded – “ yes, but I want to get some rest now, help me please, they will listen to you…”

He nodded and I walked over with him to Kunal and Cap kept a hand on his shoulder as he whispered something in his ear, and my phone was handed to me in the very next second and I took it and I grinned at Cap – “ what did you say to him??”

Cap grinned and gave me a wink – “ I told him id drop him from the playing 11 in that first match against sri lanka ten days from now, if he didn’t give you your phone in the next ten seconds…”

I laughed and I pulled him into a hug and he hugged me back – “ im proud of you Arnav, you played the innings of your life today..you have no idea how much I enjoyed myself from the bench..i still remember your first international match…”

I smiled – “and you are my Cap, you always will be..i cant think of playing under anyone other than you..”

Cap grinned and gave me a wink as we both walked out the party venue of the hotel , leaving the rest of the boys to act all crazy for a little more while, and he spoke – “but id like to play under you, one day, you as my captain..youv come a long way…its good for cricket, its good for the country..”

I looked at him and rolled my eyes – “ you know captaincy isn’t my cup of tea..”

He grinned – “ maybe it is…”

I shook my head – “ no way..i cant do this every single game all the freaking time, I still don’t know how you pull it off…so lets not go there Cap..”

He smiled – “ ok ok, we wont..”,and we both got into the elevator and he spoke – “ ill see you at 5 am in the lobby then..”

I nodded, and I watched him step out on his floor.

I took out my phone immediately.

Dammit.My battery was dead.

I quickly made my way to my room, and put it on charge and then I washed my face and then sat on my bed to switch it on and thank god it did, and then I immediately went to my whatsapp to check for Khushi’s message.

I was sure there would be some, waiting for me.

I read her first message that came at 1230am -: Hey Hoodie guy, congratulations on the win and the wonderful game and the man of the match.I heard that you were absolutely spectacular. Your fans have given me some very interesting tales to talk and enact to you.Are we meeting now? Let me know when can I pick you up?

Then the one that came at 1.00 am - hey hoodie guy, its 1 am.uber girl’s getting a little tired now.its been really hectic after the match.iv been to and fro from the stadium almost 20 times.exhausted now.

Then the one that came at 130 am - hey HG, I guess you are caught up in the after-party,which is so kool because it was such a great victory and also like a post celebration for your bday.Im heading back home now, very tired.Good night to you.

Gosh,shed waited for me until 130 am tirelessly driving uber all night.

But Thank God.Atleast she was home.

I read the next one that came at 2:10 am - Hey hoodie guy, I just wanted to message you to let you know that’s its been so good to know you for this little shortwhile of a couple of days. You are a very kool guy, very very different from what the world likes to perceive you to be – which honestly makes you very special.I would like to wish you all the very best for everything in the future .Safe travels, and know that ill always wish nothing but the best for you.Be happy always, and take good care. Let me know if you need a pick up next time you are in Cape town, this uber girl will be at your service hoodie guy.thank you for everything over the past couple of days.it really was amazing to get to know you, kind off glad that you walked into Chai and Coffee the other day.

Goodbye Hoodie Guy.I wish you a very safe journey back home.

And I read that one again a couple of times, and I don’t know why I felt very weird reading it.

Because it felt like she was saying goodbye.

Why was she saying goodbye??

Oh yes, because she had no clue that this wasn’t going to goodbye.

I read her last message again.

She was totally bidding goodbye.

What the??

I pick up my power bank and attach it to my phone and make my way out my room, as I called a uber for myself.

I had to see her.

And I had to see her now.

I had to let her know in person that this was not goodbye.

That I was totally going to be in touch.

I make my way down and luckily the pick up arrived in two minutes, I sit in and I ask him to drive quickly and my thoughts drift back to Khushi.From all that I gathered about her in the past few days of knowing her, I figured -She probably thought that I was going to leave here and not be in touch or maybe just catch up casually as a friendly acquaintance when I was in cape town, next.

God Khushi.

Did she really think that I was going to leave without seeing her??

She really was clueless and naïve.

She seriously had no clue about the affect she had on me.

I typed her a quick text : Khushi, im on my way to see you. Im so sorry I got caught up at the afterparty.The boys literally hijacked my phone.

But the text didn’t deliver for the two ticks didn’t come on the phone.I took my chances and I called her, but her phone was unreachable.

And I called three more times, but her phone was unreachable.

And I felt a fear go through my spine, as I re-read that message that shed sent at 210 am.She hadn’t mentioned that she had reached home safely.In the previous message she had messaged that she was on her way home.

What if something happened to her??

Why on earth was her phone unreachable??

The text hadn’t delivered yet too.

It was bloody 3:15 am now.

The car stopped in front of the curb of Chai and Coffee, and I jumped out at the speed of light and I ran to the backdoor, and I started to knock on it crazily.

She had to be home.

She had to be safe and sound and at home right??

I continued to knock crazily and all the time a weird fear ate up my insides, and I was just about to bang with both my fists right when the door opened in a flash, and thank god for my quick reflexes that have become a part of my system because of professional as a cricketer, I ducked down just in time, or id be hit by a super strong taekwndo kick right in my face,and I sprang up on my feet in part relief and part amusement as I finally look at the sight of Khushi in front of me, as she now rubbed her eyes sleepily, as she looked at me through one eye.

I grinned at that and I looked at her from head to toe – she looked incredibly sexy in that red sleeveless tank top and matching candy striped shots that had their length run down to her mid thigh only, exposing all of her legs, and her hair was messy and tossled and she was rubbing her one eye and part yawning – I was stumped.

It was clear that I had woken her up.

But.

Call me insane but I swear to god, the sight of her in front of me was so incredibly sexy that it riled me up.

Great.

I was doomed, for now I wouldn’t ever be able to get this picture of her outta my head.

I looked at her from head to toe again,and she now looked at me, brushing a hand through her hair concsciously as she straightened them and wrapped her arm around her front and she spoke with a smile - “what the hell hoodie guy, that kick would have broken your nose, why did you have to knock and bang the door so crazily, I thought I was going to get robbed in the middle of the night..”

But I stood speechless to my spot because I swear to god, I was fighting every urge within to not act on impulse and shove her against that wall and take her lips in a ravishing kiss.

But the fact that she was safe and sound, brought a wave of relief over me.

And

 I instantly pulled her in for a hug and I held onto her close into me as I wrapped my arms around her waist and I brushed my hand over her hair gently – “ thank god you are ok…I wasn’t able to reach your phone..i was so so so worried..god im so sorry for making you wait that way for me, the boys literally hijacked my phone and I couldn’t get a hold on it until 240am…”

It felt good that she didn’t pull away instantly and stayed in my arms for a couple of minutes and then she pulled away slowly as she gestured me to come in and I did and she gave me a smile – “im sorry, I usually put my phone on flight mode as I sleep..i thought you’d be busy in the afterparty till morning, only fair, it was your party, your game..”,and she grinned with that and I instantly hugged her again and held on to her tight as I admitted honestly – “ thank you khushi, I really have to thank you, if it hadn’t been the ease id felt because of your words and your subtle ways of support..”

I was glad she didn’t pull away as she answered softly, now placing her hand over my arm gently, and her head rested  near one of my shoulders – “ oh please..it was all you..im just a weirdo who probably talks more than her own good..i heard the radio, though, whilst I was driving, that was one amazing game hoodie guy, you bowled too..and four wickts back to back..so happy for you..”,and to my disappointment she immediately jumped apart as she spoke with mischief – “ and oh my god the drama that unfolded at the back of my seat today…”,and her voice softened as her gaze held mine and she added – “ I thought I wouldn’t get to tell you about it..”

I grinned at that and I asked – “ you really think I would have left without my maggi and ??”

Her eyes twinkled as she asked – “ seriously you want some??”

I nodded and she spoke – “ why don’t you wait here in the office, ill make some for both of us and be with you in five minutes..”

I nodded – “ just like the first time I met you..”

She smiled – “ just like the first time I met you..”,and I walked in and sat on the chair id first sat when I met her and she filled me a glass of water and kept it in front of me and I sipped it and I spoke with a wink , a second later – “ but seriously khushi, that kick would have definetly broken my nose…”

She grinned as she spoke – “I told you im trained in marshal arts the day I first met you.to be specific – in taekwndo..”

I laughed and then I narrowed my eyes as I asked – “ you thought it was ok to open the door to a potential theif in the middle of the night??”- looking like that??(I added that last bit in my head, because any thief would surely forget about robbery if they looked at her -like she looked right now)

She nodded – “ why not..i told you im trained in marshall arts and the alarm button is right next to the door too..the police would have arrived in three minutes and I could have easily handled it until then..”,and i thought she shivered as I gazed at her from head to toe all over again and she brushed a hand trough her hair nervously flipping them to one side, which made her look even more sexy, and she spoke – “ ill just be back in five minutes..”

I nodded, and I watched her leave.

I waited for her to be back, by wiling away some time in my phone, and I watched her walk down minutes later with two bowls in her hands and to my disappointment she had changed from her super sexy shorts into black leggings.

And she gave me a smile as she placed a bowl in front of me and she asked – “ you want anything else??”

I shook my head – “ nope, maggi and some time with you..exactly what I need before I leave here..”

She gave me a small smile as she asked looking at her phone – “ you have to reach the hotel by 445am maybe..which gives us 45 minutes  because its 345 now, and u must leave by atleast 430am to reach the hotel by 445...ill put the alarm now..just in case..i don’t want you to get late, like I say time flies with you hoodie guy..”

I nodded and I took a bite off my maggi as I spoke – “ so why don’t you start telling me about those interesting dramatic tales from the backseat of your car??”

And she grinned as she spoke with a wink – “ and you tell me how did it all go at the afterparty, I hear some gorgeous girls were hitting on you very openly, infact one of them almost pulled you in a kiss, but you pulled away just in time..”

My eyes widened as I asked now surprised – “ how do you know??”

She grinned as she took a bite of her maggi – “ well hoodie guy that’s because I was her uber pick up when she left the party, and she couldn’t stop talking about it and lamenting over the fact that it was a golden opportunity lost…or how you were such a gentleman even in rejection..”,and she split into giggles and I asked laughing myself – “ what ?what is it??”

She laughed as she spoke – “she was drunk ok, she couldn’t stop asking her friend If you didn’t hook up with her because you were gay..”

I literally choked on my maggi and I asked now in splits – “ whattttttt????”

Khushi couldn’t stop laughing as she spoke – “well yes exactly, that’s just a start of one tale..”

I laughed as I asked – “cmon , cmon..tell me more..”

She nodded and she started off enacting it all in her usual dramatic way.

And I was smitten once again.

……………

35 Minutes later

Khushi had me in splits all over again as she finished talking and she spoke, holding on to her stomach – “ god your fandom is crazy..specially the girls…even diya messaged me that you were like her latest crush..and that she only went to the match because you are the perfect eye candy..everyone is so freaking crazy about you and like they say -your enigmatic charm…”

I made sure my eyes locked with hers as I asked now my voice serious – “ really?? Is everyone??whats your take on that??

She looked at me embarrassed as she gave me a wink and joked – “well they do say that you have this enigmatic charm..theres something about that mysterious side smile of yours..and maybe..just maybe im starting to think they may be right , hoodie guy..”,and her eyes fell on her phone and she spoke softly – “ you have to leave in ten minutes Arnav…”

I nodded.

But I didn’t like the fact that she reminded me about it.

I held her hand across the table and I didn’t let her pull hers away as I asked – “so theres something about that last message of yours that id want to discuss..”,and I held her hand and stood up and she stood up too and she came to stand in front of me from behind the table and I was happy that she didn’t pull her hand away and she whispered softly, her eyes locking with mine – “ I wanted to wish you goodbye properly, that’s why I wrote it. I really do wish you all the very best always hoodie guy..”

I asked honestly – “exactly, because when I read it, it exactly felt like you were bidding goodbye..thats why I had to come see you too..”

She looked at me – “ huh??”

I held both her hand in mine and looked into her eyes intently – “ I don’t want to say goodbye Khushi, because this isn’t goodbye??”

Her eyes widened a little at that , shock and surprise evident in her eyes as she asked – “ this isn’t goodbye??”

I nodded – “ no this isn’t goodbye Khushi…we are going to be in touch over text, whatsapp, calls, and video calls…”

Her voice now reflected shock as she asked surprised – “ we are going to be in touch???”

I nodded as I smiled – “yes we are?? Did you really think that I was going to leave here, and never speak to you again??”

She nodded.

And I pulled her into a instant hug as I spoke – “we connect khushi, and id like for us to keep in touch, if that’s ok with you, I mean that is if you want to keep in touch with me too..i hope you want too..”

She pulled away a little and she looked into my eyes, her gaze searching mine as she spoke softly – “ id like to keep in touch with you too…”

And the alarm went off on her phone and she took a deep breathe as she snoozed it and then she clicked her screen as she said –“ iv booked you an uber…”

And then she took out something from her back pocket and she opened my hand and placed a mini hanuman chalisa in my hand as she spoke softly her eyes now locking with mine – “id like you to keep this with you, you travel so much…iv given one to uncle , aunty, and rahul too to keep with them for their travels..because they are all the family I have left anyway..iv kind of become a little paranoid about air travel after the crash that killed my family..”,and she paused as gulped down a emotion and she spoke with a smile – “but you travel so so much all the time..its like half your time is on a jet plane..keep this with you please…I just feel like this will keep you safe…”

I was speechless once again.

I didn’t know what to say to that.

So I just hugged her close into me one more time and I then as the alarm went off again, I kissed her forehead briefly and I cupped her face gently as I looked into her eyes – “ this isn’t goodbye khushi..”

She nodded as she gave me a soft smile – “id like to take your word for it hoodie guy…”,and with that she now pushed me to the back door playfully as she spoke – “cmon..go now…hoodie guy..”

I grinned as I held her hand – “ will you walk me out to the car like the first time you did when I left here??”

She gave me a smile and she walked me to my car, holding onto my hand silently and she opened the door for me and I sat in and she whispered – “ safe travels hoodie guy..”

I nodded, and she closed the door and my gaze locked with hers for a couple of seconds before the driver pulled away.

This wasn’t goodbye.

But I surely felt like I was leaving something super special behind.

And that was Khushi.

I closed my eyes briefly as I fought the emotion within.

I hated the fact that I had to leave.

I didn’t know until this moment happened – that leaving was going to hurt this much.

…………..

Tada !! let me know what you guys think.

Super duper long update guys.

Ignore errors haven’t proofread.

Thanks for all the love and support.

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