Chapter 11

Hello everyone…

Supriseeeeeee Again!

Back with the fourth update in a row.

Went totally in flow with the thoughts in my head and penned it down, for my fingers were itching to type it out.

I will let you all dive in without further delay!

Let me know what you all think.

……………………………..

CHAPTER 10 – COMING HOME

Arnav’s POV

Im in trouble.

In a big time – Trouble.

Or Rather I should say – that I have landed myself in the middle of a Big SOUP.

Because.

I cant stop thinking about Khushi.

I literally cannot get her face outta my mind, or everything to do with her outta my thoughts.

And – There is a very very important point to be noted here for future reference.

I don’t want to stop thinking about her.

And I am not going to.

And it’s a trouble that im more than Happy to take On.

Because its about time – that I start paying attention to the Great Expectations of my Heart.

Until now - Everything In the 28 years of my Life, had been narrowing down to two things mainly – Cricket and Business.

Everything I do - Its always really been about shouldering the great expectations and responsibilities that are expected out of me in the world of cricket and business(as I have also seeked to train and educate myself for everything that I will be needed to do when I step into the world of business, and assist dad as the CEO of Raizada Industries- two years from now)

And amidst all that I never really did have the time to pause and explore the matters of the heart.I totally always felt like I couldn’t be fair to it because of my hectic lifestyle and schedules.

But maybe,it wasn’t just about that assumption about myself that I had in my head.

Because now, my neurons were literally kind of overworking and brainstorming the different ways  in which I could find some good time to give in – to those moments my heart seeked.

Uptil now – maybe because I’d Never wanted to do it, I held that assumption in my head that I couldn’t do it.

Because.

 I had never really met anyone – Who could Break Her way into my Heart.

Uptil now,I had always longed to meet someone who will just see beyond the surface and look at me for who I am , deep within,and it hadn’t happened for all these years so I had even kind off started wondering and doubting the fact whether I would actually meet someone who was able to startle my heart and stir up those emotions – that will force me to give in to those expectations within.

And then.

A sudden event as if it was supposed to be like that lucky chance roll of a dice to double sixes – I walk into a little coffee shop – totally unaware at that point in time that – that very moment was going to be a turning point of my Life.

A Turning Point – it definitely was.

The bestest decision I made – by taking my chances and walking into Chai and Coffee that day.

Thank you Destiny.

Thank you Fate.

Thank you – Life.

For Just when I thought I was probably going to have to deal with the longing within longer – you all decide to surprise me in the most gorgeous of ways.

And

In a Big Bang Moment of my Life - I meet Khushi.

And Everything Changes.

Nothing was ever going to be the same again, and I was kind of glad.

My heart had come alive in the ways that I couldn’t really explain.

And I was happily considering those expectations of my Heart now.

I’d like to now take a moment to give a title to the times I have spent with Khushi until now, in the story of my Life.

And the Apt Title would be – The Fascinating Chronicles of when Lightening First Struck my Heart.

And because of everything I was now feeling within – I think it would be fair on my part to kind of divide the periods of the life of my heart into two sections.

B.K – Before Khushi.

A.K – After Khushi.

Because i didn’t know how any of this felt – Until Khushi came along.

And now, it totally felt like I couldn’t go back onto what I had been feeling.

I open my eyes and pause my music for a bit ,and look at the sight of Ravi engrossed in watching a movie.

We were going to land in Delhi in about 45 minutes from now.

I resume listening to my playlist and I open my whatsapp and go to my chat window with Khushi.

I smile automatically as I read the little chat I had- had with her once I had messaged her that I had boarded for Delhi.

Me: Khushi, iv boarded now for Delhi.

Her : That’s great hoodie guy! Have a good flight,some more sleep maybe??

Me : No khushi, im going to be awake, we are always advised to adjust our sleep cycles in accordance with the time zones we are going to land in, in order to avoid jet lag. What are you doing??

Her : Stepped into the café.Was catching up with Jack and Stacey.Brewing coffee now.

Me : are you going to make some coffee for yourself now? The one we both like?

Her : Yes!but how do you know? You want some??

Me : Sure! I wish.Technology still needs to advance a lot more.

Her : Haha! I agree hoodie guy.Ok so if you aren’t going to sleep, what do you plan to do for the next so many hours??movies or will you just be listening to your music and your playlists?

Me : You know me.I think ill watch a movie and then just spend some good time with my music.What about you? Did you get around to watching anymore of The Crown?

Her : I wanted to continue..but then I think ill just catch up on something else tonight!

Me  : Why?? The Crown was good right?

 Her : Yes. And it totally reminds me of the time we binged watched a couple of episodes together...but..you also don’t know one more thing..and that is I am totally all about spoiler alerts..i trouble everyone a lot with that. I know I know..not fair..but its just a mischief I like to indulge in.So the whole point is that - if I watch ahead of you, im totally going to end up spoiling it for you.

Me : ok then..i have a plan, we’ll watch it together, as in we can decide that well be catching up on it on that day, that way we will be on the same page!

Her : Sounds good hoodie guy!but I still have to study some more tonight!And Isn’t it time for your take off now?

Me: it is ! we’v just begun taxing.

Her : ok HG! Speak later then.

Me : I’ll message you when I land.

Her : Thanks.I will be awake, anyway!

I finish re-reading it all,and I grin to myself.

I cant wait to land actually.

I am a Goner!

Im so into her that its crazy..and I think she doesn’t quite realise the fact that shes kinda getting into me too.

Its all in there in that vibe in between of us.

All her pure little gestures and her words.

She was so worried about my landing time in Dubai..it was in the back of her head..and she actually tracked it up online.And then the way in which she requested me to keep the hanuman chalisa on me all the time, her worry over the wifi usage – I totally understood where it was all coming from, and I was moved by the underlying meaning of it all.

She was worried for my safety.

She’d given me a pure token in a gesture that had a lot of significance behind it.

I look back into it all and Im starting to comprehend it all.

This thing in between of us – is surely starting to mean something to her too.

She just doesn’t probably know it yet.

She is pretty clueless and naive that way..and I feel a strong rush of affection as I revisit the memory in my head about - how that very cluelessness and naivity can be irresistibly charming and attractive.

Anyway im sure she will get her head around it as the time flows.

Because I wasn’t going to let this go.

I was going to give it my all and hold onto this thread in between of us in every way.

Until.

She came around in her head and realised the true significance of our connection.

Because I hadn’t found it in the 28 years of my life, I completely understood the rarity and value of it.

I was totally counting on my mind to come up with a perfect plan it needed to conjure up in order to provide support to my emotions.

I close my eyes again and I smile to myself as the music continues in my ears.

I had to find a way off - Clean Bowling her heart away.

Just like she was clean bowling mine - Bit by Bit – on every single ball of the over.

……….

I was quite enjoying the night view out of the window to the plane, as we were now landing.

The scheduled arrival had been delayed by 15- 20 minutes.

It was 330 am in Delhi now.

I continue looking out the window as the night view over my home city always amazed me.

The wheels of the plane touchdown on the runway, and I sit up in my seat and instantly put off the flight mode and wait for the signal reception.

The minute it does - my phone buzzes.

Its kumar uncle.

My driver.

I pick up the phone and he tells me that he is waiting for me at the arrivals already.

Thank god Mom and Dad listened and just sent kumar uncle for the pick up.

My arrival was anyway in the middle of the night.i didn’t want to disturb them.

I told him that ill call him once id picked out my luggage.

I quickly pick out my backpack from the over head compartment and see the rest of the boys starting to wind up as well.

I quickly message about my landing in the family group.

And then I finally open the whtsapp chat window with Khushi.

And I text her. It was midnight now in Cape town,and I was hoping that she hadn’t slept.

She did say that she would be awake.

Me: Khushi, iv just landed.we were delayed by 15-20 minutes.are you awake??

My phone beeped within a second.

Her : hello HG..thanks for the message!Yes, im awake..i told you I would be up no.its only midnight.

I smiled as I read that and I wrote back : whats up? Studying or Netflix?

I wait for her reply.

In the meanwhile, we all get ready to step out.

I smiled at the crew and shook hands with some of them,and one of them wanted autographs from Ravi, Cap and me and a selfie too,and we all happily obliged.This was a part of all our lives as public figures. And I watched kunal and the rest of the boys get surrounded by fans too..and then minutes later the crew finally stepped in and made way for us and we walk out on the aerobridge,and I adjust my backpack on my shoulder as I walk next to Cap , who was on a call, and my phone finally beeps.

Her : Still studying Arnav.just finishing reading some more notes.will take me 30 minutes or so.

Me : ok great, I should be in the car too by then.i will call you then.hoping the media doesn’t keep us held for too long at the arrivals.

Her : There will be media out there at this time of the night??really??

I am about to reply when the phone beeps again.

Her : ofcourse there would be.You guys are like literally worshipped.And that was a fabulous victory also.Only fair for you all to receive a grand reception.

I smile as I write : you know how it is..ill call you in 30 minutes.k?

Her : sure!

I put my phone in my pocket and join the rest of the boys in heading towards the immigration.

……………………….

45 Minutes Later

I get into my car and I still see some cameras flash as kumar uncle now gets in behind the wheel and speeds away.

I was used to this by now.

Especially back home now in India – it was like all of us had a invisible camera around our heads all the time.

We were always under the scanner.

But the amazing reception at the arrivals by fans and the media in the middle of the night was definitely amazing.

Although sometimes, even though im a team member, it kind of got difficult for me to understand and comprehend the craze and love – people had in their hearts for the game and us.

It was both exhilarating and overwhelming at the same time.

We were all kind off expecting the buzzing reception at the arrival as Coach had got a heads up about it whilst we were still in immigration.

And It had taken us all around 45 minutes to finally get hold of our luggage, address the media, and wade through the crowds,selfies, autographs etc, and finally get into our respective cars in order to make our way home.

I look at the time on my phone.

It was 415 am IST now. Cape town – 1245am

But she did say that she was going to be awake.

I think of texting first to check.

Me : khushi..just got in the car.Are you up? Can I call you??

I had fifteen – twenty minutes until I reached home, at this time of the night.

We lived in Chattarpur.

My phone beeped.

I smiled.

She was awake.

Her : hii..yes..im awake!

I quickly called her.

And she picked up in an instant and I hear her voice fill in through the speaker and I smile to myself – “ hey you..im sure you cant wait to get home, it must be tiring no? and you r probably still on the road right?”

I answer, looking out the window – “ yes just got in the car, but at this time of the night..itll just take me 15- 20 minutes to get home..”

“its good that You live so close to the airport”,she answered,and then she went on – “ although iv never been to India, Rahul does tell me that the traffic is a huge problem..but its that way in every major city of the world I guess..”

I asked on reflex – “ wait what?? You never been to india?? Like never??oh this topic never came up between us or did it??”

I heard her laugh on the other end – “ yes, yes, hoodie guy..i know suprising it is..because im an indian afterall..well lets just say..i haven’t ever been there..long story..and no the topic didn’t come up in between of us, I guess..”

I asked, now really interested – “ but tell me why..i want to know..”

“are you sure?? its kind of very dramatic the reason why I haven’t ever been there..”,came her answer

I asked – “tell me..”

“so apparently my grandpa and grandma fell in love when they were in college, her family was against it, grandpa had got a job in Cape Town..so they fleed here and from what mom and dad tell me both the family’s were so angry that they all cut ties with my grandpa and grandma..they did try to reach out to their families after the birth of my father..but none of them wanted anything to do with them..so then they just went on with the life and home they had made for themselves here, in Cape town..even dad had never been to India in all his life..my mom was an orphan, she was born here and lived here all her life too..so yea..thats about it..we’v never been to India because we have no next to kin or family who’d want to do anything to do with us..but I always wanted to visit like on a holiday atleast..its where im rooted from..so yes..maybe one day..”,and she paused and she then added softly – “ iv bored you again, haven’t i??”

I smile to myself as I answer – “ you don’t bore me Khushi..please..and that’s totally a dramatic tale..look at your grandma and grandpa fleeing in the name of love..so kool..”

I heard her chuckle – “ yeah right kool..what about all the drama that followed..”

I chuckled – “Well they do say that alls fair in love and war khushi..”

She chuckled.

I asked on reflex, now leaning back into my seat – “ are you done studying??”

“kind off.gotta finish off a couple of more pages…like around ten..”,she answered.

I asked on reflex – “am I disturbing you then??”

“well technically no. I did think of taking a ten minute break when you messaged that you were going to call..are you about to reach home soon??”

“about too in like three minutes..the roads were empty”, I answered.

“ok then..ill let you settle in..”,and I heard her yawn.

I answered – “ you get some rest too please..you have a long day tomorrow too right??”

“yes hoodie guy..i will be sleeping in about 30 minutes..good night to you..speak later..”

“goodnight khushi..”,and she hung up, right as the gates of my home opened, and we pulled into the driveway.

And I grinned to myself as I saw Mom, Dad and Anjali all standing in on the main door with a grin on their faces.

And I asked uncle with a smile – “did you secretly message them that we would be arriving any minute now??”

He smiled – “ ofcourse beta..i had too..”

I got off, and was immediately pulled into a hug by my mother as she held me close and then kissed my forehead – “ welcome back beta..did you really think we werent going to get up to welcome you?,and she winked – “ my son plays the game of his life, the least I can do is welcome him with a hug when he reaches home..”,and I grinned – “ thank you maa..”

And im pulled into a hug by my father instantly too – “so proud of you my son..so so proud off you..that was one amazing game..i never knew you could bowl like that…I mean I definetly didn’t pass that down through my genes..as you know I was just the batsmen..”,he finished with a wink.

Mom rolled her eyes at him and she winked – “ ya ya we all have heard that before..now cmon I don’t want to talk about the days of your glory now..its my sons time going on..yours is gone long Senior Raizada..”

I had the koolest mother in the whole wide world.

She was also one of my bestest friends.

And Dad was still crazily in love with her.

Dad eyes widened at that – “ excuseeee me…”

Anjali came in to hug me as she whispered – “ welcome home bhai..missed you so much..”and I held on to her giving her a hug – “ missed you all too…”,and then she spoke gesturing towards mom and dad – “how are they so crazy and adorable at the same time..?”

I laughed and held on to her in a side hug as we enjoyed out parents bickering, grinning at each other.

Dad faked hurt and then he winked – “ oh really, long gone, but I remember you telling me just last night how you wanted to see me in my jersey and helmet again..”

I laughed at that as Mom glared at him and spoke, a little embarrased – “shame on you Raizada..your going to be 60 and you cant still hold your tongue in front of your children..”,and we all started to walk in through the door.

Anjali and me laughed and Dad pointed out by folding his arms in front of his chest as we entered through the foyer - “ excuse me Mrs raizada..point to be noted.i still have 5 years to that.Im just 55..”

Mom rolled her eyes – “almost 56 ok..”

Dad rolled his – “Maa is sleeping..ill just wake her up and you can ask her..its 55 yrs 3months,so technically still 55..”

Mom – “ oh pls don’t you wake up maa right now..”

Dad grinned – “ kool.i win then..”

Mom grinned – “ ya ya..you do..”,and she turned to us as she spoke with a wink, leaning to whisper in our ears – “easier to let him have his way..”

Dad finally put a arm around Mom – “cmon lets go to bed now, let him relax..”,and he paused as he hugged me again – “take a couple of days off son ..its been a long tour.. I shall be home for lunch tomorrow..”

I nodded – “ yes dad its been a long tour..but ill just take tomorrow off..so I still have 9 days to be with you at work on and off because then sri lanka comes to tour..”

Dad nodded and Mom kissed my forehead again – “sleep in late..ok?im not going into work tomorrow too.. ill be home..well catch up once you are up..”.

So over the years Dad had really diversified our business empire into many industries and verticals but the major hold was in the following industries –

Real-Estate – Fashion and Design Houses – Hotels and Hospitals

Mom was the active managing trustee in our chain of maternity and paediatric hospitals.

Anjali was studying fashion and design,and learning a lot from hands on experience from our design house.

Dad grinned – “get some rest my boy - you are not allowed to step out of your room until Noon tomorrow..”

Atul Raizada -my father was my idol.

He was my hero.

And he was also the koolest dad ever.

He was a different person all disciplined and serious and dedicated when it came down to business, but at home, in his personal space – he was a really fun person to be around.

I watched Mom and Dad go to their room, in the ground floor, and I walk up the stairs with Anjali, both our rooms were on the first floor.

I asked – “ are you going to be at home too tomorrow??”

She grinned – “ofcourse bhai..ill probably go in later into work..i have a meeting at 3pm”

And I paused as I added softly – “ Ravi was asking about you..”

She stiffened a little.

So Ravi – my team mate – my good friend and our ace bowler.He and Anjali had kind of dated for a while..like around three months.It didn’t end on a good note because things got outa hands in one of the after party’s in Melborune on one of our tours and he was really drunk and he ended up kissing one of the girls, and the girl snapped the moment and the next thing we know - the pictures went viral.

Anjali never spoke to him again.

But I don’t think shes over him.

She never dated anyone.

Its been what like six months to this.

And then she turned to me – “ bhai..pls..i know he is still your friend and team-mate..and im totally ok with that..but I don’t give second chances..”

I nodded – “ ok..ok..fair enough...i don’t justify his actions..but be mature talk it out..”

She folded her arms and shrugged – “ lets see..”,and she then smiled and hugged me – “ so good to have you back..your going to here in India now until the IPL finishes..im so glad..goodnight bhai..or rather goodmorning..its almost 5am anyway”..and she walked into her room and closed the door.

I finally walked into my room and I look at my phone.

Its more than 130am in Cape town.

I was sure Khushi was asleep now.

I put my phone on charge.

I was about to step into my bath to freshen up and change for the night, when my phone beeped.

I picked it up.

It was a message from Khushi.

Her : HG..im about to sleep now.i was contemplating whether to tell you this or not..then im like..ok why not tell you ..you anyway know me what a goof I am? you are totally allowed to think of me as a paranoid weirdo after you read this.im very happy that you kept me in loop of your landings and take offs but I was nervous after you took off for Delhi – I mean what if your plane had to buzz over the airport in delhi too.. so I got my hold on this flight tracking app, like it helps us track all the flights up there in the sky..international and domestic too of whichever country..its so kool..so I kind off knew before you messaged that your flight was delayed by 15 -20 minutes.Ok.im done with my rant now.i hope youv settled in well.Goodnight to you..get some rest..oh wait..its technically goodmorning to you.

I smiled as I read that and I couldn’t help but grin.

I felt so so good.

And I texted quickly taking my chances.

Me : Can I call you for five minutes?

My phone beeped immediately.

Her : Sure

I replied : video call ok?

I got a quick reply : Ok.but disclaimer -I look like a silly sleepyhead right now.

I grinned as I lied plonked on my bed and called her.

She picked up in a instant,and her picture filled in the screen and I couldn’t help but smile.

She looked so adorable.She was tucked in her bed, her quilt half way up her waist,and she wore a sky blue sleeveless tank top.

I figured she usually wore that tank top-and mini shorts combo as nightsuits.

And her hair were messily swept to one side.

She was abosultely crazy to think that she looked like a silly sleephead right now.

She looked so naturally sexy that it was insane.

She gave me a smile as she spoke – “ goodmorning hoodie guy..arent you exhausted?? Get some sleep no?”

I grinned – “ I will..in about 5 minutes..you too..you have a long day tomorrow..im taking a day off tomm..will start going to office with dad , day after on..”

She smiled – “ I will..in five minutes..god hoodie guy..relax for one more day..its been so hectic for you..”

I grinned – “ look whose talking..”

She laughed and she yawned and she plonked back on her pillow and she pulled her duvet over herself and she turned sideways and plonked up on my arm holding the phone as she spoke with a soft smile – “you do know you have a little redness in your right eye which means you need to sleep..hoodie guy..”

A wicket in my heart just went down again.

I rubbed my eye on reflex – “ really is it? Its probably because of the dry cabin air..my eyes do itch up a little..”

She smiled – “ you should carry eye drops no then..india will go crazy if their fav player has to sit out because of a eye allergy..”

I laughed and then I spoke – “ I do carry it,I use it too..ok so you know the time difference right? Im going to be three hours 30 minutes ahead of you.so you goota text me when you wake up, because I will be up, but I wont want to disturb your sleep..”

She nodded – “ noted.and you do know that I put my phone on flight mode and sleep too right?”

I nodded and her gaze locked with mine through the screen and I spoke with a grin – “ bestest decision ever, walking into chai and coffee the other day..”

She laughed and then a yawn came up her face and I now immediately felt guilty for keeping her up – “ ok..you sleep now.text me when you are up ok?

She nodded as she yawned again – “ yes I will..ok..my eyes are literally heaving on me now..hoodie guy..ill crash now..ill message you in the morning”,and I nodded giving her a smile and she hung up.

I smiled to myself and I put my phone on charge and walked to my bath to freshen up and then crash to sleep too.

I was in Delhi.

She was in Cape Town.

But it totally felt like that – that was not going to come in the middle of our connection

……

Seven Hours later – 1230 PM in the Afternoon

Arnav POV Continues

I walk out of my shower and dress up in my casual tracks and tee, feeling all relaxed and fresh.

I had a very good sleep.

I automatically pick up my phone to check for Khushi’s message.

There wasn’t any.

She did say that she would message as she was up,and she would be up, infact she would probably we heading to work right now.It was 9am in Cape Town.

I was still on that thought when my phone beeped.

I smiled.

I think we had some telepathy at play here.How did her message come right when I was thinking about her?

Crazy!

Her : goodafternoon HG..iv just reached work.i didn’t message earlier because I was sure you would be sleeping! You needed to rest! I luckily just picked up my phone thinking if you would be up and saw you online.so I thought to message you , just like I said I would.i hope you slept well.

I smile to myself.

I quickly reply : I slept really well.you have a good day, you break for lunch at Noon right?

My phone beeped.

Her : Yes, you remember?sorry gotta rush now.speak later?

I quickly wrote : ofcourse I remember.ill text you then around your Noon.or you let me know when you are free.

My phone beeped.

Her : Kool! Speak later HG.

I smiled as I closed my phone and I was just about to walk out my room, when I remembered something.

I walk over to my backpack and take out my wallet and I open the coin pocket and look at the toss coin and hanuman chalisa and I touch them tenderly again and I decide to keep my wallet safely in the locker in my cupboard.

I was just doing that when there was a knock on my door and I said – “come in..”

I saw Mom and Anjali walk in and I grinned – “ you don’t have to knock guys..i tell you all the time..”

Anjali plonked over the l shaped sofa in my room and mom sat next to her as she spoke – “well, and you know I will..i told you I respect the two of your’s privacy..your all grown up now..only fair to you both..”

Anjali kissed mom and I looked back and smiled as she spoke – “ bhai..lets give that award to her already..she is the koolest mum ever..”

I shut my locker and I walked over to the two of them and I grinned – “ totally..”

And mom asked – “ dad will be home for lunch..but eat something before that ok??iv asked HP to send your omellete up..it should be here in 3 minutes..”

I grinned as I leaned back into the sofa too – “ yes..but I haven’t met dadi yet..”

Mom grinned and Anjali grinned too and the two of them exchanged a look and I asked – “ what happened?isnt dadi home?

Mom looked at Anjali – “ tell him..”

Anjali grinned – “ so dadi’s got a new hobby after you left..shes learning to sing..a teacher comes at home for her music classes everyday..she takes it very seriously..we will meet her at lunch time..for her teacher has just arrived…”

I laughed – “what?? No way?? Since when did dadi want to learn singing?

Mom grinned – “ shes really good you know…not bad at all…you know her..she will do what she sets her heart at..”

I grinned – “ ofcourse..”

And Anjali asked – “ ok bhai..did I just spot you keeping your wallet in the locker..isnt it like the first time you operated your safe box in years??”

Mom – “ yes..i know right..”,and she paused as she narrowed her eyes as she spoke – “and, I think I just spot something in that smile of yours…somethings up with you..”

Anjali folded her legs up on the sofa and she asked excitedly – “ bhai..whats up..??”

HP walked in with my food and I thanked him and started to eat and I looked at Mom and Anjali who were still staring at me and I asked – “ what????”

Mom folded her legs on the sofa too, and picked up her cup of tea – “ you better start talking my son..”

God.these two.

They see right through me.

I took a bite of my omellete as I answer, biting back a smile – “ so…iv met someone..”

Anjali kept both her hands on her mouth and Mum’s eyes widened in excitement as she literally choked on her tea and then folded her hand and gestured as if she was thanking god and she picked up her cup of tea and grinned – “ finallyyyyy…thank god….iv waited for years to hear you say that too me…its always been cricket – business- cricket – business – I used to pray to god..make my son loosen up a little na..you see all work and no fun makes jack a dull boy..its about time you paid heed to other vital things of life – your heart being one of them..”,and she made the gesture of rubbing  a finger over her forehead as she grinned – “ phew…finally..i hear the golden words from my son..”

Mom should have totally continued with her career in theatre.

Her expressions were epic.

She gave it up after I was born.

She shouldn’t have.

I looked at the two of them and they were waiting to start off with their rapid fire and I gestured them to shoot their questions.

I knew they wouldn’t let it go.

Anjali shot a question at me – “ Name?

I answered – “ Khushi..”

Mom – “where did you meet her?”

I answered – “ Cape Town..”

Mom – “ How??cmon..we wana know it all..”

I grinned at the memory and I spoke – “it was so coincidental..crazy now that I look back..so I was in my hoodie disguise..walking through the streets,getting super hungry because it was 10pm..i walk into this little coffee shop, taking my chances..and my face was hidden..she says Im sorry I cant make a sale technically, but I cannot not give you food too because you are hungry..she offered me her coffe kindly and then spoke – I need to ask you something before I arrange something for you too eat…and all this while my face was hidden because of the hoodie..and she then asks if I was a thief and warned me that she was trained in marshal arts, so just in case if I was a criminal..she could handle me until the police came after the buzz of the alarm..”

Anjali grinned – “and she couldn’t see your face ofcourse?”

I nodded – “ yup, and then I assured her that I wasn’t a criminal, so then she makes me wait in her office and gets me maggi and coffee..and then sits down to resume her work at the desktop..”

Mom – “ and you still hadn’t taken your hoodie off??”

I grinned – “ she termed me hoodie guy because of that..”

Mom – “ok then??”

I laughed at the memory – “ so I take off my hoodie and I ask her name,and she gives me a polite smile and a nod and resumes her work..”

Anjali – “So she didn’t recognise you??”

I grinned – “ she did..but she didn’t react at all..she kind of understood that I was putting my hoodie on for a reason, and that was that I didn’t want to be recognised..she only talked to me after I made conversation..and then we started talking..i asked her if id missed out on too much fun because id missed regular college..because shes 22 and is still in third year..and she actually makes me feel better about it by saying I haven’t missed out on anything epic at all..”

Mom grinned at Anjali – “ I like her already..”

Anjali asked on reflex – “ does she watch cricket??”

I sombered up a little at that – “ no..she doesn’t..”

Mom – “ but you said she knew who you were?”

I answered – “Well that’s coz she was honest in telling me that there was absolutely no way that there was any Indian on this planet who wouldn’t recognise me..but she doesn’t watch the games..”

Anjali winked – “ ohh what a pity bhai..let her come see you on the pitch once..she will swoon over how dashing my brother looks in the jersey and helmet..”

I took a deep breathe as I told them – “ her little brother krish was a big fan of both cricket and me..he wanted to see the live match for the first time in between of SA and India last year in Johannesburg..the plane that was carrying them crashed..she lost them all – her mom, dad, little brother krish..she cant get herself to watch a game after that..and I understand..”

Anjali’s eyes filled with tears and Mom’s expressions solemned and she spoke – “ that’s tragic..”

I nodded – “ I know mom..but you gotta see this girl..all by herself..trying to move on with a happy and brave face…the convinction and courage..its amazing..works three jobs to save money for the next years tuition fees,because she gotta know after her parents death that they’d mortgaged the house for her education..she didn’t want any debt in her dead parents name..sold off the family’s Indian restaurant..setlled it all..her family friends have given her a little studio up the café where she now lives..interning in the morning, café shift in the evening..and uber in the night..and all this while..being brave and taking life on with a smile..”

Anjali held my hand as she asked with a little smile – “ you like her a lot don’t you? Its on your face bhai?”

Mom held my other hand – “and in your eyes whilst you talk about her..”

I sighed.I couldn’t lie to these two.

I nodded – “ yes I like her a lot..iv known her technically for like just a week but I feel like iv known her for so so long..we connect..it was so instant..and I cant even begin to tell you about how she is able to look at me for who I am..she’s so subtly supportive..knows exactly what to say to me..”

Mom smiled as she gestured me to go on and I give both of them a brief summary of all the highlights of all my time with khushi and how that’s made me feel like iv fallen for her.Once I was done Mom asks – “ so I guess you are keeping that toss coin in that wallet of yours..”

Anjali smiled – “and also the hanuan chalisa..”

I nodded – “the most priceless gifts iv ever received..”,and I added honestly – “for the first time ever iv met someone whos clean bowled me Mom and she has no clue about it..but as much as iv gotten to know her..im going to have to take it slow and easy..and so when I had to leave....i just assured her that it wasn’t goodbye and that we would be in touch..and we are in touch..over texts and calls..”

I had finished eating my omellete and mom kept the plates to one side and then she turned to look at me – “ I always knew when you will feel something, you will be true to your emotions and will not shy away from it..and im proud off you my son…”,and she then winked – “ id like you to win her over too..i totally trust your charms my son…”

Anjali grinned – “ totally bhai….you got this..”

I nodded, feeling so much better now talking to them – “ thanks guys, its just that I cant talk to anyone else, because she doesn’t want anyone to know about our connection because she feels it will add too much drama in her life…and I know where she is coming from..all this stuff around me is overwhelming..but I just wish it doesn’t scare her away…”

Mom nodded – “ I know what you mean, I met your dad when he was still playing for the team..it was hard, very hard….i gave up on us so many times..but your dad didn’t and that’s why we are here today…”,and she paused as she gave me a smile – “ so nothings impossible as long as you have faith my son..look at where we are today..”

I looked at my mother and my sister and I sat in between of them and I held each of their hands – “ I finally want to pause and give heed to the expectations of my heart..its the right thing to do right?? Mom? Anj?”

Mom grinned and winked– “ ofcourse..im counting on that charm that we both have given to you in your genes”

Anjali grinned – “ about time bhai..about time..and we want to see a picture too..right mom??”

Mom winked – “ ofcourse…”

And I hugged them both on either side and Mom kissed my forhead and she whispered – “ I just want happiness for you my son, now and always..”

Anjali hugged me too – “ bhai let me know if you need any tips..ill help you..”

I laughed as I hugged them again.

It felt so good to be Home.

This was Home – one of the happiest place on earth for me and all because God had blessed me with the best family ever.

…………………………

Arnav POV Continues

I look at my phone and I do the calculations in my head and I was just about to message her.

And right then my phone beeped.

It was Khushi.

Her : Its lunch time HG! I just got free so thought of messaging you.

 I text khushi.

Me : you wont believe this.i was just about to message you, and you texted! Unbelievable..we have some telepathy going on here.

I got a quick reply.

Her : really?? Do you think Its strange that we were thinking about each other at the same time?

I smile as I write : Strange but in a good way.what do you think?

Her : I think the same, maybe..Strange but in a good way.what are you upto HG??

I quickly reply : Just chilling at home khushi.. just finished lunch with everyone.dad was home for lunch.

My phone beeped.

Her : Oh shoot! I gotta rush..i just called in to take minutes of a meeting!

I quickly write : but Your lunch??

Her : gulping down my sandwich as I write too you.sorry..ill msg later?

I quickly wrote : no worries Khushi. You carry on.ill wait for your message.

My phone beeped immediately : Arnav..can I tell you something?

Me: ofcourse khushi.what is it?

Her : I am glad that we are able to keep in touch. I don’t feel like you’v left actually.

I smiled as I read that..literally grinned from ear to ear.

Me : im super glad that you want to keep in touch too..khushi!i want us to stay connected..chat..talk..calls..video calls..really, I mean it..for real.i meant it when I said – that it wasn’t goodbye!

I waited for her reply and right then my phone beeped.

Her : to be honest to you - I think I am kind of glad – that it wasn’t goodbye!ok now I gotta go..ill text you later..and if you are free, we can connect on a call.

I quickly type : Sure!

Khushi would know with time – that maybe just maybe – im not meant to ever say Goodbye to her.

I smiled to myself as I put my phone in my pocket and right then I hear Mom call out to me and I walk over to join, her, Anjali and Dadi.

I was truly blessed.

I had the bestest family ever.

And finally my heart had met someone that it wanted to open up too in everyway.

I needed to thank god for this moment.

And I close my eyes as I sit on the sofa next to Mom.

And I do just that.

I thank God, from the Bottom of my Heart.

…………………………………..

Tada!! Let me know what you all think!

Ok guys, this was the fourth update for this one this week.

I will now post for Chaotic Wires next on atleast two updates after that I will get back to this.

Pls ignore errors haven’t proofread.

Thanks guys for all the love and support.

Always.

Much Love Guys.

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