Chapter 15

Hello everyone

Back here with a superlong 9k word update!!

Let me know what you all think

I shall let you all in without further delay.

Pls ignore editing errors haven’t proofread.

Thank you for all your time and support to my work!

Much love Guys

…………..

Chapter 14 –  ‘HAPPY HIGH’

Khushi’s POV –

Next Day Morning at 645am –

 Cape Town

My eyes flutter open, and I feel a little heavy in my head.

It wasn’t like a hangover, because I wasn’t very drunk last night.

But yeah something like a – Mini Hangover.

Goshhh.

I rub my temples with both my hands still lying down in bed.

I shouldn’t have probably had that extra margarita in the end.

I had, had a beer , then two single maritini’s and I was like tipsy.But I think it was that mix from that Margarita towards the end of the party that took me from tipsy to slightly drunk.

I close my eyes as I remember the reason why I had all those drinks anyway.

After seeing Hoodie Guy on TV in the way I had, there was something in between all that theme park operation in my stomach that was making me very very jittery and nervous.

And I had tried to instruct my head to work a little bit and put a restrain on those flutters in my stomach, but my emotions had revolted,because they didn’t want too put a restrain on their flow because of what they had been feeling and amongst all this conflict in between my stupid mind and heart, id felt this nervousness that was shaking me.

I had never felt this way ever before.

I was going on about my Life, and one fine day, Hoodie Guy decides to drop into it out of the blue.

In the -BOOM BASH BOOM- moments of my Life, our paths end up crossing and now we are both into this “thing”in between of us since the last one month – the ‘thing’ that is now starting to result into this crazy theme park Adventureland in the pit of my stomach.

And then – that scene off him from TV – had just pushed me over into another scary ride.

And I don’t know which was more stupid in the moment, my mind or my heart – but I did end up resorting to use alcohol as a tool to soothe my nervousness.

I finally open my eyes, rubbing my temples and my eyes fall on my phone that was lying in my bed, messed up in my covers.

Ok.Then.

I groaned.

Stupid.Stupid.Goofy Khushi.

I cant believe I dozed off while talking to him on the video call.

I did remember most of my conversations with Hoodie Guy last night,because I wasn’t very high that it didn’t register in my head in the first place.

And thanks to the hit from the alcohol -id actually goofed up by asking him those stupid questions on the text.

Especially about that statement to the reporter about Cape Town’s experience.

I still cant believe I texted him outright and asked him that he was talking about cricket?

And then that stupid goofy question about if some hot models were trying to flirt with him or not? Or if he’s been polite in rejection again or indulged in casual flirtation??

Godddddddddddddd.Stupid Me.

And then all thanks to the alcohol – id also ended up voicing out my thought to him about how I felt when I looked at him on TV that he was from a different world from mine.

Id plonked onto my pillow just after stating that to him and I do remember asking him not to think about this.

And I think this was when sleep started to take over, and cloud my memory.

Did we talk anymore after that??

Im having trouble remembering.

I try to focus in my head to recall it.

But the focus is not working.

I groan as I twist to the other side of my bed, wanting to hit myself for being such a weirdo and a Goof!!

Did I actually doze off again just like that??

God he must think im a crazy fool too, I first call him in my sleep the other day and now I sleep whilst talking to him on the video call.

And I also am unable to remember the last bit of our conversation.

Bravo!

Khushi.Bravo!

But wait to my credit – I have given him a heads up about this right in one of our conversations.

I did tell him that sleep catches me in the minute I put my head on my pillow.

And yesterday ofcourse, I also had the virus of alcohol to add to that.

I quickly pick up my phone now, and see the time.

It was 655am.

I do the math in my head which meant it was almost 1025 am in India right now.

Im hoping to see a goodmorning text from hoodie guy as usual, because I figured he would be up by now.

I open whatsapp.

And I do see a couple of messages from him, waiting for me.

But it isn’t a goodmorning text.

I see the time on it – I think he left me these texts before he slept.

My eyes immediately hover to read what he had written.

Him : Khushi, just in case you wake up and you don’t remember the last bit of our conversation from last night, because I did notice that your eyes were loaded with sleep the minute you placed your head on your pillow and you kind off were yawning through the last bit off it and you had a couple of drinks too and were totally looking and sounding like the alcohol had hit you too – I thought its better if I write it down here, so that you read it first thing in the morning as you wake up, because its important for you to know this.I will be sleeping in a little late tomorrow, because we have a day off.

Theme Park Operations begin in the pit of my stomach as I read that.

Its not even 7am here in my city – and im sure no theme park in this world opens up so early except for this crazy one in the pit of my stomach.

How did he just sense that there could be a possibility that I wouldn’t remember??

My eyes move on to the next message, now eager to know what hed written next.

Him : So I totally need to get this across to you – that when I mentioned about my experience in Cape Town making its way close to my heart, I WAS NOT TALKING ABOUT CRICKET.I WAS TALKING ABOUT YOU. And on top of that – I totally mean it when I say this that I don’t feel like I have known you just for a month now, I really do feel like that iv known you for a long long time.

Waittt?? Whatttttttttttttttttt??????????

I close my eyes on reflex as I feel like I have been placed on five freaking thrill rides together.

And right then the last bit of the conversation comes back rushing through to my head.

And what do I feel like as I remember all of it??

I feel like iv been rocketed up to space in TWO MINUTES.

How was it even possible for me to feel all this craziness??

I open my eyes and look at the next message awaiting to be read.

Him : You make me happy Khushi.Really happy.you know Like iv told you about how im happy high when im playing cricket??.you make me feel just like that too -all happy high.And also if I have to give another example because I am in that happy tipsy state right now a little bit myself – Its easier to state that you make me feel like I am Tipsy all the time!! I want you to know that - You are important to me Khushi..

I read what hes written and I feel like I want to do a little happy dance myself.

And I do get up and stand on my bed and do a little bit of happy dance like a crazy idiot and then pick up my phone and read his message again.

And again.

And I once I am about to read it for the sixth time.

I pause.

Oh wait.

Is he sure??

I mean is he sure that he means to say this to me???

Me?

Me??

 Me????????

I mean he did say he was a little bit tipsy too, maybe what if he thinks otherwise after he wakes up??

I read what hes written again and I smile on reflex and I ask my stupid mind to stop worrying.

I quickly put my phone on charge,make my way to the washroom to freshen up and take a quick shower and freshen up.

It was only 710 am, and I only had to leave for work by 840am.

I didn’t want to go back to sleep.

Maybe, Id just get ready first and then message him.

Maybe he would be up by then??

I could talk to him and apologize for dozing off atleast before jetting off to work for the day.

I get into my bathroom and remove my make up from the night – first thing out, I never usually sleep with make up on because I need my skin to breathe at night but then again yesterday I was also emotional because id been missing mom, and that’s why I hadn’t changed as well and just slept in it.

I smile as I remember Arnav’s words as he told me that it was totally ok to do so and not feel weird about it.

On that note – I step into shower with a grin, and I feel the warm water soothe me and as I start to hmmm a tune on reflex and wash my hair..I feel like I am little happy high too , but it wasn’t because of any leftover affect of the alcohol ; it was all because of Hoodie Guy too.

……………….

Twenty Minutes Later

Khushi PoV continues

I put on my formal navy blue straight fit pants and then get into this mustard boat neck formal top, and tuck it in my high waist paints and tug at the top  to have it loosen up around my mid waist a little,and shuffle my hands through my semi wet hair, and tuck them behind my ear loosely.

And I look into the mirror and I smile at my reflection, I was almost ready to step out to work.

I had nothing more to add to my look for the day, expect for just probably tieing my hair up again into a ponytail on the way to work, once theyd dried up.

I was going to go sans my bb cream to office today.

I put the kettle water on boil and start prepping up my breakfast and I pick out my phone as I write a text to him.

It was almost 11am in India now.

Me : Wakey Wakey Hoodie Guy..look who gets to drop you a goodmorning text for a change! Are you up already?? Or still sleeping???? Must be exhausted from all that physically draining play , im so glad its your break day today.Please relax and rest yourself today.

I Put the phone on the kitchen counter and take out my pan and then two eggs from my fridge.

I think of making myself a omellete with some toast and my coffee for my breakfast.

My phone beeps.

I quickly pick it up.

And I smile.

Its Arnav.

Him  : Khushi..goodmorning..i just woke up three minutes ago..still lazing in bed though! Literally picked up my phone to text you and your message popped up! Im telling you we have some crazy telepathy going on in between of us.Are you getting ready for work now?

My smile gets converted to a grin automatically.

Me : Its crazy indeed.Ok, so I woke up a little early and I am already ready for work.Just making breakfast and coffee.

I get a quick text.

Him: Make some for me too please! The coffee atleast!

I grin as I read that.

Me : Sure hoodie guy, but technology still hasn’t advanced so much yet.

Him : it needs to right??

I grin as I type : totally needs too! Ok listen hoodie guy, I’m sorry I dozed off on the video call last night!

My phone beeps in less than a second literally!

Him : did you read my messages??the ones I left for you before sleeping?? Whtsapp tells me youv read them because of the double blue tick..but I want to know from you..did you read them?

I take a deep breathe as I read that and the theme park operation in my stomach is in peak time ride mode now.

I quickly text : Yes I did read them Arnav.They made me smile.Thank you.

If I told him that they made me go crazy and jump on my bed in a happy dance, hed probably rethink his messages because of my stupidity and goofiness.

Phone beeps.

Him : I meant every word I wrote Khushi.

I smile as I write honestly : well, just so you know, you make me feel good and happy too!

Him : Good! Just finishing freshening up and just ordering room service .Can we get on a videocall in two minutes? I need to see you..i think we have some time to connect before we leave for work right??

Ok then.

That bit of – I need to see you in that text just gave me goosebumps.

Jeez!

I smile as I write : Yes good to connect Arnav.i only have to leave by 830-840ish.

I place my phone on the ledge in the kitchen as I now start prepping up my eggs and get my coffee ready and because I feel like having some fun, I pour some coffee for him in another cup too,and I put the hot plate on , and the pan on it to get my ommellete going.

My phone buzzes.

And I quickly bent forward, and swiped up the green button and hold the cup of coffee id poured out for him and keep it gestured in front of the screen just as his face fills up my screen and I grin as I say – “ rise and shine hoodie guy..with a cup of custom made coffee from uber girl…”

He grins immediately, and he was standing and I see him plonk himself on the sofa and he runs a hand through his already ruffled and messy hair as he gives me a wink – “And you do know id do anything right now to get them to innovate of a window of transportation portal through technology and whatsapp so that I can actually take a sip off that cup..”

And the ferris wheel ride in my stomach begins.

I smile as I put the cup down and I say, keeping an eye on my omellete – “so your cup is safe sound in its position…”,and I pick my cup up as I say, sipping my coffee – “ and I shall have just have some on your behalf then..”

He grinned and then chuckled – “ what are you making Khushi??”

I smile at him as I flip my omellete – “an omellete hoodie guy..with my toast and coffee..”

He smiled – “ that’s exactly what I ordered too..”

I grinned as I start to get the omeleete now done on both sides – “ great hoodie guy..so tell me did you sleep well..are you feeling relaxed now??please take rest today..i mean I hope you don’t have practice today…”

He smiled and I watch him eat a bite off an apple – “ I do have a little training session in the nets this afternoon..but just for an hour or so..because we wont get much time tomorrow..the first t20 match tomorrow, and we will only reach pune just in time..”

I ask on reflex – “are you flying again? I mean its supposed to be near Mumbai right? Pune??”,and place my breakfast on a plate and pick up my phone and walk to the little table and put it on it and then walk back to pick up my coffee and he answers taking another bite off his apple –“ it’s a three hour drive Khushi..we will be taking the team bus, because we have to return here for the second t20…”

I sip my coffee and I nod giving him a small smile– “ god that’s a lot of travel Arnav..hats off to all your sportspersons for living such a hectic lifestyle..its like you guys are more in hotel rooms than in your homes…”

He smiled – “ thanks khushi…but we are used to it, infact do you know this hotel right now the one im staying in is as good as my second home..because I play for the Mumbai team in the IPL and this is home for us all through whenever we are here for the games..”

I take another sip of my coffee – “ really??? That’s interesting, the staff must know you all so well then..”

He nods – “ yes…”,and he pauses as he asks – “ why aren’t you eating khushi??”

I say on reflex – “ waiting for your breakfast to arrive ofcourse you did you ordered right..i have time..i can wait..”

He grinned – “and we eat together whilst we talk? Id like that..”,and he paused and then went on a second after a thought – “ but khushi I hope you aren’t getting late..but I also think my food will be here soon..”

I shake my head – “ no no, don’t worry I have time..”

And right then I hear the bell in the background, and he says – “ wait up..ill be back..”,and I see him get up and walk to the door and he opens it and takes the food trolley in and thanks the staff and then closes the door, and he pushes the trolley to where he was sitting near the sofa and center table and he picks up his plate and I finally see his face fill in the screen – “ brekfast’s here…”

I grin as I pull my plate in front of myself and we both take a bite at the same time as he asked – “ did you sleep well??and any hangover??”

I gave him an embarrassed smile, taking another bite off my omellet – “ im sorry about dozing off to sleep last night on the video call again Arnav..”

He chuckles as he takes a bite off his – “ no worries khushi, I do remember that sleep comes to you the minute you put your head on the pillow..”

I smile and I ask – “ ok but wait how did you sense that I probably wouldn’t be able to remember the last bit of our conversation..?”

He grinned and gave me a wink , as he sipped his coffee – “well lets just say I knew..”,and he paused as he spoke – “And that’s why I left you those messages, because I didn’t want to take a chance with you not remembering it..”

I think I felt like I was going to blush right now.

My cheeks were hot.

I gave him a small smile and then picked up my coffee mug and sipped on it to hide my blush from his view and he asks , taking a bite off his toast now – “so that group picture was a very nice one Khushi..do let me know who is who in it whenever you get time..”

I ask a little surprised – “ you want to know who is who in that picture??”

He nodded – “ ofcourse, why wont I want to know Khushi there are your friends, I know you don’t want anyone to know that you know me, but I wana know who your friends are, Rahul, Diya your uncle and aunty, Varun etc? you keep talking about them..itll be nice to have a face to connect to..”

I grin as I speak – “ ok then, open the picture…”,and I start – “ ok so the one you see on the further left that guy in the navy blue tee hugging that gorgeous woman in the olive green dress…”

He nods – “ yess…”

I add – “ that is Rahul and diya…”,and I speak on – “ ok and right next to them is Siya and Sameer, siya is diyas younger sister and Sameer is armaan’s younger brother, they just started dating a while ago..”

He nods and smiles – “ they look cute..”

I grin – “ they are adorable..and so in love..so Varun isn’t in this picture because he was at Chai and Coffee for the shift…and that old couple at the back who have their arms around each other..thats uncles and aunty I mean as in rahul’s parents…and then right next to Sameer and Siya is Parth,then right next to him is Samarth and his fiancé Sonali and then that’s abhishek and yuvika they are also dating, then theres Nikhil and Nicole they are all mostly Rahul’s friends..and right next to nicole is me..”

And he speaks sipping his coffee – “and right behind you is Armaan..how did it go with him last night??you know since you were meeting him after that chat in Chao and Coffee for the first time..”

Ok then.

So now im kinda embarrassed about the way Armaan has his eyes on me in the picture,and now that im looking at it with a sober eye, I can sense that its pretty obvious that hes got me on his mind and I speak taking a deep breathe and a bite off my omellete – “actually initially I was kind of avoiding talking to him to be honest to you because I think id caught him looking at me in between a lot and then when I was in the kitchen talking to diya and aunty, sipping on a beer, he came in and they both walked out leaving us alone..this is what they all do you know, all the time..anyway that’s when he asks for a beer from the fridge and he tells me that I was looking gorgeous and im emabarrased now, not knowing what to say,and he says he didn’t say it to embarrass me it was just a compliment from an old friend..and right then two wickets went down in the 48th over and I was put out of the awkward spot..but it was ok later on wasn’t awkward at all..i think he’s ok..and we were able to just talk and catch up a little as old friends,and then you know how I had, had drinks so her offered to drop me home..and I was texting you whilst we were on the way back..and then that’s all…so yes..on the whole..id say a little awkward and a little ok ok..”,and I paused as I spoke – “ there I went on and on with my rant again..and you didn’t even stop me..”

He sipped his coffee and then chuckled– “ why would I stop you khushi when I wanted to know myself..i asked remember..”

I rolled my eyes – “ yes but I go on and on with my detailed rant…I think I have to work my way around being able to summarise things to you and not blabber like a stupid idiot on and on..”

He chuckled – “ khushi…no summarising please..your detailes rant is exactly what I want to listen..”

I ask in surprise – “ really???”

He nods – “ reallyyyyy..didnt you read my messages? I meant what I wrote, everything about you makes me happy khushi..”

Ok – Theme Park Rides in full swing mode again.

I give him a small smile, sure I was blushing again and my eyes finally fall on the time and I say – “ okkkk hoddie guy, I gotta clean up and rush now..ill talk to you later then???”

He grins – “ later then..i don’t want to get you late you have a good day Khushi..”

I grin back – “ you too have a good day Arnav..”

And I finally hang up and start to clean up and just as I finished and stepped out my door and made my way down the stairs.

My phone beeped.

It was Arnav.

Him : Sunshine.

Me : Huh???

Him : That’s what you were looking like whilst we were talking khushi..the colour mustard suits you very much! If you don’t mind id like to call you that once in a while just like how you call me hoodie guy.ok?

I felt goosebumps up my arms again.

What was he doing to me????

I take a deep breathe as I reply honestly : its ok hoodie guy, you can call me that.but just so you know, no one has ever called me sunshine before.

Phone beeps.

Him : Good.Im happy to hear that Sunshine!

I smile as I send him a smile emoticon in return and then continue to make my way down the stairs off to work.

It was going to be a good day!

…………………….

Arnav’s POV – 630 PM

I watch the Boys disperse and I finish talking to Cap and Coach and I spot Ravi looking way to dejected as he stands alone in the side,looking into his phone.

We were just making our way back into the hotel lobby after training and I walk up to Ravi now, and he keeps his phone back into his pocket as he looks at me dejected and I know he is going to bring up the topic I do not like to get involved in ,but am going to be pulled into anyway and he says – “ your sister is the most stubborn woman iv ever met..she just doesn’t take my calls or reply to my texts..”

I shrug – “ what do you expect Ravi..that picture hurt her and..”,I paused as I admitted honestly – “and you know I only didn’t break your nose because its in my contract with the bcci not to physically hurt a teammate and also because Cap wouldn’t have wanted his ace bowler injured..but i did want to punch you a thousand times for that back then..”

Ravi sighed – “ I know..i know..but it was a mistake ok..it had been such a hectic tour that time right in Australia and then we only got a little time to party and relax in Melbourne, id indulged in a lot of drinks and then it was just casual flirting until I don’t know how we are kissing the next minute and she snapped it and made the picture go viral from her social media account..but it was a bloody mistake..just happened..”,and he paused as he added softly – “ I hate that I messed up..i truly do care about Anjali, you know I do..one damm social media post which totally looked a lot more than what it was totally ruined it all for me…”

I take a deep breathe – “ look i know what you mean, but you know Anjali, she doesn’t believe in second chances..”

He nods – “ yeah I know that..but she should atleast talk to me right?? Let me explain my side of it..she literally hasn’t spoken to me after that..and I want to explain atleast, I hate that I hurt her ASR..”

I knew he meant it.

It was on his face.

He was truly sorry.

I take a deep breathe – “well I can just hope that she listens to you, I can only be subtle about it to her, she is my sister and I respect her decisions Ravi..”

Ravi smiles – “ I know..you are a good brother..”,and he winked as he added – “ I did kind off thank my stars that I had the bcci contract save my ass..or else I knew you would have given me a black eye along with a broken nose..”

I chuckled as i answer honestly – “ that was what I had planned honestly and kind off actually executed it out in my head..”,and I pause as I add honestly – “ but once I heard your side out I did realise right then that you were truly very sorry about it..”

Ravi gave me a small smile – “ tell your sister that for me atleast??”

I smile – “ I will..”

Ravi – “I am about to just relax and freshen up for a while, and then step out for a little shopping, its moms bday tomorrow, and we will be in pune, ill go home for a while day after before we get back here..wana join me??”

I nod – “ yes actually I haven’t shopped for mom and Anjali in so long too..can lets do that..”

Ravi – “ do you think Anjali will accept a little gift from me as an apology??”

I shrugged – “ don’t know but you can try..”

Ravi smiled – “And will you be my courier service for the same??”

I smiled – “ ok..but just this once..”

Ravi grinned – “ just this once..see you in 30 minutes then?”

And Ravi makes his way into his room and I walk down the lobby towards my room, and I see the time on my phone.

634 PM here.

3:05 PM in Cape Town

Khushi would probably be heading off from work and heading back to Chai and Coffee.

Shed text me the minute she got the time too.

I knew she would.

We had a little talk at her lunch time too,right before I was about to get on with the workout session and a little practice session in the nets.

I smile as I remember our video call from this morning.

I was smitten the minute her face filled into my screen.

My Sunshine -That was the first word that came to my head the minute I took in the sight off her looking so alluring in that mustard formal top, and with her hair loosely left open and tucked behind her ears and that natural glow on her face.

She literally was alluring in every look.

She didn’t even have a trace of make up on in that moment, and the way her skin shone naturally was simply exquisite.

Ok.so I was a goner anyway I had kind off realised that I was going to be attracted to her in every and anyform anyway because of all that I was feeling within the walls of my heart for her.

Right then my phone beeped.

It was her.

Her :  Hoooddie Guyy

I smile as I write : Yes Sunshine

I get a quick reply : Hope you had a good practice!im on my way back to the café now! Going to be super tied up with my shift because I will be filling in for Stacey today! And also no uber schedule today because I have so much to read up on for the Big Bus work that I start in two days! What are you upto now???

I quickly reply : practice was good Khushi,im planning to step out with Ravi for a little shopping for Mom and Anjali.

Phone beeped.

Her : That’s amazing! Have a good time hoodie guy! text you later then.Tadaaaa! until we video call again.

I smile as I read that.

Me : Will you be able to text in between??

Her : will try to HG!but you know how the atmosphere gets in chai and coffee when its chai time for everyone around the block.

Me : yes I know that! have a good time khushi.

             I smile as I make my way out and start freshening up and getting ready to join him Ravi.

I flex my fingers on reflex and twist my wrist around two times,I think I strained it a little in practicing those shots in the net on my backfoot.

But it wasn’t anything major that I was sure off that from experience,such minor wear and tears were a part of our lives.

…………………………………

10 : 30 PM

Arnav’s POV Continues

Ravi and Me finish dinner in the Thai restaurant in our hotel and we are now making our way back up to our rooms.We had returned from shopping an hour ago and then dropped stuff in our rooms and come down for dinner.

Right when I spot a couple of fans spot us and request for selfies and we oblige one by one and one of the females says – “ thank you so much for the picture ASR..but can I ask you a question if you don’t mind??”

I smile politely – “sure, what is it??”

She asks – “ why aren’t you on social media..i mean no Instagram, no facebook, no twitter, all we see of you is from your team member accounts or the official bcci accounts or sometimes through the news channels and the media’s insta handles as they spot you around..we would love to have you come on Instagram atleast..”

And I smile on reflex as I say politely – “sorry but I think social media is not for me, a lot of what you said is happening all the time anyway,and honestly I don’t get onto it because I feel I wont be able to understand the dynamics off it, im an awfully private person when it comes to my personal life, I am more comfortable to just keep it that way…”

Ravi grinned – “ good choice ASR, you do know miss that a social media post can ruin a lot of things..”

Both the girls chuckled as one of them asked Ravi – “ are you talking about that picture of yours that went viral from melborune’s after party ??”

Ravi nodded – “see..you know what I mean..”

The girl – “ did it ruin something with a a special someone??”

Ravi shrugged his shoulders – “ kind off..”

I smiled – “ it’s a double edged sword I’d like to keep arms distance from guys..”

She smiled – “ ok no worries, you all are a public figure but as fans we must also learn to accept your privacy’s..anyway you wont mind if I post this picture with you both on my social media??”

Ravi nodded – “ ofcourse not..”

I smiled politely – “ please go ahead..”

They gave us a smile and then turned and walked away now busy in their phones.

Right then my phone vibrated in my pocket.

I pulled it out, hoping it was Khushi.

It was a text from Khushi.

Her :Arnav. I need to talk to you.Can we connect for two minutes?

I saw Ravi talk with some more hotel staff as we reached up the lobby and I excused myself into a corner, and I called Khushi.

She picked it up in an instant and I asked on reflex – “ khushi, all ok??”

I heard her sigh on the other end – “ I don’t know..i mean im confused..”

I ask – “what happened??”

I hear her worried voice come through – “ armaan is here..he says he needs to talk to me, and its important,and he is suggesting that we step out of Chai and Coffee..”,she paused as she said – “ he wants to step out for a quick bite..”

Ok!!!!!!!!!!!!

My spark on the gasline to my blood, just lit up.

I take a deep breathe as I ask – “ ok..and do you want to too??”

She sighed – “ no..i mean, I don’t want to because I don’t want to lead this on like I told you but im confused because he used to be a good friend and he is saying that it’s a little important, I don’t know what to do? This is so weird..”

I take a deep breathe and decide to put my personal interests aside for a while and be a good friend – “ ok so maybe hear him out at Chai and Coffee itself..”

She sighs – “ no no..i prefer stepping out because the last time I sat with him in here , you have no idea the eyes that were on us, like uncle, varun, jack everyone…I don’t understand why cant they accept the fact in their hearts that me and armaan are over..”

I say honestly – “maybe because you guys used to look so good together..”

She asked – “huh??what do you mean??”

I say honestly – “ ok..so in that picture yesterday..just the way he is looking at you, its obvious Khushi..hes still into you..”

She sighed – “ I hate myself right now..”

I say on reflex – “ why do you hate yourself?? It wasn’t like you were or are leading him on purposely, if someone still chooses to feel a certain way khushi, its their problem, not yours..”

She sighed – “ okk..so I think ill just step out then and hear him out..i do want to trust him on the fact that he told me days ago here, that the next time he asks me to step out with him would be like an old friend..”

I speak – “I think that’s the right thing to do too Khushi..because I know if you snub him off or be rude, you probably wouldn’t be able to sleep the night..”

She sighs –“ how do you know hoodie guy..”

I smile as I admit honestly – “ you know I know you right Sunshine..”

Her tone is now a little more relaxed as she says softly – “ I liked the sound of that..”

I chuckle – “ im happy about that..”

She sighs – “ ill text you later then?? You will be awake right??ill be back soon, I mean I will try to wind this up asap..”

I speak – “ just realx ok..itll be ok??”

She says softly – “ thanks..”

And she hangs up.

Ok.

I do want to whack myself for swinging an axe on my very own feet.

But i kind off didn’t have another choice.

I know Khushi.

Her hearts too naïve and innocent.

I wouldn’t want any sort of doubt or guilt to weigh it down,and that’s why she needed to give her ex-boyfriend a chance to talk his side as a old friend too.

Because no matter how much I hated the fact – I couldn’t close my eyes to the truth that the two of them did kind off share a history.

Right then Ravi walks up to me and asks me if I want to join him for a little game of cricket over his play station.

Ravi was a crazy videogame player too.

He literally carried his PS with him everywhere he went.

I nodded.

I was going to need the distraction,because in my head my thoughts were already drifting their way half across the world across the seven seas, hoping to know what was going on in Khushi’s surroundings in Cape Town right now.

……………………

90 Minutes Later

1130 PM

I see Ravi pause on the game as he sipped on water, and I picked up my phone on reflex to check for Khushi’s text.

Hadnt come yet.

It was 8pm in Cape Town.

The timer had gone upto 90 minutes.

We were playing FIFA now.

I resumed my attention to the screen as I spoke – “ ok last game Ravi..im going to crash in early today..”

Ravi nods – “ kool..me too..we do have to leave by 9 am tomm to reach pune by lunch time..”

I nod.

And we continue playing.

Ten minutes later,just as I finish playing and shove aside the videogame handle, my phone beeps.

I pick it up.

It’s a text from Khushi.

Finally.

Her : Arnav, im just reaching back home!done with early dinner and everything.im just heading up to my room now as the crowds lessing now at the café and varun and jack are handling it.are you free to connect in five minutes??

I smile as I read that.

Ofcourse I was free.

I had all the time in the world for her.

Me : yes khushi.

I now say goodnight to Ravi and make my way to room, and the minute I get in, my phone beeps.

Khushi : its four minutes.but can I call you now???

I call her immediately and she picks it up in an instant.

I hear her chirpy tone – “ helloooo hoodie guy..”

Ok.

She definetly sounded relaxed.

I ask on reflex – “ you sound relaxed khushi..so I guess it went well with Armaan..”

She – “ yes it went well..thank you for your support,im kind of glad that I stepped out..”

I wanted to see her expressions right now and I ask – “ can we video call??”

She – “ yes we can..”

I quickly video called her and I see her gorgeous face fill in my screen as shes sitting on that usual dining chair in her studio.

Shes wearing the round neck black full sleeved tee that she was wearing when I first met her.

She usually wore this with her jeans for the café shift.

And her hair our tied up in a messy bun and she has her hand placed under her chin and a gorgeous grin up her face that lit up my world and she says – “ hey you hoodie guy..”

I grin on reflex – “ hey you..sunshine..”

Ok.she smiles,and she blushes.

She thinks she can hide that by sipping on her water but iv spotted it.

Just like I spotted the blush up her cheeks in the morning too.

And right then she put down her glass of water and she asks with a mischevious grin – “ should I start with my rant??”

I chuckle – “ sure…shoot on…”

She takes a deep breathe – “ ok…so you know like I told you it was a little awkward last night too, and hed keep looking at me and everything..so first thing out he did admit that hes still not over it..he was working on it..almost half way there..and then I tell him honestly that – that’s why I don’t want to come in front of him because I don’t want this to be difficult for him, but then you know we have this common circle and Rahul and then now diyas sister and his brother are also dating..we are a close group, its obvious to run into each other because of common friends etc, so I told him that id keep my self away from every common friends get together until he was comfortable..”

I say on reflex – “ but khushi..you don’t have too..you barely meet up with them anyway..and your friends..”

And she spoke softly – “ they are all my family left anyway..but this isn’t fair to him right??anyway first listen no…so the minute I tell him he tells me the same thing that hed hate for me to do something like this…because he knows too..”

Ok.

This dude really did still love her.

She took a deep breathe – “So..anyway then he tells me that , this wasn’t the reason why he wanted to meet up, he wanted to meet in person and tell me that he got accepted into the MBA course hed applied for earlier on in the year at London Business School..and that he was going to be leaving soon..and his mothers family side is in london , so hes going to be leaving soon in like six days..to work with his Mama for a while in their family business for the months until his course starts in August..he received the offer letter this afternoon..”

Ok.

My heart did a happy dance within.

Armaan was leaving South Africa.

Thank God.

Well, technically I wasn’t in south Africa too.

But I was still happy.

She went on – “ ok and I tell him im happy for him, because I know this was his dream..and then he says that he just wanted to catch up with me as good old friends once before leaving, because he was going to be caught up in all the packing and winding up..and he says that maybe this happened all for the best as in at the right time..”,and she paused – “I know he means that itll be easier for him to sort things out in his head and move on if I don’t keep popping up around him..and then I suggested we don’t keep in touch too and he said that would be the right thing to do too until he’s got it sorted..so yeah..then we just chat up a little as buddies and I wished him all the luck that he meets someone in London, who can make him happy, for hes a nice guy ya, he does deserve better..and then we just talked a little more, no awkwardness in the air at all and then I came home..so yes that was the summarised version of what happened Hoodie guy…”she finished with a sigh of relief – “god it went smooth and I feel like I don’t hate myself anymore…”

I smiled on reflex as I leaned back at the headrest and asked with a wink – “ really?? The summarised version? I wanted a detailed one..”

She grinned – “ohoooo…are you pulling leg now hoodie guy??”

I grin full heartedly because my heart feels super relaxed and I ask – “ yes…can I not??”

She smiles – “ ofcourse you can..”,and she walks up to fill herself a glass of water from the fridge and she asks – “ how was shopping??”

“it was great khushi..and we had a good dinner after..me and Ravi..”, I say.

She sips her water and then picks up a couple of files and papers and walks to the dining table which I knew was also her study and she asks – “ hes a good friend right??”

I nod – “ yes he is…”

I say – “ hes kind of having a hard time right now??”

She asks – “ really?? Why is that, if its ok for me to ask?”

I nod – “ ofcourse khushi..so hes having a hard time because of my sister..he and Anjali used to date, and then one afterparty in melborune things got a little out of hands as he was very drunk and a picture of him kissing an Australian model went viral on social media went viral..and Anjali never spoke to him again..”

Her eyes widen a little – “ oops…I don’t blame her..i don’t believe in second chances too..you screw up this way its done..i think infidelity is one of a things in a relationship should never be tolerated..”

I ask on reflex – “ and whats the second thing??”

She sips on her water – “ physical abuse ofcourse…and any kind off violent behaviour..it just puts me off and riles me up..”

And I nod – “ I agree too..”

I respected her views.

And she asks – “ hey wait…you know what Rahul keeps going on and on about how you aren’t on any social media..its true na?? you don’t have an active account on any right? Insta, facebook or twitter..”

I nod – “ yes I don’t…”

She chuckles – “ well as if the public scrutiny you are subjected to isn’t enough already..i totally understand hoodie guy..im not a very social media person anyway myself too, I don’t have an insta or twitter myself, just a facebook account but I barely use it or its almost inactive..im a very private person that way..”

I smile – “ I know khushi..”,and I ask , now lying down on side and propping on a elbow keeping the phone against a cushion on bed for the support and I flex my hand and rotate the wrist I feel iv starined a little on reflex and I ask – “ so do you have to do all that reading tonight?? All those files and papers???”

She grins – “ totally hoodie guy..training for the tourist guide mode in my head..”,and she pauses as she now asks softly – “ youv hurt yourself haven’t you???”

Ok.

Now.

I am surprised.

How did she even figure that out.

I ask on reflex – “ whattt??”

She leans back into her chair and looks straight at me as she says – “ you flexed your fingers and rotated your wrist twice,and you had your eyes on it and a little line of concern a tiny miny one..at your forehead as you did that..its clear that you’v starined your wrist Arnav..”

Ok.

I had done this a lot of times this evening in front of Ravi too.

Hed known me for almost a decade.

But he couldn’t figure it out.

But she could.

And I just look at her surprised and she asks softly – “ is it hurting much???please take some rest, see your team physio first thing tomorrow, give a couple of games a miss if you have too..its been really hectic for you Arnav..i know you have all these expectations from yourself too , the world has them off you, but you are only human, not a machine..please take care of yourself, don’t neglect these little things please…”

That tone.

That concern in her voice.

And that look in her eye.

ALL THE WICKETS IN MY HEART JUST WENT DOWN.

OR MAYBE I JUST HIT WICKET MY HEART MYSELF.

I was going to remember this last minute forever.

For

This was the minute in a moment of time that I feel my heart sink into the clutches of a deep rooted emotion happily.

And I realise that – the emotion was Love.

In this very moment as I look into her concerned face as she looks at me with those big innocent eyes – I fall in love with her all over again.

She’s still waiting for me to say something but I cant because im all smashed and smacked with the emotions im feeling and she says now – “ you know what, I think iv read on google once, I think the hot and cold compression helps..you have a ice bucket in yoiur fridge or something?? Wrap it in a towel and put it on your wrist and then maybe use the hot water from the electric kettle in a hand towel to use for the hot water compress..it will help Arnav…until you see the physio tomorrow..”

I still sit in silence gobsmacked totally.

Because iv just fallen in Love for the very first time.

And she probably assumes my silence for my confusion and she says – “ ok wait..i know it..you are confused..let me demonstrate..”,and she actually gets up and gets ice and hot water in a glass and starts showing it to me by doing it to her hand – “see like this..do the ice first..and then the hot water…ofcourse im no doctor or physio..but you can try right, it will help..and promise to show the physio tomorrow..”

I am so moved and touched and I nod finnaly instructing myself to react – “ yes..i will khushi..and thank you, I will just do as you showed..itll help..i did strain it a little in practice today..but its nothing major, this is normal wear and tear that we are all used to in our lives…”

She smiles – “ yes, I know, I understand…but that’s what you are not a computer no, or a video game avatar playing in a screen you are human all flesh and blood and bones,bones that are very prone to injury.. please take care..”

I smile – “ I will khushi..”

I swear I wanted a teleport portal to open up right now in air so that I could jump through it and get to her and then I would just hug her close and never let go off her.

“that’s good…”,and then She winked – “ guess what?? I forgot to tell you, diya no shes become your hardcore fan..now shes going to keep watching all matches, that made Rahul very happy..”

I grinned on reflex as I now start to ice my hand – “ reallyyy???”

She grins – “ yes after the game last night..and specially after how you held your bat high to the crowd..she couldn’t stop gushing about how handsome you are..infact all these girls couldn’t stop gushing about it..”

And I ask on reflex – “ really..and what about you??im just interested to know what you think..”

She sips on her water again to hide her blush and she speaks softly – “well I did tell you that I know now why you have such a great female fan following no? you do look good in that jersey and helmet Arnav..”

And shes blushing again.

God.

I wanted to kiss her.

 Right then she says as the screen blanks out – “ uncles calling…wait ill just take it Arnav..can I call you back?? Please keep icing and heating your hand for a while..please??”

I smile and I nod and she hangs up.

Im still awestruck over everything I am feeling.

But I continue to ice and heat my hand like shes asked me too.

I know its nothing major, my strain.

But I still do it anyway.

Two minutes later, whilst im still lost in her thoughts my phone beeps.

Her : Arnav, sorry ya, uncles asked me to look into some accounts immediately! I have to look into it now itself and also still have to read up a lot for Big Bus thing, I will not get time tomorrow night because of uber schedule…its getting late for you too right?? Pls don’t wait up and sleep, we will talk tomorrow?

I smile as I read that and im still too stunned over everything im feeling so I just write : ok khushi.dont worry.you please carry on..i will sleep too in a while.

Her : good..and please rest that wrist.you know what? I think you might forget ill leave you a reminder text to show it to the physio tomorrow before I sleep so that you see this first thing in the morning and it reminds you.And also one more thing..thank you Arnav.

I am still speechless and stunned.

I quickly text : why are you thanking me khushi??

Her : Just.For everything, your subtle support as I missed mom last night, or your subtle support for Armaans matter this evening.Just everything…all of it.like I messaged you..You make me feel good and happy high.Also..

I quickly text : Also..what??

My phone beeps.

Her : so there were times when I would come up to my room after a long day, I would feel a little lonely you know coming up to be by myself all the time, somehow after iv gotten to know you..I don’t feel alone anymore.theres something about you that’s very warm..and lingering always in my thoughts.thank you for being hoodie guy, Arnav.

My heart that’s just fallen in love simply stops beating all together as I read that.

What was this girl doing to me??

I quickly text back : thank you for being you.I mean it when I say that –i see you and the sun will shine, no matter how dark a night is.

Her : I don’t know what to say to that..so..

And I get a big smile emoticon pop up in my screen.

Her : ok now I need to get into my big book of accounts.goodnight to you HG!

I type : Goodnight Sunshine.

I put my phone aside and I am still holding the warm cloth to my hand.

But now I know why they talk about Love in all its glory in all those books and novels.

Now I know why they say that the best things in the world cannot be seen or heard but are truly felt in the heart.

And now I know why Love in all its glory is supposed to topp that list for sure.

Id never felt so Happy before.

And I was glad that it had finally happened to me for Real…I had been kind of sensing that I was treading towards this but it had happen so suddenly in a unexpected natural moment of time, that I knew it was what it was.

I was Happy and High - In Love.

And there was nothing in this world that id ever trade away this feeling for.

………………………