Chapter 20

Hello everyoneeeee…

I am back with a 10k words Dhamaka Update!

I called it that because that’s what I felt within while writing this out.

Ok ok..i will let you all dive in without further delay.

…………………..

CHAPTER 19 – THE CURIOUS CASE OF TRICKY BOUNCERS

EIGHTEEN DAYS LATER

(Note – Time Difference between Jamaica and Cape Town is 7 Hours – as in South Africa is 7 hours Ahead in Time)

Arnav’s POV

Jamaica – 11.00 PM – Saturday Night

I grin as me and Ravi and the rest of our team, makes a run towards Cap,because with that brilliant helicopter shot - Sixer on the last ball of the over, he’s just won us another nail-biting match.

I am still this man’s biggest fan.

I Love his game.

Its my biggest honour to play under his Legendary Captaincy.

And His Gaming Strategy is always Bang ON.

And we topple over him in sheer excitement and glee, because we had just won the Fourth ODI with West Indies and with that we had clinched this bilateral international ODI series already, even though we still had one more match to go.

The Score was 3 matches to (India) – and 1 West Indies (and all the last three matches were nail biting last over finishes – and in the last two games, I was literally on the edge of my seat, holding my breathe as Cap took us over the line)

And he finally gets his Helmet off and he says – “ ok guys…let me catch on a breathe atleast..”

We all get in our usual circular group celebration again , each of us jumping in joy,and right then Cap is being called on for a interview.

And I grin as I pat Ravi’s, and Shiv(my opening partner) shoulders on both sides and Shiv grins – “ that last over gave me a heart attack…”

Ravi grinned – “ oh yes..and to think of us to still feel this crazy every game even though we are seasoned players for years...”

I grinned as I admitted – “ its all for the love of Our game, my friends..”

Shiv grinned – “and to our another brilliant opening partnership today ASR..”

I grinned – “ oh yes…but I was tricked by that killer swing off his arm Shiv..i mean that was a bloody tricky bouncer..he is new addition to their team..but he is bloody good..”

Shiv grinned – “ I know what you mean..it took me a while to just  relax a little after your wicket and I decided that I was just  going to defned that bowler’s balls..”

I smiled – “and thanks to your brilliant strategy..you put up a amazing total of 82 runs Shiv..”

Shiv grinned – “ a tip I have learned off Cap..”

I grinned – “ ofcourse…we all have learned so much from his experience..”

Ravi winks – “ even though I did get two wicktes and decent bowling economy rate..I still have to get both Cap and you out in the nets this practice session..”

Both Me and Shiv Laughed at that, as we now heard Cap finish with the interview and the post match presentation finished after and we are all winding up now.

So yes.

Me and Shiv had a good partnership for 120 runs, until that bloody tricky bouncer from the WI’s new bowler got the better off me, and did not allow me to play a controlled shot, and I mistimed my hit straight into the hands of the fielder at mid wicket – for the catch out and the first wicket of the match.

And I flex my wrist(which had suffered a little injury before) now on reflex because I also think i did cause it a little extra blow with the force of that last shot.

But it was a very minor -Flinch.

I flex my fingers like the physio had advised me and I made a mental note to show this to him first thing tomorrow morning, because if Khushi caught the sight of me flexing my fingers and rotating my wrist on the videocall, she’d give me a piece of her mind for not being careful with my already vulnerable wrist – left, right,  and center.

I smile on reflex as her thoughts return to me.

Three More Days Khushi.

And then I am going to see You.

So we had the last and final odi scheduled for Monday,and then I had booked the first flight out on Tuesday Morning to Cape Town.

God – I couldn’t wait.

And of course- My Sunshine, had no clue yet.

I was still going to be able to surprise the daylights out of her head.

And I did not get my return ticket yet, because I had a little break now, our next series was three weeks away, so we had a good ten days of break, before we got back to our full fledged practicing and nets- routine.

I am now entering the locker room and Ravi puts his arm around my shoulder as he grins – “ so I think you sister is getting around in her head a little..”

I look at him – “really?? Is she finally returning your calls and texts??”

Ravi grinned sheepishly – “well no…that’s still not happening,but on that lunch time in Mumbai, I realised that I wasn’t over her and that I wasn’t ready to give up yet too,like it felt like all she needed to do was appear in front of me, and im pushed back into it all..you know I did screw up bad..”

I nodded – “ oh yeah…that you did..”,and I looked at him confused – “so then how do you know she is getting around in her head ??”

Ravi winked – “ because she liked my insta post..”

I looked at him amused – “ you are so crazy dude..”,and he grins as I now ask – “ which picture did you post??”

Ravi grinned as he now wrapped a towel around himself around his neck, and he takes his phone from his locker and shows it to me. It’s a picture of Him, Me, Cap, Shiv, Kunal sitting in this round table under a shack – from the dinner last evening at this amazing restaurant that swerved up the perfect flavours of the local food.

I grin as I look at my friend and I say, now opening my locker – “ you do realise my sister liked that picture, because I am in it..”

Ravi glared at me – “ what kind off a friend are you?”

I chuckled – “ the two of you really need to get this sorted now..its been months..you are driving each other nuts..with all these mindgames of not talking but still asking about each other from me in hints or clues or just looking at each other when you are around each other and you think the other wont catch on it..its stupid and immature..just sort it out..”

Ravi – “ I know dude..but sometimes, its complicated..”

Ok.

So – Complicated – Is a Tricky Word.

Just like the Tricky Bouncer!

Sometimes I understand it and sometimes I don’t.

I understand it when other mention it in their own context but I don’t understand it in my personal context , because for me in my personal matters things have never really been complicated

.I accept what I feel and I like to follow it through.

So Yes like for example, in the timeline of my Heart in the Period B.K(Before Khushi) – I was very clear in my head that im not treading down that line.And in the timeline when it reached the point A.K (After Khushi ) – I am very clear in my heart and head about what I love and what I want.

Its Khushi.

Its as simple as that.

She’s the Love of my Life and all that I’d ever want.

But I understand the word ‘Complicated’ from her perspective.

Its natural for her to feel this way until she sees me for real one time in front of her and we are able to talk things through and are able to just feel each others prescence and the magnificent electricity of our bond – in real time, and not in technology time.

Ravi grins at me as I watches me pick up my phone and he says – “ you know what off late for months now iv been observing that you’v been glued to your screen a lot of the times we are off the ground and pitch..and you have a secret lock on your phone now..what aren’t you telling me???what are you guarding??”

I look at him as I wink – “ ravi, mind your business na..just let me be, I will talk to you when the time comes…”

Ravi’s eyes widen as he asks – “ is something starting to cook up between you and Aisha Khanna for real????????????i thought you were glad that the media had now kind off simmered up on that topic..”

Oh Yes I am glad about that.

Glad would be an understatement.

I am thrilled to have been able to Dodge that Tricky Bouncer that was Swung as a threat to my Personal Life’s Heaven of Love and Peace.

Just like I was Thrilled…no wait I was’t just thrilled , I was beyond Elated that my Life had also dodged that Tricky Bouncer named – Asher Khan, that was about to swing its way through my face.

Khushi had not seen him or heard anything about him in the last eighteen days.

Thank You God.

I Had named him a Tricky Bouncer because after I Googled him and saw who he was – I was kind off nervous that he was showing interest in Khushi.Honestly it wasn’t just about who he was - but more than that I was nervous about the fact that he was in the same geographical location as her.I did think that Khushi would hear from him or see him again, but then thanks to my god being so kind to me – she hadn’t.

Although I am still sure that Khushi had caught his interest(After hearing whatever Khushi told me –and on that note – a point to be noted - Khushi always tells me everything. And another special thing about my Precious Sunshine’s adorable rant of hers that I so deeply love, are those mischievous and dramatic antics as she tells me everything – down to the little T – without any filter)

That Literally Sparkles up my Life.

And then the older Tricky Bouncer in here – Aisha Khanna.(this rumours of this one actually existing were kind of swinging in and out of our lives on various level on that speedometer – in the last eighteen days, but the speed was a little slower now -thanks to God)

I just needed these two Tricky Bouncer’s named Asher Khan and Aisha Khanna to stay out of my way until I saw Khushi three days from now.Because once I saw her and sealed things in between us officially and spend some good time with her, and feel her in my arms and around me and the same goes for her – i was sure that this wouldn’t make either of us that nervous, then.

Because our hearts would be feeling a little but more -Secured.

Ravi now sits on the bench in front of me as he asks – “ in whose thoughts are you lost?aisha Khanna?”,he asked with a wink.

I glare at him as I say – “ pleaseee don’t even remind me about that…im literally exhilarated that its simmering down..was such a headache that entire episode..the nonsensical drama..”

I swear to God - I am Exhilirated because the media speculations simmering down have made Khushi a little bit more comfortable and easied her worries,and I smile automatically as I am now reminded about the way she literally blushes to a tomato puree shade and kind of shivers as she tries to work on those goosebumps up her arms, everytime I flirt with her outrageously and boldly.

And To be honest.

That is what I do now pretty much All the Time – whilst I am talking to her in the last eighteen days, ever since she started calling me – My Hoodie Guy.

That Drove me Nuts to another Level.

She had no idea what she was doing to me.

I am about to switch on my phone and my eyes fall on the clock – its 11:15 PM here, which means its still 615am on a Sunday morning in Cape Town (She was seven hours ahead of me)

I was dying to talk to her.

But I didn’t want to wake her up yet.

She only had very rare Sundays to catch up on a little extra rest, because most of the Sundays were now occupied with those tours of hers and she only got rare ones empty. Thank God, such was this Sunday.

I was very worried by the way she is always overworking herself.

I don’t want her to fall sick ofcourse.

Ravi nods – “ hmm..ok so…I think now is the time that you know they haven’t let it go away compleletly yet,and I think it will start to buzz up again.. some articles are now speculating that maybe she will visit you here in Jamaica, and that she is asked her shoots to be scheduled around our play itenary as she is also near and around the Caribbean for her shooting…and then ofcourse comes in the older speculation added to that – that maybe you two are secretly engaged already and that’s why she is here to visit you without making it too obvious and also that the wedding might just happen sooner than November….”

I look at him shocked – “ wait????? What???????when did that happen??”

Ravi shrugged – “ honestly right before the match today..when she posted on her Insta about landing into Cuba, its not even 250 miles away from here..there was a article straight up in ten minutes.. after her insta post”

My Insides Groaned as I looked at him – “ and you tell me now?

Ravi shrugged – “ but you are never interested to talk about social media , and more than that the game was starting, you’d kill me if I talked about it right before the game..dude..you are our ace fielder too and the opening batsmen, im not going to rile you up before a match..”

I take a deep breathe as I  say – “ yes you are right about that…”

Goddamit.

When is this Tricky Bouncer going to stop swinging my way?

Right then Cap comes in and both me and Ravi pull him into a hug and Cap says to me – “ I am in the mood to party today, so you are coming with me to that Yatch…”

Ravi grinned – “ I love our Yatch parties in jamaica..”

I glare at him as I say – “ its my duty to point out to you here -that you are still are not able to get over the hangover from your crazy last party from Melbourne…”

Ravi and Cap both laugh as Cap says – “cmon we are heading straight to the Yatch now…cmon cmon ..lets get on the bus..”

Ok.So Honestly.

I don’t want to go to this Yatch Party.

All I want to do is just go back to the Hotel and wait for my sunshine to wake up, so that I can just talk to her and be with her and celebrate my happiness with her.

But.

I don’t have it in my heart to say No to Cap.

Its his day today.

He had always been supportive to me.

I have to be there for him too.

Ok so maybe I will take out time to talk to Khushi as she wakes up anyway.

I might just not be able to videocall her, but we can still get on the phone and text.

I take a deep breathe and walk out behind my team-mates into the bus now.

And as most of them are going crazy celebrating the win, I finally seclude myself to the backseat and I switch on my phone on now.

And just as I do – My Phone Beeps.

There are obviously messages waiting from My Sunshine for me.

There are quite a few of them.

 Khushi’s message at her 9.00 PM  : My Hoodie Guy, I know I know your phone is switched off and is in your locker now and will be there for the next eight hours until the ODI finishes, but I will write to you about my day and time anyway until then, until I sleep because I know you will see all of this first thing after the match and after you switch on the phone.Ok dude..Crazily busy in my Saturday Nights Uber schedule.Itsss insane today..like my uber notifications wont stop tinging.but as I told you before, I will be heading back by 1am surely , I will not keep it on till 2am, because I am a little tired already..you know since my Big Bus day job only finished by 730pm just as we last spoke, right before you were about to leave.Ok, another pick up notification.

Khushi’s message at her 10.00 PM : Ok hoodie guy..i know you will scold me for this later, but I just made a quick stop for a Subway as dinner right now.I skipped dinner on the usual time because I still had to sort out some of the Café’s accounts when I reached after finishing Big Bus.Anyway the subway is yummy and I just finished having a brilliant cookie too.I think I want to learn how to bake too one day.you know diya and Rahuls’ mom are like brilliant at baking.Maybe..one day..

What the hell ya..this girl..she just doesn’t take care! Eating at what like 10 pm after that lunch break at 1 in the afternoon.And she only did have a sandwich for lunch too..because we were over the phone, and she stopped by for it in between her big bus stops.Its good she knows that Im going to give her a good piece of my mind for this.

My eyes go onto the next message.

Khushi’s message at 11.00 PM : My Hoodie Guy..i hope you are having a brilliant game. You know what I want to tell you something – its like everytime I hear a commentary about your match,or anyone talking about it in the backseat of my uber these days.. I feel like this urge to watch you on the screen, I really do..but I have to be honest to you ya..theres still a very strong hitch within that holds me back..theres such a strong part of that grief in me that chains me back..you understand don’t you??.I just cant get myself to see the game on the screen yet, I am sorry that I am probably not able to see that part of your Life that is so so important to you…forgive me for that please..maybe one day..i will be able too..

She touches on the heartstrings on my heart that even I don’t know existed.

God this girl..ofcourse I understood ya.

I look at the next message.

Khushi’s Message at her Midnight : So guess who was just in the back seat of Uber by chance.Siya and Sameer.you remember? Siya is diya’s younger sister and Sameer is Armaan’s younger brother…they are dating.So Sameer did tell me that Armaan is doing really well in London,and that he has also met someone.Thank god Hoodie guy, you have no idea how good I felt hearing that.He’s a good guy and I am soooo happy for him.Oh shoot.Another pick up notification here.

I smile as I finished reading that.

Good for you Armaan.

Khushi’s message at her 1.00 AM : my hoodieee guy..I just got back home now..will just freshen up change for the night and crash to bed…so tired…and I hope your game is going wellll….and that you are enjoying yourself.

Khushi’s message at 130 am : Arnav..

Ok wait.

I immediately have a feeling that somewhere in between that 1.00 am to 1.30am period – Khushi has read that bloddy article that Ravi just told me about.

I can sense it.

Goddammit…!!!

Khushi’s message at 140 am : goodnight arnav..i am sleeping now.shall speak to you in the morning..i will message you as I wake up..

Yup.I am right- this is her text after reading that bloody article, I can just feel it by reading her words.

Ok so thank god everyone is still jumping around in the bus and I think I do have some time before we reach the yatch. Its 1215 am for us which means its 715am in Cape town.

I gotta take my chances right now and message Khushi.

I quickly type : Sunshine..are you up?? Its 1215am for us here..i am just heading to a afterparty at a yatch..as Cap wants me there, it was his day today..such a brilliant innings he played and we have won the series..clinced it 3-1.So excited about that.Please message me the minute you wake up, I may not be able to get on a videocall but we can definetly text and talk over the phone.You are ok no sunshine?? I know,somewhere in between your texts from 1-130 am.. I can feel it that you’v read the latest article that’s sprouted up whilst I was in the match..ravi only told me about it after the match..just ignore it ok..i don’t care of Aisha Khanna is near and around here, I am not going to meet her.im telling you that.Just trust me…I know you do..

I tap send.

 Luckily for me the text gets delivered which means Khushi’s phone is off flight mode and that she is now awake.

Before I can text her, my phone beeps.

Its her.

Her : Congratulations on the win hoodie guy..im so happy for you..yes please enjoy the yatch party..why shouldn’t you be there ?? ofcourse Cap is always been there for you..you must support him on the days he wants to celebrate too.You did say that you debuted under him no?? and that hes your inspiration too..so we must always be there for those who have been there for us at the very start of it all.So please enjoy yourself..I just woke up and I think I am going to sleep again for a little while..

Ok.

Does she even know how many times I have fallen in Love with her???? Like a Zillion maybe by now.

God.

I quickly text.

Me : Khushi are you ok?? Please tell me you are ok??

Her : Yes hoodie guy..my emotional contignet liability reserve is on – on full swing.please enjoy yourself..im going back to bed for another as then I have some work with Varun in the café I have to teach him some accounting stuff for his upcoming exams,and then I am going to just do Uber today, to catch up on the meter, since there is no private taxi today…

Me : khushi why not take a little rest today please? You have been overworking yourself like crazy…I am worried about you dammit.

Her : I know hoodie guy..but I cant be home alone on Sundays..you know that naaa!!anyways you don’t worry na baba..im fine..we will talk later once you are done with your party ok??ok putting flight mode on now..

Goddammittt!!

Me : Khushi..are you OK??

Her : I am ok..My Hoodie Guy..(and I get a smiley next to it) like you know I just always need to sleep over it.(another smiley)I trust you..(another smiley)

Thank You God.

Me : Thank you Sunshine...(but this message doesn’t go through..and I realise that shes probably put her phone back on flight mode..)

But I am so furious with these media people man.I wish I could just say it outright to the world that Khushi was the love of my Life.

But I cant.

And its for Khushi.

I know all this spotlight etc on me will shift to her and it will immediately scare her away.

Her heart’s too naïve and innocent.

Shes never seen any of this,and even though my head is used to all this for years now, it still riles me up a little everytime, so I can only imagine how overwhelming this could be for her.

Right then we reach the harbour and I see the rest of the team now starting to get off the bus and I join them all, taking deep breathes as I told myself that three days was all I needed to wait.

And then I was going to see My Khushi.

……………….

Khushi’s POV – 1.00 PM

I look at Varun as I ask him – “ you got it right?? Its really easy Varun..just don’t let the two concepts confuse you in your head..”

Varun grinned – “ thank you khushi..i did get it..you do know you are like my elder sister that I never had…”

I got up from my chair as I ruffled his hair and I admit with a smile – “ you do remind me about krish too..”,and I ask – “ should I make you your tea?? Because im just having coffee too and then heading out for my uber..Sundays are good days because im going to get a lot of family pick ups around malls etc..”

Varun got up from his chair as he said – “ come ill help you too..”

I pick out my phone as I on reflex check for any text or call from Arnav.

There isn’t any.

I do the math in my head.

Its 6am in Jamaica right now.

Probably the team was partying till the wee hours of the morning, and maybe his battery died or something.

I smile to myself – God these people and their parties.

I know he will message me the minute he is up for sure.

So yes, I am feeling much more sorted now in my head..that stupid article last night did rile me up a little bit – when I went to bed I was very disturbed.So its like – its not that I am not trusting this bond in between of Arnav and Me.

Its like I trust this connection.

And right when I think its all going ok – in comes this another reminder right in My Face that starts to mess with my head, and then each time I just have to channelise all this energy around me emotionally to deal with it.

It does exhausts me honestly.

But then I compose myself anyway – For My Hoodie Guy.

I have faith in the faith he has in this connection in between of us.

Gosssssssssssshhhhhhhhh.

This Hoodie Guy ya.

He’s destroying me bit by bit.

I am falling for him reallyyyyyyyyy bad.

Like Hard and Fast.

And I have no control over this FREEFALL – my hearts engaged in.

I don’t want to control it too – to be honest.

If we were destined to meet, then I am sure some things will work out on its own..and when they will, we can look abck upon these days and laugh over them as a funny piece of memory.

Right then as I have finished making coffee, and Varuns made his tea for himself, I see him flip his phone out of the pocket and I ask on reflex with a wink – “ whats the plan today?? “

Varun grinned – “ oh nothing much..”,and right then he clicks something on his phone and some crazy party music buzzes, and hes completely glued to his screen and hes grinning like an idiot.

I ask on reflex – “ why are you grinning like an idiot Varun??”

Varun grins – “ arree I wish ya I get to go to one of these yatch party’s one day..so I follow most of the Indian players on insta..and I just saw Kunal’s insta hes posted this video with the after party at the yatch last night after the win…its crazyyyy…and look at all these models in there…come look..its crazy…and look at this one dancing next to ASR in this video..”

Ok.

I don’t know how I feel about this.

Do I want to see this video??

I think not.

I don’t know why.

My stomach knots.

I just give him a smile and I sip my coffee – “ no varun..i don’t want to see..”

But Varun is Varun.

He walks up to me and he now shoves the phone in front of me as he says – “ omg that looks like so much fun..look at that girl..shes got her arms around him now and hes just trying to shove it away..hes got a lot of controversies happening around him lately Ayesha Khanna and im sure hes avoiding a scene..”

He’s shoving a gorgeous girl away?

That makes me feel good.

And now my eyes instantly fall on the screen now, as I wanted to see the sight of him pushing this girl away..and right then I see the video..but I don’t like what I see..because I see this gorgeous woman, take him by the hand now off the place from everyone was dancing, disappearing off the crowd.

Ok.

Calm Khushi Calm.

The video is obviously a short 40 sec video.

Don’t assume.

Don’t pressume.

I gulp down my coffee immediately as I say to Varun – “ ok then im leaving for my schedule Varun..”

Varun – “ holy shit..im sure ASR is going to wake up and kill Kunal for posting this video on his insta..”

I stop in my tracks immediately as I turn around on reflex as I ask – “ what do you mean????”

Varun shows me the video again as he grins – “ ASR is going to wake up to a shit lots of mess..because Kunal posted this video like four hours ago when they were still in the middle of the party..the intermet must be going beserk..because see if you look closely..you can see in this background that this model just took ASR into closed doors behind and shut the door…dude..clearly a  hook up..and ASR does look drunk..”

I freeze.

No.

But my eyes fall on what Varun’s showing me and I feel like something inside of me has cracked.

I take a deep breathe as I close my eyes.

And I remember Hoodie Guys words..Visions can be deceptive..

Listen to your Heart Sunshine..

Maybe they were just having a talk right???????

Ya that’s what it is.Because the music was too loud to have a talk on the floor.

Right then varun’s voice comes through – ‘ oh man..the media is having a field day already..all of this is escalated ..some are even sending memes to aisha khannas insta now so as to console her..and wait..theres this one post that says this model was seen with ASR some time last year in Jamaica too…”

Whattttt???????????

And I remember Arnav telling me about this one supermodel he had hooked up with last year on two nights.

Shitttttttttttttt.

Could this be the same Her?????????????????

NOOOOOOOOOOOO

Hoodie Guy wouldn’t do this right???????????

I cant stand in front of Varun right now.

I need to leave.

He is too engrossed in his phone and I rush out into the car and I sit in my driving seat and I take deep breathes.

And I close my eyes.

No.

I am not going to let all of this nonsense mess with my head.

I trust Hoodie Guy.

He wouldn’t do this to mee.

But wait.

Right then a thought Goes through my Head.

A thought that freezes My being.

Why must not Hoodie Guy indulge in all of these hook ups???

Because Technically – we are not dating!

What is this thing in between of us anyway?

Its not like we are Officialy Dating.

Yes Theres something brewing up in between of us surely.

But.

Nothings Official Yet right.

So why does it feel like in my heart that I will have no right to question him about this??????????

Ok – now I exactly feel like that perfectly brewed cup of Coffee that is not going to be suitable for a full drink.

Goddamit.

And my Heart is raging – because It does not want to pay any attention to all of this Nonsense.

This conflict in my heart and mind – is now starting to give me a blasting headache.

I need distraction.

I quickly pick up my phone as I type a message to Arnav – stating honestly what I am feeling right now.

Me : hey Arnav..i guess you are sleeping..so when you wake up I think you will know about this entire video which has been going viral on the social media’s…Varun showed it to me…Look I just want to tell you that – I know like you said visions can be deceptive..and I guess you were probably going in to have a chat with an old acquaintance because people are saying that this is the model who you were seen with last year too?? I just want to know one thing hoodie guy…Is this the same model Arnav??the one you told me about ..the one you hooked up with on two nights..??? I have all the questions on my mind..and then suddenly im like asking myself..what right do I have to ask you these questions?? What is this thing In between of us anyway??? Its not like what word do these people say ya..like..official..so…I feel like I shouldn’t question you in the first place..but you know me hoodie guy..im always honest to you..i don’t have any filter..so now..im just feeling like…maybe you don’t need to give me any explanations…because I feel like im just that sunshine who is destined to rise on the different side of the globe..in a different standard of time..everythings so different..you are the ocean I cant mix with..i can’t..i cant fit in your world..i never will be able to..maybe i should just let this go before its too late..before this hurts me more…im sorry…what the hell am I writing to you…im so conflicted in my head and heart right now..you know what maybe I wont send this message to you..or maybe I will anyway..because you know I am crazy…I will try to kickstart my emotional reserve for such emergencies but its shut down…its like some virus has caught it..and my mind is yelling at me to just pull away now..before its too late..i don’t know what to do hoodie guy..i just don’t know what to do…I feel a little better though writing this out to you…god hoodie guy..just why do our worlds have to be this vastly apart..just why…

I tap send,and I keep my phone away.

And I also get a pick up location for my Uber now.

Thank god.

Distraction is exactly what I need.

………………..

I am feeling a little better in my headspace now fifteen minutes later as Hoodie guys playlist is making its way into my ears…but this conflict is giving me a bloody headache.

Maybe..i will just go back home after this Uber drop.

I don’t want to cancel.

It will affect my rating.

And after this Uber Drop I will also drop Hoodie guy another message that I am feeling better now and apologise for my stupid rant on that previous message.

God I can be so stupid sometimes.

I am about to pick up my phone to text him straight away, right when the back door swings open and to my surprise I see Zara and Zain sit in.

And Zara gives me brilliant smile as she says – “ Khushi…what a surprise…”

Zain – “hey khushi..”

I smile automatically as I say – “ hello guysss….you guys haven’t returned to London yet????”

Zara grins – “ no yaaaaaa..we are going back tomorrow, that why I came by for some shopping for my family back in London..we were holidaying all around your beautiful country..we went to kruger national park the game reserves…and then…down from their on a road trip..so many more beautiful places…was amazing..we just got back here yesterday…”

Zain grineed – “ it was a good trip…”

I smile – “ ok so gusy so I see your drop location is another mall from here…”

Zara – “can I change my location Khushi??im tired I don’t want to shop anymore..can you take us to Asher’s please???”

OK.Then.

Asher Khan.

I hadn’t seen him or heard his name even in the last eighteen days.

I nod – “ ok kool..no worries…”

Zara – “ thank you khushi…”

I quickly change up the locations on my app as I say politely – “ ok guys…no worries..its my job..”

And I start to drive.

…………………

Twenty Five Minutes Later

Just as I pull outside the gates of the Mansion,and halt Zara says – “ khushi can you please pull in over..we have so many shopping bags…”

I nod and she instructs the guard to open the gates and I pull in over and to my surprise I see Asher Khan immediately playing with two little girls and one little boy in the garden.Hes literally running around with them in circles.

Ok Then.

Apparently someobody loves children.

Zara grins – “ ok that’s Aasra aapi’s kids…ashers elder sister..its Sunday no..full family time for him..he has a big family here in Cape Town..”

I nod politely, and I give them a smile and Zara says – “ khushi, come on how about you join us for a cup of tea..i told aasra aapi all about how you made our trip to Cape point so memorable…”

I smile – “ thank you Zara..but sorry..im just getting a little headache..and I want to go home now..and maybe rest..”

Zara – “ khushi you shouldn’t drive if you aren’t well..”

I smile – “ no Zara..im ok..thank you…ill see you around sometime..maybe next when you are back in Cape town and need a Uber??”

Zain grinned – “ totally..we will catch uo with you for sure..”

And right then they get off and I now see Asher walking upto the car and he looks at me and gives me a surprised smile and I just nod politely and start to drive out.

And just as I am waiting for the guard to open the gates, a trobbing pain goes through my temple,and I hold my hand up to it and put pressure against it…and right then the gates open too, and I just take off my hand off my temple and focus on the road, and I press the accelator, and just as I am half way out , my temples throbs excruciatingly and on reflex my foot presses the race button and before I can control the speed, the car zooms out of my control straight into the this huge flower planters which are in front of the stone wall murel outside the gate and my head bangs onto the wheel on reflex as it presses on the honk.

Ok.

So I think I have hurt on my forehead an di probably have a bump now and my headaches throbbing, and I try to get out of the driving seat, I need to book myself an Uber and get to the nearest hospital.

It’s a good thing I have my medical insurance records in my phone.

I open the door of the car and take my phone in my hand and I hold on to my head – right when I see Asher , Zara and Zain running towards me as Zara’s arms immediately go around me as she asks hurriedly – “ khushi are you okkkk?????? Have you hurt yourself much???????khushiiiii can you talk??”

Asher tells his guard – “ will you throw me my car keys..”and he puts his arm on my shoulder as he says – “we are going to get you to the hospital..”

I just hold to my head as I say – “ no its ok..i can call an uber..”

Zara and Zain together – “ shut up Khushi……..”

OK.

I don’t have the energy to fight anymore as Zara shoves me into the backseat in with her and Asher and Zain take the front seats and Asher starts driving.

Zara is holding on to me in a hug and I say softly , my head still spinning- - “ thank you, you are very kind..”

Zara – “shut up khushi…give me your phone..ill call your parents..”

My eyes fill up on reflex as I say through pain– “ I lost all my family a little over a year ago in a crash Zara..…I don’t need to call anyone..i don’t want to worry my friends..its my uncles bday today..and its just a headache and a minor bump on the forehead..please just take me to the hospital..i will..mannagge..post that..my medical insurance records are in my phone..”

Zara – “god khushi..”

Ok so now my heads throbbing and spinning and before I know it, I think im just on the verge of loosing my consciousness.

My Hoodie Guys smiling face revolves in front of my eyes , and right then it all goes blank.

……………………………

Arnav’s POV – Jamaica

11.00 AM

I wake up in my hotel bed,and first thing out I pick up my phone from the side desk.

And I look at the time – Goodamit 11a.m

Cape Town – 6.00 PM.

I haven’t been able to speak to Khushi at all after I got to the Yatch, because for the first 90 minutes when I did have a little free time she was sleeping..since it was her Sunday morning and I knew that she needed to rest well because she had been overworking and then maybe like she said she needed to Sleep over that whole article mess too.

And I get up in bed immediately and sip on water next to me.

I am going to kill Kunal and Shiv for mixing my drinks last night.

Poor Cata – Even she got so Sick.

(She was an acquaintance from earlier last year..we had hooked up on two nights casually, and I was very surprised to find her on the yatch in the afterparty,and she wanted to dance with me and was expecting a hook up for the night too when I told her politely that I wasn’t interested because I already have someone in my life, and then shed joked with me saying that – then maybe because there was no other interest in there..if I could help her as she was feeling very sick and wanted to puke her guts out,and she didn’t want to make a yucky scene on the dance floor – god she really was sick, for the minute I helped her into the room and she ran to the bathroom and puked her guts out and then I helped her and then I went back out minutes later and called some of her model friends to take care of her) and I joined back the party.So I was only a little tipsy by this point of the party.It was post this that Kunal and Shiv handed me mixed drinks when I asked them for a light one.

Maybe I should adopt my Sunshines rule of never taking a drink out of anybodys hand.

I was actually about to drunk dial her and tell her how much I love her.But then the battery of my phone had to die out,and then by the time we got to the hotel and I got into my room, I just put my phone on charge hoping that I will call her first thing as it gets on and I collapsed into bed, and I don’t know how sleep came over.

And my eyes just opened Now.

I quickly pick up my phone and first thing out I open whatsapp.

I was sure I had My Sunshine’s message waiting for me.

I open the chat and I see a long one there.

I smile to myself..but the minute I read the first line, my smile vanishes.

My heart stops beating, literally as I look again.

Khushi’s message at her 130 PM : hey Arnav..i guess you are sleeping..so when you wake up I think you will know about this entire video which has been going viral on the social media’s…Varun showed it to me…Look I just want to tell you that – I know like you said visions can be deceptive..and I guess you were probably about to have a chat with an old acquaintance because people are saying that this is the model who you were seen with last year too?? I just want to know one thing hoodie guy…Is this the same model Arnav??the one you told me about ..the one you hooked up with on two nights..??? I have all the questions on my mind..and then suddenly im like asking myself..what right do I have to ask you these questions?? What is this thing In between of us anyway??? Its not like what word do these people say ya..like..official..so…I feel like I shouldn’t question you in the first place..but you know me hoodie guy..im always honest to you..i don’t have any filter..so now..im just feeling like…maybe you don’t need to give me any explanations…because I feel like im just that sunshine who is destined to rise on the different side of the globe..in a different standard of time..everythings so different..you are the ocean I cant mix with..i can’t..i cant fit in your world..i never will be able to..maybe i should just let this go before its too late..before this hurts me more…im sorry…what the hell am I writing to you…im so conflicted in my head and heart right now..you know what maybe I wont send this message to you..or maybe I will anyway..because you know I am crazy…I am trying very hard to kickstart my emotional reserve for such emergencies but its shut down…its like some virus has caught it..and my mind is yelling at me to just pull away now..before its too late..i don’t know what to do hoodie guy..i just don’t know what to do…I feel a little better though writing this out to you…god hoodie guy..just why do our worlds have to be this vastly apart..just why…

Wait what???????????????????

What video is she talking about?????????????????

I read her message again.

And I feel dread starting to grip my heart.

And this was the only message I had last received.

There is literally no message or phonecall after this.

Dammit.

I call Khushi immediately and the bell is ringing, but she is not picking up.

What the hell Khushi!!!!!!!

Pick up the damm Phone.

I call her four times.

She doesn’t take my call.

I quickly run out of my room and knock on Ravi’s room opposite to mine urgently and he opens it sleepily and I ask him – “ did you post some video on insta???”

Ravi – “ me..no way…what happened?? You look like you are pale as a sheet…”

I gulp down my distress as I say to him – “ show me your phone..some mess ahs happened..check your insta..some video from the yatch afterparty has gone viral…show me..”

He looks at me puzzled – “ why are you so worried..??”, but he checks his phone and he says – “ holyyyy shitttttttttttt…..kunal damm ya he was so drunk..he posted this video of us going all crazy on the dance floor and theres you and Cata..”,and he pauses as he zooms into his screen – “ yup..a mess indeed a royal mess..there a shot in the background of Cata taking you off the dance floor into the room, and shutting the door behind you both…”

I feel my insides freeze.

Khushi saw this video???????????????

Oh Shit.

Bloody Shit.

Now that message of hers starts to shake me completely.

Ravi – “ but she was sick right..we know that..you came out like five minutes later and took one of her model friends to help her..we know know that so don’t worry..these are all baseless rumours ya..just another controversy..forget it..just ignore it like you ignored Aisha khannas one..”,and he paused as he spoke – “ damm the media dammit we haven’t even woken up yet and their field day has begun…”

I ask my insides still frozen and shocked – “ what do you mean??”

Ravi shrugged – “oh man..the media is having a field day already..all of this is escalated ..some are even sending memes to aisha khannas insta now so as to console her..and wait..theres this one post that says this model was seen with ASR some time last year in Jamaica too…”

I ask him to hand me his phone.

He does.

And I first see the video.

My insides freeze over and over again.

And Dude – This Visual is Indeed Very Deceptive.

I want to Kill Kunal.

Who posts such videos on social media when you are a national player ?????????????

Yeah right.

He was way too drunk.

He probably doesn’t even remember putting this up.

I see all the other memes and posts Ravi shows me and minutes later, Ravi looks at me as he asks – ‘ why are you so pale ?? whats wrong?just ignore it like you always do..”

I take a deep breathe as I hand him his phone and is say, now sure of my decision – “ im not playing the match tomorrow..im leaving..im just going to tell Cap that iv injured my wrist..mention me retired hurt in the playing 11..and it is also true I did strain my wrist last night..”,and I walk out his room straight making my way to Cap’s room and Ravi runs up behind me as he says – “ wait what??????????? What happened???”

I knock on Caps door as I say taking a deep breathe– “ I need to get to Cape Town Ravi..and I need to fly there now..”

Ravi looks at me confused and Cap opens his door immediately and I walk in and I sit on his bed and Ravi and Cap look at me and I take a deep breathe as I say – “ ok so I am the closest to you both, and so whatever I am about to tell you both remains between us three..right??”

Ravi nods – “ yes..”

Cap – “ ofcourse Arnav…you look frazzaled whats wrong??”

I gesture Ravi to fill in Cap about everything.

Ravi rolls his eye – “ another controversy ya Cap…”,and he starts telling him about it all and shows him the video and the posts.

Cap just shrugs his shoulders – “ such a mess..why ya, I don’t understand the need to be so involved on Insta anyway,a nd specially not when you are drunk..”

“yes..lets tell Kunal that..”

Cap – “he did drink a lot actually…”

I take a deep breathe as I brush my hand on my face – “ok Cap, we’v won the series anyway and I did think I have strained my wrist too..just list me retire hurt for tomorrows match…”

Cap nods – “ ok..we can do that..i don’t want you to starin your wrist and escalate an injury at this point anyway…Australia is coming to tour is three weeks..”

I take a deep breathe – “ Cap..i need to fly to Cape Town now..please cover up to the team saying something came up in dad’s business or something..Cap..talk to Coach ok..”

Ravi – “that’s what why Cape town and not delhi??

I sigh as I say – “ because that’s where she is..”

Cap and Ravi ask together – “ that’s where she is??????? Who?????”

I take a deep breathe as I say – “ the girl I love..and If I don’t go now..i think I might loose her forever..i need to go..now..”

Ravi and Cap’s eyes both widen at that and Ravi looks at me – “ you are in Love???”

Cap smiles – “ finally..after all this while..i finally listen to you talking about something apart from cricket and business..”

I chuckle on reflex as I say – “ mom said the same thing when I told her..”

Ravi – “aunty knows?? That means you are serious..”

I nod – “ im bloody serious..mom knows, dad knows, anjali knows, even dadi knows..they all know..”

And Cap asks – “and only this girl doesn’t know?????????”

I nod as I say – “ not yet..i was planning to fly to Cape town anyway aftee two day son Tuesday to just get things started for us officialy, but then this stupid video..and then the aisha controversary…things have been crazy for her…”

Cap puts his hand on my shoulder as he says – “ go..dont worry ill cover up and no one will know..”

Ravi nods – “ call her man, before this gets screwed up for you the way it got screwed up for me..”

I sighed as I said – “ im trying to call her, shes not taking my calls…”

Cap – “ go pack up…ill get your tickets done through my agent, first flight out to Cape Town for you..”

I smile at him as I say – “ thanks Cap..ill transfer the funds to your account..”

Cap grinned – “ do that later with a bonus after you text me the news that all is settled..”,and he starts to make his calls.

Ravi – “ why don’t you try calling her again..”

I nod.

Ravi keeps his hand on my shoulder.

Hes a good friend.

And I call her immediately.

Thank God this time it gets picked up and I say immediately – “ khushi..why werent you picking up the phone dammit???????iv been calling you..”

And right then a man’s voice comes through the phone – “ hello..sorry but khushi cannot take your call right now..i picked up because it was constantly rininging…”

Ok.

My insides crashed onto another level now.

And I ask sure my voice was shaking – “and who are you?? Why are you answering her phone?”

I hear his calm and composed voice come through – “ My name is Asher Khan..”

ASHER KHAN????????????

HOW THE HELL IS THIS TRICKY BOUNCER ANSERING KHUSHI’S PHONE?????????????

I take a deep breathe as I say, my anger now rising – ‘ I need to talk to khushi..please give her the phone..”

He says calmly – “ I am sorry..i cant..”,and he pauses and he says – “ look hoodie guy..khushi cant come over the phone right now, I will ask her to call you back..which will be probably tomorrow..”

Ok.

So now Hes read my name on her screen.

I know -That’s how shes stored my name in her phone.

I take a deep breathe as my anger is skyrocketed to another level and I say – “ give her the damm phone now..pls..i need to talk to her..”

He sighs now as he says – “ I cant hoodie guy..because Khushi is in a MRI machine right now..she cannot take your call…”

What????????????????????????????

Khushi is in a MRI machine??????

My hearts Probably stopped Beating.

I compose my panic and I ask immediately, sure my voice was shaking – “ she is in a MRI machine?? What happened to her???is she ok??tell me dammit is she ok??????”

His calm and composed voice comes through – “so she was dropping my friends home after the Uber trip..she had a major migraine attack..that’s what the doctors disgnosed when we got her to the hospital, but because shes pressed her foot on the accelator, she kind of crashed the car into some stony planters right outside my house, and she hit her head on the wheel..and she has a slight injury on her forhead, but the doctors just want to confirm that theres no internal injury..its a precaution…she is ok hoodie guy..they are going to keep her in the hospital tonight though..”

I feel a little relief wash over me as I hear him tell me that last bit that she is ok and I ask , worried and concerned – “ she is ok right???just tell me that..”

He speaks sincerely – “i would have given her the phone hoodie guy, if she wasn’t in the MRI..but then the doctors also advising to probably just inject her with a lot of fluids and some pills to just have her rest through the night..because otherwise once she gets out of that machine shes going to just want to get out of here..and shes just been on drips ever since we got here..her body was kind of dehydrated too..they are making her sleep through the episode..”

I say immediately – “ just make sure she rests please…and thank you for taking her to the hospital..”

He says – “ no worries about it..”

And right then I hear a womans voice behind him – “ Asher cmon , have this cup of tea..youv been standing on your feet right outside the MRI door for last thirty minutes now..shes ok now..calm down..iv never seen you this worried for anyone..her MRI is still going to take ten more minutes..”

Ok Then.

I was right.

My Sunshine has definetly occupied this Tricky Bouncer’s Mind for him to be so concerned.

Another mans voice comes through – “ and iv just sorted out the formalities with Khushis medical insurance as well..”

I ask on reflex – “ your friends? Zain and Zara.. is it them?”

I heard his surprised voice – “ you know us??”

I say honestly – “ khushi tells me everything, she took you guys to the Cape of Good Hope right..”

He asks – “ oh so are you her kind off special someone??your concern for her was signalling me that..”

I take a deep breathe as I say – “ yes, that’s me..im her kind off special someone..anyway thank you so much once again for taking Khushi to that hospital..i will call later..”,and I hang up now and I look at Cap as I say – “ I need the first flight out Cap, shes had a little accident and is in the hospital right now..i need to get to her now..please tell me you were able to get me on a jet plane..”

 Cap and Ravi looking at me intenty and Cap grins – “ you need to be out of here in fifteen minutes if you need to make it on time for that flight – that’s going to take you to the love of your life..its the only flight today..rushhhh now..”

Ravi – “I will help you wind up..”

I get up and I pull them both into a hug and I say – “ thank you guys..just pray that im able to dodge this tricky bouncer that’s swung its way into my personal life..”

Cap grins – “ ohh the curious case of tricky bouncers it is then…”,and he places a hand on my shoulder as he says – “ calm down..itll be ok..because there isn’t a ball in this world, you cant take a shot at..even if it’s a bouncer..but you gotta defend yourself and be in a controlled position to be able to fire correctly…”

I nod.

Cap – “that’s why its important for you to calm down first..”

I nod and I take a deep breathe – “ thank you Cap..”

Ravi grins as he says – “ lets get you on that plane my man..lets get you on that plane..”

And I rush out now to my room and start packing frantically.

I was probably going to ask the Pilot to step aside and ride this Damm Plane myself.

It was still going to take me atleast 20 more hours to get across the Globe to Cape town, keeping all the transit and stopover time in my head.

Godaammitt!

WHERE IS THAT BLOODY TELEPORTAL WHEN YOU NEED IT THE MOST ??????????????????

………………………

Tada guyssss!!!!!! Ok Ok Ok…

I know I know..dont kill me for the cliffhanger.

I will give an update tomorrow as well.

Please let me know what you all think of it…!

I swear a felt like an array of emotions whilst writing this out.

Pls ignore editing errors guys – haven’t proofread.!

Much love Guys.

………………

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