Chapter 28

HELLOOO GUYSSSS..

I am back with a 8.7k words Long Updateeee!!!!

We are forward by Nine more Days into their world.

Guys please keep an eye on the Timeline of the Story

I shall let you all dive in without further delay

………………..

CHAPTER 27 – LOVE > DISTANCE

NINE MORE DAYS LATER

(25TH November – Same Year – Auckland)

11.15 PM

ARNAV’S POV

I grin as I hear Dad exclaim on the video call – “ My son, what a brilliant game that was last night, I can’t get over it..you know what, youv been bloody brilliant this year, look at that performance of yours – its peaking in all three – fielding, bowling , batting,like literally, tell me how did you even fly up to take that catch on the boundary line – that brilliant shot was totally heading for a six, and NZ needed that last six for the win to win that second T20 so that they would have a chance to clinch the t20 series in the match tomorrow, and trust me, I was more nervous than your Mom this time around, as I held my breath when the ball was in the air…but no…all thanks to my killer genepool, what do I see next..i see my brilliant son shoot up in the air and catch it, and it happened so fast son, it was bloody brilliant of you to throw the ball into air again, to regain your balance near the boundary line so that your foot didn’t cross the line by any chance, and just then I am telling you, mind this…I am sure the entire country was holding its breath when you shot that ball up into the air again after catching it again – and everybody was praying for it to fall back straight into your hands, and it did..god it was insane, and trust me when I say this, even your dadi jumped up in glee and couldn’t stop clapping as she exclaimed happily how bloody brilliant her grandson was…”

I smile – “ thanks Dad, yes it was exciting, quite much actually, I cannot get over it myself, it was so thrilling that moment…”

Dad grins – “ and that’s is why I took a little break from my meeting to call you right now…”

So yes.

New Zealand was 7 hours 30 minutes ahead of India.

Dad was in office, and I was pleasantly surprised when I saw his incoming video call.

I grin – “ thanks dad…and you can go back to you can go back to your meeting now, I know you don’t like to make people wait..”

Dad grins – “ I will resume in a while, because by the time I get home you will be asleep, and I wanted to discuss something with you..”

I look at him worried – “ what is it Dad?? All ok?? I mean your bp isn’t fluctuation again..are you taking your medications on time????”

He grins – “ yes son, don’t worry about it at all, you think your mom will spear me, I am fit and fine, you do know the morning 5k run that I do everyday – takes care of everything and then obviously I do watch my diet too…you know your mother, shes so paranoid about my heart, she keeps telling me to be careful, since I am heading to that age when we lost your grandfather to that massive cardiac arrest in his sleep…”

I groan – “ Dad..please…”

He smiles – “ Son, relax..what I am saying is, that I am hail and hearty, infact I just finished with my regular checks up the TMT etc this morning, and my heart is in perfect shape…”

I grin now feeling relaxed – “ thank god….”

He pauses and his smile now transfers into a deep concern – “ you know what son, off late I think we are being unfair to you, you know, asking to quit the games by 30, and iv been thinking, that maybe, you shouldn’t quit…you’b been playing so well, and I just feel watching your game lately- that your career is peeking towards a different level now, and I think its unfair of me to kind off ask you to step off the field straight into my boring boardrooms…”

I give him a reassuring smile as I say – “ dad, please…don’t worry about it, all of you have been nothing but supportive to me always and towards the love I have for the game, and to be honest to you, yes I love cricket – you know I do, but I have to step back one day or the other no dad, I mean there will come a time and age when I will have to quit anyway, so its my choice to step down by 30 dad, because yes there’s also a businessman in my brain, and it feels right to me that I strike that balance between my two responsibilities – so please…I don’t want you to go on worrying about this again…and until then, just enjoy watching your son playing…”

He smiles now, feeling a little relieved by my reassurance – “ well, I am your father, and I love you son, your happiness is my priority, please know that under no circumstances will I want you to sacrifice your dreams and compromise on that happiness you feel within…so just incase you think by the end of next year that you do not want to quit yet, just give me a heads up..i will take care of things on this end, I will get in CEO for the group to assist me, I just wanted you to know, that the decision to quit isn’t a final one Arnav, I am leaving it open for now..we will talk about how you feel about this once again, when the time comes…”

I grin – “ well but I am pretty sure about it in my head,the decision is final for me dad, but ok if you say so, we will talk about this again when the time comes…”

Dad grins – “ and hows it going with your girl in Cape Town, yoru mom did tell me that things are great…”

I nod as I admit, seeing the happiness reflect on my face on the screen – “ its going great dad, and honestly its been so great because shes been so understanding and supportive to me..”

Dad grins – “ yes, I know about that…your mother tells me about it..”

I grin – “ you know what honestly dad, I think all this disntace doesn’t even matter..”

Dad grins – “ all that matters it what the heart feels, you know what son, I met your mother while I was still playing and I understand the hardships, I mean I was travelling and touring all over the world just like you and she would be in Bombay, and back in the day we didn’t have tha advantage of technology like you all do today, so it wasn’t easy, but I never gave up on her even when it got tough, and then ofcourse theres something very important that I learnt from my experience that I want to share with you – and that is that being in a long distance relationship kind of enforces you by default to learn to communicate well and trust me son there is no other skill more essential to a long term relationship success…and your mother does tell me that youv told her that an amazing communication bond is what the two of you have anyway…but I still wanted to tell you that, its my duty as your father and your very first friend too to guide you on the matters of the heart too..”

I grin – “ I love you dad..thank you so much..and to be honest..with Khushi its so amazing because of that..we tell each other everything and that’s what keeps us going…”,and right then Dad’s intercom buzzes and he politely asks his assistant to serve some tea and snacks in the boardroom and that he would join them soon and I ask him – “ dad are you sure im not keeping you??”

He smiles – “ no you are not ,its an internal meeting, so don’t worry about..tell me what’s on your mind, I know somethings worrying you..and I know you feel more comfortable talking to your mother and sister first, but I am here for you too , always you know that right??”

 I nod – “ yes Dad, I know that, and I also know that you always know everything from Mom anyway, and it isn’t like that I wouldn’t talk to you or something…”,and I pause and I admit – “so.. its been so so hectic Dad, all these months and then this news that we received two days ago about all that rescheduling happening, is really pushing me for time, I mean I thought I was going to get this time after the NZ tour to fly to Cape Town and go be with khushi for a while..but now with us having to go to Sril Lanka by the 30th of November..its crashed all my plans..and Cap and Shiv both are taking a little rest for the first half of the schedule of the test matches, you know Shiv’s got no rest at all this year atleast I got some in the beginning because of my wrist..but hes been playing non stop..and then Cap’s back needs a little rest too, so its like I can’t sit out and you know to be honest when I discussed this with khushi two days ago that I might not be able to see her like I had planned, she was so supportive and understanding…she was all like don’t worry Arnav..i understand..you please concentrate on the games and don’t worry about me..otherwise people will say South Africa Cheated…”

Dad chuckles as he says – “ from all that I have heard about Khushi..know that all of us cant wait to meet her…”

I grin – “ soon dad, just as I think she is ready , I need to wait until she finishes with her management degree in around mid may, shes already done with her chartered accountancy, and I think she will only be in a right frame of mind to see things going further for us by then , so yeah…”

Dad grins – “ ofcourse…we are a mad crazy family, but we do not want to overwhelm her too and that is why I also think she is aware that only your sister knows about you both…”

I grin sheepishly as I admit – “ yup dad..i mean I think if I tell her how all of you know already, might just kind of overwhelm her…so I am not taking any chances there..so yes slow and steady..i gotta take it with her that way…”

Dad smiles – “ ok..so I get the fact that the two of you are in a very good space right now..”,and he paused as he winked – “ and I am glad that all those controversies regarding Aisha has died..you wont believe you guilty your mom was thinking she shouldn’t have ever called sheena to watch the match at the Firoz Shah Kotla..”

I grin on reflex as I say – “ dad, glad is an understatement, we are exhilarated, but you to know to tell you the truth, I think khushi and me are stronger than all of that nonsense being able to affect us now,I mean, we both know that we are secured in this relationship and now nothing from the outside can kind of mess this up for us…the only way for this to go down would be if wither os uf hurts the other or screws up, which I know is not happening anyways because its equally precious to us both..”

Dad winks – “ and that is why my son, you are being all disciplined in your after parties too..”

I grin – “ ofcourse dad, I don’t want any unnecessary drama to sprout up on social media or Instagram that can cause any hurt to Khushi…and khushi…I trust her more than anything – she tells me everything..so yes..that way all is good”

Dad grins – “ we are lucky son, to have found the ones we love and have them love us back the same way…its rare and its precious, and I am so proud that you accept that and don’t shy away from it..”,and he pauses as he now asks – “ so everything seems to be in a good space, so what are you worried about then???”

I sigh as I admit – “Dad it’s also been more than five months and almost three weeks since I last saw her dad and I think even though she has been so supportive and understanding, I feel like I want to make every effort into this…I mean just because she loves me and understands me so much, I don’t want to take it for granted…”

Dad nods – “ and you shouldn’t take the one you love for granted, ever…thumb rule…”

I nod – “ exactly, so now iv just been feeling bummed because iv had to cancel my plan for Cape town in November…buti do have a thought in my head..i was going to talk to Cap about it right before your call came..”

Dad – “ what thought??”

I take a deep breathe – “ so you know we won the test series and the odi turned out to be a draw because the last match was washed out due to rains..”

Dad grins – “ and the fourth one too in which you made a killer century as well was cut down short due to bad weather and rains and you guys lost by like 1 run because of Duckworth- lewis and hence the game went to NZ..”

I nod – “ damm DLS Dad..i cant tell you how disappointing that was..”

He grins and winks – “ well look somethings haven’t changed , we used to curse the DLS inventors too..all the time when a result wouldn’t be in our favour because of it…”

I chuckle on reflex.

Now you know what I mean when I say – I have the best family in the world.

And Dad actually thinks that hes being unfair to me by expecting me to step in to help him in the business????

He’s crazy.

I am never going to change that decision.

I continue – “ ok so yes and with the second consecutive win in the T20 last game, its like we have clinched this already, so I was just thinking about talking to Cap if I can fly out to  Cape Town tomorrow maybe, we are 11 hours ahead of Cape Town so that gives me a little advantage on time, and I think I will be able to make it to Khushi – before her bday finishes in her time, and then I know I have to be back in Delhi by the 28th night at any cost, but im thinking even if its for a day – I want to go see her…”

Dad grins – “ totally..i agree son, it’ll reassure her and comfort her, so good and you can tell Cap to tell coach that iv asked you to go in for some urgent work to Cape Town..”,and he winks – “ your coach is a toughie…”

I nod and I smile – “ yes that was the plan dad…and Khushi is in her class right now, shes got like two  hour lecture going on in her time from Noon to 2pm..which gives me time to plan this too..”

Dad grins – “ get going then, go talk to Cap , tell him I said hello..”

I nod – “ thank you dad, for everything..you are the best…”

He grins – “ I love you son…speak later and now I shall return to my boring boardrooms…”,and he hangs up with a wink.

I hang up and I look at the time.

Its 1145 pm for me and Khushi was still going to be in class till my 1am.

I quickly walk out to Cap’s room and just as I step out of my room, I see Ravi step out of his across and he asks – “ where too??”

I smile – “ to Cap..”

Ravi grins – “ I was thinking of going down to the bar to get a drink..maybe let us get one in Cap’s room…”

I nod and we start walking side by side and Ravi sighs – “ I don’t know what more can I do to get your sister to forgive me, its been what almost a year to this now..she still wont give me another chance..”

I look at him – “ but atleast shes talking to you right…”

Ravi sighs – “ yeahh like barely..maybe some texts here and there, and that too because shes starting to notice my insta feed which shows my well behaved demeanour in the afterparties now…”,and he pauses as he says – “ but I think she might come around, because I have reassured her than I was totally drunk in that momet like not in my senses and it happened so bloddy fast and it didn’t mean anything as in, it lasted for like not even ten seconds – iv got her thinking on the grounds that does she really want to throw away all that we feel for each other on a basis of a ten second mistake – that anyway happened when I wasn’t in my right frame of mind – it wasn’t intentional anyways until she comes around, im just going to have to keep channelizing all my frustration into my game..the only way to keep myself sane…”

I say honestly – “ well to be honest Its like I still don’t support what you did, and yet I am trying to understand your perspective and Anjali’s too..its like I don’t know..confusing ..so im just going to keep myself out of it and let the two of you be the best judge of what you want to do..i anyways feel no one else has the right to butt into a relationship that’s starkly personal between two people..so yes..”

Ravi smiles – “ you are a good brother and a good friend, and I am sorry for you to be torn in between us like this..”

I shrug and he asks with a smile – “ you are upset about all this rescheduling right?? I know you were planning to fly to Cape town to see Khushi, after this NZ tour and now with Cap and Siv both resting out for the fist half of the test scheduling..it comes on you…”

I nod as I admit – “ yes I am a tad bit upset, that’s why I am going to talk to Cap..”

Ravi gives me a confused look and right then we reach Cap’s door and we knock and he opens it and we grin at him as we can see him all relaxed in his shorts and tee all set to sleep and we ask – “ can we come in Cap..”

He grins – “ ofcourse boys…”

We get in and Ravi goes to the Mini bar and pours us all some red wine and we adjust on the L shaped sofa in Caps room and Ravi now joins us giving us our glasses and Cap takes a sip as he asks – “ whats up??”

I take a sip of my wine – “ so Cap..we’v already won the T20 series so I was thinking..”

Cap gives me a knowing look as he says – “ so you want to skip the third match tomorrow and fly to Cape Town tomorrow?”

I look at him surprised – “ how did you guess??”

Cap smiled as he took a sip of his wine – “Well I could see this coming after our win yesterday…you did have this super tensed look on your face when Coach told us about the rescheduling two days ago – I sensed it, that the preponement of the Sri lanka tour kind off would have affected your plans to Cape Town…its been a gruelling five and a half months of cricket for us all, and with Shiv and Me resting out for a bit..its come on You..”,and he paused as he now gave me wink – “and to be honest I did think that- that amazing superman kind of flying catch you took at the boundary line yesterday to save us from that six that won us the game…was all because you wanted to win it so bad so that you could fly out to Cape town…”

I chuckle – “ maybe..just maybe I think you right, for I don’t know what logic made me jump into the air that high…it had to be my heart acting in the background…”

Ravi grins too as he pats my shoulder – “ that wicket was to my name only because of you my friend..seriously now that I think about it again, its like my mouth was in my throat from the bowling end as I yelled catch itttttttttttt……….”

Cap grinned – “ well mine was caught in the throat too for that last couple of seconds when you threw it back in the air to make sure you were in balance and well safe within the boundary line to catch it again..”,and we all burst out laughing as Cap states – “ and to think we feel this thrill every time anyway even after all these years…”

I nod and I straighten up and take a sip as I admit honestly – “ ok guys, so yes I want to skip on playing tomm Cap, and its Khushis bday too, I mean we are 11 hours ahead so..”

Ravi – “ but its still like half way across the globe as in we are in New Zealand and Cape Town is like 30 hours of transit…and you have to be back to Delhi by the 28th so its like you will reach there by 26th night and you have to have to leave by 27th night – so only 24 hours my friends..”

I nod – “ I know..but even if it is just for those 24 hours..i need to go..i gavent seen her in like five months three weeks and shes been so understanding and supportive..like even when I told her that I might not be able to make it to Cape Town due to thr reschedule because that time I didn’t know the result of the t20 series right I mean it could have gone either way for us..but she was so supportive and understanding, and then its only crazily hectic after this too because right after Sri Lanka tour we have the Bangladesh tour,and then we only break over around before Xmas and New Years..i will go then again, but for now I just feel like even if its for a day..i want to…”

Ravi winks at Cap as he says – “ our boys a goner in Love..he wants to fly for 30 damm long hors to just meet the one he loves for like what 24 hours..not even 24 actually because he’d have to reach the airport 3 hours before the flight time..so what like 21 hours…”

Cap winks – “ oh the things we do for Love..”,and he pauses – “ get on your plane ASR, I will talk to Coach..”

I take a deep breathe – “ I think he might be a little upset over me missing out on that meeting we have scheduled with the NZ cricket board on 27th right before the team is scheduled to leave..but just handle it please Cap…its nothing major anyway..”

Cap grins – “ don’t worry..ill take care off it..”,and he pauses as he asks with a warm smile – “ you really love her don’t you???”

I nod with a grin – “ yes…and this is a surprise to her ok guys, she’s like super paranoid about my flying, and she wont know that I am on the plane, ill just tell her that I am busy with some meetings with the NZ board before the match, and Cap please don’t list me retire hurt until the final announcement…”

Cap smiles – “ well the weather forecasts pretty gloomy for tomorrow anyway..might just be a wash out as well..another reason why I don’t mind you skipping, we might not end up playing at all…”

Ravi – “ but wait why is she paranoid about your flying?? I mean poor her..because we all live in planes anyway…”

I take a deep breathe as I say solemly – “ remember I told you both that she doesn’t watch cricket???”

Cap nods – “ yes…”

Ravi – “ yeah I was intrigued to know why though, but I didn’t want to seem like I was prying, I mean how do you feel about the girl you love missing out on such a important part of your life…”

I take a deep breathe as I admit – “ you remember around last year in Feb whilst we had that last with SA in Johannesburg which I think was one of my best games…”, , and they both nod at me and I continue , “  her younger brother krish was a big fan of me and just cricket all together, he convinced his parents to take him to see the live match for the first time in Life, the plane carrying them all crashed in route to Johannesburg Ravi..she lost her entire family , just like that in a minute..and ever since then she cant get herself to see a game..and I cant even expect this out of her..for I know whats shes been through..”

Ravi and Cap’s face pales with shock and Cap says – “ I remember reading about this crash, it was in the news..gosh..thats tragic..”

Ravi – “ beyond just tragic man..”

I nod as I admit – “ yes..and until a while ago she would just listen to some commentary here and there if it was going on in her presence, but shes managed to get around to downloading Cricbuzz now to read on my updates, only because she loves me..but I know..i understand how much it must have taken her to get around to that – only speaks volumes about how she feels for me…and so I do not want to make her feel like I take her for granted or something because shes so understanding and supportive…so even if its for 21 damm hours I am going to fly in and see her…anyway she likes to keep her bday like any other regular day after she lost her family, so even if I can be there an hour before her bday finishes in her time – I’d do anything for that..”

Cap grins as he sips on his wine – “ you should, and from all that iv been hearing from you.., im telling you, you better hold onto that one..she is the one for you..”

I grin – “ I know…”

And right then my phone beeps.

Its Khushi.

I smile as I read her text.

Khushi : Hellooo hoodie guy..i just got done with class, I am good to connect now , but voice call..you are awake na??? Aree this NZ time difference is crazy like really.

I shake my phone to Cap and Ravi as I say – “ ok guys..i am taking your leave now..”

Ravi grins as she gets up and pulls me into a hug – “ I am happy for you..”

Cap hugs me too – “ so am i…”

And I hug them both – “ and thank you to you both, I wouldn’t know what to do without you both…”,and I pause  as I ask them – “ ok and guys because I don’t want Khushi to worry when I am on the flight and not able to reach her, I will share both of your nymbers with her and I will tell her that she can message you incase she cant reach me…and you both will ofcourse tell her that I am perfectly fine , just busy with Coach maybe..??”

Cap grins – “ yes yes..we know..dont worry we will take care..”

Ravi grins – “ yes yes, tell her she can message me anytime…”

I grin – “ thanks guys…”

And I now walk out their room and straight into my mine, and just as I step into mine,I first instruct my travel agent to get my tickets done and then I call Khushi.

And she picks up in an instant and she says – “ my hoodieeeee guy….thank you for waiting up for me…I think its almost 1 am for you right..gosh..i am so sorry love, you have a match tomorrow and I am making you wait up…”

I smile to myself as I plonk on my bed – “ shut up Sunshine, you know I cannot sleep without talking to you right?? So anyways tell me how was class and lunch? Did you have lunch??”

Her happy voice comes through – “ so yes hoodie guy class was good as usual and I am just rushing my way out the building now and walking towards the parking so that I can get home quickly and will just pick up a sandwich from the counter in the café and head straight up to my room so that I can speak to you for a bit on the video call, before you sleep…”,and I can sense that shes fastened her pace because of the pause in her breathes in between those words and I say on reflex – “ stop running Khushi…I don’t want you to hurt yourself”

“Hawww…how do you know??? are yes, how can I forget, I am in love with a magician who is as powerful as dumbledore..you seem to know everything ya..”,she says in her adorable tone.

I chuckle on reflex as I say – “ yeah right, iv goggled him ok, and hes an old man with a long white beard..seriously khushi…”

She chuckles – “ ohh not comparing you to him in terms of looks, more like in terms of his magic powersss, hoodie guy – for you have me all floating towards Cloud Arnav always..”

I chuckle on reflex as I say – “ wait, I know that spell you mentioned…”

She – “ yes yes say it lets see if you remember…”

I quickly pick up my tab as I ask google for help and minute slater I say – “ wingardium leviosa..”

She – “ and you just googled it hoodie guy…”

I grin as I ask – “ how do you know???”

She – “ well I just know..ofcourse I know you wouldn’t remember it exactly, only crazy harry potter fans remember..which you are not..so…”,and she paused as she says – “ ok getting into the car now Hoodie guy…”

I say immediately – “ ok love, drive safe I don’t want you to talk while driving, get home and give me a buzz on the video call..”

She – “ ok hoodie guy, see you soon…..”

I grin to myself as I say – “ see you soon Khushi…”

(Well she just doesn’t know what I mean by that see you soon)

She hangs up and I quickly get into my shower.

She would take 20 minutes to get home and I thought to use that time to relax for the night because after I finished talking to her and she asked me to sleep well – I was going to pack and wind up.

I have just received an email from my trusted travel agent Aman that my tickets have now been booked, and I need to leave for the airport in four hours anyway.

I let the hot water spray relax me a little and I feel my excitement rising now.

I was going to see Khushi soon.

God.

Finally.

So the last five months and three weeks have been really gruelling for me cricket wise and I have been playing non stop without even a single rest because I want to play as many matches I can – because in my timeline I have like just 13 and a half more months to give to the game,and so I want to make the most of that too.

And trust me on this – I hadn’t even voiced this out loud to myself – but Khushi guessed it outright on of our video calls before the first t20 match with NZ..she said..Arnav..i know youv been playing non stop every game because of that timeline in your head towards the game and I understand and I support you wholeheartedly – only one thing – I don’t want you to over exert yourself or hurt yourself in the process.

Godddddddddddddd.

The things she makes me feel.

Remember how I once said – my feelings for her ran deeper than that of the Pacific Ocean?(which is like the deepest ocean on Earth)

So in these past five months and three weeks – that’s kind of deepend and magnified to another level.

I don’t have a word in my dictionary to kind off give a comparison to how deep my feelings run for this girl now.

And I swear when I meet her this time around – its going to be Carnage on another level in between of Us.

Because I know both our emotions have heightened and deepened for each other over this period.

We were in a very very good space.

And I was totally content with the way things were heading and its like we both know that even though technically we are like a thousand miles away – we are still the first thing on each others mind as we start and end our day.

Its kind of fascinating you know to see how two lives running parallelly in two different parts of the words – have still kind of found this way of fusing into one another.

And I knew from day one that it was possible.

I was confident that we would make it work.

And now – its like we both exist in two places – one where we are in our realities physically and one where the other is – through this magical virtual bond that we are able to nurture thanks to technology.

I am still very upset with those Scientists though – for that bloody teleportal has not yet been invented and its going to take me 30 hours to get to the Love of my Life.

However the Time has been a little kind to me – for I think it has pressed some sort of a fast forward button on its machine – for all this months have literally flown by – in Khushi’s words – like its as if Time has Wingardium Leviosa-d us forward into this moment.

Well – they do say – for us humans in our Heads it does feel like time has a tendency to fly faster when you are so happy and our in the place you are meant to be.

And I chuckle on reflex as I remember Khushi terming me as her secret online romance to her close ones and their action

God – this girl.

Shes crazy.

And I am destined to be Crazy about her – all my Life.

She makes Me…

So.

Sooooo

Sooooooooooo

Happy.

Its like she is technically a thousands of miles away – but yet theres no one closer to my heart than her.

From where do I even begin about how she’s won my heart over and over again – by just being who she is.

She makes me Believe in all the Good in the World.

Shes always been there for me through all my ups and downs in all these months, kind of listening me out patiently when I talk to her about being disappointed about loosing a close match – others would always say don’t be disappointed it was a good game anyway – she would say Arnav its ok to feel disappointed give that emotion respect – but at the same time don’t let it pull you down or demotivate you – because you always give it your best on the field anyway.

And then there are those times – when shes been as happy as me in my excitement after a thrilling win.

Its like she’s this permanent radio jockey in the radio station of my Heart.And my radio station only plays the music she likes.

Well.

She is The Rhythm of my Heart.

Yes.

Yes.

You read that right!

That amusing analogy was made By Me – and Not Khushi.

See now you know what I mean when I say – everything about her is so bloody infectious and it totally rubs on me.

I love her more than anything in the world.

And I know it’s the Same for Her.

And that is Why – For US.

LOVE > DISTANCE

I smile to myself as I switch off my shower, and I dry myself and now wrap my towel around my waist as I step out and just as I am about to pick up my tee from the counter – my phone buzzes on the Video Call.

Its Khushi.

What Timing Sunshine!

Lets Tease you a Little.

I swipe up the button on my phone and just as her beautiful face fills in the screen and she smiles  - “ hellooo hooddiiii….”,and I see her eyes wide to a size bigger than that of cups and saucers as she sees me bare chested and shes blushed to that shade of tomatoe puree immediately as I give her a wink and then I pull my tee over myself and shes literally frozen on screen with her eyes widened and this amusingly adorable up her face as shes now gesturing to me by her shaking and pointing her finger and narrowing her eyes at me as she now gestures in that I m dead expression with her palm across her throat.

I chuckle on reflex and I say – “ you are so freaking adorable Sunshine, I am going to eat you up one day…”,and I walk into my room and plonk myself on the sofa

Shes now fanning herself with both her hands by the cheeks and shes blushing furiously now and just as I knew she would she picked up a glass of water to drink to hide that blush up her cheek now but her eyes are locked with mine while shes sipping on her water and I give her a wink as I say – “ that look tells me that you liked what you saw, Sunshine…”

And she now chokes on her water a little and I immediately ask in worry – “ khushi..you ok????”

She gestures to me that she is ok and then she leans back into her chair and gestures to me in her cute antics that she is fine but is speechless and I grin now as I say – “ well I do love making you speechless love, but I need to listen to your voice now…”

She gives me her wonderful smile as she gestures to me to hold on for a couple of seconds as she takes in a couple of deep breathes now.

God – Just when I think she couldn’t get any more Adorable!!!

And she finally narrows her eyes at me as she says in a matter of fact tone – “ ok ok…your uber girl has just restarted her voice box…”,and then she points her finger at me grinning as she says – “ youuuuuuuuuu…dammmm youuuuu..you did that on purpose…what the hell ya..not fair dammit…I cant stop blushing..”

I grin as I ask – “ you liked what you saw right???”

She rolls her eyes as she places her hands in a cross over her neck with a grin – “ kill me already..”

I chuckle now and we both share a laugh now and I look at her intently now as I say softly – “ happy bday sunshine..”

She gives me a smile as she says – “ well it isn’t the 26th yet here…hoodie guy..”

I smile – “ well in my time..it already is…so yes…in some part of the world, its your bday already…so happy bday sunshine..”

She smiles at me as she says – “ thank you…then that way you are the first one to wish me hoodie guy…”

I grin – “ I know..thats the point..”

She smiles as she brushes her hand through her hair and summer was now nearing in South Africa so shes back in her summer clothes and she is wearing this boat necked white top with her skinny jeans and I give her a wink – “Sunshine.. how about you tie your hair up for me right now…I need to see that sinfully gorgeous neckline of yours…”

She blushes furiously and gives me a narrowed eye look as she shakes her head amusingly but ties her hair up in a high ponytail and she asks – “ happy now…”

I grin – “ very..”,and I ask  now – “ you had lunch…??”

She smiles – “ I am just about to start having the sandwich..i sat on the table with it..but then you got me all speechless..”

I say on reflex – “ sorryyy…cmon eat now..”,and she nods and takes a first bite as she asks – “ are you sure you aren’t sleepy Arnav?? You have a match tomorrow..”

I shake my head – “ I want to be with you for a while..ill sleep in like 30 minutes maybe..when you start your café shift that is..”

She grins as she takes a bite off her sandwhich and takes a sip of her water – “ so what did you do after I got into class hoodie guy??”

I grin – “ well you already know how my day went uptil you got into class, well after that I was on a video call with dad, and then I was with Cap and Ravi, we had a little chat over wine in Cap’s room..and then your message came..so yes that’s about it..we are quite relaxed you know since wev won the two t20’s in a row already…”

She grins as she takes a bite – “ ohh yes…that bloody catch of yours on the boundary, Rahul and Varun couldnt stop raging about it, I mean they cant get over it, hes here you know Rahul, in the café below I saw him when I came in and him and varun as usual on and on about it and wait till you listen to this..now you will know why I keep your identity a secret hoodie guy…these boys will drive me nuts to another level if they know about us…so they were going on on about how how you should probably write the word superman behind your jersey because of that killer flying catch you took..and these are grown up men..one of them is married for gods sake…but when it comes to cricket – they are beyond crazyyyyy…”

I laugh on reflex – “ really????????”

She grins as she takes a bite – “ aree yesssssss…see I read on cricbuzz ok even the commentators termed you the superman for that catch..and I was like smiling to myself and I was thinking, yes yes..a superman surely..but not just that..dumbledore too..you all don’t know this guy is a powerful wizard in disguise, hes got magic in him…”

I laugh now and she laughs too and I touch my screen lovingly as I say – “ god I miss you..its been so long Khushi..and im so sorry for not being able to make it…I promise to make some time around Xmas…and new years..”

She gives me her wonderful smile again as she says with a gesture of her hand as if its no biggie – “ oh cmon don’t you start on that again, I told you right, it doesn’t matter Arnav, its like even though technically theres this distance but no one else is closer to my heart than you are…and where am I going ya..i am here only, remember when you left I told you id be right here…and here I am…and I will be here too around Xmas time – so no biggie..i don’t want you to worry about it at all..as long as I can speak to you, I am ok..all I need is that..you know that…”

My Heart Glows.

I am going to love her till the end of time.

 I say immediately – “ ok so about that I wanted to give you a little heads up that I might not be able to speak to you until your night time Khushi..im sorry I know its your bday but..i mean we will be in touch over text until I get busy..so its like me and Cap have this meeting with the NZ cricket board with coach tomorrow starting by 8am in the morning..will go on until the match begins for us and so my phone might just be off,and I hate to do this..but….”

She smiles – “ no worries about it, im just glad you told me so that I wont worry..thats all…”

“but its your bday no Khushi..”,I say on reflex.

She – “ ohoo…big deal you know as it is im not doing anything special, everyone knows that I don’t celebrate much on this day because cake cutting and stuff just reminds me of krish fighting with me everytime wanting to cut my cake too..and its something im still coming around I mean I will not cut a cake but I will surely binge on my favourite chocolate muffiins tomm in a little celebration because I know mom and dad and krish up there will hate it if I don’t do atleast something..but yes that’s about it and then probably just catch up with Rahul diya, uncle aunty for dinner at their place, diya messaged me already..and then apart from that in the night..its just a usual day ya..Friday it is…college and then ill be meeting Zara for lunch as usual,and then café shift, uber…in between that dinner with everyone..nothing new for me Hoodie Guy…”

I smile on reflex.

She has no idea that I will see her tomorrow her Time max by 11PM.

Because I will Land in Cape Town by 10 PM – their time.

I say honestly – “ I just thanked God again..for you..”

She smiles – “ I did too..”

I ask – “ ok so why don’t you atleast close your eyes and make a wish for your bday?? You know since its your bday in my time already…”

She finishes eating her sandwich now and shoves her palte aside and smacks her palms against one another and now folds her arms over the table as she shakes her head – “ nahhhh…im not making any wish…I don’t want god to think im greedy ok..i already have You..i have everything..i don’t want anything else…”

She just killed me with that.

My eyes lock with her in an intent gaze as I say brushing my hand over my screen lovingly – “ someone…bloody someone…invent that bloody teleportal for me…”

She laughs now and says in a super dramtic way – “ I know ya…so theres this book of spells in my cupboard…”and that makes me laugh too and I say honestly, rubbing my hand over my face – “ I miss you dammit…”

She smiles as she put a hand over her cheek resting her elbow on the table – “ I know what you mean..i miss you too…but its ok no hoodie guy..just some more time to Xmas..just a month more..these months flew by now..this time will fly too..this distance means so little when someone means so much to you..and you know what you are to me no Hoodie guy..and I know what I am to you..so..please don’t worry about it..i don’t want you to beat yourself over it please…you have a game tomorrow…”

I nod – “ I love you Sunshine..”

She grins – “ I love you too…and now I want you to sleep ok?? I will keep texting you about my day as usual..you see the messages when your phone is on..and reply when you can..i know you will call the minute you will be able too..”

I nod as I say – “ ok and im sharing Ravi’s number with you, so that you don’t worry about me incase my number isn’t reachable..you can message him and ask him ok?? He wont be in the meeting with us..and I will also share Cap’s number with you..you can message him too incase you aren’t able to reach Ravi…”

Her eyes widen as she asks – “ are you sure?????i can message Cap and Ravi??”

I nod with a smile – “ Khushi..they know about you..ok..and they are more than happy about me sharing their numbers with you just in case…”

She smile s- “ ok, but no no, I wont trouble them. You already told me no, I will wait for your call tomorrow night, dont worry…”

I nod and my eyes fall on the clock..i have to pack and wind up and get going to the airport and so I have to hand up now and I say, faking a yawn – “ ok love, ill crash now....keep texting me Sunshine..and have a good shift and then be safe on the road with Uber, and not too late into the night please?? You have a early class tomorrow at 8 am right?”

She nods and grins – “ yes yes don’t worry about it…you sleep now Hoodie guy…and I know you will not cut the call first so I will because I want you to sleep now…”,and before I know it  shes cut the call.

I smile to myself as I send her a quick text.

Me : Carnage kisses to you Sunshine

Her : Carnage kisses to you too Hoodie Guy.

Me : you make me feel like Love > Distance – Khushi.thank you for being so supportive and understanding.

Her : I could say the same Hoodie Guy and where is the Distance tell me – technically yaa..but not it my heart right.Like I said no one else is closer to my heart than you are.

Me : I love you Khushi.

Her : I love you too Arnav.Now please sleep.. I am rushing out for my shift.And I am going to have a coffee on your behalf now.

Me : Save some for me though.(I add a wink emoticon)

Her :  I will.(she adds an Heart)

I grin as I get off my Sofa now and start to wind up and pack at the speed of Light.

And right then my phone beeps its picture quote from Khushi which says - Distance is just a Test to see how far Love can Travel – and write below the picture shes sent me Hearts and written – Hoodie Guy as you know I am an excellent students and I usually ace all my exams and this Distance Test is like a easy peasy one – so don’t you worry about it at all.I am right where I was – I always will be.And don’t reply – because that will lead to a chat in between of us and I want you to sleep now, I sent this so that you sleep with a smile on your face and not a frown up your forhead. I Love you.

GODDDDD.

HOW MANY TIMES AM I GOING TO FALL IN LOVE WITH THIS GIRL???????????

I THINK THERES NO POINT IN EVEN KEEPING A COUNT ANYMORE.

BECAUSE ITS CROSSED A ZILLION ALREADY!

I RESUME MY PACKING,AND I WIND UP EVERYTHING AS QUICKLY AS I CAN.

THANK YOU SCIENTISTS – (SARCASM INTENDED – FOR YOU ALL HAVE JUST BEEN LAZING AROUND FOR ALL THESE MONTHS AND STILL NOT INVENTED THAT TELEPORTAL – I STILL HAD TO TURN TO THE SERVICES OF A COMMERCIAL JET PLANE – WHICH WAS GOING TO TAKE ME 30 DAMM HOURS TO GET TO THE LOVE OF MY LIFE)

Anyway.

Like they say – Necessity knows No Law.

I had no other choice with me right now – other than trusting my travel partner Emirates to take me through half across the world as quickest as possible.

So.

LETS GET ON THAT JET PLANE!

LETS GET ON THAT BLOODY JET PLANE THAT’S GOING TO TAKE ME TO MY SUNSHINE’S AIRPORT’S ARRIVAL TERMINALS.

ON THAT NOTE – A GRIN COMES UP MY FACE ON REFLEX.

ABOUT TIME - I MARK MY ARRIVAL STAMP JUST LIKE I MARKED MY DEPARTURE ONE.

…………………………………………….

Tada guysssss!!!!!

Let me know what you all think.

Please ignore editing errors as I have not proofread.

I shall give the next update on Monday.

Happy weekend Guys.

Much Love, Always.

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